[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 103 (Friday, June 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CIVIL AIR PATROL HOMELAND SECURITY SUPPORT ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 2008

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H.R. 1333, Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Support Act of 2007.
  The Civil Air Patrol is comprised completely of volunteers who 
provide air and ground support for disaster relief, conducts search and 
rescue missions, perform counter drug missions and aerial damage 
assessment.
  Shortly after being established on December 1, 1941, our Nation was 
drawn into World War II with the attack at Pearl Harbor. And the Civil 
Air Patrol began its vital mission patrolling the skies over our great 
Nation.
  Although originally intended to perform only reconnaissance missions, 
the Civil Air Patrol found themselves carrying depth charges and bombs 
as the deadly German U-boats attacked U.S. shipping in the Atlantic.
  During the war the Civil Air Patrol found 173 German submarines, 
hitting 10, and sinking 2 of them.
  A German commander later confirmed that coastal U-boat operations 
were withdrawn from the United States ``because of those damned little 
red and yellow airplanes'' of the Civil Air Patrol.
  From this early beginning, the Civil Air Patrol established itself as 
a provider of critical support in times of crisis and emergency.
  Whether the danger comes from hurricanes, downed or missing aircraft, 
wildfires or other disasters, the Civil Air Patrol can always be 
counted on to provide the support our Nation needs.
  Even today, the Civil Air Patrol continues to serve as a vital source 
of aerial reconnaissance.
  The Midwest continues to be ravaged by flooding and broken levees, 
and our Civil Air Patrol is working with local first responders, 
providing digital photographs of flooded areas. These images have been 
used to assess the extent of the floods and the damage they caused.
  In my home State of Michigan, the Civil Air Patrol flies missions 
from the Selfridge Air National Guard Base where they supported the 
National Weather Service in the aftermath of tornados and heavy storms 
last fall.
  Shortly after the attack on 9/11, the Civil Air Patrol was the first 
in the skies over Ground Zero, and assisted in the relief efforts.
  So I believe that it is only fitting that we examine using the Civil 
Air Patrol for Homeland Security Missions as they have already 
demonstrated their capabilities to provide aerial support during 
emergencies around the Nation.
  I look forward to viewing the final Government Accountability Office, 
GAO, report and examining the ways that the Civil Air Patrol can assist 
the Department of Homeland Security, whether that includes assisting in 
our border security efforts, or utilizing their search-and-rescue 
capabilities in the aftermath of an act of terrorism or natural 
disaster.
  These brave men and women volunteer their time and deserve our 
gratitude for the vital work that furthers the security of this great 
Nation.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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