[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H9216-H9218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SOLEMNLY COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRAGIC OCTOBER 1983 
TERRORIST BOMBING OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BARRACKS IN BEIRUT, 
                                LEBANON

  Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1421) solemnly commemorating the 25th 
anniversary of the tragic October 1983 terrorist bombing of the United 
States Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon and remembering those 
who lost their lives and those who were injured, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1421

       Whereas on the morning of October 23, 1983, at 
     approximately 6:20 a.m., a truck packed with explosives broke 
     security and detonated outside of the United States Marine 
     Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon;
       Whereas 241 members of the Armed Forces of the United 
     States were killed in the blast, and many more were injured;
       Whereas a total of 272 members of the Armed Forces from 39 
     States and Puerto Rico died while serving in Beirut, Lebanon, 
     from 1982 to 1984;
       Whereas the members of the Armed Forces were part of a 
     multinational peacekeeping force; and
       Whereas the honor and sacrifice of the victims will never 
     be forgotten: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives, on the 25th 
     anniversary of the bombing of the United States Marine Corps 
     barracks in Beirut, Lebanon--
       (1) honors and remembers the service and sacrifice of the 
     members of the Armed Forces who were victims of the bombing 
     and those who died in Beirut from 1982 to 1984; and
       (2) joins family and friends in mourning the members of the 
     Armed Forces who lost their lives in the tragic bombing and 
     while serving as peacekeepers in Beirut.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Kansas (Mrs. Boyda) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Kansas.


                             General Leave

  Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. 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 Kansas?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1421. It solemnly 
commemorates the 25th anniversary of the tragic October 1983 terrorist 
bombing of the United States Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, 
and it remembers those who lost their lives and those who were injured.
  On October 23, 1983, at approximately 6:20 in the morning, a large 
truck packed with explosives crashed through security and slammed into 
the lobby of the United States Marine Corps Barracks. The vehicle's 
driver, a suicide bomber, detonated explosives the equivalent of 12,000 
pounds of TNT, crumbling the 4-story building and killing marines, 
soldiers, and sailors while they slept. Two hundred forty-one 
servicemembers lost their lives that day, making this day in October 
the single bloodiest day in the Marine Corps history since World War 
II.
  America's first encounter with suicide bombings becomes even more 
tragic when we remember that our brave men and soldiers were in Beirut 
there to provide opportunity for others to live in peace. As part of a 
multinational peacekeeping force, the Marines had deployed to serve as 
a catalyst for peace in a volatile and violent region of the world. 
They were proudly serving the principles of freedom to ensure that men 
and women may live in a peaceful and free world. It is an unconceivable 
evil that would violently target those who volunteer to bring goodwill 
and peace to a nation.
  With grave hearts, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 1983 
terrorist bombing of the United States Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, 
Lebanon. Let us honor all 272 members of the Armed Forces who gave 
their lives that day and recognize the 60 Americans who survived the 
attack. These military men and women served proudly, and many made the 
ultimate sacrifice that others around the world may know the gift of 
freedom.

                              {time}  1115

  They came from 39 States and Puerto Rico, and the sacrifices of these 
honorable military men and women will never be forgotten.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this very important 
resolution, and on behalf of myself and my husband, former Marine Staff 
Sergeant Steve Boyda, Semper Fi.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.
  Mr. Speaker, first I would like to thank the lady from Kansas for 
being on the floor during this discussion and debate.
  Mr. Speaker, on October 23, 1983, the war on terrorism began when a 
truck filled with explosives detonated outside of the United States 
Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 241 of our men in 
service. Between 1982 and 1984, 272 marines, soldiers, and sailors from 
39 States and Puerto Rico lost their lives while serving as 
peacekeepers in Beirut.
  Mr. Speaker, I recently introduced H. Res. 1421, a resolution to 
solemnly commemorate the 25th anniversary of the tragic October 1983 
terrorist bombing of the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, 
to remember those who lost their lives and those who were injured.
  I would like to thank the leadership on both sides of the aisle, the 
Members of Congress who have cosponsored this resolution and the House 
Armed Services Committee members and staff for their help in bringing 
this resolution to the floor today.
  Mr. Speaker, October 23 of this year will mark the 25th anniversary 
of the bombing of the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. In the 
attack, as was said by the lady from Kansas, 241 American heroes were 
lost: 220 Marines, 18 members of the Navy and 3 soldiers. On October 23 
of 2008, the friends, family, and comrades left behind by the Beirut 
peacekeepers will gather once again to pay their respects. This would 
be the appropriate time for the House of Representatives to show its 
appreciation. Honoring these servicemen is one way for us to again say 
thank you for sacrificing your lives so that the rest of us could live 
in freedom.
  Recognizing those who served in Beirut will not just serve to further 
mourn their loss but to celebrate the peace and the American spirit 
that was embodied in the mission of these fallen heroes.
  Mr. Speaker, in these uncertain times, we call upon the brave men and

[[Page H9217]]

women of the military to overcome terror and defend the ideals that 
this great Nation was founded upon. One of my constituents, Charles 
Hall of Jacksonville, North Carolina, which is the home of Camp Lejeune 
Marine Base, was called upon 24\1/2\ years ago, and he served our 
country honorably in Beirut. Mr. Hall will be the first to tell you 
that the war on terrorism began well before September 11. In fact, many 
believe the war on terrorism began on October 23, 1983, in Beirut.
  On behalf of military families across the United States, I urge my 
colleagues to join in supporting and honoring those 241 Americans who 
were killed on October 23, 1983, in Beirut, Lebanon, and the 272 who 
died while serving in Beirut between 1982 and 1984.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I would reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to acknowledge 
the leadership and the good work of my friend and colleague, Mr. Walter 
Jones of North Carolina. I think the American people sometimes don't 
see bipartisanship, and I would just like to congratulate him for the 
many things that he has done to work across the aisle on behalf of our 
servicemen and women and on behalf of the American people in keeping 
this country safe.
  Too often, all the American people see is a lack of bipartisanship, 
and this is one where we come together on this resolution and on so 
many others on behalf of our servicemen and women, and, as I say, on 
behalf of keeping the American people safe and secure.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I have no further requests for time. I am 
prepared to close after Mr. Jones has.
  I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield to the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood) such time as he may consume.
  (Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution, 
a similar resolution of which I introduced at the suggestion of the 
ranking member of the Rules Committee, David Dreier. He spoke to me 
about this and suggested that this type of resolution be considered by 
the House. I want to thank the majority leader for scheduling this 
resolution to commemorate and honor those who lost their lives in 
Beirut, Lebanon, during the bombing that took place.
  I also want to thank my classmate and friend, Walter Jones, for his 
leadership in introducing this resolution. I rise today to honor the 
United States Marines and other servicemembers who were killed in the 
Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983.
  On this day at approximately 6:20 a.m., a delivery truck carrying 
explosives drove through the gates into one of the barracks buildings 
and the explosives were detonated. This day was the deadliest for the 
United States Marine Corps since the battle of Iwo Jima during World 
War II; 241 servicemen and women were killed and many others were 
wounded.
  The servicemen and women serving in Beirut who were killed had been 
sent to serve as peacekeepers during the 15-year civil war in Lebanon. 
Throughout the time U.S. forces were in Lebanon, there were many 
instances in which American lives were lost. In April of 1983, a 
similar suicide bombing occurred at the United States Embassy killing 
60 people, predominantly embassy staff and U.S. Marines. President 
Reagan called this act ``a vicious terrorist bombing'' and reiterated 
the United States' commitment to peace in the region. As a Nation, we 
would not let such actions deter us from our goal.
  The fight against terrorism still continues today. Brave members of 
the Armed Forces risk their lives every day in an effort to bring an 
end to such attacks. While we take this time to honor those who were 
killed in Beirut, we also rededicate our country to the fight against 
terrorism. It is our hope that such despicable acts can be prevented, 
not only just in Lebanon but also in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and 
throughout the rest of the world. Progress has been made in Lebanon and 
progress towards peace will continue throughout the region.
  Today the Members of the House of Representatives and the rest of the 
Nation join the families of these 241 fallen servicemembers to mourn 
their loss. We remember the courage of these Marines and other 
servicemembers who willingly put their lives on the line in order to 
serve their country and promote peace and security throughout the 
world. Our heartfelt prayers and sympathies go out to these families. 
Nearly 25 years after this terrible tragedy, we remember these brave 
men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
  During the 14 years that I have had the privilege of serving in the 
House of Representatives, I have made 13 trips to Lebanon. During the 
first time that I went there, there was a travel ban: the airport was 
closed, people were restricted from traveling. We've made great 
progress in the last 14 years. Great progress.
  A great deal of the credit really goes to the people and the 
leadership of the country but also to President Bush and Secretary Rice 
for taking a great deal of interest in this country and not being 
dissuaded by terrorist attacks and not being dissuaded by those who 
would have our men and women in harm's way. They have helped rebuild 
the country both politically and economically.
  One of the saddest events that took place in the country 2 years ago 
was the assassination of the then Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. There is 
an investigation going on in that. He was a true leader in the country. 
Since that time, there has continued to be progress being made in the 
country.
  As a matter of fact, President Bush will welcome the President of 
Lebanon tomorrow at the White House, the first time in the memory of 
many that the President of Lebanon will be coming to the United States 
and actually having a visit with President Bush and the Secretary of 
State, Condoleezza Rice. This is an extraordinary event for the country 
of Lebanon, for the people of Lebanon, for those of us in this country 
who have worked very hard to develop the kind of relationship with 
their government and our government. We're delighted that the new 
President of Lebanon will be visiting Washington and visiting President 
Bush.
  We've made progress, and we've made that progress through the great 
sacrifice of our men and women who serve in the Embassy in Lebanon and 
the men and women who sacrificed their lives during the time of the 
attack 25 years ago. So it's very fitting today that we not only 
recognize their families and those but we recognize the fact that our 
government leaders have reached out to this small country in a way that 
has enabled us to make great progress.


                           Moment of Silence

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I wonder if it would be possible as I 
conclude here if you would allow the House one moment of silence so we 
could say a quiet prayer for the 200-plus Marines and families who lost 
their lives.
  I ask that the Chair allow for a moment of silence to remember those 
who lost their lives during the bombing that took place in Lebanon 25 
years ago.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members will rise and pay tribute for 1 
minute.
  Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I just wish to, before we close 
out, acknowledge the service of Mr. LaHood from Illinois. Again, a true 
patriot and somebody who has reached across party lines on a regular 
basis to find resolutions on some of the toughest issues. I just 
appreciate that, and I certainly appreciate the moment of silence. 
Thank you very much.
  Again, on behalf of a very grateful Nation, I urge my colleagues to 
join me in supporting this very important resolution.
  I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I will be very brief.
  I want to thank the gentlelady from Kansas for her comments, not 
about me but about the fact that in this Nation we need to work 
together. The country is in financial trouble. We've got men and women 
overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq, and we do, on the Armed Services 
Committee, work together for the good of the country; and let's do that 
on the floor of the House, especially in the coming months.
  To the gentleman from Illinois who's leaving Congress, he is a 
classmate.

[[Page H9218]]

Mr. LaHood, thank you for your comments. Thank you for the moment of 
remembrance in prayer. I think that's so important.
  Again, I want to thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the lady 
from Kansas. We have brought this to the floor and we are saying 25 
years later to the families, ``We didn't forget you. We, the House of 
Representatives, will never forget you.'' And may we never forget those 
who have given their lives for their country and those who are fighting 
for this country in Afghanistan and Iraq.

                              {time}  1130

  With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. I would just say God bless these families, and 
God bless the United States of America.
  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 Kansas (Mrs. Boyda) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1421, 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. JONES. 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 proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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