[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 149 (Thursday, November 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING CONTINUING DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT OF 
   EMPLOYERS OF MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND THE OTHER RESERVE 
                               COMPONENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. TODD TIAHRT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 8, 2005

  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, the summer invasion of Kuwait by Saddam 
Hussein in 1990 initiated one of the longest continual military 
mobilizations in our nation's history. Since then, our military has 
been continually engaged in the Middle East and other theaters. The 
attacks in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania on September 11th, 2001 
have only served to expand the scope and increase the operational tempo 
and intensity of our armed forces.
  For the past 15 years, our citizen-soldiers, found in the Reserves 
and Army and Air National Guard, have been increasingly mobilized and 
deployed. Since the Global War on Terrorism began in 2001, 433,000 
members of the reserve component have been mobilized for active duty. 
These troops, like our active-duty force, risk their lives on the 
front-lines for our nation's security and freedom while being separated 
from friends and family. But unique to our National Guardsmen and 
Reservists, these deployments often involve year-long absences from 
civilian employment and a corresponding financial hardship.
  National Guard and Reserve mobilization also has a dramatic effect on 
civilian employers. Across the nation businesses are losing their top 
employees to the call of national service. Despite the strain on their 
businesses, the vast majority of employers embrace this challenge with 
pride. Not only do they adhere to the Uniformed Services Employment and 
Reemployment Rights Act, many businesses go above and beyond in support 
of their deployed employees and the families left behind. They deserve 
our nation's respect and thanks.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I am honored to support House Resolution 302, 
sponsored by Mr. Pombo of California. This important resolution 
recognizes and commends the dedication and commitment of employers of 
the members of the National Guard and the other reserve components. I 
encourage this entire body to strongly support this resolution, along 
with the businesses and reservists it commends.

                          ____________________