Recognizing and honoring the courage and sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to address the Chair regarding the votes that I missed on the following dates:

May 12, due to the passing of my mother, Ivalita Jackson, I missed the following votes:

Rollcall vote No. 259, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote No. 260, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote No. 261, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote No. 262, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote No. 263, I would have voted no;

Rollcall vote 264, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 265, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 266, I would have voted ``aye''.

I rise to address the Chair regarding my absence from rollcall votes 259-266 on Wednesday, May 12, 2010.

I was not able to cast my votes during roll call 259-266 because I was in bereavement of the passing of my mother, Ivalita Jackson. Had I been present, for rollcall vote 259, on agreeing to the resolution, H. Res. 1344, ``Providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010,'' I would have voted ``aye''; for rollcall vote 260, on motion to suspend the rules and pass as amended, H.R. 5014, `` To clarify the health care provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that constitutes minimum essential coverage,'' I would have voted ``aye''; for rollcall vote 261, on motion to suspend the rules and agree as amended, H. Con. Res. 268, ``Supporting the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week, and for other purposes,'' I would have voted ``aye''; for rollcall vote 262, on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 5116, ``Gordon Amendment No. 1,'' I would have voted ``aye''; for rollcall vote 263, on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 5116, ``Hall of Texas Amendment No. 6,'' I would have voted ``no''; for rollcall vote 264, on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 5116, ``Markey of Massachusetts Amendment No. 10,'' I would have voted ``aye''; for rollcall vote 265, on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 5116, ``George Miller of California, Amendment No. 12,'' I would have voted ``aye''; for roll call vote 266, on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 5116, ``Reyes of Texas Amendment No. 13,'' I would have voted ``aye'';

Tuesday, May 18, due similarly to the passing of my mother:

Rollcall votes 273 to 275, motion to suspend the rules, rollcall vote 273, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 274, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 275, I would have voted ``aye''.

I rise to address the Chair regarding my absence from rollcall votes 273-275 on Tuesday, May 18, 2010.

I was not able to cast my votes during roll-call 273-275 because I was in bereavement of the passing of my mother, Ivalita Jackson. I would like to state for the record how I would have voted had I been present.

For rollcall vote 273, on motion to suspend the rules and pass as amended, H.R. 2288, ``Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Improvement Act of 2009,'' I would have voted ``aye'';

For rollcall vote 274, on motion to suspend the rules and pass as amended, H.R. 4614, ``Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act of 2010,'' I would have voted ``aye'';

For rollcall vote 275, on motion to suspend the rules and agree, H. Res. 1327, ``Honoring the life achievements, and contributions of Floyd Dominy,'' I would have voted ``aye.''

On the 20th of May, due to the passing of my mother, I missed the following votes:

Rollcall vote 284, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 285, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 286, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 287, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 288, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 289, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 290, I would have voted ``aye''.

I rise to address the Chair regarding my absence from rollcall votes 284-290 on Thursday, May 20, 2010.

I was not able to cast my votes during rollcall 284-290 because I was in bereavement of the passing of my mother, Ivalita Jackson. I would like to state for the Record how I would have voted had I been present.

For rollcall vote 284, on motion to suspend the rules and pass as amended, H.R. 5327, ``To authorize assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system,'' I would have voted ``aye''.

For rollcall vote 285, on motion to suspend the rules agree to, H. Res. 1256, ``Congratulating Phil Mickelson on winning the 2010 Masters golf tournament,'' I would have voted ``aye'';

For rollcall vote 286, on motion to suspend the rules and agree to, H. Res. 1336, `` Congratulating the University of Texas men's swimming and diving team for winning the NCAA Division I national championship,'' I would have voted ``aye'';

For rollcall vote 287, on motion to suspend the rules and pass as amended, H.R. 1361, ``Recognizing North Carolina Central on its 100th anniversary,'' I would have voted ``aye'';

For rollcall vote 288, on ordering the previous question, H. Res. 1363, ``Granting the authority provided under clause 4(c)(3) of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to the Committee on Education and Labor for purposes of its investigation into underground coal mining safety,'' I would have voted ``aye'';

For rollcall vote 289, on agreeing to resolution, H. Res. 163, ``Granting the authority provided under clause 4(c)(3) of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to the Committee on Education and Labor for purposes of its investigation into underground coal mining safety,'' I would have voted ``aye'';

For rollcall vote 290, on motion to suspend the rules and pass as amended, H.R. 5128, ``To designate the Department of the Interior Building in Washington, District of Columbia, as the Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building,'' I would have voted ``aye'';

Accordingly, I continued to miss time on the passing of my mother on May 24, and I missed rollcall votes 291 to 293.

I would have voted, on rollcall vote 291, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 292, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 293, I would have voted ``aye''.

I rise to address the Chair regarding my absence from rollcall votes 291-293 on Monday, May 24, 2010.

I was not able to cast my votes during rollcall 291-293 because I was in bereavement of the passing of my mother, Ivalita Jackson. I would like to state for the Record how I would have voted had I been present.

For rollcall vote 291, on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 278, ``Expressing the sense of Congress that a grateful Nation supports and salutes Sons and Daughters in Touch on its 20th Anniversary that is being held on Fathers Day, 2010, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, the District of Columbia,'' I would have voted ``aye'';

For rollcall vote 292, on motion to suspend the rules and pass as amended, H.R. 1017, ``Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act,'' I would have voted ``aye'';

For rollcall vote 293, on motion to suspend the rules and pass as amended, H.R. 5330, ``To amend the Anti-trust Penalty Enhancement and Reform Act of 2004 to extend the operation of such Act for a 5-year period ending June 22, 2015, and for other purposes,'' I would have voted ``aye''.

On Tuesday, May 25, accordingly, I missed the following votes pursuant to the earlier statement:

Rollcall vote 294, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 295, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 296, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 297, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 298, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 299, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 300, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 301, I would have voted ``aye''.

I rise to address the Chair regarding my absence from rollcall votes 294-301 on Tuesday, May 25, 2010.

I was not able to cast my votes during rollcall 294-301 because I was in bereavement of the passing of my mother, Ivalita Jackson. I would like to state for the Record how I would have voted had I been present.

For rollcall vote 294, on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 5145, ``Assuring Quality Care for Veterans Act,'' I would have voted ``aye.''

For rollcall vote 295, on motion to suspend the rule and agree to H. Res. 437, ``Expressing support for designation of May 2010 as Mental Health Month,'' I would have voted ``aye.''

For rollcall vote 296, on motion to suspend the rules and agree as amended to H. Res. 1382, ``Expressing sympathy to the families of those killed by North Korea in the sinking of the Republic of Korea Ship Cheonan, and solidarity with the Republic of Korea in the aftermath of this tragic incident,'' I would have voted ``aye.''

For rollcall vote 297, on motion to suspend the rules and agree as amended to H. Res. 584, ``Recognizing the importance of manufactured and modular housing in the United States,'' I would have voted ``aye.''

For rollcall vote 298, on motion to suspend the rules and agree as amended to H.Res. 3885, ``Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act,'' I would have voted ``aye.''

For rollcall vote 299, on motion to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendments to H.R. 2711, ``Special Agent Samuel Hicks Families of Fallen Heroes Act,'' I would have voted ``aye.''

For rollcall vote 300, on motion to suspend the rules and agree as amended to H. Res.

1189, ``Commending Lance Mackey on winning a record 4th straight Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race,'' I would have voted ``aye.''

For rollcall vote 301, on motion to suspend the rules and agree as amended to H. Res. 1172, ``Recognizing the life and achievements of Will Keith Kellogg,'' I would have voted ``aye.''

May 26, I was unavoidably detained on official business. I missed rollcall vote 302. I would have voted aye;

Rollcall vote 303, I would have voted ``aye'';

Rollcall vote 304, I would have voted ``aye''; and

Rollcall vote 305, I would have voted ``aye''.

I rise to address the Chair regarding my absence from rollcall votes 302-305 on Wednesday, May 26, 2010.

Mr. Speaker, I was not able to cast my votes during rollcall on Wednesday, May 26, 2010, because I was away from the office on official business. I would like to state for the Record how I would have voted, had I been present.

For rollcall vote, 302, on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1347, ``Honoring the workers who perished on the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana, extending condolences to their families, and recognizing the valiant efforts of emergency response workers at the disaster site,'' I would have voted ``aye.''

For rollcall vote 303, on motion to suspend the rule and agree to H. Res. 1385, ``recognizing and honoring the courage and sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes,'' I would have voted ``aye.''

For rollcall vote 304, on motion to suspend the rules and agree as amended to H. Res 1316, ``Celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month,'' I would have voted ``aye.''

For rollcall vote 305, on motion to suspend the rules and agree as amended to H. Res. 1169, ``Honoring the 125th anniversary of Rollins College,'' I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1385) recognizing and honoring the courage and sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, May is Military Appreciation Month; and to honor our men and women and uniform and our veterans, I, along with my good friend and ranking member from California (Mr. McKeon), have introduced H. Res. 1385.

Mr. Speaker, I grew up around veterans of the First World War. My father served in the Navy onboard the U.S.S. Missouri in that conflict; and he, like so many young men who returned from that war, became the civic and political leaders of their day.

Tom Brokaw wrote a best-selling book entitled, ``The Greatest Generation,'' the saga of those who fought the two-front Second World War. These veterans changed the complexion of our country in every walk of life. Their experiences in war, sometimes on the battlefield, instilled in them tremendous confidence and a sense of duty and, like the generation of war veterans before them, the World War I veterans, returned to hometowns across America, large and small, to become leaders in their communities.

In 1950, President Harry S. Truman ordered U.S. military intervention on the Korean peninsula. In many respects, our participation in the Korean conflict has served as a model for the way our military operates today. Korea was the first multilateral United Nations operation, and it has become the longest standing peacekeeping operation in modern times. While we are inclined to remember the leaders who ultimately brought us victory in the Korean War--Truman, MacArthur, Acheson, Walker, and Ridgeway--it's really the men and women who served so bravely to whom we pay tribute.

The need to contain the spread of communism brought U.S. servicemembers to a small country in Southeast Asia called Vietnam. It was 1964 when Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin resolution and 1973 before the last U.S. combat troops left Vietnam. Much is owed to the men and women who served in that conflict, and it must be remembered that those who fought and died in service to the United States in Southeast Asia are owed the appreciation of a grateful Nation, even though so many did not receive the welcome home that they deserved.

The Persian Gulf War was a tremendous display of U.S. military technology, but what must not be forgotten is that the swift end to combat operations was the result of a sound strategy and the ability of U.S. service personnel to carry out that strategy.

And of course today our men and women in uniform are engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan. I predict those returning from these conflicts will be another great generation. Rising from the sands of the Middle East, these veterans, who have toiled and fought there to bring peace and civilization back to those two beleaguered countries, are truly America's future.

In addition to large-scale conflicts, U.S. military forces have been involved in far more small-scale contingency operations. In each instance, in numbers both large and small, the men and women of the United States' armed services have answered the Nation's call.

So let us remember the importance of those who wore the uniform and those who wear it today. They have served this Nation, and now we must do right by them in Congress, in our communities, and in our everyday lives. Today, we honor their courage and their sacrifice, and to all of them we say thank you.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Veterans' Affairs,

Washington, DC, May 21, 2010.

Hon. Ike Skelton,

Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Rayburn Building,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Skelton: On May 20, 2010, H. Res. 1385,

recognizing and honoring the courage and sacrifice of members

of the Armed Forces and veterans was introduced in the House

of Representatives. This measure was sequentially referred to

the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

The Committee on Veterans' Affairs recognizes the

importance of H. Res. 1385 and the need to move this

resolution expeditiously in order to honor the courage and

sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces and veterans.

Therefore, while we have valid jurisdictional claims to this

resolution, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs will waive

further consideration of H. Res. 1385. The Committee does so

with the understanding that by waiving further consideration

of this resolution it does not waive any future

jurisdictional claims over similar measures.

I would appreciate the inclusion of this letter and a copy

of your response in the Congressional Record during

consideration of H. Res. 1385 on the House floor.

Sincerely,

Bob Filner,

Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, Hector Polla graduated from West Point in June of 1941. After the infantry officers' basic course in Fort Benning, Georgia, he was assigned to his first military assignment--the Philippines.

It was on December 8, Philippine time, that the Philippines were invaded by the Japanese. Hector Polla helped defend the Peninsula of Bataan, receiving a commendation for heroism, a Silver Star for his actions, in February of 1942. In April, he, along with the other American forces, surrendered. He survived the death march on the way to Cabanatuan prison camp, and he was kept there over the years. In December 1944, he was put aboard a Japanese ship to be taken to Japan to do slave labor. American bombers bombed that ship, and he survived. On January 19, 1945, he was again placed on a Japanese ship to go to Japan to do slave labor. The American bombers bombed that ship, and Hector Polla died as a result of the wounds received.

There are others throughout that war who saw that battle--the combat, the deprivation. Yet, at the end of the day, the American forces did well in that sector of the Asia-Pacific and also in Europe. So many of them came home and became leaders in the community--in the businesses, in the churches, in the civic organizations, in politics. Today, we are the recipients of what they have done.

I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) for his words and for his cosponsorship of this resolution.

It is important that we as a Congress express our appreciation for those who served, not just in the Second World War, but in all of the wars down through and including today. I hope that we will recognize them when we see them at the airports or on the streets or in the coffee shops or in church so we can just say ``thank you'' to them. That's what this resolution does. It expresses appreciation. After all, it was the sister of a great Roman orator who once said that gratitude is the greatest of all virtues.

This is our opportunity as a Congress to say we are grateful for those men and women who have worn the uniform. We are proud of them and we thank them.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for introducing this resolution honoring those who have served in the Armed Forces and for honoring me to be a cosponsor with him in that legislation.

Mr. Speaker, next week is Memorial Day, and I rise today in support of House Resolution 1385 to recognize and honor the courage and sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces and the veterans of our wars.

In the clearly defined wars against tyranny, in the controversial conflicts not appreciated until the guns long fell silent, in the limited actions unknown by anyone not there, the American Armed Forces have time and again answered the call of duty.

When our fighting men and women put on their uniforms, they became immune to politics and marched towards the sound of the guns, going wherever their orders sent them. We call them specialist, corporal, airman, and petty officer. They are our own children. These young Americans represent the best in all of us because, while America will always fight for those who cannot

fight for themselves, it is their faces that America sends to the aid of the broken, wounded, and starving of the world.

In the cold winter of Valley Forge, across the deserts to Tripoli, fighting against their brothers in the Civil War, across the wheat fields of France, on the beaches of Normandy, in the freezing Korean winter, in the jungles of Vietnam, and in the burning sands of Iraq and Afghanistan, what has set our Armed Forces apart is their commitment to a moral war, a just war, an American way of war.

Americans make the distinction between our enemies and the innocent bystanders. And once our enemies lay down their arms, our forces provide them food, shelter, and medical aid. And when the fighting stops completely, our forces help to rebuild war-torn nations, turning bitter enemies into great industrialized allies of today.

Since 1775, and across the world today, our Armed Forces and veterans symbolize all that is best in us as Americans. The American Armed Forces are just as eager to help feed and clothe the survivors of a natural disaster as they are to destroy tyranny and oppression. People across the globe know that when the Americans come they will fight for what is right, and those who rule by fear will then be afraid.

In the most difficult conditions, in the most challenging terrain, against the greatest odds, our Armed Forces have faced impossible odds without counting the cost to themselves. They have followed their orders, and the oath sworn to our Constitution makes the moral foundation of our government possible.

Since before the acknowledgement of our Nation's sovereignty and before the first session of this great legislative body, our citizens organized themselves to fight against oppression and to stand up for freedom and liberty. When the drums beat, when the bugles called, the sound of marching feet was the pride of our Nation answering the call.

Whether our veterans were drafted or volunteered, made long service careers or served only for a short time, they committed their lives, their youth, and their health to the principles of our great Nation. In no other industry of America today will you find a group of young men and women for whom truth is the only currency, pain is a temporary annoyance, ingenuity is the answer to all challenges, and teamwork is the thread that unites and binds them against all foes.

They have done all this without counting the cost to themselves and their families. We, who are a grateful Nation, must remember this. Our freedom is a tangible thing, a perishable thing, and our own last full measure of devotion must be dedicated to ensuring that their sacrifice is never in vain but that a more perfect union will yet rise and inspire the oppressed peoples of the Earth.

I urge the House to join me in passing this resolution to honor our Armed Forces.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson).

Mr. Speaker, listening to the chairman relate that story made me think of an experience I had last week at home. We had an event that was held by our community, honoring those who served.

At that event, I met again the parents of a young man who was killed a few weeks ago, from our home. It was a Filipino family who had a son and two daughters. Their son, Ian Gelig, was killed in Afghanistan, just as I said, a few weeks ago. They came to this gathering from the cemetery, which is where they go on a daily basis to visit their son.

We had another family there who had lost their son in Iraq a few years ago, and this family has kind of befriended the parents of other young people who have lost their lives since then. They go to all of the funerals, and they have become strong advocates, reaching out to help the other families.

They feel good about what their sons have done. They hate the fact that they have lost their sons, but they feel proud of what they have done and feel like their sons did what they wanted to do.

I had the experience today of meeting a young midshipman. He will be graduating Friday from the Naval Academy. He is planning on becoming a SEAL. He has been learning Arabic, and he is looking forward to having an exciting career in the Navy.

You know, seeing these young people and seeing the light in their lives and what their plans are makes one think of others, as the chairman talked about--of the young man who graduated from West Point, who lost his life. He had that same light in his life, and I'm sure he felt like what he was doing, the sacrifice he'd made for our country, was worthwhile.

It is up to us to remember those sacrifices and, as Mr. Wilson said, to never forget 9/11 and to never forget the service of all of these young people since the birth of our great Nation.

I would ask that all of our colleagues support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, last week, due to a death in the family, I was not present to vote on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have cast the following votes:

Rollcall 291: H. Con. Res. 278 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree--``yes.''

Rollcall 292: H.R. 1017 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass as Amended--``yes.''

Rollcall 293:. H.R. 5330 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended--``yes.''

Rollcall 294: H.R. 5145 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended--``yes.''

Rollcall 295: H. Res. 1258 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended--``yes.''

Rollcall 296: H. Res. 1382 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 297: H. Res. 584 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 298: H.R. 3885 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 299: H.R. 2711 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Concur in the Senate Amendments--``yes.''

Rollcall 300: H. Res. 1189 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 301: H. Res. 1172 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 302: H. Res. 1347 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 303: H. Res. 1385 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 304: H. Res. 1316 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree as Amended--``yes.''

Rollcall 305: H. Res. 1169 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended--``yes.''

Rollcall 306: H. Con. Res. 282 On Agreeing to the Resolution--``no.''

Rollcall 307: H. Res. 1404 On Agreeing to the Resolution--``no.''

Rollcall 308: H. Res. 1161 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 309: H. Res. 1372 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 310: H.R. 5136 On Agreeing to the Amendment--``yes.''

Rollcall 311: H.R. 5136 On Agreeing to the Amendment--``yes.''

Rollcall 312: H.R. 5136 On Agreeing to the Amendment--``no.''

Rollcall 313: H.R. 5136 On Agreeing to the Amendment--``yes.''

Rollcall 314: H.R. 5136 On Agreeing to the Amendment--``no.''

Rollcall 315: H.R. 5136 On Agreeing to the Amendment--``no.''

Rollcall 316: H.R. 5136 On Agreeing to the Amendment--``yes.''

Rollcall 317: H.R. 5136 On Agreeing to the Amendment--``no.''

Rollcall 318: H.R. 5136 On Agreeing to the Amendment--``yes.''

Rollcall 319: H.R. 5136 On Approving the Journal--``no.''

Rollcall 320: H. Res. 1391 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended--``yes.''

Rollcall 321: H. Res. 1403 On Ordering the Previous Question--``no.''

Rollcall 322: H. Res. 1403 On Agreeing to the Amendment--``no.''

Rollcall 323: H. Res. 1403 On Agreeing to the Resolution, as Amended--``no.''

Rollcall 324: H.R. 4213 On Concurring in the Senate amdt with amdt (except portion comprising section 532--``no.''

Rollcall 325: H.R. 4123 On concurring in Senate amdt with portion of amdt comprising section 523--``no.''

Rollcall 326: H.R. 5116 First Portion of the Divided Question-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 327: H.R. 5116 Second Portion of the Divided Question-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 328: H.R. 5116 Sixth Portion of the Divided Question-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 329: H.R. 5116 Seventh Portion of the Divided Question-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 330: H.R. 5116 Eighth Portion of the Divided Question-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 331: H.R. 5116 Ninth Portion of the Divided Question-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 332: H.R. 5116 On Passage--``no.''

Rollcall 333: H.R. 5136 On Agreeing to the En Bloc Amendments, as Modified--``yes.''

Rollcall 334: H.R. 5136 Table Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair-- ``no.''

Rollcall 335: H.R. 5136 On Motion to Recommit with Instructions-- ``yes.''

Rollcall 336: H.R. 5136 On Passage--``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1385, to recognize and honor the courage and sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces and veterans for their service to the people of the United States.

First I want to thank Chairman Ike Skelton, and Ranking Member Howard ``Buck'' McKeon, of the Armed Services Committee, for their leadership and for championing the cause of our military men and women and our veterans. In this month of May known as National Military Appreciation Month, it is important to take time from our busy schedule to recognize and celebrate the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces and veterans, and again I commend Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member McKeon for introducing this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, as a Vietnam veteran, I want to thank all members of the Armed Forces and veterans for their service to this great nation. I especially want to recognize the service and sacrifice made by the sons and daughters of American Samoa to protect this great nation. I am most proud to state for the record that American Samoa's sons and daughters have served in record number in every U.S. military engagement from WWII to the present. Indeed, located some 3000 miles from Hawaii, the American Samoa reserve unit is under the only remaining infantry unit of the U.S. Army Reserve, the 100th battalion of the 442nd Infantry Regiment, or the ``Purple Heart Battalion'' based at Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

As a true testament to the sacrifice made by our brave warriors from American Samoa, I am always reminded of retired Command Sergeant Major Falaniko and his late son Private Jonathan I. Falaniko. PVT Falaniko attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, in May 2003 and was later deployed to Iraq in August 2003. He was then assigned to the 70th Engineer Battalion under the 1st Armored Division, Engineers Brigade of which his father, CSM Ioakimo Falaniko, was the Command Sergeant Major of the brigade and was the most senior enlisted soldier.

On October 27, 2003 PVT Falaniko was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade attack. Twenty-year-old Jonathan Falaniko had been in the U.S. Army for less than 6 months. He was laid to rest with all the other brave men and women that have served this great nation, at the National Cemetery in Arlington. Jonathan's story is only one of thousands of the many Americans who have given the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is customary in the Samoan culture to recognize great deeds and exceptional feats in speeches, songs and storytelling so that they are memorialized and imbedded in the hearts and minds of generations to come. Therefore, I rise today with great honor in support of H. Res. 1385 to recognize the service and courage of all our servicemen and women and veterans. Let us honor their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice so much to bring about peace and freedom in a troubled world. To our veterans and current service members, and especially to American Samoa's Reserve unit scattered throughout the Middle East, I would like to close by saying how honored and proud I am of your service to this great nation and I commend you for your courage.

May God bless you and may God continue to bless the United States of America. I strongly urge my fellow colleagues to pass this resolution.