[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 164 (Wednesday, December 19, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H7337-H7341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RELATING TO THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE DANIEL K. INOUYE, A SENATOR FROM
THE STATE OF HAWAII
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for
its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 839
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) receives with profound sorrow the news of the death of
the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye, a Senator from the State of
Hawaii;
(2) authorizes the Speaker to appoint such Members as he
may designate to serve with members of the Senate as a
committee to represent the House in attendance at the funeral
of the Senator;
(3) directs the Clerk to communicate this resolution to the
Senate and transmit a copy to the family of the Senator; and
(4) when it adjourns today, does so as a further mark of
respect to the memory of the Senator.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Hawaii is recognized
for 1 hour.
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, my State of Hawaii and
our Nation lost a truly great man, Senator Daniel K. Inouye. He began
serving our country when he was only 17 years old, joining the Army
after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
At that time, many questioned the patriotism of people who looked
like him, but for Senator Inouye that was precisely why he joined the
service. He was a true patriot. He loved this country and was willing
to do whatever he could to defend it. In fact, he lost his arm charging
a series of machine gun nests on a hill on San Terenzo, Italy, on April
21, 1945. His heroic actions rightly earned him the Medal of Honor.
He was the embodiment of the Greatest Generation: courage, sacrifice,
humility, and love of country. It's why the commitment to serve and
protect those who fight for our country has always been one he took
personally. It's why he always stood up for the ideals of freedom and
justice that our country is founded upon, because he saw firsthand what
happens when we don't. And it's why he was always proud to stand up for
our heritage in Hawaii.
The truth is, Senator Inouye deeply loved our beautiful State of
Hawaii. Half a century ago, he had a vision of the Hawaii we inherit
from him today. Over his many decades of service, he displayed a
builder's skill, pouring the foundation of the modern and vibrant
Hawaii that is his legacy. And so the greatest tribute we can pay
Senator Inouye is to acquire his vision, apply his skills, and build on
the remarkable foundation he laid for us, from strengthening our
schools and university to building our roads and bridges.
And just today, our State marked another milestone led by Senator
Inouye. We signed a full funding grant agreement with the U.S.
Government for our Oahu rail project. This was a project championed by
Senator Inouye through many years, through many ups and downs.
The Senator saw the future of Hawaii often before others did; and
when he saw something that was going to better the lives of the people
in Hawaii, he always fought for it. This is probably one of the things
he will be remembered for the most, his tenacity in fighting for the
people of Hawaii and for doing what is right.
And while he may have been a fierce competitor, he was always a
gentle spirit. In a Washington that, at times, is so torn apart by
partisanship, Dan Inouye always worked to defuse that situation and
bring us together. He understood that words mattered as much as
actions, and he always worked to elevate the debate.
And he stood by his friends, no matter their political stripes. It's
why we've all heard from people on both sides of the aisle, and some
who are speaking today, who are so saddened by his death by what our
country lost this week.
I received a message from our good friend and brother, Eni
Faleomavaega from American Samoa. He is traveling overseas and asked
that I mention his deep condolences to the people of Hawaii.
Eni, like so many, calls Senator Inouye a mentor. He taught us all
lessons we'll never forget. Simply put, Senator Inouye was an
extraordinary
[[Page H7338]]
person, a giant in the Senate, who accomplished so much for the people
of Hawaii and our Nation. It is now up to us to carry on that work, to
realize his vision, to draw upon his strength, his strength of purpose
and strength of character, to do what is right.
I know the people of Hawaii join me today in pledging to do just
that.
Aloha, Senator Inouye.
General Leave
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I also ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 839.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Hawaii?
There was no objection.
Ms. HIRONO. I would now like to yield as much time as he consumes to
my colleague from the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Kilili
Sablan.
Mr. SABLAN. Thank you very much.
Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to express my deepest condolences to the
people of Hawaii for their loss of a great Senator and a great
American. I would not be here today standing in the well of the House
if not for Senator Daniel K. Inouye.
This beloved leader did so much for many Americans, for so many
people of the Pacific, as we are hearing tonight. He touched the lives
of so many individuals, including my own life.
In 1986, Senator Inouye gave me the opportunity to work as a Fellow
in his office here at the Capitol. Senator Inouye had established a
program to bring young men and women from the Pacific Islands to
Washington to learn about Congress and the United States Government. We
came from American Samoa and from the Northern Mariana Islands, my
home.
What an opportunity Senator Inouye gave us. What an eye-opening
experience to see Congress at work. What an education to watch up close
this distinguished man of the Senate, by turns dignified, gracious,
good humored, principled, quiet and when called to defend the
forgotten, fierce, fierce and formidable. I was inspired.
{time} 1830
Seeing what an elected official could be, what he could do to bring
justice to this world, I dared to dream of one day doing the same. The
Northern Mariana Islands did not even have a seat in Congress in 1986.
That did not happen until 23 years later. But throughout those 23
years, I held that dream deep in my heart, the dream that Senator
Daniel Inouye planted that some day I could represent my people as I
had seen him represent the people of Hawaii and America.
I will admit that dream did not always burn brightly. There were
times when I did not tend the flame. But when the day came that
Congress granted a seat to the people of the Northern Mariana Islands,
that flame roared to life. That inspiration that Daniel K. Inouye had
lit in my heart, fed by the ideals that he had instilled in me those
many years ago, the ideal that we're all equals in this great country,
as citizens and as individuals, and that, against all odds, we can
overcome poverty, we can overcome prejudice, we can overcome terrible,
terrible, physical injury and survive stronger than ever. We can
survive and prevail if we believe in the inherent decency and goodness
of America, as Senator Daniel K. Inouye believed--if we are not afraid
to dream.
And so I dreamt, inspired by this man, aided by the opportunity he
once gave to me. And tonight, Mr. Speaker, I stand here in the well of
this hallowed Chamber to say thank you to Daniel K. Inouye.
Thank you, Senator Inouye, for showing me the way here. Thank you,
sir, for showing us all what it means to be a true Member of Congress.
Thank you, and good night. Rest well. We shall always remember you.
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I now yield such time as he may consume to
my good friend from Alaska, Congressman Don Young.
Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I thank the good lady for yielding.
This is a solemn moment. The gentleman from the Mariana Islands just
gave a presentation. I would like to think Senator Inouye and I played
a role in making sure he could stand on this floor and give that
presentation.
Danny Inouye, the Senator from Hawaii--actually, he was the third
Senator from Alaska. And excuse me, Danny, for saying this; I don't
want to call you Senator at this time, but just Danny. He was always
able to reach across the aisle and solve problems of the noncontiguous
States with my friend, Senator Stevens. Hand-in-hand, two veterans. One
lost an arm and one flew 36 missions over the Hump. Together, they were
one, they were brothers, and they said that so many times--brothers in
arms, brothers in supporting two noncontiguous States, brothers in
solving problems for people across the aisle.
I didn't serve with Danny, but I knew him well because he was a
friend of my people, the Alaska Natives. In fact, we had him 2 years
ago at the AFN convention speaking to the need and necessity for the
Hawaiian Natives to be recognized as the Alaskan Natives were.
He was an icon--a person that could work together. And he was--think
about this--a young man that was Japanese. He was not in an internment
camp. He volunteered for the America that he loved. He loved and served
and lost, but he always won. He always won. But he did that by reaching
the one arm he had left in his hand and shaking that hand and saying,
Let's do it together. Let's work together. Let's not have the
animosity, the rancor that's occurring today.
In fact, when I think about it a moment, I think, Danny, God bless
you. You're in heaven. Hawaii is better off. Alaska is better off. But
if we don't change our ways, you would be terribly disappointed. You
would not be happy the way things are happening in this Congress,
including the United States Senate.
And so, Danny, I will tell you one thing. You have Alaskans--
especially my wife, my children, and my grandchildren--that thank you
for the efforts you put forth to take the aboriginal people and bring
them into the mainstream of life, with the help of Senator Ted Stevens.
So God bless you, Danny, Senator from Hawaii, and the third Senator
for the State of Alaska.
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to my
friend from California, Congresswoman Doris Matsui.
Ms. MATSUI. I would like to thank my friend, the gentlelady from
Hawaii, for organizing this time for all of us to honor Daniel Inouye.
It's with heavy heart that I rise here today in support of this
resolution honoring the late Senator Inouye. On December 17, our
country lost a beloved leader, an American hero, and a man I was
honored to call my friend.
Rising to become the most senior Member of the United States Senate,
Senator Inouye will be remembered, not only for his distinguished
record as a legislator, but also for his heroism on the battlefield.
Senator Inouye served his country on the battlefields of Europe during
World War II and earned the Nation's highest honor for military valor,
the Medal of Honor.
As a soldier, Senator Inouye fought for the lives of American
citizens back home to protect his fellow servicemen and also for the
ideals our country stands for: equality, justice, and freedom. When he
joined politics, the only thing that changed was his battlefield.
Senator Inouye was a giant in Congress who demonstrated his strong
love for his country and belief in American ideals with every action he
took. He was a man who stood by his convictions and fought for what he
believed and was never afraid to reach across the aisle and look for
bipartisan solutions to some of our Nation's most pressing problems.
And while his presence was certainly strongly felt here in the Capitol,
he remained accessible to and was loved, not only by his constituents
in Hawaii, but across this country.
When I put the word out to my California constituents that Senator
Inouye had passed away and that Congress had lost one of its greatest
leaders, I received an outpouring of comments from my constituents
expressing their sorrow and sharing stories of ways that Senator Inouye
had touched their lives. Even in my district of Sacramento, California,
Senator Inouye was well known, well respected, and well loved.
[[Page H7339]]
As the highest serving Asian American in our country's history,
Senator Inouye was a true inspiration to the Asian American community.
As a Member of Congress, my late husband, Bob Matsui, worked closely
with Senator Inouye on the movement for Japanese American redress and
reparations. Together with colleagues, they helped secure a formal
government apology for innocent Japanese Americans who were victims of
one of our country's darkest moments.
It will be impossible to find a stronger voice for our Nation's
veterans than Senator Inouye. He was instrumental in getting the
Congressional Gold Medal awarded to several military units from World
War II, units composed almost entirely of persons of Japanese ancestry
who exhibited exceptional bravery on the battlefield while their own
families were in interment camps here at home.
Earlier this year, I worked closely with Senator Inouye to ensure
that the Congressional Gold Medal toured the country so everyone could
have the opportunity to learn about the bravery and heroism of these
veterans.
{time} 1840
This is the type of man Senator Inouye was. He was a man who, up to
the very end, worked tirelessly to bring recognition to those who
deserve it the most.
Senator Inouye devoted his life to serving his country. He was an
inspiration and a role model--a real role model--an example of what
every public servant should strive to be.
My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Irene, his son Ken, and
their family, and especially to his granddaughter Maggie, whom we will
make sure hears about the stories of her great-grandfather.
On a personal level, when my husband passed away some 8 years ago, I
recall how generous and sincere Dan Inouye was towards me and my family
during those difficult days. I know this is a difficult time, but it is
my sincere hope that there is some comfort in knowing that his legacy
of remarkable service and dedication to our country, his love of
country, will live on for generations to come. He was truly a giant.
Ms. HIRONO. I would now like to yield such time as she may consume to
my friend from California (Ms. Chu).
Ms. CHU. Earlier this week, our country lost a valiant war hero and
one of the greatest statesmen of our time with the passing of Senator
Daniel K. Inouye.
Senator Inouye was an inspirational leader and a true American
patriot in every sense of the word. In fact, it's hard to think of the
State of Hawaii without Daniel Inouye. Since the moment Hawaii gained
statehood in 1959 he has represented the Aloha State in Congress and
ensured that Hawaii and others in the Pacific region have access to
resources and facilities that many on the continental U.S. take for
granted.
Even though he was labeled an enemy alien during World War II, he
made the decision to enlist in the Japanese American ``Go for Broke''
442nd regimental combat team. He fought bravely, even as thousands of
Japanese Americans were unjustly placed in internment camps at home. In
one terrible battle in Italy, he led an assault against a heavily
defended ridge. Germans shot at him with machine guns, destroying his
right arm. Despite that, he was still able to destroy the German
bunker. His bravery earned him the Medal of Honor and the Congressional
Gold Medal, and for that alone he will always be remembered as a true
American hero.
But Senator Inouye's service to our country extends far beyond World
War II. He was a trailblazer in politics when there were few Asian
Americans. He rose through the ranks, becoming the chairman of the
powerful Senate Appropriations Committee and the President pro tem of
the U.S. Senate, and became our highest-ranking Asian American
politician. He broke barriers and paved the way for countless Asian
American and Pacific Islanders in public service. In my role as chair
of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I truly valued his
guidance as a founder and longtime executive board member of our
caucus. He was a tireless advocate for both the people of Hawaii and
the broader Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
All of us who had the honor to know and learn from him will dearly
miss his leadership and the honor and integrity that he brought to the
job. My heart goes out to his wife, Irene Inouye, his son, Daniel Ken
Inouye, Jr., and the many family, friends, colleagues, and constituents
for their tremendous loss.
So aloha, Senator Inouye. Thank you for your lifetime of service.
While your passing has left us with a great void, we know that your
legacy will continue to live on in the many accomplishments you leave
behind and in the generations you've inspired through your service to
our country.
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I now yield such time as she may consume to
my friend and colleague from Hawaii, Congresswoman Hanabusa.
Ms. HANABUSA. Thank you to my colleague from Hawaii for doing this.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 839, which
relates to the death of the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye, Senator from
the State of Hawaii. I know that as the most senior Member of the
United States Senate, as the Appropriations chair, and as a true war
hero, Senator Inouye will be remembered in Washington, in Hawaii, and
across the Nation. Tomorrow, he will be given one of the highest honors
of anyone in this country, and that is to be able to lie in state in
this Capitol. But for me, the passing strikes deeper because he was
also my mentor and a dear friend.
I had the honor of having lunch with Senator Inouye just before he
went into the hospital, and we discussed many things. Know that his
love and concern for Hawaii and for America never wavered. He never
stopped thinking about how things could be made better, who we could
help, and what we could accomplish. He was, of course, a force to be
reckoned with, and as I said at the time I just couldn't think about
Hawaii without Senator Inouye.
Since his passing, statements like the Congressman from Alaska just
said about the Senator being their third Senator has been made by other
Congressmen to me as well, so you know that his impact was felt very
deeply throughout this country.
As long as Hawaii has been a State, Dan Inouye served us in
Washington--``us'' meaning the people of Hawaii. For most people in
Hawaii, he was always there, as dependable as the sunrise, yet he was
never proud, never acted as though he was better than the people he
represented.
I can tell you from personal experience that it is just impossible to
be an elected official in Hawaii without being in awe of Daniel K.
Inouye, someone who served so long, accomplished so much, and yet made
it seem so effortless.
Hawaii was and is a grassroots State. You need to get out there with
the people, share their activities, eat their food--now, that's really
critical--laugh at their jokes. And there was Dan Inouye, the war hero,
recipient of the Medal of Honor, U.S. Senator, an iconic force in
Hawaii's history and politics, and he just fit right in. Us, the people
of Hawaii, we can spot a phony a mile away, but we loved him because we
knew he was the real thing. He was genuine.
So here was the most senior Member of the Senate, chair of the
Appropriations Committee, President pro temp, and third in line to the
succession to the Presidency, but in his heart he was no different than
that kid growing up in territorial Hawaii, not wearing shoes until he
got to high school--by the way, not wearing shoes we called going
``hadashi'' in Hawaii--who volunteered just out of high school to serve
his country in war. I think that's why, when he ran for reelection, his
bumper stickers didn't say Senator Inouye, or Daniel K. Inouye, it just
said Dan.
I still remember his political poster when I began to recognize
political posters, solid black with Dan, his signature, in yellow.
Simple, yet strong, as he was. I didn't know at that time the
significance of the colors. Those were the colors of his alma mater,
McKinley High School, again, a statement that he never forgot where he
came from.
For me, knowing Dan Inouye and learning from him, that down-to-earth
nature was a very special thing. When he shared his insights about
serving the people who elected us and doing what is right for Hawaii
and America, I knew it was coming from his heart. Not just that what he
was doing was
[[Page H7340]]
advising to show the true love for the people he served, but also that
he was sharing these insights with me because he cared enough about me
to pass on the lessons.
{time} 1850
He genuinely wanted me to do better. Quietly, with that great smile
and that beautiful, resonant voice, he gave that gift of his experience
and his wisdom. He was a man of such accomplishment and power who was
also unbelievably generous of himself.
I will never forget that gift from my friend, Dan Inouye. For the
next few days, as we say good-bye to a genuine hero, a champion of
Hawaii, a political icon, I hope, Mr. Speaker, you will join us in
remembering a wonderful man and pass this resolution so that we may all
say, ``Aloha, Dan, mahalo, and thank you.''
Ms. HIRONO. I now yield such time as he may consume to my good friend
from California, Congressman Mike Honda.
Mr. HONDA. Thank you, Madam Chair.
I, too, rise today with a heavy heart to honor and to remember
Senator Dan Inouye.
On December 17, 2012, the State of Hawaii, our Nation, the Asian
American and Pacific Islander community and all champions of social
justice and change lost our polaris, our guiding light, our guiding
star--Senator Daniel K. Inouye. I'm deeply saddened by the passing of
my dear friend who has been a hero to us all, his ohana.
From his service on the battlefields of World War II--we mentioned a
Medal of Honor--to the Senate floor, in serving the Aloha State in
Congress since it achieved statehood in 1959 and rising to become the
highest ranking Asian Pacific Islander in our Nation's history, his
impact on our lives and our community is immeasurable and unparalleled.
The Senator has had a deep sense and reflected a deep sense of
dignity in spite of any kinds of situations that may surround him, a
quiet calm of strength even in the battlefields to the Halls of
Congress.
We know that during the time of Watergate, he was slighted and
insulted through a racial slur, but he did not exchange one for
another. He just reflected his quiet strength and dignity by not
responding at all. The rest of the country did for him. And as he went
through the Watergate process, he showed that he could serve and deal
with justice with an even hand. And with that, he showed that this
country can deal with all kinds of problems that it faces.
As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Inouye
worked across the aisle to ensure that the needs of the people of
Hawaii and the sovereign rights of native Hawaiians and other
indigenous people, as our friend, Don Young, had mentioned, as well as
the AA-PI communities, were priorities of this government.
During the seventies and eighties, Senator Inouye played a critical
role in making sure that this country understood its behavior towards
the Japanese Americans on the mainland and in Hawaii. There was an
effort to secure an apology, a recognition of the wrongdoings, and also
move forward with the idea of reparations, but it didn't seem as if
they were making much progress. He wisely said to leadership of this
movement, Perhaps we need to do a study and a commission to educate and
inform the rest of the Members of this body to understand what it is
that we are fighting for. And so came about the World War II Commission
on Internment. And through the commission study and their gathering
information across this country and listening to testimony, from people
who were aged to the people who were younger, securing information
validating the position of those who were seeking an apology from this
government came the conclusion and the final decision to move forward
with the bill, my bill, 442, to rescind Executive Orders 9022 and 9044,
and also to make sure that this country understood the reasons for the
incarceration and internment of Japanese Americans in this country
during 1942.
The conclusion of that commission reflected the wisdom of Senator
Inouye. The conclusion of the commission said the reason why internment
happened to Americans of Japanese descent was because of war hysteria,
racial prejudice, and the failure--the failure--of political
leadership. And to that, it's been always a reminder for me when I
listened to him and I watched him work that he would never, ever allow
the lack of failure of political leadership in this country to ever
fall--not on his watch.
Since 1959 when I graduated from high school, I reflected back now,
today, of how young he was then and how he stood his ground and guided
Alaska and this country through his life and his dedication to public
service.
So, Senator Inouye proved to be a very devoted husband and a father.
I extend my sincerest condolences to the entire Inouye family.
Senator Inouye's passing may mark an end of an era, I would say, but
I would declare and say that his work will continue to impact this
country in terms of a continuous attention to ohana and to the rights
of all people, including aboriginal folks.
He once stated in his fight to protect the Filipino World War II
veterans, he said about them, he said that heroes should never be
forgotten or ignored. And he always continued to make sure that those
who serve this country were not to be forgotten or ignored.
So, we, as a grateful Nation, will never, ever forget the Senator
from Hawaii, a war hero, a servant through his military service, and a
servant through his service in the Halls of Congress.
So I say to him ``Aloha, mahalo.''
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all of my colleagues who
came to the floor tonight to share their experiences and thoughts about
Senator Inouye, as well as all my other colleagues who express their
condolences to Irene Hirano Inouye, his wife; his son, Ken; his
daughter-in-law; his granddaughter, Maggie; and all those who have
expressed and shared their experiences with Senator Inouye.
This is a man who touched so many lives, not just in Hawaii, but all
across the country. And we all know at this point what a great Senator
he was and all of the good works that he did, but at a time like this,
we often hear from just individuals who want to share their very human
stories about individual kindnesses that he showed. In fact, one of my
colleagues today said, Did you know that I was at a function where it
was raining, and he held an umbrella over my head with his one good arm
for an hour? Or how much he cared about the Hansen's disease patients
in Kalaupapa, and he invited them to Oahu to meet with the Secretary of
Transportation, Ray LaHood, so that the Secretary could hear from these
residents who often did not get to travel very much, who could share
with the Secretary their own concerns and to ask for his help, and they
were helped.
So it is always a human dimension to what Senator Inouye did that
always struck me, and he did so in a very quiet way. So we honor him,
we thank him, and his last word before he passed on was, ``Aloha.''
Senator, we bid you aloha. We love you. Aloha.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this
resolution allowing Members of Congress to honor the life of a great
American hero and a friend to us all. I want to thank my good friends
from Hawaii, Ms. Hirono and Ms. Hanabusa, for their leadership in
introducing this resolution.
We have lost a father, a hero, and a true friend. There is no doubt
Senator Daniel K. Inouye was a strong advocate for the people of Hawaii
but he was also instrumental in helping the people of American Samoa
and all our Territories and neighbors in the Pacific. The Samoan people
recognized the Senator's passion for the people of the Pacific
especially American Samoa by bestowing him the esteemed chief title,
Fofoga o Samoa-meaning, the Voice of Samoa.
On the Hill, Fofoga o Samoa Senator Inouye was a giant. He was
greatly respected not only for his service as a Senator but,
importantly, his patience and unique ability to work with both sides of
the aisle for many years. Being a Territory and having a small
population, it is very difficult to move legislation without having any
representation or support in the Senate, and Fofoga o Samoa Senator
Inouye was always there for American Samoa. He was also a fighter for
the rights of Native Hawaiians, ensuring veterans received their
benefits, and was a pioneer for all Asian and Pacific Americans.
[[Page H7341]]
I remember in early 1990 when I accompanied the Senator on a
Congressional Delegation he led on a Pacific tour that included my
District. It was an honor and a privilege accompanying him on this tour
because it showed me his deep understanding and care for all of the
people in the Pacific. Just as he was a boy that was born and raised in
a Territory (Hawaii), he felt it was the right thing to do to help our
Territories. This was just a small sample of the Senator's leadership
and diligence in recognizing the importance of helping our Territories
and the Freely Associated States.
As a former member of the 442nd 100th Battalion, I can only thank the
Senator and his comrades for their service and `Go For Broke' attitude
which has laid the path for many of the Samoan sons and daughters to
serve in our great military force. I am forever grateful for the
Senator's service to our nation and for his love and compassion for the
people of American Samoa.
Let us pray that the Lord comfort those who have lost an amazing
leader who has touched each and every one of our lives.
Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in reflection and
remembrance of the life of Senator Daniel Inouye.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Senator Daniel Inouye on
Monday; his passing marks the end of an era for the people of Hawaii,
for the United States Senate and Congress, and for the country. A
public servant from start to finish, Daniel Inouye has left a shining,
indelible mark on history that will inspire Americans for generations
to come.
His story is simply incredible. Daniel was a medical volunteer during
the Pearl Harbor attacks in 1941. Even though the U.S. Army banned
people of Japanese descent from enlisting, and even though Executive
Order 9066 authorized the internment of roughly 110,000 Japanese
Americans, Daniel Inouye found it within himself to be an American
patriot.
Soon after the ban on enlistment was lifted, he abandoned his Pre-Med
studies at the University of Hawaii and enlisted in the U.S. Army in
1943. He was a war hero in the truest sense of the term, earning a
Medal of Honor for his actions on the battlefields of World War II
before his state was even admitted to the union.
Daniel Inouye was a Lieutenant and Platoon Leader on the battlefield
in Tuscany, Italy in April 1945. Even after being shot in the stomach
by German machine gun fire, he refused medical treatment and still
managed to find the courage to destroy 2 machine gun nests. Nearly
losing consciousness from blood loss, he heroically charged a 3rd
machine gun nest before having his right arm severed by a German
grenade. Somehow, even after these grave injuries, Daniel Inouye still
found a way to toss a grenade that destroyed the 3rd bunker.
He remained a proud member of the military until his honorable
discharge as a Captain in 1947. He was Hawaii's first Representative in
the House, a source of great pride to all Members, past and present.
As Hawaii's first Congressman and, subsequently, as a nine-term
Senator, Daniel Inouye embodied the spirit of `aloha' in his work.
Serving as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, he worked to
strengthen our national security and help veterans access the benefits
they've earned.
He was a consistent champion for the interests of Hawaii's people. I
am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Senator Inouye, and
my thoughts are with his family and with the people of his beloved
Hawaii, who will always remember him for his leadership and his
courage. As a Senator, he never forgot his military roots, and has
always been a voice for veterans.
Senator Inouye was a patriarch of Hawaii, and all Hawaiians will long
remember his unyielding devotion to the economic vitality, progress,
and success of his beloved home state. His fellow Americans will long
remember his leadership in protecting our men and women in uniform,
strengthening our national security, reaching across the aisle, and
investing in a future of prosperity for all.
By his actions, he stood firm for the independence of the Congress,
the strength of our democracy, and the values of the American people.
I want to extend my condolences to his entire family as they mourn
the loss of a great man.
When asked recently how he wanted to be remembered, Daniel said,
quite humbly, ``I represented the people of Hawaii and this nation
honestly and to the best of my ability. I think I did OK.'' I think
that I speak for us all when I say that this was quite an
understatement for a man who accomplished so much and sacrificed so
much for this country. And so with heavy hearts, we bid ``aloha'' to
Senator Daniel Inouye--a man whose chapter in American history will
live on.
The previous question was ordered.
The resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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