H4590 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2009 cannot continue a policy of denial re- mony to the endurance of the human ing a dysfunctional health care system, garding the Armenian genocide. I en- spirit. of having an energy system that makes courage the passage of House Resolu- Every day that I come to work at my us insecure and that damages our envi- tion 252 to recognize the Armenian office, I sit across from a portrait of ronment, and of having an education genocide in our Nation. Sojourner Truth, which hangs on my system that relegates our citizens to a f wall. It lifts me and it grounds me, and dismal future. I know that the memorial in Emanci- What we are doing in the budget we THE REAL THREAT TO HOMELAND pation Hall, along with a monument at passed is to borrow, yes, but to invest SECURITY her resting place in Battle Creek, will in those very important matters that (Mr. PITTS asked and was given per- do the same for the millions of citizens will guarantee a brighter life for our mission to address the House for 1 who will view them over the years to society and for our people, and that is minute and to revise and extend his re- come. what we are committed to do. marks.) f f Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today EARTH DAY ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER to bring to the Members’ attention a PRO TEMPORE report from the Department of Home- (Mr. POLIS asked and was given per- land Security, Secretary Napolitano, mission to address the House for 1 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- entitled ‘‘Rightwing Extremism: Cur- minute and to revise and extend his re- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair rent Economic and Political Climate marks.) will postpone further proceedings Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today today on motions to suspend the rules and Recruitment.’’ to highlight and support the many on which a recorded vote or the yeas On page 2, under Key Findings, the communities, volunteers, teachers, stu- and nays are ordered, or on which the footnote states, ‘‘Rightwing extremism dents, and individuals celebrating vote incurs objection under clause 6 of in the United States can be broadly di- Earth Day and their efforts to protect rule XX. vided into those groups, movements our environment. For 39 years, Earth Record votes on postponed questions and adherents that are primarily hate- Day has remained an annual oppor- will be taken later. oriented (based on hatred of particular tunity to remind ourselves of our daily, f religious, racial or ethnic groups) and ongoing responsibility. Our Nation has experienced an envi- COMMENDING CAPTAIN RICHARD those that are mainly antigovernment, PHILLIPS, U.S. NAVY SEALS, rejecting Federal authority in favor of ronmental renaissance as of late with business, popular culture and political AND THE U.S. NAVY IN SOMALI State or local authority or rejecting PIRATE HIJACKING government authority entirely. It may leadership getting ‘‘green’’ and becom- Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I move include groups and individuals that are ing galvanized by the challenge of cli- to suspend the rules and agree to the dedicated to a single issue, such as op- mate change. resolution (H. Res. 339) expressing the position to abortion or immigration.’’ The industries and communities of sense of the United States House of On Page 7, under Disgruntled Mili- my district in Colorado are on the Representatives regarding the hijack- tary Veterans, they’re listed as having front lines of a changing climate—from ing of the Maersk Alabama, the kid- the potential to boost the capabilities a shrinking ski season and fewer tour- napping of Captain Richard Phillips by of the extremists. ist dollars to an increased threat of Somali pirates, the rescue of Captain Mr. Speaker, this is the same Cabinet wildfire and water resources stretched Phillips by SEALs member who will no longer use the even thinner. My district’s economic and the crews of the USS Bain- words ‘‘terrorist’’ or ‘‘war on terror’’ well-being has a lot riding on a healthy bridge,USS Boxer, USS Halyburton and and who now wants to call some of our environment. Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, and for other veterans and pro-life activists ‘‘terror- Mr. Speaker, I commend all of those purposes. ists.’’ This is outrageous. who will work, volunteer, teach, and The Clerk read the title of the resolu- President Obama, your Cabinet Sec- learn about the ways we can protect tion. retary is the real threat to our secu- our Earth and economy. I rise in strong The text of the resolution is as fol- rity. support of all of those who work to make Earth Day every day and who un- lows: f derstand the fact that our communities H. RES. 339 ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER and economies are firmly rooted in a Whereas on April 8, 2009, a group of armed PRO TEMPORE healthy environment. Somali pirates hijacked the Norfolk, Vir- f ginia-based Maersk Alabama, a U.S. flagged The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- cargo ship; bers are reminded to address their re- BUDGET DEFICIT Whereas this attack represents the first marks to the Chair. (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given such attack on a U.S. flagged vessel in mod- ern history; f permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Whereas Captain Richard Phillips of HONORING SOJOURNER TRUTH Underhill, Vermont, commander of the Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, for the Maersk Alabama, graduated from the Massa- (Mr. SCHAUER asked and was given last 2 weeks when I was home in my chusetts Maritime Academy and has over 20 permission to address the House for 1 district, I heard from many of my con- years of maritime experience; minute.) stituents who were justifiably con- Whereas Captain Phillips and the crew of Mr. SCHAUER. Mr. Speaker, first, I cerned about the large amounts of defi- the Maersk Alabama were delivering a life- rise to thank Representative JACKSON- cits that we face, about the borrowing sustaining USAID shipment of over 8,000 LEE for her leadership of her resolution that we will have to do and about the metric tons of food aid to , , today in honoring Sojourner Truth. spending that we are proposing to do in and Uganda when the ship came under pirate attack; As the Congressman representing the President’s budget that he ap- Whereas the crew of the Maersk Alabama Battle Creek, Michigan, I rise on behalf proved recently. You know, those who overpowered one of the pirate attackers, and of a community that is proud of its cit- have sought to, maybe, take advantage Captain Phillips offered himself up in return izen Sojourner Truth, who lived her of that fear have said, ‘‘Nobody ever for the safe release of his crew and ship; last 26 years there. borrows their way to prosperity.’’ Oh, Whereas four pirates then fled with Cap- My hometown was home to a pilgrim really? tain Phillips to an 18-foot lifeboat; born into slavery, unable to read or In fact, virtually everyone who has Whereas the United States Fifth Fleet im- write, who traveled the country, elo- grown wealthy in this country—every mediately dispatched Maritime Patrol (P–3) Aircraft to locate and positively identify and quently confronting the injustices of corporation and any individual—has monitor the Maersk Alabama to vector the slavery and the unequal treatment of borrowed to make that possible, and closest U.S. Navy ship to the scene; women. She spoke truth to power, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. We Whereas the United States Navy she changed the world. Her life is testi- face a choice. We face a choice of hav- USS Bainbridge, which had been patrolling

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:24 Apr 23, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.007 H22APPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE April 22, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4591 the region due to increased pirate activities, First, let me thank the gentleman well as the many cosponsors of this arrived on the scene; from Vermont, my friend, PETER resolution, in expressing the pride of Whereas the USS Bainbridge, under the WELCH, for spearheading this effort. the United States House of Representa- command of U.S. Navy Commander Frank I’m honored to sponsor this resolution tives regarding the heroic actions of Castellano, monitored the conditions on the lifeboat and prevented the pirates from es- with him. I would also like to thank Captain Richard Phillips, the crew of caping; Chairman SKELTON and Ranking Mem- the Maersk Alabama, and the profes- Whereas Commander Castellano served as ber MCHUGH for working with us to sionalism and skill of the crews of the the on-the-scene coordinator for the com- bring this resolution so quickly to the USS Bainbridge, the USS Boxer, the bined rescue efforts of the State Department, floor. USS Halyburton, Patrol Squadron (VP) Federal Bureau of Investigation hostage ne- The story of the merchant vessel 8 and the U.S. Navy SEALs. gotiators, and the U.S. Navy; Maersk Alabama is miraculous, not On April 8, 2009, in what has now be- Whereas U.S. Navy SEALs quickly de- just for the safe return of its entire come a well-known story, a group of ployed to the scene; U.S. crew but also for the incredible armed Somali pirates hijacked the Whereas, while being held by pirates, Cap- tain Phillips attempted a daring escape, div- bravery and professionalism displayed Norfolk, Virginia-based Maersk Ala- ing into the ocean and trying to swim to by the men and women of the U.S. bama, which is a cargo ship sailing safety before being recaptured; Navy as well as Captain Richard Phil- under a U.S. flag. The Alabama was on Whereas the pirates held Captain Phillips lips, who gave himself up to ensure the a mission to deliver over 8,000 metric at gunpoint for 5 days; safety of his crew. tons of vital food aid to Kenya, Soma- Whereas the Navy SEALs once again dem- lia, and Uganda. This food aid had been b 1030 onstrated their extraordinary bravery, skill, provided by U.S. taxpayers through the and professionalism in rescuing Captain We’re all familiar with the story by United States Agency for International Phillips; now. On April 8, a group of armed So- Development. It was highly ironic, Whereas the USS Halyburton assisted the mali pirates hijacked the Norfolk, Vir- USS Bainbridge with the rescue operation, then, that the Somali pirates targeted ginia-based Maersk Alabama, a U.S.- a vessel destined to provide relief to by skillfully ensuring that the pirates were flagged cargo ship—the first such at- blocked in their attempt to reach the Somali their home country. coast; tack on a U.S.-flagged vessel in modern When the Alabama came under at- Whereas the USS Boxer assisted in the res- history. Captain Phillips and his crew tack, it was also the first such attack cue operation by standing by to provide im- were delivering a life-sustaining on a U.S.-flagged vessel in modern his- mediate medical support, which was thank- USAID shipment of over 8,000 metric tory. But the surprise that the crew of fully not needed in this operation. tons of food aid to Kenya, Somalia, and the Alabama must have felt did little Resolved, that the United States House of Uganda when the ship came under pi- to deter positive action on their part. Representatives— rate attack. The crew overpowered one The crew of the Maersk Alabama over- 1. commends the crew of the Maersk Ala- of the attackers, and Captain Phillips bama and Captain Phillips, who selflessly powered one of the pirate attackers, placed himself in harm’s way to protect his offered himself up in return for the safe and the ship’s commander, Captain crew; release of his crew and ship. The four Richard Phillips, offered himself up in 2. recognizes the United States Navy, the pirates then fled with Captain Phillips return for the safe release of his crew crews of the USS Bainbridge, Boxer, on an 18-foot lifeboat. and ship. Halyburton, and Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 for After receiving the distress call, the Captain Phillips’ courageous action their role in the rescue; United States Fifth Fleet immediately is a credit to him, his 20 years of mari- 3. congratulates the Navy SEALs on the dispatched maritime patrol aircraft to time experience, his alma mater, the scene for their decisive action that resulted locate and monitor the Maersk Ala- in the rescue of Captain Phillips; and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and 4. joins all Americans in expressing great bama and aid in directing the United his hometown of Underhill, Vermont. relief that the crew has returned home safe- States and the Navy destroyer USS Four of the Somali pirates fled with ly. Bainbridge to the scene. Captain Phillips to an 18-foot lifeboat The USS Bainbridge, under the com- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and set off for the Somali coast. The mand of Navy Commander Frank ant to the rule, the gentleman from length of the Somali coastline is vast, Castellano, immediately undertook ef- Rhode Island (Mr. LANGEVIN) and the roughly the same length as the entire forts to monitor conditions on the life- gentleman from Colorado (Mr. eastern seaboard of the United States. boat, and along with the USS Despite the diligent efforts of the COFFMAN) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman Halyburton, would prevent the pirates international community and the U.S.- from Rhode Island. from escaping. At one point, Captain led counter- Phillips attempted an escape by diving piracy operations, military vessels can- GENERAL LEAVE into the ocean but was recaptured. not be every place at once. As a result, Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask When it appeared that the captain’s the nearest U.S. ship at the time of the unanimous consent that all Members life was in imminent danger, the Navy incident was more than 300 nautical have 5 legislative days within which to SEALs did not hesitate. They drew on miles away. revise and extend their remarks on the their training, and, most importantly, In response to the distress call from resolution under consideration. their courage and took decisive action the Maersk Alabama, the United The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there to end the standoff and save the life of States Fifth Fleet immediately dis- objection to the request of the gen- Captain Phillips. patched maritime patrol aircraft to lo- tleman from Rhode Island? Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us cate, positively identify and monitor There was no objection. today recognizes the bravery of the the Maersk Alabama to direct the clos- Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield captain and the crew of the Maersk est U.S. Navy ship to the rescue. The myself such time as I may consume. Alabama and congratulates the Navy United States Navy destroyer USS I am honored to rise this morning to SEALs and the crews of the USS Bain- Bainbridge, which had been patrolling recognize the efforts of some true he- bridge, Boxer, Halyburton and Patrol the region due to the increase in pirate roes during the hijacking of the Squadron (VP) 8 for their decisive ac- activity, soon arrived. The Bainbridge, Maersk Alabama and its aftermath. tion in ensuring the safe return home under command of U.S. Navy Com- Like millions of Americans, I watched of all concerned. mander Frank Castellano, monitored as the ordeal unfolded from the initial Again, I want to thank Congressman the conditions on the lifeboat and pre- attack, to the crew’s quick response, to WELCH for his work on this legislation, vented the pirates from escaping. Com- the captain’s selfless sacrifice, to the and I ask all of our colleagues to vote mander Castellano also served as the Navy’s breathtaking rescue. for its passage. on-the-scene coordinator for the com- Today, I hope all of our colleagues I reserve the balance of my time. bined rescue efforts of the State De- will join me in congratulating and in Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. partment, Federal Bureau of Investiga- thanking the many brave Americans Speaker, today I rise in support of tion hostage negotiators, and the who played a role in the successful res- House Resolution 339. United States Navy. olution of what could have been a ter- I am pleased to join my colleagues, While being held by pirates, Captain rible tragedy. PETER WELCH and JIM LANGEVIN, as Phillips attempted a daring escape—

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:24 Apr 23, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22AP7.001 H22APPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H4592 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2009 diving into the ocean and trying to league, the distinguished chairman of problem, but additional work must be swim to safety before being captured. the Committee on Armed Services, the done to advance the current inter- Captain Phillips’ ordeal cannot be un- gentleman from Missouri (Mr. SKEL- national coalitions operating in the re- derstated. The pirates held him at gun- TON). gion. Just this weekend we were re- point for 5 days until the U.S. Navy Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise minded of the imminence of the ongo- SEALs, who had quickly deployed to today in strong support of H. Res. 339, ing problem. Hostages were freed by the scene onboard the USS Bainbridge, and I thank my friends, Congressmen Dutch forces, but the gang of pirates rescued Captain Phillips, dem- LANGEVIN and WELCH, for introducing responsible were subsequently released onstrating their extraordinary valor this bill and their leadership on this due to the lack of a detainment policy and skill. subject. within the NATO task force. The captain and crew of the Bain- Captain Phillips’ brave leadership in The United States must encourage bridge were supported by two addi- the defense of his crew and ship, along all of our coalition partners to adopt a tional U.S. Navy ships. The USS with the outstanding service of the single set of rules of engagement and Halyburton, an Oliver Hazard Perry- men and women of the United States authorities. I am encouraged by Sec- class , assisted the USS Bain- Navy, allowed for the safe return of the retary Clinton’s call on the inter- bridge with the rescue operation by en- crew of the motor vessel Maersk Ala- national community to hold these suring that the pirates were blocked in bama. Both Captain Phillips and his criminals accountable and agree with their attempts to reach the Somali crew’s actions clearly demonstrate the her comments about pursuing the pi- coast. The USS Boxer, a Wasp-class bravery that is present in our Amer- rate sanctuaries along the Somalia , assisted in ican Merchant Marines. I commend the coast. Denying the ability of the pi- the rescue operation by standing by to sailors on the USS Bainbridge and rates to operate ashore is the best solu- provide immediate medical support, Halyburton, as well as the Navy SEALs tion for stopping these attacks in the which was, thankfully, not needed in who were involved in the lengthy short term. standoff with the Somali pirates. this operation. b 1045 It is also remarkable to note that the On Easter Sunday, every American namesake for the USS Bainbridge is could be proud and thankful for the Until the international community commitment and excellence of our Captain , one of the decides that it will no longer tolerate servicemembers. The actions of our United States’ earliest naval officers piracy in any way, we will continue to men and women in uniform highlight who became the country’s most famous see history repeat itself, and the mer- the dedication and professionalism pirate hostage. chants operating in the surrounding In October 1803, Captain Bainbridge present in our Navy servicemembers. waters of Somalia will continue to be This also demonstrates the critical was in command of the USS Philadel- at risk. need for the high level of training these phia, a 36-gun frigate, on a mission to Mr. Speaker, we will not forget the sailors have been given which allows blockade North African pirate ships heroic actions of our United States them to successfully conduct such a from Tripoli. Following an unfortunate Navy, the United States Navy SEALs, high-risk and complicated operation. grounding of the Philadelphia on a and the brave men aboard the Maersk I have long warned of the dangers as- Alabama. shallow reef near shore, Captain Bain- sociated with international piracy. bridge and his crew of 300 were taken We sent a clear signal to the pirates Just last month, I called for and that such a brazen attack on American hostage and held in captivity for near- chaired a full Armed Services Com- ly 2 years. When Captain Bainbridge fi- people will not be tolerated. I look for- mittee hearing on international piracy ward to working with my colleagues nally returned to this country, he con- on the high seas. The inherent danger tinued to serve in the U.S. Navy and and friends in the administration to in allowing these types of criminal ac- find a short-term solution to the ongo- went on to distinguish himself in the tivities to go unchecked is evident ing piracy problem, and I am hopeful . throughout our history. We see prime that we can work with our inter- Now, 200 years later, pirates continue examples of this when we look as far national partners to find a permanent to operate along the coast of Africa, back as the days of the Barbary pi- solution to this issue. and the U.S. Navy ship named in his rates, where the pirates were eventu- I thank the gentlemen, Mr. LANGEVIN honor has played such a critical role in ally defeated ashore in Algiers; or the and Mr. WELCH, for their foresight in thwarting their efforts. recent example of the Straits of Ma- offering this resolution. In conclusion, I urge the inter- lacca, where it took the combined Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. national community, as well as Presi- forces of Malaysia, Indonesia and Speaker, I would like to further com- dent Obama, to apply both private and working together to secure ment on the issue of piracy and how we government means to combat piracy. their waters. While the U.S. military can have a sig- In both of these instances, the inter- address this in that I feel that there is nificant deterrence on piracy and can national community was dealing with a cost-effective solution available to play a key role in disrupting pirate at- criminals whose sole objective was us. tacks, a long-term solution to this monetary gain; and when faced with Right now, in trying to patrol 1.1 problem cannot be found through mili- superior forces, they retreated. The pi- million square miles of ocean, we have tary force alone. rates off the coast of Somalia are no deployed a carrier strike group and an I also urge my colleagues to adopt different. However, like the pirates of additional combined task force; and it House Resolution 339 to recognize the the past, they will only retreat as far is a sledgehammer going after a fly bravery of the crew of the Maersk Ala- as they are pushed. when all we need is a flyswatter. bama, commend Captain Phillips who Establishing a working government I would like to propose that the ad- selflessly placed himself in harm’s way in Somalia is a solution, but this is a ministration consider placing a small to protect his crew, congratulate the long-term solution. In the short term, detachment of United States Marines United States Navy, the crews of the it is imperative that the international or sailors with cruiser weapons aboard USS Bainbridge, Boxer, Halyburton, coalition, already operating in the U.S.-flagged merchant ships sailing Patrol Squadron 8 and the Navy SEALs area, uses its superior force to continue through these waters. There is an aver- on the scene for their decisive action to pursue these pirates into the safe age of one U.S. flagship per day sailing that resulted in the rescue of Captain havens where they are operating. This through the Gulf of Aiden. And so the Phillips and join all Americans in ex- will be the only way to convince these Department of Defense response was pressing great relief that the crew has criminals that the risks now outweigh that we are stretched in resources, and returned home safely. the rewards. The authorities needed to it would be difficult to deploy a squad Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of conduct such operations have already of marines or the equivalent of sailors my time. been provided in United Nations Secu- aboard this one U.S.-flagged merchant Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am rity Council Regulations 1846 and 1851. ship going through the Gulf of Aiden pleased to yield as much time as he I applaud the commitment of the on a daily basis. Yet, we are deploying might consume to my friend and col- international community to solve the over 10 ships on a daily basis in these

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:24 Apr 23, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.011 H22APPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE April 22, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4593 waters, which require far more re- small part. I’m just a bit part in this tion of the family, but we are also very sources than a small detachment of story. I’m a seaman doing the best I proud of our Navy. We are proud of the U.S. marines or sailors. can like all other seamen out there.’’ Navy SEALs and all the people who The precedent for this is certainly Captain Phillips insisted on giving all were involved in this, doing the jobs during World War II, when we did so to credit to everyone else—his crew, the they were trained to do, doing it suc- protect our U.S.-flagged merchant extraordinary Navy SEALs, the United cessfully, and then going on about shipping. I believe the situation exists States Navy, not taking any of the their lives without request for fame or today where we have cause to do so. credit for his heroics upon himself. favor. And this is not simply a criminal activ- Now, why is it that he is that way? Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am ity. In 1803, when Captain Bainbridge You know, oftentimes it is said that a pleased to yield 1 minute to my friend was in command of the USS Philadel- hero is a person who is ordinary but, and colleague, one of the newest mem- phia, President Thomas Jefferson saw faced with extraordinary cir- bers of the Committee on Armed Serv- fit to see the actions of the Barbary pi- cumstances, does extraordinary things. ices, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. rates as an act of war, and I view the And certainly Captain Phillips fits that NYE). conduct of the Somalia pirates as the description because, when faced with Mr. NYE. I thank my colleague. same. this danger, he put himself and his life Mr. Speaker, I rise today to com- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance on the line to save his crew. It was an mend the actions of all the brave of my time. extraordinary act in extraordinary cir- Americans who brought about the safe Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am cumstances. rescue of the captain and crew of the pleased to yield such time as he may But when you reflect on it, Captain Maersk Alabama. consume to my friend and colleague, Phillips didn’t see it that way. He was I have the distinct honor to represent the original sponsor of this measure, a seaman doing his job. And maybe , the home port the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. what he is reminding us, all of us in of the USS Bainbridge, the first ship to WELCH). America, is that it is doing our jobs respond after the Alabama was at- Mr. WELCH. I thank my colleague day in and day out, what is required of tacked and her captain taken hostage from Rhode Island. I thank the Armed us, that makes us all have it within our by pirates. Services Committee and Chairman reach to be heroic. In particular, I would like to applaud SKELTON and my colleague, Mr. Captain Phillips has as his primary the quick, decisive, and effective ac- COFFMAN. responsibility, the way he defines it tion taken by the men and women of We have heard eloquent statements and the way the law of the sea defines the Bainbridge and her commanding of- about the urgent problem of piracy and it, to protect his crew. And on some ficer, Commander Frank Castellano. what the United States has to do. I days protecting his crew may be that Throughout his 23 years in the Navy, would like to talk a little bit about he has to guide his ship through trou- Commander Castellano has served with Captain Phillips and about his home- bled waters, but on another day, when distinction and honor and has received town of Underhill, Vermont, and what his ship was seized by pirates, pro- numerous awards and commendations. is the good news behind this extraor- tecting his crew meant turning over As captain of the USS Bainbridge, he dinary rescue operation conducted by his life and his safety to the pirates in skillfully managed the rescue of the the United States Navy. exchange for the safety of his crew. Maersk Alabama, ensured the safety of Mr. Speaker, Underhill is a small And for him, that was just an ordinary, her crew, and led the hostage negotia- town in Vermont in the shadow of our matter-of-fact decision. He didn’t even tions with the pirates. And on April 12, largest mountain, Mt. Mansfield; about have to think about it because that when Captain Phillips’ life was in dan- 2,800 people live there. The center of was his job. It is what he signed up to ger, Commander Castellano did not life is the Underhill Country Store do. And when the circumstances re- hesitate; he gave the green light for where people go for their morning cof- quired he make that decision, he did. our SEALs to take action. fee to have conversation about what’s That is what is so inspiring, I think, Over the 4 days of the rescue oper- going on. Neighbors know neighbors. to so many of us about Captain Phil- ation, as the world watched, Com- The folks who live in Underhill know lips, the matter-of-fact way in which mander Castellano and the men and the Phillips family very well. And it he went about being a captain in the women of the Bainbridge made us all turned out that in that week when Cap- Merchant Marine. And it is the same proud and reminded us why the U.S. tain Phillips was a hostage, all of the attitude he displays as a dad when he is Navy is second to none. I urge my col- activity, all of the conversation in home, with the jealous guarding of his leagues to join me in supporting this Underhill, of course, was totally about time with his family that means so resolution. him, about his wife, Andrea, about much to him so that he can ski, play Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I want Mariah and David, their son and daugh- basketball, do outdoor activities with to again commend my colleague, Mr. ter, both in college. And life in some his kids and with his friends. He is WELCH, for his sponsorship of this reso- ways went on in the ordinary course. known in the community as just an- lution. I am proud to join with him. David went over to a neighbor’s and did other guy, and that is the person who This truly is a story of remarkable her- his morning chores; it is what he said he wants to return to be. oism and bravery. his dad would have wanted. And the The inspiring story here is all up and I again recognize the leadership of neighbors did what neighbors do in down the line. When a captain was Captain Phillips and his crew and, in Underhill and do in Vermont and do in faced with an extraordinary decision, particular, the Navy SEALs, and all of communities all around this country he made it as though it was just an or- our naval vessels and sailors that were when one of their own is in peril; they dinary decision. When one of America’s involved in this entire effort. They helped out. They brought over food. own ships on the high seas was in peril, truly are well-trained, and it showed in They checked in on their neighbors. our Navy responded as they were this. The training paid off. They gave privacy and respect to An- trained to do. And when one of the hos- On a personal note, I have great re- drea and their family while they were tages, Captain Phillips, was in immi- spect for all of our merchant mariners. going through this ordeal. nent danger of losing his life, these Both my grandfather and my great It is also the story about an extraor- Navy SEALs, who had trained quietly, uncle were both members of the Mer- dinary seaman, Captain Phillips, who, I relentlessly, and effectively, did what chant Marine during World War II. I think, as much as his bravery im- was required of them, and they went on know the sacrifices that these Mer- pressed all of us. His modesty im- to live the rest of their lives. So this chant Marines give in their daily lives pressed all of us as well. He insisted act is an extraordinary act of heroics day in and day out to make sure that that he was not the hero. Let me use because of how Captain Phillips made cargo moves safely around the world. his own words that he was able to re- this an ordinary day in his life. This is truly a good news story, but cite when he returned. ‘‘I’m not a hero, All of us, of course, are thrilled about clearly we have work to do in stopping the military is,’’ the cargo shipper, the safe return of Captain Phillips to pirate activities in the future. This is Richard Phillips, told reporters. ‘‘I’m a Underhill, Vermont, and the reunifica- going to be an ongoing effort. I look

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:24 Apr 23, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22AP7.013 H22APPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H4594 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 22, 2009 forward to working with my colleagues later morphed into full-blown pirates. Piracy is amended by adding at the end the fol- to make sure that this type situation has been a problem in Somali waters for at lowing new subsection: never happens again. least 10 years—when Somali fishermen began ‘‘(j)(1) Each candidate may, with respect to Again, my congratulations to all my losing their livelihoods. Their traditional fishing each authorized committee of the candidate, colleagues involved in this resolution, methods were no match for the illegal trawlers designate an individual who shall be respon- sible for disbursing funds in the accounts of particularly Mr. WELCH. that were raiding their waters. Piracy initially the committee in the event of the death of Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, started along Somalia’s southern coast but the candidate, and may also designate an- I stand here today with great jubilation for the began shifting north in 2007—and as a result, other individual to carry out the responsibil- successful rescue of Captain Phillips. I urge the pirate gangs in the Gulf of Aden are now ities of the designated individual under this my colleagues to support H. Res. 339 ‘‘Ex- multi-clan operations. subsection in the event of the death or inca- pressing the sense of the United States House Attacks have risen markedly in recent pacity of the designated individual or the un- of Represensatives regarding the hijacking of weeks, and brigands hold at least 17 other willingness of the designated individual to the Maersk Alabama, the kidnapping of Cap- ships and around 300 crew. Meanwhile, So- carry out the responsibilities. tain Richard Phillips by Somali pirates, the malia called for international help to rebuild its ‘‘(2) In order to designate an individual rescue of Captain Phillips by United States military to combat piracy and train security under this subsection, the candidate shall file with the Commission a signed written Navy SEALs and the crews of the USS Bain- forces to track down pirates. I urge the United States to take swift and statement (in a standardized form developed bridge, USS Boxer, USS Halyburton and Pa- by the Commission) that contains the name trol Squadron (VP) 8, and for other purposes.’’ immediate action against these Somali pirates. It is unacceptable that unarmed Americans or and address of the individual and the name I believe that Congressional recognition is of the authorized committee for which the due to the crews of the USS Bainbridge and any persons should be attacked and taken designation shall apply, and that may con- other ships on the scene, and especially the hostage on the high seas, with all the re- tain the candidate’s instructions regarding incredible skill of the Navy SEALs who res- sources available to us in this day and age. the disbursement of the funds involved by This is not an American problem, but an inter- cued Capt. Phillips. Somali pirates boarded the individual. At any time after filing the national problem, that must be dealt with on a statement, the candidate may revoke the the container ship Maersk Alabama about 500 multilateral level. We can not eradicate piracy designation of an individual by filing with kilometers off the coast of Somalia. The 20 alone. the Commission a signed written statement man crew regained control of the Danish- I am relieved that Secretary Clinton said the of revocation (in a standardized form devel- owned, American-operated ship. But the ship’s United States wanted to ‘‘seek more effective oped by the Commission). captain—Richard Phillips—was taken hostage ways to hold these pirates criminally respon- ‘‘(3) Upon the death of a candidate who has as the pirates escaped aboard a lifeboat. sible for their actions, which threaten not only designated an individual for purposes of I would like to acknowledge the profound the lives of merchant seamen, but the security paragraph (1), funds in the accounts of each bravery and selflessness that Captain Phillips authorized committee of the candidate may of critical maritime routes.’’ I believe the meet- be disbursed only under the direction and in displayed throughout the entire ordeal. At the ing which will take place next month in New time of the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama, accordance with the instructions of such in- York with representatives of 24 nations, in dividual, subject to the terms and conditions Captain Phillips placed himself in harm’s way order to look at legal measures in the fight applicable to the disbursement of such funds to protect his crew. Phillips offered himself as against piracy off Somalia is a large first step under this Act or any other applicable Fed- a hostage after the pirates stormed the U.S.- in ending this madness. eral or State law (other than any provision flagged Alabama. He is a hero, he rose to the Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, at this of State law which authorizes any person occasion and—thankfully—lived to tell about it. time, I have no further requests for other than such individual to direct the dis- I commend the Navy SEAL snipers on the time. I yield back the balance of my bursement of such funds). destroyer USS Bainbridge who killed Captain time. ‘‘(4) Nothing in paragraph (3) may be con- Phillips’s three captors. I applaud President The SPEAKER pro tempore. The strued to grant any authority to an indi- Obama and his administration who gave question is on the motion offered by vidual who is designated pursuant to this standing orders for the military to take decisive the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. subsection other than the authority to direct the disbursement of funds as provided in action if the Captain was in imminent danger. LANGEVIN) that the House suspend the such paragraph, or may be construed to af- This is the first time in modern history that rules and agree to the resolution, H. fect the responsibility of the treasurer of an the United States has in custody a pirate who Res. 339. authorized committee for which funds are carried out an attack on a U.S. citizen. The The question was taken; and (two- disbursed in accordance with such paragraph events that have been taking place off the thirds being in the affirmative) the to file reports of the disbursements of such coast of Somalia are intolerable and I feel that rules were suspended and the resolu- funds under section 304(a).’’. the United States must put an end to piracy. tion was agreed to. (b) INCLUSION OF DESIGNATION IN STATE- I am pleased that Captain Phillips is home A motion to reconsider was laid on MENT OF ORGANIZATION OF COMMITTEE.—Sec- with his family: his wife, Andrea, and his two the table. tion 303(b) of the Federal Election Campaign f Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 433(b)) is amended— children, Daniel and Mariah, in Underhill, (1) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘and’’ at Vermont. I wish them all the best as their lives PERMITTING DESIGNATION OF IN- the end; get back to normal. DIVIDUAL TO DISBURSE CAM- (2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period However, this piracy has not ceased even PAIGN FUNDS UPON CAN- at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and after the U.S. Navy fatally shot three pirates, DIDATE’S DEATH (3) by adding at the end the following new who were armed with AK–47 rifles. They are paragraph: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. continuing to hijack ships in the Gulf of Aden. ‘‘(7) in the case of an authorized committee Speaker, I move to suspend the rules of a candidate who has designated an indi- More than 200 mariners still remain captives and pass the bill (H.R. 749) to amend at sea in the hands of pirates. Adm. Rick vidual under section 302(j) (including a sec- the Federal Election Campaign Act of ond individual designated to carry out the Gurnon has publicly said, ‘‘The pirates have a 1971 to permit candidates for election responsibilities of that individual under such great business model that works for them: See for Federal office to designate an indi- section in the event of that individual’s ships, take ransom, make millions’’ and that is vidual who will be authorized to dis- death or incapacity or unwillingness to carry exactly what they are doing. The pirates from burse funds of the authorized campaign out the responsibilities) to disburse funds Somalia often launch one or two speed boats committees of the candidate in the from the accounts of the committee in the with about four or five men aboard. Armed event of the death of the candidate, a copy of event of the death of the candidate. the statement filed by the candidate with with automatic weapons and in some cases The Clerk read the title of the bill. rocket-propelled grenades, they approach un- the Commission under such section (as well The text of the bill is as follows: as a copy of any subsequent statement of armed ships, force them to slow down and H.R. 749 revocation filed by the candidate with the then board them in order to gain ransom Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Commission under such section).’’. money. resentatives of the United States of America in SEC. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE. Analysts blame Somalia’s nearly 20 years of Congress assembled, The amendments made by this Act shall SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF INDIVIDUAL AU- lawlessness for fueling piracy’s rise. Years apply with respect to authorized campaign ago, foreign trawlers began taking advantage THORIZED TO MAKE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE DISBURSEMENTS IN committees which are designated under sec- of Somalia’s civil war to fish its waters illegally EVENT OF DEATH OF CANDIDATE. tion 302(e)(1) of the Federal Election Cam- and dump toxic waste there. Vigilante Somali (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 302 of the Federal paign Act of 1971 before, on, or after the date fishermen tried to defend their shores, and Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 432) of the enactment of this Act.

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