Save our Allies Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill: 118-hr-7501
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5]
Introduced: 2024-02-29
Policy area: International Affairs
Latest action: action_date: 2024-02-29
text: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Summaries:
action_date: 2024-02-29
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><strong>Save our Allies Congressional Gold Medal Act</strong></p><p>This bill provides for the presentation  of a Congressional Gold Medal to Chad Robichaux, Sarah Verardo, Tim Kennedy, Kevin Rourke, Sean Gabler, Dave Johnson, and Dennis Price, in recognition of their exceptional efforts and selfless dedication during the Afghanistan evacuation in 2021, which led the safe evacuation of over 17,000 people from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.</p><p>Following the presentation of the gold medal, the gold medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research.&nbsp;</p>

tv_txt: I 118th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 7501 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 29, 2024 Mr. Norman (for himself, Mrs. Miller of Illinois , Mr. Weber of Texas , Mr. Gimenez , Mrs. Spartz , and Mr. Mooney ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services , and in addition to the Committee on House Administration , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Chad Robichaux, Sarah Verardo, Tim Kennedy, Kevin Rourke, Sean Gabler, Dave Johnson, and Dennis Price, in recognition of their exceptional efforts and selfless dedication during the Afghanistan evacuation in 2021, which led to the safe evacuation of over 17,000 people from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Save our Allies Congressional Gold Medal Act . 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The events of August 2021 marked a significant turning point in the history of the United States engagement in Afghanistan, as the Nation underwent a process of withdrawal after over two decades of military presence. (2) Over the course of those 20 years, countless men and women in uniform made tremendous sacrifices to uphold the principles of democracy and freedom, while also honoring the promises made to the Afghan people to build a safer and more prosperous Nation. (3) Among these exceptional individuals were the 13 individuals who participated in the Afghanistan evacuation in 2021, serving as a beacon of hope and demonstrating unwavering dedication to the ideals of America. (4) When the final withdrawal was announced, Chad Robichaux knew he needed to act. His combat interpreter, Aziz, who had saved his life on countless occasions throughout his eight deployments to Afghanistan as part of a Joint Special Operations Task Force, was now being hunted and targeted by the Taliban for helping him. Determined to save his loyal friend, Chad embarked on a mission that would bring together 13 modern-day avengers, all Special Operations veterans, and one determined woman, to drop everything and rescue Aziz and his family from Afghanistan. Without hesitation, each member of the team agreed to join the daring mission. (5) In a matter of hours, Chad Robichaux assembled his team and made a crucial call to Sarah Verardo, the wife of a catastrophically wounded Soldier from his service in Afghanistan, who miraculously secured their way to Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) in Kabul, Afghanistan. The 12-man team quickly mobilized, with Chad heading to Abu Dhabi, UAE, to establish a humanitarian center for evacuees. Meanwhile, Tim Kennedy, Kevin Roarke, Sean Gabler, and Dave Johnson headed for HKIA itself. Setting up a command center at HKIA, the team conducted non-stop rescue operations amidst Taliban-controlled territory, facing immense danger without a Quick Reaction Force (QRF). In just 10 days, their unwavering efforts led to the successful rescue of over 12,000 lives. (6) Even in the face of tremendous adversity, the team’s dedication did not waver. Despite Abbey Gate being destroyed and the gates welded shut, they refused to leave. Over the next two months, they continued their humanitarian efforts remotely, leading a coalition to rescue an additional 5,000 individuals through alternate routes around the region. Their commitment and determination made a significant difference during this critical time of need. (7) Chad Robichaux’s mission did not end with the evacuation from HKIA. Teaming up with Fellow Force Recon Marine and Scout Sniper, Staff Sergeant Dennis Price, he embarked on a grueling 10-day, 90-mile reconnaissance mission along the Tajikistan and Afghanistan border, swimming into Afghanistan every night past Taliban and Chinese soldiers in order to use their special operations experience to build evacuation routes for women and children still trapped in Afghanistan as Afghan Commandos attempted to move them to the Tajikistan border. Braving the treacherous terrain and encounters with foreign militaries, including Chinese, Russian, Tajikistan, and Taliban fighters, they successfully established routes that are still in use today, ensuring more people could find their way to safety. (8) The valor and courage displayed by Chad Robichaux, Sarah Verardo, and the 12 Special Operations veterans during the Afghanistan evacuation in 2021 exemplify the very essence of America’s promises to the Afghan people throughout the 20 years of war. Their actions served as a powerful testament to the unwavering loyalty and dedication of the United States Armed Forces, reinforcing our nation’s role as a beacon of hope and justice on the global stage. Their commitment to duty and humanity will forever be etched in the Congressional record as a shining example of American heroism. (9) Under the exceptional leadership of Force Recon Marine Chad Robichaux, this remarkable team of Special Operation veterans took up the charge to protect and evacuate over 17,000 citizens and Afghan allies from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, during a time of unfathomable danger and uncertainty. (10) These individuals have dedicated their lives to protecting our country, putting their own lives on the line to safeguard others, and their heroism deserves great honor. 3. Congressional gold medals (a) Presentation authorized The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of the Congress, of a single gold medal of appropriate design to Chad Robichaux, Sarah Verardo, Tim Kennedy, Kevin Rourke, Sean Gabler, Dave Johnson, and Dennis Price, in recognition of their exceptional efforts and selfless dedication during the Afghanistan evacuation in 2021, which led to the safe evacuation of over 17,000 people from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. (b) Design and striking For the purposes of the presentation referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (referred to in this Act as the Secretary ) shall strike the gold medals with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the Secretary. (c) Smithsonian institution (1) In general Following the award of the gold medal under subsection (a), the gold medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution, where it shall be available for display as appropriate and made available for research. (2) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that the Smithsonian Institution should make the gold medal received under paragraph (1) available for display outside of the District of Columbia at times, particularly at other locations associated with the team of Special Operation Veterans’ service in the Afghanistan evacuation of 2021. 4. Duplicate medals The Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medals struck under section 3, at a price sufficient to cover the cost thereof, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and overhead expenses. 5. Status of medals (a) National medals Medals struck pursuant to this Act are national medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code. (b) Numismatic items For purposes of sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31, United States Code, all medals struck under this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items. 6. Authority to use fund amounts; proceeds of sale (a) Authority To use fund amounts There is authorized to be charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund such amounts as may be necessary to pay for the costs of the medals struck pursuant to this Act. (b) Proceeds of sale The amounts received from the sale of duplicate bronze medals authorized under section 3 shall be deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.