Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, as the son of a World War II veteran, the brother of a Vietnam veteran, and as a veteran myself who served during the time of Desert Storm and other conflicts, I understand that victory in battle is not solely due to the soldier on the battlefield, the airman that is flying over the battlefield, or the marine or the sailor. It is as much the responsibility of all Americans and those who actually supply the weapons and the machinery of war that is so desperately needed by those who are on the battlefield.

We saw this play out in a great way during World War II. As our young men and women were across the pond and throughout the Pacific fighting against tyranny, many here at home stepped up and fulfilled the positions that many of them vacated to go fight on the battlefields.

We are honoring such of those women today, being Rosie the Riveters, where 6 million answered their country's call to make sure that the airmen had the aircraft to fly; that the infantrymen had the bullets and the guns that were needed to defend this country; that the sailors had the equipment, the ships, and the weapons to fight on the seas; and that the Marines that were invading the islands that were held by the Japanese had the materials that they needed.

We could not have seen that victory in World War II if it weren't for these brave patriots who not only took on the roles and the responsibilities that others left to make sure that we had the weapons and the materials and the logistics that were needed, but while also raising families at the same time.

Back in June, I was honored to be one of the official delegates to travel to Normandy, representing the United States and the House of Representatives for the 75th anniversary of D-day. I was especially honored because my dad was one of those who stepped on the shores of Normandy during that battle.

And, as I was sitting in the audience waiting on the President to give his remarks, there were three lovely ladies sitting in the row in front of me. We began to engage in conversation, and I found out that they were Rosie Riveters. And, of course, I had to have a selfie with Rosie the Riveter.

They became the stars. Regardless of the number of Members of Congress who were sitting in the audience, those three ladies became the focus of many who were there, and rightfully so. And because of their deeds and their patriotism, I fully support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to do so as well, and I reserve the balance of my time.
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Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, as I have no more speakers on this bill, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to emphatically support this legislation to give recognition to those who stepped up and served our Nation in such an important way during one of the darkest times in our Nation's history to ensure that we not only brought home the victory, but we liberated millions of those in oppression and tyranny across the globe.

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