Issa on SOTU: I stand with the Gold Star families
Biden speech on par for president who refuses to take responsibility for failures
Washington – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) gave the following statement in response to President Biden's State of the Union Address:
"Filled with pointing fingers and placing blame, President Biden’s SOTU address was a defensive and divisive speech typical of a White House unable to acknowledge their failures or accept any responsibility for the disasters on their watch.
"Last night did feature one poignant speaker — but it wasn’t the president. My friend and California Gold Star father Steve Nikoui’s direct call for accountability reminded the entire nation what the President wants everyone to forget — 13 U.S. servicemembers were lost at the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan in the chaotic and disastrous withdrawal for which Biden alone is responsible.
"The Gold Star families in attendance last night have every right to be angry with this president and his administration as it has worked far harder to cover up and turn the page on its failures in Afghanistan than to tell the truth and make this right with these families. The families continue their mission: accountability for the disastrous decisions that led to the loss of their loved ones and to ensure it never happens again.
"This isn’t over. I stand with these Gold Star families, I share their anger and frustration, and I will continue the work toward the accountability they deserve."
Congressman Issa invited Coral Briseno, Gold Star mother to Marine Corporal Humberto Sanchez, as his State of the Union guest. Ms. Briseno was one of several Gold Star families in attendance.
In August 2023, Congressman Issa hosted the first-ever congressional forum in Escondido, CA for the Gold Star families of the servicemembers lost in the Afghanistan withdrawal.
The names of the 13 fallen servicemembers in the Abbey Gate bombing on August 26, 2021 are as follows:
- Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo
- Sgt. Nicole L. Gee
- SSgt. Darin T. Hoover
- Cpl. Hunter Lopez
- Cpl. Daegan W. Page
- Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez
- LCpl. David L. Espinoza
- LCpl. Jared M. Schmitz
- LCpl. Rylee J. McCollum
- LCpl. Dylan R. Merola
- LCpl. Kareem M. Nikoui
- HM3 Maxton W. Soviak
- SSgt. Ryan C. Knauss