Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to observe a moment of silence in the House on the first legislative day of each month for those killed or wounded in United States engagements in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Madam Speaker, in May of this year I introduced H. Res. 1183, a resolution calling for the House to observe a moment of silence on the first legislative day of each month for those killed or wounded in the United States engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am very grateful that last month the Speaker of the House initiated this moment of silence to honor America's fallen heroes. It is my understanding that the Speaker will continue this monthly observance during votes tomorrow.

I again thank Speaker Pelosi for making this tribute a part of the regular order of the House. This moment of silence will serve as a solemn reminder of the more than 4,000 killed and more than 30,000 wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a thank-you from a grateful Nation. During the month of June, 56 United States servicemembers were killed; 27 in Afghanistan and 29 in Iraq.

Madam Speaker, I am sure every American shares my heart, which is heavy for the sacrifice of these fallen heroes. We are grateful to all of our men and women in uniform for their courage and for their selfless commitment to duty.

Again, I want to thank Speaker Pelosi and her staff for continuing to make this remembrance a reality for those who have sacrificed for our Nation and for their families. We, the House of Representatives, the People's House, should never forget those who have given their life for this great Nation.

May God continue to bless our men and women in uniform, and may God continue to bless the families of our men and women in uniform. And I ask God to continue to bless America.

Mr. Speaker, on May 8, 2008, I introduced H. Res. 1183, a resolution calling for the House to observe a moment of silence on the first legislative day of each month for those killed or wounded, as well as their families, in the United States' engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I am very grateful that the Speaker of the House has written me to indicate her support for this proposal and has agreed that it is important for the House of Representatives to honor America's fallen heroes. It is my understanding that the Speaker will initiate this moment of silence during the first series of votes tomorrow.

I am pleased that this month will mark the beginning of the House's ongoing observation of a moment of silence for those killed or wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan. I thank Speaker Pelosi for making this right and fitting tribute a part of the regular order of the House.

This moment of silence will serve as a solemn reminder of the more than 4,000 killed and more than 30,000 wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan and a thank you from a grateful Nation. For their courage and selfless commitment to duty, these servicemembers, and their families, deserve our unending support.

Again, I want to thank Speaker Pelosi, and Catlin O'Neill on her staff, for working with me to make this remembrance a reality for the families of those who have sacrificed for our Nation.