[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 166 (Tuesday, December 4, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H8803-H8807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             GERALD B.H. SOLOMON SARATOGA NATIONAL CEMETERY

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and pass the bill (H.R. 3392) to name the national cemetery in 
Saratoga, New York, as the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National 
Cemetery, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 3392

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. FINDINGS.

       The Congress finds the following:
       (1) Gerald Brooks Hunt ``Jerry'' Solomon of Glens Falls, 
     New York, served in the House of Representatives for 10 
     terms, from January 3, 1979, to January 3, 1999, and during 
     that service gained a reputation for being outspoken and 
     tenacious in presenting his views on a wide range of issues.
       (2) Congressman Solomon was born in Okeechobee, Florida, 
     and grew up there during the Great Depression before moving 
     to New York in 1945.
       (3) Congressman Solomon enlisted in the United States 
     Marine Corps at the onset of the Korean War and served in the 
     Marine Corps for 8\1/2\ years on active and reserve duty.
       (4) Before being elected to Congress in 1978, Congressman 
     Solomon was a businessman in Glens Falls, New York.
       (5) During his 20-year congressional career, Congressman 
     Solomon served as the ranking Republican on the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs, where he was recognized by the veterans 
     community as one of its strongest advocates. Among his other 
     accomplishments for veterans, Congressman Solomon spearheaded 
     the effort to create the Cabinet-level Department of Veterans 
     Affairs and successfully led a 15-year drive to establish the 
     Saratoga National Cemetery in Saratoga, New York, where he is 
     now interred.

[[Page H8804]]

       (6) Congressman Solomon was also recognized for his efforts 
     to promote pride, patriotism, and volunteerism, and when the 
     Supreme Court ruled that laws prohibiting the burning of the 
     United States flag were unconstitutional, Congressman Solomon 
     was given the assignment to pass a constitutional amendment 
     to prohibit desecration of the flag. The Solomon Amendment 
     passed overwhelmingly in the House, but failed by one vote in 
     the Senate.
       (7) As chairman of the Committee on Rules of the House of 
     Representatives, Congressman Solomon revamped the rules under 
     which the House operates, abolishing proxy voting, opening 
     all meetings to the media and the public, and making Congress 
     subject to the same laws that the American people live under.
       (8) During his congressional career, Congressman Solomon 
     was the recipient of dozens of major awards from many 
     national veterans organizations, including the coveted ``Iron 
     Mike Award'', presented to him by the Marine Corps and Marine 
     Corps League, and the Distinguished Citizen Award, presented 
     to him by the National Congressional Medal of Honor Society 
     for his legislative successes on behalf of the United States 
     military and veterans issues.

     SEC. 2. NAME OF THE NATIONAL CEMETERY IN SARATOGA, NEW YORK.

       (a) Name.--The national cemetery located in Saratoga, New 
     York, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be 
     known and designated as the ``Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga 
     National Cemetery''. Any reference to such national cemetery 
     in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper 
     of the United States shall be considered to be a reference to 
     the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.
       (b) Memorial.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     provide for the placement in the national cemetery referred 
     to in subsection (a) of a suitable memorial to honor the 
     memory of Gerald B.H. Solomon and his service to the United 
     States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in very strong support of H.R. 3392, a bill to 
name the National Cemetery in Saratoga, New York, after Gerald B.H. 
Solomon, who we all knew and loved as Jerry. This is a fitting honor 
and memorial to our former colleague, the distinguished chairman of the 
Committee on Rules.
  I want to commend and thank the gentleman from Illinois (Speaker 
Hastert) for introducing this important bill. I know how highly the 
Speaker thought of Jerry Solomon and valued his service to the House of 
Representatives. So it is a tribute in itself that the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Hastert), who, as Speaker, does not normally introduce 
legislation, has taken this very extraordinary step. I am grateful to 
have been afforded the opportunity to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 
3392.
  In addition to naming the cemetery for Jerry Solomon, this bill will 
also authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to place a suitable 
memorial in the cemetery to honor his memory.
  It is highly fitting that our distinguished colleague was laid to 
rest in the Saratoga National Cemetery because the cemetery itself owes 
its existence to Jerry Solomon. He worked tirelessly for this cemetery 
for 15 years to overcome obstacle after obstacle to its establishment. 
He promoted it in his town meetings, he pushed for timely completion of 
the environmental impact studies, he worked with members of the 
Committee on Appropriations to ensure that the money was appropriated 
for it, and overcame official indifference in the executive branch.
  His unwavering determination, no matter how difficult an objective, 
manifested itself time and time again. I think it probably had much to 
do with his service in the U.S. Marine Corps; but also it reflected the 
kind of man that he was: he was tenacious, he was tough, and he was 
fair.
  He enlisted, as I think many of my colleagues know, in the Marine 
Corps at the beginning of the Korean War and served for 8\1/2\ years on 
active duty and in the reserve. He is one of the few who was good 
enough to be a Marine; and of the many awards he received during his 
public service, among his most cherished were the Iron Mike Award from 
the Marine Corps League, and the Distinguished Citizen Award from the 
National Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
  All of us, Madam Speaker, learned from the example of Jerry Solomon. 
I recall so well when he was the ranking Republican member of the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, again, he always put veterans first. He 
was always fighting to ensure that there was an adequate veterans 
budget, particularly in the area of health care. He believed that the 
VA was one of those commitments that, once we make it, that they had 
first dibs for every dollar that we would spend.
  He was also one of the prime leaders in making sure that we had a 
cabinet level for the VA, so when it came to allocating scarce 
resources, that they would be there, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
would be there at the table fighting and fighting hard for veterans' 
benefits and for veterans' health care.
  More recently, following his retirement after 20 years in Congress, 
President George Bush recognized Jerry Solomon's leadership and wisdom 
by appointing him to co-chair the Presidential Task Force to Improve 
Health Care Delivery for our Nation's Veterans.
  Like everything else, he launched himself into this new endeavor with 
enthusiasm and commitment and actively served on that issue and on that 
commission until his final illness.
  Madam Speaker, I had the honor of serving many years in the House 
with Jerry Solomon and in every case found him to be one of the most 
outspoken, straightforward, tenacious, and patriotic Members of 
Congress that this body has ever produced. He was a great man; and we 
honor him in a very modest way, much more could be done for this great 
man, by naming this important cemetery in his honor.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of our distinguished 
colleague, Jerry Solomon, and in strong support of renaming the 
Saratoga New York National Cemetery as the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga 
National Cemetery. It is a well-deserved honor for an outstanding 
public servant.
  I want to thank the Speaker of the House, the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. Hastert), and the chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 
the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), for bringing this bill to 
the floor today. I also want to recognize my colleague, the gentleman 
from New York (Mr. McNulty), for introducing a similar bill in the 
105th Congress. I am sure he will be pleased by the bill, and I look 
forward to his remarks.
  Throughout his 20-year term in this Chamber, Jerry Solomon 
demonstrated an unyielding commitment to the men and women who risked 
their lives for the safety and welfare of this Nation. As a strong 
advocate of America's military veterans, I appreciate his efforts over 
the years to improve their benefits and health care through substantive 
and proactive legislation.
  Jerry grew up in New York State and attended Siena College and St. 
Lawrence University before serving in the United States Marine Corps 
from 1951 to 1952, and I very much appreciate the chairman's remarks 
about his affiliation with the Marine Corps. I had some disagreements 
with the gentleman from New York, and we never took it out in the 
committee room. So he was a gentleman, and he worked hard to leave a 
great impression on the people that he met on a day-to-day basis.
  Earlier this year, the President appointed Jerry to lead the 
President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for our Nation's 
Veterans.
  As an original cosponsor of this measure, I can think of nothing more 
appropriate than to rename this cemetery. Jerry was interested in this 
cemetery, which was in large part due to his 15-year personal 
commitment to establish this cemetery.
  It was a privilege to work with Jerry Solomon on the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs and on committee issues. I am proud that I am able to 
join my colleagues in offering this measure in tribute to a great 
American, Jerry Solomon.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the distinguished 
dean of

[[Page H8805]]

the New York delegation and chairman emeritus of the Committee on 
International Relations.
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me.
  Madam Speaker, I want to thank our Speaker, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Hastert), for introducing this legislation designating 
the Saratoga National Cemetery after our good friend and former 
colleague, Jerry Solomon, and the distinguished chairman of the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. 
Smith), and the ranking minority member, the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. Evans), for pursuing this measure and bringing it to the floor at 
this time.
  H.R. 3392 is a fitting tribute to Mr. Solomon. It was due to his 
efforts on behalf of our veterans that the veterans cemetery at 
Saratoga was created and that the administration was granted cabinet-
level status. As a Marine veteran, it is appropriate that we honor 
Jerry in this manner. Jerry fully knew the sacrifices our men and women 
in the Armed Forces face each and every day in defending our Nation 
from aggressors.
  Madam Speaker, throughout the House, in the Senate, in New York 
State, around our Nation, overseas, many of us were deeply saddened 
last month to learn of the loss of our former colleague and good 
friend, Jerry Solomon. In New York State's capitol in Albany, Jerry was 
an assemblyman noted for his energy, determination, and commitment. It 
was, therefore, no surprise to those of us who knew him when he 
subsequently brought those same dedicated traits to bear as a member of 
this body.
  Jerry came to the House of Representatives in January of 1979, 
serving here for 2 decades diligently, meritoriously representing the 
constituents of the 22nd district in upstate New York. When Jerry came 
to the floor of this House, he was always ready to stand up 
vociferously for what he believed, especially when it came to our 
Nation's defense and our Nation's veterans.
  Last month, upon learning of the passing of our former colleague, 
President Bush said that ``Jerry Solomon was a true patriot who will 
always be remembered as true to his creed, duty, honor, and country.'' 
The President's words remind us that as our military goes into battle 
against those who perpetrated the atrocities of the barbaric September 
11 attack, our troops are relying on advanced weapons systems and 
technologies that Jerry Solomon fought so hard to obtain for them.
  Congressman Solomon was proud to be labeled a hawk on defense, always 
arguing that our Nation had to be fully prepared and strong for the new 
challenges in the post-Cold War world. Today we fully recognize the 
wisdom of his policy as we pay tribute to this great American by 
honoring both him and all our veterans by designating the Veterans' 
Cemetery at Saratoga Springs as the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga 
National Cemetery.
  Accordingly, in honoring our good colleague, Jerry Solomon, I urge 
our colleagues to fully support this legislation. Semper fi, Jerry.
  Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney).

                              {time}  1815

  Mr. SWEENEY. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me 
time.
  Madam Speaker, as the one who succeeded Jerry Solomon in Congress, I 
am proud today to stand and speak on behalf of this important piece of 
legislation.
  As it has been pointed out, Jerry Solomon served in this body for 
over 20 years since 1978. He has many friends in this House and I count 
myself among them. I doubt there is one among us who did not respect 
him. He was an American's American, a Marine's Marine, a veteran's 
veteran.
  Devoted to his wife, Freda, his 5 children, and his 6 grandchildren, 
Jerry Solomon became a great statesman, but always remained a loving 
husband, father and grandfather.
  He was a man who called them as he saw them, Madam Speaker. Over his 
career he led the way on veterans' issues, culminating in the 
establishment of a Cabinet post for veterans' affairs.
  He led the way in fighting to cure an amendment to our Constitution 
to protect our flag.
  He brought a national cemetery to Saratoga, New York, which happens 
to be my home county as well, where he himself has been laid to rest. 
Thanks to this legislation, it will now bear his name.
  It is the right thing, an honorable gesture by this body to remember 
a patriot and his work.
  In his final years in this House, Jerry Solomon served as chairman of 
the Committee on Rules. That achievement speaks volumes about the man, 
the leader, and the legislator.
  What I learned about Congressman Solomon many among us know. If he 
cared enough to tell someone something, they had better listen.
  Madam Speaker, Jerry Solomon has left us, but neither he nor his 
achievements will ever be forgotten. It is with great pleasure that I 
support this legislation to rename the Saratoga National Cemetery to 
the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.
  Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. McNulty).
  Mr. McNULTY. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me 
time.
  Madam Speaker, as he pointed out earlier, this is not the first time 
a bill has been introduced to accomplish this purpose. On August 3, 
1998, I introduced H.R. 4385 to name the Saratoga National Cemetery in 
honor of my friend and late colleague, Jerry Solomon.
  We quickly rounded up 88 cosponsors to that bill, very 
enthusiastically supporting it. We were moving forward with the bill 
and then some very small-minded people, bureaucrats in the Department 
of Veterans Affairs, raised an objection. Their objection, Madam 
Speaker, was simply this: Something like this has never been done 
before.
  Imagine the kind of world we would live in if we all had that 
attitude. We cannot do it because it was never done before. I said, 
well, it ought to be done now.
  The next day Jerry Solomon called me over to his side of the aisle, 
and we sat in that seat right over there, and he asked me to withdraw 
my bill. Jerry Solomon and I were a team for 10 years, and he was 
always the one that was a little bit more, let us say, excitable. But 
on that day I was the one who was agitated, and I said, Jerry, I want 
to fight this. And he very calmly said to me, very characteristically 
because of his love for veterans, I do not want any controversy 
associated with that cemetery, and if one person in the bureaucracy 
objects, I want you to withdraw the bill.
  I have conceded to the request of my friend and colleague. But today 
I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert). I thank the Speaker 
of the House for using the power and influence of his office to do the 
right thing and to name this cemetery for this soldier and patriot.
  I am just so happy that Jerry lived to see the day when Communism 
fell apart in Eastern Europe; to see Lech Walesa and the Solidarity 
movement succeed; to see the downfall of Eric Honneker and Egon Krenz; 
to see the people out there tearing down the Berlin Wall piece by 
piece; to subsequently see the dismantling of the Soviet Union, 
dissolving into 15 individual democratic republics; to see the people 
of Armenia, one of those former republics, standing up in September of 
1991 and voting 98 percent for independence and shouting the next day, 
``Ketze azat ankakh hayastan,'' long live free and independent Armenia; 
and then pointing to the United States of America as their example of 
what they wanted to be as a democracy.
  Yes, we live in the freest and most open democracy on the face of the 
Earth, but Jerry Solomon understood that freedom is not free. We have 
paid a tremendous price for it. And he did not let a day go by without 
remembering with gratitude all of those who made the supreme sacrifice 
and all of those who served, put their lives on the line, came back 
home, rendered outstanding service to our country, the veterans of our 
country, and raised beautiful families to carry on in their fine 
traditions.

[[Page H8806]]

  That was Jerry Solomon, and he spent 15 years of his life to make 
sure that that cemetery came to Saratoga. And I can say without any 
fear of anybody positing anything to the contrary, that cemetery would 
not be in Saratoga if it were not for Jerry Solomon. That is just a 
fact.
  So today I ask my colleagues to support this bill, to support the 
Speaker, and to pay tribute to the memory of Jerry Solomon and, in 
doing that, to say thank you to Freda and Jerry's children and, yes, to 
all veterans.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 10 seconds to 
thank my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
McNulty) for his powerful statement on behalf of Jerry Solomon and for 
introducing, as he pointed out, a resolution earlier that would have 
named this important asset, this cemetery, in honor of Jerry Solomon. 
And customary and just so characteristic of Jerry, he wanted to be 
self-effacing and did not want any fuss being made about him. It does 
not surprise me that he approached the gentleman and said, hey, do not 
push it. That is just so typical of Jerry Solomon.
  I want to thank the gentleman for his leadership. I think that 
epitomizes the best of bipartisanship. That this is what it is all 
about. We care for each other. The gentleman cared for Jerry, and he 
showed it while he was alive in trying to get this cemetery named in 
his honor. I want to congratulate and thank the gentleman for that.
  Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. 
Buyer).
  Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I would also like to thank the gentleman 
from New York (Mr. McNulty) because I do not have the words to follow 
the articulation.
  Each of us individually have our own memories of our dear friend, 
Jerry Solomon. And I compliment the gentleman for his statement.
  I rise and encourage all Members to support H.R. 3392. It is fitting 
that a national veterans' cemetery in Saratoga, New York be named after 
our colleague, Jerry Solomon. It honors not just the person but the 
contributions to our country.
  I know Marines are proud of their military service but it is much 
more. It is the cohesion of the brotherhood that only combat Marines 
understand and it survives beyond the distant battlefield. It becomes a 
way of life, led by the attributes of honor, integrity, courage, and 
commitment. Jerry Solomon emulated these virtues and values during his 
life and left a distinct impression upon our country, his constituents, 
friends and family.
  I am quite sure the comrades who he lies with are equally proud to 
have their remains rest in perpetuity in a national veterans' cemetery 
that bears the name of Jerry Solomon. We miss you, Jerry.
  Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the 
distinguished chairman of the Committee on Rules.
  (Mr. Dreier asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. DREIER. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution and, as has been said by many of my colleagues, we all have 
our memories of Jerry Solomon. I have to stand here and say that I miss 
him. I miss the fact that we are no longer able to talk regularly on 
the phone. I miss his service here in this institution.
  I believe that this is an appropriate action that we can take here 
because of his extraordinary service not only here in the Congress, but 
his service as a proud Marine.
  My late father and Jerry became good friends. My father was a drill 
instructor in the United States Marine Corps and my father regularly 
encouraged Jerry to crack the whip on me. And Jerry followed my 
father's direction extremely well.
  On more than a few occasions I was taken to the woodshed by Jerry 
Solomon. I was encouraged to step outside, and I will say that it was 
good for me. And while at the time I may have been a little miffed with 
some of the things that Jerry said, as are many experiences in life, it 
was a great growing experience for me.
  I appreciate the leadership that Jerry Solomon showed in so many 
areas. He was a Korean War hero veteran, and there was no one in this 
institution who fought harder for, as the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
McNulty) said, the demise of the Soviet Union than Jerry Solomon.
  I had the opportunity to travel with him throughout the world. We 
traveled in the Mideast. We traveled to Asia. He took me on my first 
trip to Vietnam on February 14 of 1986. I remember being there on 
Valentine's Day. We traveled numerous times to Central America.
  I thought a lot about Jerry as we just saw a few weeks ago the 
successful election of a democratic, small ``d,'' leader in Nicaragua, 
because we all know through the 1980s we had this amazing struggle 
providing assistance to the democratic resistance in Nicaragua so that 
we could encourage the kind of freedom and political pluralism and 
recognition of human rights and encouragement of the rule of law that 
Jerry had fought for through his entire life.
  So to be able to name the Saratoga National Cemetery the Gerald B.H. 
Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery is a very fitting tribute.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Speaker of the House, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert) for moving this resolution 
forward and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the 
distinguished ranking member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) 
for moving this as expeditiously as they have. And I want to say once 
again to Mr. Solomon and his wonderful family, to the members of his 
family, that our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all of them 
during this very difficult and challenging time.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  I want to thank the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Rules 
for his very eloquent remarks. We all have very fond memories. I know 
my first trip to Vietnam along with the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Gilman) on behalf of POWs was in 1984.
  Mr. Solomon was again tenacious in trying to ensure that there was an 
absolutely thorough accounting and that any live sightings be followed 
up as aggressively as possible to ensure that nobody was left behind.
  Mrs. KELLY. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this measure honoring 
my friend and colleague Jerry Solomon.
  As the rest of my colleagues, I was deeply saddened by his passing in 
October. Jerry Solomon was my friend. His gruff exterior belied the 
thoughtful and kind man's interior.
  Jerry fought for his Nation, his family, and his district like the 
admirable Marine he was. If the Hudson Valley had a need, Jerry was 
there to help, either with legislation of his own or by supporting 
legislation of those of us representing the Hudson Valley.
  To meet Jerry was to fall under this great driving strength and to be 
offered an invitation to join him in whatever battle he was engaged in, 
and the Saratoga National Cemetery was a battle he fought for and won.
  He was a great man, and we remember and honor him with this action 
today.
  Mr. HASTERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this 
legislation which would name the national cemetery in Saratoga, NY, the 
``Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.'' This is a fitting 
tribute for my friend and our former colleague.
  I would like to thank Chairman Smith, my colleague from Illinois Mr. 
Evans, and the Veterans Affairs Committee for allowing this important 
legislation to move so quickly. As the sponsor of this legislation, I 
would also like to thank the numerous cosponsors, especially Mr. Gilman 
and all the members of the New York Congressional Delegation.
  I had the honor and privilege of serving with Jerry Solomon during 
many of his 20 years of service in the House. We all remember Jerry as 
someone who fought for what he believed in. He was your most tenacious 
advocate when he was on your side and a ``pit bull'' of an opponent 
when he wasn't. He was truly a man of principle, and you always knew 
where he stood.
  Before being elected to Congress in 1978, Jerry Solomon had an 
impressive career of public service. He was, among other things, a U.S. 
Marine, successful businessman, volunteer fireman, scoutmaster, and a 
member of numerous organizations such as the National Rifle 
Association, the American Legion, Marine Corps League, Disabled 
American Veterans, and the Korean War Veterans Association.

[[Page H8807]]

  When Jerry was elected to Congress, he took on several important 
issues. For starters, Jerry Solomon spent many years devoted to ending 
the scourge of drugs, where I had the opportunity to work closely with 
him. In this capacity, he successfully championed many pieces of 
legislation requiring random drug testing and penalizing users and 
sellers of illegal drugs. He was a strong believer that illegal drug 
use is one of the most pressing issues facing our Nation's youth and 
fought it wherever and whenever he could.
  In addition, when Republicans took control of the House, Jerry 
Solomon served as the Rules Committee chairman, where he presided over 
sweeping reforms in the way the House operates. Among other things, his 
committee abolished proxy voting, opened all meetings to the media and 
the public, and made Congress subject to the same laws that the 
American people live under. These were important reforms that 
fundamentally changed the way this House conducts its business.
  In addition to this important work, Jerry served as ranking member on 
the Veterans Affairs Committee, where, as a veteran of the Korean war, 
he understood firsthand the importance of meeting the needs of our 
military veterans to the fullest extent possible. In this capacity, 
Jerry made sure that veterans were heard and represented when he 
sponsored the bill that created a cabinet level Department of Veterans 
Affairs. And, of course, he made certain that we remembered our 
country's military veterans when he fought for 15 years to see that the 
Saratoga National Cemetery was established.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. This 
country cannot and should not forget the efforts of those like Jerry 
Solomon who by word and deed made this country a better place.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of 
my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3392.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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