Date: 2016-01-11
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Obviously we share a compassion and passion for these wonderful women. We also serve on the Committee on Homeland Security together. First of all. let me thank you for your service and thank you so very much for bringing this very important issue. this bipartisan issue to the floor of the House and certainly to your colleagues. I am looking forward to working with you on this issue. I just want to say that one of my greatest joys in the United States Congress was the military war zones that I had the chance to go to. starting with the Bosnian war. I came in in that timeframe and traveled to that area. Kosovo and Albania. and then. of course. Iraq and Afghanistan and certainly a number of other sites where issues of conflict were going on. There I saw a myriad of women who stood on the shoulders of these women. who are now in a variety of the branches. not just aviators or in the Air Force in particular. but they stood on the shoulders of these women. It gave me a sense of pride and duty to say to them. "Thank you." Women are unique. Many of them are mothers or sisters and daughters who are in the service. or they take care of children. or they are nurturers for someone else. We have a particular role. but yet they are in the military leaving their families. Just coming in today. I read an article about the ranger who is from my constituency who just came out of ranger school and is from Houston. I simply want to say. this is the right thing to do. Every yearand I think you have joined us now as you have come to Congresswe go on Memorial Day week to Arlington and lay a wreath for women who died in the line of duty or in the service of their country. Does anyone realize the numbers of women? We have been doing this now for more than a decade. and the women of the House join us. They do that because this is a valuable part of Americas history. To the lady. the aviator that now. I wouldnt say languished. but is with her granddaughter. her ashes are with her granddaughter. I want to make a public commitment joining you to say that her ashes should be in a place where she can rest in peace. We should move this quickly. If it requires an independent action by the Army. a reconsideration. I am sure none of us would be offended by the Army rescinding this particularhow should I say it?-action. I just wanted to come and thank you. I want to thank my colleague SUSAN DAVIS and all of my colleagues who have been on the floor. I did not want to miss this opportunity. Coming from Texas. I think. as I walk down the streets of Houston or travel throughout the State of Texas. I see veterans and Active Duty everywhere. We are proud of that. In urban centers like Houston. you would think not. but they are dominant there. Just this past Christmas. we had what we call Toys for Kids and honored veterans families. This is an important mission. and I want to join you in this mission. We have gotten our assignment. We really need to work. I think the American people need to know that all of us will join together to honor either our veterans. our fallen soldiers. or those who were the pioneers who I know the story of. who stood when they were called and did not step away from duty. did not step away from the danger. did not step away from possible death as they pursued the cause of this country and to protect this country. I thank you for yielding to me. I am ready to roll up my sleeves. Lets get busy. Lets help find a resting place for this dear sister and servant of the Nation. Lets find a resting place going forward for all of those who have served this wonderful and great country. They deserve it.