Senator Braun Demands Halt to Afghanistan Aid over Taliban Funding Concerns

Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) has called for a freeze on aid to Afghanistan following revelations that the assistance could be going to the Taliban.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has criticized Secretary of State Antony Blinken for his "pathetic weakness" in the wake of the killing of a Hamas leader and the White House's defense of President Biden's plans to overhaul the Supreme Court.

However, in a separate development, Sen. Mike Braun has raised concerns about the oversight of U.S. aid to Afghanistan, alleging that some funds may be ending up in the hands of the Taliban.

Senator Braun Demands Halt to Afghanistan Aid over Taliban Funding Concerns

A recent report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) determined that two of five bureaus within the Department of State (DOS) could not prove their compliance with counterterrorism vetting. This means that at least $293 million in aid could have been disbursed without proper vetting.

Sen. Braun, in a letter to Blinken, expressed deep alarm at the reported oversight. He urged the Secretary of State to stop Afghanistan aid until the issue is addressed.

Senator Braun Demands Halt to Afghanistan Aid over Taliban Funding Concerns

"The failure of the DOS to fully comply with counterterrorism vetting standards has strengthened and enriched the Taliban and its terrorist affiliates," Braun wrote. "Further, when funds that are intended for humanitarian and development purposes end up supporting groups that perpetuate violence and instability, U.S. national security interests in the region are significantly undermined."

SIGAR also found that $10.9 million in U.S. taxpayer money was paid to the Taliban-controlled government by 38 of the U.S.'s 65 implementing partners. However, the report suggests that this amount may be a small fraction of the total amount of U.S. assistance funds provided to the Taliban through various channels.

Senator Braun Demands Halt to Afghanistan Aid over Taliban Funding Concerns

Braun questioned Blinken about the measures being taken against those responsible for the failure to comply with vetting requirements and documentation retention. He also asked for details on the improvements that would be made to the Department of State's documentation and record-keeping practices to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The U.S. has been the largest international contributor of support to Afghans after their government collapsed, allowing the Taliban to take power following the withdrawal of American troops under President Biden in August 2021.

Senator Braun Demands Halt to Afghanistan Aid over Taliban Funding Concerns

According to SIGAR, the U.S. has provided more than $2.8 billion in humanitarian and development aid to Afghanistan since the withdrawal.

The Department of State did not provide comment to Fox News Digital in time for publication.