Webster Co-Sponsors Congressional Gold Medal Bill Honoring U.S. Servicemembers Killed in Afghanistan

Washington, DC – Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, joins Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) and 230 colleagues in cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan last week.

“I wept over the loss of these 13 service members and the heartbreak their families and loved ones are experiencing,” Rep. Webster said. “We owe our military a debt we can never repay, honoring the courage and selfless sacrifice these men and women made is the right thing to do. May we never forget and also learn from their dedicated service.”

August 26th marked the deadliest day in a decade for our troops in Afghanistan. This situation was not a failure of our dedicated men and women in uniform, but a failure of our top policymakers. This legislation is a step toward expressing our gratitude to those servicemembers, their loved ones and gold star families. America is safer because of the work, service and sacrifice of our active duty military.

"I'm proud to spearhead this bill alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I'm inspired by the eagerness of my friends in Congress to honor these 13 brave men and women who were taken from their loved ones far too soon," said Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI). "Their sacrifice for their country and its allies will never be forgotten, and I hope the House quickly passes this bipartisan effort."

"The events that have transpired over the last several weeks have been nothing short of tragic. As our country mourns the loss of these brave men and women in uniform, I am proud to stand with my colleagues in Congress to honor their lives and commemorate their courage," said Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

"Last week, we tragically lost 13 service members in Afghanistan. They were sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and most importantly, they were heroes," said Rep. Espaillat (D-NY). "We must forever remember their sacrifices, and I'm proud to join my colleagues today in this effort to honor these brave men and women."

"The U.S. servicemembers who gave their lives to assist our nation's evacuation efforts in Afghanistan deserve the highest honors. They are heroes who should be remembered for their bravery and service and honored with the Congressional Gold Medal," said Rep. Vargas (D-CA).

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