Honoring the sacrifice of Marine Corps Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza, Marine Corps Sergeant Nicole L. Gee, Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Darin Taylor Hoover, Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Christian Knauss, Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui, Marine Corps Corporal Daegan W. Page, Marine Corps Sergeant Johanny Rosario, Marine Corps Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, and Navy Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak.
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 116
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-26: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T07:03:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 116) aims to honor the 13 U.S. service members killed in a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate outside Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. It recognizes their sacrifice in protecting liberty and saving lives from Taliban threats, emphasizing that their service should be remembered by the nation.
Key Provisions
- Designation of a National Day of Remembrance: Establishes August 26 as a day to commemorate the service members who died at Abbey Gate.
- Expression of Condolences and Gratitude: Offers deepest sympathies and thanks to the Gold Star Families (families of fallen service members) of those lost.
- Acknowledgment of Service: Affirms the honorable and faithful service of the named individuals to the United States.
The resolution lists the 13 service members by name and rank: Marine Corps Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza, Marine Corps Sergeant Nicole L. Gee, Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Darin Taylor Hoover, Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Christian Knauss, Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui, Marine Corps Corporal Daegan W. Page, Marine Corps Sergeant Johanny Rosario, Marine Corps Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, and Navy Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding joint resolution, so it does not amend or create enforceable laws. It introduces a symbolic national observance but does not alter statutes, budgets, or policies. No prior federal law specifically designates a remembrance day for this event, making this a new formal recognition.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal operational impact; the Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs might promote the remembrance day through events or awareness campaigns, but no new funding or mandates are required.
- On Citizens: Encourages national reflection on military sacrifices, potentially increasing public awareness and support for veterans' families. It has no direct effects on daily life or rights.
- On International Relations: Symbolic only; it underscores U.S. commitment to honoring service in past operations like Afghanistan but does not affect current foreign policy or alliances.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Gold Star Families: Directly addressed with condolences, providing emotional recognition and potential community support.
- U.S. Military and Veterans: Highlights the sacrifices of active-duty personnel, fostering morale and remembrance within the armed forces.
- The American Public: Invites broader national participation in honoring the fallen, promoting unity around themes of service and liberty.
- Congress and Policymakers: Sponsors (e.g., Rep. Miller of Ohio and others) and the Committee on Armed Services are involved in its introduction and referral.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a concurrent resolution (requiring approval by both House and Senate but not the President), it carries moral weight but lacks the force of law. It aligns with Congress's authority under Article I of the Constitution to express national sentiments.
- Constitutional: No conflicts; it supports free expression and remembrance without infringing on rights.
- Political: Reinforces bipartisan appreciation for military service amid debates over the Afghanistan withdrawal. It avoids assigning blame, focusing on tribute, which could aid in healing national divisions related to the event.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (23)
Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6], Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. Luttrell, Morgan [R-TX-8], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Mills, Cory [R-FL-7], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6], Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10], Rep. Turner, Michael R. [R-OH-10], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Jackson, Ronny [R-TX-13], Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6], Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-26: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-08-26: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-26: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Honoring the sacrifice of Marine Corps Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza, Marine Corps Sergeant Nicole L. Gee, Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Darin Taylor Hoover, Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Christian Knauss, Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui, Marine Corps Corporal Daegan W. Page, Marine Corps Sergeant Johanny Rosario, Marine Corps Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, and Navy Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak. — issued 2025-08-26 — PDF (3 pages)