[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 27 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
1st Session
H. J. RES. 27
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 6, 2003
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services
_______________________________________________________________________
JOINT RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending the continuing dedication, selfless service,
and commitment of members of the Armed Forces and their families during
the Global War on Terrorism and in defense of the United States.
Whereas the Global War on Terrorism began in response to the unprovoked
terrorist attack on the United States
homeland on September 11, 2001, which resulted in the deaths of thousands
of United States citizens;
Whereas Al Qaeda, which attacked the United States on September 11, 2001,
remains a threat to the national security of the United States;
Whereas the members of the Armed Forces of the United States, a total force
comprised of active, National Guard, and Reserve personnel, have
undertaken more than 17 months of courageous and successful operations
against terrorism, not only in Afghanistan, but also worldwide;
Whereas since September 11, 2001, members of the United States Armed Forces have
promoted homeland security throughout the United States by performing
various missions, including providing security at the Nation's airports,
protecting the public at special events, and patrolling the Nation's
skies with combat air patrols;
Whereas members of the Armed Forces are helping around the world to train the
militaries of other nations in counter-terrorism operations;
Whereas these post-September 11, 2001, missions have been in addition to other
regular military missions and have been performed without any permanent
increase in the size of the Armed Forces;
Whereas more than 65 American servicemembers have died defending the Nation in
the Global War on Terrorism and more than 210 have been wounded or
injured;
Whereas nearly 225,000 members of the National Guard and Reserve components have
been mobilized for active duty since the start of the Global War on
Terrorism, of whom more than 166,000 remain on active duty, with
thousands facing a second year of active duty away from families and
civilian employment;
Whereas more than 200,000 active-duty personnel have already been deployed to
the Persian Gulf theater and thousands of Reservists and National Guard
members have been alerted for mobilization or are deploying for a
possible war with Iraq;
Whereas many employers in the Nation find their employees called to active duty
in the National Guard and Reserve, and are themselves called upon in the
spirit of patriotism to maintain job security for those mobilized
personnel and their families;
Whereas the ability of members of the Armed Forces to perform their missions
requires the support and sacrifice of their families and the commitment
to go wherever the Nation needs them;
Whereas the Nation is engaged in an unprecedented global conflict that presents
many new and dangerous challenges to the members of the Armed Forces;
and
Whereas this global conflict will require the Nation's unflinching resolve and
commitment to provide the Nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen, and
marines with the necessary resources required for victory: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress--
(1) commends, and expresses the gratitude of the Nation to,
all members of the United States Armed Forces (whether on
active duty, in the National Guard, or in the Reserves) who are
fighting the Global War on Terrorism;
(2) commends, and expresses the gratitude of the Nation to,
the employers who in the spirit of patriotism maintain the job
security of their mobilized National Guard and Reserve
employees;
(3) commends, and expresses the gratitude of the Nation to,
the families of those servicemembers who have borne the burden
of separation from their loved ones and who have staunchly
supported them during the conduct of the Global War on
Terrorism;
(4) expresses its condolences to the families of the brave
American servicemembers who have lost their lives defending the
Nation in the Global War on Terrorism; and
(5) reaffirms that it stands united with the President in
the ongoing effort to defeat global terrorism.
Passed the House of Representatives March 5, 2003.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk.