[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5016 Introduced in House (IH)]







107th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 5016

      To express the appreciation of Congress for the outstanding 
  contribution that all military chaplains make to the members of the 
                    Armed Forces and their families.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             June 25, 2002

    Mr. Issa (for himself, Mr. Saxton, Mr. Calvert, and Mr. Pitts) 
 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on 
                             Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
      To express the appreciation of Congress for the outstanding 
  contribution that all military chaplains make to the members of the 
                    Armed Forces and their families.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. COMMENDATION OF MILITARY CHAPLAINS.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) Military chaplains have served with those who fought 
        for the cause of freedom since the founding of the Nation.
            (2) Military chaplains and religious support personnel of 
        the Armed Forces have served with distinction as uniformed 
        members of the Armed Forces in support of the Nation's defense 
        missions during every conflict in the history of the United 
        States.
            (3) 400 United States military chaplains have died in 
        combat, some as a result of direct fire while ministering to 
        fallen Americans, while others made the ultimate sacrifice as a 
        prisoner of war.
            (4) Military chaplains currently serve in humanitarian 
        operations, rotational deployments, and in the war on 
        terrorism.
            (5) Religious organizations make up the very fabric of 
        religious diversity and represent unparalleled levels of 
        freedom of conscience, speech, and worship that set the United 
        States apart from any other nation on Earth.
            (6) Religious organizations have richly blessed the 
        uniformed services by sending clergy to comfort and encourage 
        all persons of faith in the Armed Forces.
            (7) During the sinking of the USS Dorchester in February 
        1943 during World War II, four chaplains (Reverend Fox, 
        Reverend Poling, Father Washington, and Rabbi Goode) gave their 
        lives so that others might live.
            (8) All military chaplains aid and assist members of the 
        Armed Forces and their family members with the challenging 
        issues of today's world.
            (9) The current war against terrorism has brought to the 
        shores of the United States new threats and concerns that 
        strike at the beliefs and emotions of Americans.
            (10) Military chaplains must, as never before, deal with 
        the spiritual well-being of the members of the Armed Forces and 
        their families.
    (b) Commendation.--Congress, on behalf of the Nation, expresses its 
appreciation for the outstanding contribution that all military 
chaplains make to the members of the Armed Forces and their families.
    (c) Presidential Proclamation.--The President is authorized and 
requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United 
States to recognize the distinguished service of the Nation's military 
chaplains.
                                 <all>