Ernst leads bicameral GOP effort to honor U.S. military who fought in Afghanistan

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) on Sept. 15 sponsored a bicameral Republican resolution urging Congress to recognize and honor the Americans who fought in the Global War on Terror in Afghanistan.

“It is because of these heroes’ brave and selfless actions that our nation has been kept safe for two decades,” Sen. Ernst said. “We must never forget their sacrifice.”

Sen. Ernst introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 15 with a dozen Republican cosponsors to express the sense of Congress that the withdrawal of United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan does not undermine or diminish the sacrifice, efforts and accomplishments of the members of the Armed Forces, diplomats, humanitarians, allies, and partners, according to the congressional record summary.

Among those who joined Sen. Ernst in introducing the resolution was U.S. Sens. John Hoeven (R-ND), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

The identical resolution, House Concurrent Resolution 50, was introduced on Sept. 14 by 14 members, including U.S. Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), and sponsor Ashley Hinson (R-IA).

“I know there are so many fellow veterans who are hurting out there as they see the horrific images that have come out of the disastrous exit from Afghanistan – I’ve heard from a number of them personally,” said Sen. Ernst, a combat veteran of the Global War on Terror and a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. “I want them to know that America is grateful for their service; that I am grateful for their service.”