H6840 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 16, 2009 streets or in shelters. And nearly 300,000 vet- reform in the integration of women pilots (22) there were no honors, no benefits, and erans may experience homelessness at some into the Armed Services; very few ‘‘thank you’s’’; point during the course of a year. (5) during the early months of World War (23) just as they had paid their own way to The Housing and Community Opportunity II, there was a severe shortage of combat pi- enter training, they had to pay their own lots; way back home after their honorable service Subcommittee, which I chair, held a hearing (6) Jacqueline Cochran, America’s leading to the military; on this bill during the 110th Congress and woman pilot of the time, convinced General (24) the WASP military records were im- heard from witnesses how the return of vet- Hap Arnold, Chief of the Army Air Forces, mediately sealed, stamped ‘‘classified’’ or erans from Iraq and Afghanistan would greatly that women, if given the same training as ‘‘secret’’, and filed away in Government ar- increase demand for affordable housing and men, would be equally capable of flying mili- chives, unavailable to the historians who social services in communities across the tary aircraft and could then take over some wrote the history of WWII or the scholars country. of the stateside military flying jobs, thereby who compiled the history text books used releasing hundreds of male pilots for combat today, with many of the records not declas- Since then, the economy has only worsened duty; and the number of veterans returning home sified until the 1980s; (7) the severe loss of male combat pilots (25) consequently, the WASP story is a from Iraq and Afghanistan continues to in- made the necessity of utilizing women pilots missing chapter in the history of the Air crease. Furthermore, many veterans are at to help in the war effort clear to General Ar- Force, the history of aviation, and the his- greater risk of becoming homeless because nold, and a women’s pilot training program tory of the United States of America; they struggle with health and economic issues, was soon approved; (26) in 1977, 33 years after the WASP were while facing a shortage of affordable housing. (8) it was not until August 1943, that the disbanded, the Congress finally voted to give That is why H.R. 403 is so important. This women aviators would receive their official the WASP the veteran status they had name; bill would create a new program where none earned, but these heroic pilots were not in- (9) General Arnold ordered that all women vited to the signing ceremony at the White existed before to develop permanent sup- pilots flying military aircraft, including 28 portive housing for the homeless veterans who House, and it was not until 7 years later that civilian women ferry pilots, would be named their medals were delivered in the mail in need it. I urge my colleagues to support this ‘‘WASP’’, Women Airforce Service Pilots; plain brown envelopes; bill. (10) more than 25,000 American women ap- (27) in the late 1970s, more than 30 years plied for training, but only 1,830 were accept- Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- after the WASP flew in World War II, women ed and took the oath; er, I yield back the balance of my time. were finally permitted to attend military (11) exactly 1,074 of those trainees success- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The pilot training in the United States Armed fully completed the 21 to 27 weeks of Army Forces; question is on the motion offered by Air Forces flight training, graduated, and re- (28) thousands of women aviators flying the gentleman from Texas (Mr. AL ceived their Army Air Forces orders to re- support aircraft have benefitted from the GREEN) that the House suspend the port to their assigned air base; service of the WASP and followed in their rules and pass the bill, H.R. 403. (12) on November 16, 1942, the first class of footsteps; The question was taken. 29 women pilots reported to the Houston, (29) in 1993, the WASP were once again ref- Texas Municipal Airport and began the same The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the erenced during congressional hearings re- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being military flight training as the male Army Air Forces cadets were taking; garding the contributions that women could in the affirmative, the ayes have it. make to the military, which eventually led Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- (13) due to a lack of adequate facilities at the airport, 3 months later the training pro- to women being able to fly military fighter, er, I object to the vote on the ground gram was moved to Avenger Field in Sweet- bomber, and attack aircraft in combat; that a quorum is not present and make water, Texas; (30) hundreds of United States service- the point of order that a quorum is not (14) WASP were eventually stationed at 120 women combat pilots have seized the oppor- present. Army air bases all across America; tunity to fly fighter aircraft in recent con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- (15) they flew more than 60,000,000 miles for flicts, all thanks to the pioneering steps their country in every type of aircraft and taken by the WASP; ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the (31) the WASP have maintained a tight- Chair’s prior announcement, further on every type of assignment flown by the male Army Air Forces pilots, except combat; knit community, forged by the common ex- proceedings on this motion will be (16) WASP assignments included test pilot- periences of serving their country during postponed. ing, instructor piloting, towing targets for war; The point of no quorum is considered air-to-air gunnery practice, ground-to-air (32) as part of their desire to educate withdrawn. anti-aircraft practice, ferrying, transporting America on the WASP history, WASP have assisted ‘‘Wings Across America’’, an organi- f personnel and cargo (including parts for the atomic bomb), simulated strafing, smoke zation dedicated to educating the American AWARDING A CONGRESSIONAL laying, night tracking, and flying drones; public, with much effort aimed at children, GOLD MEDAL TO THE WOMEN (17) in October 1943, male pilots were refus- about the remarkable accomplishments of AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS ing to fly the B–26 Martin Marauder (known these WWII veterans; and (33) the WASP have been honored with ex- Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- as the ‘‘Widowmaker’’) because of its fatality records, and General Arnold ordered WASP hibits at numerous museums, to include— er, I move to suspend the rules and Director, Jacqueline Cochran, to select 25 (A) the Smithsonian Institution, Wash- pass the bill (S. 614) to award a Con- WASP to be trained to fly the B–26 to prove ington, DC; gressional Gold Medal to the Women to the male pilots that it was safe to fly; (B) the Women in Military Service to Airforce Service Pilots (″WASP″). (18) during the existence of the WASP— America Memorial at Arlington National The Clerk read the title of the Senate (A) 38 women lost their lives while serving Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia; bill. their country; (C) the National Museum of the United The text of the Senate bill is as fol- (B) their bodies were sent home in poorly States Air Force, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; lows: crafted pine boxes; (C) their burial was at the expense of their (D) the National WASP WWII Museum, S. 614 families or classmates; Sweetwater, Texas; Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (D) there were no gold stars allowed in (E) the 8th Air Force Museum, Savannah, resentatives of the United States of America in their parents’ windows; and Georgia; Congress assembled, (E) because they were not considered mili- (F) the Lone Star Flight Museum, Gal- SECTION 1. FINDINGS. tary, no American flags were allowed on veston, Texas; Congress finds that— their coffins; (G) the American Airpower Museum, (1) the Women Airforce Service Pilots of (19) in 1944, General Arnold made a per- Farmingdale, New York; WWII, known as the ‘‘WASP’’, were the first sonal request to Congress to militarize the (H) the Pima Air Museum, Tucson, Ari- women in history to fly American military WASP, and it was denied; zona; aircraft; (20) on December 7, 1944, in a speech to the (I) the Seattle Museum of Flight, Seattle, (2) more than 60 years ago, they flew fight- last graduating class of WASP, General Ar- Washington; er, bomber, transport, and training aircraft nold said, ‘‘You and more than 900 of your (J) the March Air Museum, March Reserve in defense of America’s freedom; sisters have shown you can fly wingtip to Air Base, California; and (3) they faced overwhelming cultural and wingtip with your brothers. I salute you . . . (K) the Texas State History Museum, Aus- gender bias against women in nontraditional We of the Army Air Force are proud of you. tin, Texas. roles and overcame multiple injustices and We will never forget our debt to you.’’; SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. inequities in order to serve their country; (21) with victory in WWII almost certain, (4) through their actions, the WASP even- on December 20, 1944, the WASP were quietly (a) AWARD AUTHORIZED.—The President pro tually were the catalyst for revolutionary and unceremoniously disbanded; tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 10:36 Jun 17, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16JN7.014 H16JNPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC65 with HOUSE June 16, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6841 the House of Representatives shall make ap- Mr. Speaker, there should be a com- of Senate bill 614, a bill to award the propriate arrangements for the award, on be- pendium of knowledge, if you will, Congressional Gold Medal to the half of the Congress, of a single gold medal of styled ‘‘The Greatest Stories Never Women Airforce Service Pilots of appropriate design in honor of the Women Told.’’ Perhaps therein would be the World War II, WASP. And here is a pic- Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) collectively, in recognition of their pioneering military story of the Buffalo Soldiers, a story ture, Mr. Speaker, of the WASP, one of service and exemplary record, which forged rarely told of how they had to fight the many pictures, but as the previous revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces of their way into the military so they speaker pointed out, not enough rec- the United States of America. could fight for their country. Perhaps ognition was paid to them. (b) DESIGN AND STRIKING.—For the pur- contained therein there would be the Special thanks for this bill go to Fi- poses of the award referred to in subsection story of the Filipino soldiers who died nancial Service Chairman BARNEY (a), the Secretary of the Treasury shall in the struggle at the Bataan March. FRANK and Ranking Member SPENCER strike the gold medal with suitable emblems, Such a collection would not be com- BACHUS and their staff as well for their devices, and inscriptions, to be determined assistance in bringing this legislation by the Secretary. plete, however, without the story of (c) SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.— the WASP. These are the first women to the floor today. (1) IN GENERAL.—Following the award of to fly military aircraft. They are the I would also like to thank my staff, the gold medal in honor of the Women women in the Air Force, the Women Mr. Speaker, particularly Captain Airforce Service Pilots, the gold medal shall Airforce Service Pilots known as the Deanna Nieves, right behind me, be given to the Smithsonian Institution, WASP. It’s a story of gender bias, Mr. United States Marine Corps, who’s where it will be displayed as appropriate and Speaker, the notion that flying is a serving as a defense fellow in my office made available for research. man’s work. It’s a story of culture bias, for the remainder of the year. Her ef- (2) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS.—It is the sense forts were instrumental in achieving of the Congress that the Smithsonian Insti- the belief that a woman’s place is in tution shall make the gold medal received the home. It’s a story of injustice, the the required number of cosponsors for under this Act available for display else- notion that women could apply but this bill in record time. And Sarah where, particularly at other locations associ- never qualify. It’s a story of inequal- Gamino, sitting next to her, worked so ated with the WASP. ities and inequities, the notion that hard on all of our office projects. SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS. women could have rank but not always Thanks to all of the great staff work Under such regulations as the Secretary have their rank respected. Mr. Speak- on this bill. may prescribe, the Secretary may strike and er, it’s a story of never say never, a Mr. Speaker, as has been pointed out, sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal story of persistence pays off, a story of the bill before us today honors a spe- struck under this Act, at a price sufficient to success because of some, and a story of cial sisterhood of women, most of them cover the costs of the medals, including in their 80s, who share a unique place labor, materials, dyes, use of machinery, and success in spite of others. overhead expenses. It’s a story of how a famous pilot, in American history. These women SEC. 4. NATIONAL MEDALS. Jacqueline ‘‘Jackie’’ Cochran, became have been mothers and grandmothers, Medals struck pursuant to this Act are na- the first commander of the WFO in teachers and office workers, nurses, tional medals for purposes of chapter 51 of 1942. That’s the Women’s Flying Train- business owners, photographers, and title 31, United States Code. ing Detachment. It’s a story of how a dancers. One was even a nun. But be- SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; test pilot, Nancy Love, became the fore that they were pilots for the PROCEEDS OF SALE. commander of the WAF, the Women’s United States Army Corps during (a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— Auxiliary Flying Ferrying Squadron in World War II. They are heroines. There is authorized to be charged against the 1942. It’s a story of how the WFO and Women Airforce Service Pilots, or United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, WASP, were the first women in history an amount not to exceed $30,000 to pay for the WAF merged in 1943 to become the the cost of the medal authorized under sec- WASP. to fly America’s military aircraft. Be- tion 2. The WASP would go on and fly 60 tween the years of 1942 and 1944, these (b) PROCEEDS OF SALE.—Amounts received million miles. They would fly every courageous women volunteered to fly from the sale of duplicate bronze medals type of aircraft. They would be sta- noncombat missions so that every under section 3 shall be deposited in the tioned at 120 bases across the country. available male pilot could be deployed United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund. And on December 20, 1944, when victory into combat. More than 25,000 women The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- was at hand, the WASP were quietly applied for the program, but only 1,830 ant to the rule, the gentleman from and unceremoniously disbanded. Thir- qualified women pilots were accepted. Texas (Mr. AL GREEN) and the gentle- ty-eight lost their lives in the course of Unlike their male counterparts, women woman from Florida (Ms. ROS- serving their country; however, fami- applicants were required to be qualified LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes. lies and friends had to pay for their pilots before they could even apply for The Chair recognizes the gentleman burial expenses. Survivors had to pay the Army Air Force military flight from Texas. their way back home because they training program. Altogether, 1,102 GENERAL LEAVE were not considered a part of the mili- women earned their wings and went on Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- tary in an official capacity. Many of to fly over 60 million miles for the er, I ask unanimous consent that all their records were sealed and unavail- Army Air Forces, equal to some 2,500 Members may have 5 legislative days able to historians until the 1980s. They times around the globe. Their perform- within which to revise and extend their didn’t get veteran status until 1977, and ance was equal in every way to that of remarks on this legislation and to in- this was done without a White House male pilots. With the exception of di- sert extraneous material thereon. ceremony, and it was done without the rect combat missions, the WASP flew The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there kind of fanfare that we would expect the same aircraft and the same mis- objection to the request of the gen- them to receive in this day and time. sions as male pilots. tleman from Texas? The story, Mr. Speaker, is one of few Women pilots were used to tow tar- There was no objection. being honored, and their honors being gets for male pilots who were using live Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- accorded them too late, and not enough ammunition, for searchlight missions, er, I yield myself such time as I may thank yous having been accorded them chemical missions, engineering test consume. at all. The story of the WASP is one flying, and countless other exercises. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ac- that is, in my opinion, the greatest In 1944 the WASP were disbanded, knowledge and compliment the Mem- story never told and one which we their service records sealed and classi- ber from Florida, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, should acknowledge with this bill when fied. By the time the war ended, Mr. and commend her on what she has done it is passed today. Speaker, 38 women pilots had lost their to get this piece of legislation to the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of lives while flying for our country. floor. She has worked with Senator my time. Their families were not allowed to have KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, who has had Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I an American flag placed on their cof- this piece of legislation pass the Sen- would like to yield myself such time as fins. And although they took the mili- ate. She had 75 cosponsors; hence, the I may consume. tary oath and were promised military legislation is now before us in the Mr. Speaker, as the House sponsor of status, the WASP never were recog- House. this legislation, I rise in strong support nized as military personnel nor were

VerDate Nov 24 2008 10:36 Jun 17, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16JN7.008 H16JNPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC65 with HOUSE H6842 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 16, 2009 they ever recognized as veterans at the along with Senator KAY BAILEY that, the WASP pilots were stationed war’s end. HUTCHISON, for the outstanding job at over 120 air bases across the United In 1977, more than 30 years after the that she has done as well. I encourage States, flying every type of aircraft WASP had served, another woman pio- my colleagues to support this legisla- and performing almost every duty of neer, Congresswoman Lindy Boggs, in- tion. pilots in the Army Air Forces. They troduced legislation to grant the I reserve the balance of my time. logged 60 million miles, ferrying WASP veterans status. Speaking of the Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I planes, transporting cargo and per- day when women would be fully inte- would like to yield 5 minutes to the sonnel, towing targets, instructing new grated into the military, WASP Byrd gentleman from Texas (Mr. CONAWAY) cadets, and acting as test pilots. Howell Granger noted: ‘‘If the Nation whose district covers Sweetwater, Of the almost 1,100 women who flew ever again needs them, American Texas, which is home to the WASP. as the WASP, 38 gave their lives. In women will respond. Never again will This is where they trained, and that is what remains a blot on our country, they have to prove they can do any fly- where their museum is. these women were returned home not ing job the military has. Not as an ex- Mr. CONAWAY. It is my great pleas- with military honors but at the ex- periment. Not to fill in for men. They ure today to recognize the invaluable pense of their families because, al- will fly as commissioned officers in the service rendered to our country by the though they flew military planes at the future Air Force of the United States Women’s Air Force Service Pilots dur- direction of military commanders, with equal pay, hospitalization, insur- ing World War II. Their history is one they were not considered to be mem- ance, veterans’ benefits. The WASP of many surprising and impressive sto- bers of the Army. have earned it for these women of the ries that helped define a generation. In October 1944, the program ended future.’’ In the early 1940s, as it became ap- abruptly, and many of the records sur- And the WASP were indeed and con- parent that the United States could rounding the program were filed away tinue to be true pioneers whose exam- not avoid the war that was plaguing and classified in government archives. ple paved the way for the Armed Europe and the Far East, many accom- It was not until the Air Force an- Forces to lift the ban on women at- plished pilots volunteered their serv- nounced that it would train the mili- tending military flight training in the ices to our country. They were thanked tary’s ‘‘first’’ female pilots in the 1970s 1970s. Today women in the military fly for their offer, but were refused be- that a renewed interest in the WASP every type of aircraft, from the F–15 to cause they were women. Their argu- allowed them to be granted veteran the space shuttle. ment, that female pilots could free up status and the campaign ribbons which My daughter-in-law, Lindsay Nelson, male pilots to serve in combat roles, they earned through their service. a Marine Corps pilot, is part of the was initially dismissed by the Army While it might be tempting to see to- lasting legacy of WASP. Lindsay, a Air Force’s leadership. Yet two of our day’s Congressional Gold Medal as a graduate of the United States Naval Nation’s most famous female pilots, way to right the injuries done to the Academy, served two combat tours in Jacqueline Cochran and Nancy Harken women of WASP, to do so would be to Iraq and Afghanistan, where she flew Love, persevered and continued to neglect the true significance of their the F/A–18 fighter jet. I’m so proud of lobby for the ability to use their excep- contributions to winning a war and ad- Lindsay and of all our servicewomen, tional skills in service of our country. vancing women’s equality. The legacy past and present, who continue to in- As the Nation mobilized, it became of the WASP is unmistakable. At a spire young women to achieve the clear there were simply not enough time when women were routinely as- unfathomable. male pilots in the country to fight the sumed to be less capable than men, By definition, the Congressional Gold war and man the home front. As the these individuals stood up and asked Medal is the highest expression of Con- iconic Rosie the Riveter began to build for the right to prove themselves. gress of national appreciation for the her tanks and her planes, the Army set These women did not just answer the most heroic, courageous, and out- up two squadrons of women pilots to call of their country, they called them- standing individuals. assist in the war effort. In 1942 Ms. selves to service. And in doing so, for- Love became the commanding officer ever upended the notion of what b 1300 of Women’s Auxiliary Ferry Squadron women could and should do in our Given the overwhelming support for in New Castle, Delaware, which ferried Armed Forces. this legislation, as evidenced by the bi- planes around the country from fac- I would like to commend the leader- partisan support of 334 cosponsors in tories to air bases. Not long after that, ship and the board of the National the House companion legislation, I am Ms. Cochran became commanding offi- WASP World War II Museum in Sweet- confident that Members of this Cham- cer of 319th Women’s Flying Training water, Texas, for preserving the unique ber deem the WASP as deserving of Detachment in Houston, Texas, which history of these women and preparing this honor. Of the 1,102 WASP, more provided basic flight instruction for educational materials to share their than 300 are still alive today and are the Army Air Forces. On August 5, story with countless students through- residing in almost every State of our 1943, these squadrons were combined to out the country. country. Join me in paying homage to form the Women’s Air Force Service I would recommend to the leadership, these trailblazers and these patriots Pilots. Over 25,000 women applied to be- the Speaker and to my colleagues to who served our country without ques- come pilots, and only some 1,900 were swing by Sweetwater, Texas—it’s on I– tion and with no expectation of rec- selected for training. Of these, almost 20, an easy drive from Fort Worth or El ognition or praise. 1,100 eventually earned their wings, Paso, 300 miles in either direction—to Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to many at Avenger Field in the town of see this museum and get a flavor for join me in voting yes on this bill, to Sweetwater, Texas. That is in the dis- what these women endured during award the WASP the Congressional trict that I get to represent. training. It was a very austere training Gold Medal, and request its prompt The women who volunteered to fly base in a pretty rough part of Texas, signing into law. planes faced a world that we can and you would be impressed with what For history’s sake, I will submit for scarcely imagine. While complaints of they did and what they accomplished. printing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD sexism in the workplace still exist Additionally, I would like to thank the names of the 1,102 WASP. today, in the 1940s, sexism was not the Air Force Major Nicole Malachowski I reserve the balance of my time. exception but the standard operating who worked tirelessly to secure this Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- practice. The women of the WASP were tribute for the service of these women. er, I yield myself such time as I may paid less, were trained with inferior Major Malachowski was a Thunderbird consume. equipment, refused the status of offi- pilot. I would like to thank the gentlelady cers, and faced an openly hostile work The SPEAKER pro tempore. The for the outstanding work that she has environment. They also had to buy time of the gentleman has expired. done on this piece of legislation. She their own uniforms and pay for their Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I would like to has worked tirelessly to bring it to the room and board each month at their grant an additional 2 minutes to the floor; and I compliment the gentlelady, training facilities. Yet through all of gentleman from Texas.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 10:36 Jun 17, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16JN7.026 H16JNPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC65 with HOUSE June 16, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6843 Mr. CONAWAY. The Thunderbirds, of inable, from combat fighter aircraft to space women in service, flying on every type of as- course, are the elite performance team shuttles. This legislation at long last com- signment flown by the male Army Air Forces for the Air Force; and Nicole was a memorates their service to our country. pilots, except combat. I would like to express member of that team in the early nine- I urge my colleagues to support this meas- my gratitude to Betty and her fellow pilots for ties. As a female test pilot, no one un- ure. their trailblazing service, being the first women derstands WASP’s legacy better than Mr. MCCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, in history to fly American military aircraft. her. As she explained in her letter to I rise today to support S. 614, a bill to award The SPEAKER pro tempore. The me, ‘‘I am convinced that every oppor- a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women question is on the motion offered by tunity I’ve been afforded, from flying Airforce Service Pilots, and to honor all the the gentleman from Texas (Mr. AL combat patrols over Iraq to rep- Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP, es- GREEN) that the House suspend the resenting the military as a fellow, is pecially three who live in Lancaster, California rules and pass the bill, S. 614. because of these pioneering WASP. in my district. Flora Belle Reece, Irma ‘‘Babe’’ The question was taken; and (two- Countless servicemen during World Story, and Marguerite ‘‘Ty’’ Killen are perfect thirds being in the affirmative) the War II, and every airman since, have examples of why this intrepid group of women rules were suspended and the bill was reaped the benefits of their courage, deserve the honor they are receiving today. passed. determination, and sacrifice.’’ I was privileged to join the Mojave Chamber A motion to reconsider was laid on It is with great enthusiasm that I ask of Commerce in honoring these three women the table. my colleagues for their support on Sen- at a special May 11th luncheon. It was a f ate bill 614 and that we recognize the pleasure to recognize these three amazing pi- RECOGNIZING 40TH ANNIVERSARY contribution of these women for their lots who dedicated themselves to a dangerous OF NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE service with our highest congressional mission when their country needed them. award. Flora Belle Reece learned to fly before she Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I move I thank you for the time. could drive so she could join the WASP. to suspend the rules and agree to the Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Reece primarily flew the AT–6, but also the resolution (H. Res. 366) recognizing the have no further requests for time, and PT–19, PT–17, BT–13, and B–26, and she 40th anniversary of the National Eye I yield back the balance of my time. often tested aircraft that had been repaired. Institute (NEI) and expressing support Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- She was assigned to Foster Field, Texas, and for designation of 2010 through 2020 as er, I yield myself as much time as I there she discovered an affinity for the P–38 the ‘‘Decade of Vision’’. may consume for a very brief closing. Lightning, often visiting with the aircraft’s crew The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Mr. Speaker, the story of the WASP chief; she was able to fly in one in 2004 dur- tion. is, without question, among the stories ing a commemorative flight. The text of the resolution is as fol- that are rarely, if ever, told. In fact, I Irma ‘‘Babe’’ Story grew up in the Antelope lows: have contended and continue to con- Valley with her brother, Tom, hanging out at H. RES. 366 tend it’s among the greatest stories the local airport running errands, and eventu- Whereas vision impairment and eye disease never told. But for this reason, we ally learning to fly at Antelope Valley College. is a major public health problem, especially should accord this Congressional Gold Story received her pilot’s license at the age of due to the aging of the population, a dis- Medal. I beg all of my friends to sup- 19 in June 1941, and worked at Lockheed’s proportionate incidence of eye disease in mi- port it if a vote is called for. I shall not Vega aircraft factory in Burbank until joining nority populations, and vision loss as a re- call for one. the WASP program in 1943. She flew the AT– sult of diabetes and other chronic diseases, Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support which costs the Nation $68,000,000,000 annu- 6 and Cessna UC–78, and later the B–26. ally in health care costs, lost productivity, of S. 614. Marguerite ‘‘Ty’’ Killen learned to fly as a reduced independence, diminished quality of This legislation awards a Congressional 15-year-old in high school and received her life, increased depression, and accelerated Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pi- commercial and flight instructor ratings when mortality; lots (WASP) in honor of their dedicated serv- she was 19. Killen was a student at the Uni- Whereas 38,000,000 people in the United ice during World War II. versity of Arizona when she found out that the States age 40-plus currently experience I am a cosponsor of the House version of WASP age requirement was dropped to 19, blindness, low-vision, or an age-related eye this bill (H.R. 2014), which recognizes the first and so she signed up for WASP training and disease, and this number is expected to grow women in the history of our country to fly graduated in August 1944. She flew a variety to 50,000,000 by 2020, a year mid-way in the American military aircraft. The Women Airforce tidal wave of 78,000,000 baby boomers who of aircraft, including the Stearman PT–17, AT– will begin turning age 65 in 2010, and many of Service Pilots volunteered to fly over 60 mil- 6 advanced trainer, Beechcraft AT–11, the whom will continue working well beyond age lion miles in every type of aircraft available to Vultee BT–13, and was a copilot in a B–24. 65; them, participating in all missions other than These women, and all those who stepped Whereas, in public opinion polls over the direct combat missions. They towed targets for up to serve when their country needed them, past 40 years, people in the United States air-to-air and ground-to-air gunnery practice, are deserving of our thanks and admiration. I have consistently identified fear of vision ferried planes, transported cargo and per- am pleased to support this legislation to rec- loss as second only to fear of cancer and, as sonnel, instructed, flew weather missions, and ognize their efforts with a Congressional Gold recently as a 2008 NEI study, 71 percent of re- test flew repaired aircraft. They even flew air- spondents indicated that a loss of their eye- Medal. sight would have the greatest impact on craft that male pilots refused to fly. Mrs. LUMMIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in their life; In spite of their service, the Women Airforce support of S. 614, a bill to award a Congres- Whereas, with wisdom and foresight, Con- Service Pilots were not given active duty mili- sional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce gress passed the National Eye Institute tary status and never received any kind of Service Pilots of World War II. (NEI) Act (Public Law 90–489), which was commissioning, rank, or military benefits. In As an original cosponsor of a similar meas- signed into law by President Johnson on Au- November 1977, Congress narrowly approved ure in the House, I would like to give special gust 16, 1968, with the NEI holding the first legislation to give the WASP the veteran sta- recognition to Betty Cozzens, one of my con- meeting of its National Advisory Eye Coun- tus that they had earned, but they were not in- stituents from Cody—and one of the 300 re- cil (NAEC) on April 3, 1969; Whereas the NEI leads the Nation’s Fed- vited to the bill signing and received their maining Women Airforce Service Pilots. eral commitment to basic and clinical re- medals in the mail. We all owe these heroic women a debt of search, research training, and other pro- Today we recognize the 1,102 women who gratitude. In the 16 months that the Women grams with respect to blinding eye diseases, trained to serve as Women Airforce Service Airforce Service Pilots existed, over 1,000 of visual disorders, mechanisms of visual func- Pilots, 300 of whom are still living today, in- them served their country with pride. tion, preservation of sight and the special cluding three from my home State of Hawaii: The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the health problems and needs of individuals who Betty Joiner, Elaine Jones, and Mildred Mar- most distinguished forms of recognition that are visually-impaired or blind, and to dis- shall. Congress can bestow. It is an expression of seminate information aimed at the preven- tion of blindness, specifically with public As a result of the heroism exemplified by public gratitude on behalf of the nation—to and professional education facilitated the Women Airforce Service Pilots, the U.S. these women, for their service in a time of through its National Eye Health Education Armed Forces lifted the ban on women attend- need. Program (NEHEP); ing military flight training in the 1970s, and The Women Airforce Service Pilots forged Whereas the NEI maximizes Federal fund- women now fly on every type of aircraft imag- reform in the U.S. Armed Forces in regard to ing by devoting 85 percent of its budget to

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