An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 84, ``Supporting the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month.'' I would like to thank Representative Zach Wamp of Tennessee for introducing this resolution. We often take our National Military for granted, and I welcome this opportunity to reach out and recognize the importance of the National Military in the United States.

I do not believe there is a person in this body, or a person in this building, who does not feel a remarkable pride in the presence of the men and women who serve in our nation's military. The success of the Armed Forces depends on the dedicated service of its members, their families, and the civilian employees of the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard. Their incredible sacrifices and courage in the face of innumerable hazards have been critical to the preservation of the freedom, security, and prosperity enjoyed that we as Americans have come to love, enjoy, and even expect.

In the Iraq War, Texas has suffered over 222 resident casualties, second only to California. As a Representative for the 18th District of Texas, H. Con. Res. 84 is very close to the hearts of those I represent. Many Texans hold a passion for protecting the integrity and strength of their nation, and as the recruitment numbers show, they often exercise their passion, by joining the military. In past studies, Texas has been the number one state for military recruitment; therefore, recognition of military involvement is an important issue in Texas and in Houston.

Texas is home to more than 194,965 military personnel including a number of Army, Navy and Marine, Air Force, and Coast Guard bases. H. Con. Res. will encourage the citizens of Texas to reach out to those whom are involved with the military and extend their gratitude for all that they do for our nation. Because there is a large population of military personnel in Texas, it is critical that we show them the support of their nation and their state for all the positive contributions they have brought. I firmly believe that H. Con. Res. 84 is a positive step for the recognition, acknowledgement, and gratitude that should be given to our military personnel, and I hope to see the National Military Appreciation Month become a special time for the state of Texas to recognize the national contributions.

My City of Houston stands as an example of America's relationship with its military. Just outside the city stands Ellington Air Force Base, which has recently been renamed Ellington Airport. It was established in 1917 during the height of World War I, when aviation was in its infancy. In Word War II, it served as a pilot training center. In the Cold War, the base proved useful in a number of pilot training programs and for a number of famous NASA missions, as well as serving briefly as a naval base for antisubmarine aircraft.

As my city works with our active military, so do we do our part in the aid of our Nation's veterans. Within city limits stands the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. It was awarded the Robert W. Carey Organizational Excellence Award in 2005, the Robert W. Carey Circle of Excellence Quality Award in 2007, and re-designation for Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Services in 2008.

The MEDVAMC serves as the primary health care provider for more than 120,000 veterans in southeast Texas and over 13,000 from Houston. Veterans from around the country are referred to the MEDVAMC for countless medical services, and their outpatient clinics logged nearly 900,000 outpatient visits in fiscal year 2008 alone. All this in a state with over 1.7 million veterans, 247,000 of which are disabled and over 25,000 buried in her soil.

Because of this undeniable fact of our Nation's existence, the Federal Government has a responsibility to raise awareness of and respect for this aspect of the heritage of the United States and to encourage the people of the United States to dedicate themselves to the values and principles for which Americans have served and sacrificed throughout the history of the Nation--the ultimate sacrifice of paying for our freedom and expectation of freedom with their lives.

Beyond helping to make Americans more aware of something so central to our country's liberty and prosperity, the observance of events recognizing the contributions of the Armed Forces is a tangible and highly effective way of sustaining morale and improving quality of life for service members and their families. Given that the support of the families of service members enhances the effectiveness and capabilities of the Armed Forces, this is more than enough reason for us to act today.

It is for these reasons that this Congress has made this resolution many times before. Ten years ago, on April 30, 1999, the Senate passed S. Res. 33, designating May 1999 as ``National Military Appreciation Month''. For that month, Congress called on the people of the United States, in a symbolic act of unity, to observe this remembrance, and to honor the current and former members of the Armed Forces, including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom and peace.

Less than 5 years later, on March 24, 2004, the House of Representatives passed H. Con.

Res. 328, ``Recognizing and honoring the United States Armed Forces and supporting the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month'', a bill I gladly supported. Less than a month later, on April 26, 2004, the Senate passed H. Con. Res. 328 by unanimous consent.

I have sought to do my part as well; earlier this year, I introduced to this body H.R. 228, a bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and carry out a scholarship program for students seeking a degree or certificate in the areas of visual impairment and orientation and mobility.

And so I join once again in not only giving my support for the goals and objectives of National Military Appreciation Month, but in urging the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States, all Federal departments and agencies, States, localities, organizations, and media to annually observe a National Military Appreciation Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 84) supporting the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 84, sponsored by my friend and colleague from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp), a resolution supporting the goals and objectives of National Military Appreciation Month.

Each May since 1999, Congress has taken the time to honor our Nation's bravest men and women serving in the Armed Forces. Throughout our history, they have put themselves in harm's way all over the world in order to protect and defend our country. They continue to do so today, and they deserve our gratitude.

In the wake of the tragic shooting yesterday at Camp Victory in Baghdad, we are reminded of the perils and the stress that our Armed Forces face constantly during periods of deployment. It is important, I think, that we always show our appreciation for their service, but as we continue to face two long wars, they need and deserve our support now more than ever. I am glad we are taking the time today to thank them for their service, and I know that all my colleagues keep them and their families in our thoughts and prayers.

This measure was introduced this year on March 26 by Representative Wamp of Tennessee and was referred to

the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The committee reported the bill by unanimous consent on May 6, and it comes to the House floor today with the bipartisan support of over 75 cosponsors.

Mr. Speaker, every single day our soldiers, sailors, airmen and air women, marines, and their families, make tremendous sacrifices in service to our country. I have seen this firsthand on many, many deployments by these soldiers during my regular visits to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Our country is at war, and our military is certainly deserving of our support now more than ever. Today I ask my colleagues to join all Americans in giving thanks to our men and women in uniform.

Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 84 gives us the opportunity to show our appreciation and respect to members and veterans of the armed services, men and women that hail from all walks of life but are bound together by one noble characteristic and take one simple but profound act. They have put on the uniform of our country, and they are together committed to protecting Americans and their liberties that we hold so dear.

Thus, to the military personnel from my own congressional district and to those of every congressional district represented in this body, we sincerely thank you, our men and women in uniform, for your service to our country.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of our time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time; however, I will continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, again, I would like to urge my colleagues to join with Mr. Wamp, the gentleman from Tennessee, who is the chief sponsor of this resolution, to show our support for our men and women in uniform by supporting this measure.

I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to call your attention to H. Con. Res. 84, a bipartisan resolution I authored, supporting the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month. First, I would like to thank my colleague, Congressman Chet Edwards, for being the lead cosponsor of this resolution and for his efforts in helping move this resolution forward. Congressman Edwards is a strong advocate on Military Quality of Life issues in Congress and I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with him on the vital issue of raising awareness of National Military Appreciation Month. In addition, I would like to thank the National Military Appreciation Month organization for their grassroots efforts in building support for the resolution. It truly has been a collaborative effort for an important cause. It is one of the highest honors of my career to pay tribute and recognize these great patriots who serve and defend our Nation.

National Military Appreciation Month provides a period encompassing both the history and recognition of our armed services with an in-depth look at the diversity of its individuals and achievements. It allows Americans to educate each generation on the historical impact of our military through the participation of the community with those who serve encouraging patriotism and love for America.

This month gives the nation a time and place on which to focus and draw attention to our many expressions of appreciation and recognition of our armed services via numerous venues and also to recall and learn about our vast American history.

It recognizes those on active duty in all branches of the services, the National Guard and Reserves plus retirees, veterans, and all of their families--well over 90 million Americans and more than 230 years of our nation's history.

Congress and the American people continue to stand by our service men and women. These brave warriors are working nonstop to protect our freedom and to keep every American safe. We should be grateful for their sacrifices and that of their families. We must do everything we can for the men and women who are put in harm's way for the sake of our nation. Let us celebrate them just as we celebrate the other important entities that make up this wonderful country of ours.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of this important resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 11th anniversary of National Military Appreciation Month, which was first passed as Senate Resolution 33, designating May 1999 the first National Military Appreciation Month.

Although it is important that we recognize our servicemembers every year, it is during times of conflict when one can truly put their sacrifices into greater perspective. These outstanding men and women sacrifice much so that we may continue to reap the many benefits of freedom in our land. While we enjoy the comfort of our homes and families, these brave soldiers are stationed far from home across our country and throughout the entire world.

Those who serve are our mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins and closest friends. These are the individuals who comprise our Nation's Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, and we salute them and pledge to them our gratitude. While expressing our gratitude to the military, it is also important to recognize the thousands of families who often endure hardship and loneliness while their loved ones are serving our country. They must relocate, often putting additional strain on the family.

On this day, we must also remember and show appreciation for those who served our country in the past and have played a critical role in making America the great country that it is today.

Mr. Speaker, we live in the greatest Nation in the world, and we owe much of our success to the men and women in uniform who answered the ultimate call of duty to serve and protect our Nation's citizens. Although this concurrent resolution serves to honor and support the goals and objectives of National Military Appreciation Month during the month of May, I hope our soldiers realize that their service is appreciated each and every day of the entire year.

I ask all Members, therefore, to join me in unwavering support of our military by supporting House Concurrent Resolution 84.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to have the rules of procedure for the Special Committee on Aging printed in the Record.