[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 19, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




H.R. 24, TO REDESIGNATE THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY AS THE DEPARTMENT OF 
                       THE NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

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                       HON. CHRISTOPHER P. CARNEY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2010

  Mr. CARNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 24, a 
bill to redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the 
Navy and Marine Corps. This legislation was passed out of this chamber 
on a voice vote yesterday. Had a recorded vote been requested on the 
bill, I would like the Record to reflect that I would have cast a vote 
in opposition.
  I have been a member of the United States Navy for more than 15 years 
and I am proud to be one of three Members of Congress still serving in 
the Navy Reserve.
  Not a day goes by that I don't recognize the sacrifices the brave men 
and women of the Marine Corps have made in service to our country. 
Frankly, there isn't a sight that brings more fear to our enemy than 
that of an approaching line of determined Marines with a mission to 
execute.
  Past, present and future Marines should certainly be proud of the 
Corps, but also of the Department of the Navy. The Marine Corps was, 
is, and should remain, part of the Navy, both in name and in mission. A 
name change at the Department level will do nothing but foster 
animosity in the ranks of the Navy and Marine Corps. We should focus 
instead on the fight at hand and not worry about a change in 
nomenclature. Unfortunately, the spirit of H.R. 24 is counter to that 
notion.
  Changing the name of the Department of Navy would cast away over 200 
years of tradition. Our founding fathers created the Department of the 
Navy in 1798. Passing legislation by voice vote that simply does away 
with the name ``United States Department of the Navy'' is a disservice 
to the history of the Department and its various components. Millions 
of sailors and Marines have been killed or maimed in service to our 
Nation as part of the Department of the Navy. That name meant something 
to them and it should to all of us as well.
  As the esteemed body on the other side of this building considers 
this bill, I hope that it will examine all potential repercussions. 
Namely, they should consider the traditions the United States Navy 
holds dear.
  I encourage my fellow statesmen to speak both with Navy leadership 
and Navy veterans in their district before casting a vote in support of 
this legislation.

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