~ Lawmaker says: “They answered a call for service in the midst of two brutal wars. We owe them and their families a great debt. Our resolution today is but a small testament to their dedication and valor.” ~

Washington, DC – Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence, today issued the following statement introducing H.Res.1535 to honor the members of the United States Armed Forces from Los Angeles County and their families.

“Madam Speaker. I rise to introduce H.RES. 1535 with my California colleague Rep. McKeon and members of the Los Angeles delegation to honor the service and sacrifice of Los Angeles County soldiers and their families.

“In the midst of two of the longest engagements of US forces in American history, our troops are enduring some of the most challenging and dangerous conditions imaginable.

“More than 6,000 Angelenos are now deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, serving with honor while enduring hardships and lengthy separations from their loved ones. Since the two wars began, more than 100 county residents have been killed in battle. More than 1,200 have suffered physical wounds, and many more suffer from PTSD.

“They fight a war unlike those of their predecessors, against an enemy who targets and brutalizes its own citizens – innocent women and children -- to advance its agenda.

“While the enemy is cruel, our troops practice restraint. Where the enemy levels schools, clinics and businesses to demonstrate its power, our troops show even greater strength by helping to rebuild them. They do this to build trust and win the confidence of the people of Iraq and Afghanistan – the people who must ultimately stand up and lead this fight for their own countries.

“This generation of troops shows a level of bravery and discipline every day few of us possess in the face of grave danger, and they face those risks to protect their fellow Americans.

“Thousands have returned home with physical and emotional wounds. Some heal, but other wounds remain with them and their families for a lifetime.

“We declare our support for providing veterans and their families with the best medical care, and our support for veterans’ continuing education, vocational training, and opportunities to enter new careers as civilians.

“We support efforts to break the cycle of homelessness that haunts so many veterans, and to prevent more from suffering the same fate.

“We encourage all Americans to show their support and enduring gratitude for our returning troops, many of whom face a difficult adjustment to a life not at war.

They answered a call for service in the midst of two brutal wars. We owe them and their families a great debt. Our resolution today is but a small testament to their dedication and valor.”