[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 1]
[House]
[Page 397]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                WASP ARLINGTON INURNMENT RESTORATION ACT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Denham) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss the contributions the 
WASPs have made to our great country. These are the Women Airforce 
Service Pilots, and they represent an elite group of female pilots.
  They flew combat missions during World War II. These women displayed 
courage, valor, and a willingness to serve, and they made invaluable 
contributions to our Nation's efforts to battle on the world stage.
  There were fewer than 1,100 WASPs, and 38 of them died during their 
service. But because the unit was created in 1942, the WASP group was 
never granted full military status.
  In 1977, Congress retroactively granted Active-Duty status to these 
brave pilots to ensure that all VA policies, laws, and services would 
apply to them; yet, the Army recently denied the request of WASPs who 
were seeking a place in Arlington National Cemetery. They say they are 
running out of space.
  This decision flies in the face of our Nation's efforts to recognize, 
reward, and treat honorably the contributions of all of our veterans. 
These women deserve the same honor that is bestowed upon hundreds of 
thousands of their fellow servicemembers.
  So I urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring and supporting the 
bill.
  I say this to the VA: Find the space.

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