Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – In a bold and unanimous move, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation aimed at permanently blocking any American taxpayer funds from reaching the Taliban-controlled Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The bill, introduced by Republican Congressman Tim Burchett, is now headed to the Senate for consideration and, if approved, will be sent to President Donald Trump for final signature.
“We’ve already sent over $5 billion to Kabul since the Taliban seized power—around $40 million a week,” said Rep. Burchett. “It’s time we cut off this lifeline. Defunding the Taliban isn’t just smart—it’s moral.” He emphasized that the bill had overwhelming public and bipartisan support, calling it a major step toward preventing U.S. money from inadvertently funding a regime known for its repressive policies.
The bill, titled “No Tax Dollars for the Taliban Act” (H.R.260), directs the U.S. Department of State to craft a comprehensive strategy that ensures no American aid, humanitarian or otherwise, is accessed or manipulated by the Islamic Emirate. It also mandates close monitoring of Afghanistan’s central bank and related trust funds, which have been under scrutiny for lack of transparency.
The Islamic Emirate, through its Ministry of Economy, has rejected the accusations, insisting that humanitarian aid is distributed independently by UN agencies without Taliban interference. “Humanitarian assistance has always been managed directly by the UN to help Afghans in crisis,” said ministry spokesperson Abdul Rahman Habib.
Still, critics of the Taliban say the regime imposes taxes on aid convoys and distorts access to services, especially for women. Economic experts also weighed in, warning that while humanitarian aid is essential to mitigate mass hunger, it cannot be a long-term solution. “Afghanistan must become economically self-reliant, and that requires stability, rights protections, and investor trust,” said economist Abdul Nasir Rashtia.
The vote comes as the U.S. Congress intensifies its scrutiny of all Afghanistan-related spending. Lawmakers have also recently investigated the chaotic 2021 withdrawal, reduced Afghan refugee visa allocations, and supported the revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Afghan nationals in the U.S.
If passed by the Senate, the bill would mark the most sweeping financial blockade yet against the Islamic Emirate—potentially freezing all U.S. funding, even for indirect humanitarian efforts, unless strict safeguards are implemented. The move reflects growing frustration in Washington over the Taliban’s restrictions on women, curbs on civil freedoms, and opaque governance, nearly four years after retaking Kabul.
