[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 172 (Wednesday, October 30, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H8600]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRESSIONAL GOLD STAR FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Oklahoma (Mr. Kevin Hern) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. KEVIN HERN of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, Oklahoma native, Christopher 
Horton, is one of the namesakes of H. Res. 107 which passed the House 
yesterday.
  Army Specialist Christopher Horton served in the Oklahoma National 
Guard's 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade.
  Horton grew up in Collinsville, Oklahoma, and was an exceptional 
sharpshooter. Horton was killed in action on September 9, 2011, in 
Afghanistan while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. His bravery 
and patriotism are remembered today as his legacy is enshrined 8 years 
later.
  Family members of fallen heroes hold a special place in our society. 
The program started with this legislation will give family members of 
our fallen heroes the unique opportunity to experience our government 
up close with a 12-month fellowship in Congress. A front-row seat to 
the legislative process is a valuable asset to a person deciding where 
they want to go in their career. These yearlong fellowships will allow 
the family members of our fallen veterans to become a part of the same 
democracy that their loved ones fought to defend.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud the passage of this bill and the bipartisan 
work of my colleagues, Trent Kelly and Mikie Sherrill, as well as the 
tenacious perseverance of both families of the fallen soldiers.

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