McMorris Rodgers plays part in medals of honor bill

By Terry Murry on Thursday, September 2nd, 2021 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Spokane) and Lisa McClain (R-Macomb County, Michigan) introduced legislation Tuesday to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 fallen service members who were killed in Afghanistan last week.

“These brave men and women gave their last full measure of devotion to save American lives and evacuate Afghan refugees to safety,” McMorris Rodgers said. “These soldiers were heroes made of the moral fabric America is known for, and their sacrifice must never be forgotten. My heart is heavy as I pray for their families and all those who knew and loved them.”

The legislation will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Hospitalman Maxton Soviak, and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.

McMorris Rodgers and McClain were joined by 157 bipartisan cosponsors in introducing this legislation.