[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 10]
[House]
[Pages 14605-14607]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



         CONGRATULATING AND COMMENDING VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
joint resolution (H.J. Res. 34) congratulating and commending the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H.J. Res. 34

       Whereas the organization now known as the Veterans of 
     Foreign Wars of the United States was founded in Columbus, 
     Ohio, on September 29, 1899;
       Whereas the VFW represents approximately 2,000,000 veterans 
     of the Armed Forces who served overseas in World War I, World 
     War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, and Bosnia; and
       Whereas the VFW has, for the past 100 years, provided 
     voluntary and unselfish service to the Armed Forces and to 
     veterans, communities, States, and the Nation and has worked 
     toward the betterment of veterans in general and society as a 
     whole: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That the 
     Congress--
       (1) recognizes the historic significance of the 100th 
     anniversary of the founding of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
     of the United States (the VFW);
       (2) congratulates the VFW on achieving that milestone;
       (3) commends the approximately 2,000,000 veterans who 
     belong to the VFW and thanks them for their service to their 
     fellow veterans and the Nation; and
       (4) calls upon the President to issue a proclamation 
     recognizing the anniversary of the VFW and the contributions 
     made by the VFW to veterans and the Nation and calling upon 
     the people of the United States to observe such anniversary 
     with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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


                             General Leave

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and to include extraneous material on H.J. Res. 34.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Arizona?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.J.Res. 34 is a joint resolution congratulating and 
commending the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
  This year marks the VFW's 100th anniversary. The VFW consists of 
approximately two million veterans of the Armed Services who have 
served overseas in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the 
Persian Gulf, and Bosnia. They have been very active in community and 
civic affairs.
  Some of their more notable accomplishments are, Mr. Speaker, hundreds 
of thousands of volunteer work at VA hospitals, Veterans Services 
officers helping other veterans with their benefits claimed each year, 
and the Voice of Democracy Scholarship program for high school students 
throughout the Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with the gentleman from Arizona 
(Mr. Stump), the chairman of the committee, in strong support of this 
resolution that salutes the Veterans of Foreign Wars on the occasion of 
their centennial anniversary. Throughout its century of existence, the 
VFW has provided 100 years of extraordinary service to our veterans and 
their families.
  From the Buddy Poppy program to Operation Uplink, the VFW, through 
its century-long history, has provided support and assistance to men 
and women who have proudly worn the uniform of the United States.
  In recognition of these and countless other good works, the two 
million members of the VFW are the epitome of the citizen-soldier upon 
whom this Nation has and continues to rely.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.J. Res. 34 and urge my colleagues 
to vote in favor of this measure.
  I am pleased to join with the Chairman of the Committee, the 
gentleman from Arizona, in strong support of H.J. Res. 34, a resolution 
congratulating and commending the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States on the occasion of their centennial anniversary. 
Throughout its century of existence, the VFW has provided 100 years of 
extraordinary service to veterans and their families.
  From the Buddy Poppy program, established in 1922 to raise funds for 
national veterans' service programs and to provide relief for local 
veterans and their families--to Operational Uplink, established just 
three years ago to enable hospitalized veterans and servicemembers 
stationed around the globe to ``phone home''--the VFW, throughout its 
century-long history, has provided support and assistance to the men 
and women who have proudly worn the uniform of the United States.
  The VFW should also be commended for the work its members have done 
in their communities across the country. The VFW Community Service 
Program, the Voice of Democracy essay competition, the VFW Safety 
Program, and VFW-sponsored youth activities have all contributed to the 
strength and stability of our great country.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman).
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for H.J.Res. 34 
commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States and directing the President to issue 
an appropriate proclamation recognizing the centennial celebration. I 
thank the distinguished chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, 
the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), for bringing this important 
resolution to the floor of the House at this time.
  I take great comfort whenever drawing upon the origins of the VFW and 
what it has meant to the thousands of veterans throughout our Nation. 
As a veteran of World War II and a former VFW County Commander, I speak 
from experience that the VFW is a monumental pillar on which all 
Americans can lean. It is a true symbol of our unity, our brotherhood, 
and a testament to our soldiers' finest hours.
  Since its founding in September of 1899, the VFW has grown to 
encompass more than two million veterans. It has assisted veterans in 
obtaining State and Federal entitlements, monitoring laws and pending 
legislation, and keeping our veterans up-to-speed on current, pressing 
foreign issues.
  Despite all this, the VFW does much more. Each and every year, VFW 
members throughout the country are enmeshed in the activities of their 
communities, lending a helping hand to others, continuing to make a 
difference long after the wars of yesteryear.

[[Page 14606]]

  In some of my own posts in my district in New York State, they bring 
in veterans from veterans' hospitals and entertain them at holiday time 
when many of their families are no longer near them. They make a 
difference long after these wars of yesteryear.
  The VFW has sponsored both the Boy Scouts of America as well as 
Special Olympics, while also providing college scholarships to our 
Nation's young adults. Characterizing the organization's actions as 
anything less than exemplary is simply an understatement.
  It is essential that we take time now to properly celebrate the 
impact of the VFW and the importance of this 100th anniversary that 
they are celebrating. In honoring the veterans and their ultimate 
display of patriotism by sacrificing their lives to this great Nation, 
we do ourselves justice by rejoicing all that is good in humanity. The 
VFW deserves our recognition and utmost respect. It is a torch blazing 
America's path into the future, fueled by their genuine courage and 
dignity.
  It is my deepest hope that this issue receives the full support of 
all of our colleagues, and I urge my colleagues to see to it that the 
VFW is duly commemorated on its 100th anniversary.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. Reyes).
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation congratulating and 
commending the Veterans of Foreign Wars on their 100-year anniversary.
  As a life member of the VFW and a proud member of the Northeast VFW 
Post 2451 in El Paso, I can tell my colleagues that the VFW is an 
outstanding organization. The work that the VFW carries on on behalf of 
our Nation's veterans is noteworthy and exemplary, as has been cited by 
a number of my colleagues. They are outstanding advocates for veterans, 
veterans' issues, and the issues that concern veterans' families both 
here in Washington and in the communities that they serve and literally 
communities throughout our country.
  Their forceful testimony before the Committees on Veterans' Affairs 
each spring and throughout the year is an extremely valuable and 
noteworthy part of everything that we do for veterans on the Hill. 
Moreover, I welcome their visit to this Nation's Capitol as an 
excellent opportunity for all of us here in Washington to obtain their 
unique insights and to learn of their concerns as we work to maintain 
our commitment to our veterans.
  In addition, the VFW makes a tremendous contribution towards 
protecting and enhancing veterans' health care and benefits with their 
part in the preparation of the ``independent budget'' each and every 
year. This document is a benchmark in the formulation of the annual 
veterans' budget, and I want to take this opportunity to say how much 
all of us in Congress appreciate the recommendations forwarded through 
this document on their behalf.
  Through every generation, the VFW has stood up for our men and women 
who have served overseas in defense of our Nation and for the basic 
principles of freedom and liberty.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, let me say that a century of service, advocacy, 
and support on behalf of veterans is truly a milestone to commemorate. 
Let this anniversary serve to remind us all of the contributions of our 
veterans and never take for granted the sacrifices made on behalf of 
liberty.
  I urge all my colleagues to join in support of this bill and look 
forward to the quick passage and enactment into law of this resolution 
recognizing the VFW on their 100th anniversary.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to thank the gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. Evans) for his help in bringing this resolution to 
the floor in a speedy manner.
  Let me say, Mr. Speaker, that we also owe another great debt of 
thanks to the VFW and their organization not only for the fine work 
they do and their patriotic activities, but last year they committed to 
raising $7.5 million towards this World War II memorial.
  As most of my colleagues know, we have to have $100 million in the 
bank before we can turn one shovelful of dirt. And currently we stand 
at roughly $60 million. So, once again, I would urge those that have 
not contributed to do so.
  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I rise in support of H.J. Res. 34, which 
commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and 
honors the over 2 million men and women who belong to this 
organization. I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of this 
legislation, and thank the gentleman from Arizona, Chairman Stump, for 
his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor today.
  For 100 years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has been representing the 
interests of the men and women of our armed forces who have served our 
nation overseas. This group was founded in Columbus, Ohio on September 
29th, 1899 by 13 decorated veterans who fought in Cuba during the 
Spanish-American War. These men gathered not only to remember those 
killed during the War, but also to see what they could do for those who 
remained.
  One hundred years later, the VFW has maintained that commitment to 
helping their fellow veterans, and many others in our local 
communities. From 1997 to 1998, the VFW and the Ladies Auxiliary 
devoted over 12 million hours to volunteer service, and donated 
millions of dollars to various programs, including $2.7 million for 
college scholarships, $3 million for breast cancer research and over 
$15 million through the ``Buddy Poppy'' program to help needy veterans.
  As a proud member of VFW Post 3401 in Morris Plains, New Jersey, I am 
very familiar with the contributions of this post, and many others 
across America, to their communities. I urge all my colleagues in 
joining me to pay tribute to these men and women who have given so 
generously of themselves, both in times of peace and in times of war.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 
34. This resolution recognizes the historic significance of the 100th 
anniversary of the founding of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States, and congratulates the VFW on achieving that milestone.
  It is fitting that as we near the celebration of our nation's birth 
that we pause and remember the significant contribution, which the VFW 
has made to our nation. The VFW has become a national force 
representing veterans and their families, and in calling upon the 
government to maintain a strong national defense to prevent future 
wars. With over 100 years of experience the VFW has served the nation 
and its veterans in numerous ways.
  The VFW has been and continues to be a leader in supporting our 
troops. Whether in Kosovo or in the heart of Texas the VFW has 
supported those who serve our nation. Through its use of letters, 
holiday cards, gift packages, USO shows, public rallies and with free 
phone cards the VFW has brought comfort and a touch of home to our 
soldiers serving throughout the world.
  Perhaps its greatest contribution to the nation is the recognition 
and remembrance of the hardships and sacrifices made in the nation's 
defense. On the national level the VFW has made contributions to the 
Vietnam Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Women's 
Memorial, and the Women in Military Service for America Memorial. They 
have been a major partner in the effort to honor our veterans from 
World War II with their own memorial on the national mall.
  The VFW has closely heeded its motto, which is ``Honor the dead by 
helping the living.'' The collective experience of our 25 million 
living veterans encompass the turbulence and progress America has 
experienced throughout the twentieth century. The nation's veterans 
have written much of the history of the last hundred years. They have 
served this nation without reservation or hesitation during its darker 
moments.
  The VFW has honored this service by establishing the first national 
veterans service office. This network provides assistance to veterans 
who need assistance in obtaining benefits, which they deserve from 
their service to the nation. In addition, this network provides service 
to many homeless veterans by providing care and counseling.
  In pausing to remember the contributions which the VFW has made to 
the nation and to this nation's veterans, I am reminded of President 
Lincoln's call ``to care for him who shall have borne the battle.'' I 
know that the VFW has answered this challenge with dedication and 
tireless commitment to the 1,646,700 veterans living in Texas and to 
all the veterans across our nation.

[[Page 14607]]

  Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 34 and let 
us honor an organization, which has made such a strong commitment to 
our veterans.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, as Vice Chairman of the House 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 
34, a resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the founding of 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars. It is a credit to the VFW that as they 
celebrate their centennial this year, they continue to be such a 
strong, successful advocate and service provider for our nation's 
heroes.
  In my own state of New Jersey, the role of the VFW cannot be 
overstated. Their willingness to speak out about the problems facing 
our veterans and bringing them to Congress' attention really helps the 
New Jersey Congressional delegation as it seeks to secure the funding 
needed for New Jersey's veterans. Having the insights, first hand 
knowledge, and research data of the VFW and its network of members is 
critical to our efforts as we prioritize federal programs in Congress 
and work to give America's veterans the benefits they earned.
  Since their founding in 1921, the VFW, with a membership of 63,926 in 
my state alone, has successfully underscored the principles of love of 
country, sacrifice in the line of duty, and our collective 
responsibility as Americans to ensure that our veterans and their 
dependents are never forgotten.
  Today, as we send our young men and women in uniform to Kosovo, 
Haiti, Korea, Bosnia, and the Persian Gulf, just to name a few places 
where the United States has sent our troops abroad, the VFW strives to 
ensure that they are fully supported while in the field, as well as 
when they return home.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues today to join with me in passing 
H.J. Res. 34, and I congratulate the VFW on their anniversary. If the 
next 100 years of service are as successful as the first 100 years, our 
future veterans will be in good hands.
  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to commend the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) on this, their 100th Anniversary.
  South Texas is home to several proud VFW chapters, making me 
especially proud to support the legislation and recognize the many 
accomplishments of the VFW.
  This resolution calls upon the President to issue a proclamation 
recognizing the 100th anniversary of the VFW, and calls upon the people 
of the United States to observe the anniversary with appropriate 
ceremonies and celebrations.
  For those VFW members back home, and to all 2 million VFW members 
across this country, I offer a heartfelt congratulations, and thank you 
for your service to our nation. We owe you our debt of gratitude.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) that the House suspend the rules and 
pass to the joint resolution, H.J. Res. 34.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the joint resolution was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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