[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 147 (Monday, October 1, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H11032-H11034]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COMMENDING THE WINGS OVER HOUSTON AIRSHOW

  Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 691) commending the Wings Over Houston Airshow for 
its great contribution to the appreciation, understanding, and future 
of the United States Armed Forces, the City of Houston, Texas, and 
Ellington Field.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 691

       Whereas for 23 years the all-volunteer Gulf Coast Wing and 
     West Houston Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force has 
     performed in the Wings Over Houston Airshow at Ellington 
     Field in Houston, Texas;
       Whereas the Wings Over Houston Airshow has been rated as 
     one of the top events of its kind in the Nation;
       Whereas tens of thousands of people from southeast Texas 
     and all over the United States attend the event each year and 
     experience the unique opportunity to see the United States 
     Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard perform and to meet 
     service members of the past and present;
       Whereas the Wings Over Houston Airshow has helped to 
     increase awareness and appreciation for the United States 
     Armed Forces and its active duty members and veterans;
       Whereas the Wings Over Houston Airshow serves to promote an 
     understanding and appreciation of military history through 
     the reenactment of battles and the acquisition, restoration, 
     and display of vintage aircraft;
       Whereas throughout its history, Wings Over Houston Airshow 
     has benefited local and national charities, including the 
     Wings Over Houston Airshow Scholarship Program, the Texas 
     Southern University Aviation Career Academy, the Exchange 
     Club of Sugar Land, and the Commemorative Air Force aircraft 
     restoration and flying historical programs;
       Whereas the Wings Over Houston Airshow and its partners, 
     including the Lone Star Flight Museum, the Houston Airport 
     System, the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bay Area 
     Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Greater Houston 
     Convention and Visitors Bureau, Destination League City, and 
     the cities of Houston, Kemah, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, and 
     Webster, have contributed to the economy and growth of 
     southeast Texas; and
       Whereas the Wings Over Houston Scholarship Program has 
     promoted the importance of math and science education by 
     helping southeast Texas students pursue college educations in 
     the fields of aviation and aerospace: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives commends the 
     Wings Over Houston Airshow for its great contribution to the 
     appreciation, understanding, and future of the United States 
     Armed Forces, the City of Houston, Texas, and Ellington 
     Field.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Castor) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Reichert) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida.


                             General Leave

  Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on the resolution under consideration.

[[Page H11033]]

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 691 
commending the Wings Over Houston Airshow for its great contribution to 
the appreciation, understanding, and future of the United States Armed 
Forces, the City of Houston, Texas, and Ellington Field.
  I would like to thank my colleague from Texas, Mr. Nick Lampson, for 
bringing this measure to the floor of the House.
  The Wings Over Houston Airshow is one of the highest rated events of 
its kind. This coming Saturday and Sunday, folks from Congressman 
Lampson's district and, in fact, from all over America, will come to 
see these mighty military machines maneuver through the skies with 
seeming ease. These classic and contemporary airframes break their 
bounds to Earth and share the heavens with the sun and clouds.
  It's a rare experience to see with your own eyes the awe-inspiring 
airborne arsenal of our Armed Forces. It's difficult to explain the 
seemingly impossible coordination our pilots execute in midair. No one 
can truly understand the peril, skill, and thrill involved except for 
the pilots themselves; yet our extraordinarily talented men and women 
fly in conditions that require nothing less than perfection. And 
visitors will have that rare glimpse of airborne art.
  Spectators will be visited by the Texas Air National Guard 147th 
Fighter Squadron. Their TANG F-16s will tear rifts through the sky as 
they buzz by. The Texas Air National Guard F-16s are at a state of 
constant readiness, prepared to defend the great State of Texas and our 
Nation at a moment's call.
  Attendees will also have the chance to see Canadian Forces Snowbirds, 
the P-38, the B-24A, a heritage flight consisting of the F-4 Phantom, 
the P-51 Mustang, the P-47 Thunderbolt, and the F-15E Strike Eagle, and 
a number of Navy fighters among them.
  Mr. Speaker, the Wings Over Houston Airshow provides an important 
experience for folks to understand and to see the many machines that 
help our brave men and women in uniform protect us.
  I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 691.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 691, which 
commends the Wings Over Houston Airshow for its contribution to the 
appreciation, understanding, and the future of the United States Armed 
Forces, the City of Houston, and Ellington Field.
  Mr. Speaker, for 23 years, the Wings Over Houston Airshow has been 
delighting aviation enthusiasts and future pilots from around the world 
with spectacular flying in the skies, and with historical and 
educational displays on the ground in Ellington Field.
  This top-rated aviation event, which is sponsored by the all-
volunteer Gulf Coast Wing and West Houston Squadron of the 
Commemorative Air Force, honors the spirit of the courageous and 
valiant American military flyers of the past and those who take to the 
skies today to ensure our Nation's freedoms.
  The Wings Over Houston Airshow showcases the United States Air Force, 
Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, and increases the awareness and 
appreciation for active duty members and the veterans of our Armed 
Forces.
  But more important than the air show's entertainment, the Wings Over 
Houston Airshow has awarded $10,000 to $15,000 in scholarships per year 
to students who are pursuing an education in aviation and in aerospace. 
In total, this organization has provided over $100,000 to young men and 
women who have entered into careers in both military and civilian 
aviation.
  The Wings Over Houston Airshow celebrates America's aviation and 
aerospace history and the courageous military pilots whose sacrifices 
have ensured our freedom. I am confident that the Wings Over Houston 
Airshow will continue to ignite the enthusiasm for flying in future 
generations of American aviators.
  I strongly urge all Members to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 3 minutes to my friend 
and colleague from Texas, a true champion for Texas and a staunch 
supporter of our Armed Forces, Mr. Lampson, the sponsor of this 
resolution.
  Mr. LAMPSON. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me the opportunity 
to come and speak on this.
  I am proud to honor the Wings Over Houston Airshow because each year 
about 70,000 spectators from around the world gather in the 22nd 
Congressional District of Texas to view this historic Ellington Field 
and view re-enactments of great battles, see up-close views of vintage 
aircraft, and meet yesterday's and today's heroes.
  For the last 23 years, as you've heard, pilots from our Armed Forces 
and around the globe wow audiences with their high-speed acrobatics. 
And how often do we get to see real-life daredevils? Well, this 
weekend, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will demonstrate their seven- to 
nine-plane close formations, tight turns, and head-on passes. Crowds 
will get to view state-of-the-art military aircraft, along with planes 
from days of old.
  This year, the air show brings history to life through authentic 
World War II vehicles, equipment and uniforms at a realistic military 
camp. They're going to re-enact part of the movie, ``Tora! Tora! 
Tora!'' As a former school teacher, I know activities like these help 
promote an understanding and appreciation of military history.
  Visitors are going to be able to see trainers, fighters, and bombers 
from the World War II, Korea and Vietnam era, and even NASA aircraft. 
The air show presents a unique opportunity to tour some of the largest 
aircraft in the world, including the Hurricane Hunter KC-135 and a C-5 
cargo plane, walk over the wings of vintage airplanes, and even sit in 
the pilot's seat.
  Children have the opportunity to meet flying aces and decorated war 
heroes and to hear historical recounts from the people who were there.
  This year's show features both Pearl Harbor survivors and the 
Tuskegee Airmen, who were recently awarded the Congressional Gold 
Medal. I am proud of these folks, and I know that all Americans are as 
well. Meeting living legends and air show performers is inspiring for 
young and old alike, and this show is a rare opportunity to thank these 
heroes for their service and for their sacrifice.
  Wings Over Houston has spent, in the last 23 years, a quarter of a 
million dollars to help challenge young people to go into aerospace, 
engineering, and aviation. Many go on to careers in the military and go 
to work at NASA where they can also gain valuable experience as interns 
at the Johnson Space Center, which is across the street from Ellington 
Field. With its important contributions, Wings Over Houston ensures 
that our Nation leads the way in math and science.
  The air show has also donated proceeds to various local and national 
charities throughout the years, including the Texas Southern University 
Aviation Career Academy, the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, and the 
Commemorative Air Force aircraft restoration and flying historical 
programs. Together with their partner, Wings Over Houston, it has 
greatly contributed to the economy and growth of southeast Texas.
  So I want to thank the members of the House Armed Services Committee, 
and many of my Texas colleagues, particularly, for their cosponsorship 
of this resolution. I am pleased to honor the Wings Over Houston 
Airshow as a leader in the history and the future in the United States 
Armed Forces.
  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from 
Washington (Mr. Reichert) and salute my colleague from Texas (Mr. 
Lampson) for bringing this resolution. I know, as a member of the Tampa 
Bay area and the Armed Services Committee, we value our air show every 
year at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. So I thank my colleague again 
from Houston for his resolution commending the Wings Over Houston 
Airshow.
  I ask my colleagues to support the resolution.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Res. 691,

[[Page H11034]]

commending the Wings Over Houston Airshow for its great contribution to 
the appreciation, understanding, and future of the United States Armed 
Forces, the city of Houston, TX, and Ellington Field, of which I am 
proud to be an original cosponsor. I would like to thank my good friend 
and colleague, Congressman Lampson, for introducing this legislation, 
and the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Congressman Skelton, 
for his leadership on this important issue.
  The 23rd annual Wings Over Houston Airshow will take place on October 
6 and 7, 2007, at Ellington Field, Houston, TX. This year's event will 
feature an array of modern civilian aerobatic and state-of-the-art 
military hardware, including the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, as well as 
historic planes such as a Lockheed P-38 buried under ice in Greenland 
in 1942 and only recovered 50 years later. Also performing will be the 
all-volunteer Gulf Coast Wing and West Houston Squadron of the 
Commemorative Air Force, which has performed for the last 23 years at 
the airshow.
  Mr. Speaker, the Wings Over Houston Airshow has been rated as one of 
the top events of its kind. Over 70,000 people, both from the local 
community in southeast Texas and from all over the Nation, gather every 
year at this event, where they have the opportunity to see the United 
States Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard perform, as well as to 
meet service members of the past and present. The Wings Over Houston 
Airshow has helped to increase awareness and appreciation for the 
United States Armed Forces and its active duty members and veterans.
  The Wings Over Houston Airshow also serves to promote an 
understanding and appreciation of military history. The airshow's many 
events include the reenactment of battles and the acquisition, 
restoration, and display of vintage aircraft. Among these historical 
reenactments is Tora!Tora!Tora!, an explosive recreation of the air 
attack on Pearl Harbor. Viewers of all ages will have the opportunity 
to view this exciting spectacle, while also learning about military and 
aviation history.
  Mr. Speaker, the Wings Over Houston Airshow plays an important role 
in both local and national communities. The airshow benefits local and 
national charities, including the Wings Over Houston Airshow 
Scholarship Program, the Texas Southern University Aviation Career 
Academy, the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, and the Commemorative Air 
Force aircraft restoration and flying historical programs.

  The Wings Over Houston Scholarship Program is particularly important. 
This scholarship program promotes math and science education by helping 
students from southeast Texas pursue college educations in the fields 
of aviation and aerospace. Scholarships are awarded to students 
residing in Harris County, or a contiguous county, who have 
demonstrated academic potential, leadership, and extracurricular 
involvement, with preference giving to those pursuing an academic 
degree directly associated with aviation or aerospace. For 2007, a 
total of $10,000 in scholarships was awarded, and I would like to 
congratulate the four recipients: Robert Tristan Reeves, David Gehris, 
Kristen John, and Donovan Johnson.
  Mr. Speaker, the Wings Over Houston Airshow is made possible by the 
collaboration of a number of Houston area organizations. I would like 
to extend my thanks to the airshow's partners, which include the Lone 
Star Flight Museum, the Houston Airport System, the Clear Lake Area 
Chamber of Commerce, the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors 
Bureau, the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Destination 
League City, and the cities of Houston, Kemah, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, 
and Webster. Together, the Wings Over Houston Airshow and its generous 
partners have contributed to the economy and growth of southeast Texas.
  Mr. Speaker, the 110th Congress has made the promotion of math and 
science education for all our Nation's children a legislative priority. 
Exciting and exhilarating events like the Wings Over Houston Airshow 
are an opportunity for children of all ages to engage with science, to 
hear heroic stories that helped shape America's rich aviation history, 
to get excited about the world of aviation, to meet and interact with 
members of our Nation's military, and to dream about their own futures.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this resolution, and I urge my 
colleagues to do the same.
  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Wings Over Houston Airshow in Houston, Texas for its contribution to 
the city of Houston, local communities, and the military by fully 
supporting H. Res. 691.
  Wings Over Houston is about to give its 23rd annual show and in those 
23 years, the show has continued to bring attention to the history and 
future of the United States Armed Forces, and its veterans and active 
duty members while becoming one of the top events of its kind in the 
country and one of the largest in Metropolitan Houston. An estimated 
70,000 to 90,000 people are expected to enjoy the air and static 
displays this year which will not only help to support many non-profit 
and charitable organizations, but help to fund the Wings Over Houston 
Scholarship Program and Aviation Career Education summer camp.
  This family-oriented international event is housed at Ellington 
Field. Originally built in 1917, the field was integral in flight 
training for both world wars and was one of the airfields selected to 
maintain a large military force after the end of WWII. It currently is 
home to local presence of NASA, Texas Air National Guard, Coast Guard, 
the National Guard, as well as being used for other aviation purposes.
  Wings Over Houston not only brings local and international tourists 
to Houston, but also generates awareness of U.S. Armed Forces by 
showing a vested interest in education and supporting local students 
through the scholarship program. That is why I support H. Res. 691.
  Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 691.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________