By Steve Klamkin WPRO News

Two members of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation Monday expressed surprise at the speed of the Taliban’s advance on the capital, Kabul and the fall of Afghanistan, and at least one is taking issue with fellow Democrat, President Joe Biden’s handling of the U.S. withdrawal.

“I disagree with the decision,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “I think it was bad planning and I disagree with the decision,” to pull U.S. forces out of Afghanistan.

Senator Jack Reed, the senior member of the delegation said President Biden’s options were limited by an agreement his predecessor, President Donald Trump entered with the Taliban in 2020.

“Particularly after President Trump signed the Doha agreement and set a deadline for us to get out without any real conditions. I don’t think President Biden had the range of options he would have had without it,” Reed said at an event in North Kingstown.

“I think frankly, if we had ignored that agreement the Taliban would have begun attacking our forces directly,” Reed said.

The powerful chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Reed said he would return to Washington with the aim of conducting hearings to question military leaders.

“What were the recommendations that were made and what are we going to do going forward, and how are we going to maintain pressure on terrorist groups that are still operating in that area,” are among the questions Reed has for Pentagon leaders.

Langevin was asked at an event in Johnston what he would say to families who lost loved ones during the long war in Afghanistan.

“Especially the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of this country after 9/11 (2001), the Gold Star Families as well who bore the greatest sacrifice of all. We owed them… the administration owed them a better plan than what we’re seeing unfold right now. Again, I’m disappointed with this decision to withdraw and how it’s been handled,” Langevin said.