Rep. Panetta Joins Congressional Veterans in Demanding Transparency on Iran War Casualties

Monterey, CA – Following disturbing reports that the Department of Defense removed the names of four American troops from the official Iran War death toll, United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) and 13 other fellow Democratic veterans in urging the 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,” wrote the lawmakers.

“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,” continued the lawmakers. “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.”

Following public outcry, the Department of Defense quietly restored the names of the four U.S. servicemembers removed from the Iran War death toll over the weekend. The Administration has not provided an adequate explanation as to why the servicemembers were removed in the first place.

In addition to Panetta and Thompson, Reps. Pat Ryan (NY-18), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Derek Tran (CA-45), 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), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), and Jared Golden (ME-02) signed the letter.

Full text of the letter is available 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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