[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 183 (Monday, November 6, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H5416-H5418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HERSHEL ``WOODY'' WILLIAMS NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MONUMENT LOCATION 
                                  ACT

  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 2717) to authorize the National Medal of Honor Museum 
Foundation to establish a commemorative work on the National Mall to 
honor the extraordinary acts of valor, selfless service, and sacrifice 
displayed by Medal of Honor recipients, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 2717

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Hershel `Woody' Williams 
     National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) Congress in 2021 unanimously passed, and the President 
     signed, Public Law 117-80 (40 U.S.C. 8903 note), which 
     authorized the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to 
     establish on Federal land in the District of Columbia a 
     commemorative work to honor the acts of valor, selfless 
     service, and sacrifice displayed by Medal of Honor 
     recipients.
       (2) The Medal of Honor was established by President Abraham 
     Lincoln and first awarded 160 years ago on March 25, 1863, 
     and is part of Lincoln's lasting and living legacy.
       (3) In 1991, during the administration of President George 
     H.W. Bush, this legacy was extended further when National 
     Medal of Honor Day was established as March 25th of each 
     year.
       (4) The Medal of Honor is awarded to all branches of the 
     United States Armed Forces as our nation's highest 
     recognition for valor in combat.
       (5) The number of living Medal of Honor recipients has been 
     steadily declining, making it even more crucial to honor and 
     recognize their heroic sacrifices and inspire future 
     generations.
       (6) Hershel ``Woody'' Williams, the last World War II Medal 
     of Honor recipient, passed away in 2022 and laid in honor at 
     the United States Capitol.
       (7) The Medal of Honor represents the very best of our 
     Nation--ordinary citizens, who took extraordinary action 
     above and beyond the call of duty and became heroes of our 
     Republic.
       (8) These examples inspire all citizens and ignite within 
     us the very spirit of America.
       (9) The Medal of Honor rises to the level of supreme 
     national and historical importance necessary to warrant 
     representation on the National Mall.
       (10) Locating the National Medal of Honor Monument in close 
     proximity to the Lincoln Memorial within the Reserve would be 
     a respectful extension of his enduring legacy and recognition 
     of what ordinary people can accomplish when working for the 
     greater good.

     SEC. 3. NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MONUMENT LOCATION.

       (a) Site.--Notwithstanding section 8908(c) of title 40, 
     United States Code, the commemorative work authorized by 
     section 1(a) of Public Law 117-80 (40 U.S.C. 8903 note) shall 
     be located within the Reserve (as defined in section 8902(a) 
     of title 40, United States Code).
       (b) Applicability of Commemorative Works Act.--Except as 
     provided in subsection (a), chapter 89 of title 40, United 
     States Code (commonly known as the ``Commemorative Works 
     Act''), shall apply to the commemorative work.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.


                             General Leave

  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I 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.R. 2717, as amended, the bill now 
under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Arkansas?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this Saturday is Veterans Day. There is perhaps no 
greater way to celebrate this day than passing H.R. 2717, which seeks 
to honor the valor and sacrifice of some of our Nation's bravest 
heroes, Medal of Honor recipients.
  Mr. Speaker, 160 years ago, President Abraham Lincoln awarded the 
first Medal of Honor in the midst of the Civil War. It is our Nation's 
highest honor awarded to members of the Armed Forces and is bestowed 
sparingly to only those who have demonstrated the highest acts of 
valor. Less than 100 Medal of Honor recipients are alive today out of 
the more than 3,500 medals that have been awarded.
  As the highest and most prestigious military decoration in the United 
States, it symbolizes exceptional acts of bravery, selflessness, and 
sacrifice beyond the call of duty. Through the recognition of these 
remarkable individuals, the Medal of Honor inspires a sense of national 
pride, honors the memory of fallen heroes, and motivates future 
generations to embody the values of courage and honor. Inspired by the 
Victoria Cross, the Medal of Honor continues to instill a profound 
sense of respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made in the defense 
of freedom and justice.
  Congressman Moore's bill, the Hershel ``Woody'' Williams National 
Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, would ensure that the monument 
honoring these brave heroes can be placed on what is known as the 
Reserve but is commonly referred to as The National Mall here in 
Washington, D.C.
  A monument honoring our most exceptional citizens should be reflected 
in the location of the memorial. Millions of Americans and visitors 
from across the world travel every year to our Nation's Capital to 
learn about the history of our great Nation. According to National Park 
Service data, The National Mall receives upward of 25 million visitors 
each year. The monuments and memorials located on The National Mall are 
the centerpiece of this history, and it is appropriate to include a new 
monument honoring veterans who have displayed the most courageous acts 
of valor recognized by our country.
  In my home State of Arkansas, our State capital also has a memorial 
dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients on its grounds. I hope this 
monument in D.C., like the one in Arkansas, can inspire reflection, 
patriotism, and gratitude for our Nation's military heroes.
  Earlier this year, the Committee on Natural Resources had the 
privilege of hearing from 1 of the 65 living Medal of Honor recipients, 
Master Chief Special Warfare Operator Britt Slabinski. In

[[Page H5417]]

his inspiring testimony, he reminded us that the Medal of Honor serves 
to represent those willing to go above and beyond in any circumstance, 
no matter how small.
  This monument will serve as an everlasting reminder of the greatness 
of this country and the difference that one single person can make. The 
legislation before us today, H.R. 2717, would authorize the location of 
the national Medal of Honor memorial in a prominent location on The 
National Mall, with the intent to keep it near the Lincoln Memorial, as 
President Lincoln was the first to ever give out this special award.
  Mr. Speaker, I was proud to support the original legislation 
authorizing this memorial, and I am proud to be supporting this 
subsequent legislation today.
  Mr. Speaker, I note that this bill has been named after Hershel 
``Woody'' Williams, who sadly passed away last year. He was known for 
his extraordinary heroism in the pivotal Battle of Iwo Jima during the 
Second World War. At the young age of 21, he singlehandedly cleared a 
path for American troops against Japanese forces in an act of 
extraordinary bravery. This is a touching tribute in his honor.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I thank 
Congressman Moore for his leadership, and I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2717, the Hershel ``Woody'' 
Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, introduced by 
our colleague from Utah, Representative Blake Moore.

  This legislation would authorize the construction of a Medal of Honor 
memorial on The National Mall. The Medal of Honor is the highest 
military decoration awarded to individuals whose extraordinary acts of 
valor, selfless service, and sacrifice exceed the call of duty.
  This memorial would honor over 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients from 
the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, ensuring that 
their courage, sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity, and 
commitment to preserving this great democracy of ours are preserved for 
generations to come.
  I thank Representative Moore and cosponsor Representative Marc Veasey 
for their leadership on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to 
vote ``yes'' on the bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
Utah (Mr. Moore), the lead sponsor of the bill.
  Mr. MOORE of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2717, the 
Hershel ``Woody'' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location 
Act. I thank the chairman and ranking member for their leadership in 
prioritizing this important piece of legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, Woody Williams was born on a West Virginia dairy farm in 
1923 and was first drawn to the Marine Corps by their trademark 
uniforms. At 5-foot-6, Williams was unable to enlist in the Marines due 
to height restrictions. After that regulation was changed in 1943, 
Woody enlisted and was in the Pacific theater in less than 90 days.
  On February 21, 1945, then-Corporal Williams landed on the beach at 
Iwo Jima, where he distinguished himself by repeatedly risking the 
threat of enemy fire and bayonet charges over several hours while 
singlehandedly destroying enemy pillboxes, or concrete trenches, to 
make way for American tanks and infantry.

                              {time}  1615

  His gallant actions took place on the same day as the famous flag 
raising on Mount Suribachi, which he witnessed from about 1,000 yards 
away.
  After returning home, President Harry Truman awarded Corporal Hershel 
Williams the Medal of Honor, our Nation's highest recognition for valor 
in combat. He recognized his ``aggressive fighting spirit and valiant 
devotion to duty throughout this fiercely contested action, 
[sustaining] and [enhancing] the highest traditions of the United 
States Naval Service.''
  Following his distinguished marine career, Williams continued to 
serve others in many capacities. Some of my colleagues may remember 
last summer when Hershel Williams lay in state in the U.S. Capitol 
rotunda as the last World War II Medal of Honor recipient to pass away.
  Since its inception by President Lincoln in 1862, 3,517 brave 
soldiers have received the Nation's highest honor for going above and 
beyond the call of duty and risking life and limb in selfless service 
to their countrymen. This elite class represents less than 0.001 
percent of the 40 million brave sons and daughters who have served in 
the Armed Forces since the American Civil War.
  While a permanent memorial for Medal of Honor recipients has been 
discussed for years, it was not until 2021 when President Biden signed 
a bill that Congressman Veasey and I introduced to authorize the 
creation of a new monument to honor those who have been awarded the 
Medal of Honor. Today, we continue this work to authorize the creation 
of this monument in the Reserve, also known as the great cross-axis of 
The National Mall.
  The monument will stand as a testament to those who protect our 
Nation's values, such as the nearly half dozen from my home State of 
Utah. We envision it as an educational platform for future generations 
to learn about what has been required to maintain our Republic.
  By siting this monument near the Lincoln Memorial, we can pay fitting 
tribute to the President who established the award and embodied its 
principles. Our work to form a more perfect Union is unending, and I 
find it fitting that a monument honoring our Nation's greatest heroes 
will be visible from the memorial honoring one of our greatest martyrs.
  Today, our Nation finds itself sharply divided along partisan lines. 
This monument will remind our great Nation and its people that there is 
far more that unites us than divides us. It is my hope that 
constructing this monument in its rightful place will inspire all 
Americans and allow us to pay our respects to and learn from these 
individuals and these families who, in Lincoln's words, ``have laid so 
costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.''
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2717.
  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Veasey), the co-lead of the legislation.
  Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to urge the passage of the 
Hershel ``Woody'' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location 
Act.
  The Medal of Honor is our Nation's highest military decoration that 
is awarded to U.S. servicemembers who have distinguished themselves 
with extraordinary acts of valor and sacrifice that far exceed the call 
of duty.
  Texas, my home State, is home to over 70 valiant Medal of Honor 
recipients, and we also have over 1 million veterans and Active Duty 
military that call the Lone Star State their home. That is why I teamed 
up with the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Moore), my good friend, again to 
lead the passage of this Act.
  Last year, we had the opportunity to work on a designation for a 
National Medal of Honor Museum being built in Arlington, Texas, that 
was in my district at the time. This amazing bill will authorize a 
monument right here in Washington, D.C., for Medal of Honor recipients, 
their families, their friends, loved ones and people who want to learn 
more about the history of the Medal of Honor to be able to come to D.C. 
and see why it is important that we create this lasting impact to the 
recipients of this highest award.
  Today's bill, the Hershel ``Woody'' Williams National Medal of Honor 
Monument Location Act, is a continuation of the efforts that we worked 
on last year and will position this monument where it rightfully 
belongs, near the Lincoln Memorial, honoring President Lincoln, who was 
awarded one of the first Medals of Honor in 1863.
  I end today by thanking Congressman Moore for continuing to work with 
me on this important issue. I urge my colleagues to support this new 
bill that commemorates the bravery, service, and sacrifice of more than 
3,500 Medal of Honor recipients that have lived across our communities 
here in the USA.

[[Page H5418]]

  

  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
West Virginia (Mrs. Miller).
  Mrs. MILLER of West Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in 
favor of the Hershel ``Woody'' Williams National Medal of Honor 
Monument Location Act, which would locate the new National Medal of 
Honor Monument near the Lincoln Memorial on The National Mall here in 
Washington, D.C.
  Woody was an American hero from my home State of West Virginia. When 
he passed away last year, we paid tribute to him as he was laid in 
honor in the rotunda of the United States Capitol. It was his dream to 
honor the final Medal of Honor recipient in our Capitol, never dreaming 
that it would have been himself.
  Woody was a country boy. He tried to enlist at the age of 16. He 
wasn't very tall and he wasn't allowed in then, but he made it in at 17 
years old. He grew up hunting on a farm and was always a good shot. He 
loved his country more than anything, and he would do anything possible 
to defend it, so he did. He really epitomized that great, great 
Greatest Generation.
  He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1945 for his courage in the 
battle of Iwo Jima where he singlehandedly--he was the guy that made 
the shot--fought the Japanese with the flamethrowers, clearing the path 
for more American troops.
  Marines raised the American flag on Mount Suribachi--we can visualize 
that picture because we have all seen it--that very day, resulting in 
the iconic photo that showed that America was winning the war in the 
Pacific.

  Woody was not just a constituent and a hero; he was a friend. I 
served with him for years in Rotary, right there in little Milton, West 
Virginia. His legacy of service, dedication, and patriotism will live 
through the countless lives that he touched. His impact on our West 
Virginia community cannot be overstated, as his service to our veterans 
has continued and continued long after his career in the Marine Corps.
  With Veterans Day on Saturday, this bill couldn't be more timely to 
honor our servicemen and -women who are willing to make the ultimate 
sacrifice for our freedom.
  This monument pays tribute to the recipients of America's highest 
military honor for valor in combat.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the 
gentlewoman from West Virginia.
  Mrs. MILLER of West Virginia. Mr. Speaker, the monument will remind 
future generations of the values that shaped and preserved our great 
Nation. I urge every Republican and Democrat in the House and Senate to 
vote for this bill.
  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to 
close.
  Let me just comment on all the commentary from the sponsors of the 
legislation, Mr. Westerman, and our other colleagues, who outlined the 
importance of the legislation and the memorial.
  There is a border community in my district, Douglas, and very 
prominent in their plaza is a memorial to all the men and women who 
have died in combat from that region, from the community of Douglas and 
from the county of Cochise.
  I was talking to one of the VFW commanders on that visit, and he 
said: In this plaque, in this piece of granite, we have every 
ethnicity, every creed, representing different histories and cultures, 
and they all bled, and some died together in defense of this country.
  I think this memorial will go a long way to say if that kind of 
sacrifice and that kind of unity is possible under the most extreme of 
circumstances, certainly being able to live in some sense of unity 
should be an ongoing goal. I think that will be part of what this 
memorial will mean to people.
  Mr. Speaker I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Grijalva and all 
the cosponsors of this bill and the great bipartisan work that has gone 
into making this happen. What a fitting tribute to Mr. Williams to name 
this bill after him.
  I think back about a codel we made this past summer down to the 
country of Palau. We went out to a small island called Peleliu where 
one of the most bitter battles of World War II was fought. On that 
small island, really in a very hard place to get to, there stands a 
small monument to commemorate eight U.S. servicemembers who received 
the Medal of Honor in one battle.
  As we were there, I thought not many Americans are ever going to get 
to see this small monument, and it made me realize how important it is 
that we do this monument here in Washington, D.C., to recognize not 
just Mr. Williams but all those who have served, to honor their memory, 
to remember their legacy, and to stand unwavering in our commitment to 
upholding the principles for which they fought so valiantly.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2717, 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. WESTERMAN. Mr. 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, further 
proceedings on this question will be postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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