Joe Pitts: “I want to first thank the chairman of the committee, Mr. Berman, and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen for moving this…”

“I want to first thank the chairman of the committee, Mr. Berman, and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen for moving this resolution so promptly. It is a privilege for me to sponsor this resolution. The six Americans had their lives brutally taken from them as they served the people of Afghanistan, and they deserve our deepest respect. From my district, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Glen Lapp came to Afghanistan in 2008, leaving his life in Pennsylvania behind in order to serve as the manager of a much-needed provincial eye care program in Afghanistan. Glen wrote that his hope was to treat the Afghan people with respect and with love as he served them throughout their country. The others who were killed were just as dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to the Afghans in remote areas. Aid workers have played a vital role in serving the Afghan public over the last three decades, due to the country's instability. While many aid workers in the past were given safe passage in conflict areas, sadly, in recent months, attacks against them have escalated. The perpetrators are breaking longstanding customs and have resorted to targeting the very people who are trying to supply the people of Afghanistan with the resources necessary to meet their most basic needs. It is obvious that those who killed these aid workers oppose economic and social progress in Afghanistan, including access to medical care, education, and shelter. These perpetrators must be brought to justice.”