[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 5]
[House]
[Pages 7071-7074]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




REDESIGNATING THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY AS THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
                            AND MARINE CORPS

  Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill

[[Page 7072]]

(H.R. 24) to redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department 
of the Navy and Marine Corps.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                H.R. 24

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. REDESIGNATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY AS THE 
                   DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY AND MARINE CORPS.

       (a) Redesignation of Military Department.--The military 
     department designated as the Department of the Navy is 
     redesignated as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.
       (b) Redesignation of Secretary and Other Statutory 
     Offices.--
       (1) Secretary.--The position of the Secretary of the Navy 
     is redesignated as the Secretary of the Navy and Marine 
     Corps.
       (2) Other statutory offices.--The positions of the Under 
     Secretary of the Navy, the four Assistant Secretaries of the 
     Navy, and the General Counsel of the Department of the Navy 
     are redesignated as the Under Secretary of the Navy and 
     Marine Corps, the Assistant Secretaries of the Navy and 
     Marine Corps, and the General Counsel of the Department of 
     the Navy and Marine Corps, respectively.

     SEC. 2. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 10, UNITED STATES 
                   CODE.

       (a) Definition of ``Military Department''.--Paragraph (8) 
     of section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended 
     to read as follows:
       ``(8) The term `military department' means the Department 
     of the Army, the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps, and 
     the Department of the Air Force.''.
       (b) Organization of Department.--The text of section 5011 
     of such title is amended to read as follows: ``The Department 
     of the Navy and Marine Corps is separately organized under 
     the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps.''.
       (c) Position of Secretary.--Section 5013(a)(1) of such 
     title is amended by striking ``There is a Secretary of the 
     Navy'' and inserting ``There is a Secretary of the Navy and 
     Marine Corps''.
       (d) Chapter Headings.--
       (1) The heading of chapter 503 of such title is amended to 
     read as follows:

       ``CHAPTER 503--DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY AND MARINE CORPS''.

       (2) The heading of chapter 507 of such title is amended to 
     read as follows:

  ``CHAPTER 507--COMPOSITION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY AND MARINE 
                                CORPS''.

       (e) Other Amendments.--
       (1) Title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     ``Department of the Navy'' and ``Secretary of the Navy'' each 
     place they appear other than as specified in subsections (a), 
     (b), (c), and (d) (including in section headings, subsection 
     captions, tables of chapters, and tables of sections) and 
     inserting ``Department of the Navy and Marine Corps'' and 
     ``Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps'', respectively, in 
     each case with the matter inserted to be in the same typeface 
     and typestyle as the matter stricken.
       (2)(A) Sections 5013(f), 5014(b)(2), 5016(a), 5017(2), 
     5032(a), and 5042(a) of such title are amended by striking 
     ``Assistant Secretaries of the Navy'' and inserting 
     ``Assistant Secretaries of the Navy and Marine Corps''.
       (B) The heading of section 5016 of such title, and the item 
     relating to such section in the table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 503 of such title, are each amended by 
     inserting ``and Marine Corps'' after ``of the Navy'', with 
     the matter inserted in each case to be in the same typeface 
     and typestyle as the matter amended.

     SEC. 3. OTHER PROVISIONS OF LAW AND OTHER REFERENCES.

       (a) Title 37, United States Code.--Title 37, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking ``Department of the Navy'' and 
     ``Secretary of the Navy'' each place they appear and 
     inserting ``Department of the Navy and Marine Corps'' and 
     ``Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps'', respectively.
       (b) Other References.--Any reference in any law other than 
     in title 10 or title 37, United States Code, or in any 
     regulation, document, record, or other paper of the United 
     States, to the Department of the Navy shall be considered to 
     be a reference to the Department of the Navy and Marine 
     Corps. Any such reference to an office specified in section 
     2(b) shall be considered to be a reference to that officer as 
     redesignated by that section.

     SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take 
     effect on the first day of the first month beginning more 
     than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Mexico (Mr. Heinrich) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Mexico.


                             General Leave

  Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on the legislation under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New Mexico?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 24, to redesignate the 
Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps. 
I want to thank my colleagues for bringing this important measure 
before the House.
  This bill has the cosponsorship of an overwhelming majority of this 
House. It has been part of the House-passed National Defense 
Authorization Acts for the last 8 years. It is time this change was 
made, and I want to thank Representative Jones for his tireless efforts 
in this regard.
  The National Security Act of 1947 defines the Marine Corps, Army, 
Navy, and Air Force as the separate services, each with distinct 
statutory missions. By designating each service's commanding officer as 
an equal member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Goldwater-Nichols Act 
of 1986 reinforced the idea that we have four separate services. This 
bill supports that notion.
  Mr. Speaker, the purpose of this bill is to provide the Marine Corps 
the equal recognition among the services that it deserves, even while 
it preserves the historical relationship that the Navy and the Marine 
Corps have enjoyed for over 200 years.

                              {time}  1500

  I urge my colleagues to support this important measure.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Heinrich for his kind words about 
this legislation. I also want to take time to thank Chairman Ike 
Skelton and Ranking Member Buck McKeon, who have been very supportive 
of this legislation for the last 8 years. It is because of the 
leadership of both, and especially the chairman, that this bill is on 
the floor today, for which I am very grateful.
  Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Heinrich said, it is kind of interesting that the 
Marine Corps, which has such a history, that is so revered by so many 
Americans, just like those who serve in the Army, the Navy and the Air 
Force, yet it is a fact that the Marine Corps is somewhat like a child 
at the family reunion, meaning that they are part of the family, but 
they just aren't seen as the family.
  I make that mention for this reason. A few years ago, this cap was 
given to me by the Secretary of the Navy, and the cap says, ``Navy-
Marine Corps, One Fighting Team,'' and yet this one fighting team 
doesn't carry the name of both services.
  Again, I want to thank the 426 cosponsors. We turned in 11 names 
today so that for this debate they could be part of the effort that Mr. 
Heinrich made reference to, so it is 426.
  Many people would say, well, why do you and others want so badly to 
build that type of support? It is because, as Mr. Heinrich said, the 
Senate has always been the downfall of this effort, and I can honestly 
say, Mr. Speaker, that in the past 8 years there have been so many 
comments by people who support this legislation and groups, that I 
would just like to name a few in the time that I have.
  First of all, this year alone, H.R. 24 has these associations that 
support it: The Fleet Reserve Association; the Marine Corps League; the 
National Defense Political Action Committee; National Association of 
Uniformed Services; Veterans of Foreign Wars; and Marine Parents.
  Mr. Speaker, in addition to this, years ago in this effort that Mr. 
Heinrich made reference to, 8 years, I want to read just one statement 
from the Honorable Wade Sanders, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy 
for Reserve Affairs. This is what he said, and I read verbatim:

[[Page 7073]]

  ``As a combat veteran and former Naval officer, I understand the 
importance of the team dynamic, and the importance of recognizing the 
contributions of team components. The Navy and Marine Corps team is 
just that, a dynamic partnership, and it is important to symbolically 
recognize the balance of that partnership.''
  Mr. Speaker, in addition to that, I would like to share with the 
debate today, it caught me by surprise back in 2005 from your home 
State, I was notified that the Chicago Tribune had editorially 
supported this bill in 2006. I just want to read a paragraph.
  ``Step up for the Marines. The Marines have not asked for complete 
autonomy. Nothing structurally needs to change in their relationship 
with the Navy, which has served both branches well. The Corps only asks 
for recognition. Having served their Nation proudly and courageously 
since colonial days, the leathernecks have earned a promotion.''
  I want to thank this House again. All we are saying is, the Marine 
Corps deserves recognition.
  Mr. Speaker, if I could make a couple other points, and then I would 
reserve my time.
  One of the opponents to this legislation is in the Senate. I looked 
up the history. He was a member of the class of 1958. In 1958, the 
football field at Annapolis was known as the Navy Memorial Football 
Stadium. After that distinguished gentleman graduated in 1959, they 
changed the name of the football stadium at Annapolis to the Navy-
Marine Corps Memorial Football Stadium.
  This year, when we were here on a weekend, I was watching the Notre 
Dame-Navy football game, and I noticed a jersey that Annapolis was 
wearing. I know you probably can't see this, but I can make my point.
  Mr. Speaker, on the front it says ``Navy.'' On the left sleeve is the 
Marine Corps anchor and globe. On the right sleeve is the Navy anchor. 
They understand teamwork, they understand one fighting team, and the 
House understands one fighting team. That is why it is so important 
today that we are having this debate.
  Again, I thank each and every one that has been part of this.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my friend and 
colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff).
  Mr. SCHIFF. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 24. The proud 
history of the United States Marine Corps began with the founding of 
the Continental Marines in 1775 to conduct ship-to-ship fighting, 
provide ship security and discipline, and assist in landing forces. 
Today, the Marine Corps is an elite, light, rapid deployment fighting 
force which includes over 203,000 active duty personnel and almost 
40,000 reservists.
  For almost 235 years, the men and women of the Marine Corps have 
served a vital role in protecting the United States and Americans 
around the world. These warriors deserve equality with the other 
branches of our armed services.
  After World War II, the War Department was designated as the 
Department of Defense as a means to update tradition. In 1947, the Army 
Air Corps separated from the Army and was established as the United 
States Air Force.
  The Marines are not seeking separation from the Navy. The long and 
proud tradition of our Navy and Marine Corps working side by side would 
simply be codified by the passing of H.R. 24 and officially recognize 
the Marines Corps as equal partners in protecting our Nation.
  In his speech at a recent news conference supporting this name 
change, retired Gunnery Sergeant and a familiar face to all of us who 
enjoy The History Channel, R. Lee Ermey, said: ``We're not asking for a 
promotion. We're not asking for more money. We don't want a uniform 
change. The only thing we want is for future Marines who shed blood for 
their country to at least get respect and receive honorable mention in 
the department they fall under.''
  This name change does not increase military spending, increase the 
size of the military, create another department, or change the internal 
budget process for the Navy or the Marine Corps. Nor does the change 
diminish their proud traditions. This change strengthens their 
relationship and shows the world that they stand together through a 
formal recognition of this partnership.
  I urge all Members to support H.R. 24.
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Schiff for those 
excellent remarks about this bill and the need for this proper 
recognition. Again, it is no more, no less than just recognizing the 
Marine Corps as part of one fighting team, the Navy and Marine Corps.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Schiff for also mentioning Gunnery 
Sergeant Lee Ermey, who has become the national spokesman. In fact, 
there is a Web site called MarineCause.Com that anybody that would like 
to see more about this issue and maybe join in on a petition, they 
could do that.
  We did a news conference about 5 weeks ago with the Marine Corps 
League, and I want to thank Mike Blum and the League for hosting this 
news conference. It was in the Cannon Building. Lee Ermey came. He is 
quite an interesting American. He is quite a patriot as well.
  At the news conference, the speakers that day, I made the opening 
remarks, and then Senator Pat Roberts, who has put a companion bill in 
on the Senate side, S. 504, and he himself is a retired Marine officer, 
he spoke.
  Then we had this young man named Eddie Wright. I never will forget 
him. Eddie Wright lost both hands in Iraq for this country. He came, 
and at the news conference he told the story of how much he loved the 
Navy. He said, ``Here I am a Marine. I would have died without the 
corpsmen saving my life.'' He said, ``We are one family. That is why I 
think this legislation is so important.'' Again, Eddie Wright has lost 
both hands.
  In addition, there was a father, Dick Lynn, from Richmond, Virginia. 
He was telling the story about when he received the condolence letter 
when his son died in Iraq for this country. This is the condolence 
letter. We have taken the names out of it. It is not the one that Mr. 
Lynn received. But it is just so ironic that the Marine family, whose 
son died for this country, that they receive a letter that says ``The 
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C.,'' with a Navy flag, and it 
says, ``On behalf of the Department of Navy, please accept our very 
sincere condolences.''
  A condolence letter certainly is important. But if this should become 
the law, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Lynn and every other family would receive a 
condolence letter that would say, ``The Secretary of the Navy and 
Marine Corps,'' with the Navy flag and the Marine flag. ``On behalf of 
the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps, please accept my sincere 
condolences on the loss of your loved one.''
  Mr. Lynn gave one example about the importance of ``team.'' He said, 
My father was a World War II Navy veteran. He is buried in Culpeper, 
Virginia. Next to my father is buried my son, who was in the United 
States Marine Corps. And on both headstones, the father, ``United 
States Navy,'' the son, ``United States Marine Corps.''
  As I begin to close, I want to thank Mr. Heinrich for being on the 
floor today and Mr. Schiff for being on the floor today. I want to 
thank the chairman of the committee, Ike Skelton, for being a supporter 
of this for over 8 years. I want to thank Buck McKeon for being a 
supporter of this for over 8 years.
  It is time that the Senate, I hope, will look at the fairness of this 
issue that will be sent to the United States Senate. That is all it is, 
is recognition and fairness to the United States Marine Corps, who are 
loved and endeared by the American people.
  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 24, 
a bill which will redesignate the Department of the Navy as the 
Department of the Navy and Marine Corps, and to recognize George 
Mulvaney and the Veterans of America's Heartland role in bringing this 
legislation to the floor.
  The Marine Corps is one of world's most capable and premier fighting 
forces. Since 1775

[[Page 7074]]

they have fought in every major armed conflict that our country has 
been a part of.
  Previously Congress has declared that there are four branches of the 
military, however today there are only three departments.
  The perception that the Marine Corps is under the Navy rather than 
being equal is real and evident, and should be corrected.
  The Navy and the Marine Corps are a team, and it is important that 
the American public be fully aware that these branches operate as 
partners and equals.
  H.R. 24 will recognize the Corps and their overall importance to our 
country and our national security. The long and proud history of the 
Marine Corps more than justifies the recognition of equal status with 
our other service branches and making all Americans aware of this is 
long overdue.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 24, 
the ``Marine Corps Identity'' bill. This bipartisan legislation would 
change the name of the Department of the Navy to the Department of the 
Navy and Marine Corps.
  For over 200 years, the Marine Corps has fought side by side with the 
Navy. Yet, despite having served in every armed conflict in America's 
history, the Marines are not recognized at the department level. When 
the parents of fallen Marines receive a letter of condolence from their 
country, the Marine Corps name does not even appear on the official 
letterhead. For too long, recognition of the United States Marine Corps 
has failed to match the remarkable sacrifice of its men and women.
  By adding just three symbolic words, H.R. 24 will finally honor the 
Marine Corps as a coequal branch of America's Armed Forces. For 
veterans in Minnesota and across the United States, and for our Marines 
currently serving overseas, I am proud to co-sponsor and vote to pass 
this important and overdue legislation.
  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. Speaker, 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 
gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Heinrich) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 24.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________