[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 35 (Wednesday, March 5, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H1591-H1601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMENDING MEMBERS OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AND THEIR FAMILIES FOR
SELFLESS SERVICE DURING GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the order of the House of
Tuesday, March 4, 2003, I call up the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 27)
recognizing and commending the continuing dedication, selfless service,
and commitment of members of the Armed Forces and their families during
the Global War on Terrorism and in defense of the United States, and
ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
The Clerk read the title of the joint resolution.
The text of House Joint Resolution 27 is as follows:
H.J. Res. 27
Whereas the Global War on Terrorism began in response to
the unprovoked terrorist attack on the United States homeland
on September 11, 2001, which resulted in the deaths of
thousands of United States citizens;
Whereas Al Qaeda, which attacked the United States on
September 11, 2001, remains a threat to the national security
of the United States;
Whereas the members of the Armed Forces of the United
States, a total force comprised of active, National Guard,
and Reserve personnel, have undertaken more than 17 months of
courageous and successful operations against terrorism, not
only in Afghanistan, but also worldwide;
Whereas since September 11, 2001, members of the United
States Armed Forces have promoted homeland security
throughout the United States by performing various missions,
including providing security at the Nation's airports,
protecting the public at special events, and patrolling the
Nation's skies with combat air patrols;
Whereas members of the Armed Forces are helping around the
world to train the militaries of other nations in counter-
terrorism operations;
Whereas these post-September 11, 2001, missions have been
in addition to other regular military missions and have been
performed without any permanent increase in the size of the
Armed Forces;
Whereas more than 65 American servicemembers have died
defending the Nation in the Global War on Terrorism and more
than 210 have been wounded or injured;
Whereas nearly 225,000 members of the National Guard and
Reserve components have been mobilized for active duty since
the start of the Global War on Terrorism, of whom more than
166,000 remain on active duty, with thousands facing a second
year of active duty away from families and civilian
employment;
Whereas more than 200,000 active-duty personnel have
already been deployed to the Persian Gulf theater and
thousands of Reservists and National Guard members have been
alerted for mobilization or are deploying for a possible war
with Iraq;
Whereas many employers in the Nation find their employees
called to active duty in the National Guard and Reserve, and
are themselves called upon in the spirit of patriotism to
maintain job security for those mobilized personnel and their
families;
Whereas the ability of members of the Armed Forces to
perform their missions requires the support and sacrifice of
their families and the commitment to go wherever the Nation
needs them;
Whereas the Nation is engaged in an unprecedented global
conflict that presents many new and dangerous challenges to
the members of the Armed Forces; and
Whereas this global conflict will require the Nation's
unflinching resolve and commitment to provide the Nation's
soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines with the necessary
resources required for victory: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That
Congress--
(1) commends, and expresses the gratitude of the Nation to,
all members of the United States Armed Forces (whether on
active duty, in the National Guard, or in the Reserves) who
are fighting the Global War on Terrorism;
(2) commends, and expresses the gratitude of the Nation to,
the employers who in the spirit of patriotism maintain the
job security of their mobilized National Guard and Reserve
employees;
(3) commends, and expresses the gratitude of the Nation to,
the families of those servicemembers who have borne the
burden of separation from their loved ones and who have
staunchly supported them during the conduct of the Global War
on Terrorism;
(4) expresses its condolences to the families of the brave
American servicemembers who have lost their lives defending
the Nation in the Global War on Terrorism; and
(5) reaffirms that it stands united with the President in
the ongoing effort to defeat global terrorism.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the order of the House of
Tuesday, March 4, 2003, the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) and
the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) each will control 30 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter).
General Leave
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on the joint resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, since the start of the global war on terrorism, a saga
has unfolded marked by the dedication, selfless service, and commitment
of the members of the Armed Forces and their families. Now, on the eve
of a potential war with Iraq, the Nation is about to ask our Armed
Forces and their families for additional sacrifices.
For these reasons, my great colleague, the gentleman from Missouri
(Mr. Skelton), and I thought it was only fitting that we offer this
joint resolution to send a message to our Armed Forces of our support
and appreciation for their magnificent efforts.
Mr. Speaker, the U.S. Armed Forces, a total force of active National
Guard and Reserve volunteers, have conducted more than 17 months of
courageous and successful operations against terrorism, not only in
Afghanistan, but also worldwide. Beyond that, they have secured the
U.S. homeland by performing various missions, including patrolling the
Nation's airports, protecting the public at special events, and flying
combat air patrols in the Nation's skies.
Today, more than 200,000 active duty personnel are already deployed
to the Persian Gulf, and thousands of Reservists and National Guard
members are on alert for mobilization or are deploying for a possible
war with Iraq.
All these missions are in addition to other regular military
requirements and have significantly increased the pace of operations
and the stress on our forces. There have been no permanent increases in
the size of the Armed Forces to meet these new requirements. Instead,
our military forces are being required to work longer, harder, and
smarter.
One enduring mark of the sacrifices being made in this war on
terrorism by our men and women in uniform is that 67 American
servicemembers have died defending the Nation, and 212 have been
wounded or injured.
Untold sacrifices are being asked of the nearly 225,000 members of
the National Guard and Reserve who have been mobilized for active duty
since the start of the global war on terrorism. More than 174,000 of
them remain on active duty, with thousands facing a second year of
active duty away from their families and civilian employment.
America is able to make a substantial commitment of its citizen
soldiers to this war because many of the Nation's employers, in the
spirit of patriotism, are maintaining job security for those mobilized
personnel and their families. Whether the members of the Armed Forces
are active, Guard, or Reserve, their ability to perform their missions
requires the continuing support and sacrifice of their families.
Mr. Speaker, the Nation is engaged in a global conflict that presents
many
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new and dangerous challenges to the members of the Armed Forces. It is
a conflict that will require the Nation's unflinching resolve and
commitment to provide the Nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen, and
Marines with the necessary resources required for victory.
In that context, this joint resolution commends and expresses the
gratitude of our Nation to all members of the United States Armed
Forces, whether on active duty, in the National Guard, or in the
Reserves, who are fighting the global war on terrorism; also, Mr.
Speaker, to the employers who maintain the job security of their
mobilized National Guard and Reserve employees; and also, importantly,
to the families of those servicemembers who have borne the burden of
separation from their loved ones and who have staunchly supported them
during this war.
The joint resolution also expresses our condolences to the families
of the brave American servicemembers who have lost their lives
defending our Nation in the global war on terrorism, and it reaffirms
that the Congress stands united with the President in this ongoing
effort to defeat terrorism.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this joint
resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the chairman of the Committee on
Armed Services, my friend, my colleague, the gentleman from California
(Mr. Hunter), in support of House Joint Resolution 27. This bill
recognizes and commends the dedication, the selfless service, and the
commitment of our Armed Forces and their families, and especially those
involved with the global war on terrorism.
Our Nation is at war with terrorists who would destroy our freedoms
and liberties that are the foundation of America. Those who serve on
the front lines of this war on terrorism are our men and women in
uniform. When our Nation calls, it is her service men and women who
volunteer to be the point of the spear, protecting the Nation's
interests both here in America and abroad.
Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, the Philippines, Yemen, Georgia, these
are just several of the regions in which our Armed Forces are serving
today. They are in over 200 countries around the world protecting the
peace and training militaries in counterterrorism operations, and in
searching and hunting the al Qaeda terrorists in Afghanistan. These are
just a few of the important missions that our soldiers and sailors, our
airmen and Marines are called upon to do each day.
The Armed Forces have always been called upon to assist those
protecting us here in the homeland. From patrolling the skies above our
major cities and guarding important infrastructure and facilities, like
bridges and water treatment facilities, to providing assistance to
Border Patrol agents, our military is there to defend us.
Many called to service are citizen soldiers, National Guardsmen and
Reservists, part-time volunteers who serve when they are called. A
growing number of these citizen soldiers have been called to serve on
multiple deployments over the past decade. Nearly 85,000 members of the
National Guard and Reserve components have been mobilized for active
duty since the start of the global war on terrorism. Last Friday, there
were over 120,000 Reservists and National Guardsmen who were mobilized,
many on their second year of active duty; and the number continues to
rise.
As a matter of fact, Mr. Speaker, Company C, the 110th Engineers of
the Missouri National Guard from my hometown of Lexington, has been
mobilized to guard Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.
Our Reserve forces cannot fulfill their service obligations without
the support of their families and employers. Employers have provided
support in a number of ways, such as continuing to pay the difference
between civilian pay and military pay, and providing health care
coverage for the families left behind.
The support of these military families, active and Reserves, is also
vital to deployed troops. Military families often face months of
separation from their loved ones. Stories of a child being born while a
parent is deployed and precious moments like birthdays and graduations
and holidays being separated from families and friends are quite
common. Yet these military families endure such hardships and
sacrifices so these servicemembers can continue to proudly serve our
Nation.
More than 65 servicemembers have died since the global war on
terrorism began, and over 200 have been wounded or injured. These 65
individuals and their families made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
Our thoughts and our prayers are with them.
While there are no words I can find to adequately express the
Nation's appreciation for their sacrifices, our sympathies and our
consolation go out to these families. The Nation will not forget the
price these servicemembers paid to defend our country and to defend the
freedoms that we all enjoy here in the United States of America.
Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that the citizens of America recognize the
dedication and commitment of those who serve in the uniformed services
and their families, and I thank the gentleman for offering this
resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for the sense
of history and patriotism that he brings to this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina
(Mr. Hayes), the vice-chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism and
Unconventional Warfare of the Committee on Armed Services.
Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to
me.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the strong commitment and constant
leadership of the chairman, and his doing everything, along with our
friend, the ranking member of the Committee, to provide the resources
in problem-solving for our military that they so richly deserve.
Mr. Speaker, it is only fitting and timely that we take time to honor
and commend the brave individuals serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Today, as we go about our normal, everyday business, thousands of
troops are currently deployed or are already in locations across the
globe to protect and safeguard the freedom and liberty we hold so dear.
They are nobly answering the call of duty, separated from their
families, friends, and loved ones. While putting themselves in harm's
way, they seek to root out the evil that we have seen on September 11,
2001, and other terrorist acts of the past few years. Elimination of
terrorism and terrorists is their mission. It is clear that they will
succeed.
Mr. Speaker, just yesterday I was at Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force
Base in my district in North Carolina. There I saw thousands of
Reservists preparing to deploy to undisclosed locations. Even though
many of the 18th Airborne Corps, the 82nd, and Special Forces have
already deployed, the post was a flurry of activity with mobile food
tents, additional and temporary PXes, troops sleeping at night on cots
in gymnasiums, and soldiers everywhere.
As these individuals, many of whom are members of the National Guard
and Reserve, prepared to deploy, morale was high and they are ready.
{time} 1230
I cannot express how proud I am of them and the entire military
community in Fayetteville, North Carolina for their service, selfless
attitude and sacrifice.
Nearly 225,000 members of the Guard and Reserve have been mobilized.
It is important to recognize the support the employers of these folks
have provided in this mobilization effort. For example, the Right Gear
Bicycle Shop in Concord was a two-man small business until the second
of the two men were deployed. This is vitally important because of the
contribution that half of the workforce of this important small
business provides.
Yesterday, I and my wife, Barbara, also met with spouses to discuss
the impact that mobilization has on families. The support these
individuals have provided for their loved ones and the hardships that
they are enduring are to be recognized and commended. When they have
problems this Congress must do all that it can to solve those problems.
Mr. Speaker, the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and prosecuting
the
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global war on terrorism has thrust our Nation's military into the
spotlight and called to duty the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed
Forces. U.S. citizens are rallying behind them in strong support of the
harrowing mission they have been called on to perform.
While terrorists and dictators seek to weaken the American spirit,
their murderous acts instead serve to unite us in a way that has not
been seen in decades. The 8th District of North Carolina has long
played a key role in our Nation's defense, and I am honored to be able
to pay tribute to the brave soldiers, sailors, coasties and Marines in
my State and across this wonderful Nation. May God protect them and
their families as they fulfill their duty and may He provide them the
strength to perform the mission they are called on to do. May God bless
and protect our U.S. Armed Forces and the United States of America.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman
from Texas (Mr. Frost).
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in commending the
service men and women of our Armed Services.
Mr. Speaker, I supported the resolution authorizing the President to
use force if necessary to disarm the Iraqi regime. But regardless of
Members' views on that resolution, we are united in our support of our
troops. All of these brave men and women volunteered for duty and we
have a responsibility to recognize the sacrifices that they have made
to defend America's security.
My wife, Army Major General Cathy Frost, Commander of the Army Air
Force Exchange Service recently visited our troops in Kuwait, Bahrain,
UAE and Qatar. She shared with me the commitment of the brave young men
and women on the fronts lines and their willingness to do whatever is
required of them by our country. And I would also like to add a word of
support for the more than 200 civilian employees of the Army Air Force
Exchange Service who are operating PXs in that region in support of our
service men and women.
We all sincerely hope that war in Iraq can still be avoided. However,
this House is united today in sending a clear message to America's
allies and adversaries alike: We stand united in support of our troops.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) who represents Quantico Marine Base,
Dahlgren Air Force Base, Fort Eustis, many other military installations
and thousands and thousands of great service personnel.
Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for
his yeoman's work in supporting our men and women in the military.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Joint Resolution 27, a
resolution which expresses our support for our service members
currently engaged in our global war on terrorism.
Mr. Speaker, today I say thank you to these proud men and women in
our Armed Services and to their families who bravely support them back
here at home.
Currently we have forces present in Afghanistan, the Philippines,
Yemen and many other countries. They lay down their lives for us on a
daily basis for our cherished freedoms. At this time we have over
200,000 troops serving in the Gulf region, a force which serves us, a
force which protects us, a force which stands ready to implements 18
United Nations' resolutions.
Mr. Speaker, as we approach what I believe will ultimately be the H-
hour for our forces, let us bear in mind the sacrifices and service
which these young men and women offer our Nation.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for bringing this measure before
us. May God bless our troops and may God bless the United States of
America.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman
from Texas (Mr. Doggett).
Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, with one voice we unite to thank, bless,
and pray for America's sons and daughters in uniform who puts
themselves in harm's way for our country. For their sacrifice, for the
sacrifice of their families, no mere resolution is sufficient to
express our gratitude.
In our democracy, our military is ultimately led by our elected
civilian leaders and this division of power is one source of our
country's strength and stability. I have no disagreement with our
service men and women who obey their duties and carry out their orders.
My only disagreement, my very strong disagreement, rests with President
Bush over Iraq, not with those who bravely execute his commands. Last
month at the Texas Capitol I spoke to 10,000 of our neighbors who
joined me in seeking a solution without war.
My previous speech at that spot was to honor our veterans' service in
defense of freedom, the very liberty that allows us to express our
dissent. Saluting our military is not the same as saluting the civilian
decisions that heighten the danger to our soldiers, while diverting the
resources needed to protect Americans from genuine threats.
As we praise America's young men and women who do their duty, we in
this Congress should dedicate ourselves in doing our own duty--working
to bring them all safely home.
And I would add that I salute the gentleman from California (Mr.
Hunter), and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) because this is
the type of bipartisan resolution that rightly brings us together as
Americans, instead of dividing us with inflammatory rhetoric and
tearing us asunder. I hope we have more resolutions in this spirit in
this House.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Kirk) who is a veteran of the Gulf War and presently a
U.S. Naval reservist.
Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California
(Chairman Hunter) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) for
bringing this to the floor.
All of us Americans care for our forces but many of us who still wear
the uniforms knows the names of the man Americans who are deployed
overseas. Six of us here in the Congress still wear the uniform
regularly, and just this weekend, I served in the Pentagon.
I have a privilege to represent a congressional district, including
Great Lakes Naval Training Center where 90 percent of the men and women
in our fleet deployed were trained, and Ft. Sheridan, where key Army
aviation and intelligence functions are administered.
We think about the Americans abroad today. Specifically we think
about the Americans at CFLIK at Camp Doha, at the 5th Fleet in Manama,
Bahrain, at CENTCOM Forward in Qatar, at the ONW headquarters where I
served at Incirlik, Turkey, at the OSW headquarters at Prince Sultan
Airbase in Saudi Arabia.
We have a special thanks for the 174,000 reservists who have been
called up, citizen soldiers, sailors and airmen, serving in Operation
Noble Eagle to protect us here at home, Enduring freedom in Afghanistan
and around the world, and of course for lack of a better term, Desert
Storm II coming up.
But as a Navy guy, I want to give a special note of thanks to the
four acres of freedom, wherever America needs and those are our carrier
battle groups. I particularly want to thank the crews of the Roosevelt
Battle Group, the Nimitz Battle Group, Constellation Battle Group,
Truman Battle Group, and Kitty Hawk Battle Group. As we say to the
young men and women, we wish you fair wind and following seas and a
bravo zulu from the United States Congress.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman
from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise
and extend her remarks.)
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished
ranking member for yielding me time.
Mr. Speaker, I am so privileged to be able to be present today in
this House as we debate H.J. Res. 27. To the Chairman of the Committee
on Armed Services and my very dear friend, the gentleman from Missouri
(Mr. Skelton). I thank them for bringing this forward because I am very
much reminded of why I have the privilege of standing here, not of my
own accord or on behalf of my own devices or talents. It is because I
have defenders of freedom across the world.
[[Page H1594]]
This is an appropriate resolution that says recognizing and
commending the continuing dedication, selfless service and commitment
of members of the Armed Forces and their families during the global war
on terrorism and in defense of the United States.
I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) who shares with me
on the Committee on Homeland Security, recognizing the importance of
our Armed Services.
Mr. Speaker, I visited them in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Albania and Cuba.
I just visited the 75th Division of the Army Reserves in Houston as
they went off to train those who will be deployed. There is no doubt
that we stand united. I joined a community in Houston in a pro-America
rally. Though we may have disagreed on the question of war in Iraq, we
were united on the question of supporting our military troops.
I will be voting enthusiastically on supporting this resolution, and
I think all of us are blessed by the fact that we live in a country in
which we can pray to our God, we can speak our minds, we can teach our
children, and we have the brave men and women, young men and women, our
family members and our reservists on the front lines. I thank also the
citizens, the civilians who are supporting us as well.
Mr. Speaker, I support H.J. Res. 27 and ask my colleagues to support
it.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, in Vietnam, guys on the ground used to refer
to the jets overhead as fast movers, and today we always wondered about
the comfortable life that they lead. So I was talking to the gentleman
from California (Mr. Cunningham) and the gentleman from Nevada (Mr.
Gibbons) about that very thing recently.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Nevada (Mr.
Gibbons) who piloted fast movers, that is, fighter aircraft in both
Vietnam and the Gulf War, and who is a veteran of those two conflicts
and a great leader in the Committee on Armed Services, and also a guy
who represents Nellis Air Force Base and Also the Fallon Naval Air
Station.
(Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
I rise today in strong support of this resolution, and I commend all of
our troops at home and abroad for their efforts in the war on
terrorism.
For 17 months, the men and women of Armed Forces have fought in
Afghanistan, protected our homeland and done everything our Nation has
asked them to do. The war on terrorism continues to produce results
such as the recent arrest of Khalid Shaikh Mohammed. But yesterday's
bombing in the Philippines, which claimed innocent American lives,
should remind us that this war is ongoing and unfinished.
Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of meeting three heroes of this
ongoing war, and I was honored to introduce them before the Nevada
State Legislature.
Captain Andra Kneip, a recipient of two Distinguished Flying Crosses
and her husband, Major Scott Kneip, both of them A-10 fighter pilots,
exemplify the great people serving our country. I also had the honor of
introducing First Lieutenant Thomas J. Cahill and his family.
Lieutenant Cahill was awarded one of the Nation's highest awards, the
Silver Star, for flying his helicopter into withering fire to save the
lives of three United States Army soldiers on the ground. These young
men and women have heard their Nation's call and have responded
accordingly.
Mr. Speaker, let there be no doubt that if our troops are called
again in Iraq, America can expect nothing but the greatest efforts of
the greatest military in the world.
There are other heros in the war on terrorism who should also be
honored for making the ultimate sacrifice in defending our Nation from
terrorism. Brave Nevadans, such as Jason Disney, Jason Bayer and
Matthew Commons, along with all the other members of our military who
have died defending our Nation, remind us of the treasured gift of
freedom that they have bestowed upon all of us.
Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that we commend our service members on
behalf of a grateful Nation. And I know that the American people will
continue to pour out their support for all of our troops. As a veteran
of the Persian Gulf War, I remember and still appreciate the
overwhelming support that was given to our troops and was shown by the
American people. The letters, emails and packages sent a very powerful
message to my comrades and me that America does care.
America supports the Guardsmen and Reservists who have put on the
uniform to fight terror and protect our Nation. America supports the
employers who have seen their best employees called into service.
America supports the families who have watched their loved ones bravely
answer the call to service. Let this resolution say to all our Nation's
soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen, America supports you.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman
from California (Ms. Pelosi), the minority leader.
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time
and for his extraordinary leadership on behalf of the men and women in
uniform in his career in Congress. And I commend the gentleman from
California (Mr. Hunter) as well, the chairman of the committee, the two
of them, for bringing this resolution to the floor, which I was proud
to join my colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Harman) in
being an early co-sponsor of.
Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of going to Whiteman Air Force Base
with our distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr.
Skelton) to say to the men and women in uniform there how proud we are
of them, how proud we are of their patriotism, the sacrifice that they
are willing to make. And this weekend I joined the gentleman from Ohio
(Mr. Hobson) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) to visit
our men and women in uniform in the Persian Gulf.
{time} 1245
We had the privilege of representing both sides of the aisle to the
young men and women there to say how proud again that we were of them
and the sacrifice they were making.
All of us take pride in the many relationships we have with the
military. My uncle died in the Battle of the Bulge. My family continues
to be proud of the Purple Heart he received. Four of my brothers
served, three in the active army, one in the reserve. So when we saw
these young people there, it was bringing a lot of history to the
conversation.
One young woman we met, Captain Jennifer Schulke, was the commander
of the Patriot. She oversaw the Patriot missile. She is so talented, so
in control of her situation, so smart, so wise, and so brave. We asked
her about her life personally, and she told us that her little baby
girl was going to be 2 years old on March 27. She, of course, will not
be home for her daughter's birthday. Imagine the sacrifice that this
young woman is making, not only with her life, possibly, but also being
away from her family.
Mr. Speaker, the stories go on and on. The patriotism is endless.
Wherever we stand on this war in terms of policy, we are united in our
support and admiration for the men and women in uniform, for their
courage, for their patriotism, and for the sacrifice they are willing
to make for our country.
The Korean War Memorial has engraved on it, ``Freedom is not free.''
No one knows that better than the men and women in uniform.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King).
Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me
this time, and I rise in support of H.J. Res. 27, commending and
expressing the gratitude of a grateful Nation to all members of the
United States Armed Forces, and particularly the members from the State
of Iowa, which has a long history of combat in every single major
battle that has taken place since 1846, when Iowa became a State.
Mr. Speaker, Iowa has 16 National Guard bases simply in just the
Fifth District of Iowa, and many of those men and women are off now,
away from their jobs and family, making their sacrifices and meeting
their commitment as they volunteer alongside our full-time members of
the Armed Services.
Iowans have suffered greatly over the years in defending our freedom
and our
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liberty. In particular, the small but mighty town of Red Oak, Iowa,
which suffered the highest number of fatalities in combat in World War
II on a per capita basis of any community in the United States of
America. They were called together one night as a community to receive
the announcement as a community that they had lost 20 members of that
small community in one single battle in World War II.
That is the level of commitment that Iowa has had from all of its
people in supporting our military, and we have strongly supported the
members of our Armed Forces. Also, during the Civil War, our percentage
of losses as a percentage of the population overall were higher than
any other State in the Union.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to point out to the members of this Nation also
that our President made a statement the other day in which he said
there is only one person that orders our Armed forces into battle, and
that is the one who hugs the widows and widowers of those who do not
come back home. We also understand that is the same person who hugs the
widows and widowers of those lost in the attacks on the World Trade
Center, on the Pentagon, and from the crash in Pennsylvania. Mr.
Speaker, while only one person orders them into battle, we all pray for
their safety and their safe return.
Our Armed forces are a vanguard for freedom, and the sacrifices they
give give hope to all people. There is no training and no equipment too
good for our Armed Forces, and I stand here in great appreciation to
Iowans and Americans who are defending our freedom and our liberty.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman
from Texas (Mr. Ortiz).
(Mr. ORTIZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank our chairman, the gentleman
from California (Mr. Hunter) and the ranking member, the gentleman from
Missouri (Mr. Skelton), for bringing this resolution to the floor.
Mr. Speaker, America's greatness is in our form of government. Our
strength is the character of our people and our justice is delivered by
brave men and women in the uniform of the United States. Since the
Nation was attacked on September 11, Americans have bled and died,
rescued countrymen, cleaned up the damage, and carried justice to our
enemies in al Qaeda and their sponsors in Afghanistan. This resolution
tells our men and women in uniform that this Nation is eternally
grateful for their service, an important message to the troops in an
atmosphere of question about the Iraqi mission.
This war has required sacrifice for many people: Our Armed Forces,
including guardsmen, reserves, their families and their employers. Our
citizen soldiers have undergone a serious hardship since this began, as
many are beginning their second and third deployment. As we express our
condolences to the families of great soldiers lost in Afghanistan and
around the world, let us remember that all of our soldiers will give to
this effort, and some will give their all.
I still hope that the war in Iraq can be averted, but that hope grows
dimmer each day. I thank our troops for their bravery and sacrifice. We
pray to God to protect our troops and to give us guidance and wisdom to
do what is right.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume
to, say, to the gentleman who just spoke, the gentleman from Texas (Mr.
Ortiz), that I remember the time when he and I and other members of the
committee went down to Honduras when the 82nd Airborne jumped into
Honduras to stiffen the spine of the Honduran government, which had
seen an invasion of the Sandinistas along their border.
I will never forget, in a national press conference, with lots of
cameras, when the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz) was asked the
question, ``Don't you feel any sympathy with the Sandinistas, based on
your ethnicity?'' The gentleman told them very simply that he was an
American. And I remember him being in many, many inconvenient and
difficult places to ensure that our troops were in good shape.
And let me also say, before I yield to the next speaker, and I know
my great friend, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) and the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz) would agree with this strongly, that
we are all very grateful to the employers. Part of this resolution is
an expression of ``thank you'' and gratitude to all the employers in
America, whether they are a six-man machine shop or a large
corporation, with the accommodations that they give, that America's
employers are giving to our reservists, to these citizen soldiers who
drop that tool that they are using or get out from behind the wheel of
that truck and put on the uniform of the United States and go off, in
some cases, for an extended period of time to defend this Nation.
I can just tell my colleagues that there are lots and lots of
examples of companies and small businesses which have bent over
backwards to take care of those folks and make sure that that job is
preserved for them, and going far beyond what is called for by the law
and mandated by the law. So I just want to let them know that we really
appreciate what they are doing. And I know the gentleman from Texas
would agree with that, because there are lots of great employers in
south Texas who have done the same thing. Are there not?
Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
Mr. HUNTER. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I do agree with the chairman, and I know at
least in my district we have had guardsmen and reservists being
activated. They are loyal to that country and they believe in what they
are doing.
And let me thank the gentleman from California for his kind words,
Mr. Speaker.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I greatly appreciate everything the
gentleman is saying.
Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his leadership. We
appreciate that.
Mr. HUNTER. We will keep working.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Foley).
Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, as the son of a marine who served during
World War II in the First Division at Guadalcanal, and a brother who
served in the United States Army, I rise in strong support of H.J. Res.
27, a resolution introduced by Chairman Hunter, commending the members
of the United States Armed Services.
We are all aware that we are well into the second year of operations
Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle. In addition, the United States
military is deploying hundreds of thousands of troops to the Persian
Gulf region. Finally, we are forward deploying additional units in the
western Pacific to deter North Korean aggression. From protecting the
homeland, winning the war on terrorism, to making the world safe from
madmen like Saddam Hussein, the men and women of the United States
Armed Services are serving this Nation well. We can all be very proud
of their efforts and their sacrifice and that of their families.
I would like to also recognize the often overlooked role of the
National Guard and components of the military. Tens of thousands of
reservists and guardsmen from Florida are in Afghanistan and in the
Middle East. I am continually impressed by these dedicated men and
women who gladly go into harm's way to protect the Nation. Let us hope
America recognizes our true heroes; not rock stars, not sports
athletes, but the men and women who don the uniform of this great
Nation who protect freedom everywhere, wherever they are called.
I want to thank Chairman Hunter, and of course the ranking member,
the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), for their outstanding
leadership in military efforts and affairs. We are indeed proud in this
House to have such capable and able people who understand what it is
like to fight for this Nation; to fight in battle, to fight for
freedom.
So, Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Hunter for giving me this
opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks and profound gratitude to
our service personnel, and especially to the mothers, daughters, sons,
and husbands who willingly let them go to do the hardest job
imaginable, to leave family and friends and loved ones, to travel
overseas to defend the honor of this great land we call home.
[[Page H1596]]
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to
the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Marshall), who is a member of the
Committee on Armed Services and also a veteran, a Ranger, from the
Vietnam War.
Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time, and I appreciate his introduction.
I rise today as a veteran myself to thank the men and women who are
serving us today overseas. But more so, I rise today for their
families. This is a very difficult time for those serving in our Armed
Forces, the men and women who are in harm's way, and it is, in another
sense, an even more difficult time for their families. Not only is
there separation, not only is there an additional workload for the
family, but there is also the worry that a loved one in harm's way will
be harmed, might not come home, or, if they come home, might be injured
in some way.
Mr. Speaker, all of us here in the House would ask that Americans
reach out, as we did after 9-11, to the families of those who lost
loved ones in that horrible tragedy. Reach out to these families whose
loved ones are serving us overseas. They need just a phone call, maybe
an invitation to dinner. The employers could provide maybe some flex-
time, some time off for a woman to shoulder the additional load that is
being placed on her by the absence of her husband. This is the way
America should be responding during this time. It is a way all of us
can respond, those of us here in the United States who are here today.
We can support the loved ones.
While I was in Vietnam, my mother was unable to write me a single
letter. She always wrote me. But she could not write me because she was
so worried and did not want to think about it. Support for mothers like
mine, for wives, for husbands, for daughters, brothers and sisters is
something all Americans can give during this time.
Mr. Speaker, I thank those men and women in uniform for their
service. I know they are doing their duty. And I also thank all of
those who are loved ones here in the United States that are under
extraordinary pressure at this time. All Americans should reach out to
them.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Indiana (Mr. Buyer), a Gulf War veteran and former very distinguished
subcommittee chairman on the House Committee on Armed Services.
Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this
time, and I come to the floor as the proud son of an army sergeant, and
I have a brother who is a colonel on active duty in the United States
Army.
Mr. Speaker, I have served our Nation for 22 years, in war and in
peace, and I think of my comrades who now find themselves once again on
the desert floor. And I think not only about them, but those who also
control the sky, who own the sea, who will take control of the
beachheads, and also those who will build the theater of operations and
those who support them Stateside and in other countries dispersed
around the world.
{time} 1300
I also come to the floor not only thinking of them, about also about
the families that they leave behind, the loved one that keeps the watch
fires burning, the children who are anxious for mom or dad to come
home.
While we think of them, I want the country to focus on two
individuals that are helping set the pace, and that is the gentleman
from California (Chairman Hunter) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr.
Skelton). These are two individuals that lead the best bipartisan
committee in the United States Congress; it is because of their
leadership. The work that the gentlemen did after the Gulf War, all
those hearings, all of their dedication to try to get the force
structure right, to ensure the right munitions, to move from analog to
digital, to make sure that the forces are highly mobile and very
lethal, and that those munitions go downrange and hit their targets
with precision, all that work the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton)
and the gentleman from California (Chairman Hunter) did will see great
dividends.
The world saw some of those dividends with regard to Afghanistan. The
leadership of the gentlemen to make sure that those forces and special
operations were trained and funded, believe me, it saved lives. So as
today we want to pay respect and appreciation to those who find
themselves in harm's way and to appreciate the sacrifice of the loved
ones, I want to say thank you to the gentleman from California
(Chairman Hunter) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), and
the staff that work for them, because the things that they have done
when nobody was watching is going to save lives not only in
Afghanistan, it could be on the Horn of Africa, it could be in the
deserts of Iraq once again. I cannot say enough to pay respect to both
gentlemen for what they have done.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman
from California (Mrs. Davis), a member of the Committee on Armed
Services.
Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the
resolution that I cosponsor, and I want to thank the gentleman from
California (Chairman Hunter) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr.
Skelton) for it as well.
Those in military service to our Nation deserve our strong support in
a time of such great uncertainty. But I would also add that their
families deserve our support.
Mr. Speaker, each of us has said good-bye to a loved one headed to an
airport for a business trip. Now imagine if that trip was halfway
around the world and involved great risk. Imagine not knowing when they
would be home. Today, more than 20,000 of our neighbors are in the
Middle East. In San Diego and in communities all across the country,
spouses and children will eat dinner tonight with an empty chair at the
table. They will watch the news and wonder. When we talk to them, they
will appear strong, and they are strong; but they need us.
I recently met with a group of Navy ombudsmen, women serving the
families of those in their unit. They told me that their husbands have
spent their entire careers preparing for what they face today; but they
said the families must also prepare for the uncertainty for what they
face, and let me tell Members, they are prepared. As we all wait and
wonder, let us remember the important role of military families and
reach out to them.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Gingrey).
Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Committee on Armed
Services in strong support of the Hunter-Skelton resolution commending
the members of the United States Armed Forces.
Mr. Speaker, the area of Georgia I represent has a long history of
involvement with the American military. Thousands of brave men and
women from our area have donned the uniform of our Armed Forces to
protect and defend the freedoms that we all enjoy. In the current war
against terrorism, and other crucial conflicts around the world, the
Eleventh Congressional District of Georgia is again providing leading
support at home and abroad.
I am proud to represent Fort Benning, which has been training the
world's best infantry soldiers since 1918. It is the third largest
personnel post, home to 30,000 soldiers, 25,000 family members, and
6,500 civilian employees. Many of these soldiers are presently deployed
in the Persian Gulf and other areas around the globe. Thousands more
have received training at Fort Benning's Infantry, Ranger and Airborne
Training Brigades.
In the northern part of my district, Dobbins Air Reserve Base and
Naval Air Station Atlanta also contribute significant support to our
current operations. As the home of the 22nd Air Wing, Dobbins has
jurisdiction over thousands of activated Air Force reserves who put
their personal and professional lives on hold in our Armed Forces.
Mr. Speaker, I am enormously proud of the men and women in the
American military. They are in my prayers every day. I recognize the
immense sacrifices that they and their families make in order to
protect us, as well as the commitment they demonstrate by serving our
Nation. Congress has no greater duty than to match this commitment with
appropriate funding for their training, their equipment and benefits
[[Page H1597]]
for their families. I urge my colleagues to support our brave
servicemembers, not only today through this resolution, but every day
they are in Congress.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman
from New York (Mr. Israel), a member of the Committee on Armed
Services.
Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I am a new member of the Committee on Armed
Services and very proud to be serving on that committee under the able
leadership of the gentleman from California (Chairman Hunter) and the
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), the ranking member.
Mr. Speaker, last month I visited the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve
Center in Amityville, New York, to bid farewell and Godspeed to the
Alpha Company of the 6th Communication Battalion. They went willingly;
they sacrifice selflessly; they serve proudly. I remember their faces;
I remember their families' faces.
Our Nation owes them the legislation before us today, but we owe them
much more than that. We must stand with them. We need to protect their
jobs, protect their incomes, protect their homes, provide health care
for their families while they are away, and just as important, after
they return.
We cannot ask men and women who fight for our freedom abroad to fight
for their veterans benefits when they return home. We cannot balance
the domestic budgets on the backs of those who are willing to fight on
our fronts. We have a covenant with these patriots. We have a moral
contract with these soldiers. We have a national commitment to these
hundreds of thousands of faceless heroes and their families. So as we
stand here united in praise of our troops, let us never forget the
sustained and long-term obligation we have to our regular Armed Forces,
our activated Reserves and our veterans.
They are there for us, and we must be there for them. They are the
ones who truly and bravely answer the philosopher's charge: ``Freedom
must be reinvented in every generation.'' God bless them. God bless
America.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, this story of this massive mobilization which has been
undertaken is a story of people. It is a story of families and a story
of close-knit communities.
We have a group of folks in Operation Home Front in San Diego,
California, which is a support group, lots of businesses, lots of great
folks, community leaders and lots of community servants, who have
gotten together to try to build a group that will be a support group
for the families and all the folks who are still at home. They have
done a wonderful job.
That model was started by, I believe, Roger Hedgecock, one of our
radio talk show hosts, spread throughout San Diego County. I know that
idea has spread throughout the country. It is representative of this
great community that does find common ground in this very important
first duty and first obligation of our government, which is to ensure
the security of its people.
Mr. Speaker, I think there is nothing more descriptive of the support
of our uniformed personnel than a letter which was written to a Marine
sergeant, Benjamin Harris, by his wife. This letter could just as
easily have been written to the battlefield at Gettysburg, sent to a
base camp in Vietnam, the Chosin Reservoir during Korea, or the
Guadalcanal beachhead during World War II:
``My Dearest Ben, I hope this letter finds you in good spirits. As I
look into our son's eyes every day, I see you. I miss you every second
we're apart, but there is a reason for our separation. You've been my
hero for years, now it's time for the world to see you shine.
``Finally everyone will see all that you stand for, all that you're
made of: pride, honor, strength, and a faith that shames most men.
Though my heart aches without, I know what my duty as a Marine's wife
calls for, and so I give you to our country, to our world, `to fight
for right and freedom,' as a Marine's hymn states. I give you to the
families who lost in the attacks on our country, and I give you to the
rest of the world. Without men like you, people wouldn't have the
freedom to sit down to dinner with their families, to tuck their
children into bed at night knowing that they'll be safe. I understand
the pain of separation is temporary. If I must give up the sound of
your laughter for the sound of my tears, so be it. The sound of my
tears then will give me strength as your laughter once did. They are
tears of loneliness, anger and fear, but also of pride and love. You
are the air I breathe, and while I am lost without you, I know you'll
be home soon to find me. God speed, and God bless. Your loving wife,
Erica.''
Mr. Speaker, that is the story of mobilizations that took place in
the last century, that left 619,000 Americans dead on battlefields
around the world. That is the story of the American mobilizations which
have given freedom to hundreds of millions of people in this world, and
which shortly may give freedom to millions more; and it cannot be done
without the sacrifices that are manifested in thousands of letters,
hundreds of thousands of letters like the one I just read.
To all my colleagues who contributed to this resolution, I want to
thank them and thank my great partner in rebuilding our national
defense, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton).
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, it is a distinct honor to serve with the chairman, a
veteran himself, who knows so well what we are honoring here today; and
I thank the gentleman for his efforts and for his dedication and
leadership.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from American
Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega).
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California
(Chairman Hunter) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), the
ranking member, for their outstanding leadership and services rendered
not only to our country, but especially on matters pertaining to
defense.
Mr. Speaker, at the most crucial time in our Nation's history, we are
faced with the likely prospect of putting our men and women in uniform
in harm's way. This is a serious and solemn responsibility not only for
our President but also for the Congress of the United States.
Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the Demilitarized Zone
between North and South Korea, along with the gentleman from North
Dakota (Mr. Pomeroy) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney), and
certainly I would like to express our appreciation to General Leon
LaPorte who is in charge of some 37,000 of our troops who are stationed
there in Korea. I would also like to thank Dr. Edward Feulner, the
president of Heritage Foundation, for allowing us to visit the leaders
of South Korea. I am deeply aware of the important decisions these
leaders have to make in the coming weeks and months.
It was my privilege also to visit my own constituents who are also
stationed in Korea including Sergeant Major Special Forces Tui Nua, and
15 other members of my constituents who are on active duty. I
especially thank Ambassador Seung Youn Kim for the hospitality and
courtesies that he extended by allowing me and my constituents who are
serving on active duty in Korea to work together and to enjoy each
other's company.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this most fitting
resolution.
{time} 1315
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Ose). The gentleman from California (Mr.
Hunter) has 1 minute remaining and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr.
Skelton) has 12 minutes remaining.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask unanimous consent and
with the consent of my great colleague the gentleman from Missouri (Mr.
Skelton) that we might take one of his minutes and thereby be able to
yield 2 minutes to our closing speaker, the chairman of the
Subcommittee on Total Force, the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh).
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, that is quite all right. We do yield such
minute.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Hunter) will control 1 additional minute.
There was no objection.
Mr. HUNTER. What we might do if it is okay with the gentleman from
Missouri, perhaps he can continue with his
[[Page H1598]]
speakers and then we will wrap up with the gentleman from New York as
we get close to the end.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman
from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).
Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, first of all, we are very proud of the
service of the chairman and ranking member. As I was coming over here,
ironically, and I see the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins) is here,
I got a call from a constituent who thanked me. I did not get a chance
to talk with her. I have to call her back. Thanking the five of us who
went to central Asia and to the Middle East and the flags we brought to
our troops and the greetings from our President and the entire
Congress, thanking us for providing a flag to her husband. I am anxious
to call her back.
Congresswoman, we are proud of you as well. This was a sobering
experience. It was elevating by every stretch of the imagination to be
with the troops in the field.
Some may disagree with policy on this floor, but this is America, and
we are allowed to do that. The troops understand that there is a
difference in debating policy and supporting their efforts. We are 100
percent behind our troops and they know that and we know that as proud
Americans. So God bless this country, regardless if you are in Camp
Doha, if you are in Coyote, or if you are in New York or New Jersey, if
you are in Camp Ganci, named after that great fire chief from New York
City, we are here 100 percent in support of you. God bless this great
country.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from
Guam (Mr. Bordallo).
Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I am a new member of the Committee on
Armed Services. I would like to recognize the gentleman from California
(Mr. Hunter), our chairman, and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr.
Skelton), our ranking member.
On September 11, 2001, I was acting Governor of Guam. I will remember
that day forever. Even though the terrorist attacks occurred thousands
of miles away, the people of Guam heard the call to service in defense
of our Nation. The 44th Aerial Port Squadron of Guam mobilized to the
Middle East and the 368th Military Police Company of Guam has been
deployed to Okinawa and mainland Japan. Our first responders, the
National Guard, the Reserves and the active duty military are defending
this Nation against those that attack innocent civilians.
Our troops are forgoing their families and, in some cases, their
livelihoods to combat this threat. So I want to thank them very much
for carrying the burden of separation and living with the fear of loss
of their loved ones in service of our great Nation. This is a war that
cannot be won by force of arms alone, but by the unity and strength of
purpose of our Nation. That strength of purpose shines bright in our
servicemen and women and they will deliver victory. They do us all
proud. I commend them and thank them for their ongoing successful
mission defending the homeland and on the front lines of freedom
throughout the world.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Evans).
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, my congressional district lies a long way
from the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, but on September 11 all
of America was a victim of this deadly and unprovoked attack. The next
day, my office was inundated with calls from young men and women ready
to enlist in our Armed Forces to serve in the war against terrorism.
Now almost 18 months later, these seasoned soldiers and sailors are on
the front line of terrorism, having already served in places like
Afghanistan, the Philippines and in the Horn of Africa. I salute their
courage and selfless dedication.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Emanuel).
Mr. EMANUEL. I thank my colleague from Missouri for yielding me this
time.
Mr. Speaker, one of the first acts I did as a Congressman was to
expedite the citizenship of a young man, Mano Catchatoorian, who is in
the 416th Engineer Command, so he could ship out with his unit to
Kuwait on February 24. I cannot think of a better thing than an
individual who wanted to become a citizen and move out with his unit so
he can join our forces but, most importantly, to be part of his Nation.
I want us all to think about what we are doing today, because we are
supporting our troops, we are supporting their families, and we are
supporting our communities that will be missing the Little League
coaches, the folks who work at the boys clubs, the girls clubs, the Boy
Scouts. This is an appropriate thing, because Mano, before he left, he
called me the next day, thanked me for what we did to expedite his
citizenship. He said to me, ``just do me one favor. Don't forget us.''
I cannot think of a more just act than what we are doing today,
regardless of our party, regardless of where we come from, not to
forget them.
Although we will vote in this resolution to support our troops, later
on tonight I would like us all to put them and their families in our
prayers.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Green).
Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to add my strong
support to the joint resolution of both my colleagues, Chairman Hunter
and also Ranking Member Skelton. I think not only myself, but all of us
have the highest respect for our young men and women, and they deserve
our sincerest gratitude, for the Armed Forces in our country do not
make foreign policy, they fulfill the tasks that our democracy puts to
them with skill and honor.
In my hometown of Houston and throughout Texas, many active duty
personnel have been shipped overseas and Reserve and National Guard
units are also being called up. The Houston-based 75th Army Training
and Support Division has been completely mobilized for the first time
since World War II. Just yesterday, the 17,000 strong 1st Cavalry
Division based in Fort Hood, Texas, got the call to ship out overseas.
These men and women are not allowed to tell where they are heading or
what this mobilization will lead to, but this is a life they
volunteered for. The war on terrorism requires sacrifices for many, but
the military is always on the front lines defending our national
security. After September 11, the work required of our military has
greatly expanded, and I believe they are up to the task.
Again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell our Armed Forces that our
hearts and minds and prayers are with them.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge).
Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Hunter and
Ranking Member Skelton for bringing this resolution to honor the men
and women who are serving. I happen to represent in my district Fort
Bragg and Polk, the two bases that are called the 911 posts in this
country. Thousands of those men and women are now stationed around the
world.
But in addition to what has been said, let me talk about a group of
young folks who have not been spoken about today and that is the
children of these men and women that have been deployed. They watch TV
every night. They hear the stories. Our school personnel deal with them
every day. They deserve our help each and every day. They deserve that
we do the right thing as we honor the men and women who are serving. As
we start our appropriations processes later, we have the obligation to
make sure that the children of these men and women are taken care of,
because they face some difficult times and our school personnel deal
with them on a daily basis with many of the traumas that they face.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlemen for the resolution and encourage
it to my colleagues.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Edwards).
Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I will be brief because no words can
adequately express the debt of gratitude we owe our servicemen and
women and their families for the sacrifices they make on behalf of our
country. But I do want to commend the gentleman from California (Mr.
Hunter) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) for sponsoring
this important resolution showing our deep respect for our servicemen
and women.
I would add one footnote. I hope we will show them our respect with
our
[[Page H1599]]
deeds and not just with our words and vote on this resolution. I am
still bothered by the fact that the budget proposal suggests a cut in
Impact Aid military education funding to the children of moms and dads
who, as we speak, from my district and others, are being deployed over
to the Iraqi theater. With the leadership of these two great supporters
of our military families and others on both sides of the aisle, I hope
we will support them with this vote today and with our dollars and with
our votes on actions that support their quality of life.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
A number of years ago, I had the opportunity to go down to Norfolk
Naval Base and watch the USS Theodore Roosevelt deploy for its 6-month
deployment. There I saw the greatness of America aboard ship as the
sailors would wave and also on the dock as the families, the husbands,
the wives and the children, they also were and are part of the
greatness of America.
Today we see the same scene, of all services, different colored
uniforms, those who leave, the men and women being deployed, and of the
families waving and saying good-bye, to the children who will not have
their mother or their father who are in uniform with them for their
birthday, for their graduation. This, of course, is a sacrifice of the
military families.
We should remember that the young men and young women in uniform,
their families, children, spouses, really form a backbone of greatness
in our country. The gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), my friend,
the chairman of our committee, a veteran himself, we thank him for his
leadership on this resolution as well as his leadership on the
Committee on Armed Services. To all the Americans who are sharing in
this worldwide global battle against terrorism, we wish them well.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, with great thanks and respect for my
colleague the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), I yield the
balance of my time to the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) who is
the chairman of the Subcommittee on Total Force on Armed Services which
has jurisdiction over all those important issues with respect to pay
and bonuses and housing and the melding of our Reserve forces and our
Guard forces and our active forces together, the guy who cares about
over a million men and women in uniform.
Mr. McHUGH. I thank the chairman for yielding, and I deeply
appreciate the ranking member for yielding me some time as well.
Mr. Speaker, it would be impossible for me to even begin to equal the
eloquence of my colleagues who have spoken with such passion and such
meaning over these past minutes with respect to the subject of this
resolution. Our debt of gratitude certainly, as has been said time and
time again, goes to the tremendous bipartisan leadership of two special
individuals, two men in whom I hold so much admiration, the chairman
the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) and, of course, the ranking
member the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton).
This resolution in my mind, Mr. Speaker, would be warranted on any
day of the week in any year you might choose. It is obviously
particularly important now as we see the demands that we place upon
these brave men and women increasingly grow each and every day.
{time} 1330
I too have had a chance to witness these incredible sacrifices. I had
the honor just a few weeks ago to travel with a number of my colleagues
throughout the European theater, meeting with the Reservists and
Guardists and the active component and talked to the folks who too
often we forget about, too often we take for granted and do not
understand the sacrifices that they leave behind.
The resolution speaks to it very eloquently: the hundreds upon
hundreds of people already having given of their lives and by being
wounded in combat, the dozens and dozens who have given their lives in
its fullest measure, from the loss of life through the battle on
terrorism, and yet never with a regret, never with anything more than
pride and tears from their families. I think that this resolution, more
than any others I have seen in many weeks on this floor, deserves the
unanimous support of all of our colleagues; and I would certainly urge
each and every one of the Members of this House to support it promptly
here today.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this joint resolution and
commend Chairman Hunter and Rep. Skelton for bringing it to the floor.
Ever since the attack on the United States on September 11, 2001, the
soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines of the U.S. military--be they
active, National Guard, or reserve volunteers--have willingly gone into
harm's way to carry out many courageous and successful operations
against terrorism that have helped to make us at home safer and more
secure.
Threescore or more of our military people have died, and hundreds
have been wounded or injured so far in this Global War on Terrorism,
but all remain committed to seeing the mission through to the end.
The fight against terrorism has added new missions to our Armed
Forces that even prior to September 11th were greatly challenged. The
10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum in my district is a case in
point. The deployment of division troops to the combat zone in
Afghanistan had been matched by deployments of division units to
Bosnia, Kosovo and the Sinai, as well as to homeland defense missions
in the United States. As one 10th Division officer told the media: ``We
like to say the sun never sets on the 10th Mountain Division patch. We
are literally all over the map.''
During the 10th Mountain Division's deployment to Afghanistan,
soldiers such as Staff Sergeant David A. Hruban, Staff Sergeant Randel
Perez, Specialist Mark T. Henry, and Sergeant James Rissler of the
Division's 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry, distinguished themselves in
battle. Specialist Wayne Stanton, also of the Division's 1st Battalion,
87th Infantry, was wounded in the same battle and re-enlisted just last
week, one year after being wounded, knowing full well that he may soon
be redeployed to a combat zone. The heroism of these brave soldiers
embodies the commitment and sacrifice of our military personnel.
The ability of our military personnel to sustain the war is closely
related to the willingness of their families, and in the case of
reservists their employers, to continue making sacrifices. This
resolution is an effort to recognize and acknowledge that sacrifice.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, as we approach a possible war with Iraq, the
Nation is about to ask our Armed Forces and their families for
additional sacrifices. It is thus only right that all members support
this joint resolution expressing our gratitude to those who are
fighting for us, and reaffirming that Congress stands united with the
President in the ongoing effort to defeat global terrorism.
Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this
resolution to commend the members of the United States armed forces.
As a veteran of the United States Army, I know firsthand the
contributions our military service personnel make in defense of our
nation and the tremendous burden their families are forced to bear.
Here in the U.S. House, I serve on the Army Caucus, and I work on a
bipartisan basis to support our men and women in uniform. Our service
personnel are dedicated, professional and deboted to duty. Congress
must stand up for these brave men and women who risk their lives to
defend our country, our ideals and our interests around the world.
I have the honor of representing the men and women of Fort Bragg and
Pope Air Force Base. Fort Bragg is truly our nation's ``911'' base
because when America is in trouble, our leaders pick up the phone and
call Fort Bragg. The mission at Fort Bragg is to maintain the XVIII
Airborne Corps as a strategic crisis response force, manned and trained
to deploy rapidly by air, sea and land anywhere in the world, prepared
to fight upon arrival and win. Co-located with Fort Bragg, Pope Air
Force Base provides a unique synergy and has played a leading role in
the development of U.S. tactics and air-power throughout history.
Missions at Pope range from providing airlift and close air support to
American armed forces to humanitarian missions flown all over the
world. The men and women from these installations, their families and
the entire community on a daily basis contribute whatever is asked of
them for our country's safety and security.
Mr. Speaker, as America stands on the brink of war, hundreds of
thousands of our military personnel have been deployed abroad. They
need to know that Congress stands behind them, and this resolution is
an appropriate expression of our support. I urge my colleagues to join
me in passing this resolution.
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to join with my
colleagues in commending the continued dedication, selfless service,
and commitment of members of the
[[Page H1600]]
Armed Forces and their families during the Globar War on Terrorism and
in defense of the United States.
It's difficult to comprehend that nearly 225,000 members of the
National Guard and Reserve components have been mobilized for active
duty since the start of the Global War on Terrorism. Of that number,
more than 166,000 remain on active duty, with thousands facing a second
year of active duty away from families and civilian employment.
Additionally, more than 200,000 active-duty personnel have already
been deployed to the Persian Gulf theater and thousands of Reservists
and National Guard members have been alerted for mobilization or are
deploying for a possible war with Iraq. These men and women are on the
front lines of our war on terrorism and anywhere else we have asked
them to be. One place they are not, is home. They are missing baseball
games, soccer matches and all the other creature comforts we tend to
take for granted.
A year is a long time to be away from home and a long time to be
wondering what is next. For many of our service members, that year grew
by an additional three months, then six months and some are now
standing at 2-year deployments. They do so with loyalty and dedication.
Mr. Chairman, during the January work period, I had the opportunity
to visit our men and women in uniform stationed in Germany, Italy and
France. I was struck by their professionalism and commitment to their
assigned duties. They are proud to serve. Simple as that. Of course
they miss their families, they miss their home and some miss decent
television programming. But they are proud to serve and know they will
be home soon enough.
We can never say thanks enough to these men and women but I
appreciate the opportunity to thanks today.
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the young men and
women of our nation and my district who risk their lives daily to
protect our nation from global terrorist networks wishing to do us
harm. Our men and women in uniform's selfless dedication embodies the
spirit of America. I believe the extraordinary commitment of everday
Americans to root out fanatics bent on destroying our way of life will
make us successful in the war on terrorism.
This is the first war in our nation's history where we face an enemy
that solely targets innocent civilians, regardless of their age,
religion, race, or background. And when the call of duty went out to
mobilize against this enemy, thousands enlisted and re-enlisted to
fight this global threat.
A week after the attacks on America, a 40 year old constituent in my
district called me begging to join the war on terrorism. He is a 40
year old married farmer and was willing to forsake his home and career
to serve in the U.S. Army. And as you know, there are no ``leaves of
absence'' when you farm. He was willing to give up his farm and accept
a temporary separation from his wife to serve in our nation's armed
forces. As you can imagine, he called me and wanted assistance in
joining because the U.S. Army prohibits enlistments beyond 35 years of
age and conforming to this policy he was denied enlistment. But, I
commend his unusual, but not uncommon, willingness to serve our nation.
In my position as the Ranking Democratic Member of the House's
Veteran's Affairs Committee, I have had numerous veterans approach me
and personally volunteer to serve and fight in the war against these
terrorists. Veterans as old as 85 have told me they would be willing to
join the war on terrorism if their country ever called on them.
While those of us in Congress may differ on how best to deal with
Iraq and North Korea, we stand absolutely united on the war on global
terrorism and our support for our troops. And as the senior Democrat on
the House's Veteran's Affairs Committee, I will do my part to ensure
that when these troops return home they are entitled to the protections
and benefits guaranteed to every veteran. Their selfless sacrifice and
long absence from home must be rewarded. Just as we stand vigilant
against any further terrorist acts we must stand together to protect
the entitlements and benefits that protect the members of our armed
services when they return home.
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, the tragic events of
September 11th changed our world forever. Engaged in a war, different
from any other in our nation's history, we are once again calling upon
the brave members of the U.S. Armed Forces to defend democracy and
freedom. At this time, during our war on terrorism, I want to commend
every member of our U.S. Armed Forces.
While we all desire peace, when war cannot be avoided, our U.S. Armed
Forces put their lives on the line, with some paying the ultimate
sacrifice. To all those who wear the uniform we honor and thank you. It
is also important to thank and commend the family members of our Armed
Services. Through love and support they enable our forces to embark on
their difficult battle while trying to maintain their life without
their loved ones next to them.
The war on terrorism has just begun. On the frontlines, in America
and around the world, are the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed
Forces. They are protecting our rights and freedoms, and for this I
thank them.
Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I offer my wholehearted support today for
H.J. Res 27, which recognizes and commends the continuing dedication,
selfless service, and commitment of members of the Armed Forces and
their families in the war on global terrorism and in defense of the
United States in the Persian Gulf and elsewhere.
This measure is a simple gesture, but I hope it will convey the
profound gratitude we feel for the service provided by our men and
women in uniform. Since I was elected to Congress 20 years ago, I have
represented Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina, which
provides nearly 40 percent of the Air Force capability to ``Suppress
Enemy Air Defenses.'' Like most Members, I also represent hundreds of
men and women in the National Guard and Reserves, who are contributing
to this nation's defense now more than ever before. So I know firsthand
of the dedication we recognize today.
To all of you I offer this message. Your dedication to the defense of
America, your willingness to go in harm's way, our unparalleled
capabilities, and your unequaled bravery warrant our highest praise and
deepest appreciation. Wherever you are serving, I extend a hearfelt
``thank you.'' Indeed, we should all thank God that there are such
Americans willing to go anywhere and pay the price of defending freedom
and the security of this country.
Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution
honoring our brave men and women of the armed services. Their duty and
sacrifice are appreciated by all Americans, and it is right that we pay
recognition to them today.
The post September 11th world demands increased vigilance on the part
of our armed services. With these increased demands, the role of the
National Guard is critical in providing the total force necessary to
ensure our security. Over the past month, I have met with many National
Guard and Reserve members from western Wisconsin who have been called
up for service in the global war against terrorism.
Recently, I attended send-off ceremonies in Prairie Du Chien,
Platteville, and Richland Center, Wisconsin for units of the Wisconsin
National Guard that have been called to duty. These men and women and
their families are answering the call of their country, even though
some have been given very limited notice by the Department of Defense.
In one instance, the time between alert and mobilization was only 2
days, making it increasingly difficult to make arrangements regarding
family and work obligations. Every member of the Wisconsin National
Guard, however, has reported enthusiastically and without hesitation.
They are well-trained, well-motivated and, in short, very impressive
individuals. Our country is fortunate to have the quality of
individuals in our Armed Forces.
I want to particularly express my appreciation to the members and
families of the 229th Engineer Company out of Prairie Du Chien and
Platteville, the 829th Engineer Detachment out of Richland Center, and
the 1158th Transportation Company with members from Tomah and Black
River Falls. These units have been activated and are likely to be
deployed overseas.
Over 2,200 members of the Wisconsin Air and Army National Guard are
serving on Active Duty. The people of western Wisconsin are proud of
their service and the service of all the men and women of our armed
services during this important time in our Nation's history. Our
appreciation also goes out to the families of these service members for
their support and sacrifice during these challenging times.
The American people and the Congress of the United States stand
behind our armed service members, and we know they will be successful
in their mission.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congressman Hunter and
Congressman Skelton for introducing this important resolution. Now more
than ever it is time to recognize and commend all our members of our
armed forces for the excellent job they have done, and will continue to
do in the war against terrorism.
As the situation in Iraq continues to develop, it is expected that by
mid-March more than 250,000 brave American men and women military
personnel will have been deployed to the Persian Gulf region. We
currently have troops in all of the Persian Gulf states except for
Yemen. In addition, tens of thousands of dedicated National Guard
personnel and reserve employees have been called to active duty. While
it is not yet known where all of these men and women will be deployed,
it is known
[[Page H1601]]
that they are a key component in the overall force structure.
While the recent focus has and will continue to be on Iraq, it is
important to remember that are U.S. armed forces are serving admirably
all over the world, and more and more is continually asked of them.
Members of the armed forces have been serving for the past seventeen
months in the ongoing operations to root out terrorism, and their
continued work in Afghanistan, South Korea and other hot spots are just
part of their service. Whether providing vital counter-narcotics
assistance, training the militaries of other nations in counter-
terrorism measures or serving the United States at home, our men and
women have made sacrifices that go beyond the call of normal duty.
In conclusion, as we move forward in this war against terrorism, let
us remember those who have served us in the past, those who have lost
their lives while protecting our nation, and the sacrifices the
families of military personnel have made. All members of the U.S. Armed
Services, in my State of Delaware and around the world, must be
recognized for their outstanding and courageous service in these
uncertain times. With passage of this resolution today, we express the
gratitude of our Nation.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution. Not too
long ago, I returned from Afghanistan, and other Central Asian
countries, where I met with our troops on the front lines of Operation
Enduring Freedom.
Mr. Speaker, Americans can be very proud of the men and women
serving our country in Central Asia. They are true professionals, doing
their jobs in very difficult conditions. Troops we met with were in
good spirits and morale is high. Yes, our soldiers want to come home--
several told me how they miss their wife and kids--but above all they
want to finish their mission.
In the coming weeks, U.S. forces may be asked to face combat in the
Middle East. No one wants war. If military conflict does come, you can
be sure that we have the very best serving our country. They are the
latest in a long line of men and women who have served our country with
distinction, and to whom we owe our freedom.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Ose). Pursuant to the order of the House
of Tuesday, March 4, 2003, the joint resolution is considered read for
amendment, and the previous question is ordered.
The question is on the engrossment and third reading of the joint
resolution.
The joint resolution was ordered to be engrossed and read a third
time, and was read the third time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the passage of the joint
resolution.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the ayes appeared to have it.
Mr. HUNTER. 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 and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will
be postponed.
____________________