House Speaker Mike Johnson awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. service members killed during the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal in August 2021. The bipartisan-supported ceremony took place in the Capitol Rotunda, emphasizing the sacrifices of the fallen troops and the need to care for their families. However, the event was overshadowed by political tensions, with Republicans and Democrats trading blame over the rushed evacuation. Johnson, a Trump ally, criticized the Biden administration's handling of the withdrawal, while Democrats called for bipartisan unity and remembrance of the troops' sacrifices. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged lawmakers to ensure the sacrifices were not in vain and to uphold the values of freedom and democracy. The ceremony also followed a critical House report on the withdrawal, adding to the political backdrop.