[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 16, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H4559-H4564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF KOREAN WAR

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass 
the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 86) recognizing the 60th anniversary of 
the outbreak of the Korean War and reaffirming the United States-Korea 
alliance, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the joint resolution.
  The text of the joint resolution is as follows:

                              H.J. Res. 86

       Whereas, on June 25, 1950, communist North Korea invaded 
     the Republic of Korea with approximately 135,000 troops, 
     thereby initiating the Korean War;
       Whereas, on June 27, 1950, President Harry Truman ordered 
     the United States Armed Forces to help the Republic of Korea 
     defend itself against the North Korean invasion;
       Whereas United States and Allied forces recaptured the 
     capital city of Seoul on September 28, 1950, after a 
     successful amphibious landing by the Marine Corps at Inchon 
     on September 15, 1950;
       Whereas the hostilities ended in a cease-fire marked by the 
     signing of the armistice at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953, and 
     the peninsula still technically remains in a state of war;
       Whereas, during the Korean War, approximately 1,789,000 
     members of the United States Armed Forces served in-theater 
     along with the forces of the Republic of Korea and 20 other 
     members of the United Nations to defend freedom and 
     democracy;
       Whereas casualties of the United States during the Korean 
     War included 54,246 dead (of whom 33,739 were battle deaths), 
     more than 92,100 wounded, and approximately 8,176 listed as 
     missing in action or prisoners of war;
       Whereas approximately 6,800,000 American men and women 
     served worldwide in the Armed Forces during the entire Korean 
     War era of June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955;
       Whereas the Korean War Veterans Recognition Act (Public Law 
     111-41) was enacted on July 27, 2009, so that the honorable 
     service and noble sacrifice by members of the United States 
     Armed Forces in the Korean War will never be forgotten;
       Whereas President Barack Obama issued a proclamation to 
     designate July 27, 2009, as the National Korean War Veterans 
     Armistice Day and called upon Americans to display flags at 
     half-staff in memory of the Korean War veterans;
       Whereas since 1975, the Republic of Korea has invited 
     thousands of American Korean War veterans, including members 
     of the Korean War Veterans Association, to revisit Korea in 
     appreciation for their sacrifices;
       Whereas in the 60 years since the outbreak of the Korean 
     War, the Republic of Korea has emerged from a war-torn 
     economy into one of the major economies in the world and one 
     of the largest trading partners of the United States;
       Whereas the Republic of Korea is among the closest allies 
     of the United States, having contributed troops in support of 
     United States operations during the Vietnam war, Gulf war, 
     and operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, while also supporting 
     numerous United Nations peacekeeping missions throughout the 
     world;
       Whereas since the end of the Korean War era, more than 
     28,500 members of the United States Armed Forces have served 
     annually in the United States Forces Korea to defend the 
     Republic of Korea against external aggression, and to promote 
     regional peace;
       Whereas North Korea's sinking of the South Korean naval 
     ship, Cheonan, on March 26, 2010, which resulted in the 
     killing of 46 sailors, necessitates a reaffirmation of the 
     United States-Korea alliance in safeguarding the stability of 
     the Korean Peninsula;
       Whereas from the ashes of war and the sharing of spilled 
     blood on the battlefield, the United States and the Republic 
     of Korea have continuously stood shoulder-to-shoulder to 
     promote and defend international peace and security, economic 
     prosperity, human rights, and the rule of law both on the 
     Korean Peninsula and beyond; and
       Whereas beginning in June 2010, various ceremonies are 
     being planned in the United

[[Page H4560]]

     States and the Republic of Korea to commemorate the 60th 
     anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and to honor 
     all Korean War veterans: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That 
     Congress--
       (1) recognizes the historical importance of the 60th 
     anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, which began on 
     June 25, 1950;
       (2) honors the noble service and sacrifice of the United 
     States Armed Forces and the armed forces of allied countries 
     that served in Korea since 1950 to the present;
       (3) encourages all Americans to participate in 
     commemorative activities to pay solemn tribute to, and to 
     never forget, the veterans of the Korean War; and
       (4) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to its 
     alliance with the Republic of Korea for the betterment of 
     peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) and the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. 
Boozman) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from American Samoa.


                             General Leave

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from American Samoa?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
joint resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  This resolution before us today, House Joint Resolution 86, 
recognizes the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and 
reaffirms the strong United States-Republic of Korea alliance. This 
resolution will help ensure that the bonds we forged in blood during 
the Korean War will never be forgotten.
  Today, the United States and Republic of Korea relationship is 
stronger than ever, encompassing social, cultural, economic, security 
and diplomatic relations. Last year's joint vision statement between 
our two nations provided an important reminder to the importance of the 
bilateral relationship between our two countries. Our two countries are 
working as closely as ever on the problems of North Korea, which is 
critically important since North Korea continues its provocations, 
including nuclear and missile tests and just recently the sinking of 
the South Korean ship, the Cheonan, which resulted in the deaths of 
some 46 sailors from this tragedy.
  With President Lee chairing the G-20 meeting this year in South 
Korea, this is certainly indicative of South Korea's prominence in 
international trade and economic development. For our part, Madam 
Speaker, I have long supported the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement to 
further such growth. I continue to hope that the Congress will also 
pass this free trade agreement as soon as possible because it will 
reinforce U.S.-Korean ties and create American jobs. And for the 
benefit of my colleagues, I want to note that this free trade agreement 
with South Korea will provide somewhere between $11 billion and $20 
billion in export trade between our two countries which will be of 
tremendous benefit to both our countries.
  I also want to thank my dear friend, the gentleman from New York, 
Congressman Charles Rangel, for his service to our country during the 
Korean War, for his long and able service in the House of 
Representatives, and for his authorship of this important resolution. I 
also want to note our other colleagues who are also veterans of the 
Korean War, Congressman John Conyers of Michigan, Congressman Samuel 
Johnson of Texas, and Congressman Howard Coble of North Carolina. My 
apologies if I may have left out other Members. It was certainly not 
intentional, Madam Speaker, but I also want to thank them as well.
  Congressman Rangel fought in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952 as a 
member of the 503rd Battalion, an all-black artillery unit, in the 2nd 
Infantry Division. In late November 1950, his unit was engaged in heavy 
fighting in North Korea; and at the Battle of Kunu-ri, Congressman 
Rangel was part of a vehicle column that was trapped and attacked by 
the Chinese Army.

                              {time}  1500

  During that attack, he was injured in the back by shrapnel from a 
Chinese bomb shell. In subzero weather, members of the 503rd Battalion 
looked to Rangel, then just a private first class, for his leadership. 
During 3 days of freezing weather, he led approximately 40 men from his 
unit out of the Chinese encirclement.
  When asked about his experience in battle, Congressman Rangel 
commented, ``That was the coldest place, ever, in the whole world. We 
lost a lot of guys who froze to death in their sleeping bags.'' Nearly 
half of the 503rd Battalion were killed in the overall battle. And 
might I mention, a battalion is composed of about 600 soldiers. So you 
can imagine if 50 percent of the 503rd Battalion were killed in the 
Korean War.
  Congressman Rangel was later recognized for his courage and awarded a 
Purple Heart for his wounds and the Bronze Star for Valor for his 
heroic efforts. In addition, he was awarded the Presidential Unit 
Citation, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation and three 
battle stars.
  In summing up his experience, Congressman Rangel once said, ``Since 
Kunu-Ri--and I mean it with all my heart--I have never, never had a bad 
day.''
  I might also note, Congressman John Conyers from Michigan served for 
2 years in the Michigan National Guard starting in 1950. With the onset 
of the Korean War, he joined the U.S. Army and fought for 1 year as a 
second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For his service, 
he was awarded both combat and merit citations.
  Congressman Sam Johnson began his 29-year career in the U.S. Air 
Force at the early age of 20. During the Korean War, he was stationed 
just 25 miles away from the front lines and flew 62 combat missions in 
his F-86 Saber jet fighter. In his plane, Shirley's Texas Tornado, 
named after his dear wife, Congressman Johnson scored one MiG fighter 
kill, one probable kill and one damaged. He flew on combat missions 
with Buzz Aldrin and John Glenn, and when he shot down the Russian MiG, 
he was so low on fuel that he actually had to glide back to Seoul. He 
went on to continue his outstanding military career through the Vietnam 
War as director of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School, known as Top 
Gun, and was one of the two authors of the air tactics manual 
revolutionizing military air dominance by incorporating three-
dimensional flight.
  Our good friend, Congressman Howard Coble, meanwhile, served in the 
Coast Guard from September 1952 until September 1956, and was deployed 
to Korean waters during the war.
  I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring the sacrifices of 
these gentlemen, our colleagues, Congressman Rangel, Congressman 
Conyers, Congressman Johnson, and Congressman Coble, and the sacrifices 
of all of the other 1.8 million Americans who fought in the Korean War, 
as well as in recognizing the vital importance of the U.S.-Korean 
alliance by supporting this resolution; and also noting as a matter of 
history that over 30,000 of our soldiers died from that terrible 
conflict in South Korea.

                                      Committee on Armed Services,


                                U.S. House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, June 15, 2010.
     Hon. Howard Berman,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of 
         Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Berman: I am writing to you concerning H.J. 
     Res. 86, recognizing the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of 
     the Korean War and reaffirming the United States-Korea 
     alliance. This measure was referred to the Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed 
     Services, and 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.
       Our Committee recognizes the importance of H.J. Res 86, and 
     the need for the legislation to move expeditiously. 
     Therefore, while we have a valid claim to jurisdiction over 
     this legislation, the Committee on Armed Services will waive 
     further consideration of H.J. Res 86. I do so with the 
     understanding that by waiving consideration of the 
     resolution, the Committee on Armed Services does not waive 
     any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters 
     contained in the resolution which fall within its Rule X 
     jurisdiction.
       Please place this letter and a copy of your response into 
     the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure 
     on the

[[Page H4561]]

     House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which 
     you have worked regarding this matter and others between our 
     respective committees.
           Very truly yours,
                                                      Ike Skelton,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                     Committee on Foreign Affairs,


                                U.S. House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, June 14, 2010.
     Hon. Ike Skelton,
     Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     House Joint Resolution 86, recognizing the 60th Anniversary 
     of the Korean War and affirming the United States-Korea 
     alliance. This measure was referred to the Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs, in addition to the Committee on Armed 
     Services, 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 Armed Services has certain 
     valid jurisdictional claims to this resolution, and I 
     appreciate your decision to waive further consideration of 
     H.J. Res. 86 in the interest of expediting consideration of 
     this important measure. I understand that by agreeing to 
     waive further consideration, the Committee on Armed Services 
     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.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Howard L. Berman,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                   Committee on Veterans' Affairs,


                                U.S. House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, June 10, 2010.
     Hon. Howard L. Berman,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of 
         Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Berman: On May 25, 2010, H.J. Res. 86, 
     recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Korean War and 
     reaffirming the United States-Korea alliance, 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.J. Res. 86 and the need to move this 
     resolution expeditiously to recognize the 60th anniversary of 
     the Korean War and to reaffirm our alliance with Korea. 
     Therefore, while we have certain valid jurisdictional claims 
     to this resolution, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs will 
     waive further consideration of H.J. Res. 86. 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.J. Res. 86 on the House floor.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Bob Filner,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                     Committee on Foreign Affairs,


                                U.S. House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, June 14, 2010.
     Hon. Bob Filner,
     Chairman,
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Cannon House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Filner: Thank you for your letter concerning 
     H.J. Res. 86, recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the Korean 
     War and affirming the United States-Korea alliance. I 
     acknowledge that the Committee on Veterans Affairs has a 
     valid jurisdictional claim in this resolution, and I 
     appreciate your willingness to waive jurisdiction so we may 
     proceed to suspension.
       I agree to submit this exchange of letters in the 
     Congressional Record, and I thank you again for your 
     expeditious review of this legislation.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Howard L. Berman,
                                                         Chairman.

  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise in support of this measure and would like to thank the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), a distinguished veteran of the 
Korean War for introducing it. We truly do appreciate your service to 
our country.
  Next week, on June 25, represents the 60th anniversary of the 
outbreak of the Korean War. The lesson of Korea is the need for 
constant vigilance in the face of external aggression.
  Many link Kim Il Sung's decision to suddenly and deliberately attack 
the Republic of Korea in the early morning hours of a rainy Sunday 
morning to mixed signals coming from Washington, for then-Secretary of 
State Dean Acheson had declared only a few months before that South 
Korea lay outside the defense perimeter of the United States.
  North Korean dictator Kim Il Sung reportedly took that as a green 
light to move forward with his invasion plans. This invasion resulted 
in between 1 and 2 million Korean dead, and over 50,000 dead and more 
than 90,000 wounded members of the U.S. military.
  The lesson of June 25 is clear: do not equivocate with aggressors, do 
not pander to dictators.
  Harry Truman, in notifying the American people of his decision to 
deploy U.S. forces to Korea, stated that North Korea, in solidarity 
with its Communist allies ``has passed beyond the use of subversion to 
conquer independent nations.''
  Sixty years later, as North Korea engages in further armed aggression 
by deliberately torpedoing a South Korean naval vessel and murdering 46 
South Korean sailors, it is clear that the United States and its allies 
must act with firm resolve to prevent an escalation of violence in and 
around the Korean peninsula.
  As we honor the valiant dead who fell in Korea, let us resolve to 
preserve that peace and prosperity for which they gave the last full 
measure of devotion. The events of the last six decades remind us all 
that the sacrifices of our soldiers and our United Nations allies were 
worthwhile.
  One only has to compare the thriving, democratic vitality of the 
Republic of Korea with the impoverished and repressed hell that is 
North Korea to recognize the value and the purpose of that valiant 
sacrifice.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, as a veteran of the Vietnam War, I 
am deeply honored to yield all the time he needs to the gentleman from 
New York (Mr. Rangel), the author of this resolution.
  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for his gracious 
remarks and the work he has done to facilitate the bringing to this 
floor this resolution. I want to thank the other side of the aisle. I 
have never seen anything move so fast, and I am so deeply grateful that 
this happened.
  Some of you don't know, but the Korean Government invited John 
Conyers, Sam Johnson, Howard Coble and me to go to Korea on June 24 and 
25, but the legislative calendar prevented this from happening. But 
because of their enthusiastic support, as well as mine, next week the 
Speaker and the minority leader have agreed not to forget those people 
who served our country; and, indeed, served the international freedom 
community.
  I want to thank also from my office Emile Milne and Hannah Kim for 
working with all of the committees that had jurisdiction to expedite 
the fact that this will be done before June 25.
  I am reminded when you gave the facts that led up to the North 
Koreans invading South Korea, I was a 20-year-old kid in the barracks 
in Fort Lewis, Washington, when a sergeant screamed that the North 
Koreans had invading South Korea and the Second Infantry Division was 
slated to go to defend them. I was so anxious to leave Fort Lewis, I 
said: Hurrah. Where the heck is Korea?
  I had no idea that a police action involved putting yourself in 
harm's way. But away we did go. There was some question at that time 
whether we could even land in Pusan because the North Korean Communists 
had been so successful that they drove the 25th Division and Japan and 
the People's Republic of South Korea to the Pusan peninsula, but we 
were able to push them back. The marines landed in Inchon and the 
Chinese came, and you know the rest of that story.
  But how grateful I am to be not just alive, but to know we all 
participated once again in defending a democracy even in countries 
where we don't know the people and don't know the country. And as a 
result of that, one of America's strongest allies is the government of 
Korea. The truth of the matter is with China there and North Korea 
there, and especially the threat of Iran, South Korea has represented a 
symbol not only of democratic principles but a symbol of what can 
happen economically when freedom and democracy is the atmosphere in 
which we are working.
  Those of us who served, especially the 50,000 who did not come back 
home, the close to 100,000 that were wounded, the 8,000 that were 
prisoners of war, we had no idea that our sacrifice would rebuild a 
nation from ashes to the great

[[Page H4562]]

economic power it is today, and the great contributions Korean-
Americans make each and every day in all parts of every town, city and 
every state that we have.
  But I want to particularly thank John Conyers who is the next highest 
senior member here in the House of Representatives. I want to thank 
Howard Coble. He is a veterans' veteran. There is not a day I see him 
that he does not remind me and others that we should never forget the 
sacrifices that are made for all of us and our children and our 
children's children. And, of course, Sam Johnson who I serve with on 
the Ways and Means Committee, is truly a hero. Very few Americans are 
living who have made the type of sacrifices that he has made for his 
country.
  So collectively and on behalf of all of the veterans who have served, 
and particularly for this war that they call the Forgotten War, we were 
sandwiched between the World War II and the Vietnam War. So many people 
asked when we came back home: Where were you? They had no idea America 
had been involved. But we were involved.
  The 21 nations will have representatives here next week to thank 
America, as we thank them, for allowing this great country to be 
involved in what appeared to be a very unimportant crisis. But at the 
end of the day, this country has risen to be one of our best trading 
partners, one of our best political partners, and certainly has made an 
outstanding contribution to the entire world of free countries and free 
people.
  And so, Chairman Faleomavaega, I thank you for giving us the 
opportunity to celebrate this occasion and never to forget those who 
made it possible for us to be free men and free women.
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble), ranking member of the 
Judiciary Subcommittee on the Courts and a distinguished veteran of the 
Korean War.
  Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, I too want to express thanks to the 
gentleman from American Samoa and the gentleman from Arkansas for 
having very ably managed this resolution, and I am pleased indeed today 
to be on the House floor with my friend from New York and my friend 
from Texas, Mr. Rangel and Mr. Johnson.
  I rise in support of H.J. Res. 86, and while there is little I can 
add to enhance the merit of this resolution, I want to remind everyone 
that technically speaking the Korean conflict has not ended. The recent 
actions by North Korea against South Korea and the Chinese should not 
be taken lightly. South Korea is our true ally on the Korean peninsula. 
Although I have no solution for the growing threat of North Korea, at 
this point it seems to me the immediate course of action should be for 
America to continue to embrace and support South Korea.
  This resolution correctly states that we have successfully partnered 
with the Republic of Korea to promote international peace and security, 
economic prosperity, human rights, and the rule of law on the Korean 
peninsula and beyond.
  To that end, I encourage my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 86.

                              {time}  1515

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of 
my time.
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson), ranking member of the Ways 
and Means Subcommittee on Social Security and a distinguished veteran 
of the Korean War.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Thank you, both of you over there on the 
Democrat side, for getting this bill out.
  Today marks a new milestone for those who fought in the forgotten 
war, which was Korea. And today the United States Congress recognizes 
the importance of their service and reaffirms our longstanding 
commitment to freedom and the future of Korea.
  As many know, it was June 25, 1950, when Communist North Korea 
invaded the Republic of Korea with 135,000 troops, and that sparked the 
start of the Korean War. And what people don't realize about Charlie 
Rangel is he could be dead because he was up on the Yalu River when the 
Chinese decided to come across. So he saved a lot of lives and buried a 
lot of guys. I thank you, Charlie, for that service. And Howard, I 
thank you as well for serving over there.
  On June 27, 1950, President Truman ordered the United States Armed 
Forces to help the Republic of Korea defend itself against the North 
Korean invasion. While it ended in an armistice, the bitter conflict 
between Korea and North Korea still lingers on. We all know that. Korea 
is a strong ally, and America remains committed to Korea's safety, 
survival, and success.
  By commemorating the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, 
the United States Congress and the country rededicate our promise to 
thank those who wore the uniform during that time. An estimated 5 
million valiant men and women served in the Korean War.
  As a Korean War veteran who flew 62 combat missions, it brings me 
great pleasure to remind Americans of the sacrifice and service of 
those who fought in Korea. To the esteemed Korean War veterans, you are 
not forgotten. We honor you, we appreciate you, God bless you. And I 
salute each and every one of you.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, how much time do I have left on this 
side?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from American Samoa has 8 
minutes, and the gentleman from Arkansas has 14 minutes.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I would like to certainly compliment 
and thank our distinguished veterans of the Korean War, now Members, 
our colleagues here in this institution, for not only sharing with us 
their experiences, but the fact that this close relationship that we 
have with the Republic of Korea should never be lessened in any way.
  It's been my privilege over the years to have visited the Republic of 
Korea, visited with their leaders. And the outstanding results of now 
South Korea becoming one of the great economic powers of Southeast 
Asia, I might say, is mainly because of our close economic ties. I also 
want to note the fact that the number one electronic company in the 
world is in South Korea. Also, the number one shipbuilding company is 
in South Korea.
  I sincerely hope that in the coming months we will be able to 
continue to negotiate successfully the proposed free trade agreement 
that was done previously by the previous administration and 
negotiators. It's my understanding that as a result of this proposed 
free trade agreement we stand to gain at least somewhere between $11 to 
$20 billion in exports of our products to South Korea if we get an 
approval of this proposed agreement.
  I also want to note, as a matter of a little history, and complement 
what my friend from New York has stated about the people and the good 
leaders of South Korea. My own personal experience while serving in 
Vietnam, I tell you, you really know who your real friends are. The 
fact that there were 50,000 South Korean soldiers fighting alongside 
American soldiers in Vietnam, now that is where you really know who 
your real friends are. The leaders and the people of South Korea came 
and joined us in that terrible conflict that our Nation was confronted 
with in fighting communism.
  It's also my understanding that in the coming months, the President 
of Korea will be presiding over the G-20 meeting of 20 of the most 
prominent countries economically, and hopefully there will be better 
solutions given to the economic demise that not only the world is faced 
with now, especially the contributions that the 20 countries can offer 
in solving some of the serious economic problems that we are confronted 
with today.
  Mr. RANGEL. Would the gentleman yield?
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I gladly yield to the gentleman from New York.
  Mr. RANGEL. And I want you to know this is just the beginning of the 
United States of America's involvement. In September of this year, in 
commemoration of the lives that were lost by Koreans and Americans and 
the other 20 countries that fought against communism, there will be a 
commemorative ceremony in Seoul, which our State Department will be 
participating in. And again, my colleagues have been invited to join, 
but the situation here in Congress didn't allow us to accept.

[[Page H4563]]

  But Mr. Boehner, the minority leader, as well as our distinguished 
Speaker had thought that since we could not be represented over in 
Seoul next week, that a reception will be held right here and a 
ceremony in Statuary Hall, where the participants from the free 
countries that joined with us will be there with their representatives. 
And we have invited veterans that have served in Korea to come join us.
  The reason I constantly say I haven't had a bad day since, and to say 
how good God is, is because it's been 60 years ago. And recently, that 
is last week at the Kennedy Center, the Korean Angels, a young group 
that's trained to go around the world talking about peace and harmony 
to the world, celebrated and they lauded the Korean veterans. And my 
colleagues here on the House floor would know they came with crutches 
and wheelchairs and canes, but they did come.
  And what this House and Senate will be doing for them, even if they 
are not able to come to Washington, they will be able to tell their 
kids and their grandkids and their neighbors and friends that their 
sacrifice has not been forgotten. And I do hope that you and the 
chairman and subcommittee chairman that expedited this, and the Members 
that hopefully will be supporting this in the House and Senate, would 
realize how many lives they are making more bright by reminding their 
loved ones of those that were left behind, that what they lost, the 
pain that they felt is not forgotten by the United States.
  And it gives us a time once again to talk about the brave men and 
women that are in the Middle East, that are in Afghanistan. Each and 
every day that we are allowed to breathe the breath of democracy, to 
get up and to do and say what we want is only because they are willing 
to put their lives in harm's way for our flag and for our country and 
for the freedom that's here.
  So all of us, in a sense, whether it was in World War II, whether it 
was Korea, whether it was the Persian Gulf where my son served as a 
Marine, or whether or not it's the present crisis that we face in the 
Middle East, we have so much to be fortunate that in this country there 
is a spirit that we defend what is right, what is moral, and at the end 
of the day we are better people, we are better legislators, and we are 
a better country for it. And so everyone who votes today, I think it's 
our way of saying ``thank you'' for those who made the sacrifice and 
also ``thank you'' for those who continue to do it as we speak today.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I thank the gentleman for his comments.
  I might also note, Madam Speaker, that out of some 15 million Asian 
Pacific Americans, we have well over 2 million Korean Americans as part 
of the fiber of our great democracy that have made tremendous 
contributions to our country. I wanted to just note that for the 
record.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, again I want to thank Mr. Rangel for 
bringing this forward. He and Mr. Johnson, Mr. Coble being here, make 
it very, very special. We certainly appreciate all of your all service 
to our country; Mr. Rangel stating that he went off at age 20; Mr. 
Johnson, I think, at the same age, around 20; and then Howard, Mr. 
Coble, in his early twenties, going off to war.
  It is so fitting that we take a little bit of time, that the House 
just pauses to remember the sacrifice that was incurred, again, for 
those that were so willing to go over for the rest of us. We look 
forward to the celebrations that are going to occur later in the year. 
And then again, at that time, the whole Nation will pause and remember 
the sacrifice that you all so willingly did for the rest of us.
  With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, but I do 
want to say for the record again, on behalf of a grateful Nation, to 
extend our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the gentleman from New 
York, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Coble, and Mr. Conyers for their 
contributions, and especially as veterans of the Korean War.
  Mr. ROYCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 86, 
Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and 
reaffirming the United States-Korea alliance.
  On June 25, 1950, the Korean War started and was halted three years 
later by an armistice that is still in place today. It involved 22 
nations fighting together in defense of the Republic of Korea.
  More than 5.7 million Americans served during the conflict. Some 
33,600 were killed in action, including about 8,200 listed as missing 
and presumed dead. Another 21,400 died of non-battle causes and more 
than 103,000 Americans were wounded during the three years of war. Some 
have called this the Forgotten War, but were here today remembering.
  I should point out that this resolution was introduced by Mr. Rangel, 
Mr. Johnson, Mr. Conyers, and Mr. Coble--men who were there 60 years 
ago. We honor their service here today, as well.
  Nearly 140,000 South Koreans were killed on the battle field, many of 
whom fought side-by-side with American forces for the cause of 
preserving freedom. The heroic deeds of these servicemen laid the 
foundation for an alliance between the U.S. and South Korea that has 
lasted over 60 years, bringing stability to Northeast Asia.
  As this resolution rightly notes, the ``Republic of Korea is among 
the closest allies of the United States.'' In no small part this is 
because of the sacrifices made by the brave Korean and American 
soldiers that fought valiantly together.
  We've worked hard over the years to keep this relationship on solid 
footing. I've chaired several exchange meetings with our counterparts 
in the National Assembly. A few years ago (2008), legislation I 
authored was signed into law to treat South Korea just the same as NATO 
and other top allies when it comes to defense sales.
  Unfortunately, we have been reminded of the importance of this 
relationship by the sinking of the Cheonan and by the loss of the 46 
South Korean sailors who were killed by a North Korean torpedo attack. 
Our sympathies and condolences are with their families and the South 
Korean people. The House passed a resolution to this effect the other 
week.
   Last month, South Korea unveiled the results of a methodical 
international investigation into the cause of the sinking of a South 
Korean naval vessel. The evidence--overwhelming--showed what many were 
all but certain occurred on March 26th--the ship was sunk by a North 
Korean torpedo attack, in clear violation of the Korean War Armistice.
  This is the same regime that caused so much death and suffering in 
the early 1950s--the regime brave American servicemen defended against 
back then, and continue to defend against today.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, this year marks the beginning of the war 
that established 60 years of peace in the Korean peninsula.
  The United States suffered the loss of over 33,000 of its countrymen 
during the Korean War and almost 5,000 remain missing in action.
  I whole-heartedly support the establishment of a commission to look 
into these disappearances and will soon send a letter to President 
Obama asking him to issue an order to fly the flag at half mast on June 
25th.
  The Korean War defined our country's role in the international 
community.
  As our own POWs returned back into South Korea over the Bridge of No 
Return, North Korean soldiers overwhelmingly decided to stay in the 
free world with their supposed ``captors.''
  This is the model of U.S. leadership and freedom that we must uphold 
in the world today.
  As a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, it astonishes me 
to see how thankful and how proud the South Koreans still are for the 
sacrifices of the US troops on their soil.
  It is a rare heart-warming message that makes me that much more proud 
to represent The Korean War Veterans of Staten Island and Commander 
Joseph Calabria in Congress.
  That being said, I cannot go on without mentioning the tragic sinking 
of Cheonan, killing 46 South Korean Navy men on board.
  These men were the sons and grandsons of those who served alongside 
U.S. Forces in Korea, 60 years ago.
  North Korea's hostility cannot go ignored and the reckless rhetoric 
following the incident is a far cry from what is expected of a member 
of the international community.
  Unfortunately, most would be hard-pressed to find a time when North 
Korea was a productive, accountable member of the international 
community.
  In fact, over a year ago, I introduced a bipartisan bill to further 
sanction North Korea. The North Korea Sanctions Act of 2009 calls on 
the Administration to impose hard-hitting sanctions on North Korea, as 
a result of their detonation of a nuclear explosive device on May 25, 
2009, under the Arms Export Control Act.

[[Page H4564]]

  Furthermore, I will continue to be an active voice in ensuring the 
safety of the over 28,000 American troops currently stationed in the 
Korean Peninsula and will remain an outspoken member of the House 
Foreign Affairs Committee when it comes to the US response towards 
North Korean hostility.
  No one wants to see a second Korean War or a third world war for that 
matter.
  Our veterans have sacrificed too much for that to happen.
  I encourage my colleagues to support H. Res. 86 and congratulate the 
author of this resolution, Congressman Rangel for introducing this bill 
and for his service in Korea.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) that the House suspend 
the rules and pass the joint resolution, H.J. Res. 86, 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. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground 
that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum 
is not present.
  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.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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