[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11]
[House]
[Pages 14822-14825]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTEGRATION OF THE ARMED FORCES

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 297) recognizing the 60th 
anniversary of the integration of the United States Armed Forces, as 
amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 297

       Whereas the United States has always had strong Armed 
     Forces made up of courageous men and women serving the ideals 
     of duty, honor, and country;
       Whereas the Armed Forces were unfortunately once a place of 
     segregation of the races;
       Whereas despite segregation, minority members of the Armed 
     Forces, such as the Tuskegee Airmen, who trained at historic 
     Moton Field in Macon County, Alabama, demonstrated honor and 
     bravery above and beyond the call of duty;
       Whereas the bravery and sacrifice of all members of the 
     Armed Forces regardless of race during World War II and prior 
     conflicts is a matter of national honor;
       Whereas the integration of the Armed Forces beginning in 
     1948 was a seminal event in our Nation's history and 
     instilled the democratic ideal of equality in the military; 
     and
       Whereas the continued bravery and dedication of every 
     member of the Armed Forces continues to be a source of pride 
     to every American: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That it is the sense of Congress to honorably 
     and respectfully recognize the historic significance and to 
     celebrate the 60th Anniversary of President Truman's 
     Executive Order 9981 signed on July 26, 1948 that declared it 
     to be the policy of the President that there shall be 
     equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the 
     armed services without regard to race, color, religion or 
     national origin thereby beginning the process of ending 
     segregation in the United States Armed Forces.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Connecticut (Mr. Courtney) and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Connecticut.


                             General Leave

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Connecticut?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 297, which 
recognizes the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the integration of 
the Armed Forces.
  Our military men and women are representative of the fabric of 
American society. They originate from every region of the world and 
represent the beautiful diversity of our planet. They bring forth with 
them a wide array of diverse talents and skill sets that has long made 
the U.S. military the superpower it is today.
  House Concurrent Resolution 297 celebrates the 60th anniversary of 
President Harry Truman's 1948 executive order declaring that the 
equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the Armed 
Forces was the policy of the President. We celebrate this seminal event 
in our Nation's history for installing the democratic ideals of 
equality in our military and our country.
  During the Second World War, the Tuskegee Airmen broke the color 
barrier within the Armed Forces to become the first black pilots, 
navigators, and bombardiers. It was the impenetrable code created from 
the Navajo language and utilized by the Navajo Code Talkers that helped 
save lives in the Pacific. Japanese American soldiers volunteered to 
serve in uniform while their families were held in concentration camps 
in the United States. It was the ingenuity of refugee scientists 
escaping anti-Semitism in their homeland that led to the American 
acquisition of nuclear technology. Diversity has made our Armed Forces 
and our Nation safer and stronger.
  Unfortunately, our Armed Forces was once a place of discrimination 
and segregation. Many Americans of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent 
who served in the Armed Forces struggled against frequent episodes of 
racism and bigotry. Often these American servicemembers felt that they 
were fighting two wars, one against a foreign enemy and the other 
against racism from within their own ranks.
  Despite great adversity, Americans of minority descent proudly served 
with honor and bravery, above and beyond the call of duty. We in 
Congress recognize their contributions and honor them for their 
sacrifices. The bravery and sacrifice of all members of the Armed 
Forces, regardless of race, color, or creed, will always be a matter of 
national honor.
  Today the multi-racial makeup of our troops is a testament to the 
democratic ideals that all Americans hold dear, that all men and women 
are created equal. Our diverse forces serve as a proud example for the 
rest of the world in these times of racial and religious intolerance.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this important 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise in strong support of this resolution commemorating the 60th 
anniversary of the beginning of integration in the United States Armed 
Forces.

                              {time}  1515

  Throughout the course of our Nation's history, the men and women of 
the armed services have defended our liberties with bravery, honor and 
sacrifice. But because our Nation racially segregated its military 
prior to 1948, generations of African Americans selflessly served our 
Nation with the knowledge that they were fighting abroad for many of 
the freedoms that they were frequently denied here at home. Despite 
this injustice, not only did African Americans serve honorably to fight 
for all our freedoms, they did so with dignity and bravery that earned 
many of them our Nation's top military honors.
  One of the most important events in our Nation's history that helped 
move our country toward a more integrated America occurred on July 26, 
1948, when President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981. This 
important order, which we acknowledge with this resolution today, 
ordered that there be equality of treatment with all persons in the 
armed services regardless of race, color, religion or national origin.
  Even though it took years to accomplish the complete integration of 
the armed services, it was Executive Order 9981 that began the process.

[[Page 14823]]

  Of the many units that served with distinction, I particularly would 
like to recognize the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen, who trained 
at historic Moton Field in my congressional district in Alabama.
  As most of us know, over the course of World War II, the Tuskegee 
Airmen became one of the most highly decorated units in the Armed 
Forces. These brave pilots destroyed more than 1,000 German aircraft 
while accumulating an unprecedented record of flying more than 200 
bomber escort missions over central and southern Europe.
  These brave Americans served without the loss of a single bomber to 
enemy aircraft and returned home with some of our Nation's highest 
military honors. But they also returned home to a racially segregated 
America. It's that injustice, and the steps our Nation has taken to 
help right that wrong, that we are helping recognize today. I'm also 
delighted that this body will help further recognize the occasion with 
a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda later this month.
  I would like to thank Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, and 
Chairman Skelton for allowing this resolution today. I'd also like to 
thank my good friend and colleague from Florida, Mr. Kendrick Meek, for 
his strong support of this resolution.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my 
friend and colleague, the distinguished chairman of the Armed Services 
Committee, the gentleman from the State of Missouri, the same State 
that brought us President Harry Truman, Mr. Ike Skelton.
  Mr. SKELTON. I thank my friend from Connecticut for yielding and take 
this opportunity to mention the fact that my fellow Missourian, 
President Harry S. Truman, on the 26th day of July, 1948, signed 
Executive Order 9981 establishing the ``policy of the President that 
there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in 
the armed services with regard to race, color, religion, or national 
origin.'' That executive order also established the President's 
Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in our armed 
services.
  On the 23rd of this month, our Congress will recognize the 60th 
anniversary of the beginning of the process of integration for our 
military.
  African American men and women have served this Nation with honor, 
courage, commitment, even as they were denied the basic constitutional 
freedoms promised to all Americans. Their successful integration of 
forces paved the way for further integration of women, Asians, 
Hispanics, and other ethnic minorities.
  The cosmopolitan make-up of our armed services is a testament to the 
American value that we hold dear, that all men are created equal. It is 
also a reflection of our society that we should treat all individuals, 
regardless of their race, their color, or national origin with respect 
and with dignity. And with these days of conflict, our forces, our 
military forces of our country, are an example of what can be achieved 
by respecting one's differences and working together to achieve a 
common goal.
  House Concurrent Resolution 297 recognizes the 60th anniversary. I 
applaud those who have sponsored it, and I applaud the fact that we are 
taking it up today and recognizing the importance of this anniversary.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time at this time so I will yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my friend and 
colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey who serves on the Education 
and Labor Committee, Mr. Payne.
  Mr. PAYNE. Thank you very much for yielding.
  Let me commend the sponsor of this great resolution and also let me 
just commend Representative Skelton for the outstanding work that he 
has done for so many years in the Armed Services Committee.
  I stand in support of this resolution, H. Con. Res. 297, because as 
we all know, there were many, many African Americans who have fought 
valiantly through many of the wars. I'm very proud to have an uncle who 
just passed away 2 years ago, 3 years ago, who was in the invasion of 
Normandy. I used to recall as a young boy receiving the letters that he 
would send that were photocopied and made about the size of your hand 
where anything they felt was strategic was blacked out. And my Uncle 
John was a staff sergeant. As I mentioned, he was in the invasion of 
Normandy. And his wife, Ruth Garrett, who is still alive, worked in 
Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey for the war effort making weapons for 
our armed services. He was very proud when the World War II monument 
was opened, and he proudly sat with his uniform and his cap and his 
medals and made us very, very proud of his service. Even today, one of 
my employees, Richard Turner, is serving in Iraq.
  But there have been African Americans who have served for so many 
years. It took Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt to fly with the Tuskegee Airmen 
for them to finally allow the Tuskegee Airmen to fly in combat because 
there was resistance to that. And as we know, the first person, as a 
matter of fact, to die in the Revolutionary War was Crispus Attucks 
back in 1770 on March 5 when he and four other patriots were taken down 
by the British to start the Revolutionary War in the Battle of Bunker 
Hill where we had Crispus, and where we had Salem Poor who fought at 
the battle of Bunker Hill. And we can go on and on.
  A neighbor of mine, Needham Roberts and Sergeant Henry Johnson, 
captured 30 German soldiers in World War I and kept them captive for 
over a month. And people wondered how two soldiers could have kept so 
many enemy soldiers at bay. And so I am so proud to have this 
recognition and certainly pay tribute to Harry S. Truman. He was a 
person who had said ``the buck stops here.'' He was from Missouri. He 
said that he'll take the heat, and he did.
  And so I would just like to once again commend so many of the men and 
women who continue even today to show their appreciation and strength 
for our Nation as they serve valiantly in the United States Armed 
Services.
  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep pride that I rise to 
commemorate the 60th anniversary of the integration of the Armed 
Forces. As I stand here today, our forces around the world are united 
in their efforts to preserve our liberty; however, it was not long ago 
that the men and women of the Armed Forces faced forced division, even 
while protecting our unity.
  African Americans have been essential to the creation and 
preservation of our Nation. These valiant men and women fought abroad 
for freedom and security in segregated units, while their own families 
were subject to oppression and inequality on the home front. Despite 
this, African-American troops still honored the ideals of the United 
States and courageously defended the country; many of them would go on 
to earn top military honors.
  Fortunately the United States military would not remain so divided. 
On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, 
mandating the equal treatment of all persons in the armed services 
without regard to race, color, religion or national origin. In addition 
to beginning the process of immigration, Executive Order 9981 also 
established the President's Committee on Equality of Treatment and 
Opportunity in the Armed Services. While it would take years for the 
integration of the armed services to be completed, it was Executive 
Order 9981 which began to pave the path to unity.
  The Revolutionary War was spurred by a document, the Declaration of 
Independence, which proclaimed, ``All men are created equal''. Many 
African Americans fought in the Revolution, while experiencing unequal 
treatment. Another document, Executive Order 9981, authored by 
President Truman, was able to begin the integration of the armed 
services, which ended this pervasive inequality and segregation. The 
signing of Executive Order 9981 was a pivotal moment in our history and 
I wholeheartedly support its commemoration.
  I commend my colleagues, Representatives Mike Rogers and Kendrick 
Meek, for bringing this legislation to the floor.
  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 297 
Recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the integration of the Armed 
Services. The bill recognizes the anniversary of President Truman's 
executive order

[[Page 14824]]

declaring a policy of equality of treatment and opportunity for all 
persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, 
or national origin.
  The legacy of racism in America is one that runs so deep that even 
those that were willing to die for this country did not have basic 
rights while living in it. The process of getting army integration to 
be reflected in the law took over 15 years, but just like racial 
inequality throughout the U.S., it took much longer de facto.
  I served in the all-black 503rd Field Artillery Battalion in the 2nd 
Infantry Division during the Korean War from 1948 until 1952. Today I 
am proud to see that it is a much different reality for our servicemen 
of color. Today we fight side by side with all races with one mission 
and respect for the value of each individual life. But we take this 
time to honor the 60th anniversary because we must continue to honor 
those that fought for this country while suffering under the extra 
burden of inequality, as well as those that fought for justice in the 
army and outside of it.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 60th 
anniversary of the integration of the United States Armed Forces.
  On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981 
which stated that the Armed Services must extend equal opportunity to 
everyone who served in the military. Although the true fulfillment of 
this vision finally occurred 15 years after President Truman signed 
this Executive Order, July 26, 1948 remains a defining moment in our 
Nation's history because the leader of the Free World made it known 
that a united Nation needed a united military.
  This extraordinary document was signed shortly after World War II 
when American troops and their allies restored hope, justice, and life 
to millions of people who were suffering under horrific dictatorship 
and terror. In the deadliest and most wide spread war in human history, 
the world had seen the valor, fortitude, and humility of the American 
military. Upon returning home, however, more than 400,000 African 
American World War II veterans were faced with the bitter reminder that 
they did not receive equal rights in the military in which they served 
and in the country that they loved.
  Mr. Speaker, from the Revolutionary War to the present wars in Iraq 
and Afghanistan, blacks and other people of color have fought and died. 
In the years prior to desegregation, many black soldiers fought with 
the hope that if they demonstrated their bravery and dedication in 
battle, they could obtain the respect and opportunity in the military 
and civilian sector. Unfortunately, formal and informal practices of 
segregation and discrimination in the military and in our country 
prevented this hope from becoming and reality.
  In the years leading to an unprecedented time of prosperity, growth, 
and development in the United States, President Truman dared to sign a 
document that would position our military and country in a new 
direction. At last, America would have laws that would ensure that 
people would have the right to serve their country and be treated 
equally regardless of their race, color, religion, or national origin.
  Sixty years after Executive Order 9981 was signed and 45 years after 
the proclamations in this document were implemented, the U.S. military 
now includes the full spectrum of our great country. More than 1.4 
million men and women make up America's active and reserve forces. They 
can serve with the knowledge that there are laws to ensure that they 
receive the same rights and liberties that they fought to secure for 
others.
  Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the initial call 
to integrate our nation's Armed Forces, we must remember to continue 
the legacy of eliminating discrimination and bigotry from the 
institutions that represent our country and make it great. I urge my 
colleagues to cosponsor this resolution and demonstrate our continued 
commitment to laws that promote liberty, equality and justice in every 
sector of our society.
  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to stand 
before you today in support of H. Con. Res. 297, a measure that 
recognizes the 60th anniversary of the integration of the United States 
Armed Services.
   On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 
9981, declaring that all members of the military are equal regardless 
of race, color, religion, or national origin. These long-overdue words 
marked the beginning of the end of institutionalized discrimination in 
the U.S. Armed Services, and instilled into the military the democratic 
principle of equality.
   Prior to this executive order, minority soldiers not only fought 
against our enemies, but also struggled against prejudice at home and 
in the military. In spite of these unjust circumstances, many 
segregated units were universally renowned for their courage and valor, 
such as the 54th Massachusetts Regiment during the American Civil War, 
the Harlem Hellfighters (369th Infantry Regiment) in World War I, and 
the Tuskegee Airmen and the 100th Battalion and the 442nd Combat 
Infantry group in World War II. We should never forget the sacrifices 
they made to preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.
   It has been 60 years since President Truman courageously and justly 
integrated the U.S. Armed Services. Our military was strong then, but 
it is stronger now, in no small part because all service men and women 
serve together as equals. Indeed, this year America may elect its first 
African-American Commander in Chief.
   Indiana's First Congressional District enjoys a rich diversity that 
has helped produce some of the most capable units in the armed 
services. Servicemembers from Northwest Indiana have fought in 
integrated units during every military engagement since World War II. 
Right now, Indiana has the fourth-largest National Guard in the United 
States, with more troops deployed in Iraq than any other State in the 
union. I am extremely proud of the patriotic men and women from Indiana 
who have served and are serving in uniform, and thank them for their 
service to our country. The successes of Indiana's men and women in 
uniform of all races, colors, religions, and countries of origin, and 
across all generations, have been echoed throughout the Nation.
   Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring the 60th anniversary of the integration 
of the United States Armed Services. Such integration has enriched our 
military with the same democratic equality that they have fought so 
valiantly to protect.
  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, in 1940 the U.S. population was about 131 
million, 12.6 million of which was African American, or about 10 
percent of the total population.
  During World War II, the Army had become the Nation's largest 
minority employer. Of the 2.5 million African Americans males who 
registered for the draft more than one million were inducted into the 
armed forces. African Americans, who constituted approximately 11 per 
cent of all draftees Along with thousands of black women, these 
inductees served with distinction in all branches of service and in all 
Theaters of Operations during World War II.
  I have a proud personal connection to one of those who risked their 
lives in the segregated service. Over 966 Black military aviators were 
trained at the Tuskegee Airfield. One of these men, I am proud to say, 
was my uncle, the Reverend LeRoy Cleaver, Jr.
  The Tuskegee Airmen carried a heavy burden. Every single mission, 
every success, every failure was viewed in relation to the color of 
their skin. They could fly the skies valiantly and return to the tarmac 
only to have their white peers refuse to return their salutes.
  Even the Nazis asked why African American men would fight for a 
country that treated them so unfairly. Yet the Tuskegee Airmen were 
eager to fly and die for a Nation that had done little for them.
  These men, like over a million others who fought in World War II, 
fought two wars: One was in Europe, and the other in the hearts and 
minds of Americans.
  As a poignant example, the white commander of the Tuskegee airfield 
was once asked--with all seriousness--how do African Americans fly? He 
said, ``Oh, they fly just like everybody else flies--stick and 
rudder.'' Little by little, every victory at war was translated to a 
victory here in the United States.
  On February 2, 1948, President Truman, in no small part due to the 
bravery of the men of Tuskegee, announced in a special message to 
Congress that he had, ``instructed the Secretary of Defense to take 
steps to have the remaining instances of discrimination in the armed 
services eliminated as rapidly as possible.''
  President Truman's former colleagues and drinking partners, the 
Senators from the Southern States immediately threatened a filibuster. 
The typically bull-headed man from Missouri forced the issue by using 
his executive powers. Among other things, Truman bolstered the civil 
rights division, appointed the first African American judge to the 
Federal bench, named several other African Americans to high-ranking 
administration positions, and most important, 60 years ago on July 26, 
1948, he issued an executive order abolishing segregation in the armed 
forces and ordering full integration of all the services.
  Executive Order 9981 declared that ``there shall be equality of 
treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed forces without 
regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.'' By the end of 
the Korean conflict, almost all the military was integrated.
  The men and women I am proud to represent in Missouri's Fifth 
District have contributed a great deal to this Nation we love. They

[[Page 14825]]

have fought wars, supplied the expansion the West, founded religions, 
painted masterpieces, composed symphonies--but perhaps none have done 
more to shape the face of the earth than President Truman. May history 
always remember Executive Order 9981 as quintessential Truman. In 
classic Truman style, the order was an example of making a decision not 
because it was easy, but because it was the right thing to do.
  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to open by saying 
inclusion of all members of society regardless of race, creed or color, 
is the strength of our all volunteer Armed Forces. Saturday, July 26, 
2008 will mark the 60th anniversary when President Harry S. Truman 
signed Executive Order 9981 demonstrating the moral courage to ``do 
what was right and honorable''--to integrate the armed forces of our 
country. Since the Revolutionary War, African Americans have 
participated in cod every war or conflict. There were, at the time, 
countless examples of bravery and noteworthy service that spanned from 
Crispus Attucks to the 54th Massachusetts Regiment the Buffalo 
Soldiers, to the Tuskegee Airmen. Service in the greatest war or World 
War II was the culmination of much collective sacrifice and many 
individual acts of patriotism. The decision to issue Executive Order 
9981 which integrated the armed forces confirmed that diversity is our 
strength and not our weakness. Since the signing of Executive Order 
9981, I can forthrightly say that our country has been stronger and a 
better society overall.
  President Truman and his advisors recognized that complete racial 
integration at all ranks is an essential prerequisite to a cohesive and 
highly effective fighting force. We see success with the challenges of 
diversity as being critical to national security. One poignant example 
is the way our armed forces were hampered with racial conflict in the 
ranks during the Vietnam conflict in the 1960s and 1970s. This serves 
as an effective lesson on the importance of inclusion and equal 
opportunity at all levels of leadership.
  However, there has been progress, and I believe that the U.S. 
Military is a pioneer in providing equal opportunity for its uniformed 
members above and beyond what is usually seen in the civilian 
workforce. In truth, a senior military boardroom is a much closer 
semblance of our society than the average corporate boardroom. But, we 
can and should do better because it is simply the right and necessary 
thing to do. Senior military leadership diversity is a matter of 
strategic importance to the future well-being of our fighting forces. I 
have initiated dialogue with the senior leadership of each service 
branch to lay this issue on the table for a healthy discussion.
  Of particular note and at their request, I have met with the 
Commandant of the Marine Corps (General Conway), the Chief of Naval 
Operations (Admiral Roughead) twice, the Secretary of the Army (General 
Casey) and plan to meet with the new Secretary of the Air Force 
(nominee General Schwartz) in the very near future. Their willingness 
to discuss difficult topics and issues is a testament to their 
dedication to finding a suitable and longstanding resolution to 
establishing diversity within DoD. We collectively believe that 
diversity within DoD and more specifically at the most senior or Flag 
officer level is critical to recruiting and retention as well as the 
national security of this nation.
  Over the past few years there has been some progress in terms of 
promotion of Flag level officers and assignment to high profile 
positions critical to national security. Two examples are Lieutenant 
General Lloyd Austin currently serving as Commander Multi-National 
Forces (MNF) in Iraq and Major General Walt E. Gaskin who served as the 
Commander Multi-National Forces (MNF) West in Iraq.
  It is prudent that we accept the fact that diversity is a necessary 
component within the officer corps of the services and more 
specifically the Flag officer pool. Of greatest importance is the most 
senior flag level rank, which represents the major decision-making and 
influential officer level population within the Department of Defense.
  Rather than substituting my interpretation of the myriad ideas 
discussed in my recent meetings, I think it is best to provide a forum 
for all of the principal stakeholders and subject matter experts to 
delve deeper into the issue and provide the Committee on Armed Services 
with their recommendations. I have respectfully laid before the House 
Armed Services Committee language creating a Commission on senior 
military leadership diversity in the House FY09 NDAA.
  The Commission will review current policy and programs to provide 
recommendations to the Pentagon to insure that qualified minority and 
female officers are given the same career advancement opportunities as 
their counterparts.
  As you know, of the 39 active four-star Generals, there is currently 
only one minority, General Kip Ward of Africa Command (AFRICOM). Of the 
141 three-star level or 0-9 rank Flag level officers, there are only 
six minority Generals and five female Generals. Minorities of African-, 
Hispanic-, Asian-, Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Native 
Alaskan decent represent slightly over 19 percent of the over 207,000 
officers in the four service branches, but make up over 38 percent of 
the enlisted ranks.
  I believe that just as President Truman had the courage to sign 
Executive Order 9981 that integrated the armed services in 1948 that it 
is now time to take a holistic look at the makeup of our officer corps 
from the most junior to the most senior leadership position to insure 
that it is diverse and balanced.
  We now have the opportunity in our nation's history to begin to put 
in place a long term solution to the long term challenge of 
establishing diversity at all levels within our military.
  I believe that the onus falls our shoulders to provide a continuation 
of the courageous initiative that President Truman undertook in order 
to fully realize integration at all levels within the armed forces and 
in particular at the senior leadership level.
  I respectfully request that the Congress continue to support the 
establishment of a Commission to discuss diversity in the officer corps 
and insure equal access to opportunities for the most senior leadership 
ranks of our Armed Forces.
  Mr. COURTNEY. 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 Connecticut (Mr. Courtney) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 297, as 
amended.
  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. ROGERS of Alabama. 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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