Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2319 authorizes the construction of a Native American Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the National Museum of the American Indian. The memorial is already authorized to be built within the museum, but planning efforts have identified the needs for more space. This bill simply allows the memorial to be built outside. Native Americans have a long and proud tradition of military service. Navajo code talkers were involved in every assault the U.S. Marines conducted in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. Their heroics even inspired a Hollywood movie, but the proud tradition of Native American service goes all the way back to the Revolutionary War. Since then, the Nation's first Americans have fought in every U.S. engagement, and it is about time that we recognize their service with a national memorial. I cannot think of a better place to commemorate that tradition than on the grounds of the National Museum. I also want to take time to thank Congressman Mullin for his leadership and sponsorship of this legislation, overdue, and very, very appropriate and historically necessary. We support H.R. 2319 and urge its passage. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”