[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 146 (Monday, September 8, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S6398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                MEASURE READ THE FIRST TIME--S. RES. 377

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I send an executive resolution to the desk 
for the consideration of certain nominations en bloc and ask for its 
immediate consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the title of the 
resolution for the information of the Senate.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       An executive resolution (S. Res. 377) authorizing the en 
     bloc consideration in Executive Session of certain 
     nominations on the Executive Calendar.

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, in order to place the executive resolution 
on the calendar, I object to my own request.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection having been heard, the executive 
resolution will lie over 1 calendar day.
  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.


         National World War II Italian Campaign Remembrance Day

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, this evening, I want to recognize the 
upcoming anniversary of an important day in our Nation's history and in 
our military history. September 9 marks the beginning of the Italian 
campaign of World War II in 1943, a campaign that was only successful 
because of the courage and sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of U.S. 
and Allied soldiers.
  I am introducing a resolution to establish September 9 as the 
National World War II Italian Campaign Remembrance Day to commemorate 
their valor and ensure their legacy endures for generations to come.
  Eighty-two years ago, Allied forces launched Operation Avalanche, 
marking the start of the liberation of the Italian Peninsula from 
fascist Nazi occupation. This military campaign was a testament to the 
unyielding resolve of U.S. forces and the strength of our foreign 
military alliances, united by a shared commitment to democratic ideals 
and the fight against fascism.
  The Italian campaign was not just a series of joint and allied 
military operations; it was a stand against despotism and a defense of 
the freedoms we value--an important moment in our Nation's and, in 
fact, in our world's history.
  The Italian campaign was fought across treacherous terrain, from the 
shores of North Africa to the waters of Sicily, along the rugged Amalfi 
Coast, which ultimately led to the liberation of Rome--the first major 
European city liberated during World War II. U.S. forces, alongside 
brave and committed global Allied forces from over 10 nations, 
including Italian resistance brigades, faced grueling conditions, 
fierce combat, and severe materiel constraints. Battles such as Monte 
Cassino and Anzio stand as two of the most intense of the war, costing 
countless lives.
  Today, fewer than half a percent of the more than 16 million 
Americans who served in World War II are still living today. The 
veterans of the Italian campaign, including my father SSG Raymond Moran 
of the 603rd Armament Maintenance Battalion are dwindling in number. My 
father dedicated 2 years of his life to the liberation of Italy, 
repairing rifles and other small arms weapons under the regular threat 
of attack to make certain U.S. forces were equipped to win.
  I am joined in this resolution by my colleague from Florida Senator 
Rick Scott, whose father also served in this campaign, in recognizing 
the personal and collective sacrifices of these heroes.
  The Italian campaign spanned 602 days, culminating in the surrender 
at Caserta, just north of Naples, on April 29, 1945, when nearly 1 
million Axis troops capitulated--the largest surrender of German forces 
at that point in the war. The following day, Adolf Hitler's death 
marked the collapse of the Nazi regime--a turning point made possible 
by the military operations comprising the Italian campaign.
  This resolution acknowledges the tremendous and significant cost of 
the Italian campaign, with hundreds of thousands of U.S. and Allied 
casualties, many of whom rest in the serene and pristine American 
cemeteries across Italy.
  Our resolution reaffirms that the victory was driven by an unwavering 
force of will, ironclad military alliances, and the enduring power of 
democratic values and principles that remain vital in today's global 
conflicts.
  I hope my colleagues in the Senate will join me in honoring the 
memory of those who fought and died in the Italian campaign, to salute 
the surviving veterans, and to recognize the families who carry on 
their legacy. Let us designate September 9 as ``National World War II 
Italian Campaign Remembrance Day'' to ensure their sacrifices are not 
forgotten and are memorialized here on the floor of the U.S. Senate.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Kansas.

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