The Biden Administration is trying to tune out the critics and focus on evacuation efforts to get Americans and U.S. allies out of Afghanistan. This weekend saw a major increase in the number of evacuees flown out of Kabul Airport, even as violence near the evacuation center escalates.

White House officials say said between Sunday and Monday morning, 28 U.S. military flights evacuated about 10,400 from the airport. Another 5,900 people were airlifted by 61 coalition flights.

As of Monday, U.S. officials say about 42,000 — a combination of Americans working in Afghanistan and Afghan citizens fleeing the Taliban —  have been evacuated since the end of July.

This comes as the danger near and around Kabul Airport grows. CBS News reports that a gun battle broke out Monday that involved U.S. and German soldiers with unknown shooters that resulted in one person killed.

In addition, President Biden has not ruled out keeping American troops in the region beyond his stated deadline of August 31. He said Sunday “our hope is we will not have to extend,” but it depends on how the evacuation process goes. The safe removal of Americans and Afghan allies is the priority for the White House, which could lead to keeping troops there longer.

The Taliban on Monday warned the U.S. that keeping soldiers past the deadline would be seen as an act of provocation.

From The Washington Post:

British media reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is widely expected to ask President Biden to extend the deadline at Tuesday’s meeting of the Group of Seven nations.

“If they extend it, that means they are extending occupation. … It will create mistrust between us,” Suhail Shaheen told Sky News in an interview from Doha, Qatar, that aired Monday. “If they are intent on continuing the occupation, it will provoke a reaction,” the Taliban spokesman said.

There is also new polling that shows an overwhelming number of Americans support getting Afghan citizens who helped U.S. military efforts safely out of Kabul.

Meanwhile, as lawmakers on the right continue to skewer Biden over the withdrawal from Afghanistan, voting records indicate that much of the performative outrage from GOP members such as Lauren Boebert is simply political grandstanding.

Several Republican members of Congress who have been criticizing Biden over Afghanistan were part of the group of 16 House members who last month voted against a bill to expedite the Visa process for Afghan citizens. The bill still passed, incidentally.

All 16 of the “No” votes were Republicans. They are:

  • Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona
  • Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado
  • Rep. Mo Brooks of Alabama
  • Rep. Scott DesJarlais of Tennessee
  • Rep. Jeff Duncan of South Carolina
  • Rep. Bob Good of Virginia
  • Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona
  • Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia
  • Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma
  • Rep. Jody Hice of Georgia
  • Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky
  • Rep. Barry Moore of Alabama
  • Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania
  • Rep. Bill Posey of Florida
  • Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana
  • Rep. Chip Roy of Texas