Putting memorial back in Memorial Day
Friend,
Since I last wrote, our nation commemorated Memorial Day. Over the course of Memorial Day weekend I found myself asking the question; how do we honor the memory of those who have sacrificed, those who never made it home?
I think it's on us – on each of us – to make sure that our kids truly understand what this day is about. This is not a day off from school. It's not a day off from work or a day to buy a mattress or an appliance. It's meant to be a day of remembrance. And I believe we must, as President Clinton once said, “put ‘memorial’ back in Memorial Day.
So on this day like many of you, I took time to say thank you.
It was an honor to stand with our community to remember the lives of those lost defending our country and our freedoms. I will never forget their sacrifices.
Thank you to the Navy League for inviting me to join their event aboard the USS Turner Joy, and to VFW Post 239 for having me participate in their ceremony at Ivy Green Cemetery in Bremerton.
Honoring Service and Sacrifice
Over the last two weeks I also spent some time with a special group of veterans that are still with us. In Washington D.C. there was a celebration to honor American Fighter Aces from World War II. Among the group was Hansville's own Navy veteran John T. “Mike” Wolf.
John received a Congressional Gold Medal for his record defending the United States in the Pacific. He earned the distinction of ace for shooting down seven enemy planes during World War II.
Doing Right by Veterans
It’s important that we celebrate our servicemembers and veterans at special events. But it’s just as vital that we make sure each and every day to have their backs. That's why during my time in Congress I've worked closely with AMVETS (also known as American Veterans) to do right by our nation’s veterans. Together we've sought to end the scourge of veterans who are homeless and remove education and job discrimination barriers.
Recently, I was humbled to receive the Silver Helmet Award by AMVETS leaders. The silver replica of a World War II GI helmet is awarded each year to one member of Congress whose work to support and create opportunities for veterans stands out.
Making Some Progress in the Appropriations Process
As I’ve mentioned in prior updates, the Appropriations Committee on which I serve has been very busy writing the appropriations bills that fund the federal government. These last two weeks have been very busy.
The committee passed a bill that covers the funding of the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other related agencies. It contains several provisions that I authored to encourage investments in ocean acidification research, to push for development of innovative timber products in rural communities, and to enhance trade enforcement so American products made by American workers don't face barriers abroad.
The bill also includes needed investments to boost efforts to recover salmon populations in our region. That’s important because salmon are not just a Washington state icon; they are also a staple of our local economy.
I’m pleased we were able to make some progress on these priorities in the bill.
As it comes up for a full House vote, I will fight to ensure that the legislation makes smart investments in the kind of innovations and programs that bring opportunities to folks in our region.
Enhancing Our Nation’s Competitiveness
When I worked in economic development in Tacoma I had a sign on the wall that said, “We are competing with everyone, everywhere, every day, forever.”
It's a notion that should guide how we approach investing in research and development. Not to mention how we prepare students to land the advanced jobs of tomorrow. In the 21st century our global competitors are not slowing down.
Several years ago, acknowledging that challenge, Congress passed a bipartisan law called America COMPETEs. That law focused on enhancing investments in basic research and science education. It was a bipartisan acknowledgement that the federal government’s investments in this regard have sparked entire industries, revolutionizing the world we see around us today.
Democrats and Republicans alike should recognize that our nation’s competitiveness shouldn’t be about partisanship. It’s not about Left or Right. It’s about whether we move forward or backward.
That’s why I spoke on the House floor about the need for a bipartisan reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act so we can keep our economy one step ahead in the 21st century.
Unfortunately, the reauthorization of COMPETES the House considered doesn’t move us forward; it leaves us stuck in neutral while our competitors across the globe are putting their foot on the gas.
I'll keep pushing my colleagues to remember that we should be focused on a COMPETES bill that gives our workforce a leg up and creates an environment for innovators to tap into the next best thing.
We should want innovation to happen – and jobs to be created – here in America rather than some place else.
Honoring the Diversity of Our State
This May I was proud to join many of my colleagues in marking Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Asian American communities are central to keeping Washington state vibrant.
Here in Congress I will continue to fight for legislation that helps all Americans, including Asian American communities, maintain an equality of opportunity so everyone can have a chance to achieve his or her dreams.
You can watch my video message in recognition of it here.
Remembering Curtis Montgomery
I also spoke on the House floor in honor of the life and service of Bishop Curtis Montgomery of Tacoma, whose steadfast leadership and staunch belief in the power of community involvement will be remembered for years to come. Bishop Montgomery was a fixture in strengthening the Hilltop Neighborhood of Tacoma.
Curtis Montgomery and his parishioners have given so much, to so many.
Visiting Folks Working to Make Our Region Stronger
I'll end with some pictures from my work across our region.
I was honored to visit the Tacoma North Rotary Club. Thank you to President Brent Wojtanowicz for the opportunity to say a few words, and for all this local club does to make our community a better place.
I had a great visit with some outstanding young Red Cross AmeriCorps members at the Pierce County Emergency Operations Center in Tacoma. These dedicated individuals have committed themselves to serving our nation by educating our communities on emergency preparedness and fulfilling a need for capacity in times of hardship and tragedy. I'm an avid supporter of National Service and am proud to have had the chance to visit such a great group of engaged young people! And…if you're wondering what that bucket is all about, visit the Pierce County EOC website to learn about the Grab and Go Bucket, a tool for emergency preparedness that every family should learn about!
Working for You
One final plug for this edition: our next Telephone Town Hall will be held on June 11th.
I'm excited to announce that this call will be focused on why campaign finance reform is so important to our democracy. The call will feature a special guest – former Federal Election Commission Chairman Trevor Potter. Following his work as General Counsel to the presidential campaign of John McCain and as lawyer behind the creation of Stephen Colbert's political action committee, Trevor is now working hard to change our system to better ensure our government is responsive to voters, not to special interests.
Democracy works best when citizens participate in the process. If you want to participate, sign up here or email kilmer.teletownhall@mail.house.gov with your name and phone number by 3pm on June 10th.
As always, I'm honored to work for you.
Sincerely,
Derek