December 11, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 24893 Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, it is with H. CON. RES. 281 serve his country as an intelligence of- great pleasure that I rise today in support of Whereas as part of the war against ter- ficer. Prior to joining the CIA, Mike the Veterans Education and Benefits Expan- rorism, United States military personnel and served in the United States Marine sion Act. This legislation expands veterans’ agents from the Central Intelligence Agency Corps; he loved the Corps. I think all benefits, to help veterans to have adequate were involved in combat with Taliban forces Marines love the Corps and often spoke healthcare and increased educational opportu- during a prison uprising in Mazar-e Sharif, of the Corps as if it was a family. And , on Sunday, November 25, 2001; nities. While this legislation seeks to repay Whereas Johnny Micheal Spann, age 32, an it is a family. We all know that. He left those sacrificed so much for the freedom and officer in the Central Intelligence Agency, the Corps and he joined the CIA be- liberty of our country, we will never be able to was inside the prison fortress interviewing cause, in his own words, ‘‘Somebody’s truly compensate those men and women in Taliban prisoners when the uprising began; got to do the things that nobody else uniform who have fought in German, the Pa- Whereas Spann was killed in this rebellion really wants to do.’’ cific, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, or Af- and is the first American known to be killed His dedication to this country and ghanistan. in combat in Afghanistan during this war; his commitment to defending its val- This legislation authorizes the Montgomery Whereas Spann is the 79th employee of the ues and liberties highlight the quality Central Intelligence Agency killed in the GI Bill full-time study allotment to $985 by Oc- line of duty; of the men and women who have de- tober 2002. Additionally, the legislation im- Whereas the Director of the Central Intel- cided to serve our great country. Mike proves home loan guarantees for veterans to ligence Agency, George J. Tenet, hailed did exactly what he set out to do. He $60,000. It increases the burial and funeral ex- Spann as an American hero and will soon served his country in a way many pense benefits for service-connected veterans memorialize him on a wall of honor; would not or could not. A relatively to $2,000. It improves automobile and adapt- Whereas Spann, a former Captain in the newlywed, with a newborn son and two ive equipment grants for severely disabled vet- Marine Corps, is survived by his wife, Shan- young daughters, Mike selflessly re- erans to $9,000. non, and 3 young children; and sponded to the call to serve at the fore- Whereas the thoughts and prayers of the Most importantly, this legislation remembers Congress and the Nation remain with the front of our Nation’s war against ter- those who have often been forgotten. The leg- families of Spann and all the soldiers fight- rorism. islation repeals the 30-year presumptive pe- ing to ensure the Nation’s freedom and safe- Half a world away, in a dusty, inhos- riod for respiratory cancers and diabetes due ty: Now, therefore, be it pitable and alien environment, Mike to Agent Orange. It requires the National Resolved by the House of Representatives (the confronted our Nation’s fiercest enemy Academy of Science to conduct research to Senate concurring), That the Congress— eye to eye. He did this not because it determine the effects of dioxin or herbicide ex- (1) honors Johnny Micheal Spann, a para- was his job, but because he was com- military officer in the Central Intelligence posure on Vietnam veterans. Finally, it pelled to ensure that all people, regard- Agency, who was the first American killed in less of their nationality or religion, changes the Gulf War programs to include combat during the war against terrorism in fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chron- Afghanistan, and recognizes him for his could live without the fear of being vic- ic multisymptom illness and any other illness bravery and sacrifice; tims of terrorism. That is what this is that cannot be clearly identified to the defini- (2) extends its deepest sympathies to the about. tion of undiagnosed illnesses, thus allowing family of this brave hero; and Mike died fighting, trying to obtain veterans to receive compensation. (3) pledges its continued support for the information on terrorist plans and in- I am grateful for the work done on this legis- men and women who risk their lives every tentions so we could save others. Face day to ensure the safety of all United States to face against those bent on killing in- lation by my House colleagues concerning vet- citizens. erans’ issues. I hope that the House will join nocent men, women, and children, me in supporting this legislation. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mike stood strong, he stood tireless Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. ant to the rule, the gentleman from and fearless. That is the description of Speaker, I yield back the balance of Florida (Mr. GOSS) and the gentle- an American hero and Mike was one. my time. woman from California (Ms. PELOSI) Up to the moment of his death, Mike The SPEAKER pro tempore. The each will control 20 minutes. never stopped being a Marine. ‘‘Semper question is on the motion offered by The Chair recognizes the gentleman Fidelis.’’ He was always faithful. He the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. from Florida (Mr. GOSS). was faithful to the countless, nameless SMITH) that the House suspend the GENERAL LEAVE millions of Americans, especially those rules and agree to the resolution, Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- incapable of defending themselves. House Resolution 310. mous consent that all Members may Mike exemplified a breed of officer not The question was taken; and (two- have 5 legislative days within which to normally acknowledged in the public thirds having voted in favor thereof) revise and extend their remarks on H. sector. He readily accepted the risks of the rules were suspended and the reso- Con. Res. 281. service, including the possibility of lution was agreed to. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there death, in order to secure the safety of A motion to reconsider was laid on objection to the request of the gen- his fellow Americans. the table. tleman from Florida? His death acts as a reminder of the There was no objection. high cost we must sometimes pay in f Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- order to secure our pursuit of liberty self such time as I may consume. and happiness. We hold the greatest HONORING JOHNNY MICHEAL I rise obviously in very strong and debt to Mike and to his family. The SPANN, FIRST AMERICAN sad support of this resolution; sorry memory of his deeds must be held for- KILLED IN COMBAT IN WAR that we have to have it. It is author- ever dear in our hearts. We pray for AGAINST TERRORISM IN AF- ized by my friend and colleague, the Mike’s family and ask God to give GHANISTAN, AND PLEDGING gentleman from Alabama (Mr. them strength and see them through CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR MEM- ADERHOLT). these difficult days. BERS OF ARMED FORCES Johnny Micheal Spann, ‘‘Mike’’ as he We also pray for Mike’s fellow col- Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, I move to was known, served in the Central Intel- leagues in intelligence and in the mili- suspend the rules and agree to the con- ligence Agency for approximately 2 tary, who are still standing, even now, current resolution (H. Con. Res. 281) years, just long enough to complete his as the Nation’s vanguard in the war honoring the ultimate sacrifice made training as a paramilitary and an oper- against terrorism. by Johnny Micheal Spann, the first ations officer in the clandestine serv- There are many Mike Spanns out American killed in combat during the ice, which is arguably the most chal- there doing dangerous hard work for war against terrorism in Afghanistan, lenging and dangerous job in the intel- our country. God bless them all and and pledging continued support for ligence community. keep them safe. But there is only one members of the Armed Forces. Mike was up to the challenge. In fact, Mike Spann for his family and his The Clerk read as follows: he humbly accepted the opportunity to loved ones.

VerDate Aug 18 2005 07:58 Sep 01, 2005 Jkt 089102 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR01\H11DE1.002 H11DE1 24894 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE December 11, 2001 b 1730 was really his duty as a father to pro- Mike and a fellow CIA officer drew Mr. Speaker, we share the burden of tect his children from terrorism, just their weapons and attempted to fight their loss today, and we want them to as equally as he thought it was his their way out of the prison fortress. know we honor him before the world duty to provide a roof over their While his fellow CIA officer was able to from this place. heads.’’ escape, Mike, unfortunately, became Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- As we pay tribute to Mike Spann’s the first American killed in action in sent to yield the balance of my time to sacrifice, Mr. Speaker, our sympathies Afghanistan. the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. and prayers certainly go to his family, Before his death, he and his fellow ADERHOLT), who is the sponsor of the his wife, Shannon, who is also a CIA of- CIA officer were able to alert outside legislation, to control the time. ficer; his daughter, Alison, who is here forces who were sent in to squelch the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. with us today; Emily, his daughter, uprising. The bloody battle continued DUNCAN). Is there objection to the re- who is 4, is not; and his infant son, for 3 days. Five other Americans were quest of the gentleman from Alabama? Jake, who is with us. Their loss is in- injured during the struggle. It was not There was no objection. calculable. His father and mother are until the prison could be secured that Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I yield with us today, and our condolences go Mike’s body was found. myself such time as I may consume. to them. As a mother of a son 32 years Even without the full details of the Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the old, I cannot imagine the scale of their prison riot during which he was killed, legislation to honor Johnny Micheal loss; but nonetheless, offer my prayers we can be certain that Mike Spann died Spann, who was laid to rest yesterday in sympathy. doing what he loved, serving and fight- with other fallen men and women of To his children especially go our ing for his country. Since September great courage in Arlington National hope that they learn more clearly of 11, we have witnessed an outpouring of Cemetery. That an officer of the CIA their father’s life in the years to come, patriotism across this Nation. Mike was the first combat fatality of the that they will find it a source of pride was someone who overflowed with pa- struggle against terrorism in Afghani- and comfort, and that he will always be triotism even during a time when it stan is a stark reminder of how dan- in our prayers and in our memory. was not popular. His father recently gerous and difficult the mission of col- Mr. Speaker, as we sing the praises of quoted Mike as saying, ‘‘Someone has lecting intelligence can be. The gen- Micheal Spann and mourn his death to do the right thing that no one else tleman from Florida (Mr. GOSS) spoke and try to comfort his family, I would wants to do.’’ eloquently to that point. He also de- like to pay tribute to those Americans From a young age, he wanted to pur- scribed Mike’s role at the CIA, and the who lost lives in the so-called friendly sue a career in the Marines and with ei- circumstances and the danger in which fire incident that occurred in Afghani- ther the CIA or FBI. After graduating he was placed; and which, unfortu- stan. They have been memorialized as from Winfield High School in Marion nately, caused his demise. well, the three Green Berets. They County, Alabama, he attended Auburn Like 78 CIA officers before him, Mr. were Master Sergeant Jefferson Davis University where he earned a degree in Spann gave his life to protect the free- of Watauga, Tennessee; Staff Sergeant criminal justice. He immediately pur- dom which we hold dear and which de- Brian Cody Prosser of Frazier Park, sued his next goal, serving in the Ma- fines us as a Nation. As we mourn his California; and Sergeant First Class rine Corps from 1992–1999, and he death, it is well to remember the gifts Daniel Petithory of Cheshire, Massa- earned the rank of captain. From he gave our country through a career chusetts. We lost two others in heli- there, he was recruited to work for the of service, first in the Marine Corps, copter accidents in Pakistan. Every CIA in special operations. Mike is survived by his wife Shannon and sadly, finally, in the CIA. He went one of these losses is felt by all of us in and three children, Alison 9, Emily 4, to Afghanistan because he knew that is our country. Today we mourn and pay tribute to and 6-month old Jake. Our prayers go where his country needed him most. Johnny Micheal Spann, known as out to them and the rest of the Spann Our ability to respond effectively to Mike, who would want us to recognize family. Mike is also survived by his the events of September 11 is due in the others whose lives were sacrificed, parents, Johnny and Gail Spann, and large measure to the willingness of to end terrorism in our country, to pro- two sisters, Tonya Ingram and Tammy people like Mike to put personal con- tect Jake and Alison and Emily, and Dunavant. We are glad that they can siderations aside and accept the risks all of the children of our country. join us in the Chamber today. inherent in their important work. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Mr. Speaker, I was proud to attend Mr. Speaker, we are joined by Mike’s my time. the burial of Mike Spann yesterday in family in the gallery today, and want Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I yield Arlington National Cemetery. The them to know, those of us who are myself such time as I may consume. cemetery is appropriate for a fallen speaking on this resolution speak for Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise hero. Full military honors were given, the entire Congress when we offer them today to bring voice to my constitu- highlighted by the caisson, a 21-gun sa- our deepest sympathy and condolences. ents, my State, and people around the lute and a Marine honor guard. No words we can say will ever be ade- Nation who mourn the loss of Johnny It should be noted that a memorial quate to relieve the agony that they Micheal Spann, better known as Mike service was also held last Thursday in are in. However, I would like to place Spann. Mike Spann lost his life as has Mike’s hometown in the district I rep- in the RECORD some of the words of already been said, in service to this resent of Winfield, Alabama. Mike’s Mrs. Spann that she said in eulogy yes- country during a prison uprising in Af- daughter, Alison, wrote a letter to him terday which eloquently describe ghanistan on November 25, 2001. He is just a short while back, and the words Mike’s contribution to our country. an American hero and I stand to honor of this letter should echo in our ears She said, ‘‘Mike was faithful in giving him today. and our hearts as we consider this reso- his life to God and to his colleagues, There are few facts about the exact lution today. In her words, ‘‘Dear his friends, his country and his fam- circumstances of his death that we cur- Daddy, I miss you dearly. Thank you, ily.’’ Mrs. Spann said her husband ‘‘was rently know, due to the nature of the Daddy, for making the world a better a hero not because of the way he died, war. Mike Spann was serving as a para- place.’’ but rather because of the way he lived. military officer with the CIA and was May we use this resolution today as He served his country not only by risk- at the prison in Mazar-e Sharif inter- an opportunity to thank Mike Spann ing his life, but by being good. It viewing Taliban prisoners. It is be- and to honor Mike Spann and the rest seemed like when Mike took an oath to lieved that these prisoners smuggled of the men and women fighting the war protect the Constitution of the United guns and grenades into the prison and against terrorism, and for making this States from all enemies, foreign and used these munitions to stage an upris- world a better place. domestic, that he took that oath to our ing against the and Today as we commemorate the 3- family as well. He just thought that it the American soldiers. month anniversary of September 11,

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the attack on this Nation, our hearts have shown great character, great ginia (Mr. WOLF), who represents the go out to all. courage and great patriotism, and we district in which Mike Spann and his Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the can tell where Mike got a lot of his family were living. gentleman from Alabama (Mr. BACH- courage and bravery and patriotism. As Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I join my US), who is a strong supporter of this the gentleman from Florida (Mr. GOSS) colleagues today in support of H. Con. resolution. and others have said, this is shattering Res. 281, honoring Johnny Micheal Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, the gen- experience for a young wife, two little Spann, the first American killed in tleman from Florida (Mr. GOSS) said it girls and a baby boy. To the family I combat during the war against ter- best when the gentleman said we are say, they can never take one thing rorism in Afghanistan. I had the oppor- sorry that we are here. We are sorry away, and that is, that he was the best. tunity to attend the funeral yesterday, that Johnny Micheal Spann had to die I conclude by saying what the gentle- which was very moving. for his country. But we are very proud woman from California (Ms. PELOSI) Mike Spann was laid to rest yester- of him. We are proud of his family and quoted Mrs. Spann as saying, Mike was day with full honors at Arlington Na- the way that they have responded to a hero not because of the way he died, tional Cemetery. He resided with his this tragedy. but rather because of the way he lived. wife and family in Manassas Park, Vir- We honor the memory and the sac- ginia, in the 10th Congressional Dis- b 1745 rifice that he made for his family: The trict which I represent. I wish these first American killed in combat by our Mr. Speaker, he was a good son, a kinds of resolutions never needed to be enemy in Afghanistan. Mr. Speaker, good husband, a good father to his introduced. I wish our world was a yesterday Mike Spann was given a young children, a good U.S. Marine, a peaceful place where there was never well-deserved hero’s burial at a place good CIA agent, and a God-fearing, pa- any time of war, when we never had to where many of our heroes are buried, triotic American. call on the brave men and women of Arlington National Cemetery. The Na- Semper fi, Mike Spann. our Armed Forces and security agen- tion was focused on his death and on Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I am very cies to fight for our freedoms. But I am the ceremony. moved by the words of the gentleman thankful that when our freedoms must Mr. Speaker, in that, the fact that from Alabama (Mr. ADERHOLT) and the be defended, we have people like Mike the Nation has followed this event and gentleman from Alabama (Mr. BACHUS) Spann who are willing to lay their lives has paid respect to this fallen warrior, and extend condolences to them and on the line for us. Our Nation will for- I think is good. It has not always been the people of Alabama for the great ever be grateful to Mike Spann for his that way. sacrifice that they have all made as bravery and sacrifice and to all the Mr. Speaker, I remember back in 1994 well as the Spann family. men and women fighting to defend our when two Army rangers were post- Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 11⁄2 Nation and willing to pay the ultimate humously given an award at the White minutes to the distinguished gen- sacrifice for their country and for free- House after they fell in Somalia. I re- tleman from Georgia (Mr. BISHOP), who dom. member that weekend, there was a car is a member of the Permanent Select Mike Spann was a young man, 32 chase in Southern California. Members Committee on Intelligence. years old. I have four children in their may remember that. It led to a famous Mr. BISHOP. I thank the gentle- thirties and one in their late twenties. murder trial. Mr. Speaker, there was woman for yielding me this time, and I He was a former captain in the Marine no coverage of that ceremony at the rise, Mr. Speaker, in support of this Corps. He was working as an officer in White House, no coverage of the burial. concurrent resolution in honor of the Central Intelligence Agency. He was inside a prison fortress in Mazar-e There was an article on page D5 of the Johnny Micheal Spann, a fellow native Sharif, Afghanistan, interviewing paper in Washington, D.C., a short arti- Alabaman, the first known U.S. com- Taliban prisoners when a prison upris- cle. bat casualty in the war in Afghanistan. Mr. Speaker, the Nation has changed This is indeed a solemn time for all ing began on Sunday, November 25. He was brutally beaten and shot to death, in many ways since September 11; and Americans as we realize the tremen- the first American known to be killed one change for the better, Mr. Speaker, dous sacrifices made in our behalf by in combat in Afghanistan during the is that the Mike Spanns, and the hun- the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, our intelligence war. dreds of thousands of young men and Mike Spann is the 79th employee of agencies, and by their families. We are women like him, are finally given a the Central Intelligence Agency killed all in awe of their bravery, their cour- priority, a priority they should have in the line of duty and will be memori- age, their dedication to our national had. alized with a star on a wall of honor at security and their willingness to en- Captain Spann reenlisted in the Ma- CIA headquarters in Langley, . rines. He served the CIA, and he did dure great hardship and great risks in Let us hope that his will be the last that, although his country did not our collective behalf. We give great star that is ever necessary to be placed make it a priority, but thank God he thanks for their service, for Mike’s on that wall. made it a priority to serve and defend service to our country. Words are so inadequate at this time his country. Shortly before his death Mike Spann loved his country. He in expressing our heartfelt sympathies he sent an e-mail to his family which served his country. He was a friend to to the family of this brave hero, his read, ‘‘What everyone needs to under- each and every American citizen. Be- mom and dad and his sisters, his wife stand is these fellows hate you. They cause, as the Good Book says, ‘‘Greater Shannon and his three young children. hate you because you are an American. love hath no man but that he lay down But they should know that the Support your government and your his life for his friends.’’ thoughts and prayers of a grateful Con- military, especially when the bodies We honor his memory today and ex- gress and Nation remain with them. start coming home.’’ Little did he or tend our deepest sympathy to his fam- Our thoughts and prayers are also his family or we know that the first ily. We are eternally grateful to him with the thousands of men and women body brought home would be his. and to the brave men and women who in service to their country who risk Mr. Speaker, my oldest son grad- risk their lives as part of our intel- their lives every day fighting to assure uated from Parris Island. He is a Ma- ligence community to ensure the safe- our freedom and safety. rine. I can understand the pride that ty of all Americans and all freedom- Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I am this family has in Mike; but I cannot loving people throughout the world. pleased to yield 2 minutes to the dis- imagine what they are going through God bless Mike Spann. God bless his tinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. now. Their worst fears have been real- family. May God continue to bless REYES), a member of the Permanent ized. To lose a son, it is the natural America. Select Committee on Intelligence. order turned upside down. We expect to Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the die before our children, but the Spanns 2 minutes to the gentleman from Vir- gentlewoman for yielding time under

VerDate Aug 18 2005 07:58 Sep 01, 2005 Jkt 089102 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR01\H11DE1.002 H11DE1 24896 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE December 11, 2001 these very difficult circumstances, but Although I never knew Mike Spann, I services who are putting themselves at I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. knew many like him. He was a para- personal risk to defend this Nation and 281. military officer with the Central Intel- our people. Mr. Speaker, I did not know Mike ligence Agency. I also served as a para- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Spann. I never had the privilege or military officer with the CIA from 1969 of my time. honor of meeting him. But I have had to 1974. He served in a war zone. I too Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I yield the opportunity and the privilege and served in a war zone with the CIA for 2 myself such time as I may consume. honor of meeting many in the Central years in South Vietnam. I believe that I want to join in thanking the Spann Intelligence Agency, field agents like he and I shared the view that oper- family for being with us tonight. You Mike, all doing their work in a very ations officers for the CIA, and espe- honor us with your presence. Mike difficult and dangerous environment. I cially paramilitary officers, should Spann was an example of the best that would venture to say tonight that if serve on the front lines of freedom. We our country has to offer. Again, I want Mike were able to join us, he would say know that the work there is difficult to extend the condolences of all of our something along the lines of, ‘‘Just and dangerous, even deadly. The stakes colleagues and certainly my constitu- doing my job, sir.’’ That has been my are high. But that is where a para- ents to his mother and father who are experience in meeting men and women military officer needs to be if he or she with us, his sisters, his wife, Shannon, of the Central Intelligence Agency. is going to get the job done. Mike knew their baby, Jake, and Alison and The fact that his neighbors and what the risks were. He was willing to Emily. Mike Spann will always be in friends never knew that he was work- take those risks. A grateful Nation our memory and in our prayers. God bless him and God bless America. ing for the CIA is a testament to the now thanks him for his dedication and Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my fact that Mike, like thousands of other his sacrifice. colleagues in honoring Johnny Michael Spann, CIA employees all around the world, Mr. Speaker, I represent the second the first American killed in combat during the are defending this Nation, its citizens district of Connecticut. Over 200 years and its freedoms with no expectation of war against terrorism in Afghanistan. ago, a young man named Nathan Hale Mike Spann was born and raised in a small thanks, with no expectation of recogni- was born and raised in my district in town in North Alabama called Winfield. Like tion. the town of Coventry. He graduated most kids growing up in small town America, We are here this evening under very from Yale College, taught school, and Mike grew up with a great love for his country. difficult and sad circumstances, but we joined the Revolutionary Army as a And it was this great love of country that led are here as grateful Americans hon- captain. He volunteered for a dan- Mike first to the Marine Corps, where he rose oring an American hero, the 79th that gerous espionage mission at the re- to the rank of captain, and later to the CIA, will be honored on that wall of honor. quest of George Washington, was where he fulfilled a lifelong dream. Duty, To Shannon and to his mom and dad caught by the British, sentenced and honor, integrity, and patriotism. and all the family and especially the hanged as a spy. Before his death, he is Mr. Speaker, to Mike Spann these were not children, we are all extremely proud of reported to say, ‘‘I only regret that I simply words to be carelessly thrown about, the true American hero that Mike was. have but one life to lose for my coun- but rather they were words that had real And we are all mindful that the things try.’’ meaning and were words around which he or- that we have, the freedoms that we Nathan Hale is now the official State dered his life. Indeed it was the weight of enjoy, are there for us because of peo- hero of Connecticut. He is also the first these words that carried Mike to Afghanistan. ple like Mike. intelligence hero in American history. For, Mr. Speaker, when duty called Mike God has blessed us with Mike. We Johnny Micheal Spann is the most re- Spann answered—without hesitation and with hope that God blesses his family, and cent intelligence hero in American his- a quiet and steady dignity that came from an we hope that you know how grateful we tory. They both lost their lives in de- unshakeable belief in the righteousness of his as Members of Congress are for having fense of freedom, democracy and the mission. had Mike Spann as a member of the values of our great Nation. May God In a sand blown fort, in a war torn land far Central Intelligence Agency. A grateful bless them and keep them, now and for- from the comforts of his home, Mike Spann Nation joins all of you in grieving. ever. stood on the front line defending our American Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I yield Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I am values and our way of life. Unlike most, Mike 3 minutes to the gentleman from Con- pleased to yield 1 minute to the distin- Spann understood that the freedoms we all necticut (Mr. SIMMONS), another strong guished gentleman from Maine (Mr. cherish do not come without a hefty price. supporter of this resolution who sought BALDACCI). Sadly, he paid the ultimate price and gave his me out early on that he wanted to be a Mr. BALDACCI. Mr. Speaker, I would life in defense of these cherished freedoms. supporter of this resolution and to like to thank the gentlewoman for But, as his wife Shannon has said, ‘‘Mike is a speak on it. yielding me this time and to recognize hero not because of the way that he died, but Mr. SIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in the family and to thank the family for rather because of the way that he lived.’’ So, strong support of this resolution to allowing us an opportunity to honor while we mourn his loss, we all can take com- honor Johnny Micheal Spann, a Cen- Micheal and at the same time to honor fort and pride in the knowledge that he gave tral Intelligence Agency officer who all of you because you folks have en- his life defending the values that shaped and was the first American killed in the dured the sacrifice and allowed for our animated his life. war against terrorism in Afghanistan. country to have the foundation of free- Today, with this resolution we honor him for He was killed on November 25, 2001, dom and liberties that we all enjoy, his bravery and sacrifice. And to his family, a during an uprising of Taliban and al and that it does cost lives and that it grateful nation offers its deepest sympathies. Qaeda prisoners in northern Afghani- does impact on families. This nation and the world are better places stan. Yesterday he was buried with full Thank you for allowing us to have because of the sacrifice made by Johnny Mi- military honors in the hallowed ground this opportunity to do it. I would like chael Spann. of Arlington National Cemetery. to thank the Members from Alabama Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I yield Micheal Spann’s life began in a small who put the resolution forward. I know back the balance of my time. Alabama town and ended tragically on all of my colleagues will be very sup- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. the other side of the world in an an- portive of this. DUNCAN). The question is on the mo- cient fort near the city of Mazar-e Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I yield tion offered by the gentleman from Sharif. His death is a loss for his fam- myself such time as I may consume. Florida (Mr. GOSS) that the House sus- ily, for the Central Intelligence Agen- I urge the passage of this resolution pend the rules and agree to the concur- cy, and for our country. But his mem- to send a strong bipartisan message of rent resolution, H. Con. Res. 281. ory will live on as an example to all solidarity with the Spann family as The question was taken. Americans of the values of patriotism, well as the men and women in the in- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the courage, and sacrifice. telligence community and the armed opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of

VerDate Aug 18 2005 07:58 Sep 01, 2005 Jkt 089102 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR01\H11DE1.002 H11DE1 December 11, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 24897 those present have voted in the affirm- This remarkable career saw him work ‘‘I am sure that he has now rejoined his be- ative. with nine U.S. presidents, Roosevelt, loved wife, Maureen,’’ Martz added, referring Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, on Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, John- to Mansfield’s wife, who died Sept. 20 last that I demand the yeas and nays. son, Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan. year. Donna Metcalf, whose husband Lee served The yeas and nays were ordered. However, the formative stages of in the Senate with Mansfield for 16 years, re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mike Mansfield’s early years are equal- called Mansfield as a gentle giant. ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the ly as remarkable. After the death of his ‘‘He was a very kindly and considerate per- Chair’s prior announcement, further mother, at age three he was sent from son who never forgot where he came from,’’ proceedings on this motion will be New York City to Great Falls, Mon- she said. postponed. tana, and raised by an aunt and uncle She first met Mansfield when he was a pop- ular instructor at the University of Montana f that owned a grocery store. One month shy of age 15, he joined the Navy, and grew to be good friends with the Mans- b 1800 fields during the time the two men served to- shortly before we entered World War I, gether. ‘‘They made good partners for Mon- MIKE MANSFIELD FEDERAL and he served in the Atlantic. He tana,’’ she said. BUILDING AND UNITED STATES served in the Army after the war. Fi- Pat Williams, who was a Montana con- COURTHOUSE nally, he enlisted in the Marine Corps gressman for 18 years until retiring in 1996, for 2 years, serving in the Philippines, said Mansfield’s integrity set him apart. Mr. LATOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I Japan and China. This contributed to ‘‘Mansfield, as our senator, he brought move to suspend the rules and pass the his lifelong interest in the Far East. honor not pork to Montana,’’ the Democrat bill (H.R. 3282) to designate the Federal He returned to Montana in 1922 at said. ‘‘He did things his way and believed building and United States courthouse age 19 and worked as a mucker, shov- that if Montanans didn’t like it—as they located at 400 North Main Street in didn’t on his position and votes on gun con- eling rocks and dirt in the underground trol—that they’d bring him home at the next Butte, Montana, as the ‘‘Mike Mans- copper mines in Butte. While in Butte field Federal Building and United election. But, of course, we never did.’’ he met schoolteacher Maureen Hayes, Kelly Addy, a Billings attorney, former States Courthouse.’’ who became his future wife. She en- legislator and staffer for Mansfield in 1974, The Clerk read as follows: couraged him to complete his high described the senator as extremely humble H.R. 3282 school education by taking correspond- and mindful of his modest beginnings in the Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ence courses. Butte mines. resentatives of the United States of America in The City of Butte, Montana, was the ‘‘He knew who he was,’’ Addy said. ‘‘He knew he came from nothing. He knew every- Congress assembled, chapter of Mike Mansfield’s life that SECTION 1. DESIGNATION. thing had been given to him. He had no quar- paved the way for his later career as a rel with anybody.’’ The Federal building and United States professor at the University of Montana, He said he learned a valuable lesson from courthouse located at 400 North Main Street and a great statesman. As a result, it is Mansfield. ‘‘You can’t be anything more in Butte, Montana, shall be known and des- than who you are, but if you’re willing to be ignated as the ‘‘Mike Mansfield Federal only fitting that the Federal Building that, it can be quite something. He was able Building and United States Courthouse’’. and U.S. Courthouse there be named after him. to accept himself and, therefore, he was able SEC. 2. REFERENCES. to accept others.’’ Any reference in a law, may, regulation, Mr. Speaker,I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3282. Former Gov. Stan Stephens called Mans- document, paper, or other record of the field ‘‘probably the most distinguished Mon- United States to the Federal building and Mr. Speaker, I include for the tanan in the history of public service.’’ United States courthouse referred to in sec- RECORD an article by Associated Press Mansfield was revered by members of both tion 1 shall be demand to be a reference to writer Bob Anez. political parties because of his nonpartisan the ‘‘Mike Mansfield Federal Building and MONTANA OFFICIALS RECALL MANSFIELD AS character, the Republican said. ‘‘He was a United States Courthouse’’. QUIET, DIGNIFIED LEADER very kind and considerate man. He never The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. (By Bob Anez) looked at people or issues as political DUNCAN). Pursuant to the rule, the gen- Mike Mansfield, who dominated Montana threats. tleman from Ohio (Mr. LATOURETTE) and national politics during his 34-year legis- ‘‘He has made Montana proud,’’ Stephens and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. lative career, was remembered Friday as a said. statesman of honesty, homespun integrity George McGovern, a U.S. Senator from CLEMENT) each will control 20 minutes. South Dakota during all but one of Mans- The Chair recognizes the gentleman and few but gentle words. ‘‘I don’t remember anything mean that field’s years in the Senate, praised his from Ohio (Mr. LATOURETTE). Mike ever said,’’ said former Democratic former colleague as an ‘‘example to all of us Mr. LATOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I Gov. Ted Schwinden. in the world of politics.’’ yield such time as he may consume to ‘‘But that doesn’t mean he couldn’t speak ‘‘Always a humble and dedicated public the gentleman from Montana (Mr. out on difficult issues like the Vietnam servant for the people of Montana, he be- REHBERG), the author of the bill, to ex- war,’’ he said. ‘‘Mike was not afraid of the came a superb majority leader of the U.S. plain the bill before us. fray, but was able to step above it.’’ Senate and a brilliant diplomat in the Far East,’’ said McGovern, who was in Missoula Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Mansfield, who died Friday morning at the age of 98, was Senate majority leader for 15 where his wife is hospitalized. support of H.R. 3282, that designates years during a period of political and social Schwinden said a defining memory he has the Federal Building and United States turmoil that enveloped a civil revolution, an of Mansfield was his campaign visits to Wolf Courthouse at 400 North Main Street in assassinated president, a war he opposed and Point, Schwinden’s home town. Dozens of Butte, Montana, as the Mike Mansfield the first presidential resignation. He retired people in the small community would turn Federal Building and United States in 1976 and then served as ambassador to out on short notice to see the popular Sen- Courthouse. Japan for 11 years. ator. Mike Mansfield’s tenure as majority Francis Bardanouve, a Democratic state ‘‘If there was a stage, he loved to sit on the stage with his legs crossed,’’ Schwinden said. leader of the United States Senate representative for 37 years, recalled Mans- field’s quite demeanor during that time. ‘‘He ‘‘He never lectured. He just visited with his from 1961 until his retirement in 1976 is was a calm leader; he gave confidence to the constituency.’’ well-known. Likewise, his record as people that government was in good hands.’’ The attitude is what defined Mansfield and U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 1977 to Gov. Judy Martz, who ordered U.S. and made him a man of few words, recalled 1988 was legendary. In both cases, he Montana flags at all public buildings flown former Secretary of State Mike Cooney. held each position longer than any of at half staff until sunset Saturday, called ‘‘He listened. It wasn’t that what he had to his predecessors. Mansfield a rare find for humanity. say was the most important,’’ Cooney said. Mike Mansfield’s public service ‘‘There are very few people who have or ‘‘He understood that if you could sit and lis- will walk this earth like Senator Mike Mans- ten to people, you could learn a lot more spanned five decades, beginning from field,’’ the Republican said. ‘‘He served as an than if you sat there yacking. his election to the U.S. House of Rep- example throughout Montana, the nation Gov. Tom Judge, who was governor from resentatives in 1942 to his retirement and the world through his work ethic and 1973 to 1981, remembered Mansfield as a man as U.S. ambassador in Japan in 1988. dedication to service. who did ‘‘an enormous amount of work for

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