[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 65 (Monday, May 20, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H2628-H2630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      ROBERT J. DOLE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
pass the bill (H.R. 4608) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs 
medical center in Wichita, Kansas, as the ``Robert J. Dole Department 
of Veterans Affairs Medical Center,'' as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 4608

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

     SECTION 1. NAME OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL AND 
                   REGIONAL OFFICE CENTER, WICHITA, KANSAS.

       The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional 
     Office Center in Wichita, Kansas, shall after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act be known and designated as the ``Robert 
     J. Dole Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional 
     Office Center''. Any reference to such medical center in any 
     law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the 
     United States shall be considered to be a reference to the 
     Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and 
     Regional Office Center.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran), the chief sponsor of 
this legislation and chairman of the Subcommittee on Health of the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to sponsor H.R. 4608 to 
name the Department of Medical Affairs Medical and Regional Office 
Center in Wichita, Kansas the Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans 
Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center.
  Though he is often remembered today for his service to our country as 
a congressman, a U.S. Senator, and a Presidential contender, Bob Dole's 
courage and determination on the field of battle in World War II as a 
second lieutenant is what we are here today to recognize. His bravery 
in battle truly reflects the character of this Kansan.
  Dole is a native of Russell, Kansas, population 4,500, just 25 miles 
from my hometown. As an energetic young man, Dole gained popularity 
with the young and old in that Russell community while working at the 
local soda fountain. A good student and a good athlete in high school, 
Dole had little trouble enrolling at the University of Kansas to pursue 
his lifelong dream of becoming a physician.
  But Dole's life, like the lives of millions of other men and women of 
his generation, was changed when the U.S. entered World War II. Never 
before had there been such an assault on our country's way of life, and 
America was calling on its young men and women to fight to defend our 
freedoms.
  In 1942, while a sophomore at the University of Kansas, Dole enlisted 
in the U.S. Army. After attending basic training in Texas, he was eager 
to defend his country, and transferred to the Army Specialized Training 
Program in New York City. It did not take long for Dole to establish 
himself as a leader. He was accepted into Officer Candidate School, and 
traveled to Georgia for his training. He entered as a corporal and 
graduated 2 years later in 1944 as Second Lieutenant Robert J. Dole. He 
was then sent to Italy in the midst of some of the fiercest fighting 
toward the end of World War II.
  That next spring, Dole was assigned to head a platoon in the Tenth 
Mountain Division after the previous lieutenant in charge had been 
killed. On an April morning that spring, Dole led his troops into 
battle in northern Italy. In his own words, Dole describes that day, a 
day that would forever change his life. I quote Bob Dole:
  ``On the morning of April 14, we were part of a major assault. Pinned 
down by sniper and small-arms fire, I chose a small squad to help me 
find a safer route up the slope. We ran into a hail of German machine 
gunfire. I tossed a grenade at a farmhouse from which the bullets were 
spraying, and then pulled the lifeless form of my platoon's radioman 
into a foxhole. Scrambling back out again, I felt a sharp sting in my 
back. Most likely it was an exploding shell that smashed my right 
shoulder, scattering metal fragments along its path.
  ``I lay down in the dirt, paralyzed from the neck down, until 
Technical Sergeant Frank Carafa dragged me to safety. My second in 
command, Sergeant Stan Kuschik, gave me a shot of

[[Page H2629]]

morphine. With my own blood Stan made a cross on my forehead, a 
precaution to warn medics who might happen by against administering a 
second and fatal dose of that powerful drug. Nine hours later, I was at 
the Fifteenth Evacuation Hospital. My war ended there, or so I thought. 
Actually, my war . . . was only beginning.''
  Dole continues: ``Don't believe that wars are concluded by treaties 
signed by diplomats between gilded chandeliers. Each veteran has his 
own war, which lives on not just in scrapbooks or at reunions where old 
stories get retold, but in midnight memories and sudden flashbacks. For 
me, it all comes back each morning getting dressed, tying a knot, or 
even looking in the mirror.''
  For his service and bravery in World War II, Senator Dole was honored 
with two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star medal. This week is a fitting 
time for us in the House of Representatives to consider this 
legislation, the week of Memorial Day.
  Bob Dole is one of the millions of brave men and women who have 
defended our country during war. A tireless advocate for veterans and 
veterans' rights, Dole's story is one we should memorialize. Despite 
the fact that his injuries in World War II left him partially 
paralyzed, he became one of the most influential American political 
figures in the latter half of the 20th century. Part of that greatest 
generation, Dole is an example of an ordinary American who was called 
upon to meet extraordinary challenges.
  Throughout his time as a congressman and senator, his appreciation 
for the doctors and nurses who assisted him in recovery was never 
forgotten. Dole authored and had passed legislation to improve the 
conditions and services offered to veterans, as well as the disabled.
  Each year, in April, on the anniversary of his World War II injuries, 
Dole would make special recognition of the disabled by discussing the 
status of the disabled in America. His understanding of those less 
fortunate led Senator Dole to become a leader in efforts to pass the 
Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark piece of legislation.
  Dole's work to recognize and honor veterans continues today. Most 
recently, Dole chaired the committee that raised $160 million to 
construct a memorial on the National Mall honoring the hundreds of 
thousands of men and women who fought in World War II.
  This legislation is sponsored by many Members of Congress, has the 
full support of the Kansas delegation, the gentlemen from Kansas, Mr. 
Moore, Mr. Tiahrt, and Mr. Ryun, and has been endorsed by the major 
veterans' service organizations in Kansas.
  Today, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Bob 
Dole for his military service and for his bravery and dedication to his 
country in time of battle in this legislation that will further 
recognize Bob Dole by naming the Wichita VA hospital the Robert J. Dole 
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Regional Office 
Center.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in strong support of this 
legislation that renames the Medical and Regional Office Center in 
Wichita, Kansas, in honor of Robert J. Dole, a tireless advocate for 
our Nation's veterans.
  This honor is certainly well-deserved. During his sophomore year in 
college, Bob Dole set aside his studies to enlist in the Army. Like 
many others of his generation, Bob Dole set aside personal plans to 
fight in World War II.
  Though severely injured in action in Europe, after 3 long years of 
convalescence in 1948 Senator Dole was separated from the service and 
returned to Kansas. In 1950 he was elected to the State legislature. 
The rest, as they say, is history.
  I thank and want to commend the chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Health of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the gentleman from Kansas 
(Mr. Moran), for his leadership on this legislation. I urge all my 
colleagues to support this measure.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. 
Ryun), former world record-holder in the mile.
  Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman 
from New Jersey, for yielding time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this legislation renaming the 
Wichita Veterans Medical and Regional Office Center for Senator Bob 
Dole. As we wage war against terrorism, it is particularly appropriate 
that we in Congress recognize the service and sacrifice of Senator 
Dole. Senator Dole's service in combat during World War II, his 
leadership in the Senate, and his commitment to America serve as 
examples for each of us to emulate.
  Senator Dole joined the Army's Enlisted Reserve Corps in 1942 to 
fight in World War II. After graduating from Officer Candidate School 
at Fort Benning, Lieutenant Dole was sent to Italy to join the Tenth 
Mountain Division.
  As a result of his service in World War II, Senator Dole has 
sacrificed in many ways, in ways that all of us can imagine. In April, 
1945, while Dole crawled from a foxhole to rescue a wounded radioman, 
German machine gunfire tore through Dole's back and right arm.
  His injuries were so severe that he was not expected to live. 
However, Senator Dole never gave up. Through his faith in God, his 
determination, the support of his family, and the people of his 
hometown of Russell, Kansas, Senator Dole fought back to recover from 
his wounds.
  Through adversity, Senator Dole has exhibited an overcoming spirit 
that should inspire all of us. Perhaps the successes of his political 
career were gained through the tenacity that can only come through 
hardship.
  Senator Dole was twice decorated for his action in combat, receiving 
two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. Senator Dole first entered 
politics in 1951, when he was elected to the Kansas legislature in 
1960. Dole sought and won election to the House of Representatives, 
where he served four terms before entering the Senate. For the next 27 
years, Senator Dole served the Nation and Kansas in the Senate. Through 
his service there, he became the longest-serving Republican leader in 
that Chamber's history.
  In a speech he gave in 2000 as part of the Senate Leadership Lecture 
Series, Senator Dole remarked that those in politics have a unique 
opportunity to use their personal experiences to make a difference in 
the lives of others.
  Throughout his career, Senator Dole did just that. Senator Dole's 
first Senate floor speech highlighted the challenges faced by disabled 
Americans. Never forgetting the people of Russell and his Kansas roots, 
he tirelessly championed for farmers in rural America. Understanding 
the importance of America's leadership, he worked to ensure that the 
Nation remained strong, able to protect freedom and peace. And knowing 
of the sacrifices of those who served in our military, he worked to 
ensure that America kept its promise to its veterans.
  President Reagan once said of Senator Dole, ``The title of leadership 
is not just a job title, it is the description of the man.''
  Throughout his service to our country, Senator Dole has exemplified 
commitment, courage, and integrity, and it is only fitting that we 
honor him in this way. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

                              {time}  1515

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman).
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in strong support of H.R. 
4608, the Robert Dole Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 
Designation Act; and I commend the distinguished gentleman from our 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. 
Smith), and the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) for their support of 
this important legislation.
  This measure names a VA medical and regional office center in 
Wichita, Kansas, the Robert J. Dole Department of Affairs Medical and 
Regional Office

[[Page H2630]]

Center. Our distinguished former colleague in the Senate served in 
World War II as a second lieutenant in the Army's Tenth Mountain 
Division. His unit was sent to Italy where as a platoon leader on April 
14, 1945, his platoon was attacked by German force, and while aiding a 
wounded soldier in his platoon, Lt. Dole was seriously injured by 
mortar fire. He recovered during a period of 3 years of hospitalization 
in Army and VA hospitals, surviving numerous surgeries and undergoing 
rehabilitation.
  Bob Dole was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroism and selfless 
effort to aid a fellow soldier and two Purple Hearts for injuries he 
sustained. He was further awarded the European-African Middle Eastern 
Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars for participation in the Po Valley 
and Northern Apennines campaigns. Additionally Bob Dole is the 
recipient of the American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory 
Medal.
  Following the war, Senator Dole entered a life of public service, 
culminating in his tenure as Senate majority leader. He has been a 
lifelong advocate for the disabled and was a leader in the passage of 
the Americans With Disabilities Act, a landmark piece of legislation 
that significantly expanded the rights of disabled individuals in all 
walks of life. Moreover, he has been a tireless champion of our 
Nation's veterans and has been instrumental in fostering the right to 
build a national World War II memorial on the Mall in Washington.
  Given his commitment to the interest and causes of all veterans, it 
is entirely appropriate that the VA Medical and Regional Office Center 
in Wichita be named after former Senator Bob Dole. Accordingly, I urge 
my colleagues to join in fully supporting this measure.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong support of H.R. 4068, as amended, 
the Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional 
Office Center.
  Mr. Speaker, American history is filled with men and women who have 
made great sacrifices and performed great services on behalf of our 
Nation. It is one of the privileges that we in the House and Senate, 
the Congress, have to be able to recognize these individuals before our 
fellow countrymen and for all future generations. One such American 
worthy of honor is former soldier and Senator Bob Dole of Kansas.
  Bob Dole was probably one of the best known World War II veterans. As 
a young officer in the famed Tenth Mountain Division, he was severely 
wounded during fighting in Italy and spent 3 years in Army and Veterans 
Administration Hospitals recovering. He was permanently disabled with a 
shattered shoulder; yet by his personal courage and persistence, he 
overcame a boatload of crushing obstacles. He went on to become a 
national leader as a United States Senator, he was a presidential 
candidate, and a tireless advocate for veterans and the disabled.
  So it is extremely fitting that in his home State of Kansas, the VA 
facility in Wichita be named the Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans 
Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center.
  I would especially commend the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran), who 
is the author of the bill, to honor Bob Dole. The gentleman from Kansas 
(Mr. Moran) is chairman, as we know, of the Subcommittee on Health of 
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs; and I am very proud to be a co-
sponsor of this bill, which he has spoken about with great eloquence 
earlier.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my team.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaTourette). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) that the 
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4608, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  The title of the bill was amended so as to read: ``A bill to name the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center in 
Wichita, Kansas, as the `Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans Affairs 
Medical and Regional Office Center'.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________