Clarksville Times

On May 21, 2024, the House passed two bills honoring America's working dogs and a Congressional Gold Medal recipient. Chairman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) delivered remarks in support of H.R. 807 and H.R. 1097.

Regarding H.R. 807, McHenry emphasized the importance of working dogs on Capitol Hill: "[Working dogs] are so embedded in our daily lives here on Capitol Hill, we often pass them by without noticing. But since I introduced this bill in the last Congress, it is as if I see working dogs everywhere I go. I’m thankful to have gained this new appreciation." He added that the bill aims to improve the quality of life for wounded veterans and first responders: "This is more than just a coin bill; it’s a bill about improving the quality of life for our wounded veterans and first responders—something we all can get behind."

In his remarks supporting H.R. 1097, McHenry recounted the resilience of Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr., who endured torture during his captivity in North Vietnam: "Despite being beaten and tortured for information about U.S. military operations, Commander Alvarez refused to comply, saying he wanted to be able to look in the mirror and not feel ashamed." He continued, "Even when his North Vietnamese captors no longer felt Alvarez held military intelligence value, they continued to brutalize him in attempts to extract propaganda messages. He did not cave." McHenry concluded by acknowledging Alvarez's enduring honor: "Today at age 86, I believe that when Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr. looks in the mirror he sees only honor in his reflection."