WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole managed a piece of legislation on the House floor today that recognizes the contribution of Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces. H. Con. Res. 306 was introduced by Representative Rick Renzi (AZ-01). This legislation passed in the House today by voice vote.

Following is statement Congressman Cole delivered on the House floor:

     Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

     Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 306, a resolution that honors the service of Native Americans in the armed forces of the United States.

     As a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation, it is a great honor for me to speak in tribute to the thousands of Native Americans who have worn the uniform of the United States or served in the ranks of our military throughout our history.

      As the heirs of their own proud warrior traditions that precede the founding of the United States, Native Americans have made notable contributions to the armed forces of our country from its very inception.  Even in the 19th century, an era of conflict between Indian nations and the United States, Native Americans could be found serving in and with our military.  Native Americans fought with Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans.  A Native American was a member of General Grant's staff at Appomattox, and Indians scouts played a critical role throughout the wars on the American Plains.

     In the 20th century Choctaw Indians from Oklahoma were used as code talkers in the trenches of Europe during the First World War.  In World War II the Comanche code talkers from the district I represent in Oklahoma sent the first messages on D-Day.  And, of course, the Navajo code talkers who fought and died on the other side of the world helped to turn the tide of war in the Pacific.

     Two of the five Native American Congressional Medal of Honor recipients are from my home state of Oklahoma Jack C. Montgomery, a Cherokee and Ernest Childers, a Creek, served our country with great distinction.  More recently my fellow Chickasaw, Commander John Herrington, became the first Native American astronaut.  Even now he is training in Russia for his next mission. 

     But Mr. Speaker, not all Native American soldiers are scouts, code talkers, Medal of Honor recipients, or astronauts.  Most serve in the ranks and at the same jobs as their fellow Americans.  I think of my uncle who joined the Navy, fought in the Philippines, and endured three and a half years in Japanese prison camps during World War II.  Or my brother, John Cole Jr., who followed my father, a career Air Force non commissioned officer, and enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Viet Nam era.  They are typical of the thousands of American Indians who have served our country in times of peril.

     That tradition of service continues today.  Native Americans volunteer for military service at a higher rate than any other racial or ethnic group in America.  This resolution, which honors their gallant service, comes as we celebrate the opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.  That institution honors the rich history and enormous contributions made by the first Americans to all Americans.

     I congratulate my friend and colleague Congressman Rick Renzi of Arizona, the proud son of a career officer and a former member of the Defense Department who represents thousands of Native Americans, for his fine work on this resolution.  And I encourage all my colleagues to join him in honoring the outstanding Native American warriors who have served our country in peace and war.