$40 Million a Week for the Taliban? How Is This Even a Thing? [WATCH]

Rep. Tim Burchett announced that legislation aimed at halting U.S. taxpayer funding to the Taliban has cleared a major procedural hurdle in the Senate, nearly two years after the effort began in Congress.

The measure, known as the “No Tax Dollars for the Taliban” bill, seeks to stop what Burchett described as an ongoing flow of approximately $40 million per week in U.S. funds that ultimately benefit the Taliban.

According to Burchett, the bill has already passed the House of Representatives twice and has now advanced out of committee in the Senate with amendments that strengthen its provisions.

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In a public statement, Burchett said, “Hey everybody. Tim Burchett, great work looks like after almost two years. Our no tax dollars for Taliban bill is finally getting out of the Senate. We passed it in the house already twice, and the Senate will be taking it up on the floor hopefully, very soon, very soon, it’s out of committee.”

Burchett noted that amendments adopted during the committee process did not weaken the bill but instead reinforced its intent.

“Some amendments on it. Amendments look good, actually. It makes it a stronger bill. So I’m pleased with that,” he said.

The Tennessee congressman emphasized that the legislation is designed to end continued financial assistance that he argues benefits U.S. adversaries.

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“And so hopefully we’ll stop the spigot over there, $40 million a week,” Burchett said.

He added that information from the State Department indicates that more than $5 billion in U.S. funds has already been sent.

“Got to have information, even from the State Department talks about the billions of dollars, is over 5 billion now that we’ve sent to our enemies of your tax dollars, and it still flows every week, every week it needs to stop,” he said.

Burchett urged constituents to press senators to move the bill quickly to a floor vote.

“Call your senator. Thank him for the support in the committee, if they’re in foreign relations,” he said.

“In the Senate, we have foreign affairs on the outside, but encourage them to get it to the floor. Not one more week delay. Let’s get it to the floor.”

He also called for swift action once the bill reaches final passage. “Let’s get it signed into law by President Trump, and let’s put this bad chapter of our fiscal mismanagement to rest. What a nightmare,” Burchett said.

In his remarks, Burchett credited outside figures with helping bring attention to the issue.

He specifically cited Sean Ryan, a Middle Tennessee podcaster and former Navy SEAL and CIA operator.

“Thank you. Sean Ryan, over in Middle Tennessee podcaster, but he’s a Navy SEAL war hero, CIA operator, and my buddy,” Burchett said.

Burchett also referenced an Afghan source known publicly as “Legend,” whom he said played a key role in exposing the funding issue.

“Legend Afghan, who helped bring this thing to light, got it to Sean. Sean called me,” Burchett said.

He added that the individual remains anonymous due to security concerns.

“He is an afghan. Goes by the name Legend. He doesn’t put his real name or his picture out there because he’s wanted. They got a hit out on him those dirt bags, and he’s sacrificing everything with this country. He wasn’t even born here.”

Concluding his statement, Burchett reiterated his push for immediate passage regardless of political credit.

“So let’s get this thing out. Let’s go call your senators. Let’s quit messing around. Quit with all the nonsense. Let’s go. Everybody can take credit for it. I don’t care. Let’s get it passed. Thank you all for sending me here.”

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