[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 59 (Friday, April 11, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5337-S5338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 NATURALIZATION AND FAMILY PROTECTION FOR MILITARY MEMBERS ACT OF 2003

  Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I am pleased to rise today to add 
another voice of support for the Naturalization and Family Protection 
for Military Members Act of 2003.
  Earlier today, the President visited Bethesda Naval Hospital with his 
wife Laura and spent time with some of the courageous men and women who 
have been wounded while fighting both to secure the safety and freedom 
of all Americans, as well as on behalf of a people starving for access 
to our ideals of liberty and justice for all. After this visit, he was 
visibly moved by the bravery and patriotism he witnessed, and he noted 
a special moment for him. I'd like to quote his comments from the press 
conference now:
  ``I think the thing that stood out the most to me was seeing two 
wounded soldiers swear in as citizens of the United States. One man 
from Mexico, one man from the Philippines. People who had gone 
overseas. People who had risked their lives for peace and security and 
freedom. They wore the uniform of the United States military. And Laura 
and I got to see them sworn in as citizens. It was a very profound 
moment. We were both honored to have witnesses this.
  ``You know, we got an amazing country where so powerful, the values 
we believe, that people would be willing to risk their own life and 
become a citizen after being wounded. It's an amazing moment. Really 
proud of it.''
  The President's words speak to exactly why this legislation is so 
important--and so worthwhile. These men and women are willing to risk 
their own lives on our behalf, even though they are not yet citizens of 
this country. It is why I once again strongly encourage the Senate to 
lend its support to this bill.

[[Page S5338]]



                          ____________________