Congresswoman Hanabusa's Bill to Create a Pacific War Memorial Passes House

Press Release

A bill establishing a memorial for U.S. soldiers who lost their lives in the Pacific during World War II, passed the U.S. House of Representatives by unanimous consent today.

H.R. 4300, the Admiral Lloyd R. "Joe" Vasey Pacific War Commemorative Act, was introduced by Congresswoman Hanabusa and Congressman Rob Bishop, the Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources.

"This memorial will help tell the stories of the members of the greatest generation who lost their lives in combat in the Pacific. Their experiences cannot be forgotten and we must educate future generations about this pivotal moment in American history. We must also provide a place where families and friends can mourn the loss of their loved ones. I would like to thank my colleagues for their support and I urge the Senate to quickly consider and pass this measure," said Congresswoman Hanabusa.

"Rep. Hanabusa has worked to build bipartisan support on this important bill to honor America's veterans of the Pacific Theatre. Today's vote demonstrates broad support for this legislation, and I look forward to working with Rep. Hanabusa and our Senate colleagues to move this bill to the President's desk," Chairman Bishop said.

Congresswoman Hanabusa also delivered remarks on the measure on the House floor this morning on the 76th anniversary of Imperial Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor.

Pacific Historic Parks, a non-profit organization based in Honolulu, will design and build the memorial in coordination with the National Park Service. This project will not require federal funds.

Congresswoman Hanabusa and Chair Bishop worked with Ranking Member Raul Grijalva and 88 cosponsors who built bipartisan support for this measure to ensure swift consideration by the Natural Resources Committee.

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