MEDIA RELEASE

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard delivered a speech Monday to the House of Representatives to mark 12 years of war in Afghanistan.

“While the country talks about a federal government shutdown and the divisive partisan politics that are standing in the way of progress, the harsh reality and hell that is war seem a distant memory for most,” said Gabbard on the floor of the House.

“Meanwhile, we have over 54,000 troops serving in Afghanistan today,” she said. “To all of our troops, thank you for your service, and the sacrifices you and your families have endured.”

Gabbard’s full text:

Today as Congress focuses on the government shutdown, our nation quietly marks the close of our 12th year at war in Afghanistan.

While the country talks about a federal government shutdown and the divisive partisan politics that are standing in the way of progress, the harsh reality and hell that is war seem a distant memory for most.

Meanwhile, we have over 54,000 troops serving in Afghanistan today. To all of our troops, thank you for your service, and the sacrifices you and your families have endured.

Two thousand, one hundred and forty-three U.S. service members have been killed in Afghanistan to date, leaving behind families who will never again feel their warm embrace.

Let us honor those who have served and who continue to put their lives on the line, and do our best to bring them home.

Let us remember their great sacrifice, and set aside the pettiness in our own lives that divides us.

And let us remember their great service, and ask ourselves constantly, how best can I be of service?