H.R. 24 to Redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps

Floor Speech

* Mr. CARNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 24, a bill to redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps. This legislation was passed out of this chamber on a voice vote yesterday. Had a recorded vote been requested on the bill, I would like the RECORD to reflect that I would have cast a vote in opposition.

* I have been a member of the United States Navy for more than 15 years and I am proud to be one of three Members of Congress still serving in the Navy Reserve.

* Not a day goes by that I don't recognize the sacrifices the brave men and women of the Marine Corps have made in service to our country. Frankly, there isn't a sight that brings more fear to our enemy than that of an approaching line of determined Marines with a mission to execute.

* Past, present and future Marines should certainly be proud of the Corps, but also of the Department of the Navy. The Marine Corps was, is, and should remain, part of the Navy, both in name and in mission. A name change at the Department level will do nothing but foster animosity in the ranks of the Navy and Marine Corps. We should focus instead on the fight at hand and not worry about a change in nomenclature. Unfortunately, the spirit of H.R. 24 is counter to that notion.

* Changing the name of the Department of Navy would cast away over 200 years of tradition. Our founding fathers created the Department of the Navy in 1798. Passing legislation by voice vote that simply does away with the name ``United States Department of the Navy'' is a disservice to the history of the Department and its various components. Millions of sailors and Marines have been killed or maimed in service to our Nation as part of the Department of the Navy. That name meant something to them and it should to all of us as well.

* As the esteemed body on the other side of this building considers this bill, I hope that it will examine all potential repercussions. Namely, they should consider the traditions the United States Navy holds dear.

* I encourage my fellow statesmen to speak both with Navy leadership and Navy veterans in their district before casting a vote in support of this legislation.

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