March 11, 2009 - Issue: Vol. 155, No. 43 — Daily Edition111th Congress (2009 - 2010) - 1st Session
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YEAR OF THE MILITARY FAMILY; Congressional Record Vol. 155, No. 43
(House - March 11, 2009)
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[Pages H3297-H3300] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] YEAR OF THE MILITARY FAMILY Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 64) urging the President to designate 2009 as the ``Year of the Military Family''. The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution. The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows: H. Con. Res. 64 Whereas there are more than 1.8 million family members of regular component members of the Armed Forces and an additional 1.1 million family members of reserve component members; Whereas slightly more than half of all members of the regular and reserve components are married, and just over 40 percent of military spouses are 30 years or younger and 60 percent of military spouses are under 36 years of age; Whereas there are nearly 1.2 million children between the ages of birth and 23 years who are dependents of regular component members, and there are over 713,000 children between such ages who are dependents of reserve component members; Whereas the largest group of minor children of regular component members consist of children between the ages of birth and 5 years, while the largest group of minor children of reserve component members consist of children between the ages of 6 and 14 years; Whereas the needs, resources, and challenges confronting a military family, particularly when a member of the family has been deployed, vastly differ between younger age children and children who are older; Whereas the United States recognizes that military families are also serving their country, and the United States must ensure that all the needs of military dependent children are being met, for children of members of both the regular and reserve components; Whereas military families often face unique challenges and difficulties that are inherent to military life, including long separations from loved ones, the repetitive demands of frequent deployments, and frequent uprooting of community ties resulting from moves to bases across the country and overseas; Whereas thousands of military family members have taken on volunteer responsibilities to assist units and members of the Armed Forces who have been deployed by supporting family readiness groups, helping military spouses meet the demands of a single parent during a deployment, or providing a shoulder to cry on or the comfort of understanding; Whereas military families provide members of the Armed Forces with the strength and emotional support that is needed from the home front for members preparing to deploy, who are deployed, or who are returning from deployment; Whereas some military families have given the ultimate sacrifice in the loss of a principal family member in defense of the United States; and Whereas 2009 would be an appropriate year to designate as the ``Year of the Military Family'': Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress-- (1) expresses its deepest appreciation to the families of members of the Armed Forces who serve, or have served, in defense of the United States; (2) recognizes the contributions that military families make, and encourages the people of the United States to share their appreciation for the sacrifices military families give on behalf of the United States; and (3) urges the President-- (A) to designate a ``Year of the Military Family''; and (B) to encourage the people of the United States and the Department of Defense to observe the ``Year of Military Family'' with appropriate ceremonies and activities. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) and the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri. General Leave Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Missouri? There was no objection. Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 64, which I introduced, along with my ranking member, John McHugh, and the majority of my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee. House Concurrent Resolution 64 calls for the President to designate 2009 as the ``Year of the Military Family.'' For over 7 years, our Nation has been in sustained conflict. Our servicemembers are facing multiple deployments, but they are not the only ones who are shouldering the burden of the war. Nearly 2 million of our military families have also shared in that burden. [[Page H3298]] While I am proud of Americans across this great Nation who have volunteered or contributed funds and supplies to support our deployed and injured troops, those who have been on the forefront of those efforts are the military families. Over the last several years, military families have faced months of separation, some as long as 18 to 20 months. With over 1 million children between the ages of birth and 23 years of age who have parents in uniform, there have been many missed birthdays, graduations, holidays, and a child's first words and other major life accomplishments that are all too common as troops continue to experience back-to-back deployments. Military families endure such hardship and sacrifices so their servicemember can proudly continue to serve the Nation. Military families often provide moral support, as well as comfort, to each other, especially during these difficult times. However, many families, especially those in the Reserves and Guard, do not have that luxury. Often these families must face these hardships alone, far from support programs and far from facilities that are located on military bases. The President and Mrs. Obama have stated that military families will be a top priority for this administration. I applaud the President and Mrs. Obama for their commitment to their military families. Mr. Speaker, I urge the President to continue this commitment and recognize the sacrifices of military family members who have given support to their servicemember and this nation, and declare this to be the ``Year of the Military Family.'' I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this important resolution. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise also in support of House Concurrent Resolution 64, which urges the President to designate 2009 as the ``Year of the Military Family,'' and I thank the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Representative Skelton, for offering it. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute today to the force behind the force--the military family. It has long been known that the military services recruit individuals but retain families. This has never been more true nor more critical than it is today. The support our troops receive from their loving families--mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses and children--is intangible, and it is nothing less than a powerful force multiplier. Dedicating a year to honor the service and sacrifice of our military families is the least we can do to say thank you and to call attention to this sometimes forgotten resource. Today, Mr. Speaker, millions of Americans have one or more family members serving in the Armed Forces. These incredible families attempt to lead normal lives while their loved ones stand in harm's way, fulfilling our Nation's oath to serve and protect. But they do not just wait. They also serve. Military spouses spend countless hours volunteering in family readiness programs and wounded warrior networks, all while managing to be two parents at once. Military children, numbering almost 2 million in our country, attempt to be like other children while trying their hardest not to let sadness and worry overcome them. Mr. Speaker, the strength of the military family is astonishing. As we celebrate military families, let us not forget the sacrifice of parents. Military parents give their sons and daughters to the Nation and pray ceaselessly for their safe return. They look forward to every letter and every phone call, while fearing the ringing of the phone and the doorbell at the same time. Military children, Mr. Speaker, are a very different breed of young adult. They do not always have hometowns, but they do have a heightened sense of family, both in the traditional sense and in the special characteristics of the military community. Their home is where the military chooses to send them, and their family becomes all who surround them. They do not hesitate to support their family when their father or mother walks out the door for 6 months, 8 months, or even more often now, a year. In most cases they are Mom or Dad's biggest fans. Many times the oldest child takes over as second in charge while serving as a rock for the youngest. Even at a young age, military children know what the words ``ultimate sacrifice'' means, and these words are in the back of their minds every day that goes by. Military families have an uncanny resilience. They are some of the strongest citizens in this country, and I am privileged to recognize them not only today, but every day. I have many such dedicated families in my strongly military district, the Fifth District of Colorado. {time} 1300 I urge my colleagues to support this very important resolution because without the support of our military families, our Armed Forces would not be the incredible power that they are today. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. SKELTON. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra). Mr. BECERRA. I thank the chairman for yielding and, more importantly, I thank him for this resolution, which tries to not only recognize the men and women who are in uniform, but certainly the men and women and children and parents of our soldiers in uniform who day to day have to go through the same experiences that our troops abroad and in our military stations throughout must go through as well. There are some 3 million Americans today who represent the family members of our brave soldiers. I am pleased to say that I count myself among those family members. And I believe it is something that not only should be done in 2009 to urge the President to designate this year as the Year of the Military Family but, quite honestly, this is something we should do every year. I think it is of the utmost importance. And we applaud the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, for the role that she has decided to play in elevating the stature of our families who are here or throughout the world and have a family member serving today on behalf of this country. It is something that I think sometimes we take for granted. But this is an occasion today where, on the floor of the most democratic body in the history of this world, we can say to all those who serve in uniform, not just from our country, but throughout, that we do think about you, we do respect what you do and, more importantly, we realize that you have family that day to day must go through the same experiences you do. So, Mr. Chairman, I think it is something we should do, as I said, all the time. I think every Member in this body would agree that we have to think about our servicemembers and their families every day. And it doesn't hurt to periodically do it in a more official way by actually having a resolution which urges the President to declare this year the Year of the Military Family. With that, I thank you very much for not just your service, but your insight and your wisdom in trying to always make sure that we elevate our men and women in uniform and their families to the highest levels we can. Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to a new member of the Armed Services Committee, but she's already starting to make a strong contribution, the gentlelady from Oklahoma (Ms. Fallin). Ms. FALLIN. I am here today to support this resolution also, and to support the naming of 2009 as the Year of the Military Family. For years now, we have been sending our sons and our daughters overseas to fight terror and also fight for our freedom. Our military men and women have sacrificed, missing birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and endured many hardships, and we are honored on this floor in this Chamber to frequently pay tribute to those men and women. Too often, however, we forget the families, the loved ones behind our military men and women--our mothers, our fathers, our children, our siblings, husbands and wives of our troops. Their sacrifice is also worthy of our greatest respect. These are the unsung heroes of the War on Terror, the loved ones who watch our troops go into battle, and are ready to greet them when they arrive back home. We now have 1.8 million family members of active duty military personnel, and just over 1 million family members [[Page H3299]] of reservists. Of every two soldiers who are deployed, one leaves behind a wife or a husband who will wait for months, and sometimes even years, before they see their spouse again. Nearly 2 million children have fathers or mothers who are in the military, and these children, undoubtedly, feel great pride in having a mother or father serve their country, but they also feel a great burden of growing up with one parent who often is far from home and missing those important times. Without the support and sacrifice of these brave men, women, and their children, our Armed Services could not function, so much so that it is just safe to say thank you to our military families for their service and for protecting our country and for making the tremendous sacrifices with their families. So, Mr. Speaker, for all these reasons, I would like to join my colleagues in also congratulating the 2009 members of the military families, and to say that this is your year. 2009 is the Year of the Military Family. So let us join in and respect those families and honor them today in this Chamber. Mr. SKELTON. I yield such time as he may consume to a cosponsor of this legislation, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran.) Mr. MORAN of Virginia. I am honored to have a moment to speak on this resolution, and deeply grateful to Chairman Skelton for introducing it and advancing it. You know, they say that an army travels on its stomach. In other words, the physical well-being of an army has to be taken into consideration. They have to be well fed, they have to be cared for. The way you win wars though, comes from the heart and mind of our soldiers, sailors, and airmen. And the way that you motivate them is to assure them that this country is providing for their families. That is what they care about more than anything else. When they go to war, when they choose to serve this country in the Armed Services, their principal motivation, really, is their family. They are doing this to provide security to their children, to their parents, to their loved ones. And that is what this resolution is all about, recognizing the indispensable role that military families play. We have lost more than 2,000 parents of young children in Iraq. But hundreds of thousands have known that when they say goodbye to their daddy or mommy, they may not see them again. And they have to live with that reality. They comfort each other, families get to know each other, provide a support network. But it's absolutely essential that we, as a Nation, understand that we are putting these families on the front line. That they are prepared to pay the ultimate sacrifice, that they are fully prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure that we have soldiers, sailors, airmen and women who will go to war, will risk their lives, knowing that they have the support of their families at home. Now, we have tried to put more money into the veterans' bill to improve health care, particularly the type of health care that we have found a particular compelling need for--permanent brain injury, post- traumatic stress disorder, mental illnesses--that have increased dramatically in the last few years, particularly with IEDs and the violence that they cause in Iraq and Afghanistan. But when they come home, if we don't adequately treat them, the price is paid by the family. It's the family that has to deal with sometimes uncontrollable violent urges, where the veteran of combat finds it difficult to control themselves, to make that transition to the society in which they need to take on the role of husband, wife, or parent. All of these challenges are even greater than they have ever been before. And that is why this Congress, this Nation, needs to take every opportunity to focus on the needs of these families who show real patriotism and real loyalty to the principles and ideals and values of this Nation, and are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to uphold those principles, ideals, and values, even the risk of loss of a loved one. So, with that, Mr. Chairman, again, I thank you for introducing, for promoting this resolution and, most importantly, I thank you for being conscious of what this resolution is all about every single day throughout the year in the legislation that the Armed Services Committee and your colleagues in the Congress pass. It has to be a priority. So, I know this will pass unanimously, and I appreciate the fact that it's offered on the floor today. Mr. LAMBORN. At this point, I yield 4 minutes to someone who's made a strong contribution to the military--until January, he served for many years on the Armed Services Committee--the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey). Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 64, urging the President to designate 2009 as the Year of the Military Family. It's going to be difficult to follow the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Moran, what he said out of compassion and love for the military families, but I will humbly try to do so. Certainly, I would like to say a special thanks to Chairman Skelton, Ranking Member John McHugh, as well as to the members and the staff of the House Armed Services Committee, for the tireless effort in support of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who are bravely defending us at home and abroad. Mr. Speaker, today we rightfully take time to recognize the families of those brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to the service of our Nation. I stand here and I am thinking about so many families--moms and dads, brothers and sisters--of fallen soldiers in my State of Georgia, and of my district, the 11th Congressional in northwest Georgia. I am not trying to mention all of them, but they are definitely in my mind and in my heart. For it is not just the members of the military who serve our country, but also their family members, who sacrifice so much in support of these heroes who, day in and day out, protect our freedom. Mr. Speaker, the families of those who serve our country on the front lines deserve the admiration and appreciation of each and every citizen. These family members often watch their loved ones travel to faraway lands in support of a cause and an ideal so much greater than any one individual. Indeed, the democracy on display here today with our presence in this Chamber is testament to the courage and valor of our Armed Forces. The support given to our servicemen and women by their loved ones is irreplaceable, as it's a foundation for the bravery inherent in those who labor steadfastly in the defense of liberty. Any of us who have watched videos and movies about the Civil War and read some of those letters to home that the infantrymen would write, maybe right before a battle and they give their lives to their country, it is indeed moving. So, let us now honor and say a gracious thank you to each and every military family, every member of those families, for the encouragement, love, and kindness they exhibit in supporting their precious loved ones as they serve a Nation that will forever be free because of their sacrifice. It is to the family members that we now say thank you. Mr. Speaker, we are proud of all of our servicemen and women and are eternally grateful for their efforts in the Global War on Terror. Let us not forget the ones who have provided the closest circle of support for them wherever they may serve around the globe. I urge all my colleagues, of course, to support this. Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman). {time} 1315 Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time to join the others in making a particular statement on behalf of the sacrifice of military families. We pay great attention, and should, to the sacrifices of our young servicemen and servicewomen who risk their lives in service of their country. We sometimes don't pay as much attention to people who make a tremendous sacrifice by virtue of seeing their loved ones, their spouses, their parents, their children in many cases, going off to [[Page H3300]] military service, particularly in the context of recent times, dealing with the repeated deployments, the disruptions, the movement, the constant concern about the welfare of the loved one. And it is quite appropriate and long overdue that we actually designate this year, 2009, as the year of the military families. I strongly support this resolution. Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for offering this resolution. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. SKELTON. Most of us Members of Congress have had the opportunity to witness military units as they are ready to deploy. We have also seen military units as they have returned, or individual members of our service returning, and watch their families greet them with happiness and with tears. It is difficult to put ourselves in their places, but the best we can do is to show our appreciation, and that our thoughts and our prayers are with them as well as their loved ones who are serving. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of urging the President to designate 2009 as the ``Year of the Military Family.'' Our military's ability to perform its mission abroad is directly related to the strength of our families at home. Without families willing to sign up for military life alongside their soldier, sailor, airman or marine, we would not have the tremendous all-volunteer force we have today. Our military has been at war for nearly eight years against persistent and determined enemies thousands of miles away. And in many ways, so have our military families. With loved ones deployed to theatres of combat, our families have lived with the enormous uncertainty brought by every ring of the phone and every knock on the door. For far too many, that unexpected phone call or visitor announced the tragic loss of a spouse or parent. For thousands more, injuries sustained in battle require a spouse or child to take on the responsibility of caretaker. I am continually amazed at their resilience and ability to continue with their lives under such difficult circumstances. Every family signed up knowing the requirements of duty. However, regular assignments to theatres of war will challenge even the strongest families. Like many of my colleagues, I hear the frustration and sense the pain that frequent, dangerous and unpredictable deployments are having on military communities. We know that these deployments are often measured not by weeks or months, but by anniversaries, birthdays and important life moments. Describing the length of her husband's deployment, one of my constituents told me how her husband ``missed his older son's graduation from college, and his youngest son's graduation from High School.'' Her frustration was clear. As Chairman Skelton mentioned earlier, over a million children have not had a mom or dad or both home for life's important events. We have tried to take steps to lessen the strain on our families, but high operational tempo and policies like stop-loss still have a significant impact. As a Navy wife recently told me, ``We are resigned to the necessity of deployment.'' Mr. Speaker, our first commander in chief, President Washington, said, ``The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of early wars were treated and appreciated by our nation.'' Today, President Washington's statement should probably read, ``The willingness with which our ``families are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive families of early wars were treated and appreciated by our nation.'' That is why the Military Personnel Subcommittee will hold a hearing later this year focusing on military families and topics that are unique to military life. . . . But it will take more than a series of hearings to address the very real concerns felt by families and men and women in uniform. Just as we must ensure that service members have the equipment they need in the field, so too must we guarantee that families have the support they need at home. I urge President Obama to honor the commitment of those who ``serve'' behind our men and women in uniform and designate 2009 the Year of the Military Family. I hope all my colleagues will support this resolution. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 64, ``Urging the President to designate 2009 as the `Year of the Military Family'.'' I want to thank my colleague Congressman Ike Skelton of Missouri for introducing this resolution. No group of Americans has stood stronger and braver for our nation than those who have served in the Armed Forces. From the bitter cold winter at Valley Forge to the boiling hot Iraqi terrain, our soldiers have courageously answered when called upon, gone where ordered, and defended our nation with honor. Their noble service reminds us of our mission as a nation--to build a future worthy of their courage and your sacrifice. We celebrate, honor and remember these courageous and faithful men and women. While the nation's attention has been wholly focused on the economic crisis, Americans continue to die in wars across the globe, from Iraq to Afghanistan and beyond. The war in Iraq no longer makes headlines, but for military families it remains a daily reality, and I urge my colleagues to recognize the challenges that the families of these brave soldiers face and support this resolution in their honor. When American troops are the ones fighting abroad, it is our military families who must also suffer. They wait every day and night hoping to hear from their loved ones, praying that they are not put in harm's way, that they may come home soon. Too many families have not been so lucky, finding out the news of a loved one's death is not only emotionally traumatizing it can have long term effects for the family that may never be repaired. We must all stand as champions for our men and women fighting abroad. These soldiers who bravely reported for duty, they are our sons and our daughters, they are our fathers and mothers, they are our husbands and wives, they are our fellow Americans. There are over 26,550,000 veterans in the United States. In the 18th Congressional district of Texas alone there are more than 38,000 veterans and they make up almost ten percent of this district's civilian population over the age of 18. We remember and honor the sacrifices of our forces and their families. And we renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to those who have worn this nation's uniform. Our veterans and their families ask for nothing more. Let us fight the good fight. Mr. SKELTON. I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 64. 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. SKELTON. 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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