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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
GENERAL JAMES N. MATTIS CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT
______
HON. DAN NEWHOUSE
of washington
in the house of representatives
Monday, October 28, 2019
Mr. NEWHOUSE. Madam Speaker, all of Central Washington's constituents
are special, and I am proud to represent each of them in our nation's
capital. One constituent I am most proud of is General James N. Mattis,
decorated four-star general and former U.S. Secretary of Defense. He
exemplifies the American principles of hard work, patriotism, and
integrity. He can communicate and resonate with everyone--from heads of
state and Members of Congress to local business leaders and young
students. His military and civilian service serves as an example for
all, and I am honored to call him my friend.
Jim Mattis is a Washingtonian through and through. He was born in
Pullman, raised in Richland, and attended college in Ellensburg. When
he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1969, I doubt
he realized the impact his service would have on the people of
Washington State--and the entire nation.
His devotion to defending the United States and our Constitution has
earned the deepest degree of trust, respect, and admiration from our
men and women serving in uniform across the globe. He was the first
United States Marine Corps officer to command a Naval Task Force in
Afghanistan following the attacks on September 11, 2001. He bravely
commanded forces including the U.S. Joint Forces Command, NATO's
Supreme Allied Command for Transformation, and U.S. Central Command.
When President Donald Trump nominated General Mattis for United States
Secretary of Defense, he served honorably until December 31, 2018.
General Mattis is recognized around the world as an exemplary
military general, and he is revered in Central Washington as a hometown
hero. Despite his outstanding career and numerous awards, he remains
humble and involved throughout Washington state. From volunteering with
the Tri-Cities Food Bank to hosting ceremonies for Vietnam veterans,
General Mattis continually demonstrates his commitment to our local
community.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor the United States
Congress can bestow on an individual. The greatest generals, thinkers,
and leaders in our nation have received this award, including, but not
limited to, George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, Douglas MacArthur, and
Harry S. Truman. I believe General Mattis belongs amongst these giants
of American exceptionalism.
That is why I am introducing the General James N. Mattis
Congressional Gold Medal Act with the full bipartisan support of the
Washington congressional delegation. If signed into law, this bill
would bestow our hometown hero with this great honor. As I told General
Mattis, I will work my hardest to ensure he is the next distinguished
leader to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. I urge all of my
colleagues to support the General James N. Mattis Congressional Gold
Medal Act.
____________________
