[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 23, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E423-E424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RELATING TO THE LIBERATION OF THE IRAQI PEOPLE AND THE VALIANT SERVICE 
         OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AND COALITION FORCES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 2004

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, at a time when our country is at war, 
Members of this House must stand, not as either Democrat or Republican, 
but together as Americans totally united in support of our troops.
  For that reason, Mr. Speaker, it is with bitter disappointment and 
regret that I find that I must stand in opposition to House Resolution 
557. By introducing this flawed partisan resolution, which is therefore 
tainted in purpose, the Republican leadership has chosen, once again, 
to try to divide us rather than unify us during this dark time in our 
Nation's history.
  What makes H.R. 557 even more misguided is the fact that our Ranking 
Member Congressman Jack Murtha--who many in this

[[Page E424]]

august body would surely agree has no equal in Congress when it comes 
to supporting our troops--was not even consulted or given the 
opportunity to take part in the drafting of this resolution to ensure a 
well-deserved bipartisan tribute is paid to our troops in Iraq.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to extend my own 
personal praise and appreciation for the sacrifices and outstanding 
service of our brave men and women in Iraq.
  Like all Americans, I am extremely proud of their service, their 
commitment, and, yes, their willingness, if necessary, to pay the 
ultimate price to protect our country at home and abroad.
  Brave men and women such as Lance Corporal Henry Lopez, Army Spec. 
Joo H. Bahk, and Corporal Alex Argumedo, and Marines Jonathan 
Kirkpatrick, Juan Silva and Javier Martinez, and many others from my 
34th Congressional District who are true heroes in every sense of the 
word.
  Like all Americans, I am grateful to the thousands of soldiers who 
have been wounded in battle and whose lives have been forever changed 
because of their severe injuries suffered on our behalf. I had the 
privilege of meeting with some of them at Walter Reed Army Medical 
Center last year, and I found the experience both moving and humbling. 
They are truly an inspiration and deserve our praise and the support 
they need to heal. They also deserve and have earned every opportunity 
we can give them and their families to look forward to a better future.
  And Mr. Speaker, to compensate for that which H.R. 557 fails to do, I 
offer my deep personal sorrow, regret, and respect to those like Army 
Specialist Jason Kristoffer Chappell and Army Spc. Jose L. Mora who 
paid the ultimate price for our country. And to all the families who 
lost a loved one, I extend my most heartfelt condolences.
  In closing Mr. Speaker, let me, once again, extend my praise and 
appreciation for the sacrifices made by our troops in Iraq and 
throughout the world. Every day, in ways both large and small, they 
make us all very proud to be Americans. May God continue to bless them 
and keep them safe.

                          ____________________