U.S. Senator Joni Ernst and Congressman Pat Harrigan called on Congress to recognize the contributions of allied Special Operations Forces and oppose political actions against those who served alongside American troops, according to a May 1 announcement.
The call comes as both lawmakers highlighted recent legal proceedings involving elite military units from U.S. allies, raising concerns about the impact on trust and cooperation among coalition partners. In their op-ed, Ernst and Harrigan said, “We have both served in combat, and we understand the importance of special operations forces, elite units trained and equipped to execute the toughest missions on our nation’s behalf.” They argued that ongoing prosecutions in Australia and the United Kingdom could erode confidence within these forces.
The lawmakers referenced cases such as the arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith in Australia for alleged war crimes during operations in Afghanistan over a decade ago—charges he has denied—and inquiries into Britain’s Special Air Service. They said these actions represent “retroactive prosecution driven by domestic political pressure rather than by evidence” for soldiers who acted under established rules.
Ernst’s office provides assistance with federal agency matters including Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, immigration, and military affairs according to her official website. She served more than 23 years in the Iowa Army National Guard where she reached lieutenant colonel rank and commanded troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom according to her official website. Ernst was raised on a family farm in Montgomery County, Iowa—a background that instilled values of hard work and service according to her official website—and became the first woman from Iowa elected to federal office upon joining Congress according to her official website. She holds degrees from Iowa State University (bachelor’s) and Columbus State University (master’s) according to her official website.
In their statement, Ernst and Harrigan emphasized: “Our resolution asks Congress to go on the record…and declare that politically motivated and retrospective prosecutions of allied special operators damage the trust and interoperability that coalition warfare depends on.” The resolution also urges U.S. agencies to engage directly with London and Canberra regarding these issues.
Looking ahead, they are pursuing legislation aimed at protecting American special operators from similar retroactive prosecutions under current U.S. law. As King Charles III visits America this week for its 250th birthday celebrations—a symbol of enduring alliances—the lawmakers concluded: “Our allies’ warriors have earned that from us —and…we owe them more than silence.”