Tulsi Gabbard

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of my home State of Hawaii, I stand today to send our heartfelt condolences to the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Like so many people in Hawaii and around the world, I and my family have loved ones, friends, and others who were affected by this devastation in Tacloban City and in other areas of the Philippines, and they have been at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers. In the wake of such a horrible tragedy, the positive that we can find is the outpouring of compassion, support, and, most importantly, aloha from my State towards the people in the Philippines. The Hawaii Air National Guard is working with the U.S. Pacific Command as we speak, which is based in Hawaii, as collectively they provide unparalleled air, maritime, and ground support to the aid efforts of the Philippines authorities. All across Hawaii, as across the world, we are seeing businesses, nonprofits, and individuals standing up individually and taking the time and energy to raise resources and to provide support to these aid efforts, to these relief efforts, and helping to reunite families and friends and communities. I continue to pray for all those who have lost homes, family, and friends, and encourage all who are able to contribute in any way possible in this recovery effort.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, on November 20, 2013, I was unavoidably detained and was unable to record my vote for rollcall No. 592. Had I been present I would have voted ``nay'' on ordering the previous question.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, on October 14, 2013, I was unavoidably detained and missed rollcall votes Nos. 547-549. Had I been present I would have voted: rollcall No. 547: ``no''--On Motion To Table the Motion To Appeal the Ruling of the Chair; rollcall No. 548: ``no''--On Passage; rollcall No. 549: ``no''--On Agreeing to the Grayson Amendment.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, on October 9, 2013, I was unavoidably detained and missed rollcall vote Nos. 536 and 537. Had I been present I would have voted: Rollcall No. 536: ``no.''--On Motion to Table the Motion to Appeal the Ruling of the Chair. Rollcall No. 537: ``no''--On Passage.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, today, as Congress focuses on the government shutdown, our Nation quietly marks the close of our 12th year at war in Afghanistan. While the country talks about a Federal Government shutdown and the divisive partisan politics that are standing in the way of progress, the harsh reality and hell that is war seem a distant memory for most. Meanwhile, we have over 54,000 troops serving in Afghanistan today. To all of our troops, thank you for your service and the sacrifices that you and your families have endured. Two thousand one hundred and forty-three U.S. servicemembers have been killed in Afghanistan to date, leaving behind families who will never again feel their warm embrace. Let us honor those who have served and who continue to put their lives on the line and do our best to bring them home. Let us remember their great sacrifices and set aside the pettiness in our own lives that divides us, and let us remember their great service and ask ourselves constantly how best can we be of service.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I'm so proud to stand here today to join Congressman Rodney Davis from Illinois and the rest of my colleagues as we honor the 79 living Medal of Honor recipients, which include U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Allan Jay Kellogg, who's lived in Hawaii for more than 25 years, and who calls my hometown of Kailua his home as well. Under the leadership of Sergeant Kellogg, a small unit from Company G was evacuating a fallen comrade when the unit came under enemy fire from the surrounding jungle. What he did is the stuff of legend. After an enemy soldier hurled a hand grenade at the marines, Sergeant Kellogg quickly forced the grenade into the mud, threw himself over the grenade, and absorbed the full effects of its detonation with his body, saving his unit. Although suffering multiple injuries to his chest and his right shoulder, Sergeant Kellogg continued to direct his men until all reached safety. It's for his unwavering devotion to duty and his continued service to our country that I'm so proud to honor and remember the actions of Staff Sergeant Allan Jay Kellogg, Jr. here today.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I'm so proud personally to be able to join with my friend and colleague, Representative Rodney Davis, as we lead this bipartisan Special Order to remember and to honor the extraordinary sacrifice and displays of true love of country that have been exemplified by the proud warriors who served in conflicts past and present. President Kennedy once said: A Nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors and the men it remembers. I had the privilege last year as the reunion was held in Hawaii for these remaining living Medal of Honor recipients. We had a dinner on the bow of the Mighty Mo at Pearl Harbor, and it was so incredible and moving to be there in the presence of people I had read about, been inspired by, and been motivated by as a child but also throughout my time training when those days felt dark and you felt tired and you felt like maybe I just can't do this. It was these men who truly exemplified and gave us, as we were training, energy to move forward. Each of these 79 living veterans has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, our Nation's highest military decoration for valor in combat. As we stand here this evening, we represent our constituents and the sentiments and appreciation of a grateful Nation. Honoring Staff Sergeant Allan Jay Kellogg, Jr.

Ms. GABBARD. The select few, like Staff Sergeant Allan Jay Kellogg from my State of Hawaii, who also lives in my hometown of Kailua, consciously made the decision, at the point when it mattered most, to do an extraordinary thing: that if need be, they would give their lives for others. And what is so incredible about all of these men we have had the honor to meet is they are humble heroes who would do it in a heartbeat again if necessary. They made tremendous sacrifices protecting our ideals and freedoms to keep our Nation safe. It's because of their sacrifice and their service that we can be here today to speak our minds--sometimes agreeing, sometimes disagreeing--where we can practice our faith, and pursue our dreams. That's the reason we gather today--Members of Congress from both parties and from across the country--to stand in awe of their sacrifice and to pay tribute to their heroic actions. We also remember the parents and the community that raised these heroes, the families that stood behind them, the military that trained them, and their battle buddies, the men and women who served by their side. I think I can safely say that I speak for all Americans when I say that we are incredibly grateful for what they have done for us and what they have done for our country. The courage they have shown, the example they have set for us is truly special. None of the words that we can say will ever be truly worthy of their sacrifice or their service, but we do our best to pay our tribute and express our gratitude. Honoring Senator Daniel K. Inouye

Ms. GABBARD. While tonight we're honoring the remaining living veterans who have been recipients of the Medal of Honor, I would like to take a moment to remember a Medal of Honor recipient who is near and dear to my heart, to the State of Hawaii, to the country, and who is no longer with us. Senator Daniel K. Inouye enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17 just after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served with E Company of the 442 Regimental Combat Team, made up entirely of Americans of Japanese ancestry at a time when our country was putting Japanese Americans in concentration camps. In 1945, Senator Inouye lost his arm and suffered multiple injuries as he charged a series of German machine gun nests on a hill in Italy. His selfless acts during this battle later earned him the Medal of Honor. Continuing his lifelong commitment of service to Hawaii and the Nation, Danny Inouye was Hawaii's very first Congressman and served in the Senate since 1963. Senator Inouye was a true servant leader and an American hero of the highest order, and he continues to be an inspiration to me and countless others around the world. Congressman Davis and I now have the honor to be joined by some of our colleagues as we continue to honor these courageous heroes.

Ms. GABBARD. Thank you. Also, on behalf of two of my colleagues who unfortunately could not be here, I will honor their honorees. Honoring First Lieutenant Brian Thacker

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Chris Van Hollen from the State of Maryland, I would like to honor First Lieutenant Brian Thacker of the United States Army. He was with the 92nd Field Artillery Regiment and received his Medal of Honor for actions on March 31, 1971, in Vietnam. When his base was attacked, he assisted in its defense and remained in position when it became apparent that the evacuation of the base was necessary. He organized and directed the withdrawal of the remaining friendly forces with complete disregard for his personal safety. Lieutenant Thacker remained inside the perimeter alone to provide covering fire until all friendly forces had escaped. Due to his selfless acts, he remained trapped behind enemy lines for 8 days before he was finally rescued. Honoring Chief Warrant Officer Four Hershel Woodrow Williams

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, also on behalf of my colleague Congressman Rahall from West Virginia, I, with great pleasure, rise to honor Hershel Woodrow Williams and his heroic efforts and service. I had the honor of meeting Hershel last year when he and the other Medal of Honor recipients were in Hawaii and heard directly from him. Even as he sat in a wheelchair, his courageous and bold spirit was alive and well. And it was such an honor to meet him, I asked him for his autograph. He was with the Third Marine Division when he was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry on February 23, 1945, on the island of Iwo Jima. Flanked by just four riflemen, time and again Corporal Williams advanced into the enemy defenses to set charges and wipe out enemy positions with a flamethrower. He brazenly charged pillboxes and enemy defenses to pave the way for his fellow soldiers. Truly, his ``unyielding determination and extraordinary heroism'' are legendary. But Woody's devotion did not end there. Back home, upon returning to his family, he served as a civilian counselor and as a volunteer in his church, community, and with veterans' organizations. He continued to dedicate his life to repay those who gave all so that he and countless others could come home, resulting in a lifelong commitment to service. For his valiant devotion to our Nation, I'm so proud to honor Chief Warrant Officer Four Hershel Woodrow Williams. Honoring Private First Class Thomas J. Kinsman

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Joe M. Jackson was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy in Vietnam. Colonel Jackson volunteered to attempt the rescue of a three-man U.S. Air Force combat control team from the Special Forces camp at Kham Duc. Hostile forces had overrun the forward outpost and established gun positions on the airstrip. The camp was engulfed in flames, and ammunition dumps were continuously exploding and littering the runway with debris. To further complicate his landing, the weather was deteriorating rapidly, thereby permitting only one airstrike prior to his landing. Although fully aware of the extreme danger and likely failure of such an attempt, Lieutenant Colonel Jackson elected to land his aircraft and attempt the rescue. Displaying superb airmanship and extraordinary heroism, he landed his aircraft near the point where the combat control team was reported to be hiding. Once that team was onboard, Colonel Jackson succeeded in getting airborne despite the hostile fire. It is for his courage and unwavering devotion to duty that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Lieutenant General Joe M. Jackson. Honoring Chaplain Angelo J. Liteky

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, Master Sergeant Nicholas Oresko was a platoon leader with the Company C, 94th Infantry Division of the United States Army and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his action on January 23, 1945, in Germany. While Company C was conducting an attack, it came under heavy enemy fire from its flanks, pinning the unit down. Master Sergeant Oresko swiftly moved forward alone, engaging the first bunker at point blank range and eliminating the enemy. Despite being wounded by grenade shrapnel, he pushed forward and managed to eliminate a second bunker with a grenade and clearing the remaining enemy with rifle fire. Although severely wounded, Master Sergeant Oresko refused to leave the field until the mission was complete. It's for his quick thinking, indomitable courage, and devotion to duty in this attack that I'm proud to honor and remember the actions of Master Sergeant Nicholas Oresko. Honoring Sergeant Einar H. Ingman, Jr.

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, Private George Taro Sakato served with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most highly decorated unit in the United States Army's history to this day. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for extreme gallantry on October 29, 1944, in France. During a devastating assault by his platoon, Private Sakato killed five enemy soldiers and captured four. When his unit became pinned down by enemy fire, and without regard for that enemy fire surrounding him, Private Sakato charged forward and encouraged his squad to advance as well. During the maneuver, Private Sakato's squad leader was killed. In taking charge, Private Sakato relentlessly pushed his men forward. Private Sakato and his unit were ultimately victorious in halting the enemy's attack. During this entire action, he managed to kill 12 enemy soldiers, while wounding two others. It is for his gallant courage and fighting spirit that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Private George Taro Sakato. Honoring Lieutenant Thomas Rolland Norris

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, Private 1st Class Robert Ernest Simanek was serving in Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, and received his Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Korea on August 17, 1952. When his unit came under attack by mortar and small arms fire, this private displayed an enormous level of commitment to his fellow troops by throwing himself on a grenade that was hurled in the midst of his unit. Although sustaining serious wounds, Private 1st Class Simanek's valiant action saved his fellow Marines from serious injury and death. It is for his act of great personal valor and service to his country that I am so proud to honor the actions of Private 1st Class Robert Ernest Simanek.

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Joseph Kerrey, of the United States Navy, was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry in taking action against the enemy in Vietnam. Kerrey led his SEAL team on a mission to capture important members of the enemy's area political cadre, known to be located on an island in the bay of Nha Trang. Splitting his team into two elements, and coordinating both, Lieutenant Kerrey led his men in the treacherous downward descent to the enemy's camp. Just as they neared the end of their descent, intense enemy fire was directed at them, and Lieutenant Kerrey received massive injuries from a grenade which exploded at his feet and threw him backward onto the jagged rocks. Utilizing his radioman, Lieutenant Kerrey called in the second element's fire support, which caught the confused Viet Cong in a devastating crossfire. Lieutenant Kerrey resolutely directed his men, despite his near unconscious state, until he was eventually evacuated by helicopter. It is for his courage and unwavering devotion to duty that I am so proud to honor and remember the actions of Lieutenant Joseph R. Kerrey. Honoring Colonel Bernard Francis Fisher

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Thomas G. Kelley was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions, and going above and beyond the call of duty, against the enemy in Vietnam. Lieutenant Kelley was in charge of a column of eight river assault aircrafts which were extracting one company of U.S. Army infantry troops on the east bank of the Ong Muong Canal in Kien Hoa province when one of the armored troop carriers reported a mechanical failure of a loading ramp. At approximately the same time, Viet Cong forces opened fire from the opposite bank of the canal. After issuing orders for the crippled troop carrier to raise its ramp manually and for the remaining boats to form a protective cordon around the disabled craft, Lieutenant Commander Kelley, realizing the extreme danger to his column and its inability to clear the ambush site until the crippled unit was repaired, boldly maneuvered the monitor in which he was embarked to the exposed side of the protective cordon, in direct line with the enemy's fire, and he ordered the monitor to commence firing. Sustaining serious head wounds from the blast which hurled him to the deck of the monitor, Lieutenant Commander Kelley disregarded his severe injuries and attempted to continue directing the other boats. It is for his courage and unwavering devotion to duty that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Lieutenant Thomas G. Kelley. Honoring Master Sergeant Ronald E. Rosser

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, it is on behalf of my colleague from California, Alan Lowenthal, that I am proud to honor two of his constituents who've been recipients of this prestigious Medal of Honor. The first is Corporal Tibor Rubin, who served in the United States Army with the 1st Cavalry Division and received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 23, 1950, to April 20, 1953, in Korea. While the regiment was withdrawing, Corporal Rubin singlehandedly held off enemy charges, allowing the 8th Cavalry to complete its withdrawal. On October 30, a number of Chinese forces mounted an assault on Corporal Rubin's unit. He maintained his firing position until he had exhausted all of his ammunition. Although inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, Corporal Rubin was eventually captured. While in prison camp however, the Corporal continued his resistance and selflessness by caring for his sick comrades. Also from Congressman Lowenthal's district is one of our heroes, 2nd Lieutenant Walter David Ehlers. He served with the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in France. Second Lieutenant Ehlers was part of the second wave on D-day. When the first wave became pinned down, his unit was sent forward to assist. On June 9, he led his unit's attack against German forces and defeated several enemy machine gun nests. The very next day his platoon came under heavy fire, and he singlehandedly diverted enemy fire so his fellow servicemen could withdraw. Despite being wounded, 2nd Lieutenant Ehlers carried another wounded rifleman to safety. Even after he was treated, he refused to be evacuated so that he could return to leading his squad. It's for his display of indomitable courage that I'm so proud to honor and remember the actions of 2nd Lieutenant Walter David Ehlers. Honoring Technician 5th Grade Robert D. Maxwell

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, Captain Thomas Jerome Hudner, Jr., served with the United States Navy's Fighter Squadron 32 and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his brave actions on December 4, 1950, in the air over Korea. When Captain Hudner's wingman was shot from the air and crash-landed behind enemy lines, he courageously circled his comrade and attempted to fight off enemy advancing on his wingman's position. Upon noticing that his wingman was stuck in his burning plane, Captain Hudner crash- landed his own plane into the rough mountains and in close proximity to the enemy's position in an attempt to save his buddy. Captain Hudner ran to his wingman's position and attempted to free him from the burning wreckage. Unable to free him, Captain Hudner returned to his aircraft to call in a rescue helicopter and support personnel. It is for his exceptionally valiant actions that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Captain Thomas Jerome Hudner, Jr. Honoring Sergeant Gary Burnell Beikirch

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant General Robert Franklin Foley served in the United States Army, where he received the Medal of Honor for leading his unit, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry 25th Division, on November 5, 1966, in the Republic of Vietnam. While moving to aid a besieged unit, Lieutenant General Foley's company clashed with a strong enemy defense post. Lieutenant General Foley, directing three platoons, was able to attend to the wounded soldiers while advancing them. Coming under intense fire, the Lieutenant General, alone, continued to advance until the wounded had been evacuated. Then, after being struck by a grenade himself, Lieutenant General Foley refused medical aid and led an assault to destroy three enemy positions. It is for his outstanding leadership and selflessness that I'm so proud to honor and remember the actions of Lieutenant General Robert Franklin Foley. Honoring Colonel Harvey Curtiss Barnum, Jr.

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, Colonel Gordon Ray Roberts was a rifleman in the 101st Airborne Division and awarded the Medal of Honor for his service on July 11, 1969, in Vietnam. Colonel Roberts' platoon was sent to provide assistance to a sister company. When his platoon became pinned down by heavy gun and grenade fire, Colonel Roberts, with utter disregard for his own well-being, charged forward beyond the perimeter and safety of his unit. Without fear or concern, Colonel Roberts eliminated four enemy positions and linked up with the imperiled company. He assisted with evacuating the wounded and supervised the withdrawal from the position before returning to his own unit. It is for his gallant and selfless actions contributing directly to saving the lives of his fellow soldiers that I'm proud to honor and remember the actions of Colonel Gordon Ray Roberts. Honoring Lieutenant John James McGinty, III

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, it has truly been a privilege and a high note of my service as a Member of Congress to be able to stand here with my friend and colleague, Congressman Davis, to be able to read the highlights of the courageous actions of heroes whose service has allowed us to be here today. This is a moment that I will never forget--a moment that I look forward to sharing with many of my battle buddies, my servicemembers back home. It's a time for us to reflect. As we've heard through reading through these courageous actions, it's like reading through a storybook. These are the actions of heroes and legends that maybe we imagined as children. But we know that these are living heroes who not only put their lives on the line in the service of our country overseas, but have come home and continued that service. They have only accepted this Medal of Honor in a humble way, and we honor those who did not make it home. I look forward to us in our work here in Congress to be able to live up to the standard that they have set and to honor their service and sacrifice as we do our best working in the people's House to serve our country.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be removed as a cosponsor of H. Res. 281.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 281.