[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 28, 2014)] [House] [Pages H4858-H4860] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] NATIONAL DESERT STORM AND DESERT SHIELD WAR MEMORIAL ACT Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 503) to authorize the National Desert Storm Memorial Association to establish the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial as a commemorative work in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 503 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Act: (1) Association.--The term ``Association'' means the National Desert Storm Memorial Association, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Arkansas and described in section 501(c)(3) and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (2) Memorial.--The term ``memorial'' means the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial authorized to be established under section 3. SEC. 3. MEMORIAL TO COMMEMORATE. (a) Authorization To Establish Commemorative Work.--The Association may establish the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial as a commemorative work, on Federal land in the District of Columbia to commemorate and honor those who, as a member of the Armed Forces, served on active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield. (b) Compliance With Standards for Commemorative Works Act.--The establishment of the commemorative work shall be in accordance with chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code (commonly known as the ``Commemorative Works Act''). (c) Use of Federal Funds Prohibited.--Federal funds may not be used to pay any expense of the establishment of the memorial. The Association shall be solely responsible for acceptance of contributions for, and payment of the expenses of, the establishment of the memorial. (d) Deposit of Excess Funds.-- (1) If upon payment of all expenses for the establishment of the memorial (including the maintenance and preservation amount required by section 8906(b)(1) of title 40, United States Code), there remains a balance of funds received for the establishment of the commemorative work, the Association shall transmit the amount of the balance to the Secretary of the Interior for deposit in the account provided for in section 8906(b)(3) of title 40, United States Code. (2) If upon expiration of the authority for the commemorative work under section 8903(e) of title 40, United States Code, there remains a balance of funds received for the establishment of the commemorative work, the Association shall transmit the balance to a separate account with the National Park Foundation for memorials, to be available to the Secretary of the Interior or the Administrator (as appropriate) following the process provided in section 8906(b)(4) of title 40, United States Code, for accounts established under section 8906(b)(2) or (3) of title 40, United States Code. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Michelle Lujan Grisham) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Washington. General Leave Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Washington? There was no objection. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 503 authorizes the National Desert Storm Memorial Association to establish a commemorative work on Federal land outside of the closed National Mall reserve in the District of Columbia to commemorate and honor members of the Armed Forces who served on active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield. Over 600,000 American servicemen deployed for Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield and successfully led a coalition of over 30 countries to evict an invading army to secure the independence of Kuwait. This memorial will recognize their success, but it will also serve as a commemoration of those nearly 300 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. The work would be planned and constructed using non-Federal funds, and unlike recent monuments' proposals, it does not exempt it from the Commemorative Works Act, which was established to place standards and a process for the placement of memorials in the Washington, D.C., area. This is a good piece of legislation, and I urge its passage. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 503, the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act. Following the ordered invasion and occupation of Kuwait by Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, the United States, along with the United Nations Security Council, demanded the immediate halt and pullback of forces under the threat of military action. After Saddam Hussein defied the United Nations Security Council's demands, the United States, along with its NATO and Arab allies, began Operation Desert Shield, followed by Operation Desert Storm--a 100-hour land war which expelled the Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Approximately 700,000 members of the American Armed Forces served as part of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. Of those, 293 died in theater, and 148 were killed in action. H.R. 503 authorizes the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Association to build the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial as a commemorative work on Federal land in the District of Columbia, in order to honor the members of the American Armed Forces who served on active duty and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in support of our country. Honoring those who have served and those who have died is a duty shared by all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. We support this bipartisan bill and look forward to its adoption. With that, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee, Dr. Roe, the author of this legislation. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud sponsor of H.R. [[Page H4859]] 503, the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act. In the previous debate we heard just a moment ago about tyranny and the oppression of human rights, this bill honors those who fought this and freed an entire country--Kuwait. In having just celebrated Memorial Day, it is fitting that the House today is considering legislation which would establish a monument to honor those who served on active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield. {time} 1730 2014 marks 23 years since the first U.S. casualty in Operation Desert Shield, the first phase of one of the largest military operations in our country's history. The seeds for this conflict were sewn on August 2, 1990, when Saddam Hussein ruthlessly invaded Kuwait and imprisoned the people. In less than 24 hours, he dominated nearly 30 percent of the world's oil supply, before setting his sights on Saudi Arabia. Recognizing Saudi Arabia's important role in the region, President George Herbert Walker Bush and a coalition of 34 supporting countries launched Operation Desert Shield, the deployment of combat forces to Saudi Arabia, and ordered Hussein to remove Iraqi troops from Kuwait by January 15, 1991. With Kuwait still occupied after the deadline passed, over a half- million United States armed servicemembers led coalition forces in the liberation of Kuwait: Operation Desert Storm. Of the roughly 600,000 American troops who were deployed in both Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, 294 died in theater, of which 148 were killed in action. The United States currently lacks a national memorial dedicated to the valor and sacrifices made by those members of our Armed Forces who protected two of our key regional allies. This sacrifice was not just borne by those who deployed, but also by their families on the home front. Believing that we should have an enduring monument to their service in the Nation's capital, I introduced the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act. This bipartisan legislation would authorize the National Desert Storm Memorial Association to establish a National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial on Federal lands within the District of Columbia. It is important to note that no Federal funds will be spent to build this memorial. All funds will be raised privately by the National Desert Storm Memorial Association. I will include letters of support from veterans service organizations such as AMVETS, the American Legion, the Air Force Association, the National Guard Association of the United States, and Blinded Veterans of America. AMVETS Draft Resolution 14-08 Subject: Support the National Desert Storm Memorial Source: National Headquarters Whereas, on Aug. 2, 1990 Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait and set in motion a chain of events that would impact America and the rest of the world forever; and, Whereas, on January 16th 1991 Operation Desert Storm was launched following Saddam Hussein's refusal to withdraw his Iraqi forces from Kuwait; and, Whereas, there were 293 American men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in extracting the Iraqis and liberating Kuwait; and Whereas, in 2011 we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of this historical conflict and yet there remains no national memorial to honor the brave men and women from the United States who served and sacrificed in that war; now therefore, be it resolved: That AMVETS do everything in its power to support the passage of HR 503, National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act. ____ The American Legion, Office of the National Commander, Washington, DC, May 1, 2014. Hon. Phil Roe, M.D., House of Representatives, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Roe: On behalf of the 2.4 million members of The American Legion, I would like to express our support for the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act of 2013, which would authorize the National Desert Storm Memorial Association to establish the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial as a commemorative work in the District of Columbia. American Legion Resolution No. 16: National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial, passed at the 2013 National Convention, states that ``The American Legion will endorse and support building the National Desert Shield / Desert Storm War Memorial, without financial obligation on behalf of the national organization, as a lasting tribute to the bravery, courage, commitment, service, and sacrifice exhibited by the members of our Armed Forces living and deceased.'' The National Desert Shield / Desert Storm War Memorial, located in Washington, DC, will commemorate the service of those 500,000 plus U.S. servicemembers who served our country honorably throughout this campaign, as well as memorialize the over 300 Americans who paid the ultimate price in pursuit of that just cause. Again, The American Legion fully supports this legislation and we thank you for your leadership on this issue. For God and Country, Daniel M. Dellinger, National Commander. ____ Air Force Association, Arlington, Virginia. Hon. David P. Roe, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Roe, I am writing on behalf of the Air Force Association (AFA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization representing approximately 100,000 current and former Airmen and their families, to express our support for a National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial. We thank you for being a cosponsor of H.R. 503 which would establish this monument to honor those who served on active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield. After Saddam Hussein of Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, he immediately owned nearly 30% of the world's oil supply and threatened Saudi Arabia, and American ally and important regional power. President George H.W. Bush launched Operation Desert Shield and with it the immense threat of force of American and Coalition airpower. President Bush also gave Hussein an ultimatum: Exit Kuwait by January 15, 1991, or face the brunt of all branches of the United States Military as well as Coalition forces. With Iraqi forces still in Kuwait after the deadline, President Bush launched Operation Desert Storm, and for nearly seven months American and Coalition forces used airpower to great effect When ground troops finally rolled in, it took only a few days to clear Kuwait of Iraqi forces. This major coalition victory resulted not only in the liberation of Kuwait, but also a weakened Iraqi force, and the imposition of sanctions against the government of Iraq. However, the victory was not without sacrifice. America lost 293 of her best men and women during these operations. AFA believes the nation needs a national memorial dedicated to those members of the armed forces who risked and or lost their lives in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. AFA supports this bipartisan legislation to authorize the National Desert Storm Memorial Board of Directors to establish this memorial in Washington DC, with all funding raised privately by the National Desert Storm Memorial Association. AFA urges Congress to act swiftly to get this deserving project underway as soon as possible. Sincerely, Craig McKinley, President, Air Force Association. ____ National Guard Association of the United States, Washington, DC, May 28, 2014. Hon. Phil Roe, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Roe: Thank you for introducing H.R. 503, the Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act, that would establish a monument to honor those who served on active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield, including thousands of members of the National Guard. The selfless service of the men and women who served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm is long overdue for the special recognition that a monument would provide. NGAUS strongly supports this effort. Thank you for this effort to honor the service of our brave men and women. Sincerely, Gus Hargett, Major General, USA, (Ret) President. ____ Blinded Veterans Association, Washington DC, May 28, 2014. Hon. David ``Phil'' Roe, M.D. (TN-01), Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Roe; On behalf of the Blinded Veterans Association Board of Directors, its members, and the entire Blinded Veteran community I would like to extend our support for H.R. 503, The National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act. When Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, and seized nearly 30 percent of the world's oil supply, our Nations President George H.W. Bush launched Operation Desert Shield. This deployment of American combat troops was America's way of advising Saddam Hussein that his acts of aggression and tyranny towards Kuwait would not be tolerated. On January 15, 1991, with Kuwait still occupied, over half a million United States armed service members led coalition forces in the liberation of Kuwait, a mission now known as Operation Desert Storm. The men and woman of our Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard Forces, who answered the call of duty should now, and forever, be remembered for the sacrifices they [[Page H4860]] made to ensure that this type of aggression and tyranny will not be tolerated by the United States towards our allies. May this memorial reflect those sacrifices for generations to pay tribute and admire, and lest we not forget. Respectfully; Glenn Minney (U.S.N. ret.), Director of Government Relations and Congressional Legislation, Blinded Veterans Association. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I would especially like to thank a couple of people, such as Jeff Miller, my friend from Hendersonville, North Carolina, who introduced me to Scott Stump and his colleagues at the National Desert Storm Memorial Association, for the legwork they have done in support of H.R. 503. Without their efforts, we wouldn't be standing here today. I also would like to thank Lieutenant Colonel Norbert from Canada, who is also in the audience today. I would also like to express my appreciation to Chairman Hastings and Chairman Bishop for their assistance in moving this legislation to the House floor. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation and to honor the service of those who served in these operations. Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank my colleagues from Tennessee and Washington, and I am very honored to support this piece of legislation, particularly on the day after we formally observed Memorial Day. It is truly an honor to recognize the men and women and the families who give the ultimate sacrifice to protect this country. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, this is a good piece of legislation, and I commend Dr. Roe and others for introducing it and bringing it to the floor. I urge its passage. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 503, as amended. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. ____________________