[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E453-E454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            NATIONAL GUARD EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 22, 2010

  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 
1879, ``National Guard Employment Protection Act,'' a bill that amends 
title 38, United States Code, to provide for employment and 
reemployment rights for certain individuals ordered to full-time 
National Guard duty.
  In these challenging economic times, with returning veterans 
experiencing unemployment rates in the double digits, we must do more 
to provide for our veterans' basic needs. This legislation shows that 
the U.S. is grateful for our veterans' service. Just as the military 
pledges to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, this nation will 
leave no veteran behind when they come home.
  National Guard is America's oldest armed force--dating back to 1636--
and the only branch that serves both the Federal and State governments. 
The Guard answers to both the president of the United States and the 
governors of their respective states and territories.

[[Page E454]]

This means that the National Guard can be mobilized any time natural 
disasters or other emergencies occur within America's borders, and also 
serve alongside U.S. combat forces in other parts of the world.
  The Guard's roots go back to North America's earliest colonial 
militias: farmers, shopkeepers and everyday citizens willing to put 
their lives on hold and pick up their weapons to defend their 
communities and their country. Today, Citizen-Soldiers live, work and 
go to school in cities and towns all across America and its 
territories. And just as they have for over 370 years, the men and 
women of the National Guard are trained, willing and proud to assist 
their neighbors during emergencies, and to protect their nation 
whenever they are called.
  This bill allows us to show our appreciation and honor the service of 
veterans who have served in the National Guard. These veterans have 
given great contributions and made incredible personal sacrifices so 
that all of us in this country might live in a safe and secure nation 
and world.
  Madam Speaker, whether it is the ultimate sacrifice of life or the 
loss of limb or the loss of time with family and friends, we owe our 
veterans an enormous outstanding debt of gratitude. The debt of 
gratitude we owe to the soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen who 
answered their nation's call and made supreme sacrifices can never be 
repaid. But the nation can follow President Lincoln's admonition to 
`care for him who has borne the battle, and for his [family].' Indeed, 
it is the least we can do.
  It is out of my profound respect and gratitude for all who wear and 
have worn the uniform of the United States that I continue to work so 
to support legislation that will ensure that veterans receive the 
health care, job opportunities, housing assistance, and educational 
benefits they deserve. As their slogan says, ``Always ready, always 
there. That is the National Guard.'' Now, it is time for us to be there 
for them.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to express my strong support for this 
bill and I urge my colleagues to join me in doing what is only right--
taking care of and honoring our heroes who serve to protect us.

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