Political Quotes

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am proud to rise in support of en bloc amendment number 9 and particularly my amendment, which is included, which directs a review of the service records of eligible Jewish American veterans from World War I. I want to particularly thank Chairman Skelton, Ranking Member McKeon, and other members of the committee for their support on this important issue. We owe much to the patriotic Americans who have worn and are wearing uniforms of our Nation's Armed Forces. Our country has been blessed to have citizens who have selflessly volunteered to defend our Nation and freedom. Unfortunately, qualified soldiers have not been considered for the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by our government, due to discrimination. In 2001, Congress passed the Leonard Kravitz Jewish War Veterans Act, which had broad bipartisan support. This important piece of legislation presented Jewish soldiers the opportunity to receive the Medal of Honor for their service in World War II. However, Jewish veterans of World War I have faced the same discrimination and have not been afforded the opportunity to receive recognition for their service. William Shemin, for whom this act is named, was a Jewish American who earned the Distinguished Service Cross in 1918 for saving three of his fellow soldiers' lives during an intense 3-day battle in France while also leading his platoon in combat after more senior soldiers were wounded or killed.…”