[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[House]
[Pages 25306-25312]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1100
  RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING CONTINUING DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT OF 
   EMPLOYERS OF MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND THE OTHER RESERVE 
                               COMPONENTS

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 302) recognizing and commending 
the continuing dedication and commitment of employers of the members of 
the National Guard and the other reserve components who have been 
mobilized during the Global War on Terrorism and in defense of the 
United States, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 302

       Whereas as of early November 2005, more than 460,000 
     members of the National Guard and the other reserve 
     components have been mobilized for active duty since 
     September 11, 2001, leaving their families to protect the 
     United States in the Global War on Terrorism or to support 
     hurricane disaster relief operations;
       Whereas during this period of increased mobilization and 
     deployment, employers in the spirit of patriotism have 
     maintained job security for those mobilized reserve-component 
     members and their families;

[[Page 25307]]

       Whereas the Civilian Employment Information Program of the 
     Department of Defense, a database program implemented by the 
     Department of Defense as of March 31, 2004, to identify 
     employers of the 1,100,000 members of the National Guard and 
     the other reserve components, will enable the Department of 
     Defense to improve communication with the employer community 
     and target support and render assistance to employers of 
     reserve component personnel who are identified for 
     mobilization;
       Whereas employers of all sizes understand that the 
     predictable mobilization and deployment of members of the 
     National Guard and the other reserve components are the keys 
     to building and maintaining employer support;
       Whereas the employer community continues to work with the 
     Department of Defense to show its support for the National 
     Guard and the other reserve components and to better 
     understand and adhere to the obligations spelled out in the 
     Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act; 
     and
       Whereas the employer community recognizes that the missions 
     and duties of members of the Armed Forces both abroad and in 
     securing the homeland will be necessary: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of 
     Representatives that--
       (1) the employers of members of the National Guard and the 
     other reserve components deserve the Nation's sincere 
     recognition and gratitude for their sacrifice and strong 
     support of the goals and struggles of the United States 
     during the Global War on Terrorism and in support of 
     hurricane disaster relief operations;
       (2) those distinguished employers of the members of the 
     National Guard and the other reserve components who have gone 
     above and beyond the obligations and requirements of the 
     Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act 
     deserve the Nation's commendation; and
       (3) the Secretary of Defense should continue to develop 
     long-term strategies to maintain a high level of support 
     between the Department of Defense and employers of members of 
     the National Guard and the other reserve components by--
       (A) continuing to build and maintain the Civilian 
     Employment Information Program database of the Department of 
     Defense implemented by the Department of Defense as of March 
     31, 2004;
       (B) continuing to work with employers to build a more 
     predictable system for the mobilization and demobilization of 
     members of the reserve components; and
       (C) encouraging officials of the Department to actively 
     seek opportunities to address employer groups on future 
     mobilization plans and future roles of the reserve 
     components.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Feeney). Pursuant to the rule, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson) and the gentleman from Wisconsin 
(Mr. Kind) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson).


                             General Leave

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and 
extend their remarks on H. Res. 302.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume, and I rise in strong support of H. Res. 302.
  Mr. Speaker, since September 11, 2001, we have been a changed nation. 
The horrific events of that day in New York, in our Nation's capital 
and over the skies of Pennsylvania changed us as a people that day. We 
became a nation at war, and the defense of our homeland became of top 
priority.
  Our uniformed young men and women answered the call, but in addition 
to these soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and corpsmen, more than 
460,000 members of the National Guard and other Reservists have been 
mobilized for active duty over the last 2 years. Their sacrifice and 
assistance has been essential in our fight for freedom.
  Now it is important to remember that it is not only on foreign soil 
or in defense of our Nation against terrorism that we have all 
benefited from the sacrifice of these men and women. Just weeks ago, as 
we all saw when natural disasters devastated our gulf coast region, 
Reserve personnel and National Guard components were at the forefront 
of relief and rescue efforts.
  While each of us benefits from the sacrifice of these men and women 
called to service, it is sometimes too easy to forget the contribution 
made by behind-the-scenes heroes, that is, the employers and business 
owners, many of whom are small businesses who employ these Guardsmen 
and Reservists.
  I am sure that each of us has heard in our towns and communities, the 
businesses who employ Guard and Reserve have gone above and beyond what 
is required to support our troops and ensure that their jobs are 
waiting for them when they return. As we honor the service of our men 
and women, also we should commend the patriotism and effort of all 
those who provide them their living.
  I would also take this opportunity to commend the Department of 
Defense for bringing its Reserve civilian employer information database 
online this year. This system represents the culmination of a year-long 
effort to establish a Department of Defense-wide system to capture and 
understand who employs the 1.2 million members of the seven Reserve 
components. I would urge the Department of Defense to continue to 
develop this system and other long-term strategies so that we can 
maintain the historic level of support between the department and the 
employers of our Reservists.
  Mr. Speaker, at the end of this week we will honor our Nation's 
veterans. As we do so, it is equally fitting to honor our Nation's 
Armed Forces and Reserves as we do today. I commend those on the 
homefront who have given so much in their support.
  I thank my colleague for sponsoring this resolution and ask my 
colleagues that it be adopted.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution and commend 
my colleagues from Texas and California for offering the resolution 
today.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure there is not one of us in the House of 
Representatives that has not been impacted by one of our Guard and 
Reserve units being called up and mobilized in regards to the 
operations ongoing in Iraq and Afghanistan. All of us are terribly 
proud of the tremendous sacrifice and courage and service that has been 
exhibited by our Guard and Reserve units throughout the country.
  Recently, I had a chance to return to Iraq for my third trip in 
country. It is invaluable experience in getting a firsthand account in 
regards to the ongoing operations, the progress that is being made, 
what is working and perhaps, more importantly, what is not working. The 
time that we were able to spend with our troops on the ground is time 
well spent because they do tend to tell us like it is, what is working, 
what is not, what we need to improve upon in regards to the policy of 
what is taking place.
  But having gone to Iraq now on three separate occasions, I can 
honestly state that nothing has made me prouder to be an American than 
seeing our troops in uniform there performing their duties. They are so 
well-trained, so well-motivated. They are, in short, the best our 
Nation has to offer.
  Yet, their service to our country would be made much more difficult 
if they did not receive the support from back home, first and foremost 
from their families and loved ones, who also have to endure extreme 
sacrifice and hardship by allowing them to serve for extended periods 
of time overseas, typically 1 year boots-on-the-ground in theater like 
Iraq today. But there is another component to this, another entity that 
oftentimes gets overlooked, and that is what this resolution today 
speaks to.
  It is the countless employers out there that have to, by law, a law 
that Congress has passed, allow them to serve our country while keeping 
their jobs open and safe back home. It is one of those items that 
people tend not to think too much about, but it does go to alleviate a 
lot of the concerns that our serving Guard and Reserve units have, and 
that is maintaining financial security for the families back home and 
knowing that when they do return from serving our country there will be

[[Page 25308]]

a position for them at their place of employment.
  In Wisconsin, we have had two companies last year that were 
recognized for their outstanding service to the Guard and Reserve 
employees that they have. One is Harley Davidson. The other was 
Schneider Trucking, located up in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Every year 
there is a process to try to recognize some of these companies 
throughout the country that are going above and beyond in regards to 
their support for Guard and Reserve units, and we commend them here 
today with this resolution.
  In the congressional district that I represent in western Wisconsin, 
Mr. Speaker, we have had numerous National Guard units who have been 
called up. This past week we have the 700-member 128th Infantry Guard, 
who are returning home from their 1 year tour in Iraq, and there is no 
more happy occasion to attend than the reunion ceremony of those troops 
when they step off the plane, being reunited with their families for 
the very first time in a long time.
  Beyond the 128th, we are hoping to be able to welcome home soon the 
1158th Transportation Guard unit in western Wisconsin, hopefully within 
the next few weeks. We have also had the 32nd, the 229th, the 652nd, 
the 829th Engineering Guard units who were called up, gone through 
their training, deployed and served admirably over in Iraq.
  Again, when they come home they face periods of transition, some 
difficult, some not so difficult, but the one thing that they should 
not have to worry about is knowing that there is a job for them 
remaining, that they gave up in order to serve our country. That is why 
I think this resolution commending their employers is very important 
today.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to my great friend from California (Mr. Pombo), the chairman of 
the Resources Committee.
  Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to show my appreciation for the National 
Guard, the Reserves and their employers. This resolution, H. Res. 302, 
recognizes those employers who accommodate the 1.1 million members of 
National Guard and other Reserve components. They make it possible for 
our country to be protected and defended by our patriot volunteers.
  This resolution acknowledges all employers from the small-town family 
business to the public sector that have provided a stable job to more 
than 460,000 members of the National Guard and Reserves who have been 
called to duty since September 11, 2001. These employers have provided 
our Reservists security in payment, health care and benefits.
  Reservists have been called up to serve in great numbers in order to 
assist with natural disaster relief on the homeland or in support for 
the global war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq.
  I am proud to say that my district is home to recipients of the 
Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. This award was 
created to recognize employers who have provided exceptional support to 
Reservists.
  One recipient of the Employer Support Freedom Award, Enterprise Rent-
A-Car, has locations throughout my district from Pleasanton to Stockton 
and my hometown of Tracy. Enterprise received recognition for extending 
full salary and benefits for the entire length of mobilization, 
regardless of how much they receive in military pay.
  I would also like to mention the sacrifice of Give Every Child a 
Chance, a nonprofit located in Manteca, California. One of their 
employees, Oscar, is a military policeman in the Army Reserves. Oscar 
has served his country in Iraq and in Egypt for a total of 16 months. 
While Oscar was serving in Egypt, they temporarily replaced him with 
existing staff. They wrote to me that ``While it was a very chaotic 
month, we knew that when we hired Oscar he had a commitment to serve 
our country, and we accepted that commitment as part of our dedication 
to the United States of America.''
  National Guard members and members of Reserve Forces comprise about 
46 percent of our total available military manpower. With such a 
significant proportion of our Nation's defense dependent upon those who 
maintain careers in addition to their military service, a cooperative 
relationship between servicemen and -women and their employers is 
indispensable.
  The support for a healthy relationship has been prevalent from the 
United States Chamber of Commerce and the local chambers throughout my 
district. I would like to commend the Department of Defense, 
specifically the employers' support of the Guard and Reserve, for their 
cooperation with civilian employees.
  Other strong supporters include SBC Communications, Incorporated, and 
veterans groups like the American Legion.
  Our Guard, Reserves and their families sacrifice a great deal in the 
defense of our country. Please join me in recognizing their employers 
by supporting the passage of H. Res. 302.
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my good friend from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis).
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman 
from Wisconsin for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 302. This 
resolution recognizes and commends the continued dedication and 
commitment of employers of the members of the National Guard and the 
other Reserve components who have been mobilized during the global war 
on terrorism.
  I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments of this legislation and 
firmly believe that it is the duty of us at home to support the brave 
men and women who are serving their country overseas.
  Many of the 433,000 Reservists and members of the National Guard that 
have been mobilized left behind not only their family and friends, but 
also their careers. Therefore, it is important that we do all that we 
can to ensure that those jobs are there for them when they return.
  I also would like to give special thanks to the employers located in 
my district and my State that the Illinois National Guard has commended 
for rising above and beyond the call of duty. Some of the companies in 
the Chicago area singled out by the Illinois National Guard include 
Hershey Foods, United Airlines, Motorola, Abbott Laboratories, Boeing, 
Frito Lay, the Chicago Police Department, the Arlington Heights Fire 
Department, the Buffalo Grove Police Department, ABN AMRO, Cardinal 
Health, Mackie Consultants, Mitchell Aircraft, Grainger, the Oak Park 
Police Department, United Parcel Service, the DuPage County Sheriff and 
the State of Illinois, to just name a few.
  So, again, I strongly support this legislation and urge its passage.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle), my good friend from the Education 
Committee.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from 
Texas for the time.
  I rise in support of H. Res. 302 and commend the thousands of 
American businesses for their exceptional support of the employees who 
voluntarily serve in the National Guard and Reserve. These brave men 
and women risk their lives to protect our way of life, and the fact 
that their communities are standing by them and their family is a 
tremendous statement of gratitude for their service.
  In my home State of Delaware, members of the Army and Air National 
Guard have set an extraordinary example for the rest of the country, 
with one of the highest national percentages of personnel volunteering 
for deployment in the global war on terror. These men and women have 
flown missions and provide support in places all over the globe, 
spending months away from their loved ones in places like Iraq and 
Afghanistan.
  When Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf region, I am proud to say that 
the Delaware National Guard was among

[[Page 25309]]

the first units on the ground, responding with airlift, security 
personnel and medical supplies.
  On October 15, the State of Delaware was among several employers 
recognized by the Secretary of Defense for their outstanding support of 
Guardsmen and their families.
  As a former Governor in Delaware, I can tell my colleagues that the 
vocal and active support from our community for the National Guard and 
Reserve is a long-standing tradition.

                              {time}  1115

  Our loyal Chamber of Commerce has a strong relationship with the 
Guard, and together they have worked diligently over the years to 
educate businesses and build employer support for our citizen soldiers.
  As Veterans' Day approaches and we honor those who served and are 
currently serving in missions around the globe, it is essential that we 
recognize the millions of employers, large and small, who continue to 
ensure that mobilized employees and their families are taken care of.
  Mr. Speaker, American businesses have always stepped up when our 
Nation needs them the most. Today, I commend them for their commitment 
to our military families and encourage all employers to support the 
brave men and women who defend our freedom day in and day out.
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues are aware that back in 1994 we 
did pass the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, 
which is to protect the National Guard and Reservists and others called 
up to serve their country. It requires that employers hold jobs for 
employees when serving abroad, as well as retain some basic benefits 
for them.
  I am also sure my colleagues are aware that many companies have 
stepped up and gone above and beyond the call of duty. In fact, a 
recently released GAO report acknowledged that many of the employers 
exceed the minimum requirements set forth in law. For example, more 
than 26 percent of the selected Reservists are receiving their salaries 
or differential pay, 32 percent get medical benefits not required by 
the law, and 30 percent get some other benefit above and beyond the 
legal requirements. I commend those companies that see the necessity to 
step up and make that extra effort to alleviate a lot of the concern 
that our Guard and Reserve units have.
  I have two companies in my congressional district in western 
Wisconsin in particular that I would like to recognize: Ashley 
Furniture, which is a large furniture manufacturing company that has 
many Guard and Reservists employed. They have stepped up by offering 
the differential pay to those Guard and Reservists, as well as Mathy 
Construction, who is doing the same exact thing.
  Our good friend and colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos), has offered H.R. 838 that I would like to recognize on the 
floor today. This is a differential pay legislation that would require 
the Federal Government to pick up the pay difference that the Guard and 
Reservists are receiving as active military compared to what they would 
have normally received, and it offers tax incentives to reimburse the 
companies who are doing this on their own. I think it is worthy 
legislation, worthy of our support.
  Finally, I would like to point out there is one segment of employment 
that has been particularly hard hit by the call-up of our Guard and 
Reserves, and that is the first responder units in our congressional 
districts. Many of the Guard and Reserve units are coming from first 
responders, whether it is the police or sheriff departments, fire 
departments, in short, our civilian warriors. They seem to be 
particularly hard-pressed during these trying times by allowing their 
workers to go and serve our country.
  That has had an impact on the services they are able to provide, 
because they are giving up some of the most qualified and hard-working 
employees to do these services for us back in our congressional 
districts. So I just want to point that out during the resolution 
discussion today.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his 
comments. He is right on target. Our guys are doing a great job out 
there, and most of them are civilian warriors.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. 
Miller), whose husband was Air Force active and later in the Guard, so 
she has some knowledge of this subject.
  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman sincerely 
for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, nearly half a million Americans have served in our 
National Guard since the beginning of the war on terror. A half million 
fathers and mothers and brothers and sisters, a half million people so 
dedicated to protecting our Nation, protecting our families that they 
have sacrificed time with their own families. This is a half million 
people willing to confront America's enemies face to face.
  Mr. Speaker, none of those great patriots would be able to serve our 
Nation without the incredible support and the sacrifice of those back 
home. For each man and woman deployed by the Guard, there is an 
employer who must operate without an employee. There is a company that 
must do business and meet its challenges without a member of its team. 
There is a boss who must get by without his full staff, even though he 
or she is faced with intense competition and unyielding deadlines.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to see our American businesses answering the 
call and serving their country by supporting our Guard. They are 
selflessly going about their business with a half million fewer 
workers, and they are doing so without complaint. They are setting an 
example for future generations by loyally holding those positions open 
at the same level of pay and with the same level of benefits for when 
our proud men and women, our Guardsmen return home. American employers 
are proving that their relationship with the National Guard is as 
strong and as important as ever. They are proving that the men and 
women who serve the United States proudly should be well served by our 
country.
  My hometown of Harrison Township, Michigan, is also very proud to be 
the hometown of Selfridge Air National Guard Base. I have watched as 
literally thousands and thousands of National Guard members have 
deployed from Selfridge in defense of America, and I am proud to say 
that I have also seen countless Michigan employers ensure that Guard 
members are taken care of when they return home.
  I strongly support House Resolution 302, because it is time we in the 
Congress, here in the House of Representatives, formally recognize the 
great work and the great sacrifice of American businesses, those who 
employ our Guard and Reserve members. Though they serve our Nation 
quietly and nobly, these companies deserve a profound and enthusiastic 
thank you from their government.
  The men and women who have served and now serve our Nation in the 
Armed Forces make an incredible sacrifice, and this Veterans' Day week 
this resolution is especially appropriate in an important recognition 
that their friends and loved ones and their employers back home are 
sacrificing, too.
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my good 
friend from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 302 and appreciate 
the efforts of the gentleman from California and our distinguished war 
hero who just has given me this time.
  Many employers have gone above and beyond what the law requires of 
them, either by making up the loss in income that may occur when their 
employee is called to active duty or through a variety of other 
initiatives that recognize this special burden our National Guard and 
Reservists take upon themselves. Quite simply, those employers who are 
already recognizing the sacrifices of the Reserve components deserve 
our sincere praise.

[[Page 25310]]

  But this body can go further, as Representative Kind points out. We 
should enact incentives through tax credits for private employers to 
make up the pay gap; and the Federal Government, the largest single 
employer of the citizens who make up the Guard and Reserve, should 
match the examples set by employers throughout this country and pay the 
difference when a citizen soldier experiences a loss of salary when he 
or she is activated.
  Congressmen Lantos, Graves, McGovern, and my legislation would do 
exactly just that, and I hope this body would consider it soon. Again, 
I support this resolution, I thank the gentleman from California, and I 
urge its adoption.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In 
closing, I want to again thank my colleagues from California and the 
gentleman on our committee from Texas for offering this resolution. I 
encourage our colleagues to adopt it.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say that we 
need to really recognize our guys that are fighting for this country. 
The Reserve and the Guard are a major part of the effort today.
  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of House 
Resolution 302. This resolution recognizes and commends employers of 
members of the National Guard and other reserve components who have 
been mobilized during the global war on terrorism.
  This resolution, if passed, would urge the Department of Defense to 
continue to develop long-term strategies to maintain a high level of 
support between these conscientious employers and to thank these 
employers for going above and beyond what is required by law.
  I would like to commend the Chairman for bringing this outstanding 
resolution to the floor today. I am a co-sponsor of this resolution and 
H.R. 838, The Hope at Home Act. I strongly believe that men and women 
who choose to serve their country should not be punished for their 
service by having to leave their current job without financial support. 
That is why I have co-sponsored legislation that would give tax credits 
of 50 percent of an employee's compensation to businesses that continue 
to pay a guardsman or reservist who gets called up to active duty.
  In particular, I would like to extend a special thanks to those 
patriotic employers in America that eliminate this pay gap for their 
workers by continuing to pay them the difference between their civilian 
salary and their military pay when mobilized. Nearly \1/3\ of 
reservists have this benefit from their employer.
  We should only ask so much sacrifice from those who are so willing to 
give up their lives to serve the cause of American freedom. Financial 
ruin should not be one of those sacrifices. I will continue to work on 
behalf of the National Guard and Reserves for better and more equitable 
treatment.
  Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to show my appreciation for the 
National Guard, the Reserves, and their employers, This resolution, H. 
Res. 302, recognizes those employers who accommodate the 1.1 million 
members of the National Guard and other reserve components. They make 
it possible for our country to be protected and defended by our patriot 
volunteers.
  This resolution acknowledges all employers--from the small-town 
family business to the public sector--that have provided a stable job 
to more than 460,000 members of the National Guard and Reserves who 
have been called to duty since September 11, 2001. These employers have 
provided our reservists security in payment, healthcare and benefits.
  Reservists have been called up to serve in great numbers in order to 
assist with natural disaster relief on the homeland or in support for 
the global war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq.
  I am proud to say my district is home to recipients of the Secretary 
of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. This award was created to 
recognize employers who provide exceptional support to reservists.
  One recipient of the Employer Support Freedom Award, Enterprise Rent-
a-Car has locations throughout my district from Pleasanton to Stockton 
and my hometown of Tracy. Enterprise received recognition for extending 
full salary and benefits for the entire length of mobilization--
regardless of how much they receive in military pay.
  I would also like to mention the sacrifice of Give Every Child a 
Chance, a non-profit located in Manteca, California. One of their 
employees, Oscar, is a military policeman in the Army Reserves. Oscar 
has served his country in Iraq and then in Egypt for a total of 16 
months. While Oscar was serving in Egypt, they temporarily replaced him 
with existing staff. They wrote to me that, ``[while] it was a very 
chaotic month, we knew when we hired Oscar he had a commitment to serve 
our country, and we accepted that commitment as part of our dedication 
to the United States of America.''
  National Guard members and members of Reserve forces comprise about 
46 percent of our total available military manpower. With such a 
significant proportion of our Nation's defense dependent upon those who 
maintain careers in addition to their military service, a cooperative 
relationship between service men and women and employers is 
indispensable.
  This support for a healthy relationship has been prevalent from the 
United States Chamber of Commerce, and local Chambers throughout my 
district. I would like to commend the Department of Defense, 
specifically the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for their 
cooperation with civilian employers.
  Other strong supporters include SBC Communications, Inc. and veterans 
groups like the American Legion.
  Some employers in California's Eleventh Congressional District giving 
benefits to reservists are: A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc, Albertson's, 
Allstate, Bank of America, Best Buy, Cingular Wireless, Citigroup, 
Contra Costa County, County of Santa Clara, Dow Chemical Company, 
Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Exxon Mobil, Federal Express, Harley Davidson, 
Home Depot, Lockheed Martin, McDonald's Corp., National Park Service, 
(Contra Costa County) Office of the Sheriff, Oracle, PG&E Corp., 
Safeway, SBC Communications Inc., Sears & Roebuck, UPS, State of 
California, Staples, Sybase, Inc., Target, TGI Friday's, TJ Maxx, U.S. 
Postal Service, and Verizon.
  Additionally, the resolution has received strong support from: U.S. 
Chamber of Commerce, American Legion of California, Brentwood Chamber 
of Commerce, Brentwood VFW Post 10789, Dublin Chamber of Commerce, 
Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, Lodi Chamber of Commerce, Manteca 
Chamber of Commerce, Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, San Ramon Chamber 
of Commerce, Stockton Chamber of Commerce, Air Force Sergeants 
Association, Association of the United States Army, Tino Adame 
Commander Karl Ross Post, 16, Give Every Child A Chance, American 
Legion, John Butler CTCS USN (retired), Commissioned Officers 
Association of the U.S. Public Health Service, Fleet Reserve 
Association, The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the 
United States, PG&E, General Mills, and SBC Communications, Inc.
  I would request that a list of more businesses and public entities 
recognized by the U.S. Chamber and ESGR be included in the 
Congressional Record.
  Our Guard, Reserves and their families sacrifice a great deal in the 
defense of our country. Please join me in recognizing their employers 
by supporting passage of H. Res. 302.

  The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award was 
instituted in 1996 by Secretary of Defense William Perry under the 
auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard 
and Reserve (ESGR). The award was created to publicly recognize 
American employers who provide exceptional support to their employees 
who voluntarily serve the nation in the National Guard and Reserve.
  The 2005 Recipients are:
  Alticor, Inc., formerly Amway, provides exceptional support that 
includes pay differential and continuation of benefits for up to one 
year when an employee is mobilized.
  Citizens Financial Group is a catalyst for employer support within 
its many Rhode Island communities. With an expanded military leave and 
benefit program, which includes pay differential and extension of 
benefits for up to one year, Citizens grants up to five consecutive 
days of paid leave when a spouse, domestic partner of child is 
activated for military service.
  Eaton is a diversified industrial manufacturer that continues to 
provide full pay and benefits to their employees who are mobilized for 
the duration of their service. This is in addition to their 
compensation that is received from the military.
  Enterprise Rent-A-Car's connection to the U.S. military goes all the 
way back to Jack Taylor, who in 1957 founded the company and named it 
after one of the U.S. Navy aircraft carriers he served aboard as a 
naval aviator--the U.S.S. Enterprise. Enterprise shows its true loyalty 
to its employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve by extending full 
salary,

[[Page 25311]]

regardless of military compensation, and benefits for the entire length 
of mobilization.
  IDACORP is a leading northwest employer that provides full benefits 
and pay differential for the entire duration of military service. 
IDACORP has also funded extensive family outreach programs in 
communities of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon when massive mobilizations 
have occurred. This funding provides for a $250.00 travel voucher for 
over 3,000 activated National Guard members.
  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has a long a proud history 
of supporting its employees who serve in the National Guard and 
Reserve. The LAPD provides pay differential and continuation of 
benefits for the length of mobilization. Mobilized employees also 
continue to receive service credit, accumulated annual vacation and 
tenure for the duration of their military service.
  The Louisiana Department of Safety and Corrections (LDSC) is the 
first Louisiana state agency to achieve ESGR five star status as a 
supportive employer of its employees who serve in the National Guard 
and Reserve.
  Pioneer Financial Services, Inc. is a very strong supporter of its 
employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Pioneer's 
proactive support includes providing salary differential and benefits 
for up to two years, paying bonuses in advance of mobilization to 
assist with financial needs, and assigning a family support coordinator 
for the employees' families to assist with any issues that may arise 
during mobilization.
  Ryland Homes is an advocate for service in the National Guard and 
Reserve and demonstrates this patriotic corporate culture by providing 
full benefits, to include life, health and dental insurance, and pay 
differential for one year.
  Sears Roebuck, and Co. has a long legacy of providing support to its 
employees who serve in the military dating from 1916. Sears is a long-
time advocate of military service, and provides pay differential and 
continued human resource benefits for its mobilized employees. Sears 
has led numerous initiatives that demonstrate its commitment to 
military personnel and family members, including a partnership with the 
National Military Family Association (NMFA).
  South Dakota State University's enthusiasm, patriotism, and support 
for its National Guard and Reserve employees and students is 
outstanding. By providing differential pay for its employees and 
student academic progression support, SDSU leads the way in maintaining 
its 140-year-old legacy of providing support to members of the armed 
forces. SDSU provides pay differential for the length of deployment, 
and also provides employees 40 hours of paid personal leave for 
preparation of a deployment.
  The State of Delaware has enacted legislation that provides deployed 
servicemembers with differential pay, including continued health, 
dental and insurance benefits for its mobilized or recalled military 
employees.
  Toyota employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve are 
provided pay differential, continuation of benefits, and the use or 
replacement of an employee special-lease vehicle for activated 
Guardsmen and Reservists and their families while deployed. In 2004, 
Toyota Motor Sales launched its Hire*A*Hero program, an initiative to 
foster career opportunities for military personnel transitioning back 
to civilian life. In addition, Toyota received agreement from 1,422 
Toyota and Lexus dealers from across America to provide support above 
and beyond the requirements of the ESGR 5 Star Statement of Support 
program to their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
  USAA continues to show great care and concern for their National 
Guard and Reserve employees and their families. Employees who are 
mobilized receive pay differential and continuation of benefits for up 
to 2 years. USAA has initiated a variety of military support programs, 
including Operation Keep in Touch, which was designed to keep deployed 
employees connected to their coworkers. USAA also provides its 
activated Guard and Reserve employees with a Deployment Preparedness 
Kit, which contains a comprehensive guide to assist military members 
with their leave of absence.


       COMPANY INFORMATION FROM U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS

  Con-Way Transportation Services, Inc. provides healthcare benefits 
for their employee/dependents for one year for regular employees 
serving active military service.
  United Technologies Corp. fully supports its employees who are called 
to duty in the U.S. military. We provide the salary differential for 
our U.S.-based employees for as long as they are deployed, as well as 
medical, dental and employee life insurance. Medical and dental 
benefits include coverage for dependents.
  Dow Chemical Company supports U.S. military efforts with leave 
assistance provided to employees who are called to service. Dow pays 
employees' full salaries for the first eight weeks of leave. After 
that, Dow supplements military pay for the employees for up to five 
years so that they continue to receive an equivalent amount of pay. 
Also, medical, dental and life insurance benefits continue for 
employees and dependents for up to six months. Upon discharge, 
employees return to work a Dow in positions similar to the ones they 
had when they left.
  On June 18, 2004, 662 Boeing employees who were called to active 
military duty under U.S. Sept. 11-related orders each received $3,000 
from the company in recognition of their service. Boeing extended the 
company's normal military leave policy (that normally allows for up to 
90 calendar days of pay differential and benefits) to up to five years 
of pay differential and benefits for individuals called to active 
military duty under U.S. Sept. 11, 2001-related orders. Boeing's 
military leave package includes both pay and benefits components to 
help employees and their dependents.
  Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has partnered with organizations such as the 
VFW to make certain that our fellow Americans serving our country know 
that America supports them.
  Lockheed Martin, adopted special provisions to lessen hardships and 
disruption for employees called to active duty in support of the war on 
terrorism. Since 9/11, approximately 1,000 employees have been called 
up to serve in the war on terrorism and, most recently, the war in 
Iraq. The corporation made sure they didn't lose any pay or benefits 
while protecting our freedom. Additionally, they have ensured that when 
reservists have fulfilled their active duty obligations, they are able 
to return to the same or like job position they held prior to their 
departure.
  BellSouth fully supports its employees who are members of the armed 
forces, and pays the difference between an employee's regular salary 
and what he or she is paid by the military for the duration of the 
employee's military leave. The company also continues health care 
coverage for an employee's dependents during this period.
  3M salutes the men and women of our Armed Forces for their courage 
and service to the country. A Reserve or National Guard member who is 
ordered to active duty in 2003, 2004, 2005 to support the national 
emergency receives a pay differential (pay equal to the difference 
between 3M pay at base rate and military pay) and benefits (with some 
exclusions) for the first 18 months from the initial activation date; 
this policy continues to be evaluated and may be adjusted based on the 
current state of emergency.
  Intel has longstanding commitment to military reservists. Intel 
provides a continuous 24 months of salary coordination. In addition to 
the salary coordination benefit, Intel's reservists and their families 
retain full health and other benefits for the duration of the leave, 
and enjoy a variety of support programs.
  As it did in the Gulf War, Honda North America, Inc. has paid its 
associates serving in Iraq the difference between the associate's Honda 
pay and military pay for the entire time the associate is on active 
duty, without time limit.
  Since October 2001, New York Life Insurance Company has had a 
military leave policy for employees who are members of the Reserves or 
National Guard called to military active duty.
  Southern Company is proud to support its employees who volunteer for 
active duty in Iraq by providing those employees with full payment of 
the difference between their military salary and their Southern Company 
base salary.
  Sears has supported the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed 
Forces since 1916. Currently, for its employees serving in the Reserves 
or National Guard, Sears pays the difference between the employees' 
Sears salary and military pay for up to 60 months. Qualified Sears 
employees also receive merit pay increases, incentive pay, stock 
options and the opportunity to participate in life, medical and dental 
insurance programs. In addition, Sears recently provide a $2 million 
grant to the National Military Family Association for unique, 
innovative programs that benefit military families.
  Accenture was named an Outstanding Employer by the National Committee 
for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Accenture offers 
benefits beyond the requirements of the law in support of our National 
Guard and Reserve employees, expanding their pay differential and 
benefits coverage policies.
  UPS has had over 1,400 employees called to active duty and we 
currently have 1,050 still active.

[[Page 25312]]

  Landstar System, Inc. supports the men and women in our employ who 
step up to serve in America's military effort by continuing all 
benefits in place, including health benefits for them and their 
families and providing a pay differential for one year of active 
military duty.
  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, the summer invasion of Kuwait by Saddam 
Hussein in 1990 initiated one of the longest continual military 
mobilizations in our nation's history. Since then, our military has 
been continually engaged in the Middle East and other theaters. The 
attacks in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania on September 11th, 2001 
have only served to expand the scope and increase the operational tempo 
and intensity of our armed forces.
  For the past 15 years, our citizen-soldiers, found in the Reserves 
and Army and Air National Guard, have been increasingly mobilized and 
deployed. Since the Global War on Terrorism began in 2001, 433,000 
members of the reserve component have been mobilized for active duty. 
These troops, like our active-duty force, risk their lives on the 
front-lines for our nation's security and freedom while being separated 
from friends and family. But unique to our National Guardsmen and 
Reservists, these deployments often involve year-long absences from 
civilian employment and a corresponding financial hardship.
  National Guard and Reserve mobilization also has a dramatic effect on 
civilian employers. Across the nation businesses are losing their top 
employees to the call of national service. Despite the strain on their 
businesses, the vast majority of employers embrace this challenge with 
pride. Not only do they adhere to the Uniformed Services Employment and 
Reemployment Rights Act, many businesses go above and beyond in support 
of their deployed employees and the families left behind. They deserve 
our nation's respect and thanks.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I am honored to support House Resolution 302, 
sponsored by Mr. Pombo of California. This important resolution 
recognizes and commends the dedication and commitment of employers of 
the members of the National Guard and the other reserve components. I 
encourage this entire body to strongly support this resolution, along 
with the businesses and reservists it commends.
  Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to relate the experience of 
Major Jeff Williamson, an employee of General Mills who serves in the 
Marine Forces Reserve. He was called to duty in February 2002 and sent 
to Camp Pendleton for anti-terrorism operations training. In March 
2003, Major Williamson was sent to Iraq for initial operations, and 
remained until June 2003. During his service abroad, General Mills made 
up the difference to match what his regular salary had been while 
employed with the company back home. He and his family's medical and 
dental benefits remained unchanged during this time as well. When asked 
if he had any comments on how he felt about General Mills treatment of 
him during that time, he said he had not given that question much 
thought, adding that, that in itself, says a lot. Major Williamson 
commented that he did not have to worry about a thing as he and his 
family were well taken care of. In January, he will be considered for 
the position of Lt. Colonel. He is married to Tanja and they have two 
lovely little girls.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Feeney). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 302, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will 
be postponed.

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