World War II Women's Memorial Location Act
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. CRANK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2290) to provide that the memorial to commemorate the sacrifice and service of the women who worked on the home front to support the efforts of the United States military during World War II may be located on the National Mall, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 2290
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``World War II Women's Memorial Location Act''. SEC. 2. LOCATION OF COMMEMORATIVE WORK.
Notwithstanding section 8908(c) of title 40, United States Code, the commemorative work to commemorate the commitment and service of the women who worked on the home front during World War II authorized by section 702 of division DD of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (40 U.S.C. 8903 note; Public Law 117-328), may be located within--
(1) Area I, as depicted on the map entitled ``Commemorative Areas Washington, DC and Environs'', numbered 869/86501 B, and dated June 24, 2003; or
(2) the Reserve. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act, the term ``Reserve'' has the meaning given such term in section 8902(a)(3) of title 40, United States Code.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. CRANK. 2290, the bill now under consideration.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2290, the World War II Women's Memorial Location Act, led by Representatives Dingell and Fulcher.
During World War II, more than 18 million women stepped up to serve this country on the home front. While many Americans recognize the image of Rosie the Riveter, their work went far beyond the factory floor. My grandmother served as a Rosie the Riveter, stepping up to fight on the home front, as well. Women became welders, code breakers, pilots, medical professionals, truck drivers, and community caretakers. Their contributions were essential to the Allied victory, supporting our troops overseas and redefining women's roles in American society.
In 2023, Congress authorized the creation of a memorial to honor the women who worked on the home front during World War II. Under the Commemorative Works Act, placing that memorial on The National Mall or in the surrounding area requires an additional act of Congress. H.R. 2290 provides that authority, ensuring this memorial can be located in a place of national prominence alongside other monuments honoring wartime service and sacrifice.
This bill is bipartisan and straightforward. It properly recognizes the contributions of millions of American women whose work was essential to victory in World War II. By authorizing this memorial to be placed on or near The National Mall, we affirm their legacy and ensure future generations will learn from their examples of patriotism, responsibility, and service.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 2290, and I reserve the balance of my time.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. CRANK. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. CRANK. Mr. Speaker, this bill is about ensuring that the contributions of millions of women on the World War II home front are remembered alongside other monuments in Washington, D.C. This bill commemorates America's wartime service and sacrifice. H.R. 2290 guarantees that future generations will see their stories represented in a place of national prominence.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source