Golden, Democratic veterans demand transparency on Iran war casualties

WASHINGTON — Following reports that the Department of Defense removed the names of four American troops from the official Iran War death toll, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and 14 fellow Democratic veterans are urging the Trump Administration to accurately and transparently account for U.S. servicemembers killed and wounded in the Iran war. 

“As veterans of America’s wars, we have serious concerns about reports that the Department of War is delaying, removing or otherwise mischaracterizing the release of information about wounded and killed U.S. servicemembers,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to President Trump. 

“The U.S. government owes U.S. servicemembers, their families, and every American the truth about all U.S. casualties in the War with Iran. It is imperative that these reports are timely, accurate and adequately explain the reason for amended or delayed reports,” they continued. “We urge you to commit to releasing timely and accurate information on all injuries and deaths of U.S. servicemembers.”

The letter was led by Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-14). Golden was joined on the letter by Reps. Pat Ryan (NY-18), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Derek Tran (CA-45), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Jason Crow (CO-06), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Salud Carbajal (CA-24) and Gil Cisneros (CA-31). 

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear President Trump,

As veterans of America’s wars, we have serious concerns about reports that the Department of War is delaying, removing or otherwise mischaracterizing the release of information about wounded and killed U.S. servicemembers.

The U.S. government owes U.S. servicemembers, their families, and every American the truth about all U.S. casualties in the War with Iran. It is imperative that these reports are timely, accurate and adequately explain the reason for amended or delayed reports. Inaccurate and delayed reports from the Department of War about U.S. casualties is bad for morale and undermines our U.S. servicemembers.

We urge you to commit to releasing timely and accurate information on all injuries and deaths of U.S. servicemembers.

Sincerely,

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