[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 16]
[House]
[Pages 23168-23180]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  HONORING MEMBERS OF THE CREW OF THE GUIDED MISSILE DESTROYER U.S.S. 
                                ``COLE''

  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee 
on Armed Services be discharged from further consideration of the 
resolution (H. Res. 631) honoring the members of the crew of the guided 
missile destroyer U.S.S. Cole (DDG-67) who were killed or wounded in 
the terrorist bombing attack on that vessel in Aden, Yemen, on October 
12, 2000, expressing the sympathies of the House of Representatives to 
the families of those crew members, commending the ship's crew for 
their heroic damage control efforts, and condemning the bombing of that 
ship, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from South Carolina?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                              H. Res. 631

       Whereas the guided missile destroyer U.S.S. COLE (DDG-67) 
     was severely damaged on October 12, 2000, when a boat bomb 
     exploded alongside that ship while on a refueling stop in 
     Aden, Yemen;
       Whereas the explosion resulted in a 40-by-45 foot hole in 
     the port side of the ship at the waterline and left seven of 
     the ship's crew dead, ten of who as of October 17, 2000, are 
     missing and presumed dead, and over three dozen wounded;

[[Page 23169]]

       Whereas the U.S.S. COLE had stopped in Aden for routine 
     refueling while in transit from the Red Sea to the Persian 
     Gulf to conduct forward maritime presence operations in the 
     Persian Gulf region as part of the U.S.S. George Washington 
     battle group;
       Whereas the members of the United States Navy killed and 
     wounded in the bombing were performing their duty in 
     furtherance of the national security interests of the United 
     States;
       Whereas United States national security interests continue 
     to require the forward deployment of elements of the Armed 
     Forces;
       Whereas the members of the Armed Forces are routinely 
     called upon to perform duties that place their lives at risk;
       Whereas the crew members of the U.S.S. COLE who lost their 
     lives as a result of the bombing of their ship on October 12, 
     2000, died in the honorable service to the Nation and 
     exemplified all that is best in the American people; and
       Whereas the heroic efforts of the surviving crew members of 
     the U.S.S. COLE after the attack to save their ship and 
     rescue their wounded shipmates are in the highest tradition 
     of the United States Navy: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives, in response to 
     the terrorist bombing attack on the U.S.S. COLE (DDG-67) on 
     October 12, 2000, while on a refueling stop in Aden, Yemen, 
     hereby--
       (1) honors the members of the crew of the U.S.S. COLE who 
     died as a result of that attack and sends heartfelt 
     condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
       (2) honors the members of the crew of the U.S.S. COLE who 
     were wounded in the attack for their service and sacrifice, 
     expresses its hopes for their rapid and complete recovery, 
     and extends its sympathies to their families;
       (3) commends the crew of the U.S.S. COLE for their heroic 
     damage control efforts; and
       (4) condemns the attack against the U.S.S. COLE as an 
     unprovoked and cowardly act of terrorism.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. 
Spence) is recognized for 1 hour.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on H. Res. 631.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from South Carolina?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the 
customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), 
pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with a profound sense of sadness that I join my 
colleague, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), in offering this 
resolution for consideration by the House.
  Last Thursday, October 12, 2000, a small boat exploded alongside the 
U.S.S. Cole during a brief refueling stop in the port of Aden in Yemen. 
The blast ripped a 40 by 45 foot hole in her side, killing 17 sailors 
and wounding some three dozen more.
  This unprovoked and cowardly act of terrorism was perpetrated against 
an American warship while en route to the Persian Gulf to conduct 
maritime operations in the legitimate pursuit of our national security 
interests abroad.
  The resolution before the House condemns this senseless act of 
violence against our military forces and expresses the sympathies of 
the House of Representatives to the families of those crew members who 
were killed or wounded in the attack.
  What can you say? What can you do? How can you really express to the 
families of these young men and women our profound sympathies and 
appreciation for their commitment?
  Mr. Speaker, as we meet today, hundreds of thousands of young 
Americans from all corners of our great Nation are serving in the 
military, overseas and here at home. They go about their daily duty 
quietly and without fanfare. Yet, until something like this happens, 
we, as a Nation, tend to forget what they do every single day of the 
year to uphold our values, to protect our freedom and deter those who 
seek to do us harm.
  Mr. Speaker, we forget; freedom is not free.
  The resolution before us today appropriately, I think, recognizes and 
honors the price of freedom paid by the members of the crew of the 
U.S.S. Cole.
  We are free and secure as a Nation today because of all the men and 
women of our military who fought to gain our freedom and independence, 
in the very first instance during the Revolutionary War, and have gone 
all over this world in war and peace since that time defending that 
freedom, every day. People who are no longer with us, they have done 
it.
  Mr. Speaker, I do not know. I think as we honor these today, who have 
paid the price for freedom, and their families too, I think of all the 
others who have gone before too, who have paid the price, with their 
lives, their limbs, their health, many were prisoners of war, many are 
still missing in action, we should remember every single day we live 
that the price of freedom has been paid by other people, so that we can 
be free today.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such 3 minutes.
  Mr. Speaker, Members speak on this floor for many reasons. We debate, 
we advocate, we commemorate, we celebrate.
  Today, though, I rise to give honor to a crew of brave Americans, the 
crew of the U.S.S. Cole, and to give warning.
  I want to honor those who gave their lives or were wounded while 
serving their country in a distant port, far away from home and in the 
cause of furthering the national security interests of our country. I 
also want to honor the surviving crew members, who stayed with the 
crippled ship and worked valiantly to recover their wounded or missing 
shipmates and to repair the damage to their ship.
  And while I say I speak to give them honor, truly it is they who 
honor us. They and the millions of others who wear our country's 
uniform, who honor America by their gift of service and dedication.
  I also want to extend my deepest sympathies to the families and to 
the friends of those who perished in this tragedy. Although I know they 
are saddened by their loss, they should take comfort in that their 
loved ones died pursuing the most noble of callings, serving in the 
Armed Forces of the United States. They should know that we in 
Congress, and indeed the people of this great Nation, are grateful for 
their extraordinary service and sacrifice.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give warning. Those who 
committed this barbarous act are already being judged beyond our 
capacity to review. But to those whose dark and craven hearts conceived 
it, hear this: While you may walk free today in a sunshine you have 
denied so many others, so many families, so many communities, know 
simply and surely that you will be held accountable.
  Our memory is long, our reach is no less so. This outrage cost lives, 
Mr. Speaker, and it left others in peril. We hear that this many men 
were hurt, or that many women were hurt. No, Mr. Speaker. They are all 
American sailors, one and all, and an injury to anyone is an insult to 
America.
  I do not doubt that such insult was the goal of the perpetrators. But 
they should understand that they will pay a price for this heinous act. 
Justice and the memory of those whose lives have been lost demand no 
less.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Buyer).
  Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. My 
heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the men and women who 
were killed or wounded in this cowardly act, an act that was despicable 
and premeditated.
  This tragedy is a distressing reminder though of how dangerous the 
world has become since the end of the Cold War. As the unprovoked 
attack on the U.S.S. Cole demonstrates, the men and women of the Armed 
Services are exposed daily to very real threats of death, violence and 
destruction. For these reasons, our men and women in uniform, indeed, 
all Americans, must remain vigilant in the defense of freedom and our 
interests. Equally important, we must do everything we can to provide 
for our military personnel the resources necessary to protect them as

[[Page 23170]]

they defend our interests around the world and that of our allies.
  While these brave defenders of freedom will greatly be missed, their 
spirit and legacy lives on. It is their values and their beliefs of 
duty, honor, courage and commitment to God, country, family and our 
fellow men and women that serve as an example for all of us to live and 
aspire.
  I urge the President to take appropriate action against the 
perpetrators once the investigation is concluded and to take 
appropriate measured response.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and my 
heart goes out to the deceased sailors of the U.S.S. Cole.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Sisisky).
  Mr. SISISKY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, you have just heard it again. We said it last Thursday 
on this floor; the world is still a very dangerous place.
  Many members of the Virginia delegation last Saturday met with the 
families of the wounded and the deceased in Norfolk, and many of us in 
this body just returned from Norfolk where we attended services 
honoring those who gave their lives on the U.S.S. Cole.
  First, our condolences and prayers go out to the sailors who were 
hurt or killed and their families. We will continue to provide them 
with the best care and assistance that we possibly can.
  For all of us from Hampton Roads, the fact that the U.S.S. Cole's 
home port is Norfolk, and I use the present tense, because that ship is 
coming home, the fact that U.S.S. Cole is a Norfolk ship brought this 
terrible tragedy a little closer to home.
  It reminds us how much these young men and women in uniform really 
mean to us. They are our sons and our daughters, husbands and wives, 
fathers and mothers, neighbors and friends.
  Knowing what happened makes us feel immeasurable pride in their 
lives, inconsolable grief for their deaths, and gratitude for the 
homecoming of their shipmates. Their ship made a sacrifice for which we 
feel an unbearable sense of loss.
  In the Bible, when his friends died in battle, King David said: 
``They were beloved and pleasant in life, and in death they were 
together; they were swifter than eagles, they were strong as lions.''
  That is exactly what we say.
  And now it is our responsibility to love and support their families, 
protect and defend their country, and honor their memory forever.
  But those who survive may face the toughest challenge, and I want 
them to know that all Americans are deeply grateful for their service 
to our country.
  Indeed, this world is still a very dangerous place.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz), a member of the Committee on Armed 
Services.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart in support of 
House Resolution 631, to honor the men and women of the U.S.S. Cole.

                              {time}  1715

  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from South Carolina (Chairman 
Spence) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), the ranking 
member, as well as the leadership, for moving rapidly and allowing the 
House of Representatives to speak to this important national moment.
  I represent Navy country in south Texas, so we have a special 
perspective of their service and a loss in a hostile action. Two of the 
soldiers who lost their lives in the insidious act of terror were south 
Texas' Specialist Third Class Ronchester Mananga Santiago of Kingsville 
and Fireman Gary Graham Swenchonis, Jr. of Rockport, Texas.
  Texas also lost Information Systems Technician Seaman Timothy Lee 
Gauna of Rice.
  Two women from south Texas were also on the ship, Elizabeth Sanchez 
LaFountaine of Brownsville, who sustained a broken leg, and Esther 
Arriaga Hood of Corpus Christi, who is still aboard the Cole.
  Texans are proud that our sons and daughters seek to serve a larger 
purpose by volunteering to serve in the United States military service. 
It is, Mr. Speaker, a noble undertaking, but it often means that those 
sons and daughters pay a heavy price to serve and protect the United 
States' interests.
  Our hearts wrench at the thought of our neighbors answering the door 
to see the drawn faces of naval officers there to deliver the most 
devastating news a parent can ever hear.
  This should bring home the reality of all others that service in our 
military today is a highly dangerous prospect for our soldiers and 
sailors.
  Just because we are not at war does not guarantee a level of safety 
for those who serve in our military. This tragic incident has brought 
together the ship's crew in a way no other experiences could, the way 
only sailors have seen and been in battle together can understand.
  These young people have learned to depend upon each other in the 
aftermath of this cowardly act. They worked tirelessly to save the 
U.S.S. Cole after the explosion.
  Mr. Speaker, we mourn the young people who perished. We will hold up 
those who were injured, and we will continue to pray for the safety of 
men and women in uniform around the world. We offer our condolences to 
the families.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie), a member of the committee.
  Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep admiration that I rise 
to express gratitude and respect for the sacrifices given of the men 
and women serving on board the U.S.S. Cole.
  Speaking as the senior Democrat on the Subcommittee on Military 
Personnel of the Committee on Armed Services, I want to indicate that 
these men and women, like thousands of other Americans across the 
world, volunteered each and every day to defend and protect this 
Nation. Sadly, on October 12, several sailors of the U.S.S. Cole paid 
the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country while carrying out 
their duties.
  My heart and prayers are with these sailors' friends, families and 
loved ones.
  Despite the explosion that ripped through the U.S.S. Cole and wounded 
many members of the crew, these dedicated sailors continue to defend 
their ship and rescue other wounded shipmates. Their actions exemplify 
the perseverance of Americans and the finest tradition of our Armed 
Services.
  I want to commend and pay tribute to these selfless Americans for 
their service and dedication and wish them a speedy recovery.
  Mr. Speaker, terrible events such as these put a face to patriotism. 
They remind us that those in uniform around the world are young men and 
women from our towns and cities who volunteer in service to their 
country. Last year, they graduated from high school down the street; 
perhaps they worked at the corner store. Today they unflinchingly stare 
danger in the face with selfless dedication.
  This tragedy reminds us of the human element of our armed forces and 
highlights the importance of maintaining a focus on those policies that 
best serve these young patriots, our military personnel, and enhance 
the quality of their lives.
  Finally, this tragedy offers a window into the composition of today's 
military. I want to quote, Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, a piece from 
yesterday's Boston Globe: ``The faces of the 17 sailors who were killed 
aboard the U.S.S. Cole by a terrorist bomb attack last week are a 
portrait of today's America, a mosaic of colors of which the U.S. 
military is justly proud. To call out their given names is to sing a 
contemporary chorus of `This Land is Your Land.' Two of the casualties 
even represent a grim kind of civil rights milestone: They are the 
first women killed in naval action.''
  Mr. Speaker, the crew of the U.S.S. Cole embodies what is great in 
America--our people and their courage, dedication, commitment, and 
sacrifice. To the crew of the U.S.S. Cole, their families, friends and 
loved ones,

[[Page 23171]]

thank you for your service to a most grateful nation.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Bilbray).
  Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, our hearts go out and our prayers go out to 
the families of the 17 men and women who were lost in this tragic 
incident in the Red Sea. Coming from a naval family myself, born on a 
Navy base and raised with a father who went off to sea months at a 
time, I understand the challenges that not only the active duty 
personnel go through but also the trials and tribulations of those who 
are left behind, the families, the loved ones.
  This is a great Nation that demands great sacrifices to maintain its 
greatness, and I think we underestimate the price of our greatness so 
often. This last week, we were able to see exactly what kind of price 
Americans have to pay for our greatness. San Diego has some of the 
largest military installations in the world, Mr. Speaker. In fact, it 
is the largest naval facility on the West Coast.
  San Diego is especially proud of our military tradition; but this 
week, we are grieving for the loss of our native daughter, Lakiba 
Nicole Palmer. Ms. Palmer was only 22 years old and a seaman recruit 
fresh out of boot camp. She was looking forward to a bright new future 
and a challenging new career.
  Along with another woman, Seaman Palmer sadly are the first women 
killed in a hostile action against an American combat ship.
  Mr. Speaker, what is particularly tragic for this family and to our 
community is that she was looking so much towards her service as an 
American sailor. She was an athlete at San Diego High School in my 
district, Mr. Speaker, and she was a member of the all-academic team on 
the track in 1995. It was known that she was a fierce competitor who 
always tried harder than anyone else.
  Mr. Speaker, our hearts go out to the family of this young lady and 
our sympathies to the family. And I just ask every one of us to 
remember when we vote here in the House at what price the freedom of 
representative government comes to and what a great responsibility we 
have, not just to our colleagues and our citizens, but also to our men 
and women who stand in harm's way every day and every night.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), a member of the Committee on Armed 
Services.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the 
time and thank him for his leadership, as well as the gentleman from 
South Carolina (Chairman Spence), at this terrible tragic time for our 
country.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 631, honoring the 
crew of the U.S.S. Cole and extending our sympathy to their families 
and their loved ones. My wife, Carolina, and I attended the memorial 
service held this morning for the brave sailors who have lost their 
lives in this tragic and despicable act of terrorism.
  All of our thoughts and our prayers are with them and their family 
members as they persevere under these very difficult times. My thoughts 
this morning, on a gray and somewhat drizzly midmorning ceremony, were 
that we simply do not do enough for our men and women in uniform and 
for their families.
  It is truly unfortunate that it takes the loss of fine American men 
and women like these sailors to remind us again of the dangers and 
sacrifices that the men and women of our armed forces face each and 
every day. However, at the memorial service this morning, it was also 
reminded that we sometimes forget the everyday sacrifices that the 
families and the loved ones of our service members make each and every 
time their husbands, wives, sons, and daughters deploy.
  We simply do not do enough for our men and women in uniform and their 
families. I am moved by their strength under these difficult 
circumstances and a difficult time and their commitment to the 
importance of their loved ones' mission and service to their country.
  In return for that strength, we can only offer them our prayers and 
our guarantees that our country will not stop until we find the 
individuals responsible for this horrific act of senseless violence and 
bring them to justice.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I fervently believe we do not do enough for 
our men and women in uniform and for their families.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the 
Norfolk, Virginia, area (Mr. Scott).
  Mr. SCOTT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in paying homage to the brave young 
crew members of the U.S.S. Cole who made the ultimate sacrifice for 
their country, as well as those who are still missing and others who 
were injured and, of course, the families of all of these fine sailors.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a particular tragedy for Virginia, because the 
U.S.S. Cole is home-based to the Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia. We 
were honored to have the President of the United States, the Secretary 
of Defense, the Secretary of the Navy, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs 
of Staffs, both of our United States Senators, as well as all of the 
local congressmen in Norfolk today for the memorial service.
  Mr. Speaker, while it is imperative that we take swift action to 
bring those responsible to justice, we must not jump to hasty 
conclusions. We should remember that after the Oklahoma bombing, an 
innocent man was arrested for that heinous act, simply because of his 
ethnicity.
  When we determine who is responsible for this attack, we will 
remember President Clinton's frequent admonition that America takes 
care of its own. When we determine who is responsible, our response 
will make those who did it sorry they did it, and we will cause others 
who might be thinking of doing the same to change their minds.
  Mr. Speaker, all of the crew members of the U.S.S. Cole are to be 
saluted for their bravery and dedication to duties. These casualties 
remind us that freedom is not free. Their service to our Nation will 
long be remembered.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Rohrabacher).
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I gladly join my fellow colleagues in 
supporting this commemoration and this resolution.
  I grew up in a military family. I remember when I was a young boy, I 
was 10 years old, my father was stationed in Japan. We lived in a small 
enclave of military families. All the kids' fathers were pilots, and 
one day the news came that the Chinese had shot down one of our 
friend's father's plane, and I still remember the heartache and the 
crying and the tears just as a little boy.
  I remember seeing that and wondering what it was all about. But this 
family would no longer have a father, a wife would no longer have a 
husband, and there would be a vacant place around the Thanksgiving 
table and the Christmas tree. These sacrifices that our military people 
make, I do not think anybody knows the name of that gentleman and many 
gentlemen like him, men and women who have given their lives during the 
Cold War and since in order to protect our country.
  They are truly heroes; and wherever they go, whatever job there is in 
the military, they know they are taking the chance, the chance of 
giving their lives and leaving their own loved ones alone in order to 
protect all of us and our loved ones. And how much greater tribute and 
how much greater sacrifice and how much greater service can there be 
than that?

                              {time}  1730

  So this resolution and the sacrifice of the American sailors who 
perished and suffered injuries on the U.S.S. Cole is something that we 
have to commemorate. This represents the voice of Congress, this 
resolution, in expressing our condolences to the families of those 
heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
  Unfortunately, the official radio of the United States government, 
the Voice of America, has been prevented

[[Page 23172]]

by our State Department, this administration, from doing the same thing 
that we are now doing in this resolution.
  On October 16, the State Department, in an official message to the 
Voice of America, denied approval of the Voice of America editorial 
that would have been broadcast worldwide expressing the sorrow of the 
American people over the loss of our sailors, the damage done to the 
U.S.S. Cole and the loss of life of our brave defenders.
  I am submitting for the Record a copy of this disgraceful State 
Department message to Voice of America saying that they cannot 
commemorate, cannot broadcast, this opinion about our brave men and the 
sacrifice they made. I will read that, for those who are listening and 
are reading the Congressional Record.
  Mr. Speaker, this is from the State Department to a request from the 
Voice of America to have an editorial memorializing these brave 
Americans who gave their lives for us.
  It said: ``This editorial will reach an audience that is caught up in 
violence in Israel and the Occupied Territories. The 17 or so dead 
sailors,'' that is American dead sailors, ``does not compare to the 
100+ Palestinians who have died in recent weeks where we have remained 
silent.''
  I would suggest it is the job of this administration and of the State 
Department to care more about our American military personnel who give 
their lives than it is to care about things, tragic events that are 
going on overseas. If our military people give their lives for their 
country, they should expect that we will memorialize them in a fitting 
way, and that this administration and that the State Department will 
not get in the way because of some far-flung event in another part of 
the world.
  This is an insult. This is an insult to those brave people who gave 
their lives. As we remember them today, let us pass this resolution. 
Let us say our prayers for those families, and let us be very sincere 
in this effort. I am sorry that I had to read this State Department 
position here today, but I think it is important for the American 
people to know just what the attitude of this administration is toward 
our people who are defending this country and give their lives for us.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha), a distinguished member of the Committee on 
Appropriations.
  Mr. MURTHA. Mr. Speaker, I have a young sailor, a bosun's mate, 
Richard Ying, that was hurt severely aboard the U.S.S. Cole. My staff 
has talked to him several times. I tried to call and he was in 
rehabilitation. He is back home, and they expect him to be back in 
Windber, Pennsylvania, by Friday.
  The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young) and I had anticipated trying 
to go to visit the U.S.S. Cole over the weekend just to see how it was 
going. All of us sympathize with the families who lost loved ones, and 
all of us feel badly about the ones that were wounded.
  But there is something else here that shows how good our troops are 
operating. It was marvelous. I went aboard the U.S.S. Roberts when it 
hit a mine. It had a hole about the size of a bus in the side. This 
hole was even bigger, 40 feet. People do not realize how close it came 
to sinking. We are talking about a ship that was in the harbor in water 
that was calm, and it almost sank. If it had not been for the heroic 
effort of this crew, actually using buckets to bail out the water, we 
would have probably lost that ship.
  So I want to commend the men and women that served on the Cole for 
the phenomenal job they did in saving this ship. All of us hate to see 
our men and women in harm's way. We have responsibilities and we cannot 
withdraw from those responsibilities. But one thing for sure, that ship 
was saved by the dedication of the men and women who served aboard the 
Cole.
  I add my commiseration and sympathy to the families, but I want to 
commend the captain and the shipmates aboard the U.S.S. Cole for the 
phenomenal job they did in saving that magnificent vessel.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost).
  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me.
  Mr. Speaker, as we all know by now, 17 sailors were either killed or 
are missing from the attack on the U.S.S. Cole. Information Systems 
Technician Seaman Timothy Gauna, a constituent of mine from Rice, 
Texas, is among the missing. Like all the sailors aboard the U.S.S. 
Cole, he was serving his country bravely and honorably when this 
vicious attack took place.
  I join the Gauna family, and all the families of the missing sailors, 
in hoping that they will soon be accounted for.
  Immediately after the attack, Mr. Speaker, I had the chance to visit 
personally with seaman Gauna's family. I spoke with a mother who is 
proud of her son's courage and patriotism. I talked to various family 
members who admire Tim's dedication to America.
  I do not know all the sailors on the U.S.S. Cole, Mr. Speaker, but I 
know the family of Seaman Gauna. They, like all of the U.S.S. Cole's 
sailors and their families, have America's gratitude and our prayers.
  I was moved by the memorial service today in Norfolk that a number of 
us attended. There the entire Nation joined injured sailors, some fresh 
from the hospital, their IVs still attached to their arms, in paying 
tribute to their fallen and missing comrades.
  But our obligation to these brave men and women is greater than that, 
Mr. Speaker. We must continue to be vigilant in the face of threats 
from terrorists around the world. We must find the criminals 
responsible for this cowardly act, and they must be brought to justice. 
Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, these terrorists will soon learn that 
America responds quickly and forcefully whenever we are attacked.
  The FBI has now more than 60 agents in place investigating this 
attack, and the Navy has assigned six U.S. warships to Aden harbor to 
assist the U.S.S. Cole and its exhausted crew.
  Mr. Speaker, every time anyone in uniform gets into a ship, a plane, 
or a tank, they risk their lives in defense of America. For that, we 
owe these great men and women of the United States Armed Forces our 
most profound gratitude. They have it, Mr. Speaker, as well as the 
solemn promise that America stands with them always and everywhere.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished 
ranking member and the chairman of the committee for this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, this morning I joined my colleagues to memorialize our 
fallen and missing sailors of the U.S.S. Cole. What I am most reminded 
of, as I saw the humanity and love and respect permeating and moving 
throughout that huge and enormously sad audience, was the greatness of 
America.
  The Chaplain who offered the invocation reminded us that freedom is 
not free. This morning was a moment personally of profound grief, for 
my State of Texas suffered great losses. But the country suffered a 
loss, because these were bright and young and energetic and aspiring 
young people, none over the age of 26.
  So I join in the support of this resolution, and I join this Nation 
in expressing sadness, loss, and resolve. I celebrate the lives of 
these young people, some found, some still missing.
  It is impossible to capture the pain of the family members, mothers 
and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, 
sisters and brothers who bear this great loss. But I do believe we can 
speak today for this Nation that gathers around and embraces each other 
in time of trouble.
  We must salute the Navy, along with the entire military. These young 
sailors who dedicated their lives to the Navy, and like gladiators of 
old, took pride in their service to country, and wore their patriotism 
as a shield so the world could sleep under a blanket of freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to say to those who have done 
this dastardly act that we have no fear, and

[[Page 23173]]

that those who would do this evil act, that we will find them and they 
will pay the appropriate price. We must be safe, but the only way that 
we are safe is with these strong men and women who have offered 
themselves to protect our freedom.
  There is a poem, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer, ``Genuine 
Grace in Command'':

     ``Define me a legend,
     A soldier of infinite truth;
     Define for me a soldier of valor, successful or obtuse,
     Enlighten me of nobility,
     A birthright of kings and queens.
     Fill all the pages of history books with stories forever 
           sung.
     I swear I can hear them saying:
     It is simple, the reason we fight:
     Freedom, liberty, integrity,
     These were given as our birthright.''

  As I close, Mr. Speaker, in my salute to these fallen and missing 
heroes and to their families, let me simply repeat Psalm 23.4:
  ``Even as I go through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear 
no evil, for Thou art with me.''
  We in this Nation, we as a Congress, we as family members, we fear no 
evil, for Thou art with us.
  Mr. Speaker, this morning I traveled to Norfolk, Virginia where I 
took part in a memorial service with President Clinton, Defense 
Secretary Cohen, Attorney General Reno, Secretary Danzi, Members of 
Congress from both the House and the Senate, members from all the 
military branches, the sailors and family from the U.S.S. Cole, the 
Norfolk Naval community, to honor our fallen sailors who dedicate their 
lives to ensuring our freedom here in the United States.
  This morning was a moment of profound grief for me as I joined the 
country in expressing sadness, loss and resolve; and the celebration of 
the lives of our fallen sons and daughters through love and prayers. It 
is impossible for me to describe the pain that the family members and 
the country bears over this great loss. But I can speak of the love 
that this Nation has for those who dedicated their lives to the Navy, 
and like the gladiators of old, took pride in their service to country, 
and wore their patriotism as a shield so the world could sleep under a 
blanket of freedom.
  As I think of our brave fallen soldiers, I am reminded of a poem 
entitled Genuine Grace in Command:

     Define for me a legend, a soldier of infinite truth, define 
           for me a soldier of valor, successful or obtuse? 
           Enlighten me of nobility, a birthright of kings and 
           queens? Fill all the pages of history books, with 
           stories forever sung!

     But while you regale nameless faces of glory, times over and 
           over again! I beg you remember the individuals, who's 
           honors I now proudly present!

     I speak here of soldiers with humility, yet clearly a 
           leaders. Quietly commanding, entirely through their 
           presence within. Their desires were not for greatness, 
           simply the survival of team! Their goal not for fame or 
           fortune, but to share their gift till the end!

     Many times we are left with a memory, which overshadows us 
           all! Many times we are left and dishearten, wondering 
           why we fought for the cause?

     And yet here were soldiers who never questioned, the mission 
           life had set them on! Perhaps the greatest gift they 
           gave us was the understanding of truth!

     I swear I can hear them saying, it's simple the reason we 
           fight. Freedom, liberty, integrity, these were given as 
           our birthright.

     We must fight to preserve what was given us, even fight 
           unmercifully to the end!

     We shall provide their tomorrow even their better life! Let 
           it not dishearten you, the lack which they seem to 
           know. There will come a day when we are remembered for 
           what we had to show!
  To the sailors of the U.S.S. Cole who sacrificed their lives for us, 
you will be remembered for the sacrifice you showed the world.
  I pay tribute to our missing and lost U.S. Sailors:
  Electronics Technician Chief Petty Officer Richard Costelow, of 
Morrisville, Pennsylvania.
  Hull Maintenance Technician Third Class Kenneth Clodfelter, of 
Mechanicsville, Virginia.
  Mess Management Specialist Seaman Lakeina Francis, of Woodleaf, North 
Carolina.
  Information Systems Technician Seaman Timothy Gauna, from Rice, 
Texas.
  Signalman Seaman Apprentice Cherone Gunn, of Rex, Georgia.
  Seaman James McDaniels, of Norfolk, Virginia.
  Engineman Second Class Mac Nieto, of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin.
  Electronics Warfare Technician Third Class Ronald Owens of Vero Beach 
Florida.
  Engineman Fireman Joshua Parlett, of Churchville, Maryland.
  Seaman Apprentice Lakiba Nicole Palmer of San Diego, California.
  Fireman Apprentice Patrick Roy of Cornwall on Hudson, New York.
  Electronics Warfare Technician Second Class Kevin Rux, of Portland, 
North Dakota.
  Mess Management Specialist Third Class Ronchester Santiago, of 
Kingsville, Texas.
  Operations Specialist Second Class Timothy Saunders, of Ringold, 
Virginia.
  Fireman Gary Swenchonis, Jr., of Rockport, Texas.
  Ensign Andrew Triplett, of Mason, Mississippi.
  Seaman Apprentice Craig Wibberley, of Williamsport, Maryland.
  They were the best America had to offer, for they took upon 
themselves an oath taken by men and women from the beginning of time, 
and that is the oath of service to country.
  For those of you who have caused this misery, I assure you, this 
country will not rest until you are found and brought to justice. The 
United States will not shy away from its commitment for ensuring peace, 
freedom and stability in the Middle East and around the world.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of the Committee on 
International Relations.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman from South Carolina 
(Chairman Spence) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Missouri 
(Mr. Skelton), for introducing this important resolution at this time.
  I am pleased to join in supporting this timely bipartisan resolution 
condemning the terrorist attack on the U.S.S. Cole and honoring its 
courageous crew and those who lost their lives or were injured, and 
recognizing the heroic efforts that were made to save this ship despite 
massive damage to its hull.
  The terrorist attack on the U.S.S. Cole, which was docked in Yemen 
for refueling, reminds us all that despite our best efforts, it is not 
always possible to harden every U.S. target abroad.
  It also highlights the need for increased intelligence capacity in 
these dangerous parts of the world.
  Our U.S. embassy in Yemen is a highly secure facility with 
substantial set backs, making it hard to hit with terrorist bombs. The 
search for softer targets is how the determined new terrorists now 
operate as we harden more and more traditional U.S. diplomatic targets 
abroad.
  Greater intelligence efforts are essential as these ruthless 
terrorists search for our soft underbelly. In this day of local 
criminal elements supporting terrorist networks through collaboration 
in the drug trade, and in supplying stolen vehicles, explosives, and 
safe houses, we often overlook one key source of better intelligence on 
terrorists; that is, the police in the tough regions such as the Middle 
East.
  We need better and closer cooperation on the police front, both in 
fighting the crime and terrorism from abroad targeting our Nation, and 
we need their help.
  Under Director Louis Freeh, the FBI has been trying to help some 
moderate and friendly Arab nations get an international law enforcement 
style type regional police training at the police academy, the ILEA, 
off the ground in the Middle East. These police schools help create the 
vital cop-to-cop relations and links on the ground that result in 
greater crime-fighting information and information-sharing with our 
U.S. law enforcement entities, and especially among the various 
regional police agencies.
  Washington bureaucratic inertia stalled these FBI efforts in the 
Middle East until our House Committee on International Relations 
recently urged action on that initiative. Movement is now underway for 
a Middle East regional police training school, costing the taxpayer no 
monies to satisfy State Department bureaucratic concerns.
  Another lesson from the U.S.S. Cole attack is the need for prompt and 
aggressive law enforcement response to preserve evidence, to interview 
witnesses, to pursue leads before the terrorists and their followers 
flee to safe

[[Page 23174]]

havens. We must make certain that those responsible are brought to 
justice.
  I am proud that our committee played a key role in giving the FBI new 
commercial leasing authority for transport planes for a quick response 
to these kinds of attacks.

                              {time}  1745

  I commend our FBI, our diplomatic security and other agencies for 
their quick action to help secure facilities in Aden and the efforts to 
apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime.
  I want to again commend the authors of this resolution in bringing 
this issue to the floor today as our Nation honors the crew of the 
U.S.S. Cole. With all of us working together, I am certain we can bring 
those responsible to justice for this attack and work to ensure that we 
minimize the likelihood of any other similar attack in the future.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Pomeroy).
  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  I think that, in this hour, it perhaps does us good to put aside for 
a minute the geopolitical discussions advanced by the gentleman from 
New York (Chairman Gilman), my friend speaking before me, and 
concentrate instead on the loss that we have suffered, memorialize and 
honor the service of the men and women of the U.S.S. Cole, and grieve 
with them the loss of their classmates.
  When the terrible news about this terrorist attack flashed across the 
television sets of this country, we had a sick feeling across the 
entire country about this senseless loss of life in a pathetic, 
cowardly terrorist act.
  This feeling of sadness became much deeper when we learned that one 
of the dead was one of our own. Kevin Shawn Rux from Portland, North 
Dakota. Kevin was 30 years old. He was an electronic warfare 
technician, second class. He was the son of a Navy man, the nephew of 
another Navy man, and he was in his 11th year of service to our country 
in the United States Navy.
  Earlier, in the week, Kevin had called his wife Olivia in Norfolk, 
Virginia to extend his love on their 10th anniversary. He was halfway 
across the world, serving his country. On his anniversary, perhaps his 
last visit with Olivia, he extended his love in this fashion.
  We cannot really fully appreciate, until a tragedy drives us to 
really think about it, the measure of commitment and sacrifice that the 
men and women in our military make. I mean they are some of our finest. 
They are in really up-close personal ways some of our very finest.
  Some of those who went to high school with Mr. Rux were quoted as 
saying, ``He was a friendly, good student, wrestler, not a trouble 
maker, had his head screwed on straight.'' His former wrestling coach 
was quoted as saying, ``Kevin was a tough little cookie. He was all 
business. He was consistent. He was always there. He knew his role.''
  Well, those observations of a high school wrestling coach were very 
true of his service to our country in the Navy as well. He had his head 
screwed on straight. He was always there. He was a tough little cookie.
  What a tragedy for his wife and his family. What a tragedy for us in 
North Dakota. What a tragedy for our country to have lost sailors the 
caliber of Mr. Rux.
  So I ask that we in this time think and pray for the departed and 
their families. They have served their country very well.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Greenwood).
  Mr. GREENWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, today I rise to both celebrate and mourn the loss of 
life of those who carried our freedom and beliefs across the seas 
aboard the U.S.S. Cole.
  One of the 17 who died was 35-year-old Richard Costelow who grew up 
in my county of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Richard attended 
Morrisville High School, and he graduated in 1983. As one of his 
teachers remembered him, Richard ``gave 100 percent every day. That 
kind of kid doesn't come along too often.''
  Richard joined the Navy in 1988 and worked his way up to the ranks to 
electronic technician, first class. As the President mentioned at this 
morning's memorial service, he spent 5 years in the White House 
Communications Office and received the prestigious National Defense 
Service Medal.
  My heart goes out to the Costelow family, his wife Sharla, and their 
three boys as well as to his parents and extended family.
  Today we mourn this tragic loss, but we will never forget those who 
served to protect the ideals we as a Nation hold dear.
  Mr. Speaker, it is particularly grotesque that these young men and 
women killed and injured in this event were in service of the greatest 
beacon of freedom ever in the history of the world, and that so often 
those who commit these acts of terrorism are individuals who themselves 
are victimized by brutal leaders who, while keeping their boot on the 
faces of the people of their countries, use the United States as a 
scapegoat for the frustration and the agony that their own people feel.
  Someday we will conquer this ignorance, and someday all of the 
peoples of the world will be free. Until that day comes, we will rely 
on the Richard Costelows of the world to protect us from those who live 
in ignorance.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez).
  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. 
Skelton), the ranking member of the House Committee on Armed Services 
for yielding me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 631 in honor of 
the crew members killed and wounded on the U.S.S. Cole.
  As a member of the House Committee on Armed Services, I am 
continually impressed by the dedication to duty of those serving in the 
armed services. These young men and women volunteer. They volunteer, 
and they put their lives on the line to defend the freedoms that many 
of us take for granted.
  Last week, this Nation was reminded of their sacrifice. Seventeen 
people died, and 39 were injured serving aboard the U.S.S. Cole when a 
cowardly act of terrorism changed their lives forever and the lives of 
their families.
  This incident opens up old wounds such as the 1983 bombing of the 
Marine barracks in Lebanon that killed 241 and the 1996 bombing of the 
Khobar Towers that killed 19.
  Our Nation is blessed with many virtues. Unfortunately, these 
incidents affirm that none are as precious as the men and women who 
risk their lives in the service of this country.
  It has been said ``For those who manned the battle line the bugle 
whispers low, and freedom has a taste and price the protected never 
know.''
  Our hearts go out to the families of the brave men and women we honor 
today. They are now part of the soul of our great Nation.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Smith).
  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, well, again, thanks to the 
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence) and the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Skelton), ranking member.
  Seventeen young crew members in the U.S. Navy were serving their 
country. In an instant, their lives were taken as a result of this 
terrorist attack on the U.S.S. Cole. Of those killed, most were young. 
Most came from our typical American hometown. They all left families 
and friends to mourn them. My thoughts and prayers go out to those 
families and friends. We, as a country, grieve with them.
  I feel, I think, some of this grief as I remember that day in 1957 
when we received word that my brother's plane had gone down, and he was 
killed. The family is never quite the same.
  A senseless tragedy like this attack on the U.S.S. Cole, I think, 
allows us to

[[Page 23175]]

reflect on all those military service members and their families who 
sacrifice so much while serving this great country.
  Our brave men and women in all the branches of the armed services 
stand ready to defend America, not only within our borders, but 
throughout unpredictable international waters and lands.
  Let us continually stand behind them and support them and humbly 
recognize their sacrifices. I think too often we take their services 
for granted. We would not be enjoying the freedoms we have now without 
the sacrifices of so many during our great country's history.
  I hope we will often remember how important America's military is to 
ensure the freedoms and liberties we have in this country.
  Again, my very sincere condolences go out to the family and the loved 
ones of those service men and women who had their life taken. May God 
help them through this difficult time.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson).
  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, we all send our deep-felt thoughts to the 
families of those who are lost and injured. Any of us who have military 
facilities in our districts know that the daily sacrifice that the men 
and women in uniform give to this Nation is something that keeps us 
free and frankly keeps the world free. Without American service 
personnel, this world would not be a world filled with burgeoning 
democracies.
  But for those families whose tragic loss by these cowardly 
terrorists, every Member in this Chamber, everyone in the 
administration will take every effort to make sure that they are caught 
and punished.
  America is the leading force in the world for freedom, and often we 
are the leading target of the mad men of this world. They will not 
succeed. We will join together with other freedom-loving Nations, and 
we will end terrorism. We will win this fight, and we will do this 
united with many of our friends across the globe.
  All of my constituents and all my colleagues again send our prayers 
to the families and our gratitude to all the men and women in uniform.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bliley). The Chair announces that the 
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence) has 7\1/2\ minutes 
remaining. The gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) has 3 minutes 
remaining.
  The gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence) has the right to 
close.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), chairman of the Subcommittee 
on Military Research and Development of our Committee on Armed 
Services.
  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished 
chairman for yielding me time. I thank both the gentleman from South 
Carolina (Mr. Spence) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), 
our distinguished ranking member, for this particular legislation.
  I rise with a deep sense of sorrow shared by all of our colleagues on 
both sides of the aisle in remembering those brave Americans who paid 
the ultimate price for the freedom and democracy that we enjoy.
  It is appropriate, Mr. Speaker, that, during this time of reflection 
on the lives of these individuals, these young sons and daughters and 
mothers and fathers, these young relatives of so many families in 
America that have been taken away from us, that we reflect on the value 
of our military and the role they perform every day of the year.
  Mr. Speaker, we lost 17 brave Americans. We lost dads who left kids. 
We lost daughters who left behind moms and dads. We lost people who 
were involved in their community and charity events and church 
organizations. We lost future leaders of America. Perhaps even among 
them was a Member of Congress. I heard the President say today that one 
of the individuals actually had worked at the White House, helping with 
the computer system.
  These were not just sailors. These were individuals who were destined 
to become a part of the American fabric, who were going to eventually 
assume their leadership role in both the military and also in civilian 
life. Tragically, they were cut down.

                              {time}  1800

  I would ask our colleagues to remember the individuals that are being 
honored here tonight and the entire crew of the ship, and that we think 
about the implications of having a Navy where one-third of our ships 
are right now deployed, and over one-half of those ships underway 
steaming across the seas to distant lands to protect America. We have 
military personnel in dozens of cities and countries around the world 
today performing important functions of keeping peace, allowing us to 
have that forward presence and making sure that the world is stable.
  Sometimes I think we take that for granted as a nation, and it takes 
this kind of incident to remind us that these are human beings; that we 
have the responsibility to give them the proper benefits, the 
responsibility to give them the proper equipment, and the proper 
training.
  I agree with what the President has been saying and what Governor 
Bush has been saying and Vice President Gore. We do have the best 
military in the world, and it is the best-trained military in the 
world. But I can tell my colleagues that I am concerned. We cannot cut 
our Navy back from 585 to 317 and keep the level of deployments up. We 
cannot continue to have 35 deployments in 9 years all over the world 
and not expect additional pressures like what we have seen.
  Mr. Speaker, there needs to be a full investigation of this incident, 
and there needs to be a full accounting for those who perpetrated the 
act and the reasons why this act occurred.
  But today we remember those brave souls, those brave heroes, and I 
join with my colleagues in extending our warmest and deepest sympathy 
to the families and loved ones of these brave sailors. I ask all of us 
in America to reflect on the importance of our military and make a 
renewed commitment in honor of those brave 17 Americans and the entire 
crew of the Cole that we will continue to provide the full support of 
all Americans in providing the funding for an adequate military, for 
the proper quality of life, for proper health care, and for all those 
other commitments that America needs to make to its uniformed 
personnel.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Guam 
(Mr. Underwood).
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding 
me this time, and I rise in strong support for this resolution 
introduced by the chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services and 
the ranking member.
  At a tragic time like this, it is important to remember that freedom 
is not defended by ships or airplanes or tanks, freedom is defended by 
people; people from all walks of life and people from all around the 
country; people who are capable of doing individual things and making 
their contribution to the Nation. These sailors who were victims of a 
very cruel and vicious act are amongst freedom's best, are amongst 
America's best.
  Terrorist acts are supposed to inspire terror. I think that this 
resolution, I think the comments of many of the Members today, I think 
the sentiments of the American public, I think the moving memorial 
service earlier today indicates that America is anything but terrorized 
by this act. Instead, we are galvanized to do the best that we can by 
our men and women in uniform, to continue the policy of trying to 
extend freedom around the world and to protect it wherever it is 
threatened.
  So today at this time I think we want to extend our deepest and 
sincerest condolences to the families and again to pay tribute to these 
fine young Americans.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Pickett), a member of the Committee on 
Armed Services.

[[Page 23176]]


  Mr. PICKETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  Today, in Norfolk, Virginia, we were touched as a Navy family, 
community, and Nation as we mourned the brave American sailors who paid 
the ultimate sacrifice on board the U.S.S. Cole in the name of liberty 
and freedom. These men and women, our fathers and sons, brothers and 
sisters, mothers and daughters, were violently attacked as they stood 
watch for their country. Instantly, the promise and hope of 17 voices 
were forever quieted by an act of hate. Even now, the captain, 
officers, and crew of the U.S.S. Cole are working around the clock to 
save their ship. Let there be no mistake, the United States condemns 
those responsible for these acts and will relentlessly pursue the 
attackers until their identity is known and justice is served.
  Sometimes, Mr. Speaker, in times of peace and prosperity, which we 
largely enjoy today, it is easy to forget the perils our men and women 
in uniform face each day. Our sailors, soldiers, airmen, and Marines 
put their lives on the line not just when they are deployed in harm's 
way in the world's volatile areas like those aboard the Cole, but also 
each day as they train to get ready for such missions. These brave 
Americans heard the call of duty to serve their country, and like all 
men and women in the service, the U.S.S. Cole answered that call to 
travel to far-off lands to keep the peace and carry American ideals to 
places where they are so desperately needed. Their bravery is exemplary 
of the American spirit and one reason the United States serves as a 
beacon of hope and freedom to others around the world.
  To these servicemen and women courageously serving their country, we 
say thank you. We will find these attackers and they will be brought to 
justice.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Roemer), who is a member of the Permanent Select Committee 
on Intelligence.
  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend on the Committee on 
Armed Services for yielding me this time.
  I know my entire State and my district back home in Indiana send 
their thoughts and prayers not only to the 17 families but all our 
families that are present overseas today and tomorrow doing the great 
job they do to protect this great Nation.
  As a member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, a few 
days ago I received a briefing out at Langley, and I know that the 
intelligence community is working tirelessly, day in and day out, to 
follow every lead to gather all the evidence and the facts so that we 
can find out who did this and make sure when we find out that there is 
swift justice. We will find the culprits and the cowards that inflicted 
this on our people, and justice hopefully will be done soon.
  Our prayers go to our service personnel and to our intelligence and 
military community to help us address this very serious situation.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Pease). The time of the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Skelton) has expired. The gentleman from South Carolina 
(Mr. Spence) has 4\1/2\ minutes remaining.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Skelton).
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds of that time to the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews), a member of our committee.
  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time, and let me extend my profound and personal sense of grief and 
appreciation to the families of those brave Americans who served on the 
Cole.
  Let me say this. I know these words will be of little comfort to 
those who have suffered such a great loss, but to those who question 
the character of the young people in America today, I would say that we 
have a resounding answer. We had young people who were willing to 
enlist voluntarily in the service of their country and give their 
lives. They have done so with great honor. We are very proud of them, 
and their families should know they have given their lives nobly and 
will not be forgotten.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, it was the Roman orator Cicero who once said that 
gratitude is the greatest of all virtues. This morning in a ceremony 
next to the U.S.S. Eisenhower at Norfolk, Virginia, commemorating the 
lives of those 17 sailors, feelings came to each of us; feelings of 
sympathy for the families of those injured and those deceased, 
admiration for the sailors who carried on and saved their ship and did 
so well by doing their duty, and anger, anger at those who perpetrated 
this deed. And yet that anger will fade into determination to cause 
America to seek justice.
  I will repeat the words of Admiral Robert Natter, as he spoke during 
the ceremony: ``All Americans should remember. Remember the Cole.''
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, we are gathered here on this very solemn occasion to 
honor these people who have paid the price for our freedom. How can we 
honor them? What can we say? What can we do?
  I think one thing we can do as a Nation is to assure those families 
of these young men and women, and the ones who were injured and all the 
other members of our armed forces today who are paying the price every 
day in all kinds of ways all over this world. The price for what? 
Freedom.
  We have heard many of us use the word freedom many times today. And 
some might wonder, what does that have to do with it? That is what it 
is all about. These young men and women not only today but in the past 
who served our country have not only given us our freedom but defended 
it every day all over this world at great sacrifice. Why is that 
freedom so important? Without it, where would we be?
  Some wonder about some of us who are so strong for national defense, 
that is why. Freedom is so important. Without freedom, we would not 
have the environment necessary to consider all the other problems we 
have in this country to deal with. First, we must have our freedom. In 
a free society we can then go about dealing with the rest of our 
problems. But I never, never, never get away from the fact that we, 
every day, take for granted what other people before us over the years 
have done in giving us and defending our freedom for us today who have 
not paid that price.
  As I said earlier, I think every day we should honor people, not just 
one day every so often when these kinds of things happen. We should 
every day pay honor to those who have given us our very freedom.
  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, events are sometimes so horrible that 
words alone do not fully describe the pain and sorrow that is in all of 
our hearts. The tragedy aboard the U.S.S. Cole was just such an event. 
This act of cowardice and malice against 17 Americans who were simply 
doing their duty is beyond all reason.
  These brave soldiers died in the line of duty, and the resolution 
before us honors those who so valiantly gave their lives in the service 
of their country.
  It is a simple gesture, but it is so necessary.
  Our fallen sailors are the true heroes of our society.
  They worked day after day and week after week to protect our nation 
from harm. They spent their time promoting peace in the world. They 
were symbols of American values--democracy, diversity, human tolerance 
and understanding, opportunity and freedom.
  Today, America is stronger because of your brave service overseas--
and the world is a better place because of your sacrifice.
  We say as a country that we will not let heinous acts of terrorism 
deter us from our mission of peace in the Middle East and around the 
world. We will not rest until the people responsible for this crime are 
brought to justice. And we will not shrink from our duties in the 
world--we will continue to maintain our presence and promote freedom, 
democracy, and better relations among all people.
  I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the victims' families. Our 
thoughts and prayers are with you. You, too, have made the ultimate 
sacrifice, and we as a country are forever in your debt. Our hearts and 
gratitude also go out to the injured and their families who have also 
suffered from this attack.

[[Page 23177]]

  I salute the brave souls who fought to reclaim their ship--to save 
their vessel under the most difficult, wrenching circumstances. They 
are a tribute to our armed forces and they embody the best values in 
our society.
  Finally, I want to say, humbly, that America will never forget our 
fallen heros. We will always honor the sacrifice you have made so that 
others might live in peace.
  Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. 
Res. 631, honoring our servicemen and women who were victims of the 
terrorist attack on the destroyer U.S.S. Cole.
  I was saddened and outraged by the cowardly attack carried out 
against the U.S.S. Cole on October 12 off the Yemeni Coast. First and 
foremost, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of 
those who laid down their lives serving their country and representing 
the highest traditions of the United States Navy.
  As I sat and watched the television that dark Thursday morning, I 
could not help but feel for the loved ones of the fallen. I hope that 
time and reflection and God's healing hand can put their pain at ease.
  The 17 sailors who perished and the over three dozen wounded were 
carrying out a mission of vital national interest to America. They were 
part of a carrier battle group that projects our forward maritime 
presence by taking station in the Persian Gulf region. These brave 
Americans's knew they were going into a volatile region. They were made 
ever more aware of their situation as fighting broke out between the 
Israeli government and Palestinians. However, members of our armed 
forces are regularly called upon to carry out their assignments that 
place them in harms way. Still, when even one American dies in the line 
of duty, it is a time for reflection and sorrow.
  The heroic damage control efforts of the U.S.S. Cole's crew after the 
explosion saved not only the ship, but lives. After the blast that 
ripped a 40 by 45 foot hole in the port side of the ship and exploded 
windows on land, the crew was able to maintain composure and stop the 
flooding. I can only image what it must have taken for a sailor aboard 
to see the havoc but still have the courage and presence of mind to do 
their duty by sealing off the bulkheads and evacuating the injured.
  The terrorists that carried out this cowardly mission perished in the 
blast, but there are numerous responsible parties that financed, 
trained, and planned the attack. Our government must locate these 
perpetrators and bring them to justice no matter where they are in the 
world as soon as possible.
  America must always be vigilant for those who wish to do harm to our 
troops and citizens. We must never let those who harm U.S. citizens go 
unpunished. However, America will not be deterred by this act from 
carrying out missions that are vital to our national interests in the 
region.
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in honoring the entire 
crew of the U.S.S. Cole, and in offering my heartfelt condolences to 
the families of those sailors who gave their lives in service to their 
country.
  As often as I can, I offer my sincere appreciation and admiration to 
the men and women who proudly serve in uniform on behalf of the United 
States of America. The efforts of these fine Americans, both in 
peacetime and in war, not only have allowed this nation to achieve its 
stature as the greatest institution of democracy and liberty the world 
has ever known, but have ensured the high level of security and 
prosperity we now know.
  However, on this day we must sadly confront the harsh reality that 
national security is not without risk. Today we are reminded that our 
soldiers, sailors and airmen are, in fact, our front line of defense in 
an unpredictable and sometimes dangerous world. We realize, as is 
carved in granite at the National Korean War Memorial, ``peace is not 
free.'' Sometimes the cost of peace comes at a very high price.
  The sailors of the U.S.S. Cole, those cruelly snatched from this 
Earth, those injured in the blast, and those still on board who bravely 
worked to assist their mates and who continue to struggle to maintain 
their ship, represent the noblest principles of our nation and of our 
history.
  Almost 140 years ago, when consecrating the graves of Americans who 
gave their lives in the fields of Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln 
said: ``The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, 
but we must never forget what they did here.'' Few words ring as true 
through the ages, or as appropriate on this solemn day.
  Today, my colleagues and I grieve and pray with the families who lost 
loved ones on board the Cole, and with the sailors recovering from 
injuries sustained in the vicious attack. Our nation's resolve to find 
those responsible for this tragedy is strong, and our will to ensure 
justice is unbending. All Americans, across this nation and at all 
points of the globe, must never forget the ultimate sacrifice of these 
men and women and of their families. But, I submit, each of us must 
also strive to better remember and honor the acts of bravery and 
sacrifice our men and women in uniform commit each and every day.
  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the brave 
young men from Texas who died in last week's attack against the U.S.S. 
Cole--Ronchester M. Santiago of Kingsville, Timothy L. Gauna of Rice, 
and Gary G. Swenchonis, Jr. of Rockport.
  These young men, none older than 26, were pillars of their 
communities who joined the U.S. Navy to serve their country and protect 
our national security. Specialist Third Class Santiago, a cook aboard 
the Cole, was remembered as an excellent student and well-respected by 
his peers.
  Seaman Gauna, an information systems technician, was a standout on 
his high school basketball and baseball teams. He also served as a 
bilingual teacher's aide at a local elementary school after graduation, 
before joining the Navy.
  Fireman Swenchonis, who had not joined the Navy until January 1999, 
was remembered as a good student, always willing to volunteer or lend a 
helping hand.
  They are just three of the 17 sailors killed or presumed dead in this 
despicable act of terrorism. Our sympathies are with the families of 
those sailors, along with the families of the injured, including Kesha 
Stidham of Austin, who lies in critical condition.
  As the Navy continues to recover its dead, the FBI, along with 
military and Yemeni authorities, are working around the clock to find 
those who are responsible. I congratulate them on their quick work so 
far and hope that additional leads and arrests will be forthcoming.
  Let those who conceived this brutal act, however, heed our words. 
America will not stand idly by as her young men and women are 
slaughtered by cowardly men in cowardly acts. You will be found, you 
will be brought to justice, and you will be punished.
  Mr. Speaker, our resolve will not be affected by this attack. The 
United States will continue to work for peace and stability to the 
Middle East, and we will continue to oppose those who seek to deal in 
the currency of violence and terror.
  Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Petty 
Officer First Class Douglas Hancock, a brave young sailor from 
Enterprise who was injured in the disgusting and cowardly act of 
terrorism that was the attack on the guided missile destroyer U.S.S. 
Cole (DDG-67).
  In the early hours of October 12, 2000, a worried Grady White called 
my office asking for my assistance in determining whether his grandson 
was injured or killed in the attack. Due to some confusion over who was 
listed on Douglas' notification list, the Hancock family was worried 
they might not be contacted. The Navy did an admirable job keeping all 
the families of the crew members of the U.S.S. Cole informed under the 
circumstances. However, when CNN ran footage of injured sailors being 
carried into the hospital, Mrs. Becky Hancock, Douglas' mother, was 
both relieved and worried when she recognized Douglas' face as one of 
the injured sailors.
  Douglas Hancock suffered a broken jaw and cuts from the explosion. He 
was one of the 37 injured. He was not among the seven confirmed dead or 
the ten missing and presumed dead. He is going home to his close-knit 
family and friends.
  I salute Petty Officer Douglas Hancock and the rest of the U.S.S. 
Cole's crew for their bravery and service to our nation.
  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that we honor the 
brave young men and women who lost their lives in last week's shocking 
attack on the U.S.S. Cole in the Port of Aden, Yemen. This terrorist 
attack provides us with another painful reminder that the United States 
military must always remain vigilant in a world often hostile to our 
country's interests.
  Our military is constantly threatened by enemies of peace throughout 
the world. From peace-keeping operations in the Balkans, to preventing 
communist aggression on the Korean Peninsula, to keeping a cautioned 
eye on the increasing turmoil in the Middle East--our military is 
spread disturbingly thin. In order to deter our enemies and protect the 
lives of our courageous servicemen and women, Congress must continue to 
make every effort to strengthen our armed forces' ability to stop these 
types of attacks from happening in the first place.
  This tragedy also reminds us that though we are living in an era of 
relative peace and prosperity, we must never take it for granted. 
America would not be free today without the sacrifices of the brave 
individuals who choose

[[Page 23178]]

to serve our country for many reasons, but who all share the risk and 
sacrifice this service brings. The men and women of our armed forces 
exemplify personal courage by facing fear, danger and adversity every 
day. And they carry out their duties with honor, integrity, and 
respect.
  Our hearts, and our prayers, go out to the families of the young men 
and women killed in Yemen, and to all American military men and women 
serving our nation all over the world. Their sacrifice and their spirit 
call upon each generation of Americans to recognize and appreciate 
those who pay the ultimate price for our nation's freedom. We will 
always remember and honor their sacrifice.
  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, almost a week ago, people all over the world 
awoke to the news of a terrorist strike against one of our naval ships. 
Like countless other Americans, I was stunned by the early reports. 
Over the next several hours and days, the gravity of the situation 
became clearer. The Navy has reported that seventeen sailors were 
killed by this blast and another 33 were injured. Today, I join many 
with my colleagues in rising to honor these men and women who gave 
their lives to protect our nation and all she stands for.
  Today, the families of those lost honored them at a memorial service 
in Norfolk, Virginia, the Cole's home port. Throughout the ceremony we 
were reminded of the sacrifice by not only those in uniform, but their 
families as well. Unfortunately this sacrifice is often forgotten, but 
it is never unappreciated. It is truly an extraordinary person who is 
willing to commit to this type of service and dedicate his/her life to 
something larger than him/herself. It is an individual's commitment to 
the service of this country that we are reminded of as we mourn those 
who gave their lives. My own district also suffered the loss of a loved 
one in this attack. Patrick Roy, a onetime resident of Cornwall on 
Hudson, New York was a Fireman Apprentice on the U.S.S. Cole, and I 
offer my deepest sympathies to his friends and family.
  I want to applaud the efforts of the remainder of the Cole's 
personnel who did their job, manned their stations and saved their ship 
even while they knew that they had suffered the possible terrible loss 
of shipmates and members of their naval family.
  The United States military has served as liberator and protector and 
has provided a source of hope for millions around the world in times of 
peace and in war. While it may be of little solace to those who have 
lost a loved one, the men and women of the Cole who gave their lives in 
an effort to serve as a protector will remain beacons of hope and will 
be remembered as heroes. My deepest condolences go out to all of the 
friends and families who have lost a loved one in this cowardly attack.
  Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, today I commend the valiant sailors of the 
U.S.S. Cole and to express my deepest condolences to the families and 
loved ones who suffered losses due to an act of terrorism.
  On October 12, 2000, the Navy family suffered a tremendous loss, when 
the U.S.S. Cole fell victim to terrorism while attempting to refuel at 
the Port of Aden in Yemen. My heart continues to go out to the families 
and friends of the American sailors who were killed, injured or are 
still missing. I comment our valiant sailors who responded quickly to 
this tragedy, minimizing casualties and damage to their ship.
  It was an honor to assist three families from my District as they 
waited to hear news on their loved ones. Fortunately, the families and 
friends of Petty Officer Kevin Benoit of Cairo, NY, Ensign & Deck 
Division Commander Gregory McDearmon of Ballston Lake, NY, and Chief 
Petty Officer Charles Sweet of Broadalbin, NY, after hours of waiting, 
received word that their loved ones were safe.
  It is important that we always remember that these brave men and 
women are serving our Nation and we should pay tribute to them. These 
sailors have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. 
This is a loss felt by the entire nation.
  This tragedy highlights the constant dangers faced by our armed 
forces around the world. Our country must remain vigilant in protecting 
them from future terrorist or other attacks. Our government must work 
diligently to protect and provide aid to those who are injured and work 
with the families who are going through a period of grieving.
  Again, Mr. Speaker, our prayers go out to the sailors, their families 
and friends.
  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, last Thursday a terrible and cowardly act of 
terrorism was made against America and our armed forces. The U.S.S. 
Cole, which had entered the Yemeni port of Aden, was blindsided by a 
small boat in a group helping to moor the ship for refueling. The boat 
was loaded with explosives and blew up alongside the U.S.S. Cole.
   Mr. Speaker, 17 sailors were either killed or are missing from the 
blast, and 39 were injured.
  Information Systems Technician Seaman Timothy Gauna, a constituent of 
mine from Rice, Texas, is among the missing. Like all the sailors 
aboard the U.S.S. Cole, he was serving his country bravely and 
honorably when this vicious attack took place. I join the Gauna family, 
and all the families of the missing sailors, in hoping that they will 
soon be accounted for.
  Immediately after the attack Mr. Speaker, I flew down to North Texas 
to visit Seaman Gauna's family. There, I spoke with a mother who is 
proud of her son's courage and patriotism. And I talked to various 
family members who admire Tim's dedication to America.
  I do not know all the sailors on the U.S.S. Cole, Mr. Speaker, but I 
know the family of Seaman Gauna. They--like all of the U.S.S. Cole's 
sailors and their families--have America's gratitude, and our prayers.
  That's why I was so moved by the memorial service today in Norfolk, 
Virginia. There, the entire nation joined injured sailors--some fresh 
from the hospital, their IV's still attached to their arms--in paying 
tribute to their fallen and missing comrades.
  But our obligation to these brave men and women is greater than that, 
Mr. Speaker. We must continue to be vigilant in the face of threats 
from terrorists around the world. We must find the criminals 
responsible for this cowardly atrocity, and they must be brought to 
justice.
  Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, these terrorists will soon learn that 
America responds quickly and forcefully whenever we are attacked. The 
FBI now has more than 60 agents in place investigating this attack and 
the Navy has assigned six U.S. warships to Aden harbor to assist the 
U.S.S. Cole and its exhausted crew.
  Mr. Speaker, every time anyone in uniform gets into a ship, a plane, 
or a tank, they risk their lives in defense of America. For that, we 
owe the great men and women of the United States Armed Forces our most 
profound gratitude. They have it, Mr. Speaker, as well as the solemn 
promise that America stands with them--always and everywhere.
  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, when we are confronted by the 
despicable, cowardly attack on the U.S.S. Cole during a simple 
refueling stop in a troubled port, our first reaction is anger and a 
desire to punish those who are responsible.
  But today I believe we should put those thoughts aside and consider 
instead on the sacrifice made by those members of the Cole's crew, and 
reflect on how our country--and the entire world--depends on such 
sacrifices by all our men and women in uniform around the globe.
  These crew members put themselves at risk to bring peace to a region 
that could self-destruct at any time if our warships were not present. 
The U.S.S. Cole was in Yemen, a nation with a history of antagonism to 
the United States, to help establish a new relationship of trust and 
friendship. They put their lives on the line not only to keep the 
peace, but spread its benefits.
  The force of the explosion gouged a 40-foot-by-40 foot hole in the 
side of the Cole. If this attack had occurred to a ship of almost any 
other navy in the world, the ship would have sunk with many lives lost. 
But the Cole's crew showed the intense training, high skill level and 
sheer determination that we have come to expect of all of America's 
armed forces. Twice in three days they contained the damage, keeping 
the ship afloat and saving many of their injured colleagues.
  Because of the unselfish dedication of Americans like those on the 
U.S.S. Cole, the United States is one of the few nations in history 
that can reduce military tensions anywhere simply with the presence of 
our warships. The hearts of peace-loving people around the world are 
lifted at the sight of a U.S. Navy ship steaming into port. And sadly, 
the angry dreams of those who would disrupt the peace focus on 
destroying those peacekeepers, as well.
  The crew of the U.S.S. Cole knew that they could be in danger in an 
unsettled region, and would not be deterred from performing their duty 
as our front-line peacekeepers. We are aware that there are those who 
will go to any extreme, including trying to sink the Cole, in a 
desperate effort to undermine America's commitment to bring peace to 
this war-torn part of the world. When the attack came, the crew of the 
Cole would not allow their ship to sink.
  Our nation is deeply saddened by the loss of the brave men and women 
who gave their lives so that peace may spread around the world. But we 
say to the enemies who would attack us in the hopes of spreading war: 
Look

[[Page 23179]]

carefully at the lesson of determination that is the U.S.S. Cole. We 
will not be deterred.
  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I join Chairman Spence and 
Ranking member Skelton, and all Americans, in honoring the crew of the 
U.S.S. Cole and expressing the nation's sympathies to the families of 
those killed or injured.
  Like my colleagues, I was struck by the photographs of the 17 sailors 
killed or presumed dead that appeared in the newspapers in the days 
following the terrorist attack against the Cole. Even the eldest of 
them--aged 35--died all too young.
  As has been stated elsewhere, the photos put faces to the phrase ``in 
harm's way.'' Particularly young faces.
  The phrase is also part and parcel to another: ``doing one's duty.''
  We know from service members that the phrase ``doing one's duty'' is 
more than a combination of words. It is also reflective of a spirit, a 
commitment, a calling that attracts the very best of our youth to 
military service.
  And it is not a phrase not taken lightly.
  The crew of the U.S.S. Cole is but one of hundreds of units of men 
and women deployed around the world. Each knows the risk of such 
service. Each also knows of the contribution they make to our nation's 
defense and the defense of freedom around the world.
  But, all too often, the contribution and sacrifice these men and 
women make is taken for granted. Too often, we have only assembled 
after a tragic incident like the bombing of the Cole to belatedly 
express our appreciation and thanks.
  Let us resolve to thank the men and women of our Armed Forces 
everyday for their dedication, sacrifice, and courage. And let us 
remember 17 members of the crew of the U.S.S. Cole for making the 
ultimate sacrifice.
  To their families and friends, we assure you that their memory will 
not be forgotten. And the values for which they gave their lives will 
be forever cherished, honored and protected.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 
sacrifice and the memory of the crew of America's guided missile 
destroyer U.S.S. Cole who were killed or wounded on October 12 as a 
suspected terrorist bomb ripped through the ship's hull. The State of 
Texas mourns the loss of three of its sons: Fireman Gary Graham 
Swenchonis, Jr. of Rockport, TX; Information Systems Technician Timothy 
Guana of Rice, TX; and Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronchester Santiago of 
Kingsville, TX. We Texans add our sadness and pride in our Nation to 
the family of Americans in saluting the honor and valor of all 
seventeen patriots and the remaining crew of the U.S.S. Cole.
  The Nation especially grieves the loss of our first female sailors 
killed in hostile action aboard a U.S. combat ship. It is important to 
acknowledge that this historic sacrifice was made by two African 
American women. Lakeina Monique Francis of Woodleaf, North Carolina, a 
19 year-old Mess Management Specialist Seaman, followed in her father's 
footsteps to serve her country in the Navy. Lakiba Nicole Palmer of San 
Diego, California was a 22 year-old Seaman Recruit. History will record 
their sacrifice as a milestone of great proportions. For today, there 
can be no doubt that America's sons and America's daughters will lay 
down their lives for freedom and peace around the globe. I urge this 
Congress to resolve that as this story is written and retold, the names 
of these women must not be forgotten as has too often been the case for 
the legacy and sacrifice of African American women throughout our 
Nation's history.
  I stand with my colleagues to offer sincere condolences to every 
loved one who survives each of the seventeen patriots we honor through 
this resolution. Their supreme sacrifice compels us to live for peace 
and redouble our efforts to broker a lasting Middle East peace with the 
strongest determination.
  Mr. Speaker, on this occasion, I pray God's blessing on the memories 
of these sailors, God's comfort for their families, and may God bless 
an America that is more resolute that ever to preserve the peace!
  Mr. DOOLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
brave American sailors aboard the U.S.S. Cole whose lives were taken 
off the coast of Yemen on October 12, 2000. I would like to express my 
deepest sympathies to the sailors' families during this difficult time.
  We will never forget the sailors and the sacrifice they have made for 
our country. It is through their courageous service that all Americans 
are allowed to live in freedom.
  I would also like to honor the other sailors aboard the U.S.S. Cole, 
both those injured and non-injured. This tragedy should be a reminder 
to all Americans that on a daily basis our men and women serving in the 
military are continually putting their lives on the line for our 
country in many parts of the world. Even in times of relative peace, 
the potential dangers faced by our service members never cease to 
exist.
  This horrible incident is of particular concern to me because my 
District is home to Naval Air Station, Lemoore. Men and Women in my 
district proudly serve their country and bravely confront serious 
dangers. I know that the tragedy aboard the U.S.S. Cole evokes a 
painful reminder of these dangers to all military families. My thoughts 
are with the Navy families in my district who are mourning the loss of 
their fellow service men and women.
  I am hopeful we will find those who were responsible for this 
cowardly act and hold them accountable. We owe it to the lost sailors 
and their families.
  Today, as the families and friends of the victims come together in 
Norfolk, Virginia to honor their loved ones, I would like to offer my 
condolences and prayers. They will not be forgotten.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend my heartfelt support for 
House Resolution 631, honoring the crew of the U.S.S. Cole. Today on a 
gray and sad day in Norfolk, Virginia and around the country, our 
nation mourns the loss of life and celebrates the service of sailors on 
the U.S.S. Cole.
  My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the seventeen 
sailors killed, and the thirty six injured in the terrorist bombing 
attack off the coast of Yemen. Our nation owes a profound debt of 
gratitude to these proud sailors who lost their lives or suffered 
injury defending the American people and the values of freedom and 
democracy on which our nation stands.
  I extend my deep admiration to the entire crew of the U.S.S. Cole for 
the bravery and professionalism they displayed in caring for their 
wounded and stabilizing their ship. This tragedy underscores the 
commitment and sacrifice of our nation's fighting men and women who put 
their lives in danger on a daily basis for the security of our country.
  This attack was an unconscionable act of cowardice and those 
responsible will be sought out and swiftly brought to justice. The 
United States will stay the course, acting as the leading force of 
stability and freedom in the fight against terrorism.
  We will not be bowed or intimidated by this attack, as will carry the 
memory of the U.S.S. Cole in our hearts to strengthen our resolve and 
continue the struggle for world peace. Just as these seventeen sailors 
protected us in life, we shall honor and protect the memory of their 
sacrifice by standing firm against this type of senseless violence.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the previous question is 
ordered on the resolution.
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the resolution.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, this 15-
minute vote on House Resolution 631 will be followed by several 5-
minute votes on motions to suspend the rules that were debated 
yesterday.
  The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 386, 
nays 0, not voting 46, as follows:

                             [Roll No. 531]

                               YEAS--386

     Abercrombie
     Ackerman
     Aderholt
     Allen
     Andrews
     Archer
     Armey
     Baca
     Bachus
     Baird
     Baker
     Baldacci
     Baldwin
     Ballenger
     Barcia
     Barr
     Barrett (NE)
     Bartlett
     Barton
     Bass
     Bentsen
     Bereuter
     Berkley
     Berman
     Berry
     Biggert
     Bilbray
     Bilirakis
     Bishop
     Blagojevich
     Bliley
     Blumenauer
     Blunt
     Boehlert
     Boehner
     Bonilla
     Bonior
     Bono
     Borski
     Boswell
     Boucher
     Boyd
     Brady (PA)
     Brady (TX)
     Brown (OH)
     Bryant
     Burr
     Burton
     Buyer
     Callahan
     Calvert
     Camp
     Canady
     Cannon
     Capps
     Capuano
     Carson
     Castle
     Chabot
     Chambliss
     Clay
     Clayton
     Clement
     Clyburn
     Coble
     Coburn
     Collins
     Combest
     Condit
     Cook
     Cooksey
     Costello
     Cox
     Coyne
     Cramer
     Crane
     Crowley
     Cubin
     Cummings
     Cunningham
     Danner
     Davis (FL)
     Davis (IL)
     Davis (VA)
     Deal
     DeFazio
     DeGette
     DeLauro
     DeLay
     DeMint
     Deutsch
     Diaz-Balart
     Dickey
     Dicks
     Dingell
     Dixon

[[Page 23180]]


     Doggett
     Doolittle
     Doyle
     Dreier
     Duncan
     Dunn
     Edwards
     Ehlers
     Ehrlich
     Emerson
     Engel
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     Evans
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     Frank (MA)
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     Gordon
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     Green (WI)
     Greenwood
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     Hall (OH)
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     Hastings (WA)
     Hayes
     Hayworth
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     Herger
     Hill (IN)
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     Hilleary
     Hilliard
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     Hoekstra
     Holden
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     Horn
     Hoyer
     Hulshof
     Hunter
     Hutchinson
     Hyde
     Inslee
     Isakson
     Istook
     Jackson (IL)
     Jackson-Lee (TX)
     Jefferson
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     John
     Johnson (CT)
     Johnson, E.B.
     Johnson, Sam
     Jones (NC)
     Kanjorski
     Kaptur
     Kelly
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     Kind (WI)
     King (NY)
     Kingston
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     LaFalce
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     Lampson
     Lantos
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     Leach
     Lee
     Levin
     Lewis (CA)
     Lewis (GA)
     Lewis (KY)
     Linder
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     Lucas (OK)
     Luther
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     Meehan
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     Meeks (NY)
     Menendez
     Metcalf
     Mica
     Millender-McDonald
     Miller, Gary
     Miller, George
     Minge
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     Moran (KS)
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     Morella
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     Paul
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     Pelosi
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     Petri
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     Pickering
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     Pomeroy
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     Portman
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     Pryce (OH)
     Quinn
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     Shows
     Shuster
     Simpson
     Sisisky
     Skeen
     Skelton
     Slaughter
     Smith (MI)
     Smith (NJ)
     Smith (TX)
     Smith (WA)
     Snyder
     Souder
     Spence
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     Taylor (MS)
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     Terry
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     Thornberry
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     Upton
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     Weller
     Wexler
     Whitfield
     Wicker
     Wilson
     Wolf
     Woolsey
     Wu
     Wynn
     Young (AK)
     Young (FL)

                             NOT VOTING--46

     Barrett (WI)
     Becerra
     Brown (FL)
     Campbell
     Cardin
     Chenoweth-Hage
     Conyers
     Delahunt
     Dooley
     English
     Fattah
     Forbes
     Franks (NJ)
     Gephardt
     Goode
     Graham
     Gutierrez
     Hansen
     Hostettler
     Houghton
     Jones (OH)
     Kasich
     Kennedy
     Klink
     Kolbe
     Lazio
     Lipinski
     McCollum
     McIntosh
     Miller (FL)
     Nethercutt
     Ney
     Oxley
     Pascrell
     Pitts
     Rodriguez
     Ros-Lehtinen
     Sanders
     Shaw
     Spratt
     Stupak
     Talent
     Turner
     Walsh
     Weygand
     Wise

                              {time}  1833

  Mrs. CUBIN changed her vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.''
  So the resolution was agreed to.
  The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________