June 16, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 11 15265 AWARDING A CONGRESSIONAL air-to-air gunnery practice, ground-to-air periences of serving their country during GOLD MEDAL TO THE WOMEN anti-aircraft practice, ferrying, transporting war; AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS personnel and cargo (including parts for the (32) as part of their desire to educate atomic bomb), simulated strafing, smoke America on the WASP history, WASP have Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- laying, night tracking, and flying drones; assisted ‘‘Wings Across America’’, an organi- er, I move to suspend the rules and (17) in October 1943, male pilots were refus- zation dedicated to educating the American pass the bill (S. 614) to award a Con- ing to fly the B–26 Martin Marauder (known public, with much effort aimed at children, gressional Gold Medal to the Women as the ‘‘Widowmaker’’) because of its fatality about the remarkable accomplishments of Airforce Service Pilots (″WASP″). records, and General Arnold ordered WASP these WWII veterans; and The Clerk read the title of the Senate Director, Jacqueline Cochran, to select 25 (33) the WASP have been honored with ex- WASP to be trained to fly the B–26 to prove hibits at numerous museums, to include— bill. to the male pilots that it was safe to fly; The text of the Senate bill is as fol- (A) the Smithsonian Institution, Wash- (18) during the existence of the WASP— ington, DC; lows: (A) 38 women lost their lives while serving (B) the Women in Military Service to S. 614 their country; America Memorial at Arlington National Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (B) their bodies were sent home in poorly Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia; resentatives of the United States of America in crafted pine boxes; (C) the National Museum of the United Congress assembled, (C) their burial was at the expense of their States Air Force, Wright Patterson Air SECTION 1. FINDINGS. families or classmates; Force Base, Ohio; Congress finds that— (D) there were no gold stars allowed in (D) the National WASP WWII Museum, (1) the Women Airforce Service Pilots of their parents’ windows; and Sweetwater, Texas; WWII, known as the ‘‘WASP’’, were the first (E) because they were not considered mili- (E) the 8th Air Force Museum, Savannah, women in history to fly American military tary, no American flags were allowed on Georgia; aircraft; their coffins; (F) the Lone Star Flight Museum, Gal- (2) more than 60 years ago, they flew fight- (19) in 1944, General Arnold made a per- veston, Texas; er, bomber, transport, and training aircraft sonal request to Congress to militarize the (G) the American Airpower Museum, in defense of America’s freedom; WASP, and it was denied; Farmingdale, New York; (3) they faced overwhelming cultural and (20) on December 7, 1944, in a speech to the (H) the Pima Air Museum, Tucson, Ari- gender bias against women in nontraditional last graduating class of WASP, General Ar- zona; roles and overcame multiple injustices and nold said, ‘‘You and more than 900 of your (I) the Seattle Museum of Flight, Seattle, inequities in order to serve their country; sisters have shown you can fly wingtip to Washington; (4) through their actions, the WASP even- wingtip with your brothers. I salute you . . . (J) the March Air Museum, March Reserve tually were the catalyst for revolutionary We of the Army Air Force are proud of you. Air Base, California; and reform in the integration of women pilots We will never forget our debt to you.’’; (K) the Texas State History Museum, Aus- into the Armed Services; (21) with victory in WWII almost certain, tin, Texas. (5) during the early months of World War on December 20, 1944, the WASP were quietly and unceremoniously disbanded; SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. II, there was a severe shortage of combat pi- (a) AWARD AUTHORIZED.—The President pro (22) there were no honors, no benefits, and lots; tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of very few ‘‘thank you’s’’; (6) Jacqueline Cochran, America’s leading the House of Representatives shall make ap- (23) just as they had paid their own way to woman pilot of the time, convinced General enter training, they had to pay their own propriate arrangements for the award, on be- Hap Arnold, Chief of the Army Air Forces, way back home after their honorable service half of the Congress, of a single gold medal of that women, if given the same training as to the military; appropriate design in honor of the Women men, would be equally capable of flying mili- (24) the WASP military records were im- Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) collectively, tary aircraft and could then take over some mediately sealed, stamped ‘‘classified’’ or in recognition of their pioneering military of the stateside military flying jobs, thereby ‘‘secret’’, and filed away in Government ar- service and exemplary record, which forged releasing hundreds of male pilots for combat chives, unavailable to the historians who revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces of duty; wrote the history of WWII or the scholars the United States of America. (7) the severe loss of male combat pilots who compiled the history text books used (b) DESIGN AND STRIKING.—For the pur- made the necessity of utilizing women pilots today, with many of the records not declas- poses of the award referred to in subsection to help in the war effort clear to General Ar- sified until the 1980s; (a), the Secretary of the Treasury shall nold, and a women’s pilot training program (25) consequently, the WASP story is a strike the gold medal with suitable emblems, was soon approved; missing chapter in the history of the Air devices, and inscriptions, to be determined (8) it was not until August 1943, that the Force, the history of aviation, and the his- by the Secretary. women aviators would receive their official tory of the United States of America; (c) SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.— name; (26) in 1977, 33 years after the WASP were (1) IN GENERAL.—Following the award of (9) General Arnold ordered that all women disbanded, the Congress finally voted to give the gold medal in honor of the Women pilots flying military aircraft, including 28 the WASP the veteran status they had Airforce Service Pilots, the gold medal shall civilian women ferry pilots, would be named earned, but these heroic pilots were not in- be given to the Smithsonian Institution, ‘‘WASP’’, Women Airforce Service Pilots; vited to the signing ceremony at the White where it will be displayed as appropriate and (10) more than 25,000 American women ap- House, and it was not until 7 years later that made available for research. plied for training, but only 1,830 were accept- their medals were delivered in the mail in (2) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS.—It is the sense ed and took the oath; plain brown envelopes; of the Congress that the Smithsonian Insti- (11) exactly 1,074 of those trainees success- (27) in the late 1970s, more than 30 years tution shall make the gold medal received fully completed the 21 to 27 weeks of Army after the WASP flew in World War II, women under this Act available for display else- Air Forces flight training, graduated, and re- were finally permitted to attend military where, particularly at other locations associ- ceived their Army Air Forces orders to re- pilot training in the United States Armed ated with the WASP. port to their assigned air base; Forces; SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS. (12) on November 16, 1942, the first class of (28) thousands of women aviators flying Under such regulations as the Secretary 29 women pilots reported to the Houston, support aircraft have benefitted from the may prescribe, the Secretary may strike and Texas Municipal Airport and began the same service of the WASP and followed in their sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal military flight training as the male Army footsteps; struck under this Act, at a price sufficient to Air Forces cadets were taking; (29) in 1993, the WASP were once again ref- cover the costs of the medals, including (13) due to a lack of adequate facilities at erenced during congressional hearings re- labor, materials, dyes, use of machinery, and the airport, 3 months later the training pro- garding the contributions that women could overhead expenses. gram was moved to Avenger Field in Sweet- make to the military, which eventually led SEC. 4. NATIONAL MEDALS. water, Texas; to women being able to fly military fighter, Medals struck pursuant to this Act are na- (14) WASP were eventually stationed at 120 bomber, and attack aircraft in combat; tional medals for purposes of chapter 51 of Army air bases all across America; (30) hundreds of United States service- title 31, United States Code. (15) they flew more than 60,000,000 miles for women combat pilots have seized the oppor- SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; their country in every type of aircraft and tunity to fly fighter aircraft in recent con- PROCEEDS OF SALE. on every type of assignment flown by the flicts, all thanks to the pioneering steps (a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— male Army Air Forces pilots, except combat; taken by the WASP; There is authorized to be charged against the (16) WASP assignments included test pilot- (31) the WASP have maintained a tight- United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, ing, instructor piloting, towing targets for knit community, forged by the common ex- an amount not to exceed $30,000 to pay for

VerDate Mar 15 2010 13:39 Oct 13, 2011 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H16JN9.000 H16JN9 erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 15266 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 11 June 16, 2009 the cost of the medal authorized under sec- commander of the WAF, the Women’s teachers and office workers, nurses, tion 2. Auxiliary Flying Ferrying Squadron in business owners, photographers, and (b) PROCEEDS OF SALE.—Amounts received 1942. It’s a story of how the WFO and dancers. One was even a nun. But be- from the sale of duplicate bronze medals the WAF merged in 1943 to become the fore that they were pilots for the under section 3 shall be deposited in the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund. WASP. United States Army Corps during The WASP would go on and fly 60 World War II. They are heroines. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- million miles. They would fly every Women Airforce Service Pilots, or ant to the rule, the gentleman from type of aircraft. They would be sta- WASP, were the first women in history Texas (Mr. AL GREEN) and the gentle- tioned at 120 bases across the country. to fly America’s military aircraft. Be- woman from Florida (Ms. ROS- And on December 20, 1944, when victory tween the years of 1942 and 1944, these LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes. was at hand, the WASP were quietly courageous women volunteered to fly The Chair recognizes the gentleman and unceremoniously disbanded. Thir- noncombat missions so that every from Texas. ty-eight lost their lives in the course of available male pilot could be deployed GENERAL LEAVE serving their country; however, fami- into combat. More than 25,000 women Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- lies and friends had to pay for their applied for the program, but only 1,830 er, I ask unanimous consent that all burial expenses. Survivors had to pay qualified women pilots were accepted. Members may have 5 legislative days their way back home because they Unlike their male counterparts, women within which to revise and extend their were not considered a part of the mili- applicants were required to be qualified remarks on this legislation and to in- tary in an official capacity. Many of pilots before they could even apply for sert extraneous material thereon. their records were sealed and unavail- the Army Air Force military flight The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there able to historians until the 1980s. They training program. Altogether, 1,102 objection to the request of the gen- didn’t get veteran status until 1977, and women earned their wings and went on tleman from Texas? this was done without a White House to fly over 60 million miles for the There was no objection. ceremony, and it was done without the Army Air Forces, equal to some 2,500 Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- kind of fanfare that we would expect times around the globe. Their perform- er, I yield myself such time as I may them to receive in this day and time. ance was equal in every way to that of consume. The story, Mr. Speaker, is one of few male pilots. With the exception of di- Mr. Speaker, I would like to ac- being honored, and their honors being rect combat missions, the WASP flew knowledge and compliment the Mem- accorded them too late, and not enough the same aircraft and the same mis- ber from Florida, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, thank yous having been accorded them sions as male pilots. and commend her on what she has done at all. The story of the WASP is one Women pilots were used to tow tar- to get this piece of legislation to the that is, in my opinion, the greatest gets for male pilots who were using live floor. She has worked with Senator story never told and one which we ammunition, for searchlight missions, KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, who has had should acknowledge with this bill when chemical missions, engineering test this piece of legislation pass the Sen- it is passed today. flying, and countless other exercises. ate. She had 75 cosponsors; hence, the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of In 1944 the WASP were disbanded, legislation is now before us in the my time. their service records sealed and classi- House. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I fied. By the time the war ended, Mr. Mr. Speaker, there should be a com- would like to yield myself such time as Speaker, 38 women pilots had lost their pendium of knowledge, if you will, I may consume. lives while flying for our country. styled ‘‘The Greatest Stories Never Mr. Speaker, as the House sponsor of Their families were not allowed to have Told.’’ Perhaps therein would be the this legislation, I rise in strong support an American flag placed on their cof- story of the Buffalo Soldiers, a story of Senate bill 614, a bill to award the fins. And although they took the mili- rarely told of how they had to fight Congressional Gold Medal to the tary oath and were promised military their way into the military so they Women Airforce Service Pilots of status, the WASP never were recog- could fight for their country. Perhaps World War II, WASP. And here is a pic- nized as military personnel nor were contained therein there would be the ture, Mr. Speaker, of the WASP, one of they ever recognized as veterans at the story of the Filipino soldiers who died the many pictures, but as the previous war’s end. in the struggle at the Bataan March. speaker pointed out, not enough rec- In 1977, more than 30 years after the Such a collection would not be com- ognition was paid to them. WASP had served, another woman pio- plete, however, without the story of Special thanks for this bill go to Fi- neer, Congresswoman Lindy Boggs, in- the WASP. These are the first women nancial Service Chairman BARNEY troduced legislation to grant the to fly military aircraft. They are the FRANK and Ranking Member SPENCER WASP veterans status. Speaking of the women in the Air Force, the Women BACHUS and their staff as well for their day when women would be fully inte- Airforce Service Pilots known as the assistance in bringing this legislation grated into the military, WASP Byrd WASP. It’s a story of gender bias, Mr. to the floor today. Howell Granger noted: ‘‘If the Nation Speaker, the notion that flying is a I would also like to thank my staff, ever again needs them, American man’s work. It’s a story of culture bias, Mr. Speaker, particularly Captain women will respond. Never again will the belief that a woman’s place is in Deanna Nieves, right behind me, they have to prove they can do any fly- the home. It’s a story of injustice, the United States Marine Corps, who’s ing job the military has. Not as an ex- notion that women could apply but serving as a defense fellow in my office periment. Not to fill in for men. They never qualify. It’s a story of inequal- for the remainder of the year. Her ef- will fly as commissioned officers in the ities and inequities, the notion that forts were instrumental in achieving future Air Force of the United States women could have rank but not always the required number of cosponsors for with equal pay, hospitalization, insur- have their rank respected. Mr. Speak- this bill in record time. And Sarah ance, veterans’ benefits. The WASP er, it’s a story of never say never, a Gamino, sitting next to her, worked so have earned it for these women of the story of persistence pays off, a story of hard on all of our office projects. future.’’ success because of some, and a story of Thanks to all of the great staff work And the WASP were indeed and con- success in spite of others. on this bill. tinue to be true pioneers whose exam- It’s a story of how a famous pilot, Mr. Speaker, as has been pointed out, ple paved the way for the Armed Jacqueline ‘‘Jackie’’ Cochran, became the bill before us today honors a spe- Forces to lift the ban on women at- the first commander of the WFO in cial sisterhood of women, most of them tending military flight training in the 1942. That’s the Women’s Flying Train- in their 80s, who share a unique place 1970s. Today women in the military fly ing Detachment. It’s a story of how a in American history. These women every type of aircraft, from the F–15 to test pilot, Nancy Love, became the have been mothers and grandmothers, the space shuttle.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 13:39 Oct 13, 2011 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H16JN9.001 H16JN9 erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD June 16, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 11 15267 My daughter-in-law, Lindsay Nelson, for their offer, but were refused be- It was not until the Air Force an- a Marine Corps pilot, is part of the cause they were women. Their argu- nounced that it would train the mili- lasting legacy of WASP. Lindsay, a ment, that female pilots could free up tary’s ‘‘first’’ female pilots in the 1970s graduate of the United States Naval male pilots to serve in combat roles, that a renewed interest in the WASP Academy, served two combat tours in was initially dismissed by the Army allowed them to be granted veteran Iraq and Afghanistan, where she flew Air Force’s leadership. Yet two of our status and the campaign ribbons which the F/A–18 fighter jet. I’m so proud of Nation’s most famous female pilots, they earned through their service. Lindsay and of all our servicewomen, Jacqueline Cochran and Nancy Harken While it might be tempting to see to- past and present, who continue to in- Love, persevered and continued to day’s Congressional Gold Medal as a spire young women to achieve the lobby for the ability to use their excep- way to right the injuries done to the unfathomable. tional skills in service of our country. women of WASP, to do so would be to By definition, the Congressional Gold As the Nation mobilized, it became neglect the true significance of their Medal is the highest expression of Con- clear there were simply not enough contributions to winning a war and ad- gress of national appreciation for the male pilots in the country to fight the vancing women’s equality. The legacy most heroic, courageous, and out- war and man the home front. As the of the WASP is unmistakable. At a standing individuals. iconic Rosie the Riveter began to build time when women were routinely as- her tanks and her planes, the Army set b 1300 sumed to be less capable than men, up two squadrons of women pilots to these individuals stood up and asked Given the overwhelming support for assist in the war effort. In 1942 Ms. for the right to prove themselves. this legislation, as evidenced by the bi- Love became the commanding officer These women did not just answer the partisan support of 334 cosponsors in of Women’s Auxiliary Ferry Squadron call of their country, they called them- the House companion legislation, I am in New Castle, Delaware, which ferried selves to service. And in doing so, for- confident that Members of this Cham- planes around the country from fac- ever upended the notion of what ber deem the WASP as deserving of tories to air bases. Not long after that, women could and should do in our this honor. Of the 1,102 WASP, more Ms. Cochran became commanding offi- Armed Forces. than 300 are still alive today and are cer of 319th Women’s Flying Training I would like to commend the leader- residing in almost every State of our Detachment in Houston, Texas, which ship and the board of the National country. Join me in paying homage to provided basic flight instruction for WASP World War II Museum in Sweet- these trailblazers and these patriots the Army Air Forces. On August 5, water, Texas, for preserving the unique who served our country without ques- 1943, these squadrons were combined to history of these women and preparing tion and with no expectation of rec- form the Women’s Air Force Service educational materials to share their ognition or praise. Pilots. Over 25,000 women applied to be- story with countless students through- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to come pilots, and only some 1,900 were out the country. join me in voting yes on this bill, to selected for training. Of these, almost I would recommend to the leadership, award the WASP the Congressional 1,100 eventually earned their wings, the Speaker and to my colleagues to Gold Medal, and request its prompt many at Avenger Field in the town of swing by Sweetwater, Texas—it’s on I– signing into law. Sweetwater, Texas. That is in the dis- 20, an easy drive from Fort Worth or El For history’s sake, I will submit for trict that I get to represent. Paso, 300 miles in either direction—to printing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD The women who volunteered to fly see this museum and get a flavor for the names of the 1,102 WASP. planes faced a world that we can what these women endured during I reserve the balance of my time. scarcely imagine. While complaints of training. It was a very austere training Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- sexism in the workplace still exist base in a pretty rough part of Texas, er, I yield myself such time as I may today, in the 1940s, sexism was not the and you would be impressed with what consume. exception but the standard operating they did and what they accomplished. I would like to thank the gentlelady practice. The women of the WASP were Additionally, I would like to thank for the outstanding work that she has paid less, were trained with inferior Air Force Major Nicole Malachowski done on this piece of legislation. She equipment, refused the status of offi- who worked tirelessly to secure this has worked tirelessly to bring it to the cers, and faced an openly hostile work tribute for the service of these women. floor; and I compliment the gentlelady, environment. They also had to buy Major Malachowski was a Thunderbird along with Senator KAY BAILEY their own uniforms and pay for their pilot. HUTCHISON, for the outstanding job room and board each month at their The SPEAKER pro tempore. The that she has done as well. I encourage training facilities. Yet through all of time of the gentleman has expired. my colleagues to support this legisla- that, the WASP pilots were stationed Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I would like to tion. at over 120 air bases across the United grant an additional 2 minutes to the I reserve the balance of my time. States, flying every type of aircraft gentleman from Texas. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I and performing almost every duty of Mr. CONAWAY. The Thunderbirds, of would like to yield 5 minutes to the pilots in the Army Air Forces. They course, are the elite performance team gentleman from Texas (Mr. CONAWAY) logged 60 million miles, ferrying for the Air Force; and Nicole was a whose district covers Sweetwater, planes, transporting cargo and per- member of that team in the early nine- Texas, which is home to the WASP. sonnel, towing targets, instructing new ties. As a female test pilot, no one un- This is where they trained, and that is cadets, and acting as test pilots. derstands WASP’s legacy better than where their museum is. Of the almost 1,100 women who flew her. As she explained in her letter to Mr. CONAWAY. It is my great pleas- as the WASP, 38 gave their lives. In me, ‘‘I am convinced that every oppor- ure today to recognize the invaluable what remains a blot on our country, tunity I’ve been afforded, from flying service rendered to our country by the these women were returned home not combat patrols over Iraq to rep- Women’s Air Force Service Pilots dur- with military honors but at the ex- resenting the military as a fellow, is ing World War II. Their history is one pense of their families because, al- because of these pioneering WASP. of many surprising and impressive sto- though they flew military planes at the Countless servicemen during World ries that helped define a generation. direction of military commanders, War II, and every airman since, have In the early 1940s, as it became ap- they were not considered to be mem- reaped the benefits of their courage, parent that the United States could bers of the Army. determination, and sacrifice.’’ not avoid the war that was plaguing In October 1944, the program ended It is with great enthusiasm that I ask Europe and the Far East, many accom- abruptly, and many of the records sur- my colleagues for their support on Sen- plished pilots volunteered their serv- rounding the program were filed away ate bill 614 and that we recognize the ices to our country. They were thanked and classified in government archives. contribution of these women for their

VerDate Mar 15 2010 13:39 Oct 13, 2011 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H16JN9.001 H16JN9 erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 15268 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 11 June 16, 2009 service with our highest congressional at a special May 11th luncheon. It was a teered to fly noncombat missions so that every award. pleasure to recognize these three amazing pi- available male pilot could be deployed in com- I thank you for the time. lots who dedicated themselves to a dangerous bat. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I mission when their country needed them. These women set a fine example of bravery have no further requests for time, and Flora Belle Reece learned to fly before she and helped lead the way for the women of to- I yield back the balance of my time. could drive so she could join the WASP. day’s armed forces. For too long their deeds Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- Reece primarily flew the AT–6, but also the have gone unnoticed. This legislation grants er, I yield myself as much time as I PT–19, PT–17, BT–13, and B–26, and she these extraordinary patriots the recognition may consume for a very brief closing. often tested aircraft that had been repaired. they so deserve by awarding them a Congres- Mr. Speaker, the story of the WASP She was assigned to Foster Field, Texas, and sional Gold Medal. is, without question, among the stories there she discovered an affinity for the P–38 There are 300 women pioneers still living that are rarely, if ever, told. In fact, I Lightning, often visiting with the aircraft’s crew today and I am proud to serve as the rep- have contended and continue to con- chief; she was able to fly in one in 2004 dur- resentative for one of these women. Emily tend it’s among the greatest stories ing a commemorative flight. Kline, who resides in Blairstown, New Jersey, never told. But for this reason, we Irma ‘‘Babe’’ Story grew up in the Antelope served our nation valiantly in World War II. It should accord this Congressional Gold Valley with her brother, Tom, hanging out at is because of individuals such as Emily Kline Medal. I beg all of my friends to sup- the local airport running errands, and eventu- that the current generation of Americans is port it if a vote is called for. I shall not ally learning to fly at Antelope Valley College. able to live and work in a nation as free as call for one. Story received her pilot’s license at the age of ours. Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support 19 in June 1941, and worked at Lockheed’s The companion bill to S. 614 is H.R. 2014 of S. 614. Vega aircraft factory in Burbank until joining and I was proud to be one of the 335 cospon- This legislation awards a Congressional the WASP program in 1943. She flew the AT– sors of this bill. The generation of men and Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pi- 6 and Cessna UC–78, and later the B–26. women who served in World War II have lots (WASP) in honor of their dedicated serv- Marguerite ‘‘Ty’’ Killen learned to fly as a come to be known as the ‘‘greatest genera- ice during World War II. 15-year-old in high school and received her tion.’’ Women such as Emily Kline were part of I am a cosponsor of the House version of commercial and flight instructor ratings when that generation and for her service she de- this bill (H.R. 2014), which recognizes the first she was 19. Killen was a student at the Uni- serves our gratitude. women in the history of our country to fly versity of Arizona when she found out that the Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to American military aircraft. The Women Airforce WASP age requirement was dropped to 19, honor and pay tribute to a group of truly ex- Service Pilots volunteered to fly over 60 mil- and so she signed up for WASP training and ceptional women who live in my Congres- lion miles in every type of aircraft available to graduated in August 1944. She flew a variety sional District and whose service to our coun- them, participating in all missions other than of aircraft, including the Stearman PT–17, AT– try was honored today by the passage of a bill direct combat missions. They towed targets for 6 advanced trainer, Beechcraft AT–11, the awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the air-to-air and ground-to-air gunnery practice, Vultee BT–13, and was a copilot in a B–24. Women Air Service Pilots of World War II. ferried planes, transported cargo and per- These women, and all those who stepped Inspired by the attacks on Pearl Harbor, sonnel, instructed, flew weather missions, and up to serve when their country needed them, Margot DeMoss (Riverside, CA), Mary Ann test flew repaired aircraft. They even flew air- are deserving of our thanks and admiration. I Roberta Dreher (San Clemente, CA) and Jane craft that male pilots refused to fly. am pleased to support this legislation to rec- Fohl (San Clemente, CA) answered our Na- In spite of their service, the Women Airforce ognize their efforts with a Congressional Gold tion’s call to duty by joining the Women Air Service Pilots were not given active duty mili- Medal. Service Pilots of World War II, also known as tary status and never received any kind of Mrs. LUMMIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the WASP. commissioning, rank, or military benefits. In support of S. 614, a bill to award a Congres- Created on August 5, 1943, the WASP was November 1977, Congress narrowly approved sional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce charged with the critical task of delivering bat- legislation to give the WASP the veteran sta- Service Pilots of World War II. tle-ready planes from the factory line to mili- tus that they had earned, but they were not in- As an original cosponsor of a similar meas- tary bases around the world. After just 16 vited to the bill signing and received their ure in the House, I would like to give special months, the WASP had established itself as a medals in the mail. recognition to Betty Cozzens, one of my con- premier ferrying squadron. Of the more than Today we recognize the 1,102 women who stituents from Cody—and one of the 300 re- 25,000 women that applied for training, only trained to serve as Women Airforce Service maining Women Airforce Service Pilots. 1,879 were accepted to participate in the rig- Pilots, 300 of whom are still living today, in- We all owe these heroic women a debt of orous program that would eventually produce cluding three from my home State of Hawaii: gratitude. In the 16 months that the Women 1,074 outstanding female pilots. Betty Joiner, Elaine Jones, and Mildred Mar- Airforce Service Pilots existed, over 1,000 of The WASP founder, world famous aviator shall. them served their country with pride. Jacqueline Cochran, challenged the status As a result of the heroism exemplified by The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the quo by asking for permission to commission the Women Airforce Service Pilots, the U.S. most distinguished forms of recognition that WASP directly as Service Pilots, a procedure Armed Forces lifted the ban on women attend- Congress can bestow. It is an expression of used routinely with male pilots but prohibited ing military flight training in the 1970s, and public gratitude on behalf of the nation—to for women. She lobbied passionately, but women now fly on every type of aircraft imag- these women, for their service in a time of eventually lost her battle both with the Comp- inable, from combat fighter aircraft to space need. troller General of the Army Air Force and in shuttles. This legislation at long last com- The Women Airforce Service Pilots forged the halls of Congress, leading to the WASPs memorates their service to our country. reform in the U.S. Armed Forces in regard to disbanding in 1944. I urge my colleagues to support this meas- women in service, flying on every type of as- I believe that these women pioneers de- ure. signment flown by the male Army Air Forces serve to be acknowledged not just for their re- Mr. MCCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, pilots, except combat. I would like to express markable bravery and sacrifice, but for remind- I rise today to support S. 614, a bill to award my gratitude to Betty and her fellow pilots for ing us all that an uncompromising commitment a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women their trailblazing service, being the first women to America—to its values, ideals and tradi- Airforce Service Pilots, and to honor all the in history to fly American military aircraft. tions—is a unifying force. I am a proud co- Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP, es- Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, sponsor of H.R. 2014, Representative ILEANA pecially three who live in Lancaster, California I rise today to express my support for S. 614, ROS-LEHTINEN’s bill, awarding the Congres- in my district. Flora Belle Reece, Irma ‘‘Babe’’ which passed the House yesterday by voice sional Gold Medal to the Women Air Service Story, and Marguerite ‘‘Ty’’ Killen are perfect vote. This resolution recognizes Women Air Pilots of World War II, and I am pleased that examples of why this intrepid group of women Force Service Pilots or WASP. These remark- the women of WASP will finally receive the deserve the honor they are receiving today. able individuals were the first women in history recognition they so rightfully deserve. I was privileged to join the Mojave Chamber to fly America’s military aircraft. Between 1942 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The of Commerce in honoring these three women and 1944, these courageous women volun- question is on the motion offered by

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the gentleman from Texas (Mr. AL ‘‘front of the eye’’ disease, including corneal, tion and early detection, access to treatment GREEN) that the House suspend the lens, cataract, and refractive errors; and rehabilitation, and research associated rules and pass the bill, S. 614. Whereas the NEI research benefits chil- with vision impairment and eye disease: The question was taken; and (two- dren, including premature infants born with Now, therefore, be it retinopathy and school children with ambly- Resolved, That the House of Representa- thirds being in the affirmative) the opia (‘‘lazy eye’’); tives— rules were suspended and the bill was Whereas the NEI benefits older citizens in (1) recognizes the 40th anniversary of the passed. the United States by predicting, preventing, National Eye Institute (NEI), commends it A motion to reconsider was laid on and preempting aging eye disease, thereby for its leadership, and supports its mission to the table. enabling more productive lives and reducing prevent blindness and to save and restore vi- f Medicare costs; sion; Whereas the NEI has been a leader in basic (2) supports the designation of the ‘‘Decade RECOGNIZING 40TH ANNIVERSARY research, working with the NIH’s Human Ge- of Vision’’ to maintain a sustained aware- OF NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE nome Project to translate discoveries of ness in the next decade of the unprecedented Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I move genes related to eye disease and vision im- public health challenges associated with vi- sion impairment and eye disease and to em- to suspend the rules and agree to the pairment, which comprises one quarter of genes discovered to date, into diagnostic and phasize the need for Federal support for pre- resolution (H. Res. 366) recognizing the treatment modalities; vention and early detection, access to treat- 40th anniversary of the National Eye Whereas the NEI has been a leader in clin- ment and rehabilitation, and research; and Institute (NEI) and expressing support ical research, funding more than 60 clinical (3) commends the National Alliance for for designation of 2010 through 2020 as trials, including a series of Diabetic Retinop- Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR), which the ‘‘Decade of Vision’’. athy Clinical Trials Networks, in association serves as the ‘‘Friends of the National Eye The Clerk read the title of the resolu- with the National Institute for Diabetes and Institute’’, for its efforts to expand aware- tion. Digestive and Kidney Disorders (NIDDK), ness of the incidence and economic burden of The text of the resolution is as fol- which have developed treatment strategies eye disease through its Decade of Vision that have been determined by the NEI to be 2010–2020 Initiative. lows: 90 percent effective and save an estimated The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- H. RES. 366 $1,600,000,000 per year in blindness and vision ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Whereas vision impairment and eye disease impairment disability costs; Wisconsin (Ms. BALDWIN) and the gen- is a major public health problem, especially Whereas the NEI has been a leader in pre- due to the aging of the population, a dis- vention research, having reported from the tleman from Texas (Mr. SESSIONS) each proportionate incidence of eye disease in mi- first phase of its Age-Related Eye Disease will control 20 minutes. nority populations, and vision loss as a re- Study (AREDS) that high levels of dietary The Chair recognizes the gentle- sult of diabetes and other chronic diseases, zinc and anti-oxidant vitamins reduced vi- woman from Wisconsin. which costs the Nation $68,000,000,000 annu- sion loss in individuals at high risk for devel- GENERAL LEAVE ally in health care costs, lost productivity, oping advanced AMD by a magnitude of 25 Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask reduced independence, diminished quality of percent, and in its second phase, is now unanimous consent that all Members life, increased depression, and accelerated studying the impact of other nutritional sup- have 5 legislative days in which to re- mortality; plements; Whereas 38,000,000 people in the United Whereas the NEI has been a leader in epi- vise and extend their remarks. States age 40-plus currently experience demiologic research, identifying the basis The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there blindness, low-vision, or an age-related eye and progression of eye disease and its dis- objection to the request of the gentle- disease, and this number is expected to grow proportionate incidence in minority popu- woman from Wisconsin? to 50,000,000 by 2020, a year mid-way in the lations such that informed public health pol- There was no objection. tidal wave of 78,000,000 baby boomers who icy decisions can be made regarding preven- Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield will begin turning age 65 in 2010, and many of tion, early diagnosis, and treatment; myself as much time as I may con- whom will continue working well beyond age Whereas the NEI has been a leader in col- sume. 65; laborative, trans-NIH Institute research, This resolution recognizes the 40th Whereas, in public opinion polls over the working with the National Cancer Institute anniversary of the National Eye Insti- past 40 years, people in the United States (NCI) and the National Heart, Lung, and tute within the National Institutes of have consistently identified fear of vision Blood Institute (NHLBI) on factors that pro- loss as second only to fear of cancer and, as mote or inhibit new blood vessel growth that Health and designates the years 2010 recently as a 2008 NEI study, 71 percent of re- has resulted in the first generation of Food through 2020 as the Decade of Vision. spondents indicated that a loss of their eye- and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Eye disease is a significant public sight would have the greatest impact on ophthalmic drugs to inhibit abnormal blood health problem. Those disproportion- their life; vessel growth in the ‘‘wet’’ form of AMD, ately affected by eye disease are our Whereas, with wisdom and foresight, Con- thereby stabilizing and often restoring vi- aging population, the African Amer- gress passed the National Eye Institute sion; ican and Hispanic communities, and (NEI) Act (Public Law 90–489), which was Whereas the NEI has been a leader in col- those who suffer from chronic diseases, signed into law by President Johnson on Au- laborative research with other Federal enti- especially diabetes. The National Eye gust 16, 1968, with the NEI holding the first ties, such that its bioengineering research meeting of its National Advisory Eye Coun- partnership with the National Science Foun- Institute estimates that eye disease cil (NAEC) on April 3, 1969; dation and the Department of Energy has re- and vision impairment currently cost Whereas the NEI leads the Nation’s Fed- sulted in a retinal chip implant, referred to the Nation $68 billion in health care eral commitment to basic and clinical re- as the ‘‘Bionic Eye’’, that has enabled indi- costs, lost productivity, reduced inde- search, research training, and other pro- viduals who have been blind for decades to pendence, diminished quality of life, grams with respect to blinding eye diseases, perceive visual images; and accelerated mortality. visual disorders, mechanisms of visual func- Whereas the NEI has been a leader in col- The NEI leads our Nation’s efforts to tion, preservation of sight and the special laborative research with private funding en- prevent blindness and to save and re- health problems and needs of individuals who tities, such that its human gene therapy are visually-impaired or blind, and to dis- trial with the Foundation Fighting Blind- store vision. The NEI has been a leader seminate information aimed at the preven- ness for individuals with Leber Congenital in both basic and translational re- tion of blindness, specifically with public Amaurosis (LCA), a rapid retinal degenera- search. Its researchers have been able and professional education facilitated tion that blinds infants in their first year of to associate one-quarter of all genes through its National Eye Health Education life, has demonstrated measurable vision im- discovered to date with eye disease and Program (NEHEP); provement even within the initial safety vision impairment. The NEI has con- Whereas the NEI maximizes Federal fund- trials; ducted more than 60 clinical trials that ing by devoting 85 percent of its budget to Whereas in the decade 2010 through 2020, have resulted in treatments and thera- extramural research that addresses the the Nation will face unprecedented public breadth of eye and vision disorders, includ- health challenges associated with aging, pies to save sight and, in some cases, ing ‘‘back of the eye’’ retinal and optic nerve health disparities, and chronic disease; and actually reverse vision loss. disease, such as age-related macular degen- Whereas Federal support at the NEI and The National Eye Institute estimates eration (AMD), glaucoma, and diabetic ret- related Department of Health and Human that over the decade of 2010 to 2020, the inopathy, and concomitant low vision, and Services agencies is essential for the preven- number of individuals over age 40 who

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