Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) released a statement following the Pentagon’s head-scratching decision to make a Gold Star family pay over $60,000 to have their loved one’s remains transported back to the United States.
Sergeant Nicole L. Gee, a member of the United States Marine Corps, died in the tragic Afghanistan withdrawal and was able to have her remains transferred to Arlington National Cemetery with the help of a non-profit fundraiser. Rep. Mills' office did some digging and reported that the discrepancy was made possible in last year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which allows the Department of Defense to decline to pay for the transportation of deceased military men and women.
Rep. Mills' statement provided both understanding to Sgt. Lee’s family, and disdain for the Biden Administration’s handling of the situation.
"As a member of the US House of Representatives, my role is to represent and advocate for the American people. Due to the sensitivity of the matter, I felt the request for records from the Department of Defense (DOD) without the family’s consent would be inappropriate, given it was a Gold Star family themselves who approached me.
I understand the family of Sgt. Nicole Gee was, in their time of grief, confused regarding transportation proceedings. I am thankful that Honoring Our Fallen was able to assist the family and that the DOD was able to provide clarification on this matter.
Regardless of who covered the costs in this instance, there should never be a situation in which the DOD does not proactively make clear to families their willingness to cover transportation for servicemembers who have sacrificed their lives for our country. No fallen servicemember's family should ever have to question whether transportation will be paid for or if they will have to pay and be reimbursed at a later date.
The undeniable truth remains that these 13 deaths were preventable. Had President Biden heeded the provided intel warnings, this entire situation could have been avoided from the start.
Congress must amend DOD policy to require the DOD to pay for every stretch of transport requested by the family until final resting and to ensure clarity for future arrangements. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure this is never a concern for any Gold Star family in the future."
Recently, Rep. Mills accused the Democratic Party of playing politics while attempting to blame the botched Afghanistan withdrawal on former President Donald Trump (R).
