On the recordMay 12, 2016
As the sponsor of the bill that awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots, known as WASP, I applaud the passage by the House and Senate of legislation that will reinstate burial rights at Arlington National Cemetery to these women pioneers. I would like to congratulate my dear friend and colleague Congresswoman Martha McSally, sitting right in front of me, the first woman pilot in the U.S. Air Force to fly combat missions, who led this effort. I am humbled to represent a diverse south Florida community, home to some of these women trailblazers, like Ruth Shafer Fleisher, Shirley Kruse, and Bee Haydu, as well as the late Frances Rohrer Sargent and Helen Wyatt Snapp. I am so glad that we helped to bring them back their right to lay at Arlington Cemetery if they wish to do so. I am truly honored, Mr. Speaker, to have joined Congresswoman McSally, and I thank those who joined us in this valiant effort. ____________________
