November 18, 2021

ICYMI: Warren, Daines Bipartisan Bill to Award Congressional Gold Medals to Service Members Killed in Afghanistan Passes Senate, Heads to POTUS’ Desk

Washington, D.C. – United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) announced the U.S. Senate passed their bipartisan bill to posthumously award Congressional Gold Medals to the 13 American servicemembers who lost their lives in  the August 26 terrorist attacks in Afghanistan. It will now head to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

“These 13 servicemembers, including U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo of Lawrence, Massachusetts, were killed in Afghanistan while serving our country and working to protect the lives of others. These individuals demonstrated incredible courage throughout their careers, and I’m glad that my Senate colleagues agree that we should recognize the contributions of these heroic individuals with the Congressional Gold Medal,” Senator Warren said.

“Today, the United States Senate moved to recognize the courage, sacrifice and service of the 13 brave young men and women who were killed in Afghanistan. During a pivotal point for our nation, they gave the last full measure for our freedoms. I look forward to the President honoring these American heroes and swiftly signing this bill into law,” Senator Daines said.

The 13 American servicemembers who would receive the Congressional Gold Medal are Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan W. Page, Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak and Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss.

On October 25, 2021, Daines’ and Warren’s companion bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.On September 15, 2021, Senators Warren and Daines introduced the bipartisan bill in the Senate. Representative Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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