House approves bill honoring first black marines

Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.), who spearheaded the bill, noted several times during debate that members of the Montford Point marines were in Washington this week. Several watched the vote from the House gallery, just after receiving applause from members on the floor.

Earlier in the day, members approved H.R. 2042 by voice vote. That will would establish an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) business travel card program, which is aimed at easing travel to Asia-Pacific countries by U.S. businesspeople.

“[This program] is designed to facilitate commerce by allowing fast and efficient travel for eligible business people and government officials in the Asia pacific region,” said Rep. Bob Turner (R-NY). “This legislation will allow eligible U.S. business travelers to apply for trusted travel cards for expedited entry into certain Asian pacific nations.”