By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Monday, June 5, 2017, US Senator Luther Strange (R-Alabama) announced on Monday that he is co-sponsoring S. 926, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Act.
The Legislation was introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). It is supported by multiple veterans’ groups, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
Sen. Strange said, “The fight against terrorism in all forms and places is coming to define a generation of America’s men and women in uniform, their families, and the communities across our nation protected by their selfless service. While global threats continue to evolve, and as more Americans are tragically impacted by the effects of radical extremism, it is fitting that we dedicate a place of honor for those whose lives have been cut short along the way. I remain committed to working with my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee to support our troops in their ongoing mission to extinguish terrorism.”
The Legislation would authorize the process of constructing a privately funded memorial in Washington to honor both service members and civilians impacted by the ongoing fight against terrorism. Under the Commemorative Works Act of 1968, a ten-year gap between a conflict and its memorial is typically enforced, but S. 926 would grant an exemption for the Global War on Terror Memorial.
To this point 6,915 Americans have died in combat action in the Global War on Terror that continues to this day. American forces are engaged with the enemy presently in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The war has also spilled over into Yemen, Somalia, Libya, and other fronts such as the Philippines.
Sen. Ernst is requesting a hearing be held on the bipartisan bill. Ernst wrote, “Senator Manchin and I introduced S, 926, the Global War on Terrorism War Memorial Act. This bill would authorize the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation to establish the National Global War on Terrorism Memorial as a commemorative work in the District of Columbia. In just a few short weeks, this bill has garnered bipartisan support from twelve of our colleagues. We respectfully request you hold a hearing on this important piece of legislation that will lead to a Memorial to honor our service members, the fallen, and all those who have been impacted by our nation’s longest war.”
Senator Strange was appointed to the Senate by former Governor Robert Bentley (R) to fill the vacancy created by Sen. Jeff Sessions (R) confirmation as US Attorney General.
Strange faces a Special General Election in order to fill the remainder of Sen. Sessions unexpired term. The special major party primaries are on August 15, 2017. The Special General Election will be on December 12.
