[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 193 (Monday, December 17, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H15492-H15494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   EXPRESSING UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD

  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 542) expressing the unconditional support of 
the House of Representatives for the members of the National Guard, as 
amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 542

       Whereas the National Guard has made tremendous 
     contributions in support of United States military operations 
     around the world;
       Whereas, between September 11, 2001, and September 30, 
     2007, 329,982 members of the National Guard have been 
     mobilized to support numerous military operations;
       Whereas members of the National Guard typically leave other 
     employment to serve on active duty in the Armed Forces;
       Whereas the National Guard has responded admirably in times 
     of domestic emergencies to lead rescue and recovery efforts; 
     and
       Whereas many members of the National Guard have made the 
     ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in service to the 
     United States: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) unconditionally supports the members of the National 
     Guard;
       (2) recognizes the tremendous sacrifices made by members of 
     the National Guard on behalf of the United States;
       (3) will work to ensure that the National Guard receives 
     the resources it needs; and
       (4) will support the families of members of the National 
     Guard, especially those who have died while serving on active 
     duty.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter) and the gentleman from South Carolina 
(Mr. Wilson) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New Hampshire.


                             General Leave

  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. 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.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from New Hampshire?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Guard and in 
celebration of their 371 years of service. I would like to thank my 
colleague from Florida, Ginny Brown-Waite, for bringing this measure to 
the floor.
  In my State of New Hampshire, the first citizen militia formed in 
1623 with the settlement of Portsmouth. In 1679, the New Hampshire 
National Guard was formally established, marking the humble beginnings 
of my State's storied tradition of service.
  Today, nearly 2,700 men and women continue that same tradition of 
service in the New Hampshire National Guard, and they, too, are 
distinguishing themselves on the battlefield and at home.
  In New Hampshire, our Guardsmen routinely perform search and rescue 
operations. They respond to floods and to ice storms that threaten the 
region each year. And the New Hampshire Guard joined many other States 
that answered the call to aid victims from Hurricane Katrina.
  This story of selfless sacrifice is not unique to the members of New 
Hampshire's National Guard, but it is one example of how all National 
Guardsmen put others before self, and their service and sacrifice is 
honored here in this bill.
  Today, over 30,000 Guardsmen are serving on the ground and in the 
skies over Iraq and Afghanistan. As we celebrate the National Guard for 
its 371 years of service, our thoughts are with those men and women who 
continue to serve bravely overseas and with their families back home. 
And our hearts are heavy remembering the 483 Army and Air Guardsmen 
that have given their last great measure of devotion. For them we vow 
to care for their families and honor their sacrifice.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield so much time as 
she

[[Page H15493]]

may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite).
  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. I thank the gentleman from South 
Carolina.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 542, which 
expresses the unconditional support of the House of Representatives for 
the members of the National Guard. I certainly want to thank the 
chairman and ranking member of the Armed Services Committee.
  As we all know, December 13 was the 371st birthday of the National 
Guard. I could not think of a better way to celebrate this tremendous 
milestone than to honor the men and women who serve in the National 
Guard with the resolution before us today.
  The National Guard certainly serves a unique purpose. Its main duty, 
of course, is to secure and defend our homeland. However, the National 
Guard also plays a vital role in aiding States when natural disasters 
strike. Whether it is helping to harness the wildfires that recently 
raged throughout California, or aiding in the aftermath of hurricanes 
or tornadoes in Florida and across the Southeast, the National Guard 
has been there lending a helping hand.
  While helping out in times of need across the United States leaves a 
lasting impact, it is the work that the National Guard does on beyond 
our borders that truly sets it apart. When National Guard units are 
called up, the men and women who answer the call leave their careers, 
families, and loved ones behind. These men and women put their lives on 
hold to protect this great country, and for that we must be eternally 
grateful. In fact, over 329,000 members of the National Guard have been 
mobilized in support of numerous military operations since September 
11, 2001.
  The National Guard units from my district have played a critical role 
in many of these operations, and I want to take this opportunity to 
thank them for everything they do in defense of all of our freedoms. 
Their contributions have been a tremendous asset, and without the 
National Guard, the United States Armed Forces would not be able to 
operate at the high level it currently does.
  As many of you know, an issue that is extremely important to me and 
the people of my district, and most likely your district too, is 
illegal immigration and the need for greater border security. That's 
why it is also important to note that the National Guard is playing a 
vital role in protecting our borders.
  There are currently 6,000 National Guardsmen serving along our 
borders, doing their best to stem the tide of illegal immigration that 
threatens this country. The National Guard is playing an every-
increasing role in the defense of our great country, and I encourage my 
colleagues to show their support for the sacrifices these men and women 
make by supporting this resolution.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  I want to thank Representative Ginny Brown-Waite for introducing this 
resolution and my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee for 
bringing it to the floor for our consideration.
  As a proud co-sponsor, I am honored to have this opportunity to 
recognize the contributions of our citizen soldiers in the United 
States National Guard.
  From the earliest days of our country's founding to today, average 
Americans have stepped forward to serve their Nation. Soldiers of the 
National Guard have served in every major combat throughout our great 
history, and since September the 11th, they have taken a tremendous 
role in support of the global war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  Since these terrible attacks 6 years ago, 329,982 members of the 
National Guard have been mobilized for military operations around the 
world. Unlike their traditional military comrades, National Guard 
members are not career military soldiers. They are most often employed 
in other careers and serve when called upon to assist with combat 
operations and as first responders during domestic emergencies and 
rescue and recovery situations. This unique role underscores an immense 
dedication to their patriotic duty and to this Nation.
  As a 31-year veteran of the Army Reserve and National Guard, I am 
honored to have known and worked with many of these extraordinary and 
dedicated individuals.

                              {time}  1415

  My former unit, the 218th Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the South 
Carolina Army National Guard is currently serving in Afghanistan under 
the leadership of Brigadier General Bob Livingston. Its 1,800 troops 
are the largest deployment of National Guard since World War II. I have 
visited the troops in June, August and November, and I know firsthand 
they are training Afghani police and military forces to help that young 
democracy stand on its own two feet. The best way to stop terrorism is 
to deny terrorists safe havens anywhere in the world. Additionally, my 
son, Alan, was deployed with the South Carolina National Guard to Iraq, 
along with my son, Julian, with Guard service in Egypt. And my family 
and I are grateful for their service and the service of their comrades, 
led by Major General Stan Spears, America's longest serving adjutant 
general. Our family knows that National Guard membership is rewarding 
for service for America and for our State while receiving extraordinary 
opportunities for education, travel and meeting talented people of 
competence and patriotism. I encourage every American to consider 
National Guard service.
  With this resolution, we recognize the contributions of the Guard, 
but we also pledge to support their efforts with the necessary 
resources and express our deepest gratitude to the families whose loved 
ones serve this Nation. Above all, our deepest sympathies go to the 
families whose loved ones have been lost.
  On behalf of my colleagues in the House of Representatives and the 
American people, I want to thank the brave men and women of the Guard 
for their service. In times of peace and times of war, there they are 
working to protect our Nation and our allies around the world and the 
citizens here at home. I want to thank Representative Ginny Brown-Waite 
for introducing this resolution. I encourage all of my colleagues to 
join me in supporting it and expressing our most humble appreciation 
for the citizen soldiers of the National Guard.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 542 which 
expresses the unconditional support of the House of Representatives for 
our brave men and women who serve as members of the National Guard.
  Over the past several years, the National Guard has confirmed their 
willingness to serve our country, often giving up their civilian 
careers to be deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan or other parts of our 
country where their particular expertise is needed.
  The National Guard has done this all the while fulfilling their 
traditional duties in times of domestic emergencies, leading recovery 
efforts in case of flood, fire, hurricane, snowstorm, tornado or civil 
disturbance.
  Mr. Speaker, I am especially proud of the Army and Air National Guard 
units from my district, the U.S. Virgin Islands, who are deployed in 
Iraq and Afghanistan and at other bases and installations across the 
country. Our entire territory gives its overwhelming support to the 
651st GS Maintenance Company in Iraq, D Company 126th Aviation at Ft. 
Benning, GA, other individual soldiers stationed in Afghanistan, Iowa, 
Hawaii and Kuwait.
  We also remember that two of our Guard, LTC David Canegata and Staff 
Sgt. Floyd Lake, made the ultimate sacrifice earlier this year when 
their Blackhawk helicopter went down in Iraq.
  Mr. Speaker, along with my constituents in the territory, I pray for 
the safe return of all our men and women in the military.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter) that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 542, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas 
and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further

[[Page H15494]]

proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

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