[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 13, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H1087-H1090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CALLING ON GOVERNMENTS TO INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO INVESTIGATE, RECOVER,
AND IDENTIFY ALL MISSING AND UNACCOUNTED-FOR PERSONNEL OF THE UNITED
STATES
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 129) calling on the
Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and
foreign governments to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and
identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United
States, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 129
Whereas according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
of the Department of Defense, more than 82,000 United States
personnel are still unaccounted-for from past wars and
conflicts around the world;
Whereas, though recognizing that an estimated 48,000 of
these personnel were presumed lost at sea and are unlikely to
be recovered, tens of thousands of families and friends have
waited decades for the accounting of their loved ones and
comrades in arms;
Whereas the families of these brave Americans deserve our
Nation's best efforts to achieve the fullest possible
accounting for their missing loved ones;
Whereas the National League of POW/MIA Families, and their
iconic POW/MIA flag, pioneered the Vietnam War accounting
effort since 1970 and has been joined in this humanitarian
quest for answers by Korean War, Cold War, and World War II
families, fully supported by the American Legion, the
Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans,
Jewish War Veterans, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America,
Special Forces Association, Special Operations Association,
Rolling Thunder, and other more recently formed groups, and
tens of thousands of families and veterans are yearning and
advocating for answers concerning the fates of their loved
ones and comrades in arms;
Whereas the mission of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting
Agency of the Department of Defense is to provide the fullest
possible accounting for missing members of the Armed Forces
of the United States, designated civilians of the Department,
and other designated personnel; and
Whereas the recovery and investigation teams of the
Department of Defense deploy to countries around the world to
account as fully as possible for these unaccounted-for United
States personnel: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) calls upon the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and
other elements of the Department of Defense, other
appropriate elements of the Federal Government, and all
foreign governments to resolutely continue efforts to
investigate, recover, identify, and account as fully as
possible for all United States personnel designated as
unaccounted-for from past wars and conflicts around the
world; and
(2) calls upon all foreign governments with information on
United States personnel designated as unaccounted-for from
past wars and conflicts, or with such personnel within their
territories, to cooperate fully with the Government of the
United States to provide the fullest possible accounting for
those American lives.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) and the gentleman from California (Mr.
Sherman) each will control 20 minutes.
General Leave
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I ask unanimous consent that all
Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and
to include extraneous material on this measure.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from South Carolina?
There was no objection.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I may consume.
I rise in strong support of H. Res. 129, which recommits us to the
sacred task of accounting fully for our troops who are still missing
and unaccounted for in past wars and conflicts.
From World War II onward, more than 82,000 U.S. personnel have not
come home and are not accounted for. That means that for tens of
thousands of American families, friends, and comrades in arms, the pain
of uncertainty continues to this very day.
This resolution also calls upon foreign nations to fully cooperate
and to provide the Defense POW-MIA Accounting Agency with all
information on our missing personnel that those countries may have. It
is especially appropriate that we are considering this resolution this
week, which marks the 45th anniversary of Operation Homecoming, which
secured the return of more than 550 American prisoners of war from
Vietnam.
This group that left Hanoi on February 12, 1973, included an American
fighter pilot whose F-4 had been shot down over North Vietnam in 1966.
When he ejected from his plane, he had suffered a broken arm, a broken
back, and a dislocated shoulder, but that was only the start of his
ordeal.
This pilot spent nearly 7 years as a prisoner of war, enduring
torture, abuse, and an incomprehensible 3 years in solitary
confinement. For 18 months, he shared a cell with Senator John McCain
at the infamous ``Hanoi Hilton.''
For his service and heroism, he was awarded two Silver Stars, two
Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with
Valor, two Purple Hearts, and numerous other deserved awards.
After that pilot returned home, he stated: ``The freedoms that most
Americans take for granted are, in fact, real and must be preserved. I
have returned to a great nation, and our sacrifices have been well
worth the effort. I pledge to continue to serve and fight to protect
the freedoms and ideals that the United States stands for.''
Well, we know that that pilot did continue to serve, not only in the
military. He is a former combat warrior and prisoner of war, an
American hero, and a Member of Congress. His name is Sam Johnson, and
we are honored by his presence in the Chamber today.
I want to thank Congressman Johnson for introducing this resolution.
But even more, we all, every American, want to thank him for his life
of valor and service.
[[Page H1088]]
H. Res. 129 is an opportunity to renew our pledge to our men and
women in uniform and to the families of those who have gone missing in
service to our country. We will leave no one behind, and we will not
forget your solemn sacrifices laid upon the altar of freedom. I urge
support for this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
House of Representatives,
Committee on Armed Services,
Washington, DC, February 12, 2018.
Hon. Edward R. Royce,
Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, U.S. House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to you concerning H. Res.
129, a resolution ``Calling on the Department of Defense,
other appropriate elements of the Federal Government, and
foreign governments to resolutely continue efforts to
investigate, recover, and identify all United States
personnel designated as unaccounted for from past wars and
conflicts around the world.'' There are certain provisions in
the resolution which fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of
the Committee on Armed Services.
In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed
expeditiously to floor consideration of this important
legislation, I am willing to waive this committee's further
consideration of H. Res. 129. 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 legislation which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction.
Please place a copy of this letter and your response
acknowledging our jurisdictional interest into the
Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on
the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in
which you have worked regarding this matter and others
between our respective committees.
Sincerely,
William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry,
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Washington, DC, February 12, 2018.
Hon. William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry,
Chairman, House Armed Services Committee, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Thornberry: Thank you for consulting with the
Foreign Affairs Committee and agreeing to be discharged from
further consideration of House Resolution 129, which concerns
efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all missing and
unaccounted-for personnel of the United States, so that the
resolution may proceed expeditiously to the House floor. The
suspension text of the resolution incorporates edits worked
out with assistance from your committee.
I agree that your forgoing further action on this measure
does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of
your committee, or prejudice its jurisdictional prerogatives
on this resolution or similar legislation in the future.
I will seek to place our letters on H. Res. 129 into the
Congressional Record during floor consideration. I appreciate
your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward
to continuing to work together as this measure moves through
the legislative process.
Sincerely,
Edward R. Royce,
Chairman.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of H. Res. 129 calling on the Department of Defense
and other elements of the Federal Government and foreign governments to
intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all missing and
unaccounted-for personnel of the United States.
I rise in support of H. Res. 129, which affirms our government's
commitment to investigating and recovering missing American personnel.
I especially want to thank Representative Sam Johnson, not only for
introducing this resolution but for embodying our dedication to those
who are captured or missing, whose service to this country, 7 years as
a POW, three of those in solitary confinement, exemplify the highest
honor of our military forces.
I also want to thank Chairman Royce for bringing this resolution
forward. Our brave servicemembers risk their lives for our country
every day, and when they go missing, we owe it to them never to give
up. No matter how many years pass, no matter how many miles we must
travel, our search for them must continue.
More than 83,000 personnel of the United States are still unaccounted
for around the world from past wars and conflicts. This is the
equivalent of an entire city, and their families are mourning the loss
of ones they hold dear.
Although an estimated 50,000 of these are World War II personnel lost
at sea and, sadly, unlikely to ever be recovered, we must continue our
efforts whenever there is any possibility of discovering and recovering
an American who has been lost in the service of our country.
Our brave men and women expect that when they make the ultimate
sacrifice, we will make extraordinary efforts to recover them, and if
we don't do exactly that, we are not only failing those families but
also one of our military's most sacred principles: ``leave no man or
woman behind.''
We honor this principle because it reminds us that, unlike many of
our enemies, whose soldiers are viewed as expendable pawns of the
regime, we value each and every life. Those missing in action need to
be returned home to their families where they belong.
This resolution has a simple message for our government. It is time
to intensify our efforts to investigate, recover, identify, and account
as fully as possible for all those missing and unaccounted-for American
personnel. It also urges foreign governments to cooperate with us in
these important efforts so that every soldier, sailor, airman, and
marine gets the homecoming they deserve.
Thank you to all the men and women who have served and continue to
serve our great country and the principles we stand for. I urge my
colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he
may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson), the author
of this measure, a former fighter pilot and prisoner of war, and a true
American hero.
Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise and say: God bless you
both. Thank you for what you said.
I rise in strong support of H. Res. 129. This resolution I introduced
calls for an intensified effort to account for the tens of thousands of
American servicemembers who are still missing in action. Many folks
don't realize there are still more than 82,000 American servicemembers
who remain unaccounted for.
{time} 1615
In fact, I, myself, was classified as missing in action for almost 2
years after my shoot-down over north Vietnam in 1966. That is why it is
so meaningful to have this resolution on the House floor during the
45th anniversary of Operation Homecoming, which brought me and my
fellow Vietnam POWs back to our beloved country after many long years
in hell on Earth.
During my time as an MIA, my family was unsure where I was or whether
I was even alive or dead. But my devoted wife, Shirley, and countless
other families with the National League of POW/MIA Families
continuously advocated for the return of all our POWs and MIAs from the
Vietnam war. It is because of their tireless work, and by the grace of
God, that my fellow POWs and I were reunited with our families 45 years
ago this week.
I am joined today by my two daughters, Gini and Beverly, who, along
with my late wife, were a key part of the effort to bring us home.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in
recognizing the strength and devotion of my two lovely daughters, Gini
and Beverly, who are seated in the gallery.
But, Mr. Speaker, we must never forget our troops who still remain
missing in action; and we must never forget their families, who
anxiously await a final accounting of their loved ones. In many cases,
so much time has gone by that it has fallen to the next generation to
repatriate their missing family members. They deserve our dedicated
help and support.
After my return from Vietnam, I vowed to continue to fight for our
missing troops and their families. During my time serving in the U.S.-
Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIAs, I traveled the world to places
like Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and even to the Russian military archives
in Moscow to try to find our missing troops. And I will never stop
fighting.
For the families of our troops who remain missing in action, this
resolution is for you.
This resolution calls on the United States Government and the
Department of Defense to diligently continue
[[Page H1089]]
efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all missing U.S.
personnel around the world. It also calls on foreign governments that
have information on our missing personnel to cooperate fully with our
government.
We must remain united in our efforts to recover all of our missing
troops and to never forget their sacrifice.
I would also urge my colleagues to remember that, while I was in the
Hanoi Hilton, the north Vietnamese told my fellow POWs and me that our
country had forgotten us. As the days turned into years, we had to
fight that fear. The feeling of being alone and forgotten is horrible.
And the families of POWs and MIAs feel a similar pain. That is why I
will continue to make every effort to repatriate my missing brothers
and sisters in arms and hold true to the promise: ``No Man Left
Behind.''
But I also call on all current and future Members of Congress to
carry the mantle.
We cannot, and must not, forget the faithful servicemen and -women
who deserve to be brought home to the country they gave their all to
protect. It is my sincere hope that we will one day bring home all of
America's missing patriots. These heroes deserve to return to American
soil with all of our honor and respect. And their families deserve the
closure of their loved ones that they have awaited for for so long.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for the support of all of my colleagues and that
they join me in supporting this important resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair would gently remind Members to
refrain from referencing persons in the gallery.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Foreign
Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and
International Organizations; and a longstanding leader on behalf of
veterans' issues.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of Sam
Johnson's resolution and join the House in honoring a truly heroic man
who has suffered so much for our country, and I thank him for that.
I would say to my colleagues, having read and observed Sam for so
many years, words are inadequate--they are truly inadequate--to
describe his courage, his tenacity, his faith in God, and his valor. He
is really a hero who stands above with few peers.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Sam for his leadership and for being who he is.
I also thank his family. It is just a privilege to know him and to be
up here supporting legislation that he has sponsored for a full and
thorough accounting of all of our POWs and MIAs.
As Members know, access to the battlefield during and after war is
important. With regards to Japan, Italy, and Nazi Germany, we had
access after the last shot was fired. Indeed, today we are close
friends and allies. So those who are missing in action or POWs are more
likely to be presumed dead if not found.
That is not the case, Mr. Speaker, when it comes to North Korea,
where there is no access to the theatre of operations in the North and
where we remain and the families remain in agony for decades about what
happened to their loved ones.
With regards to Vietnam, there were many live sightings of POWs
especially after prisoners like Sam and others came home, people who
were observed on the ground. I was part of the POW/MIA task force in
Congress in the 1980s. Jerry Solomon and others and I traveled to
Vietnam to talk about those live sightings and the fact that the
Vietnamese did not provide a full accounting. Many who were observed
went missing, and we think they may have been executed by the
Vietnamese long after the peace treaty was signed.
We do have some cooperation, as we all know, to crash sites and the
like. That is all good. It is certainly not enough. We do not have
unfettered access to the battlefield, and that remains a reason why our
great and distinguished colleague, Sam Johnson, is offering this
resolution. We need to redouble our efforts.
I would just point out for the record that Sam Johnson flew 62 combat
missions in the Korean war and 25 missions in the Vietnam war before
being shot down. He was in the Air Force for 29 years. He commanded two
air bases, among other things. He is a lifelong fighter, student of
war, combat warrior, a leader of men, and, of course, a prisoner of
war.
He spent, as my colleagues and I have all noted, nearly 7 years as a
prisoner of war in Vietnam, where torture was systematic. He endured
that, overcame that, and, of course, with his faith, became a great
inspiration to all of us as someone who has suffered so much, yet
continues to have a strong faith in God and a faith in humanity.
As he pointed out in a statement, he was 140 pounds when he was
released and repatriated. He also pointed out that during his
incarceration he was in solitary confinement and in leg stocks, like
the pilgrims, as he put it, for 72 days. Then, the following day after
he was let out, he couldn't walk. He was then put in leg irons for 2\1/
2\ years: a tight metal cuff around each ankle, with a foot long bar
connecting the legs. He still has little feeling in the right arm and
his right hand after those 2,500 days of horrific captivity.
Again, he saw a silver lining because he still had a dream and hope
for the future, which some people would have lost a long time ago and
just given up--what an inspiration for today's generation of a man who
has suffered so much, has overcome so much, and remains an optimist
deep in his heart.
Again, words are inadequate to describe our colleague. Sam Johnson is
the definition of courage.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, having no speakers on my side, I yield
myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to add my voice to the voice of every other
speaker on this resolution, for what an honor it has been to serve with
Sam Johnson and to see his example of service on the floor of this
House every day.
I want to reiterate the importance of this resolution. It sends a
critical message to our military families that their sacrifices are not
forgotten. Our government must never give up until every last American
is returned to their families and to their homeland.
Today, it is easy to think of Congress as a body divided between
Republicans and Democrats, but, ultimately, we are all Americans, and
each and every one of us owes a huge debt of gratitude to our troops
serving today and those who have served in the past. Their valor and
courage have defined our Nation's course. We applaud them, we honor
them, and we will do everything in our power to see that those who
remain unaccounted-for are returned home.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I may consume.
As I close, I want to commend the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency,
which continues the noble work of accounting for our missing troops and
personnel day in and day out around the world.
I also want to express gratitude to those groups that continue to
keep the home fires burning bright for the many families still awaiting
concrete information on their loved ones. These include:
The National League of POW/MIA Families;
The American Legion;
The Veterans of Foreign Wars;
The Disabled American Veterans;
The Jewish War Veterans;
AMVETS;
Vietnam Veterans of America;
The Special Forces Association;
The Special Operations Association; and
Rolling Thunder.
Finally, I, again, thank Congressman Sam Johnson for introducing this
resolution and for exemplifying the ideals of service, sacrifice, and
honor. He was recognized by his communist suppressors as one of the
most stubborn prisoners, a true tribute of his courage.
All Members of Congress, of both parties, cherish the service of
Congressman Sam Johnson.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support for H. Res. 129, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, forty-five years ago, after the signing of
the 1973 Paris Peace Accords, 556 American military personnel and
twenty-five civilians boarded American C-141s
[[Page H1090]]
and finally ended their long, extremely trying captivity in Vietnam.
For most Americans, Operation Homecoming marked the end of U.S.
involvement in the Vietnam conflict. However, the heroes that survived
torture and mistreatment within Vietnamese prison camps, such as the
infamous ``Hanoi Hilton,'' know that the job is not finished.
One of our most sacred vows to members of our Armed Services is that
no American soldier will be left behind on the field of battle. None
understand this better than the gentleman from Texas, Congressman Sam
Johnson--fighter pilot, prisoner of war, and American hero.
Colonel Sam Johnson's 29 years in the Air Force was marked with valor
and selfless service. A combat veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam
conflicts, he was twice awarded the Silver Star, our nation's third
highest award for gallantry in action, and the Distinguished Flying
Cross for valor and heroism in aerial flight, in his more than eighty
career combat missions.
Since regaining his freedom 45 years ago, Congressman Johnson has
remained a staunch advocate for veterans and their families, as
attested by being awarded the National Patriot award, the Congressional
Medal of Honor Society's highest civilian accolade, for his tireless
work to help improve livelihoods and to provide closure for families of
missing U.S. soldiers.
The Department of Defense estimates that more than 82,000 U.S.
personnel have still not been accounted for from previous wars and
conflicts. We must ensure that we do everything we can to fulfill the
promise to our nation's heroes: that we will not leave anyone behind on
foreign battlefields.
As this resolution importantly recognizes, cooperation with foreign
governments is key to efforts to recover, identify, and account for all
missing U.S. personnel. I thank the gentleman from Texas, Sam Johnson,
for his life of service, and for authoring this legislation.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 129, 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. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. 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, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
____________________