Top Democrat says Pelosi’s Afghanistan delegation was to reassure NATO allies Trump wouldn’t abandon them

President Donald Trump harmed efforts by Congressional leaders to shore up the NATO by cancelling Speaker Nancy Pelosi's congressional delegation trip, the chair of the House Intelligence Committee explained on Thursday.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) chairs the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence spoke to reporters after Trump cancelled the congressional delegation trip.

Schiff said the whether the government was open or closed, the work of Congress must go on.

"And I think it's vitally important now in particular that the president announced withdrawals from Syria and Afghanistan that we understand the situation on the ground," Schiff said. "We had anticipated important defense and intelligence briefings in Afghanistan."

"We were looking forward to the opportunity to reassure NATO allies undoubtedly shaken by reports that the president has questioned his staff or opined about leaving NATO," he explained. "We're determined to make sure our allies understand -- on a very bipartisan basis -- our commitment to NATO is strong."

"We think this is completely inappropriate action," he added.

"It's just too important that we make sure that our service members have what they need and that our NATO allies are reassured of the time where there are increasing questions about the president's commitment to our alliances," Schiff said.

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