Tom Udall: “Mr. Speaker, let me begin by thanking the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) for…”

“Mr. Speaker, let me begin by thanking the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) for their efforts in bringing House Concurrent Resolution 174 to the floor today. I introduced H. Con. Res. 174 on June 26, 2001, to authorize the Rotunda of the Capitol to be used on July 26, 2001, for a ceremony to present Congressional Gold Medals to the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers. This legislation will bring us one step closer to making the special and long overdue ceremony a reality. I would also like to thank the 14 Members on both sides of the aisle who joined as original cosponsors to this measure. During the 106th Congress, Senator Jeff Bingaman introduced legislation to honor the Navajo Code Talkers who played a pivotal role in World War II. I introduced the companion measure so that both Chambers could support these original 29 heroic men with the Congressional Gold Medal. In addition, a Silver Medal will be presented to the other Navajo Code Talkers who later followed the original 29. Thanks to Senator Bingaman's efforts, language was included in the last year omnibus bill to honor these men. These Code Talkers will soon receive their long overdue recognition for their service and the honor they brought to our country and to their people.”