[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 27 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  1st Session
H. J. RES. 27


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 6, 2003

  Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

                            JOINT RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing and commending the continuing dedication, selfless service, 
and commitment of members of the Armed Forces and their families during 
    the Global War on Terrorism and in defense of the United States.

Whereas the Global War on Terrorism began in response to the unprovoked 
        terrorist attack on the United States


homeland on September 11, 2001, which resulted in the deaths of thousands 
of United States citizens;

Whereas Al Qaeda, which attacked the United States on September 11, 2001, 
        remains a threat to the national security of the United States;
Whereas the members of the Armed Forces of the United States, a total force 
        comprised of active, National Guard, and Reserve personnel, have 
        undertaken more than 17 months of courageous and successful operations 
        against terrorism, not only in Afghanistan, but also worldwide;
Whereas since September 11, 2001, members of the United States Armed Forces have 
        promoted homeland security throughout the United States by performing 
        various missions, including providing security at the Nation's airports, 
        protecting the public at special events, and patrolling the Nation's 
        skies with combat air patrols;
Whereas members of the Armed Forces are helping around the world to train the 
        militaries of other nations in counter-terrorism operations;
Whereas these post-September 11, 2001, missions have been in addition to other 
        regular military missions and have been performed without any permanent 
        increase in the size of the Armed Forces;
Whereas more than 65 American servicemembers have died defending the Nation in 
        the Global War on Terrorism and more than 210 have been wounded or 
        injured;
Whereas nearly 225,000 members of the National Guard and Reserve components have 
        been mobilized for active duty since the start of the Global War on 
        Terrorism, of whom more than 166,000 remain on active duty, with 
        thousands facing a second year of active duty away from families and 
        civilian employment;
Whereas more than 200,000 active-duty personnel have already been deployed to 
        the Persian Gulf theater and thousands of Reservists and National Guard 
        members have been alerted for mobilization or are deploying for a 
        possible war with Iraq;
Whereas many employers in the Nation find their employees called to active duty 
        in the National Guard and Reserve, and are themselves called upon in the 
        spirit of patriotism to maintain job security for those mobilized 
        personnel and their families;
Whereas the ability of members of the Armed Forces to perform their missions 
        requires the support and sacrifice of their families and the commitment 
        to go wherever the Nation needs them;
Whereas the Nation is engaged in an unprecedented global conflict that presents 
        many new and dangerous challenges to the members of the Armed Forces; 
        and
Whereas this global conflict will require the Nation's unflinching resolve and 
        commitment to provide the Nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen, and 
        marines with the necessary resources required for victory: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress--
            (1) commends, and expresses the gratitude of the Nation to, 
        all members of the United States Armed Forces (whether on 
        active duty, in the National Guard, or in the Reserves) who are 
        fighting the Global War on Terrorism;
            (2) commends, and expresses the gratitude of the Nation to, 
        the employers who in the spirit of patriotism maintain the job 
        security of their mobilized National Guard and Reserve 
        employees;
            (3) commends, and expresses the gratitude of the Nation to, 
        the families of those servicemembers who have borne the burden 
        of separation from their loved ones and who have staunchly 
        supported them during the conduct of the Global War on 
        Terrorism;
            (4) expresses its condolences to the families of the brave 
        American servicemembers who have lost their lives defending the 
        Nation in the Global War on Terrorism; and
            (5) reaffirms that it stands united with the President in 
        the ongoing effort to defeat global terrorism.

            Passed the House of Representatives March 5, 2003.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.