Congressional delegation visits Europe for Battle of Bulge commemoration

Starting today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is leading a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Belgium and Luxembourg. This visit is on behalf of Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.

The delegation will participate in observances on Friday, December 13th, and Saturday, December 14th. These events will include veterans and their families, active duty servicemembers, government and military officials, and foreign dignitaries.

"The memory of the Battle of the Bulge reinforces the moral clarity to defend freedom at all costs," said Rep. McCaul. "My father’s generation fought to eradicate evil, and we must never forget their sacrifices. This battle serves as a reminder that freedom is never free, and democracies around the world must rally together when it comes under attack. I am proud to lead this bipartisan delegation to honor our heroes and reaffirm our commitment to protecting the freedoms for which they fought."

"In the early hours of December 16, 1944, 80 years ago, Nazi Germany waged a surprise attack against the Allied powers," Speaker Johnson stated. "Now known as the deadliest battle fought by the United States in the entire war, the Battle of the Bulge exemplified the tenacity and determination of U.S. and Allied forces who were willing to sacrifice everything in service of total victory over the Nazis." He added that it is his honor "to host this Congressional delegation to the site of the Battle of the Bulge and join the world in celebrating" those who changed history.

Members participating in this Congressional Delegation include The Honorable Michael McCaul; The Honorable Gary Palmer; The Honorable Mike Bost; The Honorable Nancy Pelosi; The Honorable Mark Takano; The Honorable Joe Wilson; The Honorable Salud Carbajal; The Honorable Neal Dunn; The Honorable Lloyd Smucker; The Honorable John Joyce; The Honorable Andrew Clyde; The Honorable Scott Fitzgerald; The Honorable Scott Franklin; The Honorable Mariannette Miller-Meeks; The Honorable Thomas Kean Jr.; The Honorable Nathaniel Moran; The Honorable Keith Self; and The Honorable Derrick Van Orden.