U.S. soldiers killed in Afghanistan crowd Arlington cemetery in one particular section.
On October 7, 2013 Rep. Tulsi Gabbard asked for and was granted permission to address the United States House of Representatives for one minute regarding the government shutdown.
“Mr. Speaker, 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 that you and your families have endured’, he said.
“Two thousand one hundred and forty-three U.S. serv ice mem bers 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 sacrifices 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 we be of service”, said Rep. Gabbard (source: Congressional Record http://thomas.loc.gov/).
Rep. Gabbard is one of the first two female “combat veterans”, first Hindu and first female of Samoan ancestry to ever serve as a member of the U.S. Congress.
She is highly regarded by members of both political parties in Congress.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard currently serves on the Committee on Homeland Security and its Subcommittee on Borders and Maritime Security. She also serves on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and its Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard also serves on the following caucuses:
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
Congressional India Caucus
Bipartisan Veterans Caucus
National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus
Small Business Caucus
Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus