[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 15] [House] [Pages 20936-20938] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]SOLEMNLY COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRAGIC OCTOBER 1983 TERRORIST BOMBING OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BARRACKS IN BEIRUT, LEBANON Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1421) solemnly commemorating the 25th anniversary of the tragic October 1983 terrorist bombing of the United States Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon and remembering those who lost their lives and those who were injured, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the resolution. The text of the resolution is as follows: H. Res. 1421 Whereas on the morning of October 23, 1983, at approximately 6:20 a.m., a truck packed with explosives broke security and detonated outside of the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon; Whereas 241 members of the Armed Forces of the United States were killed in the blast, and many more were injured; Whereas a total of 272 members of the Armed Forces from 39 States and Puerto Rico died while serving in Beirut, Lebanon, from 1982 to 1984; Whereas the members of the Armed Forces were part of a multinational peacekeeping force; and Whereas the honor and sacrifice of the victims will never be forgotten: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives, on the 25th anniversary of the bombing [[Page 20937]] of the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon-- (1) honors and remembers the service and sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces who were victims of the bombing and those who died in Beirut from 1982 to 1984; and (2) joins family and friends in mourning the members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in the tragic bombing and while serving as peacekeepers in Beirut. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Kansas (Mrs. Boyda) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Kansas. General Leave Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. 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 gentlewoman from Kansas? There was no objection. Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1421. It solemnly commemorates the 25th anniversary of the tragic October 1983 terrorist bombing of the United States Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, and it remembers those who lost their lives and those who were injured. On October 23, 1983, at approximately 6:20 in the morning, a large truck packed with explosives crashed through security and slammed into the lobby of the United States Marine Corps Barracks. The vehicle's driver, a suicide bomber, detonated explosives the equivalent of 12,000 pounds of TNT, crumbling the 4-story building and killing marines, soldiers, and sailors while they slept. Two hundred forty-one servicemembers lost their lives that day, making this day in October the single bloodiest day in the Marine Corps history since World War II. America's first encounter with suicide bombings becomes even more tragic when we remember that our brave men and soldiers were in Beirut there to provide opportunity for others to live in peace. As part of a multinational peacekeeping force, the Marines had deployed to serve as a catalyst for peace in a volatile and violent region of the world. They were proudly serving the principles of freedom to ensure that men and women may live in a peaceful and free world. It is an unconceivable evil that would violently target those who volunteer to bring goodwill and peace to a nation. With grave hearts, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 1983 terrorist bombing of the United States Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. Let us honor all 272 members of the Armed Forces who gave their lives that day and recognize the 60 Americans who survived the attack. These military men and women served proudly, and many made the ultimate sacrifice that others around the world may know the gift of freedom. {time} 1115 They came from 39 States and Puerto Rico, and the sacrifices of these honorable military men and women will never be forgotten. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this very important resolution, and on behalf of myself and my husband, former Marine Staff Sergeant Steve Boyda, Semper Fi. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Speaker, first I would like to thank the lady from Kansas for being on the floor during this discussion and debate. Mr. Speaker, on October 23, 1983, the war on terrorism began when a truck filled with explosives detonated outside of the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 241 of our men in service. Between 1982 and 1984, 272 marines, soldiers, and sailors from 39 States and Puerto Rico lost their lives while serving as peacekeepers in Beirut. Mr. Speaker, I recently introduced H. Res. 1421, a resolution to solemnly commemorate the 25th anniversary of the tragic October 1983 terrorist bombing of the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, to remember those who lost their lives and those who were injured. I would like to thank the leadership on both sides of the aisle, the Members of Congress who have cosponsored this resolution and the House Armed Services Committee members and staff for their help in bringing this resolution to the floor today. Mr. Speaker, October 23 of this year will mark the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. In the attack, as was said by the lady from Kansas, 241 American heroes were lost: 220 Marines, 18 members of the Navy and 3 soldiers. On October 23 of 2008, the friends, family, and comrades left behind by the Beirut peacekeepers will gather once again to pay their respects. This would be the appropriate time for the House of Representatives to show its appreciation. Honoring these servicemen is one way for us to again say thank you for sacrificing your lives so that the rest of us could live in freedom. Recognizing those who served in Beirut will not just serve to further mourn their loss but to celebrate the peace and the American spirit that was embodied in the mission of these fallen heroes. Mr. Speaker, in these uncertain times, we call upon the brave men and women of the military to overcome terror and defend the ideals that this great Nation was founded upon. One of my constituents, Charles Hall of Jacksonville, North Carolina, which is the home of Camp Lejeune Marine Base, was called upon 24\1/2\ years ago, and he served our country honorably in Beirut. Mr. Hall will be the first to tell you that the war on terrorism began well before September 11. In fact, many believe the war on terrorism began on October 23, 1983, in Beirut. On behalf of military families across the United States, I urge my colleagues to join in supporting and honoring those 241 Americans who were killed on October 23, 1983, in Beirut, Lebanon, and the 272 who died while serving in Beirut between 1982 and 1984. With that, Mr. Speaker, I would reserve the balance of my time. Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to acknowledge the leadership and the good work of my friend and colleague, Mr. Walter Jones of North Carolina. I think the American people sometimes don't see bipartisanship, and I would just like to congratulate him for the many things that he has done to work across the aisle on behalf of our servicemen and women and on behalf of the American people in keeping this country safe. Too often, all the American people see is a lack of bipartisanship, and this is one where we come together on this resolution and on so many others on behalf of our servicemen and women, and, as I say, on behalf of keeping the American people safe and secure. Mr. Speaker, at this time I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close after Mr. Jones has. I continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood) such time as he may consume. Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution, a similar resolution of which I introduced at the suggestion of the ranking member of the Rules Committee, David Dreier. He spoke to me about this and suggested that this type of resolution be considered by the House. I want to thank the majority leader for scheduling this resolution to commemorate and honor those who lost their lives in Beirut, Lebanon, during the bombing that took place. I also want to thank my classmate and friend, Walter Jones, for his leadership in introducing this resolution. I rise today to honor the United States Marines and other servicemembers who were killed in the Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983. On this day at approximately 6:20 a.m., a delivery truck carrying explosives drove through the gates into one of the barracks buildings and the explosives were detonated. This day was [[Page 20938]] the deadliest for the United States Marine Corps since the battle of Iwo Jima during World War II; 241 servicemen and women were killed and many others were wounded. The servicemen and women serving in Beirut who were killed had been sent to serve as peacekeepers during the 15-year civil war in Lebanon. Throughout the time U.S. forces were in Lebanon, there were many instances in which American lives were lost. In April of 1983, a similar suicide bombing occurred at the United States Embassy killing 60 people, predominantly embassy staff and U.S. Marines. President Reagan called this act ``a vicious terrorist bombing'' and reiterated the United States' commitment to peace in the region. As a Nation, we would not let such actions deter us from our goal. The fight against terrorism still continues today. Brave members of the Armed Forces risk their lives every day in an effort to bring an end to such attacks. While we take this time to honor those who were killed in Beirut, we also rededicate our country to the fight against terrorism. It is our hope that such despicable acts can be prevented, not only just in Lebanon but also in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and throughout the rest of the world. Progress has been made in Lebanon and progress towards peace will continue throughout the region. Today the Members of the House of Representatives and the rest of the Nation join the families of these 241 fallen servicemembers to mourn their loss. We remember the courage of these Marines and other servicemembers who willingly put their lives on the line in order to serve their country and promote peace and security throughout the world. Our heartfelt prayers and sympathies go out to these families. Nearly 25 years after this terrible tragedy, we remember these brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. During the 14 years that I have had the privilege of serving in the House of Representatives, I have made 13 trips to Lebanon. During the first time that I went there, there was a travel ban: the airport was closed, people were restricted from traveling. We've made great progress in the last 14 years. Great progress. A great deal of the credit really goes to the people and the leadership of the country but also to President Bush and Secretary Rice for taking a great deal of interest in this country and not being dissuaded by terrorist attacks and not being dissuaded by those who would have our men and women in harm's way. They have helped rebuild the country both politically and economically. One of the saddest events that took place in the country 2 years ago was the assassination of the then Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. There is an investigation going on in that. He was a true leader in the country. Since that time, there has continued to be progress being made in the country. As a matter of fact, President Bush will welcome the President of Lebanon tomorrow at the White House, the first time in the memory of many that the President of Lebanon will be coming to the United States and actually having a visit with President Bush and the Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. This is an extraordinary event for the country of Lebanon, for the people of Lebanon, for those of us in this country who have worked very hard to develop the kind of relationship with their government and our government. We're delighted that the new President of Lebanon will be visiting Washington and visiting President Bush. We've made progress, and we've made that progress through the great sacrifice of our men and women who serve in the Embassy in Lebanon and the men and women who sacrificed their lives during the time of the attack 25 years ago. So it's very fitting today that we not only recognize their families and those but we recognize the fact that our government leaders have reached out to this small country in a way that has enabled us to make great progress. Moment of Silence Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I wonder if it would be possible as I conclude here if you would allow the House one moment of silence so we could say a quiet prayer for the 200-plus Marines and families who lost their lives. I ask that the Chair allow for a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives during the bombing that took place in Lebanon 25 years ago. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members will rise and pay tribute for 1 minute. Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I just wish to, before we close out, acknowledge the service of Mr. LaHood from Illinois. Again, a true patriot and somebody who has reached across party lines on a regular basis to find resolutions on some of the toughest issues. I just appreciate that, and I certainly appreciate the moment of silence. Thank you very much. Again, on behalf of a very grateful Nation, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this very important resolution. I continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I will be very brief. I want to thank the gentlelady from Kansas for her comments, not about me but about the fact that in this Nation we need to work together. The country is in financial trouble. We've got men and women overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq, and we do, on the Armed Services Committee, work together for the good of the country; and let's do that on the floor of the House, especially in the coming months. To the gentleman from Illinois who's leaving Congress, he is a classmate. Mr. LaHood, thank you for your comments. Thank you for the moment of remembrance in prayer. I think that's so important. Again, I want to thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the lady from Kansas. We have brought this to the floor and we are saying 25 years later to the families, ``We didn't forget you. We, the House of Representatives, will never forget you.'' And may we never forget those who have given their lives for their country and those who are fighting for this country in Afghanistan and Iraq. {time} 1130 With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. I would just say God bless these families, and God bless the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Kansas (Mrs. Boyda) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1421, 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. JONES. 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. ____________________