Press Releases

WASHINGTON—Today, House Republicans mark the fourth anniversary of the deadly terrorist attack at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan, which claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members and left dozens more wounded. To honor these fallen heroes, the House Republican Conference released a tribute video featuring military veterans serving in Congress. In the powerful video, the veterans–many of whom served in Afghanistan–share heartfelt testimony about the personal impact of the Biden administration’s disastrous withdrawal as they reflect on the devastating, preventable chaos it caused. They also emphasized the importance of President Trump’s peace through strength approach, which is essential for safeguarding America’s national security.

“The sacrifices of the 13 heroes we lost at Abbey Gate will never be forgotten. Their courage reminds us of the true cost of freedom–and of the duty we have in Congress to ensure America never again faces the chaos and tragedy we saw in Kabul. I am especially proud of my brave colleagues who served our nation in uniform and now continue that service and commitment to America’s security in Congress. House Republicans will continue supporting President Trump’s peace through strength agenda–one that will secure lasting peace and honors those who have worn the uniform to defend our nation,” House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain said. 

Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) served nearly thirty years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, culminating his military career at the rank of Brigadier General. He served 16 assignments with four deployments to the Middle East, including one to Iraq from 2007 to 2008 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. 

“I'm thinking of Daegan Page, one of the 13 Americans killed. He’s from Omaha. I've gotten to meet his family… but also the other 12 families that lost their sons and daughters or spouses.”

Watch Congressman Bacon’s testimony here. 

Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) joined the United States Army after high school, serving for 22 years in multiple key locations around the world, including Iraq, Guantanamo Bay, Kuwait, and the Korean DMZ.  

“Today, we want to commemorate their sacrifice, their lives were not lost in vain, and we owe it to them to make America a better country for future generations.”

Watch Congressman Barrett’s testimony here. 

Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) served as an U.S. Navy officer for 28 years, including deployments to Kuwait and Iraq.

“…as a 28 year Navy combat veteran, someone who has served three tours in Iraq and Kuwait, I understand what war is all about. This is what we get when we have weak and feckless leadership at the top.”

Watch Congressman Clyde’s testimony here. 

Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) rushed to enlist in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard after the September 11th terrorist attacks, ultimately serving eight years with a Combat Search and Rescue squadron, including two tours of duty to Afghanistan.  

“...to all my brothers and sisters in arms, you know, all the families who have suffered losses there, that you answered the call to serve your nation. There's not a higher honor. There's no greater service than to lay down your life for another.”

Watch Congressman Downing’s testimony here. 

Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08) served 12 years in the Army - including a combat deployment to the Middle East – and the Colorado Army National Guard as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot. 

“14 years ago, this month, a friend of mine was shot down and killed in Afghanistan...service members pay with their lives with the United States, through weak and ineffective leadership, projects weakness around the globe. I've seen it firsthand, and I've seen others pay the price for it…”

Watch Congressman Evans’ testimony here. 

Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) was commissioned as an Infantry officer and deployed to Afghanistan as a Platoon Leader, following his graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He later earned the Green Beret and returned to Afghanistan to lead operations as a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces.

“Those incredible Americans, amazing fathers and husbands that gave up their American experience for all of us. I have wept for them…And I'm proud to stand next to a commander in chief that actually understands that the only way that we get to enjoy peace is by being strong.”

Watch Congressman Harrigan’s testimony here. 

Congressman Morgan Luttrell (TX-08) is a fifth-generation Texan who served 14 years as a Navy SEAL and Naval Special Warfare Officer, completing multiple combat deployments including to Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom.

“I served in Afghanistan on multiple deployments... I just ask that you pray for those that we’ve lost, pray for their families and their friends.”

Watch Congressman Luttrell’s testimony here. 

Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07) served in the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy for 20 years, deploying to combat zones in Africa, the Persian Gulf, and Afghanistan. In the Navy, he earned the rank of Commander and served as Department Head for the Emergency Medicine Department in Kandahar, Afghanistan. 

“The countless limbs lost. The head injuries. The time we spent away from our family, the months and years, we will never get back, only to hand the government back over to the Taliban, our mortal enemies.”

Watch Congressman McCormick’s testimony here. 

Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03) served in the United States Air Force for nearly two decades and currently serves as a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.  As an airborne intelligence officer, he flew recon missions off the coasts of Russia and China. After 9/11, he deployed three times to the Middle East and flew over 700 combat hours. 

“ … when our own government couldn't get U.S. citizens out of country, we led the charge to fly aircraft in and save nearly 2,000 Americans and Afghan allies.”

Watch Congressman Nunn’s testimony here. 

Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) is the longest-serving enlisted member of the U.S. military ever elected to Congress. He retired as a Navy SEAL Senior Chief after 26 years of service in the U.S. Navy with five combat deployments, including two to Afghanistan.

“David Tapper was killed August 20th in 2003…I was in the cache, the hospital, when he was dying. I was holding his hand, and we had a cell phone–sat phone–next to his ear, and he could hear his wife crying out to God because she knew she'd never see her husband alive again.”

Watch Congressman Van Orden’s testimony here.