Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.Res.305, a resolution honoring the Special Operations community. The following House Armed Services Committee Members delivered remarks supporting the legislation.
Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), Chairman, Terrorism and Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, “Our special operations forces have been a fabulous success story, especially in terms of their work with local populations to stop the spread of al-Qaeda and related groups. Getting to know local populations, learning the languages, becoming helpful to them – these steps are vital to preventing insurgencies and terrorist groups from taking hold. As we seek to grow our special operations forces, we have to make sure proper emphasis is placed on this indirect action component of their work.”
Rep. Jim Saxton (R-NJ), “Today, I am pleased to commend USSOCOM and its extraordinary personnel for their distinguished prosecution of the Global War on Terror. They continue to demonstrate magnificent courage and have performed brilliantly. Our special operations forces have performed countless missions against an enemy who is determined to destroy the way of life of United States citizens on the homeland and abroad.”
Rep. Jim Marshall (D-GA), ““SOCOM provides capabilities critically important to America’s security. It was smart to stand up that command 20 years ago. We need to expand its size and mission, particularly the indirect combat capabilities principally provided by the Special Forces Command within SOCOM.”
Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC), “As we continue to fight the Global War on Terror, Special Operations Forces are playing an increasingly essential role. They truly are the ‘tip of the spear.’ Members of the Navy, Air Force, and the new Marine Corps Special Operations Commands also play a critical role in addressing the threats we face as a nation. The service and sacrifice of the 53,000 members of the Special Operations Community, and that of their families, are part of what creates and maintains the possibility of the freedom we all enjoy.”
Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL), “On this 20th anniversary of the founding of Special Operations Command, I salute the brave men and women who have served our country in the Special Operations. Through your sacrifice, you have proved that the need will always exist for well coordinated Special Forces. There are just some things that conventional forces are not set up to do. On behalf of my friends and neighbors in Tampa, the proud home of Special Operations Command, we salute your service and thank you.”
Rep. John Kline (R-MN), "Like their predecessors, the men and women that comprise today’s special operations forces have accepted the challenge of tackling some of the most difficult and dangerous missions assigned to our military. As we have witnessed in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, the Philippines, and in countless other locations across the globe, they have handled these missions with honor and skillful professionalism."
Rep. Thelma Drake (R-VA), “For twenty years, USSOCOM has been directing the silent warriors tasked with keeping Americans safe and protecting the liberties we cherish. Their sacrifices often come without glory or acclaim but never without gratitude. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their help in bringing these exceptional patriots the recognition they deserve.”
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