Congress Bestows highest honor on 13 US troops killed in Afghanistan withdrawal

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to 13 U.S. service members who were killed during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. The ceremony took place in the Capitol Rotunda, with both Democratic and Republican leaders present to honor the fallen troops.

The service members were killed in a suicide bombing at Kabul’s Abbey Gate in August 2021, which also claimed the lives of over 170 Afghans. President Joe Biden signed the legislation to posthumously honor the troops in December 2021. The event highlighted bipartisan support for recognizing their sacrifices.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer spoke at the ceremony, urging lawmakers to ensure that the servicemembers’ sacrifices were not in vain. Schumer emphasized the need to care for the families of the fallen and uphold the values of freedom and democracy for which they fought.

However, the ceremony occurred amid ongoing political conflict over the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Johnson, a Louisiana Republican and ally of Donald Trump, criticized the Biden administration’s evacuation handling just hours before the first presidential debate between Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris.

In his remarks, Johnson reiterated his criticism of the Biden administration, stating, “They lost their lives because of this administration’s catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan.” He also expressed regret and emphasized the need for transparency and recognition for the families affected.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee, dominated by Republicans, recently released a report blaming Biden’s administration for the withdrawal while downplaying Trump’s role. The White House has criticized this report, describing it as partisan and inaccurate.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby defended the administration’s actions, acknowledging that while the evacuation did not go perfectly, it was complicated by unforeseen rapid developments in Kabul. He emphasized that the administration holds itself accountable for the outcomes.

Trump has used the withdrawal as a focal point in his campaign, despite some families of the fallen supporting his stance. Assessments of the withdrawal process generally indicate shared blame between Trump and Biden, with Trump’s 2020 deal with the Taliban and Biden’s subsequent actions both contributing to the situation.

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