[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 10]
[House]
[Page 13724]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         EXPAND ELIGIBILITY FOR THE ARMY'S COMBAT ACTION BADGE

  (Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in 2005, the 
Department of the Army authorized the creation of the Army Combat 
Action Badge. This important badge provides recognition to our soldiers 
who personally engaged the enemy in combat. However, the Army's current 
policy limits eligibility to those who meet its criteria after 
September 18, 2001.
  As such, the Combat Action Badge overlooks thousands of veterans who 
made similar sacrifices in previous wars. I've heard from many veterans 
who feel slighted by the Army's failure to recognize their own heroism.
  In response, I've reintroduced my legislation, H.R. 2267, to expand 
eligibility for this award to those soldiers who served during the 
dates ranging from December 7, 1941, to September 18, 2001. This 
expansion would be a fitting tribute to countless individuals who made 
sacrifices for our country.

                          ____________________