Cotton, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Allow Awarding Medal of Honor to SFC Cashe

Statement

Washington, D.C. -- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senators Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today introduced a bill that would give the president authority to award posthumously the Medal of Honor to Sergeant First Class (SFC) Alwyn Cashe.

SFC Cashe exemplified the finest traditions of military heroism when he disregarded his own safety and saved the lives of six fellow soldiers despite his serious injuries during Operation Iraqi Freedom in October of 2005. Cashe later died from his wounds, which included severe burns over 70% of his body.

The bill text may be found here. Representatives Daniel Crenshaw (R-Texas), Stephanie Murphy (D-Florida), and Michael Waltz (R-Florida) passed companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Mr. Cashe's incredible bravery on the battlefield in the service of his fellow Americans is worthy of the Medal of Honor. Unfortunately, current law prevents us from appropriately recognizing his service. Our bill will waive the current statutory limitations so that the president can ensure Mr. Cashe's memory is honored by our grateful nation," said Cotton.

"The actions of Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe exemplified the best of our military and nation. He made the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. SFC Cashe without a doubt deserves to posthumously receive the Medal of Honor for his bravery and selflessness. This legislation also shows that while we may be in divisive times, Congress and the American people can come together to recognize heroic efforts of our military. I am proud of our bicameral bipartisanship and I look forward to witnessing SFC Cashe finally receive the recognition he rightfully deserves," said Manchin.

"Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe, a native of Florida, served our country with remarkable courage, and he deserves to be awarded the Medal of Honor," Rubio said. "I am proud to introduce this legislation that will allow his legacy of service to be given the honor and recognition he deserves," said Rubio.

"Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe displayed incredible heroism and bravery while serving our nation, risking his own life to save six others. He truly represents what it means to be an American hero and is undoubtedly a worthy recipient of the Medal of Honor. I'm proud to join my colleagues in this legislation, which would allow the President to posthumously award Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe with this great honor," said Scott.

"Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe showed truly extraordinary heroism, selflessly sacrificing his own life to save his fellow soldiers. He is undeniably deserving of our nation's highest recognition of valor, the Medal of Honor. This legislation will ensure that our country can appropriately honor SFC Cashe's remarkable courage and pay our deepest respects to his family," said Blumenthal.

"Mr. Cashe demonstrated incredible bravery and selflessly saving the lives of six of his fellow soldiers in the face of danger," Cruz said. "Mr. Cashe should be remembered for his heroic service to our country. I'm proud to cosponsor this important legislation to ensure the Medal of Honor can be awarded to those most deserving."

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