By seizing $9.4 billion of the Afghan central bank’s own reserves, the White House has welcomed death and destruction.
By Sara Sirota, The Intercept
Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., has secured a vote today on President Joe Biden’s refusal to release to the Afghan central bank $9.4 billion of its own foreign reserves, The Intercept has learned. It will mark the first-ever vote on the White House’s lethal policy of asset denial that’s causing the displacement, starvation, and death of millions of Afghans.
Jayapal introduced her measure as an amendment to a gigantic anti-China bill that would subsidize the U.S. semiconductor and other industries with hundreds of billions of dollars and ratchet up military activities in the Indo-Pacific region. The House of Representatives is planning to hold a floor vote on the legislation — called the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength, or COMPETES, Act — this week.

Jayapal’s provision, drafted with Rep. Jesús García, D-Ill., would require the secretary of the Treasury to provide Congress with an assessment of the humanitarian suffering caused by U.S. sanctions on Afghanistan and its confiscation of the country’s foreign-held money. It would also mandate a review of illicit financial activities with China amid a breakdown of Afghanistan’s banking system.
At least eight other amendments to the broader bill target Afghanistan, reflecting a range of approaches to sanctions and relief. One provision sanctions individuals for trading the country’s rare earth minerals; another provides visas for Afghan Fulbright scholars. But none call out the Biden administration for its asset seizure.
Recent Posts
Ukraine: Which Way Out?
September 24, 2023
Take Action Now If there’s an uneasy silence on the Left—there’s a reason for that. By Tom Gallagher, Common Dreams The American Left’s…
Top Five Weapons Companies Set To Get $140 Billion From Pentagon Next Year
September 22, 2023
Take Action Now A Sludge analysis estimates that more than half of the fiscal year 2024 Pentagon budget will go to private contractors, with the five…
Schumer Circulates Petition To ‘Demand’ Federal Marijuana Legalization
September 22, 2023
Take Action Now Striking auto workers pulled off a major coup before their strike, baiting America’s largest auto manufacturers into self-sabotage.……
Rich Men North Of Richmond
September 21, 2023
Take Action Now Anthony was touching the constituency the left is supposed to talk with, is supposed to reach out to, is supposed to hear and learn…