[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 21]
[House]
[Pages 29402-29404]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 744) recognizing the contributions of Native 
American veterans and calling upon the President to issue a 
proclamation urging the people of the United States to observe a day in 
honor of Native American veterans.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 744

       Whereas there are 195,871 Native American veterans in the 
     United States;
       Whereas Native Americans have participated for over 200 
     years in United States military actions;
       Whereas the participation of Native Americans in the War of 
     1812, the Civil War, and the Spanish-America War was 
     significant;
       Whereas in World War I, it is estimated that more than 
     12,000 Native Americans served the United States Armed 
     Forces;
       Whereas more than 44,000 Native Americans served in the 
     Armed Forces during World War II, in both the European and 
     Pacific fronts, representing a substantial portion of the 
     350,000 Native Americans then living in the United States;
       Whereas Native Americans fought in the Korean conflict, and 
     more than 42,000 Native Americans fought in the Vietnam War, 
     90 percent of whom served as volunteers;
       Whereas Native Americans also provided significant 
     contributions in the military operations in Grenada and 
     Panama and the Persian Gulf War in 1980s and 1990s; and
       Whereas Native Americans should also be recognized for 
     their participation in Operation Enduring Freedom and 
     Operation Iraqi Freedom: Now, therefore, be it--
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes all Native American veterans who have served 
     the Nation with honor, pride, devotion, wisdom and strength 
     for serving their country and protecting their homeland; and
       (2) calls upon the President to issue a proclamation urging 
     the people of the United States to observe a day honoring 
     Native American veterans with appropriate ceremonies and 
     activities.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Filner) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution 
to recognize our Native American veterans who have served and continue 
to serve this Nation with honor and with pride. I represent a county in 
California, San Diego, that has one of the largest numbers of Native 
American tribes in our Nation, and I have heard many of their stories. 
We know that Native Americans have participated with distinction in 
U.S. military actions for more than 200 years. Their courage, 
determination, and fighting spirit are well documented throughout our 
history.
  It is well recognized, also, that Native Americans have the highest 
record of service per capita when compared to other ethnic groups. 
Presently, there are almost 200,000 Native American military veterans 
alive today. At least 18,000 of the 22,000 Native Americans currently 
in uniform have been deployed at least once to Iraq or Afghanistan as 
of July of this year.
  Native Americans who volunteer for military service aspire to uphold 
their proud cultural tradition. This warrior tradition is a willingness 
to engage the enemy in battle. This characteristic has been clearly 
demonstrated by the courageous deeds of our Native Americans in combat. 
Five Native Americans have been among those soldiers who distinguished 
themselves by receiving the military's highest award, the Medal of 
Honor. This medal is given for military heroism ``above and beyond the 
call of duty.'' These warriors exhibited extraordinary bravery in the 
face of the enemy and, in 2 cases, made the ultimate sacrifice for 
their country.
  This House, led by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, had the 
enormous privilege of naming 2 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in 
honor of these heroes just last June. Charles George was a member of 
the Cherokee tribe from North Carolina and private first class in Korea 
when he was killed on November 30 of 1952. During battle, George threw 
himself upon a grenade and smothered it with his body. In doing so, he 
sacrificed his own life, but saved the lives of his comrades.

                              {time}  1545

  Ernest Childers was a member of the Creek Tribe from Oklahoma and a 
First Lieutenant with the 45th Infantry Division. He received a Medal 
of Honor for heroic action in 1943 when, up against machine gun fire, 
he and 8 men charged the enemy. Although suffering a broken foot in 
this assault, Childers ordered covering fire and advanced up the hill, 
single-handedly killing the snipers, silencing 2 machine gun nests, and 
capturing an enemy mortar observer.
  The warrior tradition is exemplified by strength, honor, pride, 
devotion, and wisdom. These qualities are a perfect fit with our 
Nation's proud military traditions.
  I urge the people of our Nation, I urge the Members of this Congress, 
to make sure we have a day honoring our proud and brave Native American 
veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this is an important resolution, H. Res. 744, obviously, 
recognizing the contributions of Native American veterans is important, 
and asking the President to issue a proclamation urging the people of 
the United States to also observe a day of honor for Native American 
veterans. My colleague from California has talked about this. It's 
interesting; we recognize the contributions of Native American veterans 
to our society and, of course, by so doing, we are recognizing their 
achievements, their singular achievements, if I might add. I compliment 
the resolution that was introduced by my good friend, the gentlewoman 
from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson), and the gentlewoman from South Dakota 
(Ms. Herseth Sandlin) for their support and also their prescience for 
bringing this bill forward.
  We have Veterans Day less than a week away, my colleagues. I think 
it's important this body recognize one often overlooked group of 
veterans. These veterans have made numerous contributions to the United 
States military, not just recently in World War II, but as far back as 
the War of 1812. Currently, there are 195,000 Native American veterans 
who live in the United States. According to the U.S. Army Center of 
Military History Web site, there have been 24 Native American Medal of 
Honor recipients since the Civil War. Let me just repeat that. There 
have been, according to the U.S. Army Center of Military History Web 
site, there have been 24 Native American Medal of Honor recipients.
  During World War II, we know about the Navajo Code Talkers, whose 
ranks in the Pacific Theater exceeded 400 during World War II, and in 
all 6 Marine divisions from 1942 to 1945. They were credited with 
saving thousands of lives and actually hastening the end of the war 
itself. At the time of the war, World War II, fewer than 30 non-Native 
speakers understood the Navajo's unwritten language. The size and 
simple complexity of the language made the code extremely difficult to 
comprehend, much less decipher. In fact, it was not until 1968 that the 
United States Government declassified the code. The Japanese never were 
able to

[[Page 29403]]

decode this code. So that is a compliment to their accomplishments with 
the Navajo Code Talkers. In fact, there has been a movie made on it.
  In Congress, we have begun to recognize the extraordinary achievement 
from veterans such as these. This past June, the House passed H.R. 366. 
This was introduced by Congressman John Sullivan of Oklahoma, naming 
the Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Tulsa, 
Oklahoma, as the Ernest Childers Department of Veterans Affairs 
Outpatient Clinic. This man was a Native American from the Creek 
nation, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions 
during World War II.
  In addition, the House passed H.R. 2546, which names the Asheville VA 
Medical Center after another brave Native American, PFC Charles George. 
He also was honored with the Medal of Honor posthumously for his 
actions in the Korean War. H.R. 2546 was passed last week by the Senate 
and now is awaiting the President's signature.
  So, Mr. Speaker, it is because of the gallant actions of our Native 
American veterans like those of Lieutenant Colonel Childers and PFC 
George, as well as the bravery and fortitude of the Navajo Code Talkers 
who served with the Marines, that I and other Members are proud to 
sponsor this resolution. We urge its passage. It actually recognizes 
the many contributions throughout the history of our Nation of our 
Native American veterans in protecting the freedoms that we enjoy in 
this country today. So I encourage all Americans, take time to 
recognize the sacrifice and achievement of these veterans.
  Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 
744, which recognizes the contributions of Native American veterans and 
calls upon the president to issue a day in honor of their service.
  As an original cosponsor of H.R. 744, I would like to thank 
Representative Wilson for introducing this important resolution to 
honor the service of our nation's Native American Veterans. I also 
would like to recognize Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner 
and Ranking Member Steve Buyer for their strong leadership and 
unwavering dedication to Native American veterans and for working to 
quickly move this resolution to the House floor.
  For more than 200 years Native Americans have served in the 
military--at a higher rate than any other ethnic group. Now, in Iraq 
and Afghanistan, a new generation of Native Americans serve their 
country. These young men and women, such as Private First Class Sheldon 
Hawk Eagle, from Eagle Butte, South Dakota and Corporal Brett Lundstrom 
from Pine Ridge, South Dakota, who were both killed while serving in 
Iraq, join a long line of Native Americans that have answered the call 
to duty on behalf of their country. Their service to our nation must 
never be forgotten.
  To honor the sacrifice of countless Native American veterans, like 
Private First Class Hawk Eagle and Corporal Lundstrom, I encourage my 
colleagues to support final passage of this resolution.
  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
House Resolution 744 and in honor of this country's Native American 
veterans.
  For well over 200 years, Native Americans have provided military and 
strategic service to the U.S., acting as patriotic soldiers and 
standing side-by-side their fellow citizens in defense of our country. 
There are nearly 200,000 Native American veterans in the U.S. today, 
including members of every single tribe and pueblo. In New Mexico, 
there are countless stories of heroic Native American men and women 
serving in uniform.
  I am proud to have sponsored earlier legislation to honor Native 
American veterans. During the 106th Congress, I introduced a bill to 
honor the Navajo Code Talkers with the Congressional Gold Medal in 
honor of their dedicated service during World War II. These brave 
interpreters used their native tongue to carefully transmit 
confidential Allied messages regarding the movement and strategy of 
millions of fellow soldiers. Not once was their code broken. Sixty 
years after their service, these men were honored in the Capitol 
Rotunda with the Congressional Gold Medal.
  This past Congress, I was privileged to sponsor a measure to allow 
Native American tribes to be eligible for grants to establish state 
veterans cemeteries on tribal land. This long overdue legislation 
ensures that those Native American veterans who desire to be buried at 
home will not have their final wishes denied. I was happy that it was 
passed and am encouraged that we will soon see the first state veterans 
cemetery locate on tribal land.
  To date, 47 Native Americans have given their lives in Afghanistan 
and Iraq. We honor their memory and their sacrifice by ensuring the 
Native American veterans who return home and granted the respect they 
deserve. As we approach Veterans Day later this week, we must remember 
that Native American have served our nation with pride, and continue to 
put on the uniform with bravery, honor, and dignity. I urge all of my 
colleagues to thank all veterans for their service, and to recognize 
the considerable sacrifice given by our country's Native Americans.
  Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, as the sponsor of H. Res. 
744, I rise in strong support of this resolution and urge its passage. 
I want to thank Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin who is an 
original cosponsor of this resolution and who is a strong advocate for 
our veterans. I also want to thank Chairman Bob Filner, who cosponsored 
the resolution and Ranking Member Steve Buyer for his commitment to all 
veterans.
  Earlier this year I met with some Native American veterans in my 
State. They expressed many concerns to me and were worried that all 
Native American Veterans had not been recognized for their service to 
their country.
  On October 15, 2007, Congresswoman Herseth Sandlin and I introduced 
H. Res. 744, a resolution that recognizes the contributions of Native 
American veterans and calls upon the President of the United States to 
issue a proclamation urging the United States to observe a day in honor 
of Native American veterans.
  Native Americans were participants in the War of 1812, the Civil War 
and the Spanish-American War. During World War I, 12,000 Native 
Americans served in the United States military and in World War II, 
more than 44,000 Native Americans served their country in both the 
European and Pacific fronts of the war. Native Americans also fought in 
the Korean conflict and the Vietnam war. In Operation Iraqi Freedom and 
Operation Enduring Freedom, Native Americans have made significant 
contributions.
  Native American veterans should be recognized for their service in 
uniform. This resolution gives all Native American veterans the formal 
recognition they deserve for their sacrifices and contributions.
  I have also introduced H.R. 4012, the Native American Language 
Assistance Act of 2007, a bill to assist VA hospitals and clinics that 
treat a large number of Native American patients. I urge my colleagues 
to cosponsor this legislation that will ensure that Native American 
veterans have access, delivery and follow-up of services at the VA.
  The bill would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out 
a program to make competitive grants to any VA medical facility that 
treats a high number of Native American veterans. The grants, up to 
$100,000 each, would provide interpreters or other language resources 
to improve access to, delivery of, and follow-up for medical services 
provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  I am concerned that Indian veterans are. not receiving adequate 
assistance and support for their care at our VA hospitals. This bill 
will provide help to those hospitals that treat high numbers of 
Indians. By providing our VA hospitals with funding for language 
programs and outreach, we can better communicate to these veterans 
about what services and benefits are available to them and make sure 
they are getting the care and support they need.
  Nationally, there are 195,871 Native American veterans. There are 
11,929 Native American Veterans in New Mexico--3.1 percent of the 
entire American Indian veteran population.
  I am grateful to all who serve their Nation and we as a Congress have 
a responsibility to ensure they receive the best possible care. In this 
war on terrorism, the greatest burdens have fallen on the shoulders of 
a relatively small number of Americans who have volunteered to take 
great risks on our behalf. Events over the last few years have made a 
new generation of Americans realize just how precious our freedoms 
really are. We owe our freedom fighters--past, present, and future--a 
debt of gratitude for their selflessness and sacrifice. I will continue 
to fight to ensure that our veterans get the benefits they were 
promised, the health care they deserve, and the recognition that our 
Nation owes them.
  I support passage of this resolution.
  Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
744, recognizing the contributions of Native American veterans. These 
veterans have served with courage, pride, and honor to protect this 
country and the freedoms we hold dear.
  As we approach Veterans Day, it is imperative that we all remember 
and honor those who have sacrificed their lives and families for the 
safety and security of this Nation.

[[Page 29404]]

  I am very pleased that Congress has passed my legislation that honors 
Private First Class Charles George, a Native American veteran that 
served in the Korean War. Pfc. George was a member of the Eastern Band 
of Cherokee Indians and was raised in the Birdtown community of the 
Qualla Boundary. He attended Cherokee Schools before enlisting in the 
U.S. Army and being sent to fight in the Korean War. Pfc. George left 
his home to fight for our Nation, but the young man did not return to 
our mountains.
  On November 30th, 1952, while fighting in Korea, Private First Class 
George was killed in action. He died saving the lives of those around 
him. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for 
his actions during the Korean War.
  The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Asheville, North 
Carolina will be renamed the ``Charles George Department of Veterans 
Affairs Medical Center'' at the end of this month to honor his actions 
and valor.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Native American veterans 
for their valiant service on behalf of our Nation.
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 744.
  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. STEARNS. 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 motion will be 
postponed.

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