A joint resolution 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
- S.J.Res. 79
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-17: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-03T11:56:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 79) aims to honor the 13 U.S. servicemembers 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 the country. It recognizes their sacrifice in protecting American liberty and Afghan civilians from the Taliban, 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 servicemembers 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 who receive a Gold Star lapel pin as a symbol of honor).
- Acknowledgment of Service: Affirms the honorable and faithful contributions of the named individuals—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—to the nation.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no substantive changes to existing laws. As a joint resolution, it is a symbolic measure expressing Congress's sentiment rather than enacting new regulations, mandates, or penalties. It builds on traditions of congressional recognitions for military sacrifices but does not alter statutes, budgets, or policies.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; federal agencies like the Department of Defense may promote observances on the designated day, but no new funding or obligations are required.
- On Citizens: Encourages national reflection on military service and the costs of foreign operations, potentially fostering patriotism and support for veterans' families through voluntary commemorations.
- On International Relations: Indirectly reinforces U.S. commitment to honoring those who served abroad, but it has no binding effects on foreign policy or relations with Afghanistan or other nations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Gold Star Families: Directly addressed with condolences, providing formal national recognition of their loss.
- Military Community: Including active-duty personnel, veterans, and the Department of Defense, who benefit from the emphasis on service and sacrifice.
- The American Public: As a whole, through the promotion of remembrance to preserve the legacy of these servicemembers.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Non-binding and ceremonial; it does not create enforceable rights or duties, aligning with Congress's role in issuing resolutions for observances (similar to other national days like Memorial Day).
- Constitutional: Falls within Congress's implied powers under Article I to express national values and honor citizens, without infringing on executive foreign affairs authority.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support, with sponsors from both major parties, highlighting unity on military tributes amid debates over the Afghanistan withdrawal. It may influence public discourse on national security but carries no partisan mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (20)
Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS], Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL], Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO], Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-17: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-09-17: Introduced in Senate
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 2025-09-17 — PDF (3 pages)