[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.
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