[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 20, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H4258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      MOVING AN AGENDA FOR AMERICA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the order of the House of 
January 7, 2003, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) is recognized 
during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, faced with unprecedented challenges around 
the world and here at home, President Bush has taken the road less 
traveled. He has not hid behind his already strong record. Instead, he 
has laid out an agenda for America that answers history's call and 
meets those challenges on our terms, and in the last four weeks, the 
House has taken action on major legislation involving every aspect of 
the President's agenda.
  Since we returned from recess in April, we have passed a robust tax 
relief package to create jobs and grow the economy. Over the long term, 
the President's jobs and growth package will help ensure our Nation has 
an economy strong enough to employ everyone willing to work and meet 
the emerging needs of the American people.
  We passed the global HIV/AIDS bill, first announced in the 
President's State of the Union address, to provide $15 billion to 
Africa over the next 5 years to stem the tide of the great plague of 
our age. We have an opportunity to ease the suffering of millions and 
save the lives of millions more, and thanks to the President's 
leadership, we will seize it and send a final bill to his desk this 
week.
  Also this week, we will take up the Defense Department's 
reauthorization bill which will provide provisions to modernize the 
Pentagon's management and bring it into the 21st century. Rigid 
personnel restrictions will be updated, reflecting more flexible 
management models that have been so successful in the modern business 
world.
  We have tackled adult education and job training and also reformed 
Federal special education law.
  Last week, the House made several reforms to retirement savings law, 
giving employees more control over their 401(k)s, IRAs and their 
pensions, and this week we will pass another presidential initiative, 
this one to maintain our environment by reforming the management of our 
forests.
  Much remains to be done, Mr. Speaker, but so far this House has 
answered the President's call to pass an agenda worthy of the American 
people.

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