[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 109 (Friday, June 28, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H4436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          DISAPPOINTING DEBATE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 9, 2023, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul) is recognized 
for the remainder of the hour as the designee of the majority leader.
  Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker, like millions of Americans last night, I 
watched the Presidential debate, and much of what I heard from 
President Biden was disappointing.
  One statement in particular made me angry, and I know it angered our 
veterans, it angered the American people, and especially it angered the 
Gold Star families.
  President Biden said last night: ``Truth is, I am the only President 
this century that doesn't have any--this decade--that didn't have any 
troops dying anywhere in the world like he did.''
  That is a lie, Mr. President. I remind President Biden of the 13 
servicemembers that died on his watch during a terrorist attack at 
Abbey Gate on August 26, 2021, during his deadly and chaotic withdrawal 
from Afghanistan.
  Their names are: Marine Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza; Marine 
Sergeant Nicole Gee; Marine Staff Sergeant D. Taylor Hoover; Army Staff 
Sergeant Ryan Knauss; Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez; Marine Lance 
Corporal Rylee McCollum; Marine Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola; Marine 
Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui; Marine Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo; 
Marine Corporal Humberto Sanchez; Marine Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz; 
Navy Hospital Corpsman Maxton ``Max'' Soviak; and Marine Corps Corporal 
Daegan William-Tyler Page.
  There they are, the fallen who were killed, blown up by a suicide 
bomber who, by the way, escaped from Bagram Air Base as thousands of 
other ISIS-K terrorists did that day. God knows where they are now, 
threatening the security of the United States.
  It was a deadliest day for the United States in Afghanistan in over a 
decade, Mr. President, and it will remain a stain on America and 
American foreign policy for generations.
  It happened under Joe Biden's watch. Shame on him. Shame on him for 
his heartless comments that disregard the ultimate sacrifice of so many 
Americans under his tenure as Commander in Chief.
  To the fallen heroes, I say: Well done, good and faithful servants, 
and may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to refrain from 
engaging in personalities toward the President and to direct their 
remarks to the Chair.

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