[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 163 (Wednesday, November 4, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H12325-H12327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING CURRENT AND FORMER FEMALE MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 868) honoring and recognizing the 
service and achievements of current and former female members of the 
Armed Forces.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 868

       Whereas women are and have historically been an important 
     part of all United States war efforts, voluntarily serving in 
     every military conflict in United States history since the 
     Revolutionary War;
       Whereas 34,000 women served in World War I, 400,000 served 
     in World War II, 120,000 served in the Korean War, over 7,000 
     served in the Vietnam War, and more than 41,000 served in the 
     first Gulf War;
       Whereas more than 185,000 women have been deployed in 
     support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi 
     Freedom, and other missions since 2001;
       Whereas over 350 servicewomen have given their lives for 
     the Nation in combat zones since World War I, and more than 
     85 have been held as prisoners of war;
       Whereas over 350,000 women serving in the Armed Forces make 
     up approximately 15 percent of active duty personnel, 15 
     percent of Reserves, and 17 percent of the National Guard;
       Whereas women are now playing an increasingly important 
     role in America's military forces; and
       Whereas the women of America's military, past and present, 
     have served their Nation in times of peace and war, at great 
     personal sacrifice for both themselves and their families: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) honors and recognizes the service and achievements of 
     current and former female members of the Armed Forces;
       (2) encourages all people in the United States to recognize 
     the service and achievements of women in the military and 
     female veterans on Memorial Day;
       (3) encourages all people in the United States to learn 
     about the history of service and achievements of women in the 
     military; and
       (4) supports groups that raise awareness about the service 
     and achievements of women in the military and female veterans 
     through exhibitions, museums, statues, and other programs and 
     activities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Davis) and the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members may have 5 legislative days with 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 California?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, every time I visit military installations I am 
constantly impressed by the tremendous job our servicemembers are 
doing.
  Today, I rise to pay special tribute to the women of America's 
military, past and present, who have served their Nation in peace and 
at war at great personal sacrifice for both themselves and their 
families.
  With Veterans Day approaching, we should recognize that our 
servicewomen play an increasingly important role in America's modern 
military forces, and our country is the better for it.
  As Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military 
Personnel and co-Chair of the Women's Caucus Task Force on Women in the 
Military and Veterans, I am privileged to honor the legacy of 
servicewomen in the past, the courage with which women serve today, and 
the enthusiasm of the young women who dream of serving this great 
Nation in the future. Part of honoring them is asking the tough 
questions about the expanding roles our servicewomen are taking on. We 
hear from women in the military, in person and through the media, about 
their contributions in combat zones and their willingness to risk their 
lives in defense of their fellow servicemembers, our country, and our 
families.
  Last year, Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity to meet a group of 
servicewomen that are an extraordinary example of what female 
servicemembers are capable of. Their mission is to provide culturally 
sensitive search and engagement activities for combat units deployed in 
Iraq and Afghanistan. They are referred to as the Lionesses, and this 
is a very apt name. Like a lioness, their work demands a unique 
combination of sensitivity and strength on the ground, underlined by 
loyalty to their units and their country.
  In my conversations with them, I was astounded by their work and 
their bravery. And yet, despite that dedication, these women have 
encountered difficulties in gaining proper recognition for their 
service, both within the services and in seeking assistance from the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
  A recent article in the New York Times underscores this problem. 
Female veterans worry that their combat-related physical and 
psychological injuries will not be validated by a military system that 
defines combat as an all-male activity. Because the military and the VA 
have not adapted to the reality of women's roles, these veterans often 
have to work harder than they should to prove their eligibility for 
benefits and combat titles that they so greatly deserve. For example, 
servicewomen who volunteered to accompany units during the Battle of 
Fallujah in 2004 have had to rely on the support of an outside 
organization to get recognized for their work under fire so that they 
can receive health care and disability benefits from the Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
  Yet, it's not just agencies that must catch up. Female veterans 
confront confusion and sometimes outright disbelief about their service 
from those of us on the homefront. This continuous demand for proof can 
be exasperating. They deserve better. One veteran explained that she no 
longer cared about getting money; she simply wanted a little more 
recognition. In her own words, ``Just admit it happened.''
  Resolutions like this one today before the House help show support 
for women like the Lionesses and all of the other female servicemembers 
and veterans, but it is legislation like the National Defense 
Authorization Act that truly puts our congressional sentiments into 
action.
  Last week, I had the chance to stand by the President as he signed 
the NDAA into law. Contained in the House report of that bill were 
provisions to better recognize the service of these courageous women by 
reviewing the way the additional duties some servicemembers perform are 
documented.

[[Page H12326]]

  There were also provisions to ensure a systematic training program 
that takes into account the unique mission for which Lionesses have 
volunteered so that they feel just as equipped as their male 
counterparts when on active duty.
  I will continue to work to ensure women in the military are treated 
equally and with respect, and that they receive all of the training, 
the support, and the services that they need. They certainly deserve 
nothing less.
  The dedication of women in the Armed Forces and the insight they 
offer about it is invaluable, but they are adamant that they do not 
want to be treated differently. They do not seek special recognition, 
but their service is just as real as their counterparts'. This 
resolution recognizes the sacrifices our servicewomen and their 
families make to keep everyone's family safe.
  Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to offer this 
resolution. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise, too, in support of House Resolution 868, which 
honors and recognizes the service and achievements of current and 
former female members of the Armed Forces.
  Throughout this great Nation's history, women have answered the call 
without hesitation to defend our democracy and freedom. Since colonial 
America, women have fought for our independence and have continued to 
serve with distinction in some capacity in every one of our Nation's 
conflicts. Before women were formally allowed to serve in the military, 
they served on the battlefields as nurses, waterbearers, cooks, and 
saboteurs.
  Since 1901, when the Army Nurse Corps was established and formally 
granted women rank and military status, hundreds of thousands of women 
have served with honor in the Armed Forces. They have never shirked 
responsibility, shied away from tough jobs, or hesitated to go in 
harm's way; 34,000 women served in World War I, 400,000 in World War 
II, 120,000 in the Korean War, over 7,500 in Vietnam, and over 41,000 
served in Desert Storm, the first Gulf War.
  Today, over 350,000 women are serving in our Armed Forces. Over 
190,000 have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other unheard of 
troubled spots around the world to help rid the world of tyranny and 
terrorism. They serve on land, at sea, and in the air, performing the 
technically challenging and dangerous missions we hear of in the news, 
including pilots, military police, and convoy truck drivers.
  These women, just like the men in our Armed Forces, are volunteers. 
They have always been volunteers. They have chosen to serve and chosen 
to make the sacrifices that are inherent in military service. They 
endure long hours, long separations from loved ones, and the hardships 
and horrors of combat. These women have been wounded, imprisoned, and 
have paid the ultimate price for their devotion and duty to this great 
country.
  It is without question that our military forces are unsurpassed. It 
is also undeniable that women have played a significant role in 
developing the extraordinarily capable military we are so proud of 
today.

                              {time}  1545

  Military women have been pioneers in computer science, space, 
undersea exploration, and medicine. Through their accomplishments, 
America has made great strides in technology, mathematics, and 
engineering.
  Next week, as we take the time to remember our veterans, I ask that 
all Americans take a moment to thank the men and women who serve today 
and who have served our Armed Forces in the past. I strongly urge all 
Members to support this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my 
friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. I thank the gentlewoman from California for yielding 
to me and for her great leadership on behalf of members of our Armed 
Forces and, in particular, the women.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 868, a 
resolution to honor women serving in our military and women veterans.
  As co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, I am 
happy to be saluting the 350,000 hardworking, brave and dedicated women 
serving in our Armed Forces. I particularly want to say a special 
``thank you'' to the 54,000 women veterans, living in my State of 
Illinois, for their commitment to our freedom.
  Women have logged more than 170,000 tours of duty in Iraq and 
Afghanistan; 30,000 single mothers have served their country in those 
two wars. They have sacrificed time with their families, time from 
their careers here at home, and many have sacrificed their lives. It is 
only right that we recognize them in this Chamber today.
  Year after year, we have seen the numbers of both women veterans and 
active duty members increase. Women are in leadership roles, and they 
have ascended to the highest ranks of our Armed Forces through hard 
work and often in the face of extreme opposition. We will continue to 
stand with them.
  I am proud to stand in support of House Resolution 868. I urge my 
colleagues to support the thousands of women servicemembers and 
veterans by passing H. Res. 868.
  Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she might consume to 
the gentlewoman from Oklahoma (Ms. Fallin). I want to say that she has 
been a welcomed and strong addition to the Armed Services Committee.
  Ms. FALLIN. Madam Speaker, as a member of the Armed Services 
Committee and also as co-Chair of the Women's Congressional Caucus, I 
am very proud to support H. Res. 868, honoring the service and 
achievements of women in the Armed Forces and our female veterans.
  With Veterans Day just around the corner, I know that many Americans 
will stop this week and will thank veterans in their families or in 
their communities. They may meet a young soldier back from a tour of 
duty in Iraq and will quietly thank God that they were born in a Nation 
where freedom is valued and where our ideals that we have fought for 
are still alive and well, or they may pause to remember a loved one who 
is no longer with us who proudly wore the uniform.
  Today, it is becoming likely that a veteran may be a woman. While men 
still outnumber women in the Armed Forces, military service is no 
longer a career choice for men only. There are many to whom we must 
offer thanks who are women. We have had over 200,000 women in the 
military, serving in all five branches, in the National Guard and in 
the Reserves. These women are heroes and are role models for their 
willingness to step in harm's way. When women choose to serve their 
country, they prove that there is no profession and no honor out of the 
reach for women of America today.
  As we have since the Revolution, women are playing a vital role in 
the defense of our Nation. Today, deployed in two different theaters 
and in every corner of the world, women have played a significant role 
in our victory and success; but as we remember their accomplishments, 
we must remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Since the 
United States went to war in Iraq and Afghanistan, over 122 women in 
uniform have lost their lives in support of our ongoing operations. 
Their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families is very painful, 
but it is a sacrifice of freedom.
  When faced with such sadness, it is easy to feel only the loss. While 
it is our duty to mourn the fallen, it is also our duty to honor those 
who have served with dignity and who have returned to take their places 
back among society. Those women today have answered that call. They 
chose to serve in the military. They did so because they believed in 
America--in freedom and in the power of our American ideals--and they 
believed in the need to protect those ideals here and abroad.
  Today, there are more women than ever choosing to serve our country. 
They are pilots; they are engineers; they are commanders of ships; they 
are military police; they are nurses. These transitions, by the way, 
have not come without controversy. We have, or are working through, 
many of them and are finding that women are bringing new and vital 
skill sets to today's modern military with courage and, certainly, with 
honor.

[[Page H12327]]

  By supporting House Resolution 868, we can send a clear message to 
our women in the military and to our women veterans in all areas that 
your service is not forgotten, that we honor and respect you and that 
we appreciate your courage, your patriotism, and your sacrifice. Today, 
we recognize that service.
  Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, it has really been an honor 
to present this resolution today.
  I was recalling the trip that we last made to Kandahar, Afghanistan. 
We had an opportunity to meet with about 40-plus, maybe 50, women there 
in all of the different services, just asking them about why they were 
there and about why they joined the service. The kind of work they were 
doing was truly inspiring; and, of course, they always wanted to tell 
us about their children, who were at home.
  These women are providing a tremendous service to our country. We 
honor them, and I certainly encourage and know that all of my 
colleagues will be supporting this resolution.
  Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my support for H. Res. 
868 and to request that the following exchange of letters regarding 
this resolution be included in the Congressional Record.

                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Veterans' Affairs,

                                 Washington, DC, October 28, 2009.
     Hon. Ike Skelton,
     Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of 
         Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: On October 23, 2009, H. Res. 868, 
     ``Honoring and recognizing the service and achievements of 
     current and former female members of the Armed Forces,'' was 
     introduced in the House of Representatives. This measure was 
     sequentially referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
       The Committee on Veterans' Affairs recognizes the 
     importance of H. Res. 868 and the need to move this 
     resolution expeditiously in order to honor the current and 
     former female members of the Armed Forces. Therefore, while 
     we have valid jurisdictional claims to this resolution, the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs will waive further 
     consideration of H. Res. 868. The Committee does so with the 
     understanding that by waiving further consideration of this 
     resolution it does not waive any future jurisdictional claims 
     over similar measures.
       I would appreciate the inclusion of this letter and a copy 
     of your response in the Congressional Record during 
     consideration of H. Res. 868 on the House floor.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Bob Filner,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Armed Services,

                                 Washington, DC, November 2, 2009.
     Hon. Bob Filner,
     Chairman, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Cannon House 
         Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     House Resolution 868, ``Honoring and recognizing the service 
     and achievements of current and former female members of the 
     Armed Forces.'' This measure was referred to the Committee on 
     Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' 
     Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the 
     Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as 
     fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
       I agree that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs has certain 
     valid jurisdictional claims to this resolution, and I 
     appreciate your decision to waive further consideration of H. 
     Res. 868 in the interest of expediting consideration of this 
     important measure. I agree that by agreeing to waive further 
     consideration, the Committee on Veteran's Affairs is not 
     waiving its jurisdictional claims over similar measures in 
     the future.
       During consideration of this measure on the House floor, I 
     will ask that this exchange of letters be included in the 
     Congressional Record.
           Very truly yours,
                                                      Ike Skelton,
                                                         Chairman.

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today in 
support of H. Res. 868, ``Honoring and recognizing the service and 
achievements of current and former female members of the Armed 
Forces.'' I would like to thank my colleague, Representative Davis, for 
introducing this resolution.
  As a member of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues I think 
that it is important to recognize our sisters in uniform. Today over 
350,000 women serving in the Armed Forces make up approximately 15 
percent of active duty personnel, 15 percent of Reserves, and 17 
percent of the National Guard. Women are often overlooked and 
underappreciated in the military even though women are and have 
historically been an important part of all United States war efforts, 
voluntarily serving in every military conflict in United States history 
since the Revolutionary War.
  The first American woman soldier was Deborah Sampson of 
Massachusetts. She enlisted as a Continental Army soldier under the 
name of ``Robert Shurtliff.'' She served for 3 years in the 
Revolutionary War and was wounded twice; she cut a musket ball out of 
her own thigh so no doctor would find out she was a woman. Finally, at 
the end of the hostilities her secret was discovered--even so, George 
Washington gave her an honorable discharge. She later lectured on her 
experiences and became a champion of women's rights.
  The Woman's Army Auxiliary Corps was established in the United States 
in 1941. However, political pressures stalled the attempts to create 
more roles for women in the American Armed Forces. Women saw combat 
during World War II, first as nurses in the Pearl Harbor attacks on 
December 7, 1941. The Woman's Naval Reserve and Marine Corps Women's 
Reserve were also created during this conflict. In July 1943 a bill was 
signed removing ``auxiliary'' from the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, 
making it an official part of the regular army. In 1944 the Women's 
Army Corps, WAC, arrived in the Pacific and landed in Normandy on D-
day. During the war, 67 Army nurses and 16 Navy nurses were captured 
and spent 3 years as Japanese prisoners of war. There were more than 
350,000 American women who served during World War II and 16 were 
killed in action; in total, they gained over 1,500 medals, citations, 
and commendations.
  Women are now playing an increasingly important role in America's 
military forces; more than 185,000 women have been deployed in support 
of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other 
missions since 2001.
  Today, women can serve on American combat ships, including in command 
roles. Female enlisted members and officers can hold staff positions in 
every branch of the Army except infantry and armor, although they can 
in fact serve on the staffs of infantry and armor units at division 
level and above, and be members of Special Operations Forces. Women can 
fly military aircraft and make up 2 percent of all pilots in the U.S. 
military.
  However, women are still limited solely due to gender. Women are not 
permitted to serve on submarines or to participate in Special Forces 
programs such as Navy SEALs. Women enlisted soldiers are barred from 
serving in Infantry, Special Forces, Artillery, Armor, and Air Defense 
Artillery. So far the positions closest to combat open to women in the 
U.S. Army are in the Military Police, where women operate machine-guns 
on armoured Humvees, guarding truck convoys. Although Army regulations 
bar women from infantry assignments, some female MPs are detailed to 
accompany male infantry units to handle search and interrogation of 
Iraqi suspects.
  I urge my colleagues and all Americans to honor and recognize the 
service and achievements of current and former female members of the 
Armed Forces. Over 350 servicewomen have given their lives for the 
Nation in combat zones since World War I, and more than 85 have been 
held as prisoners of war; 34,000 women served in World War I, 350,000 
served in World War II, 120,000 served in the Korean war, over 7,000 
served in the Vietnam war, and more than 41,000 served in the first 
gulf war.
  Madam Speaker, the women of America's military, past and present, 
have served their Nation in times of peace and war, at great personal 
sacrifice for both themselves and their families. I hope that this 
Congress will recognize the service and achievements of women in the 
military.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 868.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam 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.

                          ____________________