[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 170 (Monday, October 28, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          GENERAL JAMES N. MATTIS CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DAN NEWHOUSE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 28, 2019

  Mr. NEWHOUSE. Madam Speaker, all of Central Washington's constituents 
are special, and I am proud to represent each of them in our nation's 
capital. One constituent I am most proud of is General James N. Mattis, 
decorated four-star general and former U.S. Secretary of Defense. He 
exemplifies the American principles of hard work, patriotism, and 
integrity. He can communicate and resonate with everyone--from heads of 
state and Members of Congress to local business leaders and young 
students. His military and civilian service serves as an example for 
all, and I am honored to call him my friend.
  Jim Mattis is a Washingtonian through and through. He was born in 
Pullman, raised in Richland, and attended college in Ellensburg. When 
he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1969, I doubt 
he realized the impact his service would have on the people of 
Washington State--and the entire nation.
  His devotion to defending the United States and our Constitution has 
earned the deepest degree of trust, respect, and admiration from our 
men and women serving in uniform across the globe. He was the first 
United States Marine Corps officer to command a Naval Task Force in 
Afghanistan following the attacks on September 11, 2001. He bravely 
commanded forces including the U.S. Joint Forces Command, NATO's 
Supreme Allied Command for Transformation, and U.S. Central Command. 
When President Donald Trump nominated General Mattis for United States 
Secretary of Defense, he served honorably until December 31, 2018.
  General Mattis is recognized around the world as an exemplary 
military general, and he is revered in Central Washington as a hometown 
hero. Despite his outstanding career and numerous awards, he remains 
humble and involved throughout Washington state. From volunteering with 
the Tri-Cities Food Bank to hosting ceremonies for Vietnam veterans, 
General Mattis continually demonstrates his commitment to our local 
community.
  The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor the United States 
Congress can bestow on an individual. The greatest generals, thinkers, 
and leaders in our nation have received this award, including, but not 
limited to, George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, Douglas MacArthur, and 
Harry S. Truman. I believe General Mattis belongs amongst these giants 
of American exceptionalism.
  That is why I am introducing the General James N. Mattis 
Congressional Gold Medal Act with the full bipartisan support of the 
Washington congressional delegation. If signed into law, this bill 
would bestow our hometown hero with this great honor. As I told General 
Mattis, I will work my hardest to ensure he is the next distinguished 
leader to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. I urge all of my 
colleagues to support the General James N. Mattis Congressional Gold 
Medal Act.

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