[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 7]
[House]
[Pages 9952-9955]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING WOMEN IN THE ARMED FORCES AND FEMALE VETERANS

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1054) honoring the service and 
achievements of women in the Armed Forces and female veterans, as 
amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1054

       Whereas women have historically been an important part of 
     all United States war efforts, voluntarily serving in every 
     military conflict in United States history since the 
     Revolutionary War;
       Whereas 34,000 women served in World War I, 400,000 served 
     in World War II, 120,000 served in the Korean War, over 7,000 
     served in the Vietnam War, and more than 41,000 served in the 
     first Gulf War;
       Whereas more than 185,000 women have been deployed in 
     support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi 
     Freedom, and other missions since 2001;
       Whereas over 350 service women have given their lives for 
     our Nation in combat zones since World War I, and more than 
     85 have been held as prisoners of war;
       Whereas over 350,000 women serving in the Armed Forces make 
     up approximately 15 percent of active duty personnel, 15 
     percent of Reserves, and 17 percent of the National Guard;
       Whereas women are now playing an increasingly important 
     role in America's military forces; and
       Whereas the women of America's military, past and present, 
     have served their nation in times of peace and war, at great 
     personal sacrifice for both themselves and their families: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) honors and recognizes the service and achievements of 
     current and former female members of the Armed Forces;

[[Page 9953]]

       (2) encourages all people in the United States to recognize 
     the service and achievements of women in the military and 
     female veterans on Memorial Day;
       (3) encourages all people in the United States to learn 
     about the history of service and achievements of women in the 
     military; and
       (4) supports groups that raise awareness about the service 
     and achievements of women in the military and female veterans 
     through exhibitions, museums, statues, and other programs and 
     activities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Davis) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. 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 California?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Every time I visit military installations, at home and abroad, I'm 
constantly impressed by the tremendous job our servicemembers are 
doing, and I'm particularly impressed by our brave servicewomen, whom I 
seek out at every chance.
  Over 350,000 American women are currently serving in our Armed 
Forces, following in the footsteps of women who have voluntarily served 
in every military conflict in United States history since the 
Revolutionary War.
  During the revolution, women served on the front lines as nurses, 
water bearers and even saboteurs. For years, women had to disguise 
themselves as men in order to enlist in our military. Although the Army 
and Navy Nurse Corps were established in the early 1900s, it was not 
until the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948 that women 
were granted permanent status in the regular and Reserve Armed Forces.
  As Memorial Day approaches, we should recognize that our servicewomen 
play an increasingly important role in America's military forces. Women 
serving in the Armed Forces make up approximately 15 percent of active 
duty personnel, 15 percent of Reserves and 17 percent of the National 
Guard.
  Women are flying helicopters and fighter aircraft. They are saving 
lives as nurses and doctors, and they are driving support vehicles and 
policing perimeters.
  Servicewomen are also receiving recognition of their service, 
including awards for valor. Most recently, Private First Class Monica 
Lin Brown became only the second woman since World War II to receive 
the Silver Star, our Nation's third highest medal for valor, for her 
service in Afghanistan. The first woman since World War II to receive 
this honor was Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester, who received the Silver Star 
in 2005 for her service in Iraq.
  When I visit installations, I am so grateful for the response and 
insight I receive from women in the Armed Forces. They are adamant they 
do not want to be treated differently; yet they would like us to 
understand and recognize the additional burdens that are inherent in 
the many roles they play as wives, as mothers and caretakers.
  Later this week, the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues will 
host its annual ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery to honor 
our Nation's servicewomen and women veterans and to remember women who 
have died while on duty serving the United States.
  As Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military 
Personnel and co-Chair of the Women's Caucus Task Force on Women in the 
Military and Veterans, I'm privileged to honor the legacy of 
servicewomen in the past, the courage with which women serve today, and 
the enthusiasm inherent in the young women who dream of serving this 
great Nation in the future.
  Part of honoring them is asking the tough questions about the 
expanding roles our servicewomen are taking on and excelling in. We 
hear from women in the military in person and through the media about 
their contributions in combat zones and their willingness to risk their 
lives in defense of their fellow servicemembers, our country and our 
families. These are issues we should recognize and address. They 
deserve nothing less.
  We should never fail to remember the sacrifices our servicewomen and 
their families make to keep our families safe.
  This resolution honors the service and achievements of women in the 
military and women veterans and encourages all people in the United 
States to do the same and to learn more about these wonderful 
accomplishments.
  Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to have offered this 
resolution. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
might consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1054, which honors 
the service and achievements of women in the Armed Forces and female 
veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, throughout this great Nation's history, women have 
answered the call without hesitation to defend our democracy and 
freedom. Since the early days when we fought to gain our independence, 
women have served with distinction in every one of our Nation's 
conflicts. Before women were formally allowed to serve in our military, 
they served on battlefields as nurses, water bearers, cooks and 
saboteurs.
  Frustrated by the gender restrictions of the day but fueled by ardent 
patriotism, many women found more unorthodox ways to serve. Often 
disguising themselves as young men, they joined the military and fought 
steadfastly alongside their brothers in arms.
  Mr. Speaker, since 1901 when the Army Nurse Corps was established, 
formally granting women rank and military status, hundreds of thousands 
of women have served with honor in the Armed Forces. They have never 
shrunk from the tough jobs or hesitated to go in harm's way: 34,000 
women served in World War I; 400,000 in World War II; 120,000 in Korea; 
7,000 in Vietnam; and over 41,000 served in the first Gulf War.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, over 350,000 women are serving in our Armed 
Forces. Over 190,000 have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan to help 
rid the world of tyranny and terrorism. They serve on land, at sea and 
in the air, doing dangerous jobs such as pilots, military police and 
convoy truck drivers.
  Mr. Speaker, these women, just like the men in our Armed Forces, are 
volunteers. They have always been volunteers. They have chosen to 
serve, chosen to make the sacrifices that are inherent in military 
service. They endure long hours, long separations from their loved ones 
and the hardships and horrors of combat. And as so many who have served 
before them, these women have been wounded, imprisoned and have paid 
the ultimate price for their devotion and duty to this great country.
  It is without question that our military forces are unsurpassed. It 
is also undeniable that women have played a significant role in 
developing the extraordinarily capable military we are so proud of 
today. Military women have been pioneers in computer science, space and 
undersea exploration and medicine. Through their accomplishments 
America has made great strides in technology, mathematics and 
engineering.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentlelady from California for 
introducing this resolution to honor America's extraordinary military 
women and veterans. I join her and all of my colleagues to celebrate 
the courageous women of our Armed Forces who serve today and who have 
served in the past. Their indomitable spirit and powerful sense of 
patriotism guarantee our freedom now and for generations to come.
  I, therefore, strongly urge all Members to support this resolution.

[[Page 9954]]

  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my friend 
and colleague, the gentlelady from New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter), a 
thoughtful member of the Committee on Armed Services and the 
Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. I would like to thank the sponsor of this important 
resolution, the gentlewoman from California, Susan Davis. Congresswoman 
Davis is the Chair of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, and it is my 
great honor to serve with her.
  As we prepare to honor our military and our fallen on Memorial Day, 
it is appropriate to honor the women who have served, also. Almost 
800,000 have served since World War I, and together, women make up 
almost 15 percent of our active military and 17 percent of our National 
Guard Reserve forces.
  Sadly, many of the women who earned medals and served this country 
never collect those medals. They served quietly and they left quietly, 
too humble to tell their tale and too humble to ask for their medals.
  In New Hampshire, I recently had the great pleasure to present medals 
to Hazel Jones, 50 years after she had earned them in World War II. The 
Dover resident enlisted in the Army in 1944, completed her basic 
training, and went on to serve her country for the next 17 months, 
transporting troops and the mail and protecting our national security.
  I was really proud to present Hazel with her medals, and I am proud 
today to honor the hundreds of thousands of other women who have nobly 
served our beloved country.
  While women may not make up the majority of our Armed Forces, they 
stand and work side by side with the men, and they are critical to our 
mission. As we celebrate Memorial Day, it is fitting that we take this 
moment to celebrate their service.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased, as a cosponsor of H. Res. 
1054, to recognize the service and achievements of the women in the 
Armed Forces and the nation's women veterans. I thank my San Diego 
colleague, Congresswoman Susan Davis, for introducing this important 
resolution.
  These women have been the unsung heroes of every war since the 
Revolutionary War. So, as we approach Memorial Day, it is fitting that 
we sing their praises. They are playing an increasingly prominent and 
important role in our nation's military forces. 350,000 are now 
serving, making up 15 percent of active duty personnel, 15 percent of 
Reserves, and 17 percent of the National Guard. More than 185,000 have 
been deployed since 2001.
  Women veterans are second only to elderly veterans as the fastest 
growing segment of the veteran population. 255,000 women use VA health 
services today. There are 1.7 million women veterans, 7 percent of the 
total veteran population--expected to be 10 percent by 2020.
  As Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I want to 
report that Congress has responded to the challenge of meeting the 
needs of women veterans. Today, there exist within the Department of 
Veterans Affairs, two main offices specifically focused on addressing 
the needs of women veterans, put into place by Congress.
  The 102nd Congress passed landmark legislation (P.L. 102-484) which 
authorized VA to provide gender-specific health care at VA medical 
facilities. The position of Director of Women's Health was also created 
by this law. This position has recently been elevated to the Chief 
Consultant on Women Veterans' Health, Strategic Health Care Group, 
reporting to the Undersecretary for Health (of the Veterans Health 
Administration). At each medical center, a Women Veterans Program 
Manager is ready to assist women veterans with their health care.
  More recently, Congress passed P.L. 108-422 to extend VA's authority 
to offer Military Sexual Trauma Counseling and Treatment to active duty 
service members.
  In addition, The Center for Women Veterans was established by the 
103rd Congress in P.L. 103-446 to oversee the Department's programs for 
women veterans. The Center Director reports to and is an advisor to the 
VA Secretary on matters related to policies, legislation, programs, 
issues and initiatives affecting women veterans. To name a few of its 
activities:
  Perform outreach to minority women veterans, homeless women veterans 
with children, elderly women veterans, and women veterans living in 
rural areas.
  Monitor transition assistance program (TAP) briefings to ensure that 
the gender-specific information about benefits and services is provided 
to women service members.
  Monitor VA Office of Research and Development to ensure that VA 
research includes the issues of women veterans.
  Their goal is to identify any programs that are unresponsive or 
insensitive to women veterans and to address their deficiencies. The 
center is concerned with Department-wide legislative policies, within 
the VHA and VBA (Veterans Benefits Administration) and NCA (National 
Cemetery Administration), as well as the State offices.
  The center is holding the 4th National Summit on Women Veterans' 
Issues on June 20-22 in Washington, DC.
  H.R. 4107, the Women's Veterans Health Care Improvements Act, has 
been introduced by my colleague serving on the VA Committee, Stephanie 
Herseth Sandlin. This is one of a number of ways that we are currently 
working on behalf of women veterans.
  The House VA Committee continues to provide oversight to ensure that 
the laws we have passed are doing the job and that women veterans are 
receiving the information, benefits and care they deserve.
  In the light of these actions by Congress, it is my hope that all 
women veterans will receive the care and benefits they have earned 
through their service and accomplishments that we recognize here today.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this 
legislation that honors the sacrifice and courage of women in our armed 
forces. I would like to thank my fellow Women's Caucus member and the 
gentle lady from California, Congresswoman Susan Davis for introducing 
this legislation.
  This legislation could not be more timely. Last week we failed to 
pass the Iraq/Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations bill. This 
failure was not due to our feelings for our men and women in the armed 
forces but goes to the heart of where we stand with this ill-begotten 
war.
  No matter how we voted last week, I believe that all of us, on both 
sides of the aisle, strongly support our men and women who are in 
harm's way. At this point I truly believe that only diplomacy and 
global cooperation can ease the tensions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  This resolution brings us back to focusing on the actual men and 
women in our armed forces. This is right where the focus should be.
  With over 185,000 women having been deployed in support of Operation 
Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other missions since 
2001 and nearly 350,000 women serving in the Armed Forces make up 
almost 15 percent of active duty personnel and over 17 percent of the 
National Guard reserve forces--it is time we celebrate what women are 
doing in the armed forces.
  Women have been aiding the U.S. war effort for years. With 34,000 
women serving in World War 1, 400,000 serving in World War II, 120,000 
serving in the Korean War, and well over 7,000 served in the Vietnam 
War--women were clearly serving in our Nation's military well before 
our current missions.
  I chose to celebrate one of our heroic daughters of Texas, Specialist 
Monica L. Brown of the United States Army with House Concurrent 
Resolution 320 for her efforts earlier this year.
  Spec. Brown was the first woman in Afghanistan and only the second 
female soldier since World War II to receive the Silver Star, the 
Nation's third-highest medal for valor. This solider from Lake Jackson, 
Texas is only 19 years old.
  On April 25, 2007, Specialist Brown was part of a four-vehicle convoy 
patrolling near Jani Kheil in the eastern province of Paktia on April 
25, 2007, when a bomb struck one of the Humvees.
  When Spec. Brown saw her fellow soldiers were injured, she grabbed 
her aid bag and started running toward the burning vehicle as 
insurgents opened fire. All five wounded soldiers from her platoon 
scrambled out. Under this commotion, she assessed her patients and 
moved them to a safer location because they were still receiving 
incoming fire.
  The Pentagon's official policy is to prohibit women from serving in 
front-line combat roles in the infantry, armor or artillery, but the 
nature of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, with no real front lines, 
has seen women soldiers take part in close-quarters combat more than 
previous conflicts.
  According to the Army four Army nurses in World War II were the first 
women to receive the Silver Star, though three nurses serving in World 
War I were awarded the medal posthumously in 2007. Sgt. Leigh Ann 
Hester, of

[[Page 9955]]

Nashville, Tenn., was the first to receive the Silver Star in 2005 
along with two fellow male soldiers for her gallantry during an 
insurgent ambush on a convoy in Iraq.
  The Army has stated that Spec. Brown's ``bravery, unselfish actions 
and medical aid rendered under fire saved the lives of her comrades and 
represents the finest traditions of heroism in combat.''
  This legislation is not about condoning the wars in Afghanistan or in 
Iraq. This legislation is about us supporting and honoring our troops.
  It is about this Nation's children fighting for the rights of all of 
us in places we do not dare to go, under environments we cannot fully 
appreciate from this comfortable position.
  Spec. Brown reminds us that our youth are fighting in this war, our 
mothers and daughters are fighting in this war, and they deserve to be 
recognized for their achievements.
  However, we not only recognize the sacrifice and courage of Spec. 
Brown, or even just the brave acts of her fellow soldiers, marines, and 
airmen. We must also recognize the families of our military. Spec. 
Brown's grandmother said she was the proudest grandmother in all of 
Lake Jackson, Texas, when she learned of her granddaughter's heroism.
  We should all be as proud of our young men and women as Spec. Brown's 
grandmother. In being proud of them, we are not condoning the 
Administration, we are recognizing their efforts and their belief in 
what they have been tasked to do.
  We sit in these chambers and discuss the idea of war, and the 
economic costs to the Nation. However, our men and women in Afghanistan 
and Iraq are dealing with the realities of war every day. Their 
families are also dealing with it every day, as they have to move 
forward without their loved ones.
  I am proud of Specialist Monica L. Brown, Texas is proud of Monica L. 
Brown, and this country should be proud of all the Specialist Brown's 
and all the women like her who have fought the equality war at home and 
the fight for freedom abroad.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join Representative Susan 
Davis and myself in recognizing our women in the armed forces.
  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1054 to 
express my appreciation to the one million plus female veterans across 
our Nation and the thousands of women serving in our armed forces 
today. I want to thank these brave heroines who sacrifice much to not 
only protect our safety but also defend our freedoms.
  Our brave men and women, who have chosen to join our all volunteer 
military, share not only a passion for their country but a respect for 
the ideals that it promotes. While women served honorably in World War 
I, they were not permitted to participate in the armed forces as equals 
until the passage of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 
1948. This legislation made it possible for women to serve in active 
duty and reserve military occupational specialties, other than nursing, 
and as equals to their male counterparts.
  While women are still prohibited from serving in front line military 
units, their ability to wear the uniform and assist our efforts at home 
and abroad must be commended. It is important to remember that during 
our 10 year involvement in Vietnam, eight service women lost their 
lives. More recently, 110 women have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the 
Global War on Terrorism. These brave women are not only soldiers, 
sailors, airmen and marines. They are our daughters, our mothers, our 
sisters, and our aunts. They are an integral component of our community 
and we must remember that as they deploy or are lost in action, we too 
suffer along with their families.
  As we honor those serving today and those who have served in the 
past, we must rededicate ourselves to providing the benefits and care 
that they require and deserve. We must ensure that the proper medical 
services are available to service men and women for their use while on 
active duty and once they return home. Today, the percentage of women 
in the military is at the highest level ever. My home State of Ohio 
currently has over 65,000 female veterans. I am deeply concerned about 
the impact these high service levels are having on the well-being and 
stability of America families and I am committed to working on this 
issue in Congress.
  The 11th Congressional District of Ohio is represented by an 
outstanding group of women serving in our Nation's armed forces and our 
State's national guard. Their service and sacrifice is greatly 
appreciated and will not be forgotten.
  Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I have no further 
requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, it's a joy to celebrate the 
women of our armed services. At this time, I have no further requests 
for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1054, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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