Gold Star Mothers Family Monument Extension Act

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2365) to extend the authority for the establishment of a commemorative work in honor of Gold Star Families, and for other purposes, as amended.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2365, introduced by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Kim), would extend the authorization for the establishment of a commemorative work to Gold Star Mother Families until January 2, 2027.

The Gold Star Mothers Family National Monument would honor the mothers and families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of our Nation.

The Gold Star is a widely recognized tradition that dates back to World War I when families would display service flags bearing a blue star for each family member serving abroad and a gold star for each family member who had been lost in combat.

Although this commemorative work was originally authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2013, the authorization expired in January 2020. In November 2015, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved a location for the memorial on the National Park Service property west of the Arlington National Cemetery visitor center.

Following that approval, the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission has engaged in consultation with the Gold Star Mothers National Monument Foundation regarding the memorial's design.

This bill would build on these efforts by extending the authorization needed to establish the monument. While we can never truly repay the debt that America owes to our Gold Star Mothers and their families, H.R. 2365 would bring us closer toward fully honoring the sacrifices that they have made.

I would like to thank Representative Kim for introducing this important legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and the Gold Star families, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2365, offered by Congressman Kim, would extend the authorization of the Gold Stars Mothers National Monument Foundation to construct the Gold Star National Mothers Monument. Legislation signed into law during the 112th Congress authorized the Gold Star Mothers National Monument Foundation to erect a monument on Federal lands in Washington, D.C., that would honor mothers whose children gave the last full measure of devotion defending the United States as members of the Armed Forces.

This bill would allow more time for the Foundation to ensure the monument's construction and completion by extending the authorization until January 2, 2027.

We can never fully understand the lifelong grief that these Gold Star Mothers must face, and I hope that this new memorial serves as a collective place for them to heal and remember their brave children who valiantly fought to defend our country.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on Roll Call No. 219 on the motion to table, I am not recorded because I was fulfilling my Congressional duties at Fort Benning, Georgia. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.

On Roll Call No. 220 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1664, I am not recorded because I was fulfilling my Congressional duties at Fort Benning, Georgia. Had I been present, I would have voted

Madam Speaker, had I been present for the vote on the Motion to Table H. Res. 554, I would have voted nay on Roll Call No. 219.

Had I been present for the vote on final passage of H.R. 1664, I would have voted yea on Roll Call No. 220.

Had I been present for the vote on final passage of H.R. 2365, I would have voted yea on Roll Call No. 221.

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