[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18]
[Issue]
[Pages 23961-24131]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
[[Page 23961]]
VOLUME 150--PART 18
SENATE--Thursday, November 18, 2004
The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was called to order by the Honorable
Lisa Murkowski, a Senator from the State of Alaska.
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prayer
The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, offered the following prayer:
Let us pray.
Sovereign Lord, You are our God and strong deliverer, a refuge for
all who call on Your name. Send to us the power and grace we need today
to glorify Your name. Give us the purity of heart that will shut the
door to all evil.
Today, bless the Members of this body. Keep their feet in the path of
integrity that they may walk securely. Develop in them a perseverance
which refuses to leave any task half done. Empower them with a
diligence that will never offer You less than their best.
Lord, strengthen our military for the battles of today and tomorrow.
Stand at the right hand of freedom's warriors and lift up their heads.
We pray this in Your mighty Name. Amen.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Honorable Lisa Murkowski led the Pledge of Allegiance, as
follows:
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of
America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
____________________
APPOINTMENT OF ACTING PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will please read a communication to
the Senate from the President pro tempore (Mr. Stevens).
The assistant legislative clerk read the following letter:
U.S. Senate,
President pro tempore,
Washington, DC, November 18, 2004
To the Senate:
Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby appoint the Honorable
Lisa Murkowski, a Senator from the State of Alaska, to
perform the duties of the Chair.
Ted Stevens,
President pro tempore.
Ms. MURKOWSKI thereupon assumed the Chair as Acting President pro
tempore.
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RECOGNITION OF THE ACTING MAJORITY LEADER
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Kentucky is
recognized.
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SCHEDULE
Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, today we will begin a period of
morning business which will extend well into the afternoon. A number of
Senators have indicated they will come to the floor and pay tribute to
our colleagues who will not be running for the 109th Congress. We
certainly want to accommodate those requests and have set aside time
accordingly.
At the close of our business this week, we will print those tributes
to honor our departed colleagues. If Senators are not available to come
to the floor to deliver their remarks, they are invited to submit those
statements for the Record. Again, they will be printed as part of this
larger document to which I just referred.
As a reminder, the majority leader has filed a cloture motion on the
miscellaneous tariffs bill. That cloture vote will occur tomorrow
morning. We expect cloture to be invoked; therefore, we hope to finish
that conference report at an early time on Friday.
In addition, as everyone is aware, we continue to await completion of
the Omnibus appropriations bill. It is still our hope and desire to
finish our work on Friday, if at all possible.
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BIPARTISANSHIP
Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, after this month's historic election,
a lot of political pundits are ardently trying to figure out what the
results may have meant. I have been in politics for a period of time,
so I would like to share my point of view on the matter.
Obviously, people on our side of the aisle are pleased that the
electorate has returned President Bush for a second term, and obviously
we are equally pleased that the larger Republican majority in both
Houses of Congress will be available to work with the President next
year. The last time a reelected President returned to office with
larger majorities of his party in both the House and the Senate was
back in 1936 when President Roosevelt was running for reelection the
first time. If the American people suddenly speak louder than they have
in 70 years, I think it is clear that they would like to see some
action.
The voters didn't send any of us Republicans or Democrats up here
just to sit in these chairs. They sent us here to get things
accomplished. Republicans can't and shouldn't do that alone. We will
need to cooperate with our colleagues across the aisle to produce
results, which is what we were sent here, of course, to do.
Soon Republicans will fill 55 seats in this Chamber. That is a nice
number but it is not 60. And it often takes 60, as we all know.
Frequently--actually most of the time--it takes 60 to get results in
the Senate.
So to our Democratic friends on the other side, let me say we want to
work with you. The voters expect us to work in a bipartisan manner to
make our country more secure, our economic opportunities more
plentiful, and our common values more respected. To do that, we need
your support, and we will work to earn it.
Last week, Senator Lieberman, a good friend of mine and a good friend
of many of us in the Senate, came to my hometown of Louisville, KY,
where he spoke at the University of Louisville, my alma mater, where he
gave an outstanding speech. In it he said:
It is critically important that we put first things first,
and national interests ahead of our party interests.
I commend the Senator from Connecticut for his exemplary spirit of
goodwill. I think that is a good guidepost for all of us as we begin
the 109th Congress in January.
I say to my Democratic friends that we are all willing to work with
them in that same spirit which Joe Lieberman
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outlined. Together, we are going to accomplish great things of which
this body can truly be proud.
We will have hard tasks ahead of us. The Social Security system is a
speeding train heading for a brick wall and really must be set right
for future generations. The tax system is burdensome and unfair and
must be reinvented to fit our 21st century economy. We have to finish
the job in Iraq so we can bring our troops home safely and with honor.
We have tackled tough challenges before. Working together--
Republicans and Democrats--successfully reformed the welfare system and
put millions of Americans on the path to self-reliance and financial
stability. Working together--Republicans and Democrats--projected
American power into the former Yugoslavia to halt the killing of
innocents and provide humanitarian aid. Working together--Republicans
and Democrats--we moved the brutal Taliban regime from Afghanistan and
struck a fatal blow against al-Qaida.
Now we have a chance to make history again. Republicans are not
likely to accomplish much alone. The same is true for our Democrat
colleagues. This Senate should heed America's call for action. The
voters of our States didn't send us here to simply mark time. They sent
us here to build a better America for our sons and daughters, and
future generations yet to come.
As we move forward, this new Congress must be prepared to get to
work, and to get to work on a bipartisan basis.
I yield the floor. what
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RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, the
leadership time is reserved.
____________________
MORNING BUSINESS
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, there
will be a period for the transaction of morning business with Senators
permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.
The Senator from New Jersey.
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BIPARTISANSHIP
Mr. CORZINE. Madam President, first, let me say that it is this
Senator's personal desire, following the comments the Senator from
Kentucky has so ably given, that we came here to try to make things
better for the world in the years beyond and for our children. So much
of what he talked about--whether it is Social Security or the Tax Code
or our needs and in foreign policy--does require that we work together.
I commend the Senator for his comments. We do have to work together
as we go forward.
In fact, one of the things I want to talk about, and why I came to
the Senate, one of the areas is where bipartisanship and joint effort
has been fundamental to raising an issue, framing it, and getting it in
front of the American people. I come to the Senate today to talk about
the genocide in Darfur, Sudan, and what we, the United States of
America, are going to be doing about it.
Today, the U.N. Security Council is meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, to
discuss Sudan and to seek the end of the civil war between the north
and the south. This is a good thing and I congratulate Ambassador
Danforth, in particular, for his personal efforts in making this
possibility real and tangible.
Multilateral diplomacy is critical. Peace between north and south is
an important component of an overall political solution for the Sudan.
At the end of the day, if we do not stop the killing in Darfur--which
is independent in many ways from the north-south issue--if we do not
stop the genocide, then we fail.
Members will hear me say repeatedly words are important; deeds are a
reality. Lives are at stake. What greater moral imperative can we have
than to stop genocide? What greater moral failure can there be than
allowing genocide to occur? The death toll is mounting in Darfur with
all kinds of estimates--70,000, over 100,000, 125,000.
The issue is stark: life or death. Deeds, not words, are what
matters. History will judge us based on whether we actually stop this
genocide--not whether we gave great speeches or passed great
resolutions or made statements, but what have we done to stop it.
The words have all been said. In July, this body unanimously passed a
bipartisan resolution introduced by Senator Brownback and myself,
declaring that the atrocities in Darfur were genocide. On the same day,
the House passed a similar resolution. In September, Secretary Powell
made the same declaration for the administration. We all welcomed the
announcement.
Since then, the situation has only deteriorated. The death toll may
have already gone over, as I suggested, 100,000 human beings. Armed
militias continue to rape women and girls with impunity. Civilians are
being driven from their homes by the hundreds of thousands. Now the
refugees are being driven from one camp to another camp, or even out of
the camps altogether. The displaced population in Darfur is over 1.5
million. That is what is confirmed.
In the last few weeks, Janjaweeds have attacked these IDP camps, the
refugee camps, destroying shelters, beating civilians, and forcibly
moving people from one location to another.
The escalating violence preventing humanitarian organizations from
reaching needy people is also occurring. Already, nearly one-quarter of
the children under the age of five in Darfur are certifiably
malnourished and close to half of the families do not have enough food.
Recently, food convoys have been attacked and large areas of Darfur
are now effectively closed to the humanitarian organizations that are
distributing food, medicine, and other elements. Hundreds of thousands
of needy refugees cannot be reached.
Before this wave of violence--even before it--World Food Program
reported that it served 175,000 fewer people in October than September.
Get that: Statistics for our program serving the needy are going down,
175,000 fewer people in October than in September.
When I visited Darfur in August, the conditions were grim. The one
ray of hope was the pressure from the international community,
including a threat of sanctions that forced the Government in Khartoum
to allow access by humanitarian organizations. Humanitarian workers
were overwhelmed by the number of refugees, but they were working hard
and saving lives. As a result, estimates of the death toll, which could
have gone as high as a million, were scaled back after that. With the
violence intensifying and humanitarian organizations again restricted
in their movements, we sadly revisit our gravest fears.
The other recent development is the disintegration of order in the
region. Anger and resentment are on the rise among the displaced, and
civil war between Khartoum and the rebels is escalating. All the
conditions are in place for a complete collapse, for long-term
instability and an indefinite humanitarian crisis.
As Jan Pronk, the U.N. Special Representative for Sudan, warned on
November 4:
Darfur may easily enter a state of anarchy; a total
collapse of law and order.
Permitting such a thing to happen is not only immoral, it is
antithetical to our national security interests. Remember, Sudan is the
country that once harbored Osama bin Laden. The prospects of becoming a
terrorist breeding ground are real. This is something that needs to be
addressed now.
This has not happened since the administration declared genocide was
taking place. Whatever the message that declaration sent, it was
clearly not enough and may even have sent the wrong message that the
United States may declare that genocide is existing and then not act to
stop it.
Words without deeds violates the moral and legal obligation we have
under the genocide convention but, more importantly, violates our sense
of right and wrong and the standards we have as human beings about
looking to care for one another. Words without
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deeds is an affront to the principle that guides our Nation and makes a
mockery of the values we as public servants claim to love. The American
people know this, which is why people of faith, of all religions and
denominations and civic groups throughout the country, call for
concerted, resolute, effective action.
Details matter. What will it actually take to stop this genocide? In
September, this body passed by voice vote an amendment offered by
myself and Senator DeWine to provide $75 million for an expanded
African Union force in Darfur. The funding is now being negotiated with
the House of Representatives in the so-called Omnibus bill but has had
little if any support from the administration and some in the Senate.
Senator DeWine and myself offered the amendment after the U.N.
Security Council passed a resolution calling for assistance to the AU
and after Secretary Powell testified the current United States
contribution of $20 million would not be enough. Get that, $20
million--not billions, trillions, which we normally are talking about.
An expanded African Union force of 3,000 will cost roughly $220
million. The European Union recently pledged half that amount would be
forthcoming. We can afford to pay for the rest. We cannot afford to
walk away from our moral obligation. Madam President, $75 million is
less than half of what the administration sought for waste disposal in
Iraq. It is insignificant compared to the costs of the wars that are
waging around the globe. What we cannot afford is to provide anything
less. Shortchanging AU troops or delivering only incremental assistance
may be worse than doing nothing. They do need helicopters, vehicles,
communication equipment, and housing to patrol Darfur. We are moving
forces into Darfur, but we do not give them the tools they need to be
able to do what they are there for and we are setting them up for
failure. We risk undermining the very credibility of a burgeoning
ability to deal with some of these crises that happen all across
Africa, and not just in Darfur. It is precisely now when we need to
give them the resources to be able to succeed.
We should not kid ourselves about the effectiveness of the AU force.
They are responsible for monitoring the April cease-fire. There was an
agreement reached November 9 that includes a no-fly zone that the AU
force must enforce. To quote the current AU chair, Nigerian President
Obsanjo, these agreements ``won't be worth the paper they're written on
if they are not scrupulously implemented on the ground.'' His words are
right. Words without deeds, without resources, is meaningless.
The potential for the situation to overwhelm the AU force is real.
The region is enormous and every day as the violence gets worse, the
challenge grows. The answer is not to dismiss the AU force but to do
whatever it takes to make it effective. If 3,000 troops is not enough,
we should consider others and more. If $220 million is not enough, we
should, along with our allies, push to have additional resources.
Hundreds of thousands of lives are at stake. If the AU cannot set up
command-and-control communications or intelligence right away, we
should help them do it.
In the end, the only test is whether we stop the killing. The same
test applies to sanctions. This week's efforts to reach a north-south
agreement are important, but we must not weaken in any way the pressure
on Khartoum with regard to Darfur. Only consistent, strong, credible
international pressure has ever changed Khartoum's behavior. I heard
one senior administration official say that when their lips are moving,
they are lying. This means we need to apply pressure. This means an
embargo, seizing assets, restricting travel of government officials
and, yes, going after Sudanese oil and gas companies that deal in the
finances that allow this tragedy to continue to unfold. We should be
working with our allies to put in place effective sanctions. If members
of the U.N. Security Council are not amenable, we should work with the
EU. We also have leverage through our own capital markets. The test is
whether we are prepared to stop genocide, something we have all
declared exists, something the administration has declared.
How can we be discussing these options? We should be acting. There is
no more critical moment than now. The pieces are in place.
Today, the U.N. Security Council is meeting in Nairobi preparing to
issue another resolution on Sudan, although I hear the discussion is
very limited with regard to actions they will take with regard to
Khartoum. The United States has rightfully called this genocide. The
U.N. Security Council has agreed on paper that sanctions should be
imposed if Sudan does not stop the violence. That violence has not
stopped.
The Security Council has called on member states to support an
expanded AU force, and the African Union, 2 years old, has stepped up.
Its leadership is committed to preventing another genocide if we will
help. We are the world's only superpower. Genocide is happening and we
must act. President Bush campaigned on a platform of acting wherever
necessary to protect our interests overseas regardless of world
opinion.
With all that has happened in the last few years, how can we claim to
be constrained in this situation with this action taking place against
the human race? We are the world's superpower. If we do everything that
we should do, history will judge that we acted. But they will judge us
harshly if we do not step up to save these lives that will be lost in
the years and the months and the days ahead. If we hesitate now, if we
make excuses, most of us think we will have a hard time forgiving
ourselves for what we did not do. Rwanda is burned in our memory. We
should not allow hundreds of thousands of people to die. We will have
doomed the AU to ineffectual operations on the ground, and we will have
damaged its credibility and its underlying ability to respond to crises
in the future.
I hope we will act. I hope we will not turn the pages of this omnibus
financing without giving the resources to act. Words are not good
enough; deeds are required. I hope we will not have failed our people
and our values we hold dear.
I thank you, Madam President. I yield the floor.
Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. CHAMBLISS. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the
order for the quorum call be rescinded.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
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REQUESTING RETURN OF PAPERWORK--S. 2283
Mr. CHAMBLISS. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Senate request the House to return the papers with respect to S. 2283.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
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TRIBUTES TO RETIRING SENATORS
Zell Miller
Mr. CHAMBLISS. Madam President, I rise this morning to pay tribute to
a very special friend of mine and a friend of Georgia's and a friend of
the United States of America. We are in what we think are our last
couple of days of the 108th session. That being the case, this will be
the last few days that Senator Zell Miller will be in Washington in his
capacity as the senior Senator from our great State of Georgia. I want
to take a minute just to talk about this man who has been such an
inspiration to any number of politicians and others in my State
relative to his public service to our State and to our country.
Zell Miller was born in a little town called Young Harris, GA, which
is in the mountains of north Georgia, one of the most beautiful parts
of our State. His father, unfortunately, died when he was 17 days old,
so he was raised by his mother, whom he has repeatedly talked about in
the books he has written as well as in his speeches.
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His mother Birdie was the most influential person in his life. She did
a heck of a job with Zell Miller as a young man and remained an
inspiration to him throughout his adult life, and particularly in his
life as a public servant to our State.
Zell did one of the best things any man can do; and that is, he
married way over his head early in his life. He married his sweetheart,
Shirley. Before he went into the Marine Corps, he tells the story about
leaving for boot camp and he was afraid when he got back she might not
marry him, so while they were in the mood they ran over to South
Carolina, which is not far away from his hometown of Young Harris, and
got married; and they have had decades of glorious years together. They
have two wonderful sons and four grandchildren and now four great-
grandchildren whom the two of them have enjoyed. Now he will have even
more of an opportunity to spend time with them and enjoy them even
more.
Zell entered the Marine Corps at an early age. Again, as he has
repeatedly said in his books, as well as in his speeches, it is the
best thing he ever did in his life from the standpoint of straightening
him out. All of us go through difficult times in our early years, and
there are specific instances that make us what we are and sort of chart
the course for where we are going to be in future years. Zell has been
very open about the fact that the Marine Corps is the institution that
really put his mind in the right frame that it needed to be for his
adult years.
Zell began his educational career at Young Harris College following
his tenure in the Marine Corps, and then ultimately graduated from the
University of Georgia, which happens to be the same institution of
which I graduated. Again, having a colleague such as Zell to look to as
a fellow alumnus is a great privilege.
Zell then began a teaching career, and also very shortly entered a
public service career. He served two terms as a State senator from his
home county area of Young Harris. I think that was the foundation for
what was going to ultimately become an outstanding career for him in
public service. Like all of us, he suffered defeat as well as victory.
He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. House of Representatives twice.
Having run for Congress myself, and lost the first time, I know it is
not much fun, but you also find out it is the greatest experience of
your life. You meet the nicest people in the world, and you get a real
sense of the fact that there are just literally thousands and thousands
of people in that congressional district who have the same beliefs and
philosophy that you do, so you want to continue to make a difference.
Even though Zell lost those races when he ran twice, that did not
deter him from continuing in public service. He served as our
Lieutenant Governor for four terms, 16 years. He just did a masterful
job. The Lieutenant Governor in Georgia has a little more power than
some of the Lieutenant Governors in other States around the country. He
presided over the State senate, and in that capacity had the obligation
and the power to appoint committee chairmen and to be involved in
legislation from a direct standpoint. He did an outstanding job as
Lieutenant Governor.
Following those four terms, he ran for Governor and, in 1990, was
elected Governor of our State for the first of his two terms. In 1990,
he campaigned on the fact that if we were going to have a State
lottery--that was one of the hot issues on the ballot that year--that
if we were going to have a State lottery, he wanted to make sure the
funds that were generated by that lottery were used for one purpose,
and one purpose only, and that was to improve the quality of education
in our State.
I have to say if there is any one man who is responsible for the
improvement of the quality of education in my State of Georgia, it is
Zell Miller because he not only campaigned on doing that, he made
absolutely certain all the funds generated from that State lottery went
to improve the quality of education.
He is the father of the HOPE Scholarship. It is kind of interesting,
in every campaign now, every statehouse campaign and gubernatorial and
lieutenant gubernatorial race now, those folks who have been involved
in State politics for a while who are running for those races all claim
responsibility for the HOPE Scholarship. But everybody knows that the
father of the HOPE Scholarship, the person who was responsible for its
passage and implementation, is Zell Miller.
The HOPE Scholarship is a provision in our law which says, if you
graduate from a high school in Georgia and you have a B average, you
can go to any State institution that you are successful in applying to
and getting into, and your tuition will be paid for. As long as you
maintain a B average, that tuition will be paid for throughout your
college career. It has been one of the best things we have ever had
happen in our State.
We have been successful keeping our top students at home and
attending our State universities. One of the main reasons is the HOPE
Scholarship. We have kids who might otherwise go to a school in the
Northeast or the West Coast that has a much greater national
reputation, but they do not give the scholarships like the HOPE
Scholarship to all their students who maintain those averages.
So Zell Miller has been primarily responsible for keeping an awful
lot of the top kids graduating from our public institutions as well as
our private institutions in Georgia at our State institutions. As a
result of that, we have seen the average SAT scores at the University
of Georgia, for example, rise every single year since the HOPE
Scholarship went into effect. I do not know what the exact number is
for the entering class this year, but I have confidence in saying the
average SAT score for the entering freshmen class at the University of
Georgia this year is well in excess of 1250, probably closer to
something in excess of 1300. At Georgia Tech it is higher than that.
And in other institutions we have seen the same impact. We are simply
getting the brightest and the best because of Zell Miller and his
commitment to the people of Georgia and his commitment to increasing
the quality of education in our State.
As Governor, he put into effect a voluntary pre-K program for 4-year-
old kids. All of us know that the earlier we involve our children in
the education process, the more likely they are to come out, at the end
of the day, with a better education. It is one of the best things we
ever did from the standpoint of putting our kids in touch with the
school system at an early age. And it has worked.
I could go on and on talking about the things that Senator Miller did
as Governor, but I want to sum it up with two anecdotes.
First, again, education-wise, he was committed to ensuring that the
education of the children of our State improved every year he was in
public service. I will never forget his last 4 years--and I know this;
I remember specifically because my wife was a teacher in the public
school system at that point in time. We were ranked 49th out of 50 with
respect to the average teacher salaries. Zell Miller put into place--
and he made a commitment to the teaching community and made a
commitment to the legislature that they were going to have to abide by
this. He was going to provide a 6-percent increase in teacher salaries
every year for his last 4 years, about a 25-percent increase for
teacher salaries across the board. He not only made the commitment, but
he did it. We went from 49th in average teacher salaries to somewhere
in the high twenties over the 4 years of Zell Miller's last tenure as
Governor of our State.
He also made a commitment to the people of Georgia that if you elect
me for 4 more years, then I am not going to be just your average
Governor and put it on cruise control and go out as a popular guy--and
he had every opportunity to do that.
I will never forget riding back up here on an airplane after one
weekend, and I happened to sit beside Zell. This was several years
after he had left the Governor's office, but I was a Member of the
House. I said: Zell, I guess if there is anything about you, and I were
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to remember one thing over everything else, it is the fact that in your
last 4 years you did what you thought was right, irrespective of the
fact that you could allow the legislature to pass whatever they wanted
to and you could sign it into law. A lot of the legislation were very
popular bills with the people back home, but they simply were not the
right thing to do. He would veto them. He would veto them, not because
he had anything against the issue or the people promoting the bill, but
it was the right thing to do. It was not in the best interest of all
Georgians.
A lot of people ask me today, Why has Zell Miller changed? Zell
Miller has never changed. In his heart, he believes we live in the
greatest country in the world. He believes in his heart that he and I
live in the greatest State in this great country. He is totally
committed to doing what he thinks is right. He did it then when he
vetoed a lot of popular bills, and he didn't have to do that; it would
have been easy not to do that. That is why today when he speaks it is
from his heart because he is doing what he thinks is right.
As he closes out his career, he and I are both mindful every day of
the fact that Zell Miller didn't want to be here. It was not his wish
that he serve in the Senate when he was asked to serve. He ran for the
Senate in 1980 and was not successful. But he had no intention of
coming back to the Senate. Unfortunately, Paul Coverdell, who was his
very close friend and one of my political mentors, passed away in 2000,
and our Democratic Governor, Roy Barnes, went to Zell Miller and said:
Your State needs you, your country needs you, and I need you to fill
the unexpired term of Paul Coverdell. So Zell, after much thought about
it, decided to leave the mountains of north Georgia and his hometown of
Young Harris and go back into public service, to come to Washington. He
and Shirley have been here since July of 2000, when he was appointed to
fill that unexpired term. He ran in 2000 and was elected to the
remainder of the unexpired term. So it wasn't his desire to come back,
but, as always, when he has been called upon to fill a void and to be a
public servant for his State and his country, he has answered that
call--not unlike when he joined the Marine Corps.
As he leaves this great institution at the end of this term in
another 6 or 8 weeks, this man is going to be missed by those who have
looked up to him from a political perspective. He has been a person
that all of us in politics admire because he has always operated in a
bipartisan way and made sure he reached across the aisle and brought
Republicans into his Democratic administration when he served as
governor. Probably one of the highlights of that is the man who is
replacing him in the Senate, my good friend Johnny Isakson, who has
been a longtime Republican in our State.
In Zell's second term as governor, he knew that with education being
a priority he needed a top-flight person to head up our State board of
education. He reached out to Johnny Isakson, who was then out of
politics, and brought him into his administration to chair the State
board of education. Johnny did a terrific job. As a result of that, he
came on to the House to replace Newt Gingrich, and now he will be
replacing Zell Miller in the Senate. That is simply the kind of guy
Zell Miller is.
So it wasn't politics; it was what was in the best interest of our
State, what could he do to continue to improve the quality of the
education of our kids. He just did the right thing. It is the same as
he did in supporting our Republican President. He knew it was the right
thing to do. That is why he was so vocal about it. Irrespective of the
consequences politically, he did what in his heart he thought was the
right thing to do.
So now as Zell goes back to Young Harris, I fully expect him to stay
engaged in the process. He is not the kind of guy who is going to wilt
away, but he will not be as active as he has been for the last three
decades. He will be sitting on his front porch with his two dogs, Gus
and Woodrow, playing with his grandchildren, and enjoying his family. I
am sure his mind will, at times, wander back to his times in Atlanta at
the State capital, and to the days he spent in this institution, and he
will have some great memories. But those of us who have had the
privilege and the opportunity to serve with him are going to have even
better memories.
Zell Miller is a great American, a great Georgian, and he is somebody
all of us are going to miss in the day-to-day world of politics. But he
is somebody who, when we look back and say, you know, if I charted my
course the way he did, I can leave this institution with a great
feeling knowing that I have done what was in the best interest of my
State and in the best interest of my country. So to Zell Miller and to
Shirley, I say thank you. Julianne and I have a great appreciation for
you and a great friendship with you. We look forward to continuing that
friendship. We will miss you here in the U.S. Senate. God bless you.
I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that
the order for the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Ensign). Without objection, it is so
ordered.
Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, what is the parliamentary
procedure that we find ourselves in?
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate is in morning business.
Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, I will address the Senate in
morning business.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Florida is recognized.
____________________
CULTURAL ISSUES IN AMERICA
Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, it seems that several things
have happened with regard to questions of matters of faith and what
some would call cultural issues that seem to be upside down in America.
Just in the last few days, we have seen several ABC stations across
the country that have had a fear of being fined by the Federal
Communications Commission for showing the award-winning movie, ``Saving
Private Ryan,'' because of some of the language that is used in this
extraordinarily heroic film that is one of the most accurate portrayals
of the fog and heat of war that has ever been made.
At the same time, we find that ABC, in its leading up to Monday Night
Football, has fostered an advertisement to promote one of its nightly
network prime time shows in which a risque kind of setting is displayed
for an audience that would inappropriately include children,
particularly, who are watching at around 6 o'clock in the Pacific time
zone of this country. On the one hand, ABC stations are taking off the
air a movie that really has a great deal of portrayal of the strength
of this country and all of its patriotic values and, at the same time,
the network, ABC, is then promoting what some would find questionable.
It seems to me we have lost our sense of balance, our sense of
direction, that it is entirely upside down as to what we should be
doing.
So, too, I have noted in a Washington newspaper today the fact that
Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld is urged to defend the Boy Scout
movement, the title of the headline, and of which critics are pointing
out that a settlement by the Department of Defense of an ACLU suit back
a few years ago is going to continue to drive, to force the military to
cut off all taxpayer support to the Boy Scouts of America which, in
this case, uses military bases for meetings and events, such as their
annual Boy Scout jamboree that is held on a Virginia military base.
It seems that we have it, again, upside down, for if the objection is
that the Boy Scouts of America have, as part of their oath, an
allegiance to God, and if that is the reason for the suit, might I
remind the Members of the Senate that when we took the oath of office,
it said at the end of the oath, ``so help me God.''
But isn't it interesting that the U.S. military has taken a position
in a settlement which, if taken to its logical
[[Page 23966]]
conclusion, would keep the Boy Scouts of America off a military
facility when, in fact, every military officer in the U.S. military,
including this former officer of the U.S. Army, took an oath that said
the following:
That I will support and defend the Constitution of the
United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that
I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I
take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or
purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully
discharge the duties of this office upon which I am about to
enter, so help me God.
That is the part of the oath every U.S. military officer takes, and
it is the one I took decades ago when I entered as an officer of the
U.S. Army.
It seems to me there is a great deal of inconsistency then that the
U.S. Department of Defense would take a position where every one of its
officers has sworn to uphold their oath, and at the end of that oath
state, ``so help me God,'' and yet they are moving to a position to
knock the Boy Scouts out of being able to use public facilities--in
this case, military facilities--because they have a similar oath.
I come back to my opening comments. We have something that is upside
down. There is not a Senator here who does not passionately believe in
freedom of expression, freedom of speech, and freedom of belief in what
any person chooses to believe, but are we getting so mixed up that we
lose sight of what are the accepted ways in which we conduct ourselves
and the respect we have for one another in our respective beliefs?
Really, is there anyone who wants to kick the Boy Scouts out of their
annual jamboree on a Virginia military facility? Of course there isn't.
In this week that has just passed where we see the ABC network saying
to some of these stations that we are not going to allow ``Private
Ryan'' because it has bad words in it, and at the same time promoting a
commercial that certainly has questionable viewing characteristics for
young children at the 6 o'clock timeframe on the west coast of this
country, and where today's news is bringing us to the point at which
our own Department of Defense is taking a position that ultimately
would lead to kicking off the Boy Scouts because the Boy Scouts believe
in God, then I think this country has gone too far. It is time to stand
up and speak out about common sense and principles that were set in
place for this country by its Founding Fathers of a belief in Divine
Providence and a respect for that belief.
So what I will be doing is offering a resolution to the Senate today,
and that resolution will conclude that:
It is the sense of the United States Senate that the
Department of Defense should continue to exercise its
longstanding statutory authority to support the activities of
the Boy Scouts of America, in particular the periodic
national and world Boy Scout jamboree.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Burns). The Senator from Kentucky.
____________________
TRIBUTES TO RETIRING SENATORS
Zell Miller
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, the late Senator Paul Coverdell was a
great Senator and dear friend of many of us in this body. His untimely
passing left a great hole in our hearts. But it also took from Georgia
and from America a great leader.
At the time, none of us had any idea how we would ever manage without
him. I remember when we were doing tributes to him after his death.
There was great emotion on the floor of the Senate. I remember Senator
Phil Gramm tearfully giving Senator Coverdell a farewell. We all felt
great affection for him.
So when the Governor of Georgia, Governor Barnes, needed someone to
step into Paul Coverdell's place to be the voice for Georgia, he called
upon a fellow whom I had not previously met but had heard of for some
time, former Gov. Zell Miller.
Happily retired and without personal ambition for further public
office, Zell Miller responded to the call of duty. And what a
difference he has made in this body. In a time of turmoil, a time of
terrorist attacks, of economic challenge, of foreign war, when America
needed somebody to lead, Providence blessed America with a great
Senator, Zell Miller.
During his short tenure here, this old marine has been critical to
our efforts to obtain economic opportunity, homeland security, and
national security for this Nation. I can say with total certainty that
Paul Coverdell would be proud--proud--of the accomplishments of Zell
Miller. They have been good for Georgia, and they have been good for
America.
A review of every major battle this administration had in the last 4
years shows that Zell Miller was in the middle of each one and the
linchpin to each success. Zell Miller was instrumental to the economic
recovery our Nation now enjoys. Zell Miller was the key to the homeland
security our Nation has attained. Zell Miller was one of the strongest
voices to harden our Nation's resolve to fully wage the war against
terrorism. On these, the most critical issues upon which history will
judge this Nation, this President, and this Congress, it was Zell
Miller whose vote and voice made the difference.
Zell made the difference when the numbers didn't add up to victory.
Like our mutual friend, Phil Gramm, apparently being outnumbered was
never a cause for concern to Zell. Zell served in the proud line of
Truman Democrats. Like Harry Truman, he called for unity during a time
of war and, like Harry Truman, gave hell to anybody who played games
with our national security.
Like John Kennedy, he knew that tax cuts were not just good for the
economy but they were good for the take-home-pay of workers and their
families. But from Zell we didn't just hear the thoughts of old-school
Democrats, we also rediscovered the truths of our Nation. He showed us
that integrity still matters, that nation comes before party, and that
thinking first of our children and grandchildren is the right and
proper way to judge national policy. Any time Zell looked for his
bearings, he gazed to those fixed stars of his favorite constellation:
His wife Shirley, his children, his seven grandchildren, and two great-
grandchildren. This internal compass served him well because no one
could ever accuse Zell of being confused about what he believed in and
why.
So Zell Miller heads back to the Appalachian Mountains of north
Georgia, whence he came. He returns with his wife Shirley back to the
base of Double Knob Mountains, where the ravines flow to the Brasstown
Creek and then the Hiawassee River and on to the Gulf of Mexico. He
returns to the dirt roads he walked as a lad, where he worked with his
mother, to haul stones from a nearby field to build a rock-walled house
with no rafter, no subfloor, and a ladder for a staircase in which he
was raised.
From such modest beginnings, and such a modest man, the world is
better because of his leadership. He stands as a lesson for all and for
all time. Because of Zell Miller, I can say, be you a Senator, a
college graduate, a single mother, or an elementary school student,
never, never, never doubt the impact a single person with clear vision
and a strong heart can make for your family, your community, your
nation, and, yes, your world--not just for now but for generations to
come.
So, Senator Miller, we will miss you around here.
Mr. President, we have had the privilege over the last 4 years to
serve with a truly great American who has made a difference in a body
in which it is very difficult for an individual Senator to frequently
make a difference. Farewell, Senator Miller. We look forward to seeing
you in the coming years.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Graham of South Carolina). The Senator
from Alabama.
Zell Miller
Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I thank the assistant majority leader
for his fine words. I certainly agree with those about Zell Miller.
Democracies in general, America in particular, seem blessed that in
times of turmoil, leaders do step forward and give us the
[[Page 23967]]
guidance we need. During a time of war and economic challenge, America
got such a leader in Zell Miller. It is not too much to say that he was
the key, the very hinge upon which much of the fate of the agenda of
the last several years swung. For the goals of President Bush, from
homeland security to economic growth to the war on terrorism, Zell
Miller has been the difference between victory and defeat, the gap
between almost and barely.
I think part of the willingness of Senator Miller to step forward,
break ranks, and support President Bush came because he is a man of
experience and judgment and integrity. He got to know President Bush.
He looked into his heart, he examined his policies, and he believed
him. He had a particular belief in this man at this point in history,
based on his study of history, his writing, and his experience, and he
was willing to step forward in an unusual degree and take a lot of
grief for it, to stand up for what he believed was right.
When President Bush proposed a tax cut to get the economy moving in
2001, and things were not going well, Zell Miller was the first
Democrat to support that plan. He cosponsored the bill with Phil Gramm
of Texas, a great Senator. When they teamed up I thought of that slogan
in the Alabama football network. Bear Bryant would have a TV show every
week to talk about the game. He promoted Coca-Cola from Georgia, I
guess, and Golden Flake potato chips, and the slogan was: ``Great Pair
Says the Bear.'' So when Zell Miller and Phil Gramm joined forces, it
was indeed a great pair. When it came time to protect the homeland
against terrorist attacks, it was Zell Miller who stood with the
President in 2002 to make sure we had a Department that functioned more
like the Pentagon than the post office in protecting the lives of
American citizens. After 4 months and 11 votes and a national election,
finally it took. We passed the Homeland Security bill that has
succeeded in keeping us safe, since 9/11, at least--a feat not many
would have predicted possible at the time.
I would just say this: Senator Miller understood the importance of
that issue. I believe he called three press conferences. He urged those
who were blocking the Homeland Security bill for some sort of internal
governmental union-type politics, not on the real merits--he warned
them that this was bad. It was bad for America, and it was bad
politically for those who blocked it.
They didn't listen. I think they wished they had. Certainly, after
the election they were quite willing to pass the bill they had been
blocking before the election.
When the economy slowed down due to the attacks and the corporate
scandal, and it came time to accelerate the tax cuts in 2003, once
again it was Zell Miller who made the economic incentive plan the law
of the land.
On the question of judges for America, Zell Miller had the classical
view of the role of a judge consistent with his good friend, the
wonderful Judge Griffin Bell, who was a court of appeals judge and also
Attorney General of the United States under President Jimmy Carter. He
follows that philosophy. As a matter of fact, he analyzed each nominee
who came forward and I believe saw fit to support the nominees,
consistently, that President Bush sent forward--not because of politics
but because he believed those judges would follow the law, not make
law. They would be constructionists, not activists.
Oftentimes, on each one of these issues it came down to this one man
making the difference, either taking the lead or casting the key vote
on those issues. He taught us once again that nation, family, faith,
heritage, and principle are more important than politics and party. In
this he reaffirmed the belief that government for, of, and by the
people can work.
When he spoke, people listened. I will tell you why people listened.
I asked him how he found time, how he did his speeches. He personally
writes his speeches. It is not written by staff. It is not generated by
some computer. It is not regurgitated from some document or some
memorandum or some summary somewhere. It comes from his heart, his
experience, his head, and his understanding of this great Republic of
which we are blessed to be a part. That is why people listen to his
speeches.
Most of us recall his speech in New York at the convention, where he,
in Trumanesque fashion, blasted those who play games with our national
defense. They squalled and thought it was hell. He was just telling the
truth, I suggest.
It was clear, passionate, and powerful and helped change the course
of the national debate. It changed the course of the national debate
because it was true. What he said was important. It had to do with
whether this Nation would have leadership committed to a strong
America. He also had some very fine words right here on the floor of
the Senate.
On the Energy bill, he rose in ``defense of that great American
workhorse,'' in his words, the pickup truck. He told a story of meeting
a guy who was a PHD--that is a post hole digger--who said:
If you really want to know when times are bad, take notice
of the number of people having to sell their pickups. Look at
the ads in the paper and the ``for sale'' signs in the yards.
The more you see, the worse it is because pickups are the
very symbol of the working man. As the pickup goes, so does
the working man and the very heart of this country.
He added:
Pickups are as essential to the carpenter as his hammer; as
essential to the painter as his paintbrush. So we must leave
this American workhorse, the pickup truck, alone. Don't pick
on the pickup.
Then he shared with us a tune called ``Talking Pickup Truck Blues.''
He spared us the agony of singing it, but he did share one verse.
Sure, an SUV is classy travel, but it ain't much good for
hauling gravel, or hay or bovine feces. So please do not make
my pickup truck an endangered species.
That is not often heard on the floor of this Senate--words of
eloquence that bring a smile to us all but more than that drives home a
truth about real people who serve America day after day in pickup
trucks.
So this man knows America. Given all the good he has done in so
little time--he has given so much to it--he leaves much too soon. He
has done a great job for this Nation and for Georgia in replacing the
departed Paul Coverdell who we all loved and admired. He has been a
great leader and a great Senator, and the Senate will miss the presence
of this old Marine sergeant.
I can say without contradiction I believe that few Senators in the
history of this Republic have in one short term contributed so much to
the health and welfare of our Nation and made such a tremendous impact
on it.
It is because he put his Nation first; he stood for what we believe
in. He was true to his raising.
I thank the Chair. I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Georgia.
Mr. MILLER. Mr. President, I have listened with a grateful heart to
the generous words of my colleagues, the Senator from Kentucky and
earlier this morning the Senator from Alabama. I will remember and
cherish those words as long as I am on this Earth. I thank each of them
for their friendship.
I see my good friend from Montana on the floor. I thank him, a fellow
marine, for his friendship.
This means more to me than I have words to express. I did not come to
this Senate expecting events to unfold as they have. I guess I am
living proof that politics is not an exact science.
In Shakespeare's ``Hamlet,'' his friend Laertes is going off to
college and his father Polonius is giving him the usual advise that you
give when your sons go off to college. After all the words of caution
that I hope fathers still give their sons, Polonius ended with these
words:
This above all: to thine ownself be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
I have always believed that and I have tried to live that.
I have had a most blessed personal life--personal and political.
Since 1959, voters in Georgia have been putting me
[[Page 23968]]
in one office or another, and I am deeply grateful to them.
God has richly blessed my personal life. My wife Shirley has been the
perfect partner for over 50 years. She has been my companion, my
critic, my crutch. We have two wonderful sons, Murphy and Matthew, and
our daughters-in-law and our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren.
We are very blessed.
If he had lived, Paul Coverdell would be ending his second 6-year
term. As I told some of my colleagues last night, not a day has gone by
since I have been here that I have not thought of this good man who
left us so suddenly and so tragically.
My most fervent hope during these 4\1/2\ years has been that Paul
would be pleased with the way I have served and finished out his term.
I know Paul is pleased, as I am, that our mutual friend Johnny Isakson,
one of the finest public servants I have ever known, will soon be our
successor in this great body.
I also wish to say what an honor it has been to serve the last 2
years with my colleague from Georgia, Senator Saxby Chambliss.
Now as this page turns on the final chapter of my career as a public
servant, I cannot help but remember how it was in that first chapter of
my life. Growing up in a remote Appalachian valley, we lived in a house
made of rocks my mother gathered from a nearby creek with only an open
fireplace for heat, no indoor plumbing, no car, no phone, and no
father.
On summer nights before the TVA dammed up the Hiawassee River and
brought electricity to that Appalachian valley, after the Moon had come
up over the mountain, the lightning bugs were blinking, while the frogs
croaked down at the creek and the katydids sang, every once in a while
a whippoorwill's lonesome cry could be heard.
I remember after my mother had finally quit working and was getting
us quiet and ready to go to bed, we would play a game. The game would
start when the headlights of that rare car would penetrate the
darkness, maybe once every half hour or so on that narrow strip of
asphalt across a big ditch in front of our house. We would stare at the
headlights of the car as it made its way around the steep curves and
finally over Brasstown Mountain. We would count and see how long it
took from the time it went by our house until its taillights would
disappear through that distant gap and was no longer a part of that one
and only world I knew.
It was often at this time my mother would laugh and say, ``You know
what's so great about this place? You can get anywhere in the world
from here.''
That world has turned many times since I first traveled that narrow
road through that gap and out of that valley. It has been a long road
with many twists and turns, ups and downs, bumps, and, yes, a few
wrecks, a road that twice carried me to the highest office of the ninth
largest State in this Nation, to all the continents and famous cities
of the world and, finally, to the Senate.
So I leave this Senate, knowing that once again my mother has been
proved right. One could get anywhere in the world from that little
mountain valley and back again. Everywhere I have ever been really was
on my way back home.
I thank all of you. I thank my family. I thank my very special staff
who has stayed with me through thick and thin. I thank my friends and
especially my God. It has been one heck of a ride.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Montana.
Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I wish to say a few words about my friend
from Georgia, Senator Miller, who preceded my remarks.
I was raised in the Midwest. We both come out of an era of rural
America. It was a different life. I remember when we did not have
electricity. We did not live on a gravel road. We did not have running
water in the house. In fact, the water bucket froze on cold winter
nights. We didn't have the best clothes in the world. But they were
clean. And I have never gone to bed hungry.
I have an idea my mother was kind of like Mrs. Miller. A home full of
love on a badlands farm made up of two rocks and one dirt, trying to
hang on to it, coming out of tough times called the Depression of the
dirty 1930s. It shaped a lot of character. It put a lot of fiber in a
lot of people who went on to love this country and would serve her and
our States at any cost.
The highest compliment one could pay to any person we meet in this
body, comes from the West in an expression that says: We'll not say
goodbye; we'll just say so long because you are welcome to sit at my
fire anytime.
That is my feeling toward this old marine. I only have one
disappointment, that we never did get a trip to the Pacific to visit
Iwo Jima. I have been there but he never got to go. We tried every way
in the world. We had a couple trips scrubbed because of business in the
Senate. We never did make it, but we are not going to give up.
So we say so long to Zell Miller, a good friend, a good Senator, a
great representative of Georgia, and a great representative of this
country.
I came down here today to talk about other men who will be leaving
this Senate, including Senator Hollings from South Carolina. He was
chairman of the Commerce Committee when I first came here in 1988 and
1989. I was up to my eyes in confusion, trying to drink out of a fire
hydrant to take it all in. My former chairman of the Commerce Committee
was part of my education, a very important part of it, in understanding
the work done in the committees and this business of setting policy
that conforms to the wants and desires of our States and what is good
for the country.
One time I offered a little amendment that had a far-reaching effect
in the debate of regulating the cable industry. I didn't want to do
that but I wanted to give him a little competition to make them better.
I offered an amendment without telling anybody on the committee,
without telling a soul.
I will tell the Presiding Officer I know what it is like to sit way
down at the end of the committee because when I came here my seniority
was S100.
I remember the chairman, Mr. Hollings, saying, I've never heard of
anything like that. It was pretty obvious we were going to have to go
to a vote. He didn't know if he had enough votes to defeat it and I
didn't know if I had enough votes to pass it. An instance such as that
calls for a little backroom sit-down, talk about this, and see what it
does to the issue.
I was right there with him. Senator Inouye from Hawaii was also in
the meeting. One can start to learn the ways of the Senate especially
in the areas of committee work.
I will miss Ernest Hollings because he has been an institution here
serving from the 89th through the 108th Congress. That is a great
tradition.
The Presiding Officer knows and understands Ernest Hollings. We may
disagree on philosophy but we did not disagree on America.
Don Nickles will leave this Senate in this year, having arrived in
1980 with President Ronald Reagan. The real voice of conservatism, a
fiscal conservative, who stood in this Senate and fought wasteful
spending and did it with grace, did it with knowledge, a leader among
all.
There again, he being 8 years ahead of me, he was a mentor and
someone I could look to, study and learn from.
In 1987 or 1986, Tom Daschle came to the Senate. A neighbor from
South Dakota from Aberdeen, SD, we both learned a little bit here. He
was much more successful than I, reaching into leadership of his party.
We had a lot of common friends in South Dakota. I will be sorry to see
Tom Daschle leave the Senate. But he has left big tracks here. There
are fond memories on issues that we agreed on and issues that we did
not agree, but we did not do it being disagreeable.
Bob Graham from Florida I learned was in the Angus business and he
leaves this year.
John Breaux from Louisiana. I worked with him on the Commerce
Committee regarding energy issues. His wisdom will be missed.
I am afraid I took much more from these men than I could ever return
to them.
[[Page 23969]]
I served only one term with John Edwards and Peter Fitzgerald. They,
too, will be missed in the Senate. Their contribution was huge.
Ben Nighthorse Campbell served from the 103rd to the 108th Congress.
But my, the knowledge he has had and the experiences he has had.
It seems as if he has always ridden dangerous things, including old
broncs and horses, which are unpredictable, and, you might say, not the
safest things. What a great thrill being the cover Senator for Harley
Davidson. He, too, has lived a great life. He, too, understands the
West. He is also a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. The
reservation is in my State of Montana.
We campaigned together, learned from each other. Now he will be
returning back to his Colorado, back to the High Country. He is looking
forward to that.
Peter Fitzgerald comes from Illinois. As to all of these men, I want
to say you do form relationships here, and there is a certain bond that
attracts us all, as we learn that even though you may be on the same
side of the aisle or the opposite side of the aisle, one could always
agree or disagree without being disagreeable. That is what makes the
Senate a special place.
We will miss all of these men, but I am looking forward to those who
take their place as, there again, new relationships will be developed,
a new bond dealing with the old challenges of a free society, with
those who love the Constitution and love this country who were prepared
to die for it and would if asked to do so today. No one doubts the
depth of their patriotism nor their service to their country. We
welcome them as we say goodbye to old friends, old relationships that
will never be forgotten.
Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a
quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order
for the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be
allowed to speak for up to ten minutes in morning business.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate is in morning business. The Senator
from Tennessee is recognized.
____________________
1989 EDUCATION SUMMIT
Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, right after the election, on November
3, 2004, I went to the Miller Center at the University of Virginia. The
purpose of the occasion was a discussion of the 1989 Education Summit.
It had been 15 years since the President of the United States and the
Nation's Governors--all of our chief executives--gathered in
Charlottesville, VA, to establish the first ever national education
goals for our country.
It is astonishing to me that 15 years have gone by since then, and it
was to most other governors who were there. It was important to look
back on what had happened in 1989, to see how it happened, and to think
about what happened since then.
The summit at the University of Virginia had gone remarkably well.
President George H.W. Bush had convened it. Terry Bransted, the
Governor of Iowa, was chairman of the National Governors Association
that year. He had appointed the Governor from Arkansas, Bill Clinton,
whose library is opening today, and Carroll Campbell of South Carolina
as the lead Governors. Working with the President's representatives,
they came up with those first national education goals. There had been
a long prelude to all of this activity in 1989. I was a part of that
prelude, and I saw a lot of it happen.
In 1978, when I was elected Governor and Bill Clinton was elected
Governor of Arkansas, and Dick Riley of South Carolina, and our
colleague, Bob Graham, who was Governor of Florida, we were all faced
with the same issues. Our States were behind; the world was changing,
and we needed a better education system, particularly at the elementary
and secondary level. So that by 1983, when the report of the U.S.
Department of Education, called ``A Nation at Risk,'' came out saying
we were greatly at risk because of the mediocrity of the education
system, it was into that environment that it came.
The Governors in 1985 and 1986 all worked for a year on education. I
was chairman of the NGA that year, and Bill Clinton was the vice
chairman. It was the first time in the history of the governors
organization that we all focused for a year on one subject. Then, by
1989, we had a President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, who
became the first of three consecutive Presidents to say he wanted to be
an education President. The goals that the governors adopted with the
President in 1989 were very straightforward.
No. 1, all children in America will start school ready to learn.
No. 2, high school graduates will increase to 90 percent.
No. 3, American students will leave the fourth, eighth, and twelfth
grades having demonstrated competency in math, science, English,
history, and geography.
No. 4, America would be first in the world in math and science.
No. 5, adult Americans would be literate.
No. 6, every school would be free of drugs and violence.
Those were the goals. You might say after a decade of unprecedented
school reform and concern, America backed into its goals for reform.
That was 15 years ago. A lot has happened since then.
When I became Education Secretary in 1991, we created something
called America 2000, which was to try to move America community by
community toward those national education goals. Governor Clinton
became President Clinton, and he changed the name to Goals 2000 and
tried his brand of moving us in that direction.
Now we have another President, the son of the man for whom I worked,
who has, through No Child Left Behind, working in a bipartisan way,
tried to set from Washington accountability standards that will help
make sure that all children are learning. I rise to talk about this
today only for this reason: That the national summit of governors and
the President, on its 15th anniversary, should not go by without
mentioning it on this floor.
There has never been anything like it before. One of the most
important parts of it was that members of Congress were not involved. A
lot of members of Congress--it was a Democratic legislature at that
time--were not very happy about that. But I think that was the correct
decision because, in my view, elementary and secondary education is a
national concern, central to almost everything important that we do,
but it is not necessarily a Federal Government concern.
The fact that the governors and the President, the chief executives
of our country, met together to establish these goals and begin to move
us toward those goals was, I think, the correct way to do that.
I would like to salute the University of Virginia's Miller Center for
holding this celebration. It included former Education Secretary Dick
Riley, Rod Paige, the current Education Secretary, and I was there as
well. It also included John Sununu, a former Governor of New Hampshire,
who was at the education summit and who was Chief of Staff at the White
House at the time it was organized, and Jerry Baliles, the former
Governor of Virginia, who was Governor of Virginia at the time the
education summit was held.
I thought Governor Baliles' remarks were especially interesting and
useful. He talked about the political context of the times and how the
governors were able to do this without interference from Congressmen
and Senators in Washington, DC. He talked about the competitiveness of
our country and the world, and how we are driven to realize that better
schools meant better jobs and that most of our standard of living
depends upon the research, the inventions, and technology that we have
at our great system of colleges and universities in the world. And, he
talked about where we had come in the last 15 years.
[[Page 23970]]
I ask unanimous consent to print in the Record, following my remarks,
the full remarks of the Honorable Gerald L. Baliles, the former
Governor of Virginia, which he made at the Miller Center of Public
Affairs and the Curry School of Education in Charlottesville on
November 4, 2004.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
(See exhibit 1.)
Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I think it is worthwhile, in addition
to this, to give a little credit to former President George H.W. Bush.
I still believe that when the dust settles and history books are
written, President Bush's leadership in education will be among his
most significant and lasting contributions.
His tour of duty was interrupted by the voters in 1992, so he was not
able to finish the job. But his America 2000 community effort had a
variety of initiatives which set the agenda for American education in
the 1990s. They included a new set of national standards in core
curriculum subjects, including science, history, English, geography,
arts, civics, and foreign languages. It included a national voluntary
examination system geared to those new standards. They included new
generation, thousands of start-from-scratch, ``break-the-mold
schools.'' We call them today charter schools, but then there were only
perhaps ten such charter schools. It included giving teachers more
autonomy and flexibility in their classrooms by waiving federal rules
and regulations, something Congress eventually did more of later. It
also included a GI bill for children, to give middle and low-income
families $1,000 scholarships to spend at any lawfully operated school
of their choice, thereby giving those parents more of the same choices
that wealthy parents already had.
That was an excellent agenda in the early 1990s. It is still a good
agenda today. The summit on education, the national education goals
created in 1989, need to be remembered, and so does the leadership of
President George W. Bush on education.
I yield the floor.
Exhibit 1
The Remarks of The Honorable Gerald L. Baliles, Former Governor of
Virginia and Partner, Hunton & Williams, before the Miller Center of
Public Affairs and The Curry School of Education, The University of
Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, November 4, 2004
the 1989 education summit: a reevaluation
At the beginning of the 1992 Vice Presidential debate, Ross
Perot's running mate, Admiral Stockdale, opened the debate by
looking into the camera and saying, ``Who am I and why am I
here?''
Today, I am here because 15 years ago I, along with the
rest of the nation's governors, met with the first President
Bush and his cabinet for an unprecedented Education Summit
here at the University of Virginia.
I am a strong believer in the importance of context; in the
notion that to truly understand an event or a series of
events, one must understand the times in which those events
occurred. And that is my role here today.
The agenda is filled with Education Secretaries, educators
and others who have played a critical role in how the results
of the Summit were implemented. They have been on the front
lines of education in the fifteen years since the Summit,
while I retired from public office just three and-a-half
months after the Summit's conclusion. I look forward to their
assessments of the progress made and the challenges that
confront us.
1 believe that former New Hampshire Governor and White
House Chief of Staff John Sununu and I are the only ones here
who actually attended the Summit, and all of its meetings, as
principal participants. So it is that the Miller Center has
asked me to provide some context, to discuss what was going
on at the time, why the meeting was held, what battles were
going on behind the scenes, and what our expectations were
for the Summit.
I am delighted to be here today to share the program with
Governor Warner, Secretary Paige and so many others who have
advanced the cause of education in our country.
I just mentioned John Sununu. 1 served as Vice Chair of the
National Governors Association under John and then succeeded
him as Chairman. Not long after that, John joined President
Bush in Washington as his Chief of Staff. One of the best
things about that 1989 summit was the opportunity to see and
work with John again, and I am delighted he is here today for
this retrospective event.
It is also a pleasure to be here with my former colleagues
Dick Riley and Lamar Alexander. I remember well my first
National Governors' Association Meeting, in August, 1986,
hosted by Governor Dick Riley at Hilton Head, South Carolina
and chaired by a Tennessee Governor named Lamar Alexander.
The major theme of the meeting was education; the NGA had
done a great deal of work on education reform during Governor
Alexander's chairmanship and the results were being released.
Lamar Alexander and Dick Riley, through their work as
Governors and later as U.S. Secretaries of Education, have
done more than any two people I can think of to advance the
cause of quality education in the United States over the past
quarter century. We all owe them a tremendous debt.
Now to the task at hand.
You might recall that the 1989 Summit was greeted with
equal measures of anticipation and cynicism, hope and
skepticism. Many noted at the time that Americans
periodically make brave and impressive noises about
education, but that we frequently fail to achieve the
necessary breakthroughs to give education the priority it
merits.
No question, some expected the Charlottesville Summit to be
little more than a variation on disappointing earlier
efforts. But others--and I counted myself among them--
believed that something different and important could happen
here, something which might foretell a favorable turning
point in our national commitment to education.
The day before leaving Richmond to come to Charlottesville
for the Summit, I made the following observation at a press
conference: ``While it seems unlikely to me that fundamental
solutions to the problems of education will emerge out of a
meeting that will last little more than 24 hours, the Summit
could well be the start of a significant national effort.''
Fifteen years later, I believe the Summit was not only the
start of a significant national effort, but in many ways was
a seminal event; nationalizing the importance of educational
policy, sharpening the focus on results, and making executive
political leadership more important.
To understand why, and to understand the context in which
the Summit was held, I want to focus on three factors in
particular:
First, I want to focus on the political context of the
time. Much of the media and public reaction to the Summit
centered around political questions--especially in the days
leading up to the Summit. How much of the Summit was designed
to cater to the President's political needs? How did Congress
view the Summit? What did the Governors expect? What tensions
existed between the different levels of government? Those
questions were being posed at the time, and it is important
to examine them.
Second, I want to look at the substantive context of the
time. There was consensus across the political spectrum in
1989 that the United States faced a challenge, almost a
crisis, of international competitiveness. While people of
various political stripes disagreed sharply on specific
remedies, it had become conventional wisdom that, by a
variety of international measures, including educational
achievement, the United States was not as competitive as most
of its trading partners and competitors in the global
economy, and was falling further behind. This may be
difficult to comprehend today, but the fact is that the
competitiveness issue permeated most political debates of
that time, and much of the educational reform effort in the
Nation was fueled by competitiveness concerns.
Finally, I want to look at the debate over the Federal role
in education. In 1989, the very idea of a Federal role in
education was still an open question. Today, we largely argue
over what form the Federal role should take and how much it
will cost. Very few will question the Federal role. We do not
challenge the need for national standards or a national
approach to educational policy. Back then, things were quite
different, and the Summit played a major role--perhaps THE
major role--in settling the basic question of whether there
should be a Federal role in education.
I want to focus on those three factors of politics,
competitiveness and the Federal educational role because they
really laid the foundation for much of what has followed,
both at the State and Federal levels. And, yes, that includes
Virginia's ``Standards of Learning'' and the Federal ``No
Child Left Behind'' legislation.
politics
Let's begin with the political dimension.
It is well known that during the 1988 campaign, the then-
Vice President Bush had proclaimed that he'd like to be known
as the ``Education President.'' There was a belief, I think,
that this would not only allow him to compete for voters the
Democratic nominee was taking for granted, but that it would
also allow the Vice President to set himself apart from
President Reagan whose rhetoric and budgets, especially in
the early years, demonstrated opposition to Federal
involvement in education.
If that was President Bush's strategy, it worked. His
opponent in 1988, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis,
took the education issue somewhat for granted and the
[[Page 23971]]
Vice President was able to use it to his advantage. For those
who feared a replay of Reagan-era proposals to eliminate the
Department of Education, the new President's words assuaged
their worries.
When President Bush talked of a ``kinder, gentler''
administration, many believed that he was talking about
education. Yet, when President Bush went on to observe, in
his inaugural address, that the U.S. Government had ``more
will than wallet'' in the face of mounting needs AND mounting
deficits, many worried that he would walk away from his
commitment to education.
Indeed, the first several months of the Bush administration
saw little or no action in the education area. This was
understandable. A new administration was getting organized,
momentous things were beginning to happen in Eastern Europe
and the Soviet Union, and pro democracy demonstrators spent
the spring of that year camped out in Tianamen Square in
Beijing.
In addition, hostages were being taken in the Middle East.
The budget deficit was increasing rapidly. There were many
serious international priorities. That nothing was happening
on education should not have been a surprise, though the fact
did give rise to some grumbling and increased pressure on the
Bush Administration to do something.
When President Bush came to Chicago in August, 1989 to
address the annual meeting of the National Governors
Association, there was much to talk about--in fact, the major
story in the news the day he visited concerned the death of a
U.S. hostage taken in the Middle East.
Indeed, the President broke the news of the hostage's death
to the public at the beginning of his speech to the
Governors. But during the course of his remarks, he announced
that he would meet with the Governors in a ``Summit''
sometime that fall to discuss education. It would be only the
third time a President would meet in a specially-called,
Summit-type, meeting with Governors, and the first time that
the subject would be education. The exact time and place had
not then been determined, nor had the University of Virginia
been selected as the site of the Summit.
Naturally, there were pundits who believed that the meeting
would be nothing more than a photo opportunity; a chance for
the President to quiet criticism of himself for not spending
as much time on education as some people wanted. It was
summertime, Congress was out of session, and after the
National Governors' Association meeting there was little hard
news for the press to focus on, at least in the domestic
arena. So, people were free to speculate about the
President's motives for holding the Summit, and about the
agenda for the meeting.
About two weeks after the President had proposed the
meeting, the White House announced that the Summit would be
held here at the University of Virginia, and that it would be
held at the end of September, about a month later. The fact
that we now had a specific set of dates, and a location, only
raised the intensity of the debate, as well as the political
temperature.
To begin with, Congress was unhappy about being excluded
from the discussion. Up until 1989, Federal education policy
was primarily a congressional concern. Presidents might
express opinions but otherwise were reduced mostly to signing
bills passed by Congress. Here was a President who had
proposed to alter that balance, who made it clear that the
Summit was limited to himself and the 50 State Governors and
the Governors of the territories.
Congressional leaders, particularly the chairmen of the
education committees, were outraged--and not just at the
President. Relations between Congress and the Governors were
a little frayed at the time, particularly between Democratic
Governors and Democratic members of Congress.
At that Chicago NGA meeting that I chaired, 49 of the 50
Governors signed a letter to congressional leaders asking for
a moratorium on new Medicaid mandates. Continued expansion of
Medicaid was exacting a major toll on State budgets around
the country, and the Governors were asking for a brief
moratorium on new mandates in order to find ways to fully
fund what was already in the pipeline.
Congressional leaders were incensed. Congressman Henry
Waxman, who chaired the subcommittee in charge of Medicaid,
wrote to all Democratic Governors accusing them of a variety
of sins for their position in support of a moratorium on new
Medicaid mandates. Things were especially tense between the
gubernatorial wing of the Democratic party and the
congressional wing (in those days, Democrats controlled both
houses of Congress).
So, there was the fear that congressional prerogatives were
being stripped away and anger at Governors, particularly
Democratic Governors, for being complicit in upsetting this
balance.
Congressional leaders found an ally in the then-Governor of
New York, Mario Cuomo. Governor Cuomo, who was also the only
Governor not to sign the Medicaid mandate letter, began
working with Senator Kennedy, Chairman of the Senate Human
Resources Committee, and Congressman Hawkins, his House
counterpart. They wanted Congressional leaders to participate
in the Summit since Congress would have to fund any Federal
initiatives, and they were also urging Democratic Governors
to go to the Summit with an agenda demanding full Federal
funding of a variety of programs, and the creation of several
new Federal programs as well.
Many of the Democratic Governors believed this approach to
be misguided, that if the Governors' conversation with the
President on education simply mirrored Washington's fights
over formulas and funding, then the public would view the
meeting skeptically, and we would lose an important
opportunity to articulate a national commitment to education.
Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton was the Lead Democratic
Governor for Education, and he and I worked together to
convince our Democratic gubernatorial colleagues of this
point of view. It was a difficult challenge and the outcome
was uncertain. Attempts were made by some to convince
individual Democratic Governors, and their staffs, that the
Summit was a clever trap devised by the administration to
ensure that no new resources would go into education.
In the end, we convinced most of the Democratic Governors
that the best way forward was an approach that focused on a
set of challenging goals and standards; stringent enough that
the goals could not be reached without a major financial
commitment at all levels of government.
We believed that if we just asked for more money, we would
lose the public debate; that people would not support money
divorced from results; that both needed to go hand-in-hand.
We believed, in short, that the best way to obtain
additional resources for education was to set goals that
could not be achieved without those new resources.
So, if one is looking for a reason why the major result of
the Summit was a commitment to develop national goals, this
is a good place to start.
In the meantime, the Republicans were having their own
discussions. Most of them also revolved around funding, with
the administration being wary of calls simply to provide more
Federal money. Congressional Republicans largely agreed with
the new administration in opposing more money, with some even
wanting to make cuts in education spending. Republican
Governors wanted to be supportive of their President in
holding the line against demands for major new cash
infusions, but they also realized that more resources were
required. Some of the most conservative Republicans were
concerned that the Summit would all but enshrine a Federal
role in education that they opposed.
In the end, Republican Governors came to a very similar
conclusion as their Democratic counterparts--that national
goals would be the best way forward. My impression was that
they were under much less pressure from their congressional
counterparts than the Democratic Governors were from
congressional Democrats; the pressure Republican Governors
faced came more from an administration not wanting to be
pressured into major new infusions of Federal money. But
Governors of both parties ultimately came to similar
conclusions prior to the Summit.
In today's partisan political climate, this bipartisan
consensus seems almost impossible to believe. There were many
reasons for this bipartisan convergence in thinking.
Perhaps it is because Governors have always been--or at
least were then--better able to work across Party lines than
members of Congress.
Perhaps it is because Governor Clinton and South Carolina
Governor Carroll Campbell, who was the Lead Republican
Governor for Education, got along so well or because Iowa
Governor Terry Brandstad and Washington Governor Booth
Gardner, the new Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively, of
the National Governors Association got along so well, or
because we all got along with John Sununu, who as White House
Chief of Staff played a major role in Summit preparations.
Who knows?
The fact is, however, that the political needs and desires
of both Democratic and Republican Governors happened to
coincide in an important way at that time, and the Governors
went in to the Summit pretty much united over the need for
fairly aggressive national goals. It was, to resurrect a
phrase, a time of harmonic convergence.
And what about the White House? As I mentioned earlier, the
main political worry from the White House was that the Summit
would lead to intense pressure for a major infusion of new
Federal dollars. I remember, very specifically, that this was
the one non-negotiable demand from the White House--the
Summit would not be allowed to focus solely on discussions of
new Federal money.
Some on the White House staff wanted little more than a
statement saying that the President and Governors shared a
common commitment to education. Others believed that such a
result would be seen as inadequate and would merely confirm
the suspicion many had that the entire Summit was pure
politics.
I want to state, by the way, that my belief has always been
that President Bush was sincere in his desire to chart a new
way forward in education. This view was confirmed by
[[Page 23972]]
what I observed at the Summit and by conversations I had with
the President in the months and years after the Summit--
including a visit to Camp David a couple of years later. In
this, he had the effective assistance of John Sununu and,
later, Lamar Alexander. But there were some in the
administration in September, 1989, who advocated a minimalist
approach, to say the least.
But others at the White House, echoing the President,
believed that we had the opportunity to achieve more than a
``Mom and Apple Pie'' joint statement on the value of
education. They were no more interested in committing the
administration to major new Federal spending than the
minimalists, but they did believe that we had a golden
opportunity to focus the country's attention on the need for
a shared national goal of education excellence.
Thus was the consensus born that the Summit would attempt
to articulate a set of national educational goals, or at
least begin a process in which such goals could be developed.
So, yes, politics was critically important to how the
Summit unfolded and concluded. But as my UVA friend Larry
Sabato likes to say, ``politics is a good thing.'' And in
this case, politics led to a shared approach and a
constructive outcome for educational reform.
competiveness
Let me turn now to my second point, the substantive
international policy concerns of late 1989.
It is hard to remember now, with most of Europe and Japan
stuck in a decade-long economic funk, but in the late 1980's
the major issue hanging over the education debate--permeating
debates over everything in fact--was competitiveness. At the
time, the best way to get attention for one's issue was to
link it to the effort to make the American economy more
competitive on a global basis. The book shelves were filled
with tomes written by academics, journalists, politicians,
sports coaches and others about competitiveness.
Education was a major issue affected by the competitiveness
debate. The changes that so challenged the Nation--the
changes that inspired the Education Summit--were as much
external as they were internal. And they were viewed as quite
real, even threatening.
The case for viewing education in this light was first made
with the 1983 publication of ``A Nation at Risk.'' That
report completely transformed the education reform issue; it
began to nationalize the issue, and it placed education
firmly in the middle of the competitiveness debate.
Listen to the language in the opening paragraphs of that
report: ``[America's] once unchallenged preeminence in
commerce, industry, science, and technological innovation is
being overtaken by competitors throughout the world. . . .
[T]he educational foundations of our society are presently
being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens
our very future as a Nation and as a people. . . . We have,
in effect, been committing an act of unthinking, unilateral
educational disarmament.''
Tough stuff. Of course, the intent of the words was to jolt
the public, the press and our political institutions out of
their complacency and remove the inertia of the status quo.
The fact that the report came from a panel created by
President Reagan's Secretary of Education, Terrell Bell, made
the words all the more powerful.
Well, if the intent was to jolt, it worked. Within just one
year of the report's release, 41 States had toughened high
school graduation requirements in line with the report's
recommendations. Thirty-five States had raised teacher
certification standards, twenty States had increased
instructional time and nineteen had improved school
discipline policies.
In 1986, the National Governors' Association released ``A
Time for Results.'' This report proposed a series of actions
to be completed by 1991--to strengthen teaching, increase the
use of technology and raise the level of local educational
standards. This report was to be updated each year in a
series called ``Results in Education.''
Also in 1986, the Southern Governors Association Advisory
Council on International Education released a report calling
for improvements in the teaching of languages, geography and
other international subjects. The report stated: ``By every
measure, Americans are not prepared to compete and to
participate in the international marketplace.'' The report
continued: ``We, as a nation, as constantly surprised by
world political and economic events. They occur in places we
never heard of, for reasons we do not understand.'' The title
of the report?
Cornerstone of Competition
In 1987, the National Governors Association launched a
year-long initiative called ``Jobs, Growth and Competition''
which focused on a variety of issues, including education,
that were deemed important to improving our international
competitiveness. In 1989, the National Governors' Association
launched an initiative during my chairmanship called
``America in Transition, the International Frontier.'' The
final report was entitled ``A Competitive Nation.'' A series
of earlier reports had focused on a variety of issues,
including education.
But, this competitiveness concern wasn't just for
Governors. Congress and the President got in on the act as
well.
Congress created the Competitiveness Policy Council and
charged it with reporting yearly on a series of actions that
the nation could take to enhance its competitiveness in
transportation, technology, trade, fiscal policy and
education.
The White House created a Competitiveness Council, chaired
by the Vice President. So, this topic was a concern at every
level of government.
At the 1989 Education Summit's opening press conference, I
noted that: ``We increasingly cannot compete with overseas
nations. . . . The problem is that successful state and local
programs are not enough; we need national educational
excellence, and a national commitment to obtain it.''
So, the competitiveness issue permeated the political
landscape, it impacted everything else. There was consensus
across the land that we had a ``competitiveness problem'' And
education was a part of that problem--and solution.
What did this mean?
It meant that education could no longer be strictly a local
or state issue. For if we had a national problem of
competitiveness, then we needed national solutions. We could
not leave it to chance that every State and locality would
properly educate their young people; after all, our
competitors had not. We needed a national conversation about
education, we needed national results. We needed--voila--
national goals, just like our competitors had. That's why the
Joint Statement issued by the President and Governors at the
conclusion of the Summit began with these words: ``The
President and the nation's Governors agree that a better
educated citizenry is the key to the continued growth and
prosperity of the United States. . . . Education has always
been important, but never this important because the stakes
have changed: Our competitors for opportunity are also
working to educate their people. As they continue to improve,
they make the future a moving target.''
And in the introduction to the National Education Goals
agreed to five months later by the President and the
Governors, you will find these words: ``America's educational
performance must be second to none in the 21st century.
Education is central to our quality of life. It is at the
heart of our economic strength and security, our creativity
in the arts and letters, our invention in the sciences, and
the perpetuation of our cultural values. Education is the key
to America's international competitiveness.''
The need to fit education into a national competitiveness
strategy, combined with the political conclusions arrived at
by Governors of both parties and the White House, forced a
focus on national goals as the way forward.
federal role
Finally, let me focus on my third point: the concern in
1989 over Federal involvement in education.
If the political mood and economic imperative seemed to be
converging on the idea of national education goals, there was
still an unease many people felt about Federal involvement in
education. This had been the subject of considerable debate a
decade earlier when the U.S. Department of Education was
created during the Carter Administration. It was the topic of
campaign rhetoric on the campaign trail in 1980, and it was
certainly argued in the halls of Congress on an annual basis
in the early to mid-1980's when President Reagan proposed
eliminating the department in his proposed budgets.
Among those most uncomfortable with the idea of an
Education Summit were those who were ideologically opposed to
the very idea of Federal involvement in education. Many
writers, including William Safire, warned explicitly that the
Bush Administration was setting the stage for a large
expansion of the Federal role in education and for
nationalizing the issue.
They were right.
In fact, I would argue that the major achievement of the
1989 Education Summit was to settle, once and for all, the
argument over a Federal role in education; whether education
would be a national issue. The President and the Governors,
by agreeing to the need for national education goals and
agreeing on a strategy for developing those goals, had agreed
upon a framework. There WOULD be a Federal role; education
WOULD be a national issue, addressed with national solutions.
It meant that educational decisions would no longer be
settled solely at the local level. It meant that legislative
deliberations at the State and Federal levels would become
relatively less important, and executive decision and vision
relatively more important. That's what happens when results
are required; when speeches, money and programs are just not
enough.
This all seems like conventional wisdom today, but we can
easily forget it was not always so. The 1989 Summit had a
real impact, far beyond the imagining of those of us
privileged enough to have participated. It fundamentally
changed the balance of political power on education issues,
and it nationalized education policy in a way few would have
conceived just a few years earlier.
[[Page 23973]]
Conclusion
When the President called for a Summit with the Nation's
Governors to discuss education, many observers may not have
known what to expect. I don't recall any of the Governors
believing beforehand that, while we agreed on the need for
national goals, we would settle the argument over Federal
involvement in education, or that we would shift the Federal
focus on education from one end of Pennsylvania Avenue to the
other.
I do recall a great deal of skepticism and criticism from
outside observers, especially Congress and the press. But I
do not recall anything but the most constructive attitude
being expressed by any of the principal participants. And, by
the way, this was a meeting of principals, very few staff
aides were permitted much of a role at all.
It is worth noting, by the way, that the participants--
despite all of the good will and convergence of thinking on
the value of setting national goals--did not settle on
specific goals at the Summit. We agreed on the need for
goals, and, in general, what those goals should address. The
actual goals themselves, however, were not developed until
several months later.
But, for the first time, the President and Governors were
discussing on a national level a series of important
questions. Many of these had long been discussed and debated
in the States, and particularly in the Southern Regional
Education Board states. These questions included, among
others:
Intervention: Could we do a better job of preparing
children for first grade?
Dropout rates: Could we slow the tide?
Adult literacy: Could we put a dent in it, even eliminate
it?
Teacher quality: Could we motivate and inspire it?
Decentralized management: Could it produce better results?
And, parental choice: Could this be a workable technique or
just the latest fad?
In the end, it was a focus on such questions that formed
the basis of the goals and the national education policy that
we know today.
I believe the Education Summit was, to paraphrase Winston
Churchill, the ``beginning of a new beginning'' in education
policy. I believe the way we think, as a Nation, about the
goals and objectives of education began to change in
September, 1989. Unsurprisingly, we did not find all the
answers at the Summit. But we were asking the right
questions--and for the first time, we were asking them as a
Nation.
In one sense, this should not have been all that
surprising, because throughout our national history,
educational reform has been a vital and characteristic part
of the American impulse. We have always believed that we can,
by the force of our own imagination and determination,
improve tomorrow by improving ourselves and our children.
But, never has it been more important that our traditional
convictions give rise to deliberate action.
If ignorance is the enemy of democracy, in an international
economy, ignorance could well be an invitation to national
decline. In 1989, it was clear and apparent that the time had
arrived for us to put ourselves on the spot, That was the
message I heard in Charlottesville,
Accountability and the measurement of student performance,
we declared, must be an integral part of our educational
process. Indeed, Charlottesville portended a significant
shift in our approach to education: From here on, we said
that we are going to be increasingly measured by more than
the resources we invest. Instead, we declared that we are
going to be questioned and examined on the progress our
students achieve--or fail to achieve.
Frankly, I think that is how it should be--for there is too
much at stake for it to be otherwise.
In 1989, the President and the governors joined efforts to
ensure that America becomes a Nation resolved to using
education as the best means for shaping the future. The
reason we are here today is to assess our national
performance since 1989. Where are the benchmarks of progress?
Where are the guideposts for confronting the challenges?
Our speakers and panelists today are here to help us make
those assessments. I share your interest in their opinions of
how far we have come, and I am confident that they will focus
our attention on the significant challenges at hand.
Today, as in 1989, we recognize that we have a lot of work
to do, and we should always keep in perspective that all of
our educational goals, commitments and resources come down to
two fundamental points:
First, education's role as a transmitter of civilization's
knowledge and values must not be diminished. It is part of
the glue that binds together the fabric of our society.
Second, education is, also, increasingly, the engine that
drives the American economy--our economic future depends upon
our ability to compete, but our ability to compete depends
upon our ability to educate. It is just that simple.
Thank you. I look forward to the rest of the Conference.
Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Chambliss). The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order
for the quorum call be rescinded and I be recognized to speak in
morning business.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
TRIBUTES TO RETIRING SENATORS
Tom Daschle
Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, it is with great sadness that I rise to
bid official farewell to one of my best friends and to one of the
greatest Senators ever to grace this body, Tom Daschle of South Dakota.
Unsurprisingly, I am sure I have known Tom longer than anyone here. I
vividly remember his first campaign for Congress in 1978, the same year
I ran for the South Dakota House of Representatives for the first time.
We were two young candidates, almost the same age, recent graduates,
the same year, of South Dakota colleges. While we were running for very
different offices, I felt an immediate bond with him at that time.
Tom's first race for Congress was in many ways predictive of the
career that would follow. He was then, and still is, the hardest
working, most focused person I have ever met in any sphere of my life.
That year he knocked on more than 40,000 doors, personally asking South
Dakotans for their vote. I can tell you, knocking on 40,000 doors in
the middle of a South Dakota winter is a real challenge.
Tom looked so young he was once mistaken as the paperboy at one of
those doors--a woman asked how much money she owed him. I have a photo
I cherish to this day of Tom and me together during that first
campaign, both of us looking like we were 14 years old. It makes you
wonder how anyone voted for either of us at that time.
I remember watching the election returns coming in for Tom's campaign
that evening and it didn't look very good, frankly. In fact, when I
went to bed that night I was almost certain he had lost. It was only
when I woke up that I found Tom was only behind by 50 votes with a
recount certain, and as it turned out, he was certified the winner
officially by 14 votes out of 130,000 votes cast. Who would have
dreamed that such a close victory in South Dakota would have been the
beginning of such a distinguished career?
In the intervening years, I watched with admiration while Tom's
career advanced in the House of Representatives. He was a natural
leader, and I do not believe that many who knew him were surprised, in
1986, when he decided to run for the Senate, taking on the same man
who, 6 years previously, defeated Senator George McGovern, an
institution in our State.
It was far from an easy race, but Tom prevailed in the end, and his
leaving his House seat opened it for my election that year as well. It
was the culmination of those two elections which led to an extremely
close working relationship but also to a very close friendship.
I have spent the last 18 years working side by side with Tom Daschle.
I cannot imagine a better partner with whom to work. He is, as I
mentioned earlier, the hardest working person I have ever known. He is
also the most patient person I have ever known, as well as unfailingly
generous--qualities that served him very well as Senate Democratic
leader, an extremely demanding job.
There have been fewer than 2,000 Senators who have served our Nation
in this body, but there never has been one who cared as much or worked
as hard for his home State as Tom Daschle. I can list his many and
varied accomplishments but I would be here for hours and that would not
serve the purpose of this farewell. It was the Greek philosopher Plato
who said, ``The measure of a man is what he does with power.'' And it
is that test that so clearly shows the character and the humanity and
the values of Tom Daschle.
[[Page 23974]]
Tom never used the power that he had attained for self-aggrandizement.
He used it to build a better South Dakota, and a stronger America.
He has always realized that our country works best when people have
an opportunity to live up to their own potential, when our children are
not shackled by poverty and lack of education, when our people who need
a helping hand are given one, and when our older Americans are able to
live out the balance of their lives with dignity. The truth is, if it
weren't for Tom Daschle and his untiring work, there are children who
would not be educated and families who would not be housed and
vulnerable people who would be uncared for.
Tom Daschle's priorities and values have been the priorities and
values of his strong family and his devout faith.
It was Jesus Christ who said:
Inasmuch as ye have done unto one of the least of these, my
brethren, ye have done it unto Me.
And no matter what level of accomplishment and power Tom Daschle
attained, he never forgot the ``least of the people'' who Christ
referenced.
While we will no longer have Tom Daschle to lead us in this body, we
are both instructed and warmed by the example he gave us during his 26
years in his congressional career. He and his wife Linda have made an
extraordinary team and will always be among the closest of friends to
my wife Barbara and me. I will never serve with a man I admire more
than Tom Daschle, and it is with very great sadness that I say goodbye
to his presence in this body. But more than anyone I have ever served
with, or ever will serve with, he has given glory and meaning to the
term ``United States Senator.''
I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Alexander). Without objection, it is so
ordered.
____________________
COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN LABELING FOR MEATS AND VEGETABLES
Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, in recent days there have been news
reports about our colleagues on the other side of the Capitol Building
deciding that they would like to get rid of something called country-
of-origin labeling for meats and vegetables. This is a law that has
been previously enacted by the Congress saying that consumers have a
right to know where their meat and vegetables come from. So a Member of
the House and the Speaker of the House and the majority leader of the
House have indicated they would like to find a way, in these waning
days, perhaps in the Omnibus appropriations bill, to repeal the
requirement to establish country-of-origin labeling for meat and
vegetables.
Country-of-origin labeling is now the law of the land. The Secretary
of Agriculture has been dragging her feet for some long while in
implementing it. While she was dragging her feet, the Congress decided
to extend the time for implementation, so that time was extended over
the objection of many of us. My colleagues, Senator Daschle, Senator
Johnson, and many others here in the Chamber objected to that. But,
nonetheless, it was done last year in one of these omnibus bills.
If those who are making decisions about what to put in omnibus bills
these days decide they want to repeal the country-of-origin labeling
law in an omnibus bill this year, they will do a great disservice to
American consumers. They will pull the rug out from under farmers and
ranchers in our country. Why? Because the fact is, we produce the
highest quality food in the world.
Consumers want to know where their food comes from. Almost any
consumer in this country can take a look at his or her T-shirt or their
shoes, and on the label it will say: Made in the U.S.A. Made in China.
You will find out exactly where it was made. We know where shirts come
from, and we know where shoes come from because it is all labeled. But
meat is not labeled. The law requires it to be, but it is not at this
point. So the question is, Will this law remain, and will it, in fact,
be implemented, or will it not?
We had a U.S. Department of Agriculture report about the condition of
meat that has been imported into this country. And I would like to just
show a couple of comments from that report. The report was talking
about conditions inside a meatpacking plant in Hermosillo, Mexico. That
plant in Mexico supplied raw beef to the American consumers. It had
never been inspected and was finally inspected once. Here is what they
found. They found:
``Shanks and briskets were contaminated with feces.''
A U.S. Department of Agriculture official wrote of his tour of the
plant:
``In the refrigerator a disease-condemned carcass was
observed ready for boning and distribution in commerce . . .
Paint and condensation from dirty surfaces were dripping on
the meat.''
The official found that workers were literally walking on the beef
that was going to be approved for export to the United States. They
found that a side of beef approved for processing was infected with
bacterial blood infection.
The problem is not limited to the Mexican plants. This is one plant
in Mexico. Incidentally, this plant was shut down, then reopened under
another name, and to my knowledge has never again been inspected.
Mr. President, by unanimous consent let me ask to show this piece of
beef from a supermarket.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, no one knows where this comes from. No
Member of the Senate will know where this originated. Did this come
from the Mexican plant I just described? Does it come from a French
plant that was also inspected and contaminated? Does this come from one
of those plants, or does it come from a domestic source in this country
in which inspection, we know, is rigorous? Does it come from a domestic
source where we have farmers and ranchers who produce the best supply
of meat available in the world? Where does this piece of beef
originate? No one knows. Consumers deserve to know. They have a right
to know.
The country-of-origin labeling requirement passed by the Congress
will give them the opportunity to know, but some of our colleagues
around here, hailing the call of the big packing plants and others,
decide now they want to try to repeal that. Maybe, just once, this
place can stand up on the side of farmers and ranchers and consumers,
just once, and ignore the call of the bigger economic interests who
say: Let's not do this. We clearly should do this.
Labeling is important. Labeling empowers consumers. Labeling protects
American producers who are producing the best quality food at the
lowest disposable income of any country in the world. So my message to
those who are now sauntering around the Chambers watching this Omnibus
appropriations bill be put together is this: It would be a very foolish
mistake to believe that the Omnibus appropriations bill should, without
any debate, carry a provision that would repeal something Congress has
already done that will give people the right to understand where their
meat and vegetables come from, where the origination point is for the
vegetables and the meat that is being consumed by the American people.
If, in fact, the majority party decides to do this--as I indicated,
one Member of the U.S. House especially is proposing it. It has been,
it is reported, supported by the Speaker of the House and the majority
leader of the House. If they move in this direction, it will be a very
serious mistake, in my judgment.
____________________
INTERNATIONAL TRADE DEFICITS
Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I would like to, on another subject, speak
for just a moment about the area of international trade.
Yesterday, the Senate approved an increase in the debt ceiling by
$800 billion. That is the fiscal policy debt, that
[[Page 23975]]
is the amount of money that is spent over that which is collected in
revenues. That means our kids and grandkids assume this responsibility.
It is Federal debt.
The budget deficit is the highest in history. This is a completely,
thoroughly irresponsible fiscal policy. There is no question about it.
Oh, I know people say we have had economic slowdowns or recessions or
wars or terrorism and this and that and the other thing.
Look, we have had that for a century. But we have never had the size
of the deficits we have now had in times like this. As far as I know,
we have never before decided to fight a war with borrowed money and ask
generations that come after us to pay for it.
But I want to talk about another debt that is growing, and it is
larger than the fiscal policy indebtedness that we have. And that is
the foreign debt, which arises from trade deficits. This chart goes
back to 1998. I could go further. It shows that we have the largest
trade deficits in history, by far. Last month, it was $54.1 billion,
the third highest in history. You can see where it is going. It is
growing and growing and growing.
Last month alone, the trade deficit with China--just one country--was
$15 billion. Now, nobody talks about this. Nobody seems to give a rip.
Some people apparently think this will have no consequence for this
country or its long-term prognosis. But they are wrong. This trade
deficit is dangerous and will be debilitating to the country's economy
unless we do something about it.
Month after month after month we see these reports. And on this
chart, this red ink has everything to do with jobs, which define the
quality of life in this country. There is no social program in this
country that is as important as a good job that pays well, that gives
someone an opportunity to go to work, have some security, have
benefits, and take care of their family and have a good life. The
expansion of jobs and opportunity in this country will determine what
kind of a country we have, what kind of opportunity exists for our kids
and our grandkids. And jobs are leaving the country.
Yesterday, I had a call from some American workers. I will not
describe the company. They are workers for a company that produces a
great product. They want to sell that product in China.
Now China has a $15 billion monthly surplus with us this past month.
They ship us their shirts, their shoes, their trousers, their trinkets.
They ship it all to us, and we buy it. But can we get our products into
China?
These workers say they've been told that to have their product be
sold in China, it has to have a 40- to 50-percent Chinese content,
otherwise you cannot get it in. So, therefore, the workers are
concerned that the company is now going to begin processing operations
in China. Why? Because China insists on it.
Well, look, that violates the World Trade Organization.
That does not come as a shock, of course. There is a systematic
violation all the time, by these countries that decide they want to
ship all of their products to the United States, but they want to keep
their markets closed to us. That means our good jobs are leaving, not
coming.
There are a lot of reasons for it, one of which is we have had
incompetent trade negotiators under Republican and Democratic
administrations, completely incompetent. They think their job is to
negotiate agreements, the more the better, and they don't care what's
in them. If they don't get an agreement, they think they fail. So they
negotiate an agreement, and give away the store.
We just negotiated a bilateral trade agreement with China. Do you
know what our negotiators agreed to? On automobile trade, they agreed
to this: After a phase-in, China can impose a 25-percent tariff on U.S.
automobiles sold in China, and we will impose a 2.5-percent tariff on
any Chinese vehicles sold in the United States. Let me say that again.
Our negotiators agreed with China that we would allow them to impose a
tariff 10 times higher than the tariff we would impose on them in
reciprocal automobile trade.
Now, what on earth would possess negotiations to result in that, with
a country with whom we have a very large trade deficit?
We know China is ramping up an automobile industry and an export
automobile industry, and we now have a trade agreement with them where
our negotiators said it is all right to have an imbalance that is
tenfold in reciprocal automobile trade.
What does that mean? To strip all the varnish from it, it means it is
all right with our negotiators for American jobs to be obliterated and
Chinese jobs created on automobile trade. That might be all right with
some unnamed trade negotiator, but it is not all right with me. Whoever
negotiated that was fundamentally incompetent.
We have some companies these days that are not American companies.
Oh, they are American in terms of charter. They get a charter, a
corporate charter, that allows them to become an artificial person, be
able to sue and be sued, and to contract and be contracted with. They
have all the rights of people, except they don't die. They can go
broke, but they will never die. These artificial people are responsible
only to their shareholders.
These companies have decided they would like to have all the benefits
of doing business in the United States as American companies, and all
the protection that exists from that, except they don't want to have
the obligation of paying taxes in the United States. Therefore, they do
business through a mailbox in a tax haven country. They can set up a
business in the Grand Cayman Islands or the Bahamas. In some extreme
cases, they have even decided they want to renounce their American
citizenship to avoid paying their tax obligation to the United States,
in what is known as an inversion.
In addition to that, we now have company after company--and all you
have to do is open up the Wall Street Journal every day to see it--
doing something called outsourcing. That means taking American jobs and
moving them somewhere else in the world, where it is cheaper. Instead
of doing business in America, paying American workers $10, $15 an hour,
they can perhaps do it in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia, or China. I
have described at length on the floor of the Senate the fact that Huffy
Bicycles decided to do that, and the little red wagons, Radio Flyer
wagons--that firm was in America for 100 years. They decided to move
production elsewhere. Why? Because they can pay sub-minimum wages.
Huffy Bicycles used to pay $11 an hour to American workers. They got
fired because they were too expensive. You can make them for 30 cents
an hour in China, and you can work those people 7 days a week and 12
hours a day.
So we have what is called outsourcing. American companies are
outsourcing jobs. That is a fancy term that describes the firing of
American workers, in most cases, and employing overseas workers to do
the same job at a fraction of the price.
What's even more nuts is that our tax code provides incentives for
outsourcing. That's right, when a company wants to outsource, when a
company wants to shut down their plant in South Carolina or in Ohio,
and do that production in China, we say to that company: We have a
treat for you. Get rid of your American workers, shut down the plant,
move the whole thing to China and you can get a special tax break.
I happen to think that is absolutely nuts. What kind of a country
provides a tax incentive for its companies to get rid of American
workers and employ foreign workers? What kind of a country's tax system
does that? This country's tax system does it. Yes, we voted on that. I
offered an amendment to close that insidious loophole, that perversion
in the Tax Code. Guess what. I lost in the Senate.
Here's something else. In a recent bill, the Senate Finance
Committee, in conference, decided that U.S. companies who have foreign
controlled subsidiaries and have not repatriated their overseas
earnings to the United States will be able to repatriate that income
[[Page 23976]]
at a tax rate of only 5.25 percent. Well, I have a lot of constituents
who would love to have that tax rate. Wouldn't that be a wonderful
thing? If it is good enough for the biggest companies, which outsourced
jobs, it ought to be good enough for all Americans.
Ma Ferguson was Governor of Texas once and was involved in a debate
about the English-only language back in the 1930s. She had a press
conference and held up a Bible and she said, ``If English was good
enough for Jesus, it is good enough for Texas.'' It is the good-enough
theory, I guess. The 5.25-percent tax rate is good enough for
corporations that moved American jobs overseas. Why is a 5.25-percent
tax rate not good enough for people named Johnson and Olsen? Why is
5.25 percent not good enough for everybody?
Why is it that this Congress, when it looks at these issues, won't
even take a baby step in the right direction? We are hemorrhaging good
jobs in this country. This is a race to the bottom. We fought for a
century about important things. We fought for a century about the right
of workers to organize. It is a very important right in America. It was
a similar fight that lit the fuse that caused freedom all over Eastern
Europe. Lech Walesa led that fight, the right to organize. People died
in the streets on that issue--the right to say that we are not going to
have 12-year-old kids working down in a mine, or in a factory. Child
labor laws, safe workplace laws--a whole range of issues. We fought for
a century to create safe workplaces, child labor laws, minimum wages,
the right to organize, all of these issues, which have, in my judgment,
made this a better place.
The fact is, there are American companies now that simply pole-vault
over the issues and say we don't have to worry about that, about hiring
kids. We can hire kids, we can hire 12-year-olds, work them 12 hours a
day, pay 12 cents an hour, and we don't have to worry. How do we do
that? We hire them overseas, hire them elsewhere. That means those who
have to compete in this new world order have to compete with countries
that have decided they are going to make it illegal for workers to
organize. You have to compete with 12-year-old kids who are paid 12
cents an hour.
If you wonder whether that is happening, I can show you stories.
There is one about a woman named Sadisha, who is making tennis shoes
for 16 cents an hour. This is an hour and a half of labor in a pair of
tennis shoes that comes to our store shelves for $80 a pair, and
Sadisha's pay is 24 cents for making the tennis shoes.
You think that doesn't happen? It does. I can tell you stories about
the kids in India who were making carpets, who came to this country and
testified before the Congress about the conditions in which they
worked. The people they worked for took gunpowder and lit the gunpower
on the children's fingertips to create scarring, so these little kids
could be employed to sew these carpets. And the carpets were sent to
our store shelves so we could buy them, and congratulate ourselves on
the low prices.
Is there an admission price to the American marketplace? Is there?
Are there some basic set of standards, or is this a race to the bottom
to have us compete with that sort of situation?
I held a hearing not too long ago with some young women from Honduras
working in a sweatshop making designer shirts, for a very prominent
American label. They were working under incredibly abusive conditions.
The story is the same all over.
People talk about this being free trade. Look, this is simply a sea
of red ink, a trade deficit that is weakening this country, and we have
not paid any attention to the rules of trade that would begin to stop
this. We had better wake up and decide that our interest is to be
protective--and, yes, I use that word even though it is a pejorative
word these days--protective of the economic interests of this country.
We must do that.
I spoke of Lech Walesa. Let me describe his speech to a joint meeting
of the Congress, one of the most remarkable moments I recall in my
service here.
He told us about a Saturday morning in a shipyard in Gdansk, Poland,
when, having been fired as an electrician in that shipyard, this
unemployed electrician was leading a strike against the Communist
government demanding rights for the labor movement in Poland.
He said they grabbed him that Saturday morning and began to beat him.
The Communist secret police grabbed him and beat him severely and threw
him over the barbed wire fence at the edge of the shipyard. He laid
there, having been beaten severely, face down, bleeding in the dirt. He
said he wondered while laying there, this unemployed electrician having
been beaten severely, what to do next. Well, he picked himself up, and
climbed right back over the barbed wire fence, right back into the same
shipyard, to continue the fight. Ten years later this unemployed
electrician was announced at the door of the U.S. House of
Representatives as the President of his country, the President of
Poland.
This was not an intellectual, not a scholar, not a diplomat, not a
soldier, but an unemployed electrician with uncommon courage. He said
this to us: We didn't have any guns. The Communists had all the guns.
We didn't have any bullets. The Communists had all the bullets. We were
armed only with an idea, a powerful idea: People ought to be free to
choose their own destiny. And then he said: Ideas are more powerful
than guns.
There was a lot of applause that day, and appropriately so--applause
of courage, the progress towards freedom and labor rights in Poland.
But around here, we seem to have short memories. We are trading away
our hard-won rights.
The first baby step we should have taken in this Congress we decided
not to take. I offered an amendment, and it was defeated, to stop the
perverse and insidious tax breaks that incentivize American jobs going
overseas. Let's not reward companies that move our jobs overseas. Stop
it; stop it now. It is a baby step to decide to shut down that tax
incentive.
We did not get it done this time. I lost that vote. But I am
relentless, and I will again be on this floor the minute we return in
January demanding once again an opportunity to debate and to vote on
this issue. This is about American jobs. It is about hope and
opportunity in this country. It is about expanding this great American
experiment, and this issue, I assure you, will not go away.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oklahoma.
____________________
TRIBUTES TO RETIRING SENATORS
Zell Miller
Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, I wish to make a couple of comments
regarding the departure of one of our colleagues, Senator Zell Miller.
I have had the pleasure of working with Senator Miller for the last
several years and I think the world of him. He comes from a great line
of fantastic Senators from the great State of Georgia.
When I was first elected, I served with Senator Sam Nunn and Senator
Mack Mattingly. Both were very good friends. Both were outstanding
Senators. Senator Paul Coverdell, a very good, close friend of mine,
served in the Senate for a little over a term and, unfortunately, had a
very sudden illness and passed away. Zell Miller was appointed to take
his place.
I remember thinking at the time that Paul Coverdell was a great loss
to the Senate. I believe that today. He had a great future in the
Senate. He was actually elected to the Senate leadership, which was
very unusual for his first term in the Senate. Paul Coverdell was one
of my closest friends. I really did mourn his loss.
I did not know his replacement appointed at that time, Zell Miller,
but I got to know him very quickly. I grew to know him, respect him,
and admire him as a patriot and as a Senator. He did a fantastic job in
service not only to his state of Georgia but, frankly, to this country.
He made a valued, positive, and considerable impact on the Senate and,
frankly, on our country. I will talk about that for a second.
[[Page 23977]]
I remember he was a real leader in passing the Homeland Security
legislation. That was very tough legislation. It passed by a very
narrow margin. We did that in his first year in the Senate.
He supported efforts to enact tax reform. I was chairman of the
Committee on the Budget in 2003, and we passed a budget, frankly, by
one vote. Zell Miller's vote helped make it happen. We had about 80
something amendments to the budget during consideration of the budget
process. Zell Miller was with me on every one. He cosponsored the
budget. He was my principal cosponsor of that budget.
That budget enabled us to pass the tax relief we did later that year,
the economic tax reform bill of 2003. That bill made a lot of changes,
I might add, a lot of positive changes, that would not have passed had
it not been for Zell Miller. He cosponsored that bill with me. I was
honored the President asked me to sponsor it, and I was honored to ask
Zell Miller if he would cosponsor it with me, and he did.
We defeated a lot of amendments designed to gut the legislation, and
we passed the budget. Again, we passed it with the Vice President
breaking the tie. It would not have passed without Zell Miller's
leadership, without his sponsoring the legislation.
What did that legislation do? It made a difference on every American
taxpayer in this country. That legislation allowed us to have a $1,000
tax credit per child. That legislation allowed us to expand and provide
marriage penalty relief. For a couple making $58,000, marriage penalty
relief boiled down to about $905. That passed because Zell Miller stood
with us on that legislation.
It also allowed us to reduce the capital gains tax rate from 20
percent to 15 percent. It allowed us to say that we would not double
tax corporate dividends, at least not as punitively as we did before.
We reduced the corporate tax on dividends. Actually, the bill we passed
in the Senate had zero double taxation. The bill that came out of
conference was 15 percent, instead of the ordinary rates. That is a big
and positive change because this country, unfortunately, taxed
distributions from corporations higher than any other country. We are
tied with Japan at a net effective tax rate of 70 percent.
Why would corporations distribute earnings to their owners if the
Government would get 70 percent? Many did not. They would accumulate
earnings, hide the money, or do something different with them. We
passed that legislation, and now people are paying dividends.
Microsoft announced a multibillion-dollar distribution because of
that legislation. We tax it now at the individual rate, 15 percent.
When we started marking up that legislation, the Dow Jones was at
7,700. Today it is over 10,500. That legislation made a difference.
That legislation passed because Zell Miller stood with us on the floor
to pass that legislation.
It is not too often you can actually say you passed legislation that
made a real and positive impact. There are over two million jobs that
have been created in the last 14 months as a result of that
legislation. I believe the President signed it in June of 2003. It has
been almost a year and a half now, and a couple of million jobs have
been created since we passed that legislation. The economy is moving.
Revenues are coming into the Government. The deficit is $100 billion
less than estimated previously, 9 months ago, because, there is
economic revival. We do have new jobs being created. There are positive
signs. A lot of that happened because of the courage and conviction of
the Senator from Georgia.
I said Paul Coverdell was my friend. He has certainly been missed in
this Senate, and that is a fact. I will also say that Zell Miller is my
very dear friend and he will be missed in the Senate. He only served
for a few years in the Senate, but he had a great impact, a very
positive impact, not only on taxpayers, and the country but to our body
politic, the body of the country. As a patriot, a former marine, former
mayor, former State senator, former Lieutenant Governor, and as a
former Governor, he had enormous impact.
He was a speaker at the Republican National Convention. I told him
his speech wasn't so much that of a Democrat or Republican; his speech
was that of a patriot who was speaking out strong because he believed
strongly in this country. You could see it. You could sense it. You
could believe it.
I am very proud to have Zell Miller as my friend. He and his wife
Shirley have been a blessing to this body and a blessing to this
country. I thank God for the fact I had the opportunity to serve with
him and the fact that he served in this body. I think our country is
much better for it, and I wish him every good wish in the years ahead.
I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order
for the quorum call be dispensed with.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Ben Nighthorse Campbell
Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, I wish to make a couple of comments
regarding my very good friend, Ben Nighthorse Campbell, who is retiring
with me at the end of this session. Senator Campbell is a unique
Senator. All Senators are unique, but he is especially unique. He is a
very special Senator, the only Native American presently serving in the
Senate and he is chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee.
He has a very distinguished career. He was in the Air Force. He
served in Korea. He served in the State legislature. He served in the
House of Representatives. I believe he was elected in 1986. He was
elected to the Senate as a Democrat in 1992, 12 years ago. He was
reelected in 1998. In March of 1995, he had the courage and the
conviction to change parties. That is not easily done. He did it and I
greatly respect him and admire him for that, but also for his service
to our country.
He is a jewelry designer.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Ben Nighthorse Campbell and his
wife, Linda, fairly well for the last 12 years. I have great respect
for him. He has passed a lot of legislation. A lot of people are not
aware of that. Many of his bills have become law. In many cases, he is
a quiet legislator. He is effective and he gets things done.
He is on the Appropriations Committee. He has had his fingerprints on
a lot of legislation. He is chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee.
That committee considers a multitude of issues. Some of us kind of
moved around and made way for him to become chairman of that committee.
We thought it was very special to have a Native American become
chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee for the first time.
He is unique from the standpoint that he rides a Harley. He has a
great love for the West.
I think he has made a valuable, important contribution to this body,
the Senate.
He has represented his State of Colorado very well. Colorado has had
some great Senators. Bill Armstrong was one of my favorite Senators and
one of my mentors. Wayne Allard is another outstanding Senator from
Colorado. Ben Nighthorse Campbell certainly falls in that role of being
an outstanding Senator. I think he and Linda both will be missed in
this body, the Senate.
I congratulate him and Linda for their many years of service going
all the way back to the military, to the State legislature, to serving
in the House of Representatives, and now 12 years in the Senate. He has
given a lot of public service to this country, and given it well. He
has served well. As the Bible says, ``Well done thou good and faithful
servant''. He has certainly done that. He has made the State of
Colorado very proud and, frankly, the country very proud. The Senate is
better off for his service. I congratulate him for his service.
The Senate will miss the services and the laughter of Ben Nighthorse
Campbell. I compliment him for his service.
I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
[[Page 23978]]
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
DR. HARRY FRITZ
Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a distinguished man
and educator, Montana's 2004 Professor of the Year award winner, Dr.
Harry Fritz.
Harry was born in the State of Maryland, but he graduated from
Missoula County High School in Montana in 1956. He attended Dartmouth
College to earn his bachelor of arts degree. Harry's relationship with
the University of Montana, located in Missoula, began when he attended
the university to get his master of arts degree.
After earning his Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis,
Harry returned to the University of Montana, and that is where he has
hung his hat ever since.
Harry is the chairman of the Department of History and a full-time
professor at the University of Montana. He exemplifies the type of
professor Montana has come to expect from its higher education
community. He is a first-rate guy. He is just aces. He is an educator
who meets the highest standards of professional excellence. And he is a
student's teacher. He connects with students and draws them into our
Nation's history.
I might say, I first met and knew Harry Fritz back about 1972,
somewhere in there, when I was practicing law in Missoula, MT, and was
running for the State legislature. Professor Fritz and a couple friends
of ours would get together about every couple, three weeks and have
pizza and beer. We called ourselves the ``Beer Committee,'' and Harry
was head of the Beer Committee. It was a super bunch of friends. We
would talk about the world's problems and service and what needed to be
done for Montana and the Nation. It was, in many respects, the
enthusiasm and knowledge of Harry Fritz that got me interested in
public service. He is that kind of a guy.
I might also say, he has a wonderful sense of humor. He is a tall
man. He looks a lot like Abe Lincoln. When he puts on his beard, he
portrays Abraham Lincoln and performs little skits. As a history
professor, he is able to bring President Lincoln and lots of other
aspects surrounding President Lincoln into his classes at the
University of Montana.
I might say, too, his classes are always the first to be fully
subscribed. People want to go to Professor Fritz's history classes
because he connects so much, he brings history to life so much, with a
sense of humor, with compassion, and with insight and perception. It is
no wonder he has been named Professor of the Year for 2004.
Many of us who know Harry also are reminded of all the ways he has
served. He not only is a history professor, a terrific professor at
that, but he also served in the State legislature in Montana in the
Montana Senate and the Montana House. He wants to do what he can to
serve the people of our State. His wife Nancy is equally active,
equally dedicated to service. Nancy, too, was a representative in the
Montana State legislature at one time. So they are people who exemplify
the best of human nature; that is, serving people.
I have a view that the most noble human endeavor is service. It is
service to community, it is service to church, it is service to
friends, service in whatever way makes the most sense for each one of
us. Many of us here believe that. That is why we are here. I certainly
know that is why the Presiding Officer is here, who has so much
believed in service in the various capacities that he has served his
State and this Nation.
Harry Fritz is another who believes in service. I think it is
important to honor and recognize people such as Harry, because the more
Harry Fritzes there are in this country, in this world, by far, the
more quickly we are going to solve some mutual problems.
I again pay my highest compliments to a wonderful friend, a terrific
man, and one of the best professors any student could ever have,
Professor Harry Fritz.
Mr. President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
TRIBUTES TO RETIRING SENATORS
Fritz Hollings
Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, the end of the 108th Congress marks the end
of an era. It marks the end of a remarkable career of a remarkable man.
I will not say goodbye to Senator Hollings. His personality, his
sense of humor, his achievements, his legacy will forever be a part of
this Chamber. But I do take a few minutes of the Senate's time to thank
Senator Ernest Hollings.
I thank him for being an outstanding Senator. I thank him for his
service to our country. I thank him for being a friend. I have been
honored to call him my colleague for almost 40 years.
The man who is destined to become a legend in the political history
of South Carolina politics was a New Year's Day baby. He was born on
January 1, 1922. After graduating from the Citadel, he served in the
U.S. Army during World War II. This combat veteran, who served in North
Africa and in Europe, was awarded seven campaign stars and was
discharged with the rank of captain.
After the war, he earned his law degree from the University of South
Carolina in 1947 and then began his extraordinary career in public
service in 1947. That was the year in which he earned his law degree.
In 1947, at the age of 26, he was elected to the South Carolina State
Legislature where he served until 1954, while 1947 was the year in
which I was sworn in at the West Virginia House of Delegates in
Charleston, WV.
During his last 3 years in the South Carolina State Legislature, he
served as its speaker pro tempore.
In 1954, at the age of 32, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of
South Carolina.
Four years later, in 1958, at the age of 36, he became one of the
youngest men ever elected Governor of his beloved State. From what I
understand, he was an outstanding Governor. Senator Hollings would be
outstanding in any office in which he would ever serve. He earned a
reputation as the education Governor because he raised teachers'
salaries, launched new and innovative educational programs, including a
superb technical training program, and set up a commission that
improved the State's higher education system.
In 1966 he was elected to the Senate. Here he has stayed for 38
years. I am glad he stayed. He has been a very colorful Senator, an
outstanding and outspoken Senator with a booming voice.
The stentorian voice could be heard, I am sure, throughout this
Chamber, without a public address system. When he first came here we
had no public address system in the Senate. When I first came here, we
had no public address system in the Senate, but we had Senators who
could be heard. It was a practice in those days for other Senators to
gather closer to the Senator who was speaking. It was also a practice
for other Senators to be informed when a new Senator was going to
speak. New Senators did not speak the first week or the first month,
but only after several months did they speak. Before they spoke, the
word went around that so and so was going to deliver his maiden speech
or her maiden speech. In those days there was one lady in the Senate,
Margaret Chase Smith of Maine. But we didn't have any public address
system.
I recall when we started to discuss having a public address system in
the Senate, I was opposed to it. I wanted
[[Page 23979]]
the Senate to remain the Senate of the decades that had preceded our
own times.
But he was colorful and he was a Senator who had that booming voice
that could be projected and heard in the galleries, and today Senator
Hollings does not need a microphone.
He was from the old school of Senators who placed public interest
over partisan politics. Oh, that we had more Senators like that, more
Senators like Senator Hollings who put first the public's interest, the
interest of those people who are watching through that electronic eye
just behind the Presiding Officer's desk; the eyes of the people come
through that electronic eye, which extends the galleries beyond the
capacity that we see here. It extends those galleries out to the
outermost parts of the country, north and south, out to the Pacific,
out to the great Rocky Mountains, out to the broad prairies, out to the
farms, out to the hills of West Virginia, that great medium.
This Senator from South Carolina, unlike so many Senators of today,
placed the public interest over partisan politics. And he still does.
He never hesitated to criticize a President of his own political party
as well as the opposition party when he knew in his heart and in his
conscience that President was wrong. If it were a President of his own
party, let it be.
While in the Senate, Senator Hollings has served on the Senate's
Budget and Appropriations Committees, served as chairman of the Senate
Commerce Committee, served as chairman of a number of Senate
subcommittees. Just as he had been a loyal and proud servant of his own
State of South Carolina, he has been a loyal and proud servant of our
country. In the Senate, he has been a forceful advocate of a
responsible energy policy. In fact, as early as 1967, Senator Hollings
was warning that our country faced a future of energy crises, and he
was calling for a national energy policy.
He authored legislation to create the Department of Energy and the
Automobile Fuel Economy Act that requires the miles-per-gallon sticker
on new cars.
He has been a determined advocate of a cleaner and healthier
environment. In this effort, he formulated legislation to protect our
marine environment, sponsored legislation to prevent the dumping of
polluting materials in the ocean, and authored the Coastal Zone
Management Act to protect our coastal waters and tidelands. He is the
recognized legislative ``father'' of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, NOAA.
In the Senate, Senator Hollings continued promoting technical
training as he fought to establish trade schools that specialize in
retraining workers and offer alternatives for people who choose not to
pursue a university degree.
In the Senate, Senator Hollings has tenaciously opposed trade deals
that threaten American jobs. Oh, if there were more like him. His
fights in this area have involved opposing Presidents, opposing
Presidents whom he charged were ``giving away the store'' in our trade
treaties. He has fought to protect and increase Social Security
benefits for our elderly Americans.
Concerned about the widespread poverty across the South, in 1968, he
undertook a series of ``hunger tours'' that highlighted the issue. He
later authored a powerful study, ``The Case Against Hunger: A Demand
for a National Policy'' that advocated programs to address the
persistence of abject poverty in the United States. Putting his words
into action, he helped lead the congressional effort to establish the
Women, Infants, and Children--WIC--nutritional assistance program, and
he helped to advance the Nation's community health centers, which
provide primary and preventive health services in underserved
communities.
Long before the Bush administration's record-breaking budget
deficits, long before today's incredible $7 trillion national debt,
Senator Hollings was an eloquent and powerful advocate of budget
discipline. I did not always agree with his efforts, such as the Gramm-
Rudman-Hollings law, but I never questioned Senator Hollings's
dedication to trying to restore fiscal sanity to America's deficit
addictions.
Although he has long been a Senator of power and influence, during
the great majority of his time in this Chamber, he remained the junior
Senator from his State. Even after serving 36 years in the Senate, he
was still outranked by his colleague from South Carolina, Senator Strom
Thurmond, making Senator Hollings the longest serving junior Senator in
history, whatever that means. I have often wondered, having been a
junior Senator and being a senior Senator now, what we mean by ``junior
Senator''? Well, we know what it means, but that is all.
It was at the age of 80 that Senator Hollings finally became the
senior Senator from South Carolina. He had earned it. He had earned it
just as he has earned the respect and the gratitude of the people of
South Carolina and the men and the women in this Chamber.
Now, unfortunately, my friend and colleague is leaving us. Again, I
will not say farewell to him. I will only thank him for his service and
wish him well in his private life.
I will always remember and cherish our years of working together on
the Appropriations Committee and for the best interests of our great
country.
It isn't enough that we say in our hearts
That we like a man for his ways;
And it isn't enough that we fill our minds
With psalms of silent praise;
Nor is it enough that we honor a man
As our confidence upward mounts;
It's going right up to the man himself
And telling him so that counts.
Then when a man does a deed that you really admire,
Don't leave a kind word unsaid,
For fear to do so might make him vain
Or cause him to lose his head;
But reach out your hand and tell him, ``Well done'',
And see how his gratitude swells;
It isn't the flowers we strew on the grave,
It's the word to the living that tells.
Now, unfortunately, my friend and colleague--a strong colleague on
the Appropriations Committee, where we two have served all these many
years--is leaving us. Again, I will not say farewell to Senator
Hollings. I will only thank him for his service and wish him well in
his private life. I will always remember and cherish our years of
working together.
I shall always remember, too, that loyal, dedicated, devoted
helpmate, Peatsy, who stood always at his side, always there to be his
best confidant. Yes, Erma and I will miss Peatsy.
In closing, then, let me speak just a few words from the ``Character
of the Happy Warrior'' by William Wordsworth, because I think they
represent my feelings toward Ernest Fritz Hollings:
Who is the happy Warrior? Who is he
That every man in arms should wish to be?
* * * * *
'Tis, finally, the Man, who, lifted high,
Conspicuous object in a Nation's eye,
Or left unthought-of in obscurity,--
Who, with a toward or untoward lot,
Prosperous or adverse, to his wish or not--
Plays, in the many games of life, that one
Where what he most doth value must be won:
Whom neither shape or danger can dismay,
Nor thought of tender happiness betray;
Who, not content that former worth stand fast,
Looks forward, persevering to the last,
From well to better, daily self-surpast:
Who, whether praise of him must walk the earth
For ever, and to noble deeds give birth,
Or he must fall, to sleep without his fame,
And leave a dead unprofitable name--
Finds comfort in himself and in his cause;
And, while the mortal mist is gathering, draws
His breath in confidence of Heaven's applause:
This is the happy Warrior; this is he
That every man in arms should wish to be.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Pennsylvania is recognized.
Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I am happy to yield to the Senator from
Oklahoma.
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that at the
conclusion of the remarks of the junior Senator from Pennsylvania, I be
recognized to speak as in morning business for up to 25 minutes.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
[[Page 23980]]
The Senator from Pennsylvania is recognized.
____________________
POLISH VISA WAIVERS
Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I rise very briefly to offer another
unanimous consent request. This is a unanimous consent request on a
piece of legislation that Senator Mikulski and I introduced earlier
this year regarding Polish visa waivers.
A visa waiver is a provision given in law to allow people from a
country with which the United States has good relationships to come
into this country for a temporary period of time as visitors, tourists,
without having to obtain a visa. In other words, this waives the visa
requirement that is generally imposed on people coming from other
countries to America. I believe we have done this with 27 other
countries because of the unique relationship we have with them and the
bond that the countries have with the U.S.
Poland, unfortunately, has not been granted that status. If you look
at the continent of Europe and at the great allies that we have on the
continent of Europe, obviously, the two that come to mind--in my mind
at least--are the Brits and the Italians. But Poland has shown, since
its release from the Soviet Union's sphere of influence, a remarkable
affinity for the United States and has shown tremendous strides and
advances both in terms of democracy, economy, and in their culture. It
is very much a country that is leaning and facing west. It is, to me, a
real injustice to the people of that country, who have been our
steadfast supporters, particularly in the most recent conflict in Iraq,
that we would not present them the opportunity we do virtually every
other country in Europe.
Senator Mikulski agrees, I think, with the statements I have made,
and she has said so on the floor of the Senate. We have been working in
the past couple of months to clear this legislation so it can pass the
Senate and be sent to the House, with the hope, at this late date, of
becoming law but, if not, accelerating the opportunity for it to become
law next year. Even at this late date, the hope is that once the bill
would get to the House, there would be the kind of support we have seen
in the Senate to pass it. The support is nearly unanimous.
As we all know, at this point in time in the Senate, nearly unanimous
isn't good enough. We need unanimous consent, or all Members of the
Senate to agree. I can speak on behalf of the Republican side of the
aisle. I have spoken to all Senators, or their offices, and every
Republican Senator has agreed to allow this bill to clear the Senate
and to pass today. We were willing to pass this bill before we broke in
October. We were willing to give this bill a chance to become law and
be signed by this President. I am hopeful that he would sign this
legislation.
But I have been informed that in spite of the good efforts of Senator
Mikulski, we may not be able to clear this legislation on the other
side of the aisle. That is a great disappointment to me and I know to
Senator Mikulski. I know it is a great disappointment to many Polish
Americans--9.3 million Polish persons. Over 100,000 Poles per year come
to this country to visit relatives and friends. Yet we cannot extend
this, I argue, minimal courtesy to those who have allied with us and
have shown their good hand of friendship toward us.
Mr. President, I will ask unanimous consent, in the hopes that maybe
even later after this consent request, which I am told will be objected
to, others will reconsider, and perhaps we can later tonight, or
tomorrow, or Saturday, or however long we will be here, be able to work
through this problem and get unanimous consent on this vitally
important piece of legislation for not just the 9.3 million Poles in
this country, but for all of us in America who would like to extend a
further hand of friendship and accord to the people of Poland who have
been such steadfast allies of our great country.
I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the immediate
consideration of calendar 715, S. 2844.
Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, reserving the right to object. I must say
for the record that there are Members who strongly support this bill--
Senator Mikulski and others. However, on behalf of others, I must
object. Therefore, I do object.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
Mr. SANTORUM. Thank you, Mr. President. I know the Senator from
Oklahoma intends to speak.
At this point, I ask unanimous consent that an explanation of this
issue be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
S. 2844--Designating Poland as a Visa Waiver Country--Calendar No 715
WHAT DOES THIS BILL DO?
Designates Poland as a visa waiver country. Citizens
visiting the U.S. within a 90-day period would not need to
apply for a visa.
WHY SUPPORT THIS LEGISLATION?
Since the founding of the United States, Poland has proven
its steadfast dedication to the causes of freedom and
friendship with the United States. In addition, Polish
History provides pioneering examples of religious tolerance.
The United States is home to 9 million people of Polish
ancestry, including 429,000 in Florida, 854,000 in Michigan,
240,000 in Minnesota, 576,000 in New Jersey, 433,000 in Ohio,
824,146 in Pennsylvania, and 497,000 in Wisconsin. Polish
Immigrants have contributed greatly to the success of
industry and agriculture in the United States.
Since the demise of communism, Poland has become a stable,
democratic nation. Poland has adopted economic policies that
promote free markets and economic growth.
Poland demonstrated its commitment to global security by
becoming a member of NATO. Poland also just recently became a
member of the EU.
Poland was a staunch ally to the U.S. in Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Poland has committed 2,300 soldiers to help with
ongoing peace efforts in Iraq.
In 1991, Poland unilaterally repealed the visa requirement
for U.S. citizens traveling to Poland for less than 90 days.
And today, more than 100,000 Polish citizens travel to the
United States annually.
POLISH VISA REFUSAL RATE
Refusal rate can be an inaccurate measure because it is
based on decisions made by consular officers rather than the
actual behavior of non-immigrants. It does not reflect the
propensity of nationals from that country to overstay their
visas.
Nonetheless, Poland's visa refusal rate is declining
dramatically, from around 43% in FY 03 to approximately 30%
in FY 04.
Polish citizens who apply for a visa have on average, a one
and a half minute interview. This obviously is not enough
time for a consular officer to make a decision on whether or
not they will overstay their visas. In other western European
countries, the average interview is five minutes.
Consular Officers still have a 1980s view of Poland, a
country in serious economic trouble and under tyranny. This
is an unfair view as Poland in now a stable, democratic
nation that promotes free markets and economic growth.
Warsaw airport is in the pilot program for airport
screening, so most Poles who would travel to the U.S. under
Visa Waiver would face an INS determination of whether they
will be admitted before they get on a plane.
Poland's refusal rate does not reflect a high propensity
for terrorism. The State Department has given no indication
that the potential for terrorism in Poland significantly
exceeds that of the 27 countries currently participating in
the Visa Waiver Program.
IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT OUR STRONG ALLY AT THIS CRUCIAL TIME
Poland was a staunch ally to the U.S. in Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Poland has committed 2,300 soldiers to help with
ongoing peace efforts in Iraq.
Though a staunch ally, Poland has legitimate concerns about
our appreciation of their efforts. President Aleksander
Kwasniewski reiterated these concerns when Poland was not
included as an ally in Iraq during the Presidential Debate.
As Lech Walesa said, this would be a very symbolic gesture
for both the government and the people of Poland. We owe the
Poles our appreciation for their camaraderie and sacrifice in
a pivotal point in our history. This legislation would go a
long way in showing our appreciation for their alliance with
us.
CURRENT PARTICIPANT COUNTRIES IN THE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan,
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New
Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
[[Page 23981]]
Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, as I said before, I hope we can get
agreement. I know there are one, or maybe more, Senators on the other
side of the aisle who have found a concern with this. I ask that while
this is somewhat unusual in the way we put forth this legislation, it
is vitally important for us to send a very strong and positive signal
to one of our strongest allies in the world that we stand with them and
accept them as one of our closest and dearest allies, and we will treat
them accordingly, with respect to the visitation of Polish people who
visit relatives and friends in the United States.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senator from
Oklahoma is to be recognized for 25 minutes.
The Senator from West Virginia is recognized.
Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, if the Senator from Oklahoma comes, I will
yield the floor quickly to him. At this moment, under the current
circumstances, I had sought to be recognized and I do so for the
purpose of speaking for not more than 12 minutes. I ask unanimous
consent that I may be recognized for no more than 12 minutes.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the Senator is recognized.
____________________
TRIBUTES TO RETIRING SENATORS
Tom Daschle
Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, there is an old Chinese curse that says,
``May you live in interesting times.'' A Senate equivalent of that
saying could very well be: May you lead the Senate in interesting
times. If so, the Senate leadership of Senator Tom Daschle would
certainly qualify. He led the Senate with a very quiet integrity during
some of the most difficult times in American history.
In 1994, Senator Daschle became Senate Democratic leader by a single
vote. No sooner had he become Democratic leader than he was forced to
deal with the Republican revolution of 1994, including House Speaker
Newt Gingrich and his short-lived ``Contract With America.'' I never
read it, never signed it, and was not a disciple of it.
While he served as the Democratic leader for nearly a decade, there
was a period of 17 months in which he went from minority leader to
majority leader and back to minority leader.
He was the Senate Democratic leader during the first impeachment of
an American President in 131 years. He was the Senate Democratic leader
on September 11, 2001, when America experienced the worst terrorist
attack in the history of this great land. One month later, a
bioterrorist attack on his Senate office in the Hart Building exposed
20 of Tom Daschle's staffers to deadly anthrax spores.
As the Senate Democratic leader, Mr. Daschle has had to deal with
three different Republican leaders. During these turbulent
circumstances, he remained reassuring and inspiring. Tom Daschle's
soothing personality and his mild-mannered demeanor were comforting
under very trying circumstances.
Looking back, it seems strange that many people once considered this
likable, soft-spoken young man to be too likable and too soft spoken to
be an effective Senate leader. I am pleased and proud to say that we
were wrong. I say ``we'' because many people will recall that I
initially opposed his candidacy for Senate Democratic leadership. But
after Tom Daschle was elected leader, I was impressed as I found him to
be an engaging man with whom to work, a most interesting man, a leader
who has a way of putting other people at ease, even in troubled as well
as in pleasant times.
He was always working to seek a consensus. He was always listening.
He was one of the best listeners I have ever met during my 46 years in
this body.
Even in the Senate's darkest moments, he retained his sense of
optimism, always preferring to see the glass as half full rather than
half empty. And that optimism was infectious. Therefore, 2 years later,
it was my pleasure to nominate Tom Daschle for reelection as Senate
Democratic leader. In nominating him, I announced:
I was totally wrong about this young man. He has steel in
his spine, despite his reasonable and modest demeanor.
As a former Senate leader myself, I can say that a Senate leader who
can bring together and develop a consensus on tough controversial
measures must have the patience of Job and the wisdom of Solomon.
As a former Senate Democratic leader, I want to express my gratitude
to Mr. Daschle for the service that he rendered to this Chamber, to our
Nation, and to our political party.
During the interesting times in which he led the Senate, Senator
Daschle was always working for the common good. Because of his
principled--let me say that again--because of his principled opposition
to the Bush administration, critics denounced and demonized him as an
obstructionist. If placing the national good over blind obedience to
any President makes a Senator an obstructionist, then let me say that
our democracy--indeed, all democracies--need more Tom Daschle's.
Senator Daschle stayed above it all, as he refused to engage in the
gutter politics of his opponents. He always retained and maintained the
dignity that has characterized him as a man and as a Senator. But then
this mild-mannered South Dakota Democrat, the only South Dakotan ever
to be elected to the Senate leadership, has always served the people of
his State and the people of our Nation proudly and honorably, with
diligence, sincerity, and distinction.
His entire career in public service has been based on standing up for
the common good. He has been a true friend of rural America, especially
America's farmers. Among the many measures he promoted to benefit
American farmers, Senator Daschle pushed the development and the
commercialization of alternative agricultural products.
He was an aggressive advocate of health issues, having authored
legislation that expanded health services in rural areas.
As a veteran himself, having served as an intelligence officer in the
Strategic Air Command of the U.S. Air Force, Tom Daschle was a powerful
advocate for American veterans. In 1991, he won his 11-year struggle
for legislation to assist Vietnam veterans suffering from exposure to
Agent Orange.
I am sorry that I must now say goodbye to this decent man and this
outstanding Senator, especially in such circumstances. And he is a
decent man. He was always good to me. He was always listening. He
always listened to whatever I had to suggest to him--always listening
and always tried to be helpful. So many times he spoke good words
concerning me. He was always asking about my wife Erma: How is your
wife? How is your wife Erma?
But as anyone involved in politics knows, political life has its
defeats as well as its victories, its sorrows as well as its joys, and
we must accept them as they come, always looking forward, not backward,
and knowing that the future will present other opportunities to serve
our Nation.
I hope that Senator Daschle will continue a life of public service
because our Nation will always need men of his background and
experiences but, most importantly, his wisdom, his integrity, and his
optimism.
Let me say on behalf of Erma and myself that we are so grateful to
Senator Daschle and his lovely wife for their many courtesies extended
to us, their many kindnesses which we will never forget. I am confident
that despite the happenings of November 2, Senator Daschle still sees
the glass as half full rather than half empty.
And so my wife Erma and I extend our best wishes to Senator Daschle
and his wife Linda in all of their future endeavors.
Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a
quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the order for the
quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Smith). Without objection, it is so
ordered.
[[Page 23982]]
Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I also ask unanimous consent that I be
allowed to speak in morning business for as much time as I may consume.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
JUDICIAL SELECTION PROCESS
Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, recently there has been a lot of
discussion about, not just the role of the judiciary in our democracy,
but the process by which judges are selected. To me, this all boils
down to something that Daniel Webster once said when he opined that
``justice is the greatest desire of man on Earth.'' It is, in fact, the
judges, the ones who wear the black robe, the men or women who serve on
local or State or Federal benches who are the ones with whom we
identify that common yearning for justice.
Unfortunately, here in the Senate over the last couple of years, we
have gone through an experience that not only reeks of injustice but
also of unfairness and, indeed, rises to the level of
unconstitutionality when it comes to the filibuster used against
President Bush's judicial nominees.
Never, before these last 2 years, has a nominee for a Federal court,
whether it is the Federal district court or circuit court or the United
States Supreme Court, been blocked by the use of a filibuster when
there was a bipartisan majority of the Senate who stood ready to
confirm that judge--never before the current Congress, dating back now
2 years.
We all know the judiciary plays a critical role in our form of
government. As high school students, or perhaps even earlier, we learn
that our three branches of government play important but distinct roles
in our constitutional democracy. It is the judiciary, which at one time
in our Nation's history has been called the least dangerous branch,
that has produced some of the most dangerous decisions, at least so far
as it concerns our right to self-government. What I mean by that is
when we see courts strike down the Pledge of Allegiance because
schoolchildren cannot say the words ``under God'' when they pledge
allegiance to the flag; when we see county clerks, indeed, when we see
judges themselves authorize the issuance of marriage licenses to same-
sex couples on TV and across our country; and when we see courts, on
the basis of lawsuits that have been filed, tell military bases that
they cannot grant access to their facilities to the Boy Scouts of
America, we know these are not a product of a vote of the people.
In each of those instances it is the act or the dictate of a judge, a
judge that I submit has lost any tether, any sort of anchor with the
fundamental premises upon which the power of a judge is granted.
We want to make sure in this country, I believe, whether we are
Democrats, Republicans or independents, that our judges are not
politicized. In other words, we want to make sure when we walk into a
courtroom when our case is decided that the judges have not already
made up their minds before hearing what the facts are. We want to make
sure that that judge does not have some sort of political or personal
agenda which makes it impossible for them to be fair.
But what we have seen over the last couple of years is a political
situation of the judicial selection process where good men and women
who are highly qualified to serve as Federal judges at the Federal
district court level and at the circuit court level have been not only
obstructed by this unconstitutional filibuster process, which has never
before been used in America history--what we have seen is also
character assassination. We have seen individuals who spent a lifetime
creating a reputation and developing a career as a judge totally
smeared by various interest groups whose desire it is to politicize not
only the judicial selection process but the decisionmaking process by
judges. And that is wrong.
We know, in addition to the other important judicial vacancies that
exist around this country which we have been unable to fill because of
the filibuster, that in all likelihood during President Bush's second
term of office he will have the opportunity to nominate one or more
nominees to the U.S. Supreme Court. I am sorry to say these nominees
will undoubtedly be savaged by some of these same interest groups who
are bound and determined to politicize not only the act of judging--
that quest for justice--but in fact the selection process itself.
Unfortunately, these kinds of venomous politics are something we have
come too often to expect when it comes to selecting these important
members of the judiciary.
I firmly believe we are a big and diverse country. We have people who
come from different places across the planet, who pronounce their name
in different ways, who have different traditions, creeds, beliefs. And
the great thing about this country is we can all live here in this one
place and we can argue for what we strongly believe in. We can defend
those views when they are attacked. But in the end, we settle those
disputes--maybe not change someone's mind but we settle the dispute at
least for a while by having an election.
On November 2 of this year, 60 million people not only chose to
reelect President George W. Bush, but I believe in part cast their
votes for the kind of judicial nominees this President has nominated in
the past and which he can be expected to nominate in the future.
Men and women are drawn to service in the judiciary because they
believe in that quest for justice, and they want to play an important
role in making sure that desire for justice, that quest for justice, is
satisfied, at least as much as is humanly possible, in courtrooms all
across this country.
But we know--at least in the past, based on sad experience--there are
those who will not be satisfied with an election; that people will not
put their grievances and their anger behind them but will continue to
pursue these policies of destruction and character assassination when
it comes to the President's judicial nominees. Unfortunately, these
angry individuals have not come to accept what the vast majority of
Americans have agreed is the way we should work; that is, we do our
best, we fight our best fight, we get our voters out, and then we have
an election and we resolve those differences at the election.
We have seen time and time again how these tactics have been used
shamelessly to smear some of the President's judicial nominees. It is
only logical to expect some of these same tactics, notwithstanding what
I have said, will be used again.
What we have seen in this Senate--and I believe the American people
cast a vote, at least in part, on November 2--is, as I have said,
unconstitutional filibusters. And what I believe the American people
cast a vote on on November 2, particularly when it came to the Senate
minority leader race, the race in South Dakota, was a repudiation of
obstructionism and the unconstitutional use of the filibuster to block
the President's nominees who, if allowed the simple dignity of an up-
or-down vote, would have been confirmed as I speak.
The Constitution makes clear what the role of the Senate is. That
role is to provide advice and consent. Yes. The Judiciary Committee, on
which I am honored to serve, has a responsibility to review the
credentials and background and experience, the temperament of these
nominees to make sure they understand they are not just another branch
of the legislature which is at liberty to enact through judicial edict
their personal or political or any other agenda. Our job is to make
sure they respect the separation of powers which makes the judiciary a
distinct and unique branch which is supposed to interpret the law, not
make the law.
Unfortunately, we have seen an obstinate minority in this body that
has denied this Congress the ability to provide that advice and
consent; that is, trying to elevate the de facto requirement under the
Constitution for confirmation to 60 votes by claiming that the Senate
rule which requires 60 votes to cut off debate trumped the
Constitution.
You might ask, How is that possible? The Constitution is the
fundamental law of the United States of America,
[[Page 23983]]
and all other laws passed, including those of Congress, are inferior to
that law. If the act of Congress is inferior to that law and when it
conflicts, it must fall, surely a Senate rule that purports to require
a supermajority vote of the Senate to confirm judges must fall when
there is conflict with the U.S. Constitution.
The Constitution provides that in specific but limited instances a
supermajority vote is required for passage, notably the ratification of
treaties and notably the amendment of the Constitution itself. But
nowhere in the Constitution is it provided that to confirm a judge,
more than a 51-vote majority is required.
That is why over these last 2 years we have heard Members on this
side of the aisle time and time again come to the Senate and say not
only is this filibuster unfair, but, indeed, blocking an up-or-down
vote by a bipartisan majority of this body is, in fact, in violation of
the fundamental law of our land.
In order to be suited by virtue of temperament to serve in elected
office, you have to be an optimist by nature, and I am. It is my
sincere hope, it is my sincere request and entreaty to our colleagues
on the other side of the aisle, that these tactics stop. They must stop
not only for the good of the Senate but out of respect to the President
who received almost 60 million votes on November 2 and out of respect
for the Constitution itself. What has happened these last 2 years is
wrong, it is unfair, and, indeed, it is unconstitutional.
Should President Bush have the opportunity to nominate one or more
judges to vacancies on the U.S. Supreme Court, it is my sincere hope we
will have learned something from the mistakes of the past. We will have
also learned there is a political penalty to be paid for obstructing
judges, for treating them unfairly and in an unconstitutional fashion.
As an astute observer not only of the human condition but also of
politics in general, I am confident that all of my colleagues in the
Senate, all 100, paid close attention to the verdict of the American
people on November 2 when it came to a referendum on whether these
unconstitutional, unfair obstructionist tactics should continue or end.
It is my hope we all got the same message and that, indeed, we will
treat the President's nominees fairly, that we will do what the
Constitution requires, that we ask the questions, make sure they are
qualified by virtue of experience, education, and temperament, that
they understand what the role of the judge is, and that they are not
just a legislator wearing a black robe and with lifetime tenure.
I believe on November 2 the American people rejected the tactics of
obstructionism and demonization of the President's nominees. Frankly, I
worry that the good men and women who have been nominated by the
President to serve in these important positions, after those behind
them see how they have been treated, or I should say mistreated, how
long can we expect other good men and women, when called by the
President, will answer the call only to know they will be smeared,
strung out before the world and, indeed, then, obstructed by an
unconstitutional process?
It is my hope we will have learned something over these last 2 years
and to repudiate these tactics.
I will say something to my constituents and the people who may be
listening who have contacted my office in very sincere concern for what
they have seen played out on the Senate floor and in the judicial
confirmation process.
I say to all of them, I appreciate your passion. I appreciate your
concern. I appreciate your interest in the instruments of the
Government that ultimately the people of this country control. We are
going to need the involvement, the attention, the passion of all of the
people and, indeed, we are going to need to appeal to our better angels
in the Senate and in the Senate Judiciary Committee when it comes to
the next nominees for the U.S. Supreme Court.
We all remember, whether it is the confirmation process by which
Judge Bork was blocked, by which Clarence Thomas was ultimately
confirmed--after going through a process that no one should have to go
through--my hope is we will have learned that is not the way the Senate
should conduct itself and that we will resolve among ourselves and
resolve among the American people and to the people we represent that
we will treat the President's judicial nominees fairly, that we will
treat them with dignity, and that we will provide the up-or-down vote
the U.S. Constitution demands when it comes to the confirmation of the
President's judicial nominees.
I am not suggesting for a minute that anyone violate their
conscience. Indeed, any Senator with a sincere belief that an
individual judge should not be confirmed should come to the Senate, as
no doubt they will, and explain to their colleagues why they feel so
strongly, why they conscientiously object to this nominee and invoke
their conscience. Every Senator should do that, and I trust they will.
But no one, no Senator has the right, no group of Senators has the
right, no minority has the right to tyrannize the majority of the
Senate when we stand ready in a bipartisan fashion to cast a vote, up
or down, for a judicial nominee.
I sincerely hope we will not have only learned from the mistakes of
the past when it comes to obstruction of the President's judicial
nominees, but we will conduct ourselves with the kind of dignity the
American people have come to expect from Senators and that we will
conduct ourselves uprightly, with fairness and dignity, and treat all
we come in contact exactly the same way.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Dakota.
Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I intend to speak on another matter at
some point. I see several of my colleagues are in the Senate. Senator
Levin, I believe, wishes to speak for a short time. I see Senator Bond
is in the Senate, as well.
I will take 5 minutes to say I have deep respect for my colleague
from Texas. I like him and I am pleased he is a Member of this body. I
have deep disagreement with what he has said, and I will take this
moment to respond to it.
There is a newfound passion, apparently, for providing votes for
nominees for judgeships. When I say a newfound passion, let me explain
that I was here in the 1990s. There were 60 nominees for the Federal
court that never got a vote in the Senate by a Republican-controlled
Senate. Many of them never even got 1 day of hearings. It was
unbelievable what went on with the majority party in this Chamber when
the Clinton administration was sending down nominees.
Contrary to what my colleague just indicated, this notion of
obstructionism, this is a newfound technique. You create your own
reality and debate from that reality. There was no obstructionism. This
Senate approved 201 Federal judges; 201 of the nominations for Federal
judgeships that were sent down here by this President. We held up about
10 of them.
Now, the Constitution says something about our obligations. This is
not about obstruction. It is not about unconstitutional behavior. It is
not anything of the sort. It is about those in the Senate who
understand that the Constitution says we have a responsibility when it
comes to putting someone on the Federal bench for a lifetime.
When someone sends a name to this Senate as this President did that
says, I want this man to serve for a lifetime on the Federal bench--by
the way, this person has a record of writing articles saying that his
belief is that women are subservient to men--I say, wait a second. It
is not somebody I want to sit on the Federal bench for a lifetime. I
don't happen to think that sort of thinking represents what I want to
put on the Federal bench.
We held up, I believe, 10 nominees and approved 201. We approved 93
percent of the President's requests. We are told this is
obstructionism? And now we are told, today, there is a lesson in the
South Dakota Senate race as a result of this? This ``obstructionism''
[[Page 23984]]
created a result in the Senate race in South Dakota of which we all
need to be mindful?
Let me state what the South Dakota Senate race was about. It was not
about obstructionism and judgeships. It was about $20 million coming
out of the basement of the White House through various orifices and
devices, directed at the minority leader in the State of South Dakota
in a campaign that in many respects, in my judgment, was shameful. But
it was not about obstructionism. It was not about judges because the
fact is we approved 201 Federal nominees sent to us by this President.
We have been extraordinarily cooperative.
Let me say again, I was here during 8 years of the Clinton
administration when 60 nominees were sent down here that never got a
vote. Some of them never got one day of hearings. Let me say that on my
behalf I want to cooperate with this President. But my colleagues and I
have constitutional responsibilities with respect to putting someone on
a Federal bench for a lifetime that involves two steps: One, the
President proposes a nominee; and, second, under advice and consent,
the Senate then makes its judgement. We have a responsibility here. It
is a constitutional responsibility.
I have read and reread that Constitution. I am proud of what we have
done. We have been extraordinarily cooperative with this President and
will continue to be so. But that does not mean all of us walk to this
Chamber with ink on our shoes and become a giant rubber stamp to say:
Me too. Yes, sign me up. OK, I am fine, I am with you. It is not our
role and it is not our responsibility.
When we approved 201 Federal nominees to the Federal court from this
President, which was 93 percent of the nominees of this President, I
think it strains credibility to somehow call this obstructionism. And
it certainly strains our sense of irony to hear those calling us
obstructionists when not very long ago there were 60 nominees, some of
which never got a day of hearings, and none of which got a vote on the
floor of the Senate.
Going forward, I think we ought to understand this: The so-called
lesson we were described moments ago about the election in South
Dakota, that is all nonsense. It is not what that was about. We believe
we have a responsibility to cooperate. We will. We also believe we have
a constitutional responsibility to use our heads, our hearts and our
minds to make good decisions about the future of this country. We will
continue to do that as well.
Incidentally, I have in my hand a record of two votes during the
Clinton administration where there were cloture motions that were
required for nominees. So this notion that somehow it is the first time
ever there was a filibuster, nonsense, that's just not true.
I have records of both votes. It has been done before. It has been
done by the majority party. It is just when they do not get 100 percent
of their nominees, they do not get a rubber stamp coming out of this
Chamber, that somehow they have a problem with that. The American
people should not have a problem with it. The Constitution certainly
does not have a problem with it, and I do not.
I want to be cooperative, but I do not want to sit and listen to a
re-creation of reality that does not square with what we have done in
the Senate.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Michigan.
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I wonder if I could ask unanimous consent
to line up speakers. Does the Senator from North Dakota want to do
that? And is that agreeable to the Senator from Missouri and the
Senator from Oklahoma that speakers be lined up by unanimous consent?
When I asked Senator Dorgan to yield to me for 5 minutes, he was
wondering if he could then be next in order. But I know Senator Bond is
here, too.
Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I ask for 5 minutes.
Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, let me follow Senator Bond.
Mr. INHOFE. Yes. If I could ask the Senator from North Dakota about
how much time will he be using?
Mr. DORGAN. I intended to use 20 minutes. I would be happy to follow
the Senator.
Mr. INHOFE. I would be close to that amount of time, too, so I will
go ahead and wait. If I could lock in after the Senator from North
Dakota, that is fine.
Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, let me suggest the Senator from Michigan
begin, and then be followed by the Senator from Missouri, and then
myself, followed by the Senator from Oklahoma. I ask unanimous consent
that be the order.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
CLOTURE VOTES FOR JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, while Senator Dorgan is in the Chamber, he
made reference to the fact there have been cloture votes required on
judges throughout the years. I want to expand on the Record some of the
names of judges where cloture votes were required, in fact, where
cloture votes were not agreed to and led to their defeat in a number of
instances: Justice Fortas in 1968; now Justice Bryer but then circuit
court nominee Steven Bryer in 1980, with two cloture motions; Rosemary
Barkett, to the Eleventh Circuit in 1994; Lee Sarokin in 1994, with a
cloture motion required; Marsha Berzon in the year 2000; Richard Paez
in the year 2000.
Cloture is not a new phenomenon when it comes to the debate over
judges. Yet we hear now that suddenly the requirement that there be a
cloture vote is something that is new to this Senate. It is not. It has
been historically used. It is appropriate, and it is rare.
As Senator Dorgan pointed out, 93 percent of the judges who were
nominated by President Bush were confirmed when there were votes that
came to the floor of the Senate. Ninety-three percent of these judges
were confirmed. And the comparison to that of the Clinton years, where
so many judges could not even get a hearing, where there was a
filibuster in the Judiciary Committee because of the refusal to grant
judges a hearing, is quite a contrast. We do not hear much about that.
Instead, hearing that the refusal to have an up-or-down vote and a
requirement for cloture is somehow labeled obstructionism is altogether
out of line, as far as I am concerned, and inaccurate historically,
inappropriate, and needs to be contested.
____________________
TRIBUTES TO RETIRING SENATORS
Tom Daschle
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, that is not why I came to the floor,
although it relates to why I came to the floor this afternoon because I
came here to pay tribute to a dear friend, our Democratic leader, Tom
Daschle of South Dakota. This sadness is only tempered by the belief
that Tom Daschle will continue to play a vital role in our Nation's
public life in the future.
Tom Daschle has had a distinguished career as a legislator on behalf
of the interests of the people of South Dakota and all of the people of
our Nation. He has fought for a fair share for the farmers of his State
and for farmers around the country. He has been in the forefront of
rural health, veterans' health, a fair tax system, and a very broad
range of other issues.
He has been as a leader of the Democrats in the Senate, both as
majority leader and minority leader, through one of the most difficult
periods of the Senate's history where Tom Daschle has made his mark. He
has been a remarkable leader. As a principled and tireless advocate for
the issues he believes in, he has led by example. On countless
difficult and contentious issues, he has led by carefully listening to
all sides. Time and time again, on complex and challenging legislation,
he has led by tireless negotiation and by building consensus. And,
where appropriate, he has been able to organize Democrats to insist on
our rights as a minority in the Senate.
[[Page 23985]]
It is, indeed, a bitter irony of the most recent election that Tom
Daschle, who is a legislator to the core, and a man of compromise and
soft-spoken wisdom, a seeker of dialogue, solutions, and consensus, was
caricatured as an obstructionist. In the time-honored tradition of
Senate leaders of both parties, he stood tall when principle required
it. In reality, though, it was Tom Daschle's style to reach across the
aisle, time and time again, in an effort to legislate in the Nation's
best interest. Often he worked closely with the Republican leader in
some of the Senate's finest and most difficult hours.
In the face of a very difficult impeachment trial that tested this
Senate, in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, and when he
himself was targeted in the anthrax attack, as in countless other
instances, Tom Daschle demonstrated his talent for calm, inclusive, and
wise leadership.
As this session of Congress ends in the next few days, the people of
South Dakota will be losing a vigorous, effective, and committed
Senator. Democrats in this body, indeed, all Senators, will be losing a
great leader. And all Americans will be losing a voice of reason,
judgment, and wisdom. I will be losing a friend and a confidante. Tom
Daschle is a beautiful human being and a nonpareil leader. His good
nature will enable him to overcome this momentary defeat so that the
contributions he makes to public life will soon flower in a different
place.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Missouri is recognized.
Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Senator Shelby
be recognized for 10 minutes following me, and that Senator Breaux be
recognized for 15 minutes thereafter.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
John Breaux
Mr. BOND. Mr. President, it has been a pleasure to work with the
Senator from Louisiana. We have appreciated his leadership on many
issues not only important to Louisiana but to our energy future and
important to navigation in the heartland, which is something that is
vitally important for all of us.
____________________
LEADERSHIP AT THE CIA
Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I am here today to talk about an old-
fashioned virtue: doing what you said you were going to do. That is a
test a lot of people apply in politics. They say if you tell us what
you are going to do when you get elected, are you going to do it?
It seems to me in the intelligence field we have an example of that.
The reaction is somewhat surprising. We have had, I think, 128 or 130
hearings in the Intelligence Committee since I joined it in January
2003. One of the lessons we learned is that, while there are many
outstanding dedicated men and women in the CIA and throughout the
intelligence community, the system is broken; it didn't give us the
adequate or accurate prediction of the scope of the terrorist danger to
the U.S. before 9/11. We went into Iraq with the Director of Central
Intelligence so confident of the intelligence analysis that we would
find weapons of mass destruction that he advised the President it was a
``slam dunk.''
We now find out that while there was great danger in Iraq, it was
very different from the danger that the CIA had assessed. The estimates
were really faulty. We have seen this. The CIA and the intelligence
community, as I said, have outstanding, dedicated people; but they are
not focused properly on doing the job that the new worldwide threat of
an unrelenting, vicious, terrorist war directed at us and all free-
minded people presents. So everybody came to the conclusion there
needed to be a new direction.
The President nominated one of the Members of Congress who had done a
great deal of oversight of the CIA and actually had served in the
clandestine service himself, Porter Goss of Florida. Everybody said
they wanted change. Porter Goss told the President and the Congress in
his confirmation hearings that we are going to make some changes. He
went over to the CIA. He is making some changes. What a surprise. The
critics are now saying he is making changes at the CIA. I am a little
bit confused about what they thought he was going to do. If he didn't
make changes at the CIA, that is when I think we should be challenging
him.
Something has to change. I have spoken with Director Goss, and I know
our chairman, Senator Roberts, has. We both have confidence in his
ability, because it appears to us that Director Goss is doing exactly
what he told Congress he would do, and that is to make changes in order
to improve the CIA.
Why are we surprised or critical that there is a change with new
leadership? Obviously, changing means there are going to be some people
who are going to be displaced. We thank them for their service and wish
them well. But why are we arguing over the fact that some people are
going to be removed or replaced?
Director Goss testified at his confirmation hearing that he would
make changes that emphasize the CIA's missions and capability and focus
on delivering a better product to the President and Congress. That is
because, as I said, we have had report after report, including the
Senate's inquiry that we spent a lot of time putting together, that
shows failures at many levels within the CIA, resulting in an
inadequate product presented to us and the administration. The status
quo is not acceptable.
Director Goss has a very big challenge ahead of him. We need to give
him room to address it. Change is tough, people don't like it, but it
is necessary. Take two aspirins and call me in the morning. Sit back
and take a deep breath and don't get upset because he is making
changes.
There are some critics who are going after him tooth and toenail. I
believe the New York Times had a headline today that said ``New CIA
Chief Tells Workers to Back Administration Policies.'' Wait a minute.
That is not what he said. I have the copy of the statement Director
Goss made. He said that we will support the administration, but he says
we will provide intelligence to support it. We don't come out and argue
for it. He said that as agency employees, we do not identify with,
support, or champion opposition to the administration or its policies.
We provide the intelligence as we see it and let the facts alone speak
to the policymaker. In other words, their support is by providing the
best intelligence estimates available.
Now, Michael Scheuer, who wrote that anonymous book and made
headlines with the ``Imperial Hubris'' book, criticized timid
leadership at CIA. Why are we criticizing the DCI for shaking up the
management? If the Director of CIA is making mistakes, or if he is
going down the wrong path, we on the Intelligence Committees here and
in the House are going to be monitoring the situation. If we see there
is a problem, we are in a position to call him on it or to point out
remedies that are needed. But, so far, I see a man willing to take on
an entrenched and some might stay constipated bureaucracy.
Many of the senior intelligence officials to quit have been with the
agency for decades. It is a shame we are going to lose that experience,
but some would say--and I agree--new blood is needed at the CIA.
I am encouraged that Director Goss is willing to shake things up at
the CIA. I hope he employs the same vigor in getting the rest of the
intelligence community to work together and share information with each
other.
Some of the people who are leaving and whining, I question their
mettle. There are thousands of soldiers and marines in Afghanistan and
Iraq, including special forces, who are yelled at every day by their
sergeants, not to mention being shot at and living in the mud. I am
glad they all have the fortitude to say: I am not going to quit because
I am yelled at or somebody doesn't like what I am doing.
Perhaps these CIA officers should remember their mission and work
with the DCI as the quiet service, keep their mouths shut, and work
within the system to provide the best intelligence for the
administration, for the Congress, and for the warfighters who need to
rely on it and whose lives depend upon it.
[[Page 23986]]
Parochialism is one of the CIA's biggest problems. These career CIA
officers, while having valuable experience, also carry the baggage of
being resistant to change. The status quo may be comfortable to them,
but it is dangerous to the country.
We on the Intelligence Committee have heard CIA officers say that
everything is just fine, no changes are needed. Those people are
clearly in a state of denial.
We on the Intelligence Committee take our oversight responsibilities
seriously and will, of course, address legitimate concerns over how
Director Goss is running the intelligence community. We appointed and
confirmed him to make difficult changes, and I don't think it is
appropriate to jump to conclusions or second-guess his management
style.
I thank the Chair and my colleagues. I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Dakota is recognized.
Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I believe I was to be recognized for 20
minutes following the Senator from Oklahoma.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Cornyn). That is correct.
Mr. DORGAN. And two additional Senators as well.
____________________
TAX CODE OVERHAUL
Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, this morning in the newspaper we read a
report of that which we know, that the administration is going to
propose a Tax Code overhaul. I think almost every American would
believe that it is worth overhauling the Tax Code. The Tax Code is so
complicated, and it desperately needs an overhaul.
The headline reads: ``Bush Plans Tax Code Overhaul. Changes Would
Favor Investment, Growth.''
It says:
The Bush administration is eyeing an overhaul of the tax
code that would drastically cut, if not eliminate, taxes on
savings and investment . . . .
I want to read just for a moment an op-ed piece that appeared in the
Washington Post. It is an op-ed piece written by I believe the second
richest man in the world, Warren Buffett. Warren is a charming,
delightful man. I had the opportunity to get to know him some. He has
been incredibly successful as an American businessman. He wrote an op-
ed piece about taxes and the tax burden that I want to read into the
Record.
I ask unanimous consent to print his entire op-ed piece in the
Record. It is entitled ``Dividend Voodoo.''
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
[From the Washington Post, May 20, 2003]
Dividend Voodoo
(By Warren Buffett)
The annual Forbes 400 lists prove that--with occasional
blips--the rich do indeed get richer. Nonetheless, the Senate
voted last week to supply major aid to the rich in their
pursuit of even greater wealth.
The Senate decided that the dividends an individual
receives should be 50 percent free of tax in 2003, 100
percent tax-free in 2004 through 2006 and then again fully
taxable in 2007. The mental flexibility the Senate
demonstrated in crafting these zigzags is breathtaking. What
it has put in motion, though, is clear: If enacted, these
changes would further tilt the tax scales toward the rich.
Let me, as a member of that non-endangered species, give
you an example of how the scales are currently balanced. The
taxes I pay to the federal government, including the payroll
tax that is paid for me by my employer, Berkshire Hathaway,
are roughly the same proportion of my income--about 30
percent--as that paid by the receptionist in our office. My
case is not atypical--my earnings, like those of many rich
people, are a mix of capital gains and ordinary income--nor
is it affected by tax shelters (I've never used any). As it
works out, I pay a somewhat higher rate for my combination of
salary, investment and capital gain income than our
receptionist does. But she pays a far higher portion of her
income in payroll taxes than I do.
She's not complaining: Both of us know we were lucky to be
born in America. But I was luckier in that I came wired at
birth with a talent for capital allocation--a valuable
ability to have had in this country during the past half-
century. Credit America for most of this value, not me. If
the receptionist and I had both been born in, say,
Bangladesh, the story would have been far different. There,
the market value of our respective talents would not have
varied greatly.
Now the Senate says that dividends should be tax-free to
recipients. Suppose this measure goes through and the
directors of Berkshire Hathaway (which does not now pay a
dividend) therefore decide to pay $1 billion in dividends
next year. Owning 31 percent of Berkshire, I would receive
$310 million in additional income, owe not another dime in
federal tax, and see my tax rate plunge to 3 percent.
And our receptionist? She'd still be paying about 30
percent, which means she would be contributing about 10 times
the proportion of her income that I would to such government
pursuits as fighting terrorism, waging wars and supporting
the elderly. Let me repeat the point: Her overall federal tax
rate would be 10 times what my rate would be.
When I was young, President Kennedy asked Americans to
``pay any price, bear any burden'' for our country. Against
that challenge, the 3 percent overall federal tax rate I
would pay--if a Berkshire dividend were to be tax-free--seems
a bit light.
Administration officials say that the $310 million suddenly
added to my wallet would stimulate the economy because I
would invest it and thereby create jobs. But they
conveniently forget that If Berkshire kept the money, it
would invest that same amount, creating jobs as well.
The Senate's plan invites corporations--indeed, virtually
commands them--to contort their behavior in a major way. Were
the plan to be enacted, shareholders would logically respond
by asking the corporations they own to pay no more dividends
in 2003, when they would be partially taxed, but instead to
pay the skipped amounts in 2004, when they'd be tax-free.
Similarly, in 2006, the last year of the plan, companies
should pay double their normal dividend and then avoid
dividends altogether in 2007.
Overall, it's hard to conceive of anything sillier than the
schedule the Senate has laid out. Indeed, the first President
Bush had a name for such activities: ``voodoo economics.''
The manipulation of enactment and sunset dates of tax changes
is Enron-style accounting, and a Congress that has recently
demanded honest corporate numbers should now look hard at its
own practices.
Proponents of cutting tax rates on dividends argue that the
move will stimulate the economy. A large amount of stimulus,
of course, should already be on the way from the huge and
growing deficit the government is now running. I have no
strong views on whether more action on this front is
warranted. But if it is, don't cut the taxes of people with
huge portfolios of stocks held directly. (Small investors
owning stock held through 401(k)s are already tax-favored.)
Instead, give reductions to those who both need and will
spend the money gained. Enact a Social Security tax
``holiday'' or give a flat-sum rebate to people with low
incomes. Putting $1,000 in the pockets of 310,000 families
with urgent needs is going to provide far more stimulus to
the economy than putting the same $310 million in my pockets.
When you listen to tax-cut rhetoric, remember that giving
one class of taxpayer a ``break'' requires--now or down the
line--that an equivalent burden be imposed on other parties.
In other words, if I get a break, someone else pays.
Government can't deliver a free lunch to the country as a
whole. It can, however, determine who pays for lunch. And
last week the Senate handed the bill to the wrong party.
Supporters of making dividends tax-free like to paint
critics as promoters of class warfare. The fact is, however,
that their proposal promotes class welfare. For my class.
Mr. DORGAN. It reads:
Let me, as a member of that non-endangered species, give
you an example of how the scales are currently balanced.
He means with the Tax Code. Again, this is the second richest man in
the world.
The taxes I pay to the federal government, including the
payroll tax that is paid for me by my employer, Berkshire
Hathaway, are roughly the same proportion of my income--about
30 percent--as that paid by the receptionist in our office.
My case is not atypical--my earnings, like those of many rich
people, are a mix of capital gains and ordinary income--nor
is it affected by tax shelters (I've never used any). As it
works out, I pay a somewhat higher rate for my combination of
salary, investment and capital gains income than our
receptionist does. But she pays a far higher portion of her
income in payroll taxes than I do.
His point is that he and the receptionist pay about the same
percentage of their income. Understand, this is the second richest man
in the world and his receptionist in his office.
Then he says:
Now the Senate says that dividends should be tax-free to
recipients. Suppose this measure goes through and the
directors of Berkshire Hathaway (which does not now pay a
dividend) therefore decide to pay $1 billion in dividends
next year. Owning 31 percent of Berkshire, I would receive
$310 million in additional income, owe not another dime in
federal tax, and see my tax rate plunge to 3 percent. And our
receptionist? She'd still be paying the 30 percent, which
means she would be contributing about 10 times the
[[Page 23987]]
proportion of her income that I would to such government
pursuits as fighting terrorism, waging wars and supporting
the elderly. Let me repeat the point: Her overall federal tax
rate would be 10 times what my rate would be.
I read that into the Congressional Record because I thought it was a
fascinating description by Warren Buffett, one of the richest men in
the world, about the issue of deciding that dividends should get
extraordinarily preferential tax treatment. In fact, some say we should
eliminate the tax on savings and investment, therefore, exempting
interest, dividends, and capital gains from tax.
We have a lot of people who do different things. Some people work
hard. Some people invest and clip coupons. Some people get up and
shower in the morning. Some people work hard in difficult jobs, labor
jobs and others that require them to shower at night. Some people work
outside. Some people work indoors. Some people have income from wages.
Some people have income from dividends or earnings or royalties of some
type.
So the question is how should the Tax Code treat all of this? I ask
this question: Which is more worthy, work or investment? Or are they
equally worthy? And if so, if work is as worthy as investment, then why
would one decide to treat investment income with such preferences in
the Tax Code? And why would one decide to tax work and exempt
investment? Why would one decide to say we are going to take out this
activity called work and sock it with a tax, and we are going to take
out this activity called investment and make it tax exempt? What is the
value system that says let's tax work but exempt investment?
I think the value system, although I do not subscribe to this, is one
that says the most important element in this business cycle of ours, in
this free enterprise system, is investment.
Investment is very important, there is no question about that. But
so, too, is work. Let me read something I put in the Congressional
Record in 1996 in the Senate. It was about a fellow who I think is a
hero. I have only met him once. I did not know him at all at that
point. I read about him in the Minneapolis Tribune as I came through
the Minneapolis Airport one morning. His name is Robert Naegele, and
this relates to the point of value of work relative to value of
investment.
Robert Naegele and his wife Ellis did something very extraordinary,
something that surprised me when I read it in the Minneapolis Star
Tribune that morning at the Minneapolis Airport. He owned a company
called Roller-
blade, a very successful company, the largest company producing inline
skates in America, rollerblades.
Most people know about rollerblades. I happen to like to rollerblade.
I enjoy rollerblading. So he owned and was chairman of this company
called Rol-
lerblade.
He sold the company after it was very successful, and he made an
enormous amount of money. Just before Christmas in the year 1996, just
after he sold this company and made a substantial amount of money, he
decided he was going to return some of the profits from the sale of
that company to the employees who worked in that company. He did not
tell any of the workers about it. They began opening what they thought
were Christmas cards from the previous owner of this company, Mr.
Naegele and his wife.
It turns out it was, in fact, a Christmas card with a check. The
check was computed on the basis of the number of months these people
had worked for the company. It was an amount of money that he wanted to
return to the employees as a result of the profit he had made from
selling this company that made rollerblades.
The checks were as high as $20,000 to those who had worked there a
long period of time. He said: By the way, I have prepaid the taxes on
this bonus. So this is a check that is free and clear. I have paid the
taxes on it for you. He said: I did this because while I was very
fortunate to run a very successful company, I understand that this
company was successful because of the wonderful men and women who
worked there. They worked in the plant. They worked in shipping. They
worked in manufacturing. They worked in the finance area. They made
this company. They were this company. They helped make me successful,
and I made a lot of money. But I want to share it with those workers.
I thought, what a wonderful story. What a heroic thing to do, to
finally recognize something that has been so lost in this country in
recent years: the value and the worth of the workers who perform the
work, who make these companies.
These days, employees are too often treated like a wrench: Use it,
use it up, throw it away; it is just another tool. Mr. Naegele
understood an employee is not just another tool. An employee is a part
of the personality and productivity of that company. The work is as
important as the investment. It is workers and management. It is
workers and investors. All of it together makes a company and makes a
company successful. Very seldom do you see that ethic exist these days
in how people look at these companies. But I put something in the
Senate Record on January 10, 1996, paying tribute to this fellow.
I tell that story today because it describes the value of work and
the understanding of what work contributes to this country, to the
innovation of its business community, and to the capability of what
America can offer its employees in the free enterprise system.
The question of how we tax is very important. We must build roads, we
must provide for our country's common defense, we must build schools
and educate children, we must provide health care to those who cannot
provide for themselves--there are things we must do. So we must pay a
tax.
The question of how we impose that tax burden on the American people
is very important. And this ethic, somehow this notion, this value
system that says, oh, by the way, let's tax work and exempt investment,
is one that I think relates directly to values.
What is the value system that tells us work is less worthy than other
enterprises? Work is not less worthy than other enterprises. It is an
important part of what has helped build this country.
I do not diminish at all entrepreneurs and investors. They are an
important part of this. But so, too, is the important labor force in
this country.
I taught economics for a brief period in college. Samuelson, Econ.
101, you teach the streams of income and what generates the streams of
income. You teach the business cycle--all of these issues. Nothing has
really changed very much over the years except there is a change with
respect to those who want to create a new reality here, suggesting that
somehow there is one element of this system of capitalism that is so
much more important than the others. I do not believe that is the case.
I believe all of this fits together like the picture of a puzzle. A
significant part of America's progress has been the worker and the
ethic of work and the value of work.
We will work together to overhaul this country's tax system. But I
will not be a part of a system that says let's decide to impose a
burden on the receptionist in the office that is 10 times the burden we
will impose on the world's second richest man. That is not a value
system that makes sense to me.
Oh, some will come here and say: But we have to do that to
incentivize growth. That doesn't incentivize growth. That retards
fairness, but it doesn't incentivize growth.
We have a lot to do to fix this tax system of ours. I proposed in the
past and will again a way with respect to the current income tax system
to remove the burden of some 70 to 80 million Americans from even
having to file a tax return. We don't need to have the streets clogged
on April 15 for people to get to the post office to get their tax
returns postmarked. We can and should dramatically simplify this tax
system. But we should not take a giant step in the direction of
deciding there are some who will pay a substantial amount more than
others, in reverse order here, with the highest amounts being paid by
those who are least able to afford it, and the lowest amounts being
paid by those who are most able to afford it.
[[Page 23988]]
We are blessed to be a part of this great country. We could have been
born anywhere. We could live anywhere. We share this planet with 6
billion people and, through God's grace, somehow we ended up here.
There is not another place like it. It is our job to take what we have
inherited and make it better.
They say we inherit this from our folks and borrow it from our
children. This great democracy of ours, including the progress over two
centuries now that I am very proud of, requires nurturing and constant
attention. Yes, one of the controversial and difficult areas has always
been, How do you raise the revenue to do that which is necessary in our
Government?
We can debate about how large government should or should not be. My
colleague from Oklahoma will follow me today. He is working, probably
today--I suspect almost every day for months and months, on this
question of, How do we construct a new highway program? What amount of
money is necessary? With what formula shall it be distributed? That is
really important work. That is an investment in the infrastructure of
this country that is very important.
When he and others get a bill that we can finally get to the floor
and create, I hope a 6-year program--then we have to figure out how we
pay for that just as we have to pay for everything else. The question
isn't whether there should be a tax system. There is a system by which
we collect taxes. The question is how should that system be constructed
so that it is fair to all Americans.
I look forward to a debate this coming year in which we talk about
tax reform and changing our tax system because I think this is a system
that is ripe for change. But it is critically important that we have a
discussion about the tax burden and what is fair.
The President announced today he is going to have a commission, which
is a good thing. I hope that all viewpoints will be involved in that
commission. You can get a commission to propose almost anything here in
this town. I saw a few of the names on that commission, and I certainly
think it needs some more energy and some more thought from other points
on the compass.
But I would say to the President, I think the Congress will welcome a
debate about overhauling the Tax Code. But if it is proposed that we
decide, for example, that dividends, interest and capital gains income
shall be eliminated from the tax rolls, we will welcome that debate
with a very aggressive discussion about what is the value of work and
why should we diminish the value of work.
I indicated earlier today about the ``good enough'' description, by
Ma Ferguson, the former Governor of Texas. I will not recall that story
again, but if a 5.25-percent tax rate is good enough for companies who
move their jobs overseas, why is it not good enough for all Americans?
If a zero-percent tax rate is good enough for those earning dividends,
why is it not good enough for the wages of workers.
Let me just show you, if you exempt investment income from taxation,
the top 10 percent get most of the benefit--$463 billion in realized
dividend, capital gain and interest income. The bottom 90 percent have
far less.
So you see, if you eliminate dividends, for example, from taxation, a
massive amount of the tax breaks goes to the same old corner that it
always goes, those who have the most.
Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys used to have a line in their 1930s
song:
The little bee sucks the blossom
And the big bee gets the honey.
The little guy picks the cotton
And the big guy makes the money.
Every time we focus on tax reform we find the same thing, especially
in recent years.
Let me again say I am all for changing our Tax Code in ways that are
thoughtful. We ought to simplify it. But we ought to resist efforts
that will make it more unfair and strive to move towards efforts that
will make the burden fair to all Americans. That has certainly not been
the case in recent years. My hope is when we next see a proposal
dealing with America's Tax Code that we will see something that
represents some semblance of fairness. Otherwise there is likely to be
a debate breaking out in the Senate, which would be a very healthy
thing, in my judgment.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oklahoma.
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I have a number of things to address. I
have been listening with great interest to my very good friend from
North Dakota. I bow to his superior knowledge in economics. I was not
aware that he was a professor of economics, or taught economics. They
say confession is good for the soul. I will say to my friend from North
Dakota, I went to nine different colleges and universities, all of them
night school where I was stationed when I was in the military. I
remember once I got out I backed a truck up to the University of Tulsa
and shoved off all my transcripts, and they looked at it and said: You
are an economist. So that is where I got my background in economics.
Mr. DORGAN. If the Senator will yield for a moment, I would say I was
actually not a professor. I did teach economics at the college briefly,
but I was able to overcome that experience.
Mr. INHOFE. Well, good.
I would like to make a couple of comments. That is not what I am here
to talk about today. But this President has a commitment to do
something about our tax system. I know there is a lot of class warfare
that goes on and people are always talking about taxes and that the
poor people are paying all the taxes. It is kind of interesting that
this President wants to make a dramatic change in the tax structure.
When I go back to my State of Oklahoma, no matter where I go the people
are all united in saying they really want to have something different.
The interesting thing is, I was riding yesterday with a CPA from
Oklahoma and said: If we are successful in dramatically simplifying the
Tax Code, why would you support that because you might be out of work?
He said: I would gladly do it. I can always find something else. It
is unfair and it is a system that needs to be cleaned up.
I would only caution people who are watching what is going on in this
Chamber, when we get into a discussion of changing the Tax Code, every
time there is someone who suggests that you lower the marginal rates of
taxation, they assume that this is an unjust burden on the lower income
people.
In fact, when this President did it he was lowering the tax rate on
people who paid taxes. Obviously, if you don't pay taxes, you can't
lower the rate. That is what he was faced with.
Also, we learned a lesson following World War I when they raised
taxes. It brought a lot of revenue into the system to fight World War
I. When it was over, they decided they would go ahead and reduce the
taxes because they did not need the revenue anymore. They were shocked
to find out when they reduced the taxes that the revenue increased.
Then again, a very smart President, one I admired very much, was the
President of the United States by the name of Kennedy. When President
Kennedy was in office we were expanding a lot of the things in the
social programs in this country. He said we have to have more money,
and we have to raise more revenue to take care of these programs. John
Kennedy was a Democrat, not a Republican. He said the best way to raise
revenue was to reduce marginal rates. So he reduced marginal rates, and
sure enough, that opened it up and revenue increased.
Another person came in the White House, Ronald Reagan, in 1980. He
said the same thing. He actually reduced the top bracket rate from some
95 percent down to about 25 percent; and all other brackets, too.
Everybody got in on that good deal. The largest tax reduction in the
history of America successfully reduced taxes and increased revenue.
The evidence of that, if you look at the total revenue that came from
marginal rates in the 1980s, was $244 billion. In 1990, it was $466
billion. It almost doubled in that decade, that 10-
[[Page 23989]]
year period. It was the largest reduction of taxes in this Nation's
history.
I hope those who will be engaging in class warfare and are going to
be talking about how this is unfair and how the rich need to be paying
more taxes keep in mind that the people who are paying the taxes are
middle-income Americans. These are the people who need the relief. They
need to have more opportunities to do more with the money. That is how
you increase revenues.
I hear a lot of people complaining about this President and the fact
we have the deficit. Obviously, we have the deficit for three reasons.
No. 1, we had a recession. This President inherited a recession. That
started in March of 2000. With the economic activity low, you have to
use the formula that for each 1-percent increase in economic activity
it produces $46 billion in new revenue. So it was way down.
No. 2, he had succeeded President Clinton where he had cut the
defense spending down to the bone with the myth floating around that
somehow the cold war was over; we didn't need a military anymore. We
were down to about half the Army divisions, down in tactical airwings,
and half in ships, down 300 from 600. Then we realized we were in a
more hostile world. By the time President George W. Bush had to start
rebuilding the military, our modernization programs had stopped.
Then 9/11 came along. Here we are in a war.
I can tell you that the three factors which caused the deficit are
factors that we are overcoming as we are speaking. But you might as
well hold your breath for a while because the war is going to last a
while.
____________________
TRIBUTES TO RETIRING SENATORS
Don Nickles
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I am so pleased that I have a chance a say
a few good words about my colleague, Don Nickles. It is hard to talk
about Don Nickles. I remember him when he was in the State senate. I
believe Don Nickles at that time was the president of the College
Republicans in Oklahoma. I remember going to Ponca City and giving a
speech at his invitation. Afterwards, he showed just an incredible
interest in politics. This was back in the 1970s. He ran for State
senate. I believe it was in 1978. And he won.
Midway through that term, in 1980, a seat opened and he decided he
was going to run for the U.S. Senate. Everybody laughed. Who is this
kid, anyway? He was about 30 years old. He still looks like he is about
35 years old. At that time he looked like he was about 18 years old.
He ran and defeated some of the real heavyweights in the State. Then
he came and served in the Senate.
I understand that in those early years they wouldn't let him ride the
Members' elevators because they didn't believe he was a Member. They
thought he was a page.
Nonetheless, Don Nickles started proving himself. I watched him
mature in this job. As the years went by, every time a 6-year period
ended, he would talk about dropping out. But we talked him into
running.
Finally, he decided he needed to do something else with his life and
do what is in the best interests of his family.
But he grew with the ability to offer expertise that I haven't seen
in the Senate since I have been here, and I have been here for 10
years. I have watched Don Nickles as he matured, as he gained knowledge
in areas and expertise in not just one isolated area but in all areas.
When he stands up to talk, everybody is quiet. They want to listen to
him because they know he knows what he is talking about.
I can recall when Elizabeth Dole was first elected. We were making a
tribute to Don Nickles about 3 months after she was here. She said: I
have watched him talk about the budget. I have watched him talk about
how you finance Government. I have watched him go through all these
very difficult things, and I have been here 3 months and I have to
confess I don't even know what he is talking about. I said: Elizabeth,
don't feel bad. I have been here 10 years and I still don't know what
he is talking about.
Don Nickles developed that level of expertise that other people do
not. It is because he studies. He works.
He is going to be sorely missed by a lot of people around here
because of what he had to offer and because of the contributions he has
made.
I am 15 years older than Don Nickles. I have been his junior Senator.
I guess it is now time I become senior Senator.
I will miss his expertise, his charm, his humor, and most of all I
will miss him because he is my brother. I will miss him dearly. Don, it
is going to be goodbye to you but hang around. We look forward to
working with you and accepting your advice because I know it will be
there when we need it.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oklahoma is recognized.
Mr. INHOFE. I thank the Chair.
(The remarks of Mr. Inhofe pertaining to the introduction of S. 2997
are located in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills
and Joint Resolutions.'')
____________________
HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES
cpl. joseph l. nice
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Marine LCpl. Joseph
L. Nice from Nicoma Park, OK, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his
country on August 4, 2004. This fourth-generation soldier died
defending the freedom he enjoyed and fighting to ensure it for others.
Lance Corporal Nice moved to Nicoma Park, OK from Newark, NJ, in
1998. He was a gifted young man--a musician, artist and sportsman, who
used these gifts in the marching band and on the soccer team at Choctaw
High School. From the age of 5, he had longed to follow in the
footsteps of his father, his grandfathers, and his uncle in serving in
the military. After weighing this tradition and putting on hold his
plans to study law, Joseph Nice decided to join the Marine Corps in
June 2003.
Lance Corporal Nice was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st
Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force stationed at Marine Corps
Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, CA. His unit was deployed
to Iraq in February 2004, where Lance Corporal Nice and his fellow
Marines faced daily attacks in the Anbar province. During one of these
attacks on August 4, 2004, Joseph Nice was killed.
I represent the State of Oklahoma in paying my condolences to the
family of this American hero. A friend of his said about him: ``If you
had a problem, he was always there for you.'' Through his service in
Iraq, LCpl Joseph Nice demonstrated his worthiness to receive this
highest compliment. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and
friends today.
army spc. sonny g. sampler
Mr. President, we also pay homage to Army SPC Sonny G. Sampler from
Oklahoma City, OK, who died in the name of freedom in Iraq on 8 July
2004. He moved to Oklahoma City from Altus, OK and began attending John
Marshall High School.
Specialist Sampler saw the Army as an opportunity for focus and
direction and joined in 2001. He was deployed to Iraq with 1st
Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division based in
Schweinfurt, Germany. In serving his country, Sonny Sampler did not shy
away from his other duties. In the words of Maj. Gen. Douglas Dollar,
``This young man was willing to go to a strange land and fight for
people he didn't know.'' It is the same young man who sold some
belongings to pay for a flight from Germany back to the United States
at Christmas to surprise his mother. Such a family man is to be much
valued.
Specialist Sampler was tragically killed when he was searching the
Iraqi National Guard Headquarters for survivors, following an allied
attack. When the ruins underwent an attack by insurgents, Sonny Sampler
and five other U.S. soldiers died. He was 23 years old.
Our thoughts and prayers are with this American hero's family and
friends at this very difficult time. We
[[Page 23990]]
should never cease to be proud of this man.
SGT DANIEL LEE GALVAN
Mr. President, we also pay homage to Sgt Daniel Lee Galvan, who
joined the Army to realize his childhood dream of working with
helicopters. Earlier this year, Sergeant Galvan made the ultimate
sacrifice for his country--his life. Sergeant Galvan was a dedicated
defender of America who followed his father into the military. For this
service and his sacrifice, I am proud to honor him in the Senate today.
Daniel Galvan was born in Fort Ord, CA, but later moved to Moore, OK,
where he joined the Army reserve after high school but enlisted in 1996
to fulfill what he saw as his calling to be a soldier. Though he knew a
career in the military would enable him to provide for his family, the
paycheck was never his primary motivation. In the words of his wife,
Sonya, ``He joined because he believed in the cause. He believed in the
military. And he was proud to wear the uniform and honored to be an
American.'' Sergeant Galvan was a helicopter crew chief with the 2nd
Battalion (Assault), 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
(Light), based out of Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.
On August 12, 2004, the Black Hawk helicopter that was transporting
Sergeant Galvan and fourteen other soldiers in Afghanistan developed
mechanical problems and crashed near the Pakistani border. The fourteen
others were wounded, but Daniel Lee Galvan, an honorable Oklahoman and
example for us all, paid the ultimate price. Sergeant Galvan left
behind his wife as well as two children, his daughter Audrey, 13, and
his son Joseph, 11. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family for
the loss of such a special man.
On behalf of the U.S. Senate, I ask that we pay tribute to Sergeant
Galvan and the men and women like him, who know the true meaning of
service and sacrifice. These men and women have tasted freedom, and
wish to ensure that freedom for those who have never experienced it. I
honor the memory of our sons and daughters who have died for this noble
cause, and especially the memory of Oklahoma's son, Daniel Lee Galvan.
cpl nathaniel t. hammond
Mr. President, I rise to honor the memory of a brave young American
who gave his life defending the Nation. He felt a call to serve his
country, to be part of something bigger than himself, and for that call
he paid the highest price.
Cpl Nathaniel T. Hammond was assigned to the Marine Reserves' 2nd
Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division in Chicago. Nathan
wasn't a native Oklahoman--he was born and raised in Brighton, MO,
where he graduated from high school in 1998 and then joined the
Marines, but he lived in Tulsa and had trained with the Anti-Tank
Training Company, a Marine Reserve unit, in Broken Arrow.
On November 8 in Babil province, Iraq, he was killed in an insurgent
attack. He gave his life for the freedom of millions of Americans, and
also for the peace and prosperity of the Iraqi people only now
beginning to recover from decades under a totalitarian regime.
Corporal Hammond had a long-held desire to serve the military as a
member of the Special Forces, but even as a member of the Marine
Reserve, he was ``doing what he wanted to do and what the loved to
do,'' according to a childhood friend and fellow soldier. His parents
have described how Nathan evinced the selfless attitude toward service
to country that is so evident in all our military men and women.
We are all glad Nathan Hammond was willing to serve. His loss is
grievous to all of us. Our thoughts are with his parents and the rest
of his family back in Missouri. At the same time, we recognize his
valor and commitment. It is for men like Nathan Hammond that I am proud
to be a part of this great country. He was a special soldier, a true
Oklahoman, and a true American.
pfc nachez washalanta ii
Mr. President, I honor the memory of a courageous young Oklahoman who
died while defending his Nation. Marine PFC Nachez Washalanta II grew
up in the great State of Oklahoma, went to school in Ardmore and Silo,
and joined the Marines in April 2002.
The road wasn't always smooth for Wash, as his fellow Marines called
him. He grew up in a foster home with four other boys, and got his GED
instead of graduating from high school. Eventually, Private Washalanta
found a home with the United States Marine Corps. He was the driver of
a light-armored vehicle, and although he sometimes complained that he
joined the Marines to fight and not to drive, he got his chance in
Iraq.
Private Washlanta was a member of the 1st Light-Armored
Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary
Force from Camp Pendleton, CA. He paid the ultimate price. When you
think about these five great Oklahomans, as well as others around the
country, and some 1,100 who have lost their lives, it is a shame that
so many people in America do not understand what these soldiers
understand.
Mr. President, I have the honor of being, I guess, the second or
third ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Consequently, I may have made more trips over to Iraq and Afghanistan
than anyone else. I am always approached by these young people. They
say: Why is it, Senator, that the people back home don't appreciate
what we are doing? These people are dedicated, and they know exactly
what they are doing. Unfortunately, we have a media that tries to
demean everything they are doing. And I give the assurance to these
young people that even though it might be that the networks, CNN, and
the New York Times and the Washington Post do not know and appreciate
what they are doing, we do, the real people of America. And they are
heroes.
I think most of our young people realize our country is facing the
greatest risk it has ever faced. This is not conventional warfare. This
is not something that is predictable. Sometimes I say I look back
wistfully at the days of the Cold War where we had two superpowers, and
they were predictable. We were predictable, they were predictable. This
is totally unpredictable, but it is a war that has to be won. I pay
homage not just to those Oklahomans I mentioned today, but all who are
there and many who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom right
here in this country.
Sgt Morgan W. Strader
Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep
sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from
Brownsburg, IN. Sgt Morgan W. Strader, 23 years old, died on November
12. After completing his enlistment, Morgan voluntarily extended his
service, choosing to accompany his unit back to Iraq--a selfless choice
that would cost him his life. Morgan was shot while conducting combat
operations in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq. With his entire life
before him, Morgan risked everything to fight for the values Americans
hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.
Before moving to Crossville, TN, Morgan attended school in
Brownsburg. Morgan graduated from high school and followed in his
grandfather's footsteps by joining the military. Morgan's father, Gary,
told the Indianapolis Star that ``He was a Marine from the day that he
was born . . . His grandfather was in the Army during Korea. He latched
onto that and loved it.'' It was clear that from a young age, Morgan
felt compelled to serve his country in the Armed Forces, just as his
grandfather had done.
Morgan was the thirty-seventh Hoosier soldier to be killed while
serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to the
Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, Regimental Combat Team-1, 1st
Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA. This brave young soldier leaves
behind his father and stepmother, Gary and Janet; his mother and
stepfather, Linda and Timothy; his grandparents, Onza and Estelle
Morgan; his grandfather, William Strader; his sisters, Amber, Jessica
and Rachel; and his brothers, Brian, Chris and Matthew.
Today, I join Morgan's family, his friends and the entire Hoosier
community in mourning his death. While we
[[Page 23991]]
struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take pride in
the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer place.
It is his courage and strength of character that people will remember
when they think of Morgan, a memory that will burn brightly during
these continuing days of conflict and grief.
Morgan was known for his dedication to family and his love of
country. When looking back on Morgan's life, his father, Gary, recalled
to the Indianapolis Star a conversation that he had with his son
shortly before his departure for a second tour in Iraq. Gary was trying
to convince his son that he had done his part and his service was
complete. Morgan told his father upon deciding to reenlist, `` Dad, the
guys in my unit aren't experienced in this . . . I need to help them.''
Morgan died in the same fashion in which he had lived by putting the
well-being of others before his own. Today and always, Morgan will be
remembered by family members, friends and fellow Hoosiers as a true
American hero and we honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully
serving his country.
As I search for words to do justice in honoring Morgan's sacrifice, I
am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families
of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot
consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and
dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power
to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we
say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This statement
is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain
that the impact of Morgan's actions will live on far longer than any
record of these words.
It is my sad duty to enter the name of Morgan W. Strader in the
official record of the U.S. Senate for his service to this country and
for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. When I
think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and the
unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that
families like Morgan's can find comfort in the words of the prophet
Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord
God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''
May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be
with all of you, as I know He is with Morgan.
____________________
FAREWELL
Mr. BREAUX. Mr. President and colleagues, the last time anyone does
anything in their career or in their life, I think it is a time for a
certain degree of sadness and a certain degree of nostalgic remembrance
of the times past. This evening will probably be my last opportunity to
address this body as a Member, as a Member of the Senate, representing
my great and wonderful State of Louisiana.
While some would say, well, it has to be a very difficult time to
speak for the last time on the floor of the Senate, looking back at all
the great memories, I look back with nothing but great pleasure over
the many years I have spent in the Senate as well as in the House of
Representatives.
I have been very honored to serve and be elected seven times to the
other body, serving 14 years as a Member of the House, representing
southwest Louisiana--it was a great and wonderful time--and then moving
on to the Senate 18 years ago, representing the entire State of
Louisiana.
So when you look back over those years, I think a lot of people would
say: Well, it is your last speech, and it must be a very nostalgic
time, and you really are sad. I am not. I am pleased. I am happy. I am
overwhelmed with the opportunity that was presented to me for those 32
years in the Congress to serve the people of Louisiana in one capacity
or another, both in the House, as well as in this Chamber.
Thirty-five years ago, I, with my wife, came to Washington for the
very first time as a young staff person, legislative assistant, having
just gotten out of law school. I worked in the Seventh Congressional
District office for then-Congressman Edwin Edwards. It was a great
learning period for me.
Shortly after serving as a staff person, there was a vacancy that was
created, and I ran for that vacancy as a young 28-year-old member of
the Bar Association in my State. I ran for Congress and had a slogan I
remember back then, when I was 28, when I was running for Congress for
the first time. My slogan was: ``Experience makes the difference.''
Most of the people I was running against were old enough to be my
grandfather or grandparent, certainly old enough to be my parent. Yet I
had the audacity to print the slogan on a bumper sticker that
``Experience makes the difference.''
Of course, it aggravated the heck out of all the people I was running
against because they said: How dare someone 28 years old talk about
experience making the difference; He has none.
Well, I was the only person running who ever worked in a
congressional office in Washington. I was the only person who had ever
run a congressional office in the district. And I was the only lawyer
who was running. I told the people in that first race that we were
electing someone to go to Washington and make laws, and I was the only
lawyer running. Therefore, they should vote for me.
That went over fairly well for a period of time until all of my
opponents realized 98 percent of the people were not lawyers, and about
100 percent of them hated lawyers. So as soon as they started
articulating that different viewpoint on the function of lawyers, I
started going down in the polls, and thank goodness the election was
only a couple weeks later.
To make a long story short, we were elected back in 1972 and came to
Washington. I came with my wife Lois and two very small children, John,
Jr., and Bill Breaux. I remember we had to rent a U-Haul truck to come
to Washington. I had never had an opportunity to be up here. We came
up, and I will always remember this: When we left Louisiana, my two
sons did not want to go. My youngest son, the night before we left,
when he was saying his prayers, said: Goodbye, God. We are moving to
Washington.
My oldest son, who was about 4 or 5 at the time, ran away to a
neighbor's house and crawled under the house. In Louisiana, the houses
are built off the ground. He ran under the house and would not come
out. And we had my mom Katie, my dad Ezra, my father-in-law Lloyd, and
my mother-in-law Doris who were all there watching us get into the U-
Haul to go to Washington, and I had to crawl under the house and
literally drag John, Jr., out from under the house and make him get
into the U-Haul truck so we could move to Washington. I finally got him
here.
We came to Washington. I will always remember we came here on a
Saturday. I wanted to go to see the Capitol because I knew it was going
to be such an impressive place. I remember that night the Marine Corps
Band was playing, how they do in the springtime. They have concerts.
They used to do that on the front steps. And they were having a
concert. I thought they were playing the concert for me.
We were so delighted as a family to be able to see our first
impressions of the U.S. Capitol, with the playing of the band on a
wonderful evening. It was a great memory then, and it is still a great
memory 35 years later.
In those days when I was in the House, we had an arrangement, if you
will. In those days when I arrived here, Carl Albert was Speaker of the
House. And then Tip O'Neill became the Democratic leader and Speaker of
the House, and Bob Michel was the Republican leader. And Tip O'Neill
and Bob Michel probably differed as much as any two people you could
possibly know in terms of philosophy in how Government should work. Tip
O'Neill was an FDR liberal Democrat from Massachusetts, and Bob Michel
was from Peoria, IL, a middle America Republican. They did not agree on
how Government should work necessarily from a philosophical standpoint,
but they knew how to make Government work.
They spoke more in one day back then than some of the leaders later
on
[[Page 23992]]
spoke in a year because the House changed to a position where now many
times leaders do not speak to each other. I would suggest that
government was not any worse off when you had a Tip O'Neill and a Bob
Michel traveling together, playing golf together, drinking in the
evening and having a cocktail together, playing golf together, betting
on sporting events together, which I know they did because they had a
relationship that allowed them to find out, What do we have to do to
accomplish what we both realize is best for this country? They were
able to do that in a way that I thought was incredibly effective.
Hale Boggs swore me in to the House of Representatives, a truly great
majority leader. I learned a great deal from him and had a great deal
of respect for everything he taught me and taught so many.
That was back then. My two sons, who were crawling and saying their
prayers before bed, are both 38 years of age. My oldest daughter, Beth,
is 34 and is married to a wonderful person named Jeff Shepardson; and
now we have three beautiful grandchildren, Anna Kate, Campbell, and
C.J. Shepardson, age 2. Also, my youngest daughter, Julie, is now 28.
So after you have been here a while, you wake up one day and say
where has all the time gone and how fast it went. I think about that
often, but I also think about all of the wonderful things I have been
privileged to witness, watch, and participate in, in those 32 years in
Congress. It has been a real privilege and pleasure. I have had the
honor of serving with three great Senators, including Russell Long,
when he was the senior Senator from Louisiana and I was a House Member.
I remember coming over to see Russell when I first got into the House
of Representatives. I wanted to come and pay my respects. I had been in
Congress about a week. So I came over to the Senate and walked up in
the Senate office building to see Russell Long. I remember getting on
the elevator and it went up to the second floor. The door opened and
Senator Jim Eastland from Mississippi got on. He looked at me--and I
was on the Members elevator, which shows you the audacity I had even
then. He looked at me and said, ``Hey, boy, what are you doing here?''
I said, ``I am a Congressman and I am going to see Russell Long.'' He
said, ``You're not a Congressman.'' I said, ``Yes, sir, I am.'' He
looked at me and walked off the elevator. Those Members are so
wonderful to look back on, and it is interesting to see how things have
developed.
I learned a great deal from Russell Long. He taught me how to work
with people. He could get more done in the evening over a bottle of
bourbon than we can get done by having months and months of hearings
and hours of debate because he knew how to bring people together. He
had an incredibly great personality and sense of history of where he
came from. And he learned from his father who also served in this body.
I also served with Bennett Johnston, a great person who could work
both sides of the aisle. He became chairman of the Energy Committee and
senior member of the Appropriations Committee. Bennett was outstanding.
It was interesting because we never had a cross word politically. A lot
of Members, I think, have natural competition between Members of the
same State, particularly if they are in different parties. I have had
the fortune to serve only with members of the Democratic Party in the
Senate. Bennett and I had a wonderful working relationship. He would
take the lead on some things, and I would try to take the lead on
others. It was a wonderful relationship.
In the last several years, it has been Mary Landrieu, who I have seen
develop into one of the greatest politicians and greatest leaders of
our State. She comes from a great tradition, a long tradition of
outstanding public servants in the State of Louisiana, particularly in
the city of New Orleans. She learned from the masters, and the masters
were her parents, brothers and sisters. They were all involved and they
do a wonderful job in representing our State in so many different
capacities.
So I have had a wonderful opportunity to serve with people from my
State who have been friends and outstanding colleagues, along with all
of the other folks that we have had the opportunity to serve with. I
have looked at meeting people in Congress not just as colleagues who
were elected to public office, but I looked at each one of them as a
potential friend. I learned a long time ago that you have to understand
where people come from to appreciate what they are all about. I think
many times we take a position automatically that we don't like someone
because of where they are from or what party they are in, without
delving into their backgrounds, why they say what they say, and who
helps develop those ideas.
I remember when I was in the House, I served on the Public Works
Committee with Bella Abzug, who many thought was the most liberal
person in the Congress. I remember Bella Abzug telling me, you know,
where I come from, in my congressional district, they think I am too
conservative. She had the type of district that encouraged her and
helped her and pushed her to represent the people as they wanted to be
represented in the Congress of the United States. So if you understand
where people come from and understand their background and who they
represent, I think it helps you understand how people of different
positions can be friends, because they are truly trying to represent
their States the best they can. It is not just because of their
politics but because of where they are from.
Let me say one other thing that I think we need to pay attention to
in this body, the Senate. That is, we should not let outside forces
dictate to us how we treat each other and how we work together. Many
times, when Democrats have a caucus lunch on Tuesday right outside this
Chamber, Republicans are having theirs separate from us at the same
time. Many times, we hear people call in from the outside who are in
public relations, PR men and women and pollsters, who spend an
inordinate amount of time telling us how we can take actions that will
show how the other side is wrong and we are right. Right across the
hall, the Republicans are hearing some of the same type of public
relation firms arguing to them how they can posture themselves to be
able to blame the Democrats for failure.
Back in the old days, we used to do all this together. People would
stand up and give their position, and the other side would give theirs
and find out we are trying to accomplish the same thing, coming at it
from slightly different venues and in a slightly different direction. I
always feel that if you only listen to yourself, you are only going to
hear an echo and you are never going to disagree. That is why it is so
important to hear the other side, listen to what the other side has to
say, understand what they say. You don't have to agree with them, but I
think you are a better person if you understand and your position
becomes stronger if you know what the other side is going to argue. It
makes your position better and stronger.
But you also must realize that neither party has a monopoly on the
truth. Both sides have good ideas. The real answer to this body and the
House, and for democracies everywhere, is trying to take the best of
what both sides can offer and blend them in a package that simply makes
Government work for all of us. People back home are not so much
concerned about who wins and loses as they are about whether we are
getting the job done. Congress does not have to be like a Super Bowl.
In the Super Bowl, you have to have one team that is going to win and
one that will lose. If there is a tie, they have a playoff and go into
overtime until one team wins and one team loses. There is nothing wrong
with the Congress trying to find ways to reach agreement and blending
the best from both sides and coming up with something so that everybody
wins. Then we can argue and fight over which team won. That way, I can
go back to Louisiana and tell them look what I did, and somebody from
Texas or Illinois can go back to their State and say look what I did.
And that is fine, because we can argue
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about success and not debate over failure and whose fault it was. The
American people would be better served if the debate here could be a
debate about how we accomplish something as opposed to why we didn't
get anything done.
I leave with a great deal of appreciation for everybody who helped
me, including my staff, many of whom are in the gallery. They helped me
every day over and above the call of duty. I also thank the people on
the floor with me, including Diana Bostic and so many of the friends we
have worked with, like Lula, who was with Senator Long before, and all
of the other people. This has been a joint venture, to say the least. I
leave with a great deal of optimism.
I am not leaving because I am unhappy or because I am mad. I have
enjoyed every single minute of it. I have to admit that some minutes I
have enjoyed more than others, but by and large it has been a great and
wonderful experience. I give nothing but the very best to my colleagues
and wish them nothing but the very best in the future.
Thank you, Mr. President.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Illinois.
____________________
TRIBUTES TO RETIRING SENATORS
John Breaux
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I am fortunate enough to have been here to
hear my colleague from Louisiana give his farewell speech. It was my
good fortune to have served with him both in the House and in the
Senate. He is one of the favorites of both sides of the aisle. It is an
amazing tribute to John and his political career that he does have so
many friends in the Senate. From the liberal wing to the conservative
wing, Republicans, Democrats, North, South, East and West, you like
John Breaux. You like him because he is a genuine person and also
because he comes from a State that is a lot of fun and he is a lot of
fun. Some of my best memories of John are his hard work here and then
his hard play at home.
When he would invite us to New Orleans for a Democratic leadership
conference and other meetings and show us his major city in his home
State, it was always a treat.
Then occasionally he would export a little bit of Louisiana to
Washington and to the site of the Democratic Convention, and it was
always a sellout event. People wanted to be there. John never let them
down. I saw him at the Los Angeles Convention where he gave a little
party--and I use that term advisedly. It was not little at all, it was
a big party. He was dressed in a costume for Mardis Gras that would
have put Elvis Presley to shame. It was an amazing array of gold and
sequins, the likes of which I have never seen. He looked so much at
home in that outfit.
I said to him: How do the people back in Louisiana take to that kind
of dress?
He said: You know, they would throw me out of office if I didn't do
these things. They expect that of me.
I also went down to New Orleans with him and saw him in a musical
performance with a zydeco band. He has musical talent most people don't
know about.
I tell you these things because people who follow the Senate, hear
the speeches, look at positions on issues and look at the party labels,
forget that behind each and every one of us is a real life story.
I love the story of your family coming to Washington, John. It is a
beautiful story of packing up the kids and your first impression. Every
one of us has that story to tell. There are new Senators coming and
saving up those stories in their own minds for the day they stand
behind that desk to say what it means to be one of the few Americans
given a chance to serve in this great Chamber.
We are going to miss John Breaux and all that he brought to the
Senate and all he brought to this Nation. He has been a problem solver.
He has tried to reach across the aisle over and over to create
bipartisan coalitions. Sometimes I was with him; sometimes I was not.
It did not make any difference because it was a good-faith effort on
John Breaux's part to serve his State and this Nation.
He has had a great career in the House and the Senate. His departure
will leave a gap in terms of quality that many of us will work hard to
fill. John, I am honored I could serve with you and that I could hear
your parting remarks this evening. I wish you and your family the very
best.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alabama.
Fritz Hollings
Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I would like to take a few minutes to talk
about our departing colleagues. I am going to start with the senior
Senator from South Carolina, the senior Senator after many years of
waiting in the wings, and that is Senator Fritz Hollings.
I first got to know Fritz Hollings after I came to the Senate in
1986. My wife Annette and I have worked with Fritz and his wife Peatsy.
We have traveled around the United States with them. We have been with
them in their home. We visited them in Charleston. We traveled around
the world with them.
He is a unique individual, to say the least, but he has had, as the
Presiding Officer knows, a distinguished career as a State Senator in
his native South Carolina and then lieutenant governor and Governor of
his State before he came to the Senate I believe in 1966.
He has had a distinguished career as chairman of the Commerce
Committee for many years and as a senior member of the Appropriations
Committee and chairman for many years, and ranking member now, of the
Appropriations subcommittee dealing with State-Justice.
Fritz, we are going to miss you. We are going to miss your humor. We
are going to miss your frankness. We are going to miss your wisdom. And
we are going to miss your wife Peatsy about whom we all care and love.
You have invited a lot of us to visit you in Charleston. I hope you add
some more rooms to that house there because a lot of us will be coming
to see you. You have been a great American.
In addition to public service to his State and to the Nation, Fritz
Hollings was a young graduate of the Citadel in his hometown of
Charleston before the Second World War, and he served with distinction
as an officer in Europe for a long time through many battles.
I respect you, Fritz. I commend you for your service, and I look
forward to visiting you both here and in Charleston in the years to
come.
Don Nickles
One of my other colleagues we all care about and work with is Don
Nickles of Oklahoma. He came here as a very young man in 1980. He has
been here 24 years. He was the whip, assistant majority leader. He was
right here on this floor. He spent many days, many hours trying to herd
us together as one of our leaders. He is now at the moment the chairman
of the Budget Committee, and that is a feat in itself. He is a senior
member of the Finance Committee.
We wish you had stayed around, but you chose to leave the Senate on
your own volition. Don, we will see you, we will miss you, and I
commend you for your service to the Nation and to your great State of
Oklahoma.
John Breaux
John Breaux was just on the floor a few minutes ago. I first met John
Breaux when I came to the House of Representatives in 1978. He had
preceded me, although he is a little younger. He was a young man in the
House of Representatives. He was very involved and was one of the first
people I met there.
He tried to work with both sides, the Democrats and Republicans. He
has been involved in the forging of a lot of compromises--meaningful
ones--over the years. He has represented his State of Louisiana both as
a Congressman and as a Senator well, I believe, for many years. John,
we wish you and your wife Lois the best. We know you are not going to
go very far, but you have a lot of friends in the Senate on both sides
of the aisle, and you know that.
[[Page 23994]]
Tom Daschle
Tom Daschle will be leaving us. He served this Nation well. He served
in the U.S. Air Force as an intelligence officer. He served as a
staffer, and then he was in my class in 1978 as a member of the House
of Representatives. That is where I first met Tom and worked with him
and respected him. Sometimes we would be on other sides of the issues,
but nevertheless, I always thought in his dealings with me and others
he was a very honorable, decent person.
He is a relatively young man. He served us well, I thought, as
majority leader. He was always fair and up front with us. He will go on
to good things, I am sure. I wish Tom and his wife Linda the best.
Bob Graham
Senator Bob Graham is a friend of mine, a Democrat, a former Governor
of Florida for two terms. He came to the Senate in 1986 when I did. We
worked together on many committees, but we worked closely together on
the committee you serve on today, Mr. President, and that is the
Intelligence Committee.
I was the chairman of the committee and then he became the chairman
when the Democrats got control of the Senate, and I was the vice
chairman. I found Bob Graham to be working day in and day out, to be a
very upfront man, a very honorable man, a man of his word. I certainly
wish him well in whatever he does in the future.
Ben Nighthorse Campbell
My friend Senator Campbell, Ben Nighthorse Campbell, you talk about
somebody unique. He is a unique American. He is a Native American. He
is proud of who he is. He has represented the State of Colorado, both
in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, very well. I wish
him the very best. He will certainly not go away in the future.
Zell Miller
Senator Zell Miller, the colleague of the Presiding Officer, is a
distinguished Senator from Georgia. He served as Lieutenant Governor of
Georgia, I believe, State senator, and then Governor of Georgia for at
least two terms. He came to the Senate and distinguished himself. He is
someone for whom I have a lot of respect, for his integrity, for his
forthrightness, for his grit, for his perseverance, and also his
foresight.
Zell, we will miss you in the Senate. But we will see a lot of you. I
hope to visit you in north Georgia. You tell me what a beautiful place
it is, and it is not too far from my State of Alabama, so I hope you
have a room for us there. We will come see you, especially when the
apples are ready to pick and you are ready to show us around.
John Edwards
We have also Senator Edwards from North Carolina. I first met John
Edwards 6 years ago when he came to the Senate. He is a very
accomplished lawyer, a very engaging person. He was the Democratic
nominee, as we all know, for Vice President of the United States. John
Edwards is a young man, a man with a lot of talent, and I am sure we
will hear from him in some respect, political or otherwise, in the
future as life goes on.
Peter Fitzgerald
Senator Peter Fitzgerald from Illinois is a very young man, one of
the youngest men to come to the Senate. He chose to serve only one
term. I think he has been involved in some of the big issues of the
day. He is a man of integrity. He is a man who wants to do the right
thing. He is always going to be involved in the issues of the day, as
he has been.
Peter, we wish you and your family the best as you go back into the
private sector where you have excelled and done things so well and for
so long.
We are going to miss all these Senators, on both sides of the aisle,
because collectively they bring a lot of experience and a lot of wisdom
to the Senate. They have served, as I said, with distinction and honor
here.
TOM DASCHLE
Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I want to take some time today to pay
tribute to one of my closest and best friends in the U.S. Senate, our
Democratic leader, Tom Daschle.
It is hard to put into words how much I will miss Senator Daschle
when he leaves the Senate at the end of this session. Senator Daschle
and I were both first elected to the Senate in 1986. He immediately
became a friend, and that friendship has only grown stronger over the
years. Senator Daschle had already served South Dakota in the House of
Representatives for many years when he came to the Senate, so he was
able to help show me the ropes when I first arrived in Washington in
1987. His advice and counsel were given freely. But what really drew me
to Tom were his genuine delight in seeing and greeting friends, staff
and colleagues; his selfless passion for serving the people of South
Dakota; and, above all his wonderful, self-effacing sense of humor. Put
simply, Senator Daschle was able to take on issues very seriously
without taking himself too seriously.
Over the years, we have served together on the Agriculture, Finance
and Indian Affairs Committees. We have fought side-by-side in numerous
battles to serve the interests of the people of the Dakotas.
On the Agriculture Committee, Senator Daschle was a tireless advocate
for the interests of the northern plains producers we both represent.
We fought together for targeted farm assistance to ensure that scarce
Federal dollars for commodity programs would most benefit average size
family farms. We fought together against concentration in the
agriculture industry. We fought together against unfairly traded
imports of Canadian grain. We fought for disaster aid time and time
again. And we joined to make sure a new farm bill was enacted in 2002.
It is safe to say that without the active leadership and support of
Senator Daschle, we would not have had a new farm bill in 2002. And if
we had not written the bill in 2002, I firmly believe that mounting
budget pressures would have made it virtually impossible to write good
legislation in 2003 or 2004. So family farmers all across this country,
many of whom might not ever have heard of Tom Daschle, have lost a
champion.
On the Finance Committee, Senator Daschle fought passionately for
better health care for all Americans. We fought together to strengthen
the Medicare program and improve payment rates for rural health care
providers. We fought to preserve the Medicaid program, which provides a
health care safety net for the most vulnerable among us. We fought to
create the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which expanded
health coverage for children who otherwise would have no insurance. And
Senator Daschle again and again took the lead on trying to reform our
health care system to make health care affordable and accessible. So
average workers all across the country who worry about losing their
health coverage or skyrocketing health costs have lost a champion.
And Senator Daschle took a special interest in working on behalf of
Native Americans. He has fought to bring attention to the terrible
epidemic of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome among Native Americans. And he has
led the fight to secure increased resources for the Indian Health
Service to help end the health care rationing that occurs on too many
reservations. He also has been a strong proponent of the tribal
colleges. His efforts have helped put a college education within reach
of many Native Americans who might not otherwise get the opportunity.
Finally, Senator Daschle stood up and gave a voice to the thousands and
thousands of individual Indians seeking a full accounting of their
trust assets and fought to make sure that the Federal Government
fulfilled its trust obligation. So Native Americans all across the
country have lost a champion.
As Democratic leader, he continued to work on all these issues. And
because he was leader, he delivered real results for real people, time
and again. That was especially the case when it came to causes
important to South Dakota. Senator Daschle tirelessly used his clout to
ensure that South Dakota's interests were protected.
But Senator Daschle's role as a Senator and as a leader cannot be
summed up in a simple listing of the causes and
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issues he championed, often without fanfare or great recognition. The
job of leader has often been compared to herding cats. It is not easy,
but Senator Daschle did an outstanding job. Senator Daschle was a
strong leader--and a great Senator--because he didn't just listen to
people, he heard their concerns. He didn't just propose compromises, he
built consensus. It took enormous patience, great flexibility, strong
persuasive skills--and a liberal dose of good humor and humbleness. It
also meant that much of what Senator Daschle accomplished was done
quietly behind the scenes. Too often, he did not get the public credit
he deserved for the painstaking hours he spent building consensus and
moving issues forward to benefit the American people. Instead, he
quietly stepped back and let others take credit.
You cannot be successful as a Senator, and especially as a leader, if
other Senators cannot trust you. Senator Daschle may at times have left
our colleagues on the other side of the aisle frustrated by his mastery
of Senate rules and political tactics. But they always knew he was
someone they could deal with in good faith. They always knew they could
trust his word. And they always knew he would work hard to achieve the
result he had committed to.
At the end of the day, that is the ultimate measure of Senator
Daschle's values--the values he and I learned growing up in the
Dakotas. He was honest, fair and hard working. He gave credit to
others. And he genuinely respected his colleagues and enjoyed their
company. South Dakota, the Senate, and the Nation are losing a true
champion, in every sense of the word.
As Senator Daschle goes on to other things, my wife Lucy and I wish
all the best to Tom and his wife, Linda.
bob graham
Mr. President, as the 108th Congress draws to a close, the Senate
will lose one of its most distinguished and accomplished members,
Senator Bob Graham. Few Senators have had such an outstanding career in
public service. Bob Graham served as a Florida State legislator between
1967 and 1978; as Governor between 1978 and 1982; and as U.S. Senator
from 1987 to 2004. I am honored that Senator Graham and I were in the
same class following our elections to the Senate in 1986.
Throughout his years in public service, Senator Graham has taken a
leadership role in protecting our environment, advocating on behalf of
seniors and children for adequate health care, working to make certain
that our children achieve their highest potential in schools, and
making certain that our country lives up to its obligations to veterans
and active duty military personnel.
Early in his career as Governor of Florida, Senator Graham launched
one of our Nation's most significant efforts to protect the environment
through the Save Our Everglades Program. In 2000, Senator Graham
achieved his goal of restoring the Florida Everglades through an
unprecedented partnership among Federal, State, and local officials
along with private industries. This initiative was a significant step
to ensure protection of a critical wetland environment, the Florida
water supply and endangered species. Senator Graham's efforts were key
to preservation of one of America's most important and environmentally
sensitive natural treasures.
Throughout his career in public service, Senator Graham has also
taken a leadership role on behalf of public education. Long before the
enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act, Senator Graham worked to
improve Florida public schools by making certain that children have the
highest quality public education system. He advocated on behalf of
rigid student testing for competency in academic courses, worked to
reduce class size, to improve the learning environment through new
school construction and to provide more opportunities for higher
education assistance for college students.
Through our years together in the Senate, I was privileged to work
with Senator Graham closely on health care and Social Security issues.
As a colleague for 10 years on the Senate Finance Committee, I noted,
with admiration, his concern for the health care needs for the elderly,
especially the need to strengthen Medicare and provide a prescription
drug benefit for the elderly. Senator Graham authored Medicare reform
legislation to provide a prescription drug benefit and other
preventative health care benefits. His Medicare Prescription Drug,
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 was cosponsored by one third
of the Senate.
When it came to Social Security and Medicare, Senator Graham took a
long view. He missed no opportunity to urge all of us to make a
priority of ensuring the long-term solvency of these two crucial
programs. His concern was not just the current needs of his Florida
constituents, but the importance of these programs for the income and
health security of generations to come.
Last, Senator Graham assumed a leadership role on behalf of our
Nation's veterans and active duty military personnel in his capacity as
Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. While he
focused considerable attention to the needs of our aging veterans
population, working tirelessly to increase funding for VA medical care,
he has also been sensitive to the needs of veterans living in rural
America. Senator Graham supported my efforts to improve access to VA
medical care for rural veterans and to improve the quality of care for
veterans at the Fargo VA Medical Center and through the expansion of
outpatient clinics in rural communities. For this understanding and
support for rural veterans, North Dakotans will be forever grateful.
There are many achievements by Senator Graham that I could cite
throughout his career in public service. The few accomplishments that I
have noted demonstrate remarkable dedication to our country--dedication
to improving the lives of our children, the elderly and our veterans.
Senator Graham represents the finest example of a dedicated and
compassionate public servant. I hope that Senator Graham's career will
inspire young Floridians and other young people across our Nation to
service for our country. I have been privileged to serve with Senator
Graham and thank him for his distinguished service to our country.
tom daschle
Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I would like to say a few words about the
man from which I have stood across this aisle the past 2 years--Tom
Daschle.
Tom, as we all know, is a good and decent man. He has a big heart for
the people of South Dakota, for every Member of this body, and for all
of the American people.
He has devoted his life to public service--from serving as an
intelligence officer in the Air Force to serving four terms in the
House to serving three terms in the United States Senate.
That is seven times Tom Daschle has been reelected statewide in South
Dakota.
Tom has been such a successful leader, because he has always put
others first. This selflessness, this sacrifice is the quality that I
admire most about Tom.
Every year Tom returned to South Dakota for an ``unscheduled
driving'' tour. He would travel without staff or a schedule--going
wherever the road and the people of South Dakota would take him.
This driving tour helped him travel to each of South Dakota's 66
counties--which he did every year.
But, most importantly, it was his way of staying in touch with the
people who sent him time and time again to Washington to represent
them.
Tom has served as the Democratic Leader for 10 years now. And those
have been no easy 10 years for the Senate or for America.
The Senate itself has switched hands and back again. And we have
helped lead the Nation through wars and recession and the horrific
September 11th attacks.
But throughout this Congress and throughout his career, Tom Daschle
has handled his job with grace and dignity. And I have always seen in
him a gentle, yet stirring passion.
I wish Tom and Linda and their family all the best in the many years
to come.
[[Page 23996]]
john edwards
Mr. President, John Edwards came to the Senate just 6 years ago. Yet
he has won us all over as friends for his sunny disposition, his
positive attitude, his intelligence, and his hard work.
John can make anyone smile. He forms a personal bond with nearly
everyone he meets. No doubt this quality comes from the fact that he
always remembers his roots.
The first member of his family to go to college, John grew up the son
of two textile workers, moving from town to town.
This upbringing shaped John Edwards. It instilled in him a burning
desire to improve the world and a strong commitment to populist values.
He became a lawyer. And with ardent trial advocacy, hard work, and
genuine concern for others, he scored astounding success.
A terrible tragedy--the death of a child--marked a deciding point in
his life. He did not let it destroy him. Never forgetting the terrible
pain, John turned tragedy into triumph.
He set out to change America for the better. A political unknown, he
faced long odds, but he overcame them.
In the halls of the Senate, John has won new laws to protect
patients, increased funding for public schools, and improvements to our
banking system.
He and Elizabeth, Catherine, Emma Claire, and Jack have been
delightful additions to our Senate family.
And our prayers are with them as they strive to overcome the
difficulty of Elizabeth's recent diagnosis of breast cancer.
John Edwards has already played a vital role in American public life.
And whatever he chooses to do next, we wish him and Elizabeth and their
entire family all the best for a bright future.
don nickles
Mr. President, Senators follow many different paths on their way to
this Chamber. Some come from the professions, others from a life in
public service.
Few have lived the American dream the way Don Nickles has.
At age 20, Don Nickles was paying his way at Oklahoma State
University, living in a trailer home, working as a janitor, and raising
his growing family.
A few years later, he returned to his hometown. There he pulled his
family business from the verge of bankruptcy. Pretty soon his neighbors
elected him to the Oklahoma Senate.
Then, in 1980, at the age of 31, when few expected it, he became a
U.S. Senator.
Don did not let his early success go to his head. He worked hard to
keep our country a place where men and women can dream big and live
those dreams.
In the Senate, he has been a friend to taxpayers, an opponent of
overbearing regulation, a voice for traditional values, and an ardent
advocate for Oklahoma.
Don Nickles has worked to keep America a land of opportunity--a place
where everyone has a valued place and nobody lacks the opportunities to
succeed.
Through all of his hard work, through all of his toil, he has always
put family first. He and Linda have been married for 36 years. And they
have raised four wonderful children.
In Don's favorite Bible chapter, Galatians 5, the Apostle Paul lists
a godly man's attributes. A godly man, says Paul, work hard and live a
life of ``love, joy and peace . . . kindness, goodness, faithfulness.''
I could not think of a better description of Don Nickles. He has had
an amazing career--and I take comfort in that he is just hitting his
stride.
We all wish Don and his family the best in what will certainly be a
bright future.
Fritz Hollings
Mr. President, Fritz Hollings is a passionate advocate for the people
of South Carolina, a true statesman, and a fine gentleman. He is one of
the most senior members of our body and, to all of us, he is a friend,
a mentor and a guide. He has devoted his life to public service.
Fritz Hollings has always shown courage, conviction, and an ability
to get things done. His work has touched every corner of our country
and every American's life.
Fritz helped our Nation confront its spiraling budget deficits,
maintain a strong posture against the Soviet Union, integrate our
schools, and create the WIC program. His work has helped protect our
coastal ecology, preserve our oceans, and defend our transportation
networks from terrorists attack. And, when a family eats dinner without
interruption, free from never-ending telemarketing calls, well, we can
all thank Fritz for that too.
On trade, on spending, on taxes, on military issues, and on Senate
pay, he has never been afraid to speak his mind, even when his own
party, or sometimes even most of the Senate, disagrees with him. In the
end, he has always been a winner thanks to his grace and honor. A
summary of Fritz' legislative achievements reads an astounding eight
single-spaced pages. He's always campaigned on the creed that:
``Performance is better than promise.'' And he has lived up to it.
We'll all miss Fritz: His friendship, his principles, and his
willingness to tell it like it is. We wish fritz and Peatsy all the
best and want them to know that they will always have a home, a family
and a place in the history of the United States Senate.
ben nighthorse campbell
Mr. President, Ben Nighthorse Campbell is a man of many talents. He
is an Indian chief, a Korean war veteran, a champion quarter horse
trainer, an Olympic judo competitor, a rancher, and a jewelry designer.
After his service in the military and a series of athletic victories,
Ben settled down to run his ranch and design jewelry. But, by pure
accident, politics entered his life. Colorado, the Senate, and America
would never be the same.
In 1982, Ben attended a meeting to support a friend's bid for
Sheriff. He made a stunning impression and walked away drafted as a
candidate for the Colorado State legislature. Ben served the people of
Colorado there and in the House of Representatives. And 12 years ago,
they elected him to the Senate.
More than 20 years after that fateful evening, Ben has left an
indelible mark on the Senate. He has taken the lead on critical
agricultural issues, fought excessive spending, argued for a balanced
budget, and sponsored Federal drought relief for farmers. From drug
policy to natural resources conservation, he has advocated for Colorado
interests, and he has brought home what the people of his State elected
him to do. He has also sponsored or co-sponsored 54 Indian-related
bills that became law. And he is the first American Indian ever to
chair the Senate Indian Affairs committee. Without him, the spectacular
Museum of the American Indian that graces our National Mall would not
have become a reality.
Ben is as leader who stands firm by his beliefs and works hard for
the people of Colorado and Americans everywhere. We wish him and his
wife, Linda, all the best for the future.
john breaux
Mr. President, the people of Louisiana first sent John Breaux to
serve in this Capitol in 1972. He was only 28 years old. For the next
32 years, he would serve as one of the most respected and admired
public servants--from both sides of the aisle--anywhere in American
government.
John Breaux has been a superb United States Senator. He is not
inextricably wedded to one ideology or one party's line. He is
thoughtful. He is independent. He is deliberative. He is experienced.
He always wants to do the right thing for Louisiana and for America.
What I admire most about John is his consensus-building skills. He
never gives up on bringing people together. In fact, he has helped
bring this body together on landmark pieces of legislation over the
past two decades--from welfare reform to health insurance reform to
balancing the budget.
I have enjoyed working with John to reform Medicare. We proposed the
first Breaux-Frist reforms in 1999. And we followed up with Breaux-
Frist II in 2001. And we toiled together on the Bipartisan Commission
on the Future of Medicare, which John so ably chaired.
[[Page 23997]]
Breaux-Frist laid the foundation for bipartisan work to come and,
ultimately, the most comprehensive and meaningful improvements to
Medicare since the program's creation.
John's departure is bittersweet for me--as I am sure it is for every
member of this body. We will miss him as a leader we all love and all
can work with. But he still has many of his best years ahead--which he
will no doubt enjoy spending with Lois and their wonderful and growing
family.
Peter Fitzgerald
Mr. President, Peter Fitzgerald has devoted his life to public
service.
He first ran for office before the ink on his law degree had dried.
And, in the last 6 years, we have come to know Peter as a man of
integrity, as a man of honor, and as a friend.
In the Illinois Senate, he was a staunch opponent of corruption. He
often had to go it alone. But he still got results.
He continued his mission in the United States Senate--where he
arrived in 1998 as our youngest member.
In only 6 years, he has made his mark. He helped uncover the
devastating corporate fraud and accounting scandals. And he helped us
pass tough new regulations to prevent them from reoccurring.
He has been an ardent advocate for Illinois farmers and businesses,
always working to make sure that markets are open and barriers are low.
Whether working to appoint honest federal prosecutors or taking a
hard look at major federally-supported projects, he has always stood
for doing the right thing.
Peter has made sure that we have tax relief that helps families and
creates new jobs. And he has helped protect our children with tough new
child safety seat laws.
Our Senate family will miss Peter, Nina, and Jake. They have each
enriched our lives, their State, this Senate, and our country. And we
wish them all the best in the future.
bob graham
Mr. President, during his first campaign for the United States Senate
in 1986, People Magazine compared Bob Graham's mind to a Florida
thunderstorm; resolute and impossible to deflect.
But as a member of this body for 18 years, Bob Graham has shown that
while he may have the energy of a lightning storm, his works are guided
with far greater purpose and direction.
In 40 years, Bob has never lost a statewide election. He is one of
Florida's most beloved politicians. And that is for good reason.
Always looking for ways to connect with his constituents, Senator
Graham uses his ``workdays'' to toil alongside everyday Floridians to
understand the problems they face.
A true American patriot, he has consistently put country before
party.
On the Senate Intelligence Committee he has helped us tackle the
monumental task of overhauling America's intelligence agencies. We will
all miss his knowledge, his expertise, and his ability to clarify
difficult issues.
Bob and his wife, Adele, have been treasured members of the Senate
family--as much for who they are as for what they have done. For a
couple who has accomplished so much in their lives together, that's
saying something.
I want to thank Senator Graham for his valued contributions to our
body and to our country. And we wish him and Adele the best in all
their future endeavors.
zell miller
Mr. President, Zell Miller commands a certain respect. He has guts.
He has integrity. He speaks simple truths. He is as good and honest a
man as I know.
Zell is the type of leader that takes a stand and doesn't yield an
inch of ground--no matter how hard the political winds blow.
America saw this first-hand with his unwavering support of President
Bush in the most recent election.
At the Republican Convention, Zell described the President perhaps
better than anyone in our own party. He said the President is: ``a God-
fearing man with a good heart and a spine of tempered steel.''
Those same words also describe Senator Miller.
As a former Marine, Zell has never wavered in his support of the men
and women in uniform who defend our liberty--or the values he shares
with them. And he has worked hard and steadfast to end the
unprecedented filibuster of judicial nominees.
More than anything, Zell loves his wonderful wife, Shirley, and their
family. Of course, by family, I also include Gus and Woodrow, his two
Labrador Retrievers.
Zell will always be a touchstone of good ole' common sense for this
body. He will forever remind us that all we need to do is what is
right--nothing more, nothing less.
Zell Miller is one of the most colorful Senators ever to grace the
halls of this Capitol. And he and Shirley have been two of the most
valued members of the Senate family.
We will miss them both, sorely, as a special part of our daily lives.
I yield the floor.
I suggest the absence of a quorum.
Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order
for the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, are we in morning business?
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Yes, we are.
Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, on Tuesday the President announced the
nomination of National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice to be the next
U.S. Secretary of State.
I admire Dr. Rice's obvious intellectual gifts and her communication
skills. I also believe that the President has the right to appoint
Cabinet officers who reflect his ideology and his perspective. Barring
serious concerns about a nominee's qualifications or ethical record,
and in keeping with Senate practices and precedents, my inclination is
to give the President substantial deference in his Cabinet choices.
But I am deeply troubled by the signal that this nomination appears
to send--a signal suggesting that the modest moderating influence of
the State Department over the last 4 years will disappear, and that the
next 4 years will be guided even more closely by the voices that
shouted loudest in the first term, and that led our country into
seriously flawed foreign policies. Our country cannot afford to
continue down the foreign policy path that was forged during the first
term of the Bush administration.
Over the past 4 years, we have witnessed the greatest loss of a very
valuable type of American power in our history: our power to lead, to
persuade and to inspire. As Joseph Nye has pointed out, this power will
not convert the extremists who oppose us no matter what. Those people
must be eliminated, pure, and simple. But it can thwart their plans, by
denying them new recruits, undermining their appeal and their message,
and unifying, rather than dividing, Americans and the rest of the
international community. Rather than bolstering this asset, which has
helped to make us the most powerful country on earth, we have
squandered it.
In March, the Pew Research Center found that one year after the start
of the war in Iraq, ``discontent with America and its policies has
intensified rather than diminished'' across the world. Majorities in
Pakistan, Jordan, Morocco and Turkey believe that the U.S. is
exaggerating the terrorist threat, doubt the sincerity of the U.S. war
on terrorism and say that it is an effort to control Mideast oil and
dominate the world. The Center found that:
At least half the people in countries other than the U.S.
say as a result of the war in Iraq they have less confidence
that the United States is trustworthy. Similarly, majorities
in all of these countries say they have less confidence that
the U.S. wants to promote democracy globally.
Our motives are questioned, our public justifications and
explanations viewed with skepticism, and our post-9/11 public diplomacy
efforts have missed the mark, substituting pop music broadcasts,
brochures and videos for the kind of respectful dialogue and engagement
that could convince generations of angry young people that their
humiliation is not our goal.
[[Page 23998]]
We have had over 3 years since September 11, 2001, to think
strategically about how to win the fight against terrorism. But we have
little to show for this time.
We have relied upon a doctrine that fails to recognize that our
enemies do not rely on explicit state sponsorship of terrorism. By
focusing almost entirely on possible state sponsors of terror, the
administration failed to realize that our terrorist enemies operate
effectively in weak and failing states and without the backing of
national governments. This is a new enemy waging a new war against us,
but the administration appears still to be stuck in an old cold war
mindset.
We have muddled our language and our focus by conflating other
priorities with the fight against terrorism, costing us credibility
around the world and shattering the unified and resolved global
coalition that emerged to support us in the aftermath of 9/11. By
choosing to fight the war in Iraq in such a divisive and astronomically
expensive fashion, we have diverted resources away from the fight
against the terrorist networks that seek to destroy us and undermined
our ability to win the hearts and minds of many whose support we will
need to succeed in the long run.
We have recognized the dangers of nuclear proliferation in an age of
terrorism, but have then pursued policies that may well create
incentives for states to develop nuclear weapons as quickly as
possible.
We have developed essentially no measures of success or failure when
it comes to one of our most urgent priorities, as the 9/11 Commission
underscored--preventing the continued growth of Islamist terrorism. In
fact, we do not even know where we stand today in this vital struggle.
We have not given any serious thought to how to avoid the mistakes of
the cold war, when we gave a free pass to forces of repression and
brutality, as long as they did not come with a Communist bent. Those
mistakes, as we all know, helped to make Afghanistan the brutally
repressive terrorist haven that it was on 9/11.
We have not made an adequate investment in bolstering our diplomatic
resources and engagement around the world. From Northern Nigeria to
Eastern Kenya, we have virtually no presence. In Somalia, despite
knowing that al-Qaida-linked terrorists have operated in the country,
we simply failed to develop any policy at all.
While the administration's policy was failing on all of these fronts,
the President's team was devoting its time and attention to selling the
world and the American people a war in Iraq with fundamentally flawed
intelligence, manipulative and misleading characterizations, and rosy
predictions that provided horribly, dangerously off-the-mark. The
administration's Iraq policies in the first term painted a picture of
an American government that isn't so sure it rejects torture; that
isn't competent and careful enough to properly vet intelligence
presented in major speeches and briefings; that willfully rejects the
lessons of history and advice of its own experts; that is surprised
when disorder results in massive looting; that misleads taxpayers
regarding the costs and commitments entailed in its policies; that
spends billions upon billions without any effort to budget for these
predictable costs; and that is willing to politicize issues fundamental
to our national security in the ugliest possible way.
We deserve better. Certainly the brave men and women of the U.S.
military who are fighting every day to make this effort in Iraq work
deserve better. We do not honor them by accepting lousy, irresponsible
policy in the halls and hearing rooms of the Capitol and then leaving
them holding the bag on the ground, when policy collides with the hard
truth.
The administration's record of the past 4 years suggests a foreign
policy careening out of control, driven by ideologies who want to test
their theories in the laboratory of the Middle East one minute, by
domestic political considerations the next, and by spiteful attempts to
punish those who disagree with their methods the next. Where is this
going? Who is in charge? No one ever seems to be held accountable for
the blunders, the failures, the wildly inaccurate presentations and
projections or the painfully ineffective initiatives.
Congress cannot simply accept more of the same, keep our heads down
and hope that somehow we will muddle through. The stakes are far too
high. Our national security, the stability of the world that our
children will inherit, our troops--even our country's honor--are on the
line. Congress has an obligation, not to oppose every administration
effort, but to reassert our role in steering the ship of state wisely
rather than recklessly. I look at our foreign policy over the past 4
years, and I know that America is so much better than this.
I look forward to the opportunity to raise these concerns with Dr.
Rice when she testifies before the Foreign Relations Committee, and to
receiving some assurance that she will work with Congress to put our
country's foreign policy on a better, more effective footing.
Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a
quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. TALENT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
IN MEMORY OF KOMNINOS ``GUS'' KARELLAS
Mr. TALENT. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart, to mourn
the loss of Komninos ``Gus'' Karellas, who was known and loved by so
many in the community of Mexico, MO. Though cut tragically short, his
was a life surrounded by a strong family and a strong community, and he
was a great example of an immigrant who came to America and took
advantage of every opportunity this country gave him.
Gus was a native of Greece, and he ran away from home as a teenager
with only a few cents to his name. He emigrated to American in 1965 via
Oakland, CA, and even though he did not speak English very well then,
he managed to succeed against all odds. He ended up in Iowa working at
a pizza restaurant, where he met Jimmy and Angelo Aslanidis, who became
his good friends. They ended up moving together to Columbia, MO, where
Gus worked at the University of Missouri for a short time before the
three of them helped start the G&D Steakhouse.
In 1971, Gus Karellas and his wife Mary moved away to help manage a
new G&D Steakhouse in Mexico, MO. Gus bought the restaurant one year
later and spent nearly every single day there, becoming a familiar
fixture to the residents of Mexico for the next three decades. His
popularity with people led some of his family to give him the
affectionate nickname of ``Governor Gus.''
Gus instilled his strong work ethic in his family, and friends say
nothing made him prouder than his children Michael, Nick, Joanna, and
Andy, who is an aide in my office. I have come to know Andy very well
in the two years he has worked for me, and he is an accomplished young
man with an immense sense of pride and gratitude for his family.
Gus was robbed and murdered as he was leaving his restaurant several
days ago. Since then, hundreds of people--friends and family, regulars
of the restaurant, or even those who just casually knew Gus Karellas--
have visited the restaurant, creating a makeshift memorial of flowers,
candles, and cards to the man they came to know and love.
Gus Karellas was a loving husband and dedicated father, a good
neighbor and good friend to many. He will be missed by all who loved
him. May he rest in peace and may God comfort his family and friends in
their grief at his loss.
I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Talent). The clerk will call the roll.
[[Page 23999]]
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. CHAMBLISS. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum
call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
TRIBUTES TO RETIRING SENATORS
Don Nickles
Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I rise tonight to make a quick comment
about a dear friend. The greatest thing about serving in the House of
Representatives and the Senate is meeting the colleagues we have the
opportunity to serve with on both sides of the aisle. As a Member of
the House of Representatives, I had the opportunity to get to know a
number of the Members of the Senate, one of whom is retiring at the end
of this session.
Don Nickles was elected to the Senate when he was too young to serve
in the Senate. He actually had a few months after his election before
he was old enough, but he was old enough before he was sworn in. That
was back in 1980. He has now served with great distinction in this body
for 24 years. He leaves with a record that not many Senators are able
to claim after serving in this Senate for whatever period of time they
may be here.
Don Nickles has been a leader in the Republican Party, but most
significantly he has been a leader in the Senate. He is a man who has
provided strong leadership on any number of issues, whether they are
fiscal issues as chairman of the Budget Committee and a longtime member
of the Budget Committee, which is where I first got to know him in our
conferences between the House and the Senate, or whether it is on
energy or social issues, Don Nickles possesses all the assets that
America holds dear.
He is a strong family man. He is a hard-working individual. He is a
man of faith. He is a man who when he looks you in the eye and tells
you something, you can go to the bank with it.
I am going to miss Don Nickles. I will miss his quick wit. I am going
to miss his being able to stand up in the Senate and quickly take on
anybody on either side of the aisle with respect to whatever the issue
may be or whatever the rule may be that applies to the issue that comes
up.
I marveled at his ability to, off the top of his head, take on folks
on the other side of the aisle relative to a particular issue and to
point out issue by issue and point by point what must be done. That is
a unique capability and something that must be studied and learned.
My predecessor, one of the folks who held my seat many years before I
got here, was the master of that. That is Richard Russell. Don Nickles
knows the rules just as well as Richard Russell did.
I will miss Don in a number of respects off of this Senate floor. He
is a close personal friend. He and his wife Linda are dear friends of
Julianne and me. I will have to find somebody else to get money off of
on the golf course because I have known Don so long now that I have
come to spend the money before I play golf.
He is a terrific guy both in the Senate as well as outside the
Senate. He is a man of great integrity. He is the kind of Senator who
every citizen of Oklahoma should and has been proud of for his 24 years
of service to the Senate.
I went back to his hometown a couple of months ago, his hometown of
Ponca City, OK, a very small town in America. Don was a football hero.
As in my home State of Georgia and my hometown, football is huge in
Ponca City. They still remember Don as a high school fullback and
linebacker.
His old coach was there that night to talk about Don and some of the
things he did during his high school career. It is those foundations
that people all across America build upon to come to the Senate.
The things that were said about Don back then could still be said
about him today; that is, what a dedicated person he was, what a hard-
working person he was, and what a student of the game he was, just like
he has been a student of the Senate.
No one there was surprised at what a great job Don had done as a
Member of the Senate and what a success he was, what a success he will
be once he leaves. Don had the right kind of foundation and the right
kind of instincts and the right kind of family stability, support, and
love to make sure he did the right kind of job in the Senate, and he
will continue to be successful when he leaves here.
To Don and to Linda, we say thanks for the service to our country. My
children and my grandchildren are going to benefit from the service of
the Senate of Don Nickles. That is something for which I will forever
be grateful.
Just as importantly, I have been a better Senator than I would have
been otherwise because of Don Nickles. In future years, because of what
I have learned from Don Nickles, I will be a much better Senator.
Don, we appreciate your service to our country. Thank you. God bless
you and Linda.
I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order
for the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
MORNING BUSINESS
______
VICKI COX
Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I want to mention a staffer of mine. She
is not a Senator but she is very important in my office, Vicki Lee Cox;
Vicki Lee, as she was when she came to work with me in 1978 when I was
elected to the House of Representatives. Her father was a naval officer
in the Naval Academy. She lived around the world. She was born in
Pensacola, FL, grew up part of her life in the San Diego area, the San
Francisco area, and in Newport, RI. I have worked with her for 26
years, day in and day out. I tried to get her not to retire because
these are very important employees. They make your office go. They make
us look better than we should, day to day. They make things work in the
office.
Vicki, we will miss you in the office. We hope you will not be far
off because we might need to bring you back to help us out from time to
time as we get in a bind.
We wish you and your husband Dale the very best, but we have a job
opening for you if you want to change your mind. God bless you, and we
enjoyed the 26 years.
____________________
PROTOCOL AMENDING THE EXISTING TAX CONVENTION WITH THE NETHERLANDS
Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I thank my Senate colleagues for passing
the resolution providing advice and consent to the Protocol amending
the existing U.S. Tax Treaty with the Netherlands through the unanimous
consent procedure.
In spite of legislative hurdles that arose during the process, this
Protocol will be enacted, and will bolster the economic relationship
between the United States and a country that is already both a good
friend and a critical trade and investment partner. As the United
States considers how to create jobs and maintain economic growth, it is
important that we try to eliminate impediments that prevent our
companies from fully accessing international markets. In the case of
taxes, we should work to ensure that companies pay their fair share
while not being unfairly taxed twice on the same revenue. Tax treaties
are intended to prevent this double taxation so that companies are not
inhibited from doing business overseas.
As the United States moves to keep the economy growing and to
increase U.S. employment, international tax policies that promote
foreign direct investment in the United States such as this Protocol,
are critically important. I have received communications from several
corporate employers. The foreign entities indicate that this Protocol
will provide them with incentives
[[Page 24000]]
to ``insource'' to the United States. The domestic companies indicate
that this Protocol will provide overall advantages and benefits. For
the benefit of my colleagues, I am attaching to my statement several of
these communications.
I thank my colleagues again for agreeing to pass this important
measure.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the material I made reference
to be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
National Foreign Trade
Council, Inc.,
Washington, DC, October 22, 2004.
Dear Senator: I am writing to express our strong support
for the passage of the Tax Protocol with the Netherlands and
to urge you to enact the agreement this year. Further delay
in the passage of this agreement will subject U.S. companies
to double taxation and adversely affect their global
competitiveness. Foreign trade is fundamental to the economic
growth of U.S. companies. Tax treaties are a crucial
component of the framework that is necessary to allow that
growth.
The National Foreign Trade Council, organized in 1914, is
an association of some 300 U.S. business enterprises engaged
in all aspects of international trade and investment. Our
membership covers the full spectrum of industrial,
commercial, financial, and service activities, and the NFTC
therefore seeks to foster an environment in which U.S.
companies can be dynamic and effective competitors in the
international business arena. To achieve this goal, American
businesses must be able to participate fully in business
activities throughout the world. As global competition grows
ever more intense, it is vital to the health of U.S.
enterprises and to their continuing ability to contribute to
the U.S. economy that they are free from excessive foreign
taxes or double taxation and impediments to the flow of
capital that can serve as barriers to full participation in
the international marketplace.
This is why the NFTC has long supported the expansion and
strengthening of the U.S. tax treaty network. The Senate has
an excellent record in this area; ratifying tax agreements
with Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Sri Lanka,
and Barbados during this Congress. The NFTC testified in
support of these agreements and of the Netherlands Protocol.
Senator Richard Lugar, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign
Relations, recently sent a Dear Colleague letter encouraging
all Senators to support passage of the Dutch Protocol in the
post-election session. I hope that the full Senate can act
favorably on this agreement in the time that remains in this
session and reaffirm the historic opposition of the U.S. to
double taxation.
Sincerely,
William A. Reinsch,
President.
____
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.,
Allentown, PA, October 26, 2004.
Re Ratification of the Protocol to the Income Tax Treaty with
the Netherlands.
Hon. Richard G. Lugar,
Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Lugar: On behalf of Air Products and
Chemicals, Inc., I would like to thank you and the Committee
for the prompt consideration and attention that you have
given to the proposed protocol to the income tax treaty with
the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This protocol is very
important to Air Products and the United States economy. It
is very important to us that the Senate ratify the protocol
as soon as possible.
Air Products is a United States company with global
headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It serves customers
in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets
worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and
solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty
gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. The
company has annual revenues of $7 billion, operations in over
30 countries, and over 18,000 employees.
Air Products has operated in the Netherlands for over
thirty years, and it has substantial operations in the
Netherlands. Air Products also owns some of its other
European operations through the Netherlands. Air Products
generates substantial cash flow from these operations. The
current 5 percent withholding tax rate discourages Air
Products from repatriating this cash back to the U.S. This is
especially true because Air Products is currently in an
excess foreign tax credit position. The proposed protocol
would remove this barrier to repatriating cash. This would
benefit not only Air Products but the U.S. economy as a
whole. The protocol would remove this repatriation barrier
for all U.S. companies with Dutch holdings, and foreign
companies would have a greater incentive to invest in the
U.S. The sooner the Senate ratifies the protocol, the sooner
these benefits will begin.
Accordingly, we respectfully request that the Senate
consider ratification of the proposed protocol as soon as
possible.
If you have any questions regarding Air Products' views on
the proposed protocol, please contact me or Charles Stinner,
our International Tax Director (610-481-2978).
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Petrini,
Vice President--Tax.
____
Sunoco, Inc.,
Philadelphia, PA, October 26, 2004.
Re Ratification of Protocol to United States-Netherlands
Income Tax Treaty.
Hon. Richard G. Lugar,
Chairman, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Lugar: On behalf of Sunoco, Inc., I am
writing to urge the prompt ratification of the protocol to
the Netherlands Income Tax Treaty signed on March 8, 2004. As
you are aware, the proposed protocol makes significant
changes to the existing income tax treaty between the United
States and the Netherlands. These changes include the
elimination of source-country withholding on certain
intercompany dividends, modernization of anti-treaty shopping
provisions, coordination of the countries' pension rules and
the provision of clear rules for investments using
partnerships.
The changes negotiated in the protocol are important to the
successful business operations of many companies, including
Sunoco, and a failure to promptly ratify the protocol will
have a detrimental impact on the conduct of business by many
multinational corporations. Moreover, in a report dated
September 30, 2004, the Joint Committee on Taxation estimated
that ratification of the protocol would cause a negligible
change in Federal budget receipts during the fiscal period
2005-2014.
Accordingly, for the reasons stated above, Sunoco believes
that the protocol to the Netherlands Income Tax Treaty should
be promptly ratified, and urges you to support its
ratification.
If you or your staff would like to discuss this issue in
more detail or if we can provide additional information,
please contact the undersigned at (215) 977-6795. Thank you
for your attention to this critical issue.
Sincerely,
Michael J. McGoldrick,
Director, Tax Administration.
____
Mary Kay,
Dallas, TX, October 29, 2004.
Re Dutch tax treaty.
Hon. Richard Lugar,
U.S. Senate,
Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
Dear Senator Lugar: With the year fast running out, Mary
Kay Inc urges you to ratify the US-Netherlands Tax Treaty.
The new protocol has a zero percent withholding rate on
dividends, which allows our company to repatriate more money
for domestic investment. This increase in funds provides Mary
Kay Inc with the funds to expand its US plant, increase
research and development, which is accomplished in the United
States and hire more US based employees.
Please ask Senator Frist to schedule the treaty as soon as
possible, before time runs out.
Sincerely,
Michael Lunceford,
Senior Vice President.
____
Sun Microsystems, Inc.,
Washington, DC, November 2, 2004.
Senator Richard Lugar,
Chairman, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Hart Senate
Office Building, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Lugar: On behalf of Sun Microsystems, Inc., I
am writing to express our appreciation of your efforts to
seek prompt ratification of the recent Protocol to the U.S.-
Netherlands income tax treaty. We urge that these efforts
continue so that this important new chapter in America's
relationship with the Netherlands can commence before this
year terminates.
As reflected in your Dear Colleague letter of October 20,
2004, your recognition of the importance of prompt
ratification of the Protocol is most welcome. Compared to
other U.S. tax treaties with major trading partners, the
current treaty between the United States and the Netherlands
is antiquated and contains obstacles to the free flow of
trade between the two countries that will be eliminated by
the new Protocol. There will be direct benefits to our
company and to our employees.
Timely and quick action in bringing needed reform this year
to the U.S.-Netherlands treaty will help keep the American
economy growing.
Sincerely,
Christopher G. Hankin,
Senior Director of Federal Affairs.
____
ABN AMRO Asset Management,
The Netherlands, October 29, 2004.
Chairman Lugar,
U.S. Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Lugar: On behalf of ABN AMRO Bank N.V.,
business unit Asset Management, I am writing to join the many
other members of the U.S. business community that have
expressed their appreciation of your efforts to seek prompt
ratification of
[[Page 24001]]
the recent Protocol to the income tax treaty between the
United States and the Netherlands.
We urge that these efforts continue so that this important
new chapter in America's relationship with the Netherlands
can commence this year.
As reflected in your letter of October 20, 2004, your
recognition of the importance of prompt ratification of the
Protocol is most welcome. Compared to other U.S. tax treaties
with major trading partners, the current treaty between the
United States and the Netherlands is antiquated and contains
obstacles to the free flow of trade between the two countries
that will be eliminated by the new Protocol.
Treaty advancements reflected in the new Protocol not only
eliminate barriers to trade and investment between the two
countries, but also resolve uncertainties that target abusive
use of the treaty, and promote improved cooperation in
international enforcement. Prompt ratification of the new
Protocol will promote closer ties with one of our
longstanding major trading partners, encourage growth of the
US economy and jobs, and support better international tax
enforcement efforts.
Quick action in bringing this needed reform to the U.S./
Dutch trade relationship will help keep the American economy
growing.
Sincerely,
Maurice Buijnsters,
VP Global Head of Tax.
Richard de Haas,
Senior Tax Officer.
____
ChevronTexaco,
Washington, DC, November 2, 2004.
Re Netherlands Protocol.
Hon. Richard G. Lugar,
Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, Dirksen Senate
Office Building, Washington, DC.
Dear Senator Lugar: I am writing to express ChevronTexaco
Corporation's strong support for early ratification of the
Protocol amending the existing tax treaty with the
Netherlands. A strong tax treaty network is critical for U.S.
businesses, such as ChevronTexaco, to compete in the global
marketplace. We appreciate your efforts on tax treaties
generally, and on this Protocol in particular.
We urge the Senate to ratify the Protocol before year end
so that it may enter into force on January 1, 2005. Delaying
ratification until 2005 would delay entry into force until
January 1, 2006 and would delay the important reductions to
withholding tax rates.
I sincerely hope that the Senate will ratify the Protocol
in 2005 and we appreciate your efforts to ensure this.
Sincerely,
Lisa B. Barry,
V.P. and General Manager,
Government Affairs.
____
TimeWarner,
Washington, DC, November 1, 2004.
Hon. Richard Lugar,
Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate,
Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your continuing leadership
in securing quick ratification of several important bilateral
tax treaties this year. Bilateral tax treaties are an
important means for reducing double taxation and eliminating
foreign withholding taxes on our royalties, interest, and
dividends.
In this regard, I want to underscore the importance of
ratifying the U.S.-Netherlands bilateral tax treaty before
Congress adjourns for the year. This treaty, like the
previous ones the Senate has ratified, provides important tax
savings to Time Warner that we will be able to reinvest and
use to expand our business in the United States.
The Netherlands has already ratified this agreement. I
offer our company's full support in helping to urge your
Senate colleagues to agree to quick ratification of this
treaty this year.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Kimmitt.
____
Alliant Energy Corporation,
Madison, WI, November 12, 2004.
Senator Richard Lugar,
Chairman, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Dirksen Senate
Office Building, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Lugar: Thank you for your continuing
leadership in securing quick ratification of several
important bilateral tax treaties this year, Bilateral tax
treaties are an important means for reducing double taxation
and eliminating foreign withholding taxes on our royalties,
interest, and dividends.
In this regard, I write to underscore the importance of
ratifying the U.S.-Netherlands bilateral tax treaty before
Congress adjourns for the year. This treaty, like the
previous ones the Senate has ratified, provides important tax
savings to Alliant Energy that we will be able to reinvest
and use to expand our business in the United States.
The Netherlands has already ratified this agreement. I
offer Alliant Energy's full support in helping to urge your
Senate colleagues to agree to quick ratification of this
treaty this year.
Sincerely,
Erroll B. Davis, Jr.,
Chairman & CEO.
____
American Chemistry Council,
Arlington, VA, November 15, 2004.
Re Ratification of Dutch Tax Treaty.
Hon. Richard G. Lugar,
Senate Office Building,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senator Lugar: The American Chemistry Council urges
ratification of the bilateral tax protocol between the United
States and the Netherlands.
The ACC represents the leading companies engaged in the
business of chemistry. Council members apply the science of
chemistry to make innovative products and services that make
people's lives better, healthier and safer. The business of
chemistry is a $460 billion enterprise and a key element of
the nation's economy. It is the nation's largest exporter,
accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports.
We commend your efforts as Chairman of the Foreign
Relations Committee that resulted in negotiation of the tax
protocol with the Netherlands. The treaty would enhance the
ability of U.S. companies to compete in the important Dutch
market, and if history is a guide, the treaty would create
U.S. jobs within the chemical industry and among our
suppliers and customers, and it would encourage foreign
companies to establish or expand manufacturing facilities in
the U.S. Moreover, the information-sharing provisions of the
treaty would aid the IRS and Treasury Department in
identifying international tax-avoidance schemes that reduce
federal tax receipts and impugn the motives of U.S. companies
whose global operations represent a major element of an
expanding U.S. economy.
Accordingly, we urge ratification of the Dutch Treaty
during the time remaining in the 108th Congress. Timely
ratification would result in early realization of treaty
benefits, and aid companies in capital planning and business
expansion.
Please call if we can answer questions or provide
additional information.
Sincerely,
Charles W. Van Vlack,
Executive Vice President.
____
DuPont Finance,
Wilmington, DE, October 29, 2004.
Hon. Richard G. Lugar,
Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations,
U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
Hon. Joseph R. Biden, Jr.,
Ranking Member, Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senators: On March 8, 2004, the United States and the
Netherlands signed the Protocol Amending the Convention
Between the United States of America and the Kingdom of the
Netherlands for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the
Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income.
We at DuPont would urge the Senate to ratify this Protocol
before Congress adjourns.
As you learned during testimony on September 24th, the
Protocol brings the existing Convention, concluded in 1992,
into closer conformity with current U.S. tax treaty policy.
Of particular interest to DuPont, considering the Company's
manufacturing sites in the Netherlands, is the elimination of
withholding taxes on certain types of cross-border direct
dividends. This element of the Protocol creates a powerful
tool for repatriating earnings the Company would then be able
to devote to our priorities in the United States. In
addition, the Protocol's reciprocal treatment of pension
funds for international employment assignees allows DuPont
employees to gain valuable experience through U.S.-
Netherlands exchanges without jeopardizing the status of
their retirement benefits.
DuPont also appreciates the benefits the new Protocol would
offer the U.S. government. Among them, the improved
communications measures between U.S. and Dutch tax
authorities coupled with the assistance in the collection of
taxes; and the modernized Limitation on Benefits article,
designed to deny treaty-shoppers the benefits of the
Convention.
The enhancement of economic ties between the United States
and the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the form of the pending
Protocol will promote the growth of trade and investment
between the two countries to the benefit of both economies.
As such, it is DuPont's hope that deliberations on the
Protocol will be completed this year.
Sincerely,
Marshall G. McClure.
____________________
DEBT LIMIT INCREASE
Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I speak about the vote that took place
yesterday to raise the statutory limit of our Nation's indebtedness. It
is terribly unfortunate that for the third time in three years this
administration has run up against the Federal debt limit, thereby
forcing once again an increase in the National debt from $7.384
trillion to $8.184 trillion.
[[Page 24002]]
I think it is a mistake for this body to give the administration what
is essentially an $800 billion check to continue its irresponsible
fiscal policies.
For quite some time now, the Treasury Department has been forced to
halt payments owed to federal retirement accounts and take other
extraordinary measures in order to keep the government from defaulting.
And now we are in a position where the Treasury Department has said
that Congress must increase the debt ceiling by the end of this week or
the government will default on its obligations. What this says is that
the government is living far beyond its means.
Just several years ago, when President Clinton was President, the
National debt was shrinking, not growing. In 1997, the debt held by the
public was $3.745 trillion. By FY2001, it decreased by more than $400
billion to $3.296 trillion. Former President Clinton made it a goal to
pay off the debt by 2013, so that America would be debt free for the
first time since 1835. He recognized that eliminating the debt would
strengthen our economy, allow investments in education and other
critical priorities, and ensure that Social Security could meet the
challenges to come when the baby boomers retire.
By contrast, under the Bush administration, the debt limit was raised
by $450 billion in 2002 and $984 billion in 2003. And now, this year,
in 2004 it will increase by $800 billion. I find it astounding that
just four years ago we were having compelling conversations in the
Senate Banking Committee with Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan
about what would happen if we paid off the debt too quickly. And now,
here we are about to pass another increase of $800 billion to the
National debt.
This new increase will bring the grand total to more than $2 trillion
under President Bush--the largest total debt limit increase recorded
under any President. Now instead of being eliminated, we are expecting
the debt held by the public to reach $6.5 trillion by 2011.
When President Bush first came to office he assured the nation that
if we adopted his tax cuts, we would not only see job growth, but we
would still be able to eliminate the publicly held debt by 2008.
Instead, we have seen 1.5 million private-sector jobs lost, making this
the first Administration since Herbert Hoover to actually lose jobs. In
just 4 years, we have gone from a projected 10-year surplus of $5.6
trillion to a 10-year deficit of over $3 trillion. And now we are about
to once again, for the third year in a row, increase the debt.
If additional debt is going to be accumulated, the administration and
the majority could at the minimum ensure that we are adequately
investing in our children's education, the country's infrastructure,
health care, the solvency of Social Security, and other vital national
priorities. But that does not appear to be the case considering that we
are seeing across the board cuts in the upcoming omnibus bill, and this
Administration continues to push for policies that push us further in
the red without any real results.
The administration's reckless policies will pass the burden of paying
for them onto future generations, and unfortunately, the administration
has shown absolutely no regard for the hardship this will cause. We
often discuss the so-called ``death tax'', this administration's
reckless fiscal policies are forcing a ``birth tax'' on every child
born today.
What do I mean by the term ``birth tax''? Simply this: a child born
today is born owing his or her country $25,000. That is that child's
share of the national debt. This is unconscionable. We have a
responsibility as lawmakers to leave our country better off tomorrow
than it is today. With policies like this, I am afraid that this
administration and its supporters are failing to meet this fundamental
moral responsibility to our country and to future generations.
Also deeply troubling is that in order to cover increased borrowing,
the U.S. is going deeper into debt to foreign countries. Japan, China,
the United Kingdom, and Caribbean Banking Centers are now the largest
foreign holders of U.S. Treasury Debt.
We have borrowed over $720 billion from Japan, over $174 billion from
China, and even tens of billions of dollars from South Korea. During
the term of the President's first four years, we have seen our foreign
debt holdings increase 83 percent from just over $1 trillion to over
$1.8 trillion. This is especially dangerous because these countries can
collect their debt when it suits them, which could potentially puts our
nation in a very difficult economic situation.
I find it astounding that the administration and the majority of this
Congress have not put forward any plan to reduce the alarming increase
in our nation's debt--an increase largely caused by their reckless tax
and budget policies. Indeed, their only known plans to permanently
extend tax breaks for the affluent and drain at least $1 trillion from
Social Security--would only make our current problems worse.
I strongly believe that increasing the debt limit once again without
a plan is a big mistake. We owe it to future generations to do more to
ensure that their future is economically sound. I hope that this
Administration, and the majority of the Congress begin to enact more
responsible fiscal policies before it truly is too late.
Mr. CORZINE. Mr. President, yesterday I voted against legislation
that will authorize a massive increase in the Federal debt. This bill
highlights the gross irresponsibility of our Nation's current fiscal
policies. And I hope that, in casting a negative vote along with many
of my colleagues, we have helped send a message to the White House that
it is long past time to change course.
When President Bush came to office, we were expecting to run a
surplus over the next ten years of $5.6 trillion. Instead, we now
project a deficit of $3.5 trillion. That is a reversal of more than $9
trillion.
President Bush promised that he would not raid the Social Security
trust fund. But, instead, under the Bush budget, we will spend every
last penny of Social Security surpluses over the next 10 years, all
$2.4 trillion. These surpluses won't be saved. They won't be used to
help us keep our promise to working Americans. They will be diverted
for tax breaks and other spending programs. This is not what the
President promised. It is the opposite.
In effect, the administration's policies are using payroll taxes paid
by working Americans, and using them to finance tax breaks for the most
fortunate among us. I think that is wrong.
The past few years have been marked by unprecedented fiscal
recklessness. The 2004 deficit, even including the Social Security
surplus, is $413 billion. That is a record. Last year, the deficit was
$377 billion. That was another record. The budget is spinning out of
control, and few in the administration seem to care.
Unfortunately, as bad as things have been in recent years, the
outlook for the long term is even worse. The baby boomers are about to
retire. And by 2050, 81 million Americans will be on Social Security--
about double the current level. We need to prepare for that. We need to
save for it. Instead, we are doing the reverse. We are putting
ourselves deeper and deeper in debt.
In 2001, gross Federal debt stood at $5.8 trillion. By 2014, that
debt will have skyrocketed to almost $15 trillion.
With more debt, of course, comes higher interest costs. The 10-year
cost of Federal interest payments has gone up from $622 billion in
2001, to $2.4 trillion.
All this debt, and all these interest payments, have consequences.
They reduce the capital available for productive investment. They
increase interest rates. They slow economic growth. And they lower the
standard of living for American families.
Another consequence of all this debt is that our Nation is slowly
losing its economic independence. Foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury
debt has increased 83 percent under this administration. Today, the
U.S. owes China more than $170 billion. We owe Japan more than $700
billion. Increasingly, our Nation is dependent on these countries to
bolster our economy and to
[[Page 24003]]
maintain the value of the dollar. But if those countries and other
foreign investors pull out in the face of rising fiscal imbalances, as
has happened elsewhere, the consequences for our economy could be very
serious.
In my view, the current course of fiscal policy is not only unwise
and dangerous, it is ultimately unsustainable. We can't go on like
this. Either our leaders here in Washington will face reality and
reverse course, or the markets will punish us until we do. Either the
dollar will collapse, or interest rates will rise substantially, or
inflation will rise, or all these problems will hit at once.
When that might happen is anybody's guess. But you can't reverse the
basic laws of economics. Sooner or later, the piper gets paid.
So, I think we have made a mistake by increasing the debt limit so
substantially. Needless to say, we must protect the full faith and
credit of the United States. But we do not need a debt limit extension
of this magnitude. And we should not have approved it yesterday.
Instead, we should have passed a much smaller increase, in order to put
real pressure on the Congress next year to finally get serious about
the need for fiscal discipline.
Next year we will begin perhaps the most important domestic policy
debate in a generation when we take up President Bush's call to
privatize Social Security. At that point, Congress will have to make a
decision. Either we will keep our promise to American workers, or we
will break that promise and cut earned benefits. I think we should keep
our promise and protect benefits. But we can only afford to do that if
we quickly reestablish some measure of fiscal discipline. Increasing
our debt by $800 billion is not the way to do that and, in my view, is
a serious mistake.
So for all these reasons, I cast my vote no yesterday. For the sake
of our economy, for the sake of our future, and for the sake of our
values as a Nation, we must restore fiscal discipline. And we must do
it soon.
____________________
JUSTICE FOR MARINE CORPS FAMILIES VICTIMS OF TERRORISM
Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I seek recognition to describe
legislation that I plan to introduce in the 109th Congress. I have been
asked to pursue this legislation on behalf of the 158 families of the
brave servicemen who died when the terrorist faction Hezbollah--with
the support of the Government of Iran--sent a suicide bomber into the
Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983, killing
241 U.S. servicemen--18 sailors, 3 soldiers, and 220 Marines.
This legislation will provide an explicit private right of action for
United States citizens against state sponsors of terrorism in our
Federal courts, and will ultimately allow victims of such acts to
collect court-ordered damages against state-sponsors of terrorism. The
specific provisions of the legislation have been drafted to harmonize
existing statutory law with the recent direction of the District of
Columbia circuit in Cicippio-Puleo v. Islamic Republic of Iran, 353
F.3d 1024 (D.C. Cir. 2004), which held that ``neither 28 U.S.C.
Sec. 1605(a)(7) nor the Flatow Amendment to the Foreign Sovereign
Immunities Act . . ., nor the two considered in tandem, creates a
private right of action against a foreign government.'' 353 F.3d 1024,
1032-33 (D.C. Cir. 2004).
In 1996, I supported the legislation that ultimately was enacted into
the statutes that I have just cited. These statutes have been
interpreted by the D.C. Circuit in Cicippio-Puleo to provide the
following:
No. 1, 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1605(a)(7) provides an exception to sovereign
immunity for state sponsors of terrorism and permits Federal courts to
hear claims seeking money damages for personal injury or death against
such nations and arising from terrorist acts they commit, or direct to
be committed, against American citizens or nationals outside of the
foreign state's territory; and No. 2, 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1605(a)(7)(note),
also known as the ``Flatow Amendment,'' named for New Jersey student
Alisa Flatow, who was killed when Palestinian Islamic Jihad bombed a
Gaza bus on which she was riding, imposes liability upon an official,
employee, or agent of a foreign state that is designated as a state
sponsor of terrorism, only if that official, employee or agent is
acting in their ``official capacity.''
On October 23, 2004, in Philadelphia, I was privileged to take part
in a memorial service held in honor of the servicemen killed in the
1983 Beirut attack. Some of the family members of those killed attended
the event. Their moving comments about how they have been denied the
ability to seek legal redress, despite clear findings implicating
Hezbollah and Iran in the attacks, were both poignant and persuasive.
It is vitally important to victims' families that they have a private
right of action against the state sponsor itself, not just its
officials, employees or agents acting in their official capacity. These
victims and their families deserve not simply a day in court, but also
the ability to recover damages against terrorist states that commit,
direct, or materially support terrorist acts against American citizens
or nationals. The former, in isolation, is a hollow right--in legal
terms, a right without a remedy. The D.C. Circuit in Cicippio-Puleo
tells us that only Congress can provide such a remedy. That is my
intent.
I ask unanimous consent that the October 23, 2004, remarks by Lynn
Smith Derbyshire, the sister of deceased Marine CPT Vincent Smith and a
leader of the families advocating for this legislation, be printed in
the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
Remarks of Lynn Smith Derbyshire, Beirut Memorial Services, Oct. 23,
2004
We are here today to honor the men who died in Beirut,
Lebanon on this day 21 years ago. As families, we believe
that our first duty is to remember. Thank you for coming to
help us commemorate the lost.
As you know, in 1996 Congress passed legislation that gave
victims of state sponsored terrorism, and their families, the
right to sue those nations in a United States Court. This
legislation did two things: It gave us a path to pursue
justice and compensation, and it provided a way to hold rogue
nations accountable for their crimes, and thereby deter more
terrorism. The problem with the existing legislation,
however, is that it has loopholes. And the U.S. Government is
using these loopholes to continually torpedo the efforts of
the families to collect damages, and penalize terrorist
states.
On October 23, 1983--21 years ago today--Hezbollah, at the
behest of the government of Iran, sent a suicide bomber into
the Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut Lebanon, killing 241 U.S.
servicemen.
One of the young Marines who was killed that day was a
blond, blue-eyed, bowlegged helicopter pilot, named Captain
Vincent Smith. He had just turned 30. He had a wife named
Ana, a 3-year-old son named Ian, and dog named Whiskey. Vince
had a penchant for practical jokes, an infectious laugh and a
contagious grin. He sang in the church choir with his velvety
tenor voice, he loved to water-ski, and throw the football
with his brothers on crisp fall afternoons--like this one,
and have cookouts on the deck with his friends.
Vince was my brother. He was my protector, my confidant,
and my friend. And I loved him deeply. Twenty-one years after
his death there is still a hole in my heart and in my life,
and in my family. I miss him more every day.
I have learned over the past 21 years that one does not
``get over'' the murder of a brother. Whoever said that time
heals wounds was an idiot--and whoever said that never had a
wound like this. My wound cannot completely heal, because
every time there is another terrorist attack, the hole in my
heart is ripped open again:
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut, the Achille Lauro, the murder
of Robert Stetham of TWA flight 847, Khobar Towers in Saudi
Arabia, the U.S.S. Cole, Madrid, and even this morning, a car
bomb outside of Baghdad killed 10 and wounded 42.
And who here can ever forget that fateful day: September
11, 2001.
One after the next, after the next, these events have
sliced open my scar-tissued heart, and I must grieve the
brother I loved so dearly over and over again. All of these
events bring me to my knees. And when I am on my knees I pray
for justice--not revenge--justice.
I do not want vengeance. I do not want the sisters and
mothers of young vibrant Iranian soldiers to have to weep at
the closed casket of their brothers and sons as I did,
knowing that his body is not even whole inside the box. I do
not want anyone to discover as I have that this kind of grief
is an incessant pain-and it hurts all over. I would not wish
the last 21 years of agonizing sorrow on a rabid dog. No. I
do not want vengeance.
[[Page 24004]]
But I do want justice. And I do want the terrorism to stop.
In March 2003, the Beirut families brought suit against the
country of Iran for the murder of our beloved brothers and
sons and fathers and husbands. We proved in a court of law,
that Hezbollah was carrying out the direct will of the
Iranian government. Iran is guilty of the murder of my
brother, and of Freas Kreischer's son, and Shirla Maitland's
brother.
That day in court was a moral victory for us. There was a
tremendous sense of relief to finally be able to name the
guilty party. But it's a hollow victory if Iran is not
somehow held accountable. Terrorists continue to terrorize
because they can. We have not held them accountable for their
crimes, and so they laugh and build more bombs. There has
been no justice, so there can be no healing.
And it is galling that my own government continues to allow
Iran to get away with murder--literally.
It's a simple rule: one that the parent of any small child
can grasp. If your child hits another child with a stick, you
have to take the stick away, and give your child
consequences. If there are no consequences, the child will
keep hitting kids with sticks, because he has figured out
that it gives him power.
I want the cruelty and senselessness of terrorism to stop.
And there is only one way to do that. We have to take away
the stick. There must be consequences.
Senator Specter, thank you for introducing a bill that will
finally allow families like mine and Freas Kreishcher's and
Shirla Maitland's, to pursue rogue nations in the courts and
to threaten them by threatening their assets. Their Achilles
heel is financial. If we take away enough of their money,
they will not be able to afford to build more bombs. And then
perhaps you will be spared the agony of losing your brother
or your son. If that happens, perhaps this gaping, bleeding
wound in my heart will finally be able to heal.
Senator Specter, I want to thank you, on behalf of the
families of the Marine Corps Barracks, Beirut bombing
victims, for coming to our aid. Thank you for being willing
to champion our cause in the Congress by sponsoring this
bill. And Senator, I urge you to do everything in your power
to enact this bill into law with the utmost haste.
Thank you very much, sir.
____________________
COUNCIL ON OCEANS POLICY AWARENESS
Mrs. DOLE. Mr. President, recently, the U.S. Commission on Ocean
Policy made a series of far-reaching recommendations to help keep our
oceans viable for future generations. While the Senate as a whole will
not address these recommendations this Congress, I hope we may be able
to work on these critical issues next year.
In the meanwhile, my home State of North Carolina has already begun
to make real the recommendations of the Commission. For instance, North
Carolina public schools have begun fostering formal ocean education in
K-12 schools, after the State mandated inclusion of ocean curricula in
middle school.
North Carolina is also leading the Nation in heeding the call for
improved scientific understanding of the oceans. Of particular pride is
the success of the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing System, or
SEACOOS, an umbrella organizations of institutions that is building a
regional ocean monitoring and prediction system for the southeast
States of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
Through the leadership of the University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill, SEACOOS aggregates ocean information from federal and non-Federal
sources for display and redistribution. This information system
supports many uses, from search and rescue and hazardous spill response
to providing information for recreational boaters and fishermen. This
collaborative effort among dozens of institutions is a model of
teamwork that will enable rapid development of a relevant, user-driven
multi-purpose system.
As part of the larger IOOS system, SEACOOS will improve the decision-
making process for coastal managers, severe weather response teams, and
so many others in whose decisions coastal conditions are a factor.
Through its scientific contributions to data collection and analysis,
SEACOOS will advance the Nation's needs in such broad areas as: marine
operations, e.g. shipping and offshore operations like drilling and
mining; natural hazard mitigation, e.g. storm forecasting, surge
prediction, tsunami warning; climate change and its effects, e.g.
interannual variability in water temperature, salinity, nutrients,
storminess, plankton species and abundance, fish species and abundance;
national security, e.g. toxin trajectories, detection of covert
operations; public health, e.g. unsafe biological activity, rip
currents, harmful algal blooms; ecosystem health, e.g. changes in food
web structure; and sustainable use of marine resources, e.g. fish stock
assessments.
Among so many throughout the southeast who have made SEACOOS
possible, I especially want to note and thank Harvey Seim, Associate
Professor of Marine Science at UNC Chapel Hill. Professor Seim has been
the visionary and leader in building this collaborative initiative. His
dedication to advancing scientific knowledge that serves the public
interest embodies the best spirit of higher education and the academic
research enterprise that makes our nation great.
In keeping with the recommendations of the commission, SEACOOS is a
model worthy of replicating around the country. It is consistent with
the Integrated Ocean Observing System that is called for in the
commission report. IOOS is a national, interagency program that the
commission recommends be fully funded and implemented to provide a
multipurpose ocean information system for the Nation. Legislation to
authorize IOOS has already been unanimously passed by the Senate, S.
1400 and companion bills are pending in the House. I look forward to
continued congressional support and continued success as we increase
our knowledge and understanding of our oceans.
____________________
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003
Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for
hate crimes legislation. On May 1, 2003, Senator Kennedy and I
introduced the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act, a bill that would
add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that
violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society.
On September 19, 1998, in Chicago, IL, three men were allegedly
attacked by two men who made anti-gay remarks.
I believe that the Government's first duty is to defend its citizens,
to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law
Enforcement Enhancement Act is a symbol that can become substance. I
believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we
can change hearts and minds as well.
____________________
HAYWOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DAY
Mrs. DOLE. Mr. President, this past September marked a devastating
hurricane season for many States. My home State of North Carolina was
ravaged by not one, but four hurricanes this fall. Western North
Carolina was particularly hit hard by Hurricanes Frances and Ivan,
which destroyed homes, washed away roadways, and even took lives. Out
of this ruin came the challenge of rebuilding and piecing together
homes, lives, and communities. As I visited the devastation in Western
North Carolina, I found encouragement in the selfless hearts of North
Carolinians who went to great lengths to help those struggling through
the wreckage left behind. There are many who came together during this
crisis. I would especially like to thank the first responders who
answered the call of duty. Our first responders are there for us in
times of need, and they literally are on the front lines defending our
homeland.
On November 21, 2004, the Town of Clyde and the Town of Canton are
honoring all those who were involved in the rescue and emergency
operations following the devastation which occurred as a result of the
hurricane season. November 21, 2004, has officially been declared by
those towns as ``Haywood County Emergency Operations Appreciation
Day.''
I would like to commend the efforts of these men and women who are
members of the following departments who brought the community together
after such devastation: Haywood County Sheriffs Department, North
Carolina
[[Page 24005]]
Highway Patrol, North Carolina Probation and Parole, North Carolina
Alcohol Law Enforcement, North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles,
Waynesville Police Department, Canton Police Department, Maggie Valley
Police Department, Haywood County Emergency Management, Waynesville
Fire Department, Cruso Volunteer Department, Clyde Fire Department,
North Carolina National Guard, Canton Fire Department, North Canton
Fire Department, Maggie Valley Fire Department, Lake Junaluska Fire
Department, Crabtree Fire Department, Fines Creek Fire Department,
Jonathan Creek Fire Department, Saunooke Fire Department, Center Pigeon
Volunteer Fire Department, Lake Logan Fire Department, Enka/Candler
Fire Department, Haywood County Rescue Squad, Haywod County EMS, Blue
Ridge Paper Emergency Response Team and Clyde Police Department.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO THE SOUTH DAKOTA STAFF OF SENATOR TOM DASCHLE
Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to pay special tribute to a
group of men and women who have served over the past 26 years as staff
for Senator Tom Daschle in the State of South Dakota. I join my
colleagues in providing the most heartfelt appreciation for the public
service career of Senator Daschle and that appreciation extends to the
work of his South Dakota staff.
The people of South Dakota have benefitted greatly over the years
from the work of Senator Daschle's staff. These men and women worked
tirelessly behind the scenes on behalf of South Dakota constituents.
They served as the eyes and ears for Senator Daschle, maintaining
contacts in South Dakota communities, attending meetings on projects
and sitting down with individual constituents to discuss matters of
importance.
Some of Senator Daschle's staff provided over two decades of
dedicated service to the people of South Dakota. Their long hours of
service, many of them spent driving on country roads, sitting in coffee
shops or walking through drought-stricken corn and wheat fields,
underscored Senator Daschle's commitment to serve the people of South
Dakota.
Senator Daschle's South Dakota staff truly reflect the tireless work
ethic, dedication, and professionalism that he has exemplified to all
the citizens of our state. Whether attending economic development
outreach meetings, sacrificing holidays and weekends to travel with
Senator Daschle across South Dakota, or tending to the many casework
issues facing our constituents, Senator Daschle's South Dakota staff
has done a superb job.
It is my hope that these valued members of Senator Daschle's South
Dakota staff recognize the importance of their work and the great
appreciation that many in South Dakota hold for them for their great
service.
Senator Daschle's current South Dakota staff includes:
Beth Smith, Betty Daschle, Jody Jordan, Maeve King, and Virginia
Newquist in the Aberdeen office; Ace Crawford, Armon Gaddy, Dorothy
Christensen, Jackie Heier, Georgeann Johnson, Rose Larson, and Sheila
Lane in the Rapid City office; Bill Idema, Gene Dwyer, Jeff Wilka, Jenn
Dolan, Mark Gerhardt, Mary Peters, Michele Seaton, Nicole Deak,
Stephanie Devitt, Stephanie Koster Hoyme, Steve Dick, and Steve
Erpenbach, Senator Daschle's State director, in the Sioux Falls office.
The work of Senator Daschle and his staff will be remembered by South
Dakotans for many years to come. I want to thank them for their work
and service and wish them all the very best.
____________________
HONORING THE WASHINGTON STAFF OF SENATOR TOM DASCHLE
Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to pay special tribute to a
group of men and women who have served over the past 26 years as staff
for Senator Tom Daschle here in Washington, both in his personal office
and those who served him as Democratic leader in the Senate for the
past 10 years. Every member of the Senate understands that our success
rests, in part, with the men and women we choose to work with us on a
daily basis in our offices. I join my colleagues in providing the most
heartfelt appreciation for the public service career of Senator Daschle
and that appreciation extends to the extraordinary work of his staff
here in Washington.
The people of South Dakota, members of the Senate Democratic Caucus,
and the institution of the Senate have benefitted greatly over the
years from the hard work and dedication of Senator Daschle's staff.
These men and women worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Whether it be
his personal staff or his leadership staff, every single person has
been dedicated to making our State a better place to live, and to
making our Nation safe and secure.
Some of Senator Daschle's staff provided over two decades of
dedicated service to the people of South Dakota and came with him to
join his leadership staff. Their long hours of service underscored
Senator Daschle's commitment to lead our caucus and to serve the people
of South Dakota and this Nation unselfishly. Senator Daschle's staff
truly reflect the tireless work ethic, dedication, and professionalism
that he has exemplified to all the citizens of our State.
While each and every member of Senator Daschle's staff is dedicated,
committed, and hard working, I think three long-serving members of his
Washington staff should be recognized separately. Those senior staff
members are Pete Rouse, who served in Senator Daschle's leadership
office as chief of staff, Nancy Erickson, his deputy chief of staff in
the Capitol, and Laura Petrou, the chief of staff in his personal
office. All three of these dedicated individuals served the State of
South Dakota and the Senate Democratic Caucus unselfishly and with
distinction.
It is my hope that all of these valued members of Senator Daschle's
staff recognize the importance of their work and the great appreciation
that many in South Dakota hold for them for their great service.
Senator Daschle's current personal and leadership staff in Washington
includes: Aaron Fischbach, Amber Danter, Bart Chilton, Brad Wolters,
Brendan Hilley, Brian Hanafin, Chris Bois, Chris VandeVenter, Chris
Wagner, Christiana Gallagher, Chuck Marr, Cindy Harris, Clint Highfill,
Danny Franklin, Darcell Savage, Denis McDonough, Grant Leslie, Jane
Loewenson, Jeff Nussbaum, Jennifer Duck, Jeri Thomson, Jessica Leonard,
Jessica Scheufele, Jim Oleske, Joan Huffer, Jody Bennett, Jonathon
Lehman, Kate Knudson, Kate Leone, Kelly Fado, Lara Birkes, Larkin
Barker, Laura Petrou, Lisa Thimjon, Liz Dahan, Mark Childress, Matthew
Varilek, Michelle Singer, Molly Rowley, Nancy Erickson, Nancy Hogan,
Nick Bauer, Nick Papas, Pat Griffin, Pat Sarcone, Pete Rouse, Phil
Schiliro, Phillip Assmus, Randy DeValk, Reid Cherlin, Sam Mitchell,
Sarah Feinberg, Ted Miller, Tim Mitrovich, Todd Webster, Tom McIntyre,
and Wizipan Garriott.
The work of Senator Daschle and his staff will be remembered by South
Dakotans, and all the Senators and staff who have served with them, for
many years to come. I want to thank them for their work and service and
wish them all the very best.
____________________
SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING SENATOR TOM DASCHLE
Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to submit the
text of the attached resolution by the South Dakota Farmers Union
commemorating 26 years of service by United States Senator Thomas A.
Daschle.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
A Resolution Commemorating 26 Years of Service by United States Senator
Thomas A. Daschle
Whereas, Senator Tom Daschle has distinguished himself as
more than a reliable friend to South Dakota Farmers Union and
the cause of family-based agriculture, but more so as a true
hero to our cause; and,
[[Page 24006]]
Whereas, Senator Daschle performed his duties faithfully to
better the lives and opportunities of all South Dakotans, and
conducted exemplary public service to South Dakotans with the
assistance of his highly resourceful, talented and dedicated
staff in his offices in Washington, D.C., Sioux Falls, Rapid
City and Aberdeen; and,
Whereas, Senator Daschle championed the cause of ethanol
since his first campaign for the U.S. Congress, and is
chiefly responsible for its emergence as America's answer to
energy independence because of his relentless pursuit of
government support for its production and marketing; and
Whereas, Senator Daschle earned his reputation as America's
most important Member of Congress for the advancement of
legislation important to South Dakota Farmers Union, the
National Farmers Union and family-based agriculture because
of his sincere interest in promoting America's rural economy
and because of his generous nature and approachability to all
citizens seeking his assistance in Washington, D.C.; and
Whereas, Senator Daschle wisely used his influence and
leadership powers to the benefit of South Dakota, resulting
in unprecedented cooperation from urban states to help
advance the causes and unique, critical needs of rural states
and agriculture in the form of federal funds and programs for
agriculture, disaster aid, health care, education, energy
needs, air transportation, highway maintenance, railways and
water development; and
Whereas, Senator Daschle's powerful resources and status as
Senate Majority Leader and Senate Minority Leader gave South
Dakota unprecedented influence to pass legislation which was
of the greatest benefit to all South Dakotans, especially to
rural communities, farms and ranches; and,
Whereas, Senator Daschle was responsible for the allocation
of unprecedented federal funds to South Dakota throughout his
tenure in the United States Congress, and that Senator
Daschle's last term ended with victories for South Dakota,
including his quest to produce $2.9 billion in disaster
assistance for farmers and ranchers, against the longstanding
resistance and indifference of the majority party in Congress
and the White House; and,
Whereas, Senator Daschle's great influence and power on
behalf of South Dakota and rural America will be missed in
the unfinished battles for a Renewable Fuels Standard, a
mandatory Country of Origin Labeling law, fair trade policies
which are not predatory to South Dakota agriculture,
sufficient drought relief, rural water development and a
progressive agricultural agenda which supports a strong rural
economy, as well as the fights to preserve social security
and Medicare, lower prescription drug costs, and make health
care coverage affordable and available to all Americans;
Now, therefore, we resolve that the Delegates of the 89th
Convention of South Dakota Farmers Union commends and highly
appreciates the lifetime dedication and service of Senator
Thomas A. Daschle to improve the economy and the quality of
life in South Dakota and throughout the United States.
____________________
TROUBLING SITUATION IN COTE D'IVOIRE
Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I express my concerns about the
troubling situation in Cote d'Ivoire.
As my colleagues know, in September 2002, rebellion broke out in Cote
d'Ivoire, eventually dividing the country between the north, where
rebels known as the Force Nouvelle established themselves, and the
south, where President Laurent Gbagbo's government continued to
exercise its authority. The Economic Community of West African states,
or ECOWAS, helped to negotiate a ceasefire, and in January 2003
international efforts to mediate the crisis culminated in the signing
of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement of early 2003, which provided for an
interim Government of National Reconciliation to move the country
toward new elections. The United Nations established a peacekeeping
mission and over 6,000 troops from around the world deployed to monitor
the ceasefire and help the parties implement the peace accord--further
evidence of international will to help the people of Cote d'Ivoire
regain a stable footing and reestablish a just and peaceful unified
government.
Throughout these diplomatic efforts, 4,000 French soldiers have
served as the backbone of the international presence that has worked to
guarantee the peace. Much as the United Kingdom played a pivotal role
in stabilizing Sierra Leone, France made an admirable commitment to the
people of Cote d'Ivoire. And despite the friction between France and
the U.S. on other important global issues, we have continued to work
closely and cooperatively to resolve this crisis.
But over the many months that have passed since the Linas-Marcoussis
Agreement was signed, progress toward implementing the accords has
stalled, as both parties failed to take constructive steps to move the
country toward lasting stability. Then, on November 4, President Gbagbo
broke the ceasefire agreement, and in an apparent bid to find a
military solution, launched air raids on rebel positions in the north.
On November 6, the Ivorian forces bombed a French position, killing
nine French soldiers and an American aid worker, and wounding dozens
more. France retaliated by destroying the Ivorian air force. What
followed was an orchestrated campaign, conducted largely via broadcasts
on state-controlled media outlets, to encourage citizens to participate
in a rampage of anti-French violence and looting.
I am heartened by the unity and resolve of the international
community in confronting this crisis, and by the rejection of Ivorian
efforts to justify the bombings and to vilify France. U.N. peacekeepers
performed bravely in trying to protect the zone of confidence during
the recent hostilities. South African President Thabo Mbeki moved
quickly to reach out to all parties and open the door to dialogue that
could diffuse the situation, though sadly, his efforts were not
embraced by all parties. On November 15, the United Nations Security
Council unanimously adopted a resolution establishing an arms embargo
on Cote d'Ivoire, and indicating that a travel ban and asset freeze
will be applied to anyone from among the government or rebel ranks
found to be an impediment to progress on implementing the peace
accords. I welcome this resolution and its insistence on accountability
from all parties to Cote d'Ivoire's conflict.
In addition to accountable, constructive leadership, there is a
desperate need for grassroots reconciliation efforts. The tensions that
came to a boil in 2002 have, sadly, been simmering for some time. In
the 1990s, some pursued a deliberate effort to promote a divisive,
destructive, xenophobic brand of nationalism in the country, and if a
lasting peace is to take hold and the people of Cote d'Ivoire are to be
free from fear of a return to violence and chaos, a great deal of work
must be done to lessen ethnic tensions and build confidence and trust
in Ivorian communities. In recent days, French nationals have been the
targets of ugly invective, but in the recent past it has been northern
Ivorians, immigrants, and Muslims who have been demonized. I urge the
administration to make combating ethnic and regional divisions a major
focus of U.S. efforts in Cote d'Ivoire. Even as we work with the
international community to hold leaders accountable for their actions,
we must also assist in laying the groundwork for peace among the people
themselves.
The downward spiral in Cote d'Ivoire is especially troubling because
the country had, not long ago, been a beacon of stability and important
economic engine in a deeply troubled region. After all of the suffering
in Sierra Leone and Liberia, and all of the costly efforts launched to
bring stability back to West Africa, the international community cannot
afford to lose Cote d'Ivoire to perpetual crisis.
____________________
PROBLEMS IN THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise today to express my concern over
recent news reports detailing turmoil inside the Central Intelligence
Agency since the arrival of the new Director, Porter Goss, and former
members of his staff in the House of Representatives.
As a senior member of the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs
with oversight responsibility for homeland security and the committee
responsible for drafting the legislative reform on intelligence now in
conference, I am deeply concerned about the impact the new leadership
at the CIA may have on our national security.
Since the terrorist attacks against the United States on September
11, 2001, the Congress has been engaged as never before in efforts to
reform our intelligence collection capability in
[[Page 24007]]
terms of our ability to improve the technical means to collect and
share critical information in a timely fashion. The key component to
that reform is human capital. Time and time again in outside
commissions, reports to the Congress, and in hearings, we have been
told that our intelligence and law enforcement communities lack
sufficient qualified personnel to collect and analyze information. I
introduced legislation, S. 589, the Homeland Security Federal Workforce
Act, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support last year and is
now in the House, to help rectify that problem. Other Members of
Congress on both sides of the aisle have also introduced legislation to
improve our intelligence and law enforcement workforce.
This is why I am so disturbed by the news reports that senior members
of the CIA are being forced to resign, are being pressured to fire
subordinates, and there are fears that they may even be asked to tailor
their analysis to support the administration's policies, according to
the November 17, 2004, New York Times. I ask unanimous consent that the
article be printed in the Record following my remarks.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
(See exhibit 1.)
Mr. AKAKA. Among those who have been forced out or retired recently
are the Deputy Director of the CIA, the Deputy Director of Operations,
the second ranking member of the clandestine service, and the former
head of the CIA bin Laden unit. Other resignations, retirements, or
reassignments may follow.
Apparently, Director Goss brought with him at least 4 former staffers
from the House of Representatives and inserted them into senior
positions at the agency where they have begun to force these
resignations.
This is troubling for two reasons: First, we cannot afford to lose
any intelligence personnel, especially seasoned officers, in the midst
of the war on terrorism. We have so few people we cannot fully staff
the Terrorist Threat Integration Center, TTIC, that the President
created to provide a coordinated counterterrorism response to the 9/11
attacks. Secondly, our intelligence staff have been working 24/7 since
the war on terrorism and the war in Iraq began. They need morale
boosters, not the morale downers that come from the forced resignations
of well-respected leaders.
So desperate is the personnel situation that the intelligence reform
bill, S. 2845, now in conference, authorizes the establishment of a
National Intelligence Reserve Corps for the temporary reemployment of
former intelligence community employees during periods of emergency.
Some would argue that the CIA is a ``damaged agency'' that needs to
be reformed through ``hard love.'' Perhaps that is the case. Perhaps
the operations directorate needs to be given new direction. I
understand that both President Clinton and President Bush, in his first
term, were focused on reforming the clandestine operations through the
efforts of Director Tenet and that those reforms were yielding results.
But if those results are insufficient, more needs to be done.
If a ship needs to change course and requires a new crew, the new
crew needs to knows both how to pilot a ship and how to plot a course.
So far, the current upheaval at the Central Intelligence Agency makes
me worry that the current new crew may not measure up to that
challenge. I would like to be proved wrong because our national
security depends on it.
Exhibit 1
[From the New York Times, Nov. 17, 2004]
New C.I.A. Chief Tells Workers To Back Administration Policies
(By Douglas Jehl)
Washington, Nov. 16.--Porter J. Goss, the new intelligence
chief, has told Central Intelligence Agency employees that
their job is to ``support the administration and its policies
in our work,'' a copy of an internal memorandum shows.
``As agency employees we do not identify with, support or
champion opposition to the administration or its policies,''
Mr. Goss said in the memorandum, which was circulated late on
Monday. He said in the document that he was seeking ``to
clarify beyond doubt the rules of the road.''
While his words could be construed as urging analysts to
conform with administration policies, Mr. Goss also wrote,
``We provide the intelligence as we see it--and let the facts
alone speak to the policymaker.''
The memorandum suggested an effort by Mr. Goss to spell out
his thinking as he embarked on what he made clear would be a
major overhaul at the agency, with further changes to come.
The changes to date, including the ouster of the agency's
clandestine service chief, have left current and former
intelligence officials angry and unnerved. Some have been
outspoken, including those who said Tuesday that they
regarded Mr. Goss's warning as part of an effort to suppress
dissent within the organization.
In recent weeks, White House officials have complained that
some C.I.A. officials have sought to undermine President Bush
and his policies.
At a minimum, Mr. Goss's memorandum appeared to be a swipe
against an agency decision under George J. Tenet, his
predecessor as director of central intelligence, to permit a
senior analyst at the agency, Michael Scheuer, to write a
book and grant interviews that were critical of the Bush
administration's policies on terrorism.
One former intelligence official said he saw nothing
inappropriate in Mr. Goss's warning, noting that the C.I.A.
had long tried to distance itself and its employees from
policy matters.
``Mike exploited a seam in the rules and inappropriately
used it to express his own policy views,'' the official said
of Mr. Scheuer. ``That did serious damage to the agency,
because many people, including some in the White House,
thought that he was being urged by the agency to take on the
president. I know that was not the case.''
But a second former intelligence official said he was
concerned that the memorandum and the changes represented an
effort by Mr. Goss to stifle independence.
``If Goss is asking people to color their views and be a
team player, that's not what people at C.I.A. signed up
for,'' said the former intelligence official. The official
and others interviewed in recent days spoke on condition that
they not be named, saying they did not want to inflame
tensions at the agency.
Some of the contents of Mr. Goss's memorandum were first
reported by The Washington Post. A complete copy of the
document was obtained on Tuesday by The New York Times.
Tensions between the agency's new leadership team, which
took over in late September, and senior career officials are
more intense than at any time since the late 1970's. The most
significant changes so far have been the resignations on
Monday of Stephen R. Kappes, the deputy director of
operations, and his deputy, Michael Sulick, but Mr. Goss told
agency employees in the memorandum that he planned further
changes ``in the days and weeks ahead of us'' that would
involve ``procedures, organization, senior personnel and
areas of focus for our action.''
``I am committed to sharing these changes with you as they
occur,'' Mr. Goss said in the memorandum. ``I do understand
it is easy to be distracted by both the nature and the pace
of change. I am confident, however, that you will remain
deeply committed to our mission.''
Mr. Goss's memorandum included a reminder that C.I.A.
employees should ``scrupulously honor our secrecy oath'' by
allowing the agency's public affairs office and its
Congressional relations branch to take the lead in all
contacts with the media and with Congress. ``We remain a
secret organization,'' he said.
Among the moves that Mr. Goss said he was weighing was the
selection of a candidate to become the agency's No. 2
official, the deputy director of central intelligence. The
name being mentioned most often within the C.I.A. as a
candidate, intelligence officials said, is Lt. Gen. Michael
V. Hayden of the Air Force, the director of the National
Security Agency, which is responsible for intercepting
electronic communications worldwide. The naming of a deputy
director would be made by the White House, in a nomination
subject to Senate confirmation.
In interviews this week, members of Congress as well as
current and former intelligence officials said one reason the
overhaul under way had left them unnerved was that Mr. Goss
had not made clear what kind of agency he intended to put in
place. But Mr. Goss's memorandum did little to spell out that
vision, and it did not make clear why the focus of overhaul
efforts to date appeared to be on the operations directorate,
which carries out spying and other covert missions around the
world.
``It's just very hard to divine what's going on over
there,'' said Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon, who said
he and other members of the Senate intelligence committee
would be seeking answers at closed sessions this week. ``But
on issue after issue, there's a real question about whether
the country and the Congress are going to get an unvarnished
picture of our intelligence situation at a critical time.''
Mr. Goss said in the memorandum that he recognized that
intelligence officers were operating in an atmosphere of
extraordinary
[[Page 24008]]
pressures, after a series of reports critical of intelligence
agencies' performance in the months leading up to the Sept.
11 attacks and the war in Iraq.
``The I.C. and its people have been relentlessly
scrutinized and criticized,'' he said, using an abbreviation
for intelligence community. ``Intelligence-related issues
have become the fodder of partisan food fights and turf-power
skirmishes. All the while, the demand for our services and
products against a ruthless and unconventional enemy has
expanded geometrically and we are expected to deliver--
instantly. We have reason to be proud of our achievements and
we need to be smarter about how we do our work in this
operational climate.''
____________________
LIFTING HOLD ON NOMINATION OF DEBORAH MAJORAS
Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, last May, I announced my intention to
object to any unanimous consent request for the Senate to take up the
nomination of Deborah Majoras to be the Chair of the Federal Trade
Commission, FTC. I did so because despite several requests, I had
received no assurance from Ms. Majoras that under her leadership, the
FTC would take any steps to address anticompetitive practices that
drive up gasoline prices nationwide and particularly in the Pacific
Northwest. Oregon consumers typically pay some of the highest gasoline
prices in the Nation.
Today, I received a letter from Ms. Majoras describing how she is
moving forward on certain commitments she made to me concerning the
FTC's policies for the oil and gasoline industry. In particular, she
committed to consult with outside experts to get to the bottom of the
differences between the Government Accountability Office, GAO, and the
FTC on the impacts of the FTC oil merger policies on gasoline prices.
Ms. Majoras' letter states that she is working to do this by conducting
a public review of the GAO report on the Effects of Mergers and Market
Concentration in the U.S. Petroleum Industry. Following that review,
Ms. Majoras also promises to share her views with me on the GAO report.
Ms. Majoras' letter indicates she is making a good-faith effort to
take a fresh look at the issues raised by the GAO report. In light of
this and the other actions Ms. Majoras has initiated to get to the
bottom of the reasons why consumers in my part of the country are
paying such high gasoline prices, I will no longer object to any
unanimous consent request for the Senate to take up Ms. Majoras'
nomination. I will, however, continue to closely monitor the FTC
actions under Ms. Majoras' leadership to ensure gasoline consumers are
not overpaying at the pump.
I ask unanimous consent that a copy of this statement along with Ms.
Majoras' letter be printed in the Congressional Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
Federal Trade Commission,
Washington, DC, November 18, 2004.
Hon. Ron Wyden,
U.S. Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senator Wyden, In response to your recent inquiries, I
want to assure you that I am working to implement the actions
that I laid out in my letter of June 10, 2004. For example,
we are working on the public review by outside economic
experts of the findings in the GAO Report, Energy Markets:
Effects of Mergers and Market Concentration in the U.S.
Petroleum Industry and the criticisms of that report. As you
know, it is common for economists to submit their work for
peer review and discussion, and I believe that such an
assessment would be useful. Given your interest in the
report, I plan to share my views with you about the findings
and conclusions of this public discussion once we have
completed that process.
Here at the FTC, we are working at full throttle to protect
American consumers; I look forward to working cooperatively
with the Congress in the coming session on these efforts.
Sincerely,
Deborah Platt Majoras.
____________________
COMMENDING SECRETARY POWELL AND STATE DEPARTMENT ON MANAGING
INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS FOR U.S. TERRITORIES
Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, as our colleagues on the Senate Energy and
Natural Resources Committee will attest, it takes years of experience
to understand some of the nuances of Federal law and policy applicable
in American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands and
the U.S. Virgin Islands. Yet, our current Secretary of State has shown
remarkable knowledge of the sometimes complex issues arising from
official international activities of local territorial governments.
In responding to international issues arising from Federal-
territorial relations in the case of Puerto Rico, Secretary Powell has
articulated sound principles that are relevant to Federal policy with
respect to the other territories as well. Specifically, the record
should reflect the success of measures adopted by the Department of
State to ensure that local government officials in the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico do not take official actions inconsistent with the
reservation of foreign relations powers to the federal government under
the U.S. Constitution.
The Department of State has tried to show flexibility and include
territories in international programs and activities when appropriate,
as it does in the case of other domestic political subdivisions.
However, Department of State oversight and regulation of all official
international activities by local territorial governments is necessary
to preserve the constitutional allocation of powers within the U.S.
Federal system, especially as it relates to administration of
territories with a political status defined by Federal statute rather
than the U.S. Constitution itself. In the case of Puerto Rico, Federal
authority in all official international matters is consistent with the
Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act (64 State. 319), and required by the
status of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as a territory subject to the
authority of Congress under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the U.S.
Constitution. All powers of the local government remain subject to the
supremacy of Federal law.
The Department of State acted in the national interest and in the
best long-term interest of our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico by not
acquiescing in actions by U.S. citizen officials of the local
government seeking international recognition and treatment for Puerto
Rico that are reserved for sovereign nations. The Department must
continue to adhere to the simple rule that the Commonwealth should not
be permitted to act officially in the international sphere in a manner
that would not be permitted for other political subdivisions, whether
State, county, city or territorial, unless otherwise specifically
provided by Congress.
By confirming the correct application of Federal law and policy in
his cable to our embassies, Secretary Powell has given diplomatic
expression to the principles of federalism that apply to Puerto Rico
and other U.S. territories. This ``Powell Doctrine'', if you will, ends
the ambivalence and ambiguity that have existed about these issues for
too long. The Secretary of State applied the correct legal doctrine in
these matters, based on the principle that the Federal Government
conducts the foreign policy of the United States and all its citizens,
which includes the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico under its current
status.
The actions taken by the Department of State in this matter do not
affect the process of self-determination as to the ultimate political
status of Puerto Rico. Rather, this is a matter of confirming and in a
proper manner implementing Federal powers and responsibilities beyond
the realm of local politics regarding the status of the territory,
until informed self-determination recognized under Federal law and
policy leads to status resolution. Of course, neither local government
powers nor the terms for political status resolution can be determined
unilaterally by local law or political processes, because in each case
Federal law is supreme and only changes in Federal law can change the
status or define the extent that local governments can exercise
sovereignty as to local matters.
For making these realities clear, and doing so in an impartial and
entirely fair way, it is appropriate to commend
[[Page 24009]]
our Secretary of State and the men and women of the U.S. State
Department.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO INTERNS
Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, today I extend my appreciation to my fall
2004 class of interns: Sonja Loges, Colleen Coffey, Lauryn Douglas,
Cheri Rolfes, Sarah Helgen, Katie Callahan, Milan Dalal and Deborah
Sundquist. Each of them has been of tremendous assistance to me and to
the people of Iowa over the past several months.
Since I was first elected to the Senate in 1984, my office has
offered internships to young Iowans and other interested students.
Through their work in the Senate, our interns have not only seen the
legislative process, but also personally contributed to our Nation's
democracy.
It is with much appreciation that I recognize Sonja, Colleen, Lauryn,
Cheri, Sarah, Katie, Milan and Deborah for their hard work this fall.
It has been a delight to watch them take on their assignments with
enthusiasm and hard work. I am very proud to have worked with each of
them. I hope they take from their fall a sense of pride in what they
have been able to accomplish, as well as an increased interest in
public service and our democratic system and process.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO HOWARD TINBERG AND ROBERT BELL
Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, it is a privilege to take this
opportunity to commend two college professors in Massachusetts for the
national recognition they have won today. Professor of English Howard
Tinberg at Bristol Community College in Fall River was named an
Outstanding Community College Professor of the Year, and Robert Bell,
professor of English at Williams College in Williamstown, was named an
Outstanding Baccalaureate College Professor of the Year.
The awards were presented by the Council for Advancement and Support
of Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of
Teaching. Four professors were recognized at each level of higher
education--community college, baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral/
research--for their outstanding teaching, their commitment to
undergraduate students and their contribution to teaching as a
profession.
Howard Tinberg teaches literature and composition, and is renowned
for involving his students in researching the use of literacy in
families and communities. He was instrumental in the establishment of
the Writing Center at Bristol Community College and the Center for
Teaching and Learning on the campus. He also serves as editor of the
national journal. Teaching English in the Two-Year Colleges.
Robert Bell's approach to teaching is grounded in his personal
connections to his students and the exploration of literature through
the details of the author's language. In 1994, he founded a mentoring
program for new faculty members, the Project for Effective Teaching,
which brings teachers together for weekly discussions, symposia and
conferences.
The Professors of the Year Program was created in 1981 and is the
only national program specifically designed to recognize excellence in
undergraduate teaching and mentoring. This year's winners were selected
from a pool of nearly 300 teachers nominated by their provosts and
academic vice presidents and supported by colleagues, former students,
and current students.
Massachusetts is proud of the national recognition earned by these
two distinguished educators who have dedicated their careers to
improving the learning and lives of their students and colleagues, and
I congratulate them for their impressive leadership.
____________________
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
______
HONORING AKO ABDUL-SAMAD
Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, today I would like to call my
colleagues' attention to the extraordinary work of one of my Iowa
constituents. This year, Ako Abdul-Samad, a Des Moines-based activist,
received the prestigious 2004 National Caring Award for his work with
at-risk youth in urban areas throughout Iowa. His organization,
Creative Visions, was founded in 1996 after gang violence killed a
young woman in suburban Des Moines. By working with both community
leaders as well as gang leaders, Ako has helped many youth overcome
their troubled past.
I am proud to call Ako Abdul-Samad not only a fellow Iowan, but also
a friend. Since 1996, his organization has aided countless Iowa youth.
Without his remarkable efforts and compassion, the urban areas of Iowa
would not be the same. His progressive vision of today's youth places a
positive outlook not only for the youth of today, but also the youth of
the future.
Mr. President, I ask that the following magazine article be printed
in the Record.
The article follows:
[From the Caring Magazine, Dec., 2004]
In 1996, a young woman from an outlying suburb of Des
Moines, Iowa, was killed when caught in gang crossfire--a
tragedy frequently played out in all too many American cities
and towns. The community was outraged, and many people
approached local activist Ako Abdul-Samad and asked what
could be done. He replied, ``Let's talk with the kids you're
talking about. Let's hear what they need.''
And so Chuck Johnson, president and CEO of Pioneer Hi-Bred
and president of the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, and Tom
Glenn of the Des Moines Labor Institute met with Abdul-Samad
for hours along with 14 of Des Moines' top gang leaders. Then
Abdul-Samad met with the gang members alone, discussing an
idea he had to build an organization to help at-risk youth.
Of the 14 gang leaders who showed up that day, six bought
into Abdul-Samad's idea. And thus Creative Visions was born.
The only thing the newly birthed organization asked of the
six gang members who stayed on was to stop all of their
illegal activity. ``We didn't ask them to denounce their gang
or to shed their gang colors,'' says Abdul-Samad. ``And for
two months we all worked out of my house--with members of the
Crips, Bloods, Gangsta Disciples, and Vice Lords coming and
going, much to my neighbors' wary curiosity.
``After the two months, we met again with the president of
Pioneer Hi-Bred, among others. The gang members walked in
wearing their colors, and then shortly into the meeting they
all got up and walked out. I kept on talking, and it seemed
like they weren't coming back, so I began to apologize to the
president and attendees. Just then, all of them walked in
again dressed in business suits ready to give their
individual presentations. Tears streamed down my face.''
In the eight years that have since passed, only one of the
six original gang members who agreed to work with Abdul-Samad
returned to his former ways, and now even he is starting to
put his life back together again.
From that small but powerful beginning, Abdul-Samad
estimates that Creative Visions has probably taken more guns
and drugs off the street than any other organization in the
Midwest. Their secret? Very simple, really. Give the so-
called ``lost-to-the-streets'' youth and young adults a
customized, holistic program of self-development, and you
will see them transform into self-sufficient, productive
citizens. The seeds for Creative Visions were planted 15
years before its formal founding. ``I had a contract to visit
and work in the prisons statewide,'' says Abdul-Samad. ``One
day I was in the intake center where all the prisoners come
once they are sentenced. I met a 16-year-old who was about to
serve an adult sentence, and before I left he asked me to
tell his dad and uncles when I saw them that he was OK. I
thought he meant when I got back to Des Moines to look them
up. But no, he said his dad was in one state prison and his
uncles were in another. Then I learned that all of them had
been to El Dora, a well-known boys' training school that
supposedly helped troubled youth avoid a life of crime.
Obviously, we were failing to turn young lives around.''
Abdul-Samad began to research the problem. He resigned his
prison contract and went to work for a Des Moines
organization called Urban Dreams, where he worked with kids
already at El Dora. ``But I wanted to catch the kids before
they got to that institution,'' explains Abdul-Samad. ``And I
was tired of hearing people say we can fix kids. You can't
`fix' a child or an adult. You can provide resources for them
to fix themselves because if the motivation to change doesn't
come from their own heart, it doesn't work.''
It was at that time that the young woman in Des Moines was
killed in the crossfire, providing a catalyst to test Abdul-
Samad's concept. ``With Creative Visions we showed the kids
we were willing to give them an opportunity,'' Abdul-Samad
affirms. ``We gave them a new family to belong to. We gave
[[Page 24010]]
them an opportunity to have a building--that gave them
ownership because they put the graffiti on the walls. Every
young person who was here in 1996 was involved in all aspects
of Creative Visions. We didn't do one program without their
input. We would do focus groups until we got it right. And
they saw me walking the talk.''
And then came 1997 and a personal tragedy that tested
Abdul-Samad's faith and ability to continue to ``walk the
talk.'' In December his only son, ``Little Ako,'' was shot to
death by a young man named Rodney. ``When I went to the
hospital, it was full of young people waiting to see what I
would do,'' Abdul-Samad recalls. ``The police declared it an
accidental shooting. My family wanted me to press charges and
send the killer to jail. And the gang members wanted to kill
Rodney. I will tell you now that the walk became very
difficult for me. I worked hard at just trying to think
straight. Sometimes I wouldn't know what I was doing.
``I prayed for guidance. Within a week, I called a press
conference and had Rodney and his mother there. And I forgave
Rodney in public. I said that I've already lost my son and
that it would do no good to lose another young man. I said if
I could forgive him, who had the right not to? And then I
took Rodney home with me for the next four or five days.
``I think this is what the fate of Creative Visions,
because the kids and young adults now saw me walk the talk
despite my personal pain. They saw I was willing to keep on
giving, no matter what it cost. And not only me. There was
another staff person whose son was shot and killed in a
street not far from our office. The kids could see that there
are people who work here that are in pain, but they keep on
going.'' Lest one label Abdul-Samad and his co-workers ``role
models,'' he is quick to correct the term: ``We don't use the
term `role model;' we use `goal model.' Too many times we put
our role models upon pedestals; we don't allow them to be
human, which hinders their giving. We think a `goal model'
allows someone to make mistakes, to learn from those
mistakes, and to grow. As goal models we `model' setting
goals, striving to reach those goals, and making those goals
a reality.''
Certainly part of what makes Creative Visions work is its
peer counselors--some of whom are former gang members, drug
addicts, and dealers themselves. They are especially able to
form trusting relationship with young people who know they
have ``been there, done that.''
Like many dedicated to a life of service, Abdul-Samad's
reward is not accolades. ``A reward is when a young street
person, whom everyone else had given up on, goes through our
program and then walks in the door one day and shows you
their diploma, or tells you they've gone back to school, or
shares the career path they've chose to pursue. Nothing is
more rewarding than to watch someone who is struggling and
wearing a look of despair suddenly transform. You can begin
to see hope in their eyes and the beginning of a smile.''
There are many aspects of inner-city life that are not
pretty. Abdul-Samad and his co-workers come face to face with
often grim and gritty circumstances that most people would
not want to even hear about, much less confront. Teen
pregnancies, venereal diseases, drug overdoses, stabbings,
are all part of the realities Creative Visions' counselors
face each day. Abdul-Samad credits his relationship with God
with helping him get through his pain. He also copes through
the pen--often writing poetry at 3 a.m., which relaxes him
and had led to the release of his first book, A Deeper Truth/
Relevations From the Soul.
Abdul-Samad has spent most of his 53 years giving to
others. Even as a child he tended to wounded animals or fixed
broken bicycles and then gave them away to neighborhood kids.
By the time he was 18, he was aligned with an organization
that fed 300 children each morning--long before the school
system began offering free breakfasts. ``This was all during
the 1960s, a good time in which to have grown up because of
all the consciousness-raising going on--women's rights, civil
rights, human rights,'' says Abdul-Samad. ``Anyone young who
got caught up in the counter-culture movement at that time
couldn't help but identify with people who were struggling.''
After eight years, the vision Ako Abdul-Samad conceived and
built is flourishing. Almost two dozen programs are now
operating through his center, from computer classes to 12-
step meetings. Since its inception, Creative Visions has
attracted and helped more than 6,500 men, women, and at-risk
children and youth. Now calls are coming in from cities
around the United States--and other countries including
Mexico, the Netherlands, and Nigeria--also interested in
starting similar organizations.
Abdul-Samad knows that many of the battles he undertakes
won't be won in his lifetime. But his philosophy is to plant
a seed, and he has planted many.
____________________
REVEREND CECIL WILLIAMS
Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I wish to recognize and share with
my colleagues the compassion and dedication of Reverend Cecil Williams
in honor of his 40 years of community service to the San Francisco
community.
Reverend Williams has been Pastor of San Francisco's Glide Memorial
Church since the early 1960s. He has built a community congregation of
over 10,000 members and is recognized as a national leader on the
leading edge of social change.
Reverend Williams has led Glide Memorial Church to be a political
voice for equal rights and a safe haven for the oppressed. His
congregation has lent its support to those who speak out on national
issues of importance, such as the Vietnam war, nuclear weapon
development, affirmative action and HIV/AIDS prevention.
When Reverend Williams joined Glide Memorial Church in the 1960s, he
transformed it into a sacred space that honors diversity, expression,
and the celebration of life.
I would like to share a couple examples of Reverend Williams'
tremendous work. In the 1960s, Reverend Williams launched a free meal
program at Glide that expanded in the 1980s to providing three meals a
day to the hungry and homeless. The program currently serves over 1
million meals a year to members of the larger San Francisco community.
In the 1990s, feeling the need to reach out to those involved in drug
abuse, Reverend Williams took his message against drugs into the
community, using a bullhorn in front of housing projects to call
addicts and dealers out to recovery.
As Reverend Williams begins his 40th year at Glide Memorial Church,
he is now serving as Glide's CEO and Minister of National and
International Ministries. He continues to bring forth new ideas on how
to battle the problems inflicting the San Francisco community,
including poverty, drug abuse, violence and despair. He is a respected
and revered leader who brings together people searching for acceptance,
social justice and spiritual growth.
I hope you will all join me in celebrating the remarkable service of
Reverend Cecil Williams for the past 40 years at Glide Memorial Church.
I wish him many more years of rewarding experiences to the San
Francisco community and beyond.
____________________
IN TRIBUTE TO RHODE ISLAND BROADCASTING LEGEND SALTY BRINE
Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I want to pay tribute to a great
Rhode Islander who passed away on Election Day: Walter L ``Salty''
Brine.
Salty Brine was a local broadcasting legend one might even say he was
the voice of Rhode Island. For half a century, he hosted the morning
program on WPRO-AM. It was Salty's voice that thrilled three
generations of schoolchildren on snowy mornings with the announcement,
``No school, Foster-Glocester!''
Salty's show was the soundtrack of a Rhode Island morning. The sound
of his voice conjures up the following scene: It is dark outside, a
bowl of steaming oatmeal is on the kitchen table, there is a mad
scramble to locate a missing mitten before the school bus arrives.
Salty would preside over the recounting of the news and the weather.
His wife Mickie would call in and give a report on what birds were at
the birdfeeder. We would be on the edges of our seats waiting for him
to say our school was closed. I suppose it is fair to say that Rhode
Islanders associate Salty Brine with that singular elation aroused by a
snow day. Salty was the ultimate bearer of good news.
Of course, Salty's career encompassed much more than reading the
rollcall of school closures. From 1958 to 1968, he hosted a children's
television program called ``Salty Brine's Shack,'' which costarred his
collie Jack and ended reliably with the admonition, ``Brush your teeth
and say your prayers!'' Having lost a leg in a train accident when he
was a boy, Salty was a firm support and wonderful example for
youngsters who were coping with a similar disability. Salty would
demonstrate how the loss of a limb really would not set them back one
bit.
Many charitable endeavors benefited from Salty's talent, energy, and
good
[[Page 24011]]
name. He was especially involved in the Big Brothers of Rhode Island,
the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and was a board member,
appropriately enough, of Save the Bay. Cardi's Furniture for whom he
had recorded a trademark commercial--honored Salty for his service to
our community just last year.
Born in 1918, Salty's life was framed by Red Sox World Series
victories. This is entirely appropriate, as Salty was an ardent and
devoted fan and even had aspired to be a ball player. Just last August,
on Rhode Island Day at Fenway Park, Salty Brine was given the well-
deserved honor of throwing out the first pitch.
Like the Big Blue Bug and Mr. Potato Head, Salty Brine, with his
skipper's hat, was a Rhode Island icon, a one-of-a-kind and endearing
institution that bound all Rhode Islanders together in a single fond
experience. He was so much a part of our landscape that the legislature
renamed a Narragansett State beach after him. The Salty Brine Beach
endures as a permanent affirmation of our affection for our Salty.
Salty Brine was married to his first wife, Marion, known to all as
Mickie, for 56 years. She died in 2000. He is survived by his wife,
Roseanna, and his son Wally, who co-hosts the ``Loren & Wally Morning
Show'' on WROR-FM in Boston.
Rhode Island will miss him.
____________________
RETIREMENT OF VEE BURKE
Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I commend Ms. Vee Burke for
her years of public service as a member of the Congressional Research
Service, CRS. She has demonstrated an enormous capacity for public
service and tremendous insight on social policy. In over 30 years
working for the CRS, Vee has proven herself to be a true expert in the
field of public welfare.
Through her hard work and dedication, Vee has provided background
reports and thoughtful analysis of low-income programs, especially
welfare reform. Members need timely and clear information in order to
make informed policy decisions. Vee has provided such information for
many years. Her ability to immerse herself in the specific details of
each program assured the completeness of her reports, and her
consistent presence from one year to the next was essential in
maintaining an overview of the larger welfare system that the
individual programs collectively represent.
At the end of this month, Vee will be retiring from CRS. While she
will be missed, she has certainly earned the right to move on to the
next phase of her life. The legacy she leaves behind will be difficult
to match. Having been honored for her outstanding performance numerous
times, it is clear that Ms. Burke has earned the respect of her
colleagues within CRS, congressional Members and staff, and the larger
research and policy community as a whole. Though many of them will
never know her name, her knowledge and commitment to public service has
affected the lives of millions of Americans. It is with the deepest
respect and admiration that I thank Ms. Burke here today and wish her
the best in all of her future ventures.
____________________
LEWIS AND CLARK NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK
Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, today, on behalf of the residents of
Clatsop County, OR, I pay tribute to public servants who are usually
referred to here in the U.S. Senate as nameless and faceless
bureaucrats. I express my gratitude to the dedicated staff of the
National Park Service staff at the newly designated Lewis and Clark
National Historic Park--in particular, the superintendent, Chip
Jenkins.
Fort Clatsop and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, which
sits in the northwest corner of Oregon, serves as the exclamation mark
to the Lewis and Clark expedition across this vast continent.
Established in 1958, this unit of the national park system has grown to
be one of the most popular tourist attractions along the northern
Oregon Coast. For 46 years, this park has endeavored to tell the story
of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and its impact on the settlement of
the Pacific Northwest.
In preparation for the upcoming Lewis and Clark Bicentennial
festivities, Chip Jenkins and his staff at the Fort have served as a
driving force in planning, facilitating and coordinating region-wide
efforts to help tell the tale of Lewis and Clark in the great Pacific
Northwest. Along with many key members of the community, Chip's vision
and leadership abilities have culminated in the recent passage of the
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park Designation Act, which brings
several State parks from both Oregon and Washington in partnership with
the National Park Service to tell a comprehensive story of the Lewis
and Clark experience at the mouth of the magnificent Columbia River.
This Act was recently signed into law by President Bush on October 30,
2004.
Chip has made such an impact on the State of Oregon that the Oregon
Business magazine recently named him one of Oregon's top 50 Great
Leaders. Well known in his community for his role at Fort Clatsop, Chip
still finds time for involvement in other local organizations and
efforts such as the Astoria Children's Museum.
Mr. President, I offer my words of appreciation for Chip Jenkins and
his staff at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park for their
dedication to the public good. With the peak of Lewis and Clark
Bicentennial celebrations coming in the summer of 2005, there is still
much work to do. But I am confident that they will succeed and leave a
legacy lasting well beyond this season of celebration. While the public
servants of our many Federal agencies are often faceless and nameless
to us in Congress, they are considered friends and partners in the
communities they serve.
____________________
IN RECOGNITION OF RICHARD WOOD
Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of
Richard Wood, CEO of Wawa Inc., and to commend him and his company's
commitment and dedication to Delaware and surrounding States. As CEO of
Wawa, Richard Wood has instilled in his associates the wisdom to do the
right thing, and this core value enables the company to place a high
priority on local community involvement. I thank him for all that he
and his associates have done to make Delaware a better place.
The company began in 1803 and was incorporated in 1865 as the
Millville Manufacturing Company. Millville's owner, George Wood, lived
in Philadelphia and brought his family to Wawa, a rural town in
Delaware County, PA. The original house where his family lived had a
red tile roof, and is now the site of Wawa's present headquarters,
hence the name ``Red Roof'' for Wawa's corporate offices. In 1902,
George Wood took an interest in dairy farming and started a small milk
processing plant in Wawa, specializing in the home delivery of milk. By
the 1960s, the grandson of George Wood, Grahame Wood, recognized the
changing economic trends and had the vision to expand by selling milk
in convenience stores. In April 1964, the first Wawa Food Market was
opened in Folsom, PA.
One of the founding principles of Wawa is a commitment to the local
communities that they serve. Today Wawa's core value of ``people
helping people'' guides Wawa and its employees to give back to those in
need. Just some of Wawa's charitable causes include support for
children's health, cancer research, AIDS research, domestic violence,
heart disease and hunger. A few of the organizations benefiting from
the Good Neighbor program include: Food Bank of Delaware, Contact
Delaware, AIDS Delaware, The United Way and The Salvation Army.
Wawa has made a tremendous difference in its efforts to raise funds
to help eliminate Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. SIDS, the unexplained
death of an apparently healthy infant, is the leading cause of death in
infants between one month and one year of age. This deadly syndrome has
impacted the lives of countless Delaware families.
[[Page 24012]]
Since 1997, Wawa and the CJ Foundation for SIDS have held Walk-a-
Thons on the second Sunday in September. Walks are held at 12 locations
in their five trading areas: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware,
Maryland, and Virginia. With the strong support of Wawa area managers,
supervisors and store personnel, Wawa has raised more than $1.5 million
over the last 8 years. Not only have Wawa customers, vendors and
associates given generously of their time to make the SIDS walks an
enormous success, but countless Wawa associates volunteer to work the
phone banks in New York City each year for the benefit of the CJ
Foundation for SIDS Radiothon. Howard Stoeckel, President, and Harry
McHugh, Senior Vice President, have both spoken on the Radiothon on
behalf of Wawa and their involvement in the fight against SIDS.
Money raised at the Wawa Walk-a-Thons is used to fund research to
find the cause of SIDS and to educate parents on how to reduce the risk
of SIDS. Proceeds from the walks have helped volunteer grassroots SIDS
organizations expand to regional professional non-profits. Thousands of
families have greatly benefited from the national ``Cribs For Kids''
program, which receives funding from the Wawa Walk-a-Thons. This
program distributes cribs to low-income families to help them provide a
safe sleep environment for their babies.
Throughout all this, one steady influence has been the leadership of
Richard Wood, Wawa's CEO, who leads by his example in defining Wawa's
culture and values. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Richard graduated
in 1956 from St. Paul's School, Concord, NH. He went on to receive his
B.S. in Commerce from the University of Virginia in 1961, and an LLB
from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1964. After
graduating from law school, Mr. Wood served as a law clerk for one year
in the Federal Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for the
Honorable Francis L. Van Dusen. He then joined the law firm of
Montgomery, McCracken, Walker and Rhoads in Philadelphia, PA. In June
of 1970, Mr. Wood joined Wawa, Inc. as General Counsel. He served in
various capacities until becoming President in June 1977 and Chief
Executive Officer in January 1981. Richard and his wife Jean reside in
Wawa, PA.
Richard serves on several boards, including the Children's Hospital
of Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce CEO Council
for Growth, Pardee Resources Company, and QuikTrip Corporation. He has
served as director for many organizations, including: Greater
Philadelphia First, CoreStates Bank, N.A., Sheetz, Inc., Convenience
Store, Foundation for Education and Research, Globe Ticket Company,
Millville Savings & Loan Association, Overbrook School for the Blind,
The Home of the Merciful Savior, The Philadelphia City Institute,
Philadelphia Charity Ball, Inc., Crime Prevention Association, Upland
Country Day School, Board of Managers of the Assemblies and Ludwig
Institute. Richard was also past Board Chairman of the National
Association of Convenience Stores, PQ Corporation, Riddle Memorial
Hospital, and Gulph Mills Golf Club (past President).
Richard Wood will be retiring as Wawa's CEO at the end of 2004, and
will assume the position of Chairman of the Board of Wawa Inc. I rise
today to recognize Richard Wood and thank him for his compassion and
leadership, and for the tremendous contributions he and the associates
at Wawa have made to Delaware. I thank them for their commitment to
strengthening all the communities that they serve.
____________________
TERRY R. CARLSTROM
Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I pay tribute today to Terry R.
Carlstrom, a distinguished and respected steward of our Nation's
natural and cultural resources. Terry is retiring after more than four
decades of dedicated public service in the U.S. Department of the
Interior, including 8 years as Director of the National Park Service's
National Capital Region. I want to extend my personal congratulations
and thanks for his many years of service and contributions to
protecting and enhancing our national treasures.
Throughout his career, Terry has distinguished himself for his
leadership and commitment to public service and to managing some of our
Nation's most precious natural and cultural resources. Beginning as a
young forester at Bridger National Forest in Wyoming in the early
1960s, Terry also served in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service before joining the National Park Service in
1972. He quickly advanced to positions in senior management in the
National Park Service including Chief of Planning for the Denver
Service Center Western Team and the Alaska Regional Office, Associate
Regional Director for Professional Services in the National Capital
Region and, most recently, as Regional Director.
During his 22-year tenure in the National Capital Region, I had the
opportunity to work closely with Terry and members of his staff on a
number of National Park initiatives in the State of Maryland and the
broader Washington metropolitan region including land acquisitions at
Monocacy Battlefield, the renovation of the Baltimore-Washington
Parkway, the restoration of historic structures in the C&O Canal
National Historical Park, at Fort Washington, and the restoration and
joint management of Glen Echo Park in Montgomery County. Terry was also
responsible for the difficult task of overseeing the construction and
dedication of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, the Korean Veteran
War Memorial, and the World War II Memorial, among other monuments. I
know firsthand the extraordinary leadership and expertise Terry brought
not only to the National Parks and Monuments in this region, but
equally important, to building and encouraging one of the finest, most
professional teams of Federal employees in the Nation.
The legacy of Terry Carlstrom's 41-year career can be seen in our
national parks across the country and especially here in the National
Capital region but it can also be seen in the people who have been
fortunate enough to come to know him. He has earned the admiration and
respect of his colleagues in the National Park Service as well as the
visitors to the parks he has worked to improve. It is my firm
conviction that public service is one of the most honorable callings,
one that demands unwavering dedication to the citizens and country they
serve. Throughout his career, Terry has exemplified this commitment to
his country and to his fellow citizens. I want to extend my personal
congratulations to Terry on his very distinguished career and join with
his friends and coworkers in wishing him well in the years
ahead.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO A DISTINGUISHED IOWA EDUCATOR, ANGIE KING
Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, one of the great joys of my job as
Senator is working closely with talented, dedicated Iowans from all
walks of life. I take a moment to salute one of those exceptional
people, one of Iowa's most distinguished public educators, Angie King.
Angie King has dedicated her life to children and public education,
first as a classroom teacher, later as two-term president of the
32,000-member Iowa State Education Association, and, until her
retirement this week, as a senior staff member of that Association.
The fact is that, as an educator-leader, Angie King speaks with a
special authority that can only come from decades of experience on the
front line as a classroom teacher. For 21 years, she taught elementary
students in the Des Moines public schools. Of all the titles Angie King
has held in the course of her career, she prizes none more highly than
the simple title of ``teacher.''
Angie King, as a teacher, leader and advocate is one reason why Iowa
public schools are among the most respected and highest achieving in
the United States. The marketplace claims that you get what you pay
for. But in Iowa, when it comes to teachers, we get far, far better
than we pay for. Despite modest salaries, my state is blessed with an
extraordinary cadre of talented
[[Page 24013]]
teachers. And most folks in Iowa know this and appreciate it. We hold
our teachers in special esteem. And we're grateful for the long hours--
and the generous hearts that they bring to their jobs.
For many people, there is a defining moment in their careers. For
Angie King, that moment came one day in 1972 when she missed a staff
meeting at her elementary school. The next day, she discovered she has
been elected in absentia to serve as a local representative of the Des
Moines Education Association. Some people are born leaders; some people
pursue leadership; and some people have leadership thrust upon them.
That's what happened to Angie King. But she embraced her new role and
responsibilities with energy and excellence.
As an association representative, she became more interested in the
world of education beyond the four walls of her own classroom. She
became a tireless activist, going on to serve as vice president of the
Des Moines Education Association, a charter member of the ISEA Women's
Caucus, an elected member of ISEA's executive committee, and, in 1985,
chair of the ISEA Political Action Committee.
In 1990, Angie King was elected to serve the first of two terms as
president of the Iowa State Education Association. She was one of a
handful of women in history to be elected ISEA president, and the first
elementary school teacher to hold that office.
In her farewell address at the conclusion of her second term in 1994,
Angie King shared one of her favorite quotes from Albert Camus: ``In
the midst of winter I find there is in me an invincible summer.''
``That simple statement,'' she told the ISEA Delegate Assembly,
``captures the very essence of who we are and what we do. In every
child there is an invincible summer. It is our responsibility to
nurture it and to foster it. And in each one of us there is, too, an
invincible summer. It's what keeps us going back day after day, year
after year, in the midst of sometimes very cold and dreary
conditions.''
Since 1994, Angie King has served as the political action specialist
for the Iowa State Education Association. With her retirement this
week, she concludes a distinguished career in public education spanning
three and a half decades.
Angie King has made a real difference as a dedicated teacher, leader,
and champion of public education. I know that she is looking forward to
spending time nurturing the garden she has neglected while nurturing
the children of Iowa. I am deeply grateful for her service, and I wish
her all the best in the years ahead.
____________________
THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Mr. TALENT. Mr. President, I rise today to salute the members
of the Metro St. Louis Chapter of the Project Management Institute, in
celebration of the chapter's 10th anniversary.
The Metro St. Louis chapter of PMI is dedicated to providing its
members with services and forums to further the field of project
management within the St. Louis region.
Internationally, PMI supports over 125,000 members in 140 countries.
PMI members practice and study project management in many different
industry areas, including aerospace, automotive, business management,
construction, engineering, financial services, information technology,
pharmaceuticals and telecommunications.
Over time, PMI has become, and continues to be, one of the leading
professional associations in project management. PMI's professional
certification of Project Management Professional, or PMP, is highly
respected across numerous industries. Professionals who have earned
this credential are recognized daily for their value-added
contributions to the organizations they serve.
The St. Louis chapter was founded on October 14, 1994, as the 71st
chapter of PMI. At that time, the chapter had 24 charter members.
Today, the St. Louis chapter is recognized as one of the fastest
growing national chapters with over 600 members, more than 100 of whom
have become certified PMPs. The chapter's board members and volunteers
host monthly dinner and educational meetings, and they provide ongoing
support for special events including national speaker presentations and
PMP certification workshops.
The members of the St. Louis chapter are working professionals from
regional businesses that include Fortune 500 companies, Federal, State
and local government agencies, as well as mid-to-small size companies,
start-ups and not-for-profits. Their efforts are important to the
overall success of the region. I am honored to share their
accomplishments with my colleagues, and I wish them all the best for
the future.
____________________
ST. LOUIS HURLING CLUB NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I wish to pay special tribute to the
St. Louis Hurling Club on their National Championship of the North
American Gaelic Athletic Association, Junior-C Division on September 3,
2004.
The St. Louis Hurling Club was founded in the Summer of 2002 by Paul
C. Rohde, Daniel D. Lapke, and Patrick O'Connor. Their vision included
introducing the sport of hurling to the greater metropolitan area of
St. Louis, MO., creating opportunities to play the sport, and
developing strong St. Louis representation in nationwide competition.
In just 2 short years the St. Louis Hurling Club has expanded to a
four-team league, and has become the second-largest club of primarily
American-born hurlers in North America. In just the first year of
existence, the Gaelic Athletic Association extended the rare invitation
to the St. Louis Hurling Club to join twenty-one other cities to the
North American County Board. In September 2004, the St. Louis Hurling
Club traveled to Colorado and returned with the National Championship
by defeating clubs from Milwaukee and Seattle.
Paul Rohde, Daniel Lapke, and Patrick O'Connor are to be commended
for their vision, leadership, and introduction of the ancient Irish
sport as well as the continued growth of Irish culture to St. Louis.
MO. Again, I wish to congratulate the St. Louis Hurling Club on their
National Championship and wish them future success as they continue to
evolve.
____________________
MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE
At 10:03 a.m., a message from the House of Representatives, delivered
by Mr. Hays, one of its reading clerks, announced that the House passed
the bill (S. 1301) to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit
video voyeurism in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of
the United States, and for other purposes, with an amendment.
The message also announced that the House agreed to the amendment of
the Senate to the bill (H.R. 1113) to authorize an exchange of land at
Fort Frederica National Monument, and for other purposes.
The message further announced that the House agreed to the amendment
of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 1284) to amend the Reclamation Projects
Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 to increase the Federal share
of the costs of the San Gabriel Basin demonstration project.
The message also announced that the House agreed to the amendment of
the Senate to the bill (H.R. 1417) to amend title 17, United States
Code, to replace copyright arbitration royalty panels with Copyright
Royalty Judges, and for other purposes.
The message further announced that the House agreed to the amendment
of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 1446) to support the efforts of the
California Missions Foundation to restore and repair the Spanish
colonial and mission-era missions in the State of California and to
preserve the artworks and artifacts of these missions, and for other
purposes.
The message further announced that the House agreed to the amendment
of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 1964) to assist the States of
Connecticut, New
[[Page 24014]]
Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania in conserving priority lands and
natural resources in the Highlands region, and for other purposes.
The message further announced that the House agreed to the amendment
of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 3936) to amend title 38, United States
Code, to authorize the principal office of the United States Court of
Appeals for Veterans Claims to be at any location in the Washington,
D.C., metropolitan area, rather than only in the District of Columbia,
and expressing the sense of Congress that a dedicated Veterans
Courthouse and Justice Center should be provided for that Court and
those it serves and should be located, if feasible, at a site owned by
the United States that is part of or proximate to the Pentagon
Reservation, and for other purposes.
The message also announced that the House agreed to the amendment of
the Senate to the bill (H.R. 4516) to require the Secretary of Energy
to carry out a program of research and development to advance high-end
computing.
The message further announced that the House agreed to the amendment
of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 4593) to establish wilderness areas,
promote conservation, improve public land, and provide for the high
quality development in Lincoln County, Nevada, and for other purposes.
The message also announced that the House passed the following bills,
without amendment:
S. 434. An act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to
sell or exchange all or part of certain parcels of National
Forest System land in the State of Idaho and use the proceeds
derived from the sale or exchange for National Forest System
purposes.
S. 437. An act to provide for adjustments to the Central
Arizona Project in Arizona, to authorize the Gila River
Indian Community water rights settlement, to reauthorize and
amend the Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act of
1982, and for other purposes.
S. 1146. An act to implement the recommendations of the
Garrison Unit Tribal Advisory Committee by providing
authorization for the construction of a rural health care
facility on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, North
Dakota.
S. 1241. An act to establish the Kate Mullany National
Historic Site in the State of New York, and for other
purposes.
S. 1466. An act to facilitate the transfer of land in the
State of Alaska, and for other purposes.
S. 1727. An act to authorize additional appropriations for
the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978.
S. 2042. An act for the relief of Rocco A. Trescota of Fort
Lauderdale, Florida.
S. 2302. An act to improve access to physicians in
medically underserved areas.
S. 2484. An act to amend title 38, United States Code, to
simplify and improve pay provisions for physicians and
dentists and to authorize alternate work schedules and
executive pay for nurses, and for other purposes.
S. 2486. An act to amend title 38, United States Code, to
improve and enhance housing, education, and other benefits
under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, and for other purposes.
S. 2965. An act to amend the Livestock Mandatory Price
Reporting Act of 1999 to modify the termination date for
mandatory price reporting.
The message further announced that the House agreed to the concurrent
resolution (S. Con. Res. 145) to correct the enrollment of H.R. 1417,
without amendment.
____
At 4:57 p.m., a message from the House of Representatives, delivered
by Mr. Hays, one of its reading clerks, announced that the House has
passed the following bills and joint resolutions, in which it requests
the concurrence of the Senate:
H.R. 5363. An act to authorize salary adjustments for
Justices and judges of the United States for fiscal year
2005.
H.R. 5364. An act to designate the facility of the United
States Postal Service located at 5505 Stevens Way in San
Diego, California, as the ``Earl B. Gilliam/Imperial Avenue
Post Office Building''.
H.J. Res. 111. Joint resolution appointing the day for the
convening of the first session of the One Hundred Ninth
Congress.
The message also announced that the House has agreed to the following
concurrent resolution, in which it requests the concurrence of the
Senate:
H. Con. Res. 430. Concurrent resolution recognizing the
importance of early diagnosis, proper treatment, and enhanced
public awareness of Tourette Syndrome and supporting the
goals and ideals of National Tourette Syndrome Awareness
Month.
____________________
EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS
The following communications were laid before the Senate, together
with accompanying papers, reports, and documents, and were referred as
indicated:
EC-9807. A communication from the Under Secretary of
Defense, Comptroller, Department of Defense, transmitting,
pursuant to law, the report of a violation of the
Antideficiency Act, case number 03-05, relative to the U.S.
Army Depot Support Activity-Far East, Seoul, Korea; to the
Committee on Appropriations.
EC-9808. A communication from the Under Secretary of
Defense, Comptroller, Department of Defense, transmitting,
pursuant to law, the report of a violation of the
Antideficiency Act, case number 98-05, relative to the United
States Property and Fiscal Office for Colorado; to the
Committee on Appropriations.
EC-9809. A communication from the Under Secretary of
Defense, Comptroller, Department of Defense, transmitting,
pursuant to law, the report of a violation of the
Antideficiency Act, case number 03-02, relative to 2000
Operation and Maintenance, Navy appropriation; to the
Committee on Appropriations.
EC-9810. A communication from the Director, Office of
Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President,
transmitting, pursuant to law, a supplemental update of the
Budget; referred jointly to the Committees on Appropriations
and the Budget.
EC-9811. A communication from the Secretary of Agriculture,
transmitting, a draft of proposed legislation entitled
``Forest Service and Community Partnership Enhancement Act'';
to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
EC-9812. A communication from the Secretary of Agriculture,
transmitting, a draft of proposed legislation ``to establish
a system for withholding or disclosing information obtained
through the animal identification system established by the
Secretary, and for other purposes''; to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
EC-9813. A communication from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting, pursuant to law, the
report of a rule entitled ``Pine Shoot Beetle Hose Material
from Canada'' (Doc. No. 00-073-2) received on October 25,
2004; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry.
EC-9814. A communication from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting, pursuant to law, the
report of a rule entitled ``Bees and Related Articles'' (Doc.
No. 98-109-2) received on October 25, 2004; to the Committee
on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
EC-9815. A communication from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting,
pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Bacillus
Pumilus Strain QST 2808; Exemption from the Requirement of a
Tolerance'' (FRL#7684-4) received on November 4, 2004; to the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
EC-9816. A communication from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting,
pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Deltamethrin; Pesticide Tolerance'' (FRL#7683-5) received
on November 4, 2004; to the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry.
EC-9817. A communication from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting,
pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Pyraclostrobin; Pesticide Tolerances'' (FRL#7681-9)
received on November 4, 2004; to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
EC-9818. A communication from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting,
pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Thifensulfuron-methyl; Tolerance Actions'' (FRL#7683-2)
received on November 4, 2004; to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
EC-9819. A communication from the Secretary of Agriculture,
transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to resource
management of a contract a private contractor to manage
activities on Federal lands within the Stanislaus National
Forest; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry.
EC-9820. A communication from the Director, Defense
Procurement and Acquisition Policy, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Quality Control of Aviation Critical Safety Items and
Related Services'' (DFARS Case 2003-D101) received on October
14, 2004; to the Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9821. A communication from the Director, Defense
Procurement and Acquisition Policy, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Indian Incentive Program'' (DFARS Case 2002-D033) received
on October 14, 2004; to the Committee on Armed Services.
[[Page 24015]]
EC-9822. A communication from the Director, Defense
Procurement and Acquisition Policy, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Berry Amendment Changes'' (DFARS Case 2003-D099) received
on October 14, 2004; to the Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9823. A communication from the Director, Defense
Procurement and Acquisition Policy, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Definition of Terrorist Country'' (DFARS Case 2003-D098)
received on October 14, 2004; to the Committee on Armed
Services.
EC-9824. A communication from the Director, Defense
Procurement and Acquisition Policy, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Acquisition Plans--Corrosion Prevision and Mitigation''
(DFARS Case 2004-D004) received on October 14, 2004; to the
Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9825. A communication from the Director, Defense
Procurement and Acquisition Policy, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Personal Services Contracts'' (DFARS Case 2003-D103)
received on October 14, 2004; to the Committee on Armed
Services.
EC-9826. A communication from the Director, Defense
Procurement and Acquisition Policy, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Consolidation of Contract Requirements'' (DFARS Case 2003-
D109) received on October 14, 2004; to the Committee on Armed
Services.
EC-9827. A communication from the Chief of Naval Personnel,
Department of the Navy, transmitting, pursuant to law, the
report of the notification of a decision to convert to
contractor performance a function of the Department of
Defense performed by 290 DoD civilian employees; to the
Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9828. A communication from the Director for
Administration and Management, Office of the Secretary of
Defense, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to
the cost for planning, design, construction, and installation
for the renovation of Wedges 2 through 5 of the Pentagon; to
the Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9829. A communication from the Acting Under Secretary of
Defense, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to
purchases from foreign entities in Fiscal Year 2003; to the
Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9830. A communication from the Secretary of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a retirement; to
the Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9831. A communication from the Principal Deputy for
Personnel and Readiness, Office of the Under Secretary of
Defense, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report of the
authorization to wear the insignia of brigadier general; to
the Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9832. A communication from the Under Secretary of
Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Department of Defense,
transmitting, the report of a retirement; to the Committee on
Armed Services.
EC-9833. A communication from the Principal Deputy for
Personnel and Readiness, Office of the Under Secretary of
Defense, Department of Defense, transmitting, pursuant to
law, the approval to wear the insignia of lieutenant general;
to the Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9834. A communication from the Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Health Affairs, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, a report of the Findings and
Recommendations from the Department of Defense and the
Department of Veterans' Affairs; to the Committee on Armed
Services.
EC-9835. A communication from the Principal Deputy for
Personnel and Readiness, Office of the Under Secretary of
Defense, Department of Defense, transmitting, pursuant to
law, a report of the authorization to wear the insignia of
the grade of rear admiral (lower half); to the Committee on
Armed Services.
EC-9836. A communication from the Principal Deputy for
Personnel and Readiness, Office of the Under Secretary of
Defense, Department of Defense, transmitting, pursuant to
law, a report of the authorization to wear the insignia of
the grade of vice admiral; to the Committee on Armed
Services.
EC-9837. A communication from the Director, Defense
Procurement and Acquisition Policy, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Extension of Partnership Agreement--8(a) Program'' (DFARS
Case 2004-D015) received on October 26, 2004; to the
Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9838. A communication from the Acting Under Secretary of
Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the government-wide progress
report and the DoD supplement required by the Federal
Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act; to the
Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9839. A communication from the Assistant Director for
Executive and Political Personnel, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of the
discontinuation of service in acting role for the position of
Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Materiel
Readiness, Department of Defense, received on October 26,
2004; to the Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9840. A communication from the Assistant Director for
Executive and Political Personnel, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a nomination for
the position of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for
Logistics and Materiel Readiness, Department of Defense,
received on October 26 , 2004; to the Committee on Armed
Services.
EC-9841. A communication from the Assistant Director for
Executive and Political Personnel, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a nomination
rejected, withdrawn, or returned for the position of Under
Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Material Readiness,
Department of Defense, received on October 26, 2004; to the
Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9842. A communication from the Assistant Director for
Executive and Political Personnel, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a nomination for
the position of Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial
Management and Comptroller, Department of Defense, received
on October 26, 2004; to the Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9843. A communication from the Assistant Director for
Executive and Political Personnel, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a nomination for
the position of Secretary of the Army, Department of Defense,
received on October 26, 2004; to the Committee on Armed
Services.
EC-9844. A communication from the Assistant Director for
Executive and Political Personnel, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a nomination for
the position of Assistant Secretary of the Navy for
Installations and Environment, Department of Defense,
received on October 26, 2004; to the Committee on Armed
Services.
EC-9845. A communication from the Assistant Director for
Executive and Political Personnel, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a vacancy for
the position of General Counsel, Department of the Army,
Department of Defense, received on October 26, 2004; to the
Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9846. A communication from the Assistant Director for
Executive and Political Personnel, Department of Defense,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a nomination
confirmed for the position of Under Secretary of the Navy,
Department of Defense, received on October 26, 2004; to the
Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9847. A communication from the Acting Under Secretary of
Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics,
Department of Defense, transmitting, pursuant to law, a
report entitled ``Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2003
Environmental Quality Program Annual Report"; to the
Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9848. A communication from the Principal Deputy for
Personnel and Readiness, Office of the Under Secretary of
Defense for Personnel and Readiness, transmitting, pursuant
to law, a report of the approval to wear the insignia of
brigadier general; to the Committee on Armed Services.
EC-9849. A communication from the Federal Register
Certifying Officer, Financial Management Service, Department
of the Treasury , transmitting, pursuant to law, the report
of a rule entitled ``Endorsement and Payment of Checks Drawn
on the United States Treasury'' (RIN1510-AA99) received on
October 13, 2004; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs.
EC-9850. A communication from the Deputy General Counsel
for Equal Opportunity and Administrative Law, Department of
Housing and Urban Development, transmitting, pursuant to law,
the report of a nomination for the position of Assistant
Secretary for Community Development, Department of Housing
and Urban Development, received on October 14, 2004; to the
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
EC-9851. A communication from the Deputy General Counsel
for Equal Opportunity and Administrative Law, Department of
Housing and Urban Development, transmitting, pursuant to law,
the report of a nomination confirmed for the position of
Associate General Counsel for Human Resources Law, Department
of Housing and Urban Development, received on October 14,
2004; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs.
EC-9852. A communication from the Deputy Secretary of the
Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on the
national emergency declared in Executive Order 12978 with
respect to significant narcotics traffickers centered in
Colombia; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs.
EC-9853. A communication from the Deputy Secretary of the
Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on the
national emergency declared in Executive Order 13067 with
respect to Sudan ; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs.
EC-9854. A communication from the Chairman and President,
Export-Import Bank of the United States, transmitting,
pursuant to
[[Page 24016]]
law, the report of a transaction involving U.S. exports to
Malaysia; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs .
EC-9855. A communication from the Acting General Counsel,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, transmitting, pursuant
to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Changes in Flood
Elevation Determinations; 69 FR 51380'' (44 CFR 65) received
on October 14, 2004; to the Committee on Banking, Housing,
and Urban Affairs.
EC-9856. A communication from the Acting General Counsel,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, transmitting, pursuant
to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Changes in Flood
Elevation Determinations; 69 FR 51375'' (44 CFR 65) received
on October 14, 2004; to the Committee on Banking, Housing,
and Urban Affairs.
EC-9857. A communication from the Acting General Counsel,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, transmitting, pursuant
to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Changes in Flood
Elevation Determinations; 69 FR 51373'' (44 CFR 65) received
on October 14, 2004; to the Committee on Banking, Housing,
and Urban Affairs.
EC-9858. A communication from the Acting General Counsel,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, transmitting, pursuant
to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Final Flood Elevation
Determinations; 69 FR 51388'' (44 CFR 67) received on October
14, 2004; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs.
EC-9859. A communication from the Acting General Counsel,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, transmitting, pursuant
to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Final Flood Elevation
Determinations; 69 FR 51382'' (44 CFR 67) received on October
14, 2004; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs.
EC-9860. A communication from the Acting General Counsel,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, transmitting, pursuant
to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Suspension of
Community Eligibility; 69 FR 53835'' (44 CFR 64) received on
October 14, 2004; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs.
EC-9861. A communication from the Chairman, Federal Housing
Finance Board, transmitting, pursuant to law, transmitting,
pursuant to law, the Board's strategic plan for fiscal years
2003 through 2008, the Board's annual performance plan for
fiscal year 2004, and the Board's annual performance budget
for fiscal year 2005; to the Committee on Banking, Housing,
and Urban Affairs.
EC-9862. A communication from the Chief Financial Officer
and Assistant Secretary for Administration, Department of
Commerce, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Department's
Annual Progress Report to Congress; to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
EC-9863. A communication from the Attorney Advisor,
Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Amended Service Obligation Reporting Requirements for State
Maritime Academy Graduates'' (RIN2133-AB61) received on
October 18, 2004; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
EC-9864. A communication from the Attorney Advisor,
Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Electronic Options for Transmitting Certain Information
Collection Responses to MARAD'' (RIN2133-AB64) received on
October 18, 2004; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
EC-9865. A communication from the Attorney Advisor,
Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Amended Service Obligation Reporting Requirements for U.S.
Merchant Marine Academy Graduates'' (RIN2133-AB66) received
on October 18, 2004; to the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation.
EC-9866. A communication from the Senior Attorney, Research
and Special Programs Administration, Department of
Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of
a rule entitled ``Hazardous Materials; Compatibility with the
Regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency;
Correction; Final Rule'' (RIN2137-AD40) received on October
18, 2004; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
EC-9867. A communication from the Secretary of the
Commission, East Central Region, Federal Trade Commission,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Tire Advertising and Labeling Guides'' received on October
14, 2004; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
EC-9868. A communication from the Secretary of Energy,
transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to the
status of Exxon and Stripper Well oil overcharge funds; to
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
EC-9869. A communication from the Federal Register Liaison
Officer, Office of Surface Mining, Department of the
Interior, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule
entitled ``Coal Production Fees'' (RIN1029-AC46) received on
October 13, 2004; to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources.
EC-9870. A communication from the Assistant Secretary for
Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Fish and Wildlife Service,
Department of the Interior, transmitting, pursuant to law,
the report of a rule entitled ``Endangered and Threatened
Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the
Mariana Fruit Bat and Guam Micronesian Kingfisher on Guam and
the Mariana Crow on Guam and in the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands'' (RIN1018-AI25) received on October
13, 2004; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
EC-9871. A communication from the Assistant Secretary for
Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Fish and Wildlife Service,
Department of the Interior, transmitting, pursuant to law,
the report of a rule entitled ``Endangered and Threatened
Wildlife and Plants; Interim Rule for the Beluga Sturgeon
(Huso buso)'' (RIN1018-AU02) received on October 13, 2004; to
the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
EC-9872. A communication from the Director of Congressional
Affairs, Office of General Counsel, Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a
rule entitled ``Adjustment of Civil Penalties for Inflation
and Accompany Revisions to NRC Enforcement Policy'' (RIN3150-
AH55) received on October 26, 2004; to the Committee on
Environment and Public Works.
EC-9873. A communication from the Chairman, Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, a
report on the status of the Commission's licensing and
regulatory duties; to the Committee on Environment and Public
Works.
EC-9874. A communication from the Acting General Counsel,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, transmitting, pursuant
to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Hazard Mitigation
Planning and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program'' (RIN1660-AA17)
received on October 14, 2004; to the Committee on Environment
and Public Works.
EC-9875. A communication from the Acting Director, Customs
and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Prototypes Used Solely for Product Development, Testing,
Evaluation, or Quality Control Purposes'' (RIN1505-AB32)
received on November 4, 2004; to the Committee on Finance.
EC-9876. A communication from the Secretary of the
Treasury, Department of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant
to law, a report relative to trade and investment
opportunities in Libya; to the Committee on Finance.
EC-9877. A communication from the Regulations Coordinator,
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of
Health and Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to law, the
report of a rule entitled ``Medicare Program; Home Health
Prospective Payment System Rate Update for Calendar Year
2005'' (RIN0938-AM93) received on October 26, 2004; to the
Committee on Finance.
EC-9878. A communication from the Acting Chief,
Publications and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue
Service, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule
entitled ``Treatment as Qualified Dividend Income for
Purposes of Section 1(h)(11)'' (Notice 2004-70) received on
October 22, 2004; to the Committee on Finance.
EC-9879. A communication from the Acting Chief,
Publications and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue
Service, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule
entitled ``2004 Base Period T-Bill Rate'' (Rev. Rul. 2004-99)
received on October 22, 2004; to the Committee on Finance.
EC-9880. A communication from the Acting Chief,
Publications and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue
Service, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule
entitled ``Coordinated Issues: Transfer of Sale of
Compensatory Options or Restricted Stock to Related Persons''
(UIL:9300.28-00) received on October 22, 2004; to the
Committee on Finance.
EC-9881. A communication from the Acting Chief,
Publications and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue
Service, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule
entitled ``Applicable Federal Rates--November 2004'' (Rev.
Rul. 2004-102) received on October 22, 2004; to the Committee
on Finance.
EC-9882. A communication from the Acting Chief,
Publications and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue
Service, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule
entitled ``Appeals Settlement Guidelines: Intermediary
Transactions Tax Shelters'' (UIL:9300.16-00) received on
October 22, 2004; to the Committee on Finance.
EC-9883. A communication from the Acting Chief,
Publications and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue
Service, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule
entitled ``Coordinated Issue: Notice 2002-21 Tax Shelter''
(UIL9300.19.00) received on October 22, 2004; to the
Committee on Finance.
EC-9884. A communication from the Acting Chief,
Publications and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue
Service, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule
entitled ``Bureau of Labor Statistics Price Indexes for
Department Stores--August 2004'' (Rev. Rul. 2004-101)
received on October 22, 2004; to the Committee on Finance.
EC-9885. A communication from the Acting Chief,
Publications and Regulations Branch,
[[Page 24017]]
Internal Revenue Service, transmitting, pursuant to law, the
report of a rule entitled ``Information Reporting and Other
Guidance Distributions with Respect to Securities Issued by
Foreign Corporations'' (Notice 2004-71) received on October
22, 2004; to the Committee on Finance.
EC-9886. A communication from the Acting Chief,
Publications and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue
Service, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule
entitled ``Information Reporting Under Section 6050P for
Discharges of Indebtedness'' (RIN1545-AY35) received on
October 22, 2004; to the Committee on Finance.
EC-9887. A communication from the Acting Chief,
Publications and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue
Service, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule
entitled ``Update of Revenue Ruling 96063 901(j) List'' (Rev.
Rul. 2004-103) received on October 22, 2004; to the Committee
on Finance.
EC-9888. A communication from the Acting Chief,
Publications and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue
Service, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule
entitled ``October-December 2004 Bond Factor Amounts'' (Rev.
Rule 2004-100) received on October 22, 2004; to the Committee
on Finance.
EC-9889. A communication from the Acting Chief,
Publications and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue
Service, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule
entitled ``Section 1397E--Allocation of National Limitation
for Qualified Zone Academy Bonds for Year 2004'' (Rev. Proc.
2004-61) received on October 22, 2004; to the Committee on
Finance.
EC-9890. A communication from the Acting Chief,
Publications and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue
Service, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule
entitled ``Classification of Certain Foreign Entities''
(Notice 2004-68) received on October 22, 2004; to the
Committee on Finance.
EC-9891. A communication from the United States Trade
Representative, Executive Office of the President,
transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to the
United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement; to the Committee
on Finance.
EC-9892. A communication from the Regulations Officer,
Social Security Administration, transmitting, pursuant to
law, the report of a rule entitled ``Representative Payment
Under Titles II , VIII, and XVI of the Social Security Act''
(RIN0960-AF83) received on October 26, 2004; to the Committee
on Finance.
EC-9893. A communication from the Assistant Secretary for
Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting,
pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Schedule of
Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas
Embassies and Consulates'' (RIN1400-AB94) received on October
13, 2004; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC-9894. A communication from the Assistant Legal Adviser
for Treaty Affairs, Department of State, transmitting,
pursuant to law, the report of the texts and background
statements of international agreements, other than treaties;
to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC-9895. A communication from the Assistant Legal Adviser
for Treaty Affairs, Department of State, transmitting,
pursuant to law, the report of the texts and background
statements of international agreements, other than treaties;
to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC-9896. A communication from the Director, Strategic Human
Resources Policy, Office of, transmitting, pursuant to law,
the report of a rule entitled ``Cost-of-Living Allowances
(Nonforeign Areas); Methodology Changes'' (RIN3206-AK29)
received on October 25, 2004; to the Committee on
Governmental Affairs.
EC-9897. A communication from the Director, Trade and
Development Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the
Agency's report of the Office of Inspector General for Fiscal
Year 2004; to the Committee on Governmental Affairs.
EC-9898. A communication from the Chairman, Office of
General Counsel, Federal Election Commission, transmitting,
pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Coordinated
and Independent Expenditures by Party Committees'' received
on November 4, 2004; to the Committee on Rules and
Administration.
EC-9899. A communication from the Chairman, Office of
General Counsel, Federal Election Commission, transmitting,
pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Coordinated
and Independent Expenditures by Party Committees'' received
on November 4, 2004; to the Committee on Rules and
Administration.
EC-9900. A communication from the Acting Under Secretary
for Health, Veterans' Health Administration, Department of
Veterans' Affairs, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report
entitled ``VA Research: Serving Our Nations' Veterans''; to
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
EC-9901. A communication from the Office of Registration
Policy and Management, Veterans' Benefits Administration,
Department of Veterans' Affairs, transmitting, pursuant to
law, the report of a rule entitled ``Presumptions of Service
Connection for Diseases Associated with Service Involving
Detention or Internment as a Prisoner of War'' (RIN2900-AM09)
received on October 26, 2004; to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs.
____________________
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
The following reports of committees were submitted:
By Ms. COLLINS, from the Committee on Governmental Affairs,
with an amendment:
S. 346. A bill to amend the Office of Federal Procurement
Policy Act to establish a governmentwide policy requiring
competition in certain executive agency procurements (Rept.
No. 108-415).
By Mr. BENNETT, from the Joint Economic Committee:
Special Report entitled ``The 2004 Joint Economic Report''
(Rept. No. 108-416).
____________________
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
The following bills and joint resolutions were introduced, read the
first and second times by unanimous consent, and referred as indicated:
By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself, Mr. Biden, and Mr.
Durbin):
S. 2995. A bill to permanently extend the income tax
deduction for college tuition expenses; to the Committee on
Finance.
By Mr. SCHUMER:
S. 2996. A bill to provide for an additional place of
holding court in the northern district of New York, and for
other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. INHOFE:
S. 2997. A bill to amend section 1928 of the Social
Security Act to encourage the production of influenza
vaccines by eliminating the price cap applicable to the
purchase of such vaccines under contracts entered into by the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, to amend the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a tax credit to encourage
vaccine production capacity, and for other purposes; to the
Committee on Finance.
By Mr. INHOFE:
S. 2998. A bill to promote the development of the emerging
commercial human space flight industry, and for other
purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
By Mr. HATCH:
S. 2999. A bill for the relief of Heilit Martinez; to the
Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. COLEMAN (for himself and Mr. Feingold):
S. 3000. A bill to postpone the extension of normal trade
relations to the products of Laos; to the Committee on
Finance.
By Mr. TALENT:
S. 3001. A bill entitled the ``Hybrid HOV Access Act''; to
the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
By Mr. BOND (for himself and Mr. Kennedy):
S. 3002. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to
direct the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to
provide a support system for members of the Armed Forces who
incur severe disabilities; to the Committee on Armed
Services.
By Mr. REID (for himself and Mr. Ensign):
S. 3003. A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to
convey to the City of Henderson, Nevada, certain Federal land
located in the City, and for other purposes; to the Committee
on Energy and Natural Resources.
By Mr. ROCKEFELLER:
S. 3004. A bill to amend chapter 99 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 to clarify that certain coal industry health
benefits may not be modified or terminated; to the Committee
on Finance.
By Ms. STABENOW (for herself, Mr. Craig, Mr. Levin, Mr.
Crapo, Mr. Jeffords, and Mr. Rockefeller):
S. 3005. A bill to allow State Homeland Security Program
grant funds to be used to pay costs associated with the
attendance of part-time and volunteer first responders at
terrorism response courses approved by the Office for State
and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness; to the
Committee on Governmental Affairs.
By Mr. GRAHAM of Florida:
S. 3006. A bill to amend the Haitian Refugee Immigration
Fairness Act of 1998; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. STEVENS (for himself and Mr. Baucus):
S. 3007. A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to
mint coins in commemoration of the founding of America's
National Parks, and for other purposes; to the Committee on
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
____________________
SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND SENATE RESOLUTIONS
The following concurrent resolutions and Senate resolutions were
read, and referred (or acted upon), as indicated:
By Mr. INHOFE:
S. Res. 470. A resolution honoring the life of astronaut
Leroy Gordon Cooper, Jr; considered and agreed to.
[[Page 24018]]
By Mr. DURBIN:
S. Res. 471. A resolution authorizing the printing of
tributes and other related materials in honor of the late
Senator Paul Simon; considered and agreed to.
By Mr. McCAIN (for himself, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Lieberman,
Mr. Biden, and Mr. Hagel):
S. Res. 472. A resolution to honor the people of Georgia on
the first anniversary of the Rose Revolution; considered and
agreed to.
By Mr. McCAIN (for himself, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Smith, Mr.
Lieberman, Mr. Graham of South Carolina, Mr. Hagel,
and Mr. Biden):
S. Res. 473. A resolution urging the Government of Ukraine
to ensure a democratic, transparent, and fair election
process for the Presidential run-off election on November 21,
2004; considered and agreed to.
By Mr. NELSON of Florida:
S. Con. Res. 147. A concurrent resolution expressing the
sense of Congress that the Department of Defense should
continue to exercise its statutory authority to support the
activities of the Boy Scouts of America, in particular the
periodic national and world Boy Scout Jamborees; to the
Committee on Armed Services.
By Mr. BINGAMAN:
S. Con. Res. 148. A concurrent resolution honoring the life
and contribution of Yogi Bhajan, a leader of the Sikhs, and
expressing condolences to the Sikh community on his passing;
to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. HOLLINGS (for himself, Mr. Nelson of Florida,
Mr. Lott, and Mr. Breaux):
S. Con. Res. 149. A concurrent resolution commending the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its
employees for its dedication and hard work during Hurricanes
Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne; considered and agreed to.
____________________
ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS
S. 282
At the request of Ms. Snowe, the names of the Senator from Washington
(Mrs. Murray) and the Senator from Oregon (Mr. Wyden) were added as
cosponsors of S. 282, a bill to amend the Education Sciences Reform Act
of 2002 to require the Statistics Commissioner to collect information
from coeducational secondary schools on such schools' athletic
programs.
S. 2163
At the request of Mr. Durbin, the name of the Senator from New Jersey
(Mr. Lautenberg) was added as a cosponsor of S. 2163, a bill to
establish a national health program administered by the Office of
Personnel Management to offer health benefits plans to individuals who
are not Federal employees, and for other purposes.
S. 2395
At the request of Mr. Conrad, the names of the Senator from
Mississippi (Mr. Cochran), the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. Inhofe), the
Senator from Louisiana (Ms. Landrieu) and the Senator from Colorado
(Mr. Campbell) were added as cosponsors of S. 2395, a bill to require
the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the
centenary of the bestowal of the Nobel Peace Prize on President
Theodore Roosevelt, and for other purposes.
S. 2433
At the request of Mr. Bingaman, the name of the Senator from Utah
(Mr. Hatch) was added as a cosponsor of S. 2433, a bill to amend the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow self-employed individuals to
deduct health insurance costs in computing self-employment taxes.
S. 2553
At the request of Mr. Dodd, the name of the Senator from Mississippi
(Mr. Cochran) was added as a cosponsor of S. 2553, a bill to amend
title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of
screening ultrasound for abdominal aortic aneurysms under part B of the
medicare program.
S. 2568
At the request of Mr. Biden, the names of the Senator from Hawaii
(Mr. Akaka), the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Alexander), the Senator
from Colorado (Mr. Allard), the Senator from Minnesota (Mr. Coleman),
the Senator from Texas (Mr. Cornyn), the Senator from Minnesota (Mr.
Dayton), the Senator from Nebraska (Mr. Hagel), the Senator from
Washington (Mrs. Murray), the Senator from Nebraska (Mr. Nelson), the
Senator from Florida (Mr. Nelson), the Senator from Oregon (Mr. Smith)
and the Senator from New Hampshire (Mr. Sununu) were added as
cosponsors of S. 2568, a bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury
to mint coins in commemoration of the tercentenary of the birth of
Benjamin Franklin, and for other purposes.
S. 2613
At the request of Mr. Durbin, the name of the Senator from Arkansas
(Mrs. Lincoln) was added as a cosponsor of S. 2613, a bill to amend the
Public Health Service Act to establish a scholarship and loan repayment
program for public health preparedness workforce development to
eliminate critical public health preparedness workforce shortages in
Federal, State, and local public health agencies.
S. 2657
At the request of Ms. Collins, the name of the Senator from Virginia
(Mr. Allen) was added as a cosponsor of S. 2657, a bill to amend part
III of title 5, United States Code, to provide for the establishment of
programs under which supplemental dental and vision benefits are made
available to Federal employees, retirees, and their dependents, to
expand the contracting authority of the Office of Personnel Management,
and for other purposes.
S. 2889
At the request of Mr. Alexander, the names of the Senator from Utah
(Mr. Bennett), the Senator from Montana (Mr. Baucus), the Senator from
Michigan (Ms. Stabenow), the Senator from Connecticut (Mr. Lieberman),
the Senator from Maryland (Ms. Mikulski), the Senator from North
Carolina (Mrs. Dole), the Senator from Nebraska (Mr. Nelson), the
Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Hollings), the Senator from Kentucky
(Mr. McConnell), the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. Breaux), the Senator
from Kansas (Mr. Roberts), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Bunning), the
Senator from Illinois (Mr. Fitzgerald), the Senator from Oregon (Mr.
Wyden), the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Conrad), the Senator from
Illinois (Mr. Durbin) and the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski) were
added as cosponsors of S. 2889, a bill to require the Secretary of the
Treasury to mint coins celebrating the recovery and restoration of the
American bald eagle, the national symbol of the United States, to
America's lands, waterways, and skies and the great importance of the
designation of the American bald eagle as an endangered species under
the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and for other purposes.
S. 2978
At the request of Mr. Reid, the name of the Senator from Arizona (Mr.
McCain) was added as a cosponsor of S. 2978, a bill relating to State
regulation of access to hunting and fishing.
S. RES. 269
At the request of Mr. Levin, the name of the Senator from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Specter) was added as a cosponsor of S. Res. 269, a
resolution urging the Government of Canada to end the commercial seal
hunt that opened on November 15, 2003.
____________________
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself, Mr. Biden, and Mr. Durbin):
S. 2995. A bill to permanently extend the income tax deduction for
college tuition expenses; to the Committee on Finance.
Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of
the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the
Record, as follows:
S. 2995
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. PERMANENT EXTENSION OF TUITION DEDUCTION.
(a) Repeal of Termination Clause.--Section 222 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking
subsection (e).
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall apply to payments made in taxable years beginning after
December 31, 2005.
(c) Provision Made Permanent.--Title IX of the Economic
Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (relating to
sunset of provisions of such Act) shall not apply to section
431 of such Act.
______
By Mr. INHOFE:
[[Page 24019]]
S. 2997. A bill to amend section 1928 of the Social Security Act to
encourage the production of influenza vaccines by eliminating the price
cap applicable to the purchase of such vaccines under contracts entered
into by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to amend the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a tax credit to encourage
vaccine production capacity, and for other purposes; to the Committee
on Finance.
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, there was a lot of hysteria a short time
ago about the flu vaccine and the fact it was not available to a lot of
people. There are several problems. One, the flu vaccine production
currently takes approximately 6 months. I am introducing a bill that
will expedite that and will have the sense of the Senate to steer the
NIH research dollars toward the development of faster technology. They
are using egg cultures to grow this vaccine when it can be done through
the cells of silk moths. It will take more research to get there and we
will encourage them to do that.
Second, the bill removes price controls for the purchasing of the flu
vaccine. This happened during the Clinton administration. We should
have learned during the Nixon administration that price controls in
reality do not work. The result of this has been that we do not have
many companies now that are willing to get in there and take the risk
and develop and manufacture these vaccines. As soon as they do, they
find out there is no profit at the other end because of price controls.
Lastly, we allow investment tax credits.
I have long been dedicated to quality healthcare for my constituents
in Oklahoma and across America. I supported the Medicare bill of 2003
to give a voluntary prescription drug benefit to seniors. I have
championed the rural health care providers, who received some of the
greatest benefits of the Medicare bill. In 1997, I was one of few
Republicans to vote against the Balanced Budget Act because of its lack
of support for rural hospitals. Back then, I made a commitment to not
allow our rural hospitals to be closed, and I am pleased we finally
addressed that important issue in the Medicare legislation. I also
cosponsored S. 816, the Health Care Access and Rural Equity Act, to
protect and preserve access of Medicare beneficiaries to health care in
rural regions.
I am a strong advocate of medical liability reform and am an original
cosponsor of S. 11, the Patients First Act, to protect patients' access
to quality and affordable health care by reducing the effects of
excessive liability costs. There are solutions to alleviate the burden
placed on physicians and patients by excessive medical malpractice
lawsuits, and I am committed to this vital reform.
I have also worked with officials from the Center for Medicare and
Medicaid Services to expand access to life-saving Implantable Cardiac
Defibrilla-
tors. I supported legislation to increase the supply of pancreative
islet cells for research and cosponsored a bill to take the abortion
pill RU-486 off the market in the United States.
The federal government invests in improving hospitals and healthcare
initiatives, and I have fought hard to ensure that Oklahoma gets its
fair share. Specifically, over the past three years, I have helped to
secure $5.2 million in funding for the Oklahoma Medical Research
Foundation, the Oklahoma State Department of Health planning initiative
for a rural telemedicine system, the INTEGRIS Healthcare System, the
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, the Oklahoma Center for
the Advancement of Science and Technology, St. Anthony's Heart
Hospital, the Hillcrest Healthcare System, and the Morton Health
Center.
The unexpected influenza, flu, vaccine shortage beginning last month
highlights the need to encourage the production of flu vaccine in
America. As you know, on October 5th, Chiron, a California-based
biotechnology company, notified U.S. health officials that its plant in
Liverpool, England had been shut down due to vaccine contamination.
Almost 50,000 doses of flu vaccine were thrown away, which created a
severe shortage for Americans just as the flu season began.
In light of the current shortage, I have examined why America found
itself unable to accommodate the public demand for the flu vaccine. As
we have seen, once a vaccine shortage strikes, a rapid response is
difficult and often impossible. Thirty years ago, more than a dozen
American companies were in the flu vaccine business. Today only two
companies make the vaccine for America, and only one in an America-
based company. This is no coincidence. High liability costs, tedious
production, price caps, and the complicated United States tax code have
kept the market bare.
In October, President Bush signed the JOBS bill, which curbed the
billion-dollar lawsuits that have crippled the flu vaccine industry. By
adding flu vaccine to the list of vaccines protected by the National
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, VICP, a no-fault alternative must
be used for resolving vaccine injury claims. I am encouraged with this
progress, but more can be done to prevent a shortage in the future.
My bill supports allocating a greater percentage of the National
Institutes of Health budget to develop faster and safer vaccine
production technology. The ever-changing nature of the flu virus
results in a complicated production process. The dominant strain of the
flu virus mutates each year, requiring a different vaccine for every
flu season. Because harvesting the flu vaccine currently takes at least
six months and requires tens of thousands of fertilized eggs
susceptible to contamination, this process must begin nearly a year
before the flu season begins.
Research should be focused on developing new technologies to allow us
to produce more vaccine--in the same season--when we encounter a
shortage. A company in Connecticut is developing a flu vaccine relying
on cell lines from silk moths. This type of innovative research
promises to shave at least one month off of production time and
significantly reduce cost.
My bill includes a sense of the Senate on the importance of
allocating a greater percentage of the National Institutes of Health,
NIH, research dollars to developing new technology in flu vaccine
production. The encouragement of safer and faster flu vaccine
production technology is a prudent use of existing Federal research
dollars through the National Institutes of Health.
Furthermore, my bill removes the suffocating price controls that have
discouraged companies from producing the flu vaccine. The Vaccines For
Children program, VFC, enacted under the Clinton administration,
imposed a price cap on all vaccines purchased through Federal
contracts. From a shortsighted perspective, these regulated prices may
expand access to vaccines. However, in the long run this policy
devastates the vaccine production industry and decreases the
availability of vaccines. This occurred in 1998 when manufacturers of
tetanus diphtheria vaccine refused to bid on Government contracts.
Consequently, this vaccine is no longer available to children through
the VFC program.
Similarly, the CDC purchased nearly 12 percent of the flu vaccine
this season, and significant quantities were purchased through the
Department of Defense, the Veteran's Administration and Medicare. The
price controls imposed from Federal government purchasing create a
high-risk, low-reward business market. Price controls destroy any
profit incentive. Manufacturers avoid this artificial environment and
will continue to as long as the government over steps its bounds.
The harmful effect of government price controls is especially
pronounced in the flu vaccine market because the vaccine has a single-
season shelf life. The difficulty of predicting the demand for vaccines
each year exposes companies great risk. A slight drop in demand can
force them out of the market. Financial losses--from 7 million extra
doses in 2002 and 4.5 million extra in 2003--compelled Wyeth
Pharmaceutical Company to end its flu vaccine manufacturing.
In addition to lifting price controls, the government can loosen its
grip on
[[Page 24020]]
the flu vaccine market by reforming its complicated tax code.
Fortunately, the JOBS bill made headway in simplifying the current
United States international tax rules. To further offset the heavy
penalties within the United States tax code, my bill gives a tax credit
to companies, new and old, that construct facilities to manufacture flu
vaccine.
Currently, ten American companies produce the 47 FDA-approved
vaccines. An investment tax credit will encourage these existing
companies to expand their production to cover the flu vaccine and will
invite start-up companies to join the industry. This will better equip
the United States market to prevent and deal with a shortage in the
future.
Scientific experts consider vaccination to be the most effective
medical intervention, and we live in an age of unprecedented vaccine
development and implementation. We cannot continue to overregulate the
flu vaccine industry and hope companies will hang on and produce
vaccines regardless of profit. The current national flu vaccine
shortage reveals the need to act.
My bill would steer NIH research dollars towards cutting-edge
technology, remove suffocating price controls, and free American
companies to enter the flu vaccine industry with an investment tax
credit. I urge my colleagues to stand with me in supporting this vital
legislation.
______
By Mr. INHOFE:
S. 2998. A bill to promote the development of the emerging commercial
human space flight industry, and for other purposes; to the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
____________________
COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCH ACT
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I want to introduce two bills today. One
of them is about a program nobody seems to know about. That is the
space launch program. I don't know whether it is in the State of Texas
or where they are doing this. But in Oklahoma, in Burns Flat, we have
been very active in trying to get the Commercial Space Launch Program
going. This is an opportunity for people to go into suborbital launch
vehicles using a hybrid technology of a combination rocket injection
engine. We are doing this. There have been several of them so far.
I have been a commercial pilot now for almost 50 years--47 years, I
guess. I have a natural interest in this. I have had occasion to fly an
airplane around the world. I have watched it from all levels.
I see the excitement in people's faces saying, I can fly in space.
We have this program which nobody knows about. It is a program that
will allow people to get into things such as a Learjet that has a
rocket on that will actually launch them, take them up and give them
the experience of travel in space.
There have been some problems with this, however. There are some
problems with people being able to do this with the company putting
these programs together incurring responsibilities and liabilities.
It is very similar to the program we have been concerned with in the
oil industry to try to expand it and keep people from being able to
have frivolous lawsuits. That is what we are up against here.
We have introduced a bill that is designed to allow participation in
this emerging space launching activity for a greater number of people.
The FAA will now have sole regulation authority for the suborbital
hybrid vehicles. It will be appropriately considered. We are not taking
any risk here. This is just to allow the private sector to enjoy this
type of thing.
I will be introducing today S. 2998 with the idea of making this a
reality and giving this privilege to a lot of people and allowing us to
develop technology.
It is interesting. A lot of people go to an event every year in
Oshkosh, WI. I have gone for 27 consecutive years. We go up there to
see all of the new technology, what people are putting together in
their experimental aircraft, airplanes they are making in their garages
and basements. A lot of technology we are now using in the space
program was actually started right there in someone's garage. That is
essentially what we want to get at with the Commercial Space Launch Act
we introduce today.
______
By Mr. TALENT:
S. 3001. A bill entitled the ``Hybrid HOV Access Act''; to the
Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Mr. TALENT. Mr. President, I am pleased to be introducing this bill,
which will allow more owners of hybrid electric vehicles, or HEVs, to
have access to HOV lanes on Federal highways. For all of us who have a
desire to lessen our dependence on foreign oil and encourage the use of
renewable energy, this bill represents a step forward towards achieving
those goals.
The language that is currently in the highway bills passed by the
House and the Senate allows hybrid vehicles that achieve a 45 mile-per-
gallon fuel economy highway rating to use HOV lanes. Any hybrid that
achieves that kind of fuel economy certainly deserves to get that
status, because it is a very impressive fuel economy rating and
represents a substantial improvement over non-hybrid vehicles. What the
45 mile-per-gallon standard fails to take into account, however, is
that many larger hybrid vehicles achieve a much larger fuel economy
improvement over their internal combustion engine counterparts, and
thus save more energy, than smaller vehicles which manage to meet the
standard but are a less drastic improvement over their non-hybrid
counterparts.
To illustrate this, take the 2005 model Honda Civic HEV, which gets
just over 45 miles-per-gallon. This represents less than a 40 percent
improvement over the comparable internal combustion model. The 2005
Ford Escape HEV, on the other hand, is a truck, so it gets fewer miles
per gallon than a Civic, between 35 and 40. However, this is a 75
percent improvement over its internal combustion engine counterpart,
and in addition, the Escape HEV emits 3-4 tons fewer greenhouse gases
every year than the non-hybrid.
There is no reason to discriminate against these larger, American-
made hybrids like the Ford Escape. They are truly engineering marvels
and are so clearly beneficial for the environment. The bill that I have
sponsored will give states the discretion to open up their HOV lanes to
hybrid vehicles that achieve a substantial increase in fuel economy
relative to comparable gasoline vehicles, or achieve a substantial
increase in lifetime fuel savings relative to comparable gasoline
vehicles. It creates a minimum standard of improvement necessary for
hybrids, but gives states the option of increasing the requirements.
This bill also allows states to open HOV lanes to single occupancy
advanced lean burn vehicles that achieve at least a 25 percent increase
in fuel economy relative to comparable gasoline vehicles and that are
certified to Clean Air Act Tier 2 standards.
I am hopeful that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle can agree
that we should do all we can to encourage the use of renewable energy
in our country, and hybrid vehicles are an important part of that. The
people who drive these vehicles are doing their part to help clean up
the air and increase energy conservation, and we should give more
people an incentive to buy these vehicles by giving them access to HOV
lanes. Thank you, Mr. President.
______
By Mr. REID (for himself and Mr. Ensign):
S. 3003. A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to
the City of Henderson, Nevada, certain Federal land located in the
City, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources.
Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today for myself and Senator Ensign
to introduce the Southern Nevada Limited Transition Area Act, which
enhances the ability of a rapidly growing community to diversify its
economy, gainfully employ its residents, and achieve fiscal
sustainability.
[[Page 24021]]
The bill I am introducing today would convey 547 acres of land from
the Bureau of Land Management to the city of Henderson, NV, for
development as an employment and business center.
BLM has designated this parcel for disposal because of its urban
surroundings and its isolation from other public land, which renders it
difficult for the agency to manage.
The parcel is located in a rapidly growing area of the city, but is
impacted by aircraft noise and overflights from the nearby Henderson
Executive Airport that make it unsuitable for residential use.
But rather than cringing from these impediments, the city of
Henderson sees opportunity. The city's land-use planning department
envisions a business center that provides diverse employment
opportunities for the region, while helping to pay for public
infrastructure in nearby residential areas.
This bill establishes the conditions to make that vision come true.
The bill would convey the land to the city by patent. The city would
then subdivide and sell lots at fair market value. As in previous
conveyances of Federal land designated in the Southern Nevada Public
Lands Management Act for disposal, 85 percent of the proceeds from
sales would return to the BLM's Special Account for acquiring
environmentally sensitive land. Five percent of the proceeds would fund
the State of Nevada's general education program. And the city of
Henderson could use the remaining 10 percent to cover expenses
associated with subdividing the property and providing infrastructure.
Henderson, NV, is a new and rapidly growing city. Its leaders are
dedicated to making the city a national model of logical development,
diversified employment, and fiscal sustainability. This bill
establishes the conditions needed to realize that vision.
I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the
Record.
There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the
Record, as follows:
S. 3003
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Southern Nevada Limited
Transition Area Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) City.--The term ``City'' means the City of Henderson,
Nevada.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(3) Special account.--The term ``Special Account'' means
the special account established under section 4(e)(1)(C) of
the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 (112
Stat. 2345).
(4) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Nevada.
(5) Transition area.--The term ``Transition Area'' means
the approximately 547 acres of Federal land located in
Henderson, Nevada, and identified as ``Limited Transition
Area'' on the map entitled ``Southern Nevada Limited
Transition Area Act'' and dated November 16, 2004.
SEC. 3. SOUTHERN NEVADA LIMITED TRANSITION AREA.
(a) Conveyance.--Notwithstanding the Federal Land Policy
and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), on
request of the City, the Secretary shall, without
consideration and subject to all valid existing rights,
convey to the City all right, title, and interest of the
United States in and to the Transition Area.
(b) Use of Land for Nonresidential Development.--
(1) In general.--After the conveyance to the City under
subsection (a), the City may sell any portion or portions of
the Transition Area for purposes of nonresidential
development.
(2) Method of sale.--The sale of land under paragraph (1)
shall be--
(A) through a competitive bidding process; and
(B) for not less than fair market value.
(3) Compliance with charter.--Except as provided in
paragraphs (2) and (4), the City may sell parcels within the
Transition Area only in accordance with the procedures for
conveyances established in the City Charter.
(4) Disposition of proceeds.--Of the gross proceeds from
the sale of land under paragraph (1), the City shall--
(A) deposit 85 percent in the Special Account;
(B) retain 10 percent as compensation for the costs
incurred by the City--
(i) in carrying out land sales under paragraph (1); and
(ii) for the provision of public infrastructure to serve
the Transition Area, including planning, engineering,
surveying, and subdividing the Transition Area for
nonresidential development; and
(C) pay 5 percent to the State for use in the general
education program of the State.
(c) Use of Land for Recreation or Other Public Purposes.--
The City may elect to retain parcels in the Transition Area
for public recreation or other public purposes consistent
with the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the
``Recreation and Public Purposes Act'') (43 U.S.C. 869 et
seq.) by providing to the Secretary written notice of the
election.
(d) Noise Compatibility Requirements.--The City shall--
(1) plan and manage the Transition Area in accordance with
section 47504 of title 49, United States Code (relating to
airport noise compatibility planning), and regulations
promulgated in accordance with that section; and
(2) agree that if any land in the Transition Area is sold,
leased, or otherwise conveyed by the City, the sale, lease,
or conveyance shall contain a limitation to require uses
compatible with that airport noise compatibility planning.
(e) Reversion.--
(1) In general.--If any parcel of land in the Transition
Area is not conveyed for nonresidential development under
this Act or reserved for recreation or other public purposes
under subsection (c) within 20 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the parcel of land shall, if
determined to be appropriate by the Secretary, revert to the
United States.
(2) Inconsistent use.--If the City uses any parcel of land
within the Transition Area in a manner that is inconsistent
with the uses specified in this section--
(A) at the election of the Secretary, the parcel shall
revert to the United States; or
(B) if the Secretary does not make an election under
paragraph (1), the City shall sell the parcel of land in
accordance with subsection (b)(2).
______
By Mr. ROCKEFELLER:
S. 3004. A bill to amend chapter 99 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 to clarify that certain coal industry health benefits may not be
modified or terminated; to the Committee on Finance.
Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, today I am introducing legislation to
make very clear that Congress fully protected the health insurance
benefits of miners and their families when we passed the Coal Act in
1992. Unfortunately, we have recently seen bankruptcy courts disregard
the Coal Act and absolve companies of their obligations to provide
health benefits for workers and retirees. This is unacceptable. And the
bill I am introducing today reiterates that the bankruptcy code does
not supercede the Coal Act.
This year another company has abandon promises it made to workers and
retirees in West Virginia. Horizon Natural Resources sought and
received a court ruling that releases it from its contracts with union
miners and allows it to avoid honoring health care benefit obligations
for over 2,300 retired miners. This is a morally bankrupt corporate
strategy, and is inconsistent with the Coal Act passed by Congress in
1992.
The Coal Act was needed in 1992 to prevent some companies from
walking away from their clear contractual obligations and agreements
with their workers. One of the provisions of that bill was written
especially with the intent of not allowing companies to simply
reorganize as a way to get out of their obligations to their workers.
Unfortunately, too many companies are increasingly using bankruptcy
courts to achieve the same results.
It should not be necessary for me to introduce this bill today.
Congress has already spoken on this subject. The law is clear: Coal Act
retirees are entitled to full benefits provided under the statute. No
judge should rewrite the law to take those benefits away. However,
because judges are legislating from the bench, it will be helpful for
Congress to reiterate our intention to protect the health benefits of
coal miners and their families.
I recognize that the 108th Congress is coming to a close. But I am
introducing this legislation today because this issue is extremely
important to all of those who are being victimized by the bankruptcy
courts. I hope that early next year my colleagues will join me in this
effort to protect the miners, retired miners, and families who are
simply seeking the benefits they were
[[Page 24022]]
promised in exchange for years of hard work.
______
By Ms. STABENOW (for herself, Mr. Craig, Mr. Levin, Mr. Crapo,
Mr. Jeffords, and Mr. Rockefeller):
S. 3005. A bill to allow State Homeland Security Program grant funds
to be used to pay costs associated with the attendance of part-time and
volunteer first responders at terrorism response courses approved by
the Office for State and Local Government Coordination and
Preparedness; to the Committee on Governmental Affairs.
Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Stabenow-Craig
Rural and Part-time Firefighter Training Fairness Act. This bill would
ensure that our part-time and rural firefighters are not being treated
as second class citizens. I want to thank Senator Craig for his hard
work on this very important issue, and Senators Levin, Crapo,
Rockefeller, and Jeffords for their support of this bill.
Mr. President, many part-time and volunteer firefighters in rural and
small communities across the country are not attending Office of
Domestic Preparedness-approved terrorism response training courses
because Federal guidelines do not allow them to be reimbursed for the
time they are away from their full-time jobs. Our bill would simply
direct the ODP to allow part-time and volunteer first responders, to
receive a reasonable stipend when they participate in ODP-approved
terrorism response courses.
The Federal Government should not penalize rural and small
communities and their firefighters from receiving training necessary to
respond to a terrorist attack. In several counties in northern lower
Michigan, State Homeland Security Grant funds sit unused because their
fire departments are composed entirely of volunteer or part-time
firefighters. Last year, the State of Michigan set aside $9 million in
Homeland Security grants to prepare firefighters, including ODP
training courses, to respond to terrorist incidents. However, this
grant money is being underutilized since 72 percent of the firefighters
in Michigan are volunteer or part-time and are not attending terrorism
response training sessions.
All firefighters need the capability to respond to all types of
emergencies. When Americans call 9-1-1, the fire department doesn't
send only their full-time firefighters, they send everyone regardless
of their status. Most part-time firefighters in rural areas hold full-
time jobs in addition to serving and protecting their communities. It
is unreasonable to expect them to take leave from their regular jobs,
and forgo their pay from their full-time jobs, to attend terrorism
response training courses that include incident command, civil action
management, and radiological response.
Mr. President, many of our small, rural communities face the same
homeland security challenges as larger cities with more resources. For
example, Michigan has a long international border with Canada, and many
of these small and rural border communities rely on part-time and
volunteer firefighters. These responders must be capable of protecting
these borders against the same terrorist threats that urban areas face.
When there is an accident in the future and, God forbid, if there is a
terrorist attack, we're not going to send only full-time firefighters
to save people's lives.
This bill was included as a bipartisan amendment to the Senate
version of the fiscal year 2005 Department of Homeland Security
Appropriations bill, but was removed by the House Republican leadership
in conference. This issue is too important for Congress to ignore, and
I am going to keep fighting until our volunteer and part-time
firefighters are treated fairly and receive the terrorism response
training they need.
Mr. President, I'm pleased to note that the change in Federal
guidelines this bill requires will not cost the Government any funding.
It will not affect the distribution of State Homeland Security grants.
It will just enable communities that have been awarded these grants to
use them to pay their firefighters a reasonable stipend when they leave
their full-time jobs and attend these terrorism response course. This
is a matter of fairness to ensure that those that we rely on to respond
to emergencies have the training they need.
I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the
Record.
There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the
Record, as follows:
S. 3005
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Rural and Part-time
Firefighter Training Fairness Act''.
SEC. 2. STATE AND LOCAL PROGRAMS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, funds
appropriated to the Office of State and Local Government
Coordination and Preparedness for grants to States and local
governments may be used by such States and local governments
to provide a reasonable stipend to part-time and volunteer
first responders who are not otherwise compensated for travel
to or participation in terrorism response courses approved by
the Office for Domestic Preparedness, which stipend shall not
be considered compensation for purposes of rendering such
first responder an employee under the Fair Labor Standards
Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.).
____________________
SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
______
SENATE RESOLUTION 470--HONORING THE LIFE OF ASTRONAUT LEROY GORDON
COOPER, JR.
Mr. INHOFE submitted the following resolution; which was considered
and agreed to:
S. Res. 470
Whereas Leroy Gordon Cooper, Jr., was born on March 6,
1927, in Shawnee, Oklahoma;
Whereas Gordon Cooper served as a colonel in the United
States Air Force and was selected as one of the original
Project Mercury astronauts in April of 1959;
Whereas the 7 original Project Mercury astronauts helped to
inspire generations of scientists and engineers;
Whereas, when Gordon Cooper piloted the Faith 7 spacecraft
on the final operational mission of Project Mercury from May
15 to May 16, 1963, he traveled a total of 546,167 statute
miles and became the first astronaut from the United States
to spend more than a day in space;
Whereas, when Gordon Cooper served as command pilot on the
8-day 120-orbit Gemini 5 mission that began on August 21,
1965, he and pilot Charles Conrad established a new space
endurance record by traveling a distance of 3,312,993 miles
in an elapsed time of 190 hours and 56 minutes;
Whereas Gordon Cooper was the first man to go into space
for a second time;
Whereas Gordon Cooper served as backup command pilot for
the Gemini 12 mission and as backup commander for the Apollo
10 flight;
Whereas Gordon Cooper logged 222 hours in space and retired
from the Air Force and the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration in 1970;
Whereas the special honors Gordon Cooper received during
his lifetime included the Air Force Distinguished Flying
Cross, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Distinguished Service Medal, and the John F. Kennedy Trophy;
and
Whereas Gordon Cooper passed away at his home in Ventura,
California, on October 4, 2004, at the age of 77: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate honors the life of astronaut
Leroy Gordon Cooper, Jr.
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, many people may not be aware of Oklahoma's
significant history in aviation, or that I am the only commercially
licensed pilot in the Senate and have a passion for flying.
Since 1910, beginning with Charles F. Willard who only flew a few
hundred yards in a south Oklahoma City field, Oklahomans have been
flying.
The following year, Clyde Cessna, an automobile dealer from Enid who
later formed the Cessna Aircraft Company, flew his mono-wing airplane
near Jet, OK.
Such early flights in Oklahoma continued and in 1929 perhaps one of
the most notable aviation events occurred in Waynoka, Oklahoma, where
Charles Lindbergh stopped on the first transcontinental passenger air
and rail service.
By 1931, Wiley Post, from Maysville, OK, gained international
recognition
[[Page 24023]]
when he flew around the world in a little over eight days. In July
1991, I had the honor of recreating Post's trip on its 60th
Anniversary.
However, Oklahoma's aviation history does not stop there. On November
2, 1929, 26 licensed women pilots founded what was known as the Ninety-
Nine Club, or the Ninety-Nines. It was called so at the suggestion of
its first president, Amelia Earheart, because of the 117 licensed women
pilots in America who were contacted about joining the club, only 99
actually joined. The South Central Section of the Ninety-Nine Club
comprising several states including Oklahoma, has through the years,
issued several publications and in 1962, Mary Lester of the Oklahoma
Chapter created a new version of the Club's publication, the Ninety-
Nine News. Currently, the Ninety-Nine Club is an international
organization of licensed women pilots from 35 countries, with its
international headquarters at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma
City.
Today I rise to introduce a resolution to honor the life and work of
another Oklahoman in this long line of aviation who served our country
by fearlessly dedicating his life to space travel and exploration.
Leroy Gordon Cooper, Jr., frequently called ``Gordo'', who passed
away at his home on October 4, was often known as the first astronaut
from the United States to spend more than a day in space. He was born
in Shawnee, OK on March 6, 1927 and joined the Marines during World War
II. He then transferred to the Air Force in 1949 and graduated from the
Air Force Institute of Technology with a degree in aeronautical
engineering in 1956.
After graduating, Cooper became attracted to the space program as an
elite test pilot for the Air Force at Edwards Air Force Base in
California. During his career, he logged more than 7,000 hours of
flying, including 4,000 hours flying jets. He also flew commercial and
general aviation planes and helicopters.
Cooper seemed to be born in the right place at the right time--with
the right abilities. In 1958, the National Aeronautical and Space
Administration, NASA, announced its new endeavor, Project Mercury, with
three goals in mind: to place a spacecraft carrying a person into
orbital flight around the Earth, to investigate a person's performance
capabilities and his/her ability to function in space, and to recover
the person and spacecraft safely. NASA began searching for people,
especially military test pilots, who were willing and capable of
enduring such a dangerous mission. They focused on finding military
test pilots because they seemed to experience similar conditions to
those of space.
On April 1, 1959, it was announced that Cooper was chosen, along with
Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, Walter Schirra,
Jr., and Deke Slayton not only as one of the seven Project Mercury
astronauts, but as one of America's first astronauts. These seven men
made history with this project as they laid the groundwork for future
space flights.
On May 15 and 16, 1963, Cooper piloted Faith 7, the flight that ended
the operational phase of Project Mercury. During this mission, he
orbited the Earth 22 times and logged more time in space than all
previous five Mercury astronauts combined. He also became known as the
first American astronaut to sleep in orbit, as well as on the launch
pad.
Shortly thereafter, Cooper received the NASA Distinguished Service
Medal from President John F. Kennedy at a White House ceremony.
In August 1965, Cooper commanded the 8 day Gemini 5 mission with
Charles Conrad. On this mission, Cooper set a new space endurance
record, covering 120 revolutions and 3,312,993 miles in 190 hours, 56
minutes and 3 seconds and became the first man to make a second orbital
flight.
Overall, during his two space flights, Cooper logged 225 hours, 15
minutes and 3 seconds. He also served as backup command pilot for
Gemini 12 and backup commander for Apollo X. He was the last American
astronaut to orbit the Earth for an entire orbit by himself.
After receiving an honorary Doctorate of Science degree from Oklahoma
City University in 1967, Cooper retired from the Air Force and NASA as
a colonel in 1970. However, his involvement with space did not end
after his retirement. He served as a consultant to several companies
related to aerospace, electronics, and energy fields, and was vice
president for research and development for Walt Disney Enterprises,
Inc. Cooper also devoted part of his life to studying UFOs, and wrote
Leap of Faith based on his experiences as a pilot and astronaut.
Even though we have lost this great American hero, his legacy and
passion for exploring space live on through continued space ventures
such as the Ansari X Prize. The famed $10 million X Prize was recently
awarded to the team of SpaceShipOne, whose pilot, Brian Binnie, broke
an August 22, 1963 altitude record by going 69.6 miles above Earth's
surface, ironically, on October 4, the same day of Cooper's passing.
I am pleased that my good friend and colleague Congressman Cass
Ballenger has led the way in honoring the life and service of this
great space pioneer. I know that Mr. Ballenger shares my passion of
aviation and space exploration and hope that we will continue to build
on the progress and sacrifice made by men like Gordon Cooper.
______
SENATE RESOLUTION 471--AUTHORIZING THE PRINTING OF TRIBUTES AND OTHER
RELATED MATERIALS IN HONOR OF THE LATE SENATOR PAUL SIMON
Mr. DURBIN submitted the following resolution; which was considered
and agreed to:
S. Res. 471
Resolved, That there be printed as a Senate document a
compilation of tributes and other related materials
concerning the Honorable Paul Simon, late a Senator from the
State of Illinois.
______
SENATE RESOLUTION 472--TO HONOR THE PEOPLE OF GEORGIA ON THE FIRST
ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROSE REVOLUTION
Mr. McCAIN (for himself, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Biden, and Mr.
Hagel) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and
agreed to:
S. Res. 472
Whereas, on November 23, 2004, the people of Georgia will
celebrate the first anniversary of the Rose Revolution, the
peaceful and bloodless protests that followed parliamentary
elections deemed to be fraudulent;
Whereas following the resignation of President Eduard
Shevardnadze, Interim President Nino Burdzhanadze worked
diligently to restore order and to prepare Georgia for a new
Presidential election;
Whereas after a free, fair, and democratic election was
held, Mikheil Saakashvili was sworn into office on January
25, 2004, as President of Georgia;
Whereas President Saakashvili visited the United States
Congress earlier this year and delivered a strong message of
peace, stability, democracy, political reform, and economic
opportunity;
Whereas Georgia is a small but strategically situated
country located in the Caucasus, and is of additional
interest to the United States because of the oil and gas
pipelines now being constructed from Baku, Azerbaijan to the
port of Ceyhan, Turkey;
Whereas Georgia has also become a key player in the global
war on terrorism by combating members of al Qaeda and other
Muslim terrorist organizations, denying them sanctuary in
remote areas such as the Pankisi Gorge, and working with the
United States to help train border guards;
Whereas Georgia has recently increased its commitment of
troops in Iraq and its contributions to help build peace and
democracy in Afghanistan and Kosovo;
Whereas the United States supports Georgia's efforts to
peacefully reestablish government control, security, and
political stability in regions such as Abkhazia and South
Ossetia;
Whereas the United States congratulates the Government of
Georgia on the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Adjara
and welcomes the restoration of democracy and political
stability in that region; and
Whereas the United States supports representative
democracy, political stability, economic growth, and peace in
Georgia and throughout the Caucasus region: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved, that the Senate--
(1) congratulates the people of Georgia on the first
anniversary of the Rose Revolution,
[[Page 24024]]
the peaceful and bloodless protests that followed
parliamentary elections deemed to be fraudulent, and for
their commitment to democracy, peace, stability, and economic
opportunity;
(2) commends President Mikheil Saakashvili for his vision
of, and commitment to, a peaceful and democratic Georgia, the
rule of law, an open market economy, regional cooperation,
and closer integration into western institutions;
(3) supports the sovereignty, independence, territorial
integrity, and democratic government of Georgia; and
(4) supports continued assistance to the people and
Government of Georgia to help them consolidate the democratic
process in their country.
______
SENATE RESOLUTION 473--URGING THE GOVERNMENT OF UKRAINE TO ENSURE A
DEMOCRATIC, TRANSPARENT, AND FAIR ELECTION PROCESS FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL
RUN-OFF ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 21, 2004
Mr. McCAIN (for himself, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Smith, Mr. Lieberman, Mr.
Graham of South Carolina, Mr. Hagel, and Mr. Biden) submitted the
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
S. Res. 473
Whereas the establishment of a democratic, transparent, and
fair election process for the 2004 Presidential election in
Ukraine and of a genuinely democratic political system are
prerequisites for that country's full integration into the
Western community of nations as an equal member, including
into organizations such as the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO);
Whereas the Government of Ukraine has accepted numerous
specific commitments governing the conduct of elections as a
participating state of the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), including provisions of the
Copenhagen Document;
Whereas the election of Ukraine's next President will
provide an unambiguous test of the extent of the Ukrainian
authorities commitment to implement these standards and build
a democratic society based on free elections and the rule of
law;
Whereas the second round of the Presidential election takes
place against the backdrop of past elections and
improprieties in the first round of the election, which did
not fully meet international standards;
Whereas it is the duty of government and public authorities
of Ukraine at all levels to act in a manner consistent with
all laws and regulations governing election procedures, and
to ensure free and fair elections throughout the entire
country, including preventing activities aimed at undermining
the free exercise of political rights;
Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires a
period of political campaigning conducted in an environment
in which administrative action, violence, intimidation, or
detention do not hinder the parties, political associations,
and the candidates from presenting their views and
qualifications to the citizenry, including organizing
supporters, conducting public meetings and events throughout
the country, and enjoying unimpeded access to television,
radio, print, and Internet media on a non-discriminatory
basis;
Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires that
citizens be guaranteed the right and effective opportunity to
exercise their civil and political rights, including the
right to vote and the right to seek and acquire information
upon which to make an informed vote, free from intimidation,
undue influence, attempts at vote buying, threats of
political retribution, or other forms of coercion by national
or local authorities or others;
Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires
government and public authorities to ensure that candidates
and political parties enjoy equal treatment before the law
and that government resources are not employed to the
advantage of individual candidates or political parties;
Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires the
full transparency of laws and regulations governing
elections, multiparty representation on election commissions,
and unobstructed access by candidates, political parties, and
domestic and international observers to all election
procedures, including voting and vote counting in all areas
of the country;
Whereas increasing control and manipulation of the media by
national and local officials and others acting at their
behest raise grave concerns regarding the commitment of the
Ukrainian authorities to free and fair elections;
Whereas efforts by the national authorities in Ukraine to
limit access to international broadcasting, including Radio
Liberty and the Voice of America, represent an unacceptable
infringement on the right of the Ukrainian people to
independent information;
Whereas efforts by national and local officials of Ukraine
and others acting at their behest to impose obstacles to free
assembly, free speech, and a free and fair political campaign
have taken place in Donetsk, Sumy, and elsewhere in Ukraine
without condemnation or remedial action by the Government of
Ukraine;
Whereas numerous substantial irregularities have taken
place in recent Ukrainian parliamentary by-elections in the
Donetsk region and in mayoral elections in Mukacheve, Romny,
and Krasniy Luch;
Whereas intimidation, violence, and fraud during the April
18, 2004, mayoral election in Mukacheve, Ukraine, represent a
deliberate attack on the democratic process;
Whereas in the period leading to the first round of the
Presidential election, the government power structures used
state resources such as schools, state factories, hospitals,
and public transport systems to force students, state
workers, and citizens who rely on state services for their
livelihood to campaign against their will for the government-
backed candidate;
Whereas there was notable partisan engagement of security
services, military, and local police in support of the
government-backed candidate;
Whereas there was a failure of national and local state-
owned and private electronic media to provide impartial and
fair coverage of, or access to, opposition candidates;
Whereas some election commission members affiliated with
opposition candidates were dismissed from their duties just
prior to election day;
Whereas there was collaboration with a foreign government
to allow a foreign President to appear in Ukraine and express
his opinions on one of the candidates just days before
election day, in an effort to influence the vote, and a
military parade, which was held in Kyiv 3 days prior to the
election, was clearly an effort to intimidate voters; and
Whereas in the first round of the Presidential election in
Ukraine that occurred on October 31, 2004, international
observers noted fraud and other significant problems,
including poorly maintained voter lists, which resulted in
people being denied their right to vote, as well as many
additional names on voter rolls for which no accounting could
be made, prevalent interference by unauthorized persons into
the electoral process, and credible reports of busing of
voters among oblasts and polling stations for the purpose of
multiple voting: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) acknowledges and welcomes the strong relationship
formed between the United States and Ukraine since the
restoration of Ukraine's independence in 1991;
(2) recognizes that a precondition for the full integration
of Ukraine into the Western community of nations, including
as an equal member in institutions such as the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (NATO), is its establishment of a
genuinely democratic political system;
(3) expresses its strong and continuing support for the
efforts of the Ukrainian people to establish a full
democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights in
Ukraine;
(4) urges the Government of Ukraine to guarantee freedom of
association and assembly, including the right of candidates,
members of political parties, and others to freely assemble,
to organize and conduct public events, and to exercise these
and other rights free from intimidation or harassment by
local or national officials or others acting at their behest;
(5) urges the Government of Ukraine to meet its
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
commitments on democratic elections and to address issues
previously identified by the Office of Democratic
Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the OSCE in its
final reports on the 2002 parliamentary elections and the
1999 Presidential elections, such as illegal interference by
public authorities in the campaign and a high degree of bias
in the media;
(6) urges the Ukrainian authorities to ensure--
(A) the full transparency of election procedures before,
during, and after the second round of the 2004 Presidential
election;
(B) free access for Ukrainian and international election
observers;
(C) multiparty representation on all election commissions;
(D) unimpeded access by all parties and candidates to
print, radio, television, and Internet media on a non-
discriminatory basis;
(E) freedom of candidates, members of opposition parties,
and independent media organizations from intimidation or
harassment by government officials at all levels, including
selective tax audits and other regulatory procedures, and in
the case of media, license revocations, and libel suits;
(F) a transparent process for complaint and appeals through
electoral commissions and within the court system that
provides timely and effective remedies;
(G) vigorous prosecution of any individual or organization
responsible for violations of election laws or regulations,
including the application of appropriate administrative or
criminal penalties;
(H) remedies to all improprieties reported in the first
round of the Presidential election in Ukraine, including--
[[Page 24025]]
(i) the replacement at a polling station of any Territorial
Election Commission member found to have engaged in fraud;
(ii) a complete review of voter lists in each polling
station in order to correct inaccuracies;
(iii) equal time on state media and equal access to private
media for the two runoff candidates; and
(iv) immediate prosecution of individuals who have violated
the election law;
(7) further calls upon the Government of Ukraine to
guarantee election monitors from the ODIHR, other
participating states of the OSCE, Ukrainian political
parties, representatives of candidates, nongovernmental
organizations, and other private institutions and
organizations, both foreign and domestic, unobstructed access
to all aspects of the election process, including unimpeded
access to public campaign events, candidates, news media,
voting, and post-election tabulation of results and
processing of election challenges and complaints;
(8) urges the President to fully employ the diplomatic and
other resources of the Government of the United States to
encourage the Government of Ukraine to ensure that the
election laws and procedures of Ukraine are faithfully
adhered to by all local and national officials, by others
acting at their behest, and by all candidates and parties,
during and subsequent to the Presidential campaign and
election-day voting;
(9) strongly encourages the President to clearly
communicate to the Government of Ukraine, to all parties and
candidates in Ukraine, and to the people of Ukraine the high
importance attached by the Government of the United States to
this Presidential campaign as a central factor in determining
the future relationship between the two countries;
(10) strongly encourages the President to consider visa
bans and other targeted sanctions on those responsible for
encouraging or participating in any efforts to improperly
influence the outcome of the election, whether through direct
or indirect involvement; and
(11) pledges its enduring support and assistance to the
people of Ukraine for the establishment of a fully free and
open democratic system, the creation of a prosperous free
market economy, the establishment of a secure independence
and freedom from coercion, and Ukraine's assumption of its
rightful place as a full and equal member of the Western
community of democracies.
______
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 147--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT
THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SHOULD CONTINUE TO EXERCISE ITS STATUTORY
AUTHORITY TO SUPPORT THE ACTIVITIES OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, IN
PARTICULAR THE PERIODIC NATIONAL AND WORLD BOY SCOUT JAMBOREES
Mr. NELSON of Florida submitted the following concurrent resolution;
which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services:
S. Con. Res. 147
Whereas the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated on
February 8, 1910, and received a Federal charter on June 15,
1916, which is codified as chapter 309 of title 36, United
States Code;
Whereas section 30902 of title 36, United States Code,
states that it is the purpose of the Boy Scouts of America to
promote, through organization, and cooperation with other
agencies, the ability of boys to do things for themselves and
others, to train them in scoutcraft, and to teach them
patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues;
Whereas, since the inception of the Boy Scouts of America,
millions of Americans of every race, creed, and religion have
participated in the Boy Scouts, and the Boy Scouts currently
uses more than 1,200,000 adult volunteers to serve more than
4,700,000 young people;
Whereas the Department of Defense and members of the Armed
Forces have a long history of supporting the activities of
the Boy Scouts of America and individual Boy Scout troops in
the United States, and section 2606 of title 10, United
States Code, authorizes the Department of Defense to
cooperate with and assist the Boy Scouts of America in
establishing and providing facilities and services for
members of the Armed Forces and their dependents, and
civilian employees of the Department of Defense and their
dependents, at locations outside the United States;
Whereas sections 4682, 7541, and 9682 of title 10, United
States Code, authorize the Department of Defense to sell, and
in certain cases donate, obsolete or excess material to the
Boy Scouts of America to support its activities; and
Whereas, under section 2554 of title 10, United States
Code, the Department of Defense is authorized to make
military installations available to, and to provide
equipment, transportation, and other services to, the Boy
Scouts of America to support national and world gatherings of
Boy Scouts at events known as Boy Scout Jamborees: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that the
Department of Defense should continue to exercise its long-
standing statutory authority to support the activities of the
Boy Scouts of America, in particular the periodic national
and world Boy Scout Jamborees.
______
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 148--HONORING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTION OF
YOGI BHAJAN, A LEADER OF THE SIKHS, AND EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE
SIKH COMMUNITY ON HIS PASSING
Mr. BINGAMAN submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was
referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:
S. Con. Res. 148
Whereas the Sikh faith was founded in the northern section
of the Republic of India in the 15th century by Guru Nanak,
who preached tolerance and equality for all humans;
Whereas the Sikh faith began with a simple message of
truthful living and the fundamental unity of humanity, all
created by one creator who manifests existence through every
religion;
Whereas the Sikh faith reaches out to people of all faiths
and cultural backgrounds, encourages individuals to see
beyond their differences, and to work together for world
peace and harmony;
Whereas Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa
Yogiji, known as Yogi Bhajan to hundreds of thousands of
people worldwide, was born Harbhajan Singh Puri on August 26,
1929, in India;
Whereas at age 8, Yogi Bhajan began yogic training, and 8
years later was proclaimed by his teacher to be a master of
Kundalini Yoga, which stimulates individual growth through
breath, yoga postures, sound, chanting, and meditation;
Whereas during the turmoil over the partition between
Pakistan and India in 1947, at the age of 18, Yogi Bhajan led
his village of 7,000 people 325 miles on foot to safety in
New Delhi, India, from what is now Lahore, Pakistan;
Whereas Yogi Bhajan, before emigrating to North America in
1968, served the Government of India faithfully through both
civil and military service;
Whereas when Yogi Bhajan visited the United States in 1968,
he recognized immediately that the experience of higher
consciousness that many young people were attempting to find
through drugs could be alternatively achieved through
Kundalini Yoga, and in response, he began teaching Kundalini
Yoga publicly, thereby breaking the centuries-old tradition
of secrecy surrounding it;
Whereas in 1969, Yogi Bhajan founded ``Healthy, Happy, Holy
Organization (3HO)'', a nonprofit private educational and
scientific foundation dedicated to serving humanity,
improving physical well-being, deepening spiritual awareness,
and offering guidance on nutrition and health, interpersonal
relations, child rearing, and human behavior;
Whereas under the direction and guidance of Yogi Bhajan,
3HO expanded to 300 centers in 35 countries;
Whereas in 1971, the president of the governing body of
Sikh Temples in India gave Yogi Bhajan the title of Siri
Singh Sahib, which made him the chief religious and
administrative authority for Sikhism in the Western
Hemisphere, and subsequently the Sikh seat of religious
authority gave him responsibility to create a Sikh ministry
in the West;
Whereas in 1971, Sikh Dharma was legally incorporated in
the State of California and recognized as a tax-exempt
religious organization by the United States, and in 1972,
Yogi Bhajan founded the ashram Sikh Dharma in Espanola, New
Mexico;
Whereas in 1973, Yogi Bhajan founded ``3HO SuperHealth'', a
successful drug rehabilitation program that blends ancient
yogic wisdom of the East with modern technology of the West;
Whereas in June 1985, Yogi Bhajan established the first
``International Peace Prayer Day Celebrations'' in New
Mexico, which still draws thousands of participants annually;
Whereas Yogi Bhajan traveled the world calling for world
peace and religious unity at meetings with leaders such as
Pope Paul VI; Pope John Paul II; His Holiness the Dalai Lama;
the President of the former Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics, Mikhail Gorbachev; and two Archbishops of
Canterbury;
Whereas Yogi Bhajan wrote 30 books and inspired the
publication of 200 other books through his teachings, founded
a drug rehabilitation program, and inspired the founding of
several businesses;
Whereas Sikhs and students across the world testify that
Yogi Bhajan exhibited dignity, divinity, grace, commitment,
courage, kindness, compassion, tolerance, wisdom, and
understanding;
Whereas Yogi Bhajan taught that in times of joy and sorrow
members of the community should come together and be at one
with each other; and
[[Page 24026]]
Whereas before his passing on October 6, 2004, Yogi Bhajan
requested that his passing be a time of celebration of his
going home: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
concurring), That Congress--
(1) recognizes that the teachings of Yogi Bhajan about
Sikhism and yoga, and the businesses formed under his
inspiration, improved the personal, political, spiritual, and
professional relations between citizens of the United States
and the citizens of India;
(2) recognizes the legendary compassion, wisdom, kindness,
and courage of Yogi Bhajan, and his wealth of accomplishments
on behalf of the Sikh community; and
(3) extends its condolences to Inderjit Kaur, the wife of
Yogi Bhajan, his 3 children and 5 grandchildren, and to Sikh
and ``Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization (3HO)'' communities
around the Nation and the world upon the death on October 6,
2004, of Yogi Bhajan, an individual who was a wise teacher
and mentor, an outstanding pioneer, a champion of peace, and
a compassionate human being.
Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today with my colleagues,
Senators Domenici and Cornyn, to introduce a resolution honoring the
life of Yogi Bhajan. Yogi Bhajan, the chief religious and
administrative authority for Sikhism in the West, died in Espanola, NM,
on October 6, 2004, at the age of 75. Born Harbhajan Singh Puri on
August 26, 1929, in Northern India, now Pakistan, he began yogic
training at age 8 and was proclaimed a master of Kundalini Yoga by age
16. After the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, his family
migrated to New Delhi, India, where he continued his education. after
graduating from Punjab University in economics, he worked for India's
Internal Revenue Service and later became head of customs at the New
Delhi Airport.
Yogi Bhajan introduced thousands around the world to Sikhism, a
religion that carries the message of truthful living and the
fundamental unity of humanity, and reaches out to people of all
backgrounds to work together for world peace. When he came to North
America in 1968, he recognized that the experience sought by many young
people through drugs could be alternatively achieved through Kundalini
Yoga, which stimulates individual growth through breath, chanting, and
meditation among other components. Breaking the centuries old tradition
of secrecy surrounding Kundalini Yoga, he began teaching it publicly.
Soon after, he founded the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization (3HO), a
nonprofit private educational and scientific foundation with 300
centers in 35 countries, dedicated to improving physical well-being,
deepening spiritual awareness, and offering guidance on matters of
health and heart. He later founded 3HO SuperHealth, a successful drug
rehabilitation program, blending ancient yogic wisdom of the East with
the modern technology of the West. SuperHealth was accredited by the
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization and
received its highest commendation. In 1973 it distinguished itself as
being in the top 10 percent of all treatment programs throughout the
United States. In 1989 Yogi Bhajan met with then President Mikhail
Gorbachev and established addiction treatment programs in Russia based
on the 3HO SuperHealth model. Currently a pilot project of SuperHealth
is being formed by the Punjab State Government in India. He taught Yoga
in Toronto and Los Angeles and finally founded a Sikh Dharma community
in Espanola, NM. In 1971, the president of the governing body of Sikh
Temples in India gave Yogi Bhajan the title of chief religious and
administrative authority for Sikhism in the Western Hemisphere. About
250,000 Sikhs now reside across the United States, including a
community of about 500 families in Northern New Mexico.
Yogi Bhajan wrote 30 books and inspired 200 more through his
teaching, and inspired the founding of several businesses, including
Akal Security Inc. He had an inclusive view of the world's major
religions and considered all of them valid. Throughout his lifetime, he
traveled the world and met with world leaders such as Pope John Paul II
and the Dalai Lama to discuss world peace and religious unity. In June
1985, Yogi Bhajan established the first International Peace Prayer Day
Celebration in New Mexico that stills draws thousands of participants
annually.
After the events of 9/11/01, Yogi Bhajan reached out to Sikhs across
America, encouraging and helping them to educate their fellow citizens
about Sikhs, and to work with law enforcement and community leaders to
help them protect Sikh populations. His efforts have helped contribute
to the opening of some major law enforcement agencies to Sikh
employees, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Yogi
Bhajan established links to human rights advocates nationwide, working
to make sure that the issue of Sikh identity is understood and
respected. When Balbir Singh Sodhi was murdered in Phoenix 5 days after
9/11 because of his beard and turban, Yogi Bhajan worked with community
and government leaders in Arizona to help raise awareness about the
Sikh community there.
Yogi Bhajan is survived by his wife, Inderjit Kaur; two sons, Ranbir
Singh and Kulbir Singh; a daughter, Kamaljit Kaur; and five
grandchildren. He will be missed by his family, followers and his
friends, and his contribution to the cause of world peace will be
remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
______
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 149--COMMENDING THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND
ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION AND ITS EMPLOYEES FOR ITS DEDICATION AND
HARD WORK DURING HURRICANES CHARLEY, FRANCES, IVAN, AND JEANNE
Mr. HOLLINGS (for himself, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mr. Lott, and Mr.
Breaux) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was
considered and agreed to:
S. Con. Res. 149
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's National Weather Service consistently
provides critical forecasts and warnings about severe weather
to the Nation's citizens;
Whereas 4 hurricanes, Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne,
recently hit the State of Florida, an event which has not
occurred since 4 hurricanes struck Texas in 1886;
Whereas Hurricane Jeanne was the fourth hurricane in 6
weeks to hit the United States mainland;
Whereas the employees of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Tropical Prediction Center/
National Hurricane Center and the employees of key Southern
Region Weather Forecast Offices worked tirelessly and under
great pressure to provide the most up to date information to
the public, the media, and emergency management officials
during Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne;
Whereas the employees of the National Hurricane Center
conducted approximately 1,128 live television and radio
interviews as well as 1,480 telephone briefings to the media
and others during Hurricane Frances;
Whereas the forecasts and information from the National
Hurricane Center provided notice for the evacuation of
millions of residents in the line of Hurricanes Charley,
Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne and warnings to the residents of
Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana;
Whereas the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research's
Hurricane Research Division at the Atlantic Oceanographic and
Meteorological Laboratory in Miami, Florida conducts the
research needed to improve hurricane forecasts and went on
flights in and around hurricanes to gather and improve data
that goes into the National Hurricane Center's forecasts,
watches, and warnings to protect lives and property;
Whereas the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research's
Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory in Princeton, New
Jersey developed, carefully monitors, and continues to
improve the National Weather Service's operational hurricane
model used to determine where the storms are likely to go;
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's Marine and Aviation Operation's Hurricane
Hunters logged over 300 hours of operational hours of flight
time through and above the storms to assist the National
Hurricane Center in tracking Hurricanes Charley, Frances,
Ivan, and Jeanne;
Whereas the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron of the
403rd Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command at Keesler Air
Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi, logged 739 hours of flight
time through and around the storms to assist the National
Hurricane Center in tracking Hurricanes Charley, Frances,
Ivan, and Jeanne;
[[Page 24027]]
Whereas the Hurricane Liaison Team, a joint National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Federal Emergency
Management Agency partnership, provided support to the 25
different media outlets operating out of the National
Hurricane Center;
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's Hydrometeoro- logical Prediction Center
provided rainfall forecasts and hurricane track guidance to
the National Hurricane Center;
Whereas the National Weather Service's National Data Buoy
Center, in partnership with the United States Coast Guard,
worked expediently after Hurricane Charley to fix data buoys
that proved critical for forecasts of Hurricane Frances,
Ivan, and Jeanne;
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's National Ocean Service provided storm surge
predictions and hydrographic information support to Federal
partners before, during, and after Hurricanes Charley,
Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne;
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's National Environmental Satellite Data and
Information Service provided images of Hurricane Frances
every 5 minutes over a 4-day period, an unprecedented number
of images for hurricane tracking;
Whereas the Southern, Eastern, and Central Region Weather
Forecast Offices of San Juan, Miami, Tampa Bay, Key West,
Melbourne, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Atlanta, Birmingham,
Huntsville, Mobile, Morristown, Charleston, Morehead City,
Wilmington, Wakefield, and Taunton provided up-to-the-minute
local details for residents throughout Hurricanes Charley,
Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne;
Whereas employees from other offices within the Southern
Region provided additional support to key Weather Forecast
Offices directly impacted by Hurricanes Charley, Frances,
Ivan, and Jeanne;
Whereas more than 7,000 watches, warnings, advisories, and
other statements were issued by key local Weather Forecast
Offices during Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne;
Whereas the Southeast River Forecast Center provided
critical river flooding forecast information to Federal,
State, and private partners during Hurricanes Charley,
Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne and accurately predicted the amount
of excessive rainfall over the Southeastern United States
several days in advance; and
Whereas the hurricane season continues through November,
and all these employees continue tracking new tropical
depressions approaching the United States coast: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
concurring), That the Congress--
(1) commends the employees of the National Weather Service,
especially the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane
Center, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, and National
Data Buoy Center; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Aircraft Operations Center at MacDill Air
Force Base, Tampa, Florida; the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance
Squadron of the 403rd Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command
at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi; the Hurricane
Liaison Team; the National Ocean Service; and the National
Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service, for
their extraordinary dedication and hard work during
Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne;
(2) commends the Southern, Eastern, and Central Region
Weather Forecast Offices of San Juan, Miami, Tampa Bay, Key
West, Melbourne, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Atlanta,
Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Morristown, Charleston,
Morehead City, Wilmington, Wakefield, Taunton, Lake Charles,
New Orleans, Jackson, Nashville, and Houston for their
extraordinary dedication and hard work during Hurricanes
Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne;
(3) commends the employees of the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research, especially the Hurricane Research
Division;
(4) thanks the commercial and media meteorologists for
their contributions in disseminating the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration forecasts and warnings to the
public; and
(5) expresses its support for the ongoing hard work and
dedication of all who provide accurate and timely hurricane
forecasts.
____________________
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be authorized to
meet on Thursday, November 18, 2004, at 9:30 a.m. on various
nominations (names to be released later in week) at 9:30 a.m.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Committee on Finance
Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Committee on Finance be authorized to meet on Thursday, November 18,
2004, at 10 a.m., to hear testimony on ``FDA, Merck and Vioxx: Putting
Patient Safety First?''
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Committee on Indian Affairs
Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Committee on Indian Affairs be authorized to meet on Thursday, November
18, 2004, at 10 a.m. in room 485 of the Russell Senate Office Building
to conduct a business meeting on pending Committee matters, to be
followed immediately by an oversight hearing on the Water Problems on
the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
subCommittee on Readiness and Management
Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Subcommittee on Readiness and Management support of the committee on
Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate
on November 18, 2004, at 3:30 p.m. in open session to receive testimony
on the status of financial management reform within the Department of
Defense and the individual services.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Subcommittee on Science, Technology, and Space
Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Space be authorized to meet on
Thursday, November 18, 2004, at 2 p.m. on the Science Behind
Pornography Addiction.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
COMMENDING THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION AND ITS
EMPLOYEES
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Con. Res. 149, introduced
earlier today by Senator Hollings.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the concurrent
resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 149) commending the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its
employees for its dedication and hard work during Hurricanes
Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
concurrent resolution.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
concurrent resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the
motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action
or debate, and that any statements related to the concurrent resolution
be printed in the Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 149) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The concurrent resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Con. Res. 149
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's National Weather Service consistently
provides critical forecasts and warnings about severe weather
to the Nation's citizens;
Whereas 4 hurricanes, Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne,
recently hit the State of Florida, an event which has not
occurred since 4 hurricanes struck Texas in 1886;
Whereas Hurricane Jeanne was the fourth hurricane in 6
weeks to hit the United States mainland;
Whereas the employees of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Tropical Prediction Center/
National Hurricane Center and the employees of key Southern
Region Weather Forecast Offices worked tirelessly and under
great pressure to provide the most up to date information to
the public, the media, and emergency management officials
during Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne;
Whereas the employees of the National Hurricane Center
conducted approximately 1,128 live television and radio
interviews as well as 1,480 telephone briefings to the media
and others during Hurricane Frances;
Whereas the forecasts and information from the National
Hurricane Center provided notice for the evacuation of
millions of residents in the line of Hurricanes Charley,
Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne and warnings to
[[Page 24028]]
the residents of Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and
Louisiana;
Whereas the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research's
Hurricane Research Division at the Atlantic Oceanographic and
Meteorological Laboratory in Miami, Florida conducts the
research needed to improve hurricane forecasts and went on
flights in and around hurricanes to gather and improve data
that goes into the National Hurricane Center's forecasts,
watches, and warnings to protect lives and property;
Whereas the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research's
Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory in Princeton, New
Jersey developed, carefully monitors, and continues to
improve the National Weather Service's operational hurricane
model used to determine where the storms are likely to go;
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's Marine and Aviation Operation's Hurricane
Hunters logged over 300 hours of operational hours of flight
time through and above the storms to assist the National
Hurricane Center in tracking Hurricanes Charley, Frances,
Ivan, and Jeanne;
Whereas the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron of the
403rd Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command at Keesler Air
Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi, logged 739 hours of flight
time through and around the storms to assist the National
Hurricane Center in tracking Hurricanes Charley, Frances,
Ivan, and Jeanne;
Whereas the Hurricane Liaison Team, a joint National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Federal Emergency
Management Agency partnership, provided support to the 25
different media outlets operating out of the National
Hurricane Center;
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center
provided rainfall forecasts and hurricane track guidance to
the National Hurricane Center;
Whereas the National Weather Service's National Data Buoy
Center, in partnership with the United States Coast Guard,
worked expediently after Hurricane Charley to fix data buoys
that proved critical for forecasts of Hurricane Frances,
Ivan, and Jeanne;
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's National Ocean Service provided storm surge
predictions and hydrographic information support to Federal
partners before, during, and after Hurricanes Charley,
Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne;
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's National Environmental Satellite Data and
Information Service provided images of Hurricane Frances
every 5 minutes over a 4-day period, an unprecedented number
of images for hurricane tracking;
Whereas the Southern, Eastern, and Central Region Weather
Forecast Offices of San Juan, Miami, Tampa Bay, Key West,
Melbourne, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Atlanta, Birmingham,
Huntsville, Mobile, Morristown, Charleston, Morehead City,
Wilmington, Wakefield, and Taunton provided up-to-the-minute
local details for residents throughout Hurricanes Charley,
Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne;
Whereas employees from other offices within the Southern
Region provided additional support to key Weather Forecast
Offices directly impacted by Hurricanes Charley, Frances,
Ivan, and Jeanne;
Whereas more than 7,000 watches, warnings, advisories, and
other statements were issued by key local Weather Forecast
Offices during Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne;
Whereas the Southeast River Forecast Center provided
critical river flooding forecast information to Federal,
State, and private partners during Hurricanes Charley,
Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne and accurately predicted the amount
of excessive rainfall over the Southeastern United States
several days in advance; and
Whereas the hurricane season continues through November,
and all these employees continue tracking new tropical
depressions approaching the United States coast: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
concurring), That the Congress--
(1) commends the employees of the National Weather Service,
especially the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane
Center, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, and National
Data Buoy Center; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Aircraft Operations Center at MacDill Air
Force Base, Tampa, Florida; the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance
Squadron of the 403rd Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command
at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi; the Hurricane
Liaison Team; the National Ocean Service; and the National
Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service, for
their extraordinary dedication and hard work during
Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne;
(2) commends the Southern, Eastern, and Central Region
Weather Forecast Offices of San Juan, Miami, Tampa Bay, Key
West, Melbourne, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Atlanta,
Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Morristown, Charleston,
Morehead City, Wilmington, Wakefield, Taunton, Lake Charles,
New Orleans, Jackson, Nashville, and Houston for their
extraordinary dedication and hard work during Hurricanes
Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne;
(3) commends the employees of the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research, especially the Hurricane Research
Division;
(4) thanks the commercial and media meteorologists for
their contributions in disseminating the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration forecasts and warnings to the
public; and
(5) expresses its support for the ongoing hard work and
dedication of all who provide accurate and timely hurricane
forecasts.
____________________
HONORING THE LIFE OF ASTRONAUT LEROY GORDON COOPER, JR.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 470, which was
submitted earlier today by Senator Inhofe.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 470) honoring the life of astronaut
Leroy Gordon Cooper, Jr.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolution.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to
reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to
this matter be printed in the Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 470) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 470
Whereas Leroy Gordon Cooper, Jr., was born on March 6,
1927, in Shawnee, Oklahoma;
Whereas Gordon Cooper served as a colonel in the United
States Air Force and was selected as one of the original
Project Mercury astronauts in April of 1959;
Whereas the 7 original Project Mercury astronauts helped to
inspire generations of scientists and engineers;
Whereas, when Gordon Cooper piloted the Faith 7 spacecraft
on the final operational mission of Project Mercury from May
15 to May 16, 1963, he traveled a total of 546,167 statute
miles and became the first astronaut from the United States
to spend more than a day in space;
Whereas, when Gordon Cooper served as command pilot on the
8-day 120-orbit Gemini 5 mission that began on August 21,
1965, he and pilot Charles Conrad established a new space
endurance record by traveling a distance of 3,312,993 miles
in an elapsed time of 190 hours and 56 minutes;
Whereas Gordon Cooper was the first man to go into space
for a second time;
Whereas Gordon Cooper served as backup command pilot for
the Gemini 12 mission and as backup commander for the Apollo
10 flight;
Whereas Gordon Cooper logged 222 hours in space and retired
from the Air Force and the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration in 1970;
Whereas the special honors Gordon Cooper received during
his lifetime included the Air Force Distinguished Flying
Cross, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Distinguished Service Medal, and the John F. Kennedy Trophy;
and
Whereas Gordon Cooper passed away at his home in Ventura,
California, on October 4, 2004, at the age of 77: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate honors the life of astronaut
Leroy Gordon Cooper, Jr.
____________________
AUTHORIZING THE PRINTING OF TRIBUTES AND OTHER RELATED MATERIALS IN
HONOR OF THE LATE SENATOR PAUL SIMON
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 471, submitted
earlier today by Senator Durbin.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 471) authorizing the printing of
tributes and other related materials in honor of the late
Senator Paul Simon.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolution.
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, as we approach the first anniversary of
the death of Senator Paul Simon, I would like to take this opportunity
to pay tribute to my late friend and colleague.
At the age of 19, Paul Simon became the Nation's youngest editor-
publisher
[[Page 24029]]
when he accepted a Lion's Club challenge to save the Troy Tribune in
Troy, IL. From that start, he build a chain of 13 newspapers in
southern and central Illinois.
Paul Simon served the State of Illinois and the United States for
decades. He is the only individual to have served in both the Illinois
House of Representatives and the Illinois Senate, and the U.S. House of
Representatives and U.S. Senate.
Paul highly valued education and the youth of our Nation. In addition
to his work in Congress to strengthen public education in America, he
started the public affairs reporting program at Sangamon State
University, now the University of Illinois at Springfield. He later
became the founder and director of the Public Policy Institute at
Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, and taught there for
more than 6 years.
Weeks before his death, Paul made the rounds to Washington and the
editorial boards in Chicago. He was promoting an idea to create a new
scholarship program which would send American students overseas to
study and invite their foreign counterparts to come to America to
learn. As Paul explained it, this opportunity to learn would help an
often hostile world to understand us and help the next generation of
American leaders to understand the world we live in. It was Paul
Simon's long-term solution to the threat of terrorism: dialogue,
education and tolerance--the hallmarks of his public life. In a modest
way, we came through for him.
Earlier this year, this Congress established a commission to
recommend the framework for an international study abroad program for
college students. The program Senator Simon envisioned and worked so
hard to create was what he called the Lincoln Fellowships. The program
under development is designed to encourage and support the experience
of studying abroad in developing countries--in countries whose people,
culture, language, government, and religion might be very different
from ours.
Shortly after Paul's death, I introduced legislation to name the
Federal building located at 250 West Cherry Street in Carbondale, IL,
the ``Senator Paul Simon Federal Building.'' In May 2004, this bill was
signed into law. Naming this building in Carbondale after Paul Simon
will help present and future generations remember and honor a great man
who lived in and worked for the people of Southern Illinois and served
in our Federal Government with the greatest integrity.
From journalism to Government to education, Paul Simon set the
standard for honesty and caring in public life. Paul set a standard for
integrity in public life the rest of us can only aspire to. Whether you
agreed with his politics or not, you always knew you could trust Paul.
He didn't apologize for dedicating his public life to the less
fortunate. He believed and taught those of us who worked with him that
honesty and caring were the real standards for public service. He was
genuine in his politics, in his life, and in his values.
I wouldn't be a Senator today if it weren't for Paul Simon. He
believed in me, he inspired me, and he was a true friend.
Today I am introducing a resolution to authorize the printing of
tributes and other related materials in honor of Senator Simon. This
resolution will authorize the collection and printing of these
materials in an official Senate document. The compilation of the
tribute statements made by my Senate colleagues will serve as a lasting
testament to our former colleague.
Through these small measures, Congress has paid tribute to the
lasting legacy of our friend, Paul Simon. His dedication to public
service serves as an example for all Americans.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
resolution be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the
table, and that any statements relating thereto be printed in the
Record, without intervening action or debate.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 471) was agreed to, as follows:
S. Res. 471
Resolved, That there be printed as a Senate document a
compilation of tributes and other related materials
concerning the Honorable Paul Simon, late a Senator from the
State of Illinois.
____________________
FEDERAL RECOGNITION OF CONFEDERATED TRIBES COMMENDING INEZ SITTER FOR
HER SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Indian
Affairs Committee be discharged from further consideration and the
Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 423 and S.
Res. 441, en bloc.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk
will state the resolutions by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 441) expressing the sense of the
Senate that October 17, 1984, the date of the restoration by
the Federal Government of Federal recognition to the
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw
Indians, should be memorialized.
A resolution (S. Res. 423) commending Inez Sitter for her
service to the United States.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolutions, en bloc.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
resolutions be agreed to, en bloc, the preambles be agreed to, en bloc,
the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any
statements relating to the measures be printed in the Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolutions (S. Res. 441 and S. Res. 423) were agreed to, en
bloc.
The preambles were agreed to, en bloc.
The resolutions, with their preambles, read as follows:
S. Res. 441
Whereas the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Restoration Act
(25 U.S.C. 714 et seq.), which was signed by the President on
October 17, 1984, restored Federal recognition to the
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw
Indians;
Whereas the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and
Siuslaw Indians historically inhabited land now in the State
of Oregon, from Fivemile Point in the south to Tenmile Creek
in the north, west to the Pacific Ocean, then east to the
crest of the Coast Range, encompassing the watersheds of the
Coos River, the Umpqua River to Weatherly Creek, the Siuslaw
River, the coastal tributaries between Tenmile Creek and
Fivemile Point, and portions of the Coquille watershed;
Whereas in addition to restoring Federal recognition, that
Act and other Federal Indian statutes have provided the means
for the Confederated Tribes to achieve the goals of cultural
restoration, economic self-sufficiency, and the attainment of
a standard of living equivalent to that enjoyed by other
citizens of the United States;
Whereas by enacting the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw
Restoration Act (25 U.S.C. 714 et seq.), the Federal
Government--
(1) declared that the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower
Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians were eligible for all Federal
services and benefits provided to federally recognized
tribes;
(2) provided the means to establish a tribal reservation;
and
(3) granted the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua,
and Siuslaw Indians self-government for the betterment of
tribal members, including the ability to set tribal rolls;
Whereas the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and
Siuslaw Indians have embraced Federal recognition and self-
sufficiency statutes and are actively working to better the
lives of tribal members; and
Whereas economic self-sufficiency, which was the goal of
restoring Federal recognition for the Confederated Tribes of
Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, is being realized
through many projects: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that October
17, 1984, should be memorialized as the date on which the
Federal Government restored Federal recognition to the
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw
Indians.
S. Res. 423
Whereas the United States, and subsequently the Choctaw
Nation of Oklahoma, have operated a school at Hartshorne,
Oklahoma, called the Jones Academy for more than 100 years, a
facility that, since 1952, has provided residential services
to predominately at-risk children from more than 20 Indian
tribes throughout the United States who attend local, public
school academic classes;
[[Page 24030]]
Whereas for approximately half that time, Mrs. Inez Sitter
has been a vital part of that school and its efforts to
educate American Indian children;
Whereas Mrs. Sitter came to the school in an administrative
post in March of 1944 and progressed through various
administrative capacities to be the Administrative Assistant
at the school;
Whereas Mrs. Sitter formally retired from the Bureau of
Indian Affairs in 1983, after 39 years of service;
Whereas Mrs. Sitter immediately thereafter assumed the
position as the Study Hall/Tutorial Coordinator for Jones
Academy, the Library Services Coordinator, and the Director
of the critically important Foster Grandparents program at
the school, positions she has held to this day;
Whereas Mrs. Sitter, who is a member of many civic
organizations, including the Hartshorne Edgewood United
Methodist Church, the Daughters of the American Revolution,
and the American Legion Auxiliary, is known throughout the
community for her extra work with students, including
mentoring, tutoring, and preparation of homework and term
assignments;
Whereas for such work she gained a position of advocate for
the children of Jones Academy and the de facto position of
liaison with the local public school in Hartshorne;
Whereas Mrs. Sitter, who resided with her family on campus,
became a surrogate parent for hundreds of Jones Academy
children;
Whereas Mrs. Sitter has been described by a colleague as
``87 years young, and only 95 pounds, but with 60 years of
service to the children of Jones Academy and the people of
Hartshorne, the State of Oklahoma, and these United States'';
and
Whereas the Bureau of Indian Affairs, recognizing her
selfless and outstanding contributions, awarded Mrs. Sitter
its Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Assistant
Secretary Dave Anderson on August 3, 2004: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved, That the Senate commends Mrs. Inez Sitter for her
outstanding service to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the
State of Oklahoma, and the United States.
____________________
ELDER FALLS PREVENTION ACT OF 2003
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 785, S. 1217.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will state the bill by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A bill (S. 1217) to direct the Secretary of Health and
Human Services to expand and intensify programs with respect
to research and related activities concerning elder falls.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill,
which was reported from the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions, with an amendment and an amendment to the title, as follows:
(Strike the part printed in black brackets and insert the part
printed in italic.)
S. 1217
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
[SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
[This Act may be cited as the ``Elder Fall Prevention Act
of 2003''.
[SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
[The Congress finds as follows:
[(1) Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among
individuals who are over 65 years of age.
[(2) By 2030, the population of individuals who are 65
years of age or older will double. By 2050, the population of
individuals who are 85 years of age or older will quadruple.
[(3) In 2000, falls among elderly individuals accounted for
10,200 deaths and 1,600,000 emergency department visits.
[(4) Sixty percent of fall-related deaths occur among
individuals who are 75 years of age or older.
[(5) Twenty-five percent of elderly persons who sustain a
hip fracture die within 1 year.
[(6) Hospital admissions for hip fractures among the
elderly have increased from 231,000 admissions in 1988 to
332,000 in 1999. The number of hip fractures is expected to
exceed 500,000 by 2040.
[(7) Annually, more than 64,000 individuals who are over 65
years of age sustain a traumatic brain injury as a result of
a fall.
[(8) Annually, 40,000 individuals who are over 65 years of
age visit emergency departments with traumatic brain injuries
suffered as a result of a fall, of which 16,000 of these
individual are hospitalized and 4,000 of these individuals
die.
[(9) The rate of fall-induced traumatic brain injuries for
individual who are 80 years of age or older increased by 60
percent from 1989 to 1998.
[(10) The estimated total cost for non-fatal traumatic
brain injury-related hospitalizations for falls in
individuals who are 65 years of age or older is more than
$3,250,000,000. Two-thirds of these costs occurred among
individual who were 75 years of age or older.
[(11) The costs to the Medicare and Medicaid programs and
society as a whole from falls by elderly persons continue to
climb much faster than inflation and population growth.
Direct costs alone will exceed $32,000,000,000 in 2020.
[(12) The Federal Government should devote additional
resources to research regarding the prevention and treatment
of falls in residential as well as institutional settings.
[(13) A national approach to reducing elder falls, which
focuses on the daily life of senior citizens in residential,
institutional, and community settings is needed. The approach
should include a wide range of organizations and individuals
including family members, health care providers, social
workers, architects, employers and others.
[(14) Reducing preventable adverse events, such as elder
falls, is an important aspect to the agenda to improve
patient safety.
[SEC. 3. AMENDMENT TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT.
[Title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
[``PART R--PREVENTION OF ELDER FALLS
[``SEC. 399AA. PURPOSES
[``The purposes of this title are--
[``(1) to develop effective public education strategies in
a national initiative to reduce elder falls in order to
educate the elders themselves, family members, employers,
caregivers, and others who touch the lives of senior
citizens;
[``(2) to expand needed services and conduct research to
determine the most effective approaches to preventing and
treating elder falls; and
[``(3) to require the Secretary to evaluate the effect of
falls on the costs of medicare and medicaid and the potential
for reducing costs by expanding education, prevention, and
elderly intervention services covered under these two
programs.
[``SEC. 399AA-1. PUBLIC EDUCATION.
[``Subject to the availability of appropriations, the
Administration on Aging within the Department of Health and
Human Services shall--
[``(1) oversee and support a three-year national education
campaign to be carried out by the National Safety Council to
be directed principally to elders, their families, and health
care providers and focusing on ways of reducing the risk of
elder falls and preventing repeat falls; and
[``(2) provide grants to qualified organizations and
institutions for the purpose of organizing State-level
coalitions of appropriate State and local agencies, safety,
health, senior citizen and other organizations to design and
carry out local education campaigns, focusing on ways of
reducing the risk of elder falls and preventing repeat falls.
[``SEC. 399AA-2. RESEARCH.
[``(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations, the Secretary shall--
[``(1) conduct and support research to--
[``(A) improve the identification of elders who have a high
risk of falling;
[``(B) improve data collection and analysis to identify
fall risk and protective factors;
[``(C) design, implement, and evaluate fall prevention
interventions to identify the most effective of the numerous
potential strategies available;
[``(D) improve strategies that are proven to be effective
in reducing falls by tailoring these strategies to specific
elderly populations;
[``(E) conduct research in order to maximize the
dissemination of proven, effective fall prevention
interventions;
[``(F) expand proven interventions to prevent elder falls;
[``(G) improve the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation
of elderly fall victims; and
[``(H) assess the risk of falls occurring in various
settings;
[``(2) conduct research concerning barriers to the adoption
of proven interventions with respect to the prevention of
elder falls (such as medication review and vision
enhancement);
[``(3) conduct research to develop, implement, and evaluate
the most effective approaches to reducing falls among very
high risk elders living in nursing homes, assisted living,
and other types of long-term care facilities; and
[``(4) evaluate the effectiveness of community programs to
prevent assisted living and nursing home falls by elders.
[``(b) Administration.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
Secretary shall--
[``(1) conduct research and surveillance activities among
community-dwelling and institutionalized elders through the
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
[``(2) conduct research related to elder fall prevention in
health care delivery settings and clinical treatment and
rehabilitation of elderly fall victims through the Director
of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; and
[``(3) ensure the coordination of the activities described
in paragraphs (1) and (2).
[``(c) Grants.--The Secretary shall award grants to
qualified organizations and institutions to enable such
organizations and institutions to provide professional
education for physicians and allied health professionals in
elder fall prevention.
[[Page 24031]]
[``SEC. 399AA-3. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.
[``Subject to the availability of appropriations, the
Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention and in consultation with the
Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality,
shall carry out the following:
[``(1) Oversee and support demonstration and research
projects to be carried out by the National Safety Council and
other qualified organizations in the following areas:
[``(A) A multi-State demonstration project assessing the
utility of targeted fall risk screening and referral
programs.
[``(B) Programs designed for community-dwelling elderly
individuals that shall utilize multi-component fall
intervention approaches, including physical activity,
medication assessment and reduction when possible, vision
enhancement, and home modification strategies.
[``(C) Programs targeting newly-discharged fall victims who
are at a high risk for second falls, which shall include
modification projects available to various living settings
(in accordance with accepted building codes and standards)
and which are designed to maximize independence and quality
of life for elders, particularly those elders with functional
limitations.
[``(D) Private sector and public-private partnerships to
develop technology to prevent falls and prevent or reduce
injuries if falls occur.
[``(2)(A) Provide grants to qualified organizations and
institutions to design, implement, and evaluate fall
prevention programs using proven intervention strategies in
residential and institutional settings.
[``(B) Provide one or more grants to one or more qualified
applicants in order to carry out a multi-State demonstration
project to implement and evaluate fall prevention programs
using proven intervention strategies designed for multi-
family residential settings with high concentrations of
elders, including identifying high risk populations,
evaluating residential facilities, conducting screening to
identify high risk individuals, providing pre-fall
counseling, coordinating services with health care and social
service providers and coordinating post-fall treatment and
rehabilitation.
[``(C) Provide one or more grants to qualified applicants
to conduct evaluations of the effectiveness of the
demonstration projects in this section.
[``SEC. 399AA-4. REVIEW OF REIMBURSEMENT POLICIES.
[``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall undertake a review
of the effects of falls on the costs of the medicare and
medicaid programs and the potential for reducing costs by
expanding services covered by these two programs. This review
shall include a review of the reimbursement policies of the
medicare and medicaid programs in order to determine if
additional fall-related education, prevention, and early
prevention services should be covered or reimbursement
guidelines should be modified.
[``(b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this title, the Secretary shall submit to
the Congress a report describing the findings of the
Secretary in conducting the review under subsection (a).
[``SEC. 399AA-5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATION.
[``In order to carry out this title, there are authorized
to be appropriated--
[``(1) to carry out the national public education
provisions described in section 399AA-1(1), $5,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2004 through 2006;
[``(2) to carry out the State public education campaign
provisions of section 399AA-1(2), $8,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2004 through 2006;
[``(3) to carry out research projects described in section
399AA-2, $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through
2006;
[``(4) to carry out the demonstration projects described in
section 399AA-3(1), $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004
through 2006; and
[``(5) to carry out the demonstration and research projects
described in section 399AA-3(2), $8,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2004 through 2006.''.]
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Keeping Seniors Safe From
Falls Act of 2004''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among
individuals who are over 65 years of age.
(2) In 2000, falls among older adults accounted for 10,200
deaths and 1,600,000 emergency department visits.
(3) Hospital admissions for hip fractures among the elderly
have increased from 231,000 admissions in 1988 to 332,000 in
1999.
(4) Annually, more than 64,000 individuals who are over 65
years of age sustain a traumatic brain injury as a result of
a fall.
(5) The total cost of all fall injuries for people age 65
and older was calculated in 1994 to be $27,300,000,000 (in
2004 dollars).
(6) A national approach to reducing falls among older
adults, which focuses on the daily life of senior citizens in
residential, institutional, and community settings, is
needed.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT.
Part J of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 280b et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 393B (as added by section 1401
of Public Law 106-386) as section 393C and transferring such
section so that it appears after section 393B (as added by
section 1301 of Public Law 106-310); and
(2) by inserting after section 393C (as redesignated by
paragraph (1)) the following:
``SEC. 393D. PREVENTION OF FALLS AMONG OLDER ADULTS.
``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
``(1) to develop effective public education strategies in a
national initiative to reduce falls among older adults in
order to educate older adults, family members, employers,
caregivers, and others;
``(2) to intensify services and conduct research to
determine the most effective approaches to preventing and
treating falls among older adults; and
``(3) to require the Secretary to evaluate the effect of
falls on health care costs, the potential for reducing falls,
and the most effective strategies for reducing health care
costs associated with falls.
``(b) Public Education.--The Secretary shall--
``(1) oversee and support a national education campaign to
be carried out by a nonprofit organization with experience in
designing and implementing national injury prevention
programs, that is directed principally to older adults, their
families, and health care providers, and that focuses on
reducing falls among older adults and preventing repeat
falls; and
``(2) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to
qualified organizations, institutions, or consortia of
qualified organizations and institutions, for the purpose of
organizing State-level coalitions of appropriate State and
local agencies, safety, health, senior citizen, and other
organizations to design and carry out local education
campaigns, focusing on reducing falls among older adults and
preventing repeat falls.
``(c) Research.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) conduct and support research to--
``(i) improve the identification of older adults who have a
high risk of falling;
``(ii) improve data collection and analysis to identify
fall risk and protective factors;
``(iii) design, implement, and evaluate the most effective
fall prevention interventions;
``(iv) improve strategies that are proven to be effective
in reducing falls by tailoring these strategies to specific
populations of older adults;
``(v) conduct research in order to maximize the
dissemination of proven, effective fall prevention
interventions;
``(vi) intensify proven interventions to prevent falls
among older adults;
``(vii) improve the diagnosis, treatment, and
rehabilitation of elderly fall victims; and
``(viii) assess the risk of falls occurring in various
settings;
``(B) conduct research concerning barriers to the adoption
of proven interventions with respect to the prevention of
falls among older adults;
``(C) conduct research to develop, implement, and evaluate
the most effective approaches to reducing falls among high-
risk older adults living in long-term care facilities; and
``(D) evaluate the effectiveness of community programs to
prevent assisted living and nursing home falls among older
adults.
``(2) Educational support.--The Secretary, either directly
or through awarding grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements to qualified organizations, institutions, or
consortia of qualified organizations and institutions, shall
provide professional education for physicians and allied
health professionals in fall prevention.
``(d) Demonstration Projects.--The Secretary shall carry
out the following:
``(1) Oversee and support demonstration and research
projects to be carried out by qualified organizations,
institutions, or consortia of qualified organizations and
institutions, in the following areas:
``(A) A multistate demonstration project assessing the
utility of targeted fall risk screening and referral
programs.
``(B) Programs designed for community-dwelling older adults
that utilize multicomponent fall intervention approaches,
including physical activity, medication assessment and
reduction when possible, vision enhancement, and home
modification strategies.
``(C) Programs that are targeted to newly discharged fall
victims who are at a high risk for second falls and which are
designed to maximize independence and quality of life for
older adults, particularly those older adults with functional
limitations.
``(D) Private sector and public-private partnerships to
develop technology to prevent falls among older adults and
prevent or reduce injuries if falls occur.
``(2)(A) Award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements
to qualified organizations, institutions, or consortia of
qualified organizations and institutions, to design,
implement, and evaluate fall prevention programs using proven
intervention strategies in residential and institutional
settings.
``(B) Award 1 or more grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements to 1 or more qualified organizations,
institutions, or consortia of qualified organizations and
institutions, in order to carry out a multistate
demonstration project to implement and evaluate fall
prevention programs using proven intervention strategies
designed for multifamily residential settings with high
concentrations of older adults, including--
[[Page 24032]]
``(i) identifying high-risk populations;
``(ii) evaluating residential facilities;
``(iii) conducting screening to identify high-risk
individuals;
``(iv) providing pre-fall counseling;
``(v) coordinating services with health care and social
service providers; and
``(vi) coordinating post-fall treatment and rehabilitation.
``(3) Award 1 or more grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements to qualified organizations, institutions, or
consortia of qualified organizations and institutions, to
conduct evaluations of the effectiveness of the demonstration
projects described in this subsection.
``(e) Study of Effects of Falls on Health Care Costs.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a review of
the effects of falls on health care costs, the potential for
reducing falls, and the most effective strategies for
reducing health care costs associated with falls.
``(2) Report.--Not later than 36 months after the date of
enactment of the Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2004,
the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing
the findings of the Secretary in conducting the review under
paragraph (1).''.
Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to direct the
Secretary of Health and Human Services to intensify programs
with respect to research and related activities concerning
falls among older adults.''.
Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I am pleased that today the Senate will
pass the Keeping Seniors Safe from Falls Act of 2004 (S. 1217) that
Senator Enzi and I introduced. Falls are a serious public health
problem that affects millions of seniors each year. This bill focuses
on public education, research, and demonstration projects to help
reduce falls by older adults.
The facts are staggering. One out of every three Americans over age
65 falls every year. In 2000, over 10,200 seniors died and
approximately 1.6 million seniors visited an emergency department as a
result of a fall. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among
seniors, accounting for 64,000 traumatic brain injuries and 340,000 hip
fractures each year. Falls can be financially disastrous for families,
and falls place a serious financial strain on our health care system.
By 2020, falls by older adults are estimated to cost the health care
system more than $32 billion.
These facts do not begin to tell the story of what falls can mean for
older adults and their loved ones. Falls don't discriminate. Kay Graham
was the victim of a fall. Many of us have friends or relatives who have
fallen. A fall can have a devastating impact on a person's physical,
emotional, and mental health. If an older woman loses her footing on
her front porch steps, falls, and suffers a hip fracture, she would
likely spend about two weeks in the hospital, and there is a 50 percent
chance that she would not return home or live independently as a result
of her injuries.
Two years ago, I chaired a hearing of the Subcommittee on Aging on
the problem of falls among older adults. The subcommittee heard
testimony from Lillie Marie Struchen, a 91-year-old woman who had
recently fallen in her bathroom when she slipped on the tile. Lillie
Marie could not reach the panic button in her apartment, and it took
her some time before she could get to her feet and call for help.
Lillie Marie was lucky. She recovered from her fall and returned to her
normal routines. She shared with the subcommittee some steps that she
and her family have taken to prevent future falls, knowing that she may
not be so lucky next time.
These falls, like the ones that Lillie Marie and thousands of others
suffer from each year, can be prevented. With some help, there are
simple ways that seniors can improve the safety of their homes and make
a fall far less likely. Home modifications like hand rails in the
bathroom, rubber mats on slippery tile floors, and cordless telephones
that seniors can keep nearby can make a big difference. Well-trained
pharmacists can review medications to make sure that two drugs do not
interact to cause dizziness and throw a senior off balance.
That's what this legislation is about--getting behind our Nation's
seniors and giving help to those who practice self-help. This bill
creates public education campaigns for older adults, their families,
and health care providers about how to prevent falls. It expands
research on falls by older adults to develop better ways to prevent
falls and to improve the treatment and rehabilitation of elder victims.
This legislation also requires an evaluation of the effect of falls on
health care costs, the potential for reducing falls, and the potential
for reducing health care costs associated with falls.
Reducing the number of falls will help seniors live longer,
healthier, more independent lives. I want to acknowledge the leadership
of the National Safety Council on this issue. I also thank Senator Enzi
for working with me in such a bipartisan manner to move this bill
forward. The support of Senator Gregg and Senator Kennedy was also
vital in getting this bill through the Senate. I hope that our
colleagues in the House will take swift action to pass this important
bill this year.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the committee
amendment be agreed to, the bill, as amended, be read a third time and
passed, the amendment to the title be agreed to, the motion to
reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to
the bill be printed in the Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute was agreed to.
The bill (S. 1217), as amended, was read the third time and passed.
The title was amended so as to read:
A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services
to intensify programs with respect to research and related
activities concerning falls among older adults.
____________________
HONORING THE 10 COMMUNITIES RECEIVING THE 2004 ALL-AMERICAN CITY AWARD
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the immediate consideration of H. Con. Res 464.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will state the concurrent resolution
by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 464) honoring the 10
communities selected to receive the 2004 All-American City
Award.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
concurrent resolution.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to
reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to
the resolution be printed in the Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 464) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
____________________
NATIONAL DAY OF THE HORSE
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. Res.
452 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk
will report the resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 452) designating December 13, 2004,
as ``National Day of the Horse'' and encouraging the people
of the United States to be mindful of the contribution of
horses to the economy, history, and character of the United
States.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolution.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to
reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to
this resolution be printed in the Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 452) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 452
Whereas the horse is a living link to the history of the
United States;
Whereas without horses, the economy, history, and character
of the United States would be profoundly different;
[[Page 24033]]
Whereas horses continue to permeate the society of the
United States, as witnessed on movie screens, on open land,
and in our own backyards;
Whereas horses are a vital part of the collective
experience of the United States and deserve protection and
compassion;
Whereas because of increasing pressure from modern society,
wild and domestic horses rely on humans for adequate food,
water, and shelter; and
Whereas the Congressional Horse Caucus estimates that the
horse industry contributes much more than $100,000,000,000
each year to the economy of the United States: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates December 13, 2004, as ``National Day of the
Horse'', in recognition of the importance of horses to the
security, economy, recreation, and heritage of the United
States;
(2) encourages all people of the United States to be
mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy,
history, and character of the United States; and
(3) requests that the President issue a proclamation
calling on the people of the United States and interested
organizations to observe the day with appropriate programs
and activities.
____________________
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ALEXANDER HAMILTON
______
NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL DAY
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that it be in
order for the Judiciary Committee to be discharged from further
consideration en bloc of the following and the Senate proceed en bloc
to their immediate consideration: S. Con. Res. 123 and S. Res. 436.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
concurrent resolution and resolution be agreed to, en bloc, the
preambles be agreed to, en bloc, and that any statements relating to
the measures be printed in the Record, and the consideration of these
items appear separately, with no intervening action or debate.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 123) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution (S. Res. 436) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolutions, with their preambles, read as follows:
S. Con. Res. 123
Whereas Alexander Hamilton dedicated his life to serving
his adopted country as a Revolutionary soldier, aide-de-camp
to General George Washington, Representative to the
Continental Congress, member of the New York State Assembly,
first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, and
Inspector General of the Army;
Whereas Alexander Hamilton was a poor teenage immigrant to
New York from the West Indian Islands of Nevis and St. Croix;
Whereas in the early days of the Revolutionary War
Alexander Hamilton was commissioned as a captain and raised
and trained his own New York artillery regiment and served
valiantly in the battles of Long Island and Manhattan;
Whereas Alexander Hamilton quickly captured the attention
of General George Washington who made him his aide-de-camp
and confidant throughout the most difficult days of the
Revolutionary War;
Whereas in 1781, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton of
the Continental Army led a bold attack of New York troops
during the siege of Yorktown, the decisive and final battle
of the Revolutionary War;
Whereas in 1782, Alexander Hamilton was elected as a member
of the Continental Congress from New York;
Whereas as a private citizen Alexander Hamilton served many
philanthropic causes and was a co-founder of the New York
Manumission Society, the first abolitionist organization in
New York and a major influence on the abolition of slavery
from the State;
Whereas Alexander Hamilton was a strong and consistent
advocate against slavery and believed that Blacks and Whites
were equal citizens and equal in their mental and physical
faculties;
Whereas Alexander Hamilton was one of the first members of
the founding generation to call for a convention to
drastically revise the Articles of Confederation;
Whereas Alexander Hamilton joined James Madison in
Annapolis, Maryland in 1786 to officially request that the
States call a constitutional convention;
Whereas Alexander Hamilton was elected as a delegate to the
Constitutional Convention of 1787 from New York, where he
played an influential role and was the only delegate from New
York to sign the Constitution;
Whereas Alexander Hamilton was the primary author of the
Federalist Papers, the single most influential interpretation
of American constitutional law ever written;
Whereas Alexander Hamilton was the most important
individual force in achieving the ratification of the
Constitution in New York against the strong opposition of
many of the delegates to the ratifying convention;
Whereas Alexander Hamilton was the leading voice of the
founding generation in support of the controversial doctrine
of judicial review, which is the backbone for the role of the
Supreme Court in the constitutional system of the United
States;
Whereas on September 11, 1789, Alexander Hamilton was
appointed by President George Washington to be the first
Secretary of the Treasury;
Whereas as Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton
salvaged the public credit, created the first Bank of the
United States, and outlined the basic economic vision of a
mixed agricultural and manufacturing society supported by a
strong financial system that would underlie the great
economic expansion of the United States for the next 2
centuries;
Whereas Alexander Hamilton was the leading proponent among
the Founding Fathers of encouraging a strong manufacturing
base for the United States in order to create good paying
middle-class jobs and encourage a society built on merit
rather than class or skin color;
Whereas in pursuit of this vision Alexander Hamilton
founded The Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures
which in turn founded the town of Paterson, New Jersey, one
of the first industrial centers of the United States;
Whereas Alexander Hamilton proposed and oversaw the
creation of the Coast Guard for law enforcement in
territorial waters of the United States;
Whereas in 1798, President John Adams called upon Alexander
Hamilton to raise an army in preparation for a possible war
with France and, as Inspector General of the Army, he trained
a powerful force of well-equipped soldiers who were able to
help deter war at this vulnerable stage in the founding of
the United States;
Whereas throughout the founding era Alexander Hamilton was
the leading advocate of a strong national union led by an
efficient Federal Government with significant protections for
individual liberties;
Whereas on July 11, 1804, Alexander Hamilton was fatally
wounded in a duel in Weehawken, New Jersey at the hands of
Vice President Aaron Burr; and
Whereas Alexander Hamilton died in Manhattan on July 12,
1804, and was eulogized across the country as one of the
leading visionaries of the founding era: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
concurring), That Congress--
(1) honors the great importance of the life and legacy of
Alexander Hamilton to the United States of America on the
bicentennial of his death;
(2) recognizes the tremendous significance of the
contributions of Alexander Hamilton to the United States as a
soldier, citizen, and statesman; and
(3) urges the people of the United States to share in this
commemoration so as to gain a greater appreciation of the
critical role that Alexander Hamilton had in defense of
America's freedom and the founding of the United States.
S. Res. 436
Whereas approximately 80,000 infants, children, teenagers,
and young adults of families living throughout the United
States die each year from myriad causes;
Whereas the death of an infant, child, teenager, or young
adult of a family is considered to be one of the greatest
tragedies that a prevent or family will ever endure during a
lifetime;
Whereas a supportive environment, empathy, and
understanding are considered critical factors in the healing
process of a family that is coping with and recovering from
the loss of a loved one; and
Whereas April is National Child Abuse Prevention month:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved,
SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL DAY.
The Senate--
(1) designates the second Sunday in the month of December
2004 as ``National Children's Memorial Day''; and
(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation
calling upon the people of the United States to observe
``National Children's Memorial Day'' with appropriate
ceremonies and activities in remembrance of the many infants,
children, teenagers, and young adults of families in the
United States who have died.
____________________
FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROSE REVOLUTION
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 472, which was
submitted earlier today by Senator McCain.
[[Page 24034]]
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 472) to honor the people of Georgia
on the first anniversary of the Rose Revolution.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolution.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to
reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to
the resolution be printed in the Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 472) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 472
Whereas, on November 23, 2004, the people of Georgia will
celebrate the first anniversary of the Rose Revolution, the
peaceful and bloodless protests that followed parliamentary
elections deemed to be fraudulent;
Whereas following the resignation of President Eduard
Shevardnadze, Interim President Nino Burdzhanadze worked
diligently to restore order and to prepare Georgia for a new
Presidential election;
Whereas after a free, fair, and democratic election was
held, Mikheil Saakashvili was sworn into office on January
25, 2004, as President of Georgia;
Whereas President Saakashvili visited the United States
Congress earlier this year and delivered a strong message of
peace, stability, democracy, political reform, and economic
opportunity;
Whereas Georgia is a small but strategically situated
country located in the Caucasus, and is of additional
interest to the United States because of the oil and gas
pipelines now being constructed from Baku, Azerbaijan to the
port of Ceyhan, Turkey;
Whereas Georgia has also become a key player in the global
war on terrorism by combating members of al Qaeda and other
Muslim terrorist organizations, denying them sanctuary in
remote areas such as the Pankisi Gorge, and working with the
United States to help train border guards;
Whereas Georgia has recently increased its commitment of
troops in Iraq and its contributions to help build peace and
democracy in Afghanistan and Kosovo;
Whereas the United States supports Georgia's efforts to
peacefully reestablish government control, security, and
political stability in regions such as Abkhazia and South
Ossetia;
Whereas the United States congratulates the Government of
Georgia on the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Adjara
and welcomes the restoration of democracy and political
stability in that region; and
Whereas the United States supports representative
democracy, political stability, economic growth, and peace in
Georgia and throughout the Caucasus region: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved, that the Senate--
(1) congratulates the people of Georgia on the first
anniversary of the Rose Revolution, the peaceful and
bloodless protests that followed parliamentary elections
deemed to be fraudulent, and for their commitment to
democracy, peace, stability, and economic opportunity;
(2) commends President Mikheil Saakashvili for his vision
of, and commitment to, a peaceful and democratic Georgia, the
rule of law, an open market economy, regional cooperation,
and closer integration into western institutions;
(3) supports the sovereignty, independence, territorial
integrity, and democratic government of Georgia; and
(4) supports continued assistance to the people and
Government of Georgia to help them consolidate the democratic
process in their country.
____________________
URGING THE GOVERNMENT OF UKRAINE TO ENSURE A DEMOCRATIC, TRANSPARENT,
AND FAIR ELECTION PROCESS
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 473, which was
submitted earlier today by Senator McCain.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 473) urging the Government of Ukraine
to ensure a democratic, transparent, and fair election
process for the Presidential run-off election on November 21,
2004.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolution.
Mr. McCONNELL. I ask unanimous consent the resolution be agreed to,
the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid on the
table, and any statements relating to this matter be printed in the
Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 473) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 473
Whereas the establishment of a democratic, transparent, and
fair election process for the 2004 Presidential election in
Ukraine and of a genuinely democratic political system are
prerequisites for that country's full integration into the
Western community of nations as an equal member, including
into organizations such as the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO);
Whereas the Government of Ukraine has accepted numerous
specific commitments governing the conduct of elections as a
participating state of the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), including provisions of the
Copenhagen Document;
Whereas the election of Ukraine's next President will
provide an unambiguous test of the extent of the Ukrainian
authorities commitment to implement these standards and build
a democratic society based on free elections and the rule of
law;
Whereas the second round of the Presidential election takes
place against the backdrop of past elections and
improprieties in the first round of the election, which did
not fully meet international standards;
Whereas it is the duty of government and public authorities
of Ukraine at all levels to act in a manner consistent with
all laws and regulations governing election procedures, and
to ensure free and fair elections throughout the entire
country, including preventing activities aimed at undermining
the free exercise of political rights;
Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires a
period of political campaigning conducted in an environment
in which administrative action, violence, intimidation, or
detention do not hinder the parties, political associations,
and the candidates from presenting their views and
qualifications to the citizenry, including organizing
supporters, conducting public meetings and events throughout
the country, and enjoying unimpeded access to television,
radio, print, and Internet media on a non-discriminatory
basis;
Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires that
citizens be guaranteed the right and effective opportunity to
exercise their civil and political rights, including the
right to vote and the right to seek and acquire information
upon which to make an informed vote, free from intimidation,
undue influence, attempts at vote buying, threats of
political retribution, or other forms of coercion by national
or local authorities or others;
Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires
government and public authorities to ensure that candidates
and political parties enjoy equal treatment before the law
and that government resources are not employed to the
advantage of individual candidates or political parties;
Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires the
full transparency of laws and regulations governing
elections, multiparty representation on election commissions,
and unobstructed access by candidates, political parties, and
domestic and international observers to all election
procedures, including voting and vote counting in all areas
of the country;
Whereas increasing control and manipulation of the media by
national and local officials and others acting at their
behest raise grave concerns regarding the commitment of the
Ukrainian authorities to free and fair elections;
Whereas efforts by the national authorities in Ukraine to
limit access to international broadcasting, including Radio
Liberty and the Voice of America, represent an unacceptable
infringement on the right of the Ukrainian people to
independent information;
Whereas efforts by national and local officials of Ukraine
and others acting at their behest to impose obstacles to free
assembly, free speech, and a free and fair political campaign
have taken place in Donetsk, Sumy, and elsewhere in Ukraine
without condemnation or remedial action by the Government of
Ukraine;
Whereas numerous substantial irregularities have taken
place in recent Ukrainian parliamentary by-elections in the
Donetsk region and in mayoral elections in Mukacheve, Romny,
and Krasniy Luch;
Whereas intimidation, violence, and fraud during the April
18, 2004, mayoral election in Mukacheve, Ukraine, represent a
deliberate attack on the democratic process;
Whereas in the period leading to the first round of the
Presidential election, the government power structures used
state resources such as schools, state factories, hospitals,
and public transport systems to force students, state
workers, and citizens who rely on state services for their
livelihood to
[[Page 24035]]
campaign against their will for the government-backed
candidate;
Whereas there was notable partisan engagement of security
services, military, and local police in support of the
government-backed candidate;
Whereas there was a failure of national and local state-
owned and private electronic media to provide impartial and
fair coverage of, or access to, opposition candidates;
Whereas some election commission members affiliated with
opposition candidates were dismissed from their duties just
prior to election day;
Whereas there was collaboration with a foreign government
to allow a foreign President to appear in Ukraine and express
his opinions on one of the candidates just days before
election day, in an effort to influence the vote, and a
military parade, which was held in Kyiv 3 days prior to the
election, was clearly an effort to intimidate voters; and
Whereas in the first round of the Presidential election in
Ukraine that occurred on October 31, 2004, international
observers noted fraud and other significant problems,
including poorly maintained voter lists, which resulted in
people being denied their right to vote, as well as many
additional names on voter rolls for which no accounting could
be made, prevalent interference by unauthorized persons into
the electoral process, and credible reports of busing of
voters among oblasts and polling stations for the purpose of
multiple voting: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) acknowledges and welcomes the strong relationship
formed between the United States and Ukraine since the
restoration of Ukraine's independence in 1991;
(2) recognizes that a precondition for the full integration
of Ukraine into the Western community of nations, including
as an equal member in institutions such as the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (NATO), is its establishment of a
genuinely democratic political system;
(3) expresses its strong and continuing support for the
efforts of the Ukrainian people to establish a full
democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights in
Ukraine;
(4) urges the Government of Ukraine to guarantee freedom of
association and assembly, including the right of candidates,
members of political parties, and others to freely assemble,
to organize and conduct public events, and to exercise these
and other rights free from intimidation or harassment by
local or national officials or others acting at their behest;
(5) urges the Government of Ukraine to meet its
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
commitments on democratic elections and to address issues
previously identified by the Office of Democratic
Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the OSCE in its
final reports on the 2002 parliamentary elections and the
1999 Presidential elections, such as illegal interference by
public authorities in the campaign and a high degree of bias
in the media;
(6) urges the Ukrainian authorities to ensure--
(A) the full transparency of election procedures before,
during, and after the second round of the 2004 Presidential
election;
(B) free access for Ukrainian and international election
observers;
(C) multiparty representation on all election commissions;
(D) unimpeded access by all parties and candidates to
print, radio, television, and Internet media on a non-
discriminatory basis;
(E) freedom of candidates, members of opposition parties,
and independent media organizations from intimidation or
harassment by government officials at all levels, including
selective tax audits and other regulatory procedures, and in
the case of media, license revocations, and libel suits;
(F) a transparent process for complaint and appeals through
electoral commissions and within the court system that
provides timely and effective remedies;
(G) vigorous prosecution of any individual or organization
responsible for violations of election laws or regulations,
including the application of appropriate administrative or
criminal penalties;
(H) remedies to all improprieties reported in the first
round of the Presidential election in Ukraine, including--
(i) the replacement at a polling station of any Territorial
Election Commission member found to have engaged in fraud;
(ii) a complete review of voter lists in each polling
station in order to correct inaccuracies;
(iii) equal time on state media and equal access to private
media for the two runoff candidates; and
(iv) immediate prosecution of individuals who have violated
the election law;
(7) further calls upon the Government of Ukraine to
guarantee election monitors from the ODIHR, other
participating states of the OSCE, Ukrainian political
parties, representatives of candidates, nongovernmental
organizations, and other private institutions and
organizations, both foreign and domestic, unobstructed access
to all aspects of the election process, including unimpeded
access to public campaign events, candidates, news media,
voting, and post-election tabulation of results and
processing of election challenges and complaints;
(8) urges the President to fully employ the diplomatic and
other resources of the Government of the United States to
encourage the Government of Ukraine to ensure that the
election laws and procedures of Ukraine are faithfully
adhered to by all local and national officials, by others
acting at their behest, and by all candidates and parties,
during and subsequent to the Presidential campaign and
election-day voting;
(9) strongly encourages the President to clearly
communicate to the Government of Ukraine, to all parties and
candidates in Ukraine, and to the people of Ukraine the high
importance attached by the Government of the United States to
this Presidential campaign as a central factor in determining
the future relationship between the two countries;
(10) strongly encourages the President to consider visa
bans and other targeted sanctions on those responsible for
encouraging or participating in any efforts to improperly
influence the outcome of the election, whether through direct
or indirect involvement; and
(11) pledges its enduring support and assistance to the
people of Ukraine for the establishment of a fully free and
open democratic system, the creation of a prosperous free
market economy, the establishment of a secure independence
and freedom from coercion, and Ukraine's assumption of its
rightful place as a full and equal member of the Western
community of democracies.
____________________
ORDER FOR PRINTING MAIDEN SPEECHES
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that all maiden
speeches by new Senators from the 108th Congress be printed as a Senate
document, provided further that Senators have until the close of
business tomorrow, Friday, November 19, to submit such statements.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
ORDER FOR PRINTING TRIBUTES TO RETIRING SENATORS
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that there be
printed as individual Senate documents, a compilation of materials from
the Congressional Record in tribute to retiring Senators of the 108th
Congress.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
EXECUTIVE SESSION
______
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Mr. McCONNELL. I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to
executive session to consider the following nominations: No. 940, No.
941, and all nominations on the Secretary's desk in the Navy.
I ask unanimous consent the nominations be confirmed en bloc, the
motions to reconsider be laid on the table, and the President be
immediately notified of the Senate's action.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The nominations considered and confirmed en bloc are as follows:
En Bloc
IN THE AIR FORCE
The following named officers for appointment in the United
States Air Force to the grade indicated under title 10,
U.S.C., section 624:
To be major general
Brigadier General John H. Folkerts
The following named officer for appointment in the United
States Air Force to the grade indicated while assigned to a
position of importance and responsibility under title 10,
U.S.C., section 601:
To be lieutenant general
Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Wright
Nominations Placed on the Secretary's Desk
IN THE NAVY
PN2021 NAVY nominations (457) beginning ARMAND P ABAD, and
ending MATTHEW P ZENTZ, which nominations were received by
the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of
October 7, 2004.
____________________
NOMINATIONS PLACED ON THE CALENDAR
Mr. McCONNELL. I further ask unanimous consent that the following
[[Page 24036]]
nominations be discharged from their respective committees and that
they be placed on the calendar. From the Foreign Relations Committee,
three nominations to the United Nations that are at the desk: PN 1847,
PN 1846, PN 1975; from the HELP Committee, seven nominations: PN 1722,
PN 1651, PN 1623, PN 1624, PN 2046, PN 1654, and PN 1509.
I finally ask unanimous consent the Senate resume legislative
session.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senate will
return to legislative session.
____________________
ORDERS FOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2004
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the
Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m.
tomorrow, Friday, November 19. I further ask unanimous consent that
following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired,
and the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the
two leaders be reserved, and the Senate then resume consideration of
the conference report to accompany H.R. 1047, the miscellaneous tariffs
bill, provided that there be 30 minutes divided with Chairman Grassley
in control of 10 minutes, Senator Baucus in control of 10 minutes,
Senator Feingold for up to 8 minutes, and Senator Kohl for up to 2
minutes; provided further that at the conclusion of that time the
Senate proceed to the cloture vote on the conference report.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
PROGRAM
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, tomorrow the Senate will vote on
cloture on the miscellaneous tariffs conference report. It is our
expectation that cloture will be invoked by a large margin, and I hope
we will complete our work on this measure in short order. Also, during
tomorrow's session we are continuing to await the Omnibus
appropriations conference report from the House of Representatives.
Finally, we will also consider the intelligence reform legislation if
it becomes available.
____________________
ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:30 A.M. TOMORROW
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come
before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in
adjournment under the previous order.
There being no objection, the Senate, at 6:49 p.m., adjourned until
Friday, November 19, 2004, at 9:30 a.m.
____________________
DISCHARGED NOMINATIONS
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions was
discharged from further consideration of the following nominations and
the nominations were placed on the Executive Calendar:
EUGENE HICKOK, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF
EDUCATION.
EDWARD R. MCPHERSON, OF TEXAS, TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF
EDUCATION.
ROBERT DAVILA, OF NEW YORK, TO BE A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL
COUNCIL ON DISABILITY FOR A TERM EXPIRING SEPTEMBER 17, 2006.
LINDA WETTERS, OF OHIO, TO BE A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL
COUNCIL ON DISABILITY FOR A TERM EXPIRING SEPTEMBER 17, 2006.
JULIA L. WU, OF CALIFORNIA, TO BE A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF
TRUSTEES OF THE BARRY GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIP AND EXCELLENCE IN
EDUCATION FOUNDATION FOR A TERM EXPIRING FEBRUARY 4, 2008.
LAURIE STENBERG NICHOLS, OF SOUTH DAKOTA, TO BE A MEMBER OF
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE BARRY GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIP AND
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION FOUNDATION FOR A TERM EXPIRING MARCH
3, 2010.
CAROL D'AMICO, OF INDIANA, TO BE A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF THE NATIONAL BOARD FOR EDUCATION SCIENCES FOR A
TERM OF TWO YEARS.
The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations was discharged from further
consideration of the following nominations and the nominations were
placed on the Executive Calendar:
YOUSIF B. GHAFARI, OF MICHIGAN, TO BE AN ALTERNATE
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE FIFTY-
NINTH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE UNITED NATIONS.
JANE DEE HULL, OF ARIZONA, TO BE A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE FIFTY-NINTH SESSION OF THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE UNITED NATIONS.
SUSAN L. MOORE, OF TEXAS, TO BE AN ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE FIFTY-NINTH SESSION OF
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE UNITED NATIONS.
____________________
CONFIRMATIONS
Executive nominations confirmed by the Senate November 18, 2004:
In the Air Force
THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE UNITED
STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER TITLE 10,
U.S.C., SECTION 624:
To be major general
BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHN H. FOLKERTS
THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE UNITED
STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDICATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A
POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10,
U.S.C., SECTION 601:
To be lieutenant general
LT. GEN. BRUCE A. WRIGHT
NAVY NOMINATIONS BEGINNING ARMAND P ABAD AND ENDING MATTHEW
P ZENTZ, WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND
APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON OCTOBER 7, 2004.
[[Page 24037]]
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES--Thursday, November 18, 2004
The House met at 10 a.m. and was called to order by the Speaker pro
tempore (Mr. Simpson).
____________________
DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE
The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following
communication from the Speaker:
Washington, DC,
November 18, 2004.
I hereby appoint the Honorable Michael K. Simpson to act as
Speaker pro tempore on this day.
J. Dennis Hastert,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
____________________
PRAYER
The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, offered the following
prayer:
Blessed be the God and Father of us all, for he has chosen you to be
representatives of his people.
Lord God, what a blessing it is to realize one has a calling at a
particular time for a specific service to accomplish Your holy will. It
is then we truly have purpose.
Both in great and small things, we become neither overwhelmed nor
disdainful. Every task can be embraced. Every duty fulfilled. Every
burden can be lightened by the knowledge that You, O Lord, are
accomplishing great things in and through us, both now and always.
Amen.
____________________
THE JOURNAL
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair has examined the Journal of the
last day's proceedings and announces to the House his approval thereof.
Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
____________________
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr.
Green) come forward and lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin led the Pledge of Allegiance as follows:
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of
America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
____________________
MEDIA THREATENS DEMOCRACY
(Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was given permission to address the
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, most Americans now realize that Big
Media, network TV news programs and the largest newspapers and news
magazines, tried to determine the outcome of the Presidential election.
A study by the Project for Excellence in Journalism confirms what
Americans already suspected: George Bush received more than twice as
much negative coverage as John Kerry. Think what President Bush's
margin of victory would have been without the media bias.
But the danger is the media bias will continue. That is a real threat
to democracy.
When the American people do not have the facts, the unvarnished
truth, they cannot make the best decisions and we do not have good
government.
Big Media needs to reassure the American people that they will strive
for objectivity and seek to restore their reputation as the protector
of democracy, rather than remaining a threat to it.
____________________
AMERICA NEEDS THE BOY SCOUTS
(Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin asked and was given permission to address the
House for 1 minute.)
Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, a few minutes ago, this body
pledged its allegiance to our flag and to our Republic, under God. Just
so, at every meeting, the Boy Scouts of America give their oath to our
Republic and to God. There it is, that name again: God. It is good
enough for our pledge, it is good enough for our currency, it is even
good enough to be in the phrase above the Speaker's podium behind me.
But the ACLU has sued the Department of Defense because the Boy
Scouts of America use that phrase and DOD sponsors Boy Scout troops.
This is not just the usual left-wing, anti-American foolishness.
Boy Scouts of America is a voluntary organization. It teaches
American values like self-reliance and civic duty, values that are at
the heart of our military, values that have created so many great
leaders, even former presidents. Like never before, America needs
leaders, America needs role models and positive, values-based programs.
America needs our Boy and Girl Scouts.
The Department of Defense should not back down and, surely, the ACLU
has better things to do.
____________________
REWARDING AMERICANS FOR THEIR TRUST
(Ms. HARRIS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, the American people voted for much more than
candidates or parties this election year. They embraced our bold
vision, and they expect us to deliver results.
They elected us with a mandate to keep our Nation on its path of
economic growth and job creation, to continue tax relief for working
families, and to pare back an inefficient, bloated bureaucracy that
kills dreams.
One of our first priorities must be to reform our wasteful and
oppressive Tax Code. Year after year, working Americans pay accountants
and tax lawyers to help them understand this confusing labyrinth of
laws and regulations. Just think about what this energy and capital
could accomplish if directed towards truly creative purposes. Just
imagine what a fair and simpler Tax Code could do to help us build a
21st century economy.
So let us engage in a vigorous debate. Let us begin rewarding the
trust that the American people have placed in us, beginning today.
____________________
PAYING TRIBUTE TO AND HONORING PHIL CRANE AND BILL LIPINSKI
(Mr. DUNCAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and honor to two of
our retiring colleagues, Congressman Phil Crane and Congressman Bill
Lipinski, two of the finest men I have ever known.
I first met Phil Crane in 1966 when he spoke to a conservative
student group at the University of Tennessee and a few years later
invited him to speak to my law school class at George Washington
University. Phil Crane was one of the early national leaders of the
modern-day conservative movement, a highly-respected professor, author
and legislator. His life has been a true inspiration to countless
numbers of young people all across this Nation.
Bill Lipinski served as my Ranking Member for the entire 6 years I
chaired the Subcommittee on Aviation. I said then that I do not believe
any Chairman and Ranking Member got along or worked together better
than Bill Lipinski and I did. Bill Lipinski never
[[Page 24038]]
forgot where he came from. I have always considered him to be a master
politician in the very best sense of the word and the epitome of what a
Congressman who truly serves his constituents should be.
I will miss seeing these two men on such a regular basis, but this
Nation is a better place today because of the service of two gentlemen
from Illinois, Phil Crane and Bill Lipinski.
____________________
PAYING TRIBUTE TO MARINE CORPORAL SHANE KIELION
(Mr. TERRY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, it is with a deep sense of gratitude and
profound sense of sadness that I rise to pay tribute to the life of a
brave young man who grew up in my hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, Marine
Corporal Shane Kielion who died Monday in combat in Iraq, in Fallujah.
On the same day, he became a father.
With his entire life in front of him, Shane chose to risk everything
to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts in a land
halfway around the world. This was his second tour of duty.
My heart goes out to his wife April and his brand-new son Shane and
his parents, Roger and Patricia. As a father myself, I cannot imagine
being unable to see my sons grow up, and it breaks my heart that Shane
will not have the same experience. But I know that Shane will be
watching over his young son, and I hope the boy will grow up knowing
that his father loved him and his mother very much.
Shane was known as a dedicated person to his wife and he would be to
his son and to his country, and all Nebraskans will remember him as a
true American. We can take pride in the example he set, bravely
fighting to make the world a better place. My thoughts and prayers go
out to Shane's family and friends during this difficult time. May God
grant them strength, peace, and comfort.
____________________
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF S. 2986, INCREASING THE PUBLIC DEBT
LIMIT
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I
call up House Resolution 856 and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 856
Resolved, That upon the adoption of this resolution it
shall be in order without intervention of any point of order
to consider in the House the bill (S. 2986) to amend title 31
of the United States Code to increase the public debt limit.
The bill shall be considered as read for amendment. The
previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill
to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one
hour of debate on the bill equally divided and controlled by
the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Ways and Means; and (2) one motion to commit.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from New York (Mr. Reynolds)
is recognized for 1 hour.
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield
the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms.
Slaughter), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume.
During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the
purpose of debate only.
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 856 is a closed rule that
provides for consideration of S. 2986, a bill to increase the public
debt limit. The rule provides one hour of debate, equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee
on Ways and Means. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. Finally, the rule provides 1 motion to
commit.
Mr. Speaker, the debt limit increase bill that will come before this
body is a necessary step in order to avoid a shutdown of our
government. The Federal Government has never before defaulted on our
obligations, but without our immediate action today we will simply be
unable to pay our bills.
Mr. Speaker, the underlying bill increases the statutory debt limit
in order to protect the full faith and credit of the United States. It
is necessary and not an unusual step to ensure that the Federal
Government is able to pay its bills.
It is important to note that the level of debt subject to limit is a
function of past decisions made by decades of administrations and
Congresses. It is equally important to note that increasing the debt
limit does not increase the deficit.
As Robert Rubin, President Clinton's Treasury Secretary noted,
``Passage of the debt ceiling is totally unrelated to deficit
reduction.'' And in testimony before the House Committee on Banking and
Financial Services, he further noted that ``The debt limit is about
meeting obligations already incurred, while future deficits can only be
reduced so actions taken in the budget process itself.''
While the publicly-held debt has increased more rapidly in recent
years, it is a result of the ongoing war against terrorism, an effort
that began after the horrific attacks on our Nation on September 11,
2001.
Without passage of the underlying bill today, vital programs such as
Social Security, medicare, unemployment insurance benefits, veterans'
care, and military retirement are all put in jeopardy.
We risk not providing food, clothing, ammunition, and other necessary
resources to our brave men and women engaged in the war on terror.
Highway funding, disaster assistance, the Low-Income Home Energy
Assistance Program, all will be at risk.
In addition, if we do not act today, taxpayers will be further
burdened with higher interest rates, and we risk the disruption of
financial markets at a time when our national economy continues to grow
at a strong pace.
Mr. Speaker, this rule and this underlying legislation is necessary
to keep the government operating, ensure the continued delivery of
vital services for our citizens, and provide the equipment, supplies,
and munitions our troops need to continue our fight in the war on
terror.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the
underlying bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1015
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, as of yesterday, the national debt hit
$7,444,423,020,967.95. It translates to over $25,000 owed by each and
every one of us. The national debt is growing so fast, $1.6 billion
every single day, that the last seven digits on the national debt clock
in New York City are flipping faster than can be seen by the human eye.
No one is spared this heavy economic burden, not even America's
children. In fact, today every child born in America comes into this
world owing a birth tax of $25,255 which is their share of payment on a
national debt that they had no part in creating.
To my friends on the other side of the aisle that fought with such
fervor and passion against the so-called death tax, I ask, where is the
moral indignation when it comes to the birth tax which is levied on
this Nation's most innocent Americans, its children?
This is a moral issue. The Federal Government cannot continue to
borrow 20 cents of every dollar it spends, run up historic deficits,
and add to the Federal debt without seriously harming the economy for
generations yet unborn.
Today, Mr. Speaker, the House will consider a measure to raise the
debt ceiling for the third time in 3 years. The debt ceiling is a
statutory limit, imposed by law on the total amount of debt that the
United States of America can incur. It currently stands at $7.384
trillion. At the beginning of President Bush's first term, Congress was
told that the debt ceiling would not need to be raised until the year
2008 at the earliest. However, if we count the $800 billion increase
provided for under S. 2986, the bill to be considered later today, the
debt limit will have been raised by
[[Page 24039]]
more than $2 trillion since President Bush took office.
On this day, with Americans coming together in Little Rock, Arkansas,
to open the Bill Clinton Presidential Library, I find myself waxing
nostalgic for the budget policies of the 1990s: the PAYGO rules, the
spending caps and other critical budget policies that set our Nation's
budget on a path to historic surpluses and allowed us to pay down the
national debt for 7 straight years. It was not easy but it was the
right thing to do.
Last night in the Committee on Rules, my colleague, the gentleman
from California (Mr. Thompson), offered an amendment to S. 2986 to help
us get on the path of fiscal discipline. The Thompson amendment, co-
authored with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm), one of this
body's most thoughtful Members on budget issues, would have allowed
this body to restore the PAYGO rules and spending caps that were
allowed to lapse in 2002. Regrettably, the Thompson amendment was
rejected and my colleagues are being denied the opportunity to restore
some budget discipline.
Mr. Speaker, our national deficit keeps hitting historic highs, $413
billion by the end of September, and no end in sight, particularly as
we are spending $5 billion a month on the war. At this rate, deficits
will continue for years to come, adding several trillion at a minimum
to the colossal debt we have already incurred. In fact, the
Congressional Budget Office analysis indicates that at the current rate
of deficit spending, by the year 2014 the debt ceiling will have to be
raised to $14.5 trillion.
Chronic budget deficits also undermine the economic security of
Americans. As the government's appetite for money increases and it
consumes more and more of the capital available in credit markets, more
Americans will face higher interest rates and find it harder to finance
their homes, their education, and their businesses.
Moreover, there is cause for alarm when we look at how this debt is
being financed. I have serious concerns about how this Nation will
maintain its sovereignty as foreign governments and nationals continue
to bankroll us.
Today, the Japanese hold over $600 billion in U.S. debt paper and the
Chinese hold between $225 and $275 billion. When 90 percent of new debt
is purchased by the likes of the Bank of China and Japanese interests,
how can we be sure that we have the resources to provide for the
national defense? How do we ensure our independence when foreign
governments who do not share our Nation's values or views on foreign
policy issues buy up our bonds?
I strongly believe that the level of foreign holdings is a grave and
gathering threat to our Nation's sovereignty.
Mr. Speaker the closed rule before us today only allows an hour to
debate the national debt. That is simply not enough time to debate an
issue that affects every man, woman and child, living and unborn, in
this country. Moreover, the majority's refusal to let the Simpson-
Stenholm PAYGO amendment come to the floor for a vote is foolhardy.
Without a major change in course, we are on the path to debt for
generations to come.
[From the Washington Post, Nov. 17, 2004]
Soaring Ceilings
This week the lame-duck Congress will have to raise the
federal debt ceiling. For several weeks the Treasury
Department has been doing the governmental equivalent of
scrounging for spare change in the couch cushions to pay its
obligations. Now, with the election safely past and Treasury
at the limits of its ingenuity, lawmakers will do the
inevitable and increase the government's borrowing authority
by as much as $800 billion--raising the debt ceiling to more
than $8 trillion.
This will be the third time in three years that the debt
limit has been increased, for a grand total of more than $2
trillion during President Bush's first term. The last hike
was nearly $1 trillion, but it took less than 18 months for
the government to hit the newly raised ceiling. By way of
comparison, the entire federal debt in 1980 was less than $1
trillion;
There will be some noisy debate about this, only partly on
point. The debt limit, as now defined, both overstates and
understates the problem of the national debt. It overstates
the problem by including not only what an ordinary person
would think of as ``real debt''--the $4.3 trillion the
government has borrowed--but also money the government
essentially owes itself. These are the ``trust funds'' to
finance future obligations, such as Social Security and
Medicare, that the government ``borrows'' from to pay its
current bills. To the extent this reflects a debt, it's of a
different sort from a Treasury bond. But if this is a debt,
the ceiling understates the problem because the trust fund
IOUs the government issues to itself don't come close to
reflecting the full cost of its future commitments to those
programs.
This much is beyond question: The government is living far
beyond its means. The deficits it racks up year after year
impede economic growth, burden future generations and force
the United States to rely on foreign governments and
investors. Since Mr. Bush took office, foreign holdings of
U.S. debt have grown from 30 percent to 43 percent of the
total, and 90 percent of the new debt has been purchased by
foreigners. Meanwhile, as the government has to pay more
interest on its debt, it has less for health care, education
and other programs. According to the Congressional Budget
Office, the government's interest payments are expected to
more than double between 2003 ($153 billion) and 2010 ($319
billion); interest costs will account for almost 10 percent
of federal spending in the next decade.
``We owe it to our children and grandchildren to act now,''
Mr. Bush said in his first State of the Union address. He was
speaking about his plan to pay off over the next decade the
entire $2 trillion in government debt held by the public.
Now, instead of being eliminated, debt held by the public--
real debt--is on track to reach $6.5 trillion by 2011. How do
Mr. Bush and all the lawmakers who have enabled his
irresponsibility plan to explain that to the grandchildren?
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to just clarify the record that
while public debt is held by foreign interests, foreigners invest in
the United States because we have a sound economy and we provide a safe
place for them due to our low risk of default.
The market for U.S. Treasury securities is the largest, most liquid
and transparent financial market in the world.
It is also important for our colleagues to know that our debt limit
increase is not an unusual function if we just look at the 21st
century, but I think we kind of have to look at the last half of the
20th century.
The level of outstanding debt is subject to a limit and a function
that is past decisions made by previous administrations and Congresses
over decades, as I mentioned in my opening remarks, as well as current
and past levels of economic activity and should not be subject to
political gamesmanship.
As we look at the debt limit increase measures, there have been 83
since 1940, Mr. Speaker, seven during the 1940s, six during the 1950s,
13 during the 1960s, 18 during the 1970s, 24 during the 1980s, 13
during the 1990s and two far this decade. So it is not an unusual
function or an unprecedented function or a Republican function or a
Democratic function. It is a function of keeping the government
running.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman
from California (Mr. Dreier), the distinguished chairman of the
Committee on Rules.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
I want to begin by saying that I suspect that this may be the last
rule that will be managed by our good friend from Buffalo, New York
(Mr. Reynolds), as he is going to be taking the position that the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton) is giving up as a member of the
Committee on Ways and Means representing the State of New York on the
Committee on Ways and Means. So I want to say that rarely have we seen
the kind of passionate eloquence when it has come to management of
rules on the House floor that we have from my friend, the gentleman
from New York (Mr. Reynolds). And I want to congratulate him and thank
him for his stellar service to the Committee on Rules and to this
institution overall.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this rule. It is the
fiscally responsible policy for us to increase by $800 billion the
national debt limit. One might say, how can that be fiscally
responsible for us to all of the sudden increase that burden which has
the potential to increase interest rates and
[[Page 24040]]
do all of these other things that obviously we bemoan increases in
spending.
Well, the reason it is the fiscally responsible thing for us to do is
that if we do not, there are tremendous obligations that the Federal
Government has that could potentially be jeopardized. Not that they
will be jeopardized or not, but potentially be jeopardized. One of the
things that is important for us to realize, Mr. Speaker, is that if we
look at the question of the auction of our Treasury bills that is on
the horizon, we know one thing full well. If we do not take this action
now as expeditiously as possible, get this done, we will increase the
already-high interest costs that the American taxpayer will be
shouldering.
Now, this issue is a wonderful issue to demagogue, and I will tell
you that I probably in my quarter century here have been guilty of
having done it in the past. I will say that clearly increasing the debt
ceiling is something that it is easy to cast a ``no'' vote on it, but
it is not the responsible thing to do.
Now, we listen to people decrying a number of things. Obviously,
there is talk about how this President inherited a wonderful surplus
and today many of our colleagues are in Little Rock, and we
congratulate President Clinton on the opening of his library; but let
us remember that as we looked at the surplus that was created during
the decade of the 1990s, Mr. Speaker, it was done so because of the
fact that we Republicans came to majority in 1994. And we came to
majority focusing on a couple of things. Yes, trying to restrain the
growth of Federal spending, but at the same time we had our attention
on the issue of economic growth. And we know that we brought about that
economic growth because of the fact that we were able to reduce taxes
to stimulate the economy.
Now, one of the things people say when we talk about the problems of
increased spending that has taken place over the past 4 years, one of
the things we need to recognize is that even if we did not have the
horrendous attacks of September 11, 2001, against the United States of
America, even if we did not have the war and the costs of that war in
Iraq, we still would be dealing with deficit spending. We still would
be faced with the challenge of increasing the debt ceiling. Why?
Because it was the fact that we saw an economic slow-down that really
began as every economist, virtually every economist has recognized,
every nonpartisan economist has recognized, began in the waning, waning
months of the year 2000, before George Bush was even elected President
of the United States. We saw this economic slow-down. And that economic
slow-down obviously diminished flow of revenues to the Federal
Treasury.
Now, what is it that we have done? Fortunately, with the policies we
have put in place, Mr. Speaker, we have actually seen an increase to
the flow of revenues to the Federal Treasury and the last projection
showed actually an unanticipated $108 billion in revenues have come
into the Federal Treasury. Why? Because of the fact that the economy is
growing.
So we are on a path toward greater economic growth. And now that this
election is behind us, Mr. Speaker, one of the things that we also need
to realize is that we have the potential to make permanent the tax
cuts, to bring about reform of Social Security, which is a very high
priority, and a wide range of other things, like market-opening
opportunities which will help us.
The other thing that was just raised by my friend from Buffalo that I
think is important for us to talk about is this wringing our hands over
the fact that there are nations like the People's Republic of China
that might consider investing its dollars in the United States of
America. What better signal of the strength and confidence that the
world has for our economy than to see them invest in our economy? I see
that, Mr. Speaker, as a positive for us as a Nation.
So it is very clear, some people who want to politicize and say, oh,
well, let us not increase the debt limit. Well, it is very important
that we do this. Increasing this debt ceiling will save U.S. taxpayer
dollars because if we do not, we will see an even greater interest
burden shouldered on the U.S. taxpayer. So let us vote for this rule.
Let us vote for the rule as it is reported out because of the fact that
any kind of delay would delay action over in the other body, and we
need to move as quickly as we can on this and then let us vote for the
package itself.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from
Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), a member of the Committee on Rules.
{time} 1030
Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, that did not take long. On just the third
legislative day after the election we are yet again confronting a need
to raise the Nation's debt limit. It is interesting that even though
this problem has been apparent for months the Republican leadership
chose to wait until after the election to bring this issue to the
floor, interesting but not at all surprising.
Once again, the historic fiscal mismanagement of this Republican
Congress and the Bush administration is on display, and, once again, we
are reminded that we are passing on a massive, unpaid credit card bill
to our children and our grandchildren, and the numbers are staggering.
In 2002, the Bush administration came to Congress asking for a debt
limit increase of $450 billion. In 2003, they asked for another
increase of $984 billion, an unprecedented increase, and this year's
request will increase the debt ceiling by another $800 billion.
Amazingly, this increase is only expected to last the Treasury 1 year,
which means that unless this Congress gets its act together we will be
back here next year debating yet another multibillion dollar increase
in the national debt limit.
In the last 18 months, this Nation's debt has gone up by nearly $1
trillion, $1 trillion. Today's debate proves once again that the
promises made by the Bush administration when they came into office
were nothing more than empty rhetoric.
They promised under their plan the debt ceiling would not be reached
until 2008. Instead, because they continue to insist on massive tax
breaks for the wealthy that are not paid for, the debt limit will have
to be raised for the third time in 3 years.
On January 29, 2002, George Bush stood in this Chamber and told the
Nation our budget will run a deficit that will be small and short term.
I guess he misspoke.
But this debate is about more than numbers, Mr. Speaker. It is about
priorities. It is about the kind of country we are leaving for future
generations. How will our children be able to afford things like
education and health care, homeland security and national defense? How
will they be able to pay for us when we retire?
These massive deficits, this huge debt will mean higher interest
rates, and that means that the American people will have to pay more
for a college education or a new car or a new home. Reckless fiscal
policy is not a value. It is a vice, and it has to stop.
Mr. Speaker, the fiscal irresponsibility of the majority and the
administration is magnified by the Republican leadership's refusal to
institute budget reforms requiring Congress to pay for any new
spending. PAYGO simply is a responsible plan that says if you want to
increase spending or if you want to give tax cuts to your rich friends,
you have got to pay for it.
In the Committee on Rules, several members offered, and I supported,
an amendment to increase the debt limit and reinstate the pay-as-you-go
spending policies, and it was rejected.
Now I know what my friends on the other side of the aisle are
thinking, the next election is not for another 2 years. They think the
American people will forget about this fiscal irresponsibility that
they are pursuing. Well, maybe they might and maybe they will not, but,
in the meantime, they are undermining our economy and they are passing
on to our kids a big fat credit card bill and it is shameful.
[[Page 24041]]
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject this rule and vote no on
the underlying bill so we can have a real debate on the gross fiscal
mismanagement of this Congress and this administration and institute
real budget reforms that will provide pay-as-you-go for increased
spending and these tax cuts.
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I think it is important, after listening to my colleague and fellow
member of the Committee on Rules, that we point out that tax relief did
not cause the deficit. We would have triple-digit budget deficits today
if taxes remained at the historically high levels of 2000. The tax
policies that were put in place helped our economy out of a recession
that began in the Clinton administration and was in the early Bush
years.
Without our tax policies, the economy would not have recovered as
quick and as well as it has. More Americans would have lost their jobs.
A less robust recovery from recession would have had the adverse
effects on revenues and the budget deficit, and healthy revenue growth
continues even with tax relief. The recent decline in the deficit is
largely a result of revenue increasing faster than anticipated because
of strong economic growth.
After 3 years of declining revenue in the wake of September 11,
revenue is now growing more robustly than expected. Just since July, we
have seen the deficit projections for this year drop by $32 billion.
While I cannot predict what the next election will be, I do know the
President ran on those tax cuts, as did the majority in this Congress,
and both the President will serve another term and in the 109th
Congress the Republican majority will continue in being the majority in
this body
Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
Mr. REYNOLDS. I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts.
Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I just refer him to CBO's report in which
it concludes that the tax cuts are the largest legislative contributor
to the negative debt that we have right now. I mean, so it runs
contrary to what the gentleman is saying.
All we are suggesting here is that when my colleagues pass these tax
cuts for their corporate friends and for wealthy people that they pay
for them, pay as you go. That is the responsible thing, so we do not
pass this debt on to our kids and our grandkids.
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, in the time of the
last 2 years of this Congress we have had a great debate. A guy from
the left that believes that there should not be tax cuts, or to have
some kind of message for middle America to feel that they might get a
piece of it.
I am a guy that believes if you pay taxes, you ought to get a tax
cut. We took that referendum, I guess, to the public, and they have
ratified an opportunity for this majority to remain.
Now, I also understand majority/minority politics, and I guess if I
look through the years of 1940, 1950, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and
2000 when we would find that Republicans controlled the place or
Democrats controlled the place, I am sure that there were a few that
made the debt reduction or the aspect of all of that debate at the same
time they looked at the debt limit.
But also in my opening remarks we heard from Secretary Rubin who said
that the aspect of raising the debt limit was not the aspect of
addressing the deficit. It was the budget itself. And I will quote him.
As Robert Rubin, then Treasury Secretary under the President said in
November of 1995 in that quote, Passage of the debt ceiling is totally
unrelated to deficit reduction. The deficit can only be reduced in the
budget process.
He reiterated this truth 1 month later in testimony before the House
Committee on Banking and Financial Services when he said, The debt
limit is about meeting obligations already incurred, while future
deficits can only be reduced through actions taken in the budget
process itself.
Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
Mr. REYNOLDS. I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts.
Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, this is the third time under this
administration that we have raised the debt limit, and what we were
asking for last night in the Committee on Rules and what we are asking
for today is that, before we do this again, that we institute the
necessary budget reforms that require pay-as-you-go so that we are not
going down this path of fiscal irresponsibility, so we are not passing
down to our kids and our grandkids this massive credit card bill.
My colleagues denied us that ability to be able to vote up or down on
a pay-as-you-go bill today, and that is what we are urging here today.
That is why we are opposing this rule, and that is why I am going to
vote against increasing the debt limit. Because there is no reason to
believe that my colleagues' bad habits are not going to continue into
the next Congress.
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, a couple things.
One, in the finger pointing of this 21st century of deficit and debt
limit increases, again, I will put on the record, we had seven during
the 1940s, six during the 1950s, 13 during the 1960s, 18 during the
1970s, 24 during the 1980s, 13 during the 1990s and two so far this
decade. So we are not into a new venture, and we are not into a
Republican venture. We are into a congressional decision of whether we
keep the government moving or whether we do not, and there were 83 debt
limit measures that have been enacted into law.
I believe the gentleman from Texas will come up and talk about the
PAYGO amendment that was offered before the Committee on Rules last
night, and I think that it will be important for us to listen to him,
and I believe that the issue of PAYGO will have bipartisan support if
and when it comes to this floor.
But I also want to caution my colleagues that this is a Senate bill
that we are taking up, and further delay once again results in this
body jeopardizing our trust funds such as Social Security, Medicare,
highways, and we further jeopardize veterans' care and military
retirement.
So when we put our military at risk, at not having the necessary
resources of food and clothing and ammunition, we also endanger
unemployment benefits and disaster assistance, low-income home energy
assistance programs.
The debate on PAYGO I believe should happen and will happen. It is
not necessarily that it has to happen when we are looking at debt limit
for a number of reasons, including the quotes of Robert Rubin of 1995.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Stenholm).
Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by congratulating my
Republican colleagues for bringing this bill to the floor today, clean,
up and down. There is a certain amount of justice to this because those
who have built up these deficits should have the courage to vote to
increase the debt ceiling for the policies of which they have been very
successful, and that is commendable.
I sincerely say that, even though my opposition to those policies
help contributed to my defeat. Because I have stood on this floor many
times, Mr. Speaker, asking that PAYGO be reinstated, but it was never
the right time, and, according to the Committee on Rules, it is not the
right time today to bring up pay-as-you-go.
But we can talk about these deficits and debt and my friends on the
majority side can continue to explain them as they really do not matter
anymore. It does not matter that we have borrowed $570 billion in the
last 12 months, that we borrowed $1.5 trillion in the last 3 years,
that we are going to borrow who knows how much more, continuing to fund
the same policies. Because I assume if one was elected on these
policies they will continue them. That means, based on most economists,
the deficit is going to explode into the next year, 2, 3, 5, 10 years.
I hope I am wrong. I want to say here today to my friends on this
side of the aisle, I sincerely hope they are right because our country
will be so much better off if they are right than if they are wrong,
because I detect in today's
[[Page 24042]]
motion a reluctance to change anything.
I have come to the conclusion now that politics are not going to
change my colleagues' policies. They have got the majority in the
House. They have got the majority in the Senate. They have got the
White House. Therefore, they are going to do what they believe is in
the best interest of our country.
I just do not share the belief that deficits do not matter. I just do
not share the belief, and I never dreamed I would be a member of the
party of fiscal responsibility, which my party has become.
Based on historical records, they talk about a trillion and a half is
not much money, $800 billion, not much money. Well, it took our country
204 years to borrow the first $1 trillion. Today, we are going to make
it possible to borrow another $800 billion, and it probably will occur
in the next 12 to 18 months.
It is not politics that is going to ultimately decide this question.
It is the market that is going to decide this question, and I would
encourage my friends on this side of the aisle to start paying
attention to the market.
It was not insignificant that 2 months ago the Japanese, for the
first time since 2002, chose not to increase their holdings of United
States Treasury notes. It is not of some insignificance that the
European community is concerned about the fall of the dollar.
Much of what the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reynolds) has said I
agree with him on. I agree with Mr. Rubin, Secretary Rubin. I agree
with him 100 percent. I am glad the gentleman repeated it twice for the
Record because more Members of this body need to read that and
understand that what he is talking about is exactly as he has restated
it.
This is not a budget vote. What we were talking about last night in
asking my colleagues to make pay-as-you-go a part of this rule is
changing the policy just a little bit in reinstating pay-as-you-go
which worked in a bipartisan way in 1993 and 1997. But this bunch,
those of my colleagues who control this House today, have said, nope,
that is not any good anymore. We have got a new and better policy. Some
of us disagree with that, and we just ask respectfully that we be
allowed to vote on that today, but my colleagues said no, and this is
their prerogative. That is their prerogative.
To those of my colleagues who believe that the amount of deficits
this country is running today and will run under the policies they
advocate, if they are going to make the tax cuts permanent, if they are
going to continue to have the reductions in the amount of revenue, if
we are going to continue to fight to a successful culmination, which I
hope we do, of the wars, if we are going to do that, I think there may
be a little justice in this for the gentleman from New York (Mr.
Reynolds), and I hope you will be up to it.
Going to the Committee on Ways and Means means the gentleman is going
to be part of the ways and means of solving this problem, sooner or
later, but not today, obviously. Sooner or later, the gentleman is
going to have to be part of that, I believe.
So, again, I conclude by congratulating my colleagues for bringing
this bill up for a clean up and down vote. If they would have allowed
pay-as-you-go, I would have been one of those votes, but I am not going
to ratify a policy that I believe is going to drive this country to the
brink of ruin, and the market will ultimately be the judge of this, not
any vote in this body according to the majority today.
{time} 1045
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
It is true that in 2004, as we consider whether we increase the debt
limit, the government is controlled by Republicans, a Republican
President, a Republican Congress in both the other body and in this
one. But I am reminded of President Bill Clinton's State of the Union
address in 1996, and I quote him: ``And on behalf of all Americans,
especially those who need their Social Security payments at the
beginning of March, I challenge Congress to preserve the full faith and
credit of the United States, to honor the obligations of this great
Nation as we have for 220 years, to rise above the partisanship and
pass a straightforward extension of the debt limit. Show them that
America keeps its word.''
That rang true when a Democratic President spoke to a Republican
Congress; it rings true today as we consider the debt limit.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 second just to say that
President Bush, in his first State of the Union said, ``We owe it to
our children and grandchildren to act now,'' speaking about his plan to
pay off in the next decade the entire $2 trillion in government-debt
held by the public.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 5\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from South
Carolina (Mr. Spratt).
Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, we are here because the Secretary of the
Treasury has warned us that he has run out of tricks. Five times he has
written the leadership of the Congress and told us that he was
approaching the legal limit which Congress has imposed by law on how
much debt the United States can incur. We call it the debt ceiling. Now
he has told us that he is out of tricks and he is having to do things
he does not regard as prudent unless we increase the debt ceiling. So
it is right that we are here to do just that.
But it is also right that we take an hour or two to ponder what
brings us to this juncture, to raise the debt ceiling again by $800
billion, when we have already raised it twice in the last 3 years.
Let us go back to January 1, 2001. The Bush administration takes
office, and the fruits of our labor in the last two administrations of
the Clinton years are laid before him. They look out and see surpluses
of $5.6 trillion and decide that this warrants huge tax cuts. We warned
them against buying into a blue-sky projection which might not be
obtained, and surely enough, that happened.
They told us, nevertheless, that even if we adopted their tax cuts,
they would not have to be back to request an increase in the debt
ceiling due to the fantastic surpluses they foresaw, until the year
2008. In truth, they were back in 2002 asking for $450 billion. And
then on May 26, 2003, just 18 months ago, the second request from the
Bush administration was passed raising the debt ceiling by $984
billion. And now we have the third debt ceiling increase in 3 years,
equal to $800 billion, before us.
Let me just take a minute to go through some charts which will
explain more graphically why it is we are here and what it is we need
to do at this point in time.
This was the debt ceiling when Mr. Bush came to office in January
2001, $5.950 trillion. This first increase took it to $6.4 trillion.
The next, where we are today, $7.384 trillion. That was a $984 billion
increase just 18 months ago. Today, they would like to take that up
another $800 billion because they have rung up $984 billion in debt in
the last 18 months.
Just consider that. Every 18 months the government of the United
States under the Bush administration is incurring $1 trillion in
additional debt. Every 18 months. That is the rate at which we are
running right now. This next increase will take the debt ceiling to
$8.2 trillion, up from $5.950 trillion. That is quite a statement about
the fiscal policies of this administration.
Now, the administration assured us that they would not need to come
back until 2008; that we could cut taxes by immense amounts not only in
2001, but 2002 and 2003, because there have been three tax cuts, and
even more, and still enjoy an increase in revenues. This was the path
they plotted when they sold their tax cuts to the Congress of the
United States showing that tax revenues would rise from a little over
$1 trillion to $1.118 trillion, individual and corporate income taxes.
Instead, the revenues of this country have followed this descending
path here, and we can see the gaping hole, the difference of $300
billion today between what they predicted and where
[[Page 24043]]
we actually are. This is an underlying cause.
In addition to that, there have been things that have taken their
toll on the budget: defense. Much larger than anybody anticipated in
2001. Homeland Security. We did not even have a heading called Homeland
Security 3 years ago. And the 9/11 response. But the increases in
spending that have affected the bottom line of the budget have all been
sought by the Bush administration. Ninety percent of the increases in
spending over and above current services have been things they have
sought and we have appropriated because they were urgently needed.
So where are we? A $450 billion increase in the debt ceiling in 2002.
In 2003, we had a $984 billion increase in the debt ceiling. And today,
an $800 billion increase in the debt ceiling. That means this
administration has had to come to Congress and ask for the debt ceiling
to be raised by $2.234 trillion. Let me say that again. It is so
fantastic: $2.234 trillion to accommodate its budgets over the last 4
years. That is the bottom line. It is inescapable.
And how much is $984 billion, the last increase we had 18 months ago?
Well, $984 billion is more than the entire debt of the United States in
the year 1980-81 when Ronald Reagan came to Congress. The last increase
18 months ago exceeded it.
Let me just wrap up by saying that this calls for action. Sure, the
ceiling has to be increased, but we should not just increase the
ceiling and leave the problem unattended. The very least we can do is
reinstate the PAYGO rules which have worked so well and put the budget
in surplus for the first time in 30 years in the 1990s. That is what we
ask today, an opportunity to put up an amendment that would at least
take one solid step towards stopping this head-long descent deeper and
deeper into debt.
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time remains on
each side.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). The gentlewoman from New York
(Ms. Slaughter) has 9\1/2\ minutes remaining, and the gentleman from
New York (Mr. Reynolds) has 12 minutes remaining.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentlewoman's courtesy
in yielding me this time.
I heard the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Rules talk
about how this is an easy issue to be a demagogue. Well, I would
suggest what we heard from the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm) and
the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) was the antithesis of
demagoguery. It does not require an emotional or irrational appeal to
prejudice. They have been direct and straightforward in telling the
consequences of the Republican approach to debt management and
spending.
I should amend that. It is not the Republican approach, because the
gentlemen I just referred to from South Carolina and from Texas
represent many Republicans, like I do back in Oregon, that do not
subscribe to this; and it insults them to suggest this is the
Republican approach to budgeting.
The distinguished Committee on Rules member from New York talked
about the mandate. Well, I would think the Republicans and the
President would have a mandate if they had ever talked about this. I
did not hear a single Republican talk about increasing the debt. I did
not hear them talk about reckless spending on programs for special
interests, divorcing it from reality. In fact, they employed tactics to
disguise the fact that we had exceeded the debt limit. They have been
borrowing from retirement and disability funds, for instance, we
expired in October.
No, if they had talked about this directly and honestly to the
American public, I would accept the notion there is a mandate. And in
fact I would suggest if they had done that with their plans, they would
not have had a mandate, because they would not have won the election.
The fact is we are incurring more debt than is necessary for weapons
that do not add to security, for handouts to special interests that do
not need them, and tax cuts for people who need them least, making them
permanent regardless of the fiscal consequences.
We are given a program from the majority party and the President
that, if we approved it, would almost double this problem over the next
10 years. I, for one, cannot go back home to campuses and look these
young men and women in the eye and suggest that I was a part of
approving it.
I long for the day when we have a bipartisan effort to reduce the
deficit and to deal meaningfully with our spending priorities. But
unless and until that happens, I will vote ``no'' as the one way I have
of protesting this bizarre divorce from reality, of the fiscal reality
that all of us are going to have to live with.
Mr. Speaker, would that their rosy scenarios come to pass. In some
respects, I hope that they will. I do not wish ill on our country. But
the fact is, the policies and the practices are leading us down a path
that we will regret for years to come.
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
First of all, I want to correct my colleague from Oregon. I do not
think I said I had a mandate on anything. I think I outlined the fact
we had a great debate before an election and Republicans continue here.
I also wonder if my colleague ever voted for a debt limit increase in
his many terms of service, as we demagogue the issue today. As we come
to a vote, it is going to get down to whatever excuse you find if you
do not vote for it. But if you do not vote for it, you are actually
putting the government in harm's way, which means the people are in
harm's way. We have said that in repeated messages on the record today,
and that still remains a fact as we look at consideration of the debate
on the rule and then the underlying legislation following it.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Thompson).
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for
yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, last night I had the opportunity to testify before the
Committee on Rules on behalf of my Blue Dog colleague, the gentleman
from Texas (Mr. Stenholm), who had proposed an amendment to reintroduce
PAYGO into the rule. That proposed amendment would have reestablished
one of the most basic, most responsible, and most successful principles
of budget enforcement, the PAYGO rule.
I am sad to stand on this floor today and say that this amendment was
stopped. It was stopped by the majority on that Committee on Rules from
being able to be part of this final resolve to this issue today.
PAYGO was a provision in the original Budget Enforcement Act which
this House allowed to expire in 2002. Prior to that time, not only were
we forced to operate within the caps imposed on our discretionary
spending; we had to offset all legislation that had the effect of
increasing spending or reducing revenue. Put plainly, we had to pay for
our bills as we passed our bills.
Since the expiration of the Budget Enforcement Act provisions, PAYGO
included, this Congress has not been operating with anywhere near the
same level of fiscal responsibility.
{time} 1100
Deficits are growing. They are growing in size, they are growing as a
percentage of our gross domestic product and, most important, they are
growing unchecked because we have allowed provisions such as PAYGO to
expire.
The Stenholm proposed amendment would have returned us to the rules
by which Congress operated during the 1990s, bipartisan rules. This is
not a partisan concept. In its original form in 1990, PAYGO was part of
a bipartisan budget agreement between the first President Bush and a
Democratic Congress. In 1993, it was extended with a Democratic
President and Congress,
[[Page 24044]]
and again in 1997 it was extended with a Democratic President and a
Republican Congress. One hundred ninety-three Republicans voted for
PAYGO when it was last extended. One hundred twenty-one of them are
still serving in this House today.
Mr. Speaker, the Federal budget should emphasize fiscal
responsibility, saving the money necessary to keep both Social Security
and Medicare solvent, and paying down the national debt, not increasing
it.
I do not like voting to increase the debt ceiling any more than
anybody else in this body, but I am not opposed to it if it is
accompanied by a plan that would put us back on solid fiscal ground. A
good way to start is to reinstate the PAYGO rules. It would be
irresponsible for this body to raise the debt limit without a plan for
controlling this runaway spending.
I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up for
fiscal responsibility, to stand up for fiscal integrity and vote no on
this rule and insist that we restore PAYGO.
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I have listened to a number of my colleagues, and I have
been on the record repeated times. First of all, what came before the
Committee on Rules last night was a Senate bill. The Committee on Rules
made a vote and decision without having any further delay to bring
forward the Senate bill for consideration on the rule that we are now
in debate on, and later we will have debate on the underlying
legislation.
We can demagogue it and put on the record all sorts of messages to
feel good or draw political lines or switch from when might have been
responsibility for voting for debt limit and now not, and now PAYGO. We
have had debate on that. But I want to make sure that we listen to two
things when we talk about bipartisanship. Bipartisanship is a two-way
street of working together.
I suspect, as I said before my colleague from California entered the
Chamber, I expect to see Republican support again for PAYGO.
Republicans are looking at it closely. There is certainly support for
consideration of that. My colleague from California outlined some of
the votes in a bipartisan vote that came for PAYGO, and I addressed
that I think, with the gentleman from Texas, that there is support.
The question is, under the terms of the debate, we want it
altogether, right now, right here, and that is the position we are
carrying. Some of that has been now a Blue Dog position that has been
laid out by a number of members of that caucus. But the reality is if
we keep screwing around with this thing, we are going to shut the
government down. We cannot have it both ways.
Each of us has voted for something that makes the government run and
takes credit for it when it is the fall of the election year, making
sure that voters knew they were working hard to bring some of that
Federal money back home.
Any further delay will result in this body's jeopardizing our trust
funds, like Social Security, Medicare and highways. We further
jeopardize military care and retirement. We put our military at risk.
We endanger unemployment benefits and disaster assistance and low-
income home energy assistance programs, programs many of us had in our
messages back in our respective States and districts.
We also talk about listening to presentations from 2000. At least
twice I put on the record in this hour 83 different times over the last
64 years has the Congress taken upon itself to increase the debt limit.
I also put on the record President Clinton's 1996 State of the Union
address where he asked for bipartisan cooperation to ask the Congress
to do the right thing and increase the debt limit.
So it is not a new thing, it is not a Republican thing, it is not at
Democrat thing, it is a government thing. There will be a consequence
if we do not keep the government running because, for the history of
our Nation, we have never not made sure that we honored what needed to
be done with respect to debt limit.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Oregon (Mr. DeFazio).
Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from New York talks about the
great mandate the Republicans got in the election. Why did they not
have the guts to bring up an increase in the debt limit before the
election?
This is no surprise. In fact, we technically reached default over a
month ago. They have been borrowing Federal employees' retirement to
keep the government floating, but now they say we have no option but to
vote for this today, and they have no plan.
Let us distill it down to something Americans understand. Trillions,
billions, they do not get it. This is the third time we are going to
ask for an increase in our borrowing on our credit card limit in 3
years under the Republican leadership, $2,000 per U.S. citizen. That is
what they are authorizing today to borrow. Now everybody here is going
to have to pay that back with interest. With interest. And they have no
plan to stop borrowing into the indefinite future. No plan at all.
They will not allow us to adopt a simple principle: If they want to
increase spending, cut something else. If you want to cut income,
decrease taxes, either get tax increases elsewhere or cut spending.
That is all we are saying. It is a simple principle. It is something
every American would have to do before their credit card company would
give them an increase for the third time in 3 years. That is what they
are doing here.
They say, there is no time to do that. We are powerless in face of
the Senate.
Come on. Give me a break. Members want to talk about demagogues. You
are a champion demagogue. You really are. We are borrowing $1 million a
minute to run this government. They want to say let us cut spending.
We can eliminate the entire government, the entire government, far
beyond libertarians' dreams, and we would still have a deficit this
year. Now we would keep half of the Department of Defense, but we would
eliminate everything else the government does, and we would still have
a deficit this year. That is how serious this problem is.
And they are borrowing money in the name of the American people who
are going to have to pay it back with interest. Our kids are going to
pay it back with interest. Our grandkids are going to pay it back with
interest. In their scenario, our great great grandkids are going to pay
it back with interest to the Chinese and others who are now financing
our government and our spendthrift ways.
All we are asking for here is a little bit of fiscal responsibility,
a plan, a plan to deal with this mounting debt, a plan that any
American would have to have if they asked their credit card company for
the third increase in 3 years in their credit card limit, and they were
also cutting their income.
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, in 1996, we heard, as I put on the record, President
Clinton's appeal to the Congress. I thought I might share a little bit
of the appeal of our colleagues. The two I have come from the
Democratic side of the aisle at that time who made the appeal for the
debt limit to be rising.
Barbara Kennelly of Connecticut stated, ``Lifting the debt limit
should not be a matter of politics, but of governance. Ensuring that it
is done should not be a question of partisan leverage, but of
leadership.''
The gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee), ``If the debt ceiling
is not extended or is sent to the President in a form he cannot sign,
the repercussions will be devastating. Already, the leaders of our
European allies are warning of an international financial crisis should
the United States default on its debt payments. Bond rating agencies
are raising alarm that our Nation's triple A bond rating is in
jeopardy.
``An actual default would cause interest rates on Treasury bonds to
rise, making a balanced budget almost impossible to achieve. Home
mortgage
[[Page 24045]]
and business borrowing rates would increase, slowing economic growth.
``In the past, many clean debt limit extensions have been passed in a
bipartisan manner by this House. It was the right thing to do then, and
it is the right thing to do now.''
I do not always agree with my colleagues on some of their viewpoints
of getting government solutions, and I am sure that many do not agree
with me on government solutions, but we have certainly had a history of
administrations, Democrat and Republican, and 83 times this Congress
since 1940 has said let us do it.
Now I understand showmanship. I understand consumption back home. I
understand we are still in November, so we have a little election
spirit in us. But the reality is if we do not increase this debt limit,
we are putting America's people in jeopardy.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from
the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I might ask the gentleman how he himself
voted.
Mr. Speaker, the full faith and credit of the United States is not
seriously at issue here. What is at issue is what we do not hear a lot
about anymore. We do not hear the other side saying we can grow our way
out of this debt. We do see the danger signs, the decline of the
dollar, the rise in debt purchased by foreigners.
How can we plunge ourselves back into debt so quickly? As President
Clinton dedicates his library, I cannot help remember the halcyon days
of surplus where the President imposed pay-as-you-go discipline. We can
do this ourselves.
Postponing a vote on the debt limit to get through an election is
pathetically transparent. The moral bankruptcy of that postponement is
deepened by the failure to even make a promise on PAYGO during this
debate.
Unless we move, this generation will be remembered as the generation
that had a party at the expense of their grandchildren, so selfish that
they gave themselves a tax cut, robbed their children's Social
Security, and then charged it straight away to them. Let us do better
than that. That is the very definition of a national moral issue.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
I will be calling for a no vote on the previous question so we can
change the rule and add the Stenholm amendment to reinstate pay-as-you-
can-go programs in our budget process.
This amendment was offered in the Committee on Rules last night and
defeated on a straight party-line vote. I want to emphasize that this
no vote will not in any way prevent or block the consideration of the
underlying bill to increase the debt ceiling, but a yes vote will block
us in voting to restore the pay-as-you-go provisions in the budget
process. I urge a no vote on the previous question
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the amendment
be printed in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the previous
question.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). Is there objection to the
request of the gentlewoman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, this Congress must honor our commitments and America's
priorities. We must stand up today in support of our seniors and
veterans and military and all citizens who will be harmed by our
inaction. I urge my colleagues to do the right thing and support the
rule and the underlying bill.
I also look at the 109th Congress as an opportunity for those who
want to look at PAYGO, Republican and Democrat, from those from the
left to those on the right to come together in a bipartisan fashion and
continue working through the will of the House to see those types of
considerations debated in committee and debated on the floor of this
great House.
Before I yield back, I would like to quickly thank the gentleman from
California (Chairman Dreier) and all of the members of the Committee on
Rules and staff as this is most likely the last time I will manage a
rule for this industrious panel. I have been honored to serve on the
Rules Committee for the past 6 years.
The material previously referred to by Ms. Slaughter is as follows:
Previous Questions for H. Res. 856: Rule on S. 2986
Strike all after the resolved clause and insert:
That upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in
order to consider in the House the bill (S. 2986) to amend
title 31 of the United States Code to increase the public
debt limit. The bill shall be considered as read for
amendment. The previous question shall be considered as
ordered on the bill and on any amendment thereto to final
passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of
debate on the bill equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways
and Means; (2) the amendment specified in section 2 of this
resolution, if offered by Representative Stenholm of Texas or
his designee, which shall be in order without intervention of
any point of order or demand for division of the question,
shall be considered as read, and shall be separately
debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by the
proponent and an opponent; and (3) one motion to commit with
or without instructions.
Sec. 2. The amendment referred to in the first section of
this resolution is as follows:
Redesignate section 1 as section 101 and before such
section add the following:
TITLE I--INCREASE IN PUBLIC DEBT LIMIT
At the end, add the following new title:
TITLE II--REINSTATING BUDGET ENFORCEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY
SEC. 201. EXTENSION OF PAY-AS-YOU-GO REQUIREMENT.
(a) Purpose.--Section 252(a) of the Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 is amended by striking
``2002'' and inserting ``2009''.
(b) Sequestration.--Section 252(b)(1) of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 is amended
by striking ``2002'' and inserting ``2009''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 274 of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 is amended
by striking ``2006'' and inserting ``2013''.
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I
move the previous question on the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on ordering the previous
question.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the ayes appeared to have it.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. 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, further
proceedings on this question are postponed.
____________________
RECESS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the
Chair declares the House in recess subject to the call of the Chair.
Accordingly (at 11 o'clock and 15 minutes a.m.), the House stood in
recess subject to the call of the Chair.
____________________
{time} 2035
AFTER RECESS
The recess having expired, the House was called to order by the
Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Simpson) at 8 o'clock and 35 minutes p.m.
____________________
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF S. 2986, INCREASING THE PUBLIC DEBT
LIMIT
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The pending business is the question on
ordering the previous question on H. Res. 856 on which further
proceedings were postponed earlier today.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on ordering the previous
question on which the yeas and nays are ordered.
Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XX, the Chair will reduce to 5 minutes
the minimum time for electronic voting, if ordered, on the question of
adoption of the resolution.
[[Page 24046]]
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 205,
nays 191, not voting 36, as follows:
[Roll No. 534]
YEAS--205
Aderholt
Akin
Alexander
Bachus
Baker
Ballenger
Barrett (SC)
Bartlett (MD)
Barton (TX)
Bass
Beauprez
Biggert
Bilirakis
Bishop (UT)
Blackburn
Blunt
Boehlert
Bonilla
Bonner
Bono
Boozman
Bradley (NH)
Brady (TX)
Brown (SC)
Brown-Waite, Ginny
Burgess
Burns
Burton (IN)
Buyer
Calvert
Camp
Cantor
Capito
Carter
Castle
Chabot
Chocola
Coble
Cole
Collins
Cox
Crenshaw
Cubin
Culberson
Cunningham
Davis, Jo Ann
Davis, Tom
Deal (GA)
DeLay
DeMint
Diaz-Balart, L.
Diaz-Balart, M.
Doolittle
Dreier
Duncan
Ehlers
Emerson
Everett
Ferguson
Flake
Foley
Forbes
Fossella
Franks (AZ)
Frelinghuysen
Gallegly
Garrett (NJ)
Gerlach
Gibbons
Gilchrest
Gillmor
Gingrey
Goode
Goodlatte
Granger
Graves
Green (WI)
Gutknecht
Hall
Harris
Hart
Hastings (WA)
Hayes
Hayworth
Hefley
Hensarling
Herger
Hobson
Hoekstra
Hostettler
Hulshof
Hunter
Hyde
Isakson
Issa
Istook
Jenkins
Johnson (CT)
Johnson (IL)
Johnson, Sam
Jones (NC)
Keller
Kelly
Kennedy (MN)
King (IA)
King (NY)
Kingston
Kirk
Kline
Knollenberg
Kolbe
LaHood
Latham
LaTourette
Leach
Lewis (CA)
Lewis (KY)
Linder
LoBiondo
Lucas (OK)
Manzullo
McCotter
McCrery
McHugh
McInnis
McKeon
Mica
Miller (FL)
Miller (MI)
Miller, Gary
Moran (KS)
Murphy
Myrick
Neugebauer
Ney
Northup
Nunes
Nussle
Osborne
Ose
Otter
Paul
Pearce
Pence
Peterson (PA)
Petri
Pickering
Pitts
Platts
Pombo
Porter
Portman
Pryce (OH)
Putnam
Ramstad
Regula
Rehberg
Renzi
Reynolds
Rogers (AL)
Rogers (KY)
Rogers (MI)
Rohrabacher
Ros-Lehtinen
Royce
Ryan (WI)
Ryun (KS)
Saxton
Sensenbrenner
Sessions
Shadegg
Shaw
Shays
Sherwood
Shimkus
Shuster
Simpson
Smith (MI)
Smith (NJ)
Smith (TX)
Souder
Sullivan
Sweeney
Tauzin
Taylor (NC)
Terry
Thomas
Thornberry
Tiahrt
Tiberi
Turner (OH)
Upton
Vitter
Walden (OR)
Walsh
Wamp
Weldon (FL)
Weldon (PA)
Whitfield
Wicker
Wilson (NM)
Wilson (SC)
Wolf
Young (AK)
Young (FL)
NAYS--191
Abercrombie
Allen
Andrews
Baird
Baldwin
Becerra
Bell
Berkley
Berman
Berry
Bishop (GA)
Bishop (NY)
Blumenauer
Boswell
Boucher
Boyd
Brady (PA)
Brown (OH)
Brown, Corrine
Butterfield
Capps
Capuano
Cardin
Cardoza
Carson (IN)
Case
Chandler
Clay
Clyburn
Conyers
Cooper
Costello
Cramer
Crowley
Cummings
Davis (AL)
Davis (CA)
Davis (FL)
Davis (IL)
Davis (TN)
DeFazio
DeGette
Delahunt
DeLauro
Deutsch
Dicks
Dingell
Doggett
Doyle
Edwards
Emanuel
Engel
Eshoo
Etheridge
Evans
Farr
Fattah
Filner
Ford
Frank (MA)
Frost
Gonzalez
Gordon
Green (TX)
Grijalva
Gutierrez
Harman
Hastings (FL)
Herseth
Hill
Hinchey
Hinojosa
Holden
Holt
Honda
Hooley (OR)
Hoyer
Inslee
Israel
Jackson (IL)
Jackson-Lee (TX)
Jefferson
Johnson, E. B.
Jones (OH)
Kanjorski
Kaptur
Kennedy (RI)
Kildee
Kilpatrick
Kind
Kucinich
Lampson
Langevin
Lantos
Larsen (WA)
Larson (CT)
Lee
Levin
Lewis (GA)
Lofgren
Lowey
Lucas (KY)
Lynch
Majette
Maloney
Markey
Marshall
Matheson
McCarthy (MO)
McCollum
McGovern
McIntyre
McNulty
Meehan
Meek (FL)
Meeks (NY)
Menendez
Michaud
Miller (NC)
Miller, George
Mollohan
Moore
Moran (VA)
Murtha
Nadler
Napolitano
Neal (MA)
Oberstar
Obey
Olver
Ortiz
Owens
Pallone
Pascrell
Pastor
Payne
Pelosi
Peterson (MN)
Pomeroy
Price (NC)
Rahall
Reyes
Rodriguez
Ross
Rothman
Roybal-Allard
Ruppersberger
Rush
Ryan (OH)
Sabo
Sanchez, Linda T.
Sanchez, Loretta
Sanders
Sandlin
Schakowsky
Schiff
Scott (GA)
Scott (VA)
Serrano
Sherman
Skelton
Slaughter
Smith (WA)
Snyder
Solis
Spratt
Stenholm
Strickland
Stupak
Tanner
Tauscher
Taylor (MS)
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Tierney
Towns
Turner (TX)
Udall (CO)
Udall (NM)
Van Hollen
Velazquez
Visclosky
Waters
Watson
Watt
Waxman
Weiner
Wexler
Woolsey
Wu
Wynn
NOT VOTING--36
Ackerman
Baca
Boehner
Burr
Cannon
Carson (OK)
Crane
Dooley (CA)
Dunn
English
Feeney
Gephardt
Greenwood
Hoeffel
Houghton
John
Kleczka
Lipinski
Matsui
McCarthy (NY)
McDermott
Millender-McDonald
Musgrave
Nethercutt
Norwood
Oxley
Quinn
Radanovich
Rangel
Schrock
Simmons
Stark
Stearns
Tancredo
Toomey
Weller
{time} 2102
Mr. WEXLER and Mr. BLUMENAUER changed their vote from ``yea'' to
``nay.''
Mr. McINNIS changed his vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.''
So the previous question was ordered.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). The question is on the
resolution.
The resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________
{time} 2100
AUTHORIZING THE CLERK TO MAKE CORRECTION IN ENGROSSMENT OF H.R. 3204,
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that in the
engrossment of H.R. 3204, the Clerk be authorized to make the following
correction: In section 4(a)(4)(B), strike ``2010'' and insert ``2006''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). Is there objection to the
request of the gentleman from Delaware?
There was no objection.
____________________
INCREASING THE PUBLIC DEBT LIMIT
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 856, I
call up the Senate bill (S. 2986) to amend title 31 of the United
States Code to increase the public debt limit, and ask for its
immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the title of the Senate bill.
The text of S. 2986 is as follows:
S. 2986
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. INCREASE IN PUBLIC DEBT LIMIT.
Subsection (b) of section 3101 of title 31, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``$7,384,000,000,000'' and
inserting ``$8,184,000,000,000''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 856, the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady) and the gentleman from New York (Mr.
Rangel) each will control 30 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady).
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
The issue before us is really America's responsibility to pay its
bills, to meet obligations that America and Congress, as our Members,
have already incurred.
Before September 11 and the war on terror, the Republican-led
Congress paid down nearly half a trillion dollars in public debt,
marking the first time since 1969 that Congress had reduced the
national debt. Today, America is fighting an elusive and determined
enemy abroad, while working to stimulate the economy and help industry
still recovering from the 9/11 attacks.
At this extraordinary time, with our Nation's many obligations, the
government is nearing the debt limit. If the Treasury cannot issue the
debt, the government may be unable to meet many of its obligations,
such as the regular investment into the Civil Service Retirement and
Disability Fund. Republicans want to do the responsible thing. As a
result, Congress is increasing the debt limit to $8.1 trillion.
Holding the line on spending and raising the debt limit are not
mutually exclusive, and it is important to remember that. Earlier this
year, the House approved a lean, responsible budget that would cut the
deficit in half within 5 years, hold the line on spending and guard
against Democrats' calls for job-killing tax hikes.
[[Page 24047]]
Republicans are committed to reducing America's debt through
responsible and restrained spending. Congress must meet America's
priorities such as Social Security and Medicare. That is why raising
the debt limit is so critical. But, in doing so, we can remain
steadfast in our quest to eliminate the waste, the fraud and abuse on
behalf of all taxpayers and future generations.
Mr. Speaker, I do have a bipartisan request. Tonight's measure is an
appropriate time to discuss spending and deficits and solutions, but as
we debate this and as we make our final vote, let us not punish our
seniors, let us not punish our elderly, let us not punish our military
just to score political points. If the debt ceiling is not increased,
America cannot pay its bills. We cannot meet existing obligations. We
will not ultimately have the cash on hand to pay Social Security
benefits, military retirement, Medicare benefits, unemployment benefits
and other trust fund obligations.
As raw as this recent election was, as bitterly contested as it was,
with hurt feelings all around, we need to work together as Americans to
take responsibility for our bills. Let us not default on our
obligations. Let us not stop the checks to our needy who are counting
on us. Let us not use our elderly as political pawns in trade for a
seven second sound byte back home. They deserve better. We have a
responsibility to pay our bills.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the remaining time.
Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I would like to join in the bipartisan request that we try to work
this out. The request sounds like a drunk going to an Alcoholic
Anonymous meeting, saying just give me one more drink and I will not do
it again. But there has to be a program involved in joining with my
colleagues in this bipartisan approach, and we have a program and that
is pay-as-you-go.
My colleagues cannot help themselves with spending. They think they
have a credit card with no limit on it. They go to the richest of their
friends and they tell them, they do not ask for it, that they are going
to give them a $1 trillion tax cut. Then when they ask, well, where are
we going to get the money, do not worry about it, we will increase the
debt ceiling, we will just borrow some money.
Who are we borrowing the money from? The Japanese and the Chinese.
What kind of patriotism is that? What kind of bipartisanship do my
colleagues want for that?
The truth is every day for the next 2 years we are going to be
dealing with the moral issues that encompass this Congress and this
country, and the quicker my colleagues try to explain how they can take
a surplus projected at $5.6 trillion and then come up and waste it and
come up with a deficit of $3 trillion, the quicker they can see that
the interest on this debt is going to be larger than the things that
they talk about in the Koran, in the Bible or in the Torah and all of
those things. That is, talking about education and health care and help
your fellow man and let us not help the high rollers that my colleagues
try to do.
So we are prepared to work in a bipartisan way. If a creditor wants
to try to help someone that just could not control the spending, the
first thing they do is get a plan. We will give my colleagues plenty of
opportunity to be bipartisan by saying pay-as-you-go. Do not stop
everything. Do not hurt the aged. Do not hurt Social Security. Do not
hurt Medicare. We know how compassionate they feel about those issues,
but do not get us involved in anymore debt unless you have some kind of
a cockamamie plan to get us out of the mess that you put us in.
Mr. Speaker, I yield the remainder of my time to the gentleman from
Tennessee (Mr. Tanner) for the purposes of control, who has a true
understanding of patriotism and compassion and moral values, and take
notes because my colleagues are going to be hearing a lot about this.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from
Tennessee (Mr. Tanner) will control the time.
There was no objection.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, why are we here for the third time in 3 years? It is
because our country has borrowed over $1.5 trillion in that time from
2001 until now.
Mr. Speaker, this is not an accident. This is the first
administration and the first Congress in the history of this country
that has knowingly, willfully, deliberately, and consciously pursued an
economic plan that will leave our country weaker in the long run than
when they found it. No other people who have occupied these seats have
consciously, willfully and deliberately bankrupted our country like
what is going on today.
Just in the last 4 years, at a 5 percent interest rate, these people
have raised taxes on the American people $67 billion a year each and
every year from now on to the rest of our lives because of this
prolific borrowing that is going on.
President Jimmy Carter once said that the highest office in our land
is that of citizen, and he is right. Citizens hire us to come here
every couple of years in this body to do the public work, to try to run
their business like we would run our own.
All we have asked of the majority is before we borrow another $800
billion in the name of every citizen in this country, they would at
least give us the opportunity to stop and say why do we not pay for
what we are spending? Why do we not do the moral value of paying our
bills? We are not paying our bills by borrowing another $800 billion.
We are passing our bills on to our children, our grandchildren and
anybody else who follows us. That is no moral value.
I tell my colleagues one other thing. We are creating a financial
vulnerability in this country that is second only to the threat of
terrorism. Since 2001, there has been an $844 billion increase in
foreign-held debt, and do my colleagues know who holds it? Almost every
country in the world.
I hold this up from the Treasury Department: Japan, over $700
billion; mainland China and Hong Kong, over $230 billion; the Caribbean
banking centers, over $100 billion.
{time} 2115
We are literally, you are literally mortgaging our future economy to
anybody in the world that will give us money on the cheap today so we
do not have to face up and pay our own bills from my generation: pass
it on to somebody else. It is nothing less than a national security
issue, and we will have more to say about that later.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Some people have a short memory around here. I do believe that
reducing the debt, restraining spending is a bipartisan effort. We have
to work together. But I recall my friends on the Democratic side, when
Republicans proposed a Medicare drug plan of around $400 billion, our
friends on the Democrat side proposed a plan of $968 billion. We did
not spend too little; they wanted to spend more. When we talked about
unemployment extensions, they increased it $30 billion over the
Republican plan. It was not that we were spending too little; they
wanted to spend more. And when we talked about welfare reform and the
need to move people to work, they added $52 billion, my Democratic
colleagues, so concerned about the debt. It was not that we were
spending too little; they wanted to spend more.
And when we are talking about moral obligations, I guess I would ask
this: Is it a moral obligation when you trumpet that press release for
that new firefighting equipment, for that new road you got, for that
new university research, for that farm bill you championed, when you
stand for the ribbon-cutting back home, and when you court public
approval for spending tax dollars? Do you also have the moral
obligation to pay for it?
Today, the issue is are we going to pay the bills of America, pay for
the
[[Page 24048]]
spending that has been incurred and take responsibility for our own
actions?
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to
say one thing. We are not paying for anything. We are borrowing every
dime he is talking about.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr.
Levin).
Mr. LEVIN. The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady) asked us to be
bipartisan. Why were the Republicans not bipartisan when you put your
budget together? You want us to be bipartisan now. What about the past?
You want us to be fiscally responsible for your fiscal
irresponsibility. We will not do that.
You mentioned the Medicare bill. We paid for ours. You hid the facts
about what you were proposing. You hid them from us, and you continue
to do so.
It has been said here let everybody understand the impact on the
families of America. The gross interest on the national debt this year:
three-quarters of all nondefense discretionary spending. And when
projected over 10 years, it is going to be even larger than nondefense
discretionary spending.
This action of yours today is the bitter fruit of your fiscal
irresponsibility. You give every reason for this problem except your
own actions, your own default. It is time that you stood up to the
bitter fruits of your policies. Do not stonewall. Do not give us the
hollow excuses. This country's families are now being asked by you for
a tax increase on every family of America. You can vote for that; I am
not going to do so.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Like a mortgage payment, like a credit card payment, we are paying
for past decisions by this Congress, some of them decades old. In fact,
if we are talking about the past 40 years of control by our Democratic
friends, we are talking about raiding the Social Security trust fund,
increasing the debt, and in more recent years voting against every bill
because we did not spend more. Because we did not spend more.
Republicans are standing up for this responsibility. We understand
that America took three big hits to our economy on 9/11: the recession
President Bush inherited, the attacks of 9/11 that cost us almost 2
million American jobs, and then the technology bubble burst and the
scandals from the false economy of the 1990s.
America fought back. Republicans fought back with the simple
principle: if we want to create jobs in America, leave the tax dollars
in America, in our hometowns, on Main Street in our small businesses.
By fighting back from a hit that would have sent most countries
stumbling to their knees, we are creating jobs, we are increasing
revenue to the Federal Government, and the deficit is dropping.
But today, the question is, for all those Members who have been so
eager to trumpet that press release, so eager to take credit for that
spending that they brought home, the question is: Are you going to step
up and pay the bills that America and Congress has incurred, or are you
going to vote to stop our Social Security checks, stop the retirement
checks to our military, stop the Medicare payments so important for the
elderly?
It is bipartisan, whether you agree or disagree with how we got here.
And that is a fair argument. Republicans and Democrats have a different
view of this, and that is a healthy one. But regardless of that, if you
supported the farm bill, if you supported the road bills, if you
supported the water projects, if you supported the road projects, then
step up and pay the bill tonight.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Massachusetts (Mr. Neal).
Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Texas described a situation here 3
years ago before we went on this borrowing binge. What he conveniently
neglected to point out was that President Bush and the Republican Party
inherited the strongest economy in the history of America that was
expected to post a $5.6 trillion, 10-year surplus. And he conveniently
neglects to point out that it is the $2 trillion that they have taken
from the budget through tax cuts that have helped to put us in the
situation that we are in. Talk about amnesia.
In just 4 years of Republican management, the country's fiscal
situation has collapsed to the tune of nearly $9 trillion, draining the
entire Clinton surplus and digging a deficit of $3 trillion, the
largest deficit in the history of the world. And today, for the third
time in 4 years, the country's fiscal situation has become so dire that
we bumped up against the legal limit on how much we can borrow. So we
are going to raise the limit or the government will default. All of
this from the party that in American history has preached fiscal
responsibility. So we have to come up with enough money now for their
tax cuts, the war, and, by the way, just think of this, two wars with
four tax cuts. That defies human history.
And the President has very big plans for the next 4 years. He says he
is going to spend a lot of capital that he has earned. So we are going
to create private accounts for Social Security, which would cost more
than $1 trillion, more than the current system might offer; and we do
not even have enough money in the current system so that we are going
to borrow this money tonight.
The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady), who is a nice enough fellow, he
mentioned a couple of moments ago the situation that we are in. I want
to remind this body that 8 years ago the Republican Party was going to
impeach Bob Rubin for doing precisely the things their Secretary of the
Treasury is doing this evening.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
South Carolina (Mr. Spratt).
Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I have 2 minutes and three or four charts
that I think I can tell the whole story with.
The year 2001. The President saw, looking out 10 years, surpluses of
$4.6 trillion, and he said we can have it all, tax cuts and surpluses
too. So he sent us a budget with enormous tax cuts. We warned against
buying into those projections, but it was not heeded. They told us at
the time that we could pass these tax cuts and we would not even have
to consider an increase in the debt ceiling until the year 2008. That
promise lasted 1 year.
The next year, in 2002, there was a $450 billion request for another
hike in the debt ceiling. The following year, 2003, there was a request
for an increase in the debt ceiling of $984 billion, the single largest
increase in history, a bigger amount than the entire national debt in
1981 when Ronald Reagan came to office.
Add those three together and they tell you a lot: $450 billion, plus
$984 billion, plus tonight's request, $800 billion, comes to $2.234
trillion. $2.234 trillion. That is the amount by which we have had to
increase the debt ceiling of the United States in order to accommodate
the budgets and fiscal policies of the Bush administration: $2.234
trillion.
Now, that is bad enough, but we asked CBO last September to take its
latest economic forecast and to project the Bush budget 10 years,
through the year 2014, and tell us how much debt would be accumulated
in that period of time if we stayed on this course. This is what is to
come. Tonight is only the beginning. This is what is to come if we
follow those policies for the next 10 years. We will accumulate a
national debt of $14.545 trillion.
And here, the final chart tells it all. Our debt is increasing twice
as fast as our GDP, or income. This cannot be sustained, and that is
why we do not believe this bill in its present form should be adopted.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman
from
[[Page 24049]]
California (Mr. Cox), a long-serving Member with strong leadership on
the Select Committee on Homeland Security.
Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time.
Many of our colleagues are just back from the Clinton library. I will
never forget the night on this floor, not so long ago, in 1996, when in
this very Chamber President Clinton said right on the heels of his
attempt to have the Federal Government take over responsibility for
one-sixth of the Nation's economy, ``the era of big government is
over.''
That line recalled similar sentiments by such earlier conservative
Presidents as Ronald Reagan, Calvin Coolidge and Abraham Lincoln, with
the difference being that the latter three actually meant it.
How many of you remember not just Clinton's favorite line but the
entire passage in proper context? It went as follows: ``We know big
government does not have all the answers. We know there is not a
program for every problem. We have worked to give the American people a
smaller, less bureaucratic government in Washington, and we have to
give the American people one that lives within its means. The era of
big government is over.''
I remember that moment vividly. I was, of course, sitting in this
House Chamber, about 20 feet from the President, in this seat right
here when he spoke those words. He was reading from the teleprompter,
and his line of sight over the Plexiglas extended directly to my
reserved place here at the leadership table.
Because Bill Clinton was very comfortable using the teleprompter, he
routinely made eye contact with the Members sitting in the Chamber, and
he looked me directly in the eye, and at that moment I could see that
he was enormously satisfied with that line in his speech. Yet in
retrospect, when Bill Clinton declared ``the era of big government is
over,'' he was right, for now we are living in ``the era of really big
government.''
Assuming we keep to our schedule this evening, Mr. Speaker, the
Federal Government will spend more than $100 million just in the time
we are debating this debt ceiling legislation. The growth of government
in modern history has been astounding. In 1952, the year I was born,
which we all agree was not very long ago, Federal spending was a quaint
$68 billion compared to over $2.5 trillion today. And it was just that
high because America was at war in Korea at the time.
When my oldest child was born in 1993, Federal spending was $1.4
trillion. In just one generation, the size of the Federal Government
had increased more than 20-fold. We blew by the $2 trillion mark in
2002, and we have not even taken our foot off the accelerator.
{time} 2130
We are past the point where we can make excuses for the big
government elephant in the living room. He has taken over our living
space, contributing nothing to the family and, as Ronald Reagan knew,
posing a threat to our freedoms.
President Reagan, my first boss in Washington, said it best in his
1989 farewell address, ``Man is not free unless government is limited.
There is a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable
as a law of physics: As government expands, liberty contracts.''
President Reagan knew this fundamental truth: Big government is
incompatible with freedom.
There is a reason that fiscal restraint is a traditionally
conservative value. Big government requires big spending and,
therefore, a comfort level in taking and using the fruits of other
people's labor. It is a comfort level found in socialism, not
conservatism.
So it is with great sadness that I come to the floor tonight to
recommend a vote on increasing the debt ceiling. But the reason it is
necessary is that the money has already been spent. The bills have come
due for what this Congress has already voted for.
Three years ago, we endured a vicious attack on our Nation. As
horrifying as it was, it was a visible attack, an attack from without.
We knew then how to mount a defense against a foreign enemy. We would
not give in to terror. At the time, Osama bin Laden boasted, ``I tell
you, freedom and human rights in America are doomed.'' He was wrong
then, and he is wrong now. We will not cede this Nation to tyranny, but
neither should we cede it to the burdens of big government.
We have got to acknowledge that, unlike the hideous face of
terrorism, big government is an attractive seductress. It is sometimes
enticing to our citizenry and certainly to many of us in this Chamber.
But as chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, I know that
every tax dollar spent on nonessential functions of government is, in
these times, doubly squandered. Monies given to National Public Radio
or the National Endowment for the Arts cannot go toward our national
defense.
The truth is, rapid, unsustainable increases in nondefense spending
threaten our ability to protect American citizens and to respond to
future threats. Period. That is precisely what is happening now so long
as the liberal big spenders in this Congress will not say no.
This vote on the debt ceiling tonight is nothing but a reminder that
it is high time we get back to pruning back the waste of government. It
can be done. We did it in 1995, the first year of the Republican House
majority, and we can do it now.
The truth is, the biggest spenders in this Congress will be the ones
who vote against this resolution. Because, for big spenders, reining in
the government is not a serious priority. The majority of us, however,
have got to be responsible. We have got to go forward with renewed
resolve to be fiscally responsible. We have to keep uppermost in mind
that big government does not have all of the answers. It really does
not have many answers at all. Not good ones, anyway.
We know there is not a program for every problem. We have discovered,
after all these years, that is really a good thing. So as we do the
right thing tonight, Mr. Speaker, let us vow to stick with what the
Founding Fathers wanted us to do. Not surprisingly, those are the very
things we have been good at all along.
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, what the gentleman just told Members is up is down, and
down is up. The liberal big spenders have not spent a dime in this
place in 10 years. They do not have the votes.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Maryland
(Mr. Hoyer).
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time.
Mr. Speaker, I would suggest to the gentleman from Tennessee that
Lewis Carroll is writing the speeches that are being given on this
legislation: Up is down, black is white, good is bad, and bad is good.
Dick Armey said Republicans control this town, and you have for 4
years. Republicans control it. This House, the Senate, and the White
House. Not a nickel is spent because Democrats vote on it. It is all
your spending that you are talking about. All your spending.
The immoral, intellectually bankrupt fiscal policies that we have
been pursuing for the last 4 years resulted in this request for this
gargantuan increase on the debt on the head of every American, young
and old.
Bill Clinton was President of the United States and, in 1998, no
increase in the debt; 1999, no increase in the debt; 2000, no increase
in the debt; 2001, no increase in the debt. Not until the Republican
fiscal policies were adopted did this country start to sink deeper and
deeper and deeper into debt. From less than $6 trillion, in 42 months
you have taken this country another $2 trillion in debt.
Let us talk of moral values in America. Let us talk of squandering
the public resources of a $5.6 trillion surplus that President George
Bush said was available when he spoke to this Congress in February,
2001. We have some fiscal conservatives, they say, on this floor and
they say spending is the problem. Why have they not stopped it for 4
years?
[[Page 24050]]
They say there has been terrorism. I agree. There has been a war. We
had a war under President Clinton, Members recall, one the other side
of the aisle was not enthusiastic about, but we lost very few people,
and the despot who committed genocide against the Bosnian people is now
locked in The Hague.
I tell my friends, this is the right thing to do if we adopt the
motion to instruct that will be offered by the gentleman from Texas
(Mr. Stenholm), the most fiscally responsible Member of this body.
Increase it for a short time. The United States cannot welch on its
debt. We must pay our debt, but fiscal responsibility ought to be
adopted by the majority that have control to do so.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
``We did not spend a dime around here for the past 10 years. All the
spending is yours''?
That is not what you told your constituents. I have seen your press
releases. You said you secured the road project. You said you
championed university research. You said you got that road project.
Here is my question: Who are you not leveling with, the voters back
home or the people listening tonight?
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
Mr. BRADY of Texas. I yield to the gentleman from Maryland.
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
I am prepared to pay for the public works projects that I secure. The
public works project that this side secured pales into insignificance
beside the public works projects that you get for your Members on your
side of the aisle, 17 times as much as we did, and you came here saying
we are against pork. Seventeen times, my friend. Seventeen times is the
pork in your bills.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. ``Mr. Speaker, we did not spend a dime around
here for the past 10 years. It is all your spending.'' That was 2
minutes ago.
Today, it is, yeah, we spent a lot, but you spent more. Well, there
is a difference. What we spent our deficit on was tax relief for the
American people. I readily admit that. When we look at the deficit
today, and we do share this, the fact of the matter is 50 percent of
our deficit is caused because of this recession and we have to
strengthen this economy. We have to get into a stronger economy.
Twenty-five percent of it was new spending, spending that you have
claimed credit for, not tonight, but you have claimed credit for years
and years throughout the districts, in your speeches and in your
campaigns. And the rest of that, that small amount left, is for tax
relief to get people back to work, to help small businesses create jobs
and get this economy strong again.
Mr. Speaker, Republicans are stepping up tonight to accept that
responsibility to get the economy going. We are going to pay our bills.
We are not going to claim credit for spending, lay the blame on another
party, and then try to stop the checks for our Social Security
recipients and our Medicare recipients and our military retirees.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 30 seconds.
Mr. Speaker, I do not think people realize the situation we are in.
We will step up to the plate if the other side will allow us to pay-as-
you-go, but they will not do that. They are not paying anything. They
are borrowing another $800 billion. We are not paying any bills. We are
borrowing money right now based on last year of $1.1 billion a day, $48
million an hour, $796,000 a minute. We have already borrowed $10
million while we have been talking. It is $13,000 a second, and you
will not let us have pay-as-you-go.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr.
Taylor).
Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, there is a lot of talk about
morality on this House floor and about patriotism.
I want someone to explain to me how it can be moral for a father to
stick his kids with his bills. How can it be moral for me to stick my
three kids and Charlie Stenholm's beautiful grandson here with $800
billion of new debt? I want to hear how it is patriotic to burden the
next generation of Americans with so much debt that they cannot pay for
their wars which they will unfortunately have, that they cannot pay for
their natural disasters that are going to happen. Please tell me how
that is moral or patriotic.
And for God's sake, Mr. Brady, please do not tell me you are paying
the bills tonight when you are borrowing $800 billion that you are
going to stick your kids with. You are not paying the bill. Your kids
are going to pay the bill. And until they pay the bill, we are going to
continue to squander $1 billion a day on interest on the national debt.
It gets better, Mr. Brady, because I bet when you got back to Texas
you tell them how much you hate foreign aid, and so I am sure you would
love to tell the people of Texas that one-third of that billion dollars
a day that we spend on interest on the national debt goes to the
Communist Chinese, goes to the Japanese, goes to the other countries
that now own one-third of our debt. I am sure you are proud of that.
But let me just remind you, Mr. Brady, 3 years ago on this floor, on
my son's birthday, you all came down and said you can cut taxes,
increase spending, and you were going to pay off the debt. Since that
time, you have borrowed $1,786,314,460,700.45. It gets better. Because
in that time you have stolen over $600 billion from the Social Security
trust fund. Tell me how it is moral for you to steal from the Social
Security trust fund, how it is moral to steal from the Medicaid trust
fund, how it is moral to steal from the military retirees.
announcement by the speaker pro tempore
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). The Chair reminds Members to
address the Chair and not other Members in the second person.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 45 seconds.
Mr. Speaker, tell me the moral clarity of going home each week and
trumpeting that press release for the firefighter fund or the road
project or for that water project, and then stand up here tonight and
tell us we are not going to pay the bill for it. So the seniors who
need their Social Security checks, the heck with them. The military
retirees who are counting on their retirement, the heck with them. I
got my press acclaim, I got my public support, but you, you on the
other side of the aisle, you take responsibility for making sure those
checks get there. Tell me the moral obligation of that.
{time} 2145
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from
Pennsylvania (Ms. Hart).
Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time, and I rise in support of this proposal. Some will talk and just
say no and just point fingers. Others will stand and take the
responsibility for governing. We have absolutely had a very difficult
last several years. We came into this, this administration, with a
recession, we were attacked, we are dealing with a war on terror,
increased costs of homeland security to fight terror, to prevent
further attacks on the United States. That costs a lot of money. There
is no doubt that dealing with those costs during a recession put us in
a difficult situation.
So what are we to do? Simply say, oh my, let's raise taxes on the
American people who are in a recession? That is a huge mistake. We are
getting out of the recession. We see growth. We see job improvement,
all as a result of the President's and our decision to keep taxes low.
The whole point of this tonight is to take responsibility, not cry
and whine and say it is not our fault, it is your fault. We are taking
responsibility. We are going to raise the debt ceiling. We are
continuing with a conservative budget that will cut our deficit in half
in 5 years. That is responsible. I urge my colleagues to grow up, take
responsibility and support this tonight.
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield for the purpose of making a
unanimous
[[Page 24051]]
consent request to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).
Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker:
A little patience, and we shall see the reign of witches
pass over, their spells dissolve, and the people, recovering
their true sight, restore their government to its true
principles. It is true that in the meantime we are suffering
deeply in spirit, and incurring the horrors of a war and long
oppressions of enormous public debt. If the game runs
sometimes against us at home we must have patience till luck
turns, and then we shall have an opportunity of winning back
the principles we have lost, for this is a game where
principles are at stake.--Thomas Jefferson, 1798, after the
passage of the Sedition Act.
These words of Jefferson ring particularly true at this moment.
Principles are indeed at stake--basic principles of standing up for
fiscal integrity, keeping our promises to American workers, and leaving
the next generation free of crushing deficits. The majority has
abandoned these principles, but we will not let them be forgotten. The
futures of our children and our grandchildren are at sake.
We are here to vote on the administration's demand for an increase in
the debt limit of $800 billion dollars. This is the third increase in
the debt that this administration has demanded in its first term--for a
total of $2.1 trillion, the largest debt increase in our history. This
administration has spent recklessly and immorally, driving the deficit
each year to a new record.
Democrats know how to reduce the deficit--and so did Republicans, in
earlier years. When I came to Congress in 1992 we had a deficit of $290
billion. Yet, after 8 years of bipartisan policies of fiscal
responsibility we ended President Clinton's second term with a
projected 10-year surplus of $5.6 trillion.
After only 4 years of this administration's irresponsible spending,
we have a 10-year projected deficit of $2.3 trillion--a free fall of
almost $8 trillion dollars in only 4 years. How much worse will it get
before we can restore the government to its true principles?
Having been chastised by all the financial ministers of Europe this
week for allowing the U.S. budget deficit to get to this point,
Secretary Snow said today that the budget deficit is the
administration's highest economic priority. I challenge the
administration to put its money where its mouth is.
If the administration meant what it said, it would urge Republicans
to join Democrats in reinstituting the pay-go rules that enabled us to
reduce the deficit under President Clinton. We had bipartisan support
for these rules for 8 years--because they work, and because they
represent the necessary and responsible course.
If the administration meant what it said, we would have a strategy to
pay down the debt held by China and other Asian countries before they
acquire a stranglehold on our economy and can dictate our fiscal
choices.
If the administration meant what it said, we would not be here
debating a further increase in the debt limit while the Secretary has
already raided the Civil Service Retirement Fund.
For the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must bring
government back to fiscal responsibility. Any vote on increasing the
debt limit must be coupled with a vote to reinstate the pay-go rules.
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 10 seconds. We want to take
responsibility. We want to pay as you go instead of borrowing and
borrowing and borrowing. That is responsible.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr.
Cooper).
Mr. COOPER. We are all sinners. None of us has clean hands,
particularly on spending issues. But there is one among us who over the
last 26 years has the cleanest record and the best record of doing the
right thing on Federal budget deficits. That man's name is Charlie
Stenholm, and he is proudly from Texas. Sadly, tragically, due to the
last election and very unfair partisan gerrymandering, he will no
longer be with us. But we need to carry Charlie Stenholm's message in
our hearts, in both parties, every day, because this man has lived it
for 26 years and in a friendly and bipartisan fashion tried to carry
each one of us on his ample shoulders.
It is a tough job, even in the greatest country in the history of the
world, to do the right thing when it comes to future generations like
his grandson sitting right there. It is a tough job to live within the
budget that you set. But Charlie has done the best job of any of us. So
I hope that in this debate tonight, as we are literally borrowing
nearly $1 million a minute against our children and grandchildren, that
we will learn to reform, because this debate is really about whether we
reform our ways starting tonight. Not next Congress, not next year.
Starting now. Will we adopt pay-as-you-go? Because that is the only
thing that has worked around here. Charlie Stenholm has championed
that. It has worked. It worked for 12 years magnificently. We all need
to get behind Charlie Stenholm and adopt pay-as-you-go as the policy of
this House.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman
from Indiana (Mr. Burton), chairman of the Committee on Government
Reform.
Mr. BURTON of Indiana. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time.
Mr. Speaker, I am no longer the chairman of the Committee on
Government Reform, but I am the chairman of a subcommittee and I do
appreciate it. The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) might take
issue with that.
Let me just say, I looked around this Chamber and I was listening to
the debate. I have a lot of friends on the Democrat side, including my
good buddy Charlie Stenholm and Charlie Rangel. We have all been here
for a long time. All I can say is that it really kind of tickles me
because I hear many of my colleagues on the Democrat side of the aisle
talking about spending constraint. For 40 years you guys had control of
this place and year after year after year after year the budget deficit
went up and up and up and up, and now that we are in the majority and
we have got all these problems and granted we do have a lot of problems
we have got to get control of spending and I am for all of that.
To hear colleagues of mine like Charlie and others come up here and
talk about spending constraints tickles me to death, because for 40
years you did not do that. I love you guys. I love working with you.
But there is nothing like a reformed lady of the evening, and I love
you guys because you are changing.
But where were you for those 40 years? I do believe we have to work
together. I do believe we have to work together, but please remember
your past when you are admonishing us to change things.
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 10 seconds. The gentleman
from Indiana's side of the aisle has borrowed more money in 3\1/2\
years than the Democrats borrowed in 40.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr.
Scott).
Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to stand in this
well as a Democrat, and I hope that the people of this country are
taking good notes tonight, because it is the Democrats in this Congress
who are standing up for sound fiscal responsibility. I think it is very
important for us to realize and never forget that it was President
Clinton who left a huge surplus that has been squandered in these last
4 years.
Here are the facts. This is the third time in 3 years that the debt
limit has been increased for a grand total of more than $2 trillion.
The last hike was nearly $1 trillion. But it took less than 18 months
for the government to hit the new rate ceiling. By way of comparison,
the entire Federal debt in 1980 was just less than $1 trillion. We are
on a runaway train without any brakes. And all we are asking for is
pay-as-you-go so that we can be responsible.
I will tell you really just how irresponsible you are being on the
other side of the aisle. Do you realize that 90 percent of this new
debt that you are creating is being purchased by foreign countries and
foreign interests? And just the amount of the interest that we are
paying on it, just the cost of borrowing this money from these
countries accounts for more than 10 percent of all of Federal spending,
which is more than what we are spending on our own homeland security.
You talk about irresponsibility. It is truly irresponsible for us to
turn over our debt, our fiscal security, to foreign interests, let
alone the irresponsibility we are showing for passing on this debt to
our children.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute.
Let us do a quick fact check here. Eighty-eight percent of the debt
that
[[Page 24052]]
we are raising today comes from government transfers, or from past
debts before President Bush's administration took office. Eighty-eight
percent of that. So we are paying for past decisions, including past
Democratic administrations and Democratic holds of this Congress.
Second point. Our deficit and our debt is way too high. I think we
all agree on that. I do not know anyone here who thinks otherwise. That
truly is bipartisan. Let us keep in perspective that publicly held debt
today is 37 percent of the economy. It was as high as 49 percent in
1995 during President Clinton's tenure. The fact of the matter is the
debt and the deficit is too high at all levels in America's history,
and at some point at the end of this debate after this is all done and
we get out and get through with all of our purging of our frustrations
on how we got here, we are going to have to work together to balance
this budget, to start paying down this debt and find some solutions.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 5 seconds. You have got an
opportunity to do that tonight by adopting a PAYGO rule. You can start
right now.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/4\ minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee
(Mr. Davis).
Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of talk and
discussion in the media recently about our country's morals which
played an important role, I think, to many in our recent elections. I
personally welcome these discussions, but I am saddened by the fact
that there has been little talk about the moral values of the
government's borrow-and-spend economic policies.
Tonight we will have a vote to raise the debt ceiling for the third
time in the last 3 years. Why? Because Congress has been content to
manage the American taxpayers' money in a way that immorally disregards
the well-being of our Nation's economic future. I believe it is immoral
for this country to keep racking up debt as far as the eye can see and
to pass it on to our children and our grandchildren. I think it is
immoral to borrow and spend and ask our soldiers to make the ultimate
sacrifice while we refuse to make even marginal sacrifices in our
fiscal policies.
Mr. Speaker, last week on Thursday, November 11, the 278th Regimental
Combat Unit left for Iraq. Many of these brave men and women of this
National Guard unit come from Tennessee and from my congressional
district. I was able to visit the 278th in Fort Shelby, Mississippi,
the day they went off to defend our country. I wish them luck and offer
my prayers for their safe return home. Now I wish our soldiers'
government would take the steps necessary to curb this deficit
spending, to reinstate true budget enforcement measures like PAYGO, and
to pay down this Nation's debt, instead of continuing to raise the
ceiling, so that our troops when they return home, they are not left
with footing the bill for a war they so bravely fought. As we continue
to discuss morality in America, I hope we will not continue to ignore
the immoralities of our current fiscal policies.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 30 seconds.
I think it is important to keep focus that 88 percent of this debt
occurred through intergovernmental transfers or before the Bush
administration. It is a shared debt and a shared responsibility. The
way we do not tackle it is to cut off the retirement checks for the
military mothers and fathers of those serving today. That is exactly
the wrong way to do it, the wrong way to duck responsibility. Together
we can agree to pay our bills and then work together to reduce the
debt.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Virginia (Mr. Moran).
Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, there are two reasons why we
should vote against this debt ceiling limit. The first is that there is
no plan to pay it off and the second is that what we are really doing
is mortgaging our children's future. The reality is that when you talk
about social spending, we could eliminate all social spending and we
would still have an annual deficit. Tax cuts have equaled 17 times all
domestic discretionary spending, and every child born in this country
is now going to inherit $85,000 in interest costs on this debt, and
that is what you are passing on to the next generation. That is
immoral.
Also, bear in mind that 90 percent of this new debt is being bought
by foreign countries. Forty-three percent of it is now owned by foreign
countries. Imagine the situation that you are leaving to the next
generation. This is the result of a $10 trillion fiscal reversal. We
are going to offer a PAYGO proposal where we would look at revenue as
well as spending. That is what you have to do. That is the only thing
that has worked, and that is the only responsible thing to do tonight.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 30 seconds as a
reminder that it is the economy that has caused this deficit; it is
additional spending both for homeland security, supporting our troops,
and for those press releases Members in this Chamber have so proudly
touted back home. Today, and in fact we could have taken away all the
tax cuts and we would still be running a deficit in America. It is time
to pay our bills. Let us not cut off checks to our Social Security
people simply for partisan purposes.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Wisconsin (Mr. Obey).
{time} 2200
Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, we have heard some quite interesting
statements tonight. One of the previous speakers derided this side of
the aisle for the way we handled the national economy for the 40 years
we were in control.
Here are the facts: from 1946 until 1979, our national debt as a
percentage of total national income declined by almost three-quarters,
from 126 percent of our total national income to about 25 percent of
our total national income. Then along came Ronald Reagan and his free
lunch budgets; and in the years he was President, our national debt, as
a percentage of our national income, doubled. Our national debt went
from less than $1 trillion to more than $3 trillion under Ronald
Reagan's stewardship.
Bill Clinton came into the White House, and with the support of the
Democratic Party with not a single vote from the Republican side of the
aisle, he took the actions that led to a balanced budget and produced
the surpluses that were referred to earlier by the gentleman from
Maryland (Mr. Hoyer). Mr. Bush then came along and reversed all of that
progress.
So I am sorry. We can all have our own spin, but the fact is one
cannot change history. One cannot change the record.
I would say only one other thing. All of the talk about the past is
beside the point. This debate tonight is about what we are going to do
tomorrow, and that is what the Stenholm motion is all about. It says
that regardless of what anybody has done in the past, tomorrow we are
going to return to the kind of fiscal responsibility we have not seen
under the Bush administration by returning to PAYGO. If they believe in
being more responsible tomorrow than they have been up until today,
they will vote against this resolution and they will vote for the
Stenholm motion.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie).
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I want to wish everybody aloha here.
Can we get a smile on everybody's face? Aloha. I invite everybody all
out to Honolulu. As long as we are spending money, why not come out to
Honolulu and enjoy it while they have the opportunity?
Let us face it. The only reason that we are not out there right now
is that
[[Page 24053]]
the Democrats did not take over. If I were chairing one of the
committees, we would have an excuse to bring everybody along. We could
have a discussion out there on the beach.
Somebody asked me today, What are we doing down there during this
lame duck session? I said, We are organizing our delusions. That is
what we are doing, organizing our delusions.
I just spoke to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), and I said,
You are engaged in a non sequitur here, the fact that you can point to
somebody and say you did something real bad for a long time and so now
we have an excuse to keep on doing it.
That is not an answer. If we are going to do right by the American
people, starting tonight, as the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Tanner)
said, it is always time to start doing the right thing. And tonight we
ought to start by doing it by passing the Stenholm motion and acting
responsible towards the people who sent us here.
Aloha, Mr. Speaker. Have a wonderful holiday.
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I do not really believe that people of our country realize the shape
the financial balance sheet of our country is in. The budget deficit
last year, if we stack $1 bills on top of one another, would be 41,000
miles high. Listen to this: we are paying $5,100 a second in interest,
$310,000 a minute. The American people will have paid $19 million in
interest while we have been talking about this matter right now, and
that is not including what we are borrowing.
I tell my colleagues if we do not adopt pay-as-you-go, which simply
says we are going to pay the bills, not borrow the money from our
children and grandchildren, from anybody on Earth that will buy our
paper at a relatively low rate of interest while we are here in this
place, I tell my colleagues, I said at the outset, this is not an
accident, Mr. Speaker. This is a willful, knowingly, deliberately
conscious act of following an economic plan that puts us further and
further into debt, and they will not accept a simple provision that
says simply we ought to pay for what we are consuming. They will not
accept that. We are going to have a motion to recommit that will ask
for it to.
He said we are going to get around it. We can do it tonight. We can
start acting responsibly tonight by simply adopting pay-as-you-go. That
is what most American families do. That is considered a virtue where I
come from. One pays their bills, they try to behave, they go to work,
they get up, they go to church. That is responsibility. It is not
responsible to say I am going to buy a new house and give the mortgage
to my son. That is not responsible.
I tell my colleagues this is very frustrating because it is so
abundantly clear we are mortgaging the future of this country. And what
makes it worse is that now 43 percent of our paper is being held by
foreign governments that do not see the world as we see it. And some
day, I sound like a canary in a coal mine, some day, these chickens are
going to come home to roost. When they quit buying, we are going to
have lost control of this economy and we will have to pay whoever
however much in order to refinance this debt. And that market is going
to respond to what you people are doing. And it is not going to be too
much longer, I am afraid. And when it does, it is going to be something
that the American people are going to suffer from for a long time to
come.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi).
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for
yielding me this time, and I commend him for his very excellent work on
fiscal soundness for our country and in this Congress. He has so
eloquently driven the message home that no country has ever been
strong, prosperous, and bankrupt. I thank him for his eloquence and his
leadership.
The gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), our distinguished ranking
member on the Committee on Ways and Means, has been a champion for
middle-income families in America and understands the importance of the
fiscal soundness they have in their homes in paying their mortgages,
their credit cards, their car payments, and the impact of a huge budget
deficit, a huge national debt has on the lives of working families in
America, and I commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) as
well.
I want to reserve my highest praise for the gentleman from Texas (Mr.
Stenholm). This Congress has been blessed for many years by his
distinguished service in the House of Representatives. He has been a
champion for the American people, for the American farmer, and a leader
for fiscal soundness in our country. He is about accountability,
accountability in our service here. No one has been a stronger or more
eloquent voice for that message and what it means. He has been a
teacher to the Congress. He has changed the thinking of a political
party by making Democrats the party of fiscal responsibility for having
a pay-as-you-go policy where we say no more budget deficit, no more
deficit spending.
It has too high a cost in the personal lives of the American people.
It has too high a cost to fiscal soundness of our country, and as
others have indicated, there are countries that own our debt that we
are at the mercy of should they decide not to play in those markets at
any given time.
So this place will simply not be the same without the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Stenholm), but I hope that as a source of comfort, if that
is the word, to him as he goes on to other great things, and I know he
will, that he has made a tremendous difference for our country. He has
made tremendous progress for our country. I know I speak for every
person here when I say it has been an honor to call him colleague. I
thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm).
Mr. Speaker, many of us just came back from the dedication of the
Clinton Library, where obviously we were drenched in the rain for
several hours. But it was well worth it because we could pay tribute to
a President who too was committed to fiscal soundness. Under the
economic policy and the plan that was passed in this body by only
Democratic votes, our country went on a path of fiscal soundness that
had zero deficit in 1999. Zero deficit. Think of it. Compared to this
year when the deficit is over $425 billion just for this year. And
President Clinton, when he left office, he put us on a path of fiscal
soundness and surplus of $5.6 trillion, $5.6 trillion in surplus.
And now we are going on a path of over $3 trillion in deficit, a huge
swing approaching $10 trillion. It is historic, the swing that has
taken place. So no wonder we would endure the driving rain and all that
it did to us there to thank President Clinton.
And I might say that in attendance were also present Jimmy Carter,
President George Herbert Walker Bush, and President George W. Bush. And
both Presidents Bush spoke with great eloquence. They spoke with great
unity for our country. It was an honor for all of us to hear their
words and to be there with them at the dedication of the Clinton
Library. So it was a very wonderful occasion. And I, as Democratic
leader, want to thank President George W. Bush for giving us the planes
to enable us to go there and to thank our distinguished Speaker for
rolling the votes so that the Democrats and I think some of the
Republicans could go there. Senator Frist was there, but some from the
House were there as well.
But just to get back to our subject here, here we come back. Is it
not ironic that the Republicans in the campaign went out there and
talked about their economic policy and the first order of legislative
business when we get back here is to increase the debt ceiling? In the
course of the President's administration now, this 4 years, it will
have been raised $2 trillion. This is absolutely astounding in terms of
these figures. Whatever happened to the deficit hawks? I know they are
over there.
[[Page 24054]]
We heard from them in earlier manifestations of their legislative lives
that they really were concerned about the fiscal soundness of our
country. Have the deficit hawks become an endangered species?
Be true to yourselves. Face the facts. We have to have pay-as-you-go
again. Pay-as-you-go is what brought us into surplus. Pay-as-you-go is
the way we have to go now. And we will have that opportunity to do that
later.
I am going to submit my fuller statement for the Record because the
hour is late and because my colleagues have spoken so eloquently to
this point. But I just want to close with a point about accountability.
This budget that we have is supposed to be a statement of our national
values. We have talked about that over and over again. And a value that
we have to have is accountability, how we answer to the next generation
for the debt that we are piling on them. We want to give our children
opportunity. Instead, we are giving them obligations.
{time} 2215
It is simply not right.
So I urge all of my colleagues to support our motion to commit which
will accommodate, will give the government a chance to go forward, but
also to put a limit on this profligate increase in the debt. I hope at
the end of the evening, though, that everyone who stands up for fiscal
soundness will vote against this irresponsible lifting of the debt
ceiling unless there is a responsible discipline thrust upon it of pay-
as-you-go or a plan from the President to say how he intends to reduce
the deficit.
With that, once again, I want to commend my colleagues, the gentleman
from New York (Mr. Rangel), the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Tanner),
and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm) for their exceptional
leadership on this subject, which is a very, very important one to our
children, that we are accountable to them, that what we hand to them is
our responsibility and that we will never forget that.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for fiscal
soundness, vote for pay-as-you-go, vote for a plan to reduce the
deficit, vote for a limitation on the time that the Republicans can
continue to pile on and pile on the debt.
At the same time, President Clinton's responsible economic policies
eliminated the deficit, and we had three years in a row of budget
surpluses.
How ironic--and how sad--that our first item of legislative business
upon returning to Washington after election is to raise the debt
ceiling to make room for the enormous piles of debt that President
Bush, and this Republican Congress have run up.
When President Bush took office, we were on a path to a $5.6 trillion
surplus. We are now facing a $3 trillion deficit--a fiscal collapse of
nearly $9 trillion. Record surpluses have become record deficits. The
deficit for this year alone is $413 billion.
Now, Republicans want to raise the debt limit for the third time in
three years. Including this year's increase, Republicans will have
raised the debt limit by more than $2.2 trillion since President Bush
took office.
What happened to the Republican deficit hawks? They have become an
endangered species in Washington. The truth is that there really is no
limit to the amount of debt Republicans are willing to run up.
Republicans will tell you that these deficits are not their fault;
that they were caused by circumstances beyond their control. But it's
just not true.
These deficits are the direct result of irresponsible Republican
choices--tax cuts for the wealthy and reckless corporate handouts
including tax breaks that encourage shipping jobs overseas.
The Republican policy of borrow-and-spend must end. We are running up
a bill and handing it to our children.
We should be giving our children opportunity, not obligations, but
America's growing debt will ensure that our children and our
grandchildren are paying for Republican irresponsibility for the rest
of their lives.
Their taxes will pay for the interest on our debt instead of keeping
our military the strongest in the world, strengthening Social Security,
or improving education.
Higher deficits also have real consequences for American families
today. The federal government is by far the largest player in the
credit markets, and when federal borrowing increases there is less
credit available to everyone else, causing interest rates to rise.
Higher interest rates mean consumers must spend more on their
mortgage, credit cards, and student loan payments.
And when it becomes more expensive to borrow money, businesses are
less likely to make the investments that generate jobs and
opportunities.
Democrats have a better way. We believe in accountability in
government. Accountability was one of the six core values in our New
Partnership for America's Future.
Democrats believe we must return to accountability by restoring
fiscal discipline and eliminating deficit spending with pay-as-you-go
budget rules in which both tax cuts and spending increases must be paid
for.
These rules created the surpluses under President Clinton, and can
work again.
Democrats tried earlier today to restore the successful pay-as-you-go
rules, but Republicans wrongly rejected that effort. Now, because this
issue is so critical, we offer the Republicans yet another chance to
work together in good faith to reduce the deficit.
Charlie Stenholm has long been one of the most passionate and
eloquent advocates for fiscal responsibility in this Congress. And
tonight he is giving us another opportunity to meet our moral
responsibility to the next generation.
By supporting his motion to instruct, we will agree to increase the
debt ceiling until April 15 next year, at which point the President
must present a balanced budget. This would keep the government running
and give the President and Congress time to put forward the balanced
budget the American people need and deserve.
Thank you, Charlie, for all of your leadership, and for this motion.
I urge my colleagues to support the Stenholm motion to instruct.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume to close.
Mr. Speaker, let me first, on behalf of this side of the aisle, join
with the Minority Leader in praising the service of the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Stenholm). His grandson ought to be proud of his granddad,
his service here, both for our country here in Congress and in Texas
where, as a fellow Texan, I can tell my colleagues I am very proud of
his service and proud to have served with him.
There is something else we share as well. We share a debt in this
Nation and we share a responsibility to pay those bills. The debt we
face tonight is shared. Eighty-eight percent of this debt occurs from
intergovernmental transfers of before the Bush administration. This is
debt generated over decades and decades that every Member in this House
today had a hand in creating.
The solution in the end, after all of the rhetoric is said and done,
is going to be to join together for spending restraint, for abolishing
obsolete agencies, to eliminating the billions of dollars of
duplication, to getting a backbone to say no to projects. And, in fact,
we have the opportunity starting in January, maybe tonight, to have a
fresh start about working together, Republicans and Democrats, to again
balance this budget and to start paying down that debt.
But, in truth, the question tonight is much simpler than that. The
question is, are we going to pay our bills? Are we going to take
responsibility for that press release, that project, that water
funding, that university research, all of those things that we have
championed and ran on back home, are we going to take responsibility to
pay those bills tonight? Or are we going to vote to go into default, to
not meet our obligations, to stop our Social Security checks to the
elderly or retirement checks and medicare payments?
It is time to gather Republicans and Democrats to pay our bills, to
look out for our seniors and to vote yes on this debt ceiling.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today thoroughly
discouraged with the current proposal to increase the public debt limit
by a staggering $800 billion. If this proposal is allowed to pass the
American people will inherit a budget system that allows the federal
deficit to grow to $8.18 trillion. This kind of economic maneuvering is
not only dangerously foolish, it is in fact unethical. There is a
reason why we have a federal debt limit, because incurring too much
debt ruins our ability
[[Page 24055]]
for long-term growth, by adding an additional $800 billion to the debt
limit we are only laughing at the idea of fiscal constraint. This
proposal being considered by this body only continues the fiscal
irresponsibility of the Bush administration and this Republican
Congress.
This administration has tried to say that deficits don't matter; we
know that that is simply not true. History has proven that chronic
deficits threaten our economic strength by crowding out private
investment, driving up interest rates, and slowing economic growth.
Indeed foreign investment in the United States has dried up because
foreign investors have no confidence in the Bush economic agenda. This
administration's irresponsible budget policies have turned a surplus
into a large deficit that is choking off growth in the American
economy.
President Bush likes to say his budget is geared towards tax cuts for
all Americans. When in fact the average American won't receive a
substantial tax cut, but will instead be hit with a tax hike in the
form of an ever-growing deficit. A large deficit means taxpayers have
to shoulder the costs of paying the interest on this new national debt.
The end result will be a debt tax on the great majority of Americans.
This will be a tax on lower and middle class Americans; it will be a
tax on the elderly and most unfortunately it will be a tax on our
children. The truly sad part of the President's economic policies is
that while they are bad for America today they are even worse for
future generations of American taxpayers.
Today, we celebrated the opening of the Bill Clinton Presidential
Library in Little Rock, Arkansas. One of President Clinton's greatest
achievements was the fact that he led his country through one of our
most economically prosperous periods and furthermore he took our large
public debt built up through 12 years of Republican administrations and
actually turned it into a surplus. It saddens me that while that was
one of President Clinton's greatest achievements, it will not be one of
his most lasting due to the irresponsible and misguided fiscal policies
of the Bush administration. Republican mismanagement has turned large
projected surpluses of over $5.6 trillion into huge projected deficits
of more than $3.5 trillion. The difference in only a few years is
staggering and ultimately reckless. The large public debt could be
significantly reduced by instituting the pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) system
that applies to tax cuts as well as mandatory spending. These PAYGO
enforcement rules were so effective in the 1990s at reducing our
deficit and making our way towards a surplus. Democrats in Congress
have time after time supported the reestablishment of these effective
rules, but it seems no one on the other side of the chamber is
listening.
These Republican policies will double the current debt in 10 years.
The CBO projects that the debt subject to limit will continue to rise,
reaching $13.272 trillion by 2014 if there is no change in current
Republican budget policy. Accounting for the implementation of
administration policies, such as making permanent the expiring tax
cuts, the government will incur about $6.2 trillion in additional debt
between now and 2014, raising the statutory debt to a projected $14.5
trillion, nearly double the current $7.384 trillion limit. These
figures are astounding in their size, but truly they are saddening in
their effect. Our children will bear the burden of this fiscal
insanity. We can raise the debt limit today with little effect, but we
are only postponing the inevitable. At some point all accounts have to
be paid, unfortunately by then it will be our children who will be left
with this oversized bill.
Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to convene the 109th
Congress, one of our top priorities should be getting our fiscal house
in order. Unfortunately the Republican leadership is sending us in the
wrong direction. The House voted recently to raise the debt limit by a
total of $800 billion. The vote to raise the debt limit for a third
time in 3 years is a direct consequence of the reckless fiscal policy
pursued by the Republican leadership over the last few years.
A key step to putting America back on the path to financial security
would be re-implementing pay-as-you-go policies. The House Republican
leadership blocked efforts to restore these rules. Using pay-as-you-go
rules, the Clinton administration helped turn a $290 billion budget
deficit in 1992 into budget surpluses in 1998, 1999, and 2000. As a
result, the Clinton administration was successful in paying down $362
billion in publicly held debt. However, in 2002, the Republican
leadership let the pay-as-you-go rules expire and once again we are
facing endless budget deficits and soaring national debt.
Debt increases have serious consequences for American families. At a
time when the House leadership is promoting more and more tax cuts that
disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Americans, increased budget
deficits create an enormous debt that will mortgage our future. While a
few are benefiting disproportionately from certain Bush tax cuts, all
Americans will pay the consequences through the rising ``debt tax.''
Throughout our history, every generation of Americans has worked to
leave our children a world that is stronger and more secure than the
one that was left to us. That is our legacy and it should also be our
commitment. It is simply wrong to run up a debt on our national credit
card and leave our children to pay the bill. We must take personal
responsibility to return our Nation to fiscal responsibility.
Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, Congress is once again engaging in fiscal
irresponsibility and endangering the American economy by raising the
debt ceiling, this time by $800 billion. One particularly troubling
aspect of today's debate is how many Members who won their seats in
part by pledging never to raise taxes will vote for this tax increase
on future generations without so much as a second thought.
The term ``national debt'' really is a misnomer. It is not the
Nation's debt. Instead, it is the Federal Government's debt. The
American people did not spend the money, but they will have to pay it
back.
Most Americans do not spend much time worrying about the national
debt, which now totals more than $8 trillion. The number is so
staggering that it hardly seems real, even when economists issue bleak
warnings about how much every American owes--currently about $25,000.
Of course, Congress never hands each taxpayer a bill for that amount.
Instead, the Federal Government uses the people's hard-earned money to
pay interest on this debt, which is like making minimum payments on a
credit card. Notice that the principal never goes down. In fact, it is
rising steadily.
The problem is very simple: Congress almost always spends more each
year than the IRS collects in revenues. Federal spending always goes
up, but revenues are not so dependable, especially since raising income
taxes to sufficiently fund the government would be highly unpopular. So
long as Congress spends more than the government takes via taxes, the
Federal Government must raise taxes, print more dollars, or borrow
money.
Over the past 3 years, we have witnessed an unprecedented explosion
in federal spending. The national debt has actually increased an
average of $160 billion a day since September 30, 2003.
Federal law limits the total amount of debt the Treasury can carry.
Despite a historic increase in the debt limit in 2002 and another
increase in 2003, the current limit of $7.38 trillion was reached last
month. So Congress must once again vote to raise the limit. Hard as it
may be for the American people to believe, many experts expect
government spending will exceed this new limit next year.
Increasing the national debt sends a signal to investors that the
government is not serious about reining in spending. This increases the
risks that investors will be reluctant to buy government debt
instruments. The effects on the American economy could be devastating.
The only reason why we have been able to endure such large deficits
without skyrocketing interest rates is the willingness of foreign
nations to buy the Federal Government's debt instruments. However, the
recent fall in the value of the dollar and rise in the price of gold
indicate that investors may be unwilling to continue to prop up our
debt-ridden economy. Furthermore, increasing the national debt will
provide more incentive for foreign investors to stop buying federal
debt instruments at the current interest rates. Mr. Speaker, what will
happen to our already fragile economy if the Federal Reserve must raise
interest rates to levels unseen since the seventies to persuade
foreigners to buy government debt interests?
The whole point of the debt ceiling law was to limit borrowing by
forcing Congress into an open and presumably somewhat shameful vote
when it wants to borrow more than a preset amount of money. Yet, since
there have been no political consequences for Members who vote to raise
the debt limit and support the outrageous spending bills in the first
place, the debt limit has become merely another technicality on the
road to bankruptcy.
The only way to control federal spending is to take away the
government's credit card, which will force Congress to control federal
spending. Therefore, I call upon my colleagues to reject S. 2986 and,
instead, to reduce government spending. It is time Congress forces the
Federal Government to live within its constitutional means. Congress
should end the immoral practice of excessive spending and passing the
bill to the next generation.
Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this legislation,
and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``no.'' Congress
[[Page 24056]]
and this administration simply must end the reckless and irresponsible
budget path we are currently on.
Early next year, my wife Faye and I expect to become grandparents for
the first time. While this is an exciting time for our family, I
shudder to think that our Nation's legacy to that child is going to be
the largest national debt ever bequeathed to a generation in this
country's history. That is wrong. It is immoral. It violates to the
core our most basic values of responsibility to one another.
The current administration and the Republican leadership has run up a
massive national debt of $7.4 trillion and growing with no end in
sight. Each newborn child now inherits $85,000 in debt. This so-called
``baby tax'' is wrong and is building inflation into our economy that
poses catastrophic danger to our Nation's economic prosperity.
America must return to the values of balanced budgets and put our
fiscal house in order. As someone who hails from a conservative state,
I fail to see what at all is conservative about refusing to pay one's
bills.
Mr. Speaker, Congress must reject this legislation and return to
policies of budget sanity and economic growth so that every individual
willing to work hard can make the most of his or her God-given
abilities and live the American dream.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I recognize that we need to raise the debt
limit this week. I vote against S. 2986 not for the purpose of causing
the United States to default, but rather for the purpose of forcing a
serious debate on fiscal policy.
I am confident that if this motion were to be defeated, Congress
would in effect go into emergency session to deal with the fiscal
issues that are before us.
Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose increasing the debt
limit without putting in place any plans or mechanisms to bring our
budget into balance.
``Increasing the debt ceiling'' is a technical term for what Congress
is actually doing today--we've spent another $800 billion we didn't
have, and now we're forced to borrow that amount of money from our
children. The national debt, already $7.4 trillion, will soon rise to
more than $8.1 trillion because of the irresponsible borrowing and
spending of the Republican Congress.
Today marks the third time in the last 3 years that the Republican
Congress has been forced to raise the debt ceiling. It's the moral
equivalent of applying for a credit card in your child's name, running
it up all the way, raising the credit limit, charging more money on it,
raising the limit again, charging even more money, and raising the
limit one more time. Only Congress is doing it on a much larger scale.
It's a fact that the biggest cause of the red ink is tax cuts--tax
cuts that went overwhelmingly to the highest income brackets and failed
to create jobs. The second biggest cause is the Republican Congress's
addiction to unrestrained spending.
Ten years ago, the Republican Party took power in Congress promising
to restore fiscal responsibility and balance the budget. I was proud to
work with President Clinton and my Republican colleagues to achieve a
historic balanced budget agreement in 1997.
In the 1990s, working under PAYGO budget constraints, we balanced the
budget, lowered interest rates, grew the economy, and charted a course
to a debt-free America. In January 2001, the Congressional Budget
Office estimated that we'd be able to pay off the entire debt of the
United States by 2011.
But over the last 4 years, Congress has veered onto a different
course; $5.6 trillion in projected surpluses have turned into $5
trillion in projected deficits. The dream of a debt-free America has
vanished--today, about 40 percent of our mounting debt is in foreign
hands. That is the legacy of this Republican Congress--giveaways to
special interests, tax cuts for the very wealthy, historic levels of
borrowing, all leading to a diminished future for our children.
I urge my colleagues to support the Stenholm amendment to restore
fiscal and moral responsibility to Congress and oppose another yet
increase the debt limit.
Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in
opposition to S. 2986, a bill that will increase the debt limit of the
U.S. Federal Budget from $7.4 trillion to $8.2 trillion.
Why am I voting against this bill? I am following a basic rule that
families in my district, and throughout the country follow--don't spend
money you don't have.
When my constituents sit down and look at their credit card bills,
they don't say, ``Oh look, I'm in debt. I guess I better spend more.''
No, they think about where they can save money, in big and small ways.
And they prioritize. And maybe, if there is something that they really
need, they decide to work a little overtime next to add some more money
to the balance.
That is exactly how government needs to function. Government needs to
exercise fiscal responsibility. Government needs to spend within its
means, or raise more money to finance unmet needs.
The Republican majority, unfortunately, does not seem to understand
this basic principle. It increases federal spending--more than any
other government in recent history--and it simultaneously cuts taxes.
They want to have their cake and eat it too.
It is the time for the majority to start practicing what they preach
about fiscal discipline. It needs to keep an eye on both the spending
and revenue columns in the ledger. It needs to prioritize and
economize, particularly in the areas where we are spending the most.
Let's be realistic. Families can't balance their budgets by spending
dollars and saving pennies, they need to make real economies.
Similarly, we can't balance the budget on the back of domestic
spending. Comparatively speaking, domestic spending makes up an
insignificant part of our budget. If Congress really wants to balance
the budget, it is going to have to look at entitlements, interest on
debt, defense spending, and we're going to have to think twice about
projected tax reductions.
The future fiscal health of the United States is in our hands. I urge
my colleagues to be more responsible with the money of the taxpayers of
this country. There are no more excuses.
Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, for the third time since President
Bush took office, Republicans will increase the federal debt limit.
This year, Republicans will increase the debt limit by $800 billion.
This would allow borrowing to reach $8.2 trillion--$8.2 trillion. Where
has the fiscal responsibility gone?
This year the deficit will hit a record $412 billion. Over the last 4
years the federal debt has ballooned by $1.4 trillion. Because there
appears to be no end in sight to the annual budget deficits, the new
debt ceiling will probably have to be raised again next year.
One would think that faced with this huge debt problem our friends on
the other side of the aisle would want to reinstate ``pay-as-you-go''
rules as we, Democrats, have been advocating. But, unbeknownst to me
and the American public--who are paying attention because they are the
ones carrying this heavy debt burden--Republicans refuse to adopt
``pay-go'' rules.
These are the same ``pay-go'' rules that played a key role in
balancing the budget in the 1990s under the Clinton administration. The
Republicans' refusal to adopt ``pay-go'' does not make any sense.
f we have to increase the debt limit, then we should do so along with
fiscally responsible ``pay-go'' rules that would stop Republicans from
putting Americans deeper and deeper into debt. It is hard-working
American people that are the victims of this growing, out of control
debt. An average American family of four bears a debt burden of about
$100,000--$100,000.
Something has to be done. At some point we will have to stop these
massive increases in the federal debt. At some point we will have to
make room to adequately fund our children's education, our brave
troops, Social Security.
Republicans do not seem to understand that the larger our federal
debt becomes, the less room there is to fund these important programs.
This body should bear that in mind as we vote tonight.
The American people are watching.
Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to S. 2986, a bill
that increases the federal debt limit by $814 billion while doing
nothing to ensure a return to fiscally responsible economic policy. If
we continue to spend at the current rate while giving tax cuts to the
wealthiest Americans, our national debt will top $8 trillion in the
very near future.
Just weeks ago, President Bush and many Republican candidates across
the country were campaigning on a platform of fiscal responsibility and
cutting the deficit in half during the next 4 years. Now that they've
won the campaign, that rhetoric is gone and their actions today--
increasing the debt limit for the third time in 4 years--certainly
don't meet their election promises.
We could have had a real debate today about re-implementing the pay-
as-you-go rules that led to historic surpluses at the end of the
Clinton administration. That would be a real move toward fiscal
responsibility. Instead, Republicans are giving themselves the freedom
to further reduce tax revenue while funding an ill-conceived war in
Iraq, and claiming they just can't afford to pay for the government
programs vital to this country's health and well-being.
Republicans will, however, continue to run up huge deficits while
lowering taxes, especially for corporations and individuals making
[[Page 24057]]
over $200,000 a year. Unfortunately, they don't want to pay for the
loss of revenue caused by these tax-cutting measures. That means less
money to spend on everything from education to Medicare.
Increasing the debt limit is a statutory necessity to keep the
government running, but it is also a sad commentary on the fiscal
stewardship shown to the American people by this administration and the
Republican leadership in Congress.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). All time for debate has
expired.
Pursuant to House Resolution 856, the bill is considered read for
amendment, and the previous question is ordered.
The question is on the third reading of the bill.
The Senate bill was ordered to be read a third time, and was read the
third time.
Motion to Commit Offered by Mr. Stenholm
Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to commit.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the gentleman opposed to the bill?
Mr. STENHOLM. I most certainly am, in its current form.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will report the motion to commit.
The Clerk read as follows:
Mr. Stenholm moves to commit the bill S. 2986 to the
Committee on Ways and Means with instructions that the
Committee report the same back to the House forthwith with
the following amendment:
Add at the end of section 1 of the bill the following new
sentence: ``The amendment made by this section shall not
apply after April 15, 2005.''.
Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by thanking our leader,
the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), and I thank the gentleman
from Texas (Mr. Brady) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper)
for their kind remarks about me.
I want to say it is with a little bit of mixed emotion tonight that I
address this body for the last time. I guess it kind of came to me in a
real way just a moment ago when my grandson, who is sitting beside me,
asked me a moment ago, ``What are you going to be doing?'' I said, ``I
am going to offer a motion.'' ``Are you going to win this one?'' I said
``No, we are not.'' And he said, ``Why?''
Well, that is a question that a 9-year-old would ask. It is also a
question a lot of 50- and 60-year-olds ought to be asking. Why is it
those of us on this side who used to vote with my colleagues on that
side on fiscal restraint have been losing every single vote for the
last 4 years? What is it that has changed?
I listened to some of the rhetoric tonight, and I want to say with
great respect tonight I recognize the right to have disagreements on
this floor. It is so important that we do and that we do it without
being disagreeable. But for the life of me I cannot understand how the
majority can march in lockstep on this side and build up the largest
fiscal deficits in the history of our country and explain it away in
saying deficits really do not matter anymore.
Now, I know so many of my colleagues so well, and I appreciate
everyone in this body. But when you come up to me privately and say,
Charlie, you are right, but I cannot vote with you, I ask the simple
question, why?
Now, I understand there has been an election and I understand you
won, and I commend you for winning. But that also means you now have
the responsibility of your actions.
It was amazing to me that some tonight tried to continue to blame it
on Democrat spending. They know better than that. The minority cannot
spend. Yes, I say to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady), we can take
credit for some things within the budget because we are not for zero
spending.
I tried to offer an amendment to this bill to say pay-as-you-go,
which worked, bipartisanly. It worked. Why did my colleagues choose to
knock it out in 2002 and say we are not going to have pay-as-you-go
anymore? Why do you insist on that when you know in your heart that it
works? We tried to do this in the rule today, but we lost, because you
said, no, we are going to increase the debt ceiling by $800 billion. So
I assume that means you are going to continue with the same policies
that you have been carrying for the last 4 years.
Here I will say I hope and I pray you are right. Our country will do
better if you are right. But you should be getting a little bit nervous
tonight because, ultimately, politics and arguments across this side of
the aisle in which you are going to in fact have 100 percent party
loyalty is not going to cut it. The market is going to ultimately
determine whether our fiscal policies for our Nation are correct or
incorrect. You know that and I know that, and you should be getting
nervous, as I am getting nervous.
The Japanese, for the first time since 2002, did not buy the amount
of debt that they had previously been buying. You should be a little
bit worried about the Chinese beginning to become our bankers at the
rate that they are becoming our bankers. That should bother you a
little, but it does not seem to.
Now, I hope you are right. Because for the good of the country,
continuing down the economic path you are insisting on going down, in
my judgment, is going to create a major problem. But that helped me
lose an election, because the people in my district agree with you and,
therefore, I respect the people of my district, and I hope and pray you
are right.
But, tonight, let me conclude by saying this: Yes, I have one of
Cindy's and my three grandchildren on the floor. And a lot of people
have asked why I have been so involved in Social Security. I wish we
had spent a part of the last 4 years dealing with the future of Social
Security, because everyone in this room knows that we are 4 years
closer to D-Day on Social Security, but we have done nothing on that.
We tried. That got me opposition from my opponent in this race. But we
are going to have to face up to it. You are.
Well, our grandchildren do not have a vote tonight. And to those of
you who believe we can fight two wars, win the war on homeland security
and do it with continued borrowed money and believe that our country is
going to profit, then vote against the motion to commit. It is pretty
simple. All we are saying tonight is, increase the debt ceiling until
next April 15 and give the new Congress a chance to go in and reexamine
the economic policy that we are following and, as many of you have
said, you like pay-as-you-go. All we are saying with this motion to
commit is, let us do it in the new Congress. That is all we are saying.
You have already said you did not want pay-as-you-go, but you said
you might want it next year. All we are saying is, reduce the amount we
can borrow and force bipartisan cooperation. Allow the Democratic Party
and those on this side who believe, as many of you say you do, allow us
the chance in the next Congress to do it.
That is what this motion to commit is all about tonight. It is
increasing the debt ceiling just enough to get to April 15 so the 109th
Congress can do everything that both sides are saying need to be done.
Please vote for the motion to commit.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion.
Mr. Speaker, like many of my colleagues, I agree with much of what
our distinguished friend from Texas has said; and, again, he has been a
long champion of balancing the budget and reducing this deficit. And he
is so right, and we all agree: Deficits do matter. They mattered before
we got here. They will always matter.
But jobs matter, too. Jobs matter, too. We did not ask for the
attacks of 9/11 that not only struck the heart of our Nation, they
struck two million American workers from the payroll. We did not ask
for the recession. It was inherited. And we did not ask for the Enrons
and the WorldComs and the technology bubble that not only cost so many
workers their jobs but really damaged, I think, everyone's hopes for
retirement in the future.
How we respond to that challenge, there was a difference, a respected
difference. My colleagues on the Democratic side felt that if we kept
the money here, if we spend and target different ways, that would move
us out of
[[Page 24058]]
the economy, and that is a fair position.
As Republicans, we felt otherwise. We thought if you want to create
jobs in small business, leave the money in small business. If you want
to create jobs on Main Street, leave the money on Main Street. If we
want families to be able to recover and to make ends meet, let them
keep more of the hard-earned money that they in the past have sent to
Washington where, unfortunately, we have squandered with so many I
think obsolete agencies and duplicative programs we would all agree
with.
But the fact of the matter is leaving the money at home worked. We
are creating more jobs, and we need to do more. I think, ultimately,
after tonight is over, that is the solution we can agree on: continuing
to grow this economy so more people work and they pay taxes and Social
Security and Medicare, and then together, working together, identifying
all of the wasteful spending, getting the backbone on spending, saying
no when it would be easier to say yes, maybe doing without, with one
less press release on that project back home, all of which, by the way,
we have a responsibility today to pay for those bills and these
spending projects.
{time} 2230
This motion has nothing to do with PAYGO. And I would respectfully
say PAYGO as I have seen it really means higher taxes, unfortunately
higher spending, and unfortunately fewer jobs. I just respectfully
disagree on that. But the fact of the matter is if we keep the economy
going, if we will work together on spending restraint, I know that we
can balance the budget. I know we can pay down the deficit. But tonight
we have a responsibility to pay our bills, to meet our obligations, to
keep the checks going to our Social Security recipients, for our
military retirees.
I would respectfully urge this Chamber to vote ``no'' on commit.
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). Without objection, the
previous question is ordered on the motion to commit.
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion to commit.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the noes appeared to have it.
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not
present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evidently a quorum is not present.
The Sergeant at Arms will notify absent Members.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 194,
nays 213, not voting 21, as follows:
[Roll No. 535]
YEAS--194
Abercrombie
Allen
Andrews
Baca
Baird
Baldwin
Becerra
Bell
Berkley
Berman
Berry
Bishop (GA)
Bishop (NY)
Blumenauer
Boswell
Boucher
Boyd
Brady (PA)
Brown (OH)
Brown, Corrine
Butterfield
Capps
Capuano
Cardin
Cardoza
Carson (IN)
Case
Chandler
Clay
Clyburn
Conyers
Cooper
Costello
Cramer
Crowley
Cummings
Davis (AL)
Davis (CA)
Davis (FL)
Davis (IL)
Davis (TN)
DeFazio
DeGette
Delahunt
DeLauro
Deutsch
Dicks
Dingell
Doggett
Doyle
Edwards
Emanuel
Engel
Eshoo
Etheridge
Evans
Farr
Fattah
Filner
Ford
Frank (MA)
Frost
Gonzalez
Gordon
Green (TX)
Grijalva
Gutierrez
Harman
Hastings (FL)
Herseth
Hill
Hinchey
Hinojosa
Holden
Holt
Honda
Hooley (OR)
Hoyer
Inslee
Israel
Jackson (IL)
Jackson-Lee (TX)
Jefferson
John
Johnson, E. B.
Jones (OH)
Kanjorski
Kaptur
Kennedy (RI)
Kildee
Kilpatrick
Kind
Kucinich
Lampson
Langevin
Lantos
Larsen (WA)
Larson (CT)
Lee
Levin
Lewis (GA)
Lofgren
Lowey
Lucas (KY)
Lynch
Majette
Maloney
Markey
Marshall
Matheson
McCarthy (MO)
McCollum
McGovern
McIntyre
McNulty
Meehan
Meek (FL)
Meeks (NY)
Menendez
Michaud
Miller (NC)
Miller, George
Mollohan
Moore
Moran (VA)
Murtha
Nadler
Napolitano
Neal (MA)
Oberstar
Obey
Olver
Ortiz
Owens
Pallone
Pascrell
Pastor
Payne
Pelosi
Peterson (MN)
Pomeroy
Price (NC)
Rahall
Rangel
Reyes
Rodriguez
Ross
Rothman
Roybal-Allard
Ruppersberger
Rush
Ryan (OH)
Sabo
Sanchez, Linda T.
Sanchez, Loretta
Sanders
Sandlin
Schakowsky
Schiff
Scott (GA)
Scott (VA)
Serrano
Sherman
Skelton
Slaughter
Smith (WA)
Snyder
Solis
Spratt
Stenholm
Strickland
Stupak
Tanner
Tauscher
Taylor (MS)
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Tierney
Towns
Turner (TX)
Udall (CO)
Udall (NM)
Van Hollen
Velazquez
Visclosky
Waters
Watson
Watt
Waxman
Weiner
Wexler
Woolsey
Wu
Wynn
NAYS--218
Aderholt
Akin
Alexander
Bachus
Baker
Ballenger
Barrett (SC)
Bartlett (MD)
Barton (TX)
Bass
Beauprez
Biggert
Bilirakis
Bishop (UT)
Blackburn
Blunt
Boehlert
Boehner
Bonilla
Bonner
Bono
Boozman
Bradley (NH)
Brady (TX)
Brown (SC)
Brown-Waite, Ginny
Burgess
Burns
Burr
Burton (IN)
Buyer
Calvert
Camp
Cantor
Capito
Carter
Castle
Chabot
Chocola
Coble
Cole
Collins
Cox
Crane
Crenshaw
Cubin
Culberson
Cunningham
Davis, Jo Ann
Davis, Tom
Deal (GA)
DeLay
DeMint
Diaz-Balart, L.
Diaz-Balart, M.
Doolittle
Dreier
Duncan
Ehlers
Emerson
English
Everett
Ferguson
Flake
Foley
Forbes
Fossella
Franks (AZ)
Frelinghuysen
Gallegly
Garrett (NJ)
Gerlach
Gibbons
Gilchrest
Gillmor
Gingrey
Goode
Goodlatte
Granger
Graves
Green (WI)
Greenwood
Gutknecht
Hall
Harris
Hart
Hastert
Hastings (WA)
Hayes
Hayworth
Hefley
Hensarling
Herger
Hobson
Hoekstra
Hostettler
Houghton
Hulshof
Hunter
Hyde
Isakson
Issa
Istook
Jenkins
Johnson (CT)
Johnson (IL)
Johnson, Sam
Jones (NC)
Keller
Kelly
Kennedy (MN)
King (IA)
King (NY)
Kingston
Kirk
Kline
Knollenberg
Kolbe
LaHood
Latham
LaTourette
Leach
Lewis (CA)
Lewis (KY)
Linder
LoBiondo
Lucas (OK)
Manzullo
McCotter
McCrery
McHugh
McInnis
McKeon
Mica
Miller (FL)
Miller (MI)
Miller, Gary
Moran (KS)
Murphy
Myrick
Nethercutt
Neugebauer
Ney
Northup
Nunes
Nussle
Osborne
Ose
Otter
Oxley
Paul
Pearce
Pence
Peterson (PA)
Petri
Pickering
Pitts
Platts
Pombo
Porter
Portman
Pryce (OH)
Putnam
Radanovich
Ramstad
Regula
Rehberg
Renzi
Reynolds
Rogers (AL)
Rogers (KY)
Rogers (MI)
Rohrabacher
Ros-Lehtinen
Royce
Ryan (WI)
Ryun (KS)
Saxton
Schrock
Sensenbrenner
Sessions
Shadegg
Shaw
Shays
Sherwood
Shimkus
Shuster
Simmons
Simpson
Smith (MI)
Smith (NJ)
Smith (TX)
Souder
Stearns
Sullivan
Sweeney
Tauzin
Taylor (NC)
Terry
Thomas
Thornberry
Tiahrt
Tiberi
Turner (OH)
Upton
Vitter
Walden (OR)
Walsh
Wamp
Weldon (FL)
Weldon (PA)
Whitfield
Wicker
Wilson (NM)
Wilson (SC)
Wolf
Young (AK)
Young (FL)
NOT VOTING--21
Ackerman
Cannon
Carson (OK)
Dooley (CA)
Dunn
Feeney
Gephardt
Hoeffel
Kleczka
Lipinski
Matsui
McCarthy (NY)
McDermott
Millender-McDonald
Musgrave
Norwood
Quinn
Stark
Tancredo
Toomey
Weller
Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson) (during the vote). Members are
advised 2 minutes remain in this vote.
{time} 2254
Mr. OTTER, Mr. NUNES, Ms. PRYCE of Ohio, Mr. THOMAS and Mr. CHABOT
changed their vote from ``yea'' to ``nay.''
Mr. OWENS, Mr. STRICKLAND and Mrs. LOWEY changed their vote from
``nay'' to ``yea.''
So the motion to commit was rejected.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on passage of the Senate
bill.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the ayes appeared to have it.
[[Page 24059]]
Recorded Vote
Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.
A recorded vote was ordered.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 208,
noes 204, not voting 21, as follows:
[Roll No. 536]
AYES--208
Aderholt
Akin
Alexander
Bachus
Baker
Ballenger
Barrett (SC)
Barton (TX)
Bass
Beauprez
Biggert
Bilirakis
Bishop (UT)
Blackburn
Blunt
Boehlert
Boehner
Bonilla
Bonner
Bono
Boozman
Bradley (NH)
Brady (TX)
Brown (SC)
Brown-Waite, Ginny
Burgess
Burns
Burr
Burton (IN)
Buyer
Calvert
Camp
Cantor
Capito
Carter
Castle
Chabot
Chocola
Coble
Cole
Collins
Cox
Crane
Crenshaw
Cubin
Culberson
Cunningham
Davis, Tom
Deal (GA)
DeLay
DeMint
Diaz-Balart, L.
Diaz-Balart, M.
Doolittle
Dreier
Ehlers
Emerson
English
Everett
Ferguson
Flake
Foley
Forbes
Fossella
Franks (AZ)
Frelinghuysen
Gallegly
Garrett (NJ)
Gerlach
Gilchrest
Gillmor
Gingrey
Goodlatte
Granger
Graves
Green (WI)
Greenwood
Gutknecht
Hall
Harris
Hart
Hastert
Hastings (WA)
Hayes
Hayworth
Hensarling
Herger
Hobson
Hoekstra
Hostettler
Houghton
Hulshof
Hunter
Hyde
Isakson
Issa
Istook
Jenkins
Johnson (CT)
Johnson (IL)
Johnson, Sam
Keller
Kelly
Kennedy (MN)
King (IA)
King (NY)
Kingston
Kirk
Kline
Knollenberg
Kolbe
LaHood
Latham
LaTourette
Leach
Lewis (CA)
Lewis (KY)
Linder
LoBiondo
Lucas (OK)
Manzullo
McCotter
McCrery
McHugh
McInnis
McKeon
Mica
Miller (FL)
Miller (MI)
Miller, Gary
Moran (KS)
Murphy
Myrick
Nethercutt
Neugebauer
Ney
Northup
Nunes
Nussle
Osborne
Otter
Oxley
Pearce
Pence
Peterson (PA)
Petri
Pickering
Pitts
Platts
Pombo
Porter
Portman
Pryce (OH)
Putnam
Radanovich
Ramstad
Regula
Rehberg
Renzi
Reynolds
Rogers (AL)
Rogers (KY)
Rogers (MI)
Rohrabacher
Ros-Lehtinen
Royce
Ryan (WI)
Ryun (KS)
Saxton
Schrock
Sensenbrenner
Sessions
Shadegg
Shaw
Shays
Sherwood
Shimkus
Shuster
Simmons
Simpson
Smith (NJ)
Smith (TX)
Souder
Stearns
Sullivan
Sweeney
Tauzin
Taylor (NC)
Terry
Thomas
Thornberry
Tiahrt
Tiberi
Turner (OH)
Upton
Vitter
Walden (OR)
Walsh
Wamp
Weldon (FL)
Weldon (PA)
Whitfield
Wicker
Wilson (NM)
Wilson (SC)
Wolf
Young (AK)
Young (FL)
NOES--204
Abercrombie
Allen
Andrews
Baca
Baird
Baldwin
Bartlett (MD)
Becerra
Bell
Berkley
Berman
Berry
Bishop (GA)
Bishop (NY)
Blumenauer
Boswell
Boucher
Boyd
Brady (PA)
Brown (OH)
Brown, Corrine
Butterfield
Capps
Capuano
Cardin
Cardoza
Carson (IN)
Case
Chandler
Clay
Clyburn
Conyers
Cooper
Costello
Cramer
Crowley
Cummings
Davis (AL)
Davis (CA)
Davis (FL)
Davis (IL)
Davis (TN)
Davis, Jo Ann
DeFazio
DeGette
Delahunt
DeLauro
Deutsch
Dicks
Dingell
Doggett
Doyle
Duncan
Edwards
Emanuel
Engel
Eshoo
Etheridge
Evans
Farr
Fattah
Filner
Ford
Frank (MA)
Frost
Gibbons
Gonzalez
Goode
Gordon
Green (TX)
Grijalva
Gutierrez
Harman
Hastings (FL)
Hefley
Herseth
Hill
Hinchey
Hinojosa
Holden
Holt
Honda
Hooley (OR)
Hoyer
Inslee
Israel
Jackson (IL)
Jackson-Lee (TX)
Jefferson
John
Johnson, E. B.
Jones (NC)
Jones (OH)
Kanjorski
Kaptur
Kennedy (RI)
Kildee
Kilpatrick
Kind
Kucinich
Lampson
Langevin
Lantos
Larsen (WA)
Larson (CT)
Lee
Levin
Lewis (GA)
Lofgren
Lowey
Lucas (KY)
Lynch
Majette
Maloney
Markey
Marshall
Matheson
McCarthy (MO)
McCollum
McGovern
McIntyre
McNulty
Meehan
Meek (FL)
Meeks (NY)
Menendez
Michaud
Miller (NC)
Miller, George
Mollohan
Moore
Moran (VA)
Murtha
Nadler
Napolitano
Neal (MA)
Oberstar
Obey
Olver
Ortiz
Ose
Owens
Pallone
Pascrell
Pastor
Paul
Payne
Pelosi
Peterson (MN)
Pomeroy
Price (NC)
Rahall
Rangel
Reyes
Rodriguez
Ross
Rothman
Roybal-Allard
Ruppersberger
Rush
Ryan (OH)
Sabo
Sanchez, Linda T.
Sanchez, Loretta
Sanders
Sandlin
Schakowsky
Schiff
Scott (GA)
Scott (VA)
Serrano
Sherman
Skelton
Slaughter
Smith (MI)
Smith (WA)
Snyder
Solis
Spratt
Stenholm
Strickland
Stupak
Tanner
Tauscher
Taylor (MS)
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Tierney
Towns
Turner (TX)
Udall (CO)
Udall (NM)
Van Hollen
Velazquez
Visclosky
Waters
Watson
Watt
Waxman
Weiner
Wexler
Woolsey
Wu
Wynn
NOT VOTING--21
Ackerman
Cannon
Carson (OK)
Dooley (CA)
Dunn
Feeney
Gephardt
Hoeffel
Kleczka
Lipinski
Matsui
McCarthy (NY)
McDermott
Millender-McDonald
Musgrave
Norwood
Quinn
Stark
Tancredo
Toomey
Weller
Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson) (during the vote). There are 2
minutes remaining in this vote.
{time} 2311
So the Senate bill was passed.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________
GENERAL LEAVE
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend
their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 2986, the Senate
bill just passed.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
____________________
REPORT ON RESOLUTION WAIVING POINTS OF ORDER AGAINST CONFERENCE REPORT
ON H.R. 1350, INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT ACT
OF 2004
Mr. SESSIONS (during debate on S. 2986), from the Committee on Rules,
submitted a privileged report (Rept. No. 108-781) on the resolution (H.
Res. 858) waiving points of order against the conference report to
accompany the bill (H.R. 1350) to reauthorize the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act, and for other purposes, which was referred
to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed.
____________________
REPORT ON RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND
THE RULES
Mr. SESSIONS (during debate on S. 2986), from the Committee on Rules,
submitted a privileged report (Rept. No. 108-782) on the resolution (H.
Res. 859) providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules,
which was referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed.
____________________
REPORT ON RESOLUTION WAIVING REQUIREMENT OF CLAUSE 6(a) OF RULE XIII
WITH RESPECT TO CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS
Mr. SESSIONS (during debate on S. 2986), from the Committee on Rules,
submitted a privileged report (Rept. No. 108-783) on the resolution (H.
Res. 860) waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with
respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the
Committee on Rules, which was referred to the House Calendar and
ordered to be printed.
____________________
{time} 2310
CONGRATULATING BOSTON RED SOX ON WINNING THE 2004 WORLD SERIES
Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on
Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the
resolution (H. Res. 854) congratulating the Boston Red Sox on winning
the 2004 World Series, and ask for its immediate consideration in the
House.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). Is there objection to the
request of the gentleman from California?
[[Page 24060]]
Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, and I will
not object because this is a resolution congratulating the greatest
team in the history of baseball, the Boston Red Sox, who after 86 years
finally relieved all New Englanders, and all wonderful people in
America, of the greatest burden in the history of sports, 86 years of
drought. No more. No more. The Cubs come next.
Mr. Speaker, down three to nothing against one of the greatest teams
in baseball, they staged the greatest comeback in the history of
sports, sweeping four games in a row against a fantastic Yankees team
and one of the greatest rivalries in professional sports today, and
then sweeping a four-game series against the Cardinals, another
fantastic team, that many of us thought would win the World Series this
year.
Not only did they do that, when they came home, we were fortunate
enough a few years ago to have the Patriots win their championship in
football. We had a million people in downtown Boston celebrating that.
The Red Sox won, and we had well over 3 million people. That is half
the population of the State of Massachusetts. We had people flying in
from all over the country to witness a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I heard that many people went to cemeteries and gave hats and gave
baseball cards to their loved ones who were not here to see this. I
heard that some people brought the ashes of their loved ones to the
parade because there were those of us who just had no understanding of
how to win with our beloved Red Sox.
Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
Mr. CAPUANO. Further reserving the right to object, Mr. Speaker, I
yield to the gentleman from California.
Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, what did they bring to the parade?
Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, we will have to get a translator.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution congratulates the men of the Red Sox and
the owners of the Red Sox for their dedication and their commitment to
the sport and to their fans. They have opened up the park, I will
translate that word, too, later on. They have opened up the park to the
public. They have had the players out there talking to the people who
come to the games. They have closed off a piece of public turf so we
can expand the experience of Fenway.
For those fortunate enough to come to the convention this summer in
Boston, I am hoping most Members got to go to Fenway Park, still the
smallest ballpark in the major league, yet always sold out because the
people of New England support their team.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution is a thank you to the best of our
ability to thank the men of the Red Sox and the owners and to the
entire Red Sox nation for 86 years of unflagging support and dedication
to a team that has so often let us down but every year came back and
gave us more to cheer for.
Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?
Mr. CAPUANO. Further reserving the right to object, I yield to the
gentleman from New Hampshire.
Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from
Massachusetts knows that I am from New Hampshire. There is a friendly
rivalry between our States, as Members know. We have gone back and
forth for years and years on a number of things, but the one thing that
we have always shared in common with other New England States is our
love of the Red Sox.
I, too, like the Members from Massachusetts here tonight, wondered if
I would ever live long enough to see the Red Sox win the World Series
ever. When Dave Roberts stole that base and changed the tide against
Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer ever, and then David Ortiz hit a
home run, and then David Ortiz hit a bloop single the next night, Curt
Schilling the next day pitched that great game, and then Derrek Lowe on
2 days' rest came back, and we won four games and then did it again
against the Cardinals, there was a dream that most of us in New England
thought would never happen.
People wondered where we would be on the night that the Red Sox won.
I do not know where the gentleman from Massachusetts was, but I was
with my sons who are younger, and they had never been through Bill
Buckner and through Carlton Fisk or Jim Lamborg, or even Johnny Peske,
and all of the memories that those of us who have grown up in New
England have known for years and years and years. But, finally, we have
done it.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and may
our States always be friends and always rooting for the Red Sox.
Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
Mr. CAPUANO. Further reserving the right to object, I yield to the
gentleman from Massachusetts.
Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time.
I have an offering for the House this evening with apologies to
Ernest L. Thayer entitled ``The Curse Has Struck Out.''
The outlook wasn't guaranteed for the Red Sox nine this year.
Since 1918 the boys had left us crying in our beer.
And when they lost twice in New York and lost again at home,
A pall-like silence fell upon the loyal Red Sox fans.
A straggling few got up to go in deep despair.
``Wait 'til next year,'' they said. Resignation filled the
air.
The rest clung to that hope that springs eternal in the human
breast.
``It ain't over 'til its over'' they muttered half in jest.
They thought, ``If only our boys could put some bat on that
ball,
We'd put Bambino's curse to rest once and for all.''
And then Ortiz let fly a homer, to the wonderment of all.
And Johnny Damon, bases loaded, tore the cover off the ball.
And when the dust had lifted on that memorable night,
We had come back from three games down, the Curse was in our
sights.
Then from all of Red Sox nation's throats there rose a wild
call,
It echoed on the Common, it shook Fanueil Hall.
It pounded on the River Charles, and splashed upon the Bay,
The Yankees were all through, kaput, a World Series we would
play.
And they rolled out to St. Louis, jewel of the Midwest.
The Cards had won their league with ease, but now they faced
a test.
Were they ready for the Boston boys? The town was dressed in
red.
The fans could not be nicer, the team was so well led.
But the Red Sox took the first three games, competing nobly
one and all.
They overcame their errors, they answered every call.
And as game four proceeded, and a series win now loomed,
All New England shivered with the thought we might still be
doomed.
{time} 2320
What deus ex machina would fall down from the sky?
What Bucky Dent/Bill Buckner ghost might steer things all
awry?
Keith Foulke climbed up upon the mound, ball burning in his
hand.
The Curse stepped up to face him, to make a final stand.
There was ease in the Curse's manner as he stepped into his
place.
There was pride in Bambino's bearing, a smile on the Curse's
face.
And when, responding to his fans, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas the Curse at the
bat.
A nation's eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt.
60,000 tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt.
Then, while Foulke rubbed the ball into his shifty hip,
Defiance flashed in the Curse's eye, a sneer curled on his
lip.
And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the
air,
And the Curse stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the portly batsman the ball unheeded sped--
``I just can't hit that,'' said the Curse. ``Strike one!''
the umpire said.
From the canyons of Manhattan, there rose a muffled roar.
New York fans were screaming, ``Would the Curse really be no
more?''
``Kill him, kill the umpire,'' they shouted in Yankee land.
The Curse looked smug. In 86 years the Curse had never
fanned.
With a smile of overconfidence, the Curse's visage shone.
[[Page 24061]]
He stilled the rising tumult, he bade the game go on.
He signaled the Red Sox closer, and once more the dun sphere
flew,
But the Curse couldn't hit it, and the umpire said, ``Strike
two.''
``It's over,'' thought the Cardinals fans, who are brought up
so well.
But the Curse gave a scornful look and an eerie silence fell.
They saw his face frown stern and cold, they saw his muscles
strain.
And they really thought the Curse wouldn't let that ball go
by again.
The sneer has fled from the Curse's lip, the teeth are
clenched in hate.
He pounds, with cruel violence, his bat upon the plate.
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of the Curse's
blow.
Oh, all across this favored land the sun is shining bright.
The band is playing happily and our hearts are oh so light.
And Red Sox Nation smiles and laughs, and little children
shout.
And there is pure joy in Beantown--the Curse has struck out.
Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, I
yield to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan).
Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I would
like to also congratulate all of the Red Sox, but I especially would
like to congratulate my longtime friend Johnny Pesky. Johnny Pesky, at
the age of 85, still dresses out every day with the Red Sox. Nobody
loves the Red Sox more than Johnny Pesky, a longtime player, coach,
manager, broadcaster, one of the most popular figures in all of New
England.
I had the privilege as an 11 and 12-year-old boy of serving as his
batboy for the Knoxville Smokies minor league baseball team and got to
know him starting in 1959. He has had me right in the dugout at Fenway
Park. I know that no one is more excited or happy over these great
events of the last few weeks than my friend Johnny Pesky. I would like
to offer a special congratulations to a really fine man and great
American, Johnny Pesky.
Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, I am
going to submit this for the Record but I would just like to read the
first two paragraphs of an article that appeared in the Boston Herald:
``When Margaret `Peg' Coyne lost her desire to eat, when she could no
longer rise from her parlor chair, walk to the kitchen and fix herself
a cup of tea, there was still the Red Sox.
``When the grand nieces who kept a vigil by Aunt Peg's hospice bed
were sure the pain, the morphine and the Ativan had eased her into a
tranquil delirium, Johnny Damon would step into the batter's box and
Peg's 93-year-old eyes suddenly opened.''
It is a longer article than that that I will submit for the Record.
But I think those two paragraphs catch the tenor of how the Red Sox
Nation feels. This is something we have waited for a long time and many
people have come and gone. There have been fantastic players that have
been with the team over the years that have given us joy. Johnny Pesky.
The right field foul pole is named after Johnny Pesky because he gave
us so many thrills while he was playing.
[From the Boston Herald, Nov. 1, 2004]
Angel in the Outfield Sends Heavenly Miracle From Above
(By Peter Gelzinis)
When Margaret ``Peg'' Coyne lost her desire to eat, when
she could no longer rise from her parlor chair, walk to the
kitchen and fix herself a coup of tea . . . there was still
the Red Sox.
When the grand nieces who kept a vigil by ``Aunt Peg's''
hospice bed were sure the pain, the morphine and the Ativan
had eased her into a tranquil delirium, Johnny Damon would
step into the batter's box and Peg's 93-year-old eyes
suddenly opened.
``Come on, Johnny! Come on, Johnny!'' she cried out at the
television screen, her voice frail but unbowed.
``We couldn't understand how she knew the inning, let alone
the batter,'' Jeannie Boutin recalled. ``When we asked her,
Peg just said, `Because I pay attention, what do you think,
Besides,' she'd say, `they run the numbers along the top of
the screen.' And, of course, she always wanted to see her
Johnny.''
``Oooh, my sister loved Johnny Damon all right,'' Nora
Coyne said. ``She loved how he managed to get on base. Peg
loved Johnny's heart. But then, of course, she was always
saying, `I wish Johnny would cut his hair and shave that
beard.'''
Nora betrayed the kind of self-conscious blush one might
expect from a fan of, say, 19 . . . or maybe 29. She happens
to be 89.
Ah, but when you venture this deep into the heart of Red
Sox Nation--to the cozy sanctuary of a South Boston parlor
where two easy chairs sit side-by-side--age is little more
than a state of mind. And baseball is what keeps you forever
young.
The Coyne sisters didn't particularly care for Babe Ruth.
Why?
``Because Peg and I were there at Braves Field, when the
Babe came to play for the Braves at the end of his career,''
Nora explains. ``We used to sit in this box right there
beside the Braves' dugout. We knew all the Braves. Really,
they were our favorites for a long time. We always like the
National League guys, because they were a lot more friendly.
``Oh . . . I'm sorry, back to Babe. Well, you see, all
these little kids came down from the grandstands to get his
autograph, and the Babe . . . well, he just ignored all the
little kids. My sister and I thought that was really awful.
We never forgot it. And, of course, don't get me started on
the Southie girl Babe married. Her name was Nora, too. She
lived on Fourth Street, just above F (Street), I think. And
what did the Babe do but leave her for a New York showgirl.''
In between caring for several generations of family--my
wife and our son among them--and stitching curtains in
factories throughout Southie, Roxbury and Dorchester, Peg and
Nora didn't just watch baseball . . . they lived it.
There are tales of how the ancient Sox pitcher Boo Ferris
charmed Peg and Nora with a ``Hello Girls,'' on his way into
the Harvard Club, or how Ted Williams fired off a string of
``bad words'' when the sisters stepped in front of his
Caddie.
``Dizzy Trout, the Detroit pitcher, was sitting next to him
in the front seat,'' Nora remembered, ``and he just
laughed.''
On the final day of this past August, during a Red Sox
winning streak, Peg Coyne's vantage point on this season
shifted from a blue parlor to a celestial box seat. My son's
theory was that in return for letting go and coming to
heaven, God had surely promised Peg that the Sox would catch
the Yankees down the stretch.
When Johnny Damon finally emerged from his playoff slump in
truly miraculous fashion, Nora's phone rang off the hook.
``It's Peg,'' all the nieces screamed, ``Peg's there in the
outfield with him.''
``When Keith Foulke made the last out,'' Nora said, ``I
leaned over to say something to Peg. But there was only an
empty chair. I wanted her to know what just happened. The Sox
finally won it all. They took the Series. But then, of
course, my sister already knew. She was watching everything
from a much better seat . . . way up there.
And she was smiling.''
Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, I yield to the
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch).
Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I have
the wonderful honor of representing the city of Boston with my
colleague from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano). This is a special moment
for us. I want to rise here tonight just to remember a couple of great
Red Sox fans from this body, a couple of people who just embodied the
spirit of loyalty to the Red Sox and who I wish were here to share in
this. Those two gentlemen are Silvio Conte who served in this body for
such a long time representing western Mass, and also my predecessor,
Congressman Joe Moakley. Two finer Red Sox fans there never were. I
think Silvio Conte would have the full Red Sox uniform on tonight
making his remarks if he were here.
The hour is late. I do want to before this resolution passes
congratulate the Boston Red Sox and their superb management team, Larry
Lucchino, John Henry, Tom Werner and also Theo Epstein and Terry
Francona for putting together a wonderful team of just extraordinary
gentlemen who not only carried out their athletic roles with excellence
but also did it in a way that young people from Massachusetts and all
through New England and through the country can really look up to. They
really handled themselves with extreme class. The players of the 2004
World Series champion Red Sox, I do not have to name them tonight
because their names as we all know will be forever written in the
hearts of the citizens of Boston and of New England and of Red Sox
Nation. I join with my colleagues in the House in congratulating them
for their wonderful, wonderful accomplishment.
Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts
(Mr. Olver).
[[Page 24062]]
Mr. OLVER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I was not intending to
speak but I am now, because I am not a poet and cannot really compete
with my colleague from Alden, but I am now goaded into speaking out of
respect for my predecessor Silvio O. Conte who has just been referenced
by my esteemed colleague from Boston (Mr. Lynch).
And so, Mr. Speaker, I am adding my congratulations to the Boston Red
Sox for overcoming what many thought was impossible, namely, the
toppling of the New York Yankees and ultimately overcoming the Curse of
the Bambino. While our Nation is often described as polarized and
divided, this Red Sox team managed to bridge these gaps and bring fans
from all corners of the country into the Red Sox Nation. All the 2004
Boston Red Sox team will be remembered for their stars, Curt Schilling,
Manny Ramirez, Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz, the real underlying
message of this team is that the impossible can occur when people come
together with the right attitude.
In their march to the world championship, the Red Sox overcame
obstacles not through individual triumphs but rather through team
effort. Players who had been stars with other teams selflessly accepted
lesser roles in the interest of the team. Such players could have
easily sulked and pined for personal glory. Instead, they encouraged
those who were participating and did their job when they were called
upon. The triumph of the 2004 Boston Red Sox was twofold, physical and
mental. While the Red Sox players, coaches and management would tell
you they did not believe in curses, the fans and the media were
convinced that there were forces at work far greater than those who
give the curveball its break or cause a knuckleball to dance. Still,
despite 86 years of expectations, capped by disappointments, this self-
labored ``bunch of idiots'' managed to overcome preordained demise and
ultimate collapse and they did it all with a goofy smile on their face,
goofy styles in their hair and a love for the game that is a breath of
fresh air in professional sports.
The 2004 World Series run will always hold a special place in the
heart of Red Sox fans in the New England region as a whole.
{time} 2330
Gone is the label of lovable loser and all the ``what if''
speculation in the papers and on the airwaves. For the first time in 86
years, the Red Sox Nation can breathe a deep sigh of relief this off-
season and enjoy the fruits of the hometown team's labor. Gone are the
columns speculating on the cause of their most recent demise, and in
their place are columns about long-suffering fans able to rest knowing
that they have seen in their lifetime what others in the past were not
so lucky to see.
Mr. Speaker, 2004 will be a year remembered for many reasons; and
while some of those reasons may fade with the passing of time, I am
sure that the citizens of the Red Sox Nation will keep a not-so-silent
vigil to ensure that 2004 is remembered as the year an impossible dream
became a reality, the hopes of the faithful and long suffering were met
in full, and the season that was always going to be next year was
finally this year.
Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, I
yield to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin).
Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to privately say we finally did it. The
Boston Red Sox have won the World Series for the first time in 86
years. Not only did they win, but they made history in the process.
Congratulations to the gentlemen. They have done what so many thought
was impossible.
As a lifelong Red Sox fan, I can honestly say that this is a dream
come true. Like millions of other fans, I had such high hopes year
after year only to see the World Series slip through our fingers. We
have had so many opportunities during our long drought, but something
was always missing. Time and time again when victory seemed to be
within our grasp, fate intervened and the season would end once again
with us muttering the line ``there is always next year.'' Next year was
finally this year.
Self-confidence is the hallmark of this team embodied by Curt
Schilling and is now classic mantra of ``why not us?'' History is in
the past, and we must live and play for today, and that is what the
2004 Red Sox have taught all of us.
We also learned that over the course of this season that redemption
cannot come easy. The Red Sox were three outs away from packing their
bags for the winter, as they have so many times in the past. But
perhaps the first time, these men knew they could not allow their arch
rivals to celebrate at Fenway Park. More than that, Terry Francona knew
that the Sox were not done and masterfully managed his team with four
straight victories with the help of David Ortiz's amazing performances.
Red Sox fans know that the game is never over until the last out, but
we have got to believe. We have all finally seen a dream come true. And
it said that Red Sox, the Red Sox play 162 home games, the support of
their amazing fans follows them everywhere and is a key factor that
propelled the team to victory.
Finally, I am happy to be able to say this in my lifetime, that we
did it and I look forward to the 2005 season when the Red Sox defend
their World Series title.
Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, just
yesterday the gentleman who runs the Democratic cloak room was brought
to the hospital for a little problem, and I understand that as he was
heading towards the hospital clutching his chest, he was heard to say,
``It's okay, I've seen the Red Sox win. It's okay.'' He will be back
soon.
But I will tell my colleagues that though many of the Sunday morning
pundits are now thinking that some of us in Boston are scratching our
heads wondering what happened on some issues this year, the truth is we
are all looking at each other wondering how do we enter next year's
baseball season now that we have won. We know what to do when we lose:
do not worry, next year is it, we are going to make this trade. We have
not got a clue how to deal with a win. So all of us at home are really
kind of standing wondering now what do we do. We will figure it out,
and we will stumble through. And the only thing I will say for the rest
of the night is in 86 years, I will be back again to do this one more
time.
Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 854,
congratulating the Boston Red Sox on winning the World Series.
The 2004 Boston Red Sox were no ordinary champion. I would urge my
colleagues to remember the scene at Fenway Park as midnight neared on
October 17, 2004.
The Sox had dropped the first three games of the American League
Championship Series--a deficit that no team had ever surmounted. The
night before, they were drubbed 19-8 before the hometown fans.
The Boston bats were silent. Their arms were spent. Their gloves were
shaky. Their ace pitcher's foot was stapled to the rest of his leg.
Now trailing 4-3 in Game Four, they came to bat in the bottom of the
ninth just three outs away from another close call, another heartbreak
for another generation of Sox fans.
In the other dugout was a Yankees team that dashed our hopes last
year and won 101 games this year--a team packed with talent and
carrying a monster payroll of $184 million.
On the mound was Mariano Rivera, the best and most reliable closer in
the history of the game.
Hovering over all of New England was the ghost of Babe Ruth.
Only a ``band of idiots'' could have believed that they could come
back. And only the 2004 Boston Red Sox could have actually pulled it
off.
But the slugger Kevin Millar patiently worked out a walk. The speedy
pinch-runner Dave Roberts stole second, leaving third baseman Bill
Mueller with the chance to tie it. He promptly did, smacking a single
through Rivera's legs, and he--and all of the Red Sox Nation--watched
Roberts speed home.
The game was tied. The Sox were alive. The Bambino rolled over in his
grave. The Yankees' historic choke had begun.
David Ortiz ended the game with a twelfth-inning homer, and less than
24 hours later, the heroic ``Big Papi'' won Game Five with a
fourteenth-inning single.
[[Page 24063]]
Game Six was won by the clutch Mark Bellhorn, the mythical Curt
Schilling and the medical miracle workers who put his ankle back
together.
In Game Seven, the Yankees succumbed to the biblical slugging of
Johnny Damon and the untouchable sinkerballs of Derek Lowe.
The Series wasn't even close. The Cardinals had a great season, but
they picked the wrong year to win the National League. 2004 belonged to
Red Sox Nation. After the bitter endings of 1948, 1978, 1986 and 2003,
we deserved it.
All of New England breathed a collective sigh of relief as the always
dependable closer Keith Foulke grabbed the final ground ball of Game
Four and tossed it to Gold Glove first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz for
the final out.
For the first time in 86 years, the Red Sox are the World Champions
of baseball--truly World champions, with a roster assembled from the
Dominican Republic, South Korea, Colombia, Red-State and Blue-State
America. Congratulations to the brilliant general manager Theo Epstein.
Congratulations to our field general, Terry Francona, and his
lieutenants on the coaching staff.
Congratulations to the top brass--John Henry, Tom Werner, and Larry
Lucchino.
Congratulations to World Series MVP Manny Ramirez. Congratulations to
the dean of the Red Sox, Tim Wakefield. Congratulations to the bullpen
saviors Mike Timlin and Alan Embree. Congratulations to the steady
veterans Jason Varitek, Trot Nixon, and Doug Mirabelli. Congratulations
to recent arrivals Bronson Arroyo, Orlando Cabrera, Gabe Kapler, and
Pokey Reese.
Congratulations to the unparalleled Pedro Martinez--Pedro, please
don't go!
Congratulations to the entire Red Sox team, who will be remembered
forever as the conquering heroes who Reversed the Curse and brought a
baseball championship to New England for the first time since the
Wilson Administration. (Woodrow Wilson, not Mookie.)
Congratulations also to all the great Red Sox players of the past,
including Johnny Pesky, Dom Dimaggio, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice, and
Luis Tiant--this victory was as much for them as anyone., The same can
be said of Ted Williams and all the other Sox greats who have passed
on, but who no doubt watched from the heavens above, smiling.
And most importantly, congratulations to baseball's most loyal and
passionate fans: Red Sox Nation.
Mr. Speaker, on April 11, 2005, the Red Sox will raise the 2004 World
Championship banner at Fenway Park alongside its counterpart from 1918.
In the visiting dugout, watching the Sox try on their rings, will be a
team that has suffered without a championship since the year 2000--the
New York Yankees.
Don't worry, Yankees fans, there's always next year.
Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Franks of Arizona). Is there objection
to the request of the gentleman from Massachusetts?
There was no objection.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 854
Whereas on October 27, 2004, the Boston Red Sox won their
first World Series title in 86 years in a four-game sweep of
the St. Louis Cardinals;
Whereas the Red Sox won their sixth world title in the 104-
year history of the storied franchise;
Whereas the 2004 Red Sox World Champion team epitomized
sportmanship, selfless play, team spirit, determination, and
heart in the course of winning 98 games in the regular season
and clinching the American League Wild Card payoff berth;
Whereas the 2004 Red Sox World Champion team honored the
careers of all former Red Sox legends, including Joe Cronin,
Bobby Doerr, Carlton Fisk, Jimmie Foxx, Carl Yastrzemski, Cy
Young, Johnny Pesky, Dom DiMaggio, Jim Rice, and Ted
Williams;
Whereas the 2004 postseason produced new Red Sox legends,
including Derek Lowe, Pedro Martinez, Curt Schilling, Tim
Wakefield, Jason Varitek, Keith Foulke, Manny Ramirez, David
Ortiz, Johnny Damon, Trot Nixon, Orlando Cabrera, Kevin
Millar, Mike Timlin, Alan Embree, Mark Bellhorn, Bill
Mueller, and Dave Roberts;
Whereas Red Sox Manager Terry Francona brought fresh
leadership to the clubhouse this year, and brought together a
self-proclaimed ``band of idiots'' and made them into one of
the greatest Red Sox teams of all time;
Whereas Red Sox owners John Henry and Tom Werner and Red
Sox President and Chief Executive Officer Larry Lucchino
never wavered from their goal of bringing a World Series
Championship to Boston;
Whereas Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein assembled a
team with strong pitching, a crushing offense, and most
important, the heart and soul of a champion;
Whereas the Red Sox never trailed in any of the 36 innings
of the World Series;
Whereas the Red Sox set a new major league record by
winning eight consecutive games in the postseason;
Whereas Derrek Lowe, Pedro Martinez, and Curt Schilling
delivered gutsy pitching performances in the postseason
worthy of their status as some of the best pitchers in Red
Sox history;
Whereas the Red Sox starting pitching in Games 2, 3, and 4
of the World Series had a combined earned run average of
0.00;
Whereas Manny Ramirez won the 2004 World Series Most
Valuable Player award in the World Series after batting 0.350
in the postseason with two home runs and 11 runs batted in;
Whereas the Red Sox staged the greatest comeback in
baseball history in the American League Championship Series
against their rivals, the New York Yankees, by winning four
consecutive games after losing the first three games of the
series;
Whereas the Red Sox prevailed in four consecutive American
League Championship Series games, while producing some of the
most memorable moments in sports history, including Dave
Roberts stealing second base in the bottom of the ninth
inning of Game 4, David Ortiz securing a walk-off home run in
the 12th inning of Game 4, David Ortiz singling in the
winning run in the bottom of the 14th inning in Game 5, and
Johnny Damon making a grand slam in Game 7;
Whereas the entire Red Sox organization has a strong
commitment to charitable causes in New England, demonstrated
by the team's 51-year support of the Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute's Jimmy Fund in the fight against childhood
cancers;
Whereas fans of the Red Sox do not live only in Boston or
New England, but all across the country and the world, and a
grateful ``Red Sox Nation'' thanks the team for bringing a
World Championship home to Boston;
Whereas the 2004 Boston Red Sox and their loyal fans
believed; and
Whereas this IS next year: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) congratulates--
(A) the Boston Red Sox for winning the 2004 Major League
Baseball World Series and for their incredible performance
during the 2004 Major League Baseball season; and
(B) the eight Major League Baseball teams that played in
the postseason;
(2) recognizes the achievements of the Boston Red Sox
players, manager, coaches, and support staff whose hard work,
dedication, and spirit made this all possible;
(3) commends--
(A) the St. Louis Cardinals for a valiant performance
during the 2004 season and the World Series;
(B) the fans and management of the St. Louis Cardinals for
allowing the Red Sox fans from Boston and around the Nation
to celebrate their first title in 86 years at their home
field; and
(4) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to
transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to--
(A) the 2004 Boston Red Sox team;
(B) Red Sox Manager Terry Francona;
(C) Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein;
(D) Red Sox President and Chief Executive Officer Larry
Lucchino;
(E) Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry; and
(F) Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner.
The resolution was agreed to.
Amendment to the Preamble Offered by Mr. Ose
Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment to the preamble.
The Clerk read as follows:
Amendment to the preamble offered by Mr. Ose:
On page 1 line 10 strike the word ``payoff'' and insert the
ward ``playoff''.
Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I do want to speak to the amendment, if I
might, because I know the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano)
comes from district eight in Massachusetts, and clearly there has been
an error in the third paragraph of the resolution. We are going to call
this E-8 in the gentleman from Massachusetts' (Mr. Capuano) memory
because I do not believe he meant to put the word ``payoff'' in there,
and we are attempting to correct this. And I just want to assure folks
of the district that the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano)
represents that it was an error made in good faith and that it was an
error much like many errors in the past like Mr. Buckner has made, and
I hope to never see such an error again in the next 86 years.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the amendment to the
preamble.
The amendment to the preamble was agreed to.
[[Page 24064]]
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________
REPORT ON RESOLUTION WAIVING REQUIREMENT OF CLAUSE 6(a) OF RULE XIII
WITH RESPECT TO CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS
Mr. DREIER, (during debate on H. Res. 854) from the Committee on
Rules, submitted a privileged report (Rept. No. 108-784) on the
resolution (H. Res. 861) waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule
XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from
the Committee on Rules, which was referred to the House Calendar and
ordered to be printed.
____________________
SPECIAL ORDERS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of
January 7, 2003, and under a previous order of the House, the following
Members will be recognized for 5 minutes each.
____________________
A FISCAL U-TURN: BACK IN THE HOLE AND STILL DIGGING
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, earlier today I joined many of my colleagues
in Little Rock, Arkansas, for the official dedication of the William
Jefferson Clinton Presidential Center, a place where scholars and all
Americans can study the many remarkable achievements of 8 years of the
Clinton administration.
As I sat through the dedication ceremonies today, I reflected on the
unparalleled economic prosperity that America experienced during
President Clinton's tenure. I also could not help thinking about the
important matter we would be confronted with on the House floor later
in the day, a vote to raise the debt limit for the third time since
President Clinton's successor took office. With today's vote, the
majority of this House has agreed to a whopping $800 billion increase
in the debt ceiling from its present level of $7.38 trillion to $8.18
trillion.
The impending breach of the statutory debt ceiling is the latest
warning about the Nation's fiscal health. Our debt has been growing
faster than our economy's ability to repay it due in large part to a
reckless economic policy over the last 4 years. These policies have
undone the hard work it took to balance the budget during the 1990s and
have left us awash in a sea of red ink.
At the beginning of the Clinton administration in 1992, the Federal
budget deficit was at a historic high of $290 billion, 10 million
Americans were out of work, and the Nation's economic growth rate was
the lowest in more than half a century. In response, President Clinton
and the congressional Democrats worked together to enact the 1993
Deficit Reduction Plan which passed the House and Senate without a
single Republican vote. The balanced budget plan demonstrated that
guided by common sense and realism, we could slash the deficit in half
while also making important investments in our future including
education, health care, science, and technology.
The plan included more than $500 billion in deficit reduction and cut
taxes for 15 million of the hardest pressed Americans as well as small
businesses.
{time} 2340
What followed is unarguable: the creation of more than 22 million new
jobs and the Nation's lowest unemployment rate in 30 years. The Nation
went from the largest budget deficits in history to the largest budget
surpluses in history. Four consecutive years of debt reduction also
followed, a total of $453 billion paid down, bringing the public debt
down to $2.9 trillion lower in 2001 than projected in 1993.
When President Clinton left office, we were on track to eliminate the
Nation's public debt by 2012, making America debt-free for the first
time since Andrew Jackson was President.
Today, we continue the fiscal U-turn that this Congress and
administration have steered us into over the last 4 years. Today's vote
to increase the debt limit marks yet another unfortunate milestone in
our Nation's history where we have the largest deficits we have ever
had, $413 billion, and absolutely no plan in sight to put our fiscal
House in order.
For years, members of the Blue Dog Coalition have warned that we were
spending money we did not have, that the administration had no economic
plan, and that tax cuts alone were not a substitute for an economic
plan for our country's future. This Congress continues to reject
efforts to budget in the same way that your family and mine does, by
paying as you go.
Even as we sought to stave off the day of reckoning, middle-class
Americans are paying for our profligacy in the form of rising interest
rates. As a result, American consumers are paying more for their
mortgages and on their credit cards.
With the retirement of the baby-boom generation beginning in just 4
years, we must rededicate ourselves to ensuring that our children and
future generations are not saddled with the enormous responsibility of
paying for our economic health and our safety. We owe it to the
American people to stop imperiling the Nation's economic future by
borrowing money to pay for irresponsible policies.
We all acknowledge that the September 11 attacks and the resulting
war on terrorism as well as the war on Iraq have put an additional
stress on our economy. But instead of spending political capital to ask
all Americans to share in the Nation's sacrifice, the President and the
majority today took the easy way out.
Mr. Speaker, the day of reckoning is at hand, and with today's vote
we must all acknowledge we have hit rock bottom.
In his farewell address to the Nation from the Oval Office in
February, 2003, President Clinton left the American people with three
thoughts about our future. His first admonition was that America must
maintain its fiscal responsibility. Pointing to record deficits turned
into record surpluses and the paying down of our national debt, he
urged us to stay on track. ``If we choose wisely,'' he said, ``we can
pay down the debt, deal with the retirement of the baby-boomers, invest
more in our future, and provide tax relief.''
Unfortunately, this Congress and this administration have not chosen
wisely. The juxtaposition of today's dedication of the Clinton Library
and this evening's vote to increase the national debt is a clarion call
to return to the sound fiscal policies that were central to the
economic boom of the 1990s. We have a duty to the American people to
restore sanity and discipline to our Nation's finances.
____________________
EXCHANGE OF SPECIAL ORDER TIME
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) is recognized for 5 minutes.
(Ms. WOOLSEY addressed the House. Her remarks will appear hereafter
in the Extensions of Remarks.)
____________________
ORDER OF BUSINESS
Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take my special
order at this time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Michigan?
There was no objection.
____________________
PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, it was an honor and a privilege to join with
over 100 of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, and four U.S.
presidents to dedicate the William J. Clinton Library in Little Rock,
Arkansas. All of the four presidents spoke eloquently. I was especially
moved by the words of former President George W. Bush when he said it
not a Democrat or Republican day, but it was a great day for all
Americans.
[[Page 24065]]
I joined President Clinton in the 1992 election here in Washington to
represent northern Michigan to do, as President Clinton challenged us
then, to put people first. I have learned and tried to do that each day
as a Congressman. I learned this not just from President Clinton but
from my own father who was a local elected official in Delta County,
Michigan.
I come tonight to put people first, to put our children first as I
continue to speak out against the acne drug Accutane. As a legislator,
I have called for more restrictions on the distribution and use of this
drug, which is known to cause severe birth defects and a form of
impulsive behavior and depression in young people taking this drug.
This drug has devastated my family with the loss of our son BJ and
more than 250 other families who have lost their young son or daughter
across this Nation who have lost them while they were taking Accutane.
As we were flying back from Little Rock, Arkansas, CBS news ran a
story tonight, and I quote an FDA safety reviewer, Dr. David Graham,
when he spoke to the Senate Finance Committee. Dr. Graham said, ``I
would argue that the FDA as currently configured is incapable of
protecting America against another Vioxx.'' He told the Senate Finance
Committee that ``there are at least five other drugs on the market
today that should be looked at seriously to see whether they should
remain on the market.'' He cited the acne drug Accutane.
Why Accutane? Because of the horrendous birth defects, but also
because of a recent study by Dr. J. Douglas Bremner. He has
demonstrated how Accutane mediates depression, causes impulsive
behavior due to changes in the orbito frontal cortex in the front part
of the brain. That mediates depression. Depression is found in this
part of the brain.
Over the course of our investigation of the Committee on Energy and
Commerce research, it has indicated that the current formula of
Accutane may be about 240 times greater than what is necessary to be
effective. Too much Accutane, a synthetic vitamin A, causes cerebri
tumor or a pseudo tumor in some patients. This pseudo tumor is a
warning that is found on the packaging, but what does it really mean?
It means severe headaches. And while it acts like a tumor in the brain,
it cannot be discovered. CAT scans will not show it. There is no
evidence of a tumor. So what happens?
As Dr. Bremner showed us here in a study of the orbito frontal
cortex, there is a decrease in the metabolism of the brain. This is the
baseline of a person before they started Accutane. This is post
Accutane, or 4 months on Accutane. Notice the red brain activity in the
front part of the brain. Notice very little red after 4 months on
Accutane. It neutralizes or decreases the metabolism in this part of
the brain.
In this one slide that Dr. Bremner has shared with us, there is a 21
percent decrease in brain metabolism with this patient. This only
occurred in Accutane patients. Dr. Bremner did the same thing with
other patients on oral antibiotics. And it was not all Accutane
patients, just those who complained of severe headaches. Is this
excessive dosage found in the current formula of Accutane that is being
given to patients, is this the cause in the change that we see?
The medical evidence is clear that Accutane causes changes in the
brain, which leads some young people to take their own life through
impulsive behavior.
Putting people first. Let us put children first. Let us join with the
FDA drug safety reviewer and pull this drug from the market or, at a
minimum, severely restrict the use and distribution of Accutane until
we have all the answers about this powerful, dangerous drug.
Is a decreased metabolism that we see here, is this reversible? Will
the brain repair itself? How much Accutane is safe? What should the
real dose be so we do not hurt the developing young brains of our
children? Has the FDA done enough to protect our children? Has the FDA
seriously looked at this study and similar studies in animal testing,
which also demonstrate Accutane harms the brain?
It is time to put our children first. It is time to pull this drug
off the market until all of our questions are seriously answered. Put
our children first.
Mr. Speaker, I will submit for the Record the CBS news report and
also a photocopy of the CAT scan from Dr. Bremner.
Insider: FDA Can't Protect Public
The American public is ``virtually defenseless'' if another
medication such as Vioxx proves to be unsafe after it is
approved for sale, a government drug safety reviewer told a
congressional committee Thursday.
``I would argue that the FDA as currently configured is
incapable of protecting America against another Vioxx,'' said
David Graham, who warned that the arthritis drug had been
linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
He told the Senate Finance Committee that there were at
least five other drugs on the market today that should be
looked at seriously to see whether they should remain there.
He cited the acne drug Accutane, the weight loss drug
Meridia, the anti-cholesterol drug Crestor, the pain reliever
Bextra, and the asthma drug Serevent.
Vioxx's maker, Merck & Co. pulled the drug from the market
on Sept. 30 after a study indicated the popular painkiller
doubled the risk of heart attacks and stroke when taken for
longer than 18 months.
Raymond V. Gilimartin, the company president, said in
prepared testimony that Merck acted within four days of
learning about the risk.
``Given the availability of alternative therapies and the
questions raised by the data withdrawing Vioxx was consistent
with an ethic that has driven Merck actions and decisions for
more than 100 years,'' he said.
Gilimartin also said the company was surprised by the
cardiovascular risk because it differed from past clinical
trials. ``My wife was a user of Vioxx until the day we
withdrew it from the marketplace,'' he said.
The Food and Drug Administration has defended its actions
regarding Vioxx. In a statement issued late Wednesday, the
agency cited its ``well-documented and long-standing
commitment to openness and transparency in its review of
marketed drugs.''
``What's come to light about Vioxx since Sept. 30 makes
people wonder if the FDA has lost its way when it comes to
making sure that drugs are safe,'' said Senate Finance
Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, as the hearing
opened.
Grassley suggested that an independent board of drug safety
might be needed to ensure the safety of medications after
they're approved for the market.
``Consumers should not have to second-guess the safety of
what's in their medicine cabinet,'' he said.
Graham told the committee that research indicated that
Vioxx caused up to 160,000 heart attacks and strokes.
``If we were talking about Florida or Pennsylvania, 1
percent of the entire state population would have been
affected,'' he said. ``I'm sorry to say Sen. Grassley, but 67
percent of the citizens of Des Moines would be affected and,
what's worse--the entire population of every other city in
the state of Iowa.''
Graham said his research helped to coax the FDA to withdraw
a number of drugs including Fen-phen, a weight loss drug,
Lotronex, Baycol and Rezulin. ``During my career I have
recommended the market withdrawal of 12 drugs,'' he said.
``Only two of these remain on the market today.''
At the same time, though, he questioned the agency's
commitment to removing unsafe drugs from the market, since it
would call into question their earlier approval.
Sen. Jeff Bingman, D-New Mexico, said the problem was
within the FDA's own culture.
``The culture within the FDA, being one where the
pharmaceutical industry, which the FDA is supposed to
regulate, is seen by the FDA as its client instead,'' he
said.
He called on President Bush to appoint a new head for the
agency. Lester Crawford has been acting commissioner of the
agency.
Lester Crawford's statement, sent by e-mail to reporters
about 16 hours before the Senate Finance Committee's
scheduled hearing on Vioxx, said the FDA initiated and paid
for reviews of Vioxx and antidepressants after those drugs
had hit the market. ``That is evidence the system is
working,'' Crawford said.
``It's not working good for them to have a drug to be out
on the market this long . . . and never really announcing
that it was causing strokes and heart attacks,'' John Byrd of
Coats, N.C., told CBS Radio News Thursday morning. He's a 47-
year-old who had a heart attack last spring and is now suing
the maker of Vioxx.
Critics contend the agency ignored risks in both instances,
then intimidated its own reviewers when they pointed to
safety concerns.
In October, the FDA ordered that all antidepressants carry
warnings that they ``increase the risk of suicidal thinking
and behavior'' in children who take them.
[[Page 24066]]
Vioxx's maker, Merck & Co. pulled the drug from the market on
Sept. 30 after a study indicated the popular painkiller
doubled the risk of heart attacks and stroke when taken for
longer than 18 months.
``I've never had any knowledge that it could cause a heart
attack or blood clots or stroke. That's where I find a little
shadiness in this recall,'' said Byrd, a Goodyear employee,
who added the Vioxx paperwork only warned that it could upset
his stomach.
The FDA's statement disturbed lawyer Andy Birchfield, who
is evaluating thousands of potential cases against Merck on
behalf of injured patients.
``How can they see that type of problem and look back and
say `We did everything right'?'' Birchfield said. ``When
they're not willing to recognize mistakes, we have no hope
for them voluntarily taking measures to correct the
situation.''
Crawford's statement did not mention Graham by name, but
suggested that the reviewer was a maverick who did not follow
agency protocol.
Graham was lead author on a research project that studied
the records of almost 1.4 million Kaiser Permanente patients,
including 40,405 treated with Pfizer's Celebrex and 26,748
treated with Vioxx. The study found that high doses of Vioxx
tripled risks of heart attacks and sudden cardiac death.
Vioxx was responsible for an additional 27,785 deaths from
heart ailments from 1999 to 2003, Graham concluded.
He has told congressional investigators that, superiors
pressured him to soften his conclusions.
Crawford said in his statement that the reviewer
voluntarily chose to revise his conclusions, and he did so,
in his own words, ``without compromising my deeply held
convictions.''
____________________
EXCHANGE OF SPECIAL ORDER TIME
Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take the time of
the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones).
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Tennessee?
There was no objection.
____________________
IMMIGRATION CONCERNS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, in yesterday's Congress Daily published by
the National Journal, there was an article stating that some of the
Nation's largest high-tech companies are pushing for a big increase in
the H-1B visa program. This is the program that grants visas to so-
called skilled foreigners such as computer specialists, engineers, and
technical medical researchers. This program already allows 65,000
foreigners each year to come in and take some of the best jobs this
country has to offer.
Now, these giant corporations are waging what Congress Daily
described as an ``intense lobbying'' campaign to get 30,000 to 40,000
more of these foreign workers, and this goes on every year and has
undoubtedly let in hundreds of thousands or even more over the last
several years.
{time} 2350
This, of course, is on top of the many millions of illegal aliens we
already have here, probably at least double or triple the ten million
illegals the government estimates are here based on what I have read
and heard and seen.
I realize the H1-B program is a way to get here legally, and I do
commend those involved for at least going through the proper legal
channels. But over the last 16 years since I have been in Congress, I
have had many parents and grandparents bring me their college graduate
children or grandchildren who cannot find good jobs. And these are
good-looking young people with very good grades.
All over this country there are many thousands of college graduates
who cannot find good jobs so they work as waiters and waitresses and go
to graduate school or more often law school. Sometimes people with
masters degrees or even PhDs are having trouble finding good jobs. Our
unemployment is low, but our underemployment is terrible. Yet we bring
in many thousands more foreign workers each year while we continue to
send huge numbers of good jobs to other countries with our astounding
$1 million-a-minute trade deficit.
Many years ago I read that our government estimated that half the
people of the world wanted to come here to live. Consistent with that I
read in the last few months that half of the people in the world have
to get by on $2 or less a day and do not have a second pair of shoes.
We simply cannot take 3 billion more people in to this Nation,
especially over a short period of time. Already our schools and
hospitals are overrun with illegal immigrants in areas near our
borders.
God has blessed every nation in this world with either natural beauty
and natural resources and usually both that could make those countries
rich if they had a free market, free enterprise system. However, all
over this world people have fallen for the myth that government can
solve all problems, and they have either voted in or had governments
forced on them that were liberal, left-wing or socialist. And all over
this world all big government has done is to ruin economies and wipe
out the middle class.
Big government means a few elite rulers at the top, a huge
underclass, usually near starvation, and almost no middle class. Today
with many of our trade and immigration policies, our own big government
is slowly wiping out our own middle class to try to benefit a small
number of huge multi-national companies. The big giants are growing
bigger in large part because of government favoritism, government
contracts, tax breaks, free land. Big government, though, really only
helps extremely big business and the bureaucrats who work for the
government. Everyone else gets the crumbs or the shaft.
There really cannot be such a thing as big government conservatism.
That is an oxymoron. Only in a very small government, truly free market
system does the little man or a person without great capital have a
real chance.
Big government liberalism, while always claiming to help the little
guy, has actually been the best friend extremely big business has. And
this proposed expansion of the H1-B program is just another example of
this big government, big business duopoly that is in the long run
bringing down American small business and our great middle class.
____________________
EXCHANGE OF SPECIAL ORDER TIME
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time
of the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown).
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New Jersey?
There was no objection.
____________________
ARMS SALES TO PAKISTAN
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to express my deep
concern about the proposed Pentagon arms sale to Pakistan.
Reports indicate that the Pentagon has proposed sales of the
following weapons to Pakistan: eight P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft
valued at up to $970 million and 2,000 TOW-2A missiles and 14 TOW-2A
Fly-to-Buy missiles valued at $82 million. It is undoubted that
Pakistan has been an ally in the war on terror; however, it is
necessary to urge President Bush to block these proposed arms sales for
several reasons.
A number of my colleagues and I were extremely disappointed to learn
of the Major Non-NATO Alliance status that was bestowed upon Pakistan
earlier this year because it allowed Pakistan to purchase military
equipment that is not normally sanctioned to a country that is not
under democratic rule. Pakistan unfortunately continues to remain under
military rule and is not taking meaningful steps to return to a
democracy; and therefore I support democracy sanctions that will
prohibit military assistance to Pakistan entirely. Moreover, I feel
that it is unprecedented for the Pentagon to be engaging in weapon
sales with Pakistan due to its political instability.
[[Page 24067]]
Mr. Speaker, the Bush administration's policies with respect to
military assistance and now military sales to Pakistan are contributing
to increased security concerns throughout South Asia and particularly
to India. Although Pakistan has been an ally in the global war on
terror, Pakistan has not taken steps to end terrorism in its own
backyard, and foreign military assistance to Pakistan has oftentimes
been used against India.
I sent a letter today, Mr. Speaker, to President Bush urging him to
reexamine the interests and priorities of the United States and to take
a strong position against selling arms to Pakistan both now and in the
future. The Pentagon is still in the proposed phase of selling these
weapons to Pakistan. I urge my colleagues to block this inappropriate
and unnecessary arms sales to Pakistan.
Mr. Speaker, the Bush administration and this Congress should be
promoting peace in South Asia, not a war between Pakistan and India.
____________________
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
By unanimous consent, leave of absence was granted to:
Ms. Millender-McDonald (at the request of Ms. Pelosi) for today on
account of business in the district.
Mr. Weller (at the request of Mr. DeLay) for today and the balance of
the week on account of his wedding.
____________________
SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED
By unanimous consent, permission to address the House, following the
legislative program and any special orders heretofore entered, was
granted to:
(The following Members (at the request of Mr. Pallone) to revise and
extend their remarks and include extraneous material:)
Mr. Schiff, for 5 minutes, today.
Ms. Woolsey, for 5 minutes, today.
Mr. Brown of Ohio, for 5 minutes, today.
Ms. Norton, for 5 minutes, today.
Mr. Stupak, for 5 minutes, today.
Mr. Pallone, for 5 minutes, today.
Mr. Davis of Illinois, for 5 minutes, today.
Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, for 5 minutes, today.
Ms. DeLauro, for 5 minutes, today.
____________________
ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED
Mr. Trandahl, Clerk of the House, reported and found truly enrolled
bills of the House of the following titles, which were thereupon signed
by the Speaker:
H.R. 1284. An act to amend the Reclamation Projects
Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 to increase the
Federal share of the costs of the San Gabriel Basin
demonstration project.
H.R. 4794. An act to amend the Tijuana River Valley Estuary
and Beach Sewage Cleanup Act of 2000 to extend the
authorization of appropriations, and for other purposes.
H.R. 5245. An act to extend the liability indemnification
regime for the commercial space transportation industry.
H.R. 5213. An act to expand research information regarding
multidisciplinary research projects and epidemiological
studies.
H.R. 5163. An act to amend title 49, United States Code, to
provide the Department of Transportation a more focused
research organization with an emphasis on innovative
technology, and for other purposes.
____________________
SENATE ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED
The SPEAKER announced his signature to enrolled bills of the Senate
of the following titles:
S. 434. An act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to
sell or exchange all or part of certain parcels of National
Forest System land in the State of Idaho and use the proceeds
derived from the sale or exchange for National Forest System
purposes.
S. 1446. An act to implement the recommendations of the
Garrison Unit Joint Tribal Advisory Committee by providing
authorization for the construction of a rural health care
facility on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, North
Dakota.
S. 1241. An act to establish the Kate Mullany National
Historic Site in the State of New York, and for other
purposes.
S. 1727. An act to authorize additional appropriations for
the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978.
S. 2042. An act for the relief of Rocco A. Trescota of Fort
Lauderdale, Florida.
S. 2214. An act to designate the facility of the United
States Postal Service located at 3150 Great Northern Avenue
in Missoula, Montana, as the ``Mike Mansfield Post Office''.
S. 2302. An act to improve access to physicians in
medically underserved areas.
S. 2484. An act to amend title 38, United States Code, to
simplify and improve pay provisions for physicians and
dentists and to authorize alternate work schedules and
executive pay for nurses, and for other purposes.
S. 2640. An act to designate the facility of the United
States Postal Service located at 1050 North Hills Boulevard
in Reno, Nevada, as the ``Guardians of Freedom Memorial Post
Office Building'' and to authorize the installation of a
plaque at such site, and for other purposes.
S. 2693. An act to designate the facility of the United
States Postal Service located at 1475 Western Avenue, Suite
45, Albany, New York, as the ``Lieutenant John F. Finn Post
Office.''
S. 2965. An act to amend the Livestock Mandatory Price
Reporting Act of 1999 to modify the termination date for
mandatory price reporting.
____________________
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.
The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 11 o'clock and 55 minutes
p.m.), the House adjourned until tomorrow, Friday, November 19, 2004,
at 9 a.m.
____________________
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, ETC.
Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive communications were taken from
the Speaker's table and referred as follows:
10904. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Glyphosate; Pesticide Tolerance [OPP-2004-0323;
FRL-7683-9] received November 15, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agriculture.
10905. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Mepanipyrim; Pesticide Tolerances [OPP-2004-0299;
FRL-7681-8] received October 18, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agriculture.
10906. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Cyprodinil; Pesticide Tolerances [OPP-2004-0327;
FRL-7682-1] received October 18, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agriculture.
10907. A letter from the Secretary, Department of Defense,
transmitting a letter on the approved retirement of
Lieutenant General Edward Soriano, United States Army, and
his advancement to the grade of lieutenant general on the
retired list; to the Committee on Armed Services.
10908. A letter from the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations
(Manpower and Personnel), Department of Defense, transmitting
notification of a decision to implement performance by the
Most Efficient Organization (MEO) for the Physical
Distribution in Bremerton, WA (initiative number NC20000784);
to the Committee on Armed Services.
10909. A letter from the Acting Under Secretary for
Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, Department of
Defense, transmitting the Department's report on the amount
of purchases from foreign entities for Fiscal Year 2003,
pursuant to Public Law 107-248, section 8033(b); to the
Committee on Armed Services.
10910. A letter from the Acting Under Secretary for
Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, Department of
Defense, transmitting the Department's Strategic Plan for
Corrosion Prevention and Mitigation, pursuant to Public Law
107-314, section 1067; to the Committee on Armed Services.
10911. A letter from the Comptroller, Department of
Defense, transmitting the Department's quarterly report as of
September 30, 2004, entitled, ``Acceptance of contributions
for defense programs, projects and activities; Defense
Cooperation Account,'' pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2608; to the
Committee on Armed Services.
10912. A letter from the Administrator, Rural Housing
Service, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's ``Major'' final rule--Reinventionof the Sections
514, 515, 516, and 521 Multi-Family Housing Programs (RIN:
0575-AC13) received November 15, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Financial Services.
10913. A letter from the Secretary, Department of
Education, transmitting the annual report of the National
Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity for
Fiscal Year 2004, pursuant to 20 U.S.C. 1145(e); to the
Committee on Education and the Workforce.
10914. A letter from the Secretary, Department of Health
and Human Services, transmitting the Department's report on
the
[[Page 24068]]
Community Services Block Grant Discretionary Activities:
Community Economic Development Program (CEDP) Projects Funded
During Fiscal Year 2000; to the Committee on Education and
the Workforce.
10915. A letter from the Acting Assistant Secretary for
Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting a
preliminary report on the Department's Alternative Fuel
Vehicle (AFV) program for FY 2004, pursuant to Public Law
105-388 42 U.S.C. 13211-13219; to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce.
10916. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Revisions to the California State Implementation
Plan, Imperial County Air Pollution Control District [CA 309-
0468a; FRL-7834-3] received November 15, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
10917. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Interim Final Determination to Stay Sanctions,
Imperial County Air Pollution Control District [CA 309-0468c;
FRL-7834-5] received November 15, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
10918. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Corrections to the California State
Implementation Plan [CA120-REC; FRL-7837-9] received November
15, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce.
10919. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Approval and Promulgation of Plan Revisions;
Indiana [R05-OAR-2004-IN-0002; FRL-7826-8] received October
28, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce.
10920. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Approval and Promulgation of Implmentation Plans;
Texas; Memorandum of Agreement between Texas Council on
Environmental Quality and the North Central Texas Council of
Governments Providing Emissions Offsets to Dallas Fort Worth
International Airport [R06-OAR-2004-TX- 0002; FRL-7830-8]
received October 28, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A);
to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
10921. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Approval and Promulgation of Implementation
Plans; State Of Missouri; Designation of Areas for Air
Quality Planning Purposes, Iron County; Arcadia and Liberty
Townships [R07-OAR-2004-MO-003; FRL-7831-1] received October
28, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce.
10922. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality
Implementation Plans; Idado; Correcting Amendments [ID-02-
003; FRL-7825-3] received October 28, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
10923. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Revisions to the California State Implementation
Plan, San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control
District [CA 307-0464a; FRL-7818-6] received October 18,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce.
10924. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Revisions to the California State Implementation
Plan, Bay Area Air Quality Management District [CA284-0462;
FRL-7811-2] received October 21, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
10925. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--National Environmental Performance Track Program;
Corrections [OA-2004-0004; FRL-7830-1] (RIN: 2090-AA13)
received October 21, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A);
to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
10926. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Clean Air Act Approval and Promulgation of Air
Quality Implementation Plan Revision for North Dakota;
Revisions to the Air Pollution Control Rules; Delegation of
Authority for New Source Performance Standards [ND-0001-0011;
FRL-7823-2] received October 21, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
10927. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality
Implementation Plans; West Virginia; Determination of
Attainment and Redesignation of the City of Weirton PM10
Nonattainment Area to Attainment and Approval of the
Maintenance Plan [R03-AOR-2004-WV-0001; FRL-7821-4] received
October 21, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce.
10928. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality
Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania VOC and NOX
RACT Determinations for National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation
[PA208-4231; FRL-7822-5] received October 21, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce.
10929. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality
Implementation Plans; Maryland; Redesignation of Kent and
Queen Anne's Counties Ozone Nonattainment Area to Attainment
and Approval of the Area's Maintenance Plan [MD160-3113; FRL-
7821-1] received October 21, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
10930. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality
Implementation Plans; Maryland; Control of VOC Emissions from
Yeast Manufacturing [MD170-3113a; FRL-7819-7] received
October 21, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce.
10931. A letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality
Implementation Plans; Colorado; Designation of Areas for Air
Quality Planning Purposes, Steamboat Springs [CO-001-0077a;
FRL-7815-5] received October 21, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
10932. A letter from the Deputy Director, Defense Security
Cooperation Agency, transmitting notification concerning the
Department of the Navy's Proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance (LOA) to Pakistan for defense articles and
services (Transmittal No. 05-05), pursuant to 22 U.S.C.
2776(b); to the Committee on International Relations.
10933. A letter from the Deputy Director, Defense Security
Cooperation Agency, transmitting notification concerning the
Department of the Army's Proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance (LOA) to the United Arab Emirates for defense
articles and services (Transmittal No. 05-09), pursuant to 22
U.S.C. 2776(b); to the Committee on International Relations.
10934. A letter from the Deputy Director, Defense Security
Cooperation Agency, transmitting notification concerning the
Department of the Army's Proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance (LOA) to Pakistan for defense articles and
services (Transmittal No. 05-06), pursuant to 22 U.S.C.
2776(b); to the Committee on International Relations.
10935. A letter from the Deputy Director, Defense Security
Cooperation Agency, transmitting notification concerning the
Department of the Navy's Proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance (LOA) to Pakistan for defense articles and
services (Transmittal No. 05-07), pursuant to 22 U.S.C.
2776(b); to the Committee on International Relations.
10936. A letter from the Director, International
Cooperation, Department of Defense, transmitting Pursuant to
Section 27(f) of the Arms Export Control Act and Section 1(f)
of Executive Order 11958, Transmittal No. 13-04 informing of
an intent to sign a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning
Land Battlespace Systems with the United Kingdom, pursuant to
22 U.S.C. 2767(f); to the Committee on International
Relations.
10937. A letter from the Director, International
Cooperation, Department of Defense, transmitting Pursuant to
Section 27(f) of the Arms Export Control Act and Section 1(f)
of Executive Order 11958, Transmittal No. 14-04 informing of
an intent to sign a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning
Defense Space Cooperation with Turkey, pursuant to 22 U.S.C.
2767(f); to the Committee on International Relations.
10938. A letter from the Assistant Secretary for
Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting
certification of a proposed manufacturing license agreement
for the manufacture of significant military equipment abroad
with Poland (Transmittal No. DDTC 082-04), pursuant to 22
U.S.C. 2776(d); to the Committee on International Relations.
10939. A letter from the Assistant Secretary for
Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting the
annual report of the activities of the United Nations and of
the participation of the United States therein during the
calendar year 2003, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 287b; to the
Committee on International Relations.
10940. A letter from the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty
Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Copies of
international agreements, other than treaties, entered into
by the United States, pursuant to 1 U.S.C. 112b(a); to the
Committee on International Relations.
10941. A letter from the Deputy Secretary, Department of
the Treasury, transmitting as required by section 401(c) of
the National Emergency Act, 50 U.S.C. 1641(c), and section
[[Page 24069]]
204(c) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50
U.S.C. 1703(c), and pursuant to Executive Order 13338 of May
11, 2004, a six-month periodic report on the national
emergency with respect to Syria that was declared in
Executive Order 13338 of May 11, 2004; to the Committee on
International Relations.
10942. A letter from the Deputy Secretary, Department of
the Treasury, transmitting as required by section 204(c) of
the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C.
1703(c), and pursuant to Executive Order 13313 of July 31,
2003, a six-month periodic report on the national emergency
with respect to Iran that was declared in Executive Order
12170 of November 14, 1979; to the Committee on International
Relations.
10943. A letter from the Acting Assistant Secretary for
Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting the
Department's final rule-- Amendment to the International
Traffic in Arms Regulations: Registration Fee Change (RIN:
1400-AB97) received November 15, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on International Relations.
10944. A letter from the Chairman, Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, transmitting the semiannual
report on the activities of the Office of Inspector General
for the six-month period ending September 30, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. app. (Insp. Gen. Act) section 5(b); to the
Committee on Government Reform.
10945. A letter from the Chairman, Broadcasting Board of
Governors, transmitting in accordance with the requirements
of the Accountability of Tax Dollars Act of 2002 (Pub. L.
107-289), the Board's FY 2004 Performance and Accountability
Report; to the Committee on Government Reform.
10946. A letter from the Chairman, Consumer Product Safety
Commission, transmitting the Commission's FY 2004 Performance
and Accountability Report; to the Committee on Government
Reform.
10947. A letter from the Chief Financial Officer and
Assistant Secretary for Administration, Department of
Commerce, transmitting in accordance with Section 647(b) of
Division F of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2004,
Pub. L. 108-199, and the Office of Management and Budget
Memorandum 04-07, the Department's report on competitive
sourcing efforts for FY 2003; to the Committee on Government
Reform.
10948. A letter from the Chief Financial Officer and
Assistant Secretary for Administration, Department of
Commerce, transmitting an inventory of functions performed by
the Department that are not inherently governmental after the
inventory has been reviewed by the Office of Management and
Budget; to the Committee on Government Reform.
10949. A letter from the Secretary, Department of Energy,
transmitting the Department's Performance and Accountability
Report for FY 2004; to the Committee on Government Reform.
10950. A letter from the Secretary, Department of Housing
and Urban Development, transmitting the Department's FY 2004
Report on Performance and Accountability; to the Committee on
Government Reform.
10951. A letter from the Attorney General, Department of
Justice, transmitting the Department's FY 2004 Performance
and Accountability Report; to the Committee on Government
Reform.
10952. A letter from the Secretary, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Secretary's Management
Report on Management Decisions and Final Actionson Office of
Inspector General Audit Recommendations for the period ending
March 31, 2004, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 9106; to the Committee
on Government Reform.
10953. A letter from the Secretary, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's FY 2004
Performance and Accountability Report; to the Committee on
Government Reform.
10954. A letter from the Chairman, Federal Communications
Commission, transmitting the Commission's Fiscal Year 2004
Performance and Accountability Report required under the
Accountability for Tax Dollars Act of 2002; to the Committee
on Government Reform.
10955. A letter from the Chairman, National Endowment for
the Arts, transmitting pursuant to the ``Accountability of
Tax Dollars Act of 2002'' and related guidance from the
Office of Management and Budget, the Endowment's Performance
and Accountability Report for FY 2004; to the Committee on
Government Reform.
10956. A letter from the Chairman, National Endowment for
the Humanities, transmitting the Endowment's inventory of
activities as required by OMB Circular A-76 and the Federal
Activities Inventory Reform Act; to the Committee on
Government Reform.
10957. A letter from the Chairman, Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, transmitting the FY 2004 Performance and
Accountability Report, prepared in accordance with the
Reports Consolidation Act of 2000 and the Government
Performance and Results Act of 1993; to the Committee on
Government Reform.
10958. A letter from the Director, Office of Management and
Budget, transmitting a report entitled ``Statistical Programs
of the United States Government: Fiscal Year 2005,'' pursuant
to 44 U.S.C. 3504(e)(2); to the Committee on Government
Reform.
10959. A letter from the Board Members, Railroad Retirement
Board, transmitting a copy of the Board's Performance and
Accountability Report for Fiscal Year 2004, including the
Office of Inspector General's Auditor's Report, Report on
Internal Control, and Report on Compliance with Laws and
Regulations; to the Committee on Government Reform.
10960. A letter from the Commissioner, Social Security
Administration, transmitting the Administration's Fiscal Year
2004 Performance and Accountability Report; to the Committee
on Government Reform.
10961. A letter from the Director, Trade and Development
Agency, transmitting the Agency's annual financial audit for
FY 2004, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2421(e)(2); to the Committee
on Government Reform.
10962. A letter from the Executive Director, United States
Access Board, transmitting the Board's consolidated report
for the Inspector General Act and the Federal Financial
Manager's Integrity Act, pursuant to (102 Stat. 2525); to the
Committee on Government Reform.
10963. A communication from the President of the United
States, transmitting the study, findings, and report for the
Squirrel River in Alaska, consistent with section 5(a) of the
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Public Law 90-542, as amended;
(H. Doc. No. 108-235); to the Committee on Resources and
ordered to be printed.
10964. A letter from the Federal Registrar Liason Officer,
Office of Surface Mining, Department of the Interior,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Coal Production
Fees (RIN: 1029-AC46) received October 27, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Resources.
10965. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the Gulf of Alaska [Docket
No. 031126297-3297-01; I.D. 100704A] received October 20,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on
Resources.
10966. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pacific Cod by Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by
the Inshore Component in the Central Regulatory Area of the
Gulf of Alaska [Docket No. 031125292-4061-02; I.D. 092404A]
received October 12, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A);
to the Committee on Resources.
10967. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western
Pacific; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Amendment 16-3;
Corrections [Docket No. 040618188-4265-02; I.D. 061404A]
(RIN: 0648-AS26) received October 12, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Resources.
10968. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South
Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of
Mexico and South Atlantic; Closure [Docket No. 001005281-
0369-02; I.D. 101804C] received November 1, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Resources.
10969. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska [Docket
No. 031126297-3297-01; I.D. 100604A] received October 20,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on
Resources.
10970. A letter from the Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Oregon Sport Fisheries
[Docket No. 040209049-4117-02; I.D. 091404G] received October
12, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee
on Resources.
10971. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic
Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery; Suspension of Minimum
Surfclam Size for 2005 [Docket No. 031015257-3308-02; I.D.
092804B] received October 12, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Resources.
10972. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands Management Area [Docket No. 031124287-4060-02;
[[Page 24070]]
I.D. 101504B] received October 28, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Resources.
10973. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustianable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; ``Other
Species'' in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands [Docket No.
031124287-4060-02; I.D. 10504A] received October 28, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on
Resources.
10974. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs; NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer
Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; Framework
Adjustment 5 [Docket No. 040804226-4278-02; I.D. 071904C]
(RIN: 0648-AR50) received November 5, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Resources.
10975. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South
Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Closure of
the Recreational Red Snapper Component [I.D. 101904A]
received November 15, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Resources.
10976. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries off West Coast States and in the Western
Pacific; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Annual
Specifications [Docket No. 040706201-4279-02; I.D. 060204F]
(RIN: 0648-AR97) received November 15, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Resources.
10977. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Revisions to the Annual Harvest Specifications Process for
the Groundfish Fisheries of the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering
Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area [Docket No.
040713206-4292-02; I.D. 070704F] (RIN: 0648-AR77) received
November 15, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the
Committee on Resources.
10978. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic
Mackeral, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Inseason
Adjustment of the Quater III Fishery of Loligo Squid [Docket
No. 031104274-4011-02; I.D. 071604E] received November 15,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on
Resources.
10979. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Tilefish
Fishery; Quota Harvested for Part-time Category [Docket No.
040122024-4105-02; I.D. 092104C] received November 15, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on
Resources.
10980. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States;
Northeastern (NE) Multispecies Fishery; Closure of the
Eastern U.S./Canada Area and Prohibition of Harvesting,
Processing, or Landing of Yellowtail Flounder from the U.S./
Canada Management Area [Docket No. 040112010-414-02; I.D.
093004C] received October 18, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Resources.
10981. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish
Fisheries by Vessels Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Gulf of
Alaska [Docket No. 031125292-4061-02; I.D. 093004D] received
October 18, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the
Committee on Resources.
10982. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska [Docket
No. 031125292-4061-02; I.D. 093004E] received October 18,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on
Resources.
10983. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Atka Mackeral in the Western Aleutian District of the Bering
Sea and Aleutian Islands [Docket No. 031124287-4060-02; I.D.
093004F] received October 18, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Resources.
10984. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the Gulf of Alaska [Docket
No. 031125292-4061-02; I.D. 100504B] received October 18,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on
Resources.
10985. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule--Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western
Pacific; Pacific Coast Groundfish; Annual Specifications and
Managemetn Measures; Inseason Adjustments [Docket No.
031216314-3314-01; I.D. 092904C] received October 20, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on
Resources.
10986. A letter from the Secretary, Department of Health
and Human Services, transmitting the thirty-sixth in a series
of reports on refugee resettlement in the United States
covering the period October 1, 2001 through September 30,
2002, pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1523(a); to the Committee on the
Judiciary.
10987. A letter from the Acting Assistant Secretary for
Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Documentation of Nonimmigrants Under
the Immigration and Nationality Act, as Amended-Student and
Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)--received
November 15, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the
Committee on the Judiciary.
10988. A letter from the Chair of the Committee on the
Budget and Secretary, Judicial Conference of the United
States, transmitting a letter asking that the judiciary be
specifically exempted from any across-the-board reductions
that may be considered during the FY 2005 Appropriations
Process; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
10989. A letter from the Program Analyst, FAA, Department
of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Airworthiness Directives; Hoffman Propeller GmbH & Co KG
Models HO-V343 and HO-V343K Propellers [Docket No. FAA-2004-
18958; Directorate Identifier 2004-NE-32-AD; Amendment 39-
13778; AD 2004-18-01] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received October 18,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
10990. A letter from the Program Analyst, FAA, Department
of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Series Airplanes
[Docket No. 2002-NM-350-AD; Amendment 39-13777; AD 2004-17-
05] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received October 18, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
10991. A letter from the Program Analyst, FAA, Department
of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-14,
DC-9-15, and DC-9-15F Airplanes; and Model DC-9-20, DC-9-30,
DC-9-40, and DC-9-50 Series Airplanes [Docket No. 2002-NM-
345-AD; Amendment 39-13789; AD 2004-18-11] (RIN: 2120-AA64)
received October 18, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A);
to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
10992. A letter from the Program Analyst, FAA, Department
of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Airport Noise Compatibility Planning [Docket No. FAA-2004-
19158; Amendment 150-14] (RIN: 2120-AI37) received October
18, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
10993. A letter from the Program Analyst, FAA, Department
of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Picture Identification Requirements [Docket No. FAA-2002-
11666; Amendment No. 61-107] (RIN: 2120-AH76) received
October 18, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
10994. A letter from the Program Analyst, FAA, Department
of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Flight Limitation in the Proximity of Space Flight Operations
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19246; Amendment Nos. 91-284] (RIN:
2120-AI40) received October 18, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
10995. A letter from the Program Analyst, FAA, Department
of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Prohibition Against Certain Flights Between the United States
and Libya [Docket No. FAA-2004-19316; Special Aviation
Regulation (SFAR) No. 65-1] (RIN: 2120-AI46) received October
18, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
10996. A letter from the Program Analyst, FAA, Department
of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Civil Penalty Assessment Procedures [Docket No. 27854;
Amendment No. 13-32] (RIN: 2120-AE84) received October 18,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
10997. A letter from the Senior Attorney, RSPA, Department
of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Hazardous Materials Regulations; Compatibility
[[Page 24071]]
with the Regulations of the International Atomic Energy
Agency; Correction; Final Rule [Docket No. RSPA-99-6283 (HM-
230)] (RIN: 2137-AD40) received October 18, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
10998. A letter from the Program Analyst, FAA, Department
of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, -
106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 Airplanes [Docket No.
2002-NM-338-AD; Amendment 39-13788; AD 2004-18-10] (RIN:
2120-AA64) received October 18, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
10999. A letter from the Program Analyst, FAA, Department
of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-311
Airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2004-18563; Directorate Identifier
2002-NM-98-AD; Amendment 39-13783; AD 2004-18-05] (RIN: 2120-
AA64) received October 18, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
11000. A letter from the Administrator, Federal Aviation
Administration, Department of Transportation, transmitting
the Department's report entitled, ``Report to Congress-Part
135 Air Taxi Operators Study,'' as required by the Aviation
Investment and Reform Act of the 21st Century under Section
735; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
11001. A letter from the Program Analyst, FAA, Department
of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F,
MD-10-30F, MD-11, MD-11F, and 717-200 Airplanes [Docket No.
FAA-2004-19017; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-144-AD;
Amendment 39-13782; AD 2004-18-04] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received
October 18, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
11002. A letter from the Deputy Assiociate Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's
final rule--Water Quality Standards for Coastal and Great
Lakes Recreation Waters [OW-2004-0010; FRL-7837-5] (RIN:
2040-AE63] received November 15, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
11003. A communication from the President of the United
States, transmitting an Agreement between the United States
of America and Japan on Social Security, with a principal
agreement and an administrative arrangement, both signed at
Washington on February 19, 2004, pursuant to 42 U.S.C.
433(e)(1); (H. Doc. No. 108-234); to the Committee on Ways
and Means and ordered to be printed.
11004. A letter from the United States Trade
Representative, Executive Office of the President,
transmitting a report on the intent to initiate negotiations
for a free trade agreement between the United States and the
United Arab Emirates, pursuant to Section 2104(a)(1) of the
Trade Act of 2002; to the Committee on Ways and Means.
11005. A letter from the United States Trade
Representative, Executive Office of the President,
transmitting a report on the intent to initiate negotiations
for a free trade agreement between the United States and the
Sultanate of Oman, pursuant to Section 2104(a)(1) of the
Trade Act of 2002; to the Committee on Ways and Means.
11006. A letter from the Acting Secretary of the Army and
Secretary of Agriculture, Departments of the Army and
Agricutlure, transmitting notice of intention of the
Departments of the Army and Agriculture to interchange
jurisdiction of Army and National Forest lands at the Joint
Readiness Training Center (JRTC) and Fort Polk, Louisiana and
the Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana, pursuant to 16
U.S.C. 505a (70 Stat. 656); jointly to the Committees on
Armed Services and Agriculture.
11007. A letter from the Secretary, Department of Health
and Human Services, transmitting the report to Congress on
Standards for Supervision of Physical Therapist Assistants
(PTAs) and the Implications of Eliminating the ``Personal''
PTA Supervision Requirements on the Finanical Caps for
Medicare Therapy Services, requested by Congress in Appendix
F, Section 421 of Pub. L. 106-554; jointly to the Committees
on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means.
11008. A letter from the Secretary, Department of Health
and Human Services, transmitting three documents in response
to requests for reports to Congress on outpatient therapy
services mandated or modified in Section 4541(d)(2) of Pub.
L. 105-22, Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA), Sections 221(c)
and (d) of Pub. L. 106-113, Balanced Budget Refinement Act of
1999 (BBRA), Section 421(b) of Pub. L. 105-551, Medicare,
Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act
(BIPA) of 2000, and Section 624(b) of Pub. L. 108-173,
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization
Act of 2003 (MMA); jointly to the Committees on Energy and
Commerce and Ways and Means.
11009. A letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Army
for Civil Works, Department of Defense, transmitting a
determination that there exists an emergency need for an
outlet for Devils Lake, North Dakota, as defined by Section
102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act, Pub. L. 93-288; jointly to the Committees on
Transportation and Infrastructure and Appropriations.
____________________
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of committees were delivered to
the Clerk for printing and reference to the proper calendar, as
follows:
Mr. OXLEY: Committee on Financial Services. H.R. 4634. A
bill to extend the terrorism insurance program of the
Department of the Treasury; with an amendment (Rept. 108-
780). Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State on the Union.
Mr. SESSIONS: Committee on Rules. House Resolution 858.
Resolution waiving points of order against the conference
report to accompany the bill (H.R. 1350) to reauthorize the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and for other
purposes (Rept. 108-781). Referred to the House Calendar.
Mr. SESSIONS: Committee on Rules. House Resolution 859.
Resolution providing for consideration of motions to suspend
the rules (Rept. 108-782). Referred to the House Calendar.
Mr. LINDER: Committee on Rules. House Resolution 860.
Resolution waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII
with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported
from the Committee on Rules (Rept. 108-783). Referred to the
House Calendar.
Mrs. MYRICK: Committee on Rules. House Resolution 861.
Resolution waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII
with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported
from the Committee on Rules (Rept. 108-784). Referred to the
House Calendar.
____________________
PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Under clause 2 of rule XII, public bills and resolutions were
introduced and severally referred, as follows:
By Mr. ROHRABACHER (for himself, Mr. Boehlert, and Mr.
Gordon):
H.R. 5382. A bill to promote the development of the
emerging commercial human space flight industry, and for
other purposes; to the Committee on Science.
By Mr. RAHALL (for himself, Mr. Costello, Mr. Boucher,
and Mr. Strickland):
H.R. 5383. A bill to clarify that certain coal industry
health benefits may not be modified or terminated; to the
Committee on Ways and Means.
By Mr. BRADY of Texas (for himself, Mr. Baird, Mr.
Barton of Texas, Mr. Bell, Ms. Berkley, Mr.
Bilirakis, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Bonilla, Mr. Boyd, Ms.
Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida, Mr. Burgess, Mr.
Carter, Mr. Cooper, Mrs. Cubin, Mr. Culberson, Mr.
Davis of Tennessee, Mr. DeLay, Mr. Dicks, Mr. Duncan,
Ms. Dunn, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Ford, Mr. Foley, Mr.
Gibbons, Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Gordon, Ms. Granger, Mr.
Hall, Ms. Harris, Mr. Hastings of Washington, Mr.
Hinojosa, Mr. Inslee, Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Sam Johnson of
Texas, Mr. Miller of Florida, Mr. Neugebauer, Mr.
Paul, Mr. Porter, Mr. Putnam, Mr. Reyes, Mr. Sandlin,
Mr. Sessions, Mr. Shaw, Mr. Smith of Texas, Mr.
Stearns, Mr. Thornberry, Mr. Wamp, and Mr. Weldon of
Florida):
H.R. 5384. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 to make the allowance of the deduction of State and
local general sales taxes in lieu of State and local income
taxes permanent; to the Committee on Ways and Means.
By Mr. BOEHLERT:
H.R. 5385. A bill to authorize the establishment of a
Centennial Challenge Prize Program at the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration; to the Committee on
Science.
By Mr. CONYERS:
H.R. 5386. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to
reform Federal Prison Industries, and for other purposes; to
the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. CRANE:
H.R. 5387. A bill to direct the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency to provide remedial actions
and other assistance to affected residents near the Wauconda
Sand and Gravel Superfund Site; to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
consideration of such provisions as fall within the
jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. EHLERS:
H.R. 5388. A bill to establish an interagency aerospace
revitalization task force to develop a national strategy for
aerospace workforce cultivation, training, and recruitment;
to the Committee on Education and the Workforce.
By Mr. GRAVES:
H.R. 5389. A bill to amend title 23, United States Code, to
establish requirements for
[[Page 24072]]
the operation of high occupancy vehicle facilities on
highways; to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
By Mr. SHERMAN:
H.R. 5390. A bill to amend title 3, United States Code, to
revise the procedures for Presidential succession in the case
of the death, resignation, removal from office, inability, or
failure to qualify of the President, and for other purposes;
to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Ms. SLAUGHTER:
H.R. 5391. A bill to reduce sexual assault and domestic
violence involving members of the Armed Forces and their
family members and partners through enhanced programs of
prevention and deterrence, enhanced programs of victims
services, and strengthened provisions for prosecution of
assailants, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed
Services, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary,
and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently
determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of
such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
committee concerned.
By Mr. STUPAK:
H.R. 5392. A bill to authorize the use of a covered grant
to provide a reasonable stipend to paid-on-call or volunteer
first responders for travel to or participation in training
to prevent, prepare for, respond to, or mitigate terrorist
attacks, and for other purposes; to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the
Committees on Energy and Commerce, and the Judiciary, for a
period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each
case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Ms. LOFGREN:
H.J. Res. 112. A joint resolution proposing an amendment to
the Constitution of the United States to abolish the
Electoral College and to provide for the direct election of
the President and Vice President of the United States; to the
Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. SHERMAN:
H.J. Res. 113. A joint resolution proposing an amendment to
the Constitution of the United States relating to the process
by which the House of Representatives chooses the President
of the United States in the event no candidate receives a
majority of the electoral votes; to the Committee on the
Judiciary.
By Mr. HEFLEY (for himself, Mrs. Jo Ann Davis of
Virginia, Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Mr. Akin, Mr.
Bartlett of Maryland, Mr. Tancredo, Mr. Paul, Mr.
Green of Wisconsin, Mr. Buyer, Mr. Calvert, Mr.
Aderholt, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Wilson of South Carolina,
Mr. Feeney, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Herger, Mr. Green of
Texas, Mr. Jones of North Carolina, Mr. Kennedy of
Minnesota, Mr. Tiahrt, Mr. Bishop of Utah, Mr.
Skelton, Mr. Sherwood, and Mr. Rohrabacher):
H. Con. Res. 522. Concurrent resolution expressing the
sense of the Congress that the Department of Defense should
continue to exercise its statutory authority to support the
activities of the Boy Scouts of America, in particular the
periodic national and world Boy Scout Jamborees; to the
Committee on Armed Services.
By Mr. ROHRABACHER:
H. Con. Res. 523. Concurrent resolution strongly denouncing
the danger of international terrorism inspired by an apostate
vision of Islam, one of the historic religions of the world;
to the Committee on International Relations.
By Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia (for herself, Mr.
Smith of New Jersey, Mr. McCotter, Mr. Blumenauer,
and Mr. Burton of Indiana):
H. Res. 862. A resolution urging the European Council to
continue to maintain its embargo on the sales of arms to the
People's Republic of China; to the Committee on International
Relations.
____________________
MEMORIALS
Under clause 3 of rule XII, memorials were presented and referred as
follows:
459. The SPEAKER presented a memorial of the Senate of the
State of Michigan, relative to Senate Resolution No. 279
memorializing the Congress of the United States to enact the
Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act; to the Committee on
Agriculture.
460. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, relative to Senate Concurrent
Resolution No. 107 memorializing the Congress of the United
States to consign the public policy of the Legislature of
Puerto Rico in facing and attending to the urgent need to
review the political relations between Puerto Rico and the
United States through a Constitutional Convention on Status
elected by the people in the exercise of the natural rights
to self-determination and sovereignty, and to initiate its
organizational process; to the Committee on Resources.
____________________
ADDITIONAL SPONSORS
Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors were added to public bills and
resolutions as follows:
H.R. 962: Ms. Pelosi.
H.R. 1205: Mr. Jefferson.
H.R. 1306: Mr. Filner.
H.R. 1316: Mr. Lantos, Mr. Dicks, Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas,
and Mr. Jackson of Illinois.
H.R. 1431: Mr. Nadler.
H.R. 1563: Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Mr. Inslee, Ms.
Kaptur, Mrs. Johnson of Connecticut, and Mr. Green of
Wisconsin.
H.R. 1684: Mr. Watt and Ms. Waters.
H.R. 1783: Mr. Burns.
H.R. 2237: Mr. Sweeney.
H.R. 2379: Mr. Alexander and Mr. Butter-
field.
H.R. 2414: Mr. Brown of South Carolina.
H.R. 2509: Mr. Duncan.
H.R. 2560: Mr. Boucher.
H.R. 2705: Mr. Farr.
H.R. 2735: Mr. Gibbons.
H.R. 2823: Mr. Boswell and Mr. Clay.
H.R. 2824: Mr. Marshall.
H.R. 3388: Mr. English.
H.R. 3476: Mrs. Miller of Michigan.
H.R. 3484: Mr. Nadler.
H.R. 3602: Mr. Honda.
H.R. 3634: Mr. Burton of Indiana, Mr. Jefferson, and Ms.
Carson of Indiana.
H.R. 3859: Mr. Clyburn and Mr. Evans.
H.R. 3880: Mr. Weiner.
H.R. 4002: Mr. Davis of Alabama.
H.R. 4116: Mr. Lipinski.
H.R. 4343: Mr. Flake.
H.R. 4391: Mr. Chandler, Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, and
Mr. Blumenauer.
H.R. 4491: Mr. Hinchey and Mr. Sanders.
H.R. 4732: Ms. Granger.
H.R. 4888: Mrs. Davis of California.
H.R. 4900: Mr. Saxton.
H.R. 4940: Mr. Gerlach.
H.R. 4957: Mr. Davis of Alabama.
H.R. 5063: Mr. Payne.
H.R. 5206: Mr. Meek of Florida.
H.R. 5236: Mr. Miller of Florida.
H.R. 5244: Mr. DeFazio, Ms. DeLauro, and Mr. Waxman.
H.R. 5252: Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, Mr. Allen, and Ms.
Schakowsky.
H.R. 5261: Mr. Kind.
H.R. 5292: Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, Mr. Lantos, and Mr.
Sabo.
H.R. 5335: Mr. Stark and Mr. Menendez.
H.R. 5374: Mrs. Davis of California, Ms. Solis, Ms. Linda
T. Sanchez of California, Mr. Thompson of California, Mr.
George Miller of California, Mr. Stark, Mr. Honda, Mr.
Sherman, Ms. Watson, Ms. Waters, and Ms. Millender-McDonald.
H. Con. Res. 521: Mr. Herger.
H. Res. 853: Mr. Davis of Florida, Mr. Hefley, Mr. Barton
of Texas, and Mr. Brady of Texas.
____________________
PETITIONS, ETC.
Under clause 3 of rule XII, petitions and papers were laid on the
clerk's desk and referred as follows:
120. The SPEAKER presented a petition of the Legislature of
Orange County, New York, relative to Resolution No. 245 of
2004 petitioning the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Federal Aviation
Administration, and the New York State Office of Homeland
Security to investigate and address safety issues at the
Indian Point Power Plant; to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce.
121. Also, a petition of the Association of Pacific Island
Legislatures, relative to APIL Resolution No. 23-GA-18, CD1,
supporting the cause of securing just compensation for
victims of radiation exposure as a consequence of activities
related to the U.S. Government's nuclear tests in Micronesia;
to the Committee on International Relations.
122. Also, a petition of the Association of Pacific Island
Legislatures, relative to APIL Resolution No. 23-GA-09,
supporting the Government and the people of the Republic of
Kiribati for their efforts to address war reparations; to the
Committee on International Relations.
123. Also, a petition of the Enough is Enough Campaign,
Chicago, IL, relative to a petition for investigation,
indictment, and prosecution; to the Committee on the
Judiciary.
124. Also, a petition of Mr. James N. Thivierge, a Citizen
of Amesbury, MA, relative to a petition to amend the
Constitution of the United States; to the Committee on the
Judiciary.
[[Page 24073]]
EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION--FRIEND OR FOE?
______
HON. THOMAS G. TANCREDO
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, a friend of mine recently sent me an essay
that his granddaughter drafted for her college English composition
course on the issue of illegal immigration. I was thoroughly impressed
upon reading the article, written by a Ms. Karen Berg--so much so that
I have decided to insert it into the Congressional Record so that other
members might be able to review it. I would encourage them all to do
so, Mr. Speaker, as it appears to me that this 19-year-old woman has a
better grasp of this issue than many people--including opinion leaders
on the subject--that I have met.
Illegal Immigration--Friend or Foe?
America, since its inception, has been viewed as a land of
opportunity for those driven to find freedom from tyrannical
rule, as well as those seeking to expand their wealth and
influence. Today, little has changed with these motivations
but much has changed in regard to the population,
infrastructure, and perception regarding the management of
U.S. borders. This is a new era, where immigration control
needs to be orchestrated more effectively than at any other
time in America's history due to diminishing resources,
threats of terrorism, and the socio-economic imbalance that
can result from unregulated influx. In regard to the later,
it is believed that the immense and continuing immigration
from Mexico is the single most immediate and most serious
challenge to America's national identity. Therefore, the
question arises; what are the true economic, social, and
resultant political impacts of immigration, and in particular
the unique issues and problems posed by contemporary Hispanic
immigration.
When Vicente Fox was elected Mexican President, he ended
the Institutional Revolutionary Party's, or PRI's, seventy-
one year monopoly on executive power, thereby elevating hope
for economic development (Wall 3). Fox promised Mexicans an
employment boost, as well as the eventual opening of the
U.S.-Mexican border. However, if employment opportunities
increased, then the need for migration would decrease (Wall
3). In 1994, the United States, Canada, and Mexico
implemented NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement.
NAFTA promised hundreds of thousands of new high-wage jobs,
an increase in living standards, improved environmental
conditions in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and
transformation of Mexico from a poor developing country into
a booming new market for U.S. exports (The Mexican Economy,
Agriculture and Environment 1). Mexicans were promised that
NAFTA would increase trade and investment inflows which would
in return create better jobs, raise wages, and lift millions
out of poverty (The Mexican Economy, Agriculture and
Environment 2). Although NAFTA did stimulate trade, economic
growth did not materialize. Fox had promised a 7 percent per
year economic growth, but two and a half years after his
inauguration, growth averaged less than 1 percent (Faux 2).
From there, NAFTA concentrated economic growth along Mexico's
northern border by opening factories called maquiladoras,
which processed and assembled goods for the booming U.S.
consumer market, thereby doubling Mexican employment (Faux
3). But after the U.S. economy slowed down in 2000,
employment in maquiladoras decreased (Faux 3). Since then,
hope that NAFTA would enable Mexican prosperity had vanished.
Therefore, Mexican workers who could not support themselves
in Mexico turned to the United States for greater
opportunities. Currently, Fox is trying to convince U.S.
President, George W. Bush, to ``liberalize migration, create
guest-worker programs, and provide migrants with civil rights
and social benefits'' in order to encourage Mexican
immigration to the U.S. (Faux 4).
Debate over Mexican illegal immigration to the United
States consists of two opposing sides. Supporters of illegal
immigration believe it is not fair to prohibit immigrants
from entering the United States, since the U.S. was founded
by immigrants. Second, illegal immigrants take the low-paying
jobs other Americans are not willing to take. They help the
American economy because the amount of skilled and unskilled
workers created by high levels of immigration contributes to
the nation's prosperity (Masci 1). Alan Greenspan, Federal
Reserve Chairman, states, ``As we are creating an ever more
complex, sophisticated, accelerating economy, the necessity
to have the ability to bring in . . . people from abroad to
keep it functioning in the most effective manner increasingly
strikes me as [sound] policy'' (Masci 1). Greenspan reasons
that immigrant's work ethic and motivation make them the
cornerstones of America's economic prosperity. Finally,
illegal immigrants provide cheap labor to employers, thereby
lowering the cost of goods and services.
Opponents of Mexican illegal immigration believe that even
though the United States was founded by immigrants,
immigration of the past is not the same as it is today.
First, Mexican immigrants are not here legally. Second, most
Mexicans do not take the dangerous journey across the border
to become American citizens, but rather to help provide for
their families in Mexico. Also unlike former immigrants,
Mexican illegal immigrants are able to remain in contact with
their home localities because of the close proximity of the
two countries (Huntington 2). Opponents of illegal
immigration also believe the United States doesn't need a
million illegal immigrants each year to ensure a strong
economy. The majority of illegal immigrants are not well
educated entrepreneurs, but rather, ``poorly educated people
who take low-skilled jobs for little money,'' says Dan Stein,
executive director for the Federation for American Immigrant
Reform (Masci 1). Illegal immigration opponents also reject
the argument that illegal immigrants are willing to do the
jobs that most Americans wouldn't do. In parts of the country
where there are small amounts of immigrants, low wage jobs
are filled by native born residents (Masci 1).
After analyzing the history, causes, and contrasting sides
of illegal immigration, one might wonder if Mexican illegal
immigration hurts the United States. The conclusion made,
from extensive research in specific areas, is Mexican illegal
immigration is a detriment to the United States. But, the
reasons why illegal immigration hurts the United States still
need to be addressed.
First, many discussions of immigration fails to take into
account the attitude towards immigration in the sending
countries. For example, the Mexican media and political elite
portray the United States negatively, and therefore
dissention between the two countries in regards to
immigration is amplified. Second, manipulation of American
politics might occur through Mexican immigrants that become
influential in American government. Third, if the United
States continues to allow illegal immigrants to take
advantage of government provided benefits in states like
California, there is a possibility the entire country will
have similar economic misfortunes in the future. Finally,
since Mexican illegal immigrants have monopolized specific
areas of employment, Americans have difficulty pursuing and
acquiring those jobs--especially with the prospect of guest-
worker programs which would intensify their monopoly.
In Mexico, the media and political elite pay close
attention to illegal immigration to the United States, and
have created a one-sided, unfavorable portrayal of the United
States. The United States' attempts to control their borders
are presented as ``racist, xenophobic, and anti Mexican''
(Wall 1). Mexican citizens even blame the U.S. for the deaths
of illegal aliens who die crossing the border, and Mexican
politicians have called the U.S. border a ``slaughterhouse,
or modern Nazi zone'' (Wall 1). In Mexico, all political
parties support immigration to the United States, amnesty,
and government benefits for Mexicans in the United States,
regardless of migratory status (Wall 2). Common slogans
Mexicans use to justify illegal immigration are: ``Mexican
illegal aliens are not criminals, they only do the work the
gringos won't do,'' and ``they are obliged to cross the
border'' (Wall 2). Because the Mexican media and political
elite portray illegal immigration to the United States in
this manner, dissension between the two countries is
amplified.
Throughout history, Mexican-Americans had always been
viewed as an embarrassment. They were a sign of Mexico's
economic failure, or ``exiles who had thrown in the towel''
(Castaneda 2). The last president of the PRI, Ernesto
Zedillo, declared that, ``we will not tolerate foreign forces
dictating laws to Mexicans,'' referring to Mexican immigrants
in the United States (Wall 3). However, towards the end of
the PRI's reign, Mexican-Americans became a sign of
opportunity--an opportunity for the Mexican government to
gain influence in the United States over migration policy,
and therefore
[[Page 24074]]
keep the gates open for continued immigration (Wall 3).
After Vicente Fox was elected, he stressed a greater
importance associated with Mexican immigration to the United
States. His intentions are not only to govern Mexicans
resident in the United States, but also American citizens of
Mexican ancestry (Wall 3). In essence, Fox intends to
manipulate American politics through Mexican immigrants that
become influential in the American government. Thereby,
naturalized American citizens' political power could possibly
be diluted, resulting in more favorable immigration and trade
regulations for Mexico.
The state of California is already on its way to
bankruptcy, and the inability to control illegal immigration
is doing more than ``some damage'' to the state's weakening
budget (Coleman 1). More than half of the Mexican
undocumented workers do not have taxes withheld from their
wages, and are able to take advantage of expensive taxpayer-
supported government benefits (Izumi 1). The result of this
has escalated economic troubles in California creating a
``welfare and healthcare state'' benefiting non-Californians
(Coleman 1). According to the Auditor General, Mexican
illegal immigration costs California taxpayers $3 billion
annually (Izumi 2). This cost estimate includes benefits like
education, health-care, social services, and criminal
justice.
If the United States allows this situation to propagate to
other states, the entire country will likely have similar
economic misfortunes as California. Evidence of this is
already beginning to show. Harvard Professor George Borjas
claims illegal immigration costs American taxpayers $133
billion annually just in wage depression and job loss
(Wooldridge 1).
Mexican illegal immigrants have monopolized jobs that don't
require skilled labor--through acceptance of low wages and
ethnic camaraderie--preventing unemployed Americans from
pursuing and acquiring those jobs. Even though U.S. employers
hire illegal immigrants for reduced wages, the average
American wage still exceeds the average Mexican wage by a
factor of ten--thereby creating an incentive for Mexicans to
find jobs in the U.S. (``Wages and Poverty'' 1). Also,
communities of legal immigrants create immigration networks
for illegal immigrants so they can conveniently enter the
United States, and find jobs and housing easily (``Illegal
Immigration'' 1). These combined factors result in a
situation where job competition prevents Americans from
obtaining jobs that don't require skilled labor.
However, this monopoly could be intensified if the Bush
administration follows through with the implementation of
guest-worker programs. Under these programs, illegal
immigrants would be granted a three-year renewable permit
allowing them legal rights to work in the United States
(Eccleston 2). Guest-worker programs were proposed in
response to Vicente Fox's request for legalizing Mexican
immigrants in the United States, and the assumed shortage of
unskilled workers--especially in agriculture (Briggs 2).
However, Mark Krikorian of The Washington Post, believes
guest-worker programs cause severe social and economic
problems for the U.S., as well as pose a threat to America's
agricultural competitiveness. ``By artificially inflating the
supply of labor, the government's interference in the labor
market keeps wages low, resulting in slowed mechanization,
and stagnating productivity in fruit and vegetable
production'' (1). Two reasons why guest-worker programs
intensify the monopoly illegal immigrants have on low paying-
employment opportunities are: they increase the amount of
illegal immigrants to the United States because many of the
participants elect to stay in the U.S., and more illegal
immigrants are encouraged to come in the hope that amnesty
programs will be enacted again in the future (Briggs 2).
Throughout time, legal and illegal immigrants have crossed
America's border in search of opportunity. Recently, however,
Mexican illegal immigrants are migrating to the United States
in increasingly larger numbers in order to take advantage of
the opportunities America has to offer. The economic, social,
and political results of illegal immigration--in particular,
the unique issues and problems posed by contemporary Hispanic
immigration--are detrimental to the United States.
WORKS CITED
Briggs, Vernon and Lawrence Harrison. ``Immigration
Policies Affect Unemployment.'' Pittsburgh Tribune--Review.
28 Mar 2004. 3 May 2004. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/
tribune-review/opinion/columnists/guests/s_186510.html.
Castaneda, Jorge. ``Both Nations Need to Vault Immigration
Hurdles.'' Los Angeles Times. 7 Apr 2004. 1 May 2004. http://
www.newsday.com/news/opinion/
nyvpcas073743956apr07,0,5700657,print.stor
?coll=nyviewpoints-headlines.
Coleman, Noelle C. ``Illegal Abomination.'' American Daily.
16 Aug 2003. 28 Apr 2004. http://www.americandaily.com/item/
1997.
Eccleston, Roy. ``Bush visa `ploy' to win Latino voters.''
The Australian. 9 Jan 2004. 1 Mar 2004. http://0-web.lexis-
nexis.com.library.lib.asu.edu/universe/printdoc.
Faux, Jeff. ``How NAFTA failed Mexico.'' The American
Prospect. 1 July 2003. 27 Apr 2004. http://www.prospect.org/
print/V14/7/faux-j.html.
Huntington, Samuel P. ``The Hispanic Challenge.'' Foreign
Policy. Mar/Apr 2004. 3 May 2004. http://foreignpolicy.com/
story/cms.php?story_id=2495.
``Illegal Immigration.'' Center for Immigration Studies. 2
May 2004. http://www.cis.org/topics/illegalimmigration.html.
Izumi, Lance, and Alan Nelson. ``How California Can Lead
the Way Against Immigration.'' 20 Oct 1992. 27 Apr 2004.
http://adnetsolfp2.adnetsol.com/ssl_claremont/gsp/gsp18.html.
Krikorian, Mark. ``More Guest Workers? Not What We Should
Pick.'' The Washington Post. 25 Feb 2001. 3 May 2004. http://
www.cis.org/articles/2001msk02-25-01.html.
Masci, David. ``Debate Over Immigration.'' The CQ
Researcher Online. 14 July 2000. 1 Mar 2004. http://0-
library.cgpress.com.library.asu.edu:80/cqresearcher.
``The Mexican Economy, Agriculture and Environment.'' The
Ten Year Track Record of the North American Free Trade
Agreement. 8 Apr 2004. http://www.citizen.org/documents/
NAFTA-10-mexico.pdf.
Wall, Allan. ``Undue Influence--the Government of Mexico
and U.S. Immigration Policies.'' The Social Contract. Winter
2002. 23 Apr 2004. http://www.thesocialcontract.com/cgi-bin/
showarticle.pl?articlelD=1122&terms=.
Wooldridge, Frosty. ``Illegal Immigration Costs to American
Citizens.'' MichNews.com. 5 Dec 2003. 3 May 2004. http://
www.michnews.com/artman/publish/article-1879.shtml.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN AMO HOUGHTON
______
HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS
of new york
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the gentleman from New
York, my colleague in the New York delegation, Amo Houghton. After
eighteen years of distinguished service, Amo is leaving the Congress.
Amo was widely known as one of the most thoughtful and highly regarded
members in the House from both sides of the aisle. He was also a
tireless representative for his constituents in the western portion of
upstate New York.
As the fifth-ranking Republican on the powerful House Ways and Means
Committee, Amo has been an invaluable member for the entire State of
New York. After the tragedy and destruction of September 11, 2001, Amo
was instrumental in enacting the Liberty Zone Act, which provided $5
billion in tax breaks and incentives to help New Yorkers rebuild lower
Manhattan.
He has also been a leader in furthering U.S. diplomacy around the
world. He is a member of the International Relations Committee where he
is Vice Chairman of its Subcommittee on Africa. He was appointed Co-
Chairman of the Canada--U.S. Interparliamentary Group, serves as
Chairman of the U.S. delegation to the Asia Pacific Parliamentary
Forum, and was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as the
Congressional Delegate to the 58th General Assembly of the United
Nations. Additionally, he sponsored the Clean Diamond Trade Act, which
was signed into law last year. The bill requires that the President ban
the import of rough diamonds coming from any country that has not made
an effort to control their trade in diamonds in accordance with the
internationally negotiated ``Kimberley Process.''
I would also like to recognize that Amo's service to our country goes
all the way back to his youth. At just 18 years old, he volunteered for
service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was trained and deployed as part
of a Marine Security Detachment on the cruiser USS Macon in the
Atlantic theater. Houghton was honorably discharged from the Marine
Corps as a Private First Class in 1945.
Mr. Speaker, I think the record is clear that Amo Houghton has been a
devoted patriot whose service will be missed by his constituents as
well as all of us who had the pleasure of working with him. We wish you
all of the best in the future.
____________________
IN HONOR OF MR. PETE MANETTO'S SERVICE TO OUR NATION DURING D-DAY 1945
______
HON. JACK KINGSTON
of georgia
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, Pete Manetto served in 1st Signal Company,
1st Infantry Division, the Big Red One during the D-Day invasion (Red
One). He shares his D-Day memories for the Congressional Record:
[[Page 24075]]
I remember the stormy sea at 0600, as I climbed down the
rope ladder of the U.S.S. Chase. I struggled with my balance
nearly falling into the water, but managed to land in the
landing craft. The sight of the armada on that morning was
one of the most impressive, that I could recall. I turned and
caught the sight of a nervous expression on the face of the
coxswain as he pushed away from the beach. Shortly after this
the craft was hit with enemy fire.
There we were on the beach with no one in control of us. We
were met with the sight of rows of dead GIs; among them was a
member of the MP, who I remember being very jovial the night
before. There were many who were wounded, and the scene of
the beach caused fear to appear on the faces of many of my
acquaintances. I cannot remember being fired upon at this
point, but remember one of my company fellows, named Bush,
going into the water to retrieve some valuable equipment.
It was around noon when BG Andrews of the 5th Artillery was
passing the silent 88mm emplacement. The General was forced
to take shelter with a couple of GIs and myself, who were
attached to the 36th infantry unit. As the enemy fire rained
down on our position, SGT Tate, our wire chief sergeant,
spotted us and approached our position. We were lying in
front of our fox trench hole, while SGT Tate was providing us
with news, encouragement, and instructions. Sergeant Tate was
not able to finish, because a tremendous, noisy, whirlwind
came upon us. When I was able to recover, I noticed SGT Tate
on the ground in agony, after receiving a wound just below
the shoulder. We called for medics and in minutes SGT Tate
was taken away. This was the last time I saw SGT Tate during
the war.
Shortly after this I was ordered to run my assault wire to
the Juno or English beach to link up with the infantry. Along
my way I encountered more realities of the battle, I saw a
wounded pathfinder officer who was comatose, and being cared
for by two GIs. I continued to move down the beach. About a
mile from the pathfinder officer, I came across two medics
who were drained mentally. They requested any information
that I could offer them to help. The next time I saw these
men was on my return trip after completing my assignment.
They were victims of an apparent mortar attack, which I
surely would have been part of if I had stayed much longer
than I had. When I returned, I learned that headquarters was
up a hill. As I climbed the hill, the first line of walking
wounded was descending the hill. I saw wounds of all sorts,
from wounded arms and legs, to those who suffered serious eye
injuries. As I approached the command post two more sights
served as educating reminders: two GIs were laid on the
ground facing skyward. One of them was missing the middle of
his torso, the other was beheaded.
Once I completed the setup of the communication line, I was
given the first accumulation of information that was obtained
from captured prisoners. After giving this information to the
general officer, I was chastised for my lack of protocol for
saluting a superior, which was a great hazard, because of
possible snipers, and observing enemy intelligence. All that
day and night I felt as though I was in a dwarfed position,
as we continued to troubleshoot problems with the
telecommunication lines. COL Picket's command post was to my
left. Colonel Picket was sitting on the ground gathering and
relaying information on the failed landing of amphibious
vehicles to the high seas. As we sat on the ground working on
the gathered information, we heard the sound of oncoming
planes. The famous duo of German planes came over the
horizon, and began to strafe our position. I hugged the
ground as bullets hit the ground near me, but thankfully far
enough away. Besides the ammunition from the German aircraft,
we were in danger of being hit from our own anti-aircraft
ammunition, because we were aiming at the low flying planes.
This was my true baptism of fire. I was a real GI by June
7th 1944. In retrospect, these 24 hours were to make me a
mature GI! June 6th 1944, what a memory.
____________________
IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF CARDINAL JAMES A. HICKEY
______
HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, we rise today in honor and remembrance of
Cardinal James A. Hickey, a humble leader, friend and guide to many,
whose spiritual journey focused on civil rights and the struggle of the
oppressed and poor. His significant contribution served to uplift the
lives of countless individuals and families, here in Cleveland, and far
beyond.
Throughout his entire vocation, Cardinal Hickey was a tireless
advocate on behalf of those held back by racism and poverty. In 1974,
he was named Bishop of the Cleveland Catholic Dioceses. During his six-
year tenure here, Cardinal Hickey worked with community leaders and
organizations on vital issues such as the peaceful integration of the
public schools, and he also worked to stop banks from red-lining urban
neighborhoods. He strongly encouraged leaders of neighborhood parishes
to become involved with the issues affecting their congregations.
Cardinal Hickey led by example, and led with a consistently kind and
humble nature. When he was named Archbishop of Washington, DC in 1980,
he again worked to establish strong bonds with local community leaders
to address the needs of the growing population of citizens struggling
with poverty and AIDS. He led the charge to create and implement social
programs to address the needs of the poor, with a special focus on
children, the elderly and refugee individuals and families. While in
Washington, Cardinal Hickey worked closely with Americans of Hispanic
heritage, and advocated on behalf of their collective and individual
struggles here in America, and in El Salvador as well. His twenty-year
tenure in Washington, DC, where he was named Cardinal in 1988,
reflected a man who became a powerful representative of the poor and
homeless. Throughout the metropolitan area of Washington, Cardinal
Hickey directed the efforts that established sixteen parish missions,
housing for dependent elderly, housing for independent elderly, and
countless educational, legal and medical services for the homeless,
individuals suffering from AIDS, refugees, and the poor.
Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance
of Cardinal James A. Hickey, whose compassion, guidance and good works
uplifted the lives of countless individuals--in Michigan where he was
first ordained, here in Cleveland, in Washington, DC, and in Latin
America. His leadership and advice were consistently sought by national
and world leaders, yet he felt most at home when working with the
people of the neighborhood parishes and missions. Graceful, humble,
committed and articulate, the words and deeds of Cardinal James A.
Hickey will live on forever in the hearts of the countless families and
individuals whom he so greatly served--reflecting his light of hope and
justice, today, and for generations to come.
____________________
HONORING DR. DAN COLGAN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, SAINT JOSEPH SCHOOL
DISTRICT
______
HON. SAM GRAVES
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Dr. Dan Colgan,
Saint Joseph School District Superintendent of Schools. Last Friday,
October 8, 2004, Dr. Colgan received the Russell C. Hill Award at the
2004 Learning for Life Conference in Florida. The Russell C. Hill Award
is the highest recognition for individuals and organizations making
outstanding contributions to character education at the local, State,
or national level. The award itself is named after Russell Clinton
Hill, a Texas businessman who dedicated himself to the cause of
character education.
Learning for Life supports schools and other youth-oriented
organizations that strive to prepare young people to take on the
complex issues that face our society and nation today. Learning for
Life is such a successful program, because it encourages self-
confidence, motivation, self-worth, and other positive personal values.
A big part of the program's success in the Saint Joseph area is due to
the participation of Dr. Colgan and his colleagues on the Pony Express
Council of the Boy Scouts of America, a dedicated group of citizens
committed to the principles of character development.
Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dr. Dan
Colgan, recipient of the Russell C. Hill Award. Dr. Colgan truly
exemplifies the qualities of dedication and service to northwest
Missouri, and I am honored to call him one of my constituents.
____________________
A PROCLAMATION IN MEMORY OF NICHOLAS L. SKORICH
______
HON. ROBERT W. NEY
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker:
Whereas, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and
friends of Nicholas L. Skorich; and
Whereas, Nicholas L. Skorich was a hero to his wife of 56 years,
Teresa, and their three children and three grandchildren; and
Whereas, Nicholas L. Skorich was a significant part of the National
Football League for
[[Page 24076]]
fifty years, served in World War II for three years, and was head
football coach of Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, and was inducted into six Halls of Fame; and
Whereas, Nicholas L. Skorich will certainly be remembered by all
those who knew him because of his loving nature towards his family,
friends, and community; and
Whereas, the kindness and compassion he showed towards others will
stand as a reminder to a truly remarkable person. His life and love
gave joy to all who knew him.
Therefore, while I understand how words cannot express our grief at
this most trying of times, I offer this token of profound sympathy to
the family and friends of Nicholas L. Skorich.
____________________
RECOGNITION OF SECOND LIEUTENANT RYAN LEDUC
______
HON. JOHN SHIMKUS
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of 2LT
Ryan Leduc who was recently killed in Rutbah, Iraq.
2LT Leduc was a 28 year old native of Pana, Illinois. He was killed
on September 22nd in a non-combat related vehicle accident. Leduc was
assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division,
II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, NC.
2LT Leduc was a 1994 graduate of Pana High School, in Pana Illinois.
Not enough can be said about the great sacrifice this man made for his
country, he made the ultimate sacrifice. He is survived by his fiance,
Megan McCabe; his mother, Nola Hector of Pana: and his father, David
Leduc of Pana. My thoughts and prayers go out to his families and loved
ones.
2LT Leduc gave his life in an effort to improve the lives of others.
This sacrifice should never be forgotten. Leduc, along with so many
other brave men and women, put their lives on the line day in and day
out. My sincere thanks goes out to them all. God bless them, and may
God continue to bless America.
____________________
HONORING E. WILLIAM IOVANNE, JR., 2004 RECIPIENT OF THE CHARLES CARROLL
OF CAR-
ROLTON AWARD
______
HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today
to join family and friends in paying tribute to one of our community's
most outstanding citizens and my dear friend, E. William Iovanne, Jr.
In recognition of his invaluable contributions to our community, Bill
is to be honored with the coveted Charles Carroll of Carrolton Award--
the highest honor given to a Catholic layman by the Fourth Degree,
Knights of Columbus. Through his generosity and compassion, Bill has
touched the lives of thousands and I cannot think of a more deserving
individual for such a prestigious honor.
Each year, this medal is presented by the John Barry Assembly,
Knights of Columbus, to an individual who has made an outstanding
contribution to the welfare of the church, his or her parish, and the
community at large. Throughout his life, Bill has dedicated both his
professional and personal time to enriching the lives of others. As a
member of the New Haven business community he has earned our respect
and as a member of the Wooster Square community he has gained our
affection.
Born in New Haven, Connecticut's Fair Haven neighborhood, Bill
graduated from Notre Dame High School and pursued a career in the
funeral business established by his father. The Iovanne Funeral Home
has been a fixture in Wooster Square since 1928. For more than seventy-
five years, Bill Iovanne and his family have reached out to families in
need, helping them cope with the pain of loss. With a combination of
compassion and professionalism, Bill has long been known for making a
most difficult period, a bit easier.
Beyond his professional career, Bill is also an active and involved
member of our community. Well known for his work with a number of local
service organizations, Bill has always demonstrated a unique
combination of civic commitment and enthusiastic volunteerism. For
anyone who has seen his comic routine pantomiming the late bandleader
Louis Prima, which has been lent to numerous fund-raising efforts, his
enthusiasm and heart-felt good will is undeniable. The Sacred Heart
Academy, St. Michael's Church, the Society of St. Maria Maddalena, the
Saint Andrew Apostle Society, Connecticut Hospice, and the Campania
Club are just a few of the organizations which have benefitted from
Bill's good work. It has been through these efforts that he has made
such a difference in the lives of others.
There is one family that I know has been touched by Bill's generosity
and spirit: my family. The Iovannes and DeLauros have a long history.
For my mother, father, and me, the Iovannes have been trusted friends,
steadfast supporters, and always a part of our extended family--the
type of people who are always there with a kind word or a helping hand.
I cannot thank Bill enough for the special friendship we have shared
over the years.
Throughout his life, Bill has embodied the very spirit in which this
prestigious award is bestowed. For his innumerable contributions to our
community and in recognition of his outstanding generosity to others, I
am proud to stand today to join his children: William and his wife
Angeline; Richard and his wife Susan; and Beth Ann and her husband
Joseph, grandchildren: Christina and Alec, family, friends, and the New
Haven community in extending my sincere congratulations to my dear
friend, E. William Iovanne, Jr. as he is honored with the Charles
Carroll of Carrolton Award. His is a legacy that will continue to touch
the lives of others for generations to come.
____________________
HONORING RABBI ALLEN B. BENNETT
______
HON. BARBARA LEE
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of myself and Congressman
Stark to honor the extraordinary contributions of Rabbi Allen B.
Bennett of Alameda, California for thirty years of dedicated service to
the community. Rabbi Bennett, through his tireless efforts as a
religious and community leader in the Bay Area for over three decades,
worked not only to improve and enrich the lives of those within his
congregation, but has also served in that capacity to become a champion
for peace, justice, and the well-being of all.
Born in Akron, Ohio, Rabbi Bennett began his post secondary studies
at Western Reserve University, where he earned a degree in psychology
in 1968. He then attended the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of
Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he earned a Bachelor of Hebrew
Letters in 1972 and a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters as well as
rabbinical ordination in 1974. After reaching this milestone, Rabbi
Bennett moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where he began a residency
program in Clinical Pastoral Education, a certification that would
allow him to become a hospital chaplain. As a result, he served in the
Rochester area for over three years, first as a resident, and then as
the Jewish chaplain for the two hospitals affiliated with the Mayo
Clinic as well as Rabbi of Congregation B'nai Israel, the multi-
denominational synagogue in Rochester.
Following his time of service and education in Minnesota, Rabbi
Bennett entered into a doctoral program at the Graduate Theological
Union at the University of California, Berkeley in 1977. There, while
pursuing a Ph.D. in theology, psychology, sociology, and anthropology,
he taught various Jewish studies courses at Emeritus College at the
College of Marin, as well as other Bay Area universities.
In the years that followed, Rabbi Bennett continued and expanded his
involvement in the Bay Area Jewish community. In addition to being
elected rabbi at San Francisco's Congregation Sha'ar Zahav in 1979, he
was later appointed Assistant Director of the Northern Pacific Regional
Office of the American Jewish Congress, a capacity in which he served
until 1989, at which point he became the Congress' Regional Executive
Director. He later served also as the Executive Director of the Jewish
Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of the Greater
East Bay in Oakland, until becoming the Rabbi at Temple Israel in 1996.
Since that time, Rabbi Bennett's work has been outstanding not only
within the Temple at which he currently serves, but has also been a
remarkable force for peace and social justice within the community as a
whole. In addition to serving the Jewish community, he has been
involved in an astounding number of civic and interfaith initiatives
and activities on the local, regional, and national levels. Among these
activities are his service on the San Francisco Human Rights
Commission, the
[[Page 24077]]
Mayor's Committee for a Living Holocaust Memorial, the Conference of
Black and Jewish Clergy, the San Francisco Interfaith Coalition on
AIDS, and the Coalition for Civil Rights. Furthermore, was the Jewish
representative taking testimony at the U.N. sponsored Oakland Hearings
on Racism as a Violation of Human Rights, and has also served on the
Board of Most Holy Redeemer AIDS Support Group in San Francisco. Rabbi
Bennett also currently serves on the Leadership Team and the Race and
Community Relations Planning Team of the FAITHS Initiative of the San
Francisco Foundation, the Alameda Hospital Ethics Committee and its
Institutional Review Board, as Chair of the Alta Bates Summit Medical
Center Chaplaincy Advisory Board, as Vice President of the Board of
Rabbis of Northern California, as Treasurer of the East Bay Council of
Rabbis, and the Union for Reform Judaism's Regional Committee on AIDS.
On November 13, 2004, Rabbi Bennett will be honored in Oakland,
California for thirty years of truly outstanding service to Temple
Israel and the greater Bay Area. This occasion is an opportunity for us
to recognize him not only for his service within the faith community,
but also for his outstanding leadership on the issues of civil rights,
social equality, human rights, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. By remaining
active in and dedicated to these important areas, Rabbi Bennett has
contributed immeasurably to Alameda County and the East Bay, and the
9th and 13th Congressional Districts salute and congratulate him for
his many years of invaluable service.
____________________
RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND SERVICE OF ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO,
COMMISSIONER TED STRICKLAND
______
HON. BOB BEAUPREZ
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. BEAUPREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my appreciation for
the many years of dedicated service that Commissioner Ted Strickland
has provided to the residents of Adams County, CO. After many years in
public office, Ted Strickland has time and again proven his commitment
to making Colorado a better place to live, and his presence on the
Adams County Board of County Commissioners will truly be missed.
Commissioner Strickland, born and raised in Austin, Texas, settled in
Colorado in 1954 after being honorably discharged from the United
States Army. His lengthy and distinguished career in public service
began with two years in the Colorado House of Representatives and
continued with 24 years of service in the Colorado State Senate,
including 12 years as President of the Senate. He served as Lieutenant
Governor from 1973-1974.
Commissioner Strickland was elected to the Adams County Board of
County Commissioners in 1996 and re-elected in 2000. The leadership
that he has provided has been instrumental in improving relationships
and cooperation with the municipalities within the County.
Additionally, his work with Adams County Economic Development has
contributed greatly to the growth and progress of the County. His
service as a commissioner is distinguished by his business acumen,
commitment to improve county facilities and seeing the county
recognized as the ``can do county.'' Commissioner Strickland has proven
himself to be a true Colorado statesman.
Again, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Ted for his distinguished service
on behalf of the citizens of Adams County, and wish him all the best as
I'm sure he will remain an active member of the Adams County community.
____________________
IN HONOR OF THE 1956 HUNGARIAN REVOLUTION AND VIKTOR ORBAN, FORMER
PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY
______
HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of
the Hungarian Freedom Fighters of 1956. These men and women of Hungary,
armed with the promise of liberty and hope for a better tomorrow, were
the first to courageously rise up in defiance of the Soviet occupation.
Their historical struggle for freedom continues to inspire those who
are not yet free. I also rise today in honor and welcome of Former
Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, who has journeyed to Cleveland
to commemorate the sacrifice, determination and heart of the Hungarian
``Freedom Fighters'' of 1956.
The 1956 Hungarian Revolution marked the beginning of the end of
Soviet oppression in Central and Eastern Europe. As the Soviet army
blazed a trail of aggression and control, millions of Hungarians fled
Europe and sought refuge in America. More than two hundred thousand
Hungarians settled in Cleveland, bringing with them the culture and
memories of their beloved homeland, and the promise of freedom and
democracy.
A leader on the front lines of liberty in Hungary, Former Prime
Minister Viktor Orban carried the blazing torch of freedom, passed to
him from the generation before. He was one of the founders of the
Federation of Young Democrats--one of Hungary's first parties to oppose
communist rule. In a speech delivered on June 16, 1989, the words of
Former Prime Minister Viktor Orban rang loud and clear along the
streets and countryside of Hungary and far beyond, demanding free
elections and the immediate withdrawal of Soviet troops from Hungary.
Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition
of the Hungarian Freedom Fighters of 1956. Thousands of Hungarian men
and women made the ultimate sacrifice so that all could be free. The
Hungarian Freedom Fighters of 1956 pierced the darkness of tyranny and
sparked the first light of liberty throughout Central and Eastern
Europe. The rising light of their quest for freedom and their bravery,
heart and sacrifice continues to inspire us all, lending us hope for
the dawning of a peaceful new day.
____________________
RECOGNIZING MATTHEW SCOTT A. GALLAMORE FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE
SCOUT
______
HON. SAM GRAVES
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Matthew Scott
A. Gallamore of Pleasant Valley, Missouri, a very special young man who
has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by
taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, and by earning the
most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Matthew became an Eagle Scout on
August 5, 2004 and he will be recognized at an Eagle Scout Court of
Honor in November 2004.
Matthew has been very active with his troop by participating in many
Scout activities, earning over 40 merit badges, and serving in a
variety of leadership positions. At age 9, Matthew joined the Cub
Scouts. He advanced from Cubs to Webelos and then crossed over into the
Boy Scouts at age 11, achieving the rank of Arrow of Light. Now 17,
Matthew is described by his parents, peers, and community as
exemplifying the qualities of citizenship: he is loyal, helpful,
trustworthy, thrifty, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful,
brave, clean, and reverent.
Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Scott
A. Gallamore for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and
for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle
Scout.
____________________
A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JOSEPH BAUMGARNER
______
HON. ROBERT W. NEY
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker:
Whereas, Joseph Baumgarner is a resident of Midvale in Tuscarawas
County; and
Whereas, Joseph Baumgarner has devoted his love to his companion,
Tammy, and his three children; and
Whereas, Joseph Baumgarner demonstrated a commitment to his country
while serving in the Persian Gulf; and
Whereas, Joseph Baumgarner is active with his community and is
appreciated by all who know him.
Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional
District of Ohio in recognizing Joseph Baumgarner for his dedication to
the United States, his community, family, and friends.
[[Page 24078]]
____________________
RECOGNITION OF THE SOUTH CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL FALCON BASEBALL TEAM
______
HON. JOHN SHIMKUS
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the South
Central Middle School Falcon Baseball Team of Farina, Illinois.
The Falcons had an outstanding season this year, with a 16-6 record.
They placed 1st in Conference and Regional tournaments and took 2nd
place at the State Tournament.
The members of the Falcons are: Justin Armstrong, Seth Arnold, Kyle
Bischoff, Tanner Bushue, Shane Donoho, Jacob Erwin, Ian King, Ryan
Gesell, Tyler Gillet, Isaac Grapperhaus, Brock Johnson, Luke Kulesza,
Kyle Monical, Travis Potter, Nathan Powless, Aaron Robb, Treavor
Robbins, and Dylan Sill. The team is coached under the leadership of
Stephen Phillips and Derick Vincent.
This exceptional group of seventh and eighth graders has shown great
sportsmanship, teamwork, and stamina throughout their season. They have
made their coaches, fans, and parents very proud.
Congratulations, Falcons, on a terrific year.
____________________
HONORING PROFESSOR VINCENT SCULLY, 2004 RECIPIENT OF THE NATIONAL MEDAL
OF ARTS
______
HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today
to join the National Endowment of the Arts in congratulating Professor
Vincent Scully as he receives a 2004 National Medal of Arts. One of our
Nation's foremost architectural historians, Professor Scully has not
only developed a renowned reputation as a historian, but as an educator
and mentor as well.
Over the last two decades, the National Medal of Arts has been
awarded in recognition of the extraordinary accomplishments of those
engaged in the creation and production of the arts in the United
States. Both as an educator and author, Professor Scully has deeply
influenced the world of architecture by highlighting its social value.
Defining architecture as a ``continuing dialogue between generations
that creates an environment across time,'' Professor Scully has taught
thousands of architects, planners, art historians, and politicians that
architecture is not simply the design of a building, but how that
design adds to the character of a community or environment.
Professor Scully's illustrious career began when he enrolled at Yale
University at the age of sixteen. After completing his undergraduate
studies, he accepted a position with the University and, through his
unique teaching style, became one of its most popular professors. His
standing room only lectures could boast five hundred students--filling
the largest lecture hall on campus. In speaking of his former
professor, the New Yorker's Paul Goldberger said, ``His thinking has
always been based on the notion that architecture is not purely
aesthetics, and that the real meaning is how it can be used to make
better places.'' It has been through this vision that Professor Scully
has had the greatest influence on the arts--passing it on to
generations of scholars and students.
For his invaluable contributions to the arts and in recognition of
his lifetime of achievement, I am proud to stand today and extend my
sincere congratulations to Professor Vincent Scully as he is awarded
the National Medal of Arts. His is a legacy which will continue to
inspire others for generations to come.
____________________
A TRIBUTE TO MAGGIE KATIE BROWN KIDD
______
HON. DAVID SCOTT
of georgia
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to
Mrs. Maggie Katie Brown Kidd, a loyal and loving wife and mother who
has devoted her long and wonderfully blessed life to her family. Mrs.
Kidd will be celebrating her 100th birthday with her family on November
26th in my congressional district.
Maggie was born on December 8, 1904 to Lucy and William ``Doc'' Brown
of Stephens, Georgia; the eleventh of twelve children. William received
the nickname ``Doc'' from his neighbors because of his reputation for
helping anyone in need. His neighbors used to tell everyone to ``go see
Doc'' if they were ever in trouble. Maggie began to develop a similar
reputation as she grew up as she never hesitated from sharing whatever
she had, even when she had little.
Lucy and Doc owned a farm in Stephens where the whole family was
welcomed when they needed a place to live. Maggie continued this
tradition when she took over the farm, offering a home to all of her
relatives that needed one. She even helped raise her grand-niece. The
people who lived close to her farm knew her as a good neighbor. Her
parents joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Stephens where Rosalyn
worshipped and studied when she was a child. She still maintains a
membership at the church today.
On November 30, 1940, Maggie married Willie Kidd. They had two
children, Rosalyn and John and continued to work on her parent's farm.
Maggie and Willie worked the farm until 1961, when she and Willie
decreased the size of their farm and began gardening. Willie passed
away in 1962 from complications due to diabetes. She lived on the same
land until 1989. Now she lives with Rosalyn in Riverdale, GA where she
continues to make beautiful quilts when her health permits. She is
blessed to have four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and Maggie's family in
wishing her a happy 100th birthday.
____________________
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE DUTCHESS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
______
HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY
of new york
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Dutchess County
Historical Society located in Poughkeepsie New York, which is part of
the 22nd Congressional District that I proudly serve. This year marks
the 90th anniversary of the Historical Society. I am pleased to
recognize the Dutchess County Historical Society, which has dedicated
itself to discovering, preserving, and interpreting the extraordinary
history of Dutchess County.
Originally formed in 1914, the Historical Society received its State
Charter in 1918. Although it had been the principal repository for all
aspects of Dutchess County history for many years, it was not until
1979 that the organization found a permanent home. It was at that time
that Society entered into a cooperative agreement with the State of New
York to operate the Governor Clinton House in Poughkeepsie as its
headquarters, an agreement that has recently been renewed for a third
time. The success of this partnership led to the Society being trusted
with the responsibility of managing a second historic site, the City of
Poughkeepsie owned Glebe House.
During its nine decades the Society has grown and expanded, adding
professional staff, new technologies and innovative programs designed
to reach a variety of audiences. Known for its publications, the
Society has contributed to as many as 14 books on local history,
developed a local history curriculum for use in the 4th and 7th grades
and, since 1914, published the oldest continuously printed annual in
New York State, a ``Year Book'' of articles on local history. In
addition to its publications, the Dutchess County Historical Society
maintains a collection of archival material, photographs and
dimensional objects inclusive of the entire county.
Key components in the ongoing success of this exceptional
organization are its educational and community outreach activities. The
Society's Board of Directors has made diversity a priority and they
have extended their reach into new communities and organizations
throughout Dutchess County. Exhibits, lectures, conferences, and tours
complete the outstanding array of programming that the Society offers
its members and the community at large.
Organizations like the Dutchess County Historical Society play a
vital role in preserving and protecting our nations history, one
community at a time. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to
recognize the 90th Anniversary of the Dutchess County Historical
Society and commend its dedicated, professional and caring members for
their outstanding efforts.
[[Page 24079]]
____________________
IN HONOR OF THE RESILIENCE, HOPE AND FAITH OF ST. STANISLAUS PARISH
______
HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, we rise today in honor of Pastor Michael
Surufka, Father George Kusy, Father Joachim Studwell, and every member
of St. Stanislaus parish community, upon the dedication of the
restoration of the parish rectory. We also rise in honor of the legacy
and memories of Pastor William Gulas, whose life, though tragically
taken from us two years ago, continues to rise in our hearts, memories,
and in the Slavic Village neighborhood that he so loved.
The restoration of the St. Stanislaus Parish symbolizes the rebirth
of faith and hope that was shattered when Father Gulas' life was felled
by senseless violence. As the rectory is resurrected, so is the life of
Father Gulas. His gentle guidance and support that he freely and openly
offered to every parishioner continues to renew faith and inspiration
along East 65th Street and far beyond. His willingness to learn the
Polish language to better serve this parish community is testament to
the unwavering dedication and love he shared with the people of Slavic
Village.
Father Gulas led this parish with kindness, compassion and an undying
faith in the goodness of all people. His life-long ministry was framed
by his service to others and by his unshakeable faith and strong sense
of spirituality. His graceful liturgy, outlined with poignancy and wit,
captured the minds and hearts of his parishioners. His legacy of
renewing the hearts and souls of all those who knew him, extended to
the bricks and mortar of St. Stanislaus Church. Today, as we celebrate
the renewal of the parish rectory, we pause in remembrance and honor of
the man, Father Gulas, who led the colossal effort to renovate the
historic and inspirational St. Stanislaus Church.
Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join us in honor and recognition
of the dedication of the newly restored parish rectory of St.
Stanislaus Parish. This restoration reflects the unity, strength and
faith of this community to rise above the traumatic loss of their
beloved Pastor, Father William Gulas. This celebration also reflects
the commitment of Pastor Michael Surufka, Father George Kusy, Father
Joachim Studwell, and every parishioner committed to carrying on the
vital work of Father William Gulas. The Peace Garden, planned and
cultivated by parishioners, serves as a living reminder that hope will
rise from the ashes, and that Father Gulas' light continues to offer
guidance, inspiration and hope throughout the St. Stanislaus community,
today, and for all time.
____________________
RECOGNIZING ROBERT HILL FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT
______
HON. SAM GRAVES
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Robert Hill, a
very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of
citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts
of America, Troop 249, and in earning the most prestigious award of
Eagle Scout. Robert achieved the rank of Eagle Scout on April 7, 2004
and will be recognized at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor this November.
Robert has been very active with his troop, participating in many
scout activities. Over the many years Robert has been involved with
scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but the respect
of his family, peers, and community.
For his Eagle Scout Project, Robert organized a the clean up and
repair of a facility used by law enforcement officers for training
exercises at Weston Bend State Park.
Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Robert Hill
for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his
efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
____________________
A PROCLAMATION IN MEMORY OF LINDSAY CUTSHALL AND JASON ALLEN
______
HON. ROBERT W. NEY
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker:
Whereas, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the families and
friends of Lindsay Cutshall of Fresno, Ohio and Jason Allen of Zeeland,
Michigan; and
Whereas, Lindsay Cutshall and Jason Allen were both caring and loving
individuals who were both active in the Rock-N-River Christian Camp,
and
Whereas, Lindsay Cutshall and Jason Allen will certainly be
remembered by all those who knew them; and
Whereas, through those lives that they touched, the memories of
Lindsay Cutshall and Jason Allen will stand as monuments to two truly
fine people.
Therefore, while I understand how words cannot express our grief at
this most trying of times, I offer this token of profound sympathy to
the families and friends of Lindsay Cutshall and Jason Allen.
____________________
HONORING THE LIFE OF 1ST LT. MATTHEW LYNCH, USMC
______
HON. STEVE ISRAEL
of new york
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, there are times in our lives when we fully
realize the presence of heros among us. And there are times when we
fully realize that we have lost one of those heros; that is the case
with Marine 1st Lt. Matthew Lynch, a young man who gave his life for
his country in Iraq. It is difficult to memorialize a man who stood as
tall in life as Matthew did and harder yet to memorialize a man who
stands even taller in death. I believe the words of his father, Bill
Lynch, spoken at Matt's funeral speak best to this fallen hero and not
only capture the magnitude of the great life Matt lived but the
magnitude of the loss to our nation:
``To all Matt's friends, and you are many; I thank you for
coming. Saying farewell to our beloved Matthew is the hardest
thing I have ever done. At this time, my thoughts alternately
fly through my mind like sharp arrows; or slip through my
mental fingers like quicksilver; and I cannot hold them fast.
Because of this; and because I have only this one time to pay
tribute to Matt, and to tell you about his life, I must affix
my thoughts to paper, and read them; and for this, I beg your
indulgence.
But for now, I borrow from Shakespeare, and tell you that .
. . We gather today to praise Matt, not to bury him. And that
is because all the things Matt was; Love of family and
friends; gentleness, strength, humor, grace, dedication,
honor, loyalty, patriotism, humility, and yes, of course,
courage . . . can never be buried, because they are eternal,
as is now, our beloved Matt.
While we mourn Matt's loss it brings with it an opportunity
for us all, in private moments, to reflect on what he was,
and perhaps to develop in ourselves, those attributes he had,
which we lack; so that the warm light of remembrance which
fills this church today, may one day shine on us.
I will speak to you today of Matt's life, and of ironies
gentle, and tragic, which at present you know nothing of, and
I will tell you of a curious sign I've lately seen which
reassures me.
But for now, to understand Matt's life, you are in the
right place; because this is where all that he was, began, on
a Summer day in 1979, when my wife Angela and I brought our
little Matthew Devin Lynch to that very baptismal font, to be
baptized. The Gospel that day, I remember vividly, was the
Gospel according to Saint Matthew, and I thought that a very
propitious beginning. The name Matthew, we knew, came from
Hebrew, and meant ``Gift of God.''
And what a gift he was! Cherubic, loving, obedient, and oh
yes, very active. As he developed, it was evident that he had
extraordinary athletic skills. One day when he was about 3
years old, and bounding about with his brother Tim and their
friends, a visitor to our neighbor's patio said to me ``Is
that your son?'' ``Yes,'' I replied. ``Do you realize that he
is a natural athlete?'' the man said. ``How do you know,'' I
asked? ``I am a pediatrician,'' he said, ``I see thousands of
kids, and believe me, he is a natural athlete.'' It was a
prophecy, which would be fulfilled.
I raised both our sons as athletes, and spent countless
hours drilling various skills into them. I always did it with
some zany game I had devised . . . Kids learn best when they
are having fun. In most of those games, I was the villain,
the opponent, the one to be conquered, but I always did it
with humor, and they came to love ``the games.''
When they were only 5 or 6 years old, we used to play a
game I had devised to build their swimming speed, I called it
``Shark and Minnows.'' In our community pool, I would emplace
Matt and Tim near a ladder at one
[[Page 24080]]
end of the pool. Their mission was to swim to a ladder
directly opposite them, and get out of the pool before the
shark could catch them. I stood waist deep in the water, at
the far end . . . the feared and fearsome Shark.
At first I was a very successful shark, but very shortly,
the minnows got much quicker, and the shark caught nothing
but air. Soon the Minnows ``can't catch me'' glee, told me
that my days as a big fish were over, and that Matt's were
just beginning. A few years later, as Matt swam by me, I
raised my head, to see if someone was pulling him on a rope.
At that time, Tim, had his eyes on two Jericho High School
swim records, and he decided to join the Long Island Aquatic
Club, to begin his assault on those records, which he did in
fact, later claim. But in the beginning Matt just tagged
along. After their first three hour LIAC workout, I asked
Matt ``How did it go?'' ``I . . . NEVER . . . want . . . to .
. . do that . . . again,'' said Matt. But like everything
Matt did, he went back, and excelled . . . a theme you will
come to recognize.
Soon, he became one of the elite LIAC swimmers. He also
swam right across his high school's record board, eclipsing
every individual record, even Tim's, leaving his own name in
his wake. He set the country record in the 200-yard
individual medley, finished third in New York State in that
event and the 100-yard freestyle. He was All County swimmer
three years in a row; a County champion in two events each of
his last two years.
Baseball was the same. All-County catcher his last two
years in high school, nominated for the ``Diamond Award,'' as
one of the best players in Nassau County; and as a senior, he
tied for the home run record, all of this easily fulfilling
the prophecy that stranger had made so many years ago.
He continued this at Duke University. He was the swim
team's ``Rookie of the Year,'' and became a mainstay of that
team. He was also a catcher on the Duke baseball team for two
years, but in his Senior year, carrying out the theme which
defines his life, he told his swim coach he wanted to return
to his swim team ``family,'' his buddies, and he did. As a
Senior, and in his very last race, when his team needed him
to step up, we saw him swim one of his best 100-yard
freestyle times, then sadly walk off, his career over.
Between high school and college, he loved his job as a Jones
Beach lifeguard; competed on their competition team, and
there too, he excelled, and developed many friends.
``What next?'' I asked him shortly after he graduated from
Duke. ``Dad, the Marine Corps, or course.'' ``Are you doing
this because Tim and I did it, or because YOU want to do
it?'' I asked. ``Dad, I want to do it,'' he replied.
The next few years were difficult for Angela and I. Our
Marine sons began to go in harm's way. First, Tim in
Afghanistan; then Tim and Matt in Iraq. But they always
returned. Last Easter, Matt phoned us to say he was ordered
to Iraq a 2nd time, as a replacement for some Lieutenants in
another unit who had been wounded. But after 3 months, he
again returned, and we were overjoyed. But shortly, he said,
``Mom, Dad, you will think I'm crazy, but my old unit, my
buddies are going back to Iraq, and I really want to join
them.'' Again, that theme of loyalty, family.
All during our son's deployments, I had been haunted by a
specter of Marines in Dress Blue uniforms, walking to our
door, bearing terrible news . . . and that specter was rooted
in my past.
You see, in 1966, I too was a lst Lieutenant, then serving
a short tour at The Marine Corps District Headquarters in
Garden City. One of my duties was casualty calls. That meant
when a Marine was wounded or killed, I had to personally
notify his next of kin. ``I'll only be here 3 months,'' I
thought, ``I should be O.K.''
The next week, my Colonel grimly dropped a Teletype on my
desk. ``KIA,'' it started. ``Lt., will you handle this?'' he
said. My stomach rolled. My duty that day was to break a
mother's heart. I gathered two NCOs, got a priest, and drove
to the Marine's home. His mother was getting out of her car .
. . she had just returned from the beach . . . she looked at
us . . . and dropped like a stone. We took her inside,
neighbors came, someone called her husband, ``Come home right
now, was all he was told.''
When he arrived he told me that he had immediately punched
the wall at work, and would have punched me, had he been at
home. ``I just would not have wanted to hear what I knew you
were going to say,'' he said.
I told my Colonel we had a dangerous situation, and that
someone would eventually get hurt. We had no standing
operating procedure for these casualty calls . . . no S.O.P.
``Write one, Lieutenant,'' he said, and I did. I specified
NCOs for wounds . . . but always an NCO and an officer for a
death. I put my heart and soul into it, trying to devise
something, which would give aid and comfort to the bereaved,
and protection to our Marines. Years later, I encountered
marines from that same office. and we discussed casualty
calls by then quite numerous. ``It's no fun,'' they said,
``but at least we have a really good S.O.P.'' ``I know,'' I
said, ``I wrote it.''
On August 31, Matt returned with his buddies for a third
tour, and, on October 31, he was killed by a roadside bomb.
That same day, my wife Angela and I, still unaware, drove to
the beach, to walk the boardwalk. It was a gorgeous day, and
we spoke of how fortunate we were to have such fine sons, and
how proud we were of our two Marines. We passed the beach
where Matt worked, and again spoke of him, and then we
returned home. I parked the car, we entered our house . . .
just as that mother had done almost 40 years ago . . . the
day I broke her heart. The door was ajar, and as I heard
Angela exclaim, ``Oh No!'' . . . I turned to see two Marines
in dress blue uniforms, grimly walking towards us. One an
NCO, the other an officer. Each wore the same stony mask I
had worn years ago, and in an instant I knew our Matt was
gone . . . you see, I'd written that S.O.P.
How ironic that the pain I'd delivered so long ago to
someone else; was now visited on my doorstep; and stranger
still, that the procedure I'd then written to console others,
was now applied to us. The next day, Angela and I took our
shattered hearts to this church. It was All Souls Day, and
the Gospel that day . . . was according to St. Matthew.
``Wire to wire,'' I thought, ``Saint Matthew.''
Matt, our beloved gift of God died trying to free a people
from a vicious enemy, whose unspeakable acts of barbarism,
even against their own people, while done in the name of God,
reveal them to be Godless; and such evil must be opposed. We
revere Matt's service, and while we are saddened, we are not
angry. Not at our government, not at our President, and
certainly not at the United States Marine Corps, that fine
fighting force our Matt was so proud to serve.
The days ahead will be difficult for us. When the last of
you have gone, and our door has closed, our ordeal will
begin. A bright light has left our home, never to return, and
all the sand in Iraq cannot fill the hole in our hearts. But
recently, I've noted a sign, although in the strangest place,
which suggests reassurance. Now, you may think this forced,
contrived, or fabricated for this moment; perhaps the ranting
of one whose heart, buffeted too hard by this tragedy, is
trying too hard to see, but you are wrong, because I saw this
sign long before Matt's death.
Some months ago, I looked down upon a floor tile in our
home, and saw clearly what could easily be an artist's
rendition of the face of Christ. It stared directly at me.
Curious. For weeks, I looked at that visage every day. What
to make of it? Eventually, my eyes began to scan around the
visage, and recently, I also clearly saw, sheltered in the
corner, and under the right shoulder of that visage . . . the
perceptible head and face of a very small child. Each had
slowly been revealed to me, and until lately I have not known
what to make of this; but clearly, the events of this last
week suggest to me that Matt, and formerly our little Gift of
God, has, as was his custom, made one final return to family
and is now, the visage assures me, sheltered, and safely
home, and this gives me great comfort.
It is time to close, and I must do this in two ways:
To the heavens I say:
``Lord this is our son Matthew, in whom we are well
pleased. He was your precious gift to us, and we return him
to you now. Please grant Matt a place of favor, where he may
rest comfortably until those of us who have loved him so can
join him.''
And finally, to our son Matt, I say those words every
Marine longs to hear;
``Well done Marine . . . and Semper Fi!''
____________________
CHANGING NATURE OF U.S.-CARIBBEAN RELATIONSHIP
______
HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL
of new york
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, the United States-Caribbean relationship has
long been characterized as one of dependency. More specifically, the
Caribbean has historically been portrayed as overly reliant on the
United States, while having minimal significance to our country beyond
general geopolitical concerns. Indeed, the widespread damage wrought by
the recent Caribbean hurricanes has necessitated assistance from the
U.S. However, a broader look at the current reality points to a highly
reciprocal relationship, with the Caribbean proving to be an
increasingly important component of the economic and commercial
interests of the United States.
A telling indicator of the evolving U.S.-Caribbean relationship is in
the area of trade. The Caribbean is now the 13th largest importer to
the United States and the 8th largest destination for American exports.
U.S. exports to the Caribbean have helped to sustain nearly 500,000
U.S. jobs. While the magnitude of Caribbean trade with the U.S. is
changing, so too is the nature of that trade. The Caribbean is not
simply a supplier of agricultural products, or an American tourist
destination. It is now becoming a significant source of U.S. energy
imports. An October 7th story in the New York Times examined this
recent ascendancy,
[[Page 24081]]
with a focus on the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago.
In the last few years, the Caribbean, led by Trinidad and Tobago, has
positioned itself as significant player in energy trade with the U.S.
Already an important regional exporter of crude oil, Trinidad is now
the leading exporter of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) in the Western
Hemisphere. After 9-11, the U.S. sought to find energy sources beyond
the Middle East and Persian Gulf. Additionally, rising gas prices, and
increasing domestic shortages increased U.S. demand for LNG. Trinidad
has impressively stepped in to fill that demand. Since 2001, it has
been the leading exporter of Liquid Natural Gas to the United States,
accounting for 75 percent of all LNG exports. These exports are
projected to further increase over the next decade. Additionally, a
planned LNG pipeline from Trinidad to surrounding Caribbean islands
will increase the refining capacity of the surrounding region, as well
as spur the region's ability to engage in related manufacturing.
Besides Trinidad, other countries in the region have plans to
increase their energy market presence. At an October 11th address,
Jamaican Commerce, Science and Technology Minister, Phillip Paulwell,
stated that three oil and gas systems have been identified in Jamaica
for the first time. One of the systems has possible reserves of 2.8
billion barrels of oil (BBO) and 10.6 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of
natural gas. With its close proximity to the United States, development
of Jamaican energy resources would be a very beneficial endeavor for
both nations.
As can be seen, the importance of the Caribbean to the United States
has radically evolved over the last several years. This evolution will
only be strengthened as we move towards greater regional integration
through agreements like the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).
Future U.S.-Caribbean policy must take into account this new and
mutually beneficial dynamic.
A Small Island, A Big Exporter of Energy
TRINIDAD IS SUPPLYING MOST U.S. IMPORTS OF LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS
(By Simon Romero)
Port of Spain, Trinidad, Oct. 7--Cranes are active here
again, working around the clock to erect some of the
Caribbean's tallest skyscrapers against a backdrop of
colonial-era buildings. Traffic snarls throughout this small
island country, with imported luxury cars rubbing up against
70's-era gas guzzles left from the last time energy prices
soared.
But it is not only the rising price of crude oil that has
produced such excitement and activity in Trinidad, the
Caribbean's largest petroleum producer and one of the few
islands that is thriving these days. Instead, what is
transforming the situation here is another fossil fuel:
natural gas.
Amid a scramble to meet growing international energy
demands and to satisfy an American market where the price of
gas has risen to about $7 for each thousand cubic feet from
just $2 in 1999, Trinidad has emerged as the Western
Hemisphere's leading supplier of liquefied natural gas. It
has stealthily outpaced rivals, this year accounting for
nearly 80 percent of shipments to the United States, up from
virtually nothing five years ago.
Trinidad's leap to the forefront in liquid natural gas--a
fast-growing area of the energy industry where companies
invest billions to chill the fuel to temperatures around 150
degrees below zero and ship it across the seas in
supertankers--has ignited rapid growth here. Economic
activity increased 13 percent in 2003 and could grow as much
again this year. The economy has expanded for 10 consecutive
years on Trinidad and Tobago, a twin-island nation of 1.3
million with an area nearly the size of Delaware.
Trinidad's gas resources has fueled a web of chemical
factories, including nine ammonia plants, and iron and steel
complex, and two of the largest methanol plants in the world.
The conglomeration of factories, largely in Point Lisas, an
industrial site and port south of the capital, Port of Spain,
exports most of its production to the United States.
``We've become a highly industrialized nation, something
that was a pipe dream a few years ago,'' said Anthony Bryan,
former director of the Institute of International Relations
at the University of the West Indies on Trinidad.
But some experts here worry that the natural gas boom is
taking on the same character as the oil-fueled growth burst
of the 1970's, which was followed by a ruinous decade-long
bust culminating in a violent coup attempt in 1990 by Muslim
militants.
``There's the `here-we-go-again' phenomenon,'' said Ronald
Ramkissoon, chief economist at Republic Bank of Trinidad and
Tobago, the country's largest financial institution. ``If
we're not wise enough to hive away some of the excess money
we're getting from this boom, then we stand the risk of
getting hit again.''
Weighing over everything are fears about what will happen
when the energy bounty runs out. Although Trinidad is envied
by other energy producers, it has just 0.5 percent of the
world's proven gas reserves, far less than big producers like
Qatar and Russia. Unless big new discoveries are made, the
Inter-American Development Bank says, Trinidad's existing
reserves guarantee only 20 years of gas and oil production at
current extraction rates.
For now, though, economic opportunities in Trinidad are
luring people and money from elsewhere in the hemisphere. A
growing number of Spanish-speaking immigrants from Venezuela
and Colombia have moved here recently to fill service jobs in
restaurants and other work shunned by Trinidadians.
Continental Airlines began flying this summer to Port of
Spain directly from Houston, ferrying, energy executives
eager to cash in on the bonanza.
Trinidad owes much of its current good fortune to a plan
conceived a decade ago by BP and BG, two of Britain's largest
energy companies, together with Repsol of Spain and the
National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago, to build the
first of four large liquid natural gas plants. That strategy
transformed BG, formerly British Gas, into the largest
corporate supplier of L.N.G. to the United States. By 1999,
the venture was, ready to start exporting gas.
Trinidad quickly leapt ahead of Venezuela, where domestic
political quarreling stalled ambitions to exploit ample
natural gas reserves.
``I'm reluctant to talk about Venezuela because they're the
sleeping giant next door,'' said Frank Look Kin, president of
the state-controlled National Gas Company. ``You could say
we're doing O.K. with what we've got.''
The importance of natural gas in Trinidad's economy
eclipsed that of oil in recent years, with gas output now
worth about $4.8 billion a year compared with $1.4 billion
for oil, according to the Inter-American Development Bank.
The Bush administration has responded by showering
attention on Trinidad, amid concern over a prospective
shortage of the fuel, which is used to generate electricity,
run industrial processes and heat homes and offices.
President Bush surprised Prime Minister Patrick Manning
last December when he came to Washington to meet Condoleezza
Rice, Mr. Bush's national security adviser. Instead of
limiting the visit to her, the White House granted Mr.
Manning an impromptu meeting with Mr. Bush to discuss ways of
increasing Trinidad's role in resolving problems in other
Caribbean countries like Haiti.
Seeking to further strengthen ties, Spencer Abraham, the
energy secretary, declared in a visit here in April that
Trinidad was ``a very effective example of how a country with
natural gas resources can enter the international
marketplace.''
Much noticed here as well was a meeting over the summer
between Mr. Manning and Henry A. Kissinger, the former
secretary of state. Mr. Kissinger's visit to Trinidad aroused
speculation that he might have lobbied the government on
behalf of Freeport McMoRan Energy, a New Orleans company that
allied itself this year with Trinidad to build a terminal for
receiving L.N.G. off Louisiana's coast. Mr. Kissinger is a
director emeritus of a mining concern controlled by Freeport
McMoRan Energy's parent company.
In responding to questions from local reporters, Mr.
Kissinger and Mr. Manning denied that the purpose of their
meeting was related to negotiations with the Louisiana
company.
Trinidad's aim to cement its position as the leading
supplier to the United States fits into its ambition to help
guide the policies of large gas-exporting nations. It has
held talks with Algeria and Indonesia to interest them in
joining the Louisiana terminal venture. And next year,
Trinidad is seeking a more active role in the Gas Exporting
Countries Forum, a group of more than a dozen nations that
also includes Qatar, Iran and Nigeria.
Trinidad, a former British colony that gained independence
in 1962, views trade as another priority, with Port of Spain
competing against several American cities, including Miami
and Atlanta, to be selected as administrative headquarters
for the planned Free Trade Area of the Americas.
The government, meanwhile, intends to invest about $700
million to build a pipeline that would transport gas to seven
islands in the eastern Caribbean, including Barbados and
Martinique. Trinidadian officials hope to persuade Venezuela
to prepare its own gas for export to the United States from
Trinidad plants.
Despite all the activity concern persists over the energy
industry's influence as memories linger of the painful
adjustment Trinidad faced in the 1980's after oil prices
plummeted. But that has not prevented natural gas from
ascending to the heights of the economy after oil production
reached a peak in 1978.
As in many developing countries that are rich in resources,
there is a perception that the wealth generated from
Trinidad's oil and gas is not widely shared, creating big
problems for a nation whose population is largely divided
between people of African and Indian descent.
[[Page 24082]]
Unemployment remains stubbornly high, at around 10 percent.
Crime is also a prominent concern, underlined by a spate of
kidnappings of wealthy Trinidadians in the last two years. A
pressing issue Trinidad faces is how to wriggle more
royalties out of the multinational energy producers active in
its territory.
``The issue of who gets what and how from our gas and oil
needs to be revisited,'' said Winston Dookeran, a member of
Parliament and former central bank president.
[In the budget released on Oct. 8, the government laid out
a plan to channel substantial energy revenue to social
programs and public security. Included are an increase in old
age pensions of more than 10 percent, lower taxes on brown
sugar and funds to hire 744 police officers.]
Despite a gross domestic product of about $8,000 a person,
about a fifth of the population still lives in poverty. On
average, Trinidadians are richer than most Caribbean
islanders though still poorer than people in nearby Barbados
and the Bahamas, where tourism revenue has improved living
standards.
Translating its gas reserves into lasting wealth, of
course, depends largely on the growth of the liquid natural
gas industry in the United States, where more than 30
projects are in planning phases to import the fuel from
countries around the world.
``The boom,'' Mr. Dookeran, the former, central banker,
said, ``is aligning our interests with those of the U.S. like
never before.''
____________________
THE EXCELLENT WORK OF THE NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
______
HON. BARNEY FRANK
of massachusetts
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, this month marks the second
anniversary of a very important organization dedicated to fighting
prejudice in the United States in a very constructive manner. The
National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, founded in November 2002
by Justin Nelson and Chance Mitchell is, to quote from the statement
which the NGLCC submitted to our Financial Services Committee hearing
on diversity, ``the only national not-for profit advocacy organization
specifically dedicated to the economic advancements and opportunities
of the American LGBT business community.''
The NGLCC carries on this work by its formation of a `` broad-based
coalition, representative of the various interests of American LGBT
owned and friendly businesses, professionals, and students of business
to increase economic opportunities among membership, corporate
interests and federal, state and local governments.''
We hear a great deal in our public debate these days about the
importance of people working together, being constructive, avoiding
divisiveness etc. This can be overdone--democracy requires the honest
airing of differences. But it is also important that these differences
take place within a context of recognition of shared values, and the
NGLCC plays an extremely important role in this. This organization
demonstrates that combating prejudice based on sexual orientation and
gender identity is not only not inconsistent with an effort to work for
greater unity in our country, but is in fact an essential part of that
effort, properly understood.
Justin Nelson and Chance Mitchell through their own commitment to
advancing our capitalist system, while simultaneously fighting the
prejudice which deprives some people of the full chance to participate
in that system, play a very important role. To quote further from the
statement which they submitted to our Financial Services Committee,
``It is the unfortunate experience of millions of LGBT Americans that
homophobia and ignorance has been the silent killer of developing and
growing LGBT enterprises and a better quality of life for all LGBT
Americans. Too often it is the experience that LGBT Americans feel
compelled to remain in the closet to safeguard their personal and
professional financial condition . . . That millions of LGBT Americans
live half lives in the financial marketplace, and the workplace is
simply not in the best interest of a strong, vibrant and competitive
American economy.
``It is a universal truth that as human beings, we are at our best
when we can represent ourselves as whole and complete individuals,
encouraged to contribute with vibrant creative energy the many talents
unique to each of us as individuals. That LGBT Americans are shackled
by institutionalized discrimination is not only shameful, it is not
good business.''
It is not easy to start an organization, and it is particularly
difficult when the organization being started is one that seeks to
bridge significant gaps that divide people in our society. There are a
number of organizations that effectively advocate for the rights of
LGBT Americans. There are others that are forceful supporters of the
legitimate interests of the business community. I know no other at the
national level that exists precisely not simply to show that these two
goals are not inconsistent, but that, properly understood, they
reinforce each other.
I have had the opportunity to work with Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Nelson
on several occasions, and I am impressed by the quality of their work.
I make this statement today on the floor to call attention to this
excellent example of how people can work truly to better our country in
every way.
Mr. Speaker, Members seeking more information on this useful
organization can consult the hearing of the Subcommittee on Oversight
of the House Financial Services Committee on diversity and financial
services, which was conducted on July 15, 2004.
____________________
IN HONOR OF OUR UNITED STATES VETERANS AND HOLLY LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
OF WESTLAKE, OHIO
______
HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of
all veterans of the 10th Congressional District of Ohio--for their
service, bravery, and dedication on behalf of our country. Most
significantly, we stand in tribute and remembrance of those veterans
who have made the ultimate sacrifice when they answered the call to
duty.
I also stand in honor and recognition of the children and educators
of Holly Lane Elementary School. By allowing our students the
opportunity to meet and know our veterans, we are presenting them
living examples of real heroes. We are giving them a true understanding
of the meaning of the words conviction, courage and selflessness. We
are offering them the understanding of a vital, living lesson that
speaks to our American history and to the preservation of our liberty--
the brave men and women who have endured great pain and sacrifice in
order to secure freedom and democracy for us all--our United States
Veterans.
Every veteran that stands before us today at Holly Lane Elementary
School represents the heart and soul of America and reminds us of our
quest for justice and peace here at home, and the struggle of those who
seek justice and peace around the world. The staff and students of
Holly Lane Elementary School reflect the gratitude and respect for our
men and women in the armed forces, sentiments that are shared by all
Americans. The students of Holly Lane Elementary School also reflect a
vision of hope and faith for our future.
Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, tribute and
gratitude to the men and women of our armed forces, past and present.
They reflect the quest and struggle for human rights and freedom from
oppression, a basic human element that unifies us all. Let us forever
remember and honor their ultimate service, great sacrifice and
unwavering sense of commitment to the preservation of our American
democracy and our freedoms.
____________________
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
______
HON. JIM McDERMOTT
of washington
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be in Washington, DC
yesterday. Two weeks ago, I injured my leg and my physician prefers
that I not put it through the stress of an airplane flight from my home
in Seattle, WA to Washington, DC. Were I able to attend today's session
in the House of Representatives, I would have voted in support of H.J.
Res. 110, H. Res. 750, S. 2693, S. 2214, S. 2640, and H. Res. 641.
____________________
IN RECOGNITION OF SUNNYSIDE COMMUNITY SERVICES
______
HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ
of new york
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S.
House of Representatives to offer my congratulations to the Sunnyside
Community Services Center on its 30th anniversary.
[[Page 24083]]
The residents of New York's 12th Congressional District have been
enriched by this institution's outstanding example of community
cooperation, which provides valuable social, recreational, and
educational services to the seniors and families of Western Queens.
Thanks to the exemplary board, staff, and volunteer base of the
Sunnyside Community Services Center, this once small organization that
started in a church basement has blossomed, and has grown to provide an
array of integrated activities and programs to over 12,000 residents,
annually.
The center offers these services to ensure that members have the
opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of community life,
while maintaining their independence and healthy lifestyle. This
institution has also become a local economic engine, employing 90
percent of its staff from within the Queens community. The staff runs
caregiver programs for frail elderly and homebound seniors, after
school programs and camps for elementary and middle-school children,
and a variety of educational, social, and recreational activities for
active adults.
Over the past 30 years, Sunnyside Community Services Center has
expanded its services even further to help meet the challenges faced by
emerging immigrant and youth populations that reside in the area today.
Their work has reached a significant number of residents of all
backgrounds and ages and has allowed them to enjoy an enhanced and
comfortable lifestyle.
Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 30th anniversary of
the Sunnyside Community Services Center, and join with my colleagues in
the House of Representatives to recognize the organization's
outstanding service and dedication in addressing the needs of the
Western Queens community.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO LEXINGTON VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL CENTER
______
HON. BEN CHANDLER
of kentucky
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today in honor of Veteran's
Day; the day our nation sets aside to honor the sacrifice and service
of the millions of Americans who risked their lives to protect our
country and promote peace. These brave servicemen and women answered
the call to defend freedom and serve our country during its time of
greatest need. Now, during the month of November, we should repay our
gratitude by honoring our commitment to veterans and their families.
As we stand here today and pledge to work for veterans throughout the
nation, I am proud to celebrate a recent victory for the veterans of
Central Kentucky. Over the last two years, our local veterans fought to
keep the Leestown Drive facilities of our Lexington Veterans Affairs
Medical Center open in the face of potential consolidation. Thanks to
their commitment, the veterans of Central Kentucky will continue to
benefit from the excellent medical services and the unique beauty of
this facility.
The Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center is a nationally
recognized health care center with a number of distinguished awards.
Most recently, the facility received a $500,000 award for ``Best
Overall Performance'' among VA hospitals in the MidSouth Healthcare
Network, and received the first-ever John M. Eisenberg award for
patient safety co-sponsored by the National Quality Foundation and the
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. I am
proud that this hospital will continue to serve the community and
provide our veterans with the quality service they deserve.
Veterans Day is a time to honor our nation's true patriots for their
courage and commitment to this country. These men and women have
protected our families over the years, and now it is our turn to take
care of them. Let us renew our promise to our veterans and military
retirees and honor the sacrifices they have made so that we may live
free. As our troops return home let's treat them with the respect they
have earned and continue fighting for a guaranteed stream of benefits
for all veterans.
____________________
HONORING C. STUART HUNT
______
HON. JACK QUINN
of new york
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. C. Stuart Hunt for
his outstanding service, tireless dedication and fruitful endeavors for
Western New York.
Mr. Hunt served on the Board of Directors of Buffalo Place Inc. from
1991 through 2004. Buffalo Place enjoyed phenomenal growth during his
tenure as Chairman from 1994 to 1998. During that time, Buffalo Place
Inc. went from a $1.8 million organization to a $3.2 million
organization.
Beginning in 1997, under Mr. Hunt's leadership and direction, a
strong emphasis was placed on increasing funding for special event
production in Downtown Buffalo. The success of the Thursday at the
Square concert series positively impacted the Downtown economy,
representing $4.4 million annually.
Under Mr. Hunt's leadership, an annual weekend music festival on
Buffalo's waterfront was conceived, Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor. In
addition, the Cars Sharing Main Street initiative became one of the top
three priorities on the federal legislative agenda for Western New
York.
In 1997, under Mr. Hunt's guidance, the Americorps Ranger Escort
Program was launched and received federal funding until 2003 when it
was eliminated. This important initiative continues today as the
Buffalo Place Ranger Program. He also was involved in the Park N' Go
Shuttle Program, converting major streets from one-way to two-way
traffic and providing both on-street and off-street parking.
In his professional life, Mr. Hunt serves as Chairman of Hunt
Commercial Real Estate, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hunt Real Estate,
the largest commercial/residential real estate organization in Upstate
New York.
With the purchase of the Brisbane Building in 1984, Stuart began a
tireless restoration of this beautiful property. The building holds a
special place in his heart, as his father, Charles Stanley Hunt, was a
tenant in the Brisbane Building for almost 50 years. I'm proud that my
district office is located at this historic site also.
Mr. Hunt's career spanned more than half a century. He is a
consummate professional and gentleman. His work ethic and
professionalism place him at the top of the list of the most well
respected professional civic leaders of our time. His commitment to
Downtown Buffalo has never wavered and future generations will benefit
from and enjoy the fruits of his labor.
Mr. Hunt's college career was interrupted when he answered the call
to serve his country. Mr. Hunt is a veteran of World War II and a 1947
graduate of Colgate University.
In addition to a successful civic and professional career, Stuart has
enjoyed a wonderfully fulfilling personal life. On December 27, 1946,
C. Stuart Hunt married the beautiful Jane Helfrich. They have enjoyed a
full and rich life and were blessed with three sons and one daughter.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Hunt touched the lives of so many Western New
Yorkers and while he vacates his seat on the Board of Directors of
Buffalo Place Inc., he will always remain a role model and mentor to
the staff of Buffalo Place Inc. C. Stuart Hunt leaves a unique and
indelible mark on Downtown Buffalo, as he will never be forgotten.
Thank you, Stuart, for your strong leadership, diligent effort and
personal commitment to our community. Thanks also for your friendship.
____________________
RECOGNIZING GARRETT KENT, BRANNAN SMITH, NICHOLAS MANLEY, AND WILL
WATTS
______
HON. MAC COLLINS
of georgia
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize
the achievements of four outstanding young men from Griffin, Georgia:
Garrett Kent, Brannan Smith, Nicholas Manley, and Will Watts of Griffin
Christian Academy. These young men recently visited our Nation's
Capital while working on their Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge
for the Boy Scouts. During their trip they studied the Declaration of
Independence, the Constitution, and the Federal Government. They
learned about our system of checks and balances and how our government
is financed. In addition, each of these Scouts wrote to me to share
their views on important national issues.
I am proud that these young men are learning about our government and
the freedoms and principles on which our Nation was founded. I think we
can all learn from the example of Garrett, Brannan, Nicholas and Will,
and remember to learn about the great history of our Nation. I
encourage everyone to read the Constitution and the Declaration of
Independence, or to come to the United States Capitol and walk through
its storied halls. All Americans should be active citizens and be
conscious of this magnificent creation, and our duty to serve it well.
May God bless this great Nation.
[[Page 24084]]
____________________
RECOGNIZING WORK OF MR. PERLEY BEANE
______
HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD
of maine
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of Mr.
Perley Beane, Maine's Director of Economic and Community Development,
for more than 40 years in public service at the federal, state and
local level.
A graduate of Waterville High School and Thomas College, Perley's
first job was as a teacher in Jackman. After working as a business
manager, Perley was appointed as the first director of the Waterville
Public Housing Authority. He also served as director of the Maine
Affordable Housing Alliance at the Department of Economic and Community
Development before being appointed to his present position in Madison,
Maine.
Perley has dedicated his life to bettering his community. He has
served as a board member for such organizations as The Salvation Army,
the Waterville Housing Authority, the Somerset County Jail Committee,
the Somerset County Rural Housing Replacement Committee, the Somerset
County Economic Development Corporation, the Waterville Zoning Board
and the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program.
Though Perley's retirement is well deserved and begins a new and
exciting chapter in his life, it also signifies that Maine is losing
one of its most valued service providers. His dedication to the people
of Maine has been a blessing for our State, and has improved the lives
of countless Mainers. I am both honored and privileged to pay tribute
to Perley for his hard work and commitment to the people of Maine. I
offer my sincere appreciation on behalf of the entire State.
____________________
RECOGNIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF CADET STEVEN J. SARKEES TO CHIEF PETTY
OFFICER, USNSCC
______
HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER
of new york
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my
constituents, Steven J. Sarkees, on his appointment to Chief Petty
Officer in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. While a high school
senior in Grand Island, New York, Cadet Sarkees is a member of the
Sullivans Division, Naval Sea Cadet Corps located in Buffalo, New York.
Cadet Sarkees' appointment to Chief Petty Office is bestowed on less
than one half of one percent of the ten thousand Naval Sea Cadets in
the program, and is a reflection of his exceptional leadership skills
and mastery of seamanship training.
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps was established in 1958 in order to
provide youth with a drug-free and gang-free environment where
individuals between the ages of 11 and 17 could develop an appreciation
for the United States' naval history, customs, traditions and its
significant role in national defense. The goal of the Sea Cadet Corps
is to encourage young people to develop an interest in basic seamanship
and teach Cadets patriotism, courage, self-confidence and self-
reliance. Chief Petty Officer is the highest level a Cadet can attain
and reflects years of hard work and dedication.
Cadet Sarkees has developed into a mature leader, and is a fine
example of what the Sea Cadet Corps strives to develop in young people.
He has earned his appointment to Chief Petty Officer by completing a
challenging course load, passing a leadership exam, completing 6 months
time in rank, and attending 2 weeks of advanced training. Again, Cadet
Sarkees is a positive role model to his fellow cadets, and exemplifies
the best qualities of a patriotic American.
I urge all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Cadet
Sarkees for his significant achievement as a member of the U.S. Naval
Sea Cadet Corps.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO THE JOYCE H. WILLIAMS CENTER OF KANSAS CITY, KANSAS
______
HON. DENNIS MOORE
of kansas
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell you about a wonderful
organization in the Third Congressional District of Kansas that is
celebrating its 25th anniversary of serving domestic violence victims
in Kansas City, Kansas.
In 1979, I was the District Attorney in Johnson County, Kansas, and
involved in helping that county provide domestic violence services to
its citizens. At the same time, just to the north, community leaders in
Kansas City, Kansas, in Wyandotte County, were coming together for the
same purpose. In 1979, the Joyce H. Williams Center was incorporated,
and began its services to the KCK community. I first learned of their
efforts through working with their leaders in the Kansas City
Metropolitan Coalition on Domestic Violence. The Joyce H. Williams
Center was begun by the Yates Branch of the YWCA. A few years later,
when the Yates Branch YWCA branch closed, the Joyce Williams Center and
most of the YWCA services continued under the sponsorship of Friends of
Yates, Inc.
Twenty five years later, the Joyce Williams Center continues to
provide hope and help to women and children in abusive situations. The
center has helped hundreds of families over the last 25 years. Today,
their services include a hotline for victims to call, counseling, case
management, substance abuse assistance, and a transitional living
shelter.
I know my colleagues in the House of Representatives will join me in
congratulating the staff, board of directors, and community volunteers
of the Joyce H. Williams Center on this anniversary of their founding.
I know they will continue to serve their community for many years to
come.
____________________
HONORING THE SERVICE OF CAPTAIN TONY TORRES
______
HON. ED PASTOR
of arizona
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Tony Torres for
his thirty years of service in the City of Phoenix Fire Department.
Mr. Torres was born in Phoenix and attended Phoenix College, where
his is currently a member of the adjunct faculty. He served our nation
in Vietnam, and is a member of American Legion Post 41.
Mr. Torres joined the City of Phoenix Fire Department in 1975 and
retired this year as a Captain in the Fire Operations Division. From
1999 until his retirement, he held the position of Public Information
Officer and earned various departmental awards. He is also a recipient
of the Department of Public Safety Citizens Life Saving Award.
Mr. Torres' service to the community extends beyond his career as a
fire fighter. He has worked with numerous neighborhood activist
organizations, as well as with the Mayor and City Council members, in
order to improve the safety of all valley neighborhoods. He is also a
past vice president of the Valley Hispanic Bomberos and was an active
member of the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Union.
Mr. Torres currently lives in North Phoenix with his wife of 25
years, Susan. On behalf of the Phoenix community, I thank him for his
many years of service and wish him a happy and healthy retirement.
____________________
IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 5218, MATT'S HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN ACT OF 2004
______
HON. RICHARD A. GEPHARDT
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss H.R. 5218, Matt's
Health Insurance Plan Act of 2004, which I introduced last month. This
bill has a very personal meaning to me, and I believe it is integral to
solving America's health care crisis.
Today in this country, over 40 million Americans live without health
coverage. These Americans are people just like you and me. Citizens who
work full-time jobs where no health care is offered. Parents who work
two and three part-time jobs just to feed their children and provide a
safe place to live. Entire families where values like hard work and
responsibility mean something, but where no member of that family can
find full-time work with full benefits in a struggling economy.
Americans who don't have health coverage too often don't have access
to health care. In a day and age when morals dominate the political
landscape of this country, how can we remain indifferent to the
millions of Americans who can't receive the care they need? This is the
biggest moral problem our country has. It's time we fixed it.
[[Page 24085]]
Let me tell you why this is so important to me. Three decades ago,
when I was an attorney in St. Louis, my two year old son Matt was
diagnosed with what they said was terminal cancer. My wife Jane and I
were told he probably wouldn't last six weeks.
In the end, we were among the most fortunate in more ways than one.
My law firm had a health plan, and it was the only way we could afford
the new and experimental therapies. That insurance plan, the talented
doctors and nurses, and the grace of God saved Matt's life.
But I remember the nights we spent in the hospital waiting room
talking to the parents of another patient--a child with severe cancer
from a family who couldn't afford health insurance. Those parents
didn't know what to do. All they could do was pray. As long as I live,
I will never forget the terror in their eyes. In this country, it
should never be this way.
Matt's Plan, named after my son, is my vision for how we can cover
everyone in America with health insurance--with no new bureaucracy and
no nationalized plan. This is more than just a health care plan. It's
also an economic stimulus plan designed to create jobs and get this
economy moving again.
The plan is essentially this: we pass a law requiring every employer
to provide access to quality coverage, with employer tax credits
covering most of the cost.
Today, an employer can take a tax deduction that would cover about 30
percent of the cost of health insurance. But that deduction is
effectively worthless when a company is struggling and losing money in
this economy.
There are also far too many employers who fail to provide health
insurance because the tax deduction doesn't come close to covering the
cost of the insurance premiums. As a result, millions of families are
left without health insurance.
My plan would change that. Employers who don't currently offer health
insurance would be required to offer a quality health plan, and they'd
receive a refundable tax credit equaling 60 percent of the full cost of
the premium. A tax credit they'd pass through completely to their
employees in the form of health insurance. Employers would only be
responsible for 60 percent of the full cost of the premium and would
not be required to contribute to the cost of health coverage beyond the
nominal administrative cost of providing health insurance coverage.
Employees would not be required to pay more than 40 percent of the
premium cost.
And for those employers who currently do offer health insurance, my
plan replaces the existing tax deduction with a 60 percent refundable
tax credit--a tax credit on the employer's share of the premium, which
puts more money directly into the business that has been doing the
right thing. `Refundable' means the employer will receive the credit,
regardless of whether they're making a profit.
This health care plan leaves no American on their own. The 60 percent
tax credit would apply to part-time employees. It would apply to
retiree health benefits paid by former employers. It would apply to the
self-employed. And state and local governments would receive federal
assistance equal to 60 percent of their health care costs.
My plan would allow individuals between the ages of 55 and 64 to buy
into Medicare coverage at no cost to the federal government. It would
subsidize 65 percent of the cost of COBRA health insurance for the
unemployed. It would subsidize low-wage workers who are below or near
the poverty line who can't afford their share of the premium. And it
would modify the SCRIP Program for uninsured low income children,
expanding it to include their parents, and expanding efforts to find
those families who qualify.
Under my plan, employers who already offer health insurance would see
an immediate reduction in their overhead. The economic stimulus would
result in billions of dollars in increased wages and benefits, more
money in the pockets of the average family, and more jobs. And the
result of adding millions of Americans to the ranks of the insured
means more preventive care, far fewer trips to the emergency room, and
lower health care costs for everyone.
Mr. Speaker, I have introduced this bill so that Matt's Plan will
become part of the public record on the health care debate. I hope that
as Congress continues to deal with the health care problem in America,
someone will reintroduce this bill and develop this plan further.
To me, this plan is a bold, innovative idea that can work--an idea
that can bridge a canyon of fear and illness and cover everyone in
America with health insurance, and jump start the economy at the same
time. It's morally right and economically sensible. Healthy workers are
productive workers. And healthy families make for a stronger America.
____________________
IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF MR. GLENN AND MRS. LYDIA HUNDERTMARK IN
CELEBRATION OF THEIR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: NOVEMBER 6, 2004
______
HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker I rise today in honor and recognition of
Glenn and Lydia Hundertmark, as they celebrate 50 years of devotion to
each other, to their family and to their extended family and many close
friends. This unbreakable union represents a deep and abiding love, not
only for each other, but also for their children, grandchildren and for
their community.
Glenn Hundertmark and Lydia Nikishin met in the early 1950s while
working at the Pick-n-Pay grocery store at Fulton and Memphis. Glenn
left to serve our country during the Korean War in the United States
Navy as an Aviation Mechanic. When Glenn returned home, he and Lydia
dated, fell in love and became engaged in 1954. On November 6, 1954
they were married at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church by Reverend Herbert
Blickensderfer.
Glenn worked for Cleveland Twist Drill Co. and American Steel and
Wire until he became a fireman for the city of Cleveland in 1961. He
worked in various fire stations over the years as a Lieutenant, then as
Captain, until retiring in 1984. Lydia worked at Associates Finance Co.
before they started their family in 1955. Being a full-time mom to
Lynn, Ruth, Paul and Kathryn quickly became the main focus and joy of
Lydia's life.
Together, Glenn and Lydia created memorable holiday celebrations.
Every Christmas morning, their children would wake up to a beautiful
tree and gifts that they built. Lydia would sew Halloween costumes, and
Glenn made carving a pumpkin an art form. Birthdays were special days
with favorite meals being served and grandparents, aunts and uncles
joining the party. Their young family played board games, went on
picnics and hikes and went for boat rides on the ``Busy Liz.'' Glenn
and Lee took their family on a variety of vacations each year from
camping and fishing trips, to the trip of a lifetime traveling out west
for a month in 1973. The beloved Rustic Rest in Vermilion holds
cherished memories that began with Glenn's childhood and has continued
throughout his grandchildren's lives.
Glenn and Lydia taught their children the value of tradition by
sharing stories and keepsakes of their ancestors--giving them a clear
understanding and appreciation of their German, Russian and Ukrainian
heritage. The family baptismal gown was sewn in 1911 by Glenn's
grandmother Ida Christianer, and has been worn by every newborn baby
since. The Santa Claus suit that was made by Gordon and Ruth
Hundertmark in 1960 thrilled their children and grandchildren when
Santa Claus visited them every Christmas. On Easter, you will still
hear Mildred and George Nikishin's blessing: ``Christos Voskres;
Voyistino Voskres,'' being spoken, while Millie's tradition of homemade
Paska bread is shared by all.
As much as Glenn and Lydia love their family, they also love their
friends. Glenn's fellow firemen and their families, and the families of
the Orchard Avenue neighborhood, became like second families to the
Hundertmark's. There was always a neighborhood picnic or party planned,
ending with everyone being thrown in their neighbor's pool. They had
Halloween parties, Christmas parties, and 35 Dance Club parties. They
vacationed together in large groups, taking the party on the road.
Lifelong friendships were formed.
Throughout their lives, Glenn and Lydia have volunteered their time
and talents within their community. Their dedication to helping others
is evidenced at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, homeless shelters and in
causes including Cerebral Palsy and Habitat for Humanity. In their
spare time, they could always be found at their grandchildren's
sporting events, choir concerts and award nights.
Their great joy for life radiates throughout every aspect of their
lives. Glenn and Lee are fabulous dancers, they are animal lovers, they
have traveled all over the world--they are can-do people who have
always been there for everyone. Lydia has nursed her adult children
back to health, proving you will always need your mother. She is famous
for her exceptional potato salad--and a picnic wouldn't be a picnic
without it! Glenn has an unbelievable memory and tells wonderful,
colorful stories. They have an extensive collection of slides capturing
their life's story.
Glenn and Lydia were faithful children to their parents--George,
Mildred, Gordon and
[[Page 24086]]
Ruth--who are no longer with us, but are here today in spirit. They are
parents, grandparents, a brother, a sister, a mother and father-in-law,
a brother and sister in-law, an aunt and uncle, cousins, a friend--and
together, they are surely one. Their legacy will be one of dedication
to their family, to their church, to their community, and their devoted
faithful service to the Lord.
Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition
of Glenn and Lydia Hundertmark, as we join them in celebration of this
momentous occasion--their 50th wedding anniversary. Glenn and Lydia
Hundertmark continue to inspire us to understand our past, to follow
our dreams, to give back to our community, and to hold family closest
to our hearts.
____________________
RECOGNIZING THE LIBERTY SAFE SCHOOL TASK FORCE
______
HON. SAM GRAVES
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the Liberty
Safe School Task Force. The Liberty Safe School Task Force is a group
of about 35 dedicated citizens, who work closely with the United States
Attorney's Office, the Kansas City office of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, the Liberty Police Department, the Missouri State
Patrol, and Liberty Hospital to increase public awareness of the
important issues facing our children today. One example of a successful
past initiative organized by the Task Force was the ``Buckle Up''
campaign, which encouraged safety belt use. Without the Task Force,
``Buckle Up'' and countless other lasting and effective child safety
oriented community initiatives would have been impossible.
The success of the Liberty Safe School Task Force has been so
dramatic, that the program is now being used as a model for other
schools. I am confident that thanks to the Safe School Task Force,
Liberty's children will be better prepared to address difficult and
complex issues as the future leaders of our communities, state, and
nation.
Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in congratulating the
Liberty Safe School Task Force. This group of fine citizens has
demonstrated a truly outstanding commitment to the safety of Liberty's
children, and I am proud to call them constituents of Missouri's Sixth
District.
____________________
A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JEWELL DUVALL
______
HON. ROBERT W. NEY
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker:
Whereas, Jewell Duvall has provided outstanding service and
contributions to the House community during her tenure in the office of
the Chief Administrative Officer; and
Whereas, Jewell Duvall provided support to not only the CAO, but also
to Leadership, the Committee on House Administration, other House
officers, Member and Committee offices, and the general public; and
Whereas, Jewell Duvall has worked diligently during her time in
Washington, D.C., to serve the individuals with respect and a sense of
priority; and
Whereas, Jewell Duvall provided extensive administrative support to
the Incident Commander during the September 11th and anthrax crises of
2001; and
Whereas, Jewell Duvall was a valuable asset to the House of
Representatives community and the general public.
Therefore, I join with members of Congress and their staff in
recognizing Jewell Duvall for her exceptional work and immense
contributions, and wish her the very best during her retirement.
____________________
RECOGNIZING JOHN R. BLACKBURN, JR.
______
HON. BILL SHUSTER
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John R.
Blackburn, Jr. upon his retirement from the Board of Directors of UPMC
Bedford Memorial. His presence on the board, which has become a symbol
of security and stability, will be sorely missed.
As a life-long resident of Bedford County, Mr. Blackburn has
connected with citizens in the area in a way that few are able. Since
1955, Mr. Blackburn has worked diligently to make positive changes
throughout the hospital so that the area's health care would improve.
In the nearly fifty years that Mr. Blackburn has had a significant hand
in the hospital's operations, Bedford Memorial has become a driving
force of health care in Bedford County.
Mr. Blackburn has served this nation honorably, touching the lives of
every American citizen through his service in the United States Army
Air Corps during World War II. Having taken the reigns as a strong
leader since his youth, he has been a pillar of strength within his
community, and his ceaseless dedication to the health care system is
unparalleled. His uncompromising sense of duty to the community in
which he lives has been a source of inspiration, and the impact he has
had is immeasurable.
For his incomparable generosity, service to the Bedford Memorial
Hospital, and unabated commitment to excellence, John Blackburn, Jr.
deserves the highest recognition. He has demonstrated enthusiasm and
care for the county which he has served, and his spirit and dedication
have infiltrated his every action. The legacy he has created is one
that every American should emulate, and his contributions will not go
unnoticed by the business for which he worked nor the community in
which he lives. I would like to congratulate Mr. Blackburn on his many
accomplishments, and I wish him the best of luck in his retirement.
____________________
PAYING TRIBUTE TO DR. DAVID N. MESCHES
______
HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY
of new york
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished
career of Dr. David N. Mesches. Since 1961, Dr. Mesches has provided
outstanding medical care to the residents of Ulster County and he has
worked tirelessly to improve the delivery of health care services not
only in Ulster County, but also throughout the Hudson Valley. I am
pleased to join the health care community, his family and his friends
in honoring Dr. Mesches for his outstanding career.
During his four decades of practice in Ulster County, Dr. Mesches has
served as Captain in the United States Air Force at Stewart Air Force
Base, providing care to servicemen and their families; operated a
private practice while serving as Director of the Student Health Center
at SUNY New Paltz; served as Director of the Mid-Hudson Rural Family
Practice Residency Training Program; and currently, is the Chief
Executive Officer of the Mid-Hudson Family Health Institute.
Dr. Mesches' membership in a number of medical and scientific
societies and committees is a testament to his dedication and desire to
provide citizens with the best possible healthcare available. In fact,
in his current role as the President and CEO of the Mid-Hudson Family
Health Institute, Dr. Mesches has increased access to healthcare for
the under-insured and uninsured residents of the Hudson Valley by
forging strong alliances. Through his efforts, regional health care
agencies have begun to work collaboratively to build a seamless,
integrated healthcare delivery system that will effectively be able to
identify and address the needs of the most at risk member of our
community.
In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Mesches has
participated in numerous community activities including, serving as the
Chairman of the Ulster County and New Paltz Planning Boards and Ulster
County Planned Parenthood, and serving on the Board of Directors of
Patterns for Progress, Mid-Hudson Savings Bank, First Union Bank, and
Atlantic States Mortgage Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize the outstanding
accomplishments of Dr. David Mesches. His commitment to improving the
lives of people around him has yielded a distinguished record of
service and has made Ulster County and much of the Hudson Valley a
better, healthier place to live.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO TAIWAN PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN
______
HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ
of texas
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, last week I had the opportunity of
visiting Taiwan, the Republic of China and I was very impressed with
[[Page 24087]]
what I saw. Taiwan has clearly grown to be a modern democracy and its
people are well educated and prosperous. The people whom I talked to
were all friendly toward us and supportive of our global war against
terrorism.
In fact, I was most impressed with Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian.
This young statesman was reelected president of the Republic of China
last March and was inaugurated on May 20. In my conversation with him,
he said again and again that he is seeking a genuine dialogue with the
leaders of the People's Republic of China. He said Taiwan does not seek
confrontation but a friendly dialogue with mainland China leading to
talks on all issues. President Chen would like to see more cooperation
and less confrontation in dealing with mainland China leaders. In
addition to its ``relationship'' with mainland China, President Chen
considers Taiwan's relations with the U.S. a matter of utmost
importance and he would like to see further strengthening of this
relationship. I personally believe that Taiwanese people are truly
lucky to have President Chen as their leader for the next four years.
I am delighted that Taiwan is now ably represented in Washington by
its young and energetic ambassador, Dr. David Lee. Ambassador Lee knows
Washington well and he will most certainly strengthen the ever-growing
bonds between Taipei and Washington. Taiwan and the United States,. I
wish to assure both President Chen and Ambassador Lee, have always
stood together shoulder to shoulder and will always remain strong
partners in maintaining peace and stability.
I had a good visit to Taiwan and I hope my colleagues and my fellow
countrymen will follow my steps in visiting this beautiful island of
freedom and prosperity soon and often.
____________________
IN HONOR OF JULIE PACKARD
______
HON. SAM FARR
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend Julie E.
Packard, the Executive Director and Vice Chairman of the Monterey Bay
Aquarium Foundation's Board of Trustees and the recipient of the Ted
Danson Ocean Hero Award. The award is given annually, in recognition of
the recipient's strong commitment toward protection and restoration of
the marine environment. Ms. Packard is a woman of principle and
conviction. She has worked tirelessly to protect and preserve our
delicate ocean ecology.
On October 20, 1984, Ms. Packard was instrumental in opening the
Monterey Bay Aquarium. Today, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation is a
$124 million institution and has consistently drawn 2 million people to
its exhibits each year. It and its sister institution, the Monterey Bay
Aquarium Research Institute, are some of the finest marine life and
ocean science research institutions in the United States. She has been
its Executive Director since it opened.
Ms. Packard was born in Los Altos, California. She is one of four
children, along with a brother, David, and sisters, Susan and Nancy.
She went on to earn a masters degree in biology from the University of
California at Santa Cruz. Julie is married to Robert Stephens. Together
they are raising wonderful twin daughters.
Through her involvements, Julie has inspired and educated many about
the wonders of our oceans and the environment of Monterey Bay and the
central coast. She has been instrumental in making the schools of
Monterey Bay some of the finest on the central coast, making it
possible for future generations of students to nourish a passion for
the ocean as strong as hers.
Ms. Packard has been a board member of numerous organizations and
committees, including the California Nature Conservancy, the Monterey
Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and the David and Lucile Packard
Foundation. She was also a member of the Pew Oceans Commission in 2003,
which issued recommendations for a comprehensive overhaul of national
ocean policy. Ms. Packard has also received numerous awards. Perhaps
one of the milestones of Julie's life and work with the oceans is when
she received the Audubon Medal for Conservation in 1998, one of the
premier recognitions given to those in this field.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to
honor the many accomplishments of my friend Julie E. Packard and
express sincere gratitude for her accomplishments and contributions to
our community.
____________________
PAYING TRIBUTE TO RICK HANSON
______
HON. SCOTT McINNIS
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Rick Hanson, a
strong-willed individual who has persevered through near insurmountable
physical challenges and provides inspiration to his fellow citizens. I
am proud to stand here with my colleagues before this body of Congress
and this Nation and recognize his triumph of will, and strength of
conviction.
During Rick's early teens, it was discovered he had a brain tumor.
Rick's condition continued to worsen, and doctors and family members
feared he would not pull through. Eventually, Rick was diagnosed with a
rare condition of adrenal insufficiency, and his hormone and
hydrocortisone treatments have helped him finally turn the corner.
After twenty-five years of illness, at age forty-three, Rick on the
road to recovery, is taking therapeutic horseback riding lessons, a
pastime that he enjoyed as a child growing up in Arkansas.
Mr. Speaker, Rick Hanson's unrelenting will and sheer determination
has helped him to stave off illness in the face of the gravest of
circumstances. His story of improvement is an inspiration to us all,
and I am honored by the opportunity to recognize his accomplishments
before this body of Congress and this Nation.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO JOHN M. (MIKE) HENRY
______
HON. FRED UPTON
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to John M. (Mike)
Henry who is retiring after a long and distinguished career of public
service. A dedicated and selfless individual, Mike has served as County
Coordinator for Berrien County for the past sixteen years. During his
tenure, Mike assisted the citizens of Southwest Michigan in a number of
capacities, all with great distinction.
Since 1988, Mike's contributions to our community have been
tremendous. He has consistently received accolades and recognition for
his inspired work. During his time as County Coordinator, Mike crafted,
managed and executed budgets exceeding $2 billion, had the unique
ability to manage large sums of public funds--always meeting the
highest level of auditing standards, and exhibited great competence and
success in working with the legislative, executive, and judicial
branches of government.
In addition to his remarkable service to Berrien County, Mike also
served his country with great distinction. He served in the U.S. Army
for 20 years, including two tours in Vietnam, flying attack
helicopters. During his extraordinary years of service, Mike was
awarded with, among others, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the
Meritorious Service Medal.
Our community is in debt to Mike for his continued public service
since 1988. I wish him and his family all the best in retirement. His
service will be truly missed by the folks in Southwest Michigan.
____________________
A TRIBUTE TO IRIS S. CHANG
______
HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Iris Chang, a
courageous historian, author and champion of Asian and Asian American
history, human rights and historical redress. During her brief yet
remarkable professional career, Iris touched the lives of countless
people, shedding light on past injustices and atrocities that had been
forgotten or ignored. In her personal life, she was a loving wife and
mother, a close friend and an inspiration to many. Iris is survived by
her husband, Dr. Brett Douglas, her son, Christopher Douglas, her
parents, Shau-Jin and Ying-Ying Chang, and her brother, Michael Chang.
Iris Shun-Ru Chang was born on March 28, 1968 in Princeton, New
Jersey. She studied journalism at the University of Illinois, and
received her Master's in Science Writing from Johns Hopkins University.
While at Johns Hopkins, Iris was commissioned to research the life of
Tsien Hsue-Shen, a Chinese American scientist who was deported to China
during the Communist scare of the 1960s and
[[Page 24088]]
subsequently founded China's ballistics program. Her research led to
her critically acclaimed debut, The Thread of the Silkworm, which
addressed the paranoia and racism of the McCarthy era.
As a historian and an activist, Iris fought passionately for
historical justice and reconciliation. Her book, The Rape of Nanking,
chronicled the horrific capture of Nanking during Japan's invasion of
China in 1937, and was instrumental in educating the international
community about Japanese military atrocities during World War II--human
rights violations that had gone unwritten and unacknowledged for
decades. Her efforts to seek redress for the crimes at Nanking brought
her in conflict with the Japanese government and communities worldwide,
but Iris was unwavering in her commitment to justice and truth.
In addition to her books, which decried social and historical
injustices against the Asian and Asian American communities in the
United States and internationally, Iris was also a member of the
Committee of 100, a national nonpartisan organization of Chinese-
American leaders who work to address issues important to the Chinese-
American community. For her work, she earned the Peace and
International Cooperation Award from John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur
Foundation, and was named ``Woman of the Year'' by the Organization of
Chinese-American Women.
Iris will be remembered for her work and service to the community.
Certainly, the millions of people whom she touched through her writings
and her activism will not forget the moral vision she brought on past
injustices to the international community and the public impact of her
work in promoting peace between peoples of differing races and
backgrounds. Her fierce pride of her Chinese-American heritage
empowered others with the certainty that they were truly Americans
despite their ancestry. Our community has lost a role model and close
friend; the world has lost one of its finest and most passionate
advocates of social and historical justice.
____________________
ASSISTING THE PEACEKEEPING EFFORT IN DARFUR
______
HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL
of new york
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, the ongoing crisis in Darfur, Sudan
continues to be an issue of high concern to the American people.
According to United Nations and U.S. officials, the situation in Darfur
is the worst current humanitarian and human rights crisis in the world.
Out of a population of 7 million people, 1.2 million are internally
displaced, 200,000 have been forced into exile, and an estimated 70,000
civilians have been killed. The crisis necessitates not only financial
assistance, but also that of a military and logistical nature. A
November 17, 2004 editorial in the Washington Post spoke to the current
state of the Darfurian peacekeeping effort.
Despite widespread condemnation by the international community
regarding the Darfur genocide, few in the West have been willing to
offer troops or logistics to the peacekeeping effort. The African Union
has attempted to fill the void through its seven hundred man observer
force. However, the AU force is severely undermanned and underfunded.
The AU asserts it will need $80 million just to sustain a force of
3,000 for one year. Many experts believe that an additional 30,000 to
60,000 troops will be needed to adequately secure the Darfur region.
This is in addition to the need for logistical support and increased
provision of military vehicles and aircraft.
The AU will no doubt need assistance in such an endeavor. America, as
the greatest military power in the world, should not allow this
deficiency to continue. Indeed, the U.S. currently has a contingent of
2,500 troops in nearby Djibouti, from which it can initially draw. The
U.S. military airlifted several hundred African soldiers from Nigeria
and Rwanda into Darfur last month, but this represents the only major
U.S. logistical operation to date.
More can and must be done by the U.S. in providing military and
logistic resources for the Darfur peacekeeping effort. The
Administration has long cited the liberty and freedom of the Iraqi
people as a rationale for its military commitment in that country. I
know we all agree that the people of Darfur deserve the same, so I am
hopeful that progress can be made on this important issue.
[From the Washington Post, Nov. 17, 2004]
Diplomacy and Darfur
A full arsenal of diplomatic tricks has been tried on
behalf of Darfur, the western province of Sudan where the
government is orchestrating genocide. A number of A-list
statesmen--Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair, Secretary of
State Colin L. Powell, U.N. Secretary, General Kofi Annan--
have journeyed to Sudan to demand an end to the killing;
still the genocide continues. Cease-fires, undertakings and
protocols have been negotiated and signed; still the genocide
continues. Two U.N. Security Council resolutions have
condemned the government's behavior; still the genocide
continues. Tomorrow and Friday, in a triumph of hope over
experience, the Security Council will convene an
extraordinary session in Kenya, hoping to shine the spotlight
on Sudan's suffering. But unless the council members stiffen
their rhetoric with sanctions, they will spotlight their own
impotence.
Sudan's pragmatic dictatorship has bowed in the past to
determined external pressure. It expelled Osama bin Laden and
negotiated an end to its long-running war with rebels in the
south, both thanks to the threat of sanctions. But Sudan's
rulers do not make concessions if they don't have to do so,
and they believe they can exterminate tens of thousands of
people in Darfur and get away with it. When outsiders wax
especially indignant, the junta signs another protocol and
makes a tactical concession. But its strategy remains
unchanged: to cement control over Durfur by decimating the
tribes that back various local rebels.
The first phony concession came in April. Sudan's
government signed on to a cease-fire promising to ``refrain
from any act of violence or any other abuse on civilian
populations.'' Since then the government has participated in
unprovoked assaults on villages, murdering men, raping women
and tossing children into flames that consume their huts. In
July Sudan's rulers signed a communique with Mr. Annan,
promising to ``ensure that no militias are present in all
areas surrounding Internally Displaced Persons camps.'' Since
then militias have continued to encircle the camps, raping
women and girls who venture out in search of firewood. In
August Sudan's government promised Jan Pronk, Mr. Annan's
envoy, to provide a list of militia leaders. No list has been
forthcoming. Last week, in a concession that perhaps
reflected nervousness about the approaching Security Council
meeting in Kenya, the government signed two new protocols,
committing itself among other things to protect the rights of
Internally Displaced Persons.'' A few hours later, government
forces stormed a camp for displaced people.
In sum, the considered judgment of Sudan's rulers is that
they can flout international commitments with impunity.
Unless that judgment can be changed, the Security Council
session in Kenya will not achieve anything. Sudan's
dictatorship must be credibly threatened with sanctions that
target officials responsible for war crimes, and these
officials must also be made to face the possibility of
prosecution. Beyond that, outsiders need to recognize that
there is little prospect of security for Darfur's people--and
therefore little prospect of a return to destroyed villages,
a resumption of agricultural production and an escape from
starvation--without a serious peacekeeping force. Gen. Romeo
Dallaire, the U.N. commander in Rwanda during the genocide a
decade ago, has suggested that a force of 44,000 is needed.
Charles R. Snyder, the senior State Department official on
Sudan, has estimated that securing Darfur would take 60 to 70
battalions.
More than a year and a half into Darfur's genocide, the
United States and its allies have proved unwilling to
consider that kind of commitment. They have moved at a
snail's pace to support a 3,500-strong African Union force,
which in any case would be inadequate; the record of
deploying underpowered peacekeepers in war zones is that the
peacekeepers get humiliated. The allies are starting to
discuss another U.N. resolution, but this seems likely yet
again to lack a real threat of sanctions. Up to a point, this
is understandable: Security Council members such as China are
opposed to strong action, and the United States is conserving
limited military and diplomatic resources for Iraq and the
war on terrorism. But Darfur's crisis is so awful that the
usual balancing of national priorities is immoral. Some
300,000 people may have died in Darfur so far, and the dying
is not yet finished.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. SOLOMON EADDY
______
HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN
of south carolina
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Rev. Dr.
Solomon Eaddy, Pastor of the Mount Carmel Baptist Church of
Timmonsville, South Carolina; and Elizabeth Baptist Church of Florence,
South Carolina. And join with his congregations and community in
wishing him well as he celebrates his 40th anniversary as pastor of
Mount Carmel on December 4th.
Rev. Dr. Eaddy has made service to the church and his community a
cornerstone of
[[Page 24089]]
his life. He began his formal higher education at Morris College in
Sumter, South Carolina from which he received a Bachelor of Theology.
Later, he would receive an Honorary Doctorate from this same school. He
also earned a Bachelor of Divinity at Morris College. He attended the
Moody Bible Institute, and completed additional studies at Florence
Darlington Technical College and McLeod Regional Medical Center.
As a young man, Rev. Dr. Eaddy was one of the first black policemen
in the City of Florence, South Carolina. He served in that capacity for
15 years. It was during his tenure as a policeman that he founded the
Boys Club of Florence that still thrives today. He also served for five
years in the United States Navy as a Petty Officer, First Class. Rev.
Dr. Eaddy's first church calling was as pastor of the Mount Tabor
Baptist Church in Evergreen, South Carolina. He served at Mount Tabor
for four years before being called to Elizabeth Baptist Church and
Mount Carmel Baptist Church, both of which he still serves today. As
Pastor of Elizabeth Baptist he has worked to rebuild the sanctuary and
remodel the education building and fellowship hall. During this period,
he worked with the young members of the congregation to organize a
Junior Missionary Society.
Mount Carmel also saw remodeling and innovation under the pastoral
guidance of the Rev. Dr. Eaddy. Here, too, he remodeled the church
sanctuary. He also led in establishing a Sunday School Choir and a
Junior Choir. Rev. Dr. Eaddy also established a Baptist Teaching Union
not only at Mount Carmel, but also at Elizabeth and Mount Tabor Baptist
Churches.
Rev. Dr. Eaddy has been honored with the South Carolina House of
Representatives Service Award for 35 years of pastoral care in the Pee
Dee area. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge #381 and an Eastern Star
Brother. He also maintains membership in the Mutual Aide Lodge #5,
where he once served as President and is now a Noble Father. He is also
the moderator of the New Hope Union.
Rev. Dr. Eaddy is married to and shares his church service with Mrs.
Susanna Law Eaddy. They have four children, and seven grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me and my fellow
South Carolinians in honoring Rev. Dr. Solomon Eaddy for a lifetime of
dedicated service to God and country.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. LEAH GASKIN FITCHUE
______
HON. DONALD M. PAYNE
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of
Representatives to join me as I rise to acknowledge the accomplishments
of the Reverend Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue.
Dr. Fitchue is the first woman to serve as President of Payne
Theological Seminary, a 160 year old institution sponsored by the
African Methodist Episcopal Church. She is the first African American
woman president of the 244 Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and
the first woman to serve as president of any historically black
theological seminary.
As Dr. Fitchue is inaugurated, I am pleased that all her efforts have
led to this most deserving position. It was my pleasure to know this
promising young woman when she was an outstanding student at South Side
High School (currently Malcolm X. Shabazz) in Newark, New Jersey where
I served as faculty member. Dr. Fitchue was active in community and
civic organizations and among her achievements was placing 15st in the
NAACP Youth Council's Annual Oratorical Contest. Over the years, Dr.
Fitchue has returned to Newark to visit her mother and to participate
in various community events. We still count her as a Newarker.
A published author and a poet, Dr. Fitchue holds degrees from Rutgers
University, the University of Michigan, Princeton Theological Seminary
and Harvard University. Her motto for Payne Theological Seminary, ``So
High A Mission, So Holy A Calling'' taken from founder Daniel Alexander
Payne, depicts an ethos that centers on educating leaders in African
American Studies, Biblical Studies, Historical Studies, Theological
Studies, Practical Ministry and Supervised Ministry.
Dr. Fitchue's civic, community, professional and social affiliations
include Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; Founding Board member of New Jersey
Coalition of 100 Black Women; Links, Inc.; Minority Arts Resource
Council (MARC); Christian Community Development Association (CCDA);
Sojourners; Call to Renewal; Association of Urban Theological Education
and Ministry (AUTEM); Board of Regents for Northwest Graduate School of
Ministry and International Urban Associates; American Academy of
Religion and the Society for the Study of Black Religion.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues will agree that Dr. Fitchue's
historical election was well deserved and that she will serve Payne
Theological Seminary well as its President.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO VALERIE WILLIAMS, THE BUCKHANNON BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL
WOMAN OF THE YEAR
______
HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO
of west virginia
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Valerie Williams,
the Buckhannon Business and Professional Woman of the Year, and to
proclaim October 18-22, 2004 National Businesswomen's Week.
Working women now number 62.7 million strong in America's workforce
and strive to serve their communities, their states, and their nation
in professional, civic and cultural capacities. In particular, I
acknowledge the significant contributions of the Business and
Professional Women of Buckhannon, West Virginia, to their city, state,
and nation.
Women-owned businesses account for over one-third of all firms in the
country and employ one in four American workers. Major goals of
business and professional women are to promote equality for all women
and to help create better conditions for businesswomen through the
study of social, educational, economic, and political problems.
All of us are proud of women's leadership in these many endeavors.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Valerie
Williams as Buckhannon Business and Professional Woman of the Year and
in proclaiming October 18-22 National Businesswomen's Week.
____________________
IN HONOR OF THE PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY
______
HON. SAM FARR
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Presidio of Monterey
and its historic status for our nation, and for the State of
California. This month the Sons of the American Revolution will be
honoring the Presidios of San Diego, Monterey, Santa Barbara and San
Francisco as historical sites for their role in the American
Revolution.
Indeed, many of our fellow citizens are unaware of the role of Spain
in our founding as a new nation, but it was an important part of the
global politics of the time. On June 21, 1779, King Carlos III declared
war on England in support of the American colonies, a declaration that
affected not only the Iberian Peninsula, but also the Spanish colonies
in the New World. Monterey was one such colony.
In order to assist the militias and people of the united colonies,
King Carlos requested that all citizens and residents of Alta
California donate money to the struggle. These donations, when gathered
together by Father Junipero Serra, totaled 2,683 Spanish silver
dollars, a sizable amount that no doubt greatly assisted the funding
and financing of this new nation. Besides the local assistance provided
by the residents of the Presidio and surrounding missions, Spain's
contributions to the fight for independence were of vital importance in
bringing about the eventual defeat of the British army and the Treaty
of Paris.
Mr. Speaker, most of my constituents already know the Presidio of
Monterey well, because it is still an operating military base today.
While the fact that it is still a major training center for today's
military may mask its historical importance overall, it is recognition
such as this month's presentation by the Sons of the American
Revolution that keep that history alive. I commend them for their work
in highlighting this important institution, and thank them for
continuing to remind us of how important our national history is to us
all.
____________________
PAYING TRIBUTE TO KEN REYHER
______
HON. SCOTT McINNIS
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Ken Reyher,
colorful storyteller, author,
[[Page 24090]]
and performer from Olathe, Colorado who educates his fellow citizens
about the history of the America's beginnings in the West. Ken is an
excellent teacher who stimulates his listeners interest in our Nation's
history, and it is my privilege in recognizing his service and passion
for history before this body of Congress and this Nation.
Ken is an avid historian, and former schoolteacher who reenacts the
Western lifestyle by hiking the old trapper trails in authentic
clothing from the 1830's. He shares his experiences and understanding
of Western Colorado in a couple of performances every month, including
using his own cowboy poetry and costumes. Additionally, Ken has
published several books and magazine articles on the subject. Growing
up on a cattle ranch in Southeast Colorado as a kid, Ken has always had
a passion for the West and believes that it is important that history
is passed on from generation to generation.
Mr. Speaker, Ken Reyher is a man who has developed his passion into a
wonderful learning tool for children and adults of all ages that yearn
to discover the mysteries of the American West. I am honored to
recognize such a dedicated teacher and storyteller before this body of
Congress and this Nation. Thanks for your passion and your service to
Colorado, Ken, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
____________________
VALIANT HEROES
______
HON. FRED UPTON
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, as we come together as a nation to celebrate
Veteran's Day, I would like to honor two American patriots who are
receiving long-overdue medals commemorating their service to our
country. The sacrifices that these heroes made to protect our country
and defend freedom will never be forgotten.
Mr. David Matthew Bielski, a Vietnam War veteran from Kalamazoo,
Michigan, has been awarded with the Silver Star and the Army
Commendation Medal. From April 25th to April 26th, 1968, in the A Shau
Valley of Vietnam, David gallantly fought enemy soldiers, and located
trapped and wounded American troops. During his service, David was
wounded three times, which he received the Purple Heart. In addition to
these two high honors, David has also been awarded with the Vietnam
Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars and the Good Conduct Medal.
Mr. Miland W. Bills, a World War II veteran from Kalamazoo, Michigan,
has been awarded with the POW Medal. During his service to our country,
Miland was a POW in Germany from December 31, 1943 to May 3, 1945. In
addition to the POW Medal, Miland has also received the Air Medal, Good
Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle
Eastern Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, World War II Victory
Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button, WWII.
The sacrifices that these two individuals gave to our country are
immeasurable--they both answered their country's call to serve with
great honor. I wish I could have been present to celebrate these awards
with both Mr. Bielski and Mr. Bills. However, on behalf of the Sixth
District of Michigan, I would like to extend my greatest wishes and
tribute to these valiant heroes.
____________________
COMMEMORATING JUDGE WILLIAM M. MARUTANI
______
HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of the
Honorable William M. Marutani, who recently passed away at the age of
81. He will be fondly remembered for his contributions to civil rights
and social justice issues, and for his tenure as a distinguished Judge.
I am honored to stand before Congress to recognize his significant
accomplishments.
During World War II, Judge Marutani and his family were among the
numerous U.S. civilians of Japanese descent who were wrongfully forced
into internment camps in 1942. Following his incarceration, he and his
two younger brothers served on the U.S. Military Intelligence Service.
In the landmark case Loving vs. Virginia (1967), Judge Marutani
became the first Japanese American to argue before the U.S. Supreme
Court. Representing the Japanese American Citizens League as an amicus
curiae petitioner, Judge Marutani urged the reversal of the anti-
miscegenation laws in 17 states. As a result of Loving vs. Virginia,
the 17 states were forced to reverse their laws, and interracial
marriages became legal.
Judge Marutani was a practicing attorney in Philadelphia until his
appointment as a Judge on the Common Court of Pleas. He was appointed
by Governor Milton Jerrold Shapp of Pennsylvania in 1975, and was
elected for a full ten year term in 1977. He served as the first
Pennsylvania Judge of Asian American descent.
In 1981, Judge Marutani served as a Presidential appointee and sole
Japanese American commissioner on the Commission on Wartime Relocation
and Internment of Civilians. The Commission's recommendation prompted
Congress to pass the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which issued a formal
apology as well as symbolic payments to surviving individuals
incarcerated during the war. In this victory and throughout his career,
Judge Marutani was instrumental in fighting for the civil rights of
Japanese Americans.
Earlier this year, the Asian American Bar Association of the Delaware
Valley commissioned a portrait of Judge Marutani, which is displayed in
Philadelphia's City Hall. This honor was conferred for his dedication
to the Asian American legal community, ensuring that its voice was
heard and well-represented.
Judge Marutani's passion for human rights and the advancement of
social equality in our nation will not be forgotten. As a proud
advocate of civil rights, he serves as a role model to the local and
national communities on whose behalf he selflessly served. I am honored
to pay tribute to his distinguished life of dedication, kindness,
generosity, and wisdom.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Judge
Marutani's family and friends. Please join me in honoring Judge William
Marutani, a truly exceptional individual who dedicated his life to the
service of others.
____________________
FULL CIRCLE: TURNING LIVES AROUND
______
HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL
of new york
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the work of the Full
Circle Life Enrichment Center (FCLEC) located in the Bronx, New York.
Founded in 1999 by Derek Suite, MD, the FCLEC serves as a non-profit
faith-based community mental health education and training center. The
center is dedicated to destigmatizing attitudes towards mental health
problems, increasing access to mental healthcare and helping to empower
families that deal with life's challenges. Problems such as depression,
anxiety, unemployment, domestic violence, trauma, marital conflict,
drug use, HIV/AIDS, asthma, diabetes, racial disparities, homelessness,
and unemployment have become steadily more pressing over the past
decade. This organization has contributed valuable resources to the
Bronx community and has set an exceptional example of service.
Full Circle has again and again demonstrated its commitment to
compassion by offering over 50 workshops in 2003 that addressed some of
the most troubling trends in urban communities such as the rise in
depression, domestic violence, marital conflict, drug use, HIV/AIDS,
asthma, heart diseases, diabetes, racial disparities, homelessness, and
unemployment. These seminars bring together leading urban health care
experts and educators who share a strong belief in a spiritually-
sensitive approach to tackling the most pervasive of inner-city
concerns.
Full Circle has positively affected over 10,000 lives, and its impact
has spread hope in people's lives. Once again, let us as a body commend
the efforts of Full Circle and acknowledge publicly the contribution of
this organization.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO COACH WILLIE JEFFRIES
______
HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN
of south carolina
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a
trailblazer, an athletic legend and a dear friend--Coach Willie
Jeffries. Coach Jeffries has dedicated much of his extraordinary career
to my alma mater, South Carolina State University in Orangeburg,
[[Page 24091]]
South Carolina. But his impact has been felt far beyond that campus.
Coach Jeffries is a man of humble beginnings. He was born in Union,
South Carolina. His widowed mother raised him in a two-room house in
this segregated Southern town. Earning money by working various jobs at
the local white-only country club, he got to see how the other side
lived.
He graduated from South Carolina State University with a Bachelor's
degree in civil engineering and a Master's degree in guidance and
counseling. Having played football and baseball for the historically
black college, Coach Jeffries secured coaching jobs at segregated high
schools in Lancaster and Gaffney, South Carolina. After compiling a
six-year 65-7-2 record with three consecutive state AAA championships,
North Carolina A&T came calling with an assistant coach's job, which
started Coach Jeffries in college coaching. He was next lured to
Pittsburgh as an assistant coach. There he tasted coaching against big-
time college football schools such as Florida State, UCLA and West
Virginia.
But when his alma mater sought him out, the 36-year-old Coach
Jeffries jumped at the chance to come home and lead his beloved
Bulldogs. In six seasons as his alma mater's head coach, he compiled a
50-13-4 record and became a hot prospect for other head coaching
positions. It was an offer from Wichita State in Kansas that enticed
Coach Jeffries to leave S.C. State. It was historic. Coach Jeffries
became the first African American to serve as the head football coach
of a predominantly white university. At Wichita State, he led a team
that had lost 14 of its last 15 seasons to an 8-3 season after four
years of rebuilding. After five years, he left the program, which later
folded, and became the head coach for Howard University, where he spent
another five years.
In 1989, another tug from S.C. State brought Coach Jeffries back to
the place where his love of football began. He coached another 13
years, before retiring following the 2001 season to become the Director
of Athletic Fund Raising for the Bulldogs. During his 29-year coaching
career, Coach Jeffries amassed a 179-132-6 record. This tremendous
record included six Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)
championships, two national titles, several post-season appearances,
and numerous coaching awards. He holds the title for the most wins of
any S.C. State coach and the most MEAC victories.
Coach Jeffries has been inducted into the South Carolina State
University Athletic Hall of Fame, the South Carolina Athletic Hall of
Fame and the MEAC Hall of Fame. He has been honored with South
Carolina's Order of the Silver Crescent, the state's highest award for
community service. He has received the Black Coaches' Association with
a lifetime achievement award and is enshrined in the Palmetto State's
Black Hall of Fame. Since 2002, he has served on the NCAA Football
Rules Committee.
Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in commending
Coach Willie Jeffries for his extraordinary contributions and courage.
His is a legendary football coach that has touched many lives on and
off the playing field. He is an inspiration to young people who aspire
to rise above their current circumstances and even break barriers. This
humble man from humble beginnings is a role model, a resilient leader,
and a renowned motivator. In short, Coach Willie Jeffries is a national
treasure.
____________________
HONORING THE MEMORY OF DOLORES ``DELL'' A. RAUDELUNAS
______
HON. DONALD M. PAYNE
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of
Representatives to join me as I rise to honor the memory and legacy of
Dell Raudelunas, former Chief Executive Officer for the United Way of
Union County.
When Dell passed away on October 12, 2004, she left behind a lifetime
of achievements to her family, community and the United Way. As a
pioneer in leadership for social services, Dell exhibited great courage
and served as a role model for many women and United Way professionals.
She was a true leader who has been described as being dynamic,
professional, insightful and determined.
In addition to her role as CEO for the United Way of Union County,
she helped to launch United Way organizations in Hunterdon and Sussex
Counties. She served on the United Way's National Task Force for
Development of Women and the National Professional Advisory Council. In
their first Annual Tribute to Women, the Boy Scouts honored her for
being an exemplary role model. As an advocate for education, she served
as a member of the Union County College Board of Governors where she
chaired the nominating and auditing committees.
As Dell is remembered during a Memorial Service on October 23, 2004,
many will recall her caring of others and the impact she made in the
community. Her vision for the social and economic development of Union
County led to her being a founding member and chairperson of the Union
County Alliance. Dell also served on other Councils and Boards where
her membership was valued.
Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in letting Dolores ``Dell''
A. Raudelunas' family, friends and associates know that her memory will
always be honored and cherished.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO MARANATHA FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
______
HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO
of west virginia
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Maranatha
Fellowship Church in Saint Albans, West Virginia, and their celebration
of twenty-eight (28) years of service to the Kanawha Valley and
surrounding area.
On October 13, 1976, Pastor James R. Wright, Jr. held a service in
the living room of a home in Dunbar, West Virginia. Twenty-eight (28)
years later, Maranatha and Rev. Wright minister to a loving, caring
congregation of over 3,000 people from every walk of life.
In particular, I acknowledge Dr. James R. Wright, Jr., Pastor of
Maranatha Fellowship Church. Through Dr. Wright's vision and
leadership, this church has made a significant contribution to the
lives of thousands of West Virginians.
Maranatha is also widely known for the Semi-annual Passion Play that
was created by Virginia Wright, wife of Pastor James Wright. This play
reaches 15,000-18,000 people in eight performances, which is another
example of this church's ever-growing ministry.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Maranatha
Fellowship Church as they celebrate their twenty-eight years of
ministry to the Kanawha Valley and West Virginia.
____________________
IN HONOR OF THE WESTERN STAGE
______
HON. SAM FARR
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Western Stage
on the 30th Anniversary of its first performance in our community.
The Western Stage, founded in 1974 on the campus of Hartnell College,
is the Salinas Valley's public theatre and is a leading arts
institution of Monterey County with a national presence and impact. For
over three decades The Western Stage has served the diverse population
of the central coast region of California, presenting an annual season
of plays and musicals and educational programming of the highest
professional standard. Over 400 students, community members and
professionals participate each year, and the annual audience numbers
exceed 25,000 patrons.
The Western Stage also engages the community via its involvement with
Hartnell Community College. The Western Stage Auxiliary Corporation is
governed by a board of directors composed of community leaders and
elected trustees of the College. The Western Stage manages the Hartnell
College Performing Arts Center and administers the academic theatre
program for the Hartnell College District under the direction of John
Light, Melissa Chin Parker and Jon Patrick Selover, three company
veterans with an average of 15 years each of experience with the
Western Stage.
Furthermore, The Western Stage is a founding partner of the John
Steinbeck Chair at Hartnell College and The National Steinbeck Center,
the Salinas Public Library and Partners for Peace, and has numerous
artistic accomplishments of note with adaptations of major works of
American literature and that of John Steinbeck: East of Eden (1992,
1994, 2000), Tortilla Flat (2001), Viva! Zapata (2000), Cannery Row
(1995 & 2005) and Travels With Charley (1998); as well as adaptations
in collaboration with authors Studs Terkel (The Good War 1988), Ray
Bradbury (Something Wicked This Way Comes, 1991)
[[Page 24092]]
and Victor Villasenor (Rain of Gold 2003 & 2005); and world premieres
of Summer Stock (for Harold Arlen, 2000) and Song of Survival (for WWII
Dutch POW Helen Colijn, by California's Ray and Eleanor Harder, 1997).
Today's performance of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet
Street, directed by Jon Patrick Selover, commemorates 30 years since
That Championship Season opened the Hartnell College Performing Arts
Center, directed by founder of The Western Stage, Ron Danko.
Clearly, The Western Stage has a commitment to the artistic health of
the community providing support and assistance to and nurturing young
artists and arts organizations. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this
opportunity to thank The Western Stage for the outstanding work it has
done and honor the many accomplishments of its staff and volunteers.
____________________
PAYING TRIBUTE TO JACK QUINN
______
HON. SCOTT McINNIS
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Jack Quinn, the
Director of the Housing Authority for the City of Pueblo, Colorado who
has dedicated his life to improving the lives of others in need. It is
a privilege to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation and
recognize his outstanding record of service to the Pueblo community
today.
Jack grew up in Connecticut and graduated from Fairfield University
with a degree in Chemistry, but his life took a different path when he
took a volunteer job with the Catholic Diocese of Pueblo. After
teaching grade school Jack found his passion working with the Pueblo
Housing Authority where he has served with distinction for thirty-six
years.
Today, he and his sixty-five person staff manage 2,500 housing units
in the city. They are responsible for renovating several Pueblo
properties and turning them into affordable housing for low-income
families, preserving historical landmarks in the process. In addition
to his work with the Housing Authority, Jack spends his spare time
serving on local boards such as the United Way, the Packard Foundation
and the Boys Club.
Mr. Speaker, Jack Quinn is a dedicated member of his community who
has made a difference in the lives of his fellow citizens. I am honored
to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation and recognize his
exemplary record of service. Thanks for all your hard work, Jack, and I
wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
____________________
CELEBRATION OF LIFE OBITUARY OF DR. BOBBY JOE TOLBERT
______
HON. FRED UPTON
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I regret to inform the House that during the
October break, a great American, the Reverend Doctor Bobby Joe Tolbert
passed away. His memorial service was held October 12th at the Bethel
Baptist Church in Three Rivers, Michigan.
Rev. Tolbert was a strong man of faith and he was a pillar of
strength in St. Joe County. He was respected by all and made a
difference for thousands--whether it was thru his service on the school
board, pulpit, business board member, Dad, and husband. All that knew
him miss him but know he is now praying for us.
I ask that the Celebration of Life obituary be printed in the Record.
A Celebration of Life
Dr. Bobby Joe Tolbert was the fourteenth child born to the
union of Woodie and Jatie Tolbert in Montevello, Alabama. He
was preceded in death by both parents and nine siblings;
Woodie, Jr., Madelyn McComb, Andrew Tolbert, William Tolbert,
Lonnie Tolbert, Rosie Bell Tolbert, Georgia Harris, Lois
Mays, and Earlene Williams. Dr. Tolbert received his early
education and confessed his faith and hope in God in
Montevello.
As a young man, Dr. Tolbert moved to Chicago, Illinois
where he played professional baseball in the Negro American
League. From there he entered the White Sox Organization,
playing in the Minor Leagues for the Kansas City Monarchs.
He attended Cortez Peters Business College where he met his
loving and devoted wife. This union was blessed with two sons
Darryl Wayne and Reginald Fitzgerald. Under the mentoring of
his father-in-law, Reverend F.L. Porter, Sr., he received his
call to the ministry--thereby moving from the ball team to
``God's Team.''
Desiring to prepare for the ministry, he matriculated to
Chicago Baptist Institute, De Paul University and he received
an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Tennessee School
of Religion, Memphis, Tennessee.
Dr. Tolbert was called to the pastorship of Bethel Baptist
Church in Three Rivers, Michigan over thirty-six years ago,
where he served as a steadfast and devout leader of God's
people until he went home to be with the Lord. Under his
charge, they built a new church edifice; he developed and
built a Recreation and Learning Center; and he set up a
College Scholarship Program for underprivileged students. In
addition to all of Dr. Tolbert's spiritual endeavors, he made
a lasting impact on the whole city of Three Rivers.
His civic activities over the years of dedicated service
include: Three Rivers Community Chest Board, St. Joseph
County Mental Health Board, President of Three Rivers
Ministerial Association, Sixteen years as President of the
Three Rivers Branch NAACP, Sixteen years on the Three Rivers
Hospital Authority Board, Kalamazoo/St. Joseph County Private
Industry Council (five years), Three Rivers Community School
Board of Education (five years), two of those years as
President.
Dr. Tolbert participated in the organization and
implementation of the Biddy Basketball program (now called
Junior Pro), and Fraternal Order of Police Baseball Program
which he coached for five years. As a member of the Civitan
Service Club, he helped organize the first youth chapter of
Civitan.
Dr. Tolbert served on the Three Rivers School Board
Committee for the building of Three Rivers Middle School, and
many other advisory committees. Pastor Tolbert has supported
the total community, all while serving his people in the
Pastoral Ministry position.
Dr. Tolbert's life work centered on his deep commitment to
do God's will as a spiritual leader, his family and his
community. He was a man of faith, integrity, and deep
conviction. The legacy he has left will be a guiding force
for countless numbers. His memory, the lessons he taught and
the love he shared is motivation for us to continue to carry
the torch and make this world a better place.
He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life: his
beloved wife of forty-five years--Henri'Etta; two sons--
Darryl Wayne (Connie) of Flint, Michigan and Reginald
Fitzgerald (Victoria) of Jacksonville, Florida; six
grandchildren--Wayne Tolbert, Daniel Tolbert, and Dylan
Tolbert of Three Rivers, Michigan and Jessica Tolbert,
Brittany Marie Tolbert, and Joshua Tolbert of Jacksonville,
Florida; four sisters--Mary Ella Bender of Montgomery,
Alabama, Ethel Crenshaw (John) of Chicago, Illinois, Helen
Tinker of Chereville, Indiana, and Wilma Abrams (Walter) of
North Chicago, Illinois; a host of nieces and nephews; a very
special friend, Dr. Leroy Shelton; adopted parents, Dr. W.G.
and Mary Terry; his wonderful and loving Bethel Church
Family; and a countless number of friends.
____________________
CONGRATULATING JUDGE COLIE NICHOLS ON HIS RETIREMENT
______
HON. JEFF MILLER
of florida
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate
Judge Colie Nichols, Jr., on his retirement from the Santa Rosa County
Courthouse.
Colie Nichols was born in Graceville, Florida on February 5, 1935 to
the proud parents Colie, Sr. and Gladys Nichols. In 1955, he married
Freida King and had three children, Rod, Stan, and Garth. After earning
his Bachelor's of Science degree at Florida State University in 1959,
Colie went on to become a probation and parole supervisor for the next
eight years.
In 1973 Governor Reuben Askew appointed Colie Nichols for County
Judge, and for the last thirty years Judge Nichols has been a fixture
on the bench. Since 1982 he has been re-elected without opposition and
now a state age limitation for judges is forcing the 69-year-old to
retire this year.
His retirement is the ending of an era, an era in which any
profession could be a means into the judicial sector. Judge Nichols was
not an attorney, yet excelled at providing justice for all in his
courtroom.
Even though Judge Nichols was busy as an overseer of justice, he also
remained active in his community. He was a member of the Governor's
Advisory Committee on Criminal Justice, a member of Alcoholism
Rehabilitation Advisory Subcouncil, First Vice-President of the Florida
Conference of County Judges, President of the Milton Lions Club,
President of the United Way of Santa Rosa County, and many other
educational and community centered organizations.
Today, I salute a man who has dedicated his life to protecting
freedom, ensuring liberty,
[[Page 24093]]
and defending the principles of this country. His exemplary service has
guaranteed that the United States will continue to prosper as the
world's greatest nation.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to
congratulate Judge Colie Nichols, Jr. on his retirement and wish him
many more years of success and happiness.
____________________
CAFTA
______
HON. CASS BALLENGER
of north carolina
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. BALLENGER. Mr. Speaker, during my nearly two decades in Congress,
our country has made major efforts throughout the world to develop the
growth and success of democratic governments. Because of our efforts in
Central America over the years, the specter of Communism has receded
and the democracies and economies of El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua
and Honduras are beginning to flourish. These countries have now had at
least three peaceful changes of government through elections. I think
we in this body should be proud of the part we have played in their
success.
Mr. Speaker, much of this success is due to opening up trade between
the U.S. and Central America. With the Caribbean Basin Initiative, we
have helped build growing economies based on trade with the United
States. More prosperity in CBI countries leads to more successful
democratic governments in this hemisphere and more prosperity and
security here at home.
At the present time we are undertaking a similar mission in the
Middle East. Increasing democracy and freedom in that region is vital
to the war on terrorism and America's security. However, we must not
let our focus on Iraq and Afghanistan cause us to forget the work that
remains to be done to strengthen our neighbors in Central America. We
have come too far to abandon them now.
Five Central American nations and the Dominican Republic have
negotiated a free trade agreement with the United States that, despite
concerns voiced by some in this country, is beneficial to all
concerned. The presidents of the Central American nations have approved
this agreement and these nations are now waiting for us to join them in
making the Central American Free Trade Agreement a reality.
Mr. Speaker, as we continue to divert our attention elsewhere, time
is running out for our legislature to approve DR-CAFTA. Without this
agreement, the democracies we have helped build in Central America will
be less prosperous in the increasingly competitive global marketplace.
Unless we allow these fledgling democracies the access they need to
compete with the rising tide of Chinese imports, they will be more
likely to revert to corrupt regimes that base their existence on trade
in illegal drugs instead of trade in goods and services.
It would be a tragedy to abandon our Central American neighbors now.
We in this body have done so much to foster democracy and economic
stability in Central America--we cannot allow them to fail at this
crucial moment. I urge my colleagues to support DR-CAFTA and I urge the
House leadership to bring it to the floor for a vote this year.
____________________
HONORING OWENSBORO SOUTHERN LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL
______
HON. RON LEWIS
of kentucky
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the
Owensboro Southern Little League Baseball Team for their remarkable
season and recent participation in the Little League World Series in
Williamsport, Pennsylvania. They demonstrated great sportsmanship
before a national audience, representing competitive values that make
Kentucky proud.
The hours of extra practice under the leadership of Manager Vic
Evans, Jr, brought this impressive distinction to the State of Kentucky
and City of Owensboro. I want my colleagues in the House of
Representatives to know of the pride that I have in representing these
athletes and their families.
I would like to commend Owensboro Southern for their magnificent
season--an effort that epitomized team work, sportsmanship, and
persistence. I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives
to join me in congratulating these young athletes for their achievement
and wish them continued success in seasons to come
____________________
IN HONOR OF DAVID W. HOLMES
______
HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE
of delaware
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today
to honor and pay tribute to David W. Holmes for his twenty years of
service as a SCORE Counselor in Delaware. Dr. Holmes, born and raised
in Fremont, Ohio, earned a Bachelor's degree from Amherst College and a
Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan. After completing
his education, Dr. Holmes began what would become a thirty-seven year
career with the Dupont Company.
During the course of his career with the Dupont Company, Dr. Holmes
took on assignments in research, sales, and manufacturing. In addition,
he spent his final twenty years with the company handling senior
management responsibilities in manufacturing and worldwide sales. Upon
his retirement from Dupont, Dr. Holmes spent three years working in the
small business world. It was during these three years that he was able
to gain valuable experience in various different business environments,
from the small to the very large.
In 1983, Dr. Holmes joined SCORE (Service Corp of Retired
Executives). SCORE, an organization that counsels the small business
community, is staffed entirely by volunteers. These volunteers give
their time and energy to assist others in both starting up and
effectively operating small businesses. Specifically, Dr. Holmes'
service to SCORE and the small business community has centered around
counseling, training and information sessions for small businesses
throughout the State of Delaware. He has assisted with entrepreneurial
educational projects and presented a plethora of business training
workshops.
Mr. Speaker, I commend and congratulate Dr. Holmes on reaching the
tremendous milestone of twenty years of volunteer service with SCORE in
Delaware. Also, I would like to point out that as he celebrates twenty
years of volunteer service, Dr. Holmes is also celebrating his
ninetieth birthday. The time and effort that Dr. Holmes has given to
his fellow Delawareans is both commendable and much appreciated. He is
certainly an inspiration to those around him. I am truly proud that he
is a Delawarean.
____________________
IN RECOGNITION OF RENE F. RODRIGUEZ, M.D.
______
HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN
of florida
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity
to extend my warmest congratulations to a very dedicated physician, Dr.
Rene F. Rodriguez, who has been devoted not only to his patients and
the underserved, but also to the improvement of America's healthcare
system by breaking barriers, improving access to medical services,
treating all patients equally, and integrating Hispanic doctors and
other Hispanic healthcare professionals to these efforts.
Dr. Rodriguez has been recognized as an excellent advocate for the
underserved in America and has been the recipient of a very
distinguished award, ``The 2004 Freddie-Public Service Award''.
He has been an enthusiastic and compassionate physician who has done
admirable work throughout years of advocacy. His distinguished medical
career spans years of commitment to public service and he has been a
leader with numerous achievements.
He studied medicine at the University of Salamanca in Spain, and is
licensed to practice medicine in several states in America. He was a
Colonel in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, and retired after more than 35
years of service in the Military. While on active duty, he directed the
Orthopedic Clinic at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He was appointed
to the Council on Graduate Medical Education of the Department of
Health and Human Services, the President's Commission of the National
Medal of Science, the Surgeon General's National Workshop on Hispanic-
Latino Health Executive Planning Committee, the NIH Office of Minority
Program Fact-Finding Team, the Hispanic Advisor Task Force to the U.S.
Senate, and the Board of Scientific Counselors of the National Center
for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
He is a member of the American College of Surgeons and the American
Medical Association, and is the Founder and President of the
[[Page 24094]]
Interamerican College of Physicians and Surgeons, which is the largest
and oldest organization of Hispanic doctors. He founded the National
Hispanic Youth Initiative to encourage High School students to study
careers in sciences and research, and has been the founder of medical
journals for Spanish speaking doctors and patients, such as ``Medico
Interamericano'', ``Medico de Familoa'', and the book ``Usted y su
Medico''. He is currently the Chief of the Orthopedic Section at the
Veterans Medical Center in Miami, Florida. Please join me in
recognizing Dr. Rodriguez for his outstanding accomplishments.
____________________
IN RECOGNITION OF CAROL G. WHITESIDE
______
HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carol G. Whiteside,
an individual who has dedicated her life to public service at the
local, state, national, and international levels. Her impressive career
deserves recognition, and her years of dedicated service to her local
community of Stanislaus County, the State of California, and our
nation, warrants tremendous respect. Throughout her successful life,
Carol has remained equally committed to her family. She is married to
Superior Court Judge John G. Whiteside. Carol and John are the proud
parents of two adult sons, Brian and Derek.
Carol began her career by earning a B.A. in Psychology from the
University of California, Davis in 1964. Dedicated to her education,
she pursued postgraduate studies at Golden Gate College in San
Francisco and continued her studies abroad through the University of
Southern California in Ramstein, Germany. She entered the business
world as a Personnel Manager for Emporium Capwell Company in Santa
Rosa, California in 1964, but it was not long before returning to
Germany, this time to serve as an Education Counselor at the Army
Education Center in Landstuhl.
By the mid-1970's Carol returned to Modesto, California and began to
build what would become one of the most reputable careers in public
service known to our community. For the past three decades, Carol
Whiteside has held various positions with the City of Modesto and the
State of California. In all arenas of service, and with tremendous
commitment, Carol rose through the ranks of public office. She began
her service in the City of Modesto in 1979 as a Modesto City School
Board Trustee, and by 1987 she was elected the City's Mayor, having
served as Modesto City School Board President, and as a member of the
Modesto City Council before her Mayoral victory.
Continuing to pursue greater and grander opportunities, Carol moved
on to California State Government in 1991, being appointed to the
position of Assistant Secretary of the Intergovernmental Relations,
Resources Agency where she specialized in resource conservation, land
use and growth management issues. Within two years, she became the
Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for California Governor Pete
Wilson on issues of land use, finance, restructuring and economic
development.
Throughout the years, Carol has also been extremely involved and held
numerous positions with countless associations, boards, organizations,
political committees and international entities. She has served as
Chairperson for committees within the League of California Cities, U.S.
Conference of Mayors, and the National League of Cities. Over the last
twenty years, Carol has been involved in the National Women's Political
Caucus, as well as several other political committees at the state and
national level.
In addition to her tremendous achievements, Carol has found time to
serve as a Board Member for more than 15 groups which include the
United Way of Stanislaus County, the American Red Cross, High Speed
Rail Authority, California Center for Regional Leadership, and the
Public Policy Institute of California.
It appears that there is no existing realm of public service that
Carol Whiteside has not touched. Her career is not limited to the San
Joaquin Valley, California, or the United States. Since Carol resided
in Landstuhl, Germany in 1972, she has remained actively involved
abroad. Her international endeavors have taken her to Poland, Ukraine,
the Baltic States, Morocco, and Korea.
It is without question that Carol Whiteside is a remarkable
individual, professional businesswoman, and motivated entrepreneur,
characteristics that were most recently demonstrated by her latest
accomplishment. Today, Carol is the President of the Great Valley
Center, an organization she founded in August 1997. This organization's
primary focus is to promote the economic, social and environmental
well-being of California's Central Valley. Under Carol's leadership and
guidance, the Great Valley Center has elevated the region's identity
throughout our state and nation.
Carol's work ethic, professionalism, and dedication have earned her
many honors throughout the years, which include the 1990 Soroptimist
Woman of Distinction in International Relations, the California State
Assembly Woman of the Year 1991 for the 27th Assembly District, the
Civic Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002, and the 2004 Excellence in
Public Service Award. Most recently, the American Legion Post 74
honored Carol by naming her the 2004 Woman of the Year.
This recognition that I am offering today before the House of
Representatives for Carol Whiteside is clearly deserved, and well
overdue. She is an invaluable member of the community, an exemplary
civil servant, and an outstanding human being who will leave behind a
legacy to be admired for generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that my fellow colleagues join me in honoring
Carol G. Whiteside for her many years of dedication to public service,
for her countless contributions to the economic vitality of the San
Joaquin Valley, and for her continued commitment to a brighter and more
prosperous tomorrow. I am most certainly honored to call her my friend,
and it is my pleasure to recognize all of her accomplishments.
____________________
IN HONOR OF LAURA MUNOZ-VELAZQUEZ
______
HON. SAM FARR
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Laura Munoz-
Velazquez, who was named (LULAC) League of United and Latin American
Citizens Woman of the Year. Mrs. Munoz-Velazquez is one of several
outstanding women who were nominated for this prestigious award.
Mrs. Munoz-Velazquez was born in Colusa, California to a family of
farm workers. Her parents, Juanita Castanon Munoz and Lucas Placenica
Munoz, always stressed the importance of education and encouraged her
to go to college. Laura heeded her parents, and in 1973, graduated from
California State University Chico with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Psychology. Mrs. Munoz-Velazquez also obtained an Elementary Teaching
Credential and began teaching kindergarten for the Marysville School
District. Soon after her time there, she moved to San Benito County
with her husband, Felipe Velasquez, and has been teaching for the
Hollister School District since 1975. They have four sons: Richard,
Adrian, Alejo, and Junior.
While she was growing up, Mrs. Munoz-Velazquez attended a school
system that did not support maintaining Spanish language while learning
to write and speak in English. Because she recognized the value of
having a good grasp of two languages, she purposely chose to become a
bilingual teacher, allowing her to reclaim her primary language and
culture. Mrs. Munoz-Velazquez truly believes in providing and promoting
bilingualism and biliteracy, which she feels is instrumental in the
success of children learning a second language.
Of course, with her giving nature, Mrs. Munoz-Velazquez knows how
significant it is to give back to the community and has been involved
with multiple organizations such as the United Way, American Cancer
Society (ACS), Children with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD),
Mexican American Community on Education (MACE), and League of United
and Latin American Citizens Council (LULAC) #2890. She has also taught
religion classes at Sacred Heart Church, preparing many young ones for
Holy Communion.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs.
Laura Munoz-Velazquez for the outstanding work she's done in my
district. I would like to honor and congratulate her on her
accomplishments and express my sincere gratitude for her commitment to
the community.
____________________
PAYING TRIBUTE TO AL AND JOANNA LACY
______
HON. SCOTT McINNIS
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Al and Joanna
Lacy, a retired Baptist
[[Page 24095]]
minister and his wife who have authored numerous educational books for
children. The research and historical background that Al and Joanna
present in these books have helped educate kids about American history
and simultaneously encourages them to read. Today I have the privilege
of recognizing their service before this body of Congress and this
Nation.
After retiring from thirty-two years of traveling as a pastor, Al
decided he wanted to write novels. Al first started with Western themes
and expanded into narratives that covered religious experiences, the
Civil War, the gold rush era, immigration through Ellis Island, and the
lives of orphan street children. Joanna also contributed to her
husband's work with her extensive background in nursing. They have
spent countless hours traveling, researching, and talking with people
to learn more about the local cultures and customs for the settings in
their books, which makes them a source of education and excitement for
young readers. Together they have made the best seller list numerous
times in publishing over 102 works.
Mr. Speaker, Al and Joanna Lacy have contributed much toward the
education and learning of numerous children all across the country,
giving parents a reliable source of entertainment for their kids. I am
honored to recognize the accomplishments of Al and Joanna before this
body of Congress and this Nation. Thank you, Al and Joanna, for all
your hard work, and I wish you both all the best in your future
endeavors.
____________________
NATIONAL HUNGER AND HOMELESS AWARENESS WEEK
______
HON. FRED UPTON
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the National
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and to pay tribute to the
countless shelters and staffs throughout the country who tirelessly
work to address this ever-growing problem.
Throughout our nation help is increasingly needed to create safe
places for people to call home. The face of homelessness does not have
an age, race, or creed. Over one million of our nation's homeless are
children and families comprise of nearly 40 percent of the entire
homeless population. There is no question that homelessness is a
serious problem, and we must ensure that our shelters are provided with
the necessary assistance.
One particular shelter that is truly making a difference is the
Emergency Shelter Service Inc., of Benton Harbor, Michigan. The
service, care, and opportunity that this shelter provides for the
homeless folks of Southwest Michigan is tremendous.
I recently had the chance to visit with the staff and residents of
the shelter. It was heartwarming to see firsthand, individuals getting
back on their feet, ready to start anew. The shelter provides the
helping hand that many folks need.
The nine-bedroom shelter, a 100-year old house along Pipestone
Street, currently houses 35 people, many of which are children.
Residents stay for a maximum of 30 days, and the shelter staff work
with them to find affordable, appropriate housing.
I am pleased to report that the top floor of the house was recently
insulated for the winter which will allow a few more people to have
shelter during the coldest months of the year. But the unfortunate
reality is that more people seek assistance than the shelter can
provide for, and folks seeking a warm bed and a roof over their heads
must find shelter elsewhere.
On behalf of the Sixth District of Michigan, I pay tribute to the
great service of this admirable shelter. I commend the selfless efforts
of Alysia Babcock and her staff who dedicate themselves to provide a
safe haven for those in need. Southwest Michigan is better off for
their efforts.
As we approach the holiday season, it is vitally important that our
communities and cities get involved to raise awareness and work to
combat the problems of hunger and homelessness. Any contribution to the
Benton Harbor shelter will be greatly appreciated, whether it be a
blanket, some food or even a couple of dollars. Even the smallest
donation makes an impact.
____________________
CONGRATULATING SHARON HAM-
MERSLA UPON HER RETIREMENT FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AFTER 32
YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE
______
HON. HENRY J. HYDE
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, at the end of the 108th Congress, Sharon
Hammersla will be retiring from government service after thirty-two
years as a dedicated and distinguished public servant.
Sharon has served as the Information Resource Manager for both the
House Committee on International Relations and the House Committee on
the Judiciary under my chairmanship. In fact, Sharon worked for the
House Judiciary Committee during the impeachment of President Clinton.
Her efforts at that time toward making the Committee's work on related
events accessible to the public will be instrumental to historians when
studying that period of our Nation's history. Prior to working on the
Judiciary and International Relations Committees, she served seventeen
years with the House Science Committee.
Just because Sharon is leaving The Hill doesn't mean that she won't
be busy. She will maintain her position in history-making and continue
to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Dr. Samuel A.
Mudd Museum in Bryantown, Maryland, where she has been a docent, and
she will be publishing her first book on her family's genealogy early
next year. Most importantly, however, she will be joining her husband,
Don, in catching up with family and friends and enjoying life with
their grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, Sharon Hammersla has served her country with honor and
distinction. Please join me in congratulating her on an illustrious
career in federal service and wishing her well as she embarks on new
adventures.
____________________
A TRIBUTE TO MRS. TANNER JOHNSON LIVISAY
______
HON. NICK J. RAHALL II
of west virginia
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a woman who
had a very distinguished career as a State extension specialist in the
State of West Virginia Mrs. Tanner Johnson Livisay. Mrs. Livisay was a
retired State extension specialist and associate professor at West
Virginia University and was a resident of Princeton, West Virginia.
Mrs. Livisay graduated in 1923 from the former Douglas High School in
Huntington, West Virginia and later went on to earn her Bachelor of
Science degree in home economics from West Virginia State College in
1927. She then taught in Jefferson and Wyoming counties for the next 14
years. Mrs. Livisay earned her Masters degree from West Virginia
University and completed further studies at Merrill Palmer Institute in
Detroit, Michigan, University of Michigan, University of Cincinnati,
Cornell University and Colorado State University. In 1941, Mrs. Livisay
began her work as a home demonstration agent in West Virginia. Her
territory included Mercer, McDowell and Cabell counties in my district.
She organized home and garden clubs, 4-H clubs, and established the
West Virginia State Farm Homemakers Council, under the auspices of West
Virginia State College, West Virginia University and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture. She was the district home demonstration
agent and became program development leader. After 27 years in the
Extension Service, Mrs. Livisay retired as a specialist in child
development and human relations. A personal account of the work of the
West Virginia Extension Service for African-Americans is recorded in
the book, ``Reaching Out with Heart and Hands--The Memories of An
Extension Worker,'' written by Mrs. Livisay in 1994.
A diamond soror and life member, Mrs. Livisay was initiated into Nu
Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. in 1925. She was a charter
member of Epsilon Delta Omega Chapter in Beckley, West Virginia and at
the time of her death, she was a member of Eta Iota Omega Chapter, in
Inkster, Michigan. Mrs. Livisay, was the proud mother of four children,
Carolyn L. McGhee, Marilyn L. Stewart, Jackson P. Livisay, Jr. and
Osborne Livisay.
Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to the late Mrs.
Tanner Johnson Livisay, for her many accomplishments and achievements
and the legacy she leaves for her family and the great State of West
Virginia, and in particular, my third congressional district.
[[Page 24096]]
____________________
CONGRATULATIONS TO REPRESENTATIVE BILL LIPINSKI
______
HON. LANE EVANS
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate my good
friend Representative Bill Lipinski his retirement after 22 years of
dedicated service in the House of Representatives. Bill has been a
close friend of mine since we were freshman together in the 98th
Congress, and I know that reporting to work each day will not be the
same without Bill around.
Representative Lipinski is a native of Chicago and works incredibly
hard for the residents of the 3rd Congressional district. Even after 11
terms in Congress he still flies home nearly every weekend to address
the concerns of his constituents. Bill has spent his entire career
working for the people of Chicago, first in Chicago's Park District for
17 years, then as the 23rd Ward Alderman in the Chicago City Council,
and then as a U.S. Congressman.
Some of Bill's greatest achievements lie in his work on the House
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He has done an
incredible amount both for Chicago and for the entire state of Illinois
and has secured millions of dollars in federal funding for improvements
at both Midway and O'Hare airports. For example, in 1990 Representative
Lipinski sponsored and helped pass the Passenger Facility Charge Bill
to enable both Midway and O'Hare to finance important airport
infrastructure projects.
In the 105th Congress, Bill was instrumental in passing the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, under which Illinois
continues to receive an average of $885 million per year for highway
funding and $150 million per year for mass transit programs. During the
107th Congress, Representative Lipinski was the author of legislation
to allow Chicago's Mayor Daley to expand O'Hare International Airport
without consulting the Illinois Governor, an important step of autonomy
for the city.
I cannot say enough about how much I have enjoyed working with Bill.
Again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to convey my sincerest thanks to
Representative Bill Lipinski for his friendship and counsel, and
congratulations to both him and his family on this well-deserved
retirement. He has built an outstanding career during these past 22
years and will be sorely missed in the halls of Congress. I will look
forward to working with his son, incoming Representative Daniel
Lipinski, during the coming years.
____________________
IN HONOR OF DR. STEVEN K. WEBSTER
______
HON. SAM FARR
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Steven K. Webster, a
dedicated educator and community volunteer, upon his retirement as
Senior Marine Biologist at the Monterey, Bay Aquarium. Dr. Webster has
diligently worked to develop and shape the aquarium's education,
teacher training, and outreach programs. His dedication to the people
of the Monterey Bay region has been a great benefit to the community
for over twenty-five years.
As an educator at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Dr. Webster developed
the Discovery Lab programs that have served over 1.5 million children
to date. There is scarcely a child in Monterey County who has not
participated in one of the aquarium's free education programs, thanks
in great part to Dr. Webster's vision and advocacy. In addition, Dr.
Webster has initiated teacher education workshops in which over 10,000
teachers have participated free of charge. He has encouraged thousands
of aquarium guides and volunteers in the aquarium's nationally
recognized volunteer guide training program which he developed. Dr.
Webster has served as an inspiration and has offered great
encouragement to those consulting him on a career in marine biology.
Beyond his extensive career in marine biology, Dr. Webster has served
in numerous volunteer community and board positions, including the
Monterey Bay Chapter of the American Cetacean Society, the Cannery Row
Foundation, the Lyceum of the Monterey Peninsula, the State Underwater
Parks Advisory Board, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and
the Friends of Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. An avid diving
instructor and underwater photographer, Dr. Webster is a popular
speaker on natural history topics ranging from the Monterey Bay to the
Galapagos Islands.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank Dr. Webster for his outstanding and
invaluable contributions to our community, and commend him for his many
accomplishments. I congratulate him on his much deserved retirement and
wish him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.
____________________
PAYING TRIBUTE TO COL. JOHN E. STAVAST (USAF RET.)
______
HON. SCOTT McINNIS
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sad heart that I rise to pay
tribute to the passing of a great man from my district. John Stavast, a
native of Denver, Colorado, recently passed away at the age of 78.
Colonel Stavast dedicated 33 years of his life the armed services, in
both the Army and Air Force. I am honored today to bring his
contributions to the attention of this body of Congress and this
Nation.
John joined the Army in 1944 and served in Europe during World War II
as a gunner on B-17s. He was discharged in 1946 and enlisted again in
1949 earning his pilots wings. John trained Japanese Self Defense Force
pilots in the USAF Air Training Command. While flying over North
Vietnam in 1967, Colonel Stavast and his crewmate were shot down near
Hanoi. Both men safely ejected and were taken prisoner. He endured
torture for seven full days after his capture and remained a POW until
1972. During his time in the POW camp, the colonel, as the senior
ranking officer, was responsible for over 200 American POW's at the
prison near the Chinese border.
Colonel Stavast suffered numerous injuries during his imprisonment
including broken bones in his back, arms and legs, and a skull
fracture. He had over 6,000 flying hours when retired from the Air
Force in 1980, and was awarded many medals for his service. These
include three Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, three Distinguished
Flying Crosses, two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star for Valor, and six
Air Medals. After his retirement he was a member of the Military
Officers Association, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, VFW,
American Legion, and others. He was also a dedicated volunteer at the
Veterans Administration Hospital.
Mr. Speaker, John Stavast was a dedicated patriot that selflessly
served his community and country, and I am honored to pay tribute to
his memory. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out
to his family.
____________________
A TRIBUTE TO DR. JOHN LA MONTAGNE--A TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT
______
HON. FRED UPTON
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to John La
Montagne, Ph.D., Deputy Director of the National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases, who died suddenly on November 2, 2004. He was
a true public servant who worked tirelessly to improve public health in
the United States and across the world. He is sorely missed in the
public health community, by Elaine, his beloved wife of 37 years, his
family, and the many persons in his community who were blessed to be
able to call him friend and know his warmth, compassion for others,
humor, and quiet modesty and dignity.
Dr. La Montagne's contributions to the national and international
effort against infectious diseases are remarkable. Trained as a
microbiologist, Dr. La Montagne was a leader in the effort to develop a
safer pertussis vaccine and new vaccines against childhood diarrhea and
pneumonia. He guided the National Institute on Allergy and Infectious
Disease's response to the emerging AIDS crisis and led the effort to
respond to severe respiratory syndrome within months of the first
outbreak.
Globally, he played a central role in the organization of the
Multilateral Initiative on Malaria. He served as a member of the
Scientific Advisory Groups of Experts on Vaccines and Biologicals as
well as for Vaccines and Immunization for the World Health
Organization. He chaired the WHO Task Force on Strategic Planning for
the Children's Vaccine Initiative, advised the Pan American Health
Organization on its programs in vaccine research implementation, and
served as a member of the board of the Global Alliance for Tuberculosis
Drug Development.
As an influential contributor to the field of infectious diseases,
Dr. La Montagne delivered
[[Page 24097]]
many major lectures all over the world. He received many prestigious
awards for his scientific accomplishments, including the Public Health
Service Special Recognition Award for leadership in childhood vaccine
research programs, the Surgeon General's Certificate of Appreciation,
the Presidential Meritorious Executive Rank Award, the Distinguished
Executive Award for his work in the areas of infectious diseases
research of global health relevance, the Secretary's Award for
Distinguished Service for leadership of acellular pertussis vaccine
trials, and most recently the Secretary's Award for Distinguished
Service for design and implementation of critically important
biodefense strategies.
As Dr. Zerhouni, the Director the National Institutes of Health said,
``Personally, he was a dear friend and one of the finest people I have
ever known. Professionally, in an NIH career spanning nearly thirty
years, his leadership and commitment to improving global health were
remarkable. His generosity, wit, even-handedness and kindness made him
a friend to all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.''
On November 2nd, our country and the world lost a great and good man.
____________________
HONORING BETTY MOSELY-MABERRY
______
HON. DALE E. KILDEE
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of United
Auto Workers (UAW) Local 1811, located in my hometown of Flint,
Michigan. On December 9, 2004, civic and community leaders will join
family, friends, and members of Local 1811 to honor Ms. Betty Mosely-
Maberry, who was unanimously selected by the Local's Executive Board to
be the first recipient of their Walter Reuther Distinguished Service
Award.
The Walter Reuther Distinguished Service Award is bestowed on UAW
members who have authenticated 20 years of notable service. It honors
the extraordinary contributions they have made to advance the cause of
working people, their families, and communities. As Walter Reuther
championed human dignity and social justice for all, the men and women
who have received the award in his name have committed themselves to
these same ideals.
Betty Mosely-Maberry began her career at Buick Medical in December
1967. She was one of the driving forces behind Local 1811's
organization in 1972 and 1973, and as a result, was elected Chairperson
of their bargaining unit. Over the years, Betty has fulfilled the
duties of interim President and Vice-President of Local 1811, and
officially represented them as Recording Secretary for over 16 years.
Betty also served on their Civil Rights, Community Service, and
Education Committees as either a member or Chair. Betty retired on July
1, 1999, although the influence she had on her peers was so great that
she was asked to continue as Recording Secretary. She selflessly and
respectfully declined the offer, citing that active members should hold
the position. However, Betty decided to run for a trustee seat, which
she won and holds to this day.
Mr. Speaker, all 22 members of UAW Local 1811's Executive Board feel
that Betty Mosely-Maberry truly exemplifies the spirit in which the
Walter Reuther Distinguished Service Award is given. Her willingness,
hard work, and dedication to her brothers and sisters in labor as well
as the community, are deserving of the highest respect. I ask my
colleagues in the 108th Congress to join me in commending her.
____________________
PROJECT INTELLICARE
______
HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise
today to speak about Project IntelliCare, a groundbreaking innovation
in health care delivery that will revolutionize the way health care
providers manage patient care, in addition to imparting tremendous
improvements in the quality of care available to Americans.
As we all have undoubtedly read or witnessed in our districts,
forecasts for the future of health care delivery are dire. Developments
in medical technology have long been confined to procedural or
pharmaceutical advances, while neglecting a most basic and essential
component of medicine: patient information management.
The information systems that maintain patient files and transmit care
history are antiquated in many of our hospitals and clinics. In fact,
many systems are still paper based. The result: a patient's complete
medical history is difficult to transmit when necessary and may not be
available to new health caretakers, leaving the physician with a
limited understanding of prior illnesses, treatment, and complications.
This, in turn, leads to unnecessary and redundant testing and treatment
and greater health risks due to preventable errors.
I would like to draw your attention to a May 3, 2004, New York Times
op-ed by former Speaker Newt Gingrich and Congressman Patrick Kennedy.
The writers correctly assert that information sharing may be one of the
greatest issues facing health care provision today, expounding on
escalating costs and medical mistakes attributed to an archaic
information system. They urge for bipartisan support of ``moving
American medicine into the 21st century'' by standardizing information
systems with technology readily available today.
Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that the innovation discussed as
``a matter of life and death'' has already arrived in the State of
California. Project IntelliCare was first implemented by the Adventist
Health System in 1999, over four years ago. The program is hailed by
the Department of Health and Human Services as ahead of its time in
Healthcare IT and is positioned to serve as a model for other systems
throughout the country.
Project IntelliCare employs cutting edge technology to provide
seamless integration of a patient's whole medical history. Through this
initiative, medical records are maintained electronically and securely,
available only to the patient's health care provider. Project
IntelliCare ensures that when a patient goes to visit a physician,
regardless of when, where, or why, the patient will receive treatment
that is current and relevant. No longer will those in need of medical
help suffer from incomplete or inaccurate care.
Project IntelliCare not only protects Americans from substandard
health care, it promises more efficient and cost-effective delivery.
Inflating health care costs and skyrocketing insurance premiums are
highly salient issues today. Duplication or incorrect prescription of
services places a large burden on insurance companies. Greater costs to
insurance companies translate to higher premiums for employers that
provide insurance, the selfemployed, and individuals who pay out of
pocket for their health care. In addition, redundant or unnecessary
care strains the capacity of health care providers. However, Project
IntelliCare poses a mechanism to mitigate some of the factors that
contribute to these higher costs.
Project IntelliCare promises to modernize the way American health
care is administered with tremendous benefits in quality of care,
efficient, and cost-savings anticipated to accrue.
Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to speak on this
important and exciting topic and urge my colleagues to support further
funding for Project IntelliCare. By supporting this program, we work to
collectively improve American health care standards and delivery.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO EDDIE N. WILLIAMS
______
HON. HAROLD E. FORD, JR.
of tennessee
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Eddie N. Williams,
admired journalist, researcher, and civil servant who is retiring as
President of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Mr.
Williams has led the Center for 32 years in its mission to improve the
socioeconomic status of African Americans and other minorities, through
research, policy analysis, and political engagement. In every sense,
Mr. Williams' life and career are emblematic of how one courageous and
hard working American can overcome challenges, take advantage of
opportunities and make people's lives better.
Mr. Williams was born in Memphis, Tennessee where he was reared
mostly by his mother, after the death of his jazz and blues musician
father. Growing up, Mr. Williams was a stellar student and writer at
Manassas High School in Memphis. From there, he went on to earn a
degree in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana in 1956.
He later pursued graduate studies at Howard and Atlanta Universities.
Pursuing a career in segregated America, Mr. Williams encountered
barriers because of his race that prevented him from pursuing a
journalism career in Illinois
Illinois' loss was our gain because Mr. Williams returned to Memphis,
where he began
[[Page 24098]]
his career as managing director of the Memphis Star-Times, a local
African-American newspaper. After working as a congressional fellow for
U.S. Senator Hubert Humphrey and as a Foreign Service Reserve officer
in the Kennedy administration, Mr. Williams returned to Illinois as
vice president of public affairs and executive director of the
University Center for Policy Study at the University of Chicago.
Unwilling to rest on his laurels, Mr. Williams resigned from his
prestigious positions to take on the helm of a new, little-known think
tank. The Joint Center's original purpose was to support and train
African-American elected officials nationwide and measure their growth
subsequent to the Voting Rights Act. Under Mr. Williams' direction, the
Center expanded its focus to examine and document public policy issues
affecting African Americans. Mr. Williams' determination to maintain a
nonpartisan approach to the Center's problem-solving activities serves
as an example to us all.
Mr. Williams leaves a legacy of innovation and courage in his efforts
to address issues such as education, voting rights reform and the
spread of HIV/AIDS in the United States. Mr. Williams has received
numerous accolades and awards for his civic contributions, including
the prestigious MacArthur Foundation ``Genius'' Award. Most recently,
the Joint Center, under Mr. Williams leadership has studied and
explained the rise of a new generation of the African-American elected
officials into the mainstream of public life. He continuously reminds
us not to be shy in our goal of reaching new heights on behalf of all
Americans while staying connected to, in his words, ``the useful values
of the past.'' His life and career demonstrate to all Americans that we
stand on the shoulders of a generation that fought and stood and often
sat down to create a more perfect union.
For his unselfish contributions and commitment to our Nation, Mr.
Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues in the U.S. House of
Representatives to join me in commending Mr. Eddie Williams for his
many years of dedicated service to the American people.
____________________
HONORING THE MEMORY OF THE HON. JOSEPH N. LANGAN
______
HON. JO BONNER
of alabama
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, the city of Mobile, Alabama, and indeed the
entire First Congressional District recently lost a dear friend, and I
rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory.
Mayor Joseph N. Langan was a devoted family man and dedicated public
servant throughout his entire life. In 1939, at the age of 27, he
entered the field of politics, serving for 6 years in the Alabama House
of Representatives. He later served from 1947 to 1951 in the Alabama
State Senate. From 1953 to 1969, he served as a Mobile city
commissioner, including several terms as mayor at a time when the city
was governed by a three-member commission. Mayor Langan enjoyed a very
successful career as mayor and was known particularly for his efforts
to expand the size of the city. As a result of his efforts, the city
expanded its westward boundaries and grew in size from an area of
approximately 33 square miles to an area of over 160 square miles.
During his time in both local and State government, Mayor Langan
developed a strong reputation as a leader who felt duty-bound to do his
part in the strengthening of relations between the black and white
communities in Mobile and throughout the State of Alabama. In spite of
progressive policies that led to strong public outrage and the end of
his careers in both the State legislature and city hall, Mayor Langan
dedicated himself to assisting the members of the African-American
community in their efforts to advance their causes. During his tenure
in the State legislature, he argued for equal pay for both black and
white public school teachers. Additionally, during his service as
mayor, Mayor Langan was an important part of keeping the community calm
at a time when racial riots and crimes were tearing apart Alabama and
much of the South. His strong and enduring relationship with Alabama
civil rights activist John LeFlore was crucial to maintaining this
calm.
Mayor Langan, a graduate of both Murphy High School and Spring Hill
College in Mobile, Alabama, was also a proud veteran of the United
States Army, serving during both World War II and the Korean conflict.
Later in his military career, he held the rank of general and served as
commander of the Army National Guard's 31st Infantry Division.
In addition to both his public and military careers, Mayor Langan
found time to become actively involved in many community and charitable
organizations. He served as a member of the Spring Hill College Board
of Trustees and of the University of South Alabama Foundation. He was
recognized for his community service and charitable work with the 1957
Mobilian of the Year award.
This sad time for so many in the Mobile community has also given many
of Mayor Langan's colleagues and friends the opportunity to remember
him and recognize the many accomplishments of his career. Alabama State
Senator Vivian Figures say, ``He was always for government being
sensitive and inclusive to all citizens . . . He was a real gentleman
of distinction.'' Former Mobile city clerk Richard Smith said, ``He
wanted to serve, and he served well. He had vision, he had brains, he
had leadership.'' And without fail, many in the Mobile community will
remember Mayor Langan as one of the finest mayors and public servants
to have ever worked on behalf of their city.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a
dedicated public servant and friend to many in Mobile, Alabama. Mayor
Langan will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Maude Adelle
Langan, and his brother, John C. Langan, and his many nephews and other
family members--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our
thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.
____________________
IN MEMORY OF PETER CUTINO
______
HON. SAM FARR
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Peter J. Cutino, a
coaching legend in the sport of water polo, who passed away Sunday,
September 19th in his Monterey home. During his lifetime Mr. Cutino was
a strong pillar of the water polo community. He will be dearly missed
by his wife of 51 years, Louise; two sons, Paul and Peter; daughter,
Anna; brother Bert; two sisters, Rose Marie and Josephine; five
grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Cutino was born April 3, 1933 in Monterey. He graduated from high
school a star athlete in 1951 and earned Junior College All American
honors at Monterey Peninsula College. He then transferred to Cal Poly-
San Luis Obispo, earning water polo all-conference honors, and
graduated with a master's degree in education.
He began his coaching career at Oxnard High School and then moved on
to coach the Cal Golden Bears for 26 victorious years. He was the most
successful water polo coach in collegiate history and was awarded NCAA
Coach of the Year four times. His successes in collegiate sports earned
him the coveted role as coach to the U.S. national team in the 1976
Olympics. While at Cal, he coached 68 all-Americans, 6 Pac-10
conference and NCAA players of the year and 5 Olympians.
In 1989 he stepped down as UC Berkeley's head water polo coach in
order to open and run the Monterey Sports Club in my district. At the
same time, Peter continued his service to the international sports
world by serving as chairman of the Men's International Olympic
Committee. Additionally, in recognition of his life of leadership and
mentorship, he received UC Berkeley's Alumni Centennial Award and
Chancellors commendation, and an athletic scholarship at Berkeley was
established in his name in 1989. Mr. Cutino was also an active leader
in the Italian-American Community in Monterey and was a member of the
Campari, Paisano and Amici clubs. In addition to numerous professional
water polo publications, he authored a book on the Italian-American
community in Monterey.
Mr. Speaker, today I wish to join the local community and Mr. Peter
Cutino's family and friends in honoring the life of such an
inspirational coach, husband and father.
____________________
PAYING TRIBUTE TO BERNARD E. KERST
______
HON. SCOTT McINNIS
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sad heart that I rise to
recognize the passing of Bernard Kerst, a great man from my district.
Bernard spent most of his 87 years living in Yuma, Colorado, and during
that time he made a significant impact on the life of countless
individuals and his county. I am honored
[[Page 24099]]
today to bring his contributions to the attention of this body of
Congress and this Nation.
Bernard Kerst was born on July 9, 1917. When the Great Depression
swept the country, he left high school and got a job to support himself
and his family. He started a trucking business in his twenties and then
built Victory Ships in Oregon during World War II. Afterward, he moved
back to eastern Colorado, married DeVonna Gregory, and began farming
and ranching. Being an avid conservationist, Bernard served on the
board of the East Yuma County Soil Conservation District and was
awarded the Bullshippers award from the Farm and Ranch Association for
his outstanding service and leadership.
Bernard was a dedicated family man, raised two children, Carolyn and
Dan, had many grandchildren and was able to know his first great
grandchild, Isabel Carolyn. Due to health problems, Bernard and DeVonna
moved to Arizona. After DeVonna passed away in 1999, Bernard moved back
to Colorado to be close to his family living in Glenwood Springs.
Mr. Speaker, Bernard Kerst was a dedicated man who worked hard,
supported his community and loved his family, and I am honored to pay
tribute to him before this body of Congress today. I had the pleasure
of knowing Bernard and worked with members of his family during my time
in office, and I will miss his kind heart and wisdom. My thoughts and
prayers go out to his family and friends during this time of
bereavement.
____________________
HONORING BATTELLE ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 75TH ANNIVERSARY
______
HON. DAVID L. HOBSON
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. HOBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with Mrs. Pryce and Mr. Tiberi
to congratulate Battelle, a global science and technology enterprise,
on its 75th anniversary.
Although founder Gordon Battelle never lived to see his dreams come
to fruition, it was his and his mothers' estates that led to Battelle's
existence. The estates were generously left for the establishment of
the ``Battelle Memorial Institute . . . for the purpose of education in
connection with and the encouragement of creative and research work and
the making of discoveries and inventions . . .''. It was Mr. Battelle's
desire to recover zinc from Ozark mines that led him to his first
patent. This initial success produced the grand vision which Mr.
Battelle's business partner, Joseph Frantz, is credited with carrying
out.
In 1929, Battelle opened for business with only 30 staff members.
Today, including the national labs that they manage, Battelle oversees
16,000 staff members and conducts $3 billion in annual research and
development.
It is hard to believe what this Columbus, Ohio-headquartered
institution has accomplished since those humble beginnings. In fact,
their innovative technologies touch most Americans on a daily basis.
Possibly the most well known of Battelle's innovations is the
development of xerography, which eventually led to today's copying
machines and the company Xerox. Other innovations include: armor
plating for U.S. Army tanks during WWII, fuel for the first nuclear
powered submarine Nautilus, the metal composition of most of the 52.5
million coins produced each day by the U.S. Mint, cruise control for
the automotive industry, the technology that led to the compact disc,
and ``no-melt'' chocolate.
In addition to their commercial customers, Battelle provides services
to over 800 federal, state, and local government agencies concentrating
on important issues from national security to transportation and space.
As Chairman of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations
Subcommittee, I have the distinct pleasure of working very closely with
Battelle on a number of issues. Through the annual Energy and Water
Development Appropriations bill, I provide funds for the U.S.
Department of Energy's National Labs. One of Battelle's primary
services includes the management or co-management of the Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Oak
Ridge National Laboratory, and the National Renewable National
Laboratory. In fact, just last week, Battelle won a 10-year contract to
operate the newly created Idaho National Laboratory, and
congratulations are certainly in order regarding this new addition to
the Battelle family.
As we look forward with great anticipation to the next 75 years of
Battelle innovations, one can only dream of what may come. Battelle
projects that they will concentrate on a broad range of issues in the
upcoming years including: advanced healthcare, sustainable and
renewable energy, clean water, and nuclear power.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to continuing to work with Battelle on
these issues, and many more, and I congratulate them on their continued
success.
____________________
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
______
HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN
of rhode island
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, on November 16, I was unavoidably detained
during rollcall vote No. 531. Had I been present, I would have voted
``yea.''
____________________
IN MEMORY OF JOHN H.G. STUART
______
HON. SAM FARR
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I stand in mourning to honor my good friend
John H.G. Stuart, who passed peacefully on October 23, 2004, at the age
of 86. He is survived by his wife, Sheila, his son Orin, his daughter
Oria, his sister Kathleen of Toronto, Canada, four grandchildren, and
one great grandchild. Mr. Stuart was a great contributor to the global
community, and an example of the American dream.
Mr. Stuart, who was known to one and all as Harry, was born in 1918
in County Silgo, Ireland. He and his family later moved to Dublin,
where he attended engineering school, and graduated with his degree
from Trinity College. He later joined the British Navy, and spent the
whole of the Second World War as a naval engineer, including two tours
as chief engineer. After the end of World War II, he returned home to
Ireland where he met and married Sheila, his wife and lifelong love of
58 years.
In 1948, Harry joined the Calcutta Electric Supply in India. He
worked with their three power plants to make sure that Calcutta had
plenty of power. Then, after almost 6 years in India and many months of
applications and waiting, the Stuarts were granted visas and entry into
the United States. They went to San Francisco in 1954 via Hong Kong,
and ended up settling in Santa Cruz a year later in 1955.
As an engineer, Harry did power work with local companies and offices
such as Pacific Gas & Electric and Lockheed Martin. He was able to help
build geothermal plants in Iceland, Hawaii, and southern California.
Through this work, he helped the world community to use better and
cleaner power.
Harry had many faces. He was an avid traveler, as anyone would know
just by reading these exploits, and he loved to fish and smoke salmon.
In fact, I spent many a long night with Harry, discussing his travels
throughout the British Isles, his passion for the outdoors, and most of
all his thoughts on the best whiskey. In short, Harry was one of ``the
best,'' a friend and companion to one and all and a beautiful human
being.
Mr. Speaker, I hope that we can all stand today and honor this man.
He bettered the global environment, exemplified America's true
diversity and opportunity to those who want to make a life here, and
gave of his time to better the lives of his fellow travelers. I will
miss him deeply and extend my deepest condolences to Sheila, Orin,
Oria, Kathleen and the rest of his wonderful family.
____________________
PAYING TRIBUTE TO NORMA ANDERSON
______
HON. SCOTT McINNIS
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to
pay tribute to Senate Majority Leader Norma Anderson and thank her for
her tireless efforts serving the people of Colorado as a three-term
member of the Colorado State Senate. Norma will always be remembered as
a dedicated public servant and leader of her community. As she
continues to serve the citizens of District 22, let it be known that
she has made a great commitment to the Colorado General Assembly and
the State of Colorado.
Norma began her public service career when she was elected to the
Colorado State House of Representatives in 1986, and has been a
champion of education, transportation, crime and tax reform issues in
the General Assembly. She served as the Chair of the
[[Page 24100]]
Education, Transportation and Energy, and Audit Committees and
previously as the Vice-Chair of Long-Term Health Care Task Force, and
Higher Education Planning Committees. After serving ten years in the
State House, Norma continued her service to Colorado when she was
elected to the Colorado State Senate in 1998. As a State Senator, Norma
currently leads her party as the Senate Majority Leader. She serves on
the Finance and Legislative Audit Committees and is the former chair of
the Business Affairs and Labor Committee. Norma's major accomplishments
include such important laws as the School Finance Act of 1994, the
Third Grade Literacy Act and the creation of the Colorado Department of
Transportation.
Norma is a dedicated legislator whose leadership has been awarded
with the honor of being the first woman to hold the position of
Majority Leader in both the state House and state Senate. Over the
course of her tenure she has been the recipient of more than sixty-five
recognitions and awards including the Denver Women's Commission, the
Colorado Women's Chamber Senator of the Year, and the Colorado School
of Mines Medal. In addition to her service to the General Assembly,
Norma is also a member of the Great Outdoors Colorado Board, the
Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Higher Education, the American Cancer
Society and several other community organizations.
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Norma Anderson has ceaselessly
dedicated her time and efforts to serving her country and the people of
Colorado as a Colorado State Senator. I am honored to bring her hard
work and commitment to the attention of this body of Congress and this
nation today. Thank you for all your service, Norma, and I wish you all
the best in your future endeavors.
____________________
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF CIVIC EDUCATION AND IN RECOGNITION OF THE MARYLAND
COALITION FOR CIVIC EDUCATION
______
HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN
of maryland
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, one of the major goals of our education
system is to produce knowledgeable and informed citizens. We accomplish
this, in part, through effective civic education programs in our
schools--like the innovative We The People program sponsored by the
Center for Civic Education.
The first annual Congressional Conference on Civic Education was held
in September 2003. The event was sponsored by the Alliance for
Representative Democracy and co-hosted by our four distinguished
congressional leaders: Senator Frist, Senator Daschle, Speaker Hastert
and Leader Pelosi. One of the very positive outcomes of the
congressional conference was the establishment of state delegations
that returned home with the mission to enact specific policies designed
to restore the civic mission of our schools and make available programs
like We the People in each of our fifty states.
In that regard, I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize Dr.
Marcie Taylor-Thoma, the facilitator of the Maryland delegation, for
her leadership in designing an action plan to improve civic education
in our state. As a result of her efforts, the Maryland Coalition for
Civic Education, representing over 40 community leaders and
organizations, has been formed; a tool kit of best practices in civic
education has been developed; and Maryland's teachers will soon have
access to further professional development in the area of civic
education.
Moreover, I'm proud to note that these exciting developments come on
top of Maryland's substantial existing commitments in the area of civic
education--including our Student Service Learning requirement, our
mandatory Government Civics course and our nearly finished state
curriculum, which will include the teaching of civics and government
from pre-K through high school.
Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Dr. Taylor-Thoma and the rest of
her colleagues again for all of their hard work, and I look forward to
the success of the Maryland Coalition for Civic Education as they
participate in the second annual Congressional Conference on Civic
Education on December 4-6 of this year.
____________________
TRIBUTE TO ARMY PV2 JUSTIN RAY YOEMANS, A MODEL OF VALOR IN SERVICE TO
HIS COUNTRY
______
HON. TERRY EVERETT
of alabama
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Army PV2 Justin
Ray Yoemans of Eufaula, Alabama, who lost his life November 6 while
defending our nation.
Private Yoemans was manning his gun position when his Humvee
encountered a roadside bomb during a street patrol of Baghdad, Iraq.
According to military accounts, Private Yoemans gave his life to
protect his fellow soldiers. His was posthumously awarded a total of
five military medals, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Private Yoemans, who was assigned to the Fourth Battalion, Fifth Air
Defense Artillery at Fort Hood, Texas, gave the ultimate sacrifice to
his country at the age of 20. His family and friends describe him as a
loving son and a patriot who was proud to serve in the military.
I cannot express the proper words to console his family at the loss
of their beloved son. However, I do wish to convey that America shares
in your grief as we struggle together to protect our homeland from
terrorism.
Private Yoemans loved life and was described by his younger sister as
``a little boy inside a great man.'' America is fortunate to have such
``great men'' standing up for the cause of freedom. His valor and his
sacrifice will never be forgotten.
____________________
A TRIBUTE TO MR. STEVE F. AIKEN
______
HON. MIKE McINTYRE
of north carolina
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, today I want to extend my warmest thanks
and my most sincere best wishes to Mr. Steve F. Aiken who is retiring
after 35 years of faithful service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Wilmington District.
Currently serving as Chief of the Programs Management Branch, Steve
has had a distinguished career with the Corps of Engineers. A recipient
of the Sustained Superior Performance Award and the Exceptional
Performance Award several times, Steve has also received the District
Humanitarian Award, the South Atlantic Division Program Management
Chief of the Year award, and the Commander's Award for Civilian
Service. Clearly, his record has been one of stellar performance and
superb leadership. In addition, both my staff in Washington and in the
Wilmington area have immensely enjoyed working with Steve and
benefiting from his professional advice on some many key projects in
our area. Each of them joins me in thanking you for being so accessible
and informed. As the father of an Eagle Scout, I am also very grateful
for his dedication and service to the Boy Scouts of America.
When I think of Steve's commitment to the public good, the words
``spirit, sacrifice, and service'' come to mind. Steve's positive
spirit has always been to do the task at hand--a spirit that inspires
others to achieve. Steve's sacrifice in time and commitment has been to
make southeastern North Carolina a better place to live and work--a
sacrifice that meant doing the right thing and not being concerned with
who gets the credit.
Pearl S. Buck once said, ``To serve is beautiful, but only if it is
done with joy and a whole heart and free mind.'' There is no question
that his years of service have been the epitome of this statement.
Service to others has been the embodiment of his life--service that
sets a path for others to follow and that we all should emulate.
As he enters this next stage of life, I am confident that his talents
and energy will continue to be of benefit to many. Through his
commitment to family and community, a shining gem he will continue to
be.
Bart Giamatti, the former president of Yale University, said it well
in 1987, ``Be mindful of what we share and must share; not the least of
which is that each of our hopes for a full and decent life depends upon
others hoping the same and all of us sustaining each other's hopes . .
. If there is no striving for the good life for any of us, there cannot
be a good life for any of us.''
On behalf of the citizens of the Seventh Congressional District of
North Carolina, thanks to Steve so much for the good life he has given
to so many. Now, may he enjoy the same, and may God's strength, peace
and joy be with him always.
[[Page 24101]]
____________________
IN RECOGNITION OF GREECE'S OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN HOSTING THE 2004
SUMMER OLYMPICS
______
HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY
of new york
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Greece for its
outstanding performance as host of the 2004 Olympic Games. As Co-Chair
of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues and as the House Member
privileged to represent Astoria, Queens, one of the largest and most
vibrant communities of Hellenic Americans anywhere in this country, I
join with all of my Caucus colleagues and fellow residents of New
York's 14th Congressional District in saluting the people of Greece. On
October 29, 2004, the Hellenic community, together with many friends,
convened in Astoria's Athens Square Park to recognize this outstanding
accomplishment.
While it has been nearly three months since the Olympic flame was
extinguished in Athens, the memory of how wonderful the 2004 Summer
Games really were remains with us. The Athens Games attracted the
largest American audience ever for an Olympic competition held outside
the United States. The impact will be felt worldwide for generations to
come. To me it was always clear that Greece would be an excellent host
for the 2004 Olympic Games. Greek hospitality and warmth is renowned
throughout the world. Thus, it is no surprise to report that the Greek
people proved the naysayers wrong by hosting an impeccably organized
and safe Olympic Games, an extraordinary world event in which the
athletes took center stage.
For three weeks in August, the people of Greece welcomed the world to
participate in a competition that allowed countries to set aside their
political differences for a brief time and to come together in the
spirit of peace and sportsmanship. Wanting to help make the 2004
Olympics a great event for visitors many volunteers, including those
from New York City such as Andreas C George, Katherine George, Vlasis
Anastasiou, Julia Anastasiou, Helen Skarla, Katerina Papaioannou,
Joanna Savaides, Irene Aindili Kalliroe Argenas, Yeannis Kaltsas,
Spilios Gianakopoulos, Elizabeth Bogiatzi, Marika Gianakopoulos,
Argyris Ignatiades, Stephanos Pavlides, Ieanni Michaelides, Theodora
Ziongas, George Costacos and Zacharoula Karyammi, gave generously of
their time and energy. While they were there, the volunteers were able
to see Greece's beautiful historic and natural treasures, ensuring that
they would remember forever their experience in Greece.
On October 29th, the members of Hellenic cultural and civic
organizations, Greek Orthodox churches, constituents and friends joined
together to pay tribute to Greece for its extraordinary showing in the
Olympics. The organizations represented included the Federation of
Hellenic Societies and its members: Grinion Benevolent Society;
Daughters of Roumeli Society of New York, Inc., Society of Diplatanos,
Saint Marina, Inc., Nafpactian Brotherhood of New York, Galaxidi
Brotherhood Eanthe, Thermopyles Phiotidos, the Laconian Brotherhood
``Mani'' Inc., Calavrytan Fraternity, Geros Tou Morea, Inc, Society
Vryseon Anavretis, Pankerkyraikos Association, Kephalos, Society of
America, Ithacan Society, ``Odesseus'' Ithacan Society, ``Odesseus''
Aesculapian Thessalian Brotherhood, Inc., Society of Epirotes, Pyrrhus
Benevolent Society, Inc., Society of Epirotes Ladies Auxiliary,
Souliotissaithessalonikian Society Society of Kastorians, Pontion
Society of Kastoria, Inc., Panthracian Union of America, ``Orpheus''
St. John Theologos Society, Pan-icarian Brotherhood, Mytilenian Society
of America, Pan-lemnian Philanthropic Association ``Hephaestos'' Inc.,
Gnomagoras Nisyrian Society Inc., Zoodohos Pighe of Andros Society,
Cretans Association, ``Omonoia'' Cretan Women's Association,
``Pasiphae'' Syllogos Kreton ``Minos'' Pancyprian Association, Inc.,
Greek Cultural Center Inc., Northern Chios Society of ``Pelineon'',
United Pireotes of America, Aetoloakarnanian Mutual Society, Mutual Aid
Society, Aigioton Vostitsa Epidavrou Limiras Association, Inc., Pan-
eliakos Society of New York, Kalamata Society, Ltd., Aristotelis
Society of Halkidikipansamian Brotherhood ``Pythagoras'' of New York,
``Labrys'' Cretan Youth Organization of New York, Pontian Society
``Komninoi'', NY Greek American Folklore Society, Inc., Greek American
Folklore Society, Inc., El Greco Society of Visual Arts, Inc., ``St.
Demetrios'' Naupaktias Brotherhood of America, Greek American
Homeowners Ass., Society Agiogalousion Amerikis, Greek-American Labor
Council, Greek Society Elatousion of ``St. Stefanos'', Syllogos Noumou
Magnisias ``Argonaytes'', Benevolent Association of Calamatahellenic
Veterans Society of Greater New York, Inc., Panhellenic Organization
``Martyrs of Kavo Melanios'' Othoni Society of USA, Inc., Association
of Logastra, Inc., Hellenic Organization of University Graduates of
America, Philoptohos Adelfotis Arahoviton Nafpaktias Olympiakos Fan
Club of NY, USA Greek and American Retirement Club, Pankritiki Enosis
Athlitismou, Inc., Pan-Grecorian A.E.K. Fan Soccer Club of USA, Inc.,
Greek-American Mothers Association of USA, Omilos Metanaston Karitsis
Messinian Benevolent Association, Hellenic American Educators
Association, Gnomogoras Nisyrian Society, Inc., Benevolent Society of
Athanasios Diakos ``Apostole'', Association Magoulioton of
Spartasyllogos Patrinon Kostis Palamas and other prominent
organizations, including PSEKA, Athens Square Park Inc., American
Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, St. Paul Soc., Pan
Dodecanese Society of America, Krikos; Eastern Orthodox Lawyers, Pan
Macedonian Cultural Center; the Modern Greek Studies Center; the
Hellenic American Medical Society; Euro-American Women's Council and
the Pan Erikoussa Society of America, as well as our friends in the
Greek press: National Herald, Hellenic Harmonies, Hellas News, National
Greek TV, Hellenic Times, Estiator & Greek American Review, Antena,
Aktina, Eseis Magazine, Maria Papadatos Show; Orthodox Observer, Hellas
FM, and Mike Zapitis Hour.
The millions of Americans who watched the Games achieved a better
understanding of the Greek people, their warmth, generosity and
graciousness. These Olympics helped solidify the reputation of Greece
and the Hellenic people for abundant hospitality, or ``filoxenia''.
Greece has earned our gratitude and sincerest congratulations.
``Axie!''
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise to pay tribute to Greece for
giving the world a spectacular 2004 Summer Olympics.
____________________
IN HONOR OF FOREST HILL MANOR
______
HON. SAM FARR
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Forest Hill Manor
on its fiftieth anniversary of serving our community's seniors. This
historic building was once the illustrious Forest Hill Hotel, and is
still known today for the fine service it offers its guests.
In 1954 the hotel was acquired by the California-Nevada Methodist
Homes for the purpose of providing a retirement residence in
picturesque Pacific Grove. Throughout the years the Manor has continued
to undergo improvements, designed to maintain the high quality of life
residents have come to expect from this institution.
Currently the Manor is beginning work on the latest expansion
project, responding to the growing needs of the community. There will
be an additional thirty-two independent living apartments, and six more
assisted living apartments. The Manor is also adding a skilled nursing
facility on the property, with twenty-six beds, so residents will not
have to receive care offsite. These new developments will expand the
Manor's ability to work for the elderly community in the Monterey Bay.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate the Forest Hill Manor on the
outstanding service it has provided our community for the last fifty
years. The Manor is a model retirement home, offering a pleasant living
experience for 693 residents since 1954. I extend my congratulations to
Forest Hill Manor and wish it many more successful years.
____________________
IN HONOR OF SHERIFF MARK TRACY
______
HON. SAM FARR
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mark Tracy who is
retiring after ten years as the Santa Cruz County Sheriff. Mr. Tracy's
lifelong dedication to the Santa Cruz community consists of over 32
years as a police officer, as well as numerous volunteer and leadership
positions within local organizations. Beginning his career as a Deputy
Sheriff with Santa Cruz County, Mark rose through the ranks to become a
Sergeant and a Lieutenant. He was elected Sheriff-Coroner of Santa Cruz
County in 1994.
During his years with the Sheriff's Office, Mark has worked in and
represented nearly
[[Page 24102]]
every bureau and capacity in the department and has received numerous
awards and commendations. Notably, he has acted as Coordinator of the
Search and Rescue Team, was a founding member of the Hostage
Negotiating Team, and has served as Chairman for both the Santa Cruz
County Criminal Justice Council and the Santa Cruz County Commission on
Domestic Violence. By establishing the Domestic Violence Unit and
working with advocacy groups throughout the county, he has promoted
better services to victims of domestic abuse. Additionally, Sheriff
Tracy established the High Tech Crime Unit to address the growing
problem of identity theft and computer crimes.
In his career as Sheriff, Mark has also established unprecedented
levels of trust and cooperation with the community, including women's
groups, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, as well as
medical marijuana organizations. He has overseen the opening of new
service centers throughout Santa Cruz County and has placed school
resource officers at high schools and junior high schools throughout
the region.
The Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office has a proud history of aggressively
attacking crime in a proactive and timely manner. Mark has been at the
forefront of working towards unbiased policing and problem-solving
techniques. In his partnerships with local organizations, he has
established himself as an integral part of the Santa Cruz community. I
have personally enjoyed working with Mark, and I wish to thank him for
his dedicated service to our community. Mr. Speaker, I would like to
congratulate Mr. Tracy on his upcoming retirement as Sheriff, and wish
him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.
____________________
RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE DURING
WORLD WAR II
______
speech of
HON. RAY LaHOOD
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 110,
legislation that commemorates the upcoming 60th anniversary of the
Battle of the Bulge.
As we all know, our Allied forces fought against great odds,
outnumbered and outgunned, to hold back German forces from December,
1944 to January, 1945. Victory over Germany was secured 4 months later.
This year has given us many opportunities to thank the members of the
World War II generation for all that they have achieved. The 60th
anniversary of D-Day, the opening of the long-awaited National World
War II Memorial on the Mall here in Washington, and the 60th
anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge are reminders that these men and
women fought to save the world from tyranny. The passage of time should
not diminish their sacrifices.
I would like to thank the Speaker of the House, my friend and
colleague from Illinois, for sponsoring this resolution. It honors the
600,000 U.S. troops who fought in this battle 60 years ago. One of
those troops is another friend and former colleague, Bob Michel. The
former Minority Leader of the House, Bob Michel was wounded by machine
gun fire at the Battle of the Bulge, for which he earned two Bronze
Stars and a Purple Heart. I know he has never forgotten that more than
81,000 of his fellow American soldiers were also injured in Belgium 60
years ago, and, through this resolution, we show these veterans that we
do not forget, either.
I am proud to join my colleagues as a cosponsor of H.J. Res. 110, and
urge its swift passage.
____________________
THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN OPEN ELECTIONS ACT OF 2004
______
HON. JO ANN DAVIS
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support
of H.R. 4324, the Thrift Savings Plan Open Elections Act of 2004. This
simple, but important legislation will allow eligible individuals the
opportunity to elect or modify contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan
(TSP) at any time, without penalty. The TSP is a voluntary, tax-
deferred defined contribution plan for Federal employees and members of
the uniformed services, through which Federal agencies provide matching
funds to an individual's own retirement contributions. However, under
current law, an eligible employee has only two opportunities a year to
join the TSP fund and receive matching contributions, or to adjust
their individual contribution amount. The changes implemented by H.R.
4324 will allow for greater participant access to the TSP, and will
simplify administration. Given the hard work that our Federal employees
and uniformed servicemen and women perform day in and day out, it is
commonsense that they should have this increased control over their
retirement contributions.
____________________
RECOGNIZING DEREK E. WILLIAMS FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT
______
HON. SAM GRAVES
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Derek E.
Williams of Kearney, MO, a very special young man who has exemplified
the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active
part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 397, and in earning the most
prestigious award of Eagle Scout.
Derek has been very active with his troop, participating in many
scout activities. Over the 3 years Derek has been involved with
scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as
Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Chaplain Aide, Assistant Senior
Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader. Derek is a member of the Tribe
of Mic-O-Say, Order of the Arrow, and Brotherhood.
For his Eagle Scout project, Derek built a bridge at the Lions Club
Park. With the addition of Derek's bridge, the park is now handicap
accessible. The project took approximately 120 hours to complete.
Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Derek E.
Williams for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for
his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle
Scout.
____________________
IMPROVING ACCESS TO PHYSICIANS IN MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED AREAS
______
speech of
HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE
of texas
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of this bill is to
make it possible for foreign doctors to provide medical services in
geographic areas which have been designated by the Secretary of Health
and Human Services as having a shortage of health care professionals.
S. 2302 is almost identical to H.R. 4453, which I cosponsored with my
colleague, Mr. Hostettler. H.R. 4453 passed the House on October 6 on
the suspension calendar. The Senate bill has an additional provision
which ensures that specialists sponsored by Federal and State agencies
are placed in areas that have a shortage in that specialty. The
additional provision requires the sponsoring agency to determine
criteria for demonstrating a specialist shortage and to meet that
criteria in order to sponsor the specialist.
Aliens who attend medical school in the United States on J exchange
program visas are required to leave the country afterwards and reside
abroad for two years before they can receive a visa to work here as
physicians. In 1994, Congress created a new temporary waiver of this 2-
year foreign residence requirement which allowed states as well as
federal agencies to sponsor the doctors. It applied to foreign doctors
who would commit to practicing medicine for no less than 3 years in a
geographic area designated by the Secretary of Health and Human
Services as 2 having a shortage of health care professionals. This
program has been successful for 10 years in bringing highly qualified
physicians to medically underserved areas. It sunsetted on June 1 of
this year.
The first physician recommended for a waiver in Texas was Dr. Maria
Camacho, a Pediatric Intensivist. Her services to the residents of
Harlingen in Cameron County provide a level of health care to children
that was previously unavailable in that county.
Dr. K. M. Moorthi is a Nephrologist who was recommended for a waiver
to serve at a facility in Pecos, TX, in Reeves County. He works at a
dialysis center. Patients requiring dialysis 3 times per week in that
part of Texas used to have to travel more than 70 miles each way for
the treatments. Now it is available in Pecos.
The bill will provide a 2-year extension for this waiver program.
When it was marked up
[[Page 24103]]
by the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims, the
extension was only for one year. Although I had sought a 5-year
extension at that 3 markup, I subsequently accepted a compromise of 2
years. I also negotiated a flexibility provision which will allow a
State agency to place a doctor at a location that has not been
designated as underserved if the doctor will nevertheless serve
patients from an underserved area. The exception is limited to five
doctors in each state. It targets rural underserved areas that
typically get specialty medical care from a major medical facility that
is not itself located within an underserved area. The bill also
provides that the doctors who receive a waiver to come here with H-1B
visas will not count towards the annual H-1B cap.
I urge you to vote for S. 2302.
____________________
BE PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN AN ESSAY BY HELEN LU
______
HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an essay composed by
Helen Lu, a 16-year-old junior at Washington High School in Fremont,
CA. Miss Lu delivered her essay at the Alameda County Veterans Affairs
Commission's Veterans Day commemoration on November 11, 2004.
Be Proud To Be an American
Be proud to be an American. Be proud that you are part of
this great democratic society, founded on the ideals of
liberty and freedom that our forefathers have fought for in
the American Revolution.
Be proud to be an American. Remember our role in the
destruction of that Fascist dictatorship in the Second World
War.
Be proud to be an American, that you live in the most
democratic nation in the world and take part in the most
dynamic and developed economy.
Be proud to be an American, though you may look at what is
going on these days, and sigh in disappointment at our
divided condition regarding a war. But we have known greater
division, the American Civil War. Yet we still come together
as a nation. We still have come together to build this great
nation into what it is today.
Be proud to be an American, even though we are uncertain if
every war has been justified. There are those who call
Vietnam a mistake. There are those who call the war in Iraq
an error. You can dwell on those issues the other 364 days of
the year, but today just remember the millions of men and
women who have so selflessly devoted their lives to their
country.
Be proud to be an American, for there is one thing certain,
and remember it when you feel lost amidst all the political
argument: there have always been brave men and women who
would lay down their lives to protect those of yours and
mine. There have always been courageous men and women who
would sacrifice themselves for their country. We may look
back at any war and condemn it as a grave mistake. We may
look back on this war in Iraq, where thousands of young men
and women have died, as a grave mistake. History may show
that we had mistakes, but we will always be certain of the
absolute heroism of those who sacrificed for their country.
Be proud to be an American. Your country is a nation in
which people may disagree over values and beliefs, yet always
come together in the end to fight any battle that needs to be
fought.
To all our veterans, those who are here with us and to
those who gave their lives in the service of their country,
you have our utmost respect.
____________________
A TRIBUTE TO NISARUL HAQUE, M.D.
______
HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS
of new york
in the house of representatives
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Dr. Nisarul Haque for his
dedication to Interfaith Medical Center and excellence in patient care.
Legendary for his gentle and caring manner, Dr. Haque has been
affiliated with Interfaith Medical Center for nearly his entire medical
career, joining as a medical resident in 1966 at one of Interfaith
Medical Center's predecessor hospitals, Jewish Hospital and Medical
Center of Brooklyn, or ``Brooklyn Jewish.'' He has been married to Lois
Haque for 38 years and they have two sons, Kamaal and Jameel.
Dr. Haque came to the United States from Pakistan on July 4, 1964,
arriving to see Independence Day fireworks from a helicopter, which was
shuttling him from JFK Airport to New Jersey to start his American
medical career at Perth Amboy General Hospital. After completing his
Rotating Internship at Perth Amboy, Dr. Haque went to Kingsbrook
Medical Center as a first year resident in Internal Medicine.
Dr. Haque says he finally found the right place when he came to
Brooklyn Jewish for his second and third year residencies in Internal
Medicine from 1966 to 1968 and Chief Medical Resident from 1968 to
1969. He joined the Medical Staff in 1971, worked as a part-time
attending physician in the medical clinic in 1976 and was named to his
current position as the Medical Director of the Department of
Psychiatry in 1985. Dr. Haque is Board-certified in both Internal
Medicine and Geriatrics and is a member of the Kings County Medical
Society and Medical Society of the State of New York. He graduated in
1960 from the Khyber Medical College of the University of Peshawar,
Pakistan. He did his internship at Lady Reading Hospital and served as
Medical Director at the Cantonment General Hospital, both in Peshawar.
For his long-time commitment to the Interfaith Medical Center and its
patients, Dr. Haque has received the 2004 Spirit Award for Excellence
in Patient Care from the Center.
Mr. Speaker, Dr. Nisarul Haque has dedicated his professional career
to serving patients in the Brooklyn community at Interfaith Medical
Center. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition
today, and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly
remarkable person.
____________________
IN MEMORY OF LANCE CPL. SEAN M. LANGLEY
______
HON. BEN CHANDLER
of kentucky
in the house of representatives
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lance
Cpl. Sean M. Langley. On November 7, 2004, Lance Cpl. Langley made the
ultimate sacrifice for his country while serving in Iraq. The work of
our young men and women in the armed services is vital for the safety
and security of our Nation. The death of Lance Cpl. Langley is a true
loss to the United States. I salute his dedication while serving in the
2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine
Expeditionary Force. My thoughts and prayers are with his parents, Bill
and Patricia Langley, and all those who loved him.
____________________
RECOGNIZING JEFFREY WILLIAM HAYNES FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE
SCOUT
______
HON. SAM GRAVES
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jeffrey William
Haynes of Kearney, Missouri, a very special young man who has
exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by
taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 397, and in
earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.
Jeff has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout
activities. Over the nine years Jeff has been involved with scouting,
he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Scribe, Assistant
Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Jeff
attended H. Roe Bartle each year since becoming a member of Troop 397,
and is a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Order of the Arrow, and
Brotherhood.
For his Eagle Scout project, Jeff disassembled and removed the old
playground equipment in Lion's Park in Kearney; and then assembled and
installed new playground equipment.
Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jeffrey
William Haynes for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America
and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of
Eagle Scout.
____________________
CONGRATULATING LARRY HERBSTER ON HIS RETIREMENT
______
HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my respected
colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Larry
Herbster as he retires from his position
[[Page 24104]]
as General Manager of WBRE-TV, the NBC affiliate in Wilkes-Barre,
Pennsylvania.
Larry has worked for Nexstar Broadcasting for five years and was
named Vice President and General Manager of WBRE in 2000.
Larry was born in Scranton and is a 1961 graduate of Scranton
Preparatory School. He received his bachelor of science degree from the
University of Scranton and his master's degree in business
administration from New York University's Stern Graduate School of
Business.
Larry has worked in the media since 1967, beginning with LIFE
Magazine, TIME-LIFE Broadcast and Cable and TIME-LIFE Books. He also
worked in various capacities with The Washington Post and The Gannett
Co., Inc. Larry was President of two Gannett television stations in
Oklahoma City and in Buffalo, New York before retiring in 1999. He then
became Vice President and General Manager of Nexstar Broadcasting's
Rochester, New York CBS affiliate before coming back home to
Northeastern Pennsylvania. He and his wife Anna reside in Wilkes-Barre.
Larry has been active in community affairs throughout his entire
life, serving on the boards of the United Way of Wyoming Valley, the
Diamond City Partnership, the Boy Scouts of America and Scranton
Tomorrow. In his spare time, Larry is an avid sailor. Larry will teach
on the graduate school level now that he is retiring.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Larry Herbster upon his
retirement. It is truly a privilege to represent a man who has worked
diligently to dispense the news to the public and who has served his
community with a variety of civic activities.
____________________
COMMEMORATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHAKER SQUARE
______
HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th
Anniversary of one of Cleveland's most cherished landmarks, Shaker
Square.
The Square was built in 1927-29 by Otis and Mantis Van Sweringen, the
brothers who developed Shaker Heights, Ohio. The oldest shopping
district in Ohio and the second oldest in the Nation, Shaker Square was
listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. What you
see at Shaker Square today is a happy combination of nearly 75 years of
preservation, enhanced by a multi-million dollar renovation in 2000-
2001.
The Square has been viewed as the gateway to the Eastern suburbs. In
addition to the development of Shaker Square was the creation of a
rapid transit (light rail) connection to downtown Cleveland via the
Terminal Tower, which is now a part of The Tower City Center.
Shaker Square is home to many unique shops and restaurants and is
home to the Historic Colonial Theater, which was built in 1937.
But Shaker Square is more than a shopping area. It is the heart of a
lively, diverse neighborhood. There are more than 4,000 units of high-
quality rental and condominium apartments near the square--the largest
concentration of multi family housing in Cleveland--plus townhouses and
many private homes.
Therefore, it is with great pride and pleasure that I congratulate
Shaker Square and the community-at-large as we celebrate the 75th
Anniversary of this historic landmark in the city of Cleveland and the
11th Congressional District of Ohio.
____________________
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DENTON HOUSING AUTHORITY
______
HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Denton
Housing Authority to commend them for receiving four National
Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Merit Awards
this year.
The Denton Housing Authority has been active in the North Texas
community for years, working hard to provide quality public and
affordable housing. This year at the 2004 NAHRO awards ceremony, the
Denton Housing Authority was recognized for their achievements. The
Denton Housing Authority raised the bar once again by winning more
merit awards than in 2003.
The Denton Housing Authority was recognized for four of their
programs. The Class Apprenticeship Program, created by the Bureau of
Apprenticeship and Training, provides career training programs, on-the-
job training, and associated technical instruction to program
participants and members of the community. The Denton County Health
Department Dental Clinic teams with the County Health Department to
make available low-cost and free services to area residents who cannot
afford insurance. Also, Project READY teams with the University of
North Texas to encourage social and academic success and reinforce
positive behavior of youth living in the Phoenix housing development.
Finally, Resident Outreach Clean Up Project in cooperation with the
University of North Texas and Keep Denton Beautiful improved the
community surroundings and eliminated trash and graffiti. I believe
these programs will better enhance our community by investing in our
citizens and forming a safer environment for our neighborhoods.
Once again, I would like to express my sincere congratulations to the
Denton Housing Authority for their innovation and hard work in
providing community outreach services to the city of Denton and
surrounding communities.
____________________