A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation to award Civil Air Patrol veterans of World War II with a single Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their service and sacrifices. “These individuals courageously answered the call of duty and deserve to be honored for their extraordinary service,” said Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) in a release. He commands CAP’s Congressional squadron. His bill (S. 418), with five original co-sponsors, is identical in language to the one that Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) has offered (H.R. 719). More than 60,000 civilian volunteers served in the CAP during the war in roles such as anti-submarine coastal patrols off of the nation’s coasts. They used their own aircraft. By the end of the war, 64 members had died in service. The CAP, the Air Force’s auxiliary, will celebrate its 70th anniversary on Dec. 1. (CAP release)
Earlier this week, the People’s Republic of China confirmed it is halting its nuclear arms control talks with the U.S., in retaliation for the U.S. continuing to sell arms to Taiwan. The move reinforces a “pattern of behavior” from Beijing, experts say.