2214 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE February 28, 2006 I want to particularly express my deep ap- Mr. Speaker, I confess I learned something acknowledge your committee’s jurisdictional preciation to the National Federation of the reading this legislation. All of us know some interest in such surcharges as revenue mat- Blind for their vital advocacy for more than 1.3 blind people, and all of us, of course, see ters. However, I request that your com- mittee forego action on H.R. 2872 in order to million blind persons in the United States. Braille writing in elevators and elsewhere as allow the bill to come to the floor expedi- Since its inception in 1940, the National Fed- we move through our daily lives. tiously. I appreciate your cooperation in so eration for the Blind has worked tirelessly to But sitting down and reading the story of the doing, and agree that your decision to forego battle discrimination, increase public aware- courage and the intelligence it must have further action on this bill will not prejudice ness, and develop and support technological taken for a young blind man 200 years ago in the Committee on Ways and Means with re- advances. France to fight for an education for himself spect to its jurisdictional prerogatives on The NFP also distributes The Braille Mon- when many sighted kids his age weren’t get- this or similar legislation. I would support itor, a monthly news publication, as well as your request for conferees on those provi- ting even a high school education, is remark- sions within your jurisdiction should this online resources and a quarterly publication able. And doing it when there were very few bill be the subject of a House-Senate con- for the parents of blind children. With more books printed for the blind—those only with ference. than 50,000 members and affiliates in every giant embossed letters—must have been ex- I will include a copy of this letter and your state across America, NFB has led the way in cruciatingly slow and taken a huge amount of response in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD when demonstrating its ability to serve the interests self-discipline. To have discovered and modi- this bill is considered by the House. Thank you again for your assistance. of the blind population. fied a method of communication used by the This bill holds special significance for me, Yours truly, Army into something that could easily be re- MICHAEL G. OXLEY, as the National Federation of the Blind is produced and read—and more importantly Chairman. headquartered in my Congressional district, in written by the blind, which was not really the Baltimore, Maryland. case with those giant embossed letters—was HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Dr. Marc Maurer, who has served as Presi- a truly revolutionary breakthrough. COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS, dent of the National Federation of the Blind for As a result, Mr. Speaker, long before the Washington, DC, February 27, 2006. 20 years, has shown exemplary leadership of amazing technology that we all take for grant- Hon. MICHAEL G. OXLEY, this organization, as has the NFB’s First Vice Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, ed, the blind who were taught to read and Rayburn House Office Building, Wash- President, Joyce Scanlan, an active member write Braille were able to live normal lives and since 1970. Sharon Maneki, President of the ington, DC. participate fully in society. Still, and this is DEAR CHAIRMAN OXLEY: Thank you for Maryland Chapter, has been instrumental in something else I learned, despite all the inde- your letter regarding H.R. 2872, the ‘‘Louis advancing the cause of blind persons through- pendence that reading and writing Braille con- Braille Bicentennial-Braille Literacy Com- out our state. I would also like to thank Jesse fers on the blind, only about 10 percent of memorative Coin Act,’’ which is scheduled Hartle of the NFB for his hard work on behalf blind children are taught Braille. Thus, I sup- for Floor action on Tuesday, February 28, 2006. of the organization. port the provision in the bill that devotes in- I am pleased to note that H.R. 2872 is co- As you noted, the Committee on Ways and come from surcharges on the sale of these sponsored by the entire Maryland delegation, Means maintains jurisdiction over matters coins to a Braille Literacy Program operated that concern raising revenue. H.R. 2872 con- as well as by more than 300 members of the by the National Federation of the Blind. And I tains a provision that establishes a sur- House. think it is important to note that the silver dol- charge for the sale of commemorative coins The NFB’s mission statement declares that lar coins that would be produced under this bill that are minted under the bill, and thus falls ‘‘the real problem of blindness is not the loss within the jurisdiction of the Committee on would all bear, on their reverse, a full-sized of eyesight but the misunderstanding and lack Ways and Means. However, in order to expe- Braille abbreviation for Braille—the raised dots of information which exist.’’ As part of this mis- dite this bill for floor consideration, the that form the letters BRL. Committee will forgo action. This is being sion, the NFB has been campaigning to in- Mr. Speaker, this commemorative coin pro- done with the understanding that it does not crease awareness of the Braille system of gram, like all those that pass through the Fi- in any way prejudice the Committee with re- communication. nancial Services Committee, proceeds at no spect to the appointment of conferees or its The Braille code became dominant in the cost to the taxpayer and requires the bene- jurisdictional prerogatives on this bill or United States during the 20th century, and it similar legislation. ficiary, in this case the NFB, to raise from pri- served as a gateway to education for the I appreciate and agree to your offer to in- vate sources an amount equal to or greater blind. clude this exchange of letters on this matter In recent years the Braille code has been in than the amount of surcharge income that will in the Congressional Record during floor be received, and also demands strict post-dis- consideration. declining use among the blind population. It is Best regards, currently taught to only about ten percent of bursement audit process to ensure that the funds are used for their statutorily intended BILL THOMAS, blind students and is usually not taught at all Chairman. to the elderly. purpose. In this case, I have no doubt that the NFB can raise the matching funds and will use Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. The NFB holds as one of its major goals the Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance reintroduction of Braille into education for the the income to really very effectively raise the profile of Braille literacy. of my time. blind. Braille readers can read up to 400 Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back And so, Mr. Speaker, noting that 302 Mem- words per minute, comparable to the speed of the balance of my time. bers of the House have co-sponsored this bill, print readers. Braille is also essential for note- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. CON- I urge its immediate passage. taking, mathematics and the study of foreign AWAY). The question is on the motion I also submit for the RECORD the following languages. Moreover, the computerization of offered by the gentleman from Ohio exchange of correspondence: Braille allows users to write much more rapidly (Mr. NEY) that the House suspend the than in the past. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2872, as Commemorating the contributions of Louis COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES, Washington, DC, February 27, 2006. amended. Braille is a worthy goal. Hon. WILLIAM M. THOMAS, The question was taken; and (two- Increasing awareness of Braille and broad- Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, thirds having voted in favor thereof) ening opportunities for use as an educational House of Representatives, Longworth House the rules were suspended and the bill, tool are two other pivotal goals that this legis- Office Building, Washington, DC. as amended, was passed. lation will help achieve. DEAR CHAIRMAN THOMAS: I am writing con- A motion to reconsider was laid on I want to thank my colleagues for their re- cerning H.R. 2872, the ‘‘Louis Braille Bicen- the table. tennial-Braille Literacy Commemorative sounding support of H.R. 2872 and urge the f House to help further the legacy of Louis Coin Act,’’ which was introduced in the Braille by voting for this bill. House and referred to the Committee on Fi- AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT TO Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong nancial Services on June 13, 2005. It is my ex- AWARD A CONGRESSIONAL GOLD pectation that this bill be scheduled for floor support of H.R. 2872, the ‘‘Louis Braille Bicen- MEDAL TO THE TUSKEGEE AIR- consideration in the near future. MEN tennial—Braille Literacy Commemorative Coin As you know, section 7 of the bill estab- Act,’’ introduced by my colleague, the gen- lishes a surcharge for the sale of commemo- Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to sus- tleman from Ohio, Mr. NEY. rative coins that are minted under the bill. I pend the rules and pass the bill (H.R.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:08 Mar 13, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR28FE06.DAT BR28FE06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 28, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 2215 1259) to authorize the President to Force, retired as a 3-star general, and was (B) a museum in historic Fort Wayne in award a gold medal on behalf of the honored with a 4th star in retirement by Detroit, Michigan; Congress, collectively, to the Tuskegee President William J. Clinton. (C) Memorial Park at the Air Force Mu- Airmen in recognition of their unique (9) German pilots, who both feared and re- seum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in spected the Tuskegee Airmen, called them military record, which inspired revolu- Dayton, Ohio; the ‘‘Schwartze Vogelmenschen’’ (or ‘‘Black (D) a statue of a Tuskegee Airman in the tionary reform in the Armed Forces, as Birdmen’’). White American bomber crews Honor Park at the United States Air Force amended. reverently referred to them as the ‘‘Black Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and The Clerk read as follows: Redtail Angels’’, because of the bright red (E) a National Historic Site at Moton H.R. 1259 painted on the tail assemblies of their fight- Field, where primary flight training was per- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- er aircraft and because of their reputation formed under contract with the Tuskegee In- resentatives of the United States of America in for not losing bombers to enemy fighters as stitute. Congress assembled, they provided close escort for bombing mis- SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. sions over strategic targets in Europe. SECTION 1. FINDINGS. (a) AWARD AUTHORIZED.—The Speaker of (10) The 99th Fighter Squadron, after hav- The Congress finds the following: the House of Representatives and the Presi- ing distinguished itself over North Africa, (1) In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dent pro tempore of the Senate shall make Sicily, and Italy, joined 3 other Black squad- overruled his top generals and ordered the appropriate arrangements for the award, on rons, the 100th, the 301st, and the 302nd, des- creation of an all Black flight training pro- behalf of the Congress, of a single gold medal ignated as the 332nd Fighter Group. They gram. President Roosevelt took this action of appropriate design in honor of the then comprised the largest fighter unit in one day after the NAACP filed suit on behalf Tuskegee Airmen, collectively, in recogni- the 15th Air Force. From Italian bases, they of Howard University student Yancy Wil- tion of their unique military record, which liams and others in Federal court to force destroyed many enemy targets on the ground and at sea, including a German de- inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed the Department of War to accept Black pilot Forces. trainees. Yancy Williams had a civilian pi- stroyer in strafing attacks, and they de- stroyed numerous enemy aircraft in the air (b) DESIGN AND STRIKING.—For the pur- lot’s license and had earned an engineering poses of the award referred to in subsection degree. Years later, Major Yancy Williams and on the ground. (11) 66 of these pilots were killed in com- (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter participated in an air surveillance project in this Act referred to as the ‘‘Secretary’’) created by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. bat, while another 32 were either forced down or shot down and captured to become pris- shall strike the gold medal with suitable em- (2) Due to the rigid system of racial seg- blems, devices, and inscriptions, to be deter- regation that prevailed in the United States oners of war. These Black airmen came home with 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, mined by the Secretary. during World War II, Black military pilots (c) SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.— were trained at a separate airfield built near Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, and Legions of Merit, one Presidential Unit Citation, and (1) IN GENERAL.—Following the award of Tuskegee, Alabama. They became known as the gold medal in honor of the Tuskegee Air- the ‘‘Tuskegee Airmen’’. the Red Star of Yugoslavia. (12) Other Black pilots, navigators, bom- men under subsection (a), the gold medal (3) The Tuskegee Airmen inspired revolu- shall be given to the Smithsonian Institu- tionary reform in the Armed Forces, paving bardiers and crewman who were trained for medium bombardment duty as the 477th tion, where it will be displayed as appro- the way for full racial integration in the Bomber Group (Medium) were joined by vet- priate and made available for research. Armed Forces. They overcame the enormous erans of the 332nd Fighter Group to form the (2) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS.—It is the sense challenges of prejudice and discrimination, 477th Composite Group, flying the B–25 and of the Congress that the Smithsonian Insti- succeeding, despite obstacles that threat- P–47 aircraft. The demands of the members tution should make the gold medal received ened failure. of the 477th Composite Group for parity in under paragraph (1) available for display (4) From all accounts, the training of the treatment and for recognition as competent elsewhere, particularly at other appropriate Tuskegee Airmen was an experiment estab- military professionals, combined with the locations associated with the Tuskegee Air- lished to prove that so-called ‘‘coloreds’’ magnificent wartime records of the 99th men. were incapable of operating expensive and Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter complex combat aircraft. Studies commis- SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS. Group, led to a review of the racial policies Under such regulations as the Secretary sioned by the Army War College between 1924 of the Department of War. and 1939 concluded that Blacks were unfit for may prescribe, the Secretary may strike and (13) In September 1947, the United States sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal leadership roles and incapable of aviation. Air Force, as a separate service, reactivated Instead, the Tuskegee Airmen excelled. struck under section 2, at a price sufficient the 332d Fighter Group under the Tactical to cover the costs of the medals, including (5) Overall, some 992 Black pilots grad- Air command. Members of the 332d Fighter uated from the pilot training program of the labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and Group were ‘‘Top Guns’’ in the 1st annual Air overhead expenses. Tuskegee Army Air Field, with the last class Force Gunnery Meet in 1949. SEC. 4. NATIONAL MEDALS. finishing in June 1946, 450 of whom served in (14) For every Black pilot, there were 12 combat. The first class of cadets began in other civilian or military Black men and Medals struck pursuant to this Act are na- July 1941 with 13 airmen, all of whom had women performing ground support duties. tional medals for purposes of chapter 51 of college degrees, some with Ph.D. degrees, Many of these men and women remained in title 31, United States Code. and all of whom had pilot’s licenses. One of the military service during the post-World SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; the graduates was Captain Benjamin O. War II era and spearheaded the integration PROCEEDS OF SALE. Davis Jr., a United States Military Academy of the Armed Forces of the United States. (a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— graduate. Four aviation cadets were commis- (15) Major achievements are attributed to There is authorized to be charged against the sioned as second lieutenants, and 5 received many of those who returned to civilian life United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, Army Air Corps silver pilot wings. and earned leadership positions and respect an amount not to exceed $30,000 to pay for (6) That the experiment achieved success as businessmen, corporate executives, reli- the cost of the medals authorized under sec- rather than the expected failure is further gious leaders, lawyers, doctors, educators, tion 2. evidenced by the eventual promotion of 3 of bankers, and political leaders. (b) PROCEEDS OF SALE.—Amounts received these pioneers through the commissioned of- (16) A period of nearly 30 years of anonym- from the sale of duplicate bronze medals ficer ranks to flag rank, including the late ity for the Tuskegee Airmen was ended in under section 3 shall be deposited in the General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., United 1972 with the founding of Tuskegee Airmen, United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund. States Air Force, the late General Daniel Inc., in Detroit, Michigan. Organized as a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ‘‘Chappie’’ James, United States Air Force, non-military and nonprofit entity, Tuskegee ant to the rule, the gentleman from our Nation’s first Black 4-star general, and Airmen, Inc., exists primarily to motivate Major General Lucius Theus, United States and inspire young Americans to become par- Ohio (Mr. NEY) and the gentleman from Air Force (retired). ticipants in our Nation’s society and its North Carolina (Mr. WATT) each will (7) 450 Black fighter pilots under the com- democratic process, and to preserve the his- control 20 minutes. mand of then Colonel Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., tory of their legacy. The Chair recognizes the gentleman fought in World War II aerial battles over (17) The Tuskegee Airmen have several me- from Ohio. North Africa, Sicily, and Europe, flying, in morials in place to perpetuate the memory Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself succession, P–40, P–39, P–47, and P–51 air- of who they were and what they accom- such time as I may consume. craft. These gallant men flew 15,553 sorties plished, including— and 1,578 missions with the 12th Tactical Air (A) the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., National Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support Force and the 15th Strategic Air Force. Scholarship Fund for high school seniors of H.R. 1259, introduced by the gen- (8) Colonel Davis later became the first who excel in mathematics, but need finan- tleman from New York (Mr. RANGEL), Black flag officer of the United States Air cial assistance to begin a college program; which would award a Congressional

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:08 Mar 13, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR28FE06.DAT BR28FE06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE 2216 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE February 28, 2006 Gold Medal, the highest honor the Con- Rarely, Mr. Speaker, do we get to do vinced, Mr. Speaker, that the only rea- gress can bestow, on the Tuskegee Air- something in this great Chamber that son we do not have the rest is that men. is so widely supported, so appropriate, somebody on staff did not handle this Frankly, Mr. Speaker, this award is and so long overdue. It is a pleasure to right. Because there has been no one long, long overdue. Pilots of the 99th be here today with Mr. WATT, who is that has not felt proud to be able to Fighter Squadron, including the first managing the bill, and also again with say three things: thank you, thank group of black pilots who trained at Mr. RANGEL and the many sponsors of you, thank you. the little airstrip in Alabama near this. Also, I can tell you that we were It is absolutely amazing how great Tuskegee College, and later the 100th, there for the 60th anniversary with Mr. this country is when you find young 301st, and 302nd, were not even ex- RANGEL and the Speaker and leaders, Americans, black as they may be, vic- pected by some to be capable of meet- and my wife and Mrs. Rangel, and it tims of racism though they may be, ing the challenge. Cruelly, studies was a pleasure to be there on that his- fighting to be able to defend this coun- commissioned by the Army War Col- toric day with our congressional dele- try against the Germans and the lege in the 1920s and 1930s speculated gation. Italians and against the Japanese. that African Americans were capable I commend Mr. RANGEL and the other The NAACP fought and won the op- neither of military leadership nor of Members for supporting this, and I portunity for this group of young peo- flying increasingly complex fighter air- urge immediate passage of H.R. 1259. ple to be trained, even though the craft. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Army had already ruled that they Tell that theory to Lee A. Archer, my time. could not be black airmen, or colored the young man from Yonkers who grew Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- airmen or Negro airmen. So they won up dreaming of being a fighter pilot self such time as I may consume. the right to put their lives on the line and reading comic books about the gal- Mr. Speaker, I am a proud cosponsor and share in the sacrifice to which this lant fighter pilots of the First World of this bill, but that is not why I am great Republic was attached. War. Lee Archer flew 169 combat mis- here. I am here because of the proto- I have to thank BARNEY FRANK. He sions in his P–40 Tomahawk, P–39 cols of the House. The protocols of the gave me all the questions to ask Chair- Cobra, P–47 Thunderbolt, and his P–51 House say that a bill goes through a man OXLEY so that I could get the Mustang, known as the Macon Belle. committee and somebody on that com- right answers in order to expedite the He became an ace, notching five mittee should be controlling time. But bill. And MIKE OXLEY has just been ab- downed enemy aircraft in his career. the protocols of the House sometimes solutely terrific, as has the Speaker in Tell that also to then-Captain Ben- put you in a position that you know making sure that we guided this jamin O. Davis, Jr., a West Point grad, you are inadequate to effectively do, through the parliamentary procedure who was one of the first 13 pilots and that is my position today, because to be where we are today. trained near Tuskegee and became the the real person who should be being And talking about bipartisanship, first black flag officer in the Air Force, honored by controlling time is the per- Mr. HUNTER, the chairman of the De- retiring with three stars and being son who was the original cosponsor of fense Committee, joined in with Mr. granted a fourth in retirement by this, my good friend and colleague, SKELTON, the ranking Democrat, to President Clinton. Representative RANGEL. send a letter to all of his colleagues Tell that to Lieutenant Clarence So I want to proudly say that I am a asking them to see their way clear to ‘‘Lucky’’ Luster, who destroyed three strong supporter of this bill, but I want support this bill. German planes and earned a Distin- to yield immediately to my colleague And, of course, the last is something guished Flying Cross the day Archer from New York, Representative RAN- that I have to thank Secretary Rums- notched his first victory. GEL, as much time as he may consume. feld for. My book is not completed, and In all, Mr. Speaker, these men, who Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, the mod- I am glad it is not, so I can thank him were not supposed to be able to fly, esty of the chairman of the Congres- publicly for sending out a letter to the came home from piloting their distinc- sional Black Caucus amazes even me, House and Senate recommending a gold tive, red-tailed fighters with 150 Distin- because destiny would have it that this medal for the historic Tuskegee Air- guished Flying Crosses, Bronze and Sil- is the last day of African History men. They fought not really just for ver Stars and Legions of Merit, a Presi- Month and he is the chairman of the black folks, but they fought for a bet- dential Unit Citation, and even the Red historic Congressional Black Caucus. ter America. They fought for a better Star of Yugoslavia. They also came So that shatters protocol, and I thank world. They were pioneers not only in home with the knowledge that no one him for his friendship, his support and fighting the war, but in showing and could plausibly assert that a seg- the leadership that he has given to all giving self-esteem to so many younger regated armed services made any sense, Americans through the Congressional people, inspiring them to do what so and integration soon followed. Black Caucus. many Americans just dream of doing, After the war, these men became Today probably will be one of the and that is to fly a plane in the defense business and political and civic leaders, closest days to bipartisanship that this of their country. many quite successful both in and out- august body has seen in a long, long Even though they were denied all side the military, blazing trails at time. And, of course, Chairman NEY is types of recognition during the time home the way they had blazed the right: what a historic day that was that they served, and even though they trails in the skies of North Africa and when we went and saw how many tens were subjected to all types of scourges Europe. Today, Mr. Speaker, we are of thousands of Americans were pre- by other people, they still continued to here during Black History Month to pared to give up their lives, knowing fight. There were 450 Tuskegee Airmen add one more honor to that list. the dangers of the Normandy beach- that served with the 99th Fighter The legislation before us, cospon- head. Squadron and were able to then join sored by 308 Members of the House, We were there with Sam Gibbons and with the 332nd Fighter Group in the seeks to award a Congressional Gold the leadership, and it did make all of 15th Air Force. Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen as a us so proud to be Americans that day. group and give it to the Smithsonian We were not Republicans, Democrats b 1545 for display, with provisions that the or liberals; we were just so proud that They flew 15,500 combat sorties, in- medal may be loaned out temporarily we had this great Nation that had gone cluding more than 6,000 missions for to appropriate sites: perhaps to Moton so far in providing her leadership for the 99th Squadron before July 1944. Field in Alabama, where they trained, those who survived and for those who Sixty-six pilots lost their lives and or to the Air Force Academy, where a continue to serve. were killed in action. Thirty-two were statute of a Tuskegee Airman stands in We have 300 cosponsors of this bill in downed or became prisoners of war. Honor Park. this body, and I am thoroughly con- And among the outfit they received 150

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:08 Mar 13, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR28FE06.DAT BR28FE06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 28, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 2217 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 744 Air today and tomorrow, where color Iraq are brought to this central staging Medals, eight Purple Hearts and 14 should never be an issue with those facility, stabilized, flown from Balad to Bronze Stars. people that should not have to put Landstuhl, Germany and then subse- My colleagues, in all of the time that their lives on the line to be respected quently flown from Landstuhl back they were protecting American bomb- as being Americans who are fully enti- here to Walter Reed in the United ers on their missions from the United tled to all of the benefits. States. States to Europe, in all of that time, And to the Members today, I am cer- When I was there in February, they no matter how many times that they tain that I speak for the members of had performed 19,000 such transfers were shot down, they never lost a the Tuskegee Airmen, let this be the from the battlefield with one inter- bomber, never lost a United States beginning. As we say thank you, let me transfer death. I had an opportunity to bomber throughout World War II. They never have to apologize for forgetting go back in August of this past year, in set an example for all of us somehow to someone or not giving them an oppor- 2005: 27,000 patient transfers, again only try to follow, and that is that the tunity. Let this be the day where the one intertransfer death. vestiges of slavery were not over then Democrats and Republicans can come Clearly, these men and women are and they are not over now. And cer- together, ranking Members and major- following that great tradition that was tainly, when we take a look at those ity Members, in saying as we look at started by the 99th Fighter Squadron. brave young men and women that are the past and see where we made mis- Well, sadly today, only 200 of the origi- fighting in Iraq, we cannot tell whether takes; let this be the guidance to pro- nal Tuskegee Airmen are still with us. they are Republican or Democrats; and vide leadership for all of us to avoid I am fortunate to have three of these we do not care whether they are Black, the opportunities in the future. courageous men living in the district White, or Brown. They are sharing the To all of you who have supported the that I represent: Mr. Don Elder, Mr. sacrifices that this great Nation is in- bill, on behalf of those survivors and Robert McDaniel and Mr. Claude Platt. volved in. their families of the Tuskegee Airmen, Recently, the Claude R. Platt VFW I am so proud that because of my I say three things: thank you, thank Tuskegee Airmen chapter was formed. age, my community and my friendship, you, and thank you very much. And I am confident that others will 1 benefit greatly from this chapter’s rich that the spirit of the Tuskegee Airmen Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 ⁄2 is not involved with history books with minutes to the gentleman from Texas history and legacy. Gentlemen, thank you very much for me because one of those great airmen (Mr. BURGESS). happens to be one of my very, very best Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I thank your service and your dedication to your country. I am honored and privi- friends, and that is Percy Sutton. the chairman and I thank my col- leged to represent you before the Percy not only flew the planes but he league, the ranking member, Mr. RAN- United States Congress. GEL, for his dedication and persever- was involved in intelligence and he Mr. Speaker, the mayor of my town ance in obtaining the highest congres- provided the leadership, not just in the of Highland Village, Texas, back home sional honor for one of the most coura- service, but became a leader in the is the son of a Tuskegee Airman. geous groups of Americans, the civil rights movement and became a Mayor Bill Lawrence was born and Tuskegee Airmen. At a time when civil friend and advocate in support of Mal- grew up in Tuskegee, Alabama; and his rights were still being denied and seg- colm X, became the borough president father served proudly with the 99th regation persisted through many parts of Manhattan, ran for mayor, and then Fighter Squadron. when that did not work out, started of our country, the Tuskegee Airmen The 26th Congressional District of out in business to become one of the bravely fought and gave their lives Texas also pays tribute to the brave most successful people in communica- abroad for freedom and liberty that men through the National Cowboys of tion that we have had in the city and sadly oftentimes they did not receive Color museum located in Fort Worth, in the country. here at home. Texas. A wing of the museum is dedi- And so, what did that mean to a Before 1940, the African Americans cated to the Claude R. Platt VFW CHARLIE RANGEL, who came from a de- were denied the right to fly with the Tuskegee Airmen chapter. The wing is pressed community? We had one sym- United States military. However, from the home of a number of personal arti- bol of hope. It was not World War II. It 1942 to 1946, the Tuskegee Airmen grad- facts, autographed paintings of the air- was restoring the Apollo Theater, and uated 992 airmen from the pilot train- men in training, proclamations and he brought back the Apollo, and with ing program of the Tuskegee Army air- other items of recognition. the empowerment zones, I invite all of field, while 450 served in combat. Mr. Speaker, if you are ever in north you to be my guest in seeing the res- For every African American pilot, Texas, Mr. Ranking Member, if you are toration of a historic beautiful commu- there were 10 other civilian or military ever in north Texas, I encourage you to nity, Harlem. And Percy Sutton is the African American men and women on visit this museum and learn more father and the creator of giving that the ground performing support duties. about the sacrifices and the contribu- type of leadership to my hometown. Many of them remained in the military tions of these heroic Americans. What about Roscoe Brown? during the post-World War II era and Mr. Speaker, once again I want to Listen carefully. Roscoe Brown, with spearheaded the integration of the thank Ranking Member RANGEL for his a single-engine fighter, was the first armed services with the integration of bringing forth this legislation honoring American to shoot down a German jet, the Air Force in 1949. the Tuskegee Airmen for their service with a propeller plane, was the first to Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity and dedication to our country. We can- shoot down a German jet fighter plane. to go to Iraq about a year ago and vis- not say it enough. Thank you. Thank And after this, he did not give up his ited with the 332nd Fighter Group, the you. Thank you. struggle. He continued in education, follow-on from the 99th Fighter Squad- Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 became president of a university, and ron that was the Tuskegee Airmen and minutes and 10 seconds to the gentle- today still teaches in the Harlem com- had a chance to visit with the wonder- woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE). munity. ful men and women who make up that Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Lee Archer. As you pointed out, Mr. 332nd Fighter Squadron. What a group Speaker, let me thank the distin- Chairman, a guy who dreamed as a kid they are. And they certainly recognize guished gentleman from North Caro- and fulfilled that dream and then fi- their roots. They recognize the herit- lina. Let me, as well, appreciate the nally went into business and even age, the valiant heritage of the 99th fact, as Mr. RANGEL has said, that we today, even though he is retired, pro- Fighter Squadron. In fact, Balad air have a bipartisan moment. I thank the vides the leadership for small business base, where this fighter group is sta- chairman, Mr. NEY, for his support and people and others. tioned in Iraq, is the site for the Air leadership. As we salute these people today, it Force’s contingent aeromedical staging Mr. RANGEL, might I acknowledge gives us an opportunity to think about facilities where all the casualties in you for a brilliant stroke of patriotic

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:08 Mar 13, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR28FE06.DAT BR28FE06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE 2218 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE February 28, 2006 genius, for you have recognized that damaged over 950 units of ground transpor- On March 24, 1945, the 332nd went on those who battled on the forefront of tation and escorted more than 200 bombing the longest mission flown by the 15th World War II, who may have worn a missions. ‘‘We proved that the antidote to rac- Air Force to the Daimler-Benz different skin color, came home not in ism is excellence in performance,’’ said retired tankworks in Berlin. On this mission, dishonor, but not with much honor. Lt. Col. Herbert Carter, who started his military it downed three of the new Messer- And so I am very humbled to have been career as a pilot and maintenance officer with schmitt ME–262 jet fighters. The group one of the cosponsors to join you in the the Tuskegee Airmen’s 99th Fighter Squadron. received a distinguished unit citation recognition, collectively, of the num- Clearly, the experiment, as it was called, was for its performance that day. bers of airmen who can claim an unqualified success. At the end of the war, the Tuskegee Tuskegee, Alabama and the Tuskegee The Tuskegee Airmen were awarded three Airmen returned to an America that Institute as a starting point of them Presidential Unit Citations, 150 Distinguished was as segregated as the one they had being able to reach their dreams of Flying Crosses and Legions of Merit, along left. with the Red Star of Yugoslavia, nine Purple serving on the front lines in World War b 1600 II and fighting for their America. Hearts, 14 Bronze Stars and more than 700 As Mr. RANGEL said earlier, these in- Air medals and clusters. It goes without ques- Some of the veterans became leaders dividuals suffered in a segregated tion that the Tuskegee Airmen are deserving in the fight for desegregation, both America and, in fact, were rejected and of the Congressional Gold Medal. military and civilian. With their own rebuffed when they asked to join the I would like to thank Congressman RANGEL community, they offered pride and en- United States military to sacrifice for his work in bringing this legislation to the couragement. And to the white com- their lives. But they were persistent, floor of Congress, and his efforts in gathering munity they offered an example of the and they got called to be the Tuskegee 308 cosigners. This is an important, and long equality of men. The Air Force became Airmen and there were personnel sent overdue piece of legislation. I ask my col- desegregated in April of 1948. Unfortu- from Washington to train them. And leagues from both sides of the aisle to give nately, the rest of the Nation would sometimes they were thinking, why did their support to H.R. 1259, authorizing ‘‘the take much longer. But there is no I get this assignment? But now we are President to award a gold medal on behalf of doubt that the example, profes- here today to honor them with a Con- the Congress, collectively, to the Tuskegee sionalism, and expertise of the gressional Gold Medal, some 992 black Airmen . . .’’ Tuskegee Airmen hastened that day. Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 min- pilots, and then of course, any number It is fitting today, then, Mr. Speaker, utes to the distinguished gentleman of civilians who were likewise engaged. that this bill would bestow the Con- from Michigan (Mr. SCHWARZ). gressional Gold Medal, our body’s high- Thirty years after the war was over, Mr. SCHWARZ of Michigan. Mr. you heard nothing about the Tuskegee est expression of national appreciation Speaker, I have had the pleasure of for distinguished achievements and Airmen. And then, of course, they did meeting the Tuskegee Airmen, the sur- the wise thing by establishing the first contributions, upon the members of the vivors, on a number of occasions. A Tuskegee Airmen in recognition of club. number of them live in my home State I too have a personal story, because I their service to our country during of Michigan, especially Major General World War II and in the years after am proud to say that my father-in-law, Lucius Theus, who lived in Detroit, a Phillip Ferguson Lee, was a Tuskegee that conflict. They are living examples distinguished member of the Tuskegee of what is possible when racism is de- Airman; and from the time of my mar- Airmen. They last rallied in Michigan feated and opportunities are equally riage in the early years, what an honor at Jackson, Michigan, in the summer available to all members of our great to travel around him or to meet those of 2004; and our colleague from the country. gentlemen. I was honored to be able to other body, Senator MCCAIN, and I Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 see those gentlemen in their distin- were privileged to be at that meeting minutes to the gentleman from South guished jackets, senior as they were, and greet the airmen. but proud and strong. Thank you, Mr. As the unit approached its first year Carolina (Mr. SPRATT). RANGEL. Thank you to the Tuskegee in action, it learned that it was being Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I thank Airmen. Thank you, America, for rec- transferred to the 332nd Fighter Group, the gentleman for yielding. ognizing these battle-worn soldiers. a unit activated at Tuskegee in mid- Mr. Speaker, I cannot rise to the God bless them and God bless America. 1942 and transferred to Michigan in 1943 heights of CHARLIE RANGEL, but I rise Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1259, where it conducted training at in tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen. For ‘‘to authorize the President to award a gold Selfridge Air Base and Oscoda Air years, it seems we have considered bills medal on behalf of the Congress, collectively, Base, both in the eastern side, on the honoring the contributions of these he- to the Tuskegee Airmen in recognition of their eastern side of the State of Michigan, roic airmen. It is about time this one unique military record, which inspired revolu- before deploying to Italy. The 332nd passed and passed with huge support. tionary reform in the Armed Forces.’’ was composed of four African American Their achievements in support of our On July 19, 1941 the American Air Force squadrons, the 99th 100th, 301st, and efforts in World War II have inspired created an all black flight training program at 302nd under the command of Colonel books and movies. They have earned the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. The Davis. decorations and awards for valor that Tuskegee Airmen were not only unique in their Not long after arriving in Italy, the are too numerous to cite. As Mr. RAN- military record, but they inspired revolutionary members of the 332nd were heavily in- GEL noted, 992 graduated from pilot reform in the Armed Forces, paving the way volved in combat missions. Assigned to training at Tuskegee; 450 went overseas for integration of the armed services in the bomber escort with the 15th Air Force, to North Africa and Italy; some 150 U.S. it escorted the bombers on missions died either in training or in combat The first class of cadets began in July 1941 around Italy, flew on the raids to the missions. And yet, though they were with 13 men, all of whom had college degrees, access oil refineries in Ploesti, Roma- shot down, not a single bomber, as Mr. some with PhD’s and all had pilot’s licenses. nia, and strafed German troops retreat- RANGEL noted, among the many they From all accounts, the training of the ing from Greece. It established a rep- escorted was ever shot down. Tuskegee Airmen was an experiment estab- utation for protecting its bombers. The While their accomplishments have lished to prove that ‘‘coloreds’’ were incapable pilots always followed Colonel Davis’ been recognized by the military, the of operating expensive and complex combat orders. Your job is to protect the military in truth cannot adequately aircraft. Stationed in the segregated South, the bombers and not chase enemy aircraft honor all of their accomplishments be- black cadets were denied rifles. for personal glory, he said. The Ger- cause these men fought and won other The Tuskegee Airmen were credited with mans called the 332nd the Schwartze battles that were not military in na- 261 aircraft destroyed, 148 aircraft damaged, Vogrl Menshen, the black birdmen, and ture. They defied those who thought 15,553 combat sorties and 1,578 missions began to see a plane with a red tail as they lacked the intelligence, the skills, over Italy and North Africa. They destroyed or something to fear. the courage, even the patriotism to fly

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:08 Mar 13, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR28FE06.DAT BR28FE06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 28, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 2219 and fight. Their courage in the air is original members of the Tuskegee Air- Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- legendary, but their courage on the men. These individuals also live in my self the balance of my time, and I will ground and in our society made their district. And they are Floyd J. not take it all. achievements in the air all the more Cawthon, Jerry T. Hodges, Jr., Flora Mr. Speaker, I do want to note and meaningful and remarkable. M. Lane, John Lehman, Theodore G. pay tribute to what I am told are ap- Today, the impact of the Tuskegee Lumpkin, Jr., Levi H. Thornhill, and proximately 20 Tuskegee Airmen, who Airmen reaches far beyond the skies of Albert L. Wallace. are still living and reside in North Italy and North Africa. Their service Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge Carolina, and mention some of their led to social changes in our country both the historic as well as the heroic names, from my congressional district that include the integration of our role all members of the Tuskegee Air- two of them: from Greensboro, Harvey Armed Forces. In 1948, Harry Truman men played in securing our Nation’s Alexander; from Salisbury, Fred Wil- signed Executive Order 9981, directing freedom as well as changing our Na- son. And from other parts of the State, equality of treatment and opportunity tion’s culture and perception of African I do not have all of their names, but I in all of the armed services. President Americans. do want to pay tribute to the ones that Truman’s order ended racial segrega- Once again, I congratulate Congress- I have: from Lenoir, North Carolina, tion in the military and was a major man RANGEL for introducing this his- George Shade; from Durham, William step towards ending racial segregation toric resolution of acknowledgment. MacDonald and Dr. Stuart Fulbright; in the United States of America. Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 from Raleigh, North Carolina, my good Today, we recognize the Tuskegee minutes to the gentleman from Geor- friend Dr. Harold Webb, whom I have Airmen for valor in battle, but also for gia (Mr. SCOTT). known forever, and Walter Chavis; accomplishments that succeeded, that Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, from Smithfield, North Carolina, transcended the battlefield like Execu- I thank Mr. WATT and certainly Mr. Hernando Palmer; and from Dudley, tive Order 9981. The Tuskegee Airmen, RANGEL for their leadership on this, North Carolina, Wilson Eagleson, II. the 99th Fighter Squadron and the 332d and Mr. NEY of Ohio for his leadership I want to thank my colleague, Rep- Fighter Group, not only deserve the on this. resentative RANGEL, again for taking Congressional Gold Medal, they will What an honor it is for me to stand the lead in putting all this together to add luster to it. here and to speak some words about make this a truly bipartisan recogni- I salute the Tuskegee Airmen and I the extraordinary contributions that tion of truly heroic and brave airmen. urge all of my colleagues to support the Tuskegee Airmen have made. Let Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance this bill. me begin by simply setting the stage, of my time. Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 21⁄4 because I think it is very important for Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- us to understand the environment, the let me just say it is a great day for the fornia (Ms. WATSON). Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, on July time that this activity happened in Tuskegee Airmen. It is a great day for 19, 1941, the United States military American history, for us to truly un- the United States, and it is a shining began a revolutionary program in Ala- derstand the significance of the day for this institution of the House. bama to train black Americans as mili- Tuskegee Airmen. Let us go back for a I think that if you look at the quote tary pilots. The program helped change moment to that time, and let us take a from Langston Hughes, a great African military culture and negative percep- look at what was going on at that American poet, ‘‘Dream your dreams, tions of blacks in the military, espe- time. but be willing to pay the sacrifice to cially the Air Corps. In 1921, Benjamin O. Davis had early make them come true,’’ our veterans The Division of Aeronautics of on, as one of our leading African Amer- have done that historically throughout Tuskegee Institute, the famed school of icans in the military, put forward the the history of this country, and the learning founded by Booker T. Wash- proposition that black men should be Tuskegee Airmen have done that. ington in 1881, and I am a descendant of trained to fight, but yet there was Again, I thank Congressman RANGEL his, conducted flight training for aspir- great hesitation. As a matter of fact, for giving them the honor they so ing black pilots; and my cousin, still the Federal Government issued a study much deserve. alive, living here, Ira O’Neal, was one which said that African American men Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of of those pilots. The first classes of were incapable, did not have the skill, H.R. 1259, authorizing the President to award Tuskegee Airmen were trained to be the courage, the fortitude, and, in fact, a gold medal on behalf of the Congress to the fighter pilots for the famous 99th they felt inferior to white people, so Tuskegee Airmen. At a time when their coun- Fighter Squadron slated for combat that they did not have the courage to try did not see fit to protect their rights, these duty in North Africa. By the end of the do this, this at a time in 1921 when the brave young men nonetheless served valiantly war, 992 men had graduated from pilot first woman to even get a license to fly on behalf of all American citizens. training at Tuskegee, 450 of whom were was an African American woman by During the Second World War, African- sent overseas for combat assignment. I the name of Bessie Queenie Coleman, Americans were essentially second-class citi- should also note that 16,000 men and and she flew as a daredevil. zens in American society, and unfortunately women supported the Tuskegee Airmen Circle back to 1941. It was not until this characterization did not end at the water’s program. then that they gave the Tuskegee Air- edge. Not permitted to train as aviators with Mr. Speaker, the 450 pilots that flew men an opportunity at Tuskegee Insti- their white comrades during World War II, 992 combat missions over North Africa and tute in Tuskegee, Alabama, founded by brave young men completed pilot training at Europe, five of them live in the 33rd Booker T. Washington. Tuskegee’s Moton Field, at the school found- Congressional District of Los Angeles And the story tells it all. For there is ed by Booker T. Washington; 450 of these air- and Culver City, which I represent. And no greater story of freedom and Amer- men were sent overseas for combat assign- they are Wilbert Johnson, William B. ican democracy than that story of the ment, and 66 gave their lives during combat Ellis, Elbert T. Hudson, Samuel R. Tuskegee Airmen who, with bravery flights. Hughes, and Roger B. Duncan. and courage, went and fought for the The Tuskegee Airmen populated the famed Mr. Speaker, although pilots that freedom of this country and the world 99th Fighter Squadron and saw combat duty flew twin-engine aircraft did not see while yet back at home African Amer- in North Africa. Others joined the 332nd Fight- combat, it does not take away from the ican citizens were second-class citi- er Group, which flew missions from bases in barriers that broke because of their zens. Italy. Still others served similarly important service. In my district there is an indi- So when we talk about the Tuskegee roles as mechanics, gunners, and engineers. vidual that flew twin-engine bombers. Airmen, it is more than just their fly- Among these brave airmen are several indi- He is Oscar H. York. ing. It is their extraordinary stand for viduals whose stories begin or end in the 12th Many others who were not pilots sup- courage in the face of difficulty. We sa- Congressional District of New Jersey. As a ported the Tuskegee Institute and are lute the Tuskegee Airmen. young man, Robert Griffin worked at the local

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:08 Mar 13, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR28FE06.DAT BR28FE06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE 2220 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE February 28, 2006 airport in Princeton, New Jersey, washing and Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay ing, one of them being Captain Benjamin O. refueling airplanes, earning just a few precious homage to the Tuskegee Airmen, whose out- Davis, Jr., a West Point Academy graduate. minutes of flying time per week. Though the standing valor in World War II inspired revolu- The other four were commissioned second Air Force would not train him as a fighter pilot tionary reform in the U.S. Armed Services. lieutenants, and all five received Army Air due to his race, he eventually found a home H.R. 1259 which I introduced on March 10, Corps silver pilot wings. at the Tuskegee Institute, becoming one of the 2005 recognizes these achievements and on From 1942 through 1946, 994 pilots grad- first black flight mechanics. He later served in behalf of the people of the United States con- uated at the TAAF receiving commissions and the U.S. Air Force after integration, and flew ferring upon the Tuskegee Airmen the Con- pilot wings. Black navigators, bombardiers and refueling and support missions for 13 years. gressional Gold Medal, Congress’ highest gunnery crews were trained at selected mili- A current resident of Ewing, New Jersey— award. Today, I stand before this House with tary bases elsewhere in the United States. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Edward Harris—re- unbounded joy and pride as we prepare to Mechanics were trained at Chanute Air Base ceived his pilot’s license from Tuskegee Insti- enact this legislation honoring the Tuskegee in Rantoul, Illinois until facilities were in place tute and Tuskegee Army Air Base in 1944. He Airmen who are still with us and honoring in 1942 at the Tuskegee Army Air Force Base. served 27 years in the U.S. Air Force and re- those who have passed on. I feel the joy of Four hundred and fifty of the pilots who tired as commander of the 2017 Communica- the wives and widows sons and daughters of were trained at TAAF served overseas in ei- tions Group at McGuire Air Force Base. He Tuskegee Airmen who have waited a long ther the 99th Pursuit Squadron (later the 99th subsequently served in the New Jersey De- time for this day. Fighter Squadron) or the 332nd Fighter Group. partment of Community Affairs, and currently I wish to thank the more than 300 Members The 99th Fighter Squadron trained in and flew resides in Ewing with his wife Delores. of the House who signed on as cosponsors P–40 Warhawk aircraft in combat in North Afri- Mr. Speaker, the Tuskegee Airmen are true making this a truly bipartisan effort. I wish to ca, Sicily and Italy from April 1943 until July testament to the selfless sacrifice and brave commend particularly Chairman MICHAEL 1944 when they were transferred to the 332nd service that the U.S. Armed Forces seek to in- OXLEY and Ranking Member BARNEY FRANK, Fighter Group in the 15th Air Force. still in its soldiers, sailors, and airmen. I rise in of the authorizing Committee on Financial Nine-hundred and ninety-two Black pilots support of H.R. 1259, and commend all those Services as well as Chairman DUNCAN HUN- graduated from the pilot training program of who would stand tall for their country before TER and Ranking Member IKE SKELTON of the the TAAF, with the last class finishing in June their country would not stand tall for them. Armed Services Committee who made a bi- 1946. The Tuskegee Airmen who many Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise partisan appeal to the entire House in support thought would fail in combat, instead accom- in strong support of H.R. 1259. By authorizing of this bill. I would be remiss not to mention plished an outstanding combat record. They the Tuskegee Airmen to receive the Congres- Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld who flew over 15,000 combat sorties, including sional Gold Medal, we are not only recog- commended this bill to the Members of the more than 6,000 missions for the 99th Squad- nizing an exemplary military record, but also House. ron prior to July 1944. They destroyed 111 strength of character in the face of prejudice WHO ARE THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN? German airplanes in the air and another 150 and racism. The Tuskegee Airmen, a unit of on the ground. They destroyed 950 railcars, 1,000 African American pilots, were America’s The term ‘‘Tuskegee Airmen’’ refers to all trucks and other motor vehicles and sunk one first black military airmen. Trained at who were involved in a program the War De- destroyer with P–47 machine gun fire. They Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Ala- partment established as a segregated unit in established a sterling record: No United States bama, these men had to overcome biased no- the Army Air Force (AAF) which was termed bombers were lost under escort of the 332nd, tions of their fighting ability. the ‘‘Tuskegee Experiment.’’ The program After graduation from pilot training at began on July 19, 1941 with primary training a unique achievement. Sixty-six Tuskegee pilots were killed in ac- Tuskegee, 450 members of the unit were sent for the first flying cadets but it went on to train overseas for combat assignments. These men African Americans to fly and maintain combat tion or accidents; thirty-two were downed and saw extensive action, completing 15,000 mis- aircraft. The Tuskegee Airmen included pilots, became prisoners of war. Among them the sions between 1941–1946 without losing one navigators and bombardiers. Tuskegee pilots received 150 Distinguished American bomber during any escort mission. Before 1940 African Americans were barred Flying Crosses, 744 Air Medals, 8 Purple Collectively they earned more than 744 med- from flying in the United States Army. African Hearts and 14 Bronze Stars. als and their heroic service led to the greater Americans were believed to be lacking in The Black fighter group, the 332nd, was achievement of integrating the U.S. Armed qualifications for combat duty. In 1941, Presi- made up of the 99th, 301st and 302nd Fighter Forces—a watershed event in American his- dent Franklin D. Roosevelt overruled his top squadrons. Individually and collectively the tory. Their brave actions broke forever the generals and ordered the creation of an all Tuskegee Airmen revealed the racism, bigotry myths that allowed segregation, inequity and Black flight training program. This action fol- and the lie underlying the conclusion of the injustice toward African-Americans to exist in lowed a pioneering civil rights lawsuit the 1925 Army War College Study that Blacks our military. NAACP filed in Federal Court on behalf of lacked intelligence and were cowardly under Today, the remaining survivors, now in their Yancy Williams and others to force the De- combat conditions; and therefore they would 80’s, are role models to generations of young partment of War to accept African American never be able to fly aircraft of any type. Al- men and women both in and outside of the pilot trainees. though African American could work at un- military. The Tuskegee Airmen persevered On July 19, 1941, the Army Air Force (AAF) skilled jobs in segregated units in World War and by sharing their stories have taught gen- began a program in Alabama to train black II, the Army War College’s conclusion that erations of Americans about the high price of Americans as military pilots. Due to the rigid they could not handle aircraft in combat had freedom. system of racial segregation that prevailed in kept them from any training. They were dedicated and determined young the United States during World War II, Black African American civil rights advocates men who came from every section of the military pilots were trained at a separate air- raised their voices against this racism. The country. I am particularly proud to recognize field, Moton Field, built by Tuskegee Institute NAACP sued the government on behalf of the 38 airmen who were from the State of Vir- in Alabama. The Primary flight training was Yancy Williams to allow him to be accepted as ginia, 10 of whom are still living. The living Vir- conducted by the Division of Aeronautics of an aviation cadet. The Tuskegee Experiment ginia Tuskegee Airmen are Howard Baugh of Tuskegee Institute. was a response to civil rights advocacy. It is Petersburg, Wiley Selden of Norfolk, Grant When the first classes of Tuskegee Airmen a lasting tribute to these early civil rights pio- Williams of Hampton, Ezra Hill of Hampton, were completed, they were trained to be fight- neers and the NAACP that Blacks finally al- Francis Home of Hampton, Theodore Wilson er pilots for the famous 99th Fighter Squad- lowed to train the day after Yancy Williams of Roanoke, William Green of Staunton, Carl ron, slated for duty in North Africa. Additional filed his lawsuit. Johnson of Charlottesville, Augustus Palmer of pilots were assigned to the 332d Fight Group The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segrega- Newport News and Floyd Carter of Norfolk. which flew combat along with the 99th Squad- tion and prejudice to become one of the most These men served as trailblazers in the ef- ron from bases in Italy. highly respected fighter groups of World War forts to create equal rights and equal treat- The first aviation cadet class began in July II. They proved conclusively that Black Ameri- ment for all people. It is my honor to thank 1941 and completed training nine months later cans could fly and maintain sophisticated com- them for their service, legacy and rich herit- in March 1942. Thirteen started in the first bat aircraft. The Tuskegee Airmen’s achieve- age. class. Five successfully completed the train- ments, together with the men and women who

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:08 Mar 13, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR28FE06.DAT BR28FE06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 28, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 2221 supported them, paved the way for full integra- Tails was ever shot down by enemy aircraft. that African Americans had both the aptitude, tion in the United States Military. By war’s end, the Tuskegee Airmen had flown skill and valor, to not only become military pi- The outstanding record of Tuskegee Airmen over 15,000 sorties, completed over 1,500 lots, but to meet and exceed any challenge in World War II was accomplished by men missions, destroyed more than 260 enemy air- presented. I also want to take this time to whose names will forever live in hallowed craft, and more than 1,000 enemy vehicles on thank and congratulate my good friend and memory. Each one accepted the challenge, the ground. The Airmen were awarded 744 Air colleague, Representative CHARLIE RANGEL for proudly displayed his skill and determination Medals, 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 introducing this legislation. while suffering humiliation and indignation Bronze Stars, and 8 Purple Hearts. The story of the Tuskegee Airmen began caused by frequent experiences of racism and I join my colleagues in recognizing the when Yancy Williams, a Howard college stu- bigotry, at home and overseas. These airmen Tuskegee Airmen for their gallant and heroic dent sued the U.S. Government for the right to fought two wars—one against a military force achievements and urge adoption of H.R. 1259. participate as an aviation cadet. The Govern- overseas and the other against racism at The award of gold medals to these national ment was forced to either prove that blacks home and abroad. They fought for rights of heroes is only a small token of the thanks they could not learn to fly or to accept them into the people of the United States, when they richly deserve for their service to our Nation. their civilian pilot training program. As a result, were not entitled to those rights themselves. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. a separate, all-black training facility was built The outstanding record of Tuskegee Airmen Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. by the Army Air Corps at Tuskegee Army Air- in World War II was accomplished by men 1259, which recognizes the Tuskegee Airmen field. Though great racism existed at that time, whose names will forever live in hallowed for their exemplary performance during World and many of the original instructors were memory. I am proud that my Colleagues in the War II, and for paving the way for full integra- white, there was very little bias and prejudice House of Representatives have been sup- tion of the U.S. military. I commend Mr. RAN- reported by instructors during the training. portive of this bipartisan bill to honor these GEL for H.R. 1259, which recognizes the The first class of the Tuskegee Airmen men of valor. Tuskegee Airmen with a Congressional Gold graduated 5 of 13 cadets, who were made a Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Medal. part of the famous 99th Fighting Squadron. support of H.R. 1259, a Resolution authorizing The Tuskegee Airmen were the Nation’s Additional pilots were assigned to the 332nd the President to award a gold medal on behalf first African-American fighter pilots at a time Fighter Group. Though it was 8 months after of the Congress to the Tuskegee Airmen. when many people thought that African Amer- the second class graduated, the 99th Fighting This recognition of the Tuskegee Airmen, ican men lacked intelligence, skill, courage, Squadron finally deployed to the North Africa members of an elite group who fought val- and patriotism to become pilots. In spite of ad- as a part of the Allied Armies. The Airmen iantly for America’s freedoms overseas while versity and limited opportunities, the Tuskegee soon built their reputation as both talented and overcoming racial discrimination, is long over- Airmen defied stereotypes and played a sig- fearless. The Germans nicknamed them due. Their story deserves to be told often, not nificant role in U.S. military history. ‘‘Schawarte Vogelmenshen’’ or Black Birdmen, just during this month of February, to remind The first Tuskegee Airmen aviation class they also earned the nickname, Redtail An- all Americans of the many sacrifices made began in July 1941 and completed training gels, from American bombing crews, due to along the way by Americans of color in the March 1942. African American navigators, their reputation for being the only unit who military who faced discrimination here at bombardiers, gunnery crews, maintenance, in- never lost a bomber to enemy fighters during home. structors, and mechanics were trained to be escort missions. I have the privilege of representing four members of the 332nd Fighter group. In all, between 1942 and 1946, 926 black Tuskegee Airmen who reside in my Congres- The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segrega- pilots earned their wings and commissions sional District: Robert Holts, Ralph Orduna, tion and prejudice. Nine hundred and ninety- and 450 of those pilots saw combat during and Charles Lane, all of Omaha and just four pilots received commissions and pilot World War II. As a result of their combat serv- south of Omaha in Bellevue, Harry Tull. A fifth wings. Four hundred and fifty pilots served ice, the Tuskegee Airmen logged 15,533 sor- Airman, Paul Adams, lives in nearby Lincoln, overseas in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. The ties in the skies over North Africa, Italy and Nebraska. I am especially proud to note that Tuskegee Airmen combat record is impres- Germany. They destroyed or damaged 409 Colonel Lane of Omaha was the youngest sive, including 66 pilots killed in action; 32 pi- enemy aircraft, fuel and ammunitions dumps black fighter in World War II. His daughter, lots captured; no bombers lost while being es- and escorted 200 bomber missions. In total, Karen Davis, is a longtime member of my Dis- corted by the 332nd, a unique achievement; the Tuskegee Airmen were awarded 150 Dis- trict Office staff. 111 German airplanes were destroyed in the tinguished Flying Crosses, 8 Purple Hearts, 14 I also want to mention Omaha native air, and 150 German airplanes were destroyed Bronze Stars, 744 Air Medals and Clusters Alphonza Davis, who graduated from Omaha on the ground. and 3 Distinguished Unit Citations. This record Tech High School and later Omaha University. The Tuskegee Airmen proved conclusively is a soaring achievement that speaks to the He finished first in his class at Tuskegee and that African Americans could fly and maintain depth of talent, heart and courage that they all was chosen squadron leader. He was killed in sophisticated combat aircraft. The Tuskegee exemplified. There were also huge human combat in 1944 while over Germany. The local Airmen received numerous honors, including: costs for their sacrifice as the Airmen suffered Tuskegee Airmen chapter in Omaha is named 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses; 850 Med- 66 combat deaths, and 33 were captured as after him. als; 14 Bronze Stars; and 9 Purple Hearts. prisoners of war. The sacrifice and contribu- Mr. Speaker, the story of the Tuskegee Air- By the end of World War II, the 332nd be- tions of the Tuskegee Airmen were the cata- men was written in the context of racial seg- came one of the most highly respected fighter lyst for President Truman issuing Executive regation that existed in our country during squadron despite prejudice and social equal- Order 9981, which as of July 26, 1948, deseg- World War II. African Americans who wanted ity. The Tuskegee Airmen’s achievements regated the United States Armed Forces. to fly in the military were trained at a separate must be remembered in the spirit of the heroic The Tuskegee Airmen’s contribution to this location near Tuskegee, Alabama. The Air Force role in the global war on terrorism. country is immeasurable. Their display of her- Tuskegee Airmen, known as the Red Tails be- With this in mind, I stand today to support oism and perseverance deserves our eternal cause of the crimson tails on their aircraft, H.R. 1259 to express the sense of Congress gratitude. The Tuskegee Airmen are indeed were the first squadron of African American that the U.S. Air Force should never forget the justified of receiving Congress’s highest honor, combat pilots in the U.S. military. Nearly 1,000 courage of the Tuskegee Airmen by honoring the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. men had graduated from pilot training at them with a Congressional Gold Medal. Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, they never lost a Tuskegee by the end of the war. Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in bomber. Under the command of Colonel Benjamin strong support of H.R. 1259, which authorizes The African-American fighter pilots we know Davis, Jr., these aviators served in combat in the President to award the Tuskegee Airmen today as the Tuskegee Airmen, flew more campaigns in North Africa, Sicily and Europe. with the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. than 15,000 sorties, mostly bomber-support Colonel Davis later became the first African In 1941, an experiment that began as an effort missions, over North Africa, Sicily and Europe American general in the U.S. Air Force. to prove the validity of a 1925 study that during World War II. They downed roughly The Tuskegee Airmen and their record of claimed African Americans lacked both the in- 500 enemy aircraft, and sank a destroyer— success during the war are unmatched. Not a telligence and courage to fly planes during and they destroyed an awful lot of prejudice in single American bomber protected by the Red combat, finished as a monumental testament the process.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:08 Mar 13, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR28FE06.DAT BR28FE06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE 2222 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE February 28, 2006 It wasn’t easy. More than 10 percent—66— sion of Aeronautics of Tuskegee Institute, the tadena, CA; Mr. Andrew Jack Simon of South were killed; 32 were downed and became pris- famed school founded by Booker T. Wash- Pasadena, CA; and Mr. LeRoy Criss of Pasa- oners of war. But all thousand or so who were ington in 1881, conducted primary flight train- dena, CA. They received their training and trained at Moton Field near the old Tuskegee ing. Thus, they became known as the joined the ranks of Tuskegee Airmen in 1942 College in Alabama, now Tuskegee University, Tuskegee Airmen. and 1943. Today, I honor Mr. Goodall, Mr. were heroes, whether or not they were among The first classes of Tuskegee Airmen were Simon, Mr. Criss, and all other Tuskegee Air- the 450 or so who saw combat duty. So were trained to be fighter pilots for the famous 99th men who served our country with valor and the roughly 12 black men and women who Fighter Squadron, slated for combat duty in distinction. served as mechanics or other support crew for North Africa. Additional pilots were assigned to Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. Mr. each pilot, and their black comrades who flew the 332nd Fighter Group, which flew combat Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the in medium bombers during the war. along with the 99th Squadron from bases in Tuskegee airmen. They sacrificed for a Nation Mr. Speaker, no one—man or woman, Italy. they loved even when that love was not totally adults or the near-child drummer boys of the Due to the success of the program, in Sep- reciprocated. In 1941, the Army Air Force Civil and Revolutionary Wars—no one who tember 1943, a twin-engine training program began a program to train African Americans goes to war in the defense of this country and was begun at Tuskegee to provide bomber pi- as military pilots. the liberty for which it stands can be described lots. However, World War II ended before This was an era of segregation, when pop- as anything but valiant and courageous. But these men were able to get into combat. ular opinion was against training African Amer- usually, Mr. Speaker, the only fight these he- By the end of the war, 992 men had grad- icans to become aviators, but the individuals roes have is with the enemy. uated from pilot training at Tuskegee, 450 of of the Tuskegee experience showed the Na- The trailblazers of the first class of 13, all whom were sent overseas for combat assign- tion and the world that they were equals. By college grads and pilots, who went through ment. During the same period, approximately overcoming many hardships, they cast aside fighter pilot training at Moton Field in the sum- 150 lost their lives while in training or on com- the myths that had allowed segregation, in- mer of 1941, and all who came after them, bat flights. equity and injustice to prevail in society. also had to fight prejudice. They beat that The Tuskegee Airmen inspired revolutionary To break barriers, there is often one indi- enemy as soundly as they beat the Axis, and reform in the Armed Forces, paving the way vidual who will pave the way. The catalyst for it was not long after the war that the armed for full racial integration in the Armed Forces. African American aviation was Charles Alfred services of this country became integrated. They overcame the enormous challenges of ‘‘Chief’’ Anderson. When first lady Eleanor While the brave Tuskegee Airmen were rec- prejudice and discrimination, succeeding, de- Roosevelt, climbed into the back of Ander- ognized by their comrades in arms, and re- spite obstacles that threatened failure. Yet, son’s plane in 1941, a new chapter had begun spected and feared by enemy pilots, they their impact can be felt far beyond the U.S. for military aviation in America. His love for fly- were relatively unknown after the war until the Armed Forces into nearly every aspect of ing airplanes began at a young age and throughout his life gave wings to countless Af- formation in 1972 of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. American life. The strength and courage of the rican American pilots. Today, besides the scholarship fund it spon- Tuskegee Airmen serve as an inspiration to all In 1943, the Tuskegee airmen tasted com- sors, there are several memorials to the Air- Americans, regardless of skin color or nation- bat for the first time. By World War II’s end, men, including one at the Air Force Museum ality. the German Luftwaffe would know them as the It remains critically important for all Ameri- at Dayton in my home State of Ohio. Today, ‘‘Red tailed Devils’’ and the American bombing we will approve legislation to award a Con- cans to know the Tuskegee Airmen’s story crews would refer to them as the ‘‘Red Tail gressional Gold Medal to these brave men as and the struggles these men went through and Angels.’’ During the war, the four African a group, and give the medal to the Smithso- ultimately overcame. I encourage everyone to American fighter squadrons that made up the nian Institution. learn more about these remarkable and inspi- 332nd fighter group established their legit- Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Gold Medal rational men and urge my colleagues to sup- imacy with countless victories in the air. They is the highest honor Congress bestows. It has port this important resolution. also solidified a legacy of being highly dis- gone to military heroes, including General Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in ciplined and capable fighters by flying over George Washington, and heroes of the fight support of H. Res. 1259, a resolution to honor 200 escort missions over Germany without against prejudice. Thus, it is only fitting—and the Tuskegee Airmen. I would also like to ex- ever losing a bomber to enemy fire. long overdue—that we recognize the press my appreciation for their heroism and For their service they were awarded high Tuskegee Airmen in this manner, and do so bravery. These men deserve the Nation’s honors, including Distinguished Flying during Black History Month. highest honor for their courage and patriotism. Crosses, Legions of Merit, Silver Stars, Purple It is for those reasons, Mr. Speaker, that I In July 1941, 13 young Americans began Hearts, the Croix de Guerre, and the red star rise in strong support of H.R. 1259, introduced military flight training at the Tuskegee Army of Yugoslavia. A Distinguished Unit Citation by the gentleman from New York, that would Air Field in Tuskegee, AL. Five of those 13 was awarded to the 332nd fighter group for award a Congressional Gold Medal to the young men completed training and received ‘‘outstanding performance and extraordinary Tuskegee Airmen, and ask for its immediate their Army Air Corps silver pilot wings, becom- heroism’’ in 1945. passage. ing our Nation’s first African-American military The Tuskegee Airmen fought the Axis pow- Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in fighter pilots. They would later be known as ers in Europe and racism at home. Their ac- strong support of H.R. 1259. This resolution the Tuskegee Airmen. complishments spoke louder than words and authorizes the President to award a gold Between 1941 and 1946, 1992 pilots grad- provided evidence that led to the integration of medal on behalf of Congress to the Tuskegee uated at Tuskegee Army Air Field, with 450 of our Nation’s armed forces. It is important that Airmen in recognition of their unique military those serving during World War II in either the we continue to acknowledge the sacrifices and record, which inspired revolutionary reform in famed 99th Fighter Squadron or the 332nd service of these Americans who performed so the Armed Forces. Fighter Group. Both units, heralded for their admirably. The accomplishments of the brave As a veteran of the United States Air Force, bravery and tenacity, received more than one Tuskegee Airmen will never be forgotten, and I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this impor- Presidential Unit Citation for exemplary tactical may they always remind us of the unlimited tant resolution. I thank the gentleman from air support and aerial combat. The group also power of the human spirit. New York for introducing it and urge my col- felt the price of war, losing 150 pilots while in Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back leagues’ support. training or on combat flights. the balance of my time. Prior to the Tuskegee Airmen, all combat pi- It has been said that the Tuskegee Airmen The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. CON- lots had been white. In 1941, President Frank- faced two wars—one against a military force AWAY). The question is on the motion lin D. Roosevelt ordered the creation of an all overseas and the other against racism and offered by the gentleman from Ohio black flight training program to train black bigotry at home and abroad. Yet, in the face (Mr. NEY) that the House suspend the Americans as military pilots. Due to the rigid of these challenges, they accepted their coun- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1259, as system of racial segregation that prevailed in try’s call to service and fought heroically in amended. the United States during World War II, black great battles for freedom. The question was taken. military pilots were trained at a separate air- I am honored to represent 3 of these coura- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the field built near Tuskegee, Alabama. The Divi- geous individuals: Mr. O. Oliver Goodall of Al- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of

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Pursu- Accordingly (at 4 o’clock and 15 min- Cooper Hyde Neugebauer ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the utes p.m.), the House stood in recess Cramer Inglis (SC) Ney Crenshaw Inslee Northup Chair’s prior announcement, further until approximately 6:30 p.m. proceedings on this question will be Crowley Israel Norwood f Cubin Issa Nunes postponed. Cuellar Jackson (IL) Nussle Culberson Jackson-Lee Oberstar f b 1830 Cummings (TX) Obey Davis (AL) Jefferson Olver GENERAL LEAVE AFTER RECESS Davis (CA) Jenkins Ortiz Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- The recess having expired, the House Davis (IL) Jindal Otter Davis (KY) Johnson (CT) Oxley mous consent that all Members may was called to order by the Speaker pro Davis (TN) Johnson (IL) Pallone have 5 legislative days within which to tempore (Mr. DENT) at 6 o’clock and 30 Davis, Jo Ann Johnson, E. B. Pascrell revise and extend their remarks on minutes p.m. Davis, Tom Johnson, Sam Pastor H.R. 1259 and H.R. 2872 and to insert ex- Deal (GA) Jones (NC) Payne f DeFazio Jones (OH) Pearce traneous material thereon. DeGette Kanjorski Pelosi The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Delahunt Kaptur Pence objection to the request of the gen- PRO TEMPORE DeLauro Keller Peterson (MN) Dent Kelly Peterson (PA) tleman from Ohio? The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Diaz-Balart, L. Kennedy (MN) Petri There was no objection. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Dicks Kennedy (RI) Pickering Dingell Kildee Pitts f will resume on motions to suspend the Doggett Kilpatrick (MI) Platts rules previously postponed. Doyle Kind Poe CONTINUATION OF NATIONAL Votes will be taken in the following Drake King (IA) Pombo EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO Dreier King (NY) Pomeroy order: Duncan Kingston Porter ZIMBABWE—MESSAGE FROM THE H.R. 1096, by the yeas and nays; PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED Edwards Kirk Price (GA) H. Res. 668, by the yeas and nays; Ehlers Kline Price (NC) STATES (H. DOC. NO. 109–93) H.R. 1259, by the yeas and nays. Emanuel Knollenberg Pryce (OH) Emerson Kolbe Putnam The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- The first and third electronic votes Engel Kucinich Radanovich fore the House the following message will be conducted as 15-minute votes. English (PA) Kuhl (NY) Rahall from the President of the United The second vote in this series will be a Eshoo LaHood Ramstad States; which was read and, together Etheridge Langevin Rangel 5-minute vote. Everett Lantos Regula with the accompanying papers, without f Farr Larsen (WA) Rehberg objection, referred to the Committee Fattah Larson (CT) Reichert on International Relations and ordered ACT COMMEMORATING THE LITE, Feeney Latham Renzi Ferguson LaTourette Reyes to be printed: OR LIFETIME INNOVATIONS OF Filner Leach Reynolds To the Congress of the United States: THOMAS EDISON Fitzpatrick (PA) Lee Rogers (AL) Section 202(d) of the National Emer- Flake Levin Rogers (KY) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Foley Lewis (CA) Rogers (MI) gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides pending business is the question of sus- Forbes Lewis (GA) Ros-Lehtinen for the automatic termination of a na- pending the rules and passing the bill, Fortenberry Lewis (KY) Ross tional emergency unless, prior to the Fossella Linder Rothman H.R. 1096, as amended. Foxx Lipinski Royce anniversary date of its declaration, the The Clerk read the title of the bill. Frank (MA) LoBiondo Ruppersberger President publishes in the Federal Reg- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Franks (AZ) Lofgren, Zoe Ryan (OH) ister and transmits to the Congress a question is on the motion offered by Frelinghuysen Lowey Ryan (WI) notice stating that the emergency is to Gallegly Lungren, Daniel Ryun (KS) the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Garrett (NJ) E. Sabo continue in effect beyond the anniver- RENZI) that the House suspend the Gerlach Lynch Salazar sary date. In accordance with this pro- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1096, as Gibbons Mack Sa´ nchez, Linda vision, I have sent to the Federal Gilchrest Maloney T. amended, on which the yeas and nays Gillmor Manzullo Sanchez, Loretta Reqister for publication the enclosed are ordered. Gingrey Marchant Sanders notice stating that the national emer- The vote was taken by electronic de- Gohmert Markey Saxton gency blocking the property of persons vice, and there were—yeas 399, nays 1, Gonzalez Marshall Schakowsky undermining democratic processes or Goode Matheson Schiff not voting 32, as follows: Goodlatte Matsui Schmidt institutions in Zimbabwe is to con- [Roll No. 14] Gordon McCarthy Schwartz (PA) tinue in effect beyond March 6, 2006. Granger McCaul (TX) Schwarz (MI) YEAS—399 The most recent notice continuing this Graves McCotter Scott (GA) Ackerman Bishop (NY) Burgess Green (WI) McCrery Scott (VA) emergency was published in the Federal Aderholt Bishop (UT) Burton (IN) Green, Al McDermott Sensenbrenner Register on March 4, 2005 (70 FR 10859). Akin Blackburn Butterfield Green, Gene McGovern Serrano The crisis constituted by the actions Alexander Blumenauer Buyer Grijalva McHenry Sessions and policies of certain members of the Andrews Blunt Calvert Gutknecht McHugh Shadegg Baca Boehlert Camp (MI) Hall McIntyre Shaw Government of Zimbabwe and other Bachus Boehner Campbell (CA) Harman McKeon Shays persons to undermine Zimbabwe’s Baird Bonilla Cannon Harris McKinney Sherman democratic processes or institutions Baker Bono Cantor Hart McMorris Sherwood Baldwin Boozman Capito Hastings (FL) McNulty Shimkus has not been resolved. These actions Barrett (SC) Boren Capps Hastings (WA) Meehan Shuster and policies pose a continuing unusual Barrow Boswell Capuano Hayes Meek (FL) Simmons and extraordinary threat to the foreign Bartlett (MD) Boucher Cardin Hayworth Meeks (NY) Simpson policy of the United States. For these Barton (TX) Boustany Cardoza Hefley Melancon Slaughter Bass Boyd Carnahan Hensarling Mica Smith (NJ) reasons, I have determined that it is Bean Bradley (NH) Carson Herger Michaud Smith (TX) necessary to continue this national Becerra Brady (PA) Carter Herseth Miller (FL) Smith (WA) emergency and to maintain in force the Berkley Brady (TX) Case Higgins Miller (MI) Snyder Berman Brown (OH) Castle Hinojosa Miller (NC) Sodrel sanctions to respond to this threat. Berry Brown (SC) Chabot Hobson Miller, George Solis GEORGE W. BUSH. Bilirakis Brown-Waite, Chandler Hoekstra Mollohan Souder THE WHITE HOUSE, February 27, 2006. Bishop (GA) Ginny Chocola Holden Moore (KS) Spratt

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