HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 SJM 8022

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      State Government

Brief Description:  Recognizing America's World War II veterans.

Sponsors:  Senators Rasmussen, Swecker, Bauer, Roach, Goings, Benton, B. Sheldon, Snyder, Hale, Oke, Gardner, Johnson, Long, McAuliffe, Deccio, Winsley, Zarelli, Kohl‑Welles, T. Sheldon and Haugen.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

State Government:  2/22/00 [DP].

                 Brief Summary of Bill

$The Legislature respectfully asks that Congress accept the support of the people of the state of Washington for the National World War II Veterans' Memorial.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 8 members:  Representatives McMorris, Republican Co-Chair; Romero, Democratic Co-Chair; Campbell, Republican Vice Chair; Miloscia, Democratic Vice Chair; Dunshee; Haigh; Lambert and D. Schmidt.

Staff:  Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

World War II began in 1939 and by its end had involved many nations including the United States, France, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, Germany, Italy, and Japan.  The war ended in Europe on May 8, 1945, with the surrender of Germany, and in the Pacific on September 2, 1945, with the surrender of Japan.

In 1993, Congress passed and the President signed legislation authorizing the construction of a national World War II Memorial in Washington DC.  The memorial will be the first national memorial dedicated to the armed forces serving in World War II.  The memorial will be located on the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature respectfully asks that Congress accept the support of the people of the state of Washington for the National World War II Veterans' Memorial.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This will send a message to Washington D.C. that Washington supports its veterans.  It is also important for Washington D.C. to know that Washington has already honored its World War II veterans through a memorial.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Skip Dreps, Paralyzed Veterans of America.