H.Res. 627 is being considered under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) on July 10, 2009.
H.Res. 445 resolves that the House of Representative:
• "Expresses its gratitude to the members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard of the State of Washington and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States;
• "Commends the members of the 81st Brigade Combat Team (Heavy) of the Washington Army National Guard on the completion of their most-recent deployment to Iraq; and
• "Recognizes the achievements of the members of the 81st Brigade Combat Team, and all other formerly and presently deployed Washington Army and Air National Guard units and members, for their exemplary service."
According to the resolution's findings, units and members of the Washington National Guard have been deployed in support of U.S. military operations overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, and dozens of other countries. The 81st Brigade Combat Team (Heavy) of the Washington Army National Guard, is composed of approximately 2,478 citizen-soldiers from throughout the State of Washington. The unit was placed on active duty for a second overseas mobilization on August 18, 2008, and deployed to Iraq in October 2008. The 81st Brigade Combat Team returned to the U.S. and demobilized in August 2009, upon completion of one year of service in support of military operations in Iraq.
