Floor SpeechCeremonial2025-03-27

CHRISTENING OF THE USNS BILLY FRANK JR.

EnvironmentVeterans

Context

On 2025-03-27, Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA-2) delivered a floor speech titled "CHRISTENING OF THE USNS BILLY FRANK JR." in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered veterans affairs.

Full Text

CHRISTENING OF THE USNS BILLY FRANK JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 56 (Thursday, March 27, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 56 (Thursday, March 27, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E256] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CHRISTENING OF THE USNS BILLY FRANK JR. ______ HON. RICK LARSEN of washington in the house of representatives Thursday, March 27, 2025 Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the christening of the USNS Billy Frank Jr. Billy Frank Jr. was a proud member of the Nisqually Tribe and a dedicated leader on tribal treaty rights and environmental stewardship. He served as chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission for over 30 years, paved the way for the Boldt decision and was honored with numerous prestigious awards. In 2015, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civilian honor. I am grateful to have worked with Billy on habitat restoration for salmon and steelhead. Washington state's tribes and environment are stronger because of Billy's decades of advocacy and leadership. Billy was also a veteran of the Marine Corps and served during the Korean War. It is fitting that a Navy ship will now bear his name. The USNS Billy Frank Jr. will offer salvage, rescue, ocean-going towing and other support capabilities for U.S. Navy fleet operations, while also supporting missions such as oil spill response, humanitarian assistance, wide-area search and surveillance. On this momentous occasion I send my congratulations to the Frank family and the Nisqually Tribe. I look forward to once again honoring Billy later this year when his statue will be unveiled to represent the state of Washington in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall. ____________________

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CHRISTENING OF THE USNS BILLY FRANK JR. Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 56 (Thursday, March 27, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 56 (Thursday, March 27, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E256] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CHRISTENING OF THE USNS BILLY FRANK JR. ______ HON. RICK LARSEN of washington in the house of representatives Thursday, March 27, 2025 Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the christening of the USNS Billy Frank Jr. Billy Frank Jr. was a proud member of the Nisqually Tribe and a dedicated leader on tribal treaty rights and environmental stewardship. He served as chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission for over 30 years, paved the way for the Boldt decision and was honored with numerous prestigious awards. In 2015, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civilian honor. I am grateful to have worked with Billy on habitat restoration for salmon and steelhead. Washington state's tribes and environment are stronger because of Billy's decades of advocacy and leadership. Billy was also a veteran of the Marine Corps and served during the Korean War. It is fitting that a Navy ship will now bear his name. The USNS Billy Frank Jr. will offer salvage, rescue, ocean-going towing and other support capabilities for U.S. Navy fleet operations, while also supporting missions such as oil spill response, humanitarian assistance, wide-area search and surveillance. On this momentous occasion I send my congratulations to the Frank family and the Nisqually Tribe. I look forward to once again honoring Billy later this year when his statue will be unveiled to represent the state of Washington in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall. ____________________