[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 131 (Wednesday, October 18, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H10070-H10081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING MEMBERS OF THE CREW OF THE GUIDED MISSILE DESTROYER U.S.S.
``COLE''
Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee
on Armed Services be discharged from further consideration of the
resolution (H. Res. 631) honoring the members of the crew of the guided
missile destroyer U.S.S. Cole (DDG-67) who were killed or wounded in
the terrorist bombing attack on that vessel in Aden, Yemen, on October
12, 2000, expressing the sympathies of the House of Representatives to
the families of those crew members, commending the ship's crew for
their heroic damage control efforts, and condemning the bombing of that
ship, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from South Carolina?
There was no objection.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 631
Whereas the guided missile destroyer U.S.S. COLE (DDG-67)
was severely damaged on October 12, 2000, when a boat bomb
exploded alongside that ship while on a refueling stop in
Aden, Yemen;
Whereas the explosion resulted in a 40-by-45 foot hole in
the port side of the ship at the waterline and left seven of
the ship's crew dead, ten of who as of October 17, 2000, are
missing and presumed dead, and over three dozen wounded;
Whereas the U.S.S. COLE had stopped in Aden for routine
refueling while in transit from the Red Sea to the Persian
Gulf to conduct forward maritime presence operations in the
Persian Gulf region as part of the U.S.S. George Washington
battle group;
Whereas the members of the United States Navy killed and
wounded in the bombing were performing their duty in
furtherance of the national security interests of the United
States;
Whereas United States national security interests continue
to require the forward deployment of elements of the Armed
Forces;
Whereas the members of the Armed Forces are routinely
called upon to perform duties that place their lives at risk;
Whereas the crew members of the U.S.S. COLE who lost their
lives as a result of the bombing of their ship on October 12,
2000, died in the honorable service to the Nation and
exemplified all that is best in the American people; and
Whereas the heroic efforts of the surviving crew members of
the U.S.S. COLE after the attack to save their ship and
rescue their wounded shipmates are in the highest tradition
of the United States Navy: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives, in response to
the terrorist bombing attack on the U.S.S. COLE (DDG-67) on
October 12, 2000, while on a refueling stop in Aden, Yemen,
hereby--
(1) honors the members of the crew of the U.S.S. COLE who
died as a result of that attack and sends heartfelt
condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
(2) honors the members of the crew of the U.S.S. COLE who
were wounded in the attack for their service and sacrifice,
expresses its hopes for their rapid and complete recovery,
and extends its sympathies to their families;
(3) commends the crew of the U.S.S. COLE for their heroic
damage control efforts; and
(4) condemns the attack against the U.S.S. COLE as an
unprovoked and cowardly act of terrorism.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from South Carolina (Mr.
Spence) is recognized for 1 hour.
General Leave
Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on H. Res. 631.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from South Carolina?
There was no objection.
Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the
customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton),
pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume.
(Mr. SPENCE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, it is with a profound sense of sadness that
I join my colleague, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), in
offering this resolution for consideration by the House.
Last Thursday, October 12, 2000, a small boat exploded alongside the
U.S.S. Cole during a brief refueling stop in the port of Aden in Yemen.
The blast ripped a 40 by 45 foot hole in her side, killing 17 sailors
and wounding some three dozen more.
This unprovoked and cowardly act of terrorism was perpetrated against
an American warship while en route to the Persian Gulf to conduct
maritime operations in the legitimate pursuit of our national security
interests abroad.
The resolution before the House condemns this senseless act of
violence against our military forces and expresses the sympathies of
the House of Representatives to the families of those crew members who
were killed or wounded in the attack.
What can you say? What can you do? How can you really express to the
families of these young men and women our profound sympathies and
appreciation for their commitment?
Mr. Speaker, as we meet today, hundreds of thousands of young
Americans from all corners of our great Nation are serving in the
military, overseas and here at home. They go about their daily duty
quietly and without fanfare. Yet, until something like this happens,
we, as a Nation, tend to forget what they do every single day of the
year to uphold our values, to protect our freedom and deter those who
seek to do us harm.
Mr. Speaker, we forget; freedom is not free.
The resolution before us today appropriately, I think, recognizes and
honors the price of freedom paid by the members of the crew of the
U.S.S. Cole.
We are free and secure as a Nation today because of all the men and
women of our military who fought to gain our freedom and independence,
in the very first instance during the Revolutionary War, and have gone
all over this world in war and peace since that time defending that
freedom, every day. People who are no longer with us, they have done
it.
Mr. Speaker, I do not know. I think as we honor these today, who have
paid the price for freedom, and their families too, I think of all the
others who have gone before too, who have paid the price, with their
lives, their limbs, their health, many were prisoners of war, many are
still missing in action, we should remember every single day we live
that the price of freedom has been paid by other people, so that we can
be free today.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such 3 minutes.
Mr. Speaker, Members speak on this floor for many reasons. We debate,
we advocate, we commemorate, we celebrate.
Today, though, I rise to give honor to a crew of brave Americans, the
crew of the U.S.S. Cole, and to give warning.
I want to honor those who gave their lives or were wounded while
serving their country in a distant port, far away from home and in the
cause of furthering the national security interests of our country. I
also want to honor the surviving crew members, who stayed with the
crippled ship and worked valiantly to recover their wounded or missing
shipmates and to repair the damage to their ship.
And while I say I speak to give them honor, truly it is they who
honor us. They and the millions of others who wear our country's
uniform, who honor America by their gift of service and dedication.
[[Page H10071]]
I also want to extend my deepest sympathies to the families and to
the friends of those who perished in this tragedy. Although I know they
are saddened by their loss, they should take comfort in that their
loved ones died pursuing the most noble of callings, serving in the
Armed Forces of the United States. They should know that we in
Congress, and indeed the people of this great Nation, are grateful for
their extraordinary service and sacrifice.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give warning. Those who
committed this barbarous act are already being judged beyond our
capacity to review. But to those whose dark and craven hearts conceived
it, hear this: While you may walk free today in a sunshine you have
denied so many others, so many families, so many communities, know
simply and surely that you will be held accountable.
Our memory is long, our reach is no less so. This outrage cost lives,
Mr. Speaker, and it left others in peril. We hear that this many men
were hurt, or that many women were hurt. No, Mr. Speaker. They are all
American sailors, one and all, and an injury to anyone is an insult to
America.
I do not doubt that such insult was the goal of the perpetrators. But
they should understand that they will pay a price for this heinous act.
Justice and the memory of those whose lives have been lost demand no
less.
Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Indiana (Mr. Buyer).
Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. My
heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the men and women who
were killed or wounded in this cowardly act, an act that was despicable
and premeditated.
This tragedy is a distressing reminder though of how dangerous the
world has become since the end of the Cold War. As the unprovoked
attack on the U.S.S. Cole demonstrates, the men and women of the Armed
Services are exposed daily to very real threats of death, violence and
destruction. For these reasons, our men and women in uniform, indeed,
all Americans, must remain vigilant in the defense of freedom and our
interests. Equally important, we must do everything we can to provide
for our military personnel the resources necessary to protect them as
they defend our interests around the world and that of our allies.
While these brave defenders of freedom will greatly be missed, their
spirit and legacy lives on. It is their values and their beliefs of
duty, honor, courage and commitment to God, country, family and our
fellow men and women that serve as an example for all of us to live and
aspire.
I urge the President to take appropriate action against the
perpetrators once the investigation is concluded and to take
appropriate measured response.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and my
heart goes out to the deceased sailors of the U.S.S. Cole.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Sisisky).
Mr. SISISKY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
Mr. Speaker, you have just heard it again. We said it last Thursday
on this floor; the world is still a very dangerous place.
Many members of the Virginia delegation last Saturday met with the
families of the wounded and the deceased in Norfolk, and many of us in
this body just returned from Norfolk where we attended services
honoring those who gave their lives on the U.S.S. Cole.
First, our condolences and prayers go out to the sailors who were
hurt or killed and their families. We will continue to provide them
with the best care and assistance that we possibly can.
For all of us from Hampton Roads, the fact that the U.S.S. Cole's
home port is Norfolk, and I use the present tense, because that ship is
coming home, the fact that U.S.S. Cole is a Norfolk ship brought this
terrible tragedy a little closer to home.
It reminds us how much these young men and women in uniform really
mean to us. They are our sons and our daughters, husbands and wives,
fathers and mothers, neighbors and friends.
Knowing what happened makes us feel immeasurable pride in their
lives, inconsolable grief for their deaths, and gratitude for the
homecoming of their shipmates. Their ship made a sacrifice for which we
feel an unbearable sense of loss.
In the Bible, when his friends died in battle, King David said:
``They were beloved and pleasant in life, and in death they were
together; they were swifter than eagles, they were strong as lions.''
That is exactly what we say.
And now it is our responsibility to love and support their families,
protect and defend their country, and honor their memory forever.
But those who survive may face the toughest challenge, and I want
them to know that all Americans are deeply grateful for their service
to our country.
Indeed, this world is still a very dangerous place.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz), a member of the Committee on Armed
Services.
Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart in support of
House Resolution 631, to honor the men and women of the U.S.S. Cole.
{time} 1715
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from South Carolina (Chairman
Spence) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), the ranking
member, as well as the leadership, for moving rapidly and allowing the
House of Representatives to speak to this important national moment.
I represent Navy country in south Texas, so we have a special
perspective of their service and a loss in a hostile action. Two of the
soldiers who lost their lives in the insidious act of terror were south
Texas' Specialist Third Class Ronchester Mananga Santiago of Kingsville
and Fireman Gary Graham Swenchonis, Jr. of Rockport, Texas.
Texas also lost Information Systems Technician Seaman Timothy Lee
Gauna of Rice.
Two women from south Texas were also on the ship, Elizabeth Sanchez
LaFountaine of Brownsville, who sustained a broken leg, and Esther
Arriaga Hood of Corpus Christi, who is still aboard the Cole.
Texans are proud that our sons and daughters seek to serve a larger
purpose by volunteering to serve in the United States military service.
It is, Mr. Speaker, a noble undertaking, but it often means that those
sons and daughters pay a heavy price to serve and protect the United
States' interests.
Our hearts wrench at the thought of our neighbors answering the door
to see the drawn faces of naval officers there to deliver the most
devastating news a parent can ever hear.
This should bring home the reality of all others that service in our
military today is a highly dangerous prospect for our soldiers and
sailors.
Just because we are not at war does not guarantee a level of safety
for those who serve in our military. This tragic incident has brought
together the ship's crew in a way no other experiences could, the way
only sailors have seen and been in battle together can understand.
These young people have learned to depend upon each other in the
aftermath of this cowardly act. They worked tirelessly to save the
U.S.S. Cole after the explosion.
Mr. Speaker, we mourn the young people who perished. We will hold up
those who were injured, and we will continue to pray for the safety of
men and women in uniform around the world. We offer our condolences to
the families.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie), a member of the committee.
(Mr. ABERCROMBIE asked and was given permission to revise and extend
his remarks.)
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep admiration that I rise
to express gratitude and respect for the sacrifices given of the men
and women serving on board the U.S.S. Cole.
Speaking as the senior Democrat on the Subcommittee on Military
Personnel of the Committee on Armed Services, I want to indicate that
these men and women, like thousands of other Americans across the
world, volunteered each and every day to defend and protect this
Nation. Sadly, on October 12, several sailors of the U.S.S. Cole paid
the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country while carrying out
their duties.
[[Page H10072]]
My heart and prayers are with these sailors' friends, families and
loved ones.
Despite the explosion that ripped through the U.S.S. Cole and wounded
many members of the crew, these dedicated sailors continue to defend
their ship and rescue other wounded shipmates. Their actions exemplify
the perseverance of Americans and the finest tradition of our Armed
Services.
I want to commend and pay tribute to these selfless Americans for
their service and dedication and wish them a speedy recovery.
Mr. Speaker, terrible events such as these put a face to patriotism.
They remind us that those in uniform around the world are young men and
women from our towns and cities who volunteer in service to their
country. Last year, they graduated from high school down the street;
perhaps they worked at the corner store. Today they unflinchingly stare
danger in the face with selfless dedication.
This tragedy reminds us of the human element of our armed forces and
highlights the importance of maintaining a focus on those policies that
best serve these young patriots, our military personnel, and enhance
the quality of their lives.
Finally, this tragedy offers a window into the composition of today's
military. I want to quote, Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, a piece from
yesterday's Boston Globe: ``The faces of the 17 sailors who were killed
aboard the U.S.S. Cole by a terrorist bomb attack last week are a
portrait of today's America, a mosaic of colors of which the U.S.
military is justly proud. To call out their given names is to sing a
contemporary chorus of `This Land is Your Land.' Two of the casualties
even represent a grim kind of civil rights milestone: They are the
first women killed in naval action.''
Mr. Speaker, the crew of the U.S.S. Cole embodies what is great in
America--our people and their courage, dedication, commitment, and
sacrifice. To the crew of the U.S.S. Cole, their families, friends and
loved ones, thank you for your service to a most grateful nation.
Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Bilbray).
(Mr. BILBRAY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, our hearts go out and our prayers go out to
the families of the 17 men and women who were lost in this tragic
incident in the Red Sea. Coming from a naval family myself, born on a
Navy base and raised with a father who went off to sea months at a
time, I understand the challenges that not only the active duty
personnel go through but also the trials and tribulations of those who
are left behind, the families, the loved ones.
This is a great Nation that demands great sacrifices to maintain its
greatness, and I think we underestimate the price of our greatness so
often. This last week, we were able to see exactly what kind of price
Americans have to pay for our greatness. San Diego has some of the
largest military installations in the world, Mr. Speaker. In fact, it
is the largest naval facility on the West Coast.
San Diego is especially proud of our military tradition; but this
week, we are grieving for the loss of our native daughter, Lakiba
Nicole Palmer. Ms. Palmer was only 22 years old and a seaman recruit
fresh out of boot camp. She was looking forward to a bright new future
and a challenging new career.
Along with another woman, Seaman Palmer sadly are the first women
killed in a hostile action against an American combat ship.
Mr. Speaker, what is particularly tragic for this family and to our
community is that she was looking so much towards her service as an
American sailor. She was an athlete at San Diego High School in my
district, Mr. Speaker, and she was a member of the all-academic team on
the track in 1995. It was known that she was a fierce competitor who
always tried harder than anyone else.
Mr. Speaker, our hearts go out to the family of this young lady and
our sympathies to the family. And I just ask every one of us to
remember when we vote here in the House at what price the freedom of
representative government comes to and what a great responsibility we
have, not just to our colleagues and our citizens, but also to our men
and women who stand in harm's way every day and every night.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), a member of the Committee on Armed
Services.
Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the
time and thank him for his leadership, as well as the gentleman from
South Carolina (Chairman Spence), at this terrible tragic time for our
country.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 631, honoring the
crew of the U.S.S. Cole and extending our sympathy to their families
and their loved ones. My wife, Carolina, and I attended the memorial
service held this morning for the brave sailors who have lost their
lives in this tragic and despicable act of terrorism.
All of our thoughts and our prayers are with them and their family
members as they persevere under these very difficult times. My thoughts
this morning, on a gray and somewhat drizzly midmorning ceremony, were
that we simply do not do enough for our men and women in uniform and
for their families.
It is truly unfortunate that it takes the loss of fine American men
and women like these sailors to remind us again of the dangers and
sacrifices that the men and women of our armed forces face each and
every day. However, at the memorial service this morning, it was also
reminded that we sometimes forget the everyday sacrifices that the
families and the loved ones of our service members make each and every
time their husbands, wives, sons, and daughters deploy.
We simply do not do enough for our men and women in uniform and their
families. I am moved by their strength under these difficult
circumstances and a difficult time and their commitment to the
importance of their loved ones' mission and service to their country.
In return for that strength, we can only offer them our prayers and
our guarantees that our country will not stop until we find the
individuals responsible for this horrific act of senseless violence and
bring them to justice.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I fervently believe we do not do enough for
our men and women in uniform and for their families.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the
Norfolk, Virginia, area (Mr. Scott).
Mr. SCOTT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the
time.
Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in paying homage to the brave young
crew members of the U.S.S. Cole who made the ultimate sacrifice for
their country, as well as those who are still missing and others who
were injured and, of course, the families of all of these fine sailors.
Mr. Speaker, this is a particular tragedy for Virginia, because the
U.S.S. Cole is home-based to the Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia. We
were honored to have the President of the United States, the Secretary
of Defense, the Secretary of the Navy, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staffs, both of our United States Senators, as well as all of the
local congressmen in Norfolk today for the memorial service.
Mr. Speaker, while it is imperative that we take swift action to
bring those responsible to justice, we must not jump to hasty
conclusions. We should remember that after the Oklahoma bombing, an
innocent man was arrested for that heinous act, simply because of his
ethnicity.
When we determine who is responsible for this attack, we will
remember President Clinton's frequent admonition that America takes
care of its own. When we determine who is responsible, our response
will make those who did it sorry they did it, and we will cause others
who might be thinking of doing the same to change their minds.
Mr. Speaker, all of the crew members of the U.S.S. Cole are to be
saluted for their bravery and dedication to duties. These casualties
remind us that freedom is not free. Their service to our Nation will
long be remembered.
Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Rohrabacher).
Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I gladly join my fellow colleagues in
supporting this commemoration and this resolution.
[[Page H10073]]
I grew up in a military family. I remember when I was a young boy, I
was 10 years old, my father was stationed in Japan. We lived in a small
enclave of military families. All the kids' fathers were pilots, and
one day the news came that the Chinese had shot down one of our
friend's father's plane, and I still remember the heartache and the
crying and the tears just as a little boy.
I remember seeing that and wondering what it was all about. But this
family would no longer have a father, a wife would no longer have a
husband, and there would be a vacant place around the Thanksgiving
table and the Christmas tree. These sacrifices that our military people
make, I do not think anybody knows the name of that gentleman and many
gentlemen like him, men and women who have given their lives during the
Cold War and since in order to protect our country.
They are truly heroes; and wherever they go, whatever job there is in
the military, they know they are taking the chance, the chance of
giving their lives and leaving their own loved ones alone in order to
protect all of us and our loved ones. And how much greater tribute and
how much greater sacrifice and how much greater service can there be
than that?
{time} 1730
So this resolution and the sacrifice of the American sailors who
perished and suffered injuries on the U.S.S. Cole is something that we
have to commemorate. This represents the voice of Congress, this
resolution, in expressing our condolences to the families of those
heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Unfortunately, the official radio of the United States government,
the Voice of America, has been prevented by our State Department, this
administration, from doing the same thing that we are now doing in this
resolution.
On October 16, the State Department, in an official message to the
Voice of America, denied approval of the Voice of America editorial
that would have been broadcast worldwide expressing the sorrow of the
American people over the loss of our sailors, the damage done to the
U.S.S. Cole and the loss of life of our brave defenders.
I am submitting for the Record a copy of this disgraceful State
Department message to Voice of America saying that they cannot
commemorate, cannot broadcast, this opinion about our brave men and the
sacrifice they made. I will read that, for those who are listening and
are reading the Congressional Record.
Mr. Speaker, this is from the State Department to a request from the
Voice of America to have an editorial memorializing these brave
Americans who gave their lives for us.
It said: ``This editorial will reach an audience that is caught up in
violence in Israel and the Occupied Territories. The 17 or so dead
sailors,'' that is American dead sailors, ``does not compare to the
100+ Palestinians who have died in recent weeks where we have remained
silent.''
I would suggest it is the job of this administration and of the State
Department to care more about our American military personnel who give
their lives than it is to care about things, tragic events that are
going on overseas. If our military people give their lives for their
country, they should expect that we will memorialize them in a fitting
way, and that this administration and that the State Department will
not get in the way because of some far-flung event in another part of
the world.
This is an insult. This is an insult to those brave people who gave
their lives. As we remember them today, let us pass this resolution.
Let us say our prayers for those families, and let us be very sincere
in this effort. I am sorry that I had to read this State Department
position here today, but I think it is important for the American
people to know just what the attitude of this administration is toward
our people who are defending this country and give their lives for us.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha), a distinguished member of the Committee on
Appropriations.
Mr. MURTHA. Mr. Speaker, I have a young sailor, a bosun's mate,
Richard Ying, that was hurt severely aboard the U.S.S. Cole. My staff
has talked to him several times. I tried to call and he was in
rehabilitation. He is back home, and they expect him to be back in
Windber, Pennsylvania, by Friday.
The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young) and I had anticipated trying
to go to visit the U.S.S. Cole over the weekend just to see how it was
going. All of us sympathize with the families who lost loved ones, and
all of us feel badly about the ones that were wounded.
But there is something else here that shows how good our troops are
operating. It was marvelous. I went aboard the U.S.S. Roberts when it
hit a mine. It had a hole about the size of a bus in the side. This
hole was even bigger, 40 feet. People do not realize how close it came
to sinking. We are talking about a ship that was in the harbor in water
that was calm, and it almost sank. If it had not been for the heroic
effort of this crew, actually using buckets to bail out the water, we
would have probably lost that ship.
So I want to commend the men and women that served on the Cole for
the phenomenal job they did in saving this ship. All of us hate to see
our men and women in harm's way. We have responsibilities and we cannot
withdraw from those responsibilities. But one thing for sure, that ship
was saved by the dedication of the men and women who served aboard the
Cole.
I add my commiseration and sympathy to the families, but I want to
commend the captain and the shipmates aboard the U.S.S. Cole for the
phenomenal job they did in saving that magnificent vessel.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost).
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to
me.
Mr. Speaker, as we all know by now, 17 sailors were either killed or
are missing from the attack on the U.S.S. Cole. Information Systems
Technician Seaman Timothy Gauna, a constituent of mine from Rice,
Texas, is among the missing. Like all the sailors aboard the U.S.S.
Cole, he was serving his country bravely and honorably when this
vicious attack took place.
I join the Gauna family, and all the families of the missing sailors,
in hoping that they will soon be accounted for.
Immediately after the attack, Mr. Speaker, I had the chance to visit
personally with seaman Gauna's family. I spoke with a mother who is
proud of her son's courage and patriotism. I talked to various family
members who admire Tim's dedication to America.
I do not know all the sailors on the U.S.S. Cole, Mr. Speaker, but I
know the family of Seaman Gauna. They, like all of the U.S.S. Cole's
sailors and their families, have America's gratitude and our prayers.
I was moved by the memorial service today in Norfolk that a number of
us attended. There the entire Nation joined injured sailors, some fresh
from the hospital, their IVs still attached to their arms, in paying
tribute to their fallen and missing comrades.
But our obligation to these brave men and women is greater than that,
Mr. Speaker. We must continue to be vigilant in the face of threats
from terrorists around the world. We must find the criminals
responsible for this cowardly act, and they must be brought to justice.
Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, these terrorists will soon learn that
America responds quickly and forcefully whenever we are attacked.
The FBI has now more than 60 agents in place investigating this
attack, and the Navy has assigned six U.S. warships to Aden harbor to
assist the U.S.S. Cole and its exhausted crew.
Mr. Speaker, every time anyone in uniform gets into a ship, a plane,
or a tank, they risk their lives in defense of America. For that, we
owe these great men and women of the United States Armed Forces our
most profound gratitude. They have it, Mr. Speaker, as well as the
solemn promise that America stands with them always and everywhere.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished
ranking member and the chairman of the committee for this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, this morning I joined my colleagues to memorialize our
fallen and missing sailors of the U.S.S.
[[Page H10074]]
Cole. What I am most reminded of, as I saw the humanity and love and
respect permeating and moving throughout that huge and enormously sad
audience, was the greatness of America.
The Chaplain who offered the invocation reminded us that freedom is
not free. This morning was a moment personally of profound grief, for
my State of Texas suffered great losses. But the country suffered a
loss, because these were bright and young and energetic and aspiring
young people, none over the age of 26.
So I join in the support of this resolution, and I join this Nation
in expressing sadness, loss, and resolve. I celebrate the lives of
these young people, some found, some still missing.
It is impossible to capture the pain of the family members, mothers
and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, aunts, uncles, cousins,
sisters and brothers who bear this great loss. But I do believe we can
speak today for this Nation that gathers around and embraces each other
in time of trouble.
We must salute the Navy, along with the entire military. These young
sailors who dedicated their lives to the Navy, and like gladiators of
old, took pride in their service to country, and wore their patriotism
as a shield so the world could sleep under a blanket of freedom.
Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to say to those who have done
this dastardly act that we have no fear, and that those who would do
this evil act, that we will find them and they will pay the appropriate
price. We must be safe, but the only way that we are safe is with these
strong men and women who have offered themselves to protect our
freedom.
There is a poem, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer, ``Genuine
Grace in Command'':
``Define me a legend,
A soldier of infinite truth;
Define for me a soldier of valor, successful or obtuse,
Enlighten me of nobility,
A birthright of kings and queens.
Fill all the pages of history books with stories forever
sung.
I swear I can hear them saying:
It is simple, the reason we fight:
Freedom, liberty, integrity,
These were given as our birthright.''
As I close, Mr. Speaker, in my salute to these fallen and missing
heroes and to their families, let me simply repeat Psalm 23.4:
``Even as I go through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear
no evil, for Thou art with me.''
We in this Nation, we as a Congress, we as family members, we fear no
evil, for Thou art with us.
Mr. Speaker, this morning I traveled to Norfolk, Virginia where I
took part in a memorial service with President Clinton, Defense
Secretary Cohen, Attorney General Reno, Secretary Danzi, Members of
Congress from both the House and the Senate, members from all the
military branches, the sailors and family from the U.S.S. Cole, the
Norfolk Naval community, to honor our fallen sailors who dedicate their
lives to ensuring our freedom here in the United States.
This morning was a moment of profound grief for me as I joined the
country in expressing sadness, loss and resolve; and the celebration of
the lives of our fallen sons and daughters through love and prayers. It
is impossible for me to describe the pain that the family members and
the country bears over this great loss. But I can speak of the love
that this Nation has for those who dedicated their lives to the Navy,
and like the gladiators of old, took pride in their service to country,
and wore their patriotism as a shield so the world could sleep under a
blanket of freedom.
As I think of our brave fallen soldiers, I am reminded of a poem
entitled Genuine Grace in Command:
Define for me a legend, a soldier of infinite truth, define
for me a soldier of valor, successful or obtuse?
Enlighten me of nobility, a birthright of kings and
queens? Fill all the pages of history books, with
stories forever sung!
But while you regale nameless faces of glory, times over and
over again! I beg you remember the individuals, who's
honors I now proudly present!
I speak here of soldiers with humility, yet clearly a
leaders. Quietly commanding, entirely through their
presence within. Their desires were not for greatness,
simply the survival of team! Their goal not for fame or
fortune, but to share their gift till the end!
Many times we are left with a memory, which overshadows us
all! Many times we are left and dishearten, wondering
why we fought for the cause?
And yet here were soldiers who never questioned, the mission
life had set them on! Perhaps the greatest gift they
gave us was the understanding of truth!
I swear I can hear them saying, it's simple the reason we
fight. Freedom, liberty, integrity, these were given as
our birthright.
We must fight to preserve what was given us, even fight
unmercifully to the end!
We shall provide their tomorrow even their better life! Let
it not dishearten you, the lack which they seem to
know. There will come a day when we are remembered for
what we had to show!
To the sailors of the U.S.S. Cole who sacrificed their lives for us,
you will be remembered for the sacrifice you showed the world.
I pay tribute to our missing and lost U.S. Sailors:
Electronics Technician Chief Petty Officer Richard Costelow, of
Morrisville, Pennsylvania.
Hull Maintenance Technician Third Class Kenneth Clodfelter, of
Mechanicsville, Virginia.
Mess Management Specialist Seaman Lakeina Francis, of Woodleaf, North
Carolina.
Information Systems Technician Seaman Timothy Gauna, from Rice,
Texas.
Signalman Seaman Apprentice Cherone Gunn, of Rex, Georgia.
Seaman James McDaniels, of Norfolk, Virginia.
Engineman Second Class Mac Nieto, of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin.
Electronics Warfare Technician Third Class Ronald Owens of Vero Beach
Florida.
Engineman Fireman Joshua Parlett, of Churchville, Maryland.
Seaman Apprentice Lakiba Nicole Palmer of San Diego, California.
Fireman Apprentice Patrick Roy of Cornwall on Hudson, New York.
Electronics Warfare Technician Second Class Kevin Rux, of Portland,
North Dakota.
Mess Management Specialist Third Class Ronchester Santiago, of
Kingsville, Texas.
Operations Specialist Second Class Timothy Saunders, of Ringold,
Virginia.
Fireman Gary Swenchonis, Jr., of Rockport, Texas.
Ensign Andrew Triplett, of Mason, Mississippi.
Seaman Apprentice Craig Wibberley, of Williamsport, Maryland.
They were the best America had to offer, for they took upon
themselves an oath taken by men and women from the beginning of time,
and that is the oath of service to country.
For those of you who have caused this misery, I assure you, this
country will not rest until you are found and brought to justice. The
United States will not shy away from its commitment for ensuring peace,
freedom and stability in the Middle East and around the world.
Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of the Committee on
International Relations.
(Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to
me.
Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman from South Carolina
(Chairman Spence) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Missouri
(Mr. Skelton), for introducing this important resolution at this time.
I am pleased to join in supporting this timely bipartisan resolution
condemning the terrorist attack on the U.S.S. Cole and honoring its
courageous crew and those who lost their lives or were injured, and
recognizing the heroic efforts that were made to save this ship despite
massive damage to its hull.
The terrorist attack on the U.S.S. Cole, which was docked in Yemen
for refueling, reminds us all that despite our best efforts, it is not
always possible to harden every U.S. target abroad.
It also highlights the need for increased intelligence capacity in
these dangerous parts of the world.
Our U.S. embassy in Yemen is a highly secure facility with
substantial set backs, making it hard to hit with terrorist bombs. The
search for softer targets is how the determined new terrorists now
operate as we harden more and more traditional U.S. diplomatic targets
abroad.
Greater intelligence efforts are essential as these ruthless
terrorists search for our soft underbelly. In this day of local
criminal elements supporting terrorist networks through collaboration
in the drug trade, and in supplying stolen vehicles, explosives, and
safe houses, we often overlook one key source of better intelligence on
terrorists; that is, the police in the tough regions such as the Middle
East.
We need better and closer cooperation on the police front, both in
fighting the crime and terrorism from
[[Page H10075]]
abroad targeting our Nation, and we need their help.
Under Director Louis Freeh, the FBI has been trying to help some
moderate and friendly Arab nations get an international law enforcement
style type regional police training at the police academy, the ILEA,
off the ground in the Middle East. These police schools help create the
vital cop-to-cop relations and links on the ground that result in
greater crime-fighting information and information-sharing with our
U.S. law enforcement entities, and especially among the various
regional police agencies.
Washington bureaucratic inertia stalled these FBI efforts in the
Middle East until our House Committee on International Relations
recently urged action on that initiative. Movement is now underway for
a Middle East regional police training school, costing the taxpayer no
monies to satisfy State Department bureaucratic concerns.
Another lesson from the U.S.S. Cole attack is the need for prompt and
aggressive law enforcement response to preserve evidence, to interview
witnesses, to pursue leads before the terrorists and their followers
flee to safe havens. We must make certain that those responsible are
brought to justice.
I am proud that our committee played a key role in giving the FBI new
commercial leasing authority for transport planes for a quick response
to these kinds of attacks.
{time} 1745
I commend our FBI, our diplomatic security and other agencies for
their quick action to help secure facilities in Aden and the efforts to
apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime.
I want to again commend the authors of this resolution in bringing
this issue to the floor today as our Nation honors the crew of the
U.S.S. Cole. With all of us working together, I am certain we can bring
those responsible to justice for this attack and work to ensure that we
minimize the likelihood of any other similar attack in the future.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Pomeroy).
Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time.
I think that, in this hour, it perhaps does us good to put aside for
a minute the geopolitical discussions advanced by the gentleman from
New York (Chairman Gilman), my friend speaking before me, and
concentrate instead on the loss that we have suffered, memorialize and
honor the service of the men and women of the U.S.S. Cole, and grieve
with them the loss of their classmates.
When the terrible news about this terrorist attack flashed across the
television sets of this country, we had a sick feeling across the
entire country about this senseless loss of life in a pathetic,
cowardly terrorist act.
This feeling of sadness became much deeper when we learned that one
of the dead was one of our own. Kevin Shawn Rux from Portland, North
Dakota. Kevin was 30 years old. He was an electronic warfare
technician, second class. He was the son of a Navy man, the nephew of
another Navy man, and he was in his 11th year of service to our country
in the United States Navy.
Earlier, in the week, Kevin had called his wife Olivia in Norfolk,
Virginia to extend his love on their 10th anniversary. He was halfway
across the world, serving his country. On his anniversary, perhaps his
last visit with Olivia, he extended his love in this fashion.
We cannot really fully appreciate, until a tragedy drives us to
really think about it, the measure of commitment and sacrifice that the
men and women in our military make. I mean they are some of our finest.
They are in really up-close personal ways some of our very finest.
Some of those who went to high school with Mr. Rux were quoted as
saying, ``He was a friendly, good student, wrestler, not a trouble
maker, had his head screwed on straight.'' His former wrestling coach
was quoted as saying, ``Kevin was a tough little cookie. He was all
business. He was consistent. He was always there. He knew his role.''
Well, those observations of a high school wrestling coach were very
true of his service to our country in the Navy as well. He had his head
screwed on straight. He was always there. He was a tough little cookie.
What a tragedy for his wife and his family. What a tragedy for us in
North Dakota. What a tragedy for our country to have lost sailors the
caliber of Mr. Rux.
So I ask that we in this time think and pray for the departed and
their families. They have served their country very well.
Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Greenwood).
Mr. GREENWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this
time.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to both celebrate and mourn the loss of
life of those who carried our freedom and beliefs across the seas
aboard the U.S.S. Cole.
One of the 17 who died was 35-year-old Richard Costelow who grew up
in my county of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Richard attended
Morrisville High School, and he graduated in 1983. As one of his
teachers remembered him, Richard ``gave 100 percent every day. That
kind of kid doesn't come along too often.''
Richard joined the Navy in 1988 and worked his way up to the ranks to
electronic technician, first class. As the President mentioned at this
morning's memorial service, he spent 5 years in the White House
Communications Office and received the prestigious National Defense
Service Medal.
My heart goes out to the Costelow family, his wife Sharla, and their
three boys as well as to his parents and extended family.
Today we mourn this tragic loss, but we will never forget those who
served to protect the ideals we as a Nation hold dear.
Mr. Speaker, it is particularly grotesque that these young men and
women killed and injured in this event were in service of the greatest
beacon of freedom ever in the history of the world, and that so often
those who commit these acts of terrorism are individuals who themselves
are victimized by brutal leaders who, while keeping their boot on the
faces of the people of their countries, use the United States as a
scapegoat for the frustration and the agony that their own people feel.
Someday we will conquer this ignorance, and someday all of the
peoples of the world will be free. Until that day comes, we will rely
on the Richard Costelows of the world to protect us from those who live
in ignorance.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez).
Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr.
Skelton), the ranking member of the House Committee on Armed Services
for yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 631 in honor of
the crew members killed and wounded on the U.S.S. Cole.
As a member of the House Committee on Armed Services, I am
continually impressed by the dedication to duty of those serving in the
armed services. These young men and women volunteer. They volunteer,
and they put their lives on the line to defend the freedoms that many
of us take for granted.
Last week, this Nation was reminded of their sacrifice. Seventeen
people died, and 39 were injured serving aboard the U.S.S. Cole when a
cowardly act of terrorism changed their lives forever and the lives of
their families.
This incident opens up old wounds such as the 1983 bombing of the
Marine barracks in Lebanon that killed 241 and the 1996 bombing of the
Khobar Towers that killed 19.
Our Nation is blessed with many virtues. Unfortunately, these
incidents affirm that none are as precious as the men and women who
risk their lives in the service of this country.
It has been said ``For those who manned the battle line the bugle
whispers low, and freedom has a taste and price the protected never
know.''
Our hearts go out to the families of the brave men and women we honor
today. They are now part of the soul of our great Nation.
Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Smith).
[[Page H10076]]
Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, well, again, thanks to the
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence) and the gentleman from
Missouri (Mr. Skelton), ranking member.
Seventeen young crew members in the U.S. Navy were serving their
country. In an instant, their lives were taken as a result of this
terrorist attack on the U.S.S. Cole. Of those killed, most were young.
Most came from our typical American hometown. They all left families
and friends to mourn them. My thoughts and prayers go out to those
families and friends. We, as a country, grieve with them.
I feel, I think, some of this grief as I remember that day in 1957
when we received word that my brother's plane had gone down, and he was
killed. The family is never quite the same.
A senseless tragedy like this attack on the U.S.S. Cole, I think,
allows us to reflect on all those military service members and their
families who sacrifice so much while serving this great country.
Our brave men and women in all the branches of the armed services
stand ready to defend America, not only within our borders, but
throughout unpredictable international waters and lands.
Let us continually stand behind them and support them and humbly
recognize their sacrifices. I think too often we take their services
for granted. We would not be enjoying the freedoms we have now without
the sacrifices of so many during our great country's history.
I hope we will often remember how important America's military is to
ensure the freedoms and liberties we have in this country.
Again, my very sincere condolences go out to the family and the loved
ones of those service men and women who had their life taken. May God
help them through this difficult time.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson).
Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, we all send our deep-felt thoughts to the
families of those who are lost and injured. Any of us who have military
facilities in our districts know that the daily sacrifice that the men
and women in uniform give to this Nation is something that keeps us
free and frankly keeps the world free. Without American service
personnel, this world would not be a world filled with burgeoning
democracies.
But for those families whose tragic loss by these cowardly
terrorists, every Member in this Chamber, everyone in the
administration will take every effort to make sure that they are caught
and punished.
America is the leading force in the world for freedom, and often we
are the leading target of the mad men of this world. They will not
succeed. We will join together with other freedom-loving Nations, and
we will end terrorism. We will win this fight, and we will do this
united with many of our friends across the globe.
All of my constituents and all my colleagues again send our prayers
to the families and our gratitude to all the men and women in uniform.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bliley). The Chair announces that the
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence) has 7\1/2\ minutes
remaining. The gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) has 3 minutes
remaining.
The gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence) has the right to
close.
Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), chairman of the Subcommittee
on Military Research and Development of our Committee on Armed
Services.
(Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to revise
and extend his remarks.)
Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished
chairman for yielding me time. I thank both the gentleman from South
Carolina (Mr. Spence) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton),
our distinguished ranking member, for this particular legislation.
I rise with a deep sense of sorrow shared by all of our colleagues on
both sides of the aisle in remembering those brave Americans who paid
the ultimate price for the freedom and democracy that we enjoy.
It is appropriate, Mr. Speaker, that, during this time of reflection
on the lives of these individuals, these young sons and daughters and
mothers and fathers, these young relatives of so many families in
America that have been taken away from us, that we reflect on the value
of our military and the role they perform every day of the year.
Mr. Speaker, we lost 17 brave Americans. We lost dads who left kids.
We lost daughters who left behind moms and dads. We lost people who
were involved in their community and charity events and church
organizations. We lost future leaders of America. Perhaps even among
them was a Member of Congress. I heard the President say today that one
of the individuals actually had worked at the White House, helping with
the computer system.
These were not just sailors. These were individuals who were destined
to become a part of the American fabric, who were going to eventually
assume their leadership role in both the military and also in civilian
life. Tragically, they were cut down.
{time} 1800
I would ask our colleagues to remember the individuals that are being
honored here tonight and the entire crew of the ship, and that we think
about the implications of having a Navy where one-third of our ships
are right now deployed, and over one-half of those ships underway
steaming across the seas to distant lands to protect America. We have
military personnel in dozens of cities and countries around the world
today performing important functions of keeping peace, allowing us to
have that forward presence and making sure that the world is stable.
Sometimes I think we take that for granted as a nation, and it takes
this kind of incident to remind us that these are human beings; that we
have the responsibility to give them the proper benefits, the
responsibility to give them the proper equipment, and the proper
training.
I agree with what the President has been saying and what Governor
Bush has been saying and Vice President Gore. We do have the best
military in the world, and it is the best-trained military in the
world. But I can tell my colleagues that I am concerned. We cannot cut
our Navy back from 585 to 317 and keep the level of deployments up. We
cannot continue to have 35 deployments in 9 years all over the world
and not expect additional pressures like what we have seen.
Mr. Speaker, there needs to be a full investigation of this incident,
and there needs to be a full accounting for those who perpetrated the
act and the reasons why this act occurred.
But today we remember those brave souls, those brave heroes, and I
join with my colleagues in extending our warmest and deepest sympathy
to the families and loved ones of these brave sailors. I ask all of us
in America to reflect on the importance of our military and make a
renewed commitment in honor of those brave 17 Americans and the entire
crew of the Cole that we will continue to provide the full support of
all Americans in providing the funding for an adequate military, for
the proper quality of life, for proper health care, and for all those
other commitments that America needs to make to its uniformed
personnel.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Guam
(Mr. Underwood).
Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding
me this time, and I rise in strong support for this resolution
introduced by the chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services and
the ranking member.
At a tragic time like this, it is important to remember that freedom
is not defended by ships or airplanes or tanks, freedom is defended by
people; people from all walks of life and people from all around the
country; people who are capable of doing individual things and making
their contribution to the Nation. These sailors who were victims of a
very cruel and vicious act are amongst freedom's best, are amongst
America's best.
Terrorist acts are supposed to inspire terror. I think that this
resolution, I think the comments of many of the Members today, I think
the sentiments of the American public, I think the moving memorial
service earlier today indicates that America is anything but terrorized
by this act. Instead, we are
[[Page H10077]]
galvanized to do the best that we can by our men and women in uniform,
to continue the policy of trying to extend freedom around the world and
to protect it wherever it is threatened.
So today at this time I think we want to extend our deepest and
sincerest condolences to the families and again to pay tribute to these
fine young Americans.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Pickett), a member of the Committee on
Armed Services.
Mr. PICKETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time.
Today, in Norfolk, Virginia, we were touched as a Navy family,
community, and Nation as we mourned the brave American sailors who paid
the ultimate sacrifice on board the U.S.S. Cole in the name of liberty
and freedom. These men and women, our fathers and sons, brothers and
sisters, mothers and daughters, were violently attacked as they stood
watch for their country. Instantly, the promise and hope of 17 voices
were forever quieted by an act of hate. Even now, the captain,
officers, and crew of the U.S.S. Cole are working around the clock to
save their ship. Let there be no mistake, the United States condemns
those responsible for these acts and will relentlessly pursue the
attackers until their identity is known and justice is served.
Sometimes, Mr. Speaker, in times of peace and prosperity, which we
largely enjoy today, it is easy to forget the perils our men and women
in uniform face each day. Our sailors, soldiers, airmen, and Marines
put their lives on the line not just when they are deployed in harm's
way in the world's volatile areas like those aboard the Cole, but also
each day as they train to get ready for such missions. These brave
Americans heard the call of duty to serve their country, and like all
men and women in the service, the U.S.S. Cole answered that call to
travel to far-off lands to keep the peace and carry American ideals to
places where they are so desperately needed. Their bravery is exemplary
of the American spirit and one reason the United States serves as a
beacon of hope and freedom to others around the world.
To these servicemen and women courageously serving their country, we
say thank you. We will find these attackers and they will be brought to
justice.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from
Indiana (Mr. Roemer), who is a member of the Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence.
Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend on the Committee on
Armed Services for yielding me this time.
I know my entire State and my district back home in Indiana send
their thoughts and prayers not only to the 17 families but all our
families that are present overseas today and tomorrow doing the great
job they do to protect this great Nation.
As a member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, a few
days ago I received a briefing out at Langley, and I know that the
intelligence community is working tirelessly, day in and day out, to
follow every lead to gather all the evidence and the facts so that we
can find out who did this and make sure when we find out that there is
swift justice. We will find the culprits and the cowards that inflicted
this on our people, and justice hopefully will be done soon.
Our prayers go to our service personnel and to our intelligence and
military community to help us address this very serious situation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Pease). The time of the gentleman from
Missouri (Mr. Skelton) has expired. The gentleman from South Carolina
(Mr. Spence) has 4\1/2\ minutes remaining.
Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Missouri (Mr. Skelton).
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds of that time to the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews), a member of our committee.
(Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time, and let me extend my profound and personal sense of grief and
appreciation to the families of those brave Americans who served on the
Cole.
Let me say this. I know these words will be of little comfort to
those who have suffered such a great loss, but to those who question
the character of the young people in America today, I would say that we
have a resounding answer. We had young people who were willing to
enlist voluntarily in the service of their country and give their
lives. They have done so with great honor. We are very proud of them,
and their families should know they have given their lives nobly and
will not be forgotten.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, it was the Roman orator Cicero who once said that
gratitude is the greatest of all virtues. This morning in a ceremony
next to the U.S.S. Eisenhower at Norfolk, Virginia, commemorating the
lives of those 17 sailors, feelings came to each of us; feelings of
sympathy for the families of those injured and those deceased,
admiration for the sailors who carried on and saved their ship and did
so well by doing their duty, and anger, anger at those who perpetrated
this deed. And yet that anger will fade into determination to cause
America to seek justice.
I will repeat the words of Admiral Robert Natter, as he spoke during
the ceremony: ``All Americans should remember. Remember the Cole.''
Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, we are gathered here on this very solemn occasion to
honor these people who have paid the price for our freedom. How can we
honor them? What can we say? What can we do?
I think one thing we can do as a Nation is to assure those families
of these young men and women, and the ones who were injured and all the
other members of our armed forces today who are paying the price every
day in all kinds of ways all over this world. The price for what?
Freedom.
We have heard many of us use the word freedom many times today. And
some might wonder, what does that have to do with it? That is what it
is all about. These young men and women not only today but in the past
who served our country have not only given us our freedom but defended
it every day all over this world at great sacrifice. Why is that
freedom so important? Without it, where would we be?
Some wonder about some of us who are so strong for national defense,
that is why. Freedom is so important. Without freedom, we would not
have the environment necessary to consider all the other problems we
have in this country to deal with. First, we must have our freedom. In
a free society we can then go about dealing with the rest of our
problems. But I never, never, never get away from the fact that we,
every day, take for granted what other people before us over the years
have done in giving us and defending our freedom for us today who have
not paid that price.
As I said earlier, I think every day we should honor people, not just
one day every so often when these kinds of things happen. We should
every day pay honor to those who have given us our very freedom.
Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, events are sometimes so horrible that
words alone do not fully describe the pain and sorrow that is in all of
our hearts. The tragedy aboard the U.S.S. Cole was just such an event.
This act of cowardice and malice against 17 Americans who were simply
doing their duty is beyond all reason.
These brave soldiers died in the line of duty, and the resolution
before us honors those who so valiantly gave their lives in the service
of their country.
It is a simple gesture, but it is so necessary.
Our fallen sailors are the true heroes of our society.
They worked day after day and week after week to protect our nation
from harm. They spent their time promoting peace in the world. They
were symbols of American values--democracy, diversity, human tolerance
and understanding, opportunity and freedom.
Today, America is stronger because of your brave service overseas--
and the world is a better place because of your sacrifice.
We say as a country that we will not let heinous acts of terrorism
deter us from our mission of peace in the Middle East and around the
world. We will not rest until the people responsible for this crime are
brought to justice. And we will not shrink from our duties in the
world--we will continue to maintain our presence and promote freedom,
democracy, and better relations among all people.
[[Page H10078]]
I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the victims' families. Our
thoughts and prayers are with you. You, too, have made the ultimate
sacrifice, and we as a country are forever in your debt. Our hearts and
gratitude also go out to the injured and their families who have also
suffered from this attack.
I salute the brave souls who fought to reclaim their ship--to save
their vessel under the most difficult, wrenching circumstances. They
are a tribute to our armed forces and they embody the best values in
our society.
Finally, I want to say, humbly, that America will never forget our
fallen heros. We will always honor the sacrifice you have made so that
others might live in peace.
Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.
Res. 631, honoring our servicemen and women who were victims of the
terrorist attack on the destroyer U.S.S. Cole.
I was saddened and outraged by the cowardly attack carried out
against the U.S.S. Cole on October 12 off the Yemeni Coast. First and
foremost, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of
those who laid down their lives serving their country and representing
the highest traditions of the United States Navy.
As I sat and watched the television that dark Thursday morning, I
could not help but feel for the loved ones of the fallen. I hope that
time and reflection and God's healing hand can put their pain at ease.
The 17 sailors who perished and the over three dozen wounded were
carrying out a mission of vital national interest to America. They were
part of a carrier battle group that projects our forward maritime
presence by taking station in the Persian Gulf region. These brave
Americans's knew they were going into a volatile region. They were made
ever more aware of their situation as fighting broke out between the
Israeli government and Palestinians. However, members of our armed
forces are regularly called upon to carry out their assignments that
place them in harms way. Still, when even one American dies in the line
of duty, it is a time for reflection and sorrow.
The heroic damage control efforts of the U.S.S. Cole's crew after the
explosion saved not only the ship, but lives. After the blast that
ripped a 40 by 45 foot hole in the port side of the ship and exploded
windows on land, the crew was able to maintain composure and stop the
flooding. I can only image what it must have taken for a sailor aboard
to see the havoc but still have the courage and presence of mind to do
their duty by sealing off the bulkheads and evacuating the injured.
The terrorists that carried out this cowardly mission perished in the
blast, but there are numerous responsible parties that financed,
trained, and planned the attack. Our government must locate these
perpetrators and bring them to justice no matter where they are in the
world as soon as possible.
America must always be vigilant for those who wish to do harm to our
troops and citizens. We must never let those who harm U.S. citizens go
unpunished. However, America will not be deterred by this act from
carrying out missions that are vital to our national interests in the
region.
Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in honoring the entire
crew of the U.S.S. Cole, and in offering my heartfelt condolences to
the families of those sailors who gave their lives in service to their
country.
As often as I can, I offer my sincere appreciation and admiration to
the men and women who proudly serve in uniform on behalf of the United
States of America. The efforts of these fine Americans, both in
peacetime and in war, not only have allowed this nation to achieve its
stature as the greatest institution of democracy and liberty the world
has ever known, but have ensured the high level of security and
prosperity we now know.
However, on this day we must sadly confront the harsh reality that
national security is not without risk. Today we are reminded that our
soldiers, sailors and airmen are, in fact, our front line of defense in
an unpredictable and sometimes dangerous world. We realize, as is
carved in granite at the National Korean War Memorial, ``peace is not
free.'' Sometimes the cost of peace comes at a very high price.
The sailors of the U.S.S. Cole, those cruelly snatched from this
Earth, those injured in the blast, and those still on board who bravely
worked to assist their mates and who continue to struggle to maintain
their ship, represent the noblest principles of our nation and of our
history.
Almost 140 years ago, when consecrating the graves of Americans who
gave their lives in the fields of Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln
said: ``The world will little note nor long remember what we say here,
but we must never forget what they did here.'' Few words ring as true
through the ages, or as appropriate on this solemn day.
Today, my colleagues and I grieve and pray with the families who lost
loved ones on board the Cole, and with the sailors recovering from
injuries sustained in the vicious attack. Our nation's resolve to find
those responsible for this tragedy is strong, and our will to ensure
justice is unbending. All Americans, across this nation and at all
points of the globe, must never forget the ultimate sacrifice of these
men and women and of their families. But, I submit, each of us must
also strive to better remember and honor the acts of bravery and
sacrifice our men and women in uniform commit each and every day.
Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the brave
young men from Texas who died in last week's attack against the U.S.S.
Cole--Ronchester M. Santiago of Kingsville, Timothy L. Gauna of Rice,
and Gary G. Swenchonis, Jr. of Rockport.
These young men, none older than 26, were pillars of their
communities who joined the U.S. Navy to serve their country and protect
our national security. Specialist Third Class Santiago, a cook aboard
the Cole, was remembered as an excellent student and well-respected by
his peers.
Seaman Gauna, an information systems technician, was a standout on
his high school basketball and baseball teams. He also served as a
bilingual teacher's aide at a local elementary school after graduation,
before joining the Navy.
Fireman Swenchonis, who had not joined the Navy until January 1999,
was remembered as a good student, always willing to volunteer or lend a
helping hand.
They are just three of the 17 sailors killed or presumed dead in this
despicable act of terrorism. Our sympathies are with the families of
those sailors, along with the families of the injured, including Kesha
Stidham of Austin, who lies in critical condition.
As the Navy continues to recover its dead, the FBI, along with
military and Yemeni authorities, are working around the clock to find
those who are responsible. I congratulate them on their quick work so
far and hope that additional leads and arrests will be forthcoming.
Let those who conceived this brutal act, however, heed our words.
America will not stand idly by as her young men and women are
slaughtered by cowardly men in cowardly acts. You will be found, you
will be brought to justice, and you will be punished.
Mr. Speaker, our resolve will not be affected by this attack. The
United States will continue to work for peace and stability to the
Middle East, and we will continue to oppose those who seek to deal in
the currency of violence and terror.
Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Petty
Officer First Class Douglas Hancock, a brave young sailor from
Enterprise who was injured in the disgusting and cowardly act of
terrorism that was the attack on the guided missile destroyer U.S.S.
Cole (DDG-67).
In the early hours of October 12, 2000, a worried Grady White called
my office asking for my assistance in determining whether his grandson
was injured or killed in the attack. Due to some confusion over who was
listed on Douglas' notification list, the Hancock family was worried
they might not be contacted. The Navy did an admirable job keeping all
the families of the crew members of the U.S.S. Cole informed under the
circumstances. However, when CNN ran footage of injured sailors being
carried into the hospital, Mrs. Becky Hancock, Douglas' mother, was
both relieved and worried when she recognized Douglas' face as one of
the injured sailors.
Douglas Hancock suffered a broken jaw and cuts from the explosion. He
was one of the 37 injured. He was not among the seven confirmed dead or
the ten missing and presumed dead. He is going home to his close-knit
family and friends.
I salute Petty Officer Douglas Hancock and the rest of the U.S.S.
Cole's crew for their bravery and service to our nation.
Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that we honor the
brave young men and women who lost their lives in last week's shocking
attack on the U.S.S. Cole in the Port of Aden, Yemen. This terrorist
attack provides us with another painful reminder that the United States
military must always remain vigilant in a world often hostile to our
country's interests.
Our military is constantly threatened by enemies of peace throughout
the world. From peace-keeping operations in the Balkans, to preventing
communist aggression on the Korean Peninsula, to keeping a cautioned
eye on the increasing turmoil in the Middle East--our military is
spread disturbingly thin. In order to deter our enemies and protect the
lives of our courageous servicemen and women, Congress must continue to
make every effort to strengthen our armed forces' ability to stop these
types of attacks from happening in the first place.
This tragedy also reminds us that though we are living in an era of
relative peace and prosperity, we must never take it for granted.
America would not be free today without the sacrifices of the brave
individuals who choose to serve our country for many reasons, but who
all share the risk and sacrifice this service brings. The men and women
of our armed
[[Page H10079]]
forces exemplify personal courage by facing fear, danger and adversity
every day. And they carry out their duties with honor, integrity, and
respect.
Our hearts, and our prayers, go out to the families of the young men
and women killed in Yemen, and to all American military men and women
serving our nation all over the world. Their sacrifice and their spirit
call upon each generation of Americans to recognize and appreciate
those who pay the ultimate price for our nation's freedom. We will
always remember and honor their sacrifice.
Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, almost a week ago, people all over the world
awoke to the news of a terrorist strike against one of our naval ships.
Like countless other Americans, I was stunned by the early reports.
Over the next several hours and days, the gravity of the situation
became clearer. The Navy has reported that seventeen sailors were
killed by this blast and another 33 were injured. Today, I join many
with my colleagues in rising to honor these men and women who gave
their lives to protect our nation and all she stands for.
Today, the families of those lost honored them at a memorial service
in Norfolk, Virginia, the Cole's home port. Throughout the ceremony we
were reminded of the sacrifice by not only those in uniform, but their
families as well. Unfortunately this sacrifice is often forgotten, but
it is never unappreciated. It is truly an extraordinary person who is
willing to commit to this type of service and dedicate his/her life to
something larger than him/herself. It is an individual's commitment to
the service of this country that we are reminded of as we mourn those
who gave their lives. My own district also suffered the loss of a loved
one in this attack. Patrick Roy, a onetime resident of Cornwall on
Hudson, New York was a Fireman Apprentice on the U.S.S. Cole, and I
offer my deepest sympathies to his friends and family.
I want to applaud the efforts of the remainder of the Cole's
personnel who did their job, manned their stations and saved their ship
even while they knew that they had suffered the possible terrible loss
of shipmates and members of their naval family.
The United States military has served as liberator and protector and
has provided a source of hope for millions around the world in times of
peace and in war. While it may be of little solace to those who have
lost a loved one, the men and women of the Cole who gave their lives in
an effort to serve as a protector will remain beacons of hope and will
be remembered as heroes. My deepest condolences go out to all of the
friends and families who have lost a loved one in this cowardly attack.
Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, today I commend the valiant sailors of the
U.S.S. Cole and to express my deepest condolences to the families and
loved ones who suffered losses due to an act of terrorism.
On October 12, 2000, the Navy family suffered a tremendous loss, when
the U.S.S. Cole fell victim to terrorism while attempting to refuel at
the Port of Aden in Yemen. My heart continues to go out to the families
and friends of the American sailors who were killed, injured or are
still missing. I comment our valiant sailors who responded quickly to
this tragedy, minimizing casualties and damage to their ship.
It was an honor to assist three families from my District as they
waited to hear news on their loved ones. Fortunately, the families and
friends of Petty Officer Kevin Benoit of Cairo, NY, Ensign & Deck
Division Commander Gregory McDearmon of Ballston Lake, NY, and Chief
Petty Officer Charles Sweet of Broadalbin, NY, after hours of waiting,
received word that their loved ones were safe.
It is important that we always remember that these brave men and
women are serving our Nation and we should pay tribute to them. These
sailors have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
This is a loss felt by the entire nation.
This tragedy highlights the constant dangers faced by our armed
forces around the world. Our country must remain vigilant in protecting
them from future terrorist or other attacks. Our government must work
diligently to protect and provide aid to those who are injured and work
with the families who are going through a period of grieving.
Again, Mr. Speaker, our prayers go out to the sailors, their families
and friends.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, last Thursday a terrible and cowardly act of
terrorism was made against America and our armed forces. The U.S.S.
Cole, which had entered the Yemeni port of Aden, was blindsided by a
small boat in a group helping to moor the ship for refueling. The boat
was loaded with explosives and blew up alongside the U.S.S. Cole.
Mr. Speaker, 17 sailors were either killed or are missing from the
blast, and 39 were injured.
Information Systems Technician Seaman Timothy Gauna, a constituent of
mine from Rice, Texas, is among the missing. Like all the sailors
aboard the U.S.S. Cole, he was serving his country bravely and
honorably when this vicious attack took place. I join the Gauna family,
and all the families of the missing sailors, in hoping that they will
soon be accounted for.
Immediately after the attack Mr. Speaker, I flew down to North Texas
to visit Seaman Gauna's family. There, I spoke with a mother who is
proud of her son's courage and patriotism. And I talked to various
family members who admire Tim's dedication to America.
I do not know all the sailors on the U.S.S. Cole, Mr. Speaker, but I
know the family of Seaman Gauna. They--like all of the U.S.S. Cole's
sailors and their families--have America's gratitude, and our prayers.
That's why I was so moved by the memorial service today in Norfolk,
Virginia. There, the entire nation joined injured sailors--some fresh
from the hospital, their IV's still attached to their arms--in paying
tribute to their fallen and missing comrades.
But our obligation to these brave men and women is greater than that,
Mr. Speaker. We must continue to be vigilant in the face of threats
from terrorists around the world. We must find the criminals
responsible for this cowardly atrocity, and they must be brought to
justice.
Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, these terrorists will soon learn that
America responds quickly and forcefully whenever we are attacked. The
FBI now has more than 60 agents in place investigating this attack and
the Navy has assigned six U.S. warships to Aden harbor to assist the
U.S.S. Cole and its exhausted crew.
Mr. Speaker, every time anyone in uniform gets into a ship, a plane,
or a tank, they risk their lives in defense of America. For that, we
owe the great men and women of the United States Armed Forces our most
profound gratitude. They have it, Mr. Speaker, as well as the solemn
promise that America stands with them--always and everywhere.
Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, when we are confronted by the
despicable, cowardly attack on the U.S.S. Cole during a simple
refueling stop in a troubled port, our first reaction is anger and a
desire to punish those who are responsible.
But today I believe we should put those thoughts aside and consider
instead on the sacrifice made by those members of the Cole's crew, and
reflect on how our country--and the entire world--depends on such
sacrifices by all our men and women in uniform around the globe.
These crew members put themselves at risk to bring peace to a region
that could self-destruct at any time if our warships were not present.
The U.S.S. Cole was in Yemen, a nation with a history of antagonism to
the United States, to help establish a new relationship of trust and
friendship. They put their lives on the line not only to keep the
peace, but spread its benefits.
The force of the explosion gouged a 40-foot-by-40 foot hole in the
side of the Cole. If this attack had occurred to a ship of almost any
other navy in the world, the ship would have sunk with many lives lost.
But the Cole's crew showed the intense training, high skill level and
sheer determination that we have come to expect of all of America's
armed forces. Twice in three days they contained the damage, keeping
the ship afloat and saving many of their injured colleagues.
Because of the unselfish dedication of Americans like those on the
U.S.S. Cole, the United States is one of the few nations in history
that can reduce military tensions anywhere simply with the presence of
our warships. The hearts of peace-loving people around the world are
lifted at the sight of a U.S. Navy ship steaming into port. And sadly,
the angry dreams of those who would disrupt the peace focus on
destroying those peacekeepers, as well.
The crew of the U.S.S. Cole knew that they could be in danger in an
unsettled region, and would not be deterred from performing their duty
as our front-line peacekeepers. We are aware that there are those who
will go to any extreme, including trying to sink the Cole, in a
desperate effort to undermine America's commitment to bring peace to
this war-torn part of the world. When the attack came, the crew of the
Cole would not allow their ship to sink.
Our nation is deeply saddened by the loss of the brave men and women
who gave their lives so that peace may spread around the world. But we
say to the enemies who would attack us in the hopes of spreading war:
Look carefully at the lesson of determination that is the U.S.S. Cole.
We will not be deterred.
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I join Chairman Spence and
Ranking member Skelton, and all Americans, in honoring the crew of the
U.S.S. Cole and expressing the nation's sympathies to the families of
those killed or injured.
Like my colleagues, I was struck by the photographs of the 17 sailors
killed or presumed dead that appeared in the newspapers in the days
following the terrorist attack against the Cole. Even the eldest of
them--aged 35--died all too young.
[[Page H10080]]
As has been stated elsewhere, the photos put faces to the phrase ``in
harm's way.'' Particularly young faces.
The phrase is also part and parcel to another: ``doing one's duty.''
We know from service members that the phrase ``doing one's duty'' is
more than a combination of words. It is also reflective of a spirit, a
commitment, a calling that attracts the very best of our youth to
military service.
And it is not a phrase not taken lightly.
The crew of the U.S.S. Cole is but one of hundreds of units of men
and women deployed around the world. Each knows the risk of such
service. Each also knows of the contribution they make to our nation's
defense and the defense of freedom around the world.
But, all too often, the contribution and sacrifice these men and
women make is taken for granted. Too often, we have only assembled
after a tragic incident like the bombing of the Cole to belatedly
express our appreciation and thanks.
Let us resolve to thank the men and women of our Armed Forces
everyday for their dedication, sacrifice, and courage. And let us
remember 17 members of the crew of the U.S.S. Cole for making the
ultimate sacrifice.
To their families and friends, we assure you that their memory will
not be forgotten. And the values for which they gave their lives will
be forever cherished, honored and protected.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the
sacrifice and the memory of the crew of America's guided missile
destroyer U.S.S. Cole who were killed or wounded on October 12 as a
suspected terrorist bomb ripped through the ship's hull. The State of
Texas mourns the loss of three of its sons: Fireman Gary Graham
Swenchonis, Jr. of Rockport, TX; Information Systems Technician Timothy
Guana of Rice, TX; and Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronchester Santiago of
Kingsville, TX. We Texans add our sadness and pride in our Nation to
the family of Americans in saluting the honor and valor of all
seventeen patriots and the remaining crew of the U.S.S. Cole.
The Nation especially grieves the loss of our first female sailors
killed in hostile action aboard a U.S. combat ship. It is important to
acknowledge that this historic sacrifice was made by two African
American women. Lakeina Monique Francis of Woodleaf, North Carolina, a
19 year-old Mess Management Specialist Seaman, followed in her father's
footsteps to serve her country in the Navy. Lakiba Nicole Palmer of San
Diego, California was a 22 year-old Seaman Recruit. History will record
their sacrifice as a milestone of great proportions. For today, there
can be no doubt that America's sons and America's daughters will lay
down their lives for freedom and peace around the globe. I urge this
Congress to resolve that as this story is written and retold, the names
of these women must not be forgotten as has too often been the case for
the legacy and sacrifice of African American women throughout our
Nation's history.
I stand with my colleagues to offer sincere condolences to every
loved one who survives each of the seventeen patriots we honor through
this resolution. Their supreme sacrifice compels us to live for peace
and redouble our efforts to broker a lasting Middle East peace with the
strongest determination.
Mr. Speaker, on this occasion, I pray God's blessing on the memories
of these sailors, God's comfort for their families, and may God bless
an America that is more resolute that ever to preserve the peace!
Mr. DOOLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the
brave American sailors aboard the U.S.S. Cole whose lives were taken
off the coast of Yemen on October 12, 2000. I would like to express my
deepest sympathies to the sailors' families during this difficult time.
We will never forget the sailors and the sacrifice they have made for
our country. It is through their courageous service that all Americans
are allowed to live in freedom.
I would also like to honor the other sailors aboard the U.S.S. Cole,
both those injured and non-injured. This tragedy should be a reminder
to all Americans that on a daily basis our men and women serving in the
military are continually putting their lives on the line for our
country in many parts of the world. Even in times of relative peace,
the potential dangers faced by our service members never cease to
exist.
This horrible incident is of particular concern to me because my
District is home to Naval Air Station, Lemoore. Men and Women in my
district proudly serve their country and bravely confront serious
dangers. I know that the tragedy aboard the U.S.S. Cole evokes a
painful reminder of these dangers to all military families. My thoughts
are with the Navy families in my district who are mourning the loss of
their fellow service men and women.
I am hopeful we will find those who were responsible for this
cowardly act and hold them accountable. We owe it to the lost sailors
and their families.
Today, as the families and friends of the victims come together in
Norfolk, Virginia to honor their loved ones, I would like to offer my
condolences and prayers. They will not be forgotten.
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend my heartfelt support for
House Resolution 631, honoring the crew of the U.S.S. Cole. Today on a
gray and sad day in Norfolk, Virginia and around the country, our
nation mourns the loss of life and celebrates the service of sailors on
the U.S.S. Cole.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the seventeen
sailors killed, and the thirty six injured in the terrorist bombing
attack off the coast of Yemen. Our nation owes a profound debt of
gratitude to these proud sailors who lost their lives or suffered
injury defending the American people and the values of freedom and
democracy on which our nation stands.
I extend my deep admiration to the entire crew of the U.S.S. Cole for
the bravery and professionalism they displayed in caring for their
wounded and stabilizing their ship. This tragedy underscores the
commitment and sacrifice of our nation's fighting men and women who put
their lives in danger on a daily basis for the security of our country.
This attack was an unconscionable act of cowardice and those
responsible will be sought out and swiftly brought to justice. The
United States will stay the course, acting as the leading force of
stability and freedom in the fight against terrorism.
We will not be bowed or intimidated by this attack, as will carry the
memory of the U.S.S. Cole in our hearts to strengthen our resolve and
continue the struggle for world peace. Just as these seventeen sailors
protected us in life, we shall honor and protect the memory of their
sacrifice by standing firm against this type of senseless violence.
Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the previous question is
ordered on the resolution.
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the resolution.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the ayes appeared to have it.
Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, this 15-
minute vote on House Resolution 631 will be followed by several 5-
minute votes on motions to suspend the rules that were debated
yesterday.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 386,
nays 0, not voting 46, as follows:
[Roll No. 531]
YEAS--386
Abercrombie
Ackerman
Aderholt
Allen
Andrews
Archer
Armey
Baca
Bachus
Baird
Baker
Baldacci
Baldwin
Ballenger
Barcia
Barr
Barrett (NE)
Bartlett
Barton
Bass
Bentsen
Bereuter
Berkley
Berman
Berry
Biggert
Bilbray
Bilirakis
Bishop
Blagojevich
Bliley
Blumenauer
Blunt
Boehlert
Boehner
Bonilla
Bonior
Bono
Borski
Boswell
Boucher
Boyd
Brady (PA)
Brady (TX)
Brown (OH)
Bryant
Burr
Burton
Buyer
Callahan
Calvert
Camp
Canady
Cannon
Capps
Capuano
Carson
Castle
Chabot
Chambliss
Clay
Clayton
Clement
Clyburn
Coble
Coburn
Collins
Combest
Condit
Cook
Cooksey
Costello
Cox
Coyne
Cramer
Crane
Crowley
Cubin
Cummings
Cunningham
Danner
Davis (FL)
Davis (IL)
Davis (VA)
Deal
DeFazio
DeGette
DeLauro
DeLay
DeMint
Deutsch
Diaz-Balart
Dickey
Dicks
Dingell
Dixon
Doggett
Doolittle
Doyle
Dreier
Duncan
Dunn
Edwards
Ehlers
Ehrlich
Emerson
Engel
Eshoo
Etheridge
Evans
Everett
Ewing
Farr
Filner
Fletcher
Foley
Ford
Fossella
Fowler
Frank (MA)
Frelinghuysen
Frost
Gallegly
Ganske
Gejdenson
Gekas
Gibbons
Gilchrest
Gillmor
Gilman
Gonzalez
Goodlatte
Goodling
Gordon
Goss
Granger
Green (TX)
Green (WI)
Greenwood
Gutknecht
Hall (OH)
Hall (TX)
Hastings (FL)
Hastings (WA)
Hayes
Hayworth
Hefley
Herger
Hill (IN)
Hill (MT)
Hilleary
Hilliard
Hinchey
Hinojosa
Hobson
Hoeffel
Hoekstra
Holden
Holt
Hooley
Horn
Hoyer
Hulshof
Hunter
Hutchinson
Hyde
Inslee
Isakson
Istook
Jackson (IL)
Jackson-Lee (TX)
Jefferson
Jenkins
John
Johnson (CT)
Johnson, E.B.
Johnson, Sam
Jones (NC)
Kanjorski
Kaptur
Kelly
Kildee
Kilpatrick
Kind (WI)
King (NY)
Kingston
Kleczka
Knollenberg
[[Page H10081]]
Kucinich
Kuykendall
LaFalce
LaHood
Lampson
Lantos
Largent
Larson
Latham
LaTourette
Leach
Lee
Levin
Lewis (CA)
Lewis (GA)
Lewis (KY)
Linder
LoBiondo
Lofgren
Lowey
Lucas (KY)
Lucas (OK)
Luther
Maloney (CT)
Maloney (NY)
Manzullo
Markey
Martinez
Mascara
Matsui
McCarthy (MO)
McCarthy (NY)
McCrery
McDermott
McGovern
McHugh
McInnis
McIntyre
McKeon
McKinney
McNulty
Meehan
Meek (FL)
Meeks (NY)
Menendez
Metcalf
Mica
Millender-McDonald
Miller, Gary
Miller, George
Minge
Mink
Moakley
Mollohan
Moore
Moran (KS)
Moran (VA)
Morella
Murtha
Myrick
Nadler
Napolitano
Neal
Northup
Norwood
Nussle
Oberstar
Obey
Olver
Ortiz
Ose
Owens
Packard
Pallone
Pastor
Paul
Payne
Pease
Pelosi
Peterson (MN)
Peterson (PA)
Petri
Phelps
Pickering
Pickett
Pombo
Pomeroy
Porter
Portman
Price (NC)
Pryce (OH)
Quinn
Radanovich
Rahall
Ramstad
Rangel
Regula
Reyes
Reynolds
Riley
Rivers
Roemer
Rogan
Rogers
Rohrabacher
Rothman
Roukema
Roybal-Allard
Royce
Rush
Ryan (WI)
Ryun (KS)
Sabo
Salmon
Sanchez
Sandlin
Sanford
Sawyer
Saxton
Scarborough
Schaffer
Schakowsky
Scott
Sensenbrenner
Serrano
Sessions
Shadegg
Shays
Sherman
Sherwood
Shimkus
Shows
Shuster
Simpson
Sisisky
Skeen
Skelton
Slaughter
Smith (MI)
Smith (NJ)
Smith (TX)
Smith (WA)
Snyder
Souder
Spence
Stabenow
Stark
Stearns
Stenholm
Strickland
Stump
Sununu
Sweeney
Tancredo
Tanner
Tauscher
Tauzin
Taylor (MS)
Taylor (NC)
Terry
Thomas
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Thornberry
Thune
Thurman
Tiahrt
Tierney
Toomey
Towns
Traficant
Udall (CO)
Udall (NM)
Upton
Velazquez
Visclosky
Vitter
Walden
Wamp
Waters
Watkins
Watt (NC)
Watts (OK)
Waxman
Weiner
Weldon (FL)
Weldon (PA)
Weller
Wexler
Whitfield
Wicker
Wilson
Wolf
Woolsey
Wu
Wynn
Young (AK)
Young (FL)
NOT VOTING--46
Barrett (WI)
Becerra
Brown (FL)
Campbell
Cardin
Chenoweth-Hage
Conyers
Delahunt
Dooley
English
Fattah
Forbes
Franks (NJ)
Gephardt
Goode
Graham
Gutierrez
Hansen
Hostettler
Houghton
Jones (OH)
Kasich
Kennedy
Klink
Kolbe
Lazio
Lipinski
McCollum
McIntosh
Miller (FL)
Nethercutt
Ney
Oxley
Pascrell
Pitts
Rodriguez
Ros-Lehtinen
Sanders
Shaw
Spratt
Stupak
Talent
Turner
Walsh
Weygand
Wise
{time} 1833
Mrs. CUBIN changed her vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.''
So the resolution was agreed to.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________