After Bipartisan Bill is Blocked on Senate Floor, Ernst, Hassan Continue Push for Global War on Terrorism Memorial

WASHINGTON—After their bipartisan bill was blocked on the Senate floor, U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a combat veteran of the Global War on Terrorism, and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, are continuing their push to build a new memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to honor those who served in the Global War on Terrorism. Ernst and Hassan, along with Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation President/CEO Marina Jackman and Gold Star wife Jane Horton, held a press conference today calling on Congress to pass their bill.

Click here to watch the press conference.

“My bipartisan bill with my friend Senator Maggie Hassan, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act, will build a memorial to recognize all those who fought and died during the Global War on Terror…It will pay tribute to our fallen service members, including the thirteen who perished in Afghanistan on August 26, among them was Iowa native Corporal Daegan William-Tyeler Page, who bravely gave the greatest sacrifice of all…Folks, this is so common sense, and it doesn’t cost a dime of taxpayer money, and it will honor our heroes of the Global War on Terrorism for years to come. This memorial is ready to go, so let’s get it built on our National Mall in Washington, D.C. where it belongs,” said Senator Ernst at today’s press conference.

“For these families and for our entire country, it’s finally time to create a Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall. This memorial will give generations of Americans a sacred place to reflect, gather, and honor those who gave so much to keep Americans safe, secure, and free, while also helping our country heal and move forward. When it comes to supporting and honoring service members, veterans, and families, there is simply no room for partisanship, which is why Senator Ernst and I have worked to move this priority forward and create a permanent location on the National Mall,” said Senator Hassan at today’s press conference.

“With bipartisan support from lawmakers in the House and the Senate, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial can and will be a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all who have served in our country’s longest lasting conflict. With it we can inspire all Americans to stand united behind those who continue to serve,” said Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation President/CEO Marina Jackman at today’s press conference.

“We as a Gold Star family community will accept no less than to honor our heroes and honor those who have fought, so I am so proud to be a part of this. There is no better or more appropriate place other than the National Mall to honor them. This is where school children will go…where generations…will continue to learn why my husband, why so many others, why my friends’ sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, mothers, and fathers gave their lives for this country and were willing to fight,” said Gold Star wife Jane Horton at today’s press conference.

Background:

In 2017, through bipartisan legislation, Ernst helped create the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, a private foundation, to begin the process of pursuing the construction of a memorial. Last Congress and again earlier this year, Ernst and Hassan introduced the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act, which proposed three locations for the memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Earlier this month, Ernst wrote a column highlighting the importance of creating a Global War on Terrorism Memorial on our National Mall, especially after the disastrous withdrawal in Afghanistan that’s left Americans and our allies stranded behind Taliban lines. This effort has the support of the six surviving secretaries of defense—spanning Democratic and Republican Administrations—who led the Defense Department during the past 20 years of the Global War on Terrorism.

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