Miscellaneous

Lt. Col. Vindman has been a decorated soldier and a dedicated patriot. His courage extended from the dusty highways of Iraq to the stately committee rooms of Congress. When it mattered most, he bravely told the truth, and now President Trump is doing to him what he has done to so many before who have demonstrated such courage and convictions.

I join in commemorating Immigrant Heritage Month and honoring America’s role as a haven for those around the world seeking freedom, safety, and opportunity.  Our nation was built by immigrants, with each new wave of newcomers injecting new energy and ideas into the project of making America great and greater still. 

As Muslim Americans mark the end of Ramadan with the celebration of Eid-al-Fitr, they will be doing so without the comfort of gathering with families, friends, and neighbors.  Over the past month, the uniqueness of this year’s Ramadan observed in isolation has surely been challenging.  All Americans now know this same sadness, as holidays, graduations, births, funerals, and other special moments have occurred under stay-at-home orders and with social and physical distancing measures in place. 

Seventy-five years ago, a generation of Americans called to extraordinary service to our nation and the world rose to meet the greatest challenges with the greatest courage and determination. 

Michael Flynn twice pleaded guilty in court to serious criminal charges, yet his case is now being dropped by the Trump Administration's Justice Department.

I join in wishing a very happy Cinco de Mayo to all who are celebrating today.  On this day in 1862, Mexican forces defeated a French invasion at the pivotal Battle of Puebla, inspiring Americans with their forceful rejection of European colonialism and affirming the principle of self-determination in our hemisphere. 

Throughout the month of May, we honor the contributions of Americans of Asian and Pacific heritage.  For more than two centuries, people from Asia and the Pacific have been an integral part of building our country and adding to the richness of its cultural diversity.

As we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month throughout May, let us pay tribute to the millions of Jewish Americans who worked hard to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America since our nation’s earliest days.