WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chair of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, released the following statement on the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Treasury’s announcement of the establishment of the “Afghan Fund” to benefit the people of Afghanistan:

“Saving the lives of Afghans on the brink of famine or keeping this money out of the Taliban’s hands has always been a false choice – both are possible. Today’s decision is a long overdue, huge step forward to address the economic crisis in Afghanistan, which is exacerbating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. I’m glad to see the administration find a way to collaborate with our international partners to ensure Afghanistan’s assets will directly benefit the Afghan people,” said Murphy.

In May, Murphy spoke at a U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs about the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and urged the administration to expedite a mechanism to get the $3.5 billion in frozen assets to Afghan people.

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