June 5, 2025
Mr. Schiff (for himself and Mr. Padilla) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services
To support the naming of certain United States Navy ships after notable civil rights leaders and to strongly encourage the Department of Defense not to change the names of such ships.
Whereas the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers serve a vital role in replenishing fuel to United States Navy ships and aircraft assigned to aircraft carriers;
Whereas naming the class of ship and the first of its members after former United States Congressman John Lewis is a befitting tribute to a true United States civil rights icon;
Whereas the other ships in the class, including ships that are still under construction or are not yet constructed, have been named after other civil rights luminaries, including Harvey Milk, Earl Warren, Robert F. Kennedy, Lucy Stone, Sojourner Truth, Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Harriet Tubman, Dolores Huerta, Joshua L. Goldberg, and Thomas D. Parham; and
Whereas, by naming these ships, the United States Navy has appropriately celebrated notable civil rights leaders and their legacy in promoting a more equal and just United States: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
(1)
strongly supports the naming of John Lewis-class fleet replacement oilers after the aforementioned civil rights leaders as a fitting tribute to honor their contributions to the advancement of civil rights; and
(2)
strongly encourages the Department of Defense not to take any action to change the names of any of the ships referred to in paragraph (1).