US House Foreign Affairs Committee Approves Bill on Afghan Women with Bipartisan Support
The US House Foreign Affairs Committee has approved a bill addressing restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan with bipartisan support from Democrats and Republicans.
US Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove confirmed the bill's passage, sharing photos on X with Afghan female students. Afghanistan International referred to the legislation as the "Countering the Erasure of Women and Girls in Afghanistan," approved on March 26 and advancing to the full House. The bill would require the State Department to report within 180 days on Taliban restrictions, potentially classifying them as crimes against humanity.
Hasht-e Subh described the bill as "Reject the Elimination of Afghan Women and Girls," noting its approval on April 11. Both outlets highlighted the bipartisan backing and the context of Taliban-imposed curbs on Afghan women's basic rights, including education, since their takeover.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast stated the bill holds the Taliban accountable amid increased suffering for Afghan women and girls. Florida state Representative Randy Fine called the Taliban an "evil and violent regime" for its treatment of women and girls.
The measure underscores global concerns over the plight of Afghan women under Taliban control.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Where reports agree
- Bill approved in US House Foreign Affairs Committee with bipartisan (Democrat/Republican) support
- Sydney Kamlager-Dove confirmed approval and shared photos/moment with Afghan girls studying in US on X
- Context of Taliban restrictions on Afghan women/girls, especially education
Where reports differ
- Exact bill title ('Countering the Erasure [of Presence] of Women and Girls' vs. 'Reject the Elimination of Afghan Women and Girls')
- Specific approval date (March 26/6 Hamal vs. announcement 11 Hamal)
- Additional details on bill obligations and statements by Brian Mast/Randy Fine only in one source
More in Politics
UN Experts Condemn Taliban's Ban on Women Entering UN Offices, Urge Diplomatic Pressure
Peshawar Peace Jirga Urges Taliban and Pakistan to Reduce Tensions
UN Reports Deteriorating Human Rights in Afghanistan Under Taliban Rule
Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Travels to Kapisa Province
ReliableUN Experts Condemn Taliban's Ban on Women Entering UN Offices, Urge Diplomatic Pressure
UN experts condemned the Taliban's ban on Afghan women entering UN offices since September 2025 as a direct attack on women's rights and urged a unified UN response and diplomatic pressure from member states to end it immediately. The restrictions, enforced by Taliban forces, threaten humanitarian operations and worsen conditions for women.
Peshawar Peace Jirga Urges Taliban and Pakistan to Reduce Tensions
A peace jirga of elders in Peshawar urged Pakistan and the Taliban to de-escalate tensions following weeks of clashes that killed dozens and displaced thousands. The event, organized by advocacy groups, received support from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Labor Minister and proposed Taliban involvement via a similar council.
ReliableUN Reports Deteriorating Human Rights in Afghanistan Under Taliban Rule
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reported a severe deterioration in Afghanistan's human rights under Taliban rule, with 21.9 million people needing humanitarian aid due to economic crisis, aid cuts, migrant returns and drought. The report details restrictions on women and girls, curbs on expression, public punishments and calls for policy reversals.
ReliableMinister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Travels to Kapisa Province
Mullah Abdul Latif Mansour, Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, visited Kapisa province and met with local officials and department staff. The meeting emphasized improving development project implementation, coordination among administrations, service delivery to remote areas, transparency, and efficiency.