McMorris Rodgers Helps Pass Bipartisan Legislation to Honor 13 Fallen Service Members Killed in Afghanistan

Washington D.C. (October 26, 2021) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) yesterday helped pass a resolution – which she cosponsored – to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the thirteen U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan in August. 

“The House of Representatives came together this week for a humble cause – to pass legislation honoring the thirteen brave men and women that gave their last full measure of devotion in Afghanistan to save American lives and evacuate refugees to safety,” said Rodgers. “These soldiers were heroes made of the moral fabric America is known for, and their sacrifice must never be forgotten. My hope is that this bill will help preserve their legacy, while also helping their families heal as we continue to pray for those who knew and loved them.”

The legislation awards the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Hospitalman Maxton Soviak, and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.

The bill, which has 323 cosponsors, passed the House unanimously and will now go to the Senate for consideration. 

CLICK HERE to read the bill. 

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