Sep 15, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Senators introduce bill to honor 13 service members killed in Kabul

Noah Garfinkel

Mourners hold a sign honoring Rylee McCollum, who was one of the 13 marines killed — Mourners in Jackson, Wyoming, honor Marine Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum. Photo: Natalie Behring/Getty Images

Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced a bill on Wednesday that would award Congressional Gold Medals to 13 U.S. service members killed in last month's bombing at Kabul's international airport.

Why it matters: The deadliest day involving American troops in Afghanistan in more than a decade occurred four days before the full U.S. military withdrawal from the country.

Details: The medals would be awarded to Maxton Soviak, Kareem Nikoui, David Espinoza, Rylee McCollum, Jared Schmitz, Hunter Lopez, Taylor Hoover, Daegan William-Tyeler Page, Nicole Gee, Humberto Sanchez, Dylan Merola, Johanny Rosario Pichardo and Ryan Knauss.

The medals would go to the Smithsonian for display and research.

What they're saying: "These individuals demonstrated incredible courage throughout their careers, and we owe it to them to pass legislation to recognize their heroic service with the Congressional Gold Medal," Warren said in a statement.

Daines added: "As the U.S. concludes 20 years of combat in Afghanistan, I believe it’s fitting that Congress commemorates their sacrifice in this moment with the Congressional Gold Medal."

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Senators introduce bill to honor 13 service members killed in Kabul

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