October 8, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10121 Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance engaged, and we should not be leaving AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CON- of my time, and I move the previous until we deal with a couple of these GRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR question on the resolution. critical issues. They are life-and-death TO THEODORE ROOSEVELT The previous question was ordered. issues. Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I move to The resolution was agreed to. Senator DODD and I had a meeting suspend the rules and pass the bill A motion to reconsider was laid on where one gentleman had a heart at- (H.R. 2263) to authorize and request the the table. tack. He was so anxious about his President to award the Congressional Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, pursuant health care policy and the company Medal of Honor posthumously to Theo- to House Resolution 580 just passed, I dropping him. dore Roosevelt for his gallant and he- call up the joint resolution (H.J. Res. Mr. Speaker, again, we have no objec- roic actions in the attack on San Juan 131) waiving certain enrollment re- tion to this particular provision, but Heights, Cuba, during the Spanish- quirements for the remainder of the we do have an objection to the way this American War. One Hundred Fifth Congress with re- Congress has been run and the little it The Clerk read as follows: spect to any bill or joint resolution has done to deal with the needs of the H.R. 2263 making general or continuing appro- American people. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- priations for fiscal year 1999. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of resentatives of the United States of America in The Clerk read the title of the joint my time. Congress assembled, That the President is au- resolution. Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I will re- thorized and requested to award the congres- The text of House Joint Resolution strain myself and tell the gentleman I sional Medal of Honor posthumously to 131 is as follows: have no further speakers if he wishes Theodore Roosevelt, of the State of New York, for his actions in the attack of San H.J. RES. 131 to yield back the balance of his time. Juan Heights, Cuba, during the Spanish- Resolved by the Senate and House of Rep- Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I American War on July 1, 1898. Such an award resentatives of the United States of America in yield back the balance of my time. may be made without regard to the provi- Congress assembled, That the provisions of Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, how sions of section 3744 of title 10, United States sections 106 and 107 of title 1, United States much time do I have remaining? Code, and may be made in accordance with Code, are waived for the remainder of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- award criteria applicable at the time of the One Hundred Fifth Congress with respect to actions referred to in the first sentence. the printing (on parchment or otherwise) of tleman from California (Mr. THOMAS) the enrollment of any bill or joint resolution has 28 minutes remaining. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- making general appropriations or continuing Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I have 28 ant to the rule, the gentleman from In- appropriations for the fiscal year ending minutes, and they have yielded back diana (Mr. BUYER) and the gentleman September 30, 1999. The enrollment of any the balance of their time. from Pennsylvania (Mr. MCHALE) each such bill or joint resolution shall be in such The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- will control 20 minutes. form as the Committee on House Oversight tleman is correct. The Chair recognizes the gentleman of the House of Representatives certifies to Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, let me from Indiana (Mr. BUYER). be a true enrollment. indicate that I will yield back the bal- Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ance of my time as well. self such time as I may consume. ant to House Resolution 580, the gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time Mr. Speaker, on September 28 I tleman from California (Mr. THOMAS) for debate has expired. chaired a Subcommittee on Military and the gentleman from Connecticut The joint resolution is considered Personnel hearing that examined the (Mr. GEJDENSON) each will control 30 read for amendment. evidence supporting the award of the minutes. Pursuant to House Resolution 580, Medal of Honor to Theodore Roosevelt The Chair recognizes the gentleman the previous question is ordered. for his valor on July 1, 1898, during the from California (Mr. THOMAS). The question is on engrossment and Battle of San Juan Hill in the Spanish- Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield the third reading of the joint resolu- American War. myself such time as I may consume. tion. During the hearing we heard compel- Mr. Speaker, as was just discussed, The joint resolution was ordered to ling testimony about the courage and Mr. Speaker, this resolution allows us be engrossed and read a third time, was decisiveness of Theodore Roosevelt to, notwithstanding the law requiring read the third time, and passed, and a from two of our colleagues who studied enrollment bills on parchment, to en- motion to reconsider was laid on the his actions that day in great detail, the roll any bill or joint resolution in such table. gentleman from New York (Mr. LAZIO) form as the Committee on House Over- f and the gentleman from Pennsylvania sight of the House of Representatives (Mr. MCHALE). certifies to be a true enrollment. That ANNOUNCEMENT OF BILLS TO BE We learned the details of the mili- is the sum and substance of the bill. CONSIDERED UNDER SUSPEN- tary battle that day and the political Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of SION OF THE RULES ON TODAY battle that followed from the histo- my time. Mr. THOMAS. Pursuant to House rians, Dr. John A. Gable, the executive Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, we Resolution 575, I announce the follow- director of the Theodore Roosevelt As- have no objections to this particular ing suspensions to be considered today: sociation, and Mr. Nathan Miller, the proposition. It is part of the house- H.R. 2675, Federal Employees Life In- author of the biography ‘‘Theodore keeping efforts to keep us going and surance and S. 2561, Fair Credit Report- Roosevelt, A Life.’’ trying to get things done. ing. Mr. Speaker, finally, we also heard But, frankly, we are about to leave from Mr. Tweed Roosevelt, the great- town, in my opinion, without getting f grandson of Theodore Roosevelt. We some of the most important things we b 1530 heard about the man Theodore Roo- need to get done. There are seniors los- sevelt, a man of immense energy and ing their HMO benefits across my State ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER intelligence and a family man, a man and much of the Nation. We are not ad- PRO TEMPORE of unwavering moral fiber, a man of dressing that issue. We are not address- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. immense stature in the history of this ing the issues of class size and the LATOURETTE). Pursuant to the provi- Nation, and the great impact that he quality of education our kids get. We sions of clause 5 of rule 1, the Chair an- had upon his four sons. Then we stop left campaign finance reform hanging nounces that he will postpone further and think about the fact that this is a around, lingering a slow death. proceedings today on each motion to family that lost four sons in a uniform, Mr. Speaker, some people said this is suspend the rules on which a recorded three in World War I and one in World the least effective Congress in the his- vote or the yeas and nays are ordered, War II. tory of this Union. I am not interested or on which the vote is objected to Mr. Speaker, we are honored today to in rating the Congress. I am interested under clause 4 of rule XV. have Mr. Tweed Roosevelt in the gal- in dealing with these issues. Our sen- Such rollcall votes, if postponed, lery to witness this historic celebra- iors deserve to have a Congress that is shall be taken later in the day. tion of an important moment in the H10122 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 8, 1998 life of his great-grandfather. On behalf got my attention the most. And it was Mr. Speaker, the evidence supporting of myself and the Committee on Na- my dear friend, the gentleman from the award of the Medal of Honor to tional Security and the House of Rep- Pennsylvania (Mr. MCHALE), who sat Theodore Roosevelt is overwhelming. resentatives, I would like to thank Mr. me down and made me focus, and he Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Roosevelt for being here today to rep- pointed something out to me that was my time. resent his family and to share this mo- very intriguing, and it was to focus Mr. MCHALE. Mr. Speaker, I yield ment with us. upon the individual of whom rec- such time as he may consume to the We can talk about the greatness of ommended and the individual of whom gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. TAY- the man in Theodore Roosevelt, about endorsed the Medal of Honor. LOR). his fidelity and his honor and his integ- When I think of Colonel Leonard Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Mr. rity, and we recognize that these are Wood, there is a fort named after Colo- Speaker, today we are considering H.R. attributes for which there is no dis- nel Leonard Wood in Missouri. His 2263, a bill to authorize the President agreement on this House floor with re- rank, he was the assistant surgeon of to award the Congressional Medal of gard to this President. But what we the United States Army and he re- Honor to Theodore Roosevelt for his must focus on is not about the life of ceived the Medal of Honor himself, and historic charge during the Battle of the man and how he led it and his im- he did that because voluntarily he car- San Juan Heights. I am pleased to join pact upon not only his family and the ried out dispatches through the region my colleague, who should have been Nation, we have to focus on what hap- infested at the time with hostile Indi- Secretary of the Navy, the gentleman pened, as was documented by evidence ans, making a journey of 70 miles in from Pennsylvania (Mr. MCHALE) in co- that occurred at the Battle of San one night and walking 30 miles the sponsoring this legislation. Juan Hill in San Juan Heights. It is his next day; also, for several weeks while Teddy Roosevelt’s charge up Kettle heroic performance, the documented in close pursuit of Geronimo’s band, Hill at San Juan Heights is one of the evidence that it did meet the estab- and constantly expecting an encounter, most inspiring moments in our Na- lished standard for the award of the commanded an attachment of infantry tion’s history. His bravery and gal- medal at the time. which was then without an officer and lantry demonstrates how one man’s I would like to summarize the evi- to the command which he was assigned initiative can change the course of a dence of Theodore Roosevelt’s heroism upon his own request. battle. For his bravery he was nomi- nated for the Congressional Medal of that I found instructive. The extraor- The individual that endorsed the dinary nature of his bravery was con- Honor. However, it was never bestowed Medal of Honor was Major General Wil- firmed by superiors, subordinates and by the Secretary of the Army. liam Shafter, who is a recipient of the other eyewitnesses. His willingness to Mr. Speaker, the Medal of Honor is Medal of Honor himself. At that time expose himself to the most extreme the highest award our Nation can be- during the Civil War, he was a lieuten- hazards of the battle, as evidenced by a stow, and, therefore, we should not ant. He was engaged in a bridge con- number of people killed or wounded confer this honor lightly. However, we struction, and he was not being needed, around him, and his decision to lead must recognize the standards for and then he returned with his men to the charge on horseback, the only awarding the medal at that time were engage with the enemy, participated in mounted man in the attack, dem- not the same as the standards for a charge across an open field that re- onstrated an utter and complete dis- awarding it now. We need the Depart- sulted in casualties to 18 out of 22 of regard for his own life. Such qualities ment of Defense to examine this case his men. At the close of the battle, at least equaled the selfless service of on its merits in light of the others who with his horse shot out from under- those who were awarded the Medal of won the Medal of Honor during that en- neath him, and he was severely wound- Honor for service that day, most for gagement. ed, he remained on the field that day rescuing wounded comrades under fire. The Subcommittee on Military Per- and stayed to fight the next day, only His raw courage and fearless, bold sonnel recently held a hearing on the to have his wounds finally take him and decisive action in leading these case for awarding the Medal of Honor, aside. two charges when other commanders the award that Colonel Roosevelt val- and officers around him hesitated to do So when I think about where in our ued so highly and that his superiors so so saved lives. Not only did his actions history have we ever had two individ- clearly wanted to give him. While I was save lives on that day, but his con- uals who were recipients of the Medal unable to attend this hearing because spicuous action and valor changed the of Honor themselves recommend some- of the hurricane that was in south Mis- course of the battle and clearly set him one else receive the Medal of Honor. sissippi last Monday, I understand that apart from his contemporaries. These are two individuals who under- witnesses unanimously reaffirmed the His recommendation for the Medal of stand what it means to be awarded the case for awarding the medal. I hope Honor came from two officers: Major medal, and that is where I give the this legislation will give the Depart- General William Shafter and Colonel most credibility. ment the chance to do the same. Leonard Wood, who were most quali- Mr. Speaker, in the absence of Mr. Speaker, while I have the chance, fied to judge whether the extraordinary records, and to substantiate why the I would like to take this opportunity bravery and nature of Roosevelt’s ac- decoration was disapproved at the to commend the bill’s author, the gen- tions qualified for the award of the time, I believe there is credible evi- tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. medal since previously both had been dence that politics and not an honest MCHALE). PAUL has not been a Member awarded the medal themselves. assessment of his valor was the prime of Congress as long as some others, but Mr. Speaker, I, as chairman of the consideration for the evaluation of he has served this body extremely well. Subcommittee on Personnel, get many Theodore Roosevelt’s recommendation He was asked by the President to serve different requests to somehow reshape for the Medal of Honor. There is no as the Secretary of the Navy and de- or change the course of history, wheth- doubt in my mind that then Secretary clined, and was one of a very few people er some unit is entitled to this form of of War Russell Alger and the McKinley on this side of the aisle who felt that citation, or someone should have been administration were acutely embar- the best thing for our country, regard- promoted that was unjustly, or even rassed by press reports generated by less of partisan politics, was to ask the overturned courts-martial is correct, Roosevelt’s criticism of Alger’s deci- same man who offered him the job of and I am always very hesitant to take sion not to return the troops home Secretary of the Navy to resign. my judgments of the day and replace after the war because the administra- I think the gentleman from Pennsyl- them for the judgments of those who tion feared a yellow fever epidemic in vania (Mr. MCHALE) is the kind of peo- are were there at the time. this country. When the troops were re- ple that we need more of in Congress. I What is clear to me about this case, turned home shortly after the exposure regret his departure, and I am honored about Theodore Roosevelt and the of the issue to the press, it was pain- to have cosponsored this bill with him. Medal of Honor, was that it was the fully clear that Secretary Alger re- Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 military that recommended that he re- sented Theodore Roosevelt’s involve- minutes to the distinguished gen- ceive the Medal of Honor. That is what ment. tleman from New York (Mr. SOLOMON), October 8, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10123 the chairman of the Committee on hour and 41 minutes, and I challenge I have had conversations in recent Rules. anybody to do that. Upon his arrival at days with the Acting Secretary of the Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I thank North Creek just after dawn on Sep- Army and the Secretary of the Army, the great American from Indiana, and I tember 4, 1901, Theodore Roosevelt was where a position was presented to me also want to commend another great informed that he was the 26th Presi- that although Theodore Roosevelt had American from Pennsylvania (Mr. dent of the United States of America. been brave on that day, they indicated MCHALE). I praise him for a different It was exactly 43 days before his 43rd it did not appear, based on the Army’s reason. He was a good marine, he is birthday. He then boarded the train for analysis of the recommendation, that still a good marine, and that is why I Buffalo and was formally sworn in the courage shown by Theodore Roo- salute him and admire him so much. later that day. sevelt was extraordinary by compari- Mr. Speaker, I really am pleased to Today, in my congressional district, son to other officers of similar rank rise in strong support of this bill. Theo- there is a plaque that marks the ap- and responsibility. dore Roosevelt is universally recog- proximate spot where Roosevelt was in Mr. Speaker, I have been a Member of nized as one of the most popular and his mad dash through the night at the this Congress for 6 years. I have been a significant public figures in American moment that McKinley died. It was at United States Marine for 26 years. I history, and we New Yorkers are par- that moment in that spot that he be- would like to state in the strongest ticularly proud of him as the greatest came the President of the United possible personal terms that the valor Republican in the history of our State. States of America. displayed by Theodore Roosevelt that He was a man who devoted his life to Mr. Speaker, let me just conclude by day, July 1, 1898, was absolutely ex- fighting for what he called a ‘‘square making one more point. Theodore Roo- traordinary, breathtaking. If anything, deal,’’ my colleagues remember that, sevelt’s wartime exploits are well- history has not credited to Theodore for every American. His name is syn- known. Perhaps less well-known today Roosevelt the full measure of courage onymous with the principles of fair- is the fact that he was the very first that he showed under fire. ness, justice, love of nature and the American person to receive the Noble I respectfully submit, for reasons highest standards of morality and eth- Peace Prize. He was awarded that sin- that I find inexplicable, the Army has ics, standards that he maintained both gular honor in 1906 in recognition of his failed to appreciate his leadership at in public and private life. successful effort to negotiate settle- that time and place. I believe, however, So it is a proud moment for me to en- ment in the Russo-Japanese War. Roo- the record of contemporaneous cor- dorse his receiving the Medal of Honor. sevelt’s role as a peacemaker provides respondence captures full well the This bill will correct the miscarriage of a very interesting counterpart to his point that I am making. justice which denied him the Medal of role as a soldier. As I read these accounts of men with Honor during his own lifetime, despite b 1545 him during the battle, I ask Members the strong recommendations on his be- It is for that later role that we give to determine whether or not the cour- half by superior officers and others him this due recognition today in age that Theodore Roosevelt showed with whom he served in the Spanish- awarding him that Medal of Honor. I that day was extraordinary, and wheth- American War. just commend my good friend and er or not, in light of observations of Mr. Speaker, not only have I had the former marine, the gentleman from those who were there, he did indeed privilege of representing the home of Pennsylvania (Mr. PAUL MCHALE) for earn the Medal of Honor. Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Hyde bringing this badly needed legislation July 6, 1898, just 5 days after the bat- Park, New York, but I also represent to the floor, finally. tle, to the Adjutant General, Washing- the Adirondack Mountains where Mr. MCHALE. Mr. Speaker, I yield ton, D.C.: President Theodore Roosevelt spent myself such time as I may consume. Sir, I have the honor to recommend Colo- much of his time. I would like to take Let me first of all thank the gen- nel Theodore Roosevelt, 1st U.S. Voluntary just the rest of my time to tell a little- tleman from New York (Mr. SOLOMON) Cavalry, for the Medal of Honor for distin- known story about the circumstances for his very nice remarks. I would guished gallantry in leading a charge on one that surrounded Theodore Roosevelt’s point out to the gentleman from New of the entrenched hills to the east of the accession to the Presidency. Spanish position in the suburbs of Santiago York that the carriage to which he de Cuba July 1, 1898, very respectfully, Leon- When President McKinley was shot made reference is today on display in ard Wood, Colonel U.S. 1st Volunteer. in Buffalo, New York, then-Vice Presi- the Adirondack Museum at Blue Moun- dent Roosevelt rushed to the scene. First endorsement, 3 days later, July tain Lake. My family and I had the op- 9, 1898: Upon being assured by doctors that the portunity to view that carriage a few President was out of danger, Roosevelt Earnestly recommended, Joseph Wheeler, years ago. General, U.S. Volunteers, commanding, a joined his family for a camping and Let me also thank the gentleman gentleman who returned to active duty as a hiking trip in the Adirondack Moun- from Mississippi (Mr. TAYLOR) for the commanding officer from this very body tains up where I live, and, Mr. Speaker, kind personal remarks that he directed where he was at that time serving as a mem- on the afternoon of September 13, 1901, toward me. In the interest of complete ber of the United States House of Represent- Roosevelt and several hiking compan- truth, I want to make it clear that I atives. ions were descending from Mount withdrew my name for consideration as Second endorsement, July 9, 1898, Re- Marcy, one of the most beautiful Secretary of the Navy before the Presi- spectfully forwarded to the Adjutant mountains in the Adirondacks, when dent had made any final decision, and General of the Army: word came that the President’s condi- before any offer had been made to me. Approved; William R. Shafter, U.S. Volun- tion had taken an unexpected turn for Moving on to what is truly impor- teers, commanding. the worse. tant, the combat record of Theodore The recommendation, Mr. Speaker, They then hiked 12 miles in 3 hours Roosevelt, I rise to recommend to the then went to Secretary of War Alger. and 15 minutes through the woods to membership of the House that the From that point forward, what was reach a lodge where Mrs. Roosevelt was Medal of Honor be granted to former purely a military recommendation, staying and they could await develop- President Theodore Roosevelt. based on extraordinary courage under ments. And at 10 p.m., word came the On July 1, 1898, Lt. Col. Theodore fire, became mired in unrelated tan- President was sinking rapidly. Roosevelt of the 1st Volunteer Cavalry gential and unfortunate politics. Roosevelt set out from there in a sin- led an extraordinary charge on San Let me read the firsthand observa- gle horse-drawn carriage on a break- Juan Heights, located on the island of tions of those who witnessed Theodore neck ride through the night in a thick- Cuba during the Spanish-American Roosevelt’s courage: ly-forested area to reach the railroad War. Eyewitness accounts indicate Headquarters, United States Military station at North Creek, New York. The that Colonel Roosevelt distinguished Academy, April 5, 1899. horse and driver were changed twice en himself by, and I quote, ‘‘displaying My duties on July 1st, 1898, brought me in route, and Roosevelt covered 34 miles the greatest bravery, and placing his constant observation of and contact with in a little over 6 hours. In the final life in extreme jeopardy by unavoid- Colonel Roosevelt from early morning until relay, he covered 16 miles in just one able danger to severe fire.’’ shortly before the climax of the assault of H10124 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 8, 1998 the Cavalry Division on the San Juan Hill, San Juan. He led his command in person, and Mr. LAZIO of New York. Mr. Speak- the so-called Kettle Hill. During this time, I witnessed Colonel Roosevelt’s action. er, I want to begin by thanking the I hereby certify that on July 1st, 1898, at while under the enemy’s artillery fire from gentleman from Indiana (Mr. BUYER) the Battle of San Juan, Cuba, I witnessed El Poso and while on the March from El Poso for his leadership in bringing this to to San Juan fjord, to the point from which Colonel Roosevelt, then Lt. Col. Roosevelt, his regiment moved to the assault about 2 First Volunteer Cavalry, United States the floor. I also would like to acknowl- miles, the greater part under fire, Colonel Army Mounted, leading his regiment in the edge the great work of many different Roosevelt was conspicuous above any others charge on San Juan. By his gallantry and people who are not here in the Cham- I observed in his regiment in zealous per- strong personality, he contributed most ma- ber, but who were instrumental in giv- formance of duty, in total disregard of his terially to the success of the charge of the ing us the factual basis for this, includ- personal danger, and in his eagerness to Cavalry Division up San Juan Hill. ing the Theodore Roosevelt Associa- meet the enemy. Mr. Speaker, I have further eye- tion, Tweed Roosevelt, James Roo- At El Poso, when the enemy opened on witness documentation, but in the in- sevelt, and many others. that place with artillery fire, a shrapnel bul- terests of time, let me simply conclude let grazed one of Colonel Roosevelt’s wrists. I rise in strong support of this bill to by speaking extemporaneously. authorize the President to award the The incident did not lessen his exposure Those who served with Theodore under fire, but he continued so exposed until Medal of Honor to that great Long Is- he had placed his command under cover. Roosevelt never doubted his courage. lander, Theodore Roosevelt. Teddy In moving to the assault of San Juan, The men who went up the hill with him Roosevelt was a man of honor, a man Colonel Roosevelt was most conspicuously that day for the rest of his life and for who held tightly to his ideals and brave, gallant, and indifferent to his own the rest of their own, remembered a stayed true to them in the face of ad- safety. He, in the open, led his regiment. No man of extraordinary courage who, in versity. The gentleman from Pennsyl- officer could have set a more striking exam- time of battle, displayed himself to ple to his men or displayed greater vania (Mr. PAUL MCHALE) too is such a enemy fire with absolute fearlessness. man, and I cannot think of a more fit- intrepedity. There is absolutely no historic doubt ting tribute before he leaves this House Very respectfully, your obedient servant, that after being recommended by his Colonel, U.S. Army, Superintendent of West than to pass this bill and to have it commanding officer, as pointed out by Point. signed into law. the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. The second piece of correspondence, Theodore Roosevelt is a personal BUYER), himself a recipient of the hero of mine. His leadership at the December 17, 1898: Medal of Honor, and the two senior of- Santiago Heights is one of the reasons I hereby certify that on July 1, 1898, Colo- ficers next in the chain of command, I admire him so. There were legions of nel, then Lieutenant Colonel, Theodore Roo- Theodore Roosevelt was denied the men on the battlefield that day, and sevelt, 1st Volunteer Cavalry, distinguished Congressional Medal of Honor because himself throughout the action, and on two Teddy Roosevelt was just one, but he was then publicly engaged in an un- occasions during the battle when I was an unique among many, he seized the mo- related political dispute with the Sec- eyewitness to his conduct, was most con- ment, cast aside all regard for personal retary of War, who never quite found spicuous and clearly distinguished above safety, and he made history. He made other men as follows: time to sign the recommendation that Number one, at the base of San Juan, or had been fully endorsed by the military history because of a choice he made in first hill there was a strong wire fence or en- chain of command. the face of danger, in the face of death. tanglement in which the line hesitated under After Theodore Roosevelt died, his While we generally do not have to grueling fire and where the losses were se- widow, Edith, said that having been guard our lives because of the decisions vere. recommended for the Congressional we make here, we do have to guard our Mr. Speaker, I would insert par- Medal of Honor and having not re- honor. I look to Theodore Roosevelt as enthetically that Roosevelt’s unit that ceived it was one of the most signifi- an inspiration. day sustained higher casualties than cant disappointments of Roosevelt’s’ As has been remarked earlier, Roo- any other unit engaged in the battle. life. sevelt was a great President and a Returning to the text: Let me conclude with this, Mr. great statesman, a Nobel Peace Prize Colonel Roosevelt jumped through the Speaker, if I may. I admire Theodore winner, an author, a conservationist, a fence, and by his enthusiasm, his example Roosevelt, the President, tremen- reformer, a trustbuster, a great Com- and courage, succeeded in leading to the dously, but after 26 years as a United missioner of Police in New York City, crest of the hill a line sufficiently strong to States Marine, I would not recommend a great Governor of the State of New capture it. any man, including Theodore Roo- York. In this charge, the cavalry division suf- sevelt, for the Congressional Medal of But for none of those reasons are we fered its greatest loss, and the Colonel’s life here today, as the gentleman from was placed in extreme jeopardy owing to the Honor unless I believed deep in my Pennsylvania (Mr. MCHALE) said. It is conspicuous position he took in leading the heart that he had, through the display line and being the first to reach the crest of of valor, earned that decoration in bat- because of what he did on that fateful that hill while under heavy fire of the enemy tle. Mr. Speaker, I am absolutely con- day on July 1, one hundred years ago. at close range. vinced that that was the case. We speak more and more about role Number two, at the extreme advance posi- Because of political intervention, a models in our society. Roosevelt was a tion occupied by our lines, Colonel Roosevelt man who later became President of the role model of the first order. He told found himself the senior, and under instruc- United States but who on that day was the truth. He did what he promised to tions from General Sumner to hold that posi- simply a very, very brave lieutenant do. He was an acknowledged inspira- tion, he displayed the greatest bravery and tion to another Roosevelt, Franklin placed his life in extreme jeopardy by un- colonel was denied the medal for which avoidable exposure to severe fire while ad- he had been properly recommended. Delano. He remains a role model for all justing and strengthening the line, placing It has been 100 years. Mr. Speaker, Americans. the men in positions which afforded best pro- we today, in the memory of a great The same character that made Theo- tection; and his conduct and example President and perhaps an even greater dore Roosevelt a role model also made steadied the men by severe but necessary warrior, we have the opportunity to re- him a hero. America could use some of measures to prevent a small detachment verse a century of injustice by granting that character right now. Today we from stampeding to the require. to Theodore Roosevelt, not President have the marvelous opportunity to cor- He displayed the most conspicuous gal- Roosevelt but Lt. Col. Theodore Roo- rect an injustice and complete the his- lantry, courage, and coolness in performing torical record. We have an opportunity extraordinarily hazardous duty. Captain, 1st sevelt, the medal that he earned in bat- Lieutenant, U.S. Cavalry. tle. to help grant Theodore Roosevelt the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Medal of Honor that he so richly de- December 30, 1898: my time. served 100 years ago. He does not de- I have the honor to recommend that Theo- Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 serve it because of what we say now in dore Roosevelt, late Colonel of the 1st Volun- minutes to the gentleman from Long teers, U.S. Cavalry, receive the Medal of this Chamber, but because the histo- Honor as a reward for conspicuous gallantry Island, New York (Mr. LAZIO), who has rians and his contemporaries tell us he on July 1st, 1898. Colonel Roosevelt, by his worked very hard on this, along with does. example and fearlessness, inspired his men the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Roosevelt’s heroism on July 1 of 1898 at both Kettle Hill and the ridge known as MCHALE). has been documented. With his cavalry October 8, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10125 pinned down and taking heavy casual- Mr. COX of California. Mr. Speaker, I the part of our own country in terms of ties, he fearlessly, on horseback, rise in support of this resolution to rec- the art of fighting a war. charged Kettle Hill, armed only with a ognize Theodore Roosevelt with the In fact, at that time we did not know revolver, knowing that his men would Medal of Honor, and in support of the how to transport our troops. We did not follow. The Rough Riders’ heroic as- two veterans of the armed services, the know how to supply our troops. And sault, with the brave Buffalo Soldiers gentleman from Indiana (Mr. BUYER) many more of those people who volun- and others, assured a quick victory, and the gentleman from Pennsylvania teered, those young heroes who volun- seized the high ground, and saved many (Mr. MCHALE) who have dignified us teered during the Spanish-American lives. with this effort to bring it to the floor. War died of eating tainted meat than Despite being recommended for the Mr. Speaker, I want in particular to they did from enemy bullets, because Medal of Honor by his superiors and recognize one of those two sponsors, our country did not have the expertise. subordinates alike, including those because he is going to be leaving us at And if it had not been for the deter- that have been referenced who have the end of this Congress which is close mination and the courage and the gal- won the Medal of Honor themselves, upon us. I listened the gentleman from lantry of men like Theodore Roosevelt, the Secretary of War, Russell Alger, Pennsylvania read about Teddy Roo- that war would have turned out dif- denied the medal out of personal dis- sevelt and describe to us the qualities ferently. like for Roosevelt. that he possessed and the very reasons We need to ask ourselves as Ameri- Many others disagreed about this, that he should receive this honor. cans, as we look back on this long for- but it was clear the medal was not de- Mr. Speaker, during the gentleman’s gotten war in the last century, what nied on the merits; some say it was be- tenure in Congress, he has been ex- would the America that we know have cause Roosevelt called to have his posed to severe fire, metaphorically, been like had we lost that war? Most troops brought back so they would not but nonetheless truly. He has led his certainly had we lost that small war, face further losses as a result of yellow colleagues and his countrymen by his America’s attitude towards involve- fever, some because they felt Roosevelt conduct and his example. ment in the world would have been to- was so exuberant, some because Roo- I came to work with the gentleman tally different. The American ‘‘can do’’ sevelt was simply a volunteer. But it from Pennsylvania when the President consciousness that was so much a part was not based on the merit. was preparing to send troops to Bosnia, of the 20th century would not have The Medal of Honor citation for Lt. and I know the gentleman from Indi- been a part of the decision-making Col. Wendell Neville during the Mexi- ana (Mr. BUYER) did as well. In meet- process of our leaders and of our people can Campaign of 1915 could easily be ings with him, with the President, the when the great threats to all mankind inserted in a citation for Theodore Vice President, the Secretary of State, emerged in the 20th century. That of Roosevelt. It reads as follows: and other Members of the administra- Naziism, Fascism, Japanese mili- His duties required him to be at points of tion, the gentleman from Pennsylvania tarism, and communism. great danger in directing his officers and was always enormously well prepared, Instead, America faced the 20th cen- men, and he exhibited conspicuous courage, always articulate, and always made his tury with a positive sense of destiny; coolness, and skill in his conduct of the points with compelling logic. that we were meant to be a positive fighting. Upon his courage and skill de- His patriotism has always been evi- force in the world. This can be tied pended, in great measure, success or failure. His responsibilities were great and he met dent. Upon his retirement, we can do back to the success of that small war, them in a manner worthy of commendation. no less than to honor him by passing that forgotten war, the Spanish-Amer- In the modern age, individual cases this bill and by recognizing that the ican War and Teddy Roosevelt’s pivotal of heroism occur, but the weapons of extraordinary qualities that Teddy moment in American history. today open opportunities for unprece- Roosevelt displayed are qualities that Teddy Roosevelt, in leading his dented individual achievements in the gentleman also possesses. troops up San Juan Hill, showed as combat. Mr. McHALE. Mr. Speaker, I thank much gallantry, and we have heard the In the formal application I have sub- the gentleman from California for his evidence today, as our Medal of Honor mitted to the Army I cite the action of kind words. winners. He exposed himself to the a Platoon Sergeant McLeery during Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he withering fire of the enemy and lit- the Vietnam War. McLeery single- may consume to the distinguished gen- erally led his troops on horseback and handedly assaulted a hilltop Vietnam- tleman from California (Mr. ROHR- making a target out of himself. ese bunker complex, firing his machine ABACHER), a dangerous proposition in Yes, Teddy Roosevelt deserved the gun from the hip and tossing grenades this case. Nation’s highest award and politics, as at the enemy. Upon reaching the top of Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I we heard, got in the way. Let us today the hill, McLeery shouted encourage- find myself on this side of the aisle in pay this long overdue honor to this ment to his platoon, who then joined order to honor the gentleman from American President and this American him in the assault. McLeery then Pennsylvania (Mr. PAUL MCHALE) and hero. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank began a lateral assault on the bunker thank him very much. I would like to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. line. associate myself with the remarks of the gentleman from California (Mr. BUYER), and also like to say thanks to b 1600 COX). I think that he summed up the my good friend and colleague the gen- His modern weapons made possible admiration that all of us have for the tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. the damage; however, his success was gentleman from Pennsylvania and an MCHALE) who is going to be leaving due to his leadership and his courage. admiration that will go with him in this House, but he will be with us. The Medal of Honor is not made of ma- the years ahead. Thanks to his efforts, we are express- chine guns, grenades, or killed en- Mr. Speaker, it was 100 years ago this ing the appreciation in this long over- emies, but of uncommon valor, of cour- year that Teddy Roosevelt led his due tribute. age, and of leadership. Strip away the Rough Riders in the Battle of San Juan Teddy Roosevelt’s courage and lead- weaponry, and Roosevelt’s leadership Hill, which was a decisive battle of the ership in this battle, and his indomi- and courage at Santiago is of the same Spanish-American War. History has table spirit, did much to shape the caliber. long overlooked the significance of American character. We are giving him A hundred years ago an error was that battle and the significance of that thanks today. It has also been stated made. It is time to right this wrong. It war, as well as the heroism of Colonel by another friend who is also leaving, is time to give Theodore Roosevelt the Teddy Roosevelt. the gentleman from New York (Mr. medal he earned in the closing years of Had the battle of San Juan Hill been SOLOMON) that Teddy Roosevelt was the last century. It is time for justice. lost, America’s expeditionary force also the winner of the Nobel Prize. And Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 would likely have been stuck into a no- if we succeed today, and I hope we do minutes to the distinguished gen- win conflict, mired down with thinning and I hope this goes through the legis- tleman from California (Mr. COX) the ranks, troops being thinned, yes, from lative process, Teddy Roosevelt will be chairman of the policy committee. disease and from lack of competence on the only individual in history to have H10126 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 8, 1998 earned both the Medal of Honor and play immediately adjacent to the H. RES. 584 the Nobel Peace Prize. I think that is a Nobel Peace Prize. Resolved, That during consideration of the fitting tribute for a man who rep- We are a nation that reveres peace. bill (H.R. 4274) making appropriations for the resented so much and did so much to We do all that we can to achieve peace, Departments of Labor, Health and Human shape the 20th century, the American and we are prepared to go to war only Services, and Education, and related agen- century. in those cases when necessary to de- cies, for the fiscal year ending September 30, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this fend the fundamental interests and lib- 1999, and for other purposes, in the Commit- tee of the Whole House on the state of the resolution. erty of the citizens of our Nation. We abhor war. We strive for peace. Union pursuant to House Resolution 564— Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- (1) general debate shall not exceed one self such time as I may consume. Those two medals, side-by-side, on dis- hour; and Mr. Speaker, as I reviewed this case, play in the Roosevelt Room, would cap- (2) amendments numbered 2 and 3 in House a list of words come to mind. I want to ture much of Theodore Roosevelt and Report 105–762 shall be in order before con- share them. They are words that come all that is good in our Nation. sideration of any other amendment. Mr. Speaker, in a couple of moments, to mind with regard to Teddy Roo- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- when it is procedurally proper, I am sevelt and his gallantry. They are vir- tleman from California (Mr. DREIER) is going to call for a recorded vote. We tues and ideals and values that we can recognized for one hour. have little time remaining in this Con- all admire. I think about valor, brav- Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, for pur- ery, gallantry, courage. He was auda- gress. It is imperative that the other body act within the next 24 to 48 hours. poses of debate only, I yield the cus- cious. He was bold. He was dauntless, tomary 30 minutes to my friend from fearless, gutsy. He had intrepid char- In order to impress upon the other body the sincere, overwhelming sup- Fairport, the gentlewoman from New acter. He was valiant, stalwart, stead- York (Ms. SLAUGHTER), pending which I fast. Yes, venturesome and daring. port of the membership of this House, I will call for a recorded vote so that the yield myself such time as I may con- And then I add three more: Bold- sume. During consideration of this res- hearted, brave-hearted and lionhearted. transmittal of that voting tally may, on the other side of the Capitol, pro- olution, all time yielded will be for Those words, yes, apply to Teddy purposes of debate only. Roosevelt and his conspicuous valor vide an incentive for prompt consider- ation in the other body. (Mr. DREIER asked and was given and gallantry on that day, and that is permission to revise and extend his re- why I believe this House should over- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. marks, and include extraneous mate- whelmingly pass this resolution to au- rial.) thorize the President of the United ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, this rule States to award the Medal of Honor to provides for further consideration of one of our great presidents, Theodore LATOURETTE). Before putting the ques- tion, the Chair would remind all Mem- the bill H.R. 4274, the Departments of Roosevelt. Labor, Health and Human Services and Let me conclude and say to my very bers that pursuant to clause 8 of rule Education appropriations bill for 1999, dear friend, as you go home to your XIV it is not in order to recognize or pursuant to H. Res. 564. family, this Congress will miss you, the call to the attention of the House any The bill will afford 60 minutes of gen- country will miss you, but more impor- occupant in the gallery. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The eral debate divided equally between the tantly, I am going to miss you, my question is on the motion offered by chairman and the ranking minority friend. the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. When I think about bold-hearted and member of the Committee on Appro- BUYER) that the House suspend the brave-hearted and lion-hearted, I think priations. rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2263. This rule makes in order, before con- of PAUL MCHALE, because your heart is The question was taken. sideration of any other amendments, in the right place, my friend. Godspeed Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I object to to you, and that phone is two-way. Do the amendments numbered 2 and 3 that the vote on the ground that a quorum were printed in the report of the Com- you hear me? is not present and make the point of Mr. MCHALE. I do. mittee on Rules that accompanied H. order that a quorum is not present. Res. 564. Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- back the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, the House last week ant to clause 5, rule I, and the Chair’s passed a rule to provide for consider- Mr. MCHALE. Mr. Speaker, I yield prior announcement, further proceed- myself such time as I may consume for ation of this appropriations bill, the ings on this motion will be postponed. single largest appropriations bill that concluding remarks. The point of no quorum is considered comes before the Congress. The health Mr. Speaker, is it too late to an- withdrawn. care, medical research, education and nounce my reelection campaign? Had f all these nice things been said about job training programs provided for in me a year ago I might have run again. FURTHER PROVIDING FOR CONSID- the bill touch the lives of tens of mil- Mr. Speaker, Mr. Roosevelt, Tweed ERATION OF H.R. 4274, DEPART- lions of American families. For that Roosevelt, I am delighted and honored MENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND reason alone, the bill deserves consid- that you are here with us today. HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDU- eration on the floor of the People’s Throughout the entire presidency of CATION, AND RELATED AGEN- House. Theodore Roosevelt our forces were CIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1999 Mr. Speaker, we all know that this never ordered into battle. Theodore Mr. DREIER, from the Committee on bill is immersed in highly charged so- Roosevelt understood that the ulti- Rules, submitted a privileged report cial issues and is very controversial. mate purpose of military power is to (Rept. No. 105–798) on the resolution (H. Some may be uncomfortable with those deter conflict and he, in fact, achieved Res. 584) further providing for consider- debates but they are a fact of life when that goal during his presidency. ation of the bill (H.R. 4274) making ap- Federal Government programs impose I have had the opportunity on a num- propriations for the Departments of on areas of daily life which for so long ber of occasions to go to the Roosevelt Labor, Health and Human Services, were outside the purview of Washing- Room at the White House, where the and Education, and related agencies, ton, D.C. Nobel Prize awarded to Theodore Roo- for the fiscal year ending September 30, When that happens, deep and often sevelt for his efforts in negotiating a 1999, and for other purposes, which was emotional questions about values will peace in the Russo-Japanese War re- referred to the House Calendar and or- be raised. We can expect nothing less. I mains on display. dered printed. applaud the work of my friend from I can think of nothing more fitting Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, by direc- Wilmette, the gentleman from Illinois for Theodore Roosevelt and in fact I tion of the Committee on Rules, I call (Mr. PORTER), for tackling the chal- can think of nothing more emblematic up House Resolution 584 and ask for its lenges put before his committee in as of our Nation than one day, following immediate consideration. commendable a fashion as possible. His this action, to have the Congressional The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- bill deserves a fair hearing on the Medal of Honor on that mantle for dis- lows: House floor.