U.S. Rep Jackie Walorski is praising the House passage of H.R. 5142, to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 26, including Marine Cpl. Humberto Sanchez of Logansport. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor that Congress can bestow.

“Marine Cpl. Humberto Sanchez and 12 of his brothers and sisters in arms paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. These courageous servicemembers stood in the face of danger to evacuate American citizens, partners, and allies from Afghanistan,” said Congresswoman Walorski. “It is now our duty to honor their selfless sacrifice and ensure that these heroes are never forgotten. I am proud that our bipartisan legislation to award these 13 Americans with the Congressional Gold Medal passed the House, and I encourage the Senate to quickly advance it to the president’s desk.”

Shortly after the attack, Congresswoman Walorski introduced H.R. 5142 alongside Rep. Lisa McClain and more than 150 fellow original co-sponsors.

In September, Congresswoman Walorski honored the service and sacrifice of Cpl. Sanchez on the House Floor. Watch her full remarks here.