E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 110 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 153 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2007 No. 147 House of Representatives The House met at 12:30 p.m. and was Although statistics show that even- IT professionals, and veterans are often called to order by the Speaker pro tem- tually veterans in general enjoy a fa- advised to move to Orlando where pore (Ms. HIRONO). vorable rate in the Nation’s job mar- there are many more opportunities for f ket, many veterans obviously find it them. Upon finally getting settled back difficult to compete successfully in the into civilian life, it is frustrating and DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER labor market. That is why for over a unfortunate to say the least to be PRO TEMPORE decade the Federal Government has forced to uproot one more time and provided job training benefits to vet- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- move your family to an unknown city. fore the House the following commu- erans through the Department of Vet- nication from the Speaker: erans Affairs and the Department of I am concerned about this problem, but I think and I believe that there is WASHINGTON, DC, Labor. The mission statement for the October 1, 2007. Department of Labor Veterans’ Em- an easy solution. That is why I intro- I hereby appoint the Honorable MAZIE K. ployment and Training Service, VETS duced legislation to provide better in- HIRONO to act as Speaker pro tempore on program, is to ‘‘provide veterans and formation to veterans on their local this day. transitioning servicemembers with the job market needs. NANCY PELOSI, resources and services to succeed in the H.R. 3646, the Veterans Effective Speaker of the House of Representatives. 21st century workplace by maximizing Training Job Opportunities and Bene- f their employment opportunities, pro- fits Act of 2007, or VET JOBS Act of MORNING-HOUR DEBATE tecting their employment rights, and meeting labor market demands with 2007, directs the Secretary of Veterans The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- qualified veterans today.’’ Affairs and the Secretary of Labor to ant to the order of the House of Janu- Additionally, the Department of conduct a joint study on the greatest ary 4, 2007, the Chair will now recog- Labor offers servicemembers leaving employment needs in various job mar- nize Members from lists submitted by the military with a service-connected kets around the country and post these the majority and minority leaders for disability the Disability Transition As- results on the VA Web site. These re- morning hour debate. sistance Program, DTAP. DTAP in- sults would then be updated annually The Chair will alternate recognition cludes a 3-day workshop plus addi- to reflect the current and possibly between the parties, with each party tional hours of individual instruction changing needs in the local job market. limited to 30 minutes and each Mem- to help determine job readiness and ad- With this tool, a veteran could plug in ber, other than the majority and mi- dress the special needs of disabled vet- his or her zip code and see a list of the nority leaders and the minority whip, erans. However, this is the identical occupations that are most in demand, limited to 5 minutes. DTAP program offered to all The Chair recognizes the gentleman and subsequently use their Federal job transitioning disabled veterans across training most effectively. from Florida (Mr. STEARNS) for 5 min- this country. This 3-day program is utes. valuable support, but it only provides The Department of Labor already has f general employment information and the infrastructure in place for this at no time addresses the specific needs kind of research, so this is a practical, EFFECTIVE JOB TRAINING FOR of the community in which the veteran low-cost solution. In fact, the Congres- OUR RETURNING WARRIORS lives. Unfortunately, this means that sional Budget Office has unofficially Mr. STEARNS. Madam Speaker, frequently there is a void of informa- scored this proposal as having insig- when our soldiers come home from tion on local labor market conditions nificant costs, insignificant costs for combat, they often face an uphill bat- that result in veterans using their ben- immeasurable benefits to our veterans. tle. For many servicemembers, the efits to train for jobs that do not exist I encourage my colleagues to join me transition from active duty to veteran in their community. status and returning to a full, mean- Mr. Jeffrey Askew is director of the in this effort. Help our veterans today. ingful civilian life is daunting, fraught Marion County Veterans’ Service Cen- Help them with their quality employ- with many challenging obstacles and ter in my hometown of Ocala, Florida. ment. Help them to find out where the bureaucratic barriers. Many times, He said many veterans have used their jobs that they wish to be trained for these brave service men and women re- Federal job training benefit for infor- are located, and support the VET JOBS quire job training but for entirely new mation technology (IT) career training. Act that I ask for all of my colleagues careers. However, Ocala has little demand for to cosponsor.

b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

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VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE H11032 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2007 RECESS tives, the Clerk received the following mes- COMMENDING THE WINGS OVER sage from the Secretary of the Senate on HOUSTON AIRSHOW The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- September 28, 2007, at 9:15 am: ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair That the Senate passed with an amend- Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to declares the House in recess until 2 ment H.R. 327. suspend the rules and agree to the reso- p.m. today. That the Senate passed without amend- lution (H. Res. 691) commending the Accordingly (at 12 o’clock and 35 ment H.J. Res 43. Wings Over Houston Airshow for its minutes p.m.), the House stood in re- That the Senate passed without amend- great contribution to the appreciation, cess until 2 p.m. ment H.J. Res 52. understanding, and future of the That the Senate passed without amend- United States Armed Forces, the City f ment H.R. 3625. of Houston, Texas, and Ellington Field. That the Senate passed without amend- b 1400 The Clerk read the title of the resolu- ment H.R. 3668. tion. AFTER RECESS With best wishes, I am, The text of the resolution is as fol- Sincerely, lows: The recess having expired, the House LORRAINE C. MILLER, was called to order by the Speaker pro Clerk of the House. H. RES. 691 tempore (Ms. CASTOR) at 2 p.m. Whereas for 23 years the all-volunteer Gulf f Coast Wing and West Houston Squadron of f ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER the Commemorative Air Force has per- PRAYER PRO TEMPORE formed in the Wings Over Houston Airshow at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas; The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Whereas the Wings Over Houston Airshow Coughlin, offered the following prayer: ant to clause 4 of rule I, the following has been rated as one of the top events of its Lord God Almighty, before the maj- enrolled bills and joint resolutions kind in the Nation; esty of Your creation and the power of were signed by the Speaker on Friday, Whereas tens of thousands of people from Your will, we humbly stand and September 28, 2007: southeast Texas and all over the United present ourselves to You. H.R. 976, to amend title XXI of the States attend the event each year and expe- rience the unique opportunity to see the We are a people who love freedom. Social Security Act to extend and im- We have proven creative in our work United States Air Force, Navy, Marines, and prove the Children’s Health Insurance Coast Guard perform and to meet service and appear prosperous in the eyes of Program, and for other purposes members of the past and present; the world. Yet we are made of the same H.R. 3625, to make permanent the Whereas the Wings Over Houston Airshow clay as all others. waiver authority of the Secretary of has helped to increase awareness and appre- Help us to find common cause with Education with respect to student fi- ciation for the United States Armed Forces others and be proven true to noble pur- nancial assistance during a war or and its active duty members and veterans; pose in Your sight. other military operation or national Whereas the Wings Over Houston Airshow serves to promote an understanding and ap- Show us how to use our bountiful emergency blessings, to attain true leadership in preciation of military history through the H.R. 3668, to provide for the extension reenactment of battles and the acquisition, the world and a model for others. Thus of Transitional Medical Assistance restoration, and display of vintage aircraft; may we be Your instrument for achiev- (TMA), the Abstinence Education Pro- Whereas throughout its history, Wings ing lasting peace and justice in trou- gram, and the Qualifying Individuals Over Houston Airshow has benefited local blesome times. (QI) Program, and for other purposes and national charities, including the Wings Amen. H.J. Res. 43, increasing the statutory Over Houston Airshow Scholarship Program, limit on the public debt the Texas Southern University Aviation Ca- f reer Academy, the Exchange Club of Sugar H.J. Res. 52, making continuing ap- THE JOURNAL Land, and the Commemorative Air Force air- propriations for the fiscal year 2008, craft restoration and flying historical pro- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The and for other purposes grams; Chair has examined the Journal of the f Whereas the Wings Over Houston Airshow last day’s proceedings and announces and its partners, including the Lone Star to the House her approval thereof. RECESS Flight Museum, the Houston Airport Sys- tem, the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Com- Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- nal stands approved. merce, the Bay Area Houston Convention ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair and Visitors Bureau, the Greater Houston f declares the House in recess subject to Convention and Visitors Bureau, Destination the call of the Chair. League City, and the cities of Houston, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Accordingly (at 2 o’clock and 4 min- Kemah, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, and Webster, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The utes p.m.), the House stood in recess have contributed to the economy and growth Chair will lead the House in the Pledge subject to the call of the Chair. of southeast Texas; and of Allegiance. Whereas the Wings Over Houston Scholar- f The SPEAKER pro tempore led the ship Program has promoted the importance of math and science education by helping Pledge of Allegiance as follows: b 1431 southeast Texas students pursue college edu- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the AFTER RECESS cations in the fields of aviation and aero- United States of America, and to the Repub- space: Now, therefore, be it lic for which it stands, one nation under God, The recess having expired, the House Resolved, That the House of Representa- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. was called to order by the Speaker pro tives commends the Wings Over Houston Air- show for its great contribution to the appre- f tempore (Mr. WALZ of Minnesota) at 2 o’clock and 31 minutes p.m. ciation, understanding, and future of the COMMUNICATION FROM THE United States Armed Forces, the City of CLERK OF THE HOUSE f Houston, Texas, and Ellington Field. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from fore the House the following commu- PRO TEMPORE Florida (Ms. CASTOR) and the gen- nication from the Clerk of the House of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tleman from Washington (Mr. Representatives: ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair REICHERT) each will control 20 minutes. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, will postpone further proceedings The Chair recognizes the gentle- WASHINGTON, DC, today on motions to suspend the rules woman from Florida. September 28, 2007. on which a recorded vote or the yeas GENERAL LEAVE Hon. NANCY PELOSI, and nays are ordered, or on which the The Speaker, House of Representatives, Wash- Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask ington, DC. vote is objected to under clause 6 of unanimous consent that all Members DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: Pursuant to the rule XX. have 5 legislative days within which to permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II Record votes on postponed questions revise and extend their remarks on the of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- will be taken after 6:30 p.m. today. resolution under consideration.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11033 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there lighting aviation enthusiasts and fu- er, I know activities like these help objection to the request of the gentle- ture pilots from around the world with promote an understanding and appre- woman from Florida? spectacular flying in the skies, and ciation of military history. There was no objection. with historical and educational dis- Visitors are going to be able to see Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield plays on the ground in Ellington Field. trainers, fighters, and bombers from myself such time as I may consume. This top-rated aviation event, which the World War II, Korea and Vietnam Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support is sponsored by the all-volunteer Gulf era, and even NASA aircraft. The air of House Resolution 691 commending Coast Wing and West Houston Squad- show presents a unique opportunity to the Wings Over Houston Airshow for its ron of the Commemorative Air Force, tour some of the largest aircraft in the great contribution to the appreciation, honors the spirit of the courageous and world, including the Hurricane Hunter understanding, and future of the valiant American military flyers of the KC–135 and a C–5 cargo plane, walk United States Armed Forces, the City past and those who take to the skies over the wings of vintage airplanes, of Houston, Texas, and Ellington Field. today to ensure our Nation’s freedoms. and even sit in the pilot’s seat. I would like to thank my colleague The Wings Over Houston Airshow Children have the opportunity to from Texas, Mr. NICK LAMPSON, for showcases the United States Air Force, meet flying aces and decorated war he- bringing this measure to the floor of Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, and roes and to hear historical recounts the House. increases the awareness and apprecia- from the people who were there. The Wings Over Houston Airshow is tion for active duty members and the This year’s show features both Pearl one of the highest rated events of its veterans of our Armed Forces. Harbor survivors and the Tuskegee Air- kind. This coming Saturday and Sun- But more important than the air men, who were recently awarded the day, folks from Congressman show’s entertainment, the Wings Over Congressional Gold Medal. I am proud LAMPSON’s district and, in fact, from Houston Airshow has awarded $10,000 to of these folks, and I know that all all over America, will come to see $15,000 in scholarships per year to stu- Americans are as well. Meeting living these mighty military machines ma- dents who are pursuing an education in legends and air show performers is in- neuver through the skies with seeming aviation and in aerospace. In total, this spiring for young and old alike, and ease. These classic and contemporary organization has provided over $100,000 this show is a rare opportunity to airframes break their bounds to Earth to young men and women who have en- thank these heroes for their service and share the heavens with the sun and tered into careers in both military and and for their sacrifice. Wings Over Houston has spent, in the clouds. civilian aviation. last 23 years, a quarter of a million dol- It’s a rare experience to see with The Wings Over Houston Airshow lars to help challenge young people to your own eyes the awe-inspiring air- celebrates America’s aviation and go into aerospace, engineering, and borne arsenal of our Armed Forces. It’s aerospace history and the courageous aviation. Many go on to careers in the difficult to explain the seemingly im- military pilots whose sacrifices have military and go to work at NASA possible coordination our pilots exe- ensured our freedom. I am confident where they can also gain valuable expe- cute in midair. No one can truly under- that the Wings Over Houston Airshow rience as interns at the Johnson Space stand the peril, skill, and thrill in- will continue to ignite the enthusiasm Center, which is across the street from volved except for the pilots themselves; for flying in future generations of Ellington Field. With its important yet our extraordinarily talented men American aviators. contributions, Wings Over Houston en- and women fly in conditions that re- I strongly urge all Members to sup- sures that our Nation leads the way in port this resolution. quire nothing less than perfection. And math and science. visitors will have that rare glimpse of Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of The air show has also donated pro- airborne art. my time. ceeds to various local and national Spectators will be visited by the Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I am charities throughout the years, includ- Texas Air National Guard 147th Fighter proud to yield 3 minutes to my friend ing the Texas Southern University Squadron. Their TANG F–16s will tear and colleague from Texas, a true cham- Aviation Career Academy, the Ex- rifts through the sky as they buzz by. pion for Texas and a staunch supporter change Club of Sugar Land, and the The Texas Air National Guard F–16s of our Armed Forces, Mr. LAMPSON, the Commemorative Air Force aircraft res- are at a state of constant readiness, sponsor of this resolution. toration and flying historical pro- prepared to defend the great State of Mr. LAMPSON. Thank you, Mr. grams. Together with their partner, Texas and our Nation at a moment’s Speaker, for allowing me the oppor- Wings Over Houston, it has greatly call. tunity to come and speak on this. contributed to the economy and Attendees will also have the chance I am proud to honor the Wings Over growth of southeast Texas. to see Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Houston Airshow because each year So I want to thank the members of P–38, the B–24A, a heritage flight con- about 70,000 spectators from around the the House Armed Services Committee, sisting of the F–4 Phantom, the P–51 world gather in the 22nd Congressional and many of my Texas colleagues, par- Mustang, the P–47 Thunderbolt, and District of Texas to view this historic ticularly, for their cosponsorship of the F–15E Strike Eagle, and a number Ellington Field and view re-enact- this resolution. I am pleased to honor of Navy fighters among them. ments of great battles, see up-close the Wings Over Houston Airshow as a Mr. Speaker, the Wings Over Houston views of vintage aircraft, and meet yes- leader in the history and the future in Airshow provides an important experi- terday’s and today’s heroes. the United States Armed Forces. ence for folks to understand and to see For the last 23 years, as you’ve heard, Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield the many machines that help our brave pilots from our Armed Forces and back the balance of my time. men and women in uniform protect us. around the globe wow audiences with Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would I urge my colleagues to support their high-speed acrobatics. And how like to thank my colleague from Wash- House Resolution 691. often do we get to see real-life dare- ington (Mr. REICHERT) and salute my Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of devils? Well, this weekend, the Cana- colleague from Texas (Mr. LAMPSON) my time. dian Forces Snowbirds will dem- for bringing this resolution. I know, as Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield onstrate their seven- to nine-plane a member of the Tampa Bay area and myself such time as I might consume. close formations, tight turns, and the Armed Services Committee, we Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of head-on passes. Crowds will get to view value our air show every year at House Resolution 691, which commends state-of-the-art military aircraft, MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. So I the Wings Over Houston Airshow for its along with planes from days of old. thank my colleague again from Hous- contribution to the appreciation, un- This year, the air show brings history ton for his resolution commending the derstanding, and the future of the to life through authentic World War II Wings Over Houston Airshow. United States Armed Forces, the City vehicles, equipment and uniforms at a I ask my colleagues to support the of Houston, and Ellington Field. realistic military camp. They’re going resolution. Mr. Speaker, for 23 years, the Wings to re-enact part of the movie, ‘‘Tora! Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Over Houston Airshow has been de- Tora! Tora!’’ As a former school teach- I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 691,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE H11034 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2007 commending the Wings Over Houston Airshow airshow’s partners, which include the Lone HONORING THE SACRIFICES AND for its great contribution to the appreciation, Star Flight Museum, the Houston Airport Sys- COMMITMENTS OF THE MEN, understanding, and future of the United States tem, the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Com- WOMEN, AND FAMILIES OF THE Armed Forces, the city of Houston, TX, and merce, the Bay Area Houston Convention and UNITED STATES TRANSPOR- Ellington Field, of which I am proud to be an Visitors Bureau, the Greater Houston Conven- TATION COMMAND original cosponsor. I would like to thank my tion and Visitors Bureau, Destination League Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to good friend and colleague, Congressman City, and the cities of Houston, Kemah, Nas- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- LAMPSON, for introducing this legislation, and sau Bay, Seabrook, and Webster. Together, lution (H. Res. 640) honoring the sac- the chairman of the Armed Services Com- the Wings Over Houston Airshow and its gen- rifices and commitments of the men, mittee, Congressman SKELTON, for his leader- erous partners have contributed to the econ- women, and families of the United ship on this important issue. omy and growth of southeast Texas. States Transportation Command, and The 23rd annual Wings Over Houston Air- Mr. Speaker, the 110th Congress has made for other purposes, as amended. show will take place on October 6 and 7, the promotion of math and science education The Clerk read the title of the resolu- 2007, at Ellington Field, Houston, TX. This for all our Nation’s children a legislative pri- tion. year’s event will feature an array of modern ci- ority. Exciting and exhilarating events like the The text of the resolution is as fol- vilian aerobatic and state-of-the-art military Wings Over Houston Airshow are an oppor- lows: hardware, including the Canadian Forces tunity for children of all ages to engage with H. RES. 640 Snowbirds, as well as historic planes such as science, to hear heroic stories that helped Whereas the passage of the Goldwater- a Lockheed P–38 buried under ice in Green- shape America’s rich aviation history, to get Nichols Department of Defense Reorganiza- tion Act of 1986 (Public Law 99–433) revoked land in 1942 and only recovered 50 years excited about the world of aviation, to meet later. Also performing will be the all-volunteer the law prohibiting consolidation of military and interact with members of our Nation’s mili- transportation functions, and President Gulf Coast Wing and West Houston Squadron tary, and to dream about their own futures. of the Commemorative Air Force, which has Reagan subsequently ordered the establish- ment of a United States Transportation performed for the last 23 years at the airshow. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this resolu- tion, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Command; Mr. Speaker, the Wings Over Houston Air- Whereas October 1, 2007, marks the 20th an- show has been rated as one of the top events Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, niversary of the activation of the Transpor- of its kind. Over 70,000 people, both from the I rise today to recognize the Wings Over tation Command at Scott Air Force Base, Il- local community in southeast Texas and from Houston Airshow in Houston, Texas for its linois; all over the Nation, gather every year at this contribution to the city of Houston, local com- Whereas the Transportation Command is event, where they have the opportunity to see munities, and the military by fully supporting comprised of the Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, the Military the United States Air Force, Navy, Marines, H. Res. 691. and Coast Guard perform, as well as to meet Sealift Command at Washington, DC, and the Military Surface Deployment and Dis- service members of the past and present. The Wings Over Houston is about to give its 23rd annual show and in those 23 years, the tribution Command at Scott Air Force Base, Wings Over Houston Airshow has helped to Illinois; increase awareness and appreciation for the show has continued to bring attention to the history and future of the United States Armed Whereas the mission of Transportation United States Armed Forces and its active Command is to provide air, land, and sea duty members and veterans. Forces, and its veterans and active duty mem- transportation for the Department of De- The Wings Over Houston Airshow also bers while becoming one of the top events of fense, both in times of peace and war; serves to promote an understanding and ap- its kind in the country and one of the largest Whereas Operation Desert Shield and Oper- preciation of military history. The airshow’s in Metropolitan Houston. An estimated 70,000 ation Desert Storm first demonstrated the fully operational capability of the Trans- many events include the reenactment of bat- to 90,000 people are expected to enjoy the air and static displays this year which will not only portation Command with the movement of tles and the acquisition, restoration, and dis- approximately 504,000 passengers, 3,700,000 play of vintage aircraft. Among these historical help to support many non-profit and charitable organizations, but help to fund the Wings Over tons of dry cargo, and 6,100,000 tons of petro- reenactments is Tora!Tora!Tora!, an explosive leum products in 7 months; recreation of the air attack on Pearl Harbor. Houston Scholarship Program and Aviation Whereas the Transportation Command has Viewers of all ages will have the opportunity to Career Education summer camp. continued to serve the Nation during many view this exciting spectacle, while also learn- This family-oriented international event is contingency and peacekeeping operations ing about military and aviation history. housed at Ellington Field. Originally built in around the world, including United Nations Mr. Speaker, the Wings Over Houston Air- operations in Iraq, Rwanda, and Somalia, as 1917, the field was integral in flight training for well as North Atlantic Treaty Organization show plays an important role in both local and both world wars and was one of the airfields operations in Serbia and Kosovo; national communities. The airshow benefits selected to maintain a large military force after Whereas the Transportation Command has local and national charities, including the the end of WWII. It currently is home to local supported many humanitarian relief oper- Wings Over Houston Airshow Scholarship Pro- presence of NASA, Texas Air National Guard, ations transporting relief supplies to victims gram, the Texas Southern University Aviation Coast Guard, the National Guard, as well as of foreign and domestic natural disasters; Career Academy, the Exchange Club of Sugar being used for other aviation purposes. Whereas after terrorist attacks killed Land, and the Commemorative Air Force air- nearly 3,000 people and wounded thousands Wings Over Houston not only brings local on September 11, 2001, the Transportation craft restoration and flying historical programs. and international tourists to Houston, but also The Wings Over Houston Scholarship Pro- Command became a vital asset in the global generates awareness of U.S. Armed Forces war on terrorism, supporting members of the gram is particularly important. This scholarship by showing a vested interest in education and Armed Forces in Operation Enduring Free- program promotes math and science edu- supporting local students through the scholar- dom in Afghanistan, in Operation Iraqi Free- cation by helping students from southeast ship program. That is why I support H. Res. dom, and around the world; Texas pursue college educations in the fields Whereas from October 2001 to September 691. of aviation and aerospace. Scholarships are 2007, the Transportation Command, its com- awarded to students residing in Harris County, Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield ponents, and its national partners have or a contiguous county, who have dem- back the balance of my time. transported approximately 4,000,000 pas- onstrated academic potential, leadership, and sengers, 9,000,000 short tons of cargo, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The over 4,000,000,000 gallons of fuel in support of extracurricular involvement, with preference question is on the motion offered by the global war on terrorism; and giving to those pursuing an academic degree the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Whereas the 2005 quadrennial defense re- directly associated with aviation or aerospace. CASTOR) that the House suspend the view recognized the importance of joint mo- For 2007, a total of $10,000 in scholarships rules and agree to the resolution, H. bility and the critical role that it plays in was awarded, and I would like to congratulate Res. 691. global power projection: Now, therefore, be it the four recipients: Robert Tristan Reeves, Resolved, That the House of Representa- The question was taken; and (two- David Gehris, Kristen John, and Donovan tives— thirds being in the affirmative) the (1) honors the sacrifices and commitment Johnson. of the approximately 155,000 men and women Mr. Speaker, the Wings Over Houston Air- rules were suspended and the resolu- tion was agreed to. who comprise the United States Transpor- show is made possible by the collaboration of tation Command, including active and re- a number of Houston area organizations. I A motion to reconsider was laid on serve components, civilian employees, and would like to extend my thanks to the the table. contractors;

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11035 (2) honors the families of the United States From October 2001 to September 2007, prudent to land anywhere on their trip Transportation Command and their sac- TRANSCOM and its components have as the pressure changes from climbing rifices while their loved ones are deployed transported approximately 4 million and descending could trigger bleeding around the world; passengers, 9 million tons of cargo, and and the patient would possibly lose his (3) owes the men, women, and families of the Transportation Command a debt of grati- over 4 billion gallons of fuel. House life. In order to make the flight home tude; and Resolution 640 honors these great at a lower than normal altitude, the C– (4) honors the achievements of the Trans- achievements and the men and women 17 would need to be refueled twice portation Command during the global war on who make them happen. along the way. The folks at U.S. terrorism. TRANSCOM provides a vital service TRANSCOM coordinated for the air re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- to our Nation and enables our Armed fueling support over Turkey and Eng- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Forces to carry out their missions ef- land. As the flight was en route, this Florida (Ms. CASTOR) and the gen- fectively and efficiently. refueling took place. The extraor- tleman from Washington (Mr. I hope you will join me today in con- dinary skills and capabilities of U.S. REICHERT) each will control 20 minutes. gratulating TRANSCOM on its 20th an- TRANSCOM personnel brought that The Chair recognizes the gentle- niversary, and expressing gratitude to flight safely to the ground at Andrews woman from Florida. the 155,000 men and women who com- Air Force Base, Maryland, in record GENERAL LEAVE prise it for their continued sacrifice time. The wounded soldier was under Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask and commitment to this country. the care of a neurosurgeon at Bethesda unanimous consent that all Members Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to less than 24 hours from the moment of have 5 legislative days within which to support House Resolution 640. attack. revise and extend their remarks on the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Now, that miracle is pretty impres- resolution under consideration. my time. sive. But there are a few other details The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there b 1445 that you should know about this story. objection to the request of the gentle- First of all, the C–17 was a McChord Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield woman from Florida? Air Force Base, Washington, airplane, There was no objection. myself such time as I might consume. where I happen to serve. It was flown Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong by an active duty crew from Charleston myself such time as I may consume. support of House Resolution 640, as Air Force Base. The doctor who cared Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support amended, a resolution that honors the for the patient while in flight is a re- of House Resolution 640, to honor the sacrifices and commitments of the servist from Langley Air Force Base. sacrifices and commitments of the men, women and families of the United The nurse is also a reservist, but he is men, women, and families of the States Transportation Command. U.S. from MacDill Air Force Base in Flor- United States Transportation Com- TRANSCOM was established in 1987 as ida. The rest of the critical care team mand, or TRANSCOM. one of the nine U.S. unified commands. is a part of the Air National Guard. Today marks the 20th anniversary of TRANSCOM is tasked with coordina- The entire mission, Mr. Speaker, was TRANSCOM’s activation at Scott Air tion of people and transportation as- being controlled from Scott Air Force Force Base in Illinois, and I would like sets to allow our country to sustain Base, Illinois, by the Tanker Airlift to thank my colleague from Illinois forces whenever, wherever and for as Control Center. That is what U.S. (Mr. COSTELLO) for bringing this meas- long as they are needed. The men, TRANSCOM is all about, bringing to- ure before the House. women and families of TRANSCOM gether the mobility assets needed to Charged with the vital duty of pro- have done an extraordinary job of sup- support our war fighters to the medical viding air, land and sea transportation porting this Nation and our national service that they need. for the Department of Defense, both in defense over the past 20 years. This is why I am proud to support times of peace and war, TRANSCOM I would like to take a moment to H.R. 640. The men, women and families consists of the Air Mobility Command, share a story with you that exemplifies of U.S. TRANSCOM have served this the Military Surface Deployment and the incredible capabilities of this Nation well. As we celebrate the 20th Distribution Command, and the Mili- unique organization. On an early morn- anniversary of U.S. TRANSCOM today, tary Sea Lift Command. ing in July, one of our sergeants was on let’s send them a strong message and Established in 1978, TRANSCOM is a raid in Baghdad and found himself support this legislation. the single manager of America’s global the victim of a brutal attack that re- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance defense transportation system, and its sulted in a severe head injury. The sol- of my time. skilled coordination allows our country dier was immediately transported to Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank to project and sustain our Armed Balad Air Base in Iraq for treatment. my colleague from Washington (Mr. Forces whenever, wherever and for as The wonderful people at the 332nd expe- REICHERT), and I thank our colleague long as they are needed. ditionary medical group, whom I met from Illinois (Mr. COSTELLO) for bring- Responding quickly and effectively on a recent trip to Iraq, examined this ing this resolution to the floor of the to the demands of our warfighting com- wounded soldier and determined that House, House Resolution 640, honoring manders, TRANSCOM first proved its he needed to be quickly returned to the the sacrifices and commitments of the crucial capability during Operation United States for a level of care that men, women and families of the United Desert Shield and Operation Desert they could not provide in the field. States Transportation Command. Storm, with the movement of more This is the point where the amazing Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to than 500,000 passengers, 3.7 million tons men and women of the U.S. support House Resolution 640. of dry cargo, and 6.1 million tons of pe- TRANSCOM went into action. A C–17 Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in troleum products in only 7 months. crew was just getting ready to start strong support of H. Res. 640, a resolution TRANSCOM has continued to serve their day making normal cargo runs honoring the United States Transportation the Nation and the world through around the theater. As they arrived for Command (US TRANSCOM) on its 20th Anni- many contingency and peacekeeping duty, they were told of the wounded versary at Scott AFB, IL. I would like to thank operations around the globe. It has soldier. They immediately began plan- Chairman SKELTON and Ranking Member supported numerous humanitarian re- ning the mission to get him the critical HUNTER for working with me to bring this to lief operations, transporting supplies care that he needed. While U.S. the floor expeditiously. to victims of foreign and domestic nat- TRANSCOM deals with urgent requests TRANSCOM is responsible for creating and ural disasters. almost daily, this one was different. implementing first-class global deployment and Following the terrorist attacks of The C–17 crew was notified that due to distribution solutions to support the President, September 11, TRANSCOM became an the nature of the sergeant’s head in- Secretary of Defense, and our Combatant especially vital asset to our Nation, jury, they would have to keep the Commander assigned missions. supporting our Armed Forces in Oper- cabin pressure no higher than 4,000 feet Scott AFB, home of US TRANSCOM, Air ation Enduring Freedom in Afghani- on the flight home. They were also Mobility Command, the Surface Deployment stan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. told, by the way, that it wouldn’t be and Distribution Command, the 375th AW, the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE H11036 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2007 932nd AW, and the 126th ARW, among other derwater Demolition Teams during World as Navy SEALs, have risked their lives units, have made countless contributions to War II, is now home to the Navy UDT–SEAL at sea, in the air and on land to protect the OEF/OIF. Museum. the United States of America. The (4) The Navy UDT–SEAL Museum is the Since Oct 10, 2001, the US TRANSCOM only museum dedicated solely to preserving most elite fighting force in the world, has moved over 4 million passengers, almost the history of the Navy SEALs and its prede- the Navy SEALs have bravely executed 4.654 billion gallons of fuel, over 9.4 million cessors, including the Underwater Demoli- some of the most dangerous combat op- tons of cargo, over 88,000 airlift missions, tion Teams, Naval Combat Demolition Units, erations in our Nation’s history. Trac- over 760 ship loads, more than 164,000 rail Office of Strategic Services Maritime Units, ing the roots of these historic sailors, car shipments, and approximately 2 million and Amphibious Scouts and Raiders. the Navy UDT–SEAL Museum in Fort CONUS truck shipments. (5) The Navy UDT–SEAL Museum pre- Pierce, Florida, marks the birthplace They have done all of this with only 2 fatali- serves the legacy of the honor, courage, pa- of the Navy frogmen where thousands triotism, and sacrifices of those Navy SEALs ties in the aeromedical system. Those statis- and their predecessors who offered their of brave volunteers were trained to be- tics demonstrate a remarkable commitment to services and who gave their lives in defense come the first members of naval com- excellence and an indication of true leader- of liberty. bat demolition units and underwater ship, strong spirit and continued sacrifice. (6) The Navy UDT–SEAL Museum finances, demolition teams during World War II. Each day, the people at TRANSCOM and operations, and collections are managed by The Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is the Scott AFB and their families and friends, are UDT–SEAL Museum Association, Inc., a non- only museum dedicated solely to pre- asked to sacrifice for the good of our country. profit organization governed by current and serving the legacy of the Navy SEALs former SEALs and UDTs. They make that sacrifice without hesitation (7) The Navy UDT–SEAL Museum seeks to and its predecessors. and should be commended for it. educate a diverse group of audiences through Since 1985 when the facility first Mr. Speaker, as we mark TRANSCOM’s its comprehensive collection of historical opened, the museum served both as a 20th anniversary at Scott AFB, I would like to materials, emphasizing eyewitness accounts physical monument to our sailors’ commend General Norton Schwartz and the of the participants on the battlefield and the bravery as well as an educational re- men and women who serve with him. It is truly home front and the impact of Navy SEALs pository that preserves the legacy of an honor to have this command at Scott AFB and their predecessors, then and now. their honor, skill, courage and patriot- (8) Since 1985, when the Navy UDT–SEAL ism. The museum traces the SEALs’ and I look forward to countless more years of Museum first opened, it has become home to this unique partnership. I urge my colleagues artifacts and photos telling the history of lineage from the UDTs conducting hy- to join me in honoring TRANSCOM and sup- Naval Special Warfare from the beginnings drographic reconnaissance on the porting this resolution. of Underwater Demolition training in Ft. beaches of Normandy to the present- Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield Pierce, Florida, through the exploits of Navy day professionals who practice conven- back the balance of my time. Frogmen in the Atlantic and Pacific war the- tional warfare and counterterrorism. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The aters of World War II, through the role of The museum exhibits memorialize the question is on the motion offered by Navy SEALs in fighting in the War on Terror incredible courage and versatility of and in Iraq. the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. (9) The State of Florida, St. Lucie County, the Navy SEALs through emphasizing CASTOR) that the House suspend the Florida, thousands of private donors, and eyewitness accounts and photographs rules and agree to the resolution, H. philanthropic organizations have contrib- of sailors on the battlefield as well as Res. 640, as amended. uted millions of dollars to build, restore, and on the homefront. The question was taken; and (two- expand the Navy UDT–SEAL Museum. The Navy UDT–SEAL Museum in thirds being in the affirmative) the (10) The United States Navy and the United Fort Pierce, Florida, is an immensely rules were suspended and the resolu- States Special Operations Command have important venture for the Navy under- tion, as amended, was agreed to. provided many of the historical materials water combat community as well as for and artifacts on display at the Navy UDT– A motion to reconsider was laid on SEAL Museum. the great State of Florida, preserving the table. (b) RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL MUSEUM.— the rich history and valiant story of f The Navy UDT–SEAL Museum, located at the Navy SEALs for both the program’s 3300 North A1A, North Hutchinson Island, in veterans and future generations. RECOGNIZING THE NAVY UDT- Fort Pierce, Florida, is recognized as the of- Our Nation can express its great ad- SEAL MUSEUM IN FORT PIERCE, ficial national museum of Navy SEALs and miration for these brave sailors and FLORIDA, AS THE OFFICIAL NA- their predecessors. the gratitude for this monument to TIONAL MUSEUM OF NAVY The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- their sacrifices by recognizing the SEALS AND THEIR PREDE- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Navy UDT–SEAL Museum in Fort CESSORS. Florida (Ms. CASTOR) and the gen- Pierce, Florida, as the official national Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to tleman from Washington (Mr. museum of Navy SEALs and their pred- suspend the rules and pass the bill REICHERT) each will control 20 minutes. ecessors. (H.R. 2779) to recognize the Navy UDT- The Chair recognizes the gentle- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, woman from Florida. support H.R. 2779, and I reserve the bal- as the official national museum of GENERAL LEAVE ance of my time. Navy SEALs and their predecessors. Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield The Clerk read the title of the bill. unanimous consent that all Members myself such time as I might consume. The text of the bill is as follows: have 5 legislative days within which to Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong revise and extend their remarks on the H.R. 2779 support of H.R. 2779, a bill that recog- resolution under consideration. nizes the Navy Underwater Demolition Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there resentatives of the United States of America in Team-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, objection to the request of the gentle- Florida, as the official national mu- Congress assembled, woman from Florida? seum of the Navy SEALs and their SECTION 1. RECOGNITION OF NAVY UDT–SEAL There was no objection. MUSEUM IN FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield predecessors. H.R. 2779 has the strong AS OFFICIAL NATIONAL MUSEUM OF bipartisan support of 44 cosponsors, in- NAVY SEALS AND THEIR PREDE- myself such time as I may consume. CESSORS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support cluding the distinguished members of (a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the fol- of H.R. 2779 to honor the legacy of the the Committee on Armed Services and lowing: Navy SEALs by recognizing the Navy my good friends SUSAN DAVIS of Cali- (1) The United States Navy SEALs are the Underwater Demolition Team Sea, Air, fornia and THELMA DRAKE of Virginia most elite fighting force in the world and Land, or UDT–SEAL, Museum in Fort whose districts contain the majority of bravely serve in combat operations around Pierce, Florida, as the official national present-day SEALs units. the World. museum of Navy SEALs and their pred- The Navy SEALs are deservedly re- (2) The Navy SEALs trace their roots from nowned around the world for their the Navy Frogmen of World War II. ecessors. I thank my colleague from (3) The location recognized as the birth- Florida (Mr. MAHONEY) for bringing combat prowess and are a critical part place of the Navy Frogmen, where thousands this measure to the floor of the House. of our special forces team. This elite of brave volunteers were trained as members Since the program’s inception in 1962, fighting team and force traces its be- of Naval Combat Demolition Units and Un- the Special Operations Sailors, known ginning to the Navy’s World War II

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11037 frogman training facility in Fort The ground upon which the Navy CASTOR) that the House suspend the Pierce, Florida, where this museum is UDT–SEAL Museum rests was the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2779. located. During World War II, the Navy birthplace of the Navy frogmen. The question was taken; and (two- trained thousands of volunteers as Through World War II, thousands of thirds being in the affirmative) the combat demolition and underwater brave soldiers were trained as members rules were suspended and the bill was demolition experts at Fort Pierce. The of naval combat demolition units and passed. brave men who mastered these difficult underwater demolition teams at the A motion to reconsider was laid on and dangerous skills set the standard site. Since that time, the frogmen have the table. for today’s SEALs to attain. evolved into one of the elite fighting f The Navy Underwater Demolition forces in the world, the Navy SEALs. Team–SEAL Museum, which we des- The Navy UDT–SEAL Museum is the COMMENDING THE 1ST BRIGADE ignate today as the official national only museum dedicated solely to pre- COMBAT TEAM/34TH INFANTRY museum, has an impressive and com- serving the legacy of the honor, cour- DIVISION OF THE MINNESOTA prehensive collection of material about age, patriotism, and sacrifices of those NATIONAL GUARD these elite Navy fighting forces, pro- Navy SEALs and their predecessors, in- Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to viding the public with an excellent cluding the underwater demolition education of today’s Navy SEALs and suspend the rules and agree to the con- teams, naval combat demolition units, current resolution (H. Con. Res. 185) their predecessors. Office of Strategic Service maritime Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that this commending the 1st Brigade Combat units, and Amphibious Scouts and bill has been brought to the floor. I Team/34th Infantry Division of the Raiders. urge my colleagues to join me in sup- Minnesota National Guard upon its port of this bill, and I reserve the bal- b 1500 completion of the longest continuous deployment of any United States mili- ance of my time. I would like to personally thank Cap- tary unit during Operation Iraqi Free- Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 tain Mike Howard, a retired Navy dom, as amended. minutes to my friend and colleague, SEAL; Ruth McSween; Rolf Snyder; The Clerk read the title of the con- the gentleman from Florida (Mr. and others, who have made the UDT– current resolution. MAHONEY), who is an outstanding lead- SEAL Museum possible. I would also The text of the concurrent resolution er and staunch supporter of the Na- like to thank all the men and women is as follows: tion’s Armed Forces. who worked to preserve the legacy of Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. I would the Naval Special Warfare community. H. CON. RES. 185 like to thank my good friend, the gen- Since the museum was opened in 1985, Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th tlewoman from Florida, and an original thousands of visitors have learned of Infantry Division of the Minnesota National cosponsor of this bill for yielding time Guard, known as the Red Bull Division, is the accomplishments of the Navy to me this afternoon. I would also like headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, SEALs through the museum’s artifacts to recognize the gentleman from Wash- and deployed approximately 2,700 hard-work- and photos tracing the history of Naval ington (Mr. REICHERT) for his support ing and courageous Minnesotans and ap- Special Warfare from its beginnings for this important bill. proximately 1,300 more soldiers from other Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support during World War II, through the Midwestern States; Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team has of H.R. 2779, legislation that I intro- Navy’s SEALs current role in fighting the war on terror and in Iraq. a long history of service to the United duced to recognize the Navy UDT– States, beginning with the Civil War; SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, While we are here today to honor the Naval Special Warfare community, I Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team was as the official national museum of the most recently mobilized in September 2005 Navy SEALs and their predecessors. would like to take a moment to re- and departed for Iraq in March 2006; Mr. Speaker, I am sure that there are member Petty Officer First Class Rob- Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team re- many today watching and asking how ert Richard McRill and all of those who cently completed the longest continuous de- important is it to create a national have paid the ultimate sacrifice while ployment of any United States ground com- museum recognizing brave men and serving our Nation. Petty Officer bat military unit during Operation Iraqi women who have served in underwater McRill, from Lake Placid, Florida, was Freedom; Whereas, during its deployment, the 1st demolition teams as frogmen and today killed while serving in Iraq as part of SEALs Group Two when his team was Brigade Combat Team completed 5,200 com- as SEALs. In my life, I have had the bat logistics patrols, secured 2.4 million con- privilege and honor of knowing and hit by an IED. voy miles, and discovered 462 improvised ex- learning about brave men who have By designating the Navy UDT–SEAL plosive devices (IEDs) prior to detonation; served our Nation and have seen the Museum as the official national mu- Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team hell of combat, people like Reggie seum of Navy SEALs and their prede- processed over 1.5 million vehicles and 400,000 White, my daughter Bailey’s grand- cessors, we are honoring Mr. McRill Iraqis into entry control points without any father, who was a combat engineer and and all the warriors who have served in insurgent penetrations; who, like the men of UDT, had the job Naval Special Warfare. I ask all my Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team cap- colleagues to join me in recognizing tured over 400 suspected insurgents; of clearing Omaha Beach that fateful Whereas more than 1,400 members of the day of June 6, 1944. My uncle, Bart the honor, courage, patriotism and sac- 1st Brigade Combat Team reenlisted during Mahoney, a B–17 pilot, was one of the rifices of the SEALs and their prede- deployment and 21 members became United first to be shot down over Germany. cessors by supporting this legislation. States citizens during deployment; Bart survived combat and then sur- Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, at this Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team vived German concentration camps. time I have no further requests for helped start two Iraqi newspapers that pro- Bobbie Maynard saw frontline action in time, and I yield back the balance of vide news to the local population and publish Korea and survived some of the heavi- my time. stories on reconstruction progress; est engagements in the Korean War. Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team like to thank my colleague from Wash- completed 137 reconstruction projects; My friend, Pat Kelley, was a medic in Whereas the deployment of the 1st Brigade Vietnam who had to endure the life- ington (Mr. REICHERT) for his support. I Combat Team in Iraq was extended by 125 and-death realities of combat. These would also like to thank my colleague days in January 2007; men are heroes. These men have seen and friend from Florida (Mr. MAHONEY) Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team and the horrors of war and survived them. for bringing this thoughtful bill to the its members are now returning to the United These men never bragged about their floor of the House of Representatives. States to loving families and a grateful na- service. In fact, they rarely spoke of it, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to tion; preferring to let the horrors of their support H.R. 2779. Whereas the families of the members of the Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance 1st Brigade Combat Team have waited pa- experience rest. This bill is important tiently for their loved ones to return and en- because it gives voice to the heroes of my time. dured many hardships during this lengthy whose stories and honor need to be cap- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The deployment; tured and passed down to future gen- question is on the motion offered by Whereas the employers of members and erations. the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. family members of the 1st Brigade Combat

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The men and women of the 1st Bri- Whereas communities throughout the Mid- In 22 months some of our brave men gade Combat Team are some of this west are now integral participants in the and women in uniform missed their in- Nation’s finest soldiers. Their first-rate Minnesota National Guard’s extensive Be- fants and their young children taking service in Iraq carries on the tradition yond the Yellow Ribbon reintegration pro- their first steps, saying their first of excellence established by previous gram that will help members of the 1st Bri- words. Some of the roughly 5,000-mem- generations of the 1st Brigade, through gade Combat Team return to normal life; ber BCT missed their kids’ high school service in the Civil War, the Spanish- and Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th graduations, and they didn’t get a American War, and both world wars. Infantry Division has performed admirably chance to move their sons and daugh- The more than 2,200 Minnesotans and and courageously, putting service to country ters into a dorm for college. 1,300 more Midwestern soldiers who over personal interests and gaining the grat- So much can change in 2 years. So served in the 1st Brigade in Iraq per- itude and respect of Minnesotans, Mid- many precious moments that we hold formed remarkably during their westerners, and all Americans: Now, there- dear pass by during this time. Yet we unrivaled tour of duty. These soldiers fore, be it go about our daily lives and forget that completed more than 5,200 combat lo- Resolved by the House of Representatives (the these precious moments that we enjoy gistics patrols, secured 2.4 million con- Senate concurring), That Congress— (1) commends the 1st Brigade Combat are being protected by America’s tre- voy miles, captured over 400 suspected Team/34th Infantry Division of the Min- mendous servicemembers. insurgents, and discovered 462 impro- nesota National Guard upon its completion Even more amazing is the fact that vised explosive devices prior to detona- of the longest continuous deployment of any the members of the 1st Brigade Combat tion. They also helped to start two United States ground combat military unit Team/34th Infantry Division are mem- Iraqi newspapers and completed 137 re- during Operation Iraqi Freedom; bers of the National Guard. These are construction projects. (2) recognizes the achievements of the everyday folks, our neighbors and As a mark of their commitment to members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team friends who signed up to be citizen sol- the unit and to this Nation, more than and their exemplary service to the United States; and diers. Their single deployment lasted 1,400 members of the brigade reenlisted, (3) directs the Clerk of the House of Rep- as long as some active duty reenlisted, while in Iraq, and 21 mem- resentatives to transmit a copy of this reso- servicemembers’ entire time in our bers became United States citizens. lution to the Adjutant General of the Min- Armed Forces. This was an extraor- Throughout their long tour of duty, nesota National Guard for appropriate dis- dinary commitment and sacrifice on their historic tour of duty, the soldiers play. the part of the Red Bull Division. of the 1st Brigade Combat Team had The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Mr. Speaker, I know Mr. WALZ and the steady support of families and em- MAHONEY of Florida). Pursuant to the Mr. KLINE, our colleagues from Min- ployers. The soldiers are now home and rule, the gentlewoman from Florida nesota, will have much to say about beginning the process of reintegration (Ms. CASTOR) and the gentleman from these fine Minnesotans as representa- through the Minnesota National Minnesota (Mr. KLINE) each will con- tives of that great State. But I would Guard’s extensive Beyond the Yellow trol 20 minutes. just like to say how proud I am as a Ribbon program. The Chair recognizes the gentle- Member of the United States House of Mr. Speaker, given their admirable woman from Florida. Representatives and as an American, and courageous service over so long a GENERAL LEAVE Mr. Speaker, of the 5,200 combat logis- period of time, and in recognition of Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask tics patrols, the 2.4 million convoy their willingness to put service to unanimous consent that all Members miles, the 400 captured terrorists and country over personal interest, it is have 5 legislative days within which to the 22-month deployment that the 1st only fitting that we take this oppor- revise and extend their remarks on the Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry Di- tunity to commend the men and resolution under consideration. vision accomplished. women of the 1st Brigade Combat The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there We can never repay these Team. objection to the request of the gentle- servicemembers for their time and I want to thank my friend and col- woman from Florida? their tremendous sacrifice. But what league, the gentleman from Minnesota There was no objection. (Mr. WALZ) for bringing this measure Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield we can do is enshrine our appreciation forward and for his service with the myself such time as I may consume. and thanks by passing this resolution Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support into law. National Guard. of House Concurrent Resolution 185, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to commending the 1st Brigade Combat support House Concurrent Resolution vote in strong support of this concur- Team/34th Infantry Division of the 185. rent resolution. Minnesota National Guard upon its Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of completion of the longest continuous my time. my time. deployment of any United States mili- Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. Mr. Speak- Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I intend tary unit during Operation Iraqi Free- er, I yield myself such time as I may to recognize the sponsor of this dom. I would like to thank my col- consume. thoughtful resolution, but I think it is league from Minnesota (Mr. WALZ) for Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong important for our colleagues to recog- bringing this measure before the support of House Concurrent Resolu- nize his service as well. Mr. WALZ from House. tion 185, which commends the men and Minnesota spent 24 years himself in the The 1st Brigade Combat Team of the women of the 1st Brigade Combat Army National Guard, so he has had a 34th Infantry Division was deployed for Team/34th Infantry Division, Min- full life of service to this country. I 22 months, nearly 2 years. That’s how nesota National Guard, for completing don’t think he knew when he enlisted long they were continuously deployed. the longest continuous deployment of at the young age of 17 that he would This is longer than any other ground any United States combat team in Op- end up so many years in the Army Na- combat unit in Operation Iraqi Free- eration Iraqi Freedom. tional Guard. He also became a teach- dom. Many Americans count down the Mr. Speaker, these men and women er. But he achieved the rank of com- hours until the end of the workday, did not want to set this record. They mand sergeant major. until Friday night, until the end of the didn’t seek this record. In fact, when I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to work week. Often our commitment to they left these shores, they had no idea Command Sergeant Major WALZ, my our jobs comes in bundles of 40 hours. this record was going to be theirs: 16 friend and colleague from Minnesota, Yet the soldiers of the Red Bull Divi- months in a combat zone, 22 months of the sponsor of this thoughtful resolu- sion had no such luxury. Counting mobilization. But when the word came, tion.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11039 Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. I thank the ognize not just the soldiers, but their sponsor of this thoughtful concurrent gentlewoman from Florida for her kind families and employers who patiently resolution, and urge my colleagues to words, and I thank the gentleman from supported, loved and cared for them support H. Con. Res. 185. Minnesota for his many years of lead- and waited for them until they re- Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today ership and his service also and to the turned to the Midwest. in proud support of this legislation which com- whole Armed Services Committee for I want to thank my colleagues from mends Minnesota’s First Brigade Combat this important legislation. Minnesota for their work in support of Team of the 34th Infantry Division for their I am urging my colleagues, and I am this resolution, especially my col- completion of the longest continuous deploy- sure it will not take a lot of urging. league Mr. KLINE from Minnesota. My ment of any United States military unit during This House of Representatives under- colleague from Minnesota himself is a Operation Iraqi Freedom. stands. This resolution, House Concur- lieutenant colonel, a lifelong and ca- This extraordinary group of men and rent Resolution 185, has recognized the reer Marine Corps officer and one that women, also known as the Red Bulls, is com- incredible contributions, courage, and served with distinction. He under- prised of about 3,700 dedicated Minnesotans sacrifice of the 1st Brigade Combat stands and he too knows the sacrifice and some 1,300 more soldiers from other Mid- Team of the National Guard that they that they have given. western States. Recently, more than 1,000 of have given to our Nation. I want to thank the 30 other Members our courageous Red Bulls returned home from In July of 2005, members of the 1/34th of Congress who cosponsored this reso- a 22-month deployment to Iraq. Brigade Combat Team of the famed lution to show their support of the 1st During their time in the Middle East, the Red Bull Division were notified of their Brigade Combat Team. But most of all, First Brigade Combat Team protected lives deployment. Twenty-two months later, I want to thank the 2,447 soldiers of the and helped to preserve the blessings of liberty in July of 2007, they began returning 1st Brigade Combat Team from Min- here at home. They discovered 462 impro- home, after a 22-month deployment. As nesota. The other soldiers that aug- vised explosive devices, IEDs, before they my colleague from Minnesota said, mented this unit came from Iowa, Ne- were able to wreak havoc on the innocent. By they had no intention or no knowledge braska, Kansas, Wisconsin, New Jersey, finding these IEDs prior to detonation, the First that they would be setting a record. Kentucky, Idaho, and Washington. Brigade Combat Team surely saved the lives They simply said yes when they were The Red Bulls have truly lived up to of countless fellow soldiers and Iraqi citizens. called upon. their long and heroic tradition and They also captured over 400 suspected insur- As you have heard from each of my have contributed bravely to the war in gents and completed 137 reconstruction colleagues, the statistics are amazing Iraq and this Nation’s security. Re- projects. In addition, the First Brigade Combat on what this unit did: 5,200 combat lo- gardless of what any American feels Team successfully processed over 1.5 million gistic patrols covering 2.4 million con- about the war in Iraq, it is clear that vehicles and 400,000 Iraqis into entry control voy miles. You heard Mr. KLINE talk America’s servicemembers, like those points without any insurgent penetrations. about the number of IEDs that were from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor the First found. A full 37 percent of the total have performed brilliantly and mag- Brigade Combat Team, whose bravery and IED incidents during their time there nificently; and they deserve our full commitment to serving our country is as ap- were attributed to the diligent work of support. parent today as it has been in wars long past. this unit. Now Congress must do its part to rec- These soldiers have returned with an out- They helped start the Iraqi news- ognize their service and provide them standing record of achievement and have papers that you heard about, and they the benefits and the health care that earned hundreds of awards including: one Sil- also helped produce documentaries on they need. The Minnesota National ver Star, 151 Bronze Stars, 32 Purple Hearts, the positive work that our units are Guard has a world-class reintegration 771 Army Commendation Medals, 136 Com- doing in Iraq. They completed 137 re- program, the Beyond the Yellow Rib- bat Infantry Badges, 302 Combat Action construction projects; and during this bon program, which helps soldiers read- Badges and 14 Combat Medical Badges. deployment, as you heard, they reen- just to civilian life. The important measure before us today rec- listed 1,400 of these brave citizen sol- I want to thank my friend and col- ognizes the service of our Red Bull soldiers, diers. And I think a really special thing league and fellow Minnesotan, Con- and reminds us of the price of our freedom, is 21 of them became citizens during gressman KLINE, for working to expand and those who have freely chosen to honor it. their time in service to this country. this program nationwide for all sol- To our Red Bulls, and all of the men and Although they were originally slated diers. His leadership in this is appre- women that defend this Nation, my colleagues to come home, they endured a 125-day ciated by soldiers and families across and I continue to stand in awe of you. extension, and their families and em- this Nation. Thank you, and may God bless you and ployers endured that with them. This your families. 1515 record of the longest continuous de- b Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ployment of any U.S. military oper- Their needs will go far beyond re- honor the service of the men and women of ation in Iraqi Freedom is something to integration. Long after the initial fan- the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry be incredibly proud of. Being there is fare fades, Congress and the Depart- Division of the Minnesota National Guard and one thing. Contributing positively the ment of Veterans Affairs must stand in strong support of H. Con. Res. 185. way they did is quite another. ready to assist these brave warriors I want to thank my colleague and friend TIM The soldiers sacrificed 2 years of throughout the rest of their lives. They WALZ for bringing this important resolution be- their lives in service to their country. have more than earned our support, fore the floor. I know how much they have given, as I and we must be certain they always The dedicated men and women of 1st Bri- was a former member of this Red Bull have it. gade Combat Team/34th Infantry Division of Division myself; and I know many of Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my col- the Minnesota Guard have just finished serv- these men and women personally. leagues to show their support for the ing the longest continuous deployment of any They have added to the long and im- Red Bulls by adopting this resolution. United States military unit during Operation pressive list of the Red Bull. Their lin- Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. Mr. Speak- Iraqi Freedom. This Minnesota National Guard eage goes back to the 1st Minnesota er, I yield myself a moment to say that unit served 22 months, 16 of which were in Volunteers, the first unit to volunteer I urge all of my colleagues to support Iraq. for the Civil War. The Red Bulls had this important resolution. The service Mr. Speaker, I believe our Nation owes a 517 days of actual combat in World War that these men and women performed debt of gratitude to the members of the 1st II, that is more than any other U.S. di- is truly historic and commendable. Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry Division vision during the war, and captured Again, I thank Mr. WALZ for bringing along with all the men and women who have more enemy hills and territory than this measure forward. honorably served in Iraq. any other division in World War II. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance H. Con. Res. 185 represents a small token I, along with the rest of the Min- of my time. of appreciation for our grateful Nation. The nesota delegation in both the House Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would resolution formally recognizes the achieve- and the Senate, introduced this resolu- like to thank my colleagues from Min- ments of these citizen soldiers and officially tion to honor their service and to rec- nesota, Mr. KLINE and Mr. WALZ, the thanks them for their service.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE H11040 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2007 This resolution thanks the 1st Brigade Com- Oversight and Government Reform, I Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I bat Team for their work and the time they am pleased to join my colleague in sup- thank the gentleman for yielding me have sacrificed from their families, neighbors porting H.R. 2276, which names a postal this time. and communities in their valiant service to our facility in Vassar, Michigan, after Cor- Madam Speaker, I am proud to be the country. poral Christopher E. Esckelson. sponsor of H.R. 2276. H.R. 2276 will des- I urge my fellow colleagues in Congress to H.R. 2276, which was introduced by ignate the facility of the United States support this important resolution. Representative KILDEE of Michigan on Postal Service located at 203 North Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield May 10, 2007, was reported from the Main Street in Vassar, Michigan, as back the balance of my time. Oversight Committee on September 20, the ‘‘Corporal Christopher E. Esckelson The SPEAKER pro tempore. The 2007, by a voice vote. This measure has Post Office Building.’’ question is on the motion offered by the support of the entire Michigan con- Corporal Esckelson of Vassar, Michi- the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. gressional delegation. gan, heroically gave his life fighting CASTOR) that the House suspend the Madam Speaker, Marine Corporal for our country in Fallujah, Iraq, on rules and agree to the concurrent reso- Christopher E. Esckelson was killed on December 28, 2006, 2 days shy of his 23rd lution, H. Con. Res. 185, as amended. December 28, 2006, while conducting birthday. Corporal Esckelson, the The question was taken. combat operations in al Anbar Prov- squad leader of 12 men, suffered a di- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the ince, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Bat- rect hit while inspecting a truck in opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being talion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Ma- war-torn Fallujah, Iraq. in the affirmative, the ayes have it. rine Division, Lansing, Michigan. Corporal Esckelson’s leadership Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, on that I In October of 2002, Corporal qualities came to fruition long before demand the yeas and nays. Esckelson joined the U.S. Marine Corps he began to serve our country. An out- The yeas and nays were ordered. Reserve and attended Delta College. standing athlete at Vassar High The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- His desire was to become a doctor, but School, Christopher Esckelson played ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the he was called to active duty in April the game of football like he did life, Chair’s prior announcement, further 2006. Corporal Esckelson was extremely with great passion. That same passion proceedings on this motion will be proud to be a marine and committed to is what drove the aspiring doctor to postponed. serve his country with distinction and join the Marines shortly after the Sep- f courage. tember 11 attacks. Madam Speaker, I commend Rep- He once told his mother, Michelle CORPORAL CHRISTOPHER E. resentative KILDEE for introducing this Hill, that whatever life might bring, he ESCKELSON POST OFFICE BUILD- legislation and urge swift passage of still would have been a marine. ING this bill. His early time in the Marine Corps Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I move Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- ance of my time. Reserve allowed him to earn money to to suspend the rules and pass the bill pay for classes at Delta College, where (H.R. 2276) to designate the facility of Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I he studied premedicine. Other activi- the United States Postal Service lo- ties Corporal Esckelson enjoyed were cated at 203 North Main Street in Vas- may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 2276 honors the hunting with his father, David, and sar, Michigan, as the ‘‘Corporal Chris- brother, Craig, as well as spending time topher E. Esckelson Post Office Build- life of a young man who fought bravely for his country and made the ultimate with his girlfriend, Samantha Reasner, ing’’. who last saw him when she drove him The Clerk read the title of the bill. sacrifice for our freedom. Corporal to the airport when he left for basic The text of the bill is as follows: Christopher Esckelson was killed dur- training. H.R. 2276 ing combat action in Fallujah, Iraq on December 28, 2006. He was less than 1 His last contact with his family came Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- week shy of reaching his 23rd birthday. 2 days before Christmas 2006 when he resentatives of the United States of America in left on a 5-day mission which would ul- Congress assembled, Christopher Esckelson felt personal timately be his last. SECTION 1. CORPORAL CHRISTOPHER E. anger after September 11, 2001, when ESCKELSON POST OFFICE BUILD- his country was brutally attacked, and For his heroism, Corporal Chris- ING. he knew immediately he wanted to topher E. Esckelson deserves our rec- (a) DESIGNATION.—The facility of the serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. In addi- ognition and thanks. Designating this United States Postal Service located at 203 tion to defending his country, it was a postal facility in Vassar, Michigan, North Main Street in Vassar, Michigan, shall way to earn money for college. His where his mother works will allow all be known and designated as the ‘‘Corporal who enter the post office the unique Christopher E. Esckelson Post Office Build- plans included attending medical ing’’. school. His dream of becoming a doc- opportunity to be mindful of the sac- (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, tor, however, was cut short on a 5-day rifices brave young soldiers like Chris- map, regulation, document, paper, or other mission fighting insurgents in a war- topher have made and continue to record of the United States to the facility re- torn Fallujah. make today. ferred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to Corporal Esckelson was a squad lead- I would like to thank the entire be a reference to the ‘‘Corporal Christopher er of 12 men and suffered a direct hit Michigan delegation for their support E. Esckelson Post Office Building’’. during a mission. His leadership skills on this legislation, and urge all of my The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. CAS- were proven day in and day out while colleagues to join me in passing this TOR). Pursuant to the rule, the gen- in Iraq. He knew the risks involved and legislation. tleman from Missouri (Mr. CLAY) and experienced the horrors of war. But his Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. determination to fight and win was evi- Speaker, I have no further speakers, WESTMORELAND) each will control 20 dent. He was fearless on the battlefield. and I yield back the balance of my minutes. Christopher never had the chance to time. The Chair recognizes the gentleman return home safely from the war or at- Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I com- from Missouri. tend medical school as he planned, but mend my colleague, Representative GENERAL LEAVE he will surely be remembered in his KILDEE, for introducing this legisla- Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I ask community by the naming of this post tion, and urge its swift passage by the unanimous consent that all Members office in his hometown of Vassar, House. may have 5 legislative days in which to Michigan. I am pleased to support H.R. Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- revise and extend their remarks. 2276 in naming of the post office for ance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there this valiant soldier. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The objection to the request of the gen- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- question is on the motion offered by tleman from Missouri? ance of my time. the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. There was no objection. Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 CLAY) that the House suspend the rules Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, as a minutes to Representative KILDEE from and pass the bill, H.R. 2276. member of the House Committee on Michigan. The question was taken.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11041 The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the LTC James M. Bright, the battalion’s Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being commander, said, ‘‘Corporal Bixler was thank Congressman CLAY. I also want in the affirmative, the ayes have it. a vibrant, active man. He died fear- to thank Congressman WESTMORELAND Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, on that I lessly leading and willingly sacrificing for his kind words in support of H.R. demand the yeas and nays. his own safety for those around him.’’ 3325, which I’m the sponsor of, to name The yeas and nays were ordered. Corporal Bixler was a devoted soldier the post office at 235 Mountain Road in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- with strength of character and self-as- Suffield, Connecticut, after Corporal ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the surance. He served his country with Stephen R. Bixler, who at the age of 20, Chair’s prior announcement, further honor and distinction. on a second deployment in Iraq, lost proceedings on this motion will be Madam Speaker, I commend the gen- his life serving our Nation. postponed. tleman from Connecticut (Mr. As the prior speakers have indicated, f COURTNEY) for introducing this legisla- this young man was not with us long, tion and urge swift passage of the bill. but made an extraordinary mark on all CORPORAL STEPHEN R. BIXLER Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- who knew him and served with him, POST OFFICE ance of my time. particularly in his home of Suffield, Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I move Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Connecticut, which is a small Con- to suspend the rules and pass the bill Speaker, I yield myself such time as I necticut town of 14,000 people. It was (H.R. 3325) to designate the facility of may consume. founded in 1749 before our Nation even the United States Postal Service lo- Madam Speaker, CPL Stephen Bixler was born, and his family on his moth- cated at 235 Mountain Road in Suffield, was a proud and loyal American who er’s side goes back three generations. Connecticut, as the ‘‘Corporal Stephen served his country while fighting the As you can imagine, in a tight-knit, R. Bixler Post Office’’. war on terror. He made the ultimate small community, he was well-known The Clerk read the title of the bill. sacrifice defending freedom when he despite being a quiet young man be- The text of the bill is as follows: lost his life on May 4, 2006. Corporal cause of his work in the community as H.R. 3325 Bixler was born in Hartford, Con- an Eagle Scout. He was a varsity track Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- necticut, on August 17, 1985. As a stu- athlete and an outstanding student. resentatives of the United States of America in dent at Suffield High School, he was He had a twin sister, Sandra, who Congress assembled, known as a ‘‘shy, soft-spoken, very graduated with honors from the Uni- SECTION 1. CORPORAL STEPHEN R. BIXLER POST dedicated young man and very patri- versity of Connecticut; and, clearly, OFFICE. otic, in a quiet, determined way.’’ Dur- (a) DESIGNATION.—The facility of the Stephen could have followed that same United States Postal Service located at 235 ing high school, he was involved in ath- path. But he followed a road less trav- Mountain Road in Suffield, Connecticut, letics and was a member of the indoor/ eled, and he enlisted for the Marines shall be known and designated as the ‘‘Cor- outdoor track team as well as the cross before he even graduated from Suffield poral Stephen R. Bixler Post Office’’. country team. His love for the outdoors High School and, as I indicated, was on (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, and helping others was exemplified his second tour of duty when he lost his map, regulation, document, paper, or other during the time he was a Boy Scout life on May 4, 2006. record of the United States to the facility re- and his hard work and dedication was ferred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to His funeral at Sacred Heart Church be a reference to the ‘‘Corporal Stephen R. shown when he became an Eagle Scout. in Suffield, which was attended by Bixler Post Office’’. b 1530 Archbishop Mansell from the Hartford Archdiocese, was an extraordinary out- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- In July 2003, Corporal Bixler’s sense pouring of support from his commu- ant to the rule, the gentleman from of dedication to his community and nity. And all I can say is that event Missouri (Mr. CLAY) and the gentleman country led him to enlist in the United was not the end as far as the town was from Georgia (Mr. WESTMORELAND) States Marine Corps. He was an ambi- concerned. They have held many cere- each will control 20 minutes. tious man who was able to accomplish monies in memory of Stephen. They The Chair recognizes the gentleman much in his short, but meaningful, life. from Missouri. As a result of his exceptional mili- named a stretch of road in Suffield in GENERAL LEAVE tary skills, drive, courage and his memory. And it is fitting that the post office, Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I ask strength, Corporal Bixler applied for which is the only Federal building in unanimous consent that all Members and was selected as a member of the Suffield, should be named in his honor. may have 5 legislative days in which to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. He vol- His father has been a letter carrier for revise and extend their remarks. unteered willingly for his second tour 35 years in the United States Post Of- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there in Iraq because he knew his fellow ma- fice; but to be sure, our office solicited objection to the request of the gen- rines needed his help. Tragically, dur- requests from the community to make tleman from Missouri? ing his second tour, on May 4, 2006, he sure that there was actual support in There was no objection. was killed by enemy fire in Fallujah. Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, as a His decorations include the Sea Serv- town. We had an outpouring of support: member of the House Committee on ice Deployment Ribbon, Humanitarian 170 letters came in, again, people who Oversight and Government Reform, I Service Medal, Armed Forces Ter- knew him as a young child all the way am pleased to join my colleague in the rorism Medal, National Defense Serv- up through his time in the Marines, consideration of H.R. 3325 which names ice Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and and I will submit letters from the Gov- a postal facility in Suffield, Con- Purple Heart Medal. ernor on down in support of this meas- necticut, after CPL Stephen R. Bixler. We can never show adequate appre- ure at this point. H.R. 3325, which was introduced by ciation in honoring the brave men and STATE OF CONNECTICUT, Representative JOE COURTNEY on Au- women who give their lives in service EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS, gust 2, 2007, was reported from the to our country. However, Corporal July 20, 2007. Congressman JOE COURTNEY, Oversight Committee on September 20, Bixler’s name is etched on the Wall of 2007, by voice vote. This measure has Cannon House Office Building, Honor in the Rayburn House Office Washington, DC. the support of the entire Connecticut Building in Washington, DC. DEAR CONGRESSMAN COURTNEY: I am writ- congressional delegation. In addition to the memorial wall, ing to encourage you to pursue legislation in Madam Speaker, Marine CPL Ste- naming this post office in his honor is the United States Congress that will change phen R. Bixler was killed on May 4, a fitting and meaningful tribute to a the name of the U.S. post office on Mountain 2006, while conducting combat oper- proud marine who served selflessly on Road in West Suffield, Connecticut to honor ations against enemy forces in al behalf of his hometown and his Nation. Marine Corporal Stephen R. Bixler. Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned As you know, Corporal Bixler was killed in Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- Fallujah, Iraq on May 3, 2006 while on foot to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd ance of my time. patrol. Corporal Bixler was proud of his serv- Marine Division, II Marine Expedi- Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 ice to the nation, and believed that he was tionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North minutes to my friend from Connecticut able to make a difference in the lives of the Carolina. (Mr. COURTNEY). Iraqi citizens he encountered. In addition to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE H11042 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2007 being a valiant member of our armed forces, tive example for those who were to follow. MORELAND), I urge my colleagues to Corporal Boxler was a Suffield native and an Not because he had to but because that was vote favorably for H.R. 3325, and I yield Eagle Scout. Renaming the post office in his who he was. Stephen accomplished much in back the balance of my time. his short life. Since I am not a resident of honor would be an especially fitting tribute The SPEAKER pro tempore. The to Corporal Bixler because it will be a last- Suffield, I would defer to those who have de- ing reminder of his selfless service to our na- cided to honor Corporal Bixler in this man- question is on the motion offered by tion. ner. I will say that in my opinion, naming the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. I join with State Representative Ruth the Suffield Post Office in honor of Corporal CLAY) that the House suspend the rules Fahrbach, Suffield’s Board of Selectmen and Stephen R. Bixler is appropriate, and well and pass the bill, H.R. 3325. numerous residents of Suffield, in urging you deserved and I am hopeful that Suffield resi- The question was taken. to pursue this legislation to preserve the dents agree. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Sincerely, memory of one of our fallen heroes. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Very truly yours, RUTH FAHRBACH, House Republican Whip. in the affirmative, the ayes have it. M. JODI RELL, Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, on that I Governor. TOWN OF SUFFIELD, demand the yeas and nays. STATE OF CONNECTICUT SENATE, SELECTMEN’S OFFICE, The yeas and nays were ordered. STATE CAPITOL, July 19, 2007. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Hartford, CT, July 26, 2007. Congressman JOE COURTNEY, ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Congressman JOE COURTNEY, Enfield, CT. Chair’s prior announcement, further Enfield, CT. DEAR CONGRESSMAN COURTNEY: The Suffield Board of Selectmen strongly sup- proceedings on this motion will be DEAR CONGRESSMAN COURTNEY: Thank you ports any and all efforts to name the Suffield postponed. for contacting me in regards to naming the Post Office in honor of Corporal Stephen R. Suffield Post Office in honor of Corporal Ste- f Bixler. The Board of Selectmen voted unani- phen Bixler. Although such a gesture can mously at their July 18, 2007 meeting to sup- PHILIP A. BADDOUR, SR. POST never make up for the loss of such a brave port this proposal. The naming of the OFFICE young man, I believe that honoring his life Suffield Post Office in honor of Corporal Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I move in this way will be a source of comfort to his Bixler is an appropriate tribute to a man family and friends. Corporal Bixler, who self- who sacrificed his life for our Country. to suspend the rules and pass the bill lessly gave his life for his country, fellow The loss of Corporal Bixler had a profound (H.R. 3382) to designate the facility of servicemembers, and all of us, deserves to be impact on the Town of Suffield and the resi- the United States Postal Service lo- commemorated for his bravery and sacrifice. dents of Suffield have made great efforts to cated at 200 North William Street in It is my hope that you will introduce this recognize this hero. The Board of Selectmen, Goldsboro, North Carolina, as the legislation to Congress and that the Suffield on behalf of the residents of Suffield, would ‘‘Philip A. Baddour, Sr. Post Office’’. Post Office will be dedicated to the life of like to thank you for your continued efforts The Clerk read the title of the bill. Corporal Bixler. to name the Suffield Post Office in honor of Thank you again for asking my thoughts Corporal Bixler and will provide any further The text of the bill is as follows: on this issue. It was my pleasure to write in support you may need in this endeavor. H.R. 3382 support of this wonderful young man, his Very truly yours, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- family, and his friends. SCOTT R. LINGENFELTER, resentatives of the United States of America in Sincerely, First Selectman. Congress assembled, JOHN A. KISSEL, SECTION 1. PHILIP A. BADDOUR, SR. POST OF- State Senator—7th District. JULY 9, 2007. FICE. Hon. JOE COURTNEY, (a) DESIGNATION.—The facility of the STATE OF CONNECTICUT, Congress of the United States, United States Postal Service located at 200 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Enfield, CT. North William Street in Goldsboro, North July 11, 2007. DEAR REPRESENTATIVE COURTNEY: I would Carolina, shall be known and designated as Re: Suffield Post Office Comment Period like to lend my support to the suggestion the ‘‘Philip A. Baddour, Sr. Post Office’’. Hon. JOE COURTNEY, that the Suffield Post Office located at 235 (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, Member of Congress, Mountain Road be named in honor of Cor- map, regulation, document, paper, or other Enfield, CT. poral Stephen R. Bixler, United States Ma- record of the United States to the facility re- rine Corps. I believe that this would be a fit- DEAR CONGRESSMAN COURTNEY: Thank you ferred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to for the opportunity to comment on the re- ting tribute to a man who gave his life for be a reference to the ‘‘Philip A. Baddour, Sr. quest to name the Suffield Post Office for his country. I am a member of the Suffield Post Office’’. Corporal Stephen R. Bixler. Board of Selectman, and I will ask our First Selectman to add an agenda item to our next The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- When Kevin Goff first contacted me about ant to the rule, the gentleman from his suggestion to name the post office for meeting supporting this proposal. Thank you very much. Stephen, I thought it was an excellent idea. Missouri (Mr. CLAY) and the gentleman Very truly yours, I suggested that he start by first contacting from Georgia (Mr. WESTMORELAND) TIMOTHY J. REYNOLDS, the Suffield Postmaster. each will control 20 minutes. Selectman, Town of Suffield. The death of Corporal Bixler brought to- The Chair recognizes the gentleman gether a community very divided on the war The excerpts of the letters, which Mr. from Missouri. WESTMORELAND was kind enough to in Iraq. Residents lined the streets when his GENERAL LEAVE remains were transported from Bradley share with the House, I think again de- Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I ask International Airport to the funeral home. scribe an extraordinary person who unanimous consent that all Members Hundreds of friends, relatives and strangers every day as people drive by that post may have 5 legislative days in which to attended his wake to show their love and office and young children come in and revise and extend their remarks. support and to give thanks for his service ask their parents who that name is, it and sacrifice to his country as well as to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there show support for grieving family members. would be a fitting tribute and an inspi- ration of human excellence and cour- objection to the request of the gen- As the funeral procession drove past the tleman from Missouri? Suffield Post Office to the church, Suffield age, which all of us should try to aspire to. There was no objection. postal employees lined the street outside. Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, as a (Stephen’s father is a postal employee.) And, again, I urge strong support for McAlister Elementary School students and this measure which is a fitting tribute member of the House Committee on teachers just across the street lined the to an extraordinary young man. Oversight and Government Reform, I route as well. Sacred Heart Church was over- Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam am pleased to join my colleague in con- flowing with mourners. Speaker, I have no further speakers, sideration of H.R. 3382, which names a I had the pleasure of presenting Stephen and I would like to encourage all my postal facility in Goldsboro, North with a citation when he received his Eagle colleagues to vote affirmative on H.R. Carolina, after Philip A. Baddour, Sr. Scout award. He was an inspiration and set a H.R. 3382 was introduced by Rep- positive example to the younger boys in his 3325 honoring this brave young marine resentative G.K. BUTTERFIELD on troop. To Stephen, achieving the rank of who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our Eagle Scout was not just about accumu- freedom and country. March 1, 2007, and was reported from lating badges. It was about guiding younger I yield back the balance of my time. the Oversight Committee on Sep- scouts to achieve their goals assisting them Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, like my tember 20, 2007, by a voice vote. This in any way that he could and setting a posi- colleague from Georgia (Mr. WEST- measure has the support of the entire

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11043 North Carolina congressional delega- this very important legislation. I also ip, Jr., his son, my dear friend, is an at- tion. want to thank Mr. WESTMORELAND for torney and former majority leader of Mr. Baddour was born on March 16, his leadership on the committee. This the North Carolina House of Represent- 1915. He was a business and civic leader is a bipartisan piece of legislation that atives. Richard is the athletic director in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He was a I hope this body will pass unanimously. at the University of North Carolina at merchant for over 30 years and served Madam Speaker, I rise today to ex- Chapel Hill. Stephen is a retired public on the city council from 1979 until 1995. press my strong support for H.R. 3382 schoolteacher. And Neil is a real estate During his tenure on the council, he and to urge my colleagues to support broker. Philip Baddour also had eight also served as mayor pro tempore. this legislation. I am the primary spon- grandchildren and eight great grand- Upon his retirement as a city coun- sor of H.R. 3382, and I’m proud to say children. cilman, Mr. Baddour was honored with that I am joined by the entire North Sadly, Madam Speaker, Mr. Baddour, a key to the City of Goldsboro and a Carolina delegation, both Democrat Sr. passed away in April of 2002 after resolution from the North Carolina and Republican. I am seeking to name giving so much to his community, to League of Municipalities for his years the post office located in the downtown his State and his country. of public service. Former Governor Jim area of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Madam Speaker, I can think of no Hunt honored him as a recipient of the which incidentally is the home of Sey- finer individual in Wayne County, Long Leaf Pine. Mr. Baddour died on mour Johnson Air Force Base. We’re North Carolina, and no person who is April 6, 2002. seeking to name this post office as the more deserving of this honor than Phil- Madam Speaker, I commend my col- Philip A. Baddour, Sr. Post Office. ip A. Baddour, Sr. The people of Golds- league, Representative BUTTERFIELD, Madam Speaker, Mr. Baddour was boro and Wayne County and the First for introducing this legislation, and I my friend. He was also a well-respected Congressional District of North Caro- urge the swift passage of this bill. member of the Goldsboro City Council lina are grateful for his commitment to Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- for 16 long years. After his service on community and his great leadership. I ance of my time. the council was complete, Mr. Baddour ask my colleagues to join me today in Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam continued to be involved in the civic honoring this great public servant by Speaker, I yield myself as much time life of his community, and he leaves a passing H.R. 3382. as I may consume. legacy of service in the perfect sense of Again, I want to thank the gen- I rise today to join my fellow Mem- the word. tleman from Missouri and the gen- bers of Congress in recognizing Philip Madam Speaker, Philip Baddour, tleman from Georgia, my friends, for Baddour, Sr., and his extraordinary Sr.’s occupation was that of a down- yielding this time. I thank them for contributions to Goldsboro, North town merchant for more than 30 years. their service. Carolina. A steadfast business and civic His service on the city council was his b 1545 leader, Mr. Baddour served on the second calling, and he served in that Goldsboro City Council from 1979 to capacity from 1979 until 1995. During Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I urge 1995 and owned several downtown busi- his tenure on the council, he served as my colleagues to swiftly pass H.R. 3382, nesses. mayor pro tempore and was instru- and I yield back the balance of my Mr. Baddour passed away in April mental in improving the lives of the time. 2002 at the age of 87. As a young man, citizens of Goldsboro, of all races and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The he served in World War II. After the backgrounds. He was known as the peo- question is on the motion offered by war, he returned to Goldsboro, North ple’s representative because of his abil- the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Carolina, where he married his wife, ity to listen and understand the con- CLAY) that the House suspend the rules Louise, and was the father of four sons. cerns of his constituents and because and pass the bill, H.R. 3382. He was known for his love of the he always stood up for those who did The question was taken; and (two- community and affection for what he not have a voice. thirds being in the affirmative) the called the ‘‘little man,’’ the average Upon his retirement from the coun- rules were suspended and the bill was working person in Goldsboro. cil, Mr. Baddour was honored with a passed. As the son of Lebanese immigrants, key to the City of Goldsboro and a res- A motion to reconsider was laid on his desire to give back to the commu- olution from the North Carolina the table. nity that had welcomed him when he League of Municipalities for his many f was just an infant took many paths. He years of public service. Former North LAURENCE C. AND GRACE M. served as a director of Wayside Fellow- Carolina Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., JONES POST OFFICE BUILDING ship, was active in Boy Scouts, Lions honored Mr. Baddour as a recipient of Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I move Club, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, for in- to suspend the rules and pass the bill Mr. Baddour’s popularity as a public dividuals who have a proven record of (H.R. 3233) to designate the facility of servant was a result of his compassion extraordinary service to our State. It the United States Postal Service lo- and interest in helping his fellow citi- is the highest civilian honor that can cated at Highway 49 South in Piney zens. He also felt it his civic duty to be granted in the State of North Caro- Woods, Mississippi, as the ‘‘Laurence C. wisely spend the taxpayers’ money lina. while delivering needed city improve- Mr. Baddour dedicated his time and and Grace M. Jones Post Office Build- ment projects. His legacy of sacrifice was very compassionate about his com- ing’’. The Clerk read the title of the bill. and service to others is a wonderful ex- munity, a community that had given The text of the bill is as follows: ample to his children, grandchildren him so much in his youth. He served as and great grandchildren, and the citi- director of Wayside Fellowship and was H.R. 3233 zens of Goldsboro. the recipient of the Cancer Society’s Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- With gratitude for his devotion to Outstanding Crusade Volunteer Award. resentatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, the Goldsboro community, it is par- He was also active in the Cub Scouts SECTION 1. LAURENCE C. AND GRACE M. JONES ticularly fitting that we would rename and the Boy Scouts of America. He was POST OFFICE BUILDING. the William Street Post Office in his a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Roman (a) DESIGNATION.—The facility of the honor. Catholic Church and served as chair- United States Postal Service located at Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- man of the parish council. He was also Highway 49 South in Piney Woods, Mis- ance of my time. a member of the Knights of Columbus. sissippi, shall be known and designated as Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 Nothing was more important to Phil- the ‘‘Laurence C. and Grace M. Jones Post minutes to my friend from North Caro- ip Baddour, Sr. than his family. He was Office Building’’. (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, lina (Mr. BUTTERFIELD). married to Louise Farfour for 60 years. map, regulation, document, paper, or other Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speak- Together, they reared four sons who record of the United States to the facility re- er, I want to thank my friend and my have followed in their father’s foot- ferred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to colleague, Mr. CLAY from Missouri, for steps by themselves being community be a reference to the ‘‘Laurence C. and Grace yielding this time to me to speak to leaders and outstanding citizens. Phil- M. Jones Post Office Building’’.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE H11044 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2007 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Piney Woods School in 1909. After grad- H. Con. Res. 185, by the yeas and ant to the rule, the gentleman from uating from the University of Iowa, he nays; Missouri (Mr. CLAY) and the gentleman returned to his home State of Missouri, H.R. 2276, by the yeas and nays; from Georgia (Mr. WESTMORELAND) where he was sought out by a local H.R. 3325, by the yeas and nays. each will control 20 minutes. Baptist church to create a school for The first electronic vote will be con- The Chair recognizes the gentleman black children. ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining from Missouri. Jones found himself by himself in an electronic votes will be conducted as 5- GENERAL LEAVE abandoned sheep shed with no stu- minute votes. Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I ask dents, but one day a small barefoot boy f unanimous consent that all Members arrived seeking a lesson. The next day, may have 5 legislative days in which to this young boy came back with two COMMENDING THE 1ST BRIGADE revise and extend their remarks. friends. This simple and small begin- COMBAT TEAM/34TH INFANTRY The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ning grew over the years to what is DIVISION OF THE MINNESOTA objection to the request of the gen- now a premier educational institution, NATIONAL GUARD tleman from Missouri? teaching 300 high school students on a The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- There was no objection. 300-acre campus. Piney Woods is the finished business is the vote on the mo- Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, as a country’s largest African American tion to suspend the rules and agree to member of the House Committee on boarding school and the oldest contin- the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. Oversight and Government Reform, I ually operating African American 185, as amended, on which the yeas and am pleased to join my colleague in con- boarding school. nays were ordered. sideration of H.R. 3233, which names a Laurence’s wife, Grace, was also an The Clerk read the title of the con- postal facility in Piney Woods, Mis- educator. They met in Iowa, where she current resolution. sissippi, after Laurence C. and Grace had established a similar school for The SPEAKER pro tempore. The M. Jones. black children. Upon moving to Mis- question is on the motion offered by H.R. 3233, which was introduced by sissippi, she helped raise funds for the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Representative CHARLES PICKERING on Piney Woods and also taught classes. CASTOR) that the House suspend the July 31, 2007, was reported from the They believed in the importance of pro- rules and agree to the concurrent reso- Oversight Committee on September 20 viding these youths with the edu- lution, H. Con. Res. 185, as amended. of 2007 by voice vote. This measure has cational opportunity they deserved. The vote was taken by electronic de- the support of the entire Mississippi Laurence and Grace Jones were pio- vice, and there were—yeas 378, nays 0, congressional delegation. neers in the education system in the not voting 54, as follows: Madam Speaker, Dr. Laurence Clif- early 1900s. Their historic achieve- [Roll No. 924] ton Jones was born on November 21, ments are worthy of this recognition, 1882, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He at- and I am pleased to support H.R. 3233. YEAS—378 tended the University of Iowa and Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- Abercrombie Cantor Emerson Ackerman Capito Engel graduated in 1907. Due to racial oppres- ance of my time. Aderholt Capps English (PA) sion and widespread poverty among Af- Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I urge Akin Capuano Eshoo rican Americans, he decided to estab- the swift passage of H.R. 3233 and yield Alexander Cardoza Etheridge back the balance of my time. Altmire Carnahan Fallin lish a school in Piney Woods, Mis- Andrews Carney Farr sissippi, to educate young people. He The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Arcuri Carter Fattah started the Piney Woods School with question is on the motion offered by Baca Castle Feeney just $2 and three students. the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Bachmann Castor Filner Bachus Chabot Forbes Dr. Jones married Ms. Grace M. Allen CLAY) that the House suspend the rules Baird Chandler Fortenberry in 1912. She became a pivotal helpmate and pass the bill, H.R. 3233. Baker Clarke Fossella to her husband by performing fund- The question was taken; and (two- Baldwin Clay Foxx raising activities for the Piney Woods thirds being in the affirmative) the Barrow Cleaver Franks (AZ) Bartlett (MD) Clyburn Frelinghuysen School. Mrs. Jones was an educator rules were suspended and the bill was Barton (TX) Coble Garrett (NJ) and taught courses in domestic science. passed. Bean Cohen Gerlach Laurence and Grace Jones were dedi- A motion to reconsider was laid on Becerra Cole (OK) Giffords the table. Berkley Conaway Gilchrest cated educators who left a legacy in Berry Cooper Gillibrand keeping with their principles, ‘‘edu- f Biggert Costa Gingrey cating the head, hearts and hands’’ of Bilbray Courtney Gohmert RECESS young people. The school they built Bilirakis Cramer Gonzalez The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Bishop (GA) Crenshaw Goode continues to this day on a 60-acre cam- Bishop (NY) Crowley Goodlatte pus among a 2,000-acre wooded site ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair Bishop (UT) Cuellar Gordon with an enrollment of 275 students. declares the House in recess until ap- Blackburn Culberson Granger Piney Woods School is the largest of proximately 6:30 p.m. today. Blumenauer Cummings Graves Blunt Davis (AL) Green, Al four remaining historically black Accordingly (at 3 o’clock and 50 min- Boehner Davis (CA) Green, Gene boarding high schools in the United utes p.m.), the House stood in recess Bonner Davis (IL) Hall (TX) States. It is a college preparatory high until approximately 6:30 p.m. Bono Davis (KY) Hare Boozman Davis, David Hastings (WA) school with grades 9–12, where many f Boren Davis, Lincoln Hayes students graduate and go on to college. b 1830 Boswell Davis, Tom Heller I commend my colleague, Represent- Boustany Deal (GA) Hensarling ative CHARLES ‘‘Chip’’ PICKERING, for AFTER RECESS Boyd (FL) DeFazio Herger Boyda (KS) DeGette Herseth Sandlin introducing this legislation and urge The recess having expired, the House Brady (PA) Delahunt Hill the swift passage of this bill. was called to order by the Speaker pro Brady (TX) DeLauro Hinchey Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- tempore (Ms. CLARKE) at 6 o’clock and Braley (IA) Dent Hinojosa Broun (GA) Diaz-Balart, L. Hirono ance of my time. 30 minutes p.m. Brown (SC) Diaz-Balart, M. Hobson Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam f Brown, Corrine Dingell Hodes Speaker, I yield myself as much time Brown-Waite, Doggett Hoekstra as I may consume. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Ginny Donnelly Holden PRO TEMPORE Buchanan Doolittle Holt I am pleased to support today H.R. Burgess Doyle Honda 3233, naming the postal facility in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Burton (IN) Drake Hooley Piney Woods, Mississippi, the Laurence ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Butterfield Dreier Hoyer C. and Grace M. Jones Post Office will resume on motions to suspend the Buyer Duncan Hulshof Calvert Edwards Hunter Building. rules previously postponed. Camp (MI) Ehlers Inglis (SC) Laurence Jones was well-known in Votes will be taken in the following Campbell (CA) Ellison Inslee Mississippi history for founding the order: Cannon Ellsworth Israel

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11045 Issa Michaud Sensenbrenner The result of the vote was announced Honda McNulty Scott (VA) Jackson (IL) Miller (FL) Serrano as above recorded. Hooley Meek (FL) Sensenbrenner Jackson-Lee Miller (MI) Sessions Hoyer Melancon Serrano (TX) Miller (NC) Sestak The title was amended so as to read: Hulshof Mica Sessions Johnson (GA) Miller, Gary Shadegg ‘‘Concurrent resolution commending Hunter Michaud Sestak Johnson, E. B. Miller, George Shays the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th In- Inglis (SC) Miller (FL) Shadegg Jones (NC) Mitchell Shea-Porter fantry Division of the Minnesota Na- Inslee Miller (MI) Shays Jones (OH) Mollohan Sherman Israel Miller (NC) Shea-Porter Jordan Moore (KS) Shuler tional Guard upon its completion of Issa Miller, Gary Sherman Kagen Moore (WI) Sires the longest continuous deployment of Jackson (IL) Miller, George Shuler Kanjorski Moran (KS) Skelton Jackson-Lee Mitchell Kaptur Murphy (CT) Slaughter any United States ground combat mili- Shuster (TX) Mollohan Keller Murphy, Tim Smith (NE) tary unit in Operation Iraqi Free- Sires Johnson (GA) Moore (KS) Kennedy Musgrave Smith (NJ) Skelton dom.’’. Johnson, E. B. Moore (WI) Kildee Myrick Smith (TX) Slaughter A motion to reconsider was laid on Jones (NC) Kilpatrick Nadler Snyder Moran (KS) Smith (NE) King (IA) Napolitano Solis the table. Jones (OH) Murphy (CT) Smith (NJ) King (NY) Neugebauer Souder Jordan Murphy, Tim Smith (TX) Kirk Nunes Space f Kagen Musgrave Snyder Klein (FL) Oberstar Spratt Kanjorski Myrick Solis Kline (MN) Olver Stark CORPORAL CHRISTOPHER E. Kaptur Nadler Souder Knollenberg Ortiz Stearns ESCKELSON POST OFFICE BUILD- Keller Napolitano Space Kucinich Pallone Stupak Kennedy Neugebauer ING Spratt Kuhl (NY) Pascrell Sullivan Kildee Nunes Stark Lamborn Pastor Sutton The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Kilpatrick Oberstar Stearns Lampson Paul Tancredo King (IA) Olver Stupak Langevin Payne Tanner finished business is the vote on the mo- King (NY) Ortiz Sullivan Lantos Pearce Tauscher tion to suspend the rules and pass the Kirk Pallone Sutton Larsen (WA) Pence Taylor Klein (FL) bill, H.R. 2276, on which the yeas and Pascrell Tancredo Larson (CT) Peterson (MN) Terry Kline (MN) nays were ordered. Pastor Tanner Latham Petri Thompson (CA) Knollenberg Paul Tauscher LaTourette Pitts Thompson (MS) The Clerk read the title of the bill. Kucinich Payne Taylor Levin Platts Thornberry The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Kuhl (NY) Pearce Terry Lewis (CA) Poe Tiahrt Lamborn Pence question is on the motion offered by Thompson (CA) Lewis (KY) Pomeroy Tiberi Lampson Peterson (MN) Linder Porter Tierney the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Thompson (MS) Langevin Petri Lipinski Price (GA) Turner CLAY) that the House suspend the rules Thornberry Lantos Pitts LoBiondo Price (NC) Udall (CO) Tiahrt and pass the bill, H.R. 2276. Larsen (WA) Platts Loebsack Putnam Udall (NM) Tiberi This will be a 5-minute vote. Larson (CT) Poe Lofgren, Zoe Rahall Upton Tierney Latham Pomeroy Lowey Ramstad Van Hollen The vote was taken by electronic de- Turner LaTourette Porter Lucas Rangel Vela´ zquez vice, and there were—yeas 379, nays 0, Udall (CO) Levin Price (GA) Lungren, Daniel Regula Visclosky Udall (NM) not voting 53, as follows: Lewis (CA) Price (NC) E. Rehberg Walberg Upton [Roll No. 925] Lewis (KY) Putnam Lynch Reichert Walden (OR) Van Hollen Mack Renzi Walsh (NY) Linder Rahall YEAS—379 Vela´ zquez Mahoney (FL) Reyes Walz (MN) Lipinski Ramstad Visclosky Maloney (NY) Reynolds Wamp Abercrombie Camp (MI) Dreier LoBiondo Rangel Manzullo Richardson Wasserman Ackerman Campbell (CA) Duncan Loebsack Regula Walberg Markey Rodriguez Schultz Aderholt Cannon Edwards Lofgren, Zoe Rehberg Walden (OR) Marshall Rogers (AL) Waters Akin Cantor Ehlers Lowey Reichert Walsh (NY) Matheson Rogers (MI) Watson Alexander Capito Ellison Lucas Renzi Walz (MN) Altmire Capps Ellsworth Matsui Rohrabacher Watt Lungren, Daniel Reyes Wamp Andrews Capuano Emerson McCarthy (CA) Roskam Waxman E. Reynolds Wasserman Arcuri Cardoza Engel McCarthy (NY) Ross Weiner Lynch Richardson Schultz Baca Carnahan English (PA) McCaul (TX) Rothman Welch (VT) Mack Rodriguez Waters Bachmann Carney Eshoo McCollum (MN) Royce Weldon (FL) Mahoney (FL) Watson Bachus Carter Etheridge Rogers (AL) McCotter Ruppersberger Weller Maloney (NY) Watt Baird Castle Fallin Rogers (MI) McCrery Ryan (OH) Westmoreland Manzullo Rohrabacher Waxman McDermott Ryan (WI) Wexler Baker Castor Farr Markey Roskam Weiner McGovern Salazar Whitfield Baldwin Chabot Fattah Marshall Ross Welch (VT) McHenry Sali Wicker Barrow Chandler Feeney Matheson Rothman Weldon (FL) McHugh Sa´ nchez, Linda Wilson (NM) Bartlett (MD) Clarke Filner Matsui Weller McIntyre T. Wilson (OH) Barton (TX) Clay Forbes Roybal-Allard McCarthy (CA) Westmoreland McKeon Sarbanes Wilson (SC) Bean Cleaver Fortenberry Royce Wexler McMorris Saxton Wolf Becerra Clyburn Fossella McCarthy (NY) Ruppersberger Whitfield Rodgers Schakowsky Woolsey Berkley Coble Foxx McCaul (TX) Ryan (OH) McNerney Schiff Wu Berry Cohen Franks (AZ) McCollum (MN) Ryan (WI) Wicker McNulty Schmidt Wynn Biggert Cole (OK) Frelinghuysen McCotter Salazar Wilson (NM) Meek (FL) Schwartz Yarmuth Bilbray Conaway Garrett (NJ) McCrery Sali Wilson (OH) Melancon Scott (GA) Young (AK) Bilirakis Cooper Gerlach McDermott Sa´ nchez, Linda Wilson (SC) Mica Scott (VA) Young (FL) Bishop (GA) Costa Giffords McGovern T. Wolf Bishop (NY) Courtney Gilchrest McHenry Sarbanes Woolsey NOT VOTING—54 Bishop (UT) Cramer Gillibrand McHugh Saxton Wu Blackburn Allen Hall (NY) Murtha Crenshaw Gingrey McIntyre Schakowsky Wynn Blumenauer Barrett (SC) Harman Neal (MA) Crowley Gohmert McKeon Schiff Yarmuth Blunt Berman Hastert Obey Cuellar Gonzalez McMorris Schmidt Young (AK) Boehner Culberson Goode Boucher Hastings (FL) Perlmutter Rodgers Schwartz Young (FL) Bonner Carson Higgins Peterson (PA) Cummings Goodlatte McNerney Scott (GA) Bono Conyers Jefferson Pickering Davis (AL) Gordon Boozman Costello Jindal Pryce (OH) Davis (CA) Granger NOT VOTING—53 Boren Cubin Johnson (IL) Radanovich Davis (IL) Graves Boswell Allen Hall (NY) Murphy, Patrick Davis, Jo Ann Johnson, Sam Rogers (KY) Davis (KY) Green, Al Boustany Barrett (SC) Harman Dicks Kind Ros-Lehtinen Davis, David Green, Gene Murtha Boyd (FL) Berman Hastert Emanuel Kingston Roybal-Allard Davis, Lincoln Hall (TX) Neal (MA) Boyda (KS) Boucher Hastings (FL) Everett LaHood Rush Davis, Tom Hare Obey Brady (PA) Carson Hayes Ferguson Lee Sanchez, Loretta Deal (GA) Hastings (WA) Perlmutter Brady (TX) Conyers Higgins Flake Lewis (GA) Shimkus DeFazio Heller Peterson (PA) Braley (IA) Costello Jefferson Frank (MA) Marchant Shuster DeGette Hensarling Pickering Broun (GA) Cubin Jindal Gallegly Meeks (NY) Simpson Delahunt Herger Pryce (OH) Brown (SC) DeLauro Herseth Sandlin Davis, Jo Ann Johnson (IL) Grijalva Moran (VA) Smith (WA) Radanovich Brown, Corrine Dent Hill Dicks Johnson, Sam Gutierrez Murphy, Patrick Towns Rogers (KY) Brown-Waite, Diaz-Balart, L. Hinchey Emanuel Kind Ros-Lehtinen b 1857 Ginny Diaz-Balart, M. Hinojosa Everett Kingston Buchanan Dingell Hirono Ferguson LaHood Rush So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Burgess Doggett Hobson Flake Lee Sanchez, Loretta Shimkus tive) the rules were suspended and the Burton (IN) Donnelly Hodes Frank (MA) Lewis (GA) Butterfield Doolittle Hoekstra Gallegly Marchant Simpson concurrent resolution, as amended, was Buyer Doyle Holden Grijalva Meeks (NY) Smith (WA) agreed to. Calvert Drake Holt Gutierrez Moran (VA) Towns

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE H11046 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2007 b 1905 Kilpatrick Murphy (CT) Shea-Porter The result of the vote was announced King (IA) Murphy, Tim Sherman as above recorded. So (two-thirds being in the affirma- King (NY) Musgrave Shuler tive) the rules were suspended and the Kirk Myrick Shuster A motion to reconsider was laid on bill was passed. Klein (FL) Nadler Skelton the table. Kline (MN) Napolitano Slaughter The result of the vote was announced Knollenberg Neugebauer Smith (NE) f as above recorded. Kucinich Nunes Smith (NJ) PERSONAL EXPLANATION A motion to reconsider was laid on Kuhl (NY) Oberstar Smith (TX) Lamborn Olver Snyder Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, due to the table. Lampson Ortiz Solis Langevin Pallone a family emergency I missed the following f Souder Lantos Pascrell Space votes on Monday, October 1, 2007. I would Larsen (WA) Pastor CORPORAL STEPHEN R. BIXLER Spratt have voted as follows: Larson (CT) Paul POST OFFICE Latham Payne Stark H. Con. Res. 185—Commending the 1st Stearns The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- LaTourette Pearce Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry Division Levin Pence Stupak of the Minnesota National Guard upon its finished business is the vote on the mo- Sullivan Lewis (CA) Peterson (MN) completion of the longest continuous deploy- tion to suspend the rules and pass the Lewis (KY) Petri Sutton Linder Pitts Tancredo ment of any United States military unit during bill, H.R. 3325, on which the yeas and Tanner nays were ordered. Lipinski Platts Operation Iraqi Freedom—‘‘yea.’’ LoBiondo Poe Tauscher H.R. 2276—To designate the facility of the The Clerk read the title of the bill. Loebsack Pomeroy Taylor The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Lofgren, Zoe Porter Terry United States Postal Service located at 203 question is on the motion offered by Lowey Price (GA) Thompson (CA) North Main Street in Vassar, Michigan, as the Lucas Price (NC) Thompson (MS) the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. ‘‘Corporal Christopher E. Esckelson Post Of- Lungren, Daniel Putnam Thornberry fice Building’’—‘‘yea.’’ CLAY) that the House suspend the rules E. Rahall Tiahrt and pass the bill, H.R. 3325. Lynch Ramstad Tiberi H.R. 3325—To designate the facility of the Mack Rangel Tierney United States Postal Service located at 235 This will be a 5-minute vote. Mahoney (FL) Regula Turner The vote was taken by electronic de- Mountain Road in Suffield, Connecticut, as the Maloney (NY) Rehberg Udall (CO) ‘‘Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Post Office’’— vice, and there were—yeas 379, nays 0, Manzullo Reichert Udall (NM) not voting 53, as follows: Markey Renzi Upton ‘‘yea.’’ Marshall Reyes Van Hollen f [Roll No. 926] Matheson Reynolds Vela´ zquez YEAS—379 Matsui Richardson Visclosky PERSONAL EXPLANATION McCarthy (CA) Rodriguez Walberg Abercrombie Carnahan Forbes McCarthy (NY) Rogers (AL) Walden (OR) Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I took a Ackerman Carney Fortenberry McCaul (TX) Rogers (MI) Aderholt Carter Fossella Walsh (NY) leave of absence on October 1, 2007, as I McCollum (MN) Rohrabacher Walz (MN) Akin Castle Foxx McCotter Roskam was attending to personal business. The fol- Alexander Castor Franks (AZ) Wamp McCrery Ross Wasserman lowing list describes how I would have voted Altmire Chabot Frelinghuysen McDermott Rothman Andrews Chandler Garrett (NJ) Schultz had I been in attendance today. McGovern Roybal-Allard Waters Arcuri Clarke Gerlach McHenry Royce ‘‘Yea.’’ H. Con. Res. 185—Commending the Watson Baca Clay Giffords McHugh Ruppersberger 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry Divi- Watt Bachmann Cleaver Gilchrest McIntyre Ryan (OH) Waxman sion of the Minnesota National Guard upon its Bachus Clyburn Gillibrand McKeon Ryan (WI) Weiner Baird Coble Gingrey McMorris Salazar completion of the longest continuous deploy- Welch (VT) Baker Cohen Gohmert Rodgers Sali ment of any United States military unit during Weldon (FL) Baldwin Cole (OK) Gonzalez McNerney Sa´ nchez, Linda Operation Iraqi Freedom (Rep. WALZ—Armed Barrow Conaway Goode Weller McNulty T. Services) Bartlett (MD) Cooper Goodlatte Meek (FL) Sarbanes Westmoreland Barton (TX) Costa Gordon Melancon Saxton Wexler ‘‘Yea.’’ H.R. 2276—To designate the facility Bean Courtney Granger Mica Schakowsky Whitfield of the United States Postal Service located at Becerra Cramer Graves Michaud Schiff Wicker 203 North Main Street in Vassar, Michigan, as Berkley Crenshaw Green, Al Miller (FL) Schmidt Wilson (NM) Berry Crowley Green, Gene Miller (MI) Schwartz Wilson (OH) the ‘‘Corporal Christopher E. Esckelson Post Biggert Cuellar Hall (TX) Miller (NC) Scott (GA) Wilson (SC) Office Building’’ (Rep. KILDEE—Oversight and Bilbray Culberson Hare Miller, Gary Scott (VA) Wolf Government Reform) Bilirakis Cummings Hastings (WA) Miller, George Sensenbrenner Woolsey ‘‘Yea.’’ H.R. 3325—To designate the facility Bishop (GA) Davis (AL) Hayes Mitchell Serrano Wu Bishop (NY) Davis (CA) Heller Mollohan Sessions Wynn of the United States Postal Service located at Bishop (UT) Davis (IL) Hensarling Moore (KS) Sestak Yarmuth 235 Mountain Road in Suffield, Connecticut, Blackburn Davis (KY) Herger Moore (WI) Shadegg Young (AK) as the ‘‘Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Post Of- Blumenauer Davis, David Herseth Sandlin Moran (KS) Shays Young (FL) Blunt Davis, Lincoln Hill fice’’ (Rep. COURTNEY—Oversight and Govern- Boehner Davis, Tom Hinchey NOT VOTING—53 ment Reform) Bonner Deal (GA) Hinojosa Allen Hall (NY) Murtha Bono f DeFazio Hirono Barrett (SC) Harman Neal (MA) Boozman DeGette Hobson Berman Hastert Obey Boren Delahunt Hodes PERSONAL EXPLANATION Boucher Hastings (FL) Perlmutter Boswell DeLauro Hoekstra Carson Higgins Mr. GUTIERREZ. Madam Speaker, I was Boustany Dent Holden Peterson (PA) Conyers Jefferson Pickering unavoidably absent from this Chamber today. Boyd (FL) Diaz-Balart, L. Holt Costello Jindal Boyda (KS) Diaz-Balart, M. Honda Pryce (OH) Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ Cubin Johnson (IL) Radanovich Brady (PA) Dingell Hooley Davis, Jo Ann Johnson, Sam on rollcall votes 924, 925 and 926. Rogers (KY) Brady (TX) Doggett Hoyer Dicks Kind Ros-Lehtinen Braley (IA) Donnelly Hulshof Emanuel Kingston f Broun (GA) Doolittle Hunter Rush Everett LaHood SUPPORT VETERANS: PASS THE Brown (SC) Doyle Inglis (SC) Ferguson Lee Sanchez, Loretta Brown, Corrine Drake Inslee Flake Lewis (GA) Shimkus VA APPROPRIATIONS BILL Brown-Waite, Dreier Israel Simpson Frank (MA) Marchant (Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- Ginny Duncan Issa Gallegly Meeks (NY) Sires Buchanan Edwards Jackson (IL) Grijalva Moran (VA) Smith (WA) ida asked and was given permission to Burgess Ehlers Jackson-Lee Gutierrez Murphy, Patrick Towns address the House for 1 minute and to Burton (IN) Ellison (TX) Butterfield Ellsworth Johnson (GA) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE revise and extend her remarks.) Buyer Emerson Johnson, E. B. The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- Calvert Engel Jones (NC) ida. Madam Speaker, I rise this evening Camp (MI) English (PA) Jones (OH) the vote). Members are advised 2 min- Campbell (CA) Eshoo Jordan utes remain in this vote. to highlight one of the most important Cannon Etheridge Kagen pieces of legislation yet to pass this Cantor Fallin Kanjorski b 1912 Congress: the Veterans Affairs-Military Capito Farr Kaptur So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Construction appropriations bill. Each Capps Fattah Keller Capuano Feeney Kennedy tive) the rules were suspended and the year from 1995 to 2006 the Republican- Cardoza Filner Kildee bill was passed. led Congress passed record increase

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11047 after increase for our Nation’s vet- woman from California (Ms. WOOLSEY) Actually, Madam Speaker, the only erans. More importantly, the Repub- is recognized for 5 minutes. way to make sure that our troops are lican-led Congress made it a priority to Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, the out of harm’s way is to proceed right pass the VA appropriations bill so that American people have been opposed to now with a full redeployment and end our veterans could continue to receive the occupation of Iraq and they have the fantasy that there is a military so- the care that they deserve. been demanding the redeployment of lution to this quagmire. That, Madam Speaker, cannot be said our troops for a very long time now, If we fail to use our power of the of this year’s VA funding bill. Reports but the word obviously hasn’t reached purse, if we continue to spend our tax- in today’s Congressional Quarterly are our Nation’s leaders. payer dollars on this occupation in- that the majority is considering hold- Last Wednesday, the Secretary of De- stead of ending it, we will have failed ing the vital VA bill hostage as a fense asked Congress to appropriate politically, we will have failed eco- means of passing a giant omnibus bill billions of dollars more to continue the nomically, and we will have failed mor- to fund government operations. The occupation of Iraq. He said that Amer- ally. And we will have failed our brave health and welfare of our veterans is ican troops will remain in Iraq for troops along with all of the American more important to my constituents years to come with no end in sight. people. It is time to bring our troops than it is to score cheap political The occupation has already cost home. nearly half a trillion dollars, and what points here in Washington, D.C. f Madam Speaker, I hope that you can have we gotten for that investment? GOLD STAR MOTHERS find it in your heart to appoint con- Even General Petraeus couldn’t say for sure that our involvement in Iraq has ferees to the VA-Military Construction The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a made us any safer when he testified be- appropriations bill and send the Presi- previous order of the House, the gen- fore Congress last month. And the Na- dent a bill that he can sign. Our vet- tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) is recog- tional Intelligence Estimate warned us erans deserve nothing less. nized for 5 minutes. in July that al Qaeda is using the occu- Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, yesterday, f pation to energize extremists, raise under the bright sun and blue sky of MARINES NOT WELCOME HERE money, and to recruit and indoctrinate the Texas Sunday afternoon, American operatives for attacks on the U.S. flags flew in the silent breeze over (Mr. POE asked and was given per- homeland. mission to address the House for 1 thousands of quiet marble uniform Madam Speaker, the way to make tombstones in the Houston National minute and to revise and extend his re- America truly safer is to end the occu- marks.) Cemetery. This is where Texans bury pation, restore our moral leadership in their war dead, men and women who go Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, Oakland the world, and use diplomacy to Airport officials might as well put a off to war for America. strengthen the structure and institu- In the center of the immaculately sign: ‘‘Welcome to Oakland, but no tions of international cooperation and kept cemetery, a tribute of sacrifice U.S. military allowed here.’’ peace. That’s why it is time to tell our was being made to the living: Those It seems that over 200 marines from leaders in the White House that Con- mothers who lost their children in the the combat fields of Iraq flew into Oak- gress isn’t going to be their friendly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. land, California, and were not allowed neighborhood ATM machine any more. Mothers of Texas who gave their chil- to deplane into the airport. They were Congress has the power of the purse. dren that died in their youth so the forced off the plane between two run- We can use it to force the administra- rest of us could live in safety were hon- ways and had to sit in the grass for 3 tion to change course. We must refuse ored on this Gold Star Mothers’ Day. hours while waiting to fly to Hawaii. to appropriate one more dime for the I was present along with Congress- The troops had flown from Iraq via Ku- occupation. Instead, we must fully fund man GENE GREEN and Congressman wait, Germany, and JFK Airport. They the safe, orderly and responsible rede- NICK LAMPSON and Congressman KEVIN had already been completely screened ployment of American troops and mili- BRADY to honor these special ladies. by Customs and TSA at JFK, but the tary contractors out of Iraq. We, like those present, were emotion- officials at Oakland Airport wouldn’t Redeployment of our troops is the ally affected. let them into the terminal. necessary first step on the road to Gold Star Moms are what we call One marine said no explanation was peace. It is clear that Iraq will never them, is a mother who lost a child in ever given. Interestingly enough, re- stabilize while American troops and combat. This concept started in World ports say this not the first time Oak- the vast unaccountable army of 180,000 War II when Grace Seibold learned on land banned the U.S. military from its American military contractors are Christmas Eve 1918 that her aviator son airport. there. was killed in aerial combat in France. Most airports welcome our returning Our occupation of Iraq prevents Grace Seibold directed her grief and troops with patriotism, cheers, flags Iraqis from finding solutions to their sorrow to helping wounded doughboys and enthusiastic applause. But not in own problems, and it delays the re- in local D.C. hospitals. She formed the Oakland. They should be ashamed. gional and international diplomatic ef- Gold Star Mothers to give support for They should apologize to each marine, forts needed to jump-start a true peace process. other such moms. and Congress needs to find out why the During World War I, if a son had gone marines were treated so poorly and The administration has said that it plans to redeploy some troops, but this off to war in the War to End All Wars, even consider prohibiting Federal as it was called, a banner was hung in funds from going to this airport if it is is just a tactic, I believe, to win polit- ical favor. The arithmetic proves it. We front of the home in the window for shown that the airport is antimilitary. each son in the military. This banner And that’s just the way it is. began this year with 130,000 troops in Iraq. The escalation brought the level had a blue star in the center of it. If f to 160,000. Now the administration says the son was killed, a gold star was su- SPECIAL ORDERS it will bring out 30,000 troops so by perimposed over the blue one. next summer we will again have 130,000 During World War II, my Grand- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. troops. mother Poe hung such a banner with a CLARKE). Under the Speaker’s an- So, Madam Speaker, we end up with blue star in the front window of her nounced policy of January 18, 2007, and the same number of troops, but the ad- home in the country. My dad went off under a previous order of the House, ministration calls it a reduction. I call to war when he was just 18. When my the following Members will be recog- it fuzzy math. President Bush has cre- grandmother died, it was one of the few nized for 5 minutes each. ated a national mathematics panel to items she had saved. That banner never f study ways to improve math education had to have a gold star placed on it be- in America. That is a really good cause my dad returned safely. REDEPLOYMENT FROM IRAQ thing, because the President himself Madam Speaker, here is a banner of a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a needs help with addition and subtrac- Gold Star Mother. It has the name of previous order of the House, the gentle- tion. the soldier that was killed, William

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE H11048 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2007 Amundson, Jr. He was killed in Af- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a tleman from Illinois (Mr. HARE) is rec- ghanistan. He was from Woodlands, previous order of the House, the gen- ognized for 5 minutes. Texas. He was a corporal in the United tleman from Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO) is Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise States Army. recognized for 5 minutes. this evening in strong opposition to the The blue star banners are very simi- (Mr. DEFAZIO addressed the House. pending Peru Free Trade Agreement. lar to this except in the middle there is His remarks will appear hereafter in NAFTA promised Americans 200,000 a blue star rather than a gold star. And the Extensions of Remarks.) new NAFTA jobs, higher wages and an when that son or daughter is killed in f increasing U.S. trade surplus with Mex- combat, the gold star is superimposed The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ico, just to name a few. Now, nearly 15 over the blue one. These banners have previous order of the House, the gen- years later, the evidence shows that been carried throughout all of Amer- tleman from North Carolina (Mr. NAFTA has failed to make good on its ica’s wars since World War I and ap- JONES) is recognized for 5 minutes. promises. plies to sons and daughters killed in (Mr. JONES of North Carolina ad- In fact, in many areas in which bene- war. dressed the House. His remarks will ap- fits were promised, conditions are So yesterday these mothers of the pear hereafter in the Extensions of Re- worse than before NAFTA went into ef- fallen were there. And standing guard marks.) fect. For example, in direct contradic- around them were the Patriot Guard f tion to the promises of NAFTA, nearly motorcycle members, rugged Vietnam The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a 1 million jobs were destroyed directly veterans who escort the fallen to this previous order of the House, the gen- by the NAFTA free trade deal. My district, in particular, has suf- cemetery for burial. There was a 21-gun tleman from New York (Mr. HALL) is fered the loss of 1,600 jobs; and NAFTA salute. Then after all of the speeches, recognized for 5 minutes. these women were given yellow roses (Mr. HALL of New York addressed forced Maytag to leave Galesburg, Illi- nois, for Sonora, Mexico. And just last from Texas and the buglers played the House. His remarks will appear week, it was announced that Carrhart Taps for the fallen. hereafter in the Extensions of Re- Manufacturing, a clothing company, Madam Speaker, as a father of four, I marks.) will cease production and move to Mex- can think of nothing worse than to lose f one of my own kids. No parent wants ico at the end of December. Every aspect of the city of Galesburg their son or daughter killed in un- COMMUNISM DOESN’T WORK is hurting. The economy, the schools, known foreign lands. No parent wants The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a the small businesses that feed into their child to predecease them, and no previous order of the House, the gen- these plants, and the citizens have lost parent wants their child to die in their tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) is their spirit. Now Galesburg is trying to youth. But it happens, and the grief recognized for 5 minutes. rebuild its identity, but I fear that the can only be understood by other such Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I want to comment right now Peru FTA promises more of the same. parents. The proposed Peru FTA would rep- As Congressman GREEN said yester- on a little article that was in the paper. Probably most Americans didn’t licate, and in some instances expand, day, ‘‘Even the greatest heart surgeon on many of the most devastating provi- see it today. But I followed what went in the world, Dr. Michael DeBakey, sions of the flawed NAFTA–CAFTA on in Zimbabwe a long time ago when cannot repair such a broken heart of a model. First, the Peru FTA preserves the communist leader, Mr. Mugabe, mother like this.’’ many of the CAFTA terms providing took over. He said they were going to Mothers are special, especially the extreme foreign investor rights. The make that country greater because of mothers of those who wear the Amer- provisions in the Peru FTA allow for- the movement towards communism. ican uniform. Those who keep statis- eign investors to skirt U.S. courts and tics on the last words of soldiers say Well, here is what happened since he took office: The government says that laws and give foreign investors the au- more often than not that the dying thority to sue the United States Gov- it is going to have to import 100 tons of words of many soldiers in combat is, ernment in foreign tribunals for vio- extra wheat but that is still going to be ‘‘Mother, mother.’’ lating their FTA-granted rights. It seems to me the strongest bond in really short of the 375,000 tons that Second, the Peru Free Trade Agree- all of creation is the bond between a they need to feed their people. And the ment includes the NAFTA–CAFTA pro- mother and her child. The good Lord United Nations World Food Programme curement chapters on Buy America and made it that way on purpose, and when estimates that at least 3 million people anti-offshoring policies. The FTA re- that bond is broken by the loss of a will need emergency food aid in quires foreign firms be treated the child, that wound just never heals. Zimbabwe before the April corn har- same as American firms seeking gov- Madam Speaker, one out of every vest. ernment contracts, challenging our Communism simply doesn’t work. It nine people in the military is from the right to invest tax dollars into Amer- State of Texas, and about 400 Texans, hasn’t worked in the past. It didn’t ican jobs and businesses. 10 percent of the total killed of 4,000, work in the Soviet Union, and it hasn’t Several groups have publicly opposed have been killed in Iraq and Afghani- worked in Zimbabwe or other places. the Peru FTA for those very reasons, stan. Yet sons and daughters through- And we ought to be very thankful that including the two largest trade unions out America continue to join our mili- we live in a democratic republic in this in Peru. tary knowing that they will no doubt country. And we ought to do every- The September 17 Change to Win Co- go into the desert of the sun and the thing we can to help those living under alition letter states: ‘‘Chapters of the valley of the gun, and they leave be- the yoke of communism and do every- Bush-negotiated FTA that literally hind their parents, their mothers. thing to can to make them free. replicate job-killing aspects of the core So as we show honor and respect to I think it is extremely important be- NAFTA–CAFTA model have not been America’s children who serve, let us cause when you go to those countries, addressed. Not one word was changed show American compassion and ulti- as I have, and you see what those peo- from the Bush-negotiated text.’’ mate gratitude for the mothers of ple have to live like and you see the In addition, the Interfaith Working those troops who display the Gold Star starvation, little children with big bel- Group on Trade and Investment re- sacrifice from their windows. And the lies because they don’t have the food leased a statement saying: ‘‘Based on next time we pass a house with one of they need, you realize that the com- our experience with NAFTA and these gold stars, one of these 4,000 munist menace is very, very costly CAFTA, the U.S.-Peru FTA will cause throughout the United States, and they anyplace it occurs in the whole world. lost livelihoods in rural communities, are being displayed in the window, f reduce access to life-saving medication maybe we should stop and say a prayer b 1930 and perpetuate the global ‘race to the and say ‘‘thank you’’ because of that bottom’ for workers and environmental special mother who gave that child for PERU FREE TRADE AGREEMENT protection.’’ the rest of us. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a But to make matters worse, no one And that’s just the way it is. previous order of the House, the gen- seems to have faith in this President to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11049 enforce the labor standards negotiated Paez, Idania Yanes Contreras, Yesmi food was thrown under the door. He returned in the May 10 agreement. This adminis- Elena Mena Silvano, Jose Diaz Silva, to prison untreated. While Cuba boasts of its tration cannot and will not enforce Georgina Noa Montes, Arturo Mont- health care system, it denies political pris- American worker safety right here in gomery Alonso, Roberto de Jesus oners basic care. the United States. Guerra Perez, Yunieski Garcia Lopez, PEN, a writers advocacy group, awarded Lester Fernandez Zamora, Felix Reyes Mr. Hernandez Gonzalez its prestigious Free- In a statement released on May 11, dom to Write Award earlier this year. For AFL–CIO President, John Sweeney, re- Gutierrez, Yoel Espinosa Medrano, more information on his case, go to PEN’s minded us of the Bush administration’s Ariel Orama Martin, Angel Raul Perez Web site at www.pen.org. Let the world know past failures by saying: ‘‘The Bush vio- Gavilan, Javier Delgado Torres, Carlos that Mr. Hernandez Gonzalez and hundreds of lations against nations like Jordan and Michael Morales Rodriguez, and others other political prisoners haven’t been forgot- China remind us there is no guarantee whose names I do not have. At this ten. All of them should be released.’’ the executive branch will enforce any time it is unknown how many of the Now, Madam Speaker, the same week new rights workers may gain through detained dissidents have been released that approximately 30 dissidents were these negotiations.’’ and how many will be kept in confine- rounded up and thrown in dungeons by The machinists labor union echoed ment. It is up to the whim of the ailing the Cuban dictatorship, the Spanish Mr. Sweeney’s statement in a letter to tyrant. Government of Jose Luis Rodriguez Congress dated August 2. It states: ‘‘We The list of political prisoners lan- Zapatero decided to unilaterally break are well aware of this administration’s guishing in Cuban prisons is long, the European Union’s ‘‘Common Posi- dismal record when it comes to work- Madam Speaker. Sixty dissidents who tion’’ on Cuba, by entering into a co- ers’ rights. For example, it has refused were peacefully expressing their oppo- operation agreement with the Cuban to issue a trade complaint against sition to the dictatorship remain in tyranny. prison since the regime’s brutal crack- China for workers’ rights violations de- Mr. Rodriguez Zapatero and his gov- down of March 2003, joining hundreds of scribed fully in AFL–CIO submissions. ernment thus continue to act as the other political prisoners. Reporters Given its past record, we fear that this Castro brothers’ most zealous advo- Without Borders reports that there are administration will simply ignore even cates in Europe, and they deserve the at least 23 journalists languishing in the most egregious labor violations.’’ condemnation of all freedom-loving abysmal conditions in Cuban prisons. Recently, I received a letter from two men and women for their disgraceful The Miami Herald today published a Peruvian labor federations concerned actions. about the labor provisions in the pend- very important editorial about one I renew tonight my call for the im- ing FTA. such journalist. I think it’s an editorial mediate liberation of all political pris- Madam Speaker, our trade policies that deserves commendation and atten- tion. It reads as follows: oners and prisoners of conscience in to- must start to serve the interests of talitarian Cuba and urge international America’s working families and work- Normando Hernandez Gonzalez may die for exercising free speech in Cuba. An inde- solidarity for them and for their right ers around the globe. We can do better. to be released immediately and uncon- We need to overhaul our trade read- pendent journalist, he has been imprisoned since Cuba’s crackdown on dissidents in ditionally, all of them, now. justment program. We need to cal- April 2003. Now he is so critically ill that he culate the loss of American jobs when was transferred to a Havana military hos- f this bill goes into effect, and we need pital last week. to remember that our majority is here It is bad enough that Mr. Hernandez Gon- because working men and women de- zalez, 39, is serving a 25-year sentence for OPPOSE THE PERU FREE TRADE manded that we look out for them and criticizing the government, something peo- AGREEMENT their families. ple in free countries do every day. Yet things The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Let’s slow down, vote ‘‘no’’ on this could get worse. Returning him to prison would be a death sentence. This is where he previous order of the House, the gen- trade deal, and stand up to those peo- contracted serious ailments, chronic diges- tleman from Maine (Mr. MICHAUD) is ple who stood up for us. That, Madam tive disorders and tuberculosis among them. recognized for 5 minutes. Speaker, is the very least that we can Even if his condition were to improve in the Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Speaker, do. I urge my colleagues to please vote hospital, he would not last long in the filthy ‘‘no’’ on the Peru agreement. cells and eating the food given to political many of the newly elected freshmen prisoners. campaigned on a platform of ensuring a f The hope now is that Cuba will free Mr. significant change of course from the FREE THE CUBAN POLITICAL Hernandez Gonzalez and allow him to leave Bush trade policy. the country and soon. International pressure PRISONERS AND PRISONERS OF The Peru Free Trade Agreement is is needed. based on the same flawed NAFTA– CONSCIENCE To their credit, legislators in Costa Rica granted Mr. Hernandez Gonzalez a humani- CAFTA model that has been so dev- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a astating to industries all across our previous order of the House, the gen- tarian visa in April. Cuban authorities re- fused to honor the visa. But a recent move Nation. tleman from Florida (Mr. LINCOLN appeared to get Cuba’s attention. Jose While I campaigned for this seat 5 DIAZ-BALART) is recognized for 5 min- Manuel Echandi Meza, a Costa Rican law- utes. years ago, the cornerstone of my cam- maker, filed a formal complaint with the paign also was to fix our broken trade Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of U.N. Human Rights Commission two weeks policies. I’ve seen firsthand what they Florida. Madam Speaker, pro-democ- ago that accuses Cuba of torturing Mr. Her- have done to the State of Maine. racy activists inside Cuba report that nandez Gonzalez by denying him proper med- an undetermined number of dissidents ical treatment. The following day, he was I firmly believe that in order to ad- were detained by the dictatorship on sent to the Havana hospital. He appears to dress our trade imbalance, we have to be getting some medical treatment, accord- change the trade model. The Peru Free the morning of September 27. The dis- ing to his wife. sidents were on their way to partici- Trade Agreement is the same old model That wasn’t the case before. Mr. Hernandez with a little lipstick. pate in peaceful activities to request Gonzalez has been deteriorating since his the release of political prisoners. first year in prison. He has been beaten, There is overwhelming opposition to Those detained in Cuba on September placed in solitary confinement and repeat- the agreement by unions, environ- 27 include Martha Beatriz Roque, Jorge edly denied access to basic medical care. He mental, consumer and small business Luis Garcia Perez ‘‘Antunez,’’ Blas blames overcrowded, vermin-filled cells and groups. They’re all asking Congress to Augusto Fortun Martinez, Yubi contaminated food and water for his mul- oppose the Peru FTA. Who supports the tiple illnesses. He suffers nausea, diarrhea, bill? The large multinational corpora- Diosenegui Pernet Perez, Alicia Mar- fever, fainting spells and weight loss. tions, Big Business, does. tinez Guevara, Alejandro Gabriel Mar- Last December, he was rushed from his tinez Martinez, Guillermo Perez Year, prison to a hospital in Camaguey. There he When Tom Donahue, president of the Amado Ruiz Moreno, Carlos Cordero was placed in a room with no furniture. His United States Chamber of Commerce,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE H11050 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2007 states that he is ‘‘encouraged by assur- the annual legislative conference that produce an annual legislative con- ance that the labor provisions cannot was this past weekend right here in ference whereby African American be read to require compliance with ILO Washington, DC. leaders from all across the country can conventions,’’ we should be more than I am joined this evening by the co- come to Washington in fellowship and skeptical. chair. The Chair of the Congressional interact and network with other people While we have all heard that the Black Caucus foundation is KENDRICK across the country, and then we con- Peru trade agreement text improves MEEK, but the cochairs of this wonder- clude the week by having a gala or an labor and environmental standards, we ful weekend this year are my good annual dinner. We have just completed fail to hear that they were added on friends G.K. BUTTERFIELD from North the 37th annual conference this past top of the same old NAFTA and Carolina and my colleague and good week, and it was a smashing success. CAFTA text. The bottom line: this is friend DONNA CHRISTENSEN from the I want to thank all of those persons another Bush NAFTA expansion. Virgin Islands. who had a hand in making it happen. Key unions are worried about the So I am going to begin by yielding to KENDRICK MEEK from Miami, Dade labor provisions. The new provisions my colleague and good friend from the County, Florida, is the leader of the require countries to adopt, maintain, great State of North Carolina, G.K. Congressional Black Caucus Founda- and enforce only the terms of the ILO BUTTERFIELD. tion. We used to call him a part of the Declaration on Fundamental Prin- Mr. BUTTERFIELD. I want to first 30-something club, but he has now ciples and Rights at Work. of all thank the gentlelady from Ohio passed that great 40-year-old mark, but The new FTA language does not re- for her leadership here in the Congress. he is still young and energetic and dy- quire signatories to meet the ILO con- One of the first Members that I met namic. ventions. That’s the binding standards. when I came to Washington 3 years ago Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Are you a mem- The declaration is a nonbinding state- was STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES. She is en- ber of the 30-something club? ment. gaged all the time and is certainly rep- Mr. BUTTERFIELD. No, ma’am, I It is highly likely that changes to resenting the constituents of her dis- am not. I am a member of the 60-some- the environment and labor provisions trict. Thank you for giving me the op- thing. will have no real effect on the ground. portunity to share a few thoughts with But KENDRICK MEEK has led our orga- We all know that the Bush adminis- you this evening. nization, and we had a very, very good tration has a long record of not enforc- We have just finished the 37th An- conference last week. I am not going to ing the standards of past trade agree- nual Legislative Conference of the Con- go into all the details, I am sure my ments. Why should they start now? gressional Black Caucus Foundation. colleague, DONNA CHRISTENSEN, who And there are so many problems with I want to delineate between the Con- was also my cochair last week may the Peru Free Trade Agreement, gressional Black Caucus and the Con- give you details about it, but it was a whether it’s the privatization of Social gressional Black Caucus Foundation. wonderful week. Security, ban on anti-offshoring, or Those are two separate entities. So We had brain trust on just about failure to protect our intellectual prop- often people confuse those entities, but every topic that you can imagine. We erty rights. There are more than the Congressional Black Caucus proper had a gospel extravaganza, and one of enough reasons to oppose the Peru is simply an unofficial organization of my choirs from North Carolina came to FTA. Not to mention if you look at the 43 CBC members, African American Washington and really, really had a NAFTA, NAFTA has caused a worse Members who are serving in the Con- magnificent showing in that extrava- problem here in the United States with gress who meet from time to time to ganza. Then we had a prayer breakfast. illegal immigration. The Peru Free discuss public policy issues. It is not a We are very close to prayer in the Con- Trade Agreement will do the same foundation; it is simply an informal gressional Black Caucus, because we thing, cause the illegal immigration gathering of Members of Congress. know it has been our faith that has problem to get worse. By contrast, the Congressional Black brought us thus far along the way. I could go on and on about the Peru Caucus Foundation is a very formal or- Then we concluded on Saturday night FTA. I ask my colleagues to really lis- ganization. It is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt with our gala. I don’t know how many ten to what America is saying about foundation that has been in existence thousand people were at that dinner. these free trade agreements. I’m asking for many years. I want to start off by Mrs. JONES of Ohio. More than 3,000. Members to vote their conscience. Op- making that point abundantly clear. Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Yes. There were pose the Peru FTA. The Congressional Black Caucus is more, more like 4, 5,000 people in at- f composed of 43 members. We hear that tendance at the dinner, and it was a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a number from time to time. That’s a great success. previous order of the House, the gentle- very important number. It has not al- I want to thank all of those persons woman from New York (Mrs. MALONEY) ways been 43 members. The African who had a hand in making the week is recognized for 5 minutes. American representation here in Con- the success that it was, particularly (Mrs. MALONEY of New York ad- gress has evolved over the years, and Dr. Elsie Scott and the staff of the dressed the House. Her remarks will now it is at its highest point in its his- Congressional Black Caucus Founda- appear hereafter in the Extensions of tory; 42 African Americans serve in the tion. Remarks.) House. Of those 42, 40 are full voting You know, Congresswoman, I say in f Members of the House of Representa- speeches all the time and I will say tives. The other two have the right to here on the House floor today, you b 1945 vote in committees and in the Com- know, we get credit for a lot of things CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS mittee of the Whole, but not in the full that we really don’t deserve, Members REPORT ON THE ANNUAL LEGIS- House, because they represent the Dis- of Congress. We cut the ribbons and LATIVE CONFERENCE trict of Columbia and the Virgin Is- take pictures and sit in meetings and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under lands. Hopefully one day in the not too engage in unnecessary debate some- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- distant future even those two Members times, but it is the staff that does the uary 18, 2007, the gentlewoman from will have a right to full participation heavy lifting and gets the job done. So Ohio (Mrs. JONES) is recognized for 60 here in the Congress. kudos to the Congressional Black Cau- minutes as the designee of the major- But having 42 African Americans in cus Foundation staff. ity leader. the House of Representatives is signifi- Let me conclude by saying that since Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speak- cant. That is 17 percent of the House of 1868 there has only been 122 African er, it’s so good to see you in the Chair, Representatives, at least the Demo- Americans who have served in the especially on this occasion as we en- crats in the House of Representatives United States Congress. That is an ac- gage in the Congressional Black Cau- come from the Congressional Black tual statistic. Our research shows that cus message hour. Caucus, and so that is very important. 19 African Americans served in the This evening it gives me great pleas- So over the years, the Congressional House of Representatives during the ure to spend some time talking about Black Caucus has seen fit to annually Reconstruction. Four of those were

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But in the recent years, had 122 African Americans to serve in Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Congress- he has turned his talent to the service this body. We have come a long way to woman TUBBS JONES, it’s a pleasure to of the Lord, and he has been a gospel have 42 African Americans serving in be back with you on the floor this singer, writer. He actually performed the House and one in the Senate. evening. We were here together last one of his original compositions, We have a lot of work to do, and I am week discussing SCHIP and the situa- which, as he said, was a testimony of going to close by simply saying that we tion in Jena with the Jena 6 high his own life and finding God; it was had a good week and a very successful school students, which was also a part personal. Now it’s personal. week. I know it’s self-serving for me to of our discussion, a very integral part Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Yes, now it’s say this, Congresswoman, but I think of our discussion at the annual legisla- personal. We remarked, as we were sit- it’s the best conference that we have tive conference. ting at the table listening to him, that had in our 37 years. So many people de- We were very fortunate that while we his look was much like a Stevie Won- serve the credit. were there, Mychal Bell was released der look with the braids. When he Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Before you from prison, and we were able to have turned to the side, the profile was leave, I want to congratulate you on the lead attorney, Lewis Scott, come much like Stevie Wonder. your choice of prayer breakfast speak- up and join us for a session. Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Yes, he has a er. Dr. Clifford Jones out of North Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Absolutely. great voice and a great talent. We look Carolina was a wonderful speaker, and Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. But this was for him to go to great places in the fu- his theme, ‘‘Somebody Pray for Me,’’ I our 37th Annual Legislative Con- ture. So we have him and we have the Gen- think hit right home with all of us, and ference, and our theme, as you heard, eration Now, and, of course, many of us we had a wonderful, wonderful time in was ‘‘Unleashing Our Power.’’ That is in the Congressional Black Caucus also praise and worship Saturday morning. also exactly what we here in the CBC had our emerging leaders come up from You would have actually thought we and our constituents across the coun- our district that we sponsored; mine, turned the convention center into a try intend to do going forward, unleash attorney Mark Hodge and Natalie church on Saturday morning. It was a our power. Humphries, also of Generation Now, wonderful experience. I also want to join my cochair in the last person. So that was exciting. thanking the Chair of the Congres- Mr. BUTTERFIELD. We had a south- Our opening session, of course, fea- ern missionary Baptist preacher who sional Black Caucus Foundation, tured our Chairs, including my col- came to Washington and delivered a KENDRICK MEEK, for his strong and vi- league here, Mrs. STEPHANIE TUBBS powerful sermon. When I first sug- sionary leadership of the foundation JONES, Congresswoman STEPHANIE gested Dr. Jones’ name a few months and of the conference, and to thank our TUBBS JONES, but also Chairman RAN- ago, a few people were skeptical be- CBC chairwoman, the Honorable CARO- GEL, Chairman CONYERS, Chairman cause they had not heard of him before. LYN CHEEKS KILPATRICK, for her stellar THOMPSON, and of course, our whip, JIM guidance. As we have come into the When they came up with their name, I CLYBURN. That was a very, I think, had not heard of their name before. majority, she has coalesced and di- powerful way to start off a conference, So I thought it was time to have a rected our power to influence the prod- a weekend that was all about power. southern minister. Dr. Clifford Jones uct of what I think will be a historic It wasn’t only about power in the did a wonderful job, as did Rev. Wil- 110th Congress. Congress, but it was about a power in liam Barber from Goldsboro, North I also, as you heard just a few min- our community that is still really un- Carolina, who delivered the prayer for utes ago, had a great partner in my co- tapped and unleashed. We could really the Nation. Dr. Barber is also the State chair, Congressman G.K. BUTTERFIELD be agents of change for our community president of the NAACP in North Caro- of North Carolina, whose input, vision and our country if we were to really lina, and it was just a wonderful occa- and hard work really helped to make come together and use the power that sion. You would have had to have been this week a successful and momentous is ours. there to really appreciate it, and hope- one as it was. Mrs. JONES of Ohio. I am with you. fully persons who didn’t come this year Of course, as he said too, the ALC Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. I wanted to may see fit to come next year. could not have been successful without focus the rest of my remarks on the Mrs. JONES of Ohio. I wasn’t part of the work of our staff, his staff and my town hall, though, and on the health the choice, but I knew a minister staff and the staff of the foundation sessions that I was a part of. There named Jones had to be a really good under the excellent and skilled leader- were many health sessions. There were person. Thank you so much for the ship of Dr. Elsie Scott, its president. many sessions, period, on a number of choice. As this year’s cochair, it was a spe- issues, and all very informative. Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Thank you, cial pleasure for me to welcome Gen- The town hall, first, was a real pow- staff. Thank you all of you who had a eration Now and other Virgin Island- erful discussion on ways to eliminate hand in making this happen, including ers, including Neville Peter, who sang or reduce the factors that lead so many the chairwoman of the Congressional at the prayer breakfast. black men and now, increasingly, black Black Caucus itself. I failed to mention Mrs. JONES of Ohio. He was excel- women into prison. We called it ‘‘Dis- the name of CAROLYN CHEEKS KIL- lent. He was excellent. Wow. rupting the Prison Pipeline’’ because PATRICK. Congresswoman KILPATRICK is Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Both singers we wanted to focus on positive action leader of the Congressional Black Cau- were great, but it was really inspiring. to really stop what was happening over cus, and that’s a tough job, leading 43 We were really pleased he was able to the years. diverse politicians. But she reconciles join us. Too, our session was attended by, I all of our differences, all of our views Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Why don’t you think, over 1,000 people who were at and leads the Black Caucus with great tell us a little bit about Neville Peter? that town hall that morning. And we distinction. Thank you as well to Con- Some people across the Nation may not discussed the disparities in education, gresswoman KILPATRICK. know about him. health, including mental health and Mrs. JONES of Ohio. It gives me Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. He is a young substance abuse, how poverty and un- great pleasure to yield time to my col- man, born in my district in the U.S. employment in the criminal justice league and good friend, Congresswoman Virgin Islands. He started his musical system, the disparities in those areas DONNA CHRISTENSEN. She cochairs the career very early, at about 5, mostly in create a pathway to incarceration brain trust for the Congressional Black the piano and one other instrument. rather than college for so many in the Caucus. She represents the Virgin Is- But at about 12, he pretty much lost all African-American community.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE H11052 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2007 We had wonderful speakers. We had with the Black AIDS Institute on the thank all of the speakers, the exhibi- Reggie Weaver, the president of the Na- Hill last week; and it’s time to reissue tors, and all who attended from all tional Education Association; Dr. Mar- that call for the state of emergency over the country, and even some from ian Wright Edelman, the president of and reclaim our minority AIDS initia- beyond and outside of our country, the Children’s Defense Fund; Dr. Beny tive. from the Caribbean, from Africa and Primm was a drug addiction expert Also, on Thursday afternoon there other areas of the world. Because of the from New York; Dr. Debra Prothrow was a great discussion on bringing cor- input that you brought, and the sup- Stith, a public health expert who fo- porate, State, and union leaders into port that you gave to the conference, cuses on violence prevention; attorney the disparity elimination partnership. we, as a community, stand more ready Rhonda Stewart from North Carolina, With the ongoing need for corporations than ever to unleash our power. an expert on child and family judicial to provide health care and the extreme Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Thank you, issues; Janks Morton, who is a writer pressures of its rising costs, they will Madam Chair, DONNA CHRISTENSEN, the in D.C. representing the media; and be looking for ways to cut those costs. Delegate from the Virgin Islands, one several ex-offenders who have made a The health coverage will continue to be of the co-chairs for the ALC Con- dramatic turnaround in their lives. a major cause of contention as unions ference. negotiate contracts, and States are be- It gives me great pleasure at this b 2000 ginning to take coverage for all of time to yield 5 minutes to my col- We want to thank them, as well as their residents into their own hands. league and good friend, DIANE WATSON our moderator, Leon Harris, and the We called on business, union and from California, our former ambas- Members of Congress who participated; State leaders, we called them together sador to Micronesia. Congressman BOBBY SCOTT, who chairs for this dialogue because we want to Ms. WATSON. Thank you, Congress- the Crime Subcommittee of the Judici- make sure that as all of this begins to woman STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES; and ary and has turned that into, has begun take some kind of shape into a health thank you, Madam Speaker. to focus that committee on prevention, care reform initiative, that closing the I want to congratulate Congressman which we have long looked forward to gaps in health care and in health sta- MEEK, Chair of the Congressional doing; DANNY DAVIS, who heads a sub- tus that’s faced by racial and ethnic Black Caucus Foundation, and CARO- committee himself on health under the minorities and rural residents in this LYN CHEEKS KILPATRICK for putting to- Government Reform Committee. But country, that those issues would be at gether a most excellent Congressional primarily he was there as the leader of the center of that reform; and we in- Black Caucus annual legislative week. the State of the Black Male Initiative tend for that to be an ongoing dia- The event was very well attended, and that the CBC and the CBC Foundation logue. the many issue forums were inform- have been working on and, of course, The last session that I’m going to ative and enlightening. Chairman RANGEL, who brought the mention is the Friday session on de- I held three issue forums, one on Af- economic opportunity piece to that dis- manding opportunity and justice for rican American entrepreneurship in cussion. They brought their expertise, African American health care pro- South Africa, and one on African they brought the work that they’re en- viders. It spoke to challenges that are American celebrities and their too gaged in, both inside and out of Con- almost as disturbing as those we dis- often unreported commitment to social gress to help disrupt the prison pipe- cussed in the prison pipeline discus- issues. line. sion. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Sul- And my third panel, entitled ‘‘Find- What’s clear is that there’s too many livan, gave us an update on the still ing Justice for the Black Cherokee In- communities where a young black low representation of African Ameri- dian Freedmen,’’ looked at the current male in this country has no alternative cans and other minorities in health Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma’s efforts opportunities, nor is he provided with professions schools and in practice, far to expel its black Cherokee citizens. I adequate opportunities to be able to below our representation in the Nation was pleased to have a number of Cher- succeed on the path to college. And the and woefully inadequate to meet the okee citizens, including Joe Byrd, the two unfortunate recent examples are needs of our diverse society. We heard former principal chief of the Cherokee the Jena high school students and from hospital administrators, doctors, Nation of Oklahoma, Jon Velie, attor- Genarlo Wilson who is still in prison in dentists and others, including students, ney for the Freedmen, and Marilyn Georgia. What we will do from here, about the barriers to getting into the Vann, president of the Freedmen De- though, Madam Speaker and col- health profession school and staying scendants Association. leagues, is to issue a report that incor- there. Those stories were bad enough. In the year 2000, the Seminole Nation porates the date, the key points of the But there was more. We then heard of Oklahoma attempted to disenfran- discussion, and legislative rec- from African American doctors and chise its Freedmen descendants. The ommendations, which would be a blue- other health providers, those in prac- circumstances were nearly identical to print for the Congressional Black Cau- tice, about the difficulties they face in the current efforts of the Cherokee Na- cus, as well as other elected leadership staying in practice, given exclusions tion of Oklahoma to rid itself of de- on State and local levels. from certain facilities, faculties and scendants of the Freedmen who are What we’ve heard from our panelists organizations, unfair investigations rightfully citizens of Cherokee Nation. and the audience was a compelling call and sanctions that hold them to a far The Bureau of Indian Affairs took a to action to indeed disrupt that prison higher standard than other providers, proactive stance against the Semi- pipeline. and also disparities in reimbursement. noles, cutting off their funding for The first health session, which I co- What we heard signals a looming cri- nearly 2 years and also suspending chair every year with Congresswoman sis that must be prevented if we are their franchise to conduct gaming. BARBARA LEE on HIV and AIDS, global ever to eliminate health disparities, if Interestingly, the Bureau of Indian HIV and AIDS focus on the growing we’re ever to improve health care for Affairs first declared the Cherokee role and the influence of the faith com- everyone in this country, and if we’re Freedmen situation identical to that of munity in combating the HIV/AIDS ever to stop the skyrocketing rise in the Seminole Freedmen. Then the bu- crisis in the African American commu- health care costs. Those are just three reau did a 180-degree flip flop, taking a nity. Ten years ago we called for a of the many outstanding issue forums hands-off approach to Cherokee Freed- state of emergency and a minority and brain trusts that informed, in- men. The BIA chose to shirk its fidu- AIDS initiative for our community and spired, and invoked action on the part ciary responsibility, even as the Freed- other communities of color. This ad- of the black community. men’s rights were obviously being ministration has taken it far away As I close, I want to thank all of my trampled on by the Cherokee leader- from the original intent of building the CBC colleagues, including you, Madam ship. local capacity in our communities to Speaker, for your support. Because of In March of 2007, the Cherokee Na- address this epidemic. And the con- your hard work and that of your staff, tion held an election to expel the Cher- sensus in that conference was that we we had one of the best annual legisla- okee Freedmen, in violation of the 1866 need a national plan, as we discussed tive conferences ever and I want to treaty which granted full citizenship

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11053 rights to Cherokee Freedmen shortly Cherokee Nation who form a minority thought it was a very balanced and after the Civil War. That is when the of its, there are only 2,800, they’re a productive session, and very inform- plight of the Cherokee Freedmen first minority among its 270,000 thousand ative. came to my attention. Members. I’ve been privileged to be a part of I immediately wrote a letter to As- And finally, my legislation was not the Congressional Black Caucus Foun- sistant Secretary Artman of the Bu- an attack on Indian sovereignty or the dation’s annual legislative weekend for reau of Indian Affairs requesting an in- Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma’s sov- all 15 years that I have served in Con- terpretation of the vote. The letter was ereignty. gress. And I would have to say that the signed by 25 of my congressional col- The Cherokee Nation receives rough- first 13 of those years I did my piece of leagues. The response I received from ly $300 million a year from the Federal the conference by conducting a discus- Secretary Artman almost a month Government. It also conducts highly sion and issues forum on the Voting later was unsatisfactory. In effect, the lucrative gaming operations with a Rights Act, access to the vote, and I Secretary said that the bureau had not Federal gaming charter. The sovereign participated in various issues related taken any administrative action and right to discriminate with our tax- to the Judiciary Committee. But last would continue its careful evaluation payers’ dollars is not a right at all. It’s year and the year before last, I was of all facets of this matter. In effect, I illegal. honored to serve as the Chair of the was told that the BIA would continue The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma Congressional Black Caucus, and I took to monitor a situation that didn’t need argues that it should be treated like a different perspective during those 2 further monitoring, but immediate ac- other tribes and have the exclusive years because it gave me an oppor- tion. right to determine its citizenship. Be- tunity, as Chair of the caucus, not only It is only when I discovered that the cause the Cherokees signed a treaty to do my own issues forum, but it was BIA would not move proactively, that with the Confederate States of America part of, I viewed it as part of my re- it would not forcibly and vigorously and fought against the United States sponsibility to drop in on all of the stand up for and protect the rights of to defend slavery, the conditions of the issues forums and brain trust discus- Cherokee Freedmen as it had done for treaty of 1866 and reconstituting the sions that were going on. the Seminole Freedmen, I introduced relationship with the United States And I can tell you firsthand that H.R. 2824 to sever the United States re- was that the former slaves and their there was nowhere in the world that lations with the Cherokee Nation of descendents, called the Freedmen, there were more thoughtful provoca- Oklahoma until such time that it re- would be citizens with full rights. My tive discussions going on about the stores full citizenship rights to Cher- legislation only seeks redress for the state of black America, our role in the okee Freedmen. Cherokee Nation for the restoration of United States, our role in education, My legislation has been characterized their treaty rights that entitle them to justice, our role internationally, than by Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma as a citizenship, to vote, to hold office and take place at the Congressional Black termination bill, which is blatantly to have equal rights with other Cher- Caucus Foundation’s annual legislative false. There is not one sentence in the okee citizens. conference. legislation that addresses terminating Madam Speaker and Representative That is the place to be to discuss the the Cherokee Nation’s Federal recogni- STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES, I appreciate issues that impact our community, and tion status. the time you have given us, and I think I saw it firsthand, from issues related The Cherokee Nation has made the we were very successful this weekend to the hip hop generation to the con- argument that Congress should not in- in gathering information and enlight- fidence of our African American youth, tervene until the courts have resolved ening our public who attended from to the prison pipeline that, unfortu- the matter. It made this point the cen- across the country and around our Na- nately, has been created, to the dis- ter piece of its public relations cam- tion. Thank you very much. parities that exist in health care and education and even in our inter- paign to disenfranchise the Freedmen GENERAL LEAVE descendents. But the past actions of national foreign policy. Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speak- So I’m honored to have been able to the Cherokee Nation belie its commit- er, I ask unanimous consent that all have viewed the weekend from a dif- ment to the rule of law. After the Cher- Members have 5 legislative days within ferent perspective for the last 2 years. okee Nation’s tribal courts ruled in which to revise and extend their re- But I will tell you, Madam Speaker, favor of Lucy Allen, a Freedmen de- marks on the subject of this Special and my colleague, Representative scendant who sued for citizenship, the Order today, the annual legislative TUBBS JONES, that I was honored to get Cherokee Nation’s leadership chose to conference of the Congressional Black back to being able to do just my thing dissolve the court and packed the Caucus. again this year. And we had a delight- newly constituted court with cronies The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ful discussion about the Voting Rights who proceeded to approve a referendum objection to the request of the gentle- Act in my issues forum. to disenfranchise the Freedmen. woman from Ohio? The Cherokee Nation’s leadership There was no objection. b 2015 states that funding cuts will hurt many Mrs. JONES of Ohio. At this time it Last year we had just passed the 25- Cherokees who depend on Federal fund- gives me great pleasure to have the op- year reauthorization of the Voting ing. This past Friday, coinciding with portunity to yield 5 minutes to my col- Rights Act, and so we took that year to the day of my issue forum, the Cher- league and good friend from the great kind of pat ourselves on the back and okee Nation took out a full page ad in State of North Carolina, the immediate talk about what we had just accom- Roll Call and in the Hill making this past Chair of the Congressional Black plished. But we knew the onslaught claim. What the Cherokee Nation Caucus, Mr. MEL WATT. would be coming immediately. And doesn’t tell you is that it has already Mr. WATT. Thank you, Madam within that 1-year period, there has spent $2.7 million or more lobbying Speaker, and I thank my colleague, been a concerted effort, litigation has against Freedmen and that the Cher- STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES from Ohio, for been filed, which is a direct frontal at- okee Tribal Council recently debated yielding time. I don’t think it will take tack on the Voting Rights Act and its allocating $4 million to lobby against me 5 minutes to do this, but I did want reauthorization. the Freedmen. What they don’t tell to spend a little bit of time talking So the first part of my issues related you is that a lot of this money has about the annual legislative conference to that legal attack, which had just gone and will go to pay for services of that was conducted by the Congres- been argued in a court of appeals about high-priced public relations firms. It’s sional Black Caucus Foundation this 2 weeks ago, and I had the lawyer from too bad that the Cherokee Nation will past weekend. the NAACP Legal Defense Fund there not use its money to help those in its I heard the comments of my col- at my brain trust to talk about that tribe who really need assistance, but league from California, Ms. DIANE WAT- attack and its likelihood for success. instead will use millions of dollars to SON, and I was fortunate to be able to And I’m happy to report that we do not launch a hateful and vitriolic attack sit in on one of her issues forums re- believe it is a serious attack, although against African descendents of the lated to the Cherokee Freedmen, and I there will certainly be others to come.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE H11054 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2007 That presentation was followed by a and, if you will, thousands upon thou- decision. Something for us to be con- presentation by Donna Brazile on the sands of items that we work on and cerned about. various methods that have been used solve on a daily basis here in the So I enjoyed participating in that throughout the country to discourage United States Congress. So I want to one and thought it was a very impor- minority participation in the voting thank her for guiding this for a period tant, instructive session, as well as process and what we plan to do about it of time, and I want to then acknowl- cochairing the child welfare section in the 2007 election and, more impor- edge the chairpersons of the 37th An- with DANNY DAVIS. And the one point I tantly perhaps, in the 2008 Presidential nual Legislative Conference, the Hon- want to mention that came out of that election cycle, some of the strategies orable DONNA CHRISTENSEN and G.K. that really cries out for legislation is that we plan to follow to combat those BUTTERFIELD, who did an outstanding the fact that foster children age out of efforts to diminish and reduce minority job. And as well might I acknowledge protection, age out of a home at age 18. participation in the voting process. and thank, and I know that he will be And for those of us who have children And then our third panelist was a di- speaking soon, the chairman of the that know that we are still mothering rector of a board of elections in Florida Congressional Black Caucus Founda- them at 21, 22, 23, 24, and they have a who talked about the desirability of tion, Chairman KENDRICK MEEK, and home, our children can come back to a creating a paper trail so that people thank him for his leadership and also home or have a roof over their head who do show up and vote at the polls for the opportunity to now journey on that we may have, but foster children can reliably be certain that their vote the foundation board as a new member. get out of the system. There is no obli- will be counted and properly assessed. As I am a new member of the founda- gation to provide them with housing or So we just had three panelists. They tion board, I am delighted to be able to schooling or anything. What a tragedy, did outstanding jobs. We had ample collaborate with him on some of the which is why you see that many foster time for discussion and participation many, many issues that the board will children are homeless, many foster by the attendees at the conference and tackle. children can’t finish college. They get at our issues forum. It was a delightful Success; inspirational; exciting; fun; no stipend, and it is a crisis. And it was experience and one that I look forward learned; and, of course, message giving. an outstanding series with Historically to being around next year at this time That was the 37th annual legislative Black Colleges. to replicate. session that we just finished here in Let me then indicate that the series I again applaud you for convening Washington, D.C. that I had involved the energy brain this Special Order tonight to allow us Allow me to acknowledge the impor- trust, which was historic. And let me the opportunity to talk about not only tance of the Voting Rights session that quickly say that we had representa- the fun things that happened at the MEL WATT and I, having served on the tives from Shell and CAMAC energy foundation’s annual legislative con- Judiciary Committee, worked on as we and the CEO of CITGO; from Ven- ference but, more importantly, the moved to reauthorize the Voting ezuela, the Venezuelan ambassador; the wonderful substantive discussions that Rights legislation in the last session. ambassador from Algeria; Milton take place around every issue that im- And just to bring to the attention of Scott, who owns a very important Afri- pact our community. my colleagues, the reason why that is can American energy company; Steve With that I will thank our convener so important is because it seems that Hightower, African American, owner of this evening. race again is becoming a dividing issue an energy company; George Person; Mrs. JONES of Ohio. I had a recent in America. And I just want to remind Lisa Jackson; Gary Heminger; Hugh discussion with our colleague KEITH my colleagues, or maybe bring it to Depland from BP; Gary from Mara- ELLISON from Minnesota, and he was your attention, I am going to sort of thon; Frank Stewart from the Amer- telling me that in the seventh circuit merge it into the review of the par- ican Association of Blacks in Energy; that it had been granted to go to the ticular sessions that I had, but I just Willie Trotty. And the key element, Supreme Court on a voter ID. That will want to announce to my colleagues high gasoline prices and high utility be an interesting case to watch as it that Ward Connelly has managed to get costs, building bridges. We have a com- goes forward as well. the question of affirmative action on mitment to convene the energy brain Mr. WATT. We did talk about that, the ballot of nine States. My under- trust at the OTC, the Offshore Tech- and we are watching that case very standing is that that question which nology Conference, in Houston, but the carefully, as well as another case out of revolves around race will be on the main thing we have a commitment to North Carolina, which is an attack on Presidential-year elections. It is my is getting African Americans in the whether the Voting Rights Act pro- understanding that it will be on the ownership wealth part of energy and tects congressional districts that are ballot in November of 2008. I am going making sure that there are African not majority minority, such as the one to investigate that issue, but I wanted Americans in the corporate aspects of I represent, which is only 40 percent or to just bring that to the table because these major Fortune 500 companies and, as well, increasing more owner- so African American, and the ones that a number of our sessions had to do with ship. are represented by most of the mem- trying to grapple with this question of bers of the Congressional Black Caucus race. And certainly the Voting Rights b 2030 today. Act and the interpretations that the Lastly, we did a provocative session Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speak- Supreme Court will make on additional on hip hop, ‘‘The Culture of a People, er, I want to thank the gentleman for cases involving race really emphasize the Language of a People,’’ and it actu- his leadership on getting the Voting that. ally got people talking. Julianne Rights Act reauthorized, Congressman And I must say that I enjoyed co- Malveaux, the president of Bennett MEL WATT of North Carolina. hosting a series of sessions with BOBBY College. Azim Rashid, senior VP of op- It gives me great pleasure at this SCOTT. There was a session that, al- erations at Warner Music. J. Xavier, time to yield to my colleague and good though I was detained, I was able to 350-time performer, 15-year-old clean friend, a former judge from the great get in for a brief moment, but I want to hip hop artist. An Tun Muhammad, the State of Texas, Congresswoman SHEILA compliment him and acknowledge that president of The Real Hip Hop Net- JACKSON-LEE. one of the aspects that was spoken work. Asha Jenning, Igniting Media Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam about was the recent decision dealing Accountability. Madhatter of the Box Speaker, let me thank my distin- with race in schools on the Supreme Station in Houston, and JMAC. And guished colleague and friend, chair- Court. So you can imagine if there are then Reverend Ben Chavis and Charles woman of the Ethics Committee from ballot issues dealing with affirmative LeBoef. Ohio STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES, for more action, it just converges on a number Let me conclude by saying that we than this one night. I think that we are of these issues. And that session really opened up the door of communication back in the saddle again, and I applaud emphasized the wrongness of the deci- to understand hip hop from both per- the fact that the Congressional Black sion as it relates to the results, mean- spectives in art, but also account- Caucus, the conscience of the Congress, ing that Brown versus Board of Edu- ability. I look forward to continuing is now reporting the ions and pages cation might be challenged under that those sessions.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11055 But more importantly let me thank come active agents of change in our collective Issues Forum entitled ‘‘The Language of Hip the convener, because we were able to futures. America’s dependence of foreign oil Hop: The Culture of a People,’’ This timely say it was vital, it was important, and has led us to precarious position in terms of and thought-provoking discussion and exam- there was so much learning going on. foreign policy and national security, while the ination of the impact, both positive and nega- Now we’re going forward with the leg- youth of our nation have not received suffi- tive, of hip hop on our community featured islative initiative for the CBC legisla- cient means to move to us a new direction. panelists from the hip hop industry, as well as tive weekend. Because I represent the city of Houston, the activists and academics. I yield back to the distinguished energy capital of the world, I realize that many As a Member of the Congressional Black gentlelady. Thank you for the time. oil and gas companies provide many jobs for Caucus, Chairwoman of the Congressional The issue of energy is one of the most im- many of my constituents and serve a valuable Children’s Caucus, and most importantly a portant national security issues which face our need. The energy industry in Houston exem- mother, it is my priority to address issues re- nation due to our increasing dependence on plifies the stakeholders who must be instru- lating to the health and well-being of African foreign sources of energy, often times from mental in devising a pragmatic strategy for re- American youth in this country. I recognize volatile parts of the world. My braintrust seeks solving our national energy crisis. It is crucial that Hip Hop culture has had a tremendous in- to highlight and remedy the lack of adequate that while seeking solutions to secure more fluence on the artistic and musical expression outreach to and participation by the African energy independence within this country, we of America’s youth today. However, many American community in America’s energy in- strike a balance that will still support an envi- view the culture of Hip Hop as a negative and dustry, which is exacerbated by the inherent ronment for continued growth in the oil and provocative phenomenon due to some of the barriers present in the energy industry to Afri- gas industry, which I might add, creates mil- negative images and harsh lyrics that some can American students, workers, entre- lions of jobs across the entire country. artists use to express themselves. I believe preneurs, and investors along with the dis- We have many more miles to go before we that before we condemn Hip Hop, we must parate impact the energy industry has on mi- achieve energy independence. Consequently, first try to understand it. The Children’s nority populations, consumers and neighbor- I am willing, able, and eager to continue work- Braintrust sought to reach such understanding. hoods, both in terms of prices and environ- ing with Houston’s and our nation’s energy in- Throughout history, music originating from mental justice. dustry to ensure that we are moving expedi- America’s Black communities has always had There is no issue more integral to our na- tiously on the path to crafting an environ- an accompanying subculture reflective of the tion’s economic and national security than en- mentally sound and economically viable en- political, social and economic conditions of the ergy independence. This Energy Braintrust, ergy policy. Furthermore, I think it is impera- time. Rap is no different. The history of our which is comprised of some of the most tive that part of this policy includes increased music often exemplifies a deeper reflection of prominent members of America’s energy in- involvement by small, minority and women the goings on in society—from Billie Holiday’s dustry, is designed to be a clarion call to ac- owned businesses, and independent energy solemn song characterizing those who were tion, in order to build bridges and synergies companies in this process because they rep- lynched as ‘‘Strange Fruit’’ to Nina Simone’s between the African-American community and resent some of the hard working Americans musical commentary in ‘‘Mississippi G—— America’s energy industry. The purpose of this Braintrust will not only and Houstonians who are on the forefront of D——’’ expressing her disdain for the rampant be the discussion of, but more importantly, the energy efficient strategies to achieving energy killings in the South, to Tupac’s expression of transformation of dialogue into action and leg- independence. sincere compassion for poor black women, I will conclude by also emphasizing that re- islation to address and bolster the relation- whom he urged to ‘‘keep your head up’’ de- newable and alternate sources of energy must ships between the energy industry and African spite the fact that society has turned its back American consumers, entrepreneurs, inves- be part of our energy future in order to on you. tors, workers, and students. My hope and ex- achieve energy independence. Replacing oil Hip hop is the culture from which rap pectation is that six months from now each of imports with domestic alternatives such as tra- emerged. Hip hop is a lifestyle with its own today’s presenters will join me to collectively ditional and cellulosic ethanol can not only language, style of dress, music and mind set and individually issue a plan of benchmarks, help reduce the $180 billion that oil contributes that is continuously evolving. We have seen goals, and pathways to build concrete and co- to our annual trade deficit, it can end our ad- hip hop go from competitive freestyling to herent bridges and synergies between the Af- diction to foreign oil. According to the Depart- breakdancing battles to East Coast-West rican American community and America’s en- ment of Agriculture, biomass can displace 30 Coast rivalry. Surely, we lost two extremely ergy industry. Moreover, part of this plan will percent of our Nation’s petroleum consump- talented individuals in Tupac and Biggie, much be a formal mechanism such as a progress tion. too soon. We all know their lives did not have report to measure how each of today’s promi- Along with traditional production of ethanol to end so violently. But knowing this, we must nent panelists and the companies they rep- from corn, cellulosic ethanol can be produced ask ourselves, why does the violence continue resent implement and achieve the benchmarks domestically from a variety of feedstocks, in- to take so many of our youth? they helped to develop. This will ensure that cluding switchgrass, corn stalks and municipal My Children’s Issues Forum was an oppor- we transform today’s substantive discussion solid wastes, which are available throughout tunity to talk with each other, rather than at into pragmatic action. our nation. Cellulosic ethanol also relies on its each other. Panelists and participants came Energy is the lifeblood of every economy, own byproducts to fuel the refining process, together to discuss solutions, and to look for especially ours. Producing more of it leads to yielding a positive energy balance. Whereas a way forward that embraces the hip hop art- more good jobs, cheaper goods, lower fuel the potential production of traditional corn- ists in their quest to fulfill their dreams but re- prices, and greater economic and national se- based ethanol is about 10 billion gallons per jects the lethal language that often lends itself curity. However, the U.S. is more than 60 per- year, the potential production of cellulosic eth- to less than desirable outcomes for our chil- cent dependent on foreign sources of energy, anol is estimated to be 60 billion gallons per dren. More and more, we see some of the twice as dependent today as we were just 30 year. negative messages affecting the way young years ago. America’s growing and dangerous I will close by emphasizing that we must be people make decisions about engaging in sex- energy dependence has resulted in the loss of balanced and prudent in our approach to ad- ual activity, drug use and using violence as a hundreds of thousands of good American jobs, dress our energy needs. By ensuring access means to resolve conflict. The self esteem and skyrocketing consumer prices, and to the African-American community and invest- desire of many young listeners to achieve vulnerabilities in our national security. ing in renewable energy, I believe we can be greatness are being deflated by stereotypes Energy imports now make up one-third of partners with the responsible members of and explicit lyrics in some Hip Hop lyrics. America’s trade deficit. America must improve America’s energy producing community While I uphold America’s fundamental right the supply-demand imbalance, lower con- present today to achieve our collective goal of to freedom of speech and believe that artists sumer prices, and increase jobs by producing reaching energy independence and increased have a right to creative expression, a middle more of its own energy resources. With my inclusion of the African-American community. ground needs to be sought in order to allow district of Houston being the energy capital of CHILDREN’S ISSUES FORUM: HIP HOP: THE CULTURE OF artists to create music without demeaning and the world, the energy industry in Houston ex- A PEOPLE degrading others. It is difficult to progress as emplifies the stakeholders who must be instru- The Annual Legislative Conference is an op- a community if we never take the time to care- mental in devising a pragmatic strategy for re- portunity for us to discuss and engage with fully dissect the influence of Hip Hop on our solving our national energy crisis. some of the difficult issues that face us as a children. At this point in history, the energy industry community and as a nation, This year, it was During my forum, panelists examined is at a critical turning point where we can be- my honor and pleasure to host a Children’s whether Hip Hop language is culture, creativity

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE H11056 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2007 or crisis, and explored the ‘‘Stop Snitchin’’ the opportunity to go into Mr. PAYNE’s We had a great workshop on edu- phenomenon that has had a negative impact Africa brain trust. Very powerful. He cation with the education brain trust. on communities across the nation. This impor- had heads of state come in to address We had one session on desegregation of tant Issues Forum was a substantial first step people who needed to know more about schools and how, notwithstanding the toward reaching a solution. The ALC is about the African countries that are there. Seattle and Louisville cases, we can fostering positive and creative change, and the So with that, Madam Chair, thank still, with a little hard work, make Children’s Braintrust made great strides to- you. I want to thank you. We co-spon- sure those schools are desegregated. ward making our communities safer for our sored the ALC a couple of years ago to- We focused on the importance of children. gether, co-chaired it. I want to thank early childhood education and the ele- Mrs. JONES of Ohio. It gives me you for your leadership, and thank you mentary and secondary education and great pleasure at this time to yield 3 for hosting this hour. Higher Education Act. We were able to minutes to the Chair of the Congres- Mrs. JONES of Ohio. I thank you, Mr. make sure that we invested appro- sional Black Caucus Foundation, and Chair. It is always great working with priately in education to make sure my great friend and son in the House of you. that we have a better community. Representatives, Congressman At this time, I would like to yield 4 We also had another workshop on the KENDRICK MEEK, from the great State minutes to my colleague and good judiciary, juvenile justice and the im- of Florida, Miami, Florida. friend from the great State of Virginia, portance of making the choice between Mr. MEEK of Florida. Thank you so Congressman BOBBY SCOTT, who has reducing crime and playing politics. much, Madam Chair. And thank you, been a leader in and around so many We need to make sure that we reduce Ms. LEE, for saying thank you and issues. It is great to yield to you. crime. You were very active in law showing your appreciation. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. I would like school admissions, to make sure that I know we have some Members that to thank the lady from Ohio for con- law schools’ admissions policy was not want to speak, and Madam Chair, I’m vening this Special Order so that we discriminatory. going to have to leave the floor soon, can talk about the great weekend that Great workshops, judiciary, edu- so I just want to mention two or three we had. cation, budget. The other important things. The gentleman from Florida, workshops. It was a great educational One, I want to thank those great KENDRICK MEEK, did a tremendous job weekend. Americans that participated in our as chairman of the foundation. CARO- Madam Chair, I would like to thank conference. And I think that some of LYN CHEEKS KILPATRICK from Michigan you for your hard work and leadership the brain trusts that were held, from did a great job as chairman of the cau- and also the ability to bring us to- what I’m hearing from e-mails and cus; DONNA CHRISTENSEN from the Vir- gether so that we could discuss the telephone calls, were some of the best gin Islands and G.K. BUTTERFIELD of great work that was done over the that we’ve had. That means hats off to North Carolina leading the legislative weekend. those that put on those brain trusts weekend. Thank you very much, and I yield and issue forums; that means one of We had dozens of important legisla- back. the 43 members of the Congressional tive seminars, foreign affairs, armed Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Thank you to Black Caucus, individually they were services and veterans, transportation, the gentleman from Virginia for his able to do it. health care, education, housing, social comments. And we were also able to shed light services, financial issues, civil rights, It gives me great pleasure at this on ‘‘Unleashing Our Power.’’ It wasn’t voting rights. Every aspect of legisla- time to have the opportunity to yield just a title of members of the Congres- tion that you can imagine, we had the 31⁄2 minutes to my colleague and good sional Black Caucus. It was for those nationally recognized experts. They friend from the great State of New Jer- participants, black, white, male and fe- were open to the public, the public had sey, who serves on the International male, that attended the conference, to an opportunity for questions and an- Relations Committee and is just a lead- leave empowered to go back to their swers and input. These were great er in the international arena, my col- State, back to their local community, workshops. I participated in four of league and good friend, DONALD PAYNE. and even in their own home, and un- them. The town hall forum entitled Mr. PAYNE. Let me thank you again leash their power as it relates to edu- ‘‘The Cradle to Prison Pipeline’’ that for your great work, Congresswoman cation, health care, so on and so on. talked about the unfortunate situation JONES, she does a fantastic job, and for One thing that I can tell you that where so many of our young people all of the leaders that you have heard was very, very good this year, and we start off and gradually, slowly but mentioned. And I would like to com- were able to work very hard, is making surely, get in trouble, drop out of mend Dr. Elsie Scott for really bring- a lot of young people feel welcome with school and end up in prison, and how ing the foundation forward. Of course, our Emerging Leaders Initiative. Our with appropriate investments, stra- our chairperson MEEKS and KILPATRICK apprenticeship program has been a tegic investments we can change that and G.K. BUTTERFIELD and really successful program. We had a lot pipeline to a cradle-to-college pipeline, CHRISTENSEN. of people that participated. We had which is so much better for humanity, Let me also commend our speaker high school students that participated; so much better for our communities, pro tempore this evening for the great we had college and recent graduates and that we could do that in a cost ef- work that YVETTE CLARKE, a new Mem- that came to this conference. And I fective way. ber from Brooklyn, who has come into look forward, Madam Chair, to future I participated in a budget forum this House and has brought vitality years where we can be able to continue where we had budget experts talk and excitement. And we know that she to have a successful weekend. This was about the fact that in 1993 we began will do an outstanding job as she moves obviously a large fund-raiser for our eliminating the deficit. By the year that district forward. It’s a great pleas- scholarship program, for our internship 2000 we had gone into surplus. And, in ure to have you with us. program. These are kids that wouldn’t fact, in 2001, we had a projected $5.5 Let me just say that I dealt with ordinarily have an opportunity to be a trillion surplus over 10 years, and how, three areas, BOBBY SCOTT, DANNY part of anything here in Washington, unfortunately, over the last few years DAVIS and our brain trust on edu- D.C., to serve as interns in Members’ we have converted that $5.5 trillion cation. Then I had the Head Start part. offices or committees. surplus to a $3 trillion deficit, a swing Then we had two other workshops and So everything happened the way that of $8.5 trillion. And how, with appro- brain trusts, one, ‘‘We Don’t Do Feb- it should. There are always things that priate changes and some of the changes ruary.’’ And that is about integrating we can work on to make it better next we’re trying to make in Congress African American history into the reg- year. But as it relates to the substance, today, we can change that back to ular curriculum so that when we hear Madam Chair, I am so pleased that peo- where we have the surplus and save So- about Patrick Henry and Nathan Hale, ple walked away with more knowledge cial Security, invest in health care, we will hear about Crispus Attucks and than when they walked in and were in- education and other important invest- Peter Salem. When we hear about the spired by what they heard. And I took ments. Rough Riders, we will know about the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11057 Buffalo Soldiers. So the Amistad Com- ‘‘Forty Million Dollar Slaves,’’ and is a one here that a career in math, science or en- mittee of New Jersey is integrating Af- sportswriter for the New York Times. gineering can be fulfilling, challenging and fun. rican history into the regular text- And I particularly want to thank him Madam Speaker, more than 150 local, Afri- books. for taking care of the workshop while I can American high school students attended Then, of course, as you all know, we was required to be here on the floor my Braintrust, and many of them participated deal with the Africa brain trust, the voting on some other issues. It was a in the discussion by interacting directly with theme, ‘‘The New Africa: Opportunities great opportunity, and we talked about the panelists. and Challenges,’’ President Wade of a lot of issues around African Amer- It is my feeling that a few hearts and minds Senegal and former President Obasanjo ican athletes. were changed that day, in the Science Com- of Nigeria, and Under Secretary Hen- My second forum was focused on the mittee hearing room. If only one student was rietta Fore, Ambassador Ali, AU Am- declining enrollment of African Ameri- influenced toward a career in science, tech- bassador to the U.S. And we had Dr. cans in law schools across the Nation. nology, engineering or mathematics, I will be Adasena, who was representing Kofi My panel consisted of Christopher satisfied. This focus has been a major goal of Annan’s new group on the ‘‘Greening of Johnson of General Motors; Vanita my work as an elected official. Africa.’’ And Ambassador Lyman, Banks, the president-elect of the Na- In the 1990s, we responded to the digital former Ambassador from the U.S. to tional Bar Association; John age with breakthroughs in computer science South Africa and Nigeria. And Dr. Nussbaumer, associate dean of Thomas and information technology. Juma from Harvard talking about edu- Cooley Law School; Dwayne Murray, Tomorrow’s greatest challenge will be to cation. the Grand Polemarch of Kappa Alpha meet the needs of the Innovation Age. We So we really had standing room only. Psi; John Brittain, a lawyer from the must compete at a global level. I recall 19 years ago, when I started the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights; CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON’S brain trust, we had a difficult time. We Karen Weaver, associate dean for aca- SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BRAINTRUST— used to run in the halls and just drag demic affairs and diversity; and Pau- EDUCATION AND SKILLS NEEDED FOR THE people, beg them to come in. Now, un- line Schneider, on behalf of the ABA. DIGITAL TO INNOVATION AGE less you’re there before 9 o’clock, She’s at Orrick & Harrington. PANEL ONE you’re not going to get a seat. So it And the quick issue around law EDUCATION AND SKILLS FOR TOMORROW’S HIGH- shows that the Congressional Black schools is that African Americans do TECH GRADUATE: Caucus, the constituency for Africa has have a decline in enrollment and that THE EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE grown very strong, and the members of ABA is responsible for accreditation. Moderator: Sam Ford, Reporter, ABC7/ the caucus are so supportive of the ef- So with that, Madam Speaker, I want WJLA-TV forts we’re doing, not only in Africa to yield back my time and say thank Panelists: Dr. Samuel Metters, CEO, but in the Caribbean. And in Latin you to Speaker PELOSI for giving the Metter Industries, Inc. Mr. Scott Mills, America, where Afro-Latinos are say- CBC this Special Order to focus on the President, BET Networks. Dr. Cheryl Shav- ing we want our share, too. We have, in ALC weekend. It’s not a party; it’s a ers, CEO, Global Smarts, Inc. Mr. John Brazil now, an affirmative action pro- legislative conference with great im- Thompson, Sr. VP and General Manager, BestBuy.com. gram where in their colleges, they will port for all people across the country. have to admit the qualified blacks Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. PANEL TWO who’ve been ignored, and in Columbia. Madam Speaker, last week the Congressional INNOVATORS AT THE CUTTING EDGE So we have seen in the ‘‘hands across Black Caucus Foundation held its 2007 An- Moderator: Derek Lloyd, Professor and the ocean,’’ as I often say, that the nual Legislative Conference. Senior Network Systems Engineer, Howard blood that connects us is much thicker Each year, I have convened the Science University. than the water that separates us. Panelists: Ms. Lyn Stanfield, Strategic Re- and Technology Braintrust. The Braintrust is a lations Manager, Apple Inc. Mr. Darrell So with that, I will yield back the discussion forum aimed at bringing together Davis, Director, DEA South Central Labora- balance of my time. America’s brightest minds to share idea on tory. Mr. Rob Garza and Mr. Eric Hilton, Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Thank you, how to diversify our science and technology Thievery Corporation band. Dr. Anna Congressman PAYNE, from the great workforce. McGowan, Manager, NASA Langley. State of New Jersey. I have remained committed to hosting this f I am going to close out this hour and Braintrust each year, because I believe that take these last couple minutes. One of engaging young people in the fields of science NEW FISCAL YEAR the things that you make a mistake and technology is one of the most important The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under about when you leave a Special Order things we can do for the future success of the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- is you yield to everybody, and you for- America. uary 18, 2007, the gentlewoman from get to talk about your own workshops. With India and China producing more than Tennessee (Mrs. BLACKBURN) is recog- So very quickly, I am going to talk five times the number of engineers, computer nized for 60 minutes as the designee of about the two workshops that I did. scientists and information technology profes- the minority leader. The first one was ‘‘African American sions in 2005 than we did, our nation is losing Mrs. BLACKBURN. It is such a pleas- Athletes: Roles, Representation, and its competitive edge. ure to come to the floor tonight as we Expectations.’’ It was a wonderful op- The Sciene Committee ushered through a start a new fiscal year for the U.S. portunity where I had the opportunity $33.6 billion package of Innovation policies Government. to host Jim Brown, the former Cleve- that are designed to help early career re- A new year is a time where you get land Browns player, renowned athlete, searchers, better train math and science to look back at what happened last to talk about things he has been doing teachers, and encourage industry and univer- year, where you get to redirect your around outreach and mentoring. I had sities to partner with local high schools to im- focus and talk about what your prior- Keven Davis, a partner at Garvey, prove science instruction. ities are going to be and the goals that Schubert & Barer, who provided an Having a dialogue with students and with you want to set. overview of how African American ath- the science education community is another 2045 letes are represented in financial trans- way to exchange ideas and assess the needs b actions. Carlos Flemming, a VP of of our population. Now, we all do that with our families IMG, who represents Venus and Serena My Braintrust consisted of two panels. The as we get to the end of the calendar Williams. Everett Glenn, the president first panel consisted of high-level individuals year and start the new calendar year in and CEO of Entertainment & Sports who have risen to great heights in technology January. It is a time that we enjoy. Plus, who is an agent. Ken Harvey, and engineering fields. They provided an ex- I hope for each of us, as Members of president and CEO of JAKA Con- ecutive perspective of the educational experi- the House, as we start this fiscal year, sulting, a former NFL player and a rep- ences that are needed for tomorrow’s high- that we will put some attention on resentative. Jacquelyn Nance, who is tech graduate to be globally competitive. what we spend and how we spend. the executive director of the LeBron Panel 2 featured bright, innovative minds Now, Madam Speaker, over the week- James Family Foundation. And finally, from individuals who work with technology in end, I had the opportunity to do a town William Rhoden, who is the author of unique ways. The goal was to convince every- hall with some of my constituents. We

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE H11058 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2007 got together yesterday afternoon after earmark process. We have pushed for Federal Government. I think for many church over lunch. One of them said, changes, for knowing what is taking of us it is easy to sum up the actions of ‘‘Do you know, I have been reading place in our earmarks so that people the new Democrat majority; that is, Alan Greenspan’s book. My goodness, know what is in those bills when they they spend too much and they tax too it is amazing to me, absolutely amaz- come to the House floor, so that it is much. It bodes ill for the future of our ing to me what Congress spends, how easy to find, to pair it up, to know who Nation. much money they spend. It is amazing is asking for what, where it is going to I think that it is important that we to me that we have seen this debt sky- be located or what program it is going step back for a moment and figure out rocket through the ’70s, through the to go to, and then how much of the tax- just how much of the people’s money is ’80s and begin to level off through the payer money is being spent. being spent. And it is the people’s ’90s but still continue to grow. It is Madam Speaker, it is not our money. money. It is not the government’s amazing to me that decisions are made It is not government’s money. It is the money. It is the people’s money. that grow that debt. It is amazing to taxpayers’ money. So like my con- Today, right now, the last figure I saw me that earmarks are out of control. stituent who posed the question yester- is that the Federal Government is now Explain earmarks.’’ day, ‘‘Tell me how much you are spend- spending $23,289 per family of four. This My constituent posed this question ing and how you go about spending it is just about the highest level that has before the group because, like so many, and explain these earmarks,’’ those are been spent since World War II. Since I once he looked at the issue, he realized questions that, yes, indeed, they have have been on the face of the planet, that every time we grow a program, the right to ask, and we as Members of since I was born, the Federal budget every time some new program comes Congress should be answering those has grown four to five times faster along, every time Congress stands and questions and discussing what is in than the family budget. Ultimately, it says, ‘‘We must meet this need,’’ that those bills, what is in those appropria- is the family budget that has to pay for there are two costs to that program. Of tions bills, and what we find in those that. Since we have been in this 110th course, there is the dollars cost, and earmarks. Congress with the new Democrat ma- then there is also the opportunity cost, Now, I will have to say that this is a jority, rarely does a day go by that because if Government steps in and year when we have started our fiscal there is not a new opportunity to begin meets that need, the private or not-for- year on what is called a continuing res- a new government program on top of profit sector is not going to step in and olution, and we passed that last year. I the roughly 10,000 Federal programs meet that need. So my constituent will say that the new majority did a spread across 600 agencies that already posed this for the group to talk about. good job of bringing a fairly clean con- exist. It kind of begs the question: How I said, ‘‘What a great discussion to much government is enough? Because have. This is the last day of the fiscal tinuing resolution before us so that we we know that as government grows, year for the U.S. Government. Tomor- were running today, so that we didn’t our freedoms and our opportunities row is a new day. They turn a page in have to shut government down. What contract. This is supposed to be the the book and start a new slate with the the continuing resolution basically land of opportunity. This is supposed new budget.’’ does is it takes last year’s funding Now, my constituent said that he numbers and rolls them forward. A lot to be the land of freedom. Yet, all we would have loved to have seen the U.S. of people would like to see us hold ev- do under this new Democrat majority Government get to the end of the year erything at exactly the same spending rule is add program after program after and brag about how much money they level it was. That is not all bad. But program. had saved. But in reality, he knows the new majority was not able to get Madam Speaker, unfortunately all of that probably there is going to be more one single spending bill through both this new spending imposes a new tax bragging done about special projects Houses and to the President to be burden on the American people. In the that go back home to the district in signed, so that is why we are operating budget that the Democrat majority the form of earmarks. on the continuing resolution. passed, they included in it the single So we talked a little bit yesterday, We have seemed to have time to talk highest tax increase in American his- Madam Speaker, about priorities, about global warming and pass bills tory. When fully implemented over a 5- about earmarks and about how ear- pertaining to global warming or con- year period, this budget will impose ap- marks came to be. When communities servation. We have named post offices. proximately $3,000 of additional taxes have trouble coming in and going We have expanded programs. We have on the average American family. Now, through the process, they will say, passed billions in new authorizations every single day we come to this floor ‘‘Oh, can you help us, Member of Con- and new spending. But we did not get and we debate. And our friends on the gress, to get this set aside in the bill? the budget done, so we are on a concur- other side of the aisle, the Democrats, Can you help us to find this money?’’ rent resolution. want to talk about great investments Quite frankly, Madam Speaker, we all It is our new fiscal year. We are in education, great investments in know not all earmarks are bad. It is going to spend a little bit of time to- housing, and great investments in nu- the abuse of earmarks that are bad. As night talking about how we spend that trition that they are going to use all I came back this afternoon, I found on money and looking at what takes place this money for. Well, the challenge is, my desk a copy of Congressional Quar- through this earmark process and why though, that every time that they in- terly Weekly. You can find this at we, as Republicans, and why we, as crease some Federal budget, they are cq.com if someone wants to pull it up. members of the Republican Study having to decrease some family budget In the article, they are citing that Committee, are continuing our push to take it, and right now to the tune of there were 7,000 specific House-passed for earmark transparency and earmark $3,000 per American family. earmarks in just eight of the bills. reform. Madam Speaker, I often hear from There were 500 sought by the White Madam Speaker, at this time, I people in the Fifth District of Texas House; roughly 1,000 were identified would like to yield to the gentleman that I represent. I take great pride in with more than one sponsor. That left from Texas (Mr. HENSARLING) who is representing these people who have en- 5,670 earmarks worth a combined $44.2 chairman of the Republican Study trusted me with their representation in billion, each linked with a single House Committee, and I yield to the gen- Congress. I hear from people like the Member. And then it goes on and talks tleman from Texas. Flores family in Garland, Texas. I a little bit about how many and how Mr. HENSARLING. Madam Speaker, heard this lady say, ‘‘I am a divorced much are here in the earmarks game I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. mother with a child in college and a and a little bit about who gets what. Madam Speaker, I certainly appre- child in day care. An increase in taxes But it is the process and the abuse of ciate the gentlewoman’s leadership at of this magnitude would wipe out hope that earmark process that has our con- the Republican Study Committee, of the first college graduate in the fam- stituents confused, frustrated and, Congress’s conservative caucus. It is a ily. Don’t let this happen. Let’s hold rightfully, a little bit angry. very timely issue that we are dis- the budget down.’’ We know that many of us have cussing today since, indeed, today is So, again, what we have here is the pushed for greater transparency in this the first day of the fiscal year for the Democrats are taking money away

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11059 from a family budget in order to give it sequences for our country and could So that is why I am so happy that to some Federal budget. We are not al- bankrupt America.’’ members of the Republican Study ways debating how much money we are Listen to the famous economist, Rob- Committee have gathered here this going to spend on these items, but we ert Samuelson, who writes frequently evening to talk about the challenges of are debating who is going to do the in newspapers all across the Nation. He spending for the future generations and spending. Democrats in Washington says: ‘‘The rising cost of government to get together to ensure that we let want the bureaucrats in Washington to retirement programs could either in- the American people know that we are do the spending. Republicans want crease taxes or budget deficits so much working to hold the line on spending, families to do the spending, the people that they could reduce economic to bring more accountability, to bring who actually roll up their sleeves and growth, and this could trigger an eco- more transparency, to try to stave off work hard. They work hard trying to nomic and political death spiral.’’ this tax increase of $3,000 per American make ends meet. They have got deci- The Congressional Budget Office, the family, and that’s for the families sions that they have to make around Office of Management and Budget, the today. And we are fighting just as hard, the kitchen table. And this is just one General Accountability Office, the lib- if not harder, to ensure that the chil- example. I hear from lots of my con- eral Brookings Institution, the con- dren and grandchildren of today’s tax- stituents. servative Heritage Foundation, they payers are not saddled with a doubling I heard from the Lopez family in all agree that spending is out of con- of their taxation so that they would Mesquite, ‘‘I would like to let you trol: And what is going to happen is in see a lower standard of living. That is know that if our taxes are increased, the next generation either the Federal not the America that we grew up in. Government will consist of nothing to this may mean that we could not con- That is not the moral obligation we speak of but Medicare, Medicaid, and tinue to finance our child’s education.’’ have. We cannot be that first genera- Social Security; or you’re going to I heard from the Winters family in tion in America’s history to leave the have to double taxes on our children Tennessee Colony, ‘‘Stop the wasteful next generation with a lower standard and grandchildren just to balance the spending. I am retired and disabled. I of living. budget. am raising three grandchildren. Some- That is why I am happy to join my Now we see that hurricane coming fellow members of the Republic Study times I can’t afford my own medicine.’’ over the horizon, we see it coming to- And here we are, this new Democrat Committee who have come here to de- wards us, and yet this Democrat major- bate this important subject tonight. I majority wants to take $3,000 a year ity every single day adds to the prob- especially want to thank the gentle- away from these hardworking families lem. Just last week the Democrat ma- woman from Tennessee for her leader- to fuel their budget, not these families’ jority took an insurance program, the ship in this hour. budgets, but the Federal budget. National Flood Insurance Program, Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I Now, ultimately, though, it is not that is already going broke, was sup- thank the gentleman from Texas for just the tax increase that we see right posed to be self-sustaining through pre- his remarks. He does such a wonderful over the horizon that is so challenging. miums, it’s $20 billion in the red, and job in directing the activities of the It is what is going to happen to future they add additional coverage to it that Republican Study Committee. You can generations. And rarely does a day could expose the taxpayer to $17 tril- find out a little bit more about the Re- occur that somebody doesn’t come to lion, $17 trillion of new liability in just publican Study Committee going into the floor and talk about the need to one program alone. Mr. HENSARLING’s Web site, House.gov/ help the least of these. Well, I often So that is why it’s so important that Hensarling, and enter in ‘‘Republican think that the least of these are those we start tackling the pennies and the Study Committee.’’ It will take you who cannot vote and those yet to be nickels and the dimes, because we are there to some of our activity and the born. They don’t seem to have a say-so talking about the priorities of Amer- work we are doing. in this great debate that we are having ican families, we are talking about We also have a little ‘‘money mon- today. their opportunities, we are talking itor’’ that we use every single week, For example, don’t take my word for about their ability to send their chil- update it, to show you what the major- it, but all this spending that we have dren to college, we are talking about ity in the House is spending, show you seen in Washington, here is the result. their ability to save that nest egg, to how this is going to affect your budget. Don’t take my word for it, but we, launch their version of the American As he said, the priority is the family right now, are literally on the verge of Dream and start their new business. budget, to be certain that families have doing something to the next generation We are talking about their ability to the opportunity to decide how and that has never been done before: impos- pay for their health insurance pre- when they want to spend their money. ing such a draconian economic burden miums. As the gentleman from Texas said, on them, something that has never Again, Mr. Speaker, every time you unfortunately, since World War II what been done before, that according to the increase the Federal budget, you’re we have seen is the Federal budget has Comptroller General, the chief fidu- having to decrease some family budget. grown four to five times faster than ciary officer in America, we are on the I just often wonder when will the mad- the family budget. The Federal budget verge of being the very first generation ness stop. When will we finally figure growing four to five times faster than in America’s history to leave the next out that this isn’t investment in the the family budget. That is exactly op- generation with a lower standard of future, that is divesting our children’s posite of what our Founding Fathers living. future by spending all of this money? would want. The Federal budget should not be al- I hope that my colleagues across the b 2100 lowed to grow beyond the family budg- aisle will join us, join with us as we As the father of a 5-year-old and a 4- et’s ability to pay for it. fight the growth of this budget, as we year-old, I will not sit idly by and let That is why conservatives in the Re- fight the growth of spending. When it that happen. publican Study Committee, the House is a new fiscal year, it is a good time to Again, Mr. Speaker, don’t take my Conservative Caucus, support a limita- sit down and review this and say, okay, word for it. Listen to the words of our tion on the growth of the Federal Gov- when we get to the end of the fiscal Chairman of the Federal Reserve, who ernment, to force Congress to decide year, what do we want to look back said: ‘‘Without early and meaningful amongst some of these priorities and say we accomplished? Wouldn’t it action to address Federal spending, the among these competing 10,000 Federal be a great thing if we were to say this U.S. economy could be seriously weak- programs. Mr. Speaker, I defy any is what we were able to save, this is ened, with future generations bearing man, woman or child in America to tell how we were able to find ways to re- much of the cost.’’ me what they all do; 10,000 of them. It duce the size and cut what government Listen to the GAO, the General Ac- reminds me of what President Reagan spends? So we invite our friend across countability Office. They talk about once said: ‘‘There is nothing as close to the aisle to come over and join us and government spending, particularly en- eternal life on Earth as a Federal pro- work on this issue. titlement spending as a ‘‘fiscal cancer’’ gram.’’ They all cost money, and they I would like at this time to yield to that threatens ‘‘catastrophic con- take away from our children’s future. the gentleman from Georgia (Mr.

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Mr. Speaker, I dences right now because of that abuse. this new majority has fashioned these thank my good friend from Tennessee They violated the law and were held to programs, the incredible arrogance, for yielding and for her leadership on account. once again, saying one thing and doing this issue, and I am pleased to join my So what we did as a majority before another. friend from Texas, as well as my good the end of last year was to pass a rule As my friend from Tennessee, Mrs. friend from North Carolina, who is yet that said that all earmarks, all special BLACKBURN stated, you can get this to come. I appreciate her bringing projects, had to be disclosed. Whether kind of information at CQ.com, Mr. great focus to this issue, because, Mr. they were in tax bills, whether they Speaker, if you like. You may not have Speaker, if the casual observer were to were in authorizing bills or whether seen it. I would ask you to look it up. give you a description of what they they were in appropriations bills, every They had an article today, as a mat- thought was going on here in Wash- one of them had to be disclosed: who ter of fact, asking: ‘‘Do you want to ington, they would say, Oh, well, they asked for it and how much did they ask know how your tax dollars are being are being much more responsible. They for. spent in Washington?’’ And the re- are not spending as much money as Mr. Speaker, that makes a lot of sponse is: ‘‘Tough (expletive).’’ They they have in the past. All sorts of won- sense, doesn’t it? It is called sunshine. are quoting a very powerful Member of derful things are happening. They Sunshine for earmarks, we called it. It the majority party. That is what is so distressing, Mr. would say so because this new majority is what the American people desire. It Speaker. There is an arrogance about has captured what I have called ‘‘Or- is what the American people deserve. It this majority. There is an arrogance wellian democracy.’’ They are talking is what my constituents home in Geor- that exceeds anything that anybody the talk, Mr. Speaker, but they are not gia say that is what we want. We want has ever seen in this Chamber, and walking the walk. to know who is asking for these things. there is a culture of excessive Wash- So I appreciate my friend from Ten- We instituted this program. One ington spending that I believe the nessee for taking the leadership and would have thought, given the talk American people are sick and tired of. making certain that we bring focus to that we heard from this new majority, So when you see this kind of activity what truly is happening here in Wash- that when they took over that would going on in the committees, in the au- ington under this new leadership. have been one of those commonsense thorizing committees and in the tax Our good friends on the other side of reforms they would have continued. committees and in the appropriations the aisle, as you say, this is the first That would have made a whole lot of committees, where Members of this day of the new fiscal year. It is a great sense. Congress are attempting to hide from opportunity to look back and see what In fact, Mr. Speaker, as you know, their constituents and from other has happened over the last fiscal year that is not what happened. In fact, Members of Congress what is in these that they have been in charge and to there was to be no disclosure of indi- bills, who is asking for it, how much look forward. But if what has happened viduals who requested earmarks, as my money and how do I identify it, and to date is any harbinger of what is to friend from Tennessee knows; and we when a reporter in fact asks a very sen- come in the future, Mr. Speaker, we fought, Republicans fought tooth and ior Member of the majority party how have got real problems, because, as you nail to make certain that disclosure to find out ‘‘how much money for know, Mr. Speaker, not a single appro- occurred in appropriations bills before which projects are in this bill,’’ that priations bill of the 12 annual appro- any were passed. This happened in May Member of Congress says, ‘‘Tough (ex- priations bills has made it to the Presi- and June of this year. pletive).’’ dent’s desk yet, and we are done with Finally, finally, the new majority re- the last fiscal year. The new fiscal year lented and said, Okay, we will allow for b 2115 has begun today. disclosure of who is asking for those Mr. Speaker, that is not befitting of They didn’t make it to the Presi- earmarks, but that is not true for au- this House. That is not befitting of the dent’s desk because this new majority thorizing bills or tax bills. So what we institution that you and I were elected has picked up right where they left off see in these bills, as my friend from to hold a seat in. That is not befitting when they were last in the majority Texas cited, is these projects that get of the responsibilities that our con- back in 1994 with more taxing and more pushed into these bills that have spe- stituents desire us to have when we spending. It is the spending that has cial rewards for certain Members of come to this House of Representatives. our attention tonight, and through so Congress and their districts. We see it So what is the solution? Mr. Speaker, many different areas. in all sorts of bills. the solution at this point in time for This new majority is interested in Mr. Speaker, as you will remember, this issue is H. Res. 479. We have a reso- spending over $23 billion in new money, last week we passed in this House of lution that we would like to get de- new Federal money, and that is just Representatives the SCHIP bill, the bated on this floor, to have a debate on the beginning. That is just the begin- State Children’s Health Insurance Pro- this floor that says just what we have ning. That is what they have appro- gram bill. One wouldn’t think that you talked about, to disclose who is asking priated, not what they have authorized would need to sway Members’ votes on for these special projects, who is ask- to be spent, which is truly hundreds of that from a majority standpoint. Just ing for these earmarks, whether it is in billions of dollars. But $23 billion is let the bill stand or fall on its merits. appropriation bills, authorizing bills or what separates responsible spending The issue of those merits is another de- tax bills. It is a resolution that sits in from the new majority, which is why bate. But what we saw in that bill were one of the committees controlled by we haven’t gotten any of the appropria- earmarks, special projects for Members the majority side. There is an oppor- tions bills to the President’s desk and on the majority side to sway their tunity for all Members of this House to signed. vote. say we ought to be voting on that. It is What we are talking about tonight is Mr. Speaker, that is not what my called a discharge petition. There we a portion of all of that, and that is the constituents want; it is not what the have 193 Members who signed to bring issue of earmarks, the issue of special American people want. that resolution to the floor and debate projects, the issue of spending that That might not even be so bad if they it and vote on it. It takes 218, which is gets into bills, oftentimes late at night were disclosed, if people knew what the majority here. So it is going to and oftentimes behind closed doors; lit- was happening; if the Member had to take some Democrats. So 193 Members tle projects that one Member or two in stand in this Chamber before his or her have signed that discharge petition. Congress make certain are inserted colleagues and offer the justification Not a single Democrat has signed that into bills. It is an earmark process, it for those programs, if they would stand discharge petition.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11061 So, Mr. Speaker, I challenge my col- brace transparency in these earmarks, sure, and it has to be on earmarks in leagues on the other side of the aisle and to work for earmark reform, to appropriations, in authorizations and who said during their campaign and join us in continuing to work for ear- in taxation. And it has to be across the even come to the floor of this Chamber mark reform. board, with no escape hatches.’’ and say now: We want earmarks dis- Mr. Speaker, I want to yield to Dr. In fact, what has happened is the Re- closed. We want people to know who VIRGINIA FOXX from North Carolina publicans had to take the Democrats has been asking for these special who certainly has conservative creden- kicking and screaming into revealing projects. So sign the discharge peti- tials and understands so very clearly what their earmarks were. In fact, I tion, and it will give us a great oppor- how to work with earmarks, how to was here on the floor with an amend- tunity to debate this issue on the floor work with Federal budgeting and mak- ment on the floor for 22 hours back in of the house during a legislative ses- ing certain that we remain true to our June when we were dealing with the sion, during a time when we are talk- conservative principles as we address homeland security bill to say to the ing about adopting legislation and our Federal budget issues. Democrats: It is time you lived up to making certain that sunshine is Ms. FOXX. I am very grateful to you, your promise. You’ve got to disclose present for earmarks. Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. HENSARLING and these earmarks. So I want to commend my friend Mr. PRICE. I was enjoying listening to They had planned not to disclose any from Tennessee for her leadership on you all speak about this issue and help- of those earmarks until after the bills this issue, for bringing this issue into ing to educate the American people were passed, and then they were going focus, and for making certain that we about what we are dealing with here, to publish them in the month of Au- fight day in and day out on behalf of particularly as it relates to the num- gust and let people try to figure out the American taxpayer whose money it bers that Congressman HENSARLING is where the earmarks were. So I think, is that we are given the responsibility so good at doing. again, a major part of the problem that for. It probably won’t surprise anybody we are having with the attitude of the Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I that a September Gallup Poll revealed American people towards Congress is thank the gentleman from Georgia so that Americans’ trust in the Federal they are disappointed in us. very much. We have started our new Government is at a low ebb. Today, Republicans last year passed legisla- fiscal year, and the new majority was most Americans trust the Federal Gov- tion that made all of our earmarks not able to get one single spending bill ernment less than they did during the transparent. There are differences of to the President’s desk, so we do oper- Watergate scandal. At the same time, a opinion on whether we should have ear- ate on a continuing resolution. new Reuter’s poll found that Congress marks or not. I think the Constitution Mr. Speaker, as I said, some of us has an all-time low approval rating of gives us not just the right but the re- who want to reduce what the Federal 11 percent. sponsibility to spend money the way Government spends, holding the spend- I am extraordinarily proud to rep- we think it should be spent through the ing at last year’s level is not such a resent the Fifth Congressional District Congress. That is our responsibility. bad idea. We kind of like doing that. of North Carolina in the Congress. I am However, everything should be trans- But for a new majority who said we are not proud that is the way that Ameri- parent. Everything should be out there. going to have transparency and open- cans feel, though, about the Congress If I ask for special project money, I ness, to come in and continue to spend of the United States. I think there are should be proud enough of that money more and more and more, not less, but many reasons that people feel that way to say where it is going. But not every- more. More of the taxpayers’ money, about the Congress. I think that one of body wants to do that. What the Demo- putting more of it into earmarks. the main reasons that people feel that crats have done is they have hidden The gentleman referenced the cq.com way is because last year the Democrats their earmarks in legislation. We fi- article which referenced 7,000 earmarks who ran for office and who became the nally were able to force them into re- in eight bills; 5,670 of those earmarks new majority in this Congress after 12 vealing earmarks in appropriations with a combined worth of $4.2 billion years made a lot of promises. bills, but not even in all appropriations linked to individual House Members. Republicans were not perfect in the bills have they disclosed them. And the concern with that, as my con- 12 years they were in control of the Reference has been made tonight to stituent said, how much you spend and Congress. Lots of mistakes were made. earmarks in the SCHIP bill last week. how you spend it and concern over the Republicans, some Republicans, forgot Every time a bill passes this House earmarks. their way, lost their way and strayed practically, we find there are earmarks You know, we have seen quite a bit of from the conservative principles that buried in those bills written in such a hypocrisy from the new leadership. As got them into the majority. way it is very difficult to discern where the gentleman from Georgia said, we Democrats promised they would be those earmarks are. do have House Resolution 479. This is different. They would run the most bi- Republicans don’t believe in that. We something people can go on and pull up partisan, most fiscally conservative believe if you are going to have ear- on the Internet and take a look at it. Congress that had ever been seen. They marks, they need to be transparent, We are trying to get that voted on, promised lots and lots of things, and and I think that is the direction in forcing the transparency issue and re- they have broken all of those promises. which we should be going. And I believe storing those rules that we passed last That’s why I think that the attitude doing that will help the American peo- year to make certain that an individ- toward the American people is so nega- ple feel better toward what the Con- ual’s name is there, that you can find tive toward the Congress these days. gress is doing, and we need to build what individuals are earmarking, not They are disappointed. trust with the American people in trying to hide this, but you can find it You know, as children we are brought order for us to be able to do the work and know who is asking for what in up to believe the promises that are we need to do. that budget. made to us. I think one of the greatest But what the Democrats have been We have 193 signatures on the dis- disappointments people have is when doing is trading earmarks for votes. charge petition so we can force it out they are promised something, particu- Again, it seems impossible to think of committee, force it to the floor, and larly by their elected officials, and that with the majority they have they force a debate for the American people then the elected officials break those would need to do that, but they have so they know what is going to be spent promises. I think that is what has hap- been doing it. What they are doing is here in the House. pened. taking taxpayer money, money that we I encourage our Members to take a What we are seeing here is, time confiscate from the taxpayers of this look at that legislation and to come after time, things that the Democrats country, and then spend it on projects join us on this first day of the new fis- said in the campaign last year, they that we think are projects that should cal year. Again, I encourage our col- have gone back on. I am going to give be funded. We don’t need to be doing leagues from the other side of the aisle one quote here from Speaker PELOSI that, and we particularly don’t need to to embrace the issue of reducing what from 9–16–06 at a news conference: ‘‘We be doing that unless we are willing to the Federal Government spends, to em- have to have the fullest possible disclo- show exactly where we are doing it.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE H11062 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2007 What is happening is, again, we House because the people do expect we cleaned up the system. At a bare forced them to say we are going to do better from us, and as she said, there minimum, we brought transparency it on appropriations bills, but they still were promises that were made and and accountability to the system, and have not agreed to do them on author- there are promises that have been bro- they’ve rolled that back. izing bills or on tax bills. But we have ken. Now, it was mentioned earlier on the to have that. We have to have trans- I want to yield once again to the gen- floor this evening that one of the first parency and truth in all of the legisla- tleman from Texas, our Republican acts the Democrats had, they asked the tion that we have passing out of this Study Committee chairman, Mr. entire House of Representatives to pass House. HENSARLING for a few more comments massive spending bills. They would I support the discharge petition that on the earmark issue. hide in them earmarks and only later has been signed. I was one of the first Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I would they be revealed what the House people to come here and sign that dis- thank the gentlelady for yielding, and voted on. Thankfully, under the Repub- charge petition. It is going to be very earmarks are a very important part of licans, we came to the floor and we difficult, but we are going to be putting the debate about spending in Wash- brought transparency to the debate, the Democrats who call themselves the ington, D.C. We know that the people and the Democrats were forced to re- Blue Dogs, call themselves conserv- are overtaxed and are overtaxed be- verse themselves. So at least on a atives, this is going to be a defining cause Washington spends too much. small portion of earmarks, known as moment for them. Are you really a Now, some people say, well, earmarks the appropriations earmarks, there is conservative or are you just a tax-and- are just a small portion of the Federal at least a modicum of transparency spend liberal who tries to fool the peo- budget. You know, that may be true, now. ple in your district that are conserv- but Mr. Speaker, if you look closely at We need to have that great disinfect- ative when you don’t put your name on the numbers today under this Demo- ant of sunshine brought on to this sys- the line to bring these bills up so that crat leadership, more money is being tem because earmarks are the gateway we can see exactly how you are going spent on congressional earmarks than drug to spending addiction. They cre- to vote on them. You can talk a good it is the entirety of our veterans health ate the culture of spending, and we’ll game, but the real point is: Are you care system. Now, that’s a travesty. never be able to protect the family willing to vote for this legislation? Are This body should be ashamed of that budget from the Federal budget until you willing to sign a discharge peti- fact, that more money is going to these we deal with that culture of spending. Earmarks, again by definition, have tion? And so far none have been willing congressional earmarks than they are nothing to do with merit. They take to do that. going for our veterans health care sys- merit, they take competition, they We are on the first day of a new fiscal tem. There are still needs in that sys- take competitive bidding out of the year, and we have a reckoning with the tem, but instead, under this Democrat leadership, the earmark machine con- process, and instead what happens is American people. No appropriations senior Members, typically in smoke- bills have passed the Congress this tinues to roll. Now, when they became the majority filled rooms in the back of the Capitol, year. We are operating on a continuing are somehow able to arrange these spe- resolution. I agree, a continuing reso- party, they claimed they would do bet- ter. In fact, our Speaker, Speaker cial earmarks. lution that keeps spending at last Most recently, under the Democrat PELOSI, was quoted as saying she would year’s level is better than increasing leadership, there was something like 30 just as soon do without earmarks; spending. But the Democratic majority Members of Congress managed to get a though, I’ve noticed in the latest copy have not lived up to their promises. special funding stream for hospitals in of Congressional Quarterly Weekly They have broken every single one. It their district that no one else, no other is time we call them to account. she’s in the top 10 out of 435 Members hospital in America was able to re- I want to thank Congresswoman when it comes to digging in the trough ceive. Again, a triumph of seniority BLACKBURN for leading this hour to- for more pork, for more congressional over merit, a triumph of secrecy over night and for bringing this matter to earmarks. transparency. the public yet again, because I think Now, people understand that ear- It has to do with the culture of taking care of this matter of earmarks, marks too often represent a triumph of spending, and if we’re going to save the taking care of this pork barrel spend- seniority over merit. Too often they next generation from having a lower ing is something that the American represent a triumph of secrecy over standard of living than we have be- people want us to do, and it is high transparency, and too often they rep- cause we are on a pathway right now time we did it. resent a triumph of special interest just with the government we have to over the public interest. b 2130 double taxes in the next generation, Now, again, I’m not here to say that unconscionable, immoral, and yet the Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I all earmarks are bad, but the process is Democrat leadership continues with thank the gentlewoman from North broken. The Democrats claimed they this culture of spending. Carolina, and she is precisely on target would clean it up, but instead, they’ve The earmark machine is alive and with her remarks. created huge new loopholes in the sys- well as represented by the cover story A year ago, we had some of the senior tem. right here, Mr. Speaker, in Congres- House Democrats that joined us Repub- If you want to go on a pork lean diet, sional Quarterly Weekly. I wish every licans in calling for earmark reform in you just can’t cut out the sausage. American could read that to see what Congress, saying new transparency You’ve got to cut out the bacon and is happening in this earmark process. rules should apply to all earmarks, not the ham as well, and so when people Every time some Member of Congress just on appropriations bills, but on tax hear about appropriation earmarks and comes to the floor requesting a new bills, on authorizing bills, transparency authorizing earmarks and tax ear- earmark, guess where that money is for all earmarks of any kind. And marks, what they need to know is what coming from, Mr. Speaker. Either House Republicans later delivered the majority said they were going to do they’re taking it out of the Social Se- those reforms last year when we were and what they did are two different curity trust fund, robbing seniors of still in the majority. things. the hard-earned money that they put But now that we have the new Demo- So I wish I were eloquent enough to into it, or it’s going to be part of this crat majority, they have retreated have thought of this myself, but to $3,000 a year tax increase that the from those promises. They’ve gutted quote a colleague on the Senate side, Democrats put into their budget, the the reforms implemented by the Re- Senator TOM COBURN of Oklahoma, single largest tax increase in American publicans, and they are denying Mem- Earmarks are the gateway drug to history. Or if they choose not to tax it, bers the ability to have a full debate on spending addiction. And that’s why there’s only one other thing they can those earmarks. this fight is so important, and it’s so do, Mr. Speaker, pass on the debt to As the gentlewoman from North disappointing when the Democrats, in our children and grandchildren. Carolina said, this is so unfortunate some cases rightfully, criticized the And that’s why I appreciate the gen- that this is what they’re doing in the Republicans in the last Congress, but tlewoman from Tennessee. I appreciate

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The fact that during the have transparency and accountability, I hope that as we start this new year Cold War he was willing to act respon- we won’t reduce the number of ear- that our colleagues across the aisle sibly to make tough decisions, in a way marks, and until we reduce the number will reach out to us, that they will join that ended the Cold War in a very real of earmarks, we won’t be able to us in signing the discharge petition on sense, he oversaw the demise of com- change the culture of spending and be Leader Boehner’s bill, H.R. 479, and get munism in the Soviet Union. It was able to give the next generation great- the 218 signatures we need so that we Ronald Reagan who everyone knows er freedom and greater opportunity can come to this floor so that we can brought down the Berlin Wall and not than we’ve enjoyed. have a debate and ensure the public George Herbert Walker Bush, George Mr. Speaker, I hope people have that all taxpayer-funded earmarks are W. Bush’s father. watched this debate carefully, and for publicly disclosed and subject to chal- b 2145 those who wish to know even more, I lenge and debate on this floor. The fu- would invite them to go to the Web site ture of our children, the future of this But as the Berlin Wall came down be- of the Republican Study Committee government depends on getting our cause of the policies of Ronald Reagan, that I have the honor to chair, at spending under control. we too must make the right decisions www.house.gov/hensarling/rsc, and Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the to ensure that the challenges that we learn a great deal more about the time this evening. I thank you for the face today are overcome in time for the spending patterns of the Federal Gov- opportunity to address the issue of out- next generation to enjoy greater free- ernment and how often the people’s of-control earmarks and the need for dom and to free themselves from the money is squandered and taken away earmark reform by this body. threats of fear that we face today. This from their future and their American f will not happen unless we act respon- dream. sibly, unless we act with courage, but, But there’s a better way. There’s a NATIONAL SECURITY AND most importantly, unless we stand up better way under conservative prin- AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY and proclaim that, yes, we are from ciples to make sure that we do not The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. every nation of the world and every allow the Federal budget to grow be- CUELLAR). Under the Speaker’s an- race and every religion, and we are the yond the family budgets and be able to nounced policy of January 18, 2007, the ones who will promote freedom and lib- pay for it, that we don’t pass debt on to gentleman from California (Mr. ROHR- erty on this planet. It is that alliance future generations and that we reform ABACHER) is recognized for 60 minutes. that we can have with those people in these earmarks and make the Demo- Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, every country, that we have are, as I crats remain good to their word. tonight I’d like to share a few thoughts say, those people within our own soci- So, again, I thank the gentlewoman about national security and about ety who can reach out to every country from Tennessee for her great leadership American foreign policy. We have with that message, that we are allied in the conservative movement in the many challenges that confront us with those good and decent people House, with her eloquent and articu- today, and we live in perplexing times, throughout the world who would stand late voice for her leadership on this but we also live in a time when there with us to create a world where human subject. are great challenges as well as great freedom and liberty and justice and Mrs. BLACKBURN. I thank the gen- opportunities, as long as we, the Amer- treating people with respect is some- tleman from Texas, and Mr. Speaker, ican people, have the courage to live up thing that is commonplace rather than as we come to the close of our hour to our potential as a country that the exception. that we have had tonight where we put could lead the world into a better way Sometimes it’s a little difficult to the focus on spending and put the focus than we have known throughout the think of a world becoming free, and the on earmarks, I would remind my col- history of humankind. expansion of liberty and justice in this leagues that a couple of months back We are indeed in a new millennium, world, when we hear the reports that Republicans successfully forced the and this new millennium, coupled with we heard today coming out of Burma. Democrats to restore two critical GOP the technological capabilities that we Burma, for these last 4 decades, has reforms from last year, and that was have and the vast wealth that is avail- lived under tyranny, a horrible, hor- disclosing earmarks and their sponsors able to the free societies of the world rible tyranny. It has been a closed soci- before spending bills are voted on on today make it possible that we can ety. Burma is a country that is so rich the floor and then the right to chal- build a better world than any human in natural resources that after the Sec- lenge those bills on the floor. Those being has ever known. But, again, a lot ond World War it was thought that were important changes we made last of this has to fall back on the United Burma would be the breadbasket of year, and we forced those to be re- States of America and our willingness Asia, that Burma would indeed be one instituted so that we could begin to as Americans to live up to the respon- of the richest countries of Asia. have some debate. Now, they may try sibility that we’ve been handed. Instead, Burma has sunk year after to cover up some of those. We’re going Ronald Reagan used to say that year, suffering from tyranny but, as a to keep digging and playing hide-and- America has a very special role to play result of that tyranny, its people have seek and figure out who all of those in this world. He used to say that be- lived in deprivation and in hunger and earmarks belong to. cause we Americans are a very special in want that was never ever thought I want to give you a couple of quotes kind of people. We are not of one race. would happen. No one ever thought that tie into this. From the AP, We’re not of one religion nor one eth- that would happen after the Second ‘‘Democratic leaders gave in to Repub- nic group, but instead, we are made up World War. lican demands that lawmakers be al- of people who come from every part of But if we have learned anything from lowed to challenge individual Member- this planet and every racial back- Burma and from the other countries requested projects from the final ground and worship God in every way that are poor today, it is that poverty version of each appropriations bill.’’ that you can imagine. And in fact, is not created by too big a population. That’s from June 14. there are many atheists who don’t wor- Poverty is not created by even a scar- From June 18 of this year from the ship God at all and have that right, but city of resources, natural resources. Charleston Post-Courier, ‘‘A House we’ve come here to live in freedom and Poverty is created because of tyranny. compromise achieved Thursday night to show the world and to lead the world Tyranny and dictatorship bring corrup- shows that the worthy cause of ear- as a country that’s made up of people tion and bring about a strangling of mark reform is far from lost. When the from all over, that lead the world to- those creative impulses within any so- Speaker recently signaled a retreat ward that direction which will enable ciety and those productive people with- from her repeated vows to fix that it to overcome those trials and tribu- in every society that will build, that problem, House Republican leaders lations, those hatreds, ancient hatreds will create the wealth necessary to up- cried foul.’’ that have plagued mankind for so long. lift the people of any society. Instead,

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They are giving away the tions from stopping the atrocities that have now unleashed their firepower rightful legacy of the people of Burma are now going on, as we speak, in upon the Buddhist monks and the to Chinese outsiders, gangsters in Burma. China has been pulling the other people in that society who are China now in league with gangsters of strings. The Burmese regime would calling for a liberalization of the Bur- Burma. never have opened fire without permis- mese regime. Apparently, thousands of This is the type of relationship that sion in Beijing. The people of Burma people have been slaughtered. China will have with other countries if should know that. The people of the In fact, an intelligence officer for the we permit them. And it is clear, for world should know that. Burmese military has defected, and he those of us who are looking, that the It is time for the people in the United now is reporting to Western news- military troops that are now shooting States to quit closing their eyes to the papers that it was his orders, by his down those who seek democracy in monstrous nature of the Beijing re- commanding officers, to round up hun- Burma would not be doing so if the gime. Without that regime, the Bur- dreds, if not thousands of monks, and Chinese would have objected and sent mese dictators, the gangsters in put them in trucks and take them into any message to their Burmese stooges Burma, would not be able to succeed in the deep jungle and murder them and not to shoot and not to commit vio- holding down that population and by dump their bodies in the jungle. lence against those who are peacefully brutalizing their people. He could not do that, and so he de- advocating change, democratic change I have a piece of legislation before fected. He grabbed his child and ran for in Burma. the Congress, and I would ask my col- the border. It is time for the other Yes, they have a regime. But unlike leagues to join me. The legislation is military officers in Burma and the po- in other countries, like we faced in an- H.R. 610. It is a bill suggesting that we lice not just to take their children and other issue which I will talk about in go on record as being in favor of boy- run because they can’t obey an order, Iraq, in Burma, there is an alternative. cotting the upcoming Olympics to be but to realize that the orders they are There is an alternative to the Burmese held in China. being given by their generals, their so- dictatorship. Aung San Suu Kyi, a There is no reason, while China re- called generals, are not lawful orders. Nobel Prize winner, won with her party mains the world’s worst human rights abuser, and that includes Burma, I It is time for the army of Burma to elections back in the 1990s when the might add, the Chinese are the world’s side with the people of Burma. generals were so deluded that they be- Any military leaders in Burma today lieved their own propaganda in think- worst human rights abuser, and why who side with the people will become ing they were more popular than they should we ever hold an Olympics, national heroes and will be renowned were, and they permitted a free elec- which stands for some of the higher as- and remembered by their people for tion. In that free election, they were pirations of humankind, why should we generations to come. They will receive wiped out. ever hold an Olympics in China while it has that type of monstrously dictato- the gratitude not only of the people of The fact is that Aung San Suu Kyi of rial government. Yes, in China they Burma, but to all the good and decent Burma and the people of Burma went not only are involved with repressing people of the world. The soldiers in to polls and the people of Burma over- the people of Burma, but they are deep- Burma and the police in Burma should whelmingly supported democratic re- ly involved with criminal acts against turn their guns on their generals. They form and Aung San Suu Kyi. The elec- their own people, especially against re- should side with the people of Burma, tion was, of course, immediately dis- carded; the generals mobilized their ligious believers. their fathers, their mothers, their troops. Aung San Suu Kyi was sent Isn’t it fascinating that in Burma, brothers and sisters who want honest into House arrest. those who would try to lead the coun- government and clean government. Aung San Suu Kyi, I went to Burma try to a better and more Democratic They should not be slaughtering their and met her several years ago, one of way are those Buddhist monks who fellow family members who want noth- the great heroes of our time, a saintly now, in a very peaceful way, have pre- ing more than clean, honest, Demo- person, someone who is depending on sented their case and are answered cratic government. us like the people of Burma to make a with an iron fist. They are answered by The regime, as I say, is headed by strong stand. If nothing else, the Amer- bullets, they are answered by bru- what they call generals, but these are ican people must let the people of tality. not generals. These are gangsters who Burma know that we are on their side, In China, it’s the same. We have peo- have put on military uniforms. No Bur- and we must let the ruling junta know ple of the religious faith, whether they mese soldier owes them any allegiance. that we oppose them and we oppose are Muslims in the far reaches of China These generals, these gangsters, have their oppression of the Burmese people. or whether they are people in Tibet, sold out their country and their coun- This should be clear to them, and we who have been so brutalized, or other trymen to foreign interests, namely, must make sure that those Burmese religious believers, Christians, Catho- the Chinese. Yes, the dictatorship in generals and those military officers lics, and, yes, the Falun Gong, the Beijing is treating the government, who were committing atrocities Falun Gong who have a spiritual belief which means the generals, in Burma as against the people of Burma realize that is somewhat similar to yoga and if Burma was a vassal state of China. they are not just murdering their fel- somewhat meditation. Yet, this very In exchange for the $1.5 billion worth low Burmese, they are committing simple and pacifist religion has been of military equipment that China has crimes against humanity, and they will vilified by the communist party of given Burma, the Burmese gangsters be followed and pursued just like the China, and thousands and thousands of who run that country are permitted, Nazis before them, and they will be Falun Gong practitioners believing in the government in Beijing and the Chi- held accountable and brought to jus- meditation and yoga have been ar- nese, to rape the natural resources of tice. rested. They are picked up, and they the people of Burma, the teakwood, the I am calling on our government to disappear. gems, the uranium, the rich minerals freeze any assets that any leader of the The women are raped in prison; they that Burma has are being taken away. Burmese Government might have, and are murdered. Perhaps worst of all, They are being eliminated from the fu- our government should be working when they disappear, they are sent to ture of the people of that country in with other governments to issue arrest prisons, and now we have reports com- order to pay for the weapons that re- warrants for any member of the Bur- ing out of those prisons that Falun press the people of that country. The mese Government who travels abroad. Gong prisoners, people who are paci- Chinese have demanded of the Burmese Furthermore, we must join with fists, who are simply believing in medi- Government a facility on their ocean other nations and suggest that China is tation and yoga, they are, what, they

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What they need to do is, we to the fact that the Chinese repress then remove the cornea from their eye have to prove to them not to fear us. their own people. and sell it to people in the West who This is a reoccurring theme by which And when you talk to these cor- spend thousands of dollars to get these people who live in democratic societies porate leaders who’ve gone over there body parts. fool themselves into thinking that the and built this monster, created this If there is anything more ghoulish criminals who run other governments, Nazi-like government, you ask them, than this, even the Nazis, I don’t think, dictatorships are in some way moti- they say, well, you know, when we do could sink that low, but they sank vated by the same motives that people more and more economic interaction, about as low as one could ever expect. are in free societies, that people in free we have more business; that’s what’s But that is the type of thing that goes societies will fear someone, thus they going to create more liberalism and re- on today, and we are giving the Chi- will agree to certain expenditures, form there. How many times have we nese the ability to hold the Olympics, military expenditures. heard that? We’ve been listening to to cover up, to put a good face on this The Chinese know exactly who we that for 20 years. The first speech I type of monstrous regime. are and who they are. The Chinese peo- heard about this on the floor for most It is time for the people of the United ple are not the enemy. Those people in favored nation status for China was States Congress to join with me in Beijing want to hold on to power, just saying just that 20 years ago, yet it agreeing that as long as China is doing, as the dictators in Burma want to hold never happens. This is called the ‘‘hug number one, what it’s doing in Burma on to power. And as we move forward a Nazi, make a liberal theory.’’ Just and in Darfur, where they are again be- and try to determine what our policy get close to them and they won’t fear hind the scenes playing a horrible role, should be in the future, let us note the you anymore. it is time for us to join together and policies of trying to engage China eco- Well, the fact is China has been get- say we will not participate in an Olym- nomically, permitting huge transfers of ting worse since, over these last two pics hosted by such a criminal govern- dollars of capital assets, of technology, decades. It was Tiananmen Square that ment. of American know-how, of opening our was the turning point. Up until b 2200 markets, even though their markets Tiananmen Square, there was a legiti- And I am happy to announce today were closed, letting them manipulate mate reason for us to try to build the NEIL ABERCROMBIE, my colleague from the currency, letting them get away economy of China, to create closer ties, Hawaii, has joined me in supporting with policies that shifted wealth from because there was an evolution going this legislation. the United States into China. That did on, both economically and politically China, of course, even beyond, if it not have a positive impact on their in China. And when it reached a point, was simply a nondictatorship, there government. Their government is still at Tiananmen Square, you might say would be major problems with China. corrupt. Their government is still a the tipping point, the United States China is a predatory nation. China is a government of criminal dictators, peo- didn’t stand up. The Chinese gangsters, nation, for example, it is a nation, as a ple who oppress their people and, as I just like in Burma, where the military nation state it’s huge, and it has more say, are the worst human rights abus- regime had to make its decision, was it territorial claims than any other major ers in the world. going to open fire on their own people, power in the world. China has been So first and foremost, in dealing with the Chinese Government was facing built into a huge power, an economic China, as in dealing with Burma, we this decision, and our government did power, which is now being translated must differentiate how we treat a dic- nothing and we said nothing. into military power. Even though it tatorship and how we treat a demo- It is my contention that had George has claims against India, huge areas of cratic country. Those leaders in China Herbert Walker Bush, then President of India and Russia, large areas of the should not be granted the status of ac- the United States, sent a message to ocean are claimed by China. If one re- ceptability that goes with hosting the China and to the Chinese leaders that members, it was just a few years ago Olympics with our blessing. if you murder and try to slaughter the when one of our planes, our surveil- Yet, we have, for the last two dec- democratic movement in China, we are lance planes flying in international wa- ades, seen an army of American cor- withdrawing from our economic co- ters was forced down in China, and porate leaders rushing to China to in- operation that we have agreed to, they they claimed that their territorial wa- vest and build factories and in partner- would not have done so. And I will tell ters extended way beyond anything the ship with the Chinese Government set you tonight, Ronald Reagan would United States would recognize. And all up these factories and create manufac- have sent that letter in a millisecond. they wanted for us to get the crew turing units that sell goods back to the Ronald Reagan would have been told back was for us to apologize and to ac- United States, putting American work- that the democratic movement was on knowledge that we were in their terri- ers out of work, selling goods back to the verge of success, but they would be tory. the United States that have such poor slaughtered if they sent the troops in What does that mean? They would standards that some of them are made and they need to send a message to the have murdered these American mili- of toxic material, as we’ve just seen leadership of China saying that we are tary personnel in order to assert their with Mattel Toys, American corporate going to withdraw our economic co- claim to huge areas of ocean. In fact, leaders, who are looking for two, three, operation with them if they, indeed, they claim the ocean right up to the maybe 4 years’ worth of big profit for mowed down their own people. Reagan shore line of the Philippines. They themselves, then they can cut and run would have done it. claim the Sprattley Islands, which are and go off to their vacationland homes This President Bush’s father did not; only 100 miles from the Philippines and and enjoy themselves. and thus we have had, in the last two 500 to 600 miles from China. Huge Those corporate leaders have created decades, not a transition to democracy, areas, as I say, of India and of Russia. a monster with the blessing of the but only a growing of their economy, This is a country that we have built United States Government, because it’s which now gives them greater military an economy over these last two dec- been our policy to permit them to capabilities and gives them greater ades, we have built from a weak coun- transfer the technology, the know-how, wealth from which to try to undermine try, we now have created a Franken- and the investment dollars that were the United States. stein monster. And when I say ‘‘we,’’ I needed to build China into what it is And, again, as we look at this threat, mean the policies of the United States today. And today, the Chinese are de- what is really important is the same Government have uplifted the eco- stroying the manufacturing base of the thing that’s important in Burma and nomic capabilities of a country that United States, and we have turned a elsewhere, the basic message that we has had no liberalization, no political blind eye to the fact that they manipu- need to understand tonight, that when reform of their dictatorial system. late the currency, that they manipu- confronting regimes like China and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE H11066 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2007 Burma, and confronting radical Islam Barbie dolls. And in the year 2000, I emphasize that Muslims throughout that hates America, let’s remember Mattel Toys gave an award to this the world who do not hate America, that it is the people who want to live company as the number one supplier Muslims throughout the world who decent lives and live in democracy who for Mattel Toys. And then Mattel Toys love their faith, as they should, which are America’s greatest allies. The peo- sold out to the Chinese, decided to it has meant very much to their lives ple of China, the people of China are manufacture everything in China. The and over a billion people, Muslims the ones we must ally ourselves with. Chinese came to this gentleman and throughout the world who know that They need to know that we are on their said, give us the formula for your coat- their prayer time and their other reli- side. They need to know that the peo- ings, and we will be partners. As soon gious ceremonies and beliefs have ple of the United States and the people as he gave them the formula, the Chi- meant a lot to their life and have added of China all long to treat people de- nese disappeared. They disappeared, great depth to their life, those people cently and to live in freedom and jus- and he was never able to get a hold of are not our enemies. Those people are tice. The people of China will be on our them. And next thing you know, they our friends. side if we are on their side. The people aren’t using his formula. They’re using We believe in freedom of religion. We of Burma are on our side as long as lead in the formula. And my children respect other people’s religion. We ask they know we are on their side. Good at home, who have Barbie dolls now, only that other people respect our reli- and decent people throughout the and all the other American children gion. And, by the way, our respect for world know this. who have Barbie dolls, may have been religion doesn’t just go to other faiths, But, instead, we have been so busy infected with lead poisoning because but it goes to people who don’t believe building an economic infrastructure Mattel Toys took the easy way out, in God at all, who don’t choose to wor- that permits wealth to flow to China along with the other American manu- ship. that we have not bothered to make the facturers who went to China in order to Our Founding Fathers did not come demands on the government or to cre- not pay our own American workers a here, as some of my conservative ate, to help create the democratic decent wage. friends say, to create a Christian Na- movements within China that would tion. We came here to create a Nation b 2215 move their government from within. where freedom of religion was re- One example, by the way, of how we They want to get a 10 percent or 20 spected and that we acknowledged God have done this is the fact that we have percent higher profit in China rather but we did not in any way want to built a conveyor system for trade than paying American workers a de- force those beliefs on those who were across our oceans, especially across the cent wage and having half as much nonbelievers. Pacific, especially from Shanghai into profit. Who is paying the price for us? It is right that the people of Islam the ports that I represent, Long Beach The American people in the end will worship the way they choose, whether and Los Angeles. We have built, with pay the price as China grows into a here or abroad. Those people who only American taxpayer dollars, an incred- massive, economic, and military want that freedom and are willing to ibly efficient system so that American power, which goes with that. grant that to others are our friends. businessmen could go and set up fac- Of course, during the Clinton years, But a radical fringe which hates every- tories in China, manufacture their what did we find? There was not only thing we stand for has now arisen in goods over there, and ship them to the technology transfer in the economic the Muslim world. United States via a system that we’ve area, but they had actually polluted Let me note that during the 1920s we paid for, and come into our market and our political system as well. Campaign had terrorists and in years past we had undercut our own American working contributions flowing into the Amer- terrorists who were Christians. In 1920, people and our own American manufac- ican political system and American the biggest political force in this coun- turers who’ve stayed at home. We built missile technology leaking out in the try was the Ku Klux Klan. The Ku Klux this for them. other direction. The scandal during the Klan, as we know, carried around ban- That’s why I’ve long been an advo- Clinton years of American missile ners with crosses and declaring their cate of a container fee system so that technology being transferred to the love of Christianity. And the fact is at least, at the very least, if they’re Chinese through Hughes and Lorel Cor- that Christian churches in the South going to send containers filled with poration is a disgrace. And the evi- did not condemn the Ku Klux Klan, as goods here, why should we build the dence of Chinese influence and espe- they should have. The good and decent ports and spend billions of dollars of in- cially financial support during that people of the American South, when frastructure so that they can very effi- election makes that even worse. they knew that these Klansmen were ciently send containers filled with But we need to make sure that we by- murdering people, they were terror- goods into our society and undercut pass our own business leaders, bypass izing the black population, murdering our own manufacturers? the leadership, the gangsters that run them, hanging them, all kinds of tor- I have not received the support that Beijing and Burma and like countries, ture that was going on in our country I believe that idea justifies. In fact, and go directly to the people through- against our own black population, the you see people in both the Democratic out the world with our message of Christian people did not stand up in Party and the Republican Party, oh hope, democracy, liberty, and justice. those areas when they knew that the poo-pooing that as if it was a tax on The people of Burma and the people of Klansmen were right there in church the American people. We are not charg- China are our greatest allies. These with them. ing those American manufacturers who Burmese soldiers now have to make a Well, that was a hundred years ago. go to China. We’re not. We are sub- decision as to whether they will fire Our Muslim brothers we are expecting sidizing them in their shipment of upon their own people. The Chinese to do better than we did when it came goods here to undercut our own people. people should not permit their chil- to the Klan because al Qaeda is the Ku That makes no sense. But it makes dren, and they only have one child per Klux Klan of Islam. Al Qaeda are the sense to those businessmen. It makes family, to go into the military so that hate mongers. Al Qaeda are those who not only sense; it makes dollars for it can be used to suppress their own would bring people who believe in God them. And as I say, they make a really people. and put them at war with one another quick profit; 4 or 5 years and they’re This is not unlike the war we fight rather than trying to bring them to- done. They’re even done with their own today, not with Burma or China but, of gether in peace and brotherhood. companies after 4 or 5 years. But we course, with radical Islam. China is not In Afghanistan after 9/11, the United are the ones with our manufacturing an enemy today. China is an adversary States went to Afghanistan and allied base destroyed who have to pick up the today, a very powerful adversary. We itself with moderate Muslims. During pieces. are, in fact, making that adversary so the 1990s, there was a mistake by this In my own city, in Huntington powerful, it’s becoming frightening. government just as we made a mistake Beach, where I live, a manufacturer of But we are at war with radical Islam. with China. We tried to work with the paint and coatings was the person who We are at war with radical Islam. And Taliban. In fact, during the Clinton ad- sold the coatings to Mattel Toys for again let me note that when I say that, ministration, the Taliban came into

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11067 being. And, in fact, it is very easy to called warlords, but that was the Guard, all the time that come in and see the historical record that the Clin- Northern Alliance. And it was the out and leave Iraq or are coming back ton administration reached an agree- Northern Alliance and those good peo- from Iraq, and I welcome them back, ment with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, ple in Afghanistan who worked with and I know, because I have supported and our government was involved in me in the Mujahideen to fight against this effort, that I must pay special at- creating the Taliban. the Soviets. Those are the people who tention. But let us note that we have During that time period, I was a drove out the Taliban. to be doing this and looking at this and Member of Congress, and because I had When we went into Iraq, it was a dif- analyzing what is happening in a non- spent time in Afghanistan during the ferent story, unfortunately. Mistakes political way. I am afraid that there war against the Soviets, I spent consid- have been made, yes. Mistakes have are some forces at play that would try erable time in Afghanistan working been made in Iraq. There is no doubt. to politicize what is going on in Iraq. with those people who would oppose We sent in a military force, a strong Those people who oppose our efforts the Taliban. I begged the powers that military force, and they did their job. to have a phased withdrawal, would be that they support King Zahir Shaw, What did not happen was the political like immediate withdrawal from Iraq, a moderate Muslim, a man who was job that was necessary to complement those people who see America as the much beloved by all Afghans, to sup- the fact that we had dispossessed Sad- big problem in the world instead of as port his return. And, instead, our gov- dam Hussein of his military might. In- the world’s only hope, those people ernment, under Madeleine Albright and stead of making agreements as we did cannot attack American soldiers be- all the others of the Clinton adminis- in Afghanistan with the tribal leaders, cause they realize that all Americans tration, did what? They decided to go we did not, as we did in Afghanistan, are proud of the men and women who along with the Saudis and to go along reach out to the local powers that be are defending our country in uniform. with the Pakistanis in creating a reli- that were moderate Muslims, and there But what we are witnessing now is gious force, that they said because the are many moderate Muslims in Iraq. what I would consider a maneuver on people of Afghanistan are devout, this What we instead did was tell the people the part of those who, if they could, is what will draw them together, by of Iraq that we were going to rebuild would attack American military supporting religious fanatics. their entire country and that, for ex- troops. What they are doing is attack- I told them at the time it was ridicu- ample, there would be no room. Mr. ing American security companies who lous. I told them that it would backfire Bremer is quoted as saying to tribal have been brought to Iraq to try to on them during the war with the Sovi- leaders that there would be no room in supplement our war effort there. By ets. The Pakistanis had passed on aid a modern democratic Iraq for trib- and large these American security to Hikmatyar Gulbadin, a horrendous alism. Thus in our effort to make the companies are made up of people who terrorist who was, again, a radical decision for those people, rather than have perhaps 10 times the experience of Islamist. But there were many others going to the people and their leaders our own soldiers. American security whom we helped during the war against ourselves, we have put ourselves in companies like Blackwater, for exam- the Soviets. I was there with them. what has been a horrific quagmire. ple, hire on special forces and other ex- And whether it was Abdul Haq or Com- How we extricate ourselves from Iraq traordinarily well-trained American mander Massoud or others like them, will go a long way in defining what military personnel when they retire there were many others, Galani’s type of world my children live in and, from the military so that their skills forces and others, who were very, very in fact, what kind of world the young can still be put to use in the defense of mainstream Islamic people who were people who are with us today will have. our country and in the promotion of not anti-Western but were just trying If we try to pull out precipitously and human freedom. to free their own country from the look like we are running away, if we b 2230 atheistic dictatorship of the com- look like we are surrendering, if it munists, and we helped them. But after looks like we have been defeated, we Their personnel are essential to the that, as we walked away, when the So- will embolden those people in Iraq who success of any of our military goals, viets walked away, we made this deal hate everything about the United but they’re also essential to the suc- with the Saudis and with the Paki- States, and we will embolden the rad- cess of a phased pull-out of Iraq. Other- stanis to let them finance the recon- ical Islamists throughout the world. wise, there will be no buffer. Otherwise, struction and determine who would be There is no doubt about that. That is there is no means for us to have the in power in Afghanistan, and that is not to say, again, that we should not be type of withdrawal with success. Other- when the Taliban was born, as I say, at admitting our mistakes and doing what wise, it is a retreat. that time over my serious objections, we can to extricate ourselves in a re- Blackwater, as I say, has been work- and I spent 5 years going in and out of sponsible way. That is why I have been ing now, I think, since 1997. It’s run by Afghanistan meeting with those people supporting General Petraeus and his ef- a young man named Eric Prince. He in- who would later become the Northern forts to have a phased withdrawal, a re- herited his money. And the fact is he Alliance. sponsible phased withdrawal, that will could have done a lot of other things So as we look back on Afghanistan then permit those elements within Iraq with his money and made a lot more now, years after the Taliban has been that do not want to be ruled by radical money. He could have gone to China defeated and al Qaeda was driven out of Islam or those elements that would and made 10 times the profit that he that country, let us remember the suc- like to be friends of the West to give makes by creating a security company cess that we had was because we went them a chance to step up. If we are that would work side by side with to the people. viewed as retreating and abandoning American forces and American dip- There is a mistaken belief that we those people, there will be a heavy lomats overseas to try to offer protec- are not ‘‘winning’’ in Iraq because we price to pay. tion to our country and to those State didn’t have enough boots on the And let us admit that with the mis- Department and other people who are ground. We didn’t send in enough takes that I have already mentioned, it working in the United States Govern- American troops. Well, in fact, we had is a tempting target for people in- ment overseas. He could have gone and probably 100 boots on the ground when volved in our political system to use made much more money. Kabul was liberated from the Taliban what is going on in Iraq as a political Instead, now he’s being called, I’ve and al Qaeda forces in the aftermath of vehicle in the upcoming elections. seen him called ‘‘murderer,’’ I’ve seen 9/11. In fact, that liberation of Afghani- Now, the people here in Congress, we the people in Blackwater being called stan was accomplished with very few have to search our souls to make sure ‘‘thugs,’’ when in fact almost every one American soldiers on the frontlines. In what we are doing is based not on po- of these people who work for fact, the people of Afghanistan liber- litical motives but instead is based on Blackwater, like Eric himself, are ated themselves, and we did not lib- what is the long-term interest of the former Special Forces people. Eric was erate them. And we went into that war, people of the United States. a Navy SEAL for 5 years. And then, and we reached agreements with those I go down and welcome home the rather than just living the life of lux- leaders, tribal leaders. They are often troops, the reservists and National ury that he could have done when he

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But, instead, they that, about how I pled, as a senior groups and law enforcement could not are putting their skills to use by put- member of the International Relations work together, could that have some- ting their lives in danger for us. Yet, Committee, for the documents from thing to do with a Chinese connection? they are being attacked unmercifully Madeleine Albright to prove what our What did Sandy Berger steal from by people who just basically oppose the policy was towards the Taliban; why it the National Archives? We need to fact that this President got us involved was that we were giving our foreign aid know. We should not be ignored. If this in Iraq in the first place. to the Taliban in radical Islamic areas was a Republican, I can tell you that We should not be taking it out on the of Afghanistan and giving short shrift every newspaper in the country would people of Blackwater. Those men and to Commander Massoud and the pro- be clamoring until we found out ex- women who are in Blackwater are very Western Muslims in Afghanistan. actly what documents were stolen from honorable people. And not to say they We need to document these things. the National Archives by the Presi- haven’t made some mistakes, just as We need to document whether or not dent’s National Security Adviser. our own military personnel have made bin Laden was someone who could have So, tonight, I hope that my col- mistakes; but, in fact, Blackwater been handled, if we were courageous leagues would join me, number one, in probably has a better record than our enough to do it, 5 years, 10 years before telling the people of Burma we’re on own military because they are, as I 9/11. their side; and joining me in calling for say, they are people with vastly more We know now that some of the docu- a boycott of the Beijing Olympics; of experience than that of our own sol- ments that the 9/11 Commission was supporting a phased withdrawal, re- diers and sailors and airmen. supposed to read were not available to sponsible withdrawal from Iraq; sup- So tomorrow there will be a hearing them. We had a commission that went porting our people both in uniform and on Blackwater. I would hope that to study why we had 9/11, but yet we in our protective companies like Blackwater and the people of know today that the National Security Blackwater, making sure we do not Blackwater, those people who have Adviser to President Bill Clinton stole mistreat them; and finally, join me in made enormous contributions to the documents out of the National Ar- calling for the truth in what Sandy safety and security of our operations in chives to prevent that commission, the Berger, the National Security Adviser Afghanistan and in Iraq, that they are 9/11 Commission, from seeing certain for Bill Clinton, stole from the Ar- not brutalized, that they’re treated information that would be relevant to chives. He needs to be given his poly- fairly, and that we do not permit the the war on terrorism. Part of his agree- graph test. The Justice Department politicalization of this fight with rad- ment, Sandy Berger, the National Se- needs to act. ical Islam and this effort that now goes curity Adviser to President Clinton, So with those requests for my fellow on in Iraq to be used in a way that will, when his theft was discovered, he vol- colleagues, I now yield back the bal- number one, hurt brave people who are unteered, as part of his plea agreement, ance of my time. risking their lives for us, but at the to give a lie detector test to the Jus- f same time, undermine our efforts for tice Department if so requested to de- the long-term security of our country termine exactly what were the docu- LEAVE OF ABSENCE so that we will have a phased with- ments that he stole from the National By unanimous consent, leave of ab- drawal that will give the good people of Archives. sence was granted to: this world a chance. At the beginning of this year, a ma- Ms. CARSON (at the request of Mr. We need to give the people of Burma jority of Republican Members of this HOYER) for today and until October 15 a chance. We need to give the people of body signed a letter to the Justice De- on account of convalescence. China a chance. We need to give the partment, under the leadership of TOM Mr. CONYERS (at the request of Mr. people of Iraq a chance. They are our DAVIS, asking the Justice Department HOYER) for today. greatest allies. to give that polygraph test, after so Mr. KIND (at the request of Mr. The people of the world who would many years, I think it’s been 4 years, it HOYER) for today on account of family live in democracy and see America as a could be 3. For 3 years Sandy Berger events. positive force and, fortunately, many has not been given the polygraph test f of them see America as a positive to see exactly what documents he stole force, yet many people here in the from the National Archives. SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED United States for some reason do not It is time for the American people to By unanimous consent, permission to share that opinion of their own coun- demand that we know what caused 9/11, address the House, following the legis- try and believe that the United States and we will not know that until Sandy lative program and any special orders is a negative force in the world. And Berger, the National Security Adviser heretofore entered, was granted to: that’s what motivates many of them in to the Clinton administration, is given (The following Members (at the re- their actions when it comes to a polygraph test, which won’t happen quest of Mrs. JONES of Ohio) to revise Blackwater and it comes to this war. until the Department of Justice gives and extend their remarks and include Finally, let me note this: this Presi- that polygraph test and demands it. extraneous material:) dent has made a lot of mistakes. And I Today, I am calling upon the new At- Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. have supported the President when he torney General to put Sandy Berger on Mr. DEFAZIO, for 5 minutes, today. has been right; I have been opposed to the line, to give him a polygraph test Mr. HALL of New York, for 5 minutes, him when he’s wrong. This President and determine what documents he today. seems to be headstrong, and I think stole from the National Archives and Mr. HARE, for 5 minutes, today. that’s a pleasant way of putting it. to give us a full accounting of what led Mr. MICHAUD, for 5 minutes, today. That does not mean that all the deci- up to 9/11, what happened during the Mrs. MALONEY of New York, for 5 sions that he has made have been Clinton administration that was so hei- minutes, today. wrong. We need to support him when nous that Sandy Berger, the National (The following Members (at the re- he’s right; we need to try to work with Security Adviser to the President, quest of Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of him and try to steer American policy would risk everything, would risk his Florida) to revise and extend their re- when he is wrong. The idea of a phased reputation and go into the National marks and include extraneous mate- withdrawal from Iraq is right. Archives and steal documents. rial:) But this President did not get us in Could it be that during the Clinton Mr. BURTON of Indiana, for 5 minutes, this war with radical Islam. This war years that, for example, there was evi- today and October 2, 3, and 4. that we are in with radical Islam was dence of technology transfers and Chi- Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida, created in the previous administration. nese involvement in our political sys- for 5 minutes, today.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:44 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~1\2007NE~2\H01OC7.REC H01OC7 mmaher on MIKETEMP with CONG-REC-ONLINE October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11069 ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED ceived September 4, 2007, pursuant to 5 September 4, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Fi- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on the Judici- Ms. Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the nancial Services. ary. House, reported and found truly en- 3521. A letter from the Chief Counsel, 3530. A letter from the Director, Regula- rolled bills and joint resolutions of the FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, tions & Ruling Div., Department of the House of the following title, which transmitting the Department’s final rule — Treasury, transmitting the Department’s were thereupon signed by the Speaker: Suspension of Community Eligibility [Dock- final rule — Firearms Excise Tax; Exemption et No. FEMA-7983] received September 4, H.R. 976. An act to amend title XXI of the for Small Manufacturers, Producers, and Im- 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Social Security Act to extend and improve porters [T.D. TTB-62] (RIN: 1513-AB25) re- Committee on Financial Services. the Children’s Health Insurance Program, ceived September 12, 2007, pursuant to 5 3522. A letter from the Chief Counsel, and for other purposes. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, H.R. 3625. An act to make permanent the Ways and Means. transmitting the Department’s final rule — waiver authority of the Secretary of Edu- 3531. A letter from the Director, Regula- Suspension of Community Eligibility [Dock- cation with respect to student financial as- tions & Rulings Div., Department of the et No. FEMA-7985] received September 4, sistance during a war or other military oper- Treasury, transmitting the Department’s 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the ation or national emergency. final rule — Materials and Processes Author- Committee on Financial Services. ized for the Treatment of Wine and Juice H.R. 3668. An act to provide for the exten- 3523. A letter from the Director, Office of sion of transitional medical assistance (2004R-517P) [T.D. TTB-61; Re: T.D. TTB-17] Congressional Affairs, Nuclear Regulatory (RIN: 1513-AA96) received September 12, 2007, (TMA), the abstinence education program, Commission, transmitting the Commission’s and the qualifying individuals (QI) program, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- final rule — Medical Use of Byproduct Mate- mittee on Ways and Means. for other purposes. rial — Minor Corrections and Clarifications H.J. Res. 43. Joint resolution increasing 3532. A letter from the SSA Regulations Of- (RIN: 3150-AI14) received September 4, 2007, ficer, Social Security Administration, trans- the statutory limit on the public debt. pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- H.J. Res. 52. Joint resolution making con- mitting the Administration’s final rule — mittee on Energy and Commerce. Amendments to the Quick Disability Deter- tinuing appropriations for the fiscal year 3524. A letter from the Deputy Assistant 2008, and for other purposes. mination Process [Docket No. SSA 2007-0032] Secretary, OFCCP, Department of Labor, (RIN: 0960-AG47) received September 17, 2007, f transmitting the Department’s final rule — pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination mittee on Ways and Means. BILLS PRESENTED TO THE Obligations of Contractors and Subcontrac- PRESIDENT 3533. A letter from the Acting Regulations tors Regarding Disabled Veterans, Recently Officer, Social Security Administration, Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the Separated Veterans, Other Protected Vet- transmitting the Administration’s final rule House reports that on September 26, erans, and Armed Forces Service Medal Vet- — Technical Updates to Applicability of the erans (RIN: 1215-AB46) received August 9, 2007 she presented to the President of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Re- 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the duced Benefit Rate for Individuals Residing the United States, for his approval, the Committee on Oversight and Government following bills. in Medical Treatment Facilities [Docket No. Reform. SSA-2006-0103] (RIN: 0960-AF99) received Sep- 3525. A letter from the Associate Adminis- H.R. 3375. To extend the trade adjustment tember 12, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. trator, Office of Federal Procurement Pol- assistance program under the Trade Act of 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Ways and icy, Office of Management and Budget, trans- 1974 for 3 months. Means. H.R. 3580. To amend the Federal Food, mitting the Office’s final rule — Cost Ac- Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend counting Standards Board (CAS) Changes to f the user-fee programs for prescription drugs Acquisition Thresholds — received August 6, and for medical devices, to enhance the 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON postmarket authorities of the Food and Drug Committee on Oversight and Government PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Administration with respect to the safety of Reform. Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of drugs, and for other purposes. 3526. A letter from the Associate Adminis- trator, Office of Federal Procurement Pol- committees were delivered to the Clerk Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the icy, Office of Management and Budget, trans- for printing and reference to the proper House reports that on September 28, mitting the Office’s final rule — Cost Ac- calendar, as follows: 2007 she presented to the President of counting Standards Board; Time and Mate- Mr. RANGEL: Committee on Ways and the United States, for his approval, the rial and Labor Hour (T&M/LH) Contracts for Means. H.R. 3648. A bill to amend the Inter- following bills. Commercial Items — received August 6, 2007, nal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude dis- H.J. Res. 43. Increasing the statutory limit pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- charges of indebtedness on principal resi- on the public debt. mittee on Oversight and Government Re- dences from gross income, and for other pur- H.J. Res. 52. Making continuing appropria- form. pose; with an amendment (Rept. 110–356). Re- tions for the fiscal year 2008, and for other 3527. A letter from the Acting Director Of- ferred to the Committee of the Whole House purposes. fice of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, Na- on the State of the Union. tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- H.R. 3668. To provide for the extension of f transitional medical assistance (TMA), the tion, transmitting the Administration’s final abstinence education program, and the quali- rule — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; REPORTED BILL SEQUENTIALLY Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific fying individuals (QI) program, and for other REFERRED purposes. Coast Groundfish Fishery; Biennial Speci- fications and Management Measures; Under clause 2 of rule XII, bills and f Inseason Adjustments; Correction [Docket reports were delivered to the Clerk for ADJOURNMENT No. 060824226-6322-02] (RIN: 0648-AV69) re- printing, and bills referred as follows: ceived September 4, 2007, pursuant to 5 Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Nat- Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi: Committee move that the House do now adjourn. ural Resources. on Homeland Security. H.R. 2830. A bill to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard The motion was agreed to; accord- 3528. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Operations, NMFS, Na- for fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes; ingly (at 10 o’clock and 40 minutes with an amendment; referred to the Commit- p.m.), under its previous order, the tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- tion, transmitting the Administration’s final tees on Energy and Commerce, and Judiciary House adjourned until tomorrow, Tues- rule — Fisheries Off West Coast States; for a period ending not later than October 15, day, October 2, 2007, at 9 a.m., for Highly Migratory Species Fisheries [Docket 2007, for consideration of such provisions of morning-hour debate. number: 070718330-7330-02; I.D. 022807F] (RIN: the bill and amendment as fall within the ju- risdiction of those committees pursuant to f 0648-AU73) received September 4, 2007, pursu- ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee clauses 1(f) and 1(k), rule X (Rept. 110–338, Pt. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, on Natural Resources. 2). Ordered to be printed. ETC. 3529. A letter from the Acting Chief, Regu- f Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive latory Management Division, Office of the Executive Secretariat, Department of Home- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS communications were taken from the land Security, transmitting the Depart- Under clause 2 of rule XII, public Speaker’s table and referred as follows: ment’s final rule — Removal of Temporary 3520. A letter from the Chief Counsel, Adjustment of the Immigration and Natu- bills and resolutions were introduced FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, ralization Benefit Applications and Petition and severally referred, as follows: transmitting the Department’s final rule — Fee Schedule [Docket No. USCIS-2007-0040; By Mr. BISHOP of New York (for him- Final Flood Elevation Determinations — re- CIS No. 2417-07] (RIN: 1615-AB61) received self and Mrs. LOWEY):

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H.R. 3707. A bill to authorize the establish- ERN, Mr. DOYLE, Ms. WATSON, and Ms. H.R. 396: Mr. GOODE. ment of a memorial to all victims of ter- CLARKE): H.R. 621: Mr. KIRK. rorism; to the Committee on Natural Re- H. Con. Res. 221. Concurrent resolution H.R. 676: Mr. LANTOS. sources. honoring all Americans serving in the Armed H.R. 684: Mr. GORDON. By Mr. BLUMENAUER (for himself and Forces of the United States and condemning H.R. 718: Mr. BAKER. Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania): the attack by broadcaster Rush Limbaugh H.R. 726: Mr. BOSWELL. H.R. 3708. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- on the integrity and professionalism of some H.R. 741: Mr. LATHAM. enue Code of 1986 to increase the limitations of those Americans; to the Committee on H.R. 743: Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- on the amount excluded from the gross es- Armed Services. ida, Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. ALEX- tate with respect to land subject to a quali- By Mr. PENCE (for himself and Mr. ANDER, Mr. GALLEGLY, Mr. TIAHRT, and Mr. fied conservation easement; to the Com- WALDEN of Oregon): CANTOR. mittee on Ways and Means. H. Res. 694. A resolution providing for the H.R. 758: Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. BOREN, Ms. By Mr. FILNER: consideration of the bill (H.R. 2905) to pre- NORTON, Mr. MEEKs of New York, Mr. RAN- H.R. 3709. A bill to authorize inter-tribal vent the Federal Communications Commis- GEL, and Mr. NADLER. transfers of authority in leases between the sion from repromulgating the fairness doc- H.R. 767: Mr. LOBIONDO. Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay and the trine; to the Committee on Rules. H.R. 782: Mr. GOODLATTE. Viejas Band of Kumeyaay, and for other pur- By Mr. CAMPBELL of California: H.R. 891: Mr. LANTOS, Mr. LEWIS of Geor- poses; to the Committee on Natural Re- H. Res. 695. A resolution expressing the gia, and Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. sources. support for designation of a ‘‘National Fire H.R. 1029: Mr. CANTOR, Mr. INGLIS of South By Mr. HOLDEN: Fighter Appreciation Day’’ to honor and cel- Carolina, and Mr. PASTOR. H.R. 3710. A bill to amend the Public ebrate the fire fighters of the United States; H.R. 1043: Mr. SERRANO. Health Service Act to establish an Office of to the Committee on Oversight and Govern- H.R. 1055: Ms. DEGETTE. Correctional Public Health; to the Com- ment Reform. H.R. 1073: Mr. MCDERMOTT. mittee on Energy and Commerce. By Mr. COSTA (for himself and Mr. H.R. 1102: Mr. MILLER of Florida. By Mr. HOLDEN (for himself and Mr. GRIJALVA): H.R. 1108: Mr. EDWARDS and Mr. ANDREWS. TOM DAVIS of Virginia): H. Res. 696. A resolution expressing grati- H.R. 1166: Mr. GORDON. H.R. 3711. A bill to amend title I of the Om- tude for the foreign guest laborers, known as H.R. 1228: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. nibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of Braceros, who worked in the United States H.R. 1229: Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- 1968 to eliminate the matching requirement during the period from 1942 to 1964; to the ida. for certain bulletproof armor vest purchases Committee on Education and Labor. H.R. 1236: Mr. SNYDER, Mr. YARMUTH, and under the matching grant program for bul- By Mr. KAGEN (for himself, Mr. TAY- Mr. MATHESON. letproof armor vests; to the Committee on LOR, Mr. STUPAK, Mr. SHULER, Ms. H.R. 1264: Mrs. BACHMANN. the Judiciary. MOORE of Wisconsin, Mr. KIND, Mr. H.R. 1280: Mr. LYNCH. By Ms. KAPTUR: SENSENBRENNER, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. H.R. 1329: Mr. MCCAUL of Texas. H.R. 3712. A bill to designate the Federal PETRI, Mr. WICKER, Mr. RYAN of Wis- H.R. 1346: Mr. WELCH of Vermont. building and United States courthouse lo- consin, Mr. OBEY, Mr. THOMPSON of H.R. 1409: Mr. TERRY. cated at 1716 Spielbusch Avenue in Toledo, Mississippi, Mr. SPACE, Mr. H.R. 1424: Mr. HILL. Ohio, as the ‘‘James M. & Thomas W.L. Ash- PERLMUTTER, Mr. MITCHELL, Mr. H.R. 1514: Mrs. DAVIS of California. ley Customs Building and United States ACKSON EE CONAWAY, Mr. WEXLER, Mr. H.R. 1553: Ms. J -L of Texas. Courthouse’’; to the Committee on Transpor- H.R. 1609: Mr. FORBES, Mr. WAMP, Mr. MCNERNEY, Mr. MEEK of Florida, Mr. tation and Infrastructure. CONAWAY, Mr. SHERMAN, and Mr. SNYDER. CROWLEY, Mr. BACA, Mr. ELLSWORTH, By Mrs. MALONEY of New York (for H.R. 1619: Mr. LEVIN. Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. HOLT, Mrs. BOYDA herself, Mr. NADLER, Ms. ROS- H.R. 1667: Mr. FARR. of Kansas, Ms. BEAN, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. LEHTINEN, and Mr. SHAYS): H.R. 1707: Mr. MORAN of Kansas. KLEIN of Florida, Mr. LAMPSON, Ms. H.R. 3713. A bill to ensure that the courts H.R. 1738: Mr. GERLACH, Mr. CALVERT, and WOOLSEY, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. PUT- of the United States may provide an impar- Mr. GALLEGLY. NAM, Mr. ALTMIRE, Mr. COSTA, Ms. tial forum for claims brought by United H.R. 1828: Mr. GORDON. DEGETTE, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. MICA, States citizens and others against any rail- H.R. 1843: Mr. COSTA and Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. ROGERS of Michigan, Mr. ENGEL, road organized as a separate legal entity, H.R. 1886: Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. DICKS, Mr. arising from the deportation of United H.R. 1919: Ms. DEGETTE and Mr. SESTAK. BOUSTANY, Mr. WELCH of Vermont, States citizens and others to Nazi concentra- H.R. 1992: Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. KILDEE, Mr. HODES, Mr. SALAZAR, tion camps on trains owned or operated by H.R. 2074: Mr. KIRK and Mr. CONYERS. Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. ACKERMAN, Ms. such railroad, and by the heirs and survivors H.R. 2112: Mr. GRIJALVA. HARMAN, Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Mr. of such persons; to the Committee on the Ju- H.R. 2169: Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. NADLER, HARE, Ms. CLARKE, Mr. WEINER, Mr. diciary. Mr. WEINER, and Mr. FILNER. ROTHMAN, Mr. OLVER, Mr. HALL of By Mr. PENCE: H.R. 2185: Mr. BAIRD. New York, Mr. NADLER, Ms. SUTTON, H.R. 3714. A bill to amend the Federal Elec- H.R. 2205: Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. MURPHY of Con- tion Campaign Act of 1971 to repeal restric- H.R. 2266: Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. ISRAEL, and Ms. necticut, Mrs. MCCARTHY of New tions relating to electioneering communica- KILPATRICK. York, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. HOLDEN, Mr. tions, and for other purposes; to the Com- H.R. 2417: Mr. NADLER. CARNEY, and Mr. PICKERING): mittee on House Administration. H.R. 2425: Mr. SHULER. H. Res. 697. A resolution commending By Mr. SPACE (for himself and Mrs. H.R. 2452: Mr. CAPUANO and Ms. BALDWIN. Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre GILLIBRAND): H.R. 2478: Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- H.R. 3715. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- for establishing a National Football League fornia. record for most career touchdown passes, enue Code of 1986 to allow long-distance H.R. 2490: Mr. SPACE. rural commuters a deduction during periods and for other purposes; to the Committee on H.R. 2596: Mr. DELAHUNT. when the local price of gasoline exceeds $3 Oversight and Government Reform. H.R. 2597: Mr. JONES of North Carolina. per gallon; to the Committee on Ways and By Mr. WALSH of New York (for him- H.R. 2620: Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Means. self and Mr. FARR): Texas. By Mr. WALSH of New York: H. Res. 698. A resolution commemorating H.R. 2651: Mr. GRIJALVA. H.R. 3716. A bill to amend the Consumer the 200th anniversary of Congressional Ceme- H.R. 2668: Mr. ROTHMAN. Product Safety Act to require independent tery; to the Committee on Natural Re- H.R. 2706: Mr. CAMPBELL of California. safety certification of children’s products, to sources. H.R. 2711: Mr. HAYES and Mr. EVERETT. increase the Consumer Product Safety Com- f H.R. 2792: Mrs. DAVIS of California. mission’s inspection capability for imported H.R. 2828: Mr. CONYERS, Mr. MCCOTTER, Mr. products, and to prohibit hazardous imports ADDITIONAL SPONSORS NADLER, and Mr. MCCAUL of Texas. based on manufacturing site, and for other Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 2832: Mr. MCNULTY. purposes; to the Committee on Energy and H.R. 2840: Mr. TOWNS and Mr. ABER- Commerce. were added to public bills and resolu- CROMBIE. By Mr. UDALL of Colorado (for him- tions as follows: H.R. 2851: Mr. TIERNEY, Mr. BLUMENAUER, self, Ms. HOOLEY, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of H.R. 111: Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. DOYLE, Mr. ALTMIRE, and Ms. BALDWIN. Texas, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. LANTOS, H.R. 138: Mr. DREIER and Mr. SESSIONS. H.R. 2852: Mr. PASTOR. Mr. GRIJALVA, Mrs. MALONEY of New H.R. 271: Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- H.R. 2878: Mr. GOODE, Ms. LINDA T. York, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mrs. fornia. SA´ NCHEZ of California, and Mr. DANIEL E. CHRISTENSEN, Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. H.R. 280: Mr. GORDON. LUNGREN of California. OBERSTAR, Mr. DEFAZIO, Ms. CORRINE H.R. 281: Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. MITCHELL, Ms. H.R. 2903: Mr. GORDON. BROWN of Florida, Ms. KILPATRICK, DELAURO, and Mr. COURTNEY. H.R. 2933: Mrs. BLACKBURN, Ms. Mr. FATTAH, Mr. STARK, Mr. MCGOV- H.R. 369: Mr. UDALL of Colorado. SCHAKOWSKY, and Mr. BURTON of Indiana.

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H.R. 2954: Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. KUHL of New York, Mr. GOODE, Mr. LIN- H. Res. 282: Mr. MCCOTTER, Ms. DELAURO, H.R. 3029: Mr. LEVIN. DER, Mr. LUCAS, and Mr. BROWN of South Mr. MOLLOHAN, and Mr. GORDON. H.R. 3140: Mr. KUHL of New York. Carolina. H. Res. 356: Mr. STARK. H.R. 3148: Mr. PENCE. H.R. 3584: Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. HOB- H. Res. 373: Mr. SHERMAN. H.R. 3167: Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. HIN- SON, Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey, Mr. H. Res. 415: Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- CHEY, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. KAGEN, and CRENSHAW, Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- fornia. Mr. KENNEDY. ida, and Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. H. Res. 448: Mr. TOWNS, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. H.R. 3176: Mr. CONAWAY. H.R. 3616: Mrs. BLACKBURN and Mr. ROGERS GORDON, Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. BOYD of Florida, H.R. 3195: Mr. KLEIN of Florida, Mr. MUR- of Kentucky. Mr. TANNER, Mr. ENGEL, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, THA, Mr. WEXLER, and Ms. LEE. H.R. 3639: Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California and Ms. DEGETTE. H.R. 3232: Mr. SHULER, Mr. ROSKAM, Mrs. and Mr. BERMAN. H. Res. 537: Mr. HONDA. CAPPS, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. SCHIFF, Mrs. EMER- H.R. 3648: Mr. GORDON, Ms. GINNY BROWN- H. Res. 573: Mr. UDALL of Colorado, Mr. SON, Mr. HINOJOSA, Mr. DICKS, Ms. BORDALLO, WAITE of Florida, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. HOLT, and KIRK, Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. RADANOVICH, Ms. HOOLEY, Ms. GIFFORDS. and Mr. FATTAH. Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. PASTOR, Mr. MAHONEY of H.R. 3660: Mr. KAGEN. H. Res. 576: Ms. SLAUGHTER. Florida, Mr. WALDEN of Oregon, Mr. VAN H.R. 3663: Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. H. Res. 610: Ms. KILPATRICK. HOLLEN, Mr. THOMPSON of California, and Mr. MCDERMOTT, and Mr. DEFAZIO. H. Res. 616: Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. POMEROY. H.R. 3674: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. MCCOLLUM H. Res. 620: Mr. ROTHMAN. H.R. 3256: Mr. GORDON. of Minnesota, and Mr. DINGELL. H. Res. 630: Mr. ETHERIDGE. C EON H.R. 3262: Mr. MARSHALL. H.R. 3675: Mr. M K . H. Res. 676: Mr. MCCOTTER, Mr. BILIRAKIS, H.R. 3329: Mrs. TAUSCHER. H.R. 3691: Mr. TOWNS. Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. SAXTON, Mr. UDALL of Col- H.R. 3341: Mr. MILLER of Florida. H.R. 3695: Mr. FILNER and Mr. MCGOVERN. orado, Mr. POE, Mr. MILLER of Florida, and H.R. 3360: Mr. GRIJALVA. H.R. 3703: Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. CALVERT. H.R. 3402: Mr. HIGGINS. H. Con. Res. 122: Mr. HODES. H. Res. 679: Mr. CARNAHAN. H.R. 3412: Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. H. Con. Res. 137: Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of H. Res. 680: Mr. MCCOTTER, Mr. POE, Mr. H.R. 3432: Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ and Mr. Florida. MARSHALL, Mr. SHIMKUS, and Mr. BUYER. SERRANO. H. Con. Res. 197: Ms. LEE, Mr. DAVIS of Illi- H. Res. 691: Mr. COOPER and Mr. SPACE. H.R. 3446: Mr. KILDEE, Mr. KNOLLENBERG, nois, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. HINOJOSA, Mr. REYES, Mr. MCCOTTER, and Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. ETHERIDGE, H.R. 3466: Ms. SUTTON. Mr. PAYNE, Mr. FILNER, Mr. COSTA, Mr. f H.R. 3467: Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. HONDA, Mr. STARK, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, ´ H.R. 3498: Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of Cali- Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. ORTIZ, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, CONGRESSIONAL EARMARKS, LIM- fornia and Ms. SUTTON. Mr. TOWNS, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. SCOTT of ITED TAX BENEFITS, OR LIM- H.R. 3499: Ms. DEGETTE and Mrs. CAPPS. Virginia, Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. MORAN of Vir- H.R. 3512: Mr. HARE. ginia, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. RODRIGUEZ, Mr. ITED TARIFF BENEFITS H.R. 3533: Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. COSTA, Ms. WA- GUTIERREZ, Mr. CUELLAR, Mr. FORTUN˜ O, Mr. Under clause 9 of rule XXI, lists or TERS, and Ms. CLARKE. HARE, Ms. NORTON, Mr. CARDOZA, Mr. UDALL statements on congressional earmarks, H.R. 3543: Mr. FILNER. of Colorado, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. limited tax benefits, or limited tariff H.R. 3544: Mr. SIRES, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, SPRATT, and Mr. SIRES. benefits were submitted as follows: Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Ms. MAT- H. Con. Res. 198: Mr. FATTAH. SUI, Ms. NORTON, and Mr. BOUCHER. H. Con. Res. 200: Mr. KENNEDY and Ms. The amendment to be offered by Rep- H.R. 3558: Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. resentative CONYERS or a designee to H.R. SAXTON, Mr. BACHUS, and Ms. BALDWIN. H. Con. Res. 204: Mrs. MYRICK. 2740, the MEJA Expansion and Enforcement H.R. 3583: Mr. MCCAUL of Texas, Mr. SHU- H. Res. 111: Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. LEVIN, and Act of 2007, does not contain any congres- STER, Mr. CAMP of Michigan, Mr. GINGREY, Mr. SHUSTER. sional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or lim- Mr. KLINE of Minnesota, Mr. SOUDER, Mr. H. Res. 237: Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas and Mr. ited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), SULLIVAN, Mr. JORDAN, Mr. WESTMORELAND, SCHIFF. 9(e), or 9(f) of Rule XXI.

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Vol. 153 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2007 No. 147 Senate The Senate met at 2 p.m. and was appoint the Honorable JIM WEBB, a Senator DOD appropriations bill, to be followed called to order by the Honorable JIM from the State of Virginia, to perform the by the consideration of Commerce-Jus- WEBB, a Senator from the State of Vir- duties of the Chair. tice-Science. Then we have a circuit ginia. ROBERT C. BYRD, court judge and several district court President pro tempore. judges we plan on working on this PRAYER Mr. WEBB thereupon assumed the week. chair as Acting President pro tempore. The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- We have a lot to do. Hopefully we can fered the following prayer: f finish quickly. We have next week the Let us pray. RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY work period at home. Because of our Almighty God, teach us the mystery LEADER being here for the time we are, having of life. Help us to not be victims but the weeks sometimes longer than what victorious in the living of our days. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- we would like, I have a lot to do at Lead us to a place of understanding, in pore. The majority leader is recog- home. I am sure all other 99 Senators spite of sorrow and pain. Make us more nized. have as well. than conquerors, because You love us. f f Today instruct our lawmakers as ORDER OF PROCEDURE FREEDOM OF SPEECH they seek to do Your will. As they per- form their daily tasks, guide their pri- Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent Mr. REID. Freedom of speech is one orities. Show them Your truth so that that the prayer, the Pledge, and what- of the country’s most cherished values. they will be instruments of Your pur- ever remarks the two leaders make not Nothing sets us farther apart from the poses. When their light of hope is count against morning business, that countries and regimes we oppose than threatened, renew them with faith in morning business be a full hour. our belief that everyone’s opinion mat- Your providence and power. Transform The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ters—everyone’s—and that everyone their lives from a hurried succession of pore. Without objection, it is so or- has a right to express it. That is why days into a walk with You that brings dered. when we hear things on the radio and enduring peace. f other places that are offensive, by and We pray in Your sacred Name. Amen. large we tolerate them. But last week SCHEDULE Rush Limbaugh went way over the f Mr. REID. Mr. President, following line. While I respect his right to say PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE the period of morning business, the anything he likes, his unpatriotic com- Senate will resume consideration of ments cannot be ignored. During his The Honorable JIM WEBB led the the Department of Defense authoriza- show last Wednesday, Limbaugh was Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: tion bill. Last week cloture was in- engaged in one of his typical rants. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the voked on the substitute amendment. This one was unremarkable and indis- United States of America and to the Repub- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, Approximately 200 amendments have tinguishable from his usual dribble indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. been cleared or voted upon. There are which has been steadily losing listeners lots of them still pending. Last week for years, until he crossed that line by f Senators LEVIN and WARNER worked calling our men and women in uniform APPOINTMENT OF ACTING their way through some of these. I who oppose the war in Iraq ‘‘phony sol- PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE don’t know how many votes we will diers.’’ This comment was so beyond have this evening on germane amend- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the pale of decency we can’t leave it ments, but we will know before long. clerk will please read a communication alone. Yet he followed it up with deni- Any amendments that might be offered to the Senate from the President pro als and an attack on Congressman have to be germane and have to be JACK MURTHA, who was a 37-year active tempore (Mr. BYRD). timely filed. Currently pending is a The legislative clerk read the fol- member of the Marine Corps, a combat first and second-degree amendment re- lowing letter: veteran. lating to contracting. Any votes today We have been debating the Iraq war U.S. SENATE, will begin around 5:30. It is too early to in the Senate and throughout the coun- PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, Washington, DC, October 1, 2007. indicate how many votes will take try, not for months but for years. To the Senate: place. Once action on DOD authoriza- There are good, patriotic Americans Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, tion has been concluded, it is my inten- who favor the war and good, patriotic of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby tion to have the Senate consider the Americans who oppose President

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.

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VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12344 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 Bush’s first getting us into war and the against those who spew hate and im- who might have influence over the way he has handled the war. Neither pugn the integrity of our troops is a choices young people make about party holds a patent on patriotism. I job that belongs to both parties. I can’t drugs. know all of my Republican colleagues help but wonder how my Republican Research has clearly shown that if would agree with this, or at least I colleagues would have reacted if the we can keep children free from drugs hope so. Yet Rush Limbaugh took it tables were turned—if a well-known until the age of 20, chances are very upon himself to attack the courage and Democratic radio personality had used slim that they will ever try or become character of those fighting and dying the same insulting line of attack addicted to drugs. Maintaining a coher- for him and for all of us. Rush against troops who support the war. ent antidrug message begins early in Limbaugh got himself a deferment The letter I read will be available on adolescence and continues throughout from serving when he was a young the Senate floor all day. During the the growing years. This is essential for man. He never served in uniform. He votes, after the votes, colleagues on educating and enabling our young peo- never saw a person in the extreme dif- both sides of the aisle will have every ple to reject illegal drugs. Through re- ficulty of maintaining peace in a for- chance to add their names to it. I en- alistic portrayals, the media campaign eign country engaged in civil war. He courage all to do so. If we take the Re- is designed to show kids the harmful never saw a person in combat. Yet he publican side at their word that last effects of drugs and the benefits of a thinks his opinion on the war is worth week’s vote on another controversial drug-free lifestyle. more than those who have been on the statement related to the war was truly I wish to call my colleagues’ atten- front lines. What is worse, Limbaugh’s about patriotism, not politics, then I tion to the poster behind me. This is show is broadcast on Armed Forces have no doubt they will stand with us one of those famous antidrug advertise- Radio which means that thousands of against Limbaugh’s comments with ments that maybe they remember from troops overseas and veterans here at equal fervor. a long time ago. They might recall this home were forced to hear this attack I am confident we will see Repub- famous advertisement known for its on their patriotism. Rush Limbaugh licans join with us in overwhelming unforgettable slogan: ‘‘This is your owes the men and women of our Armed numbers. ‘‘Confident’’ is the wrong brain; this is your brain on drugs.’’ Cre- Forces an apology. word. ‘‘Hopeful’’ is the right word. I am ated by the Partnership for a Drug This past Friday, many Democrats hopeful we will see Republicans join Free America in 1987, it is widely rec- joined me in drafting a letter to the with us in overwhelming numbers. ognized as one of the known influential chief executive officer of Clear Chan- Anything less would be a double stand- ads of all time. While most of us have nel, Mark Mays, that we will send out ard that has no place in the Senate. probably never seen an actual brain on this week. Here is what we wrote: I ask my colleagues, Democrats and drugs, this commercial helped to shape Dear Mr. Mays, At the time we sign this Republicans, to join together against the view of an entire generation re- letter, 3,801 American soldiers have been this irresponsible, hateful, and unpatri- garding the dangers of drugs. killed in Iraq, and another 27,936 have been The National Youth Anti-Drug Media wounded. 160,000 others awoke this morning otic attack by calling upon Rush on foreign sand, far from home, to face the Limbaugh to give our troops the apol- Campaign is without a doubt the single danger and uncertainty of another day at ogy they deserve. I hope all will sign most visible symbol of the Federal war. Although Americans of goodwill debate this letter. Government’s commitment to youth the merits of this war, we can all agree that drug prevention. These advertisements those who serve with such great courage de- f are an important source of information serve our deepest respect and gratitude. That RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME for kids and parents about the risks is why Rush Limbaugh’s recent characteriza- and dangers associated with illegal tion of troops who oppose the war as ‘‘phony The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- soldiers’’ is such an outrage. Our troops are pore. Under the previous order, the drugs. Sadly, though, we have come a fighting and dying to bring to others the leadership time is reserved. long way from the cost and success of freedoms that many take for granted. It is those early ads, such as the one you see unconscionable that Mr. Limbaugh would f on the easel. criticize them for exercising the fundamen- MORNING BUSINESS In the 10 years prior to the creation tally American right to free speech. Mr. of the media campaign in 1998, the Limbaugh has made outrageous remarks be- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Partnership for a Drug-free America fore, but this affront to our soldiers is be- pore. Under the previous order, there was able to secure grants from various yond the pale. The military, like any com- will now be a period for the transaction businesses, foundations, and agencies munity within the United States, includes of morning business for 60 minutes, members both for and against the war. Sen- to create over 1,000 ads. Included in ior generals, such as General John Batiste with the time equally divided between that number is the famous ‘‘this is and Paul Eaton, have come out against the the majority and the Republicans, and your brain on drugs’’ ad which ran in 90 war while others have publicly supported it. with Senators permitted to speak percent of America’s households every A December 2006 poll conducted by the Mili- therein for up to 10 minutes each. day. tary Times found just 35 percent of service The Senator from Iowa. Between 1987 and 1998, national and members approved of President Bush’s han- dling of the war in Iraq, compared to 42 per- f local media outlets donated over $2.3 cent who disapproved. From this figure billion worth of free advertising space. NATIONAL YOUTH ANTIDRUG If you adjust that number for today’s alone, it is clear that Mr. Limbaugh’s insult MEDIA CAMPAIGN is directed at thousands of American service pricetag, that would be nearly $3 bil- members. Active and retired members of our Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, as lion worth of donated media time. Un- armed forces have a unique perspective on cochairman of the Senate Caucus on fortunately, as drug use began to de- the war and offer a valuable contribution to International Narcotics Control, I have cline, then, as you might expect, so did our national debate. In August, seven sol- had a distinct interest in the National diers wrote an op-ed expressing their concern the generous donations of free air time. with the current strategy in Iraq. Tragically, Youth Antidrug Media Campaign and By 1998, Congress decided—since it was since then, two of those seven soldiers have how we can improve its quality and im- not going to be free—to fund a paid made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq. Thou- prove its effectiveness. In 1998, the media campaign employing the part- sands of active troops and veterans were sub- White House Office of National Drug nership’s antidrug messages. jected to Mr. Limbaugh’s unpatriotic and in- Control Policy, with overwhelming bi- Since that time, the Federal Govern- defensible comments on your broadcast. We partisan support from Congress, ment has spent well over $1.5 billion to trust you will agree that not a single one of launched a historic initiative to en- create, to research, to produce, and to our sons, daughters, neighbors and friends serving overseas is a ‘‘phony soldier.’’ We courage kids to stay drug free. That ef- distribute ads to prevent teen drug use. call on you to publicly repudiate these com- fort in 1998 built upon the success of Yet I fear we are continuing to spend ments that call into question their service former First Lady Nancy Reagan’s precious antidrug dollars to fund in- and sacrifice and to ask Mr. Limbaugh to ‘‘just say no’’ campaign. The National creasingly mediocre ads that fail to ef- apologize for his comments. Youth Antidrug Media Campaign tar- fectively reach our Nation’s youth. In Just as patriotism is the exclusive gets youths age 9 to 18. The campaign other words, they are nothing like the realm of neither party, taking a stand also targets parents and other adults brain being fried ad I told you about.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12345 A case in point are the spots running dollars, and we ought to see how they media outlets to donate more air time on TV today. The image you can see in are being spent. for antidrug messages. Currently, the this new ad I have before us in the So I am not alone in this assessment campaign spends most of its budget in Chamber is entitled ‘‘Walk Yourself’’ about the believability or the effective- purchasing air time. Although media from the ‘‘Above the Influence’’ cam- ness of these ads. There is a wide vari- outlets match the amount the cam- paign. For those who might not be fa- ety of studies beyond just the one I re- paign spends, it in no way compares to miliar with this ad, I will give a quick ferred to showing a lack of effective- what was donated 20 years ago. I be- synopsis of what this ad says. ness. Even the Government Account- lieve it is imperative we show these The commercial—which looks as ability Office recommended that Con- outlets the need for more donated time though it could have been drawn by a gress reduce funding for the campaign in light of the trends I have previously 5-year-old—begins with a man smoking until it can be proven to be an effective illustrated. With more donated time, it a marijuana cigarette while his dog prevention tool. will enable the campaign to focus on looks on. When the man notices that Congress has slashed funding consid- producing more ads on emerging drugs his dog wants to go for a walk, he tells erably. As you can see from this chart, without Congress having to balloon its his dog to walk himself, presumably the funding for the media campaign is budget in the process. because he is too busy getting high. only half of what it was 10 years ago. Some maybe think I have been The dog responds, telling him he is dis- For fiscal year 2008, the House has against antidrug media campaigns be- appointed in his master. The ad ends slashed another $6 million off the cam- cause I have been overseeing some of with the dog leaving and raising an paign’s budget to bring it to $93 mil- that for a long period of time. But I am ‘‘Above the Influence’’ flag. lion, though our Senate version keeps not against media campaigns. I am Now, maybe I am missing the point, the funding level. If this is not a wake- against wasting taxpayers’ dollars on but I fail to see how an ad such as this up call to the Office of Drug Control ineffective programs that show no ef- realistically portrays the dangers or Policy, I do not know what is. If Con- fort at improvement. I believe the cam- harmful effects of doing drugs. gress is to support the White House’s paign can be remade into an effective We have a moral obligation in this request for a 30-percent budget in- tool to aid in our prevention efforts country to ensure our young people crease, then the drug czar must take against teen drug abuse. But much has have a chance to grow up without several steps to improve the quality to change in order for that to happen. being accosted with drug pushers at and the effectiveness of the campaign. So I intend to send a letter to Direc- every turn. We need, as a country, to The first thing that must be done is tor Walters, our drug czar, to find out create a strong moral context to help to improve the quality of the ads. This why the campaign is not having a posi- our young people know how to make does not require a budget increase to tive impact on preventing teen drug the right choices. They need to know do so. The ads need to be simple, they use. What do they intend to do to how to say no. They need to know that need to be direct, and, obviously, they change this trend? I am going to ask saying no is OK. And they need to need to show the consequences of drug him. I look forward to hearing their re- know that saying no to drugs is the use. Exaggerations like a girl flattened sponse promptly and to begin the proc- right thing to do. It is not just the safe on a couch or ‘‘smushed’’ from pot use, ess of reforming and reenergizing the thing, it is not just the healthier thing, along with poorly drawn cartoons National Youth Antidrug Media Cam- it happens to be the right thing. where dogs speak and space aliens free- paign. While funding for the media cam- ly roam show unrealistic scenarios and Mr. President, let me ask my col- paign has been relatively modest in damage the credibility of the cam- league from Iowa, who has been wait- terms of our overall Federal drug con- paign, as you saw in the previous chart. ing to speak, I do not know whether we trol budget, it, for many, is the most The early antidrug public service an- have the first half hour or whether we visible aspect of our Nation’s war on nouncements—I am talking about are going back and forth, but if the drugs. With only so much money to go going back to that period of time 1987 Senator does not need the floor right around, we must ensure we are getting through 1998—were simple, they were now, I have other remarks I want to the most bang for our buck. Although I short, they were memorable. I believe make. support and encourage any agency that the success of those early ads can be The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- works to reduce or prevent drug abuse, replicated by using a similar formula. pore. The time is equally divided, but as Members of Congress it is important Secondly, the campaign could be the order says it is 10 minutes to each we be good stewards of the taxpayers’ more effective if its message was more speaker. So if the junior Senator from dollars. diversified. Although the media cam- Iowa wishes to speak, he is free to do So I refer you to the Weiden-Kennedy paign has begun an awareness cam- so. Mr. GRASSLEY. Go ahead. chart—and I am not referring to Sen- paign on meth, it took an act of Con- Mr. HARKIN. Go ahead. ator WYDEN or Senator KENNEDY. This gress to force the campaign to spend 10 The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- is a different Weiden and a different percent of its budget to do so. Most of pore. The senior Senator from Iowa is Kennedy. We have had numerous stud- the ads produced by the campaign so continued to be recognized. ies over the years as to how the effec- far have all been about marijuana. Al- Mr. GRASSLEY. Thank you, Mr. tiveness of the present media campaign though I believe it is important that President. And I thank Senator HAR- is very minimal, if not nonexistent. we discourage marijuana use, there are KIN. In last year’s Weiden-Kennedy test new and alarming drug abuse patterns f results of teenagers, the flags ads I re- that are starting to emerge among ferred to in the previous chart, as these teens. CHIP ads are called—they are called ‘‘flags Recent studies and articles are show- Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, last ads’’—were rated on their believability, ing an alarming rate of teenagers who week, the Senate voted overwhelm- persuasiveness, and honesty. When you are abusing prescription drugs to get ingly to approve the bipartisan agree- add up the averages of the flags ads high. These drugs are easily accessible ment to reauthorize the Children’s with the rest of the Partnership for a because kids can easily find and pur- Health Insurance Program. On Satur- Drug-Free America ads, the flags ads chase them online or grab them from day, on television I saw that the Presi- perform well under the ratings of the their parents’ medicine cabinet. Many dent called our agreement—our bipar- previous ads. I think the most impor- parents are not even aware of the trend tisan agreement, I want to emphasize— tant categories an antidrug ad must or how they should go about discarding he called it irresponsible. deliver on would be the ones you see leftover medication. The media cam- Specifically, in his radio address, the listed on this chart. That is why I am paign could be a very useful tool to President said we ‘‘put forward an irre- concerned the media campaign is fail- educate young people as well as par- sponsible plan that would dramatically ing to reach and deliver an important ents on these new and emerging expand this program beyond its origi- message to our teens. threats. nal intent.’’ Now, I would like to refer back to the Finally, the campaign, along with Well, I am here to respond to that ac- funding because these are taxpayers’ Congress, should work to encourage cusation by President Bush. To call

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12346 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 what we agreed to as irresponsible is thinking on the Children’s Health In- gram today, which is the way it has an insult to an agreement we reached surance Program is off track. The been for the last 10 years, is far off and is an insult to 67 Members of the Lott-Kyl proposal was the alternative track. Senate and 265 Members of the House children’s health insurance proposal of- The President has it backward when who voted in favor of it. fered during floor debate in July. My he says our bipartisan proposal ‘‘ex- Calling our bipartisan proposal irre- good friends put some serious thought pands the program beyond its original sponsible ignores reality. The reality is into what they developed. They pro- intent.’’ With no changes, it is the cur- that the current program—the program posed about $10 billion in new Chil- rent SCHIP program that has strayed of the last 10 years, sunsetting yester- dren’s Health Insurance Program fund- far from the original intent. I wish to day—is out of control. The present pro- ing. That proposal covered 900,000 addi- remind my colleagues of 1997, passing gram is failing. That is—to empha- tional uninsured children, according to the State Children’s Health Insurance size—the reason for passing the bipar- the Congressional Budget Office, but Program. There is no ‘‘A’’ in SCHIP. It tisan bill that we passed. Because the the Lott-Kyl proposal only received 35 was never meant to cover adults, but present program is not working the votes—barely a third of the Senate. adults are being covered. We want to way it was intended, and with this leg- There are good ideas in the Lott-Kyl get back to the original intent of this islation we corrected a lot of problems proposal. They took a serious look at program being for kids. to turn that around. what populations should be covered by First of all, the current program cov- So the President is about to veto a the SCHIP program, and it doesn’t re- ers kids at incomes far above what was bill that fixes the problems and im- sult in kids losing coverage as the considered low income in 1997. It covers proves the program for the future with- President’s proposals do, as the Presi- parents, and in some States it even out having put a credible alternative dent’s budget does, and that for sure is covers adults who have no kids. Under on the table. We have not heard from going to happen with a veto. But with the bipartisan agreement passed last the President as to what he would do all due respect to my friends, 35 votes week, this program will return to its about the SCHIP program except he is hardly a ringing success. roots: covering kids, covering low-in- So how much funding is really needed wanted to save it and expand it. come kids. Even though the adminis- to keep the program afloat? Well, the The current program does not have tration approved of States covering Congressional Budget Office says $24 adequate funding just to keep running childless adults—now, I want to em- billion of additional funding is needed with no changes. Under current law, phasize that: This administration ap- to provide States with funding so that the current program is authorized to proved the States covering childless States can operate their programs as spend $25 billion over the next 5 years. adults. Under our bill, childless adults intended. That means $24 billion is That is the baseline amount. But the will be phased completely out of the needed to make sure there are no fund- Congressional Budget Office says the program. This is a responsible thing for ing shortfalls, and $24 billion is needed $25 billion baseline amount will not Congress to do. This is one of the rea- just to fill the hole in the baseline and fully fund the program. So the Presi- sons the President should sign the bill, cover the kids whom States would like dent says he wants to keep the pro- because the present policies are irre- to cover if they had sufficient funding. gram going. You cannot do it the way sponsible. it is funded right now. The compromise agreement provides Even though the administration ap- Now, what does the Congressional that level of funding and then goes an proved of States covering parents, Budget Office say? It says that without additional step by offering States in- under our bill States will no longer be more funding, 840,000 kids would lose centives to cover more low-income able to get enhanced Federal funding coverage. Without changes, as many as kids, meaning kids and families under for covering parents. Even though the 22 States will not have any funding to 200 percent of poverty. Now, that is the administration approved of States cov- run the program next year, and Iowa is goal of reauthorization—to cover more ering childless adults, under our bill one of those States—my home State. low-income kids. States will only be able to cover higher Senator HARKIN is on the floor; he The bill we passed last week makes income kids if they demonstrate they would agree with that, I am sure. other important improvements to the Anyway, the President never said he program. Those improvements include have covered their lowest income kids wanted this program to lose kids, but better dental benefits, improves men- first. the Congressional Budget Office says, tal health coverage, with an outreach The agreement passed last week cre- doing what we are doing now, 840,000 program to get the word out to kids for ates new financial incentives to dis- kids would lose coverage. So keeping the kids to enroll. A bipartisan com- courage States from spending a penny the current level of funding is not re- promise is a responsible approach to to cover anyone other than low-income sponsible, but if the President vetoes funding the program and returning it children. All the financial incentives in that bill, that is what we are doing. Of to its original intent—covering lower the agreement are entirely focused on course, to the President, ignoring that income kids—and not covering more low-income children and, let me em- fact is ignoring reality. adults in 3 of our 50 States than our phasize, families of under 200 percent of Let’s look at what the President pro- kids are being covered in those States. poverty. posed. The President proposed a $5 bil- Now let me shift gears and talk The administration has done nothing lion increase in funding in his budget, about the alternative to authorizing to turn around this irresponsible pro- but that is also insufficient funding. the program. The alternative to a reau- gram which is now on the books. In According to the Congressional Budget thorization of SCHIP is a simple exten- fact, they have made it worse. Yet they Office, the President’s proposal would sion of current law, and calling for a have the audacity to call our bill irre- cause 840,000 children to lose coverage. simple extension of the current pro- sponsible. Those who say our bill is ir- That is right. The President’s proposed gram without addressing the many responsible clearly haven’t read the $5 billion of new funding, without doing problems it has—and I just suggested bill. This bipartisan compromise pro- anything to get more kids covered, I one: 3 States out of 50 cover more vides coverage for more than 3 million think is hardly the responsible thing to adults in the children’s program than low-income children who don’t have do. they cover children. Now, if you want coverage today. The proposal put forward by Senator to talk about the word ‘‘responsible’’ If this bill is vetoed and if at the end LOTT and Senator KYL that we voted and whether Congress is responsible in of the day all we do is simply extend on 2 months ago—now maybe 3 months this bill, I would say anybody who the program that has now been on the ago; I guess it was in July we voted on wants to leave the program the way it books for 10 years, what will we have it—was an alternative to the bipartisan is—and that is what is going to happen accomplished? Will adults be gone from product we eventually passed. The pro- with a veto—that is an irresponsible the program? No. Will States have a posal by Senators LOTT and KYL de- position to take, to keep a program disincentive to cover parents? No. Will voted twice as much funding as what going that is covering adults in a chil- States be encouraged to cover low-in- the President did. To me, that is rec- dren’s program. We want to cover kids, come kids before higher income kids? ognition enough that the President’s low-income kids. So the SCHIP pro- No. Will the funding formula be fixed

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12347 so that States are not constantly chal- Earlier this morning, Sheriff Harry They always wanted to see and talk lenged by funding shortfalls? No. Fi- Lee of Jefferson Parish passed away with Harry Lee. nally, will we have done anything to after a battle with leukemia. As my Like all of us in public life, his ten- cover kids out there who are not cov- colleagues know, I come from a place ure was not without controversy, but ered today? The answer is no. No, no, of rich political heritage, colorful char- he was fiercely loyal to his deputies. no, no. Is that responsible? No. It is acters, and of amazing and fantastic There are thousands of deputies, cur- continuing current law. Let me empha- stories at times about our political fig- rent and former, who are mourning his size, it is a continuation of the current ures. Among the most colorful, though, passing today. law that is the irresponsible thing to was Sheriff Harry Lee, who stood out Looking back on a life like this, you do. The program is broken as evidenced and stood tall for so many years. He can only think that his father and in just one way: the 3 out of 50 States served the people of Jefferson Parish mother, Bing Yip Lee, who have long covering more adults than kids, in since 1979 as their sheriff, but he start- passed away, must have looked down some instances covering adults who ed life in Louisiana in a much more and smiled on their son’s accomplish- don’t have any kids. humble way. ments. The loss of this singular figure in The program has strayed. It needs Harry was born in the back room of a Louisiana politics is not only a loss to fixing. In fact, the bipartisan agree- Chinese laundry in downtown New Or- Jefferson Parish and to the State of ment follows the path laid down by the leans to immigrant parents, Bing and Louisiana, but it is a loss to this great Yip Lee, who instilled in him a strong President himself. I have said this re- country that we all try our best to and very determined spirit that would peatedly. The President made a prom- serve. ise at the Republican Convention in serve him well and serve all of us well I want to extend my heartfelt condo- New York: for the rest of his life. lences to the Lee family, to the depu- We will lead an aggressive effort to enroll After a promising educational start ties, to the law enforcement officials of millions of poor children who are eligible but at Francis T. Nicholls, where he served Jefferson Parish in our State who are not signed up for the government’s health in- as both senior class president and stu- mourning this loss today. I hope we surance programs. dent body president, Harry went on to will all take some solace from the fact President Bush said that. An exten- college at Louisiana State University that they are being joined by so many sion of current law will not do that. He in Baton Rouge. He joined the ROTC mourners who recognize and appreciate may not want to hear this quote again Program there and was recognized a life well lived. and again, but until he honors the com- early on as an outstanding cadet. He In closing, a not-so-secret hobby of mitment he made in that speech by didn’t stop there, though. His next step Harry’s was singing. I cannot say he making a proposal to cover more low- was to serve the country in the Air would have ever made records, but he income kids, I intend to keep repeating Force during the height of the Cold tried and he sang with great zest. At it. War. He served in the famous Strategic many jazz fests, he would be tempted The President can keep his commit- Command. His Air Force career led him to the stage by his friend Willie Nelson. ment by signing the bill we passed last to make a great decision in life, and They would often sing together. His fa- week. But if he is going to veto it, he that was to marry Lai Beet Woo, his vorite song was ‘‘Welcome to My owes those of us who tried to keep his wife of 40 years. World.’’ I would like to say to Harry commitment with our bill a sense of When Harry returned to Louisiana, today: Thank you for welcoming us to what serious policies Congress can he took over the family restaurant and your world, Sheriff Lee. You served us adopt to cover more kids. convinced his father to allow him to well, and you will be missed. I yield the floor. attend law school. He excelled and be- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- came the first Federal magistrate for pore. The Senator from Iowa is recog- pore. The Senator from Louisiana is the Eastern District of Louisiana. He nized. recognized. soon then, through many political con- f Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I ask tacts and his great spirit and gregar- ORDER OF PROCEDURE unanimous consent to speak in morn- ious nature and classwork, became par- ing business for 2 minutes to pay trib- ish attorney for Jefferson Parish. Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask ute to a great Louisianan who passed Then, in 1975 and shortly thereafter, unanimous consent that at the closing away. he was elected sheriff, a post he held of my remarks, the Senator from Mon- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- for more than two decades, and he be- tana, Mr. TESTER, be recognized. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- pore. The Senator has that right. We came a household name in Louisiana. pore. Without objection, it is so or- are in morning business. This story has probably been tracked dered. by others, but for Harry Lee, who Ms. LANDRIEU. And that Senator Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, how comes from a Chinese-American back- HARKIN would follow me for 15 minutes. much time do I have? The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ground, at the time he was elected The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- pore. Without objection, it is so or- sheriff I think he was the highest rank- pore. Under the previous order, the dered. ing Chinese official and the only Chi- Senator has 15 minutes. The majority Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, first nese-American sheriff in the country. side has 22 minutes 40 seconds remain- let me associate myself with the re- He was always extremely proud of that, ing. marks of the Senator from Iowa who proud of his heritage, always remind- f just spoke so eloquently, strongly, and ing us of that singular accomplish- forcefully about the need for our chil- ment. GUARD AND RESERVE FAMILIES dren’s health program in the country. I After being a larger-than-life force in AMENDMENT will be speaking later on that subject the realm of criminal justice for over Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I thank throughout the week as we all battle to 30 years, as I said this morning, he fi- my colleagues for accepting my amend- get a better plan to cover more chil- nally lost his own battle with leu- ment to support the families of those dren at such a critical time now in that kemia. He had fought and won many National Guard and Reserve individ- debate. battles on the streets in Jefferson Par- uals serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. I f ish, in the courtrooms, and also in the thank Senator LEVIN and Senator court of public opinion. MCCAIN for their support and assist- TRIBUTE TO HARRY LEE Harry Lee’s success says something ance in including it as part of the Na- Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I important about our country—the son tional Defense Authorization Act, on come to the floor today to speak just of immigrants who goes on to not only which we will be voting on final pas- very briefly about a loss Louisiana has serve his parish, his city, his region, sage later today. suffered—and, in many ways, the Na- but went on to befriend Presidents, Re- This is a new era for our National tion—of a great political leader, a publicans and Democrats, being the go- Guard and Reserves. They are shoul- great political figure, and a friend to to person when people of great political dering a huge share of the combat bur- many. distinction would come to our State. den in Iraq and Afghanistan, plus a

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12348 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 stepped-up role here in homeland secu- serving as part of the longest contin- lies—and I might point out, even those rity. It speaks volumes that more than uous deployment of the Iraq war, who disagree with President Bush and four times as many Guard members spending nearly 2 years in active duty Vice President CHENEY. They can dis- have been killed in Iraq as during the and 17 months in Iraq. agree and this amendment will still entire Vietnam war. Senator GRASSLEY and I passed a res- apply to them. I feel obliged to say this With many Guard and Reserve mem- olution earlier honoring the service because a prominent conservative lead- bers on their third or even fourth de- and sacrifices made by these brave sol- er, Rush Limbaugh, of radio infamy, ployment, and with some deployments diers and their families. But there is said men and women in uniform over in being stretched to at least 16 months, more we can do. Of course, I am work- Iraq who oppose the war are ‘‘phony the stresses on their families are acute. ing with my colleagues on this side of soldiers,’’ and are presumably unwor- Their children are at greater risk for the aisle, and others, to begin the long, thy of the American people’s support. depression, behavioral disorders, and overdue process of redeploying our Earlier today, I was here and I heard academic problems. Long family sepa- troops out of the civil war in Iraq. I Senator REID, our majority leader, rations often result in financial dif- hope we can make real progress on this speak about this. This statement is ficulties and troubled marriages. in the coming weeks. outrageous and despicable. Our men Earlier this year, I introduced the Until we are able to accomplish that, and women in uniform in Iraq have Coming Together for National Guard we must do everything we can to make made extraordinary sacrifices. 3,800 and Reserve Families Act, which is the sure the loved ones and family mem- have been killed and nearly 28,000 have heart of this amendment. That amend- bers of our deployed soldiers receive been wounded, many with amputations ment was accepted by the majority and the support they need and deserve. and brain injuries they will live with the minority. The amendment does a These families, many of whom are for the rest of their lives. Our troops number of things: It strengthens the just starting their lives together, are live in constant danger. Meanwhile, family assistance program to ensure dealing with tremendous stress. They their families at home have had to cope there are adequate resources for Guard include many small children who have with repeated separations and with the and Reserve families throughout the grown up while their mothers or fa- constant dread of bad news from Iraq. deployment cycle. It provides special thers were away. The very thought of Rush Limbaugh attention for the children of deployed Mr. President, this is a quiet crisis sitting in his air-conditioned broadcast servicemembers, who often react to pa- that we don’t read about in the morn- studio and ranting about ‘‘phony sol- rental separation with acting-out be- ing newspaper, but it is a crisis none- diers’’ in Iraq who dare to speak their haviors, anxiety, and depression. Fi- theless. This amendment addresses mind is just shameful. Perhaps in Mr. nally, the amendment ensures that that crisis by strengthening family as- Limbaugh’s case the correct word is Guard and Reserve families receive ap- sistance programs and doing outreach ‘‘shameless.’’ propriately timed information about to parents and professionals who serve I realize he and some other extrem- the psychological symptoms that can children—including mental health ists on the right hold the view that you appear long after coming home—such counselors and teachers—to alert them are either with us or you are against as anger, depression, alcohol abuse, or to the special needs of kids in military us; you are either a good American or post-traumatic stress disorder—to help families, especially those with a parent a bad American, depending upon them take advantage of the services in a war zone. whether you agree with the conserv- and support they may need. This amendment also ensures that ative Republican line. But that is not Shortly after introducing the bill, I families receive support after soldiers the way most Americans think. We re- received a letter from the fiance´ of an come home. The amendment ensures spect disagreement. We value dissent. Iowa Guard member deployed in Iraq. that families receive mental health in- We don’t resort to name-calling when It was one of many letters I received. I formation for up to 6 months post de- our fellow Americans—especially those cannot read them all. I thought this ployment so they can have access to in uniform—express a differing point of portion of it summed it up: the services and support they need. view. I received a letter from you today about Again, why is the amendment nec- For the record, by labeling as ‘‘phony the S. 902 bill that would help National essary? It became clear, after visiting soldiers’’ those who disagree with the Guard families, and I just wanted to say with families of these National Guard war or the President’s comments, that thank you. I cried when I first read this; for troops and reservists who were over- denigrates many thousands of our the first time in 2 years I feel like someone seas in Iraq that we have one set of heard me. I hope this bill is passed and car- Armed Forces serving in Iraq. Listen to ried out. My fiance´ is in Iraq with the 133rd family services and intervention and this. A December 2006 poll conducted Infantry of the Iowa National Guard. He was support for families of regular military by the Military Times found that fully due home in March but now will be there personnel in the Army, Marines, Navy, 42 percent of servicemembers dis- until August. To say the least, I was dev- and Air Force, but don’t have the same approved of President Bush’s handling astated when I heard that he was extended, support services for National Guard of the war, while just 35 percent sup- and honestly believe that it is such a terrible and Reserves. Many times in our small ported it. thing. Since he has been extended, many of towns and communities you have one In other words, our men and women his friends in the unit have tried to commit or two families who have a husband or in uniform are not much different from suicide and even more are deeply depressed. More times than not, I hear him saying how a father overseas in the National Guard the rest of the American people, the he wishes he could just have his life back. for an extended time, but those fami- majority of whom also disagree with And I ask that you keep fighting for this be- lies don’t get the same support and Mr. Bush’s conduct of the war. Frank- cause our soldiers’ lives are hanging in the services as a family with a loved one in ly, it increases my respect for those balance. My soldier and I will have to deal the regular Armed Forces, either soldiers’ professionalism and sense of with the long-term consequences of his being throughout the deployment or when duty. They disagree with their Com- in a war zone for so long for the rest of our the soldier returns. Perhaps this made mander in Chief, but they continue to lives, and we have to stop this before our sense in the past. But the line between perform their jobs with enormous cour- children and grandchildren have to deal with this as well. . . . I am proud to live in the the Reserves and National Guard and age, confidence, and commitment. United States of America. However, my the regular forces has become very That is cause for admiration and fiance´ has done his part; he has protected blurred with the war in Iraq. So we see praise, not name-calling and denigra- this country for 22 months and he has been the National Guard carrying out what tion. away from my side for that long. Let him normally would have been done by the I must add, as a veteran, I find it of- come home, give us our lives back. Active-Duty military. That is why this fensive that Rush Limbaugh, who Mr. President, one happy result is amendment, providing Guard and Re- never put on the uniform of this coun- that the brave men and women of the serve families with this support, is so try, would attack the patriotism or 1st Battalion of the 133rd Infantry of important. dedication of any soldier fighting in the Iowa National Guard—the same On a final note, the benefits of this Iraq. I have often said about someone soldiers who inspired this amend- amendment will apply to all Guard and like that, before they drape themselves ment—returned home in July after Reserve troops, as well as their fami- in the flag of this country, they ought

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12349 to put on the uniform first to defend it. Joe is a veteran of World War II. In mitted to speak as in morning business In Limbaugh’s case, he would not do fact, he is believed to be the oldest liv- for 10 minutes. that. ing Purple Heart recipient in the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Well, I also find it disturbing that his United States, and he is one of the pore. Without objection, it is so or- offensive comments have not been con- brave men who answered the call of dered. demned by our Republican colleagues, their country and who helped the f or by the Commander in Chief, all of ‘‘greatest generation’’ earn that title. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS whom were so quick to condemn a Joe was injured three times during MONTH similar personal attack on General his stint in the Army, where he served Petraeus several weeks ago. in both Africa and Italy, in the cam- Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, The Boxer-Levin-Durbin Amendment paigns of 1943 and 1944. He earned three today marks the beginning of domestic to the Defense authorization bill said Purple Hearts fighting in Casablanca, violence month, and it marks a time the Senate ‘‘strongly condemns all at- on the island of Sicily, and in Italy. when we look at the progress we have tacks on the honor, integrity, and pa- But it was his last wound by a German made in this area and what challenges triotism of any individual who is serv- artillery shell during the fierce fight- remain. ing in the Armed Services.’’ I just ing at Anzio, Italy, that earned him a As a former prosecutor, I am well point out that all but two Republican free ticket back home. aware of the tragedies we see every day in this country from domestic violence. Senators voted against this amend- The way Joe tells the story, after he But it is also a time in our State where ment. Will any one of them stand up was wounded in Anzio, he was put on a we look back at the lives of Paul and and be brave enough to take on Rush ship and sent home, but he doesn’t re- Sheila Wellstone, who devoted their Limbaugh? Will anybody on that side member the trip. He woke up in Vir- time, their passion, and their energy to of the aisle take on Rush Limbaugh for ginia. After a while, he was shipped to doing something about a problem that this statement? We have not heard Denver, where he recovered in a hos- so often is overlooked or about which anything yet, but I hope they do. pital. Then he was shipped to Oregon and finally to Santa Barbara. people do not want to talk. The silence from President Bush and This is, in fact, a few weeks on the the Republican leadership is simply When he finally got back on his feet, he kept on serving his country by car- calendar before their tragic death in a deafening. Is this because they agree plane crash. Today we are going to wel- with Mr. Limbaugh, or they don’t want ing for German prisoners of war in Utah, where he remained until the war come their son, David Wellstone, to the to risk angering such a prominent con- Capitol, and there will be a quilt dis- servative by taking him to task. was over. Following the war, Joe returned to played in the Russell rotunda, a quilt Mr. President, in August, seven sol- made by women and children from 13 diers published an op-ed in the New Red Lodge, MT. Disabled from his war wounds, he was unable to get a job. He different domestic violence centers York Times criticizing the current across this country. strategy in Iraq. Tragically, two of made a drawing for a homestead in Powell, WY, but was told he was too At the event today, we are going to those soldiers were subsequently killed have in Paul and Sheila’s honor—we in action, making the ultimate sac- sick to have it. However, with help from his brothers and a bank loan, he are not just going to look back on all rifice for their country. they accomplished and stood for, but I only can assume by Mr. Limbaugh’s got into farming and ranching. On December 19, Joe Papez will turn we are also going to look ahead to the definition that they, too, were phony 100 years old or, should I say, 100 years work we all must do to carry their leg- soldiers. What is most despicable, Rush young. He will turn 100 in the same acy forward, especially that commit- Limbaugh says these provocative town in which he has lived for nearly ment they had to ending domestic vio- things to make more money. So he cas- his entire life. Although he was born in lence. tigates our soldiers. This makes more Franklin, KS, the State of Montana is It is hard to believe it has already news. It becomes the news, more people proud to claim Joe as one of our own. been nearly 5 years since we lost Paul tune in, he makes more money. Joe’s family moved to Red Lodge and Sheila. It feels both so long ago I don’t know, maybe he was high on when he was a year old. Residents of and yet not that long ago. But we know his drugs again. I don’t know if he was Red Lodge know he is a fixture in the their dreams and passions remain alive or not. If so, he ought to let us know. town’s Memorial Day parade, he is a in each one of us, and that is why we That shouldn’t be an excuse. regular in the Fourth of July parade, are gathering tonight. I wish to make it clear that I respect For me, I get my own special re- and even at his age, he marches in Mr. Limbaugh’s right to say whatever minder of Paul Wellstone every day. these parades to remember his brothers he wants, but we also have a right. We His family gave me the flags that hung in arms with whom he served. And they have a right not to listen to him. in his office. I am also reminded every will always remember him. Fittingly, So I think the best thing to do for day by ordinary people in the Capitol the Billings chapter of the Military him is to tune him out, tune out Rush when I say I am from Minnesota—the Order of the Purple Heart is named for Limbaugh and listen to more respon- tram drivers in the basement or the po- Joe Papez. lice officers or the secretaries in Sen- sible talk show hosts in this country. Joe is spry and healthy and said he ate offices who, when you say you are I think that it is time, again, for us would serve his country again if he a Senator from Minnesota, they re- to stand up for our troops, as we have, could. Joe Papez has served his country member Paul, and they remember how I think, in the past, to give them every and his community, and he has done it well he treated people and the dignity bit of support and give their families very well. support. That is what my amendment So today we give thanks to him and with which he treated people every does. I am pleased this amendment has Dorreen, and we pray for more folks day. Above all, I keep in mind, in front of been included in the National Defense just like Joe. Authorization Act, because it is an im- I yield the floor. I suggest the ab- my mind, the fundamental values for portant step toward ensuring that our sence of a quorum. which he fought and struggled—being a National Guard and Reserve families The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- voice to the voiceless, bringing power receive the kind of support the families pore. The clerk will call the roll. to the powerless, bringing justice to of our regular forces also receive. The bill clerk proceeded to call the those who suffered injustice and above I yield the floor. roll. all, bringing hope to all of us that we The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I can change the world and make it a pore. The Senator from Montana. ask unanimous consent that the order better place. f for the quorum call be rescinded. There is no better way to honor The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Sheila’s groundbreaking work in do- TRIBUTE TO JOE PAPEZ pore. Without objection, it is so or- mestic violence than to mark the be- Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I rise to dered. ginning of Domestic Violence Aware- pay tribute and thanks to Joe Papez, Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I ness Month with that quilt hanging in Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army retired. ask unanimous consent that I be per- the Capitol.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12350 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 I had the honor and opportunity to Appalachia. I talked about my family Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I un- work with Sheila on many occasions on the Iron Range with the Slovenian derstand that later in the afternoon when I was Hennepin County attorney. roots. As the event was winding down, there will be probably two votes, one She was instrumental in creating and in walked Paul. He wasn’t supposed to on the Mikulski-Kennedy amendment funding the Hennepin County Domestic be there. He was supposed to be in and probably a vote on final passage; Abuse Service Center. Hennepin Coun- Washington. It was 3 weeks before this am I correct? ty has about 1.1 million people, and major election, and he was in this little The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- this center is a landmark center across room, with no reporters and no cam- pore. The amendments that are now the country. It is a single place where eras, to greet these new citizens. scheduled for a vote are the substitute women and their children can come. I always knew he was there for two amendment and final passage. There is a play area for the kids. There reasons. One, he was there because he Mr. KENNEDY. Well, Mr. President, are prosecutors there. There are police loved his wife and he wanted to be parliamentary inquiry: I was under the there. It is one place where they can there to surprise her and support her. impression we had a vote agreed upon. get through the redtape and come to But he was also there that night be- Mr. President, I understand there has get help. The center is an international cause he truly embraced that immi- been an agreement with the leadership model for serving victims of domestic grant tradition. He embraced the idea that we will dispose of this amendment violence. that a person could come to this coun- at the hour of 5:30. In any event, is the Sheila and I shared a particular con- try, an incredible journey to freedom, time divided between now and 5:30? cern for the fate of children who grew with nothing, and they could work The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- up in homes with domestic violence. hard, succeed and send their kids and pore. The time is not divided. There are deeply disturbing statistics their grandkids to college because that Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I de- on children who witness domestic had been what had happened to him sire to talk on the amendment that is abuse in their homes. These kids are and that had been what happened to sponsored by Senator MIKULSKI, my- six times more likely to commit sui- Sheila. self, and a number of others, which is cide. They are 24 times more likely to It was the same thing for Sheila and an amendment to the Defense author- commit sexual assault. They are 60 Paul with victims of domestic violence, ization bill. I see the ranking member times more likely to exhibit delinquent people who had sunk to the lowest in of the committee. If he had other busi- behavior and, most chilling of all, lit- their life, who had no home, who were ness he wanted to deal with, obviously, tle boys who witness domestic violence out on the street, who were out hiding I would withhold. are 100 times more likely to become in a shelter. She worked tirelessly to Mr. President, at the end of last abusers themselves. ensure that victims and their families week, on Thursday evening, there was In my job as a prosecutor, I learned could begin their own journeys to free- an excellent presentation on this issue very quickly that when there is domes- dom, that they could get a fresh start, before the Senate by Senator MIKULSKI. tic violence, there is always a victim, with new opportunities, in a new and I addressed the Senate on Friday on the immediate victim, but it ripples secure environment. this issue, and I am going to take a few through an entire family. We will always miss Paul and Sheila, minutes this afternoon. I remember a case we had in a subur- but thanks to their son David, who is This is an exceedingly important ban area where a man who had been going to be with us here this evening, issue. It relates to the underlying con- abusing his wife killed her. There was a and countless volunteers and friends cept of our national security and our little girl, a little daughter who was from all over the country, they have national defense. In this legislation, we about 4 years old. When he disposed of carried on their legacy and their work. are authorizing some $675 billion, his wife’s body, he brought the daugh- They have carried on their legacy to which is essentially the backbone of ter with him in the back seat. A few change the world and make it a better our defense. What this amendment days later, the grandparents came in and safer place for everyone. deals with is the personnel who will be from Russia. The woman was a Russian Mr. President, I yield the floor. working on the tanks, the planes, and immigrant. They brought the deceased the military hardware which needs to woman’s twin sister, identical twin sis- f be conditioned and updated and im- ter. This little daughter had never seen CONCLUSION OF MORNING proved so it is available and accessible her aunt before. She ran through the BUSINESS to those men and women who are in- volved in defending this country. These airport when she saw her get off the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- are the employees who work primarily plane and she said: Mommy, mommy, pore. Morning business is concluded. mommy. When you hear stories such as in the Defense Department. that story, you remember it is not f There is a phenomenon that has aris- about one victim, it is about an entire NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZA- en that works to discriminate against family. TION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 these excellent workers. They are not Sheila knew those stories, and Sheila only excellent workers but a third of knew those statistics. But even more, The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- them are veterans. A third of them are she knew the names and the faces of pore. Under the previous order, the veterans. These are men and women the real children who witnessed and ex- Senate will resume consideration of who have worn the uniform of our perienced abuse in the home. It made H.R. 1585, which the clerk will report. country and have decided that they her all the more determined to do The bill clerk read as follows: want to continue in public service and something about it because in Amer- A bill (H.R. 1585) to authorize appropria- so, therefore, have brought their skills ica, of all places, kids should be free to tions for fiscal year 2008 for military activi- and their training they have achieved grow up with safety, security, and ties of the Department of Defense, for mili- in the military to give attention to the tary construction, and for defense activities peace of mind. of the Department of Energy, to prescribe Defense Department. This is probably I remember the last time I saw Shei- military personnel strengths for such fiscal the highest percentage of veterans in la. It was 2 weeks before that terrible year, and for other purposes. any undertaking or employment base plane crash. She and I had been asked Pending: we have in this country, because these to speak at a ceremony celebrating the individuals, highly patriotic, highly Nelson of Nebraska (for Levin) amendment new citizenship of Russian immigrants. No. 2011, in the nature of a substitute. motivated, highly skilled, want to con- It wasn’t a campaign event. There were Reid (for Kennedy) amendment No. 3058 (to tinue their service to the country. no cameras, even though it was about 3 amendment No. 2011), to provide for certain Basically, what they are asking is for weeks before one of the biggest elec- public-private competition requirements. an opportunity to continue service tions in the country. It was just new Reid (for Kennedy) amendment No. 3109 (to within the Defense Department, work- citizens and their families. amendment No. 3058), to provide for certain ing on the various challenges and con- We both talked about the immigrant public-private competition requirements. tracts which come before the Defense traditions in our own families. She The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Department. This chart shows that talked about her family growing up in pore. The Senator from Massachusetts. thousands of veterans could lose their

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12351 jobs under the outsourcing rules. That between the workers in the Defense De- mittee. But what has happened is, as is what this amendment is about. We partment and the private sector, but the Appropriations Committee process are going to get fairness in competition let them have an even playing ground. goes along, these provisions expire, and so these workers are treated fairly and Let us exclude the health insurance so we have to come back to them. We the taxpayer is treated fairly, and we and retirement benefits. Let us have have to win them again every time. Be- get the dollar value for the taxes paid, the competition out there and the best cause if they are added on the appro- and the workers will be treated fairly. person win. The best bid wins the con- priations, they do not continue to last Under the current system, the rules tracts. and we have to refight those issues. that have been developed by the admin- Why would we want to continue to Finally, there are what they call istration undermine that sense of fair- drive out these contracts? We can show ‘‘quota provisions,’’ which have been ness for these workers—a third of what has been happening over time to put on by OMB and require a certain whom, as I said, are veterans. That is these workers. We saw in 2004, because amount of quotas in terms of the pri- the issue. Thirty-four percent of the ci- of these new regulations, where Fed- vate contracting, which obviously pro- vilian defense employees are veterans. eral employees lost on 10 percent of vides some unfairness to the workers This amendment ensures that these these bids; in 2005, it went to 30 per- and, secondly, to the public and the 226,620 dedicated Americans who have cent; and the best estimate now is it is taxpayers. served our country will not lose their going all the way up to 78 percent, and These are basically the provisions we jobs because of unfair outsourcing. basically it is about this issue—not have in the legislation. The primary That is what we are talking about—un- completely, but it is fundamentally one we have talked about today has fair outsourcing. about this issue. been on this competition we have had Let me explain how this works. The Now, in the amendment there are for the benefit cost. This is the over- chart probably demonstrates it as well other provisions which I will mention arching issue and question. as it can be demonstrated. This is the very briefly. Provisions of this amend- We are going to have a good national Government here for some particular ment, which have been debated on the debate during the Presidential elec- Defense Department work. You can see floor and acted on in the Senate at tions of 2008 about how we are going to from the green box that the Govern- other times, have also had strong bi- address the problems of cost in this ment can provide a lower rate for the partisan support, and I will mention country on health care. We have gone cost of providing the service, and can those very briefly. from $1.3 trillion to $2.3 trillion in the also do it with higher skills than on At the present time, a private con- last 5 years. We have added $1 trillion the private bid. But the fact that the tractor can appeal an unfair decision if worth of spending in health care and Government employees have health in- there is a belief by the private con- have added 7 million more people who surance or retirement benefits adds an tractor that there is unfairness in are uninsured and there would have additional cost to their proposal, which terms of the decision in the competi- been a great deal more if we didn’t puts them out of competition. So what tion with the Federal workers. They have the CHIP program. we are finding now with these new are entitled to get an appeal. On the We cannot continue that as a nation. rules and regulations is the bids and other hand, if the Federal workers be- We are not going to be able to continue contracts are going to companies that lieve it is an unfair competition, they that. Our companies are not going to are dropping their health care and have no right to do so. They have no be able to; the costs in terms of local dropping their pension programs and right to do so. This restores that right. communities have gotten prohibitive. dropping other security benefits so This represents a very similar provi- These involve real people and real sac- they can come up underneath the Gov- sion that was sponsored by Senator rifices—real important considerations. ernment contract. Essentially, this is a COLLINS in 2004, and Senators CHAM- We are talking about families. We are race to the bottom. BLISS, WARNER, THOMAS, and VOINOVICH talking about, by and large, fairly In a country where we have 47 mil- have also supported appeal rights in treating people who served in the mili- lion Americans who are uninsured, and the past for Federal employees in pre- tary. They had health care when they we are having a major national debate vious appropriations legislation. I am were serving in the military. They about covering children, why are we not speaking for them, but it is an in- could have the health care when they providing more financial incentives to dication that this is an issue that has retired. But the real question is going companies to drop their health insur- been before the Senate at other times to be, now, when they are continuing ance? That is what we are doing. The and there has been bipartisan support to be a part of the whole defense and ones who are losing out are, by and for it. security of this country, whether we large, the ones who have served in the On this point here—can renew a con- are going to treat them with the kind Armed Forces of our country. tract without recompetition—if they of respect they need, understanding This isn’t only on Government bids; have a follow-on contract, they can they have families and they need this this could be a responsible contractor renew that, if it is a private contract. health care coverage. They are glad to and an irresponsible contractor. Maybe With the Federal workers, they do not pay for it and bargain for it. They have a responsible contractor can do it more have that right to do that at the to look down the road in terms of their efficiently even than the Federal Gov- present time. So under the outsourcing security and the security of their fami- ernment, but look how it works. If you provisions, these Federal workers are lies, in terms of pensions in the future. have a responsible contractor who is shortchanged. They are glad to pay for that. But why trying to provide some benefits, lim- The provision regarding the submis- we should be able to effectively cut ited benefits, or good benefits for their sion of the competitive bid that re- them loose at a time of intense com- employees—and that is the combina- quires the Federal workers to follow petition, I don’t know. tion we are talking about, health and procedural and administrative provi- I thank the Senator from Con- retirement; those are the two, retire- sions actually increases the cost of necticut, Mr. LIEBERMAN, who has been ment and health—we are seeing those their bids. Again, at the request of the involved in the different phases. I men- contractors who can provide the serv- employees, all they wish to do is have tioned half a dozen different phases on ices more efficiently and better. None- the same kind of ‘‘most competitive this issue. He has been involved and en- theless, the bid will go to the irrespon- bid’’ they can offer. They would like gaged in these different aspects since sible contractor. So this works against that one to be on the table so we will he has been on that committee. I enjoy responsible contractors and it works get the best in terms of productivity serving with him on the Armed Serv- against veterans working in the De- and skill and also get the best in terms ices Committee. He has been an elo- fense Department. of savings for the taxpayers. But they quent and effective voice and has given What we are saying with this amend- are denied that right. enormous support to this effort. I see ment—and there are other provisions We provided, through the Appropria- him on the floor and thank him for all in the amendment—but what we are tions Committee, those protections. of his help and assistance on this issue. saying is let the competition take Those provisions had been added The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- place. Let the competition take place through the Appropriations Com- pore. The Senator from Connecticut.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12352 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 Mr. LIEBERMAN. I thank my friend tary men and women in uniform into In those tests we want to determine from Massachusetts for his eloquent, harm’s way was quite personal and whether our missile defense capability passionate statement and for his kind strong. In other words, General Pace is will actually succeed in knocking down words. I appreciate it very much. In a there. General Pace has been part of an intercontinental missile. These two short while, I will be adding my own this process. General Pace has seen missiles were launched, the target ve- few words of support for this amend- this Congress and this President au- hicle on a track not unlike what we ment offered by the Senator from Mas- thorize soldiers and send soldiers into would see if, for example, the North sachusetts, the Senator from Mary- harm’s way. He felt a sense of apprecia- Koreans launched an attack. We land, and others—including myself. tion for President Bush, I would say, launched our defensive missile out of I am privileged to be managing the for his willingness to not give lightly California. And they collided and de- bill until the chairman, Senator LEVIN and to be totally supportive of those stroyed one another over the Pacific, arrives. I thought insofar as there are troops once they had been sent in like we planned, a bullet to bullet. Members here on both sides, we would harm’s way. There were no explosives in the ‘‘kill’’ go back and forth. I suggest Senator He said the No. 1 question he is asked vehicle. Just speed, guided by com- SESSIONS, who is here now, go next. I when he goes about with military per- puters and sophisticated guidance sys- will follow him. sonnel: Does Congress still support us? tems, allowed those two to collide and I ask, through the Chair, of my friend I remember not too many months to destroy the incoming missile. from Alabama, how much time he ago, a gentleman right out there The American people have a number would like to speak? caught me. His son was about to go to of questions and misconceptions about Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I Iraq. He told me: Senator, make no missile defense. Some think we already would like 10 minutes. mistake, those soldiers over there and have a complete missile defense system Mr. LIEBERMAN. I ask unanimous in training to go over there are watch- that can knock down incoming mis- consent the Senator from Alabama go ing what you do like a hawk. siles. That is not so. Some think we do Secretary Gates, President Bush, Ad- next for 10 minutes and then I be recog- not have any capability, that this is a miral Mullen were exceedingly com- nized for 7 minutes. bunch of money being spent on pro- plimentary of General Pace. They dis- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- grams that are never going to work. pore. Without objection, it is so or- cussed his bravery as a young lieuten- ant at the battle of Hue in Vietnam. That is absolutely not so. We now have dered. proven the technology. General The Senator from Alabama is recog- They lost quite a number of officers. Obering and his team at the Missile De- nized. He was moved up as a second lieuten- fense Agency have continued to have THE RETIREMENT OF GENERAL PETER PACE ant to be in command of the company they would have to have led. There was success after success. We know we have Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I had the capability to knock down an in- the honor today to be at the retire- a bitter battle and he lost a number of marines. coming missile that threatens the peo- ment ceremony, a few hours ago, for ple of the United States, who knows— the 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs He said he felt a debt to those ma- rines, that he had spent 40 years of his with a nuclear weapon or biological or of Staff of the armed services of the chemical munition contained within it. United States, GEN Peter Pace, and career in the military attempting to This is an important matter for the the installation of the 17th Chairman pay off. Several people made reference to United States that the President can of the Joint Chiefs, ADM Mike Mullen. that. He called those marines he served know. If he is negotiating with some The weather was beautiful, indeed, in with, who lost their lives there, by extreme nation that threatens to at- your State of Virginia at Fort Myer, names at that retirement ceremony. tack us with a missile and tries to use the brass shining in the Sun, the music He indicated he still did not believe he that threat as leverage or bargaining was stirring, and the uniforms of the had paid that debt that he owed those power, he can say: We are not afraid of services in their bright collars gave ap- people who had given their full meas- you. You send a missile off and we will propriate recognition to the passing of ure to our Nation’s defense. But other knock it down. the torch from a Chairman proven to a speakers said he had, and they were new Chairman challenged. We are reaching that point in our ca- most complimentary of him. pability. Intelligence tells us Iran also It is always thus, I suppose. It was a Recently, at a hearing, he was en- thrill to see the commander of the continues to build its systems and pro- couraged—let me say it that way—to duces greater capability. Honor Guard one last time advance and retreat from a statement he had made say: ‘‘General Pace, the Honor Guard of I would say, we need a site in Europe. that reflected his personal moral and I hope we continue to work toward the United States is ready for your in- faith beliefs; but he admirably, I sug- spection.’’ that. We need to maintain steady ap- gest, declined to pander or to retreat propriations and authorizations in this And General Pace did just that, it ap- from what he honestly believed, and he peared with pleasure and satisfaction. Senate to make sure our missile sys- restated his personal values. That is tem that we have committed so many That he is admired within the military the kind of man you want leading us, I cannot be denied. I understand last years to, and so many dollars to, is now suggest. completed, since it has been proven to week they planned a surprise for him Our Nation is in the debt, I think, of be a good investment from the begin- in the Pentagon. He was invited to GEN Peter Pace. He has given tire- ning. come to a meeting for some business, it lessly of himself to support the policies was suggested, and the halls filled with of our country and to make those poli- I thank the Chair for giving me this over 1,200 people who appeared and ap- cies successful. opportunity and note I am excited plauded him for 20 minutes. It was a I say: Well done, good marine, well about this test’s success. I do believe it true expression of the admiration and done. is important for all of us in Congress to affection in which he is held through- Mr. President, on a different subject, note that and make sure about our out the military. Such support is not a I want to take a few minutes to note funding—which I think this year is a surprise for anyone who knows that that on Friday, September 21, the Mis- bit tight. The President took some wonderful man. sile Defense Agency had a highly suc- money down out of missile defense. The He made a number of remarks at his cessful missile defense intercept. A tar- Congress has taken some more. But I retirement or change of command. He get vehicle was launched from Kodiak, believe we have enough funding to keep expressed his admiration for President AK. It went into space. The interceptor this program on track. Bush’s willingness to listen to his ad- missile was launched at Vandenberg I see my colleague, Senator LIEBER- vice the entire time of his tenure. He Air Force Base in California. It was, in- MAN. I note there are few in the Senate made clear President Bush did listen, deed, a realistic test of this capability. who have studied the issue more or and he was a regular briefer of the According to Rick Lehner, the spokes- who have been engaged in it longer President; and General Pace’s admira- man for the Missile Defense Agency, than he. I know he and Senator THAD tion for the President for standing by ‘‘This was a very operationally real- COCHRAN offered the resolution, not his commitments when he sent mili- istic test.’’ long after I came to the Senate, to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12353 deploy a national missile defense sys- loves firsts because when people do and a good one—that has been created tem ‘‘as soon as technologically fea- something for the first time, it talks where Federal employees themselves sible.’’ That was the language, wasn’t about the increasing openness, the re- may bid against those contractors for it, Senator LIEBERMAN? Indeed, we are ality of what we call the American that outsourcing work. What the Ken- now deploying it. We are already de- dream. The one that was greatly com- nedy amendment says is Federal em- ploying the system, and the American mented on was Peter Pace was the first ployees should have the same rights people took comfort last July 4, when marine to become Chairman of the contractors have to appeal outsourcing the North Koreans launched missiles to Joint Chiefs of Staff. That was a his- decisions. Why just have one of the demonstrate their power—they took toric first. The other—perhaps less competitors for the outsourcing have comfort because of you and others, be- commented on but a great story of the right to appeal and the other one fore I even came into the Senate—such America—Pete Pace was the first does not? To me, that is simply a fun- as Senator SHELBY, my colleague from Italian American to be Chairman of the damental issue of fairness. Alabama—who were pioneers moving Joint Chiefs of Staff—yet another ex- The amendment also contains a pro- that forward. We can now take comfort traordinary accomplishment and act of vision to ensure that contractors com- that we do have ability. It means a lot service to our country from its Italian- peting for Department of Defense work for our people and for the safety of American community. do not receive an unfair advantage be- America. Pete Pace served during a difficult cause they offer inferior health or re- I yield the floor. time. He served with honor and integ- tirement benefits to what we are offer- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- rity. He was intensely devoted to the ing to Federal employees. I do not pore. The Senator from Connecticut is men and women who serve all of us, think any Member of this Chamber recognized. and their families. He has maintained would want employees of the Depart- Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I the fighting edge of our military going ment of Defense to be at a disadvan- ask unanimous consent to extend my through a very difficult time, oversaw tage in competing for their jobs be- statement, which I will now offer for 10 two extraordinary victories in Afghani- cause they receive health and retire- minutes instead of 7; to be followed by stan and Iraq and then the post-Sad- ment benefits that we authorize and the Senator from Alabama, Mr. dam war increasingly against al-Qaida ordain from the Federal Government. SHELBY, for 10 minutes; followed by the in Iran and Iraq—very difficult times. This amendment also addresses a Senator from Vermont, Mr. SANDERS, But he leaves office now at a moment concern I have had for quite a long for 10 minutes. when, obviously thanks to the skill and time; that is, it sometimes appears as The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- bravery of the American military, if the Office of Management and Budg- pore. Without objection, it is so or- there are some reasons for encourage- et pushes agencies to meet arbitrary dered. ment in Iraq, good reasons. numerical targets for the outsourcing Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I I thank General Pace, his wife, and of jobs. Decisions on outsourcing extend my time to respond to two his family for their service to America. should be made on a case-by-case basis things my friend from Alabama, Sen- We wish them well in the years ahead. where it makes sense for agencies to ator SESSIONS—one of my two friends AMENDMENT NO. 3058 outsource the jobs as opposed to giving from Alabama, Senator SESSIONS, men- Mr. President, I rise to speak in sup- them a quota of outsourcing and say tioned. port of the amendment offered by Sen- they have to hit that quota. The first is the good news from the ator KENNEDY and Senator MIKULSKI Arbitrary numerical targets, I am Missile Defense Program of the suc- and others, including myself, which cessful test last Friday. We wish we did afraid, take agencies off the path of will be voted on later today. This pursuing other means of cutting costs. not have to spend money building a amendment would bring some com- missile defense, but the truth is that They overtax agencies already strug- monsense reforms to the process by gling to monitor work performed by the number of powers, including a lot which agencies decide whether to of hostile anti-American countries that contractors. I believe they sometimes, outsource Federal jobs to contractors. without cause, undermine the civil have the capacity to fire missiles at us Sometimes, obviously, it makes a lot service, which we ought to be elevating and our allies, carrying both conven- of sense for agencies to turn to con- as it is elevated in so many of the tional weapons and potentially weap- tractors because they are able to per- other industrialized developed democ- ons of mass destruction, is increasing form certain functions more efficiently racies. Those types of numerical tar- and has increased. than the agencies could themselves. gets were prohibited by Congress in the The creation of this program has That is in everybody’s interest, includ- fiscal year 2003 Omnibus appropriations been controversial. The funding of it is ing the taxpayers’. However, in many bill, but the Office of Management and controversial. But I believe, just as cases, experience has shown Federal Budget seems to be continuing to pres- deeply as anyone can believe anything, employees can perform the work just sure agencies to conduct competitions that we will, particularly as we hear as efficiently or more efficiently than between Federal employees and con- the success of the testing, look back on the contractors and deserve the right tractors on a certain number of jobs the investments we have made in this to bid when work is proposed to be each year. That is not right. The program and be very thankful we did it outsourced. Additionally, agencies amendment before us makes clear that because it will protect the security of must ensure that inherently govern- use of such quotas at the Department the United States from attack via a mental work—in other words, work of Defense is impermissible. missile from the enemies that exist to which is intimately related to the pub- our country and to our values. lic interest—is performed by Federal These are all, in my opinion, sen- I wish to just briefly echo what Sen- employees and not by private contrac- sible, modest reforms. They do not and ator SESSIONS said about General Pace, tors. That is why the Government was they are not intended to prohibit the who has just ended his time as Chair- created. outsourcing of Federal jobs, which I man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I put The process for deciding when to support when it makes sense, but, rath- an extensive statement in the RECORD outsource jobs has to be a careful one, er, ensure that the process is objective, last week without being on the floor. I it has to be fair to contractors, and it fair. It essentially puts both parties just say now that this is a good man, a has to be fair to Federal employees. Of here on a level playing field. patriot who has served his country course, it has to be fair, most of all, to The core provisions of this amend- with a tremendous sense of excellence, America’s taxpayers. ment have, in fact, received bipartisan of bravery, of honor, taking on risks The Kennedy amendment provides support in the Senate over the last few and burdens to himself for the defense Federal employees the same right con- years. I hope we can continue that sup- of America. tractors currently possess to appeal port when the amendment comes to the When he was appointed and con- outsourcing decisions. In other words, vote today. firmed as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs when a particular function is proposed I yield the floor. of Staff, there were two pieces of his- for outsourcing, open to bidding by pri- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. DUR- tory, two firsts. We are a country that vate contractors, there is a process— BIN). The Senator from Vermont.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12354 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 AMENDMENT NO. 2905 justment policies laid out by the Yel- gency Hotel and Hospital of Kuwait for a 34- Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I low Ribbon Program in the previously person security team offers a view into the wanted to take this opportunity to say adopted Chambliss amendment to the private-security business world. The con- a few words about an amendment I Defense authorization bill. tract was made public last week by the have offered, No. 2905, that is cospon- House Oversight and Government Reform This is a very strong amendment. I Committee majority staff as part of its re- sored by Senators SUNUNU, KERRY, look forward to having support on both port on Blackwater’s actions related to an HARKIN, and BROWN. This amendment sides of the aisle. If we are serious incident in Fallujah on March 31, 2004, when addresses a problem that is huge, that about addressing the problems of PTSD four members of the company’s security is going to continue to grow in coming and TBI, we have to be aggressive in team were killed in an ambush. years, and is something the Congress outreach. That is what this amend- Understanding the contract’s details re- must address. All across our country, ment does. quires some background: Regency was a sub- veterans of the war in Iraq and Afghan- contractor to another company, ESS Sup- I yield the floor. port Services Worldwide, of Cyprus, that was istan are going to come home with The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who providing food and catering supplies to U.S. what we believe to be very high levels seeks recognition? armed forces in Fallujah and other cities in of post-traumatic stress disorder as Mr. KYL. I suggest the absence of a Iraq. And ESS was a subcontractor to KBR, well as traumatic brain injury. These quorum. a subsidiary of Halliburton, which had the are the signature injuries of the war in The PRESIDING OFFICER. The prime contract with the Defense Depart- Iraq. I worry very much that we are clerk will call the roll. ment. not yet prepared to address this serious The assistant legislative clerk pro- So, Blackwater was a subcontractor to Re- gency, which was a subcontractor to ESS, problem which not only impacts the re- ceeded to call the roll. which was a subcontractor to Halliburton’s turning soldiers, it impacts their f KBR subsidiary, the prime contractor for the wives, their kids, and their commu- (At the request of Mr. REID, the fol- Pentagon—and each company along the way nities. lowing statement was ordered to be was in business to make a profit. Under the contract, Regency was to pay The amendment I have offered would printed in the RECORD.) develop a pilot program for State-based Blackwater $11,082,326 for one year, with a outreach to assist servicemembers and COST OF PRIVATE SECURITY second year option, to put together a 34-per- their families. The concern I have is CONTRACTORS son team that would provide security serv- that those who return home with TBI ∑ ices for the ‘‘movement of ESS’s staff, man- Mr. OBAMA. Mr. President, the re- agement and workforce throughout Kuwait or PTSD are not going to get the care cent incident in which Blackwater USA and Iraq and across country borders includ- they need unless somebody makes con- reportedly killed at least 11 Iraqis and ing the borders of Iraq, Kuwait, Turkey and tact with them and makes them aware wounded several others has prompted a Jordan.’’ of services and help that might be long overdue examination of the role Blackwater’s personnel were to do more available. We can have all of the that private security contractors are than just convoy security. They were also to money we want allocated to addressing playing in Iraq. An article in today’s run command centers in Kuwait and Iraq 24 TBI or PTSD, but unless somebody hours a day, seven days a week, that were to Washington Post titled ‘‘U.S. Pays control all ESS security operations; prepare goes out and brings those people into Steep Price for Private Security in risk assessments; develop security proce- the system, that money is not going to Iraq’’ helps to highlight the exorbitant dures; train ESS personnel in security; and do any good. I worry about that, espe- mark-up that private security contrac- even vet other Iraqi security forces hired by cially for those returning soldiers who tors are reportedly charging the U.S. Regency. are in the National Guard who are not Government. But their main role was to provide part of the active duty, who do not Last week, the Senate accepted an ‘‘tactically sound and fully mission capable have a military infrastructure in front amendment to the Defense Department protective security details, the minimum team size [being] six operators with a min- of them. I worry about soldiers coming authorization bill that I offered that imum of two vehicles to support ESS move- home to small towns in Vermont and will require Federal departments to re- ments.’’ all across this country who suddenly port information to Congress on the Blackwater’s pricing was to be on ‘‘a per find that their world is very different total number of contractors in Iraq and person support basis, not including costs for than the world they left, that they Afghanistan, the companies awarded housing, subsistence, vehicles and large have nightmares, cold sweats, panic at- these contracts, and the cost of the equipment items,’’ according to the con- tacks when they go through a tunnel, contracts. The provisions of the tract. The team would be made up of two and they don’t know how to address senior managers, 12 middle managers and 20 amendment are drawn from the Trans- operators. those very serious symptoms of post- parency and Accountability in Military Regency was to provide Blackwater per- traumatic stress disorder. and Security Contracting Act, S. 674, sonnel with housing and necessities, includ- What this amendment does uniquely that I introduced in February. ing meals, as well as office space and admin- is create an outreach effort by which The American people have a right to istrative support. In addition, Regency trained personnel from the National know how their tax dollars are being would provide basic equipment, including ve- Guard or elsewhere are literally going spent in Iraq and the role that security hicles and heavy weapons, while Blackwater to knock on doors and chat with the contractors are playing in that con- was responsible for purchasing individual individual returning soldier and his or weapons and ammunition. flict. We need to make sure that secu- According to data provided to the House her family and get a sense of what is rity contractors in Iraq are subject to panel, the average per-day pay to personnel going on in the family, letting those adequate and transparent oversight Blackwater hired was $600. According to the veterans understand that what they and that their actions do not have a schedule of rates, supplies and services at- are experiencing is something being ex- negative impact on our efforts to bring tached to the contract, Blackwater charged perienced by tens of thousands of other the war in Iraq to a responsible end. Regency $1,075 a day for senior managers, $945 a day for middle managers and $815 a soldiers, and there is nothing to be I ask to have printed in the RECORD ashamed of about the kinds of prob- day for operators. the text of the article from the Wash- Acording to data provided to the House lems that individual is having. ington Post. panel, Regency charged ESS an average of The essence of this program is its na- The article follows. $1,100 a day for the same people. How the ture as an outreach effort, not to sit [From the Washington Post, Oct. 1, 2007] Blackwater and Regency security charges back but to aggressively go out, knock were passed on by ESS to Halliburton’s KBR U.S. PAYS STEEP PRICE FOR PRIVATE on doors, have dialog, and bring people cannot easily be determined since the cater- SECURITY IN IRAQ into the system which might be able to ing company was paid on a per-meal basis, (By Walter Pincus) help them. with security being a percentage of that This amendment is supported by the It costs the U.S. government a lot more to charge. National Guard Association of the hire contract employees as security guards Halliburton’s KBR blended its security in Iraq than to use American troops. costs into the blanket costs passed on to the United States. They have pointed out It comes down to the simple business equa- Defense Department. that this amendment, with its unique tion of every transaction requiring a profit. How much more these costs are compared emphasis on outreach, is a perfect com- The contract that Blackwater Security with the pay of U.S. troops is easier to deter- pliment to the reintegration and read- Consulting signed in March 2004 with Re- mine.

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Petraeus, the top U.S. us of an experienced Federal workforce We can and should have a discussion commander in Baghdad overseeing more and the institutional memory that are about the proper role of Government, than 160,000 U.S. troops, makes roughly essential for the Government to func- and we should try to make the Govern- $180,000 a year, or about $493 a day. That tion effectively, especially in a crisis. ment as efficient as possible. What we comes out to less than half the fee charged We don’t need each new contractor to shouldn’t do is carve it up and by Blackwater for its senior manager of a 34- start from scratch reinventing the outsource its essential functions willy- ∑ man security team. wheel when old problems arise. nilly to politically favored contractors. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, when it At a minimum, Federal employees There is money at stake but much comes to running the Federal Govern- should be allowed to compete with pri- more too. The Kennedy-Mikulski ment and its workforce, the Bush ad- vate contractors on an equal footing, amendment is a proper way to proceed ministration is driven too much by ide- which is where the Kennedy-Mikulski with regard to public-private competi- ology and not enough by common amendment comes in. tions, and I urge my colleagues to sup- sense. In its quest to scuttle a civil Currently, the contracting rules as port it. service system that has served us well spelled out in OMB Circular A–76 are Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I ask during peace time and war, the admin- overwhelmingly weighed in favor of unanimous consent that the order for istration has embarked on an unprece- contractors and against Federal em- the quorum call be rescinded. dented campaign to privatize what ployees. This amendment will correct The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without most would agree are ‘‘inherently gov- inequities in the public-private com- objection, it is so ordered. ernmental’’ functions. petitive process at the Department of AMENDMENTS NOS. 2937, AS MODIFIED; 3028; 3099, The Office of Management and Budg- Defense, DOD, to ensure that hard- AS MODIFIED; 3102; 2264, AS MODIFIED; 2953, AS et, OMB, has spearheaded privatiza- working civilian defense employees are MODIFIED; 3005, AS MODIFIED; 2957, AS MODI- tion, claiming it can save taxpayers not unfairly deprived of their jobs. It FIED; 3103, AS MODIFIED; 3107; 3082, AS MODI- money. One example: relinquishing tax will also provide basic protection from FIED; 2325, AS MODIFIED; 2897, AS MODIFIED; collection to private contractors. In unfair competition for other Federal 2068, AS MODIFIED; 3112; 3032, AS MODIFIED; 2905, AS MODIFIED; AND 3027, AS MODIFIED, TO May 2007, OMB claimed that con- employees at other agencies. AMENDMENT NO. 2011, EN-BLOC tracting out Internal Revenue Service, The amendment excludes the costs of Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I send a IRS, debt collection to private contrac- health and retirement benefits from series of 18 amendments to the desk tors resulted in saving $35 million in bids in public-private competitions, so which have been cleared by myself and fiscal year 2006. OMB failed to mention contractors are not rewarded for pro- the now acting ranking member, Sen- that the contractor had missed several viding bad benefits or even no benefits ator WARNER, and ask unanimous con- deadlines imposed under the contract, at all. Contractors currently have an sent that the Senate consider those leaving IRS employees to perform the incentive to shortchange their employ- amendments en bloc, the amendments bulk of the work. Another concern ees’ benefits to gain an unfair advan- be agreed to, the motions to reconsider about that particular contract: our tage in bidding for Government work. be laid upon the table, and that any Government is turning over sensitive The amendment would eliminate this statements relating to any specific and private financial information en- incentive. trusted to it by its citizens and placing The amendment prohibits the use of amendment be printed in the RECORD. that information in the hands of pri- ‘‘privatization quotas.’’ It is unlawful The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there vate debt collectors with grave poten- for OMB to set quotas for the amount objection? tial for abuse. of work that agencies should outsource Mr. WARNER. No objection. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without An article from the February 3, 2007, away from the Federal workforce, but objection, it is so ordered. New York Times neatly summarizes there is substantial evidence that the The amendments were agreed to, as the situation: ‘‘Without a public debate administration has a de facto quota follows: or formal policy decision, contractors system. The amendment would protect have become a virtual fourth branch of agencies’ independent decisionmaking AMENDMENT NO. 2937, AS MODIFIED government. On the rise for decades, by requiring that any decision to con- At the end of title II, add the following: spending on federal contracts has duct a public-private competition be SEC. 256. COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED soared during the Bush Administra- FUNDING REDUCTION FOR HIGH EN- wholly independent of OMB. ERGY LASER SYSTEMS TEST FACIL- tion, to about $400 billion last year The amendment allows Federal em- ITY. from $207 billion in 2000, fueled by the ployees the same appeal rights as con- (a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 90 war in Iraq, domestic security and Hur- tractors. When Federal employees win days after the date of the enactment of this ricane Katrina, but also by a philos- a privatization review, contractors can Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to ophy that encourages outsourcing al- have the agency’s decision reviewed by the congressional defense committees a re- most everything government does.’’ independent third parties, by appealing port containing a cost-benefit analysis of the This unofficial branch of Government proposed reduction in Army research, devel- to the Government Accountability Of- opment, test, and evaluation funding for the is not subject to the same checks and fice, GAO, or the Court of Federal High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility. balances of accountability found in the Claims. Federal employees currently (b) EVALUATION OF IMPACT ON OTHER MILI- civil service system. have no such appeal rights. TARY DEPARTMENTS.—The report required The true cost of the executive The amendment requires DOD to under subsection (a) shall include an evalua- branch’s decision to privatize is the issue long overdue guidance on out- tion of the impact of the proposed reduction countless number of dedicated and sourcing Federal jobs. These guidelines in funding on each Department of Defense highly trained Federal workers who were due in January, but DOD has organization or activity that utilizes the will seek employment elsewhere rather failed to act. The amendment requires High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility. than face the uncertainty of working DOD to issue this guidance. AMENDMENT NO. 3028 in an environment that is subject to Finally, the amendment provides a (Purpose: To allow additional types of vehi- the political whims of an administra- fair opportunity to renew contracts cles to be used to meet minimum Federal tion that pursues ideology over com- won by Federal employees. Currently, fleet requirements) mon sense and sound business policies. DOD requires managers to ‘‘re-com- At the end of subtitle E of title X, add the Even worse, such a hostile atmosphere pete’’ contracts that are won by Fed- following: will deter highly skilled candidates eral employees at the end of each con- SEC. 1070. DEFINITION OF ALTERNATIVE FUELED VEHICLE. from ever considering public service, tract term, rather than extending the Section 301(3) of the Energy Policy Act of thereby depriving the public sector of contract. But the same managers have 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13211(3)) is amended— the best and brightest who would oth- discretion to extend contracts for jobs (1) by striking ‘‘(3) the term’’ and inserting erwise seek careers in public service. that are awarded to private contrac- the following:

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‘‘(3) ALTERNATIVE FUELED VEHICLE.— (2) by striking subsection (g) and inserting other than the Retirement Home, of such ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term’’; and the following new subsection (g): acute medical, mental health, and dental (2) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(g) ACCREDITATION.—The Chief Operating care as such resident may require that is not ‘‘(B) INCLUSIONS.—The term ‘alternative Officer shall secure and maintain accredita- available at the applicable facility of the Re- fueled vehicle’ includes— tion by a nationally recognized civilian ac- tirement Home. ‘‘(i) a new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle crediting organization for each aspect of ‘‘(2) Ensure compliance by the facilities of (as defined in section 30B(b)(3) of the Inter- each facility of the Retirement Home, in- the Retirement Home with accreditation nal Revenue Code of 1986); cluding medical and dental care, pharmacy, standards, applicable health care standards ‘‘(ii) a new advanced lean burn technology independent living, and assisted living and of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and motor vehicle (as defined in section 30B(c)(3) nursing care.’’. any other applicable health care standards of that Code); (b) SPECTRUM OF CARE.—Section 1513(b) of and requirements (including requirements ‘‘(iii) a new qualified hybrid motor vehicle the Armed Forces Retirement Home Act of identified in applicable reports of the Inspec- (as defined in section 30B(d)(3) of that Code); 1991 (24 U.S.C. 413(b)) is amended by inserting tor General of the Department of Defense). and after the first sentence the following new ‘‘(3) Periodically visit and inspect the med- ‘‘(iv) any other type of vehicle that the sentence: ‘‘The services provided residents of ical facilities and medical operations of each agency demonstrates to the Secretary would the Retirement Home shall include appro- facility of the Retirement Home. achieve a significant reduction in petroleum priate nonacute medical and dental services, ‘‘(4) Periodically examine and audit the consumption.’’. pharmaceutical services, and transportation medical records and administration of the AMENDMENT NO. 3099, AS MODIFIED of residents, at no cost to residents, to acute Retirement Home. At the end of subtitle C of title I, add the medical and dental services and after-hours ‘‘(5) Consult with the Local Board for each following: routine medical care’’. facility of the Retirement Home not less fre- SEC. 132. ADVANCED PROCUREMENT FOR VIR- (e) CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER.—The Armed quently than once each year. GINIA CLASS SUBMARINE PROGRAM. Forces Retirement Home Act of 1991 is fur- ‘‘(e) ADVISORY BODIES.—In carrying out the Of the amount authorized to be appro- ther amended by inserting after section 1515 responsibilities set forth in subsection (c) priated by section 102(a)(3) for shipbuilding the following new section: and the duties set forth in subsection (d), the and conversion for the Navy, $1,172,710,000 ‘‘SEC. 1515A. CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER. Chief Medical Officer may establish and seek the advice of such advisory bodies as the may be available for advanced procurement ‘‘(a) APPOINTMENT.—(1) The Secretary of Chief Medical Officer considers appro- for the Virginia class submarine program, of Defense shall appoint the Chief Medical Offi- priate.’’. which— cer of the Retirement Home. The Secretary (f) LOCAL BOARDS OF TRUSTEES.— (1) $400,000,000 may be available for the pro- of Defense shall make the appointment in (1) DUTIES.—Subsection (b) of section 1516 curement of a second ship set of reactor com- consultation with the Secretary of Homeland of the Armed Forces Retirement Home Act ponents; and Security. of 1991 (24 U.S.C. 416) is amended to read as (2) $70,000,000 may be available for ad- ‘‘(2) The Chief Medical Officer shall serve a follows: vanced procurement of non-nuclear long lead term of two years, but is removable from of- ‘‘(b) DUTIES.—(1) The Local Board for a fa- time material in order to support a reduced fice during such term at the pleasure of the cility shall serve in an advisory capacity to construction span for the boats in the next Secretary. the Director of the facility and to the Chief multiyear procurement program. ‘‘(3) The Secretary (or the designee of the Operating Officer. AMENDMENT NO. 3102 Secretary) shall evaluate the performance of ‘‘(2) The Local Board for a facility shall (Purpose: To require the Secretary of Energy the Chief Medical Officer not less frequently provide to the Chief Operating Officer and to develop and implement a strategy to than once each year. The Secretary shall the Director of the facility such guidance complete the remediation at the Moab site, carry out such evaluation in consultation and recommendations on the administration and the removal of the tailings to the Cres- with the Chief Operating Officer and the of the facility as the Local Board considers cent Junction site, in the State of Utah by Local Board for each facility of the Retire- appropriate. not later than January 1, 2019) ment Home. ‘‘(3) The Local Board for a facility shall provide to the Under Secretary of Defense At the end of title VIII, add the following: ‘‘(4) An officer appointed as Chief Medical for Personnel and Readiness not less often SEC. 81ll. (a) The Secretary of Energy Officer of the Retirement Home shall serve shall develop a strategy to complete the re- as Chief Medical Officer without vacating than annually an assessment of all aspects of mediation at the Moab site, and the removal any other military duties and responsibil- the facility, including the quality of care at of the tailings to the Crescent Junction site, ities assigned to that officer whether at the the facility. ‘‘(4) Not less frequently than once each in the State of Utah by not later than Janu- time of appointment or afterward. year, the Local Board for a facility shall sub- ary 1, 2019. ‘‘(b) QUALIFICATIONS.—(1) To qualify for ap- mit to Congress a report that includes an as- (b) Not later than 90 days after the date of pointment as the Chief Medical Officer, a sessment of all aspects of the facility, in- enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall person shall be a member of the Medical, cluding the quality of care at the facility.’’. submit to the Committee on Energy and Dental, Nurse, or Medical Services Corps of (2) COMPOSITION.—Subparagraph (K) of sub- Natural Resources of the Senate, the Com- the Armed Forces, including the Health and section (c) of such section is amended to read mittee on Energy and Commerce of the Safety Directorate of the Coast Guard, serv- as follows: House of Representatives, and the Com- ing on active duty in the grade of brigadier ‘‘(K) One senior representative of one of mittee on Appropriations of each of the Sen- general, or in the case of the Navy or the ate and the House of Representatives a re- Coast Guard rear admiral (lower half), or the chief personnel officers of the Armed port describing the strategy developed under higher. Forces, who shall be a member of the Armed subsection (a) and changes to the existing ‘‘(2) In making appointments of the Chief Forces serving on active duty in the grade of cost, scope and schedule of the remediation Medical Officer, the Secretary of Defense brigadier general, or in the case of the Navy and removal activities that will be necessary shall, to the extent practicable, provide for or Coast Guard, rear admiral (lower half).’’. (h) INSPECTION OF RETIREMENT HOME.—Sec- to implement the strategy. the rotation of the appointments among the tion 1518 of such Act (24 U.S.C. 418) is amend- AMENDMENT NO. 2264, AS MODIFIED various Armed Forces and the Health and ed to read as follows: Safety Directorate of the Coast Guard. At the end of subtitle C of title XIV, add ‘‘SEC. 1518. INSPECTION OF RETIREMENT HOME. ‘‘(c) RESPONSIBILITIES.—(1) The Chief Med- the following: ‘‘(a) INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE DEPART- ical Officer shall be responsible to the Sec- SEC. 1422. ADMINISTRATION AND OVERSIGHT OF MENT OF DEFENSE.—(1) The Inspector General THE ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT retary, the Under Secretary of Defense for of the Department of Defense shall have the HOME. Personnel and Readiness, and the Chief Oper- duty to inspect the Retirement Home. (a) INDEPENDENCE AND PURPOSE OF RETIRE- ating Officer for the direction and oversight ‘‘(2) The Inspector General shall advise the MENT HOME.—Section 1511 of the Armed of the provision of medical, mental health, Secretary of Defense and the Director of Forces Retirement Home Act of 1991 (24 and dental care at each facility of the Re- each facility of the Retirement Home on U.S.C. 411) is amended— tirement Home. matters relating to waste, fraud, abuse, and (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end ‘‘(2) The Chief Medical Officer shall advise mismanagement of the Retirement Home. the following: ‘‘However, for the purpose of the Secretary, the Under Secretary of De- ‘‘(b) INSPECTIONS BY INSPECTOR GENERAL.— entering into contracts, agreements, or fense for Personnel and Readiness, the Chief (1) Every two years, the Inspector General of transactions regarding real property and fa- Operating Officer, and the Local Board for the Department of Defense shall perform a cilities under the control of the Board, the each facility of the Retirement Home on all comprehensive inspection of all aspects of Retirement Home shall be treated as a mili- medical and medical administrative matters each facility of the Retirement Home, in- tary facility of the Department of Defense. of the Retirement Home. cluding independent living, assisted living, The administration of the Retirement Home ‘‘(d) DUTIES.—In carrying out the respon- medical and dental care, pharmacy, financial (including administration for the provision sibilities set forth in subsection (c), the and contracting records, and any aspect of of health care and medical care for residents) Chief Medical Officer shall perform the fol- either facility on which the Local Board for shall remain under the direct authority, con- lowing duties: the facility or the resident advisory com- trol, and administration of the Secretary of ‘‘(1) Ensure the timely availability to resi- mittee or council of the facility recommends Defense.’’; and dents of the Retirement Home, at locations inspection.

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‘‘(2) The Inspector General may be assisted AMENDMENT NO. 2953, AS MODIFIED (i) is an employee; in inspections under this subsection by a At the end of subtitle E of title V, add the (ii) is at least 21 years of age; and medical inspector general of a military de- following: (iii) is capable of self care and care of chil- partment designated for purposes of this sub- SEC. 565. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR LOCAL dren or other dependent family members of a section by the Secretary of Defense. EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES ENROLL- qualified member of the Armed Forces. ‘‘(3) In conducting the inspection of a facil- ING MILITARY DEPENDENT CHIL- (B) COVERED PERIOD OF SERVICE.—The term ity of the Retirement Home under this sub- DREN. ‘‘covered period of service’’ means any period section, the Inspector General shall solicit (a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be of service performed by an employee as a concerns, observations, and recommenda- cited as the ‘‘Help for Military Children Af- caregiver while the individual who des- tions from the Local Board for the facility, fected by War Act of 2007’’. ignated the caregiver under paragraph (3) re- the resident advisory committee or council (b) ASSISTANCE AUTHORIZED.—The Sec- mains a qualified member of the Armed of the facility, and the residents of the facil- retary of Defense may provide assistance to Forces. ity. Any concerns, observations, and rec- eligible local educational agencies for the (C) EMPLOYEE.—The term ‘‘employee’’ has ommendations solicited from residents shall additional education, counseling, and other the meaning given under section 6331 of title be solicited on a not-for-attribution basis. needs of military dependent children who are 5, United States Code. ‘‘(4) The Chief Operating Officer and the affected by war-related action. (D) FAMILY MEMBER.—The term ‘‘family Director of each facility of the Retirement (c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: member’’ includes— Home shall make all staff, other personnel, (1) ELIGIBLE LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY.— (i) individuals for whom the qualified and records of each facility available to the The term ‘‘eligible local educational agency’’ member of the Armed Forces provides med- Inspector General in a timely manner for means a local educational agency that— ical, financial, and logistical support (such purposes of inspections under this sub- (A) has a number of military dependent as housing, food, clothing, or transpor- section. children in average daily attendance in the tation); and ‘‘(c) REPORTS ON INSPECTIONS BY INSPECTOR schools served by the local educational agen- (ii) children under the age of 18 years, el- GENERAL.—(1) Not later than 45 days after cy during the current school year, deter- derly adults, persons with disabilities, and completing an inspection of a facility of the mined in consultation with the Secretary of other persons with a mental or physical dis- Retirement Home under subsection (b), the Education, that— ability, who are unable to care for them- Inspector General shall submit to the Sec- (i) equaled or exceeded 20 percent of the selves in the absence of the qualified member retary of Defense, the Under Secretary of De- number of all children in average daily at- of the Armed Forces. fense for Personnel and Readiness, the Chief tendance in the schools served by such agen- (E) QUALIFIED MEMBER OF THE ARMED Operating Officer, the Director of the facil- cy during the current school year; or FORCES.—The term ‘‘qualified member of the ity, and the Local Board for the facility, and (ii) is 1,000 or more, Armed Forces’’ means— (i) a member of a reserve component of the to Congress, a report describing the results whichever is less; and Armed Forces as described under section of the inspection and containing such rec- (B) is designated by the Secretary of De- 10101 of title 10, United States Code, who has ommendations as the Inspector General con- fense as impacted by— siders appropriate in light of the inspection. received notice to report to, or is serving on, (i) Operation Iraqi Freedom; active duty in the Armed Forces in support ‘‘(2) Not later than 45 days after receiving (ii) Operation Enduring Freedom; or a report of the Inspector General under para- of a contingency operation as defined under (iii) the global rebasing plan of the Depart- section 101(a)(13) of title 10, United States graph (1), the Director of the facility con- ment of Defense. cerned shall submit the Secretary of De- Code; or (2) LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY.—The term fense, the Under Secretary of Defense for (ii) a member of the Armed Forces on ac- ‘‘local educational agency’’ has the meaning tive duty who is eligible for hostile fire or Personnel and Readiness, the Chief Oper- given the term in section 9101 of the Elemen- ating Officer, and the Local Board for the fa- imminent danger special pay under section tary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 310 of title 37, United States Code. cility, and to Congress, a plan to address the U.S.C. 7801). recommendations and other matters set (2) ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.—The Of- (3) MILITARY DEPENDENT CHILD.—The term fice of Personnel Management may establish forth in the report. ‘‘military dependent child’’— ‘‘(d) ADDITIONAL INSPECTIONS.—(1) Every a program to authorize a caregiver to use (A) means a child described in subpara- two years, in a year in which the Inspector under paragraph (4)— graph (B) or (D)(i) of section 8003(a)(1) of the General does not perform an inspection (A) any sick leave of that caregiver during Elementary and Secondary Education Act of under subsection (b), the Chief Operating Of- a covered period of service; and 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7703(a)(1)); and ficer shall request the inspection of each fa- (B) any leave available to that caregiver (B) includes a child— cility of the Retirement Home by a nation- under subchapter III or IV of chapter 63 of (i) who resided on Federal property with a ally recognized civilian accrediting organiza- title 5, United States Code, during a covered parent on active duty in the National Guard tion in accordance with section 1422(a)(2)(g) period of service. or Reserve; or of this amendment. (3) DESIGNATION OF CAREGIVER.— ‘‘(2) The Chief Operating Officer and the (ii) who had a parent on active duty in the (A) IN GENERAL.—A qualified member of Director of a facility being inspected under National Guard or Reserve but did not reside the Armed Forces shall submit a written des- this subsection shall make all staff, other on Federal property. ignation of the individual who is the care- (d) ASSISTANCE.—Assistance provided personnel, and records of the facility avail- giver for any family member of that member under this section may be used for— able to the civilian accrediting organization of the Armed Forces during a covered period (1) tutoring, after-school, and dropout pre- in a timely manner for purposes of inspec- of service to— vention activities for military dependent tions under this subsection. (i) the employing agency; and children with a parent who is or has been im- ‘‘(e) REPORTS ON ADDITIONAL INSPEC- (ii) the uniformed service of which the in- pacted by war-related action described in TIONS.—(1) Not later than 45 days after re- dividual is a member. ceiving a report of an inspection from the ci- clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of subsection (c)(1)(B); (B) DESIGNATION OF SPOUSE.—Notwith- vilian accrediting organization under sub- (2) professional development of teachers, standing paragraph (1)(A)(ii), an individual section (d), the Director of the facility con- principals, and counselors on the needs of less than 21 years of age may be designated cerned shall submit to the Under Secretary military dependent children with a parent as a caregiver if that individual is the spouse of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, the who is or has been impacted by war-related of the qualified member of the Armed Forces Chief Operating Officer, and the Local Board action described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of making the designation. for the facility a report containing— subsection (c)(1)(B); and (4) USE OF CAREGIVER LEAVE.—Leave may ‘‘(A) the results of the inspection; and (3) counseling and other comprehensive only be used under this subsection for pur- ‘‘(B) a plan to address any recommenda- support services for military dependent chil- poses directly relating to, or resulting from, tions and other matters set forth in the re- dren with a parent who is or has been im- the giving of care by the employee to a fam- port. pacted by war-related action described in ily member under the designation of the em- ‘‘(2) Not later than 45 days after receiving clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of subsection (c)(1)(B), ployee as the caregiver for the family mem- a report and plan under paragraph (1), the including the subsidization of a percentage ber. Secretary of Defense shall submit the report of hiring of a military-school liaison. (5) REGULATIONS.—Not later than 120 days and plan to Congress.’’. AMENDMENT NO. 3005, AS MODIFIED after the date of enactment of this Act, the (i) ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME TRUST At the appropriate place, insert the fol- Office of Personnel Management shall pre- FUND.—Section 1519 of the Armed Forces Re- lowing: scribe regulations to carry out this sub- tirement Home Act of 1991 (24 U.S.C. 419) is SEC. lll. PROGRAMS FOR USE OF LEAVE BY section, including a definition of activities amended by adding at the end the following CAREGIVERS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS that qualify as the giving of care. new subsection: OF INDIVIDUALS PERFORMING CER- (6) TERMINATION.—The program under this ‘‘(d) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—The Chief TAIN MILITARY SERVICE. subsection shall terminate on December 31, Financial Officer of the Armed Forces Re- (a) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES PROGRAM.— 2010. tirement Home shall comply with the report- (1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: (b) VOLUNTARY PRIVATE SECTOR LEAVE ing requirements of subchapter II of chapter (A) CAREGIVER.—The term ‘‘caregiver’’ PROGRAM.— 35 of title 31, United States Code.’’. means an individual who— (1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection:

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(A) CAREGIVER.—The term ‘‘caregiver’’ (6) REGULATIONS.—Not later than 120 days prior consent of the Secretary of Defense for means an individual who— after the date of enactment of this Act, the such use shall be required with respect to (i) is an employee; Secretary of Labor shall prescribe regula- any vessel in the Ready Reserve Force or in (ii) is at least 21 years of age; and tions to carry out this subsection. the National Defense Reserve Fleet which is (iii) is capable of self care and care of chil- (7) TERMINATION.—The program under this maintained in a retention status for the De- dren or other dependent family members of a subsection shall terminate on December 31, partment of Defense;’’. qualified member of the Armed Forces. 2010. SEC. —104. CHARTERING TO STATE AND LOCAL (B) COVERED PERIOD OF SERVICE.—The term (c) GAO REPORT.—Not later than March 31, GOVERNMENTAL INSTRUMENTAL- ‘‘covered period of service’’ means any period 2010, the Government Accountability Office ITIES. of service performed by an employee as a shall submit a report to Congress on the pro- Section 11(b) of the Merchant Ship Sales caregiver while the individual who des- grams under subsections (a) and (b) that in- Act of 1946 (50 U.S.C. App. 1744(b)), is amend- ignated the caregiver under paragraph (4) re- cludes— ed— mains a qualified member of the Armed (1) an evaluation of the success of each pro- (1) by striking ‘‘or’’ after the semicolon in Forces. gram; and paragraph (3); (C) EMPLOYEE.—The term ‘‘employee’’ (2) recommendations for the continuance (2) by striking ‘‘Defense.’’ in paragraph (4) means an employee of a business entity par- or termination of each program. and inserting ‘‘Defense; or’’; and ticipating in the program under this sub- AMENDMENT NO. 2957 AS MODIFIED (3) by adding at the end thereof the fol- section. DIVISION —MARITIME lowing: (D) FAMILY MEMBER.—The term ‘‘family ADMINISTRATION ‘‘(5) on a reimbursable basis, for charter to member’’ includes— the government of any State, locality, or SEC. —001. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (i) individuals for whom the qualified Territory of the United States, except that member of the Armed Forces provides med- (a) SHORT TITLE.—This division may be cited as the ‘‘Maritime Administration Au- the prior consent of the Secretary of Defense ical, financial, and logistical support (such for such use shall be required with respect to as housing, food, clothing, or transpor- thorities Act of 2007’’. (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- any vessel in the Ready Reserve Force or in tation); and tents for this division is as follows: the National Defense Reserve Fleet which is (ii) children under the age of 18 years, el- Sec. —001. Short title; table of contents. maintained in a retention status for the De- derly adults, persons with disabilities, and TITLE I—GENERAL partment of Defense.’’. other persons with a mental or physical dis- SEC. —105. DISPOSAL OF OBSOLETE GOVERN- ability, who are unable to care for them- Sec. —102. Commercial vessel chartering MENT VESSELS. selves in the absence of the qualified member authority. Section 6(c)(1) of the National Maritime of the Armed Forces. Sec. —103. Maritime Administration ves- Heritage Act of 1994 (16 U.S.C. 5405(c)(1)) is (E) QUALIFIED MEMBER OF THE ARMED sel chartering authority. amended— FORCES.—The term ‘‘qualified member of the Sec. —104. Chartering to state and local (1) by inserting ‘‘(either by sale or pur- Armed Forces’’ means— governmental instrumentalities. chase of disposal services)’’ after ‘‘shall dis- (i) a member of a reserve component of the Sec. —105. Disposal of obsolete govern- pose’’; and Armed Forces as described under section ment vessels. (2) by striking subparagraph (A) of para- 10101 of title 10, United States Code, who has Sec. —106. Vessel transfer authority. graph (1) and inserting the following: received notice to report to, or is serving on, Sec. —107. Sea trials for ready reserve ‘‘(A) in accordance with a priority system active duty in the Armed Forces in support force. for disposing of vessels, as determined by the of a contingency operation as defined under Sec. —108. Review of applications for loans Secretary, which shall include provisions re- section 101(a)(13) of title 10, United States and guarantees. quiring the Maritime Administration to— Code; or TITLE II—TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS ‘‘(i) dispose of all deteriorated high pri- (ii) a member of the Armed Forces on ac- Sec. —201. Statutory construction. ority ships that are available for disposal, tive duty who is eligible for hostile fire or Sec. —202. Personal injury to or death of within 12 months of their designation as imminent danger special pay under section seamen. such; and 310 of title 37, United States Code. Sec. —203. Amendments to chapter 537 ‘‘(ii) give priority to the disposition of (2) ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.— based on Public Law 109–163. those vessels that pose the most significant (A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Labor may establish a program to authorize em- Sec. —204. Additional amendments based danger to the environment or cost the most ployees of business entities described under on Public Law 109–163. to maintain;’’. paragraph (3) to use sick leave, or any other Sec. —205. Amendments based on Public SEC. —106. VESSEL TRANSFER AUTHORITY. leave available to an employee, during a cov- Law 109–171. Section 50304 of title 46, United States ered period of service for purposes relating Sec. —206. Amendments based on Public Code, is amended by adding at the end there- to, or resulting from, the giving of care by Law 109–241. of the following: the employee to a family member under the Sec. —207. Amendments based on Public ‘‘(d) VESSEL CHARTERS TO OTHER DEPART- designation of the employee as the caregiver Law 109–364. MENTS.—On a reimbursable or nonreimburs- for the family member. Sec. —208. Miscellaneous amendments. able basis, as determined by the Secretary of (B) EXCEPTION.—Subparagraph (A) shall Sec. —209. Application of sunset provision Transportation, the Secretary may charter not apply to leave made available under the to codified provision. or otherwise make available a vessel under Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 Sec. —210. Additional Technical correc- the jurisdiction of the Secretary to any U.S.C. 2601 et seq.). tions. other department, upon the request by the (3) VOLUNTARY BUSINESS PARTICIPATION.— TITLE I—GENERAL Secretary of the department that receives The Secretary of Labor shall solicit business SEC. —102. COMMERCIAL VESSEL CHARTERING the vessel. The prior consent of the Sec- entities to voluntarily participate in the pro- AUTHORITY. retary of Defense for such use shall be re- gram under this subsection. (a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter III of chapter quired with respect to any vessel in the (4) DESIGNATION OF CAREGIVER.— 575 of title 46, United States Code, is amend- Ready Reserve Force or in the National De- (A) IN GENERAL.—A qualified member of ed by adding at the end the following: fense Reserve Fleet which is maintained in a the Armed Forces shall submit a written des- ‘‘§ 57533. Vessel chartering authority retention status for the Department of De- ignation of the individual who is the care- ‘‘The Secretary of Transportation may fense.’’. giver for any family member of that member enter into contracts or other agreements on SEC. —107. SEA TRIALS FOR READY RESERVE of the Armed Forces during a covered period behalf of the United States to purchase, FORCE. of service to— charter, operate, or otherwise acquire the Section 11(c)(1)(B) of the Merchant Ship (i) the employing business entity; and use of any vessels documented under chapter Sales Act of 1946 (50 U.S.C. App. 1744(c)(1)(B)) (ii) the uniformed service of which the in- 121 of this title and any other related real or is amended to read as follows: dividual is a member. personal property. The Secretary is author- ‘‘(B) activate and conduct sea trials on (B) DESIGNATION OF SPOUSE.—Notwith- ized to use this authority as the Secretary each vessel at least once every 30 months;’’. standing paragraph (1)(A)(ii), an individual deems appropriate.’’. SEC. —108. REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS FOR less than 21 years of age may be designated (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The chapter LOANS AND GUARANTEES. as a caregiver if that individual is the spouse analysis for chapter 575 of such title is (a) PLAN.—Within 180 days after the date of of the qualified member of the Armed Forces amended by adding at the end the following: enactment of this Act, the Administrator of making the designation. ‘‘57533. Vessel chartering authority.’’. the Maritime Administration shall develop a (5) USE OF CAREGIVER LEAVE.—Leave may SEC. —103. MARITIME ADMINISTRATION VESSEL comprehensive plan for the review of tradi- only be used under this subsection for pur- CHARTERING AUTHORITY. tional applications and non-traditional ap- poses directly relating to, or resulting from, Section 50303 of title 46, United States plications. the giving of care by the employee to a fam- Code, is amended by— (b) INCLUSIONS.—The comprehensive plan ily member under the designation of the em- (1) inserting ‘‘vessels,’’ after ‘‘piers,’’; and shall include a description of the application ployee as the caregiver for the family mem- (2) by striking ‘‘control;’’ in subsection review process that shall not exceed 90 days ber. (a)(1) and inserting ‘‘control, except that the for review of traditional applications.

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(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The Adminis- ‘‘(B) after applying subparagraph (A), a Transportation’’ and inserting ‘‘Adminis- trator shall submit a report describing the vessel that is otherwise eligible for a guar- trator’’: comprehensive plan to the Senate Com- antee and that the Secretary of Defense de- (A) Section 53710(b)(2)(A)(i). mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- termines— (B) Section 53717(b) each place it appears in tation and the House of Representatives ‘‘(i) is suitable for service as a naval auxil- a heading and in text. Committee on Armed Forces. iary in time of war or national emergency; (C) Section 53718. (d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: and (D) Section 53731 each place it appears, ex- (1) NONTRADITIONAL APPLICATION.—The ‘‘(ii) meets a shortfall in sealift capacity or cept where ‘‘Secretary’’ is followed by ‘‘of term ‘‘nontraditional application’’ means an capability. Energy’’. application for a loan, guarantee, or a com- ‘‘(2) TIME FOR DETERMINATION.—The Sec- (E) Section 53732 (as amended by paragraph mitment to guarantee submitted pursuant to retary of Defense shall determine whether a (8)) each place it appears, except where ‘‘Sec- chapter 537 of title 46, United States Code, vessel satisfies paragraph (1)(B) not later retary’’ is followed by ‘‘of the Treasury’’, ‘‘of that is not a traditional application, as de- than 30 days after receipt of a request from State’’, or ‘‘of Defense’’. termined by the Administrator. the Administrator for such a determina- (F) Section 53733 each place it appears. (2) TRADITIONAL APPLICATION.—The term tion.’’. (10) The following provisions are amended ‘‘traditional application’’ means an applica- (3) Section 53707 is amended— by inserting ‘‘or Administrator’’ after ‘‘Sec- tion for a loan, guarantee, or a commitment (A) by inserting ‘‘or Administrator’’ in retary’’ each place it appears in headings and to guarantee submitted pursuant to chapter subsections (a) and (d) after ‘‘Secretary’’ text, except where ‘‘Secretary’’ is followed 537 of title 46, United States Code, that in- each place it appears; by ‘‘of Transportation’’ or ‘‘of the Treasury’’: volves a market, technology, and financial (B) by striking ‘‘Secretary of Transpor- (A) The items relating to sections 53722 and structure of a type that has been approved in tation’’ in subsection (b) and inserting ‘‘Ad- 53723 in the chapter analysis for chapter 537. such an application multiple times before ministrator’’; (B) Sections 53701(1), (4), and (9) (as redesig- the date of enactment of this Act without (C) by striking ‘‘of Commerce’’ in sub- nated by paragraph (1)(A)), 53702(a), 53703, default or unreasonable risk to the United section (c); and 53704, 53706(a)(3)(B)(iii), 53709(a)(1), (b)(1) and States, as determined by the Administrator. (D) in subsection (d)(2), by— (2)(A), and (d), 53710(a) and (c), 53711, 53712 TITLE II—TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS (i) inserting ‘‘if the Secretary or Adminis- (except in the last sentence of subsection (b) SEC. —201. STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION. trator considers necessary,’’ before ‘‘the as amended by paragraph (6)), 53713 to 53716, The amendments made by this title make waiver’’; and 53721 to 53725, and 53734. no substantive change in existing law and (ii) striking ‘‘the increased’’ and inserting (11) Sections 53715(d)(1), 53716(d)(3), 53721(c), may not be construed as making a sub- ‘‘any significant increase in’’. 53722(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B), and 53724(b) are stantive change in existing law. (4) Section 53708 is amended— amended by inserting ‘‘or Administrator’s’’ after ‘‘Secretary’s’’. SEC. —202. PERSONAL INJURY TO OR DEATH OF (A) by striking ‘‘SECRETARY OF TRANSPOR- (b) REPEAL OF SUPERSEDED AMENDMENTS.— SEAMEN. TATION’’ in the heading of subsection (a) and Section 3507 (except subsection (c)(4)) of the (a) AMENDMENT.—Section 30104 of title 46, inserting ‘‘ADMINISTRATOR’’; National Defense Authorization Act for Fis- United States Code, is amended by striking (B) by striking ‘‘Secretary’’ and ‘‘Sec- cal Year 2006 (Public Law 109–163) is repealed. subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the fol- retary of Transportation’’ each place they lowing: appear in subsection (a) and inserting ‘‘Ad- SEC. —204. ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS BASED ON PUBLIC LAW 109–163. ‘‘(a) CAUSE OF ACTION.—A seaman injured ministrator’’; (a) AMENDMENTS.—Title 46, United States in the course of employment or, if the sea- (C) by striking ‘‘OF COMMERCE’’ in the Code, is amended as follows: man dies from the injury, the personal rep- heading of subsection (b); (1) Chapters 513 and 515 are amended by resentative of the seaman may bring an ac- (D) by striking ‘‘of Commerce’’ in sub- striking ‘‘Naval Reserve’’ each place it ap- tion against the employer. In such an action, sections (b) and (c); pears in analyses, headings, and text and in- the laws of the United States regulating re- (E) in subsection (d), by— serting ‘‘Navy Reserve’’. covery for personal injury to, or death of, a (i) inserting ‘‘or Administrator’’ after (2) Section 51504(f) is amended to read as railway employee shall apply. Such an ac- ‘‘Secretary’’ the first place it appears; and follows: tion may be maintained in admiralty or, at (ii) striking ‘‘financial structures, or other ‘‘(f) FUEL COSTS.— the plaintiff’s election, as an action at law, risk factors identified by the Secretary. Any ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the avail- with the right of trial by jury. independent analysis conducted under this ability of appropriations, the Secretary shall ‘‘(b) VENUE.—When the plaintiff elects to subsection shall be performed by a party pay to each State maritime academy the maintain an action at law, venue shall be in chosen by the Secretary.’’ and inserting ‘‘or costs of fuel used by a vessel provided under the judicial district in which the employer financial structures. A third party inde- this section while used for training. resides or the employer’s principal office is pendent analysis conducted under this sub- ‘‘(2) MAXIMUM AMOUNTS.—The amount of located.’’. section shall be performed by a private sec- the payment to a State maritime academy (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment tor expert in assessing such risk factors who made by subsection (a) shall be effective as if is selected by the Secretary or Adminis- under paragraph (1) may not exceed— included in the enactment of Public Law 109– trator.’’; and ‘‘(A) $100,000 for fiscal year 2006; 304. (F) in subsection (e), by— ‘‘(B) $200,000 for fiscal year 2007; and ‘‘(C) $300,000 for fiscal year 2008 and each SEC. —203. AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 537 (i) inserting ‘‘or Administrator’’ after BASED ON PUBLIC LAW 109–163. ‘‘Secretary’’ the first place it appears; and fiscal year thereafter.’’. (3) Section 51505(b)(2)(B) is amended by (a) AMENDMENTS.—Title 46, United States (ii) striking ‘‘financial structures, or other Code, is amended as follows: risk factors identified by the Secretary’’ and striking ‘‘$200,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$300,000 for (1) Section 53701 is amended by— inserting ‘‘or financial structures’’. fiscal year 2006, $400,000 for fiscal year 2007, (A) redesignating paragraphs (2) through (5) Section 53710(b)(1) is amended by strik- and $500,000 for fiscal year 2008 and each fis- (13) as paragraphs (3) through (14), respec- ing ‘‘Secretary’s’’ and inserting ‘‘Adminis- cal year thereafter’’. tively; trator’s’’. (4) Section 51701(a) is amended by striking (B) inserting after paragraph (1) the fol- (6) Section 53712(b) is amended by striking ‘‘of the United States.’’ and inserting ‘‘of the lowing: the last sentence and inserting ‘‘If the Sec- United States and to perform functions to assist the United States merchant marine, as ‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘Adminis- retary or Administrator has waived a re- trator’ means the Administrator of the Mari- quirement under section 53707(d) of this title, determined necessary by the Secretary.’’. time Administration.’’; and the loan agreement shall include require- (5)(A) Section 51907 is amended to read as (C) striking paragraph (13) (as redesig- ments for additional payments, collateral, or follows: nated) and inserting the following: equity contributions to meet the waived re- ‘‘§ 51907. Provision of decorations, medals, ‘‘(13) SECRETARY.—The term ‘Secretary’ quirement upon the occurrence of verifiable and replacements means the Secretary of Commerce with re- conditions indicating that the obligor’s fi- ‘‘The Secretary of Transportation may spect to fishing vessels and fishery facili- nancial condition enables the obligor to provide— ties.’’. meet the waived requirement.’’. ‘‘(1) the decorations and medals authorized (2) Section 53706(c) is amended to read as (7) Subsections (c) and (d) of section 53717 by this chapter and replacements for those follows: are each amended— decorations and medals; and ‘‘(c) PRIORITIES FOR CERTAIN VESSELS.— (A) by striking ‘‘OF COMMERCE’’ in the sub- ‘‘(2) replacements for decorations and med- ‘‘(1) VESSELS.—In guaranteeing or making section heading; and als issued under a prior law.’’. a commitment to guarantee an obligation (B) by striking ‘‘of Commerce’’ each place (B) The item relating to section 51907 in under this chapter, the Administrator shall it appears. the chapter analysis for chapter 519 is give priority to— (8) Section 53732(e)(2) is amended by insert- amended to read as follows: ‘‘(A) a vessel that is otherwise eligible for ing ‘‘of Defense’’ after ‘‘Secretary’’ the sec- ‘‘51907. Provision of decorations, medals, a guarantee and is constructed with assist- ond place it appears. and replacements.’’. ance under subtitle D of the Maritime Secu- (9) The following provisions are amended (6)(A) The following new chapter is in- rity Act of 2003 (46 U.S.C. 53101 note); and by striking ‘‘Secretary’’ and ‘‘Secretary of serted after chapter 539:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12360 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 ‘‘CHAPTER 541—MISCELLANEOUS (B) by striking ‘‘organizations.’’ in para- perform the graduate’s duties, either on ac- ‘‘Sec. graph (3) and inserting ‘‘organizations; and’’; tive duty or in the Ready Reserve component ‘‘54101. Assistance for small shipyards and and of their respective service, or as a commis- maritime communities.’’. (C) by adding at the end the following: sioned officer of the National Oceanic and (B) Section 3506 of the National Defense ‘‘(4) on any other vessel considered by the Atmospheric Administration or the Public Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (46 Secretary to be necessary or appropriate or Health Service, respectively. U.S.C. 53101 note) is transferred to and redes- in the national interest.’’. ‘‘(2) INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED.—A re- ignated as section 54101 of title 46, United (4) Section 55105(b)(3) is amended by strik- port or notice under paragraph (1) shall iden- States Code, to appear at the end of chapter ing ‘‘Secretary of the department in which tify any graduate determined to have failed 541 of title 46, as inserted by subparagraph the Coast Guard is operating’’ and inserting to comply with service obligation require- (A). ‘‘Secretary of Homeland Security’’. ments and provide all required information (C) The heading of such section, as trans- (5) Section 70306(a) is amended by striking as to why such graduate failed to comply. ferred by subparagraph (B), is amended to ‘‘Not later than February 28 of each year, the ‘‘(3) CONSIDERED AS IN DEFAULT.—Upon re- read as follows: Secretary shall submit a report’’ and insert- ceipt of such a report or notice, such grad- ing ‘‘The Secretary shall submit an annual uate may be considered to be in default of ‘‘§ 54101. Assistance for small shipyards and report’’. the graduate’s service obligations by the maritime communities’’. (6) Section 70502(d)(2) is amended to read as Secretary, and subject to all remedies the (D) Paragraph (1) of subsection (h) of such follows: Secretary may have with respect to such a section, as transferred by subparagraph (B), ‘‘(2) RESPONSE TO CLAIM OF REGISTRY.—The default.’’. is amended by striking ‘‘(15 U.S.C. 632);’’ and response of a foreign nation to a claim of (2) APPLICATION.—Section 51306(f) of title inserting ‘‘(15 U.S.C. 632));’’. registry under paragraph (1)(A) or (C) may be 46, United States Code, as added by para- (E) The table of chapters at the beginning made by radio, telephone, or similar oral or graph (1), does not apply with respect to an of subtitle V is amended by inserting after electronic means, and is proved conclusively agreement entered into under section the item relating to chapter 539 the fol- by certification of the Secretary of State or 51306(a) of title 46, United States Code, before lowing new item: the Secretary’s designee.’’. October 17, 2006. (b) REPEAL OF SUPERSEDED AMENDMENTS.— ‘‘541. Miscellaneous ...... 54101’’. (d) SECTION 51509(c).—Section 51509(c) of Sections 303, 307, 308, 310, 901(q), and 902(o) of (b) REPEAL OF SUPERSEDED AMENDMENTS.— title 46, United States Code, is amended— the Coast Guard and Maritime Transpor- Sections 515(g)(2), 3502, 3509, and 3510 of the (1) by striking ‘‘MIDSHIPMAN AND’’ in the tation Act of 2006 (Public Law 109–241) are re- National Defense Authorization Act for Fis- subsection heading and ‘‘midshipman and’’ pealed. cal Year 2006 (Public Law 109–163) are re- in the text; and pealed. SEC. —207. AMENDMENTS BASED ON PUBLIC LAW (2) inserting ‘‘or the Coast Guard Reserve’’ 109–364. after ‘‘Reserve)’’. SEC. —205. AMENDMENTS BASED ON PUBLIC LAW (a) UPDATING OF CROSS REFERENCES.—Sec- 109–171. tion 1017(b)(2) of the John Warner National (e) SECTION 51908(a).—Section 51908(a) of (a) AMENDMENTS.—Section 60301 of title 46, Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year title 46, United States Code, is amended by United States Code, is amended— 2007 (Public Law 109–364, 10 U.S.C. 2631 note) striking ‘‘under this chapter’’ and inserting (1) by striking ‘‘2 cents per ton (but not is amended by striking ‘‘section 27 of the ‘‘by this chapter or the Secretary of Trans- more than a total of 10 cents per ton per Merchant Marine Act, 1920 (46 U.S.C. 883), portation’’. year)’’ in subsection (a) and inserting ‘‘4.5 section 12106 of title 46, United States Code, (f) SECTION 53105(e)(2).—Section 53105(e)(2) cents per ton, not to exceed a total of 22.5 and section 2 of the Shipping Act, 1916 (46 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by cents per ton per year, for fiscal years 2006 U.S.C. App. 802)’’ and inserting ‘‘sections striking ‘‘section 2 of the Shipping Act, 1916 through 2010, and 2 cents per ton, not to ex- 12112, 50501, and 55102 of title 46, United (46 U.S.C. App. 802),’’ and inserting ‘‘section ceed a total of 10 cents per ton per year, for States Code’’. 50501 of this title’’. each fiscal year thereafter,’’; and (b) SECTION 51306(e).— (g) REPEAL OF SUPERSEDED AMENDMENTS.— (2) by striking ‘‘6 cents per ton (but not (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 51306 of title 46, Sections 3505, 3506, 3508, and 3510(a) and (b) of more than a total of 30 cents per ton per United States Code, is amended by adding at the John Warner National Defense Author- year)’’ in subsection (b) and inserting ‘‘13.5 the end the following: ization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Public Law cents per ton, not to exceed a total of 67.5 ‘‘(e) ALTERNATIVE SERVICE.— 109–364) are repealed. cents per ton per year, for fiscal years 2006 ‘‘(1) SERVICE AS COMMISSIONED OFFICER.—An SEC. —208. MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS. through 2010, and 6 cents per ton, not to ex- individual who, for the 5-year period fol- (a) DELETION OF OBSOLETE REFERENCE TO ceed a total of 30 cents per ton per year, for lowing graduation from the Academy, serves CANTON ISLAND.—Section 55101(b) of title 46, each fiscal year thereafter,’’. as a commissioned officer on active duty in United States Code, is amended— (b) REPEAL OF SUPERSEDED AMENDMENTS.— an armed force of the United States or as a (1) by inserting ‘‘or’’ after the semicolon at Section 4001 of the Deficit Reduction Act of commissioned officer of the National Oce- the end of paragraph (2); 2005 (Public Law 109–171) is repealed. anic and Atmospheric Administration or the (2) by striking paragraph (3); and Public Health Service shall be excused from SEC. —206. AMENDMENTS BASED ON PUBLIC LAW (3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as para- the requirements of paragraphs (3) through 109–241. graph (3). (5) of subsection (a). (a) AMENDMENTS.—Title 46, United States (b) IMPROVEMENT OF HEADING.—Title 46, ‘‘(2) MODIFICATION OR WAIVER.—The Sec- Code, is amended as follows: United States Code, is amended as follows: retary may modify or waive any of the terms (1) Section 12111 is amended by adding at (1) The heading of section 55110 is amended and conditions set forth in subsection (a) the end the following: by inserting ‘‘valueless material or’’ before through the imposition of alternative service ‘‘(d) ACTIVITIES INVOLVING MOBILE OFF- ‘‘dredged material’’. requirements.’’. SHORE DRILLING UNITS.— (2) The item for section 55110 in the anal- (2) APPLICATION.—Section 51306(e) of title ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Only a vessel for which a ysis for chapter 551 is amended by inserting 46, United States Code, as added by para- certificate of documentation with a registry ‘‘valueless material or’’ before ‘‘dredged ma- graph (1), applies only to an individual who endorsement is issued may engage in— enrolls as a cadet at the United States Mer- terial’’. ‘‘(A) the setting, relocation, or recovery of chant Marine Academy, and signs an agree- (c) OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH VESSELS AND the anchors or other mooring equipment of a ment under section 51306(a) of title 46, after SAILING SCHOOL VESSELS.— mobile offshore drilling unit that is located October 17, 2006. (1) Section 10101(3) of title 46, United over the outer Continental Shelf (as defined (c) SECTION 51306(f).— States Code, is amended by inserting ‘‘on an in section 2(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 51306 of title 46, oceanographic research vessel’’ after ‘‘sci- Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331(a))); or United States Code, is further amended by entific personnel’’. ‘‘(B) the transportation of merchandise or adding at the end the following: (2) Section 50503 of title 46, United States personnel to or from a point in the United ‘‘(f) SERVICE OBLIGATION PERFORMANCE RE- Code, is amended by striking ‘‘An oceano- States from or to a mobile offshore drilling PORTING REQUIREMENT.— graphic research vessel’’ and all that follows unit located over the outer Continental Shelf ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to any otherwise and inserting the following: that is not attached to the seabed. applicable restrictions on disclosure in sec- ‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the ‘‘(2) COASTWISE TRADE NOT AUTHORIZED.— tion 552a of title 5, the Secretary of Defense, terms ‘oceanographic research vessel’ and Nothing in paragraph (1) authorizes the em- the Secretary of the department in which ‘scientific personnel’ have the meaning given ployment in the coastwise trade of a vessel the Coast Guard is operating, the Adminis- those terms in section 2101 of this title. that does not meet the requirements of sec- trator of the National Oceanic and Atmos- ‘‘(b) NOT SEAMEN.—Scientific personnel on tion 12112 of this title.’’. pheric Administration, and the Surgeon Gen- an oceanographic research vessel are deemed (2) Section 12139(a) is amended by striking eral of the Public Health Service— not to be seamen under part G of subtitle II, ‘‘and charterers’’ and inserting ‘‘charterers, ‘‘(A) shall report the status of obligated section 30104, or chapter 303 of this title. and mortgagees’’. service of an individual graduate of the ‘‘(c) NOT ENGAGED IN TRADE OR COM- (3) Section 51307 is amended— Academy upon request of the Secretary; and MERCE.—An oceanographic research vessel is (A) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of para- ‘‘(B) may, in their discretion, notify the deemed not to be engaged in trade or com- graph (2); Secretary of any failure of the graduate to merce.’’.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12361 (3) Section 50504(b)(1) of title 46, United service basis by utilizing all appropriate air- abnormalities, that are associated with serv- States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘parts craft in mission areas including testing sup- ice in the Southwest Asia theater of oper- B, F, and G of subtitle II’’ and inserting port, training support to receivers, homeland ations in the early 1990s during the Persian ‘‘part B, F, or G of subtitle II, section 30104, defense support, deployment support, air Gulf War. or chapter 303’’. bridge support, aeromedical evacuation, and (c) PROGRAM ACTIVITIES.— SEC. —209. APPLICATION OF SUNSET PROVISION emergency air refueling; and (1) Highest priority under the program TO CODIFIED PROVISION. (B) integrate fee-for-service air refueling shall be afforded to pilot and observational For purposes of section 303 of the Jobs and described in paragraph (1) into Air Mobility studies of treatments for the complex of Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 Command operations. symptoms described in subsection (b) and (Public Law 108–27, 26 U.S.C. 1 note), the (c) COMPETITIVE PROVIDERS.—The pilot pro- comprehensive clinical trials of such treat- amendment made by section 301(a)(2)(E) of gram shall include the services of not more ments that have demonstrated effectiveness that Act shall be deemed to have been made than three commercial air refueling pro- in previous past pilot and observational to section 53511(f)(2) of title 46, United States viders selected by the Secretary for the pilot studies. Code. program utilizing competitive procedures. (2) Secondary priority under the program SEC. —210. ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL CORREC- (d) MINIMUM NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT.—Each may be afforded to studies that identify ob- TIONS. provider selected for the pilot program shall jective markers for such complex of symp- (a) AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 46.—Title 46, utilize no fewer than two air refueling air- toms and biological mechanisms underlying United States Code, is amended as follows: craft in participating in the pilot program. such complex of symptoms that can lead to (1) The analysis for chapter 21 is amended (e) AIRCRAFT UTILIZATION.—The pilot pro- the identification and development of such by striking the item relating to section 2108. gram shall provide for a minimum of 1,200 markers and treatments. (2) Section 12113(g) is amended by inserting flying hours per year per air refueling air- (3) No study shall be funded under the pro- ‘‘and’’ after ‘‘Conservation’’. craft participating in the pilot program. gram that is based on psychiatric illness and (3) Section 12131 is amended by striking (f) DURATION.—The period of the pilot pro- psychological stress as the central cause of ‘‘commmand’’ and inserting ‘‘command’’. gram shall be not less than five years after such complex of symptoms (as is consistent (b) AMENDMENTS TO PUBLIC LAW 109–304.— the commencement of the pilot program. with current research findings). (1) AMENDMENTS.—Public Law 109–304 is (g) REPORT.—The Secretary of the Air (d) COMPETITIVE SELECTION AND PEER RE- amended as follows: Force shall provide to the congressional de- VIEW.—The program shall be conducted using (A) Section 15(10) is amended by striking fense committees an annual report on the competitive selection and peer review for the ‘‘46 App. U.S.C.’’ and inserting ‘‘46 U.S.C. fee-for-service air refueling program to in- identification of activities having the most App.’’. clude: substantial scientific merit, utilizing indi- (B) Section 15(30) is amended by striking (1) missions flown; viduals with recognized expertise in Gulf ‘‘Shipping Act, 1936’’ and inserting ‘‘Shipping (2) missions areas supported; War illnesses in the design of the solicitation Act, 1916’’. (3) aircraft number, type, model series sup- and in the scientific and programmatic re- (C) The schedule of Statutes at Large re- ported; view processes. pealed in section 19, as it relates to the Act (4) fuel dispersed; AMENDMENT NO. 2325, AS MODIFIED of June 29, 1936, is amended by— (5) departure reliability rates; and At the end of subtitle C of title X, add the (i) striking the second section ‘‘1111’’ (re- (6) any other data as appropriate for evalu- following: lating to 46 U.S.C. App. 1279f) and inserting ating performance of the commercial air re- section ‘‘1113’’; and fueling providers. SEC. ll. PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE RE- MOVAL OF MISSILES FROM THE (ii) striking the second section ‘‘1112’’ (re- AMENDMENT NO. 3107 lating to 46 U.S.C. App. 1279g) and inserting 564TH MISSILE SQUADRON. (Purpose: To modify the purposes for which section ‘‘1114’’. (a) The Secretary of Defense shall submit the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation at (2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments to the Congressional Defense Committees a made by paragraph (1) shall be effective as if the National Museum of Naval Aviation at report on the feasibility of establishing an included in the enactment of Public Law 109– Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, may association between the 120th Fighter Wing 304. operate the National Flight Academy) of the Montana Air National Guard and ac- (c) REPEAL OF DUPLICATIVE OR On page 508, between lines 3 and 4, insert tive duty personnel stationed at Malmstrom UNEXECUTABLE AMENDMENTS.— the following: Air Force Base, Montana. In making such as- (1) REPEAL.—Sections 9(a), 15(21) and SEC. 2854. MODIFICATION OF LEASE OF PROP- sessment, the Secretary shall consider: (33)(A) through (D)(i), and 16(c)(2) of Public ERTY, NATIONAL FLIGHT ACADEMY (1) An evaluation of the Air Force’s re- Law 109–304 are repealed. AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF quirement for additional F–15 aircraft active (2) INTENDED EFFECT.—The provisions re- NAVAL AVIATION, NAVAL AIR STA- or reserve component force structure. pealed by paragraph (1) shall be treated as if TION, PENSACOLA, FLORIDA. (2) An evaluation of the airspace training never enacted. Section 2850(a) of the Military Construc- opportunities in the immediate airspace (d) LARGE PASSENGER VESSEL CREW RE- tion Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 around Great Falls International Airport Air QUIREMENTS.—Section 8103(k)(3)(C)(iv) of (division B of the Floyd D. Spence National Guard Station. title 46, United States Code, is amended by Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year (3) An evaluation of the impact of civilian inserting ‘‘and section 252 of the Immigra- 2001 (as enacted into law by Public Law 106– operations on military operations at the tion and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1282)’’ 398; 114 Stat. 1654A–428)) is amended— Great Falls International Airport. after ‘‘of such section’’. (1) by striking ‘‘naval aviation and’’ and (4) An evaluation of the level of civilian inserting ‘‘naval aviation,’’; and encroachment on the facilities and airspace (2) by inserting before the period at the end of the 120th Fighter Wing. AMENDMENT NO. 3103, AS MODIFIED the following: ‘‘, and, as of January 1, 2008, to (5) An evaluation of the support structure At the end of subtitle E of title X, add the teach the science, technology, engineering, available, including active military bases following: and mathematics disciplines that have an nearby. SEC. 1070. PILOT PROGRAM ON COMMERCIAL impact on and relate to aviation’’. (6) Opportunities for additional association FEE-FOR-SERVICE AIR REFUELING AMENDMENT NO. 3082, AS MODIFIED between the Montana National Guard and SUPPORT FOR THE AIR FORCE. the 341st Space Wing. (a) PILOT PROGRAM REQUIRED.—The Sec- At the end of subtitle B of title II, add the following: (b) Not more than 40 missiles may be re- retary of Air Force shall, commencing as moved from the 564th Missile Squadron until soon as practicable after the date of the en- SEC. 214. GULF WAR ILLNESSES RESEARCH. 15 days after the report required in sub- actment of this Act, conduct a pilot program (a) FUNDING.— section (a) has been submitted. to assess the feasability and advisability of (1) ADDITIONAL AMOUNT.—Of the amount AMENDMENT NO. 2897, AS MODIFIED utilizing commercial fee-for-service air re- authorized to be appropriated by section fueling tanker aircraft for Air Force oper- 201(1) for research, development, test, and On page 354, after line 24, add the fol- ations. evaluation, Army $15,000,000, may be allo- lowing: (b) PURPOSE.— cated to Medical Advanced Technology (PE SEC. 1070. ESTABLISHMENT OF JOINT PATHOL- (1) IN GENERAL.—The purpose of the pilot #0603002A) for the Army to carry out, as part OGY CENTER. program required by subsection (a) is to sup- of its Congressionally Directed Medical Re- (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of De- port, augment, or enhance the air refueling search Programs, a program for Gulf War Ill- fense may, to the extent consistent with the mission of the Air Force by utilizing com- nesses Research. final recommendations of the 2005 Defense mercial air refueling providers on a fee-for- (b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the program Base Closure and Realignment Commission service basis. may be to develop diagnostic markers and as approved by the President, establish a (2) ELEMENTS.—In order to achieve the pur- treatments for the complex of symptoms Joint Pathology Center located at the Na- pose of the pilot program, the pilot program commonly known as ‘‘Gulf War Illnesses tional Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, shall— (GWI)’’, including widespread pain, cognitive Maryland, that shall function as the ref- (A) demonstrate and validate a comprehen- impairment, and persistent fatigue in con- erence center in pathology for the Depart- sive strategy for air refueling on a fee-for- junction with diverse other symptoms and ment of Defense.

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(b) SERVICES.—The Joint Pathology Cen- (C) An assessment of completed produc- Long Term Armoring Strategy of the Army ter, if established, shall provide, at a min- tion, transportation, and fielding of MRAP and Marine Corps. imum, the following services: vehicles and a forecast of future production, (2) CONTENT.—The report required under (1) Diagnostic pathology consultation. transportation, and fielding functions. paragraph (1) shall include the following: (2) Pathology education, to include grad- (D) An explanation of any deviation be- (A) An estimate of the funding required to uate medical education, including residency tween the planned and actual numbers of ve- execute the strategy. and fellowship programs, and continuing hicles fielded for the reporting period. (B) Specific plans for balancing force pro- medical education. (E) Funding required to execute produc- tection, payload, performance, and (3) Diagnostic pathology research. tion, transportation, and fielding, and an deployability requirements across the range (4) Maintenance and continued moderniza- analysis of any industrial base issues affect- of wheeled vehicle variants. tion of the Tissue Repository and, as appro- ing such functions. (C) A science and technology investment priate, utilization of such Repository in con- (F) The required delivery schedule for each strategy, including a description of current ducting the activities described in para- contract to procure MRAP vehicles. technical barriers, near and long term tech- graphs (1) through (3). (G) A comprehensive description and expla- nology objectives, coordination of activities AMENDMENT NO. 2068, AS MODIFIED nation of cost and schedule variance, and of the various military departments, Defense At the end of subtitle A of title XV, add any deviation from contract terms, how that Agencies, and commercial industry entities, the following: variance or deviation affects overall program and technology demonstration and transi- SEC. 1517. REPORTS ON MITIGATION OF EFFECTS performance, and corrective actions planned tion plans. OF EXPLOSIVELY FORMED PROJEC- to address such variance and deviation. (D) A test and evaluation master plan, in- TILES AND MINES. (H) Recommendations for additional au- cluding a description of the role of the Direc- (a) REPORT ON EXPLOSIVELY FORMED PRO- thorities, which if provided to the Secretary, tor of Operational Test and Evaluation in JECTILES.— would improve the ability of the Department the development and execution of LTAS. (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days of Defense to rapidly field MRAP vehicles. (E) An analysis of industrial base or manu- after the date of the enactment of this Act, (I) Plans for armor upgrades, and their im- facturing issues related to achieving suffi- and every 60 days thereafter, the Secretary pact on automotive performance and cient and sustainable production rates. sustainment. of Defense shall submit to the congressional AMENDMENT NO. 3112 defense committees a report, in both classi- (J) An explanation of any safety issues or (Purpose: To express the sense of the Senate fied and unclassified forms, on explosively limitations on the vehicles. on the Air Force Logistics Center) formed projectiles. (K) Anticipated short and long term (2) CONTENT.—Each report submitted under sustainment issues, including an explanation At the end of subtitle D of title III, add the paragraph (1) shall include the following: of the maintenance concept for sustainment following: (A) A comprehensive plan of action for im- after the initial contractor logistic support SEC. 342. SENSE OF SENATE ON THE AIR FORCE proving capabilities to mitigate the effects period and the projected annual funding re- LOGISTICS CENTERS. of explosively formed projectiles (EFPs), in- quired. (a) FINDINGS.—The Senate makes the fol- cluding the development of technologies, (L) A detailed description of MRAP pro- lowing findings: training programs, tactics, techniques, and gram costs, including research and develop- (1) Air Force Air Logistics Centers have procedures, and an estimate of the funding ment, procurement, maintenance, logistics, served as a model of efficiency and effective- required to execute the plan. and end to end transportation costs. ness in providing integrated sustainment (B) Detailed descriptions of the effective- (c) REPORT ON TACTICAL WHEELED VEHICLES (depot maintenance, supply management, ness of any fielded EFP mitigation tech- STRATEGY.— and product support) for fielded weapon sys- nologies, training programs, tactics, tech- (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days tems within the Department of Defense. This niques, and procedures, and ways in which after the date of the enactment of this Act, success has been founded in the integration they could be improved. the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the of these dependent processes. (C) A description of the individual projects congressional defense committees a report (2) Air Force Air Logistics Centers have that comprise the plan of action. on the near and long term tactical wheeled embraced best practices, technology (D) A schedule for completing and fielding vehicle fleet modernization strategies of the changes, and process improvements, and each project. Army and Marine Corps. have successfully managed increased work- (E) The contract delivery dates, progress (2) CONTENT.—The report required under load while at the same time reducing per- towards completion, and forecast completion paragraph (1) shall include the following: sonnel. date for each project. (A) A description of the impact of the Mine (3) Air Force Air Logistics Centers con- (F) A comprehensive description of any de- Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle pro- tinue to successfully sustain an aging air- viation from contract terms and an expla- gram on the current acquisition strategies craft fleet that is performing more flying nation of any cost and schedule variance and and procurement plans of the Army and Ma- hours, with less aircraft, than at any point how such variance affects fielding rine Corps for the tactical wheeled vehicle in the last thirty years. deliverables, and a plan for addressing such fleet, including inventory mix, overall (4) The purpose of the Global Logistics deviations and variances. sustainment cost, and logistical and indus- Support Center is to apply an enterprise ap- (G) Recommendations for additional au- trial base issues. proach to supply chain management to thorities, which if provided to the Secretary, (B) Plans for the Joint Light Tactical Ve- eliminate redundancies and improve effi- would improve the ability of the Department hicle program, including an assessment of ciencies across the Air Force in order to best of Defense to rapidly field counter EFP capa- the continued validity of previously adopted provide capable aircraft to the warfighter. bilities and protection against the effects of Key Performance Parameters. (5) The Air Force is working diligently to EFPs. (C) A science and technology investment identify means to create further efficiencies (H) An analysis of any industrial base strategy, including a description of current in the Air Force logistics network. issues affecting the plan outlined under sub- technical barriers, near and long term tech- (b) SENSE OF SENATE.—It is the sense of the paragraph (A). nology objectives, coordination of activities Senate that the Air Force should work close- (I) Mechanisms for sharing counter EFP of the various military departments, Defense ly with Congress as the Air Force continues capabilities with appropriate coalition part- Agencies, and commercial industry entities, to develop and implement the Global Logis- ners. and technology demonstration and transi- tics Support Center concept. (J) The most current available data on the tion plans to support the Long Term Armor- AMENDMENT NO. 3032, AS MODIFIED effects of EFPs on United States, coalition, ing Strategy (LTAS). On page 91, between lines 13 and 14, insert and allied forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. (D) A strategy to fund and execute suffi- the following: (b) REPORT ON MINE RESISTANT AMBUSH cient developmental and operational test (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.— PROTECTED VEHICLES.— and evaluation to ensure that deployed sys- (1) IN GENERAL.—The amendments made by (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days tems are operationally effective, including a this section shall take effect on a date elect- after the date of the enactment of this Act, description of the role of the Director of ed by the Secretary of Defense, which date and every 30 days thereafter, the Secretary Operational Test and Evaluation in the de- may not be earlier than the date that is one of Defense shall submit to the congressional velopment and execution of the Long Term year after the date of the enactment of this defense committees a report on Mine Resist- Armoring Strategy. Act. The Secretary shall publish in the Fed- ant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. (E) Plans to utilize the Army reset and re- eral Register notice of the effective date of (2) CONTENT.—Each report submitted under capitalization process to maintain the leg- the amendments made by this section, as so paragraph (1) shall include the following: acy tactical wheeled vehicle fleet. elected. (A) The total requirement of all military (d) REPORT ON LONG TERM ARMORING (2) REPORT.—Not later than the effective services for MRAP vehicles, including MRAP STRATEGY.— date elected under paragraph (1), the Sec- I, spiral upgrades, and MRAP II variants. (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days retary shall submit to the Committees on (B) A comprehensive plan for transporting after the date of the enactment of this Act, Armed Services of the Senate and the House and fielding all variants to the United States the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the of Representatives a report setting forth the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of oper- congressional defense committees a report, recommendations of the Secretary regarding ations. in classified and unclassified forms, on the the following:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12363 (A) The appropriate role and mission of the follow-up services for reintegrating members retary of Defense shall consult with the Ad- Reserve Forces Policy Board. of the Armed Forces and their families for jutant General of each State that borders (B) The appropriate membership of the Re- extended periods following deployments, in- Canada, Mexico, or the Gulf of Mexico, the serve Forces Policy Board. cluding between deployments. Adjutant General of the State of West Vir- (C) The appropriate procedures to be uti- (N) Assisting members of the Armed ginia, and the National Guard Bureau. lized by the Reserve Forces Policy Board in Forces and their families in receiving serv- AMENDMENT NO. 2905 its interaction with the Department of De- ices and assistance from the Department of Mr. SUNUNU. Madam President, I fense. Veterans Affairs, including referral services. rise today in favor of the Sanders AMENDMENT NO. 2905, AS MODIFIED (2) PROVISION OF OUTREACH SERVICES.—A re- amendment, No. 2905, to the Depart- On page 114, between lines 4 and 5, insert cipient of a grant under this section shall the following: carry out programs of outreach in accord- ment of Defense authorization bill, SEC. 583. PILOT PROGRAM ON MILITARY FAMILY ance with paragraph (1) to members of the which would establish a pilot program READINESS AND SERVICEMEMBER Armed Forces and their families before, dur- aimed at providing essential care and REINTEGRATION. ing, between, and after deployment of such services to National Guard soldiers re- (a) PILOT PROGRAM.— members of the Armed Forces. turning home from duty. (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense (e) SELECTION OF GRANT RECIPIENTS.— Back in the fall of 2004, the New shall carry out a pilot program to assess the (1) APPLICATION.—An eligible entity seek- feasibility and advisability of providing as- ing a grant under the pilot program shall Hampshire National Guard was one of sistance and support to the Adjutant General submit to the Secretary an application the first Guard units to recognize the of a State or territory of the U.S. to create therefor in such form and in such manner as unique difficulties encountered by comprehensive soldier and family prepared- the Secretary considers appropriate. guardsmen and women returning from ness and reintegration outreach programs (2) ELEMENTS.—An application submitted combat operations in Iraq and Afghani- for members of the Armed Forces and their under subparagraph (A) shall include such stan. In response, the Guard led the families to further the purposes described in elements as the Secretary considers appro- way in addressing these concerns by es- section 1781b(b) of title 10, United States priate. tablishing its own reunion and reentry Code, as added by section 582(a) of this Act. (3) PRIORITY.—In selecting eligible entities (2) COORDINATION.—In carrying out the to receive grants under the pilot program, program, which employs innovative so- pilot program, the Secretary shall— the Secretary shall give priority to eligible lutions to cope with the difficult tran- (A) coordinate with the Department of De- entities that propose programs with a focus sition to life at home. fense Military Family Readiness Council (es- on personal outreach to members of the Under the reentry program, soldiers tablished under section 1781a of title, United Armed Forces and their families by trained and their families receive multiple States Code, as added by section 581 of this staff (with preference given to veterans and, counseling sessions and an introduc- Act); and in particular, veterans of combat) conducted tion to the array of services available (B) consult with the Secretary of Veterans in person. Affairs. to them within the first 36 hours of re- AMENDMENT NO. 3027, AS MODIFIED (3) DESIGNATION.—The pilot program estab- turning home. The program works to lished pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be At the end of title X, add the following: ensure that servicemembers and their known as the ‘‘National Military Family SEC. 1070. REPORT ON FEASIBILITY OF ESTAB- families recognize that they are not Readiness and Servicemember Reintegration LISHING A DOMESTIC MILITARY AVIATION NATIONAL TRAINING CEN- alone and that the Guard is committed Outreach Program’’ (in this section referred to providing the care and assistance to as ‘‘the pilot program’’). TER. (b) ASSISTANCE PROVIDED.—The Secretary (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than March 31, they need after returning from deploy- shall carry out the pilot program through as- 2008, the Secretary of Defense shall submit ment. sistance and support. to the congressional defense committees a This program has proven to be enor- The Adjutant General of a State or terri- report to determine the feasibility of estab- mously successful, and has become a tory of the United States. lishing a Border State Aviation Training model for other States, due in part be- (d) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT.— Center (BSATC) to support the current and cause it removes the burden of seeking (1) The pilot program may develop pro- future requirements of the existing RC–26 grams of outreach to members of the Armed training site for counterdrug activities, lo- and requesting care from the individual Forces and their family members to educate cated at the Fixed Wing Army National soldier. I am proud of the leadership such members and their family members Guard Aviation Training Site (FWAATS), in- role New Hampshire’s National Guard about the assistance and services available cluding the domestic reconnaissance and sur- has taken in combating this very seri- to them that meet the purposes of section veillance missions of the National Guard in ous problem. 1781b(b) of title 10, United States Code, as support of local State, and Federal law en- I am pleased the Senate adopted the added by section 582(a) of this Act, and to as- forcement agencies, provided that the activi- Sanders amendment to provide support sist such members and their family members ties to be conducted at the BSATC shall not that will allow other States to estab- in obtaining such assistance and services. duplicate or displace any activity or pro- Such assistance and services may include the gram at the C–26 training site or the lish programs similar to New Hamp- following: FWAATS. shire’s. (A) Marriage counseling. (b) CONTENT.—The report required under The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- (B) Services for children. subsection (a) shall— ator from Virginia. (C) Suicide prevention. (1) examine the current and past require- Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, at this (D) Substance abuse awareness and treat- ments of RC–26 aircraft in support of local, juncture, I think the Senator from ment. State, and Federal law enforcement and de- Michigan and I might commend our (E) Mental health awareness and treat- termine the number of additional aircraft re- staffs for doing a lot of diligent work ment. quired to provide such support for each State (F) Financial counseling. that borders Canada, Mexico, or the Gulf of through a good part of the weekend to (G) Anger management counseling. Mexico; achieve this package of amendments. I (H) Domestic violence awareness and pre- (2) determine the number of military and think this adds up to about 180 amend- vention. civilian personnel required to run a RC–26 ments we have done now. So much of (I) Employment assistance. domestic training center meeting the re- that work is done by our magnificent (J) Development of strategies for living quirements identified under paragraph (1); professional staff, many of whom have with a member of the Armed Forces with and been on the Armed Services Committee post traumatic stress disorder or traumatic (3) determine the requirements and cost of for numbers of years. brain injury. locating such a training center at a military (K) Other services that may be appropriate installation for the purpose of preempting Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I thank to address the unique needs of members of and responding to security threats and re- my good friend, Senator WARNER, for the Armed Forces and their families who live sponding to crises; and that suggestion. This is a good moment in rural or remote areas with respect to fam- (4) include a comprehensive review of the to do that before we have a vote later ily readiness and servicemember reintegra- number of intelligence, reconnaissance and on the bill. Our staffs, as always, put in tion. surveillance platforms needed for the Na- an amazing amount of time—in the (L) Assisting members of the Armed Forces tional Guard to effectively provide domestic evenings, mornings, over weekends—in and their families find and receive assistance operations and civil support (including order for us to get through hundreds of with military family readiness and service- homeland defense and counterdrug) to local, member reintegration, including referral State, and Federal law enforcement and first amendments. services. responder entities. Actually, the Senator is right. I (M) Development of strategies and pro- (c) CONSULTATION.—In preparing the re- think there were 180 cleared amend- grams that recognize the need for long-term port required under subsection (a), the Sec- ments and about 35 amendments that

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12364 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 have been disposed of separately one refugees, particularly the select refu- In this country now we are facing a way or another. gees who have been the ones who have health care crisis. We hear Democratic Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, over 180 been so associated with the American candidates for President talk about it, amendments. effort in Iraq. Republican candidates talk about it, Mr. LEVIN. So I do not know if we We have differences in this body on business leaders, leaders of the trade set a record because my good friend the overall policy in Iraq, but I think union movement talk about it. We from Virginia probably is the record- all of us admire those extraordinary in- were spending $1.3 trillion 6 years ago; holder—and probably more than once. dividuals who worked, in many in- we are now spending $2.3 trillion. We But, I say to the Senator, we are going stances, as translators for the Amer- have increased the spending by $1 tril- to try to get to where you have been. ican servicemen and risked their lives. lion, and 8 million Americans have lost We are going to try harder. Many of them lost their lives in this ef- their health insurance—8 million. It Mr. WARNER. Well, where have you fort. A number of others who had would be more than that if we didn’t been? worked with American forces now have have the SCHIP program. That is an- Mr. LEVIN. With you every time. their lives threatened, for which there other issue for another time, when it But when you were chairman and you— is a sense of urgency. The amendment will be more than that. Mr. WARNER. We have both been was accepted by both Senator LEVIN So we are in real danger of seeing chairman of this committee, Mr. Presi- and Senator WARNER. We are hopeful it middle-class families lose both their dent, three times. will result in saving lives. Also, there retirement in terms of their pensions, Mr. LEVIN. One time each, I think, are individuals who, by their religious as well as their health insurance. Now for 18 days. beliefs, were being persecuted as well. we have the regulations of the Depart- But, in any event, I thank our staffs. So this was a small amendment, but ment of Defense that are accelerating I thank my friend for raising this it will make a big difference. I thank that. Effectively, what they are saying issue. them for their help and assistance on is, if we have good competition be- Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I thank that amendment and a number of other tween the government bid and the pri- the indulgence of our distinguished items on our hate crimes legislation, vate bid, the fact that we have health Presiding Officer and suggest the ab- and others. insurance and retirement, it is going to sence of a quorum. AMENDMENT NO. 3058 make the total cost somewhat higher I withhold the request. Mr. President, one of the pending and therefore the award will go to the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- amendments is the amendment offered private bid. This is sending a powerful ator from Massachusetts. by Senator MIKULSKI and myself, and message to these private contractors: Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I, too, that is an amendment that affects Don’t even think of providing any serv- join in thanking our chairman and workers. In this case, we are talking ices, health care, for the families of ranking member, Senator LEVIN and about Defense Department workers. Of your workers. Don’t think about re- Senator WARNER, for all of their co- those 640,000 Defense Department tirement. Don’t think about anything operation during the consideration of a workers, we are talking about a third because you can win contracts against number of amendments we have offered of those workers who have proudly those who are working in the Defense these past days. It is typical of their served in the Armed Forces of our Department who are providing those service and their thoughtfulness. They country. They have worn the uniform benefits. That is basically unfair. are serious legislators. We are fortu- of our country, acquired various skills, This competition ought to be for the nate to have them dealing with these and then have come back and now are cost of providing the services. Who can issues of such importance and con- serving in the Defense Department in a do that more efficiently? We don’t sequence for our national security. I wide variety of areas—in information want to rush to the bottom—a race to am grateful to them both. and information technologies, in sup- the bottom—and that is what we are I wish to take a few moments. plies, in technology and safety equip- having at this time, and that is wrong. Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, will the ment—a wide variety of areas. They That is wrong, and it is unfair. If we Senator from Massachusetts yield? are using their skills—which they continue that, we are going to find out Mr. KENNEDY. Yes. had—their patriotism, their dedication we are going to have not tens of thou- Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, the to service to this country and are doing sands, but we are going to have hun- Senator from Massachusetts has been so with great skill and determination. dreds of thousands of people who are on this committee for more than two It means a lot to those who are in the going to see that their insurance is decades, and there is no one who works Armed Forces to know they have a lost. harder and more diligently. I wish backup, first of all by their families, This isn’t just the employees. If we there were more programs on which we but secondly by skilled men and look at the private contractor, one pri- had a concurrence of philosophy and women who are going to make sure vate contractor was going for a bid, an- policy, but nevertheless I say to the they have the best in technology, the other was bidding for it, and at the Senator, you are a very prodigious best in terms of equipment, and that present time, if that were the cir- worker. they are going to be able to do their cumstance today, the responsible con- Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I job in the way they were trained. tractor who is looking out for their thank the Senator. Those are the Defense Department em- employees with health insurance for Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, if I could ployees. the families and with a retirement pro- add one word on that subject, the Sen- Now, we have found in recent times gram, they would be somewhat higher ator from Massachusetts is not only as to those employees that their fu- than the cost of providing service by about as diligent a Senator as one can tures have been put at risk. They have the irresponsible contractor, and they imagine, but he has had great success been put at risk because of a change in would lose out. So it isn’t only the on this particular bill. I do not know the rules and regulations for what they workers who are working in the De- how he manages to keep all the balls in call outsourcing, the bidding for var- fense Department but also responsible the air that he does, including the ious contracts. These workers are high- contractors who are providing services CHIP program, immigration, and so ly skilled, highly professional, and for their employees and who respect many other issues. But he has had an they are prepared to compete on a level their employees. extraordinary success on this par- playing field with any group of work- If we don’t accept this amendment, ticular bill, and it is a real tribute to ers—public or private sector—and do we are going to see a continuing rush him—this bill—for many reasons. so, and do so well, do it skillfully, and to the bottom where it is going to be Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I also do it in a way that is going to save virtually impossible to get these inde- thank the Senator. the American taxpayer resources. But pendent contractors to provide any of Mr. President, as was described ear- what is added to the bid in various con- the kinds of services to these families lier on the floor with the chairman of tracts is the fact that these Federal who are working in this country. That the committee, on last Friday, there employees have health insurance and isn’t what we ought to have in terms of are important provisions dealing with also have some retirement benefits. the Defense Department rules.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12365 Finally, as I pointed out earlier, but cate, and so many of our colleagues we have in government, it is also a way it is worth mentioning again, some of who have supported the different provi- to reinforce how important competi- the other provisions that basically sions on both sides of the aisle. Hope- tion is. We have had competitions that work for the unfairness of those who fully, we will have a strong vote in an have masqueraded as real competitions are working in the Defense Depart- hour from now for those workers. in this administration a number of ment. If there is an unfair decision, the Mr. President, I suggest the absence times. This will make sure we are get- private contractors can appeal that, of a quorum. ting the best value for that very pre- but the workers over here cannot. That The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cious taxpayer dollar. They are going isn’t fair. This amendment is about clerk will call the roll. to have to demonstrate that the con- fairness, treating people fairly. The assistant legislative clerk pro- tract is going to save money in order Renew a contract without recompeti- ceeded to call the roll. for the contract to be put out to a pri- tion, they can do that. Private contrac- Mrs. MCCASKILL. Mr. President, I vate entity as opposed to government tors can do it, but if the Federal work- ask unanimous consent that the order employees. ers have that contract, they can’t do it. for the quorum call be rescinded. I think it is a very solid amendment We find out for the most competitive The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without in terms of watching out for taxpayer bid, there are administrative rules and objection, it is so ordered. money. I know it is characterized that regulations that prohibit Federal em- Mrs. MCCASKILL. Mr. President, I this is to protect government employ- ployees from getting the lowest com- rise to support the Kennedy amend- ees. It is not. It is called protecting petitive bid. They know how to do it, ment because, frankly, it makes fiscal taxpayers’ money. That is why I think they want to do it; nonetheless, they sense. There has been in this adminis- this amendment is so important. That are denied the opportunity to do it. tration a rush to contract. They never is why I hope my colleagues will join Then we have these quotas that are saw any function of government that together to strike another blow on be- set by OMB, which is not right. They somehow they didn’t believe would be half of fiscal accountability and mak- establish so many contractors and so better off in the private sector. I am ing sure we treat taxpayers’ money much is virtually prohibited, but it has not opposed to privatization just for with respect and deference and making grown into a practice at the present the sake of being opposed to privatiza- sure we are spending it very wisely. time. tion. I have no problem with con- I yield the floor. So this amendment is very much tracting, if it is going to save tax- Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I wish to about fairness. It is about how we are payers’ money and we are still going to rise in support of the pending amend- going to treat people who are part of get quality work on behalf of taxpayers ment by Senator KENNEDY on public- the whole Defense establishment. And from those contractors working in gov- private competition. Sometimes this they are these workers, and they are ernment. But if we have learned any- amendment is described as the Ken- indispensable. A great percentage of thing over the last 6 years, we have nedy-Mikulski or the Mikulski-Ken- them have been a part of the military learned that you don’t always get a nedy amendment. Both Senators de- and have served with great distinction good deal when you contract. serve a great deal of credit for their for many years. They want to continue I know we have spent a lot of time support. that sense of patriotism, continue that talking over the last few weeks about The Department of Defense has al- sense of service, continue that sense of the contracting that went on in Iraq, lowed its workforce of civilian employ- giving. The men and women who are in and I will not dwell on that here, but it ees to atrophy to the point of a human the Armed Forces know they can rely is exhibit A of how badly government capital crisis. Since fiscal year 2000, on the quality of the work that the in- sometimes does in the name of saving the number of contractor employees dividuals do because these individuals money when it enters into private con- under DOD service contracts has are highly motivated, highly trained, tracts. roughly doubled, while the number of have been in the service, many of them So what this amendment says is pret- DOD civilian employees has remained have served for many years, come out ty simple, and it is kind of what audi- virtually unchanged. As a result, the of the service, have skills, and say: tors say over and over again until peo- Department of Defense has found in What I would like to do for the rest of ple want us to be quiet; that is, com- area after area—acquisition manage- my career is to be able to continue to pete, compete, compete. Not only ment, financial management, even se- give support to those who are on the should these contracts be competitive curity and intelligence—it must now front lines, and they do it. They do it among potential contractors, they rely upon contractors to perform func- with great distinction, and they do it must be competitive with the govern- tions that were formerly performed by with great expertise and with extraor- ment workers who are currently doing Federal employees. dinary patriotism. the work. There have been many exam- These adverse trends have been exac- All they are asking for is to have a ples of where, in the name of saving erbated by an administration that has fair system, to give them a fair shake. money, someone was hired to do the consistently pushed to have more Fed- Give them some respect. Give them the job, and it ended up costing us more eral work performed in the private sec- respect they deserve, that they should than had the government employees re- tor. In 2001, the Office of Management have. Give some respect for their fami- mained on the job. That is just the ba- and Budget established a goal of sub- lies as well. sics of this amendment. jecting half of the work performed by So I hope very much we will have This is nothing new. This has been in Federal employees to private sector good support for this amendment. As I a number of Defense appropriations competition within 4 years. While the mentioned earlier in those particular bills, and it is in effect for the Depart- administration subsequently backed provisions that we put up about dis- ment of Defense. The A–76 rule, which off of this Government-wide goal, OMB parities between the private contrac- this is called, is now currently the law continues to establish agency-specific tors and the employees, we have had within the Department of Defense. This goals, and to grade agencies on their strong bipartisan support for just will extend it, codify it, make it uni- performance in converting work to pri- about every one of those provisions, form across the Federal Government. If vate sector performance. but they have been put on appropria- you are going to contract out, then the The Kennedy-Mikulski amendment tions in the past, and therefore at the employees have a right to participate would end this artificial effort to drive time the appropriation expires, these in that competition. And if the employ- contracts to the private sector by codi- provisions expire. Now we are back to ees of government can show they can fying a commonsense set of rules that try to revisit this once again. So there do the job, as they have been doing, govern competition between Federal is a strong and compelling reason for and they can do it for less money than employees and private contractors. this amendment. the private contractor, then they Some of these rules have already I thank Senator LIEBERMAN and so should get the award in that particular been enacted through appropriations many of our cosponsors, including Sen- competition. acts in previous Congresses. The Ken- ator MIKULSKI who has spoken so well This is a way to not only make sure nedy-Mikulski amendment would make and who has been such a strong advo- we are not getting rid of the expertise these rules permanent law. Others have

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12366 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 already been enacted for the DOD. The the excessive use of contracts that tors operating in areas of combat oper- Kennedy-Mikulski amendment would make open-ended commitments of DOD ations. Over the last 4 years, there has make these provisions Government- funds; and a pervasive failure to per- been a number of reports of abuses by wide. form contract oversight and manage- private security contractors operating I wish to focus on one provision of ment functions necessary to protect in Iraq. There have been allegations, the amendment which addresses a fun- taxpayers’ interest. These problems even films, of contractors shooting damental element of fairness in com- have been particularly acute in Iraq recklessly at civilians as they drive petition between the private and public and Afghanistan, but they are in no down the streets of Baghdad and other sectors. OMB circular A–76, which gov- way limited to Iraq and Afghanistan. Iraqi cities. Some of these contractors erns public-private competitions, es- The contracting commission estab- work for the Department of Defense, tablishes rules for what happens after lished pursuant to the Webb-McCaskill but many others work for other Fed- one side or the other wins a competi- amendment should help us identify the eral agencies or for contractors of tion. If the private sector wins a com- sources of these problems and provide other Federal agencies. petition, the work stays in the private us with constructive recommendations Most recently, the Iraqi Government sector forever. If the public sector to avoid similar problems in the future. has complained about an incident in wins, however, the work must be sub- In addition to the commission lan- which employees of Blackwater alleg- ject to a new competition within 5 guage adopted last week, there are sig- edly opened fire on innocent Iraqis in years. Attachment B to OMB circular nificant acquisition reform measures downtown Baghdad. According to pub- A–76 specifically states that if the pub- already in this bill, as it came to the lished reports, Blackwater employees shot into a crush of cars, killing at lic sector competitor wins a competi- floor, that will make improvements in least 11 Iraqis and wounding 12. tion, ‘‘an agency shall complete an- the DOD acquisition system and to Blackwater officials insist their guards other . . . competition of the activity wartime contracting. Taken together, were ambushed, but witnesses de- by the end of the last performance pe- these provisions will make the bill that scribed this shooting as unprovoked, is now before the Senate, by far, the riod’’ in the performance agreement. and Iraq’s Interior Ministry has con- This rule is fundamentally unfair. It most significant acquisition reform cluded that Blackwater was at fault. also undermines the morale of Federal measure to be considered by Congress Last week, the Washington Post re- civilian employees by contributing to since the enactment of the Federal Ac- ported that senior military officials the view of civil servants as second- quisition Streamlining Act and the are deeply concerned about this shoot- class citizens. At a time when the De- Federal Acquisition Reform Act more out and other similar incidents which partment of Defense should be recruit- than 10 years ago. could undermine our efforts to combat ing thousands of new civilian employ- For example, section 821 of the bill terrorists and insurgents in Iraq. This ees to address a human capital crisis, would require increased competition in is what the Washington Post article re- the rule is clearly contrary to the De- large ‘‘umbrella contracts’’ awarded by ported: partment’s own interests. the Department of Defense. The Senate ‘‘The military is very sensitive to its rela- The Kennedy-Mikulski amendment Armed Services Committee held a tionship that they’ve built with the Iraqis would address this problem by stating hearing in April on the Department of being altered or even severely degraded by that OMB may not require the Depart- Defense management of the $20 billion actions such as this event’’. . . . ment of Defense to conduct a new pub- so-called LOGCAP contract, under ‘‘This is a nightmare,’’ said a senior U.S. lic-private competition within any which a company called KBR—until re- military official. ‘‘We had guys who saw the specified period of time after the public cently, a subsidiary of Halliburton— aftermath, and it was very bad. This is going to hurt us badly. It may be worse than Abu sector wins a competition. That is the has provided services to U.S. troops in Ghraib, and it comes at a time when we’re right answer. DOD’s human capital the field. trying to have an impact for the long term’’. policies should be driven by the De- Here are some of the things we ... partment’s human capital needs—not learned in our hearing: In interviews involving a dozen U.S. mili- by arbitrary policies established by the The company was given work that tary and government officials, many ex- Office of Management and Budget. So I appears to have far exceeded the scope pressed . . . concern over the shootings. . . . of the contract; all of this added work ‘‘This is a big mess that I don’t think any- hope our colleagues will support the one has their hands around yet,’’ said an- Kennedy-Mikulski amendment. was provided to the contractor without other U.S. military official. ‘‘It’s not nec- I suggest the absence of a quorum. competition; the contractor resisted essarily a bad thing these guys are being The PRESIDING OFFICER. The providing us with information that we held accountable. Iraqis hate them, the clerk will call the roll. needed to monitor and control costs; troops don’t particularly care for them, and The assistant legislative clerk pro- there were almost $2 billion of over- they tend to have a know-it-all attitude, ceeded to call the roll. charges on the contract; and the con- which means they rarely listen to anyone— Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I ask tractor received highly favorable set- even the folks that patrol the ground on a daily basis.’’ unanimous consent that the order for tlements on these overcharges. ‘‘Their tendency is shoot first and ask the quorum call be rescinded. When asked why the Army had wait- questions later,’’ said an Army lieutenant The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ed 5 years to split the massive colonel serving in Iraq. Referring to the Sep- objection, it is so ordered. LOGCAP contract among multiple con- tember 16 shootings, the officer added, ‘‘None Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, last week, tractors, allowing for greater competi- of us believe they were engaged, but we are the Senate adopted a historic amend- tion of the work to be performed under all carrying their black eyes.’’ ‘‘Many of my peers think Blackwater is of- ment offered by Senators WEBB, the contract, the Assistant Secretary tentimes out of control,’’ said a senior U.S. MCCASKILL, and others, to establish an of the Army for Acquisition, Tech- commander serving in Iraq. ‘‘They often act independent commission to review the nology, and Logistics gave the fol- like cowboys over here . . . not seeming to many problems with fraud, waste, and lowing answer: ‘‘I don’t have a good an- play by the same rules everybody else tries abuse that have arisen in Iraq relative swer for you.’’ to play by.’’ to contracting and to give us rec- The provision in our bill would avoid The provision in our bill would ad- ommendations on how we can avoid the kind of abuses we get in sole-source dress this problem by ensuring that the similar problems in the future. I wish contracts by ensuring that future con- Department of Defense and its combat- to commend the Senators that were in- tracts of this type provide for the com- ant commanders are in a position to volved in this effort for the leadership petition of task and delivery orders un- regulate the conduct of all armed con- they showed in drafting this amend- less there is a compelling reason not to tractors in the battle space, regardless ment and getting it adopted by the do so. If our language stays intact, we of whether they are employed under Senate. should never again see the kind of contracts of the Department of Defense The Department of Defense faces abuses which existed with the Halli- or other Federal agencies. Under the huge problems in its acquisition sys- burton-KBR umbrella contracts. provision in our bill, private security tem today. Over the last few years, we Similarly, section 871 of the bill contractors employed by any Federal have seen an alarming lack of acquisi- would require tighter regulation and agency or any contractor or subcon- tion planning across the Department; control over private security contrac- tractor for a Federal agency would be

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12367 required for the first time to comply The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. STA- need that national missile defense in with DOD rules on the use of force and BENOW). The clerk will call the roll. Eastern Europe. But since we don’t with orders, directions, and instruc- The assistant legislative clerk pro- know all those answers, we have pro- tions issued by combatant commanders ceeded to call the roll. vided in this bill that if they concluded relating to force protection, security, Mr. NELSON of Florida. Madam the agreement with those Eastern Eu- health, safety, or relations and inter- President, I ask unanimous consent ropean countries, they can go about action with local nationals. that the order for the quorum call be the process of acquiring the land, the Other provisions in our bill would rescinded. site, and the preparation of the site. provide added protection for contractor The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without We also noted in our committee that employees who blow the whistle on objection, it is so ordered. they have not had tremendous success fraud, waste, and abuse. They would re- Mr. NELSON of Florida. Madam with the airborne laser, and of the ap- quire the DOD to conduct a comprehen- President, I want to speak on final pas- proximately $.5 billion that they want- sive analysis of the billions of dollars it sage of the bill. We are going to have ed to continue that program, we cut spends every year to purchase contract that vote shortly. What is the par- that program by $200 billion and used services. Our bill will tighten rules for liamentary procedure we are in? that money elsewhere, in kinetic en- the acquisition of major weapons sys- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ergy intercepts on the boost phase of tems; ensure that we get fair prices ate is currently considering the Ken- an intercontinental ballistic missile. when we purchase spare parts for those nedy amendment to the bill. So those are just some of the things weapons systems; enhance competition Mr. NELSON of Florida. Madam in here, and I want to thank all the requirements for products purchased President, if I may be recognized, I will parties who worked with us to get a bi- from Federal prison industries; and ad- use these remarks to tell the Senate partisan resolution, which is the way a dress abuses of undefinitized contract that it has been a pleasure to work Defense bill ought to be managed and actions. with the chairman of the full com- ought to be passed, and we have that The root cause of these and all the mittee, Senator LEVIN, who has con- this year, and I am very grateful. other problems that we read and hear sistently given this Senator free rein Now, there is another part in here so much about, or at least most of the as the chairman of the Strategic Sub- that Senator LEVIN and the ranking other problems, in the defense acquisi- committee of the Armed Services Com- member of the full committee ap- tion system is our failure to maintain mittee. proved, and I want to thank him for an acquisition workforce with the re- What it looked like last winter was that. That is the question of widows sources and skills that are needed to that all the thorny issues of nuclear and orphans. Current law is that a manage the Department’s acquisition weapons and the follow-on nuclear servicemember pays for survivors bene- system. weapons and the question of national fits. They pay once they retire, and Earlier this year, the Acquisition Ad- missile defense, the strategic posture they pay for that benefit. It is like an visory Panel, chartered pursuant to the of the United States, would get us all insurance policy. On the other hand, National Defense Authorization Act for wound up around the axle. But it didn’t there is another body of law in the Vet- fiscal year 2004, reported that ‘‘cur- turn out that way, and I want to give erans’ Administration where there are tailed investments in human capital credit to my colleague, Senator SES- survivors benefits for widows and or- have produced an acquisition work- SIONS, the ranking member of our sub- phans. When the servicemember passes force that often lacks the training and committee, for working with me and away, those two eligibilities, under resources to function effectively.’’ And the members of the committee in re- current law, cancel out each other, and they went on: solving these issues. What we worked that is not the way we ought to be The Federal Government does not have the out in subcommittee, basically, is what treating widows and orphans. capacity in its current acquisition workforce is in the bill. It was no less than President Lincoln necessary to meet the demands that have Although the administration would who said, in his second inaugural ad- been placed on it. like to go ahead and start building na- dress, that the mark of a country is The failure of Department of Defense tional missile defense sites in Eastern how it treats the victims of war, the and other Federal agencies to ade- Europe, the fact is, they haven’t even widows and orphans. And taking care quately fund the acquisition workforce, worked it out with the countries in- of the widows and orphans, in fact, is a the panel concluded, is ‘‘ ‘penny-wise volved in Eastern Europe. So what we cost of defense. It is a cost of doing and pound-foolish,’ as it seriously un- did was we put a fence around any business in defense. Just like you buy dermines the pursuit of the good value funding other than the acquisition and tanks and airplanes and guns and ma- for the expenditure of public re- the preparation of the land for such a teriel, and so forth, taking care of not sources.’’ site. only the veterans is a cost of war, but Senior DOD officials have recognized At the end of the day, there is going taking care of their survivors is a cost the deficiencies in the defense acquisi- to have to be continued research and of war too. This Nation has long can- tion workforce, but they have been un- development should the need arise for celed out those two eligibilities, and it able to obtain significant funds that locating those missiles in Eastern Eu- is time for us to change this. are needed to remedy the problem. Sec- rope because they are not the same Because we were down at the end of tion 844 of our bill will address this version that is in the silos in Alaska. our discussion of this bill last week, I issue by establishing an acquisition That is a three-stage version; this is a did not ask for a rollcall vote, as I had workforce development fund to enable two-stage version. And it is not the last year. Of course, the rollcall was the Department of Defense to increase same missile or rocket; therefore, it something like 95 to 3 in favor of the the size and quality of its acquisition has to go through all of its subsequent widows and orphans, and we would workforce. In the first year, we will testing. have gotten some kind of a vote like provide roughly $500 million for this Now, General Obering just had a suc- that again. I was trying to accommo- purpose. It is a large sum of money, cessful test a couple of days ago, and date my chairman and the ranking but it is a small investment to ensure for that we want to congratulate him, member in the crush of business, and the proper expenditure of more than but if the threat is the Shahab missile they were kind enough to put it into $200 billion of taxpayers’ money every from Iran shooting into Europe or into the managers’ package. So this will be- year. the United States with a nuclear weap- come a conference item, where it is al- We look forward to working with the on on top of the rocket, if that is the ways a question about money. A few House conferees after we pass our bill, reason to have national missile defense years ago it was estimated that it hopefully this evening, to make these in Eastern Europe, well, we just simply would cost an additional $9 billion over important provisions on acquisition re- don’t know that Iran is going to have 10 years. That is now down to some- form and the acquisition workforce the that capability. And as we continue to where in the range of about $7 billion law of the land. look at this on down the road, that is or $8 billion over 10 years. So when we I yield the floor and suggest the ab- going to be an evaluation as to whether get into the conference committee, sence of a quorum. at the end of the day we are going to this Senator is going to try to find how

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12368 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 we can get conferees to accept this pro- vote in relation to amendment No. completion of all planned competitions vision. 3058; that upon disposition of that initiated in fiscal year 2007 are com- So I come to the floor of the Senate amendment, the substitute amend- pleted. to congratulate Senator LEVIN and ment, as amended, be agreed to and Right now the Government bidders Senator WARNER, acting in the stead of that the Senate then vote on the pas- win over 80 percent of the competi- Senator MCCAIN as the ranking mem- sage of H.R. 1585; that all other provi- tions. This can hardly be characterized ber. What a pleasure it has been to deal sions of the previous order relating to as an unfair process, as supporters of with these gentlemen for the last 7 H.R. 1585 remain in effect and that on this amendment portray it. It is de- years as a member of this committee. Tuesday, October 2, following a period signed to save taxpayer dollars. It Madam President, I yield the floor. of morning business, the Senate pro- has—$5 billion over the past 5 years. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The dis- ceed to the consideration of Calendar This amendment makes it so cum- tinguished Senator from Michigan. No. 353, H.R. 3222, the Defense Depart- bersome, by mandating the private Mr. LEVIN. Madam President, first, ment Appropriations Act. contractors match Government health let me commend the Senator from The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there and retirement benefits, that the A–76 Florida. As chairman of the Strategic objection? process will be completely undermined. Subcommittee, with his ranking mem- Mr. WARNER. No objection. I urge my colleagues to vote against ber, the members of that subcommittee The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without this amendment. have worked through some of the most objection, it is so ordered. Mr. LEVIN. I ask for the yeas and difficult and thorny issues we faced on Amendment No. 3109 is withdrawn. nays. this bill this year, and he identified a AMENDMENT NO. 3058 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a few of them. He very modestly gives There are now 2 minutes of debate on sufficient second? There appears to be credit to others, but, truly, Senator the Kennedy amendment. a sufficient second. NELSON deserves most of the credit for The Senator from Maryland is recog- The yeas and nays were ordered. working out those very difficult issues nized. Mr. LEVIN. Madam President, is a on a bipartisan basis. Ms. MIKULSKI. Madam President, I request for a quorum call in order at As a passionate defender of what we seek recognition in these 2 minutes this time? should do as a country for the sur- seeking support on this amendment, The PRESIDING OFFICER. It is in vivors of those men and women we lose joined by my colleagues, KENNEDY and order. The clerk will call the roll. in war, I can only assure him we are AKAKA, who spoke Friday about why The legislative clerk proceeded to going to do everything we can possibly this amendment is important. It is im- call the roll. do in conference because I assume that portant that this amendment be on Mr. LEVIN. Madam President, I ask had that been brought to a rollcall this bill because we all remember the unanimous consent the order for the vote, it would have been unanimous or Walter Reed scandal. Remember the quorum call be rescinded. nearly unanimous on the floor of the Walter Reed scandal, mold in the hotel The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Senate. We appreciated his willingness and all that? I spoke on this floor more objection, it is so ordered. to have that go as part of the man- than a year and a half ago, with Paul The question is on agreeing to the agers’ package, but for the purpose of Sarbanes, for an amendment that tried amendment. that conference, I can assure my dear to deal with the contracting out at The yeas and nays have been ordered friend from Florida that there is an as- Walter Reed. I lost that amendment on and the clerk will call the roll. sumption on our part that would have the floor by two votes. The legislative clerk called the roll. been a unanimous or near unanimous We went from 300 employees to 50 Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the vote by the Senate and so, obviously, it employees, and we only saved money Senator from Delaware (Mr. BIDEN), is the right thing to do. after they had 6 different attempts to the Senator from New York (Mrs. CLIN- I also have a longer statement later— make sure they had contracting out. TON), the Senator from Connecticut because 5:30 has arrived—about our Let me tell you, if you want no more (Mr. DODD), and the Senator from Illi- work as a committee, the sub- Walter Reeds, you want the Kennedy- nois (Mr. OBAMA) are necessarily ab- committee chairs, the ranking mem- Mikulski-Akaka amendment. This sent. bers, and the staff. I will save that amendment saves taxpayers money. It Mr. LOTT. The following Senator is statement for after our vote on final says that any attempt at contracting necessarily absent: the Senator from passage, which will come immediately out must save $10 million or 10 percent, Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). after the vote on the Kennedy-Mikul- so we meet the taxpayer mandate. It The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there ski amendment, but I wanted to add eliminates privatization quotas. If you any other Senators in the Chamber de- that quick comment. are against quotas and OMB bounty siring to vote? Mr. WARNER. Madam President, I hunters, this amendment is for you. If The result was announced—yeas 51, wish to associate myself with the re- you want to make sure our contractors nays 44, as follows: marks of our colleague and Senator have healthy retirement benefits as [Rollcall Vote No. 358 Leg.] SESSIONS, the ranking member. I can part of the contract, this amendment is YEAS—51 remember the days on the authoriza- for you. tion bill when we would spend a week The PRESIDING OFFICER. The time Akaka Harkin Nelson (FL) Baucus Inouye Nelson (NE) or more on the one issue, missile de- of the Senator has expired. Who yields Bayh Johnson Pryor fense. I think both sides have pretty time? Bingaman Kennedy Reed well reconciled that the present pos- The Senator from South Dakota is Bond Kerry Reid ture of the program is about where it Boxer Klobuchar Rockefeller recognized. Brown Kohl Salazar should be. Mr. THUNE. Madam President, the Byrd Landrieu Sanders Mr. LEVIN. I thank the Senator for Kennedy-Mikulski amendment is in- Cantwell Lautenberg Schumer that. The hour of 5:30 has arrived. I ask tended to cause the A–76 process to be- Cardin Leahy Snowe Carper Levin Specter unanimous consent that the Kennedy- come so cumbersome and expensive it Casey Lieberman Stabenow Mikulski amendment, No. 3109 be with- would effectively eliminate the ability Conrad Lincoln Tester drawn and that there be 2 minutes of of the Federal Government to conduct Dorgan McCaskill Warner debate at this time prior to a vote in any future A–76 competitions. What it Durbin Menendez Webb Feingold Mikulski Whitehouse relation to the Kennedy-Mikulski specifically does is it mandates private Feinstein Murray Wyden amendment, No. 3058; that no amend- contractors match Government health NAYS—44 ment be in order to the amendment; and retirement benefits. that no further amendments be in DOD alone has saved taxpayers over Alexander Burr Corker Allard Chambliss Cornyn order; that the debate time be equally $5 billion as a result of competitions Barrasso Coburn Craig divided and controlled in the usual completed between fiscal year 2001 and Bennett Cochran Crapo form; that upon the use or yielding fiscal year 2006. DOD expects these sav- Brownback Coleman DeMint back of time, the Senate proceed to ings to grow to over $9 billion after the Bunning Collins Dole

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12369 Domenici Inhofe Sessions to this policy at any time. I have iden- and their families face both at home Ensign Isakson Shelby tified three large-scale changes to the and abroad, and the very security of Enzi Kyl Smith Graham Lott Stevens Pentagon’s policy on F–14 parts in just our Nation. Grassley Lugar Sununu the last year. And history has shown us That said, I commend Chairman Gregg Martinez Thune that these rules are not enough. LEVIN and Ranking Member MCCAIN for Hagel McConnell Vitter The Department has been caught their hard work in making sure this Hatch Murkowski Voinovich Hutchison Roberts still selling F–14 parts, even when its legislation does include many bene- ficial and important provisions, such as NOT VOTING—5 rules forbid it. It has sold F–14 parts to companies that have turned out to be a 3.5-percent pay raise for our men and Biden Dodd Obama women in uniform and additional fund- Clinton McCain fronts for the Iranians. More recently, the DOD sold sensitive technology, in- ing to purchase Mine Resistant Armor The amendment (No. 3058) was agreed cluding classified F–14 parts, to under- Protected vehicles. These are impor- to. cover GAO investigators. tant steps in making sure our Armed Mr. KENNEDY. Madam President, I This provision will make it crystal Forces are appropriately compensated move to reconsider the vote. clear to the Department of Defense and equipped to defend our Nation. But Ms. MIKULSKI. Madam President, I that it may not sell any F–14 parts to as long as another year passes without move to lay that motion on the table. anyone for any reason. There should be an effective plan to end the war and The motion to lay on the table was no chance for the parts to make their support our military families, I am agreed to. way to the Iranians. afraid that this Congress’s work will be Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, I rise I am very encouraged that both the incomplete. today to thank my colleagues for their Senate and House Armed Services Madam President, I ask to have the robust debate about this important Committees have included the Stop letter to which I referred printed in the piece of legislation. Arming Iran provision in both versions RECORD. I would also like to highlight a provi- of the Defense authorization bill. I The letter follows. sion included in this bill based on the commend my colleagues for allowing Hon. CARL LEVIN, Stop Arming Iran Act, which I intro- this important legislation into today’s Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, U.S. duced in January of this year. The pro- bill. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. JOHN MCCAIN, vision seeks to end the Iranian Govern- The provision fixes a very specific ment’s acquisition of sensitive mili- Ranking Member, Committee on Armed Services, but very important problem: the sale of U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. tary equipment by blocking the Penta- F–14 components to a state sponsor of DEAR CHAIRMAN LEVIN AND RANKING MEM- gon’s sale of F–14 fighter jet parts. terrorism. We cannot—and with the BER MCCAIN, I would like to thank you, once It is the sensitive job of the Depart- passage of this bill, we will not—allow again, for your continued efforts to improve ment of Defense to demilitarize and that to happen. the treatment of our returning combat auction off surplus military equipment. (At the request of Mr. REID, the fol- troops, exemplified by your shepherding of However, recent investigations and re- lowing statement was ordered to be the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007 ports have uncovered a frightening through the Senate in July. This important printed in the RECORD.) measure provided a good first step; but as trend regarding the sale of F–14 Tom- ∑ Mr. DODD. Madam President, I wish you know, much more remains to be done cat aircraft parts. U.S. customs agents to explain my vote against ending de- and I appreciate your willingness to consider have discovered F–14 parts being ille- bate on the Defense authorization bill. the recommendations made by the Presi- gally shipped to Iran by brokers who I voted this way for two simple rea- dent’s Commission on Care for America’s Re- bought F–14 surplus equipment from sons—first, this bill does not do any- turning Wounded Warriors. Department of Defense auctions. thing to end the war, and second, it As you know, I, along with former Sec- Other than the United States, Iran is retary of Health and Human Services Donna does not provide adequate support for Shalala, recently released the findings of the the only nation to fly the F–14. The the families of our returning wounded Commission. One specific finding of this re- United States allowed Iran to buy 79 F– warriors. port is currently pending as an amendment 14s before its revolution in 1979. Fortu- A few weeks ago, I filed an amend- to the National Defense Authorization Act nately, most of Iran’s F–14s are cur- ment based on a key recommendation currently being debated on the Senate floor. rently grounded for lack of parts. As of the Dole-Shalala Wounded Warriors Notably, the Dodd-Clinton-Dole-Graham the F–14 is retired from active service Commission—to expand the Family amendment (S. Amdt #2647) increases Fam- in the United States, a slew of parts and Medical Leave Act to allow the ily and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) job pro- are about to be processed by the Pen- tection benefits to the families of our in- families of wounded military personnel jured soldiers from the current 12 weeks to 6 tagon. to take up to 6 months of unpaid leave months. These families are facing significant We know that Iran is pursuing a nu- to care for their loved ones. Now, be- challenges to help their loved ones heal, and clear weapons capability. We know cause the Senate voted to shut off de- the last thing they need to worry about is that the Department of State has iden- bate, this critically important amend- losing their jobs in the process. tified Iran as the most active state ment will not be considered. Such an There are two very critical points to be sponsor of terrorism. We know that the expansion of the FMLA is of the ut- made with respect to this recommendation sale of spare parts for F–14s could make by the Commission. First, the use of already most importance to our wounded war- existing FMLA authority is vital to mini- it more difficult to confront the nu- riors, and I will ask at the end of my mizing the delay in implementation of this clear weapons capability of Iran. And statement to have a letter from Sen- needed benefit. The FMLA has existed for 14 yet F–14 parts are still being sold by ator Bob Dole to Chairman LEVIN and years and has a proven track record of suc- the DOD. Ranking Member MCCAIN, detailing the cess. It is understood by those using the ben- Iran’s F–14s, especially with the parts tremendous importance of this provi- efits, those charged with its oversight, and to get more of them airborne, greatly sion, be printed in the RECORD. the employers working within its frame- strengthen its ground war potential, On September 11, 2007, I announced work. Second, the length of the benefit has harming our national and global secu- that I would not support legislation been carefully crafted to best balance the impact on employers on one side and the av- rity. Our country should be doing ev- dealing with Iraq unless it included a erage time it takes for most injured per- erything possible to deny the brutal re- firm and enforceable deadline for with- sonnel to regain self-sufficiency. While other gime in Tehran access to spare parts drawing U.S. combat forces from Iraq— pending amendments have either sought to for their F–14 fleet. one linked to an explicit cut off of depart from the existing FMLA structure by The Department of Defense will tell funds after a date certain. Sadly, Re- using other legislative vehicles not intended you that it is already taking action to publican stalling tactics made it im- to extend to families of service members control the sale of F–14 parts. They possible for such a provision to receive such as the Uniformed Services Employment now say that every F–14 part is frozen an up-or-down vote under regular Sen- and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), or extended job protection benefits beyond and cannot be sold. However, they will ate procedures. Therefore, I could not, six months, neither are supported by the not commit to keeping this freeze in in good conscience, call for an end to Commission’s findings and may actually place and admit that the Pentagon can debate on a bill that has not addressed hinder the efforts to implement the Commis- choose to rescind or make exceptions that issue or the hardships our soldiers sion’s work.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12370 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 The Administration will have a different or withdraw any troops, or even to put Johnson McConnell Shelby approach, but it will be some time before the limits on sending still more troops to Kennedy Menendez Smith Kerry Mikulski Snowe Administration’s comprehensive proposal Iraq, if any could be found. It is time will be acted on. Klobuchar Murkowski Specter Kohl Murray Thank you for your consideration of this for Congress to start reining in this Stabenow runaway horse, before our military is Kyl Nelson (FL) Stevens important legislation. I know that you share Landrieu Nelson (NE) my belief that it is essential that we supply completely exhausted and our nation Sununu Lautenberg Pryor Tester all necessary and prudent tools to our mili- Leahy Reed made vulnerable. Thune Levin Reid tary families to deal with the hardships of I support our troops. I do not want Vitter Lieberman Roberts helping their wounded warriors regain self- Voinovich them to lack for anything needed to do Lincoln Rockefeller sufficiency following a severe injury. The their job or to keep them safe. But I Warner Dodd-Clinton-Dole-Graham amendment Lott Salazar cannot and will not agree to leave Lugar Sanders Webb passes this test. If I may be of any further Whitehouse them in Iraq forever, with no limits Martinez Schumer assistance, please feel free to contact me. McCaskill Sessions Wyden God Bless America, placed on their mission, no provision to NAYS—3 BOB DOLE.∑ ensure that they at least get as much Mr. BYRD. Madam President, I will time at home as they do on the battle- Byrd Coburn Feingold vote against H.R. 1585, the National De- field, with no benchmarks or goals set NOT VOTING—5 fense Authorization Act. I support for the Iraqi Government that might Biden Dodd Obama many of the provisions in this bill, trigger a return of our troops, and no Clinton McCain which authorizes the activities of the assurances by our commander in Iraq The bill (H.R. 1585), as amended, was Department of Defense, including im- that this war is making the United passed. portant research, development and pro- States any safer. That is a bitter poi- (The bill will be printed in a future curement funding to improve our son pill I cannot swallow. edition of the RECORD.) Armed Forces and the operations and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Mr. WARNER. I move to reconsider maintenance funding necessary to en- the previous order, the substitute the vote. sure the smooth running of the mili- amendment, as amended, is agreed to. Mr. LEVIN. I move to lay that mo- tary services over the coming year. I The amendment (No. 2011), as amend- tion on the table. support these activities, which not ed, was agreed to. The motion to lay on the table was only benefit those servicemembers cur- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The agreed to. Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I rently serving overseas in Afghanistan question is on engrossment of the voted against the fiscal year 2008 de- and Iraq, but also help build a strong amendment and third reading of the fense authorization bill because it does and effective military for the future. I bill. nothing to bring to a close the open- applaud the fine work of Senator LEVIN The amendment was ordered to be and the Committee on Armed Services ended military mission in Iraq, which engrossed and the bill to be read a has overburdened our military, weak- for their efforts in putting together a third time. bill that is, in most ways, a good piece ened our national security, and cost The bill was read the third time. the lives of thousands of American sol- of legislation. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The bill However, H.R. 1585 also includes title diers. having been read the third time, the There were provisions in the bill XV, which provides authorization for question is, Shall the bill, as amended, which I strongly supported, including the funding of continued operations in pass? language I proposed that will make it Iraq for the coming year. In my view, Mr. LEVIN. Madam President, I ask easier for family members and other this provision constitutes a ‘‘poison for the yeas and nays. trusted adults to take leave to care for pill.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a children and dependents when their I have stated before that the Con- sufficient second? loved ones are deployed. I am also gress should not continue to write There appears to be a sufficient sec- pleased that the Senate approved two blank checks for the prosecution of ond. amendments I cosponsored. One was an this apparently endless war in Iraq. The clerk will call the roll. amendment by Senator WEBB creating That is what title XV does. In effect, it The assistant legislative clerk called a Commission on Wartime Contracting provides a congressional authorization the roll. to examine waste, fraud and abuse in to fund the continuation of President Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Iraq and Afghanistan, including the Bush’s policy in Iraq for another year, Senator from Delaware (Mr. BIDEN), misuse of force by private security con- without any strings attached. I offered the Senator from New York (Mrs. CLIN- tractors. The other was an amendment an amendment to clarify that nothing TON), the Senator from Connecticut by Senator SANDERS to ensure that in the bill constitutes a specific au- (Mr. DODD), and the Senator from Illi- money allocated for research on gulf thorization for U.S. troops to remain in nois (Mr. OBAMA) are necessarily ab- war illnesses is spent wisely. Iraq, but the committee was unable to sent. But on balance, I could not vote for a clear the amendment. Other amend- bill that defies the will of so many Wis- ments offered to the bill that would Mr. LOTT. The following Senator is necessarily absent: the Senator from consinites and so many Americans by have placed limits on the number of allowing the President to continue one troops or otherwise limited the mission Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. of the greatest and most tragic foreign of U.S. forces in Iraq were defeated dur- policy blunders in the history of our ing the floor debate on H.R. 1585. This WHITEHOUSE). Are there any other Sen- ators in the Chamber desiring to vote? Nation. is regrettable. Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I was The result was announced—yeas 92, Continuing to prosecute this war at pleased today to vote, along with my nays 3, as follows: the current rate is straining our mili- Senate colleagues, for the passage of tary to the breaking point. Many units [Rollcall Vote No. 359 Leg.] H.R.1585, the Defense Authorization and individuals are enduring their YEAS—92 Bill for Fiscal Year 2008. I thank the third and fourth rotation to Iraq, and Akaka Cardin Dorgan managers of this bill, Chairman LEVIN because no limits have been placed on Alexander Carper Durbin and Ranking Member MCCAIN, for Allard Casey Ensign the mission or force levels, there is no Barrasso Chambliss Enzi working so diligently and in such a col- end in sight. More and more military Baucus Cochran Feinstein legial manner toward passage of a bill analysts are warning that the U.S. Bayh Coleman Graham that addressed so many complicated Armed Forces are at risk for becoming Bennett Collins Grassley and potentially divisive issues. It is to Bingaman Conrad Gregg a ‘hollow force,’ as happened after the Bond Corker Hagel their credit that we have been able to Vietnam conflict. That is irresponsible, Boxer Cornyn Harkin move this bill along which is so vital to and it puts our Nation at risk. Brown Craig Hatch the support of our brave men and There are no provisions in this bill to Brownback Crapo Hutchison Bunning DeMint Inhofe women in our armed services. require the U.S. President or the Iraqi Burr Dole Inouye This bill was passed out of committee government to meet any benchmarks Cantwell Domenici Isakson with a number of provisions to improve

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12371 the lives of our military members and cosponsor was not agreed to by the year was particularly difficult, as we the effectiveness and readiness of our Senate. The Webb amendment would continue to debate the war in Iraq. armed services which I, as a senior have lessened the burden placed on our Today is the 19th and final day of de- member of the Senate Armed Services soldiers and their families by setting a bate on this bill. Only two other an- Committee and chairman of the Sub- minimum time between deployments nual Defense authorization bills have committee on Readiness, worked to en- in order to ensure that members of our required longer to pass. In 1969, the sure were a part of the bill language. Armed Forces have as much time at Senate debated the bill for 37 days. In They include important acquisition re- home with their loved ones as they 1970, it was debated for 28 days. History forms such as a series of provisions fight overseas for this Nation. shows that in time of war, the Senate that would help the DOD manage its I was also disappointed that the acts as it should and takes the nec- oversight of contract services and the Levin-Reed amendment which would essary time to carefully consider this creation of a Chief Management Officer have set a clear and definitive deadline bill and its impact on our Nation. for the Department of Defense. I also for the withdrawal of forces from Iraq We had over 400 amendments that was able to work with my colleagues to was not passed. One of the key ele- were filed to this bill. We were able to incorporate language that establishes a ments of stabilizing the ongoing chaos work with all Senators and pass sev- Director of Corrosion and Control Pol- in Iraq is for the Iraqi Government to eral large packages of managers’ icy and Oversight in addition to other begin to take more responsibility for amendments while we were wrestling provisions that further my efforts to ensuring their own nation’s security with Iraq-related amendments. All establish effective corrosion control in and assume primary combat role in told, we acted on a total of 214 amend- all branches of our services. H.R. 1585 protecting and defending their nation. ments during the bill’s consideration. also contained my legislation to estab- This will not occur without the devel- Whenever we reach the point of final lish a National Language Council to opment and implementation of a coher- passage of legislation, we take a mo- develop and implement a long-term ent exit strategy. The Levin-Reed ment to thank Members and staff. To and comprehensive language strategy. amendment offered just such a plan. some this may seem to be a routine In addition to the provisions that I As a senior member of the Senate matter. It is not. All of us who make initiated and supported in the under- Armed Services and chairman of the up the Senate should honor its customs lying language, I was able to success- Subcommittee on Readiness and Man- and traditions. They are really the fully introduce and cosponsor a number agement, I will continue to work with foundation of this Senate. of amendments during the Senate’s my Senate colleagues to change the With that as my motivation, I want consideration of the Defense Author- to take a moment to express my ization Act. As chairman of the Vet- course of this war by insisting that the administration provide to this Con- thanks to those who worked so hard erans’ Affairs Committee, I was par- and cooperated so well to bring us to ticularly pleased to see that language gress and the people of our nation with a comprehensive exit strategy. final passage of this bill. from the Dignified Treatment of First, my thanks go to Senator UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 1327 Wounded Warrior Act which addresses MCCAIN who is serving as our ranking shortfalls in the quality of health care Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I ask member for the first time this year. unanimous consent that the Senate provided to our servicemembers was in- Senator MCCAIN’s leadership and deter- cluded as an amendment to this bill. proceed to the immediate consider- mination helped forge this bill through Similarly, I was pleased that my ation of Calendar No. 172, S. 1327, a bill the committee and on to final passage. amendment related to the Wounded to create temporary district court Next, I thank and acknowledge our Warrior Act was passed by the Senate. judgeships, that the bill be read a third former chairman, Senator WARNER. This legislation will enhance the qual- time, passed, and the motion to recon- Senator WARNER has made innumer- ity of care that members of our Armed sider be laid upon the table. able contributions to this bill. This bill Forces receive once they transition to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there would not be here but for the work of veteran status, improve the capability objection? Senator WARNER. Working within of the Department of Veterans Affairs Mr. SESSIONS. I object. arm’s reach of Senator WARNER each to care for veterans with traumatic The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- year for the past 28 years has been brain injuries, and improve access to tion is heard. truly one of the highlights of my Sen- VA mental health and dental care. In UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 535 ate career. addition, my amendment addresses the Mr. LEAHY. I ask unanimous con- He is a good friend of mine. More im- issue of homelessness among newly dis- sent that the Senate proceed to the im- portantly, he is a good friend to na- charged servicemembers and recognizes mediate consideration of Calendar No. tional defense and to the people who the importance of the National Guard 211, S. 535, the Emmett Till Unsolved depend upon it and who work for it in and Reserve in the VA’s outreach pro- Civil Rights Act; that the substitute this country. grams. amendment be agreed to; the bill, as To our majority leader, Senator This bill also includes an amendment amended, be read a third time, passed; REID, and his floor staff, a special word I offered to end the disparate treat- the title amendment be agreed to; the of thanks for giving us the time and ment of employees who accepted dis- motions to reconsider be laid upon the the tools to get this bill through the continuation of service retirement fol- table. Senate. lowing a reduction in force. My amend- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there To all of our committee members ment ensures that these Federal em- objection? who, again, worked on a bipartisan ployees would be able to return to Mr. COBURN. I object. basis, we appreciate their work. We do work at DOD and continue to earn to- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- not often take the time to express it. I ward retirement. It is vital that this tion is heard. am afraid this will kind of have to be Nation have a viable plan to produce The Senator from Michigan. that moment. People do not realize our individuals who are capable of effective Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, the bill committee has one quarter of the Sen- communication in today’s global envi- we have just adopted is the 46th con- ate as its members. We work together ronment. I also applaud the inclusion secutive annual Defense authorization in the committee. Our differences on of the fair competition amendment, in- bill that has come out of our com- the bill did not divide us. We reported troduced by Senator KENNEDY which I mittee and been brought to the Senate the bill by a unanimous vote. cosponsored, which will minimize the for debate and passage. It has been no To Charlie Armstrong in the Office of harmful effects of the current A–76 secret that this is one of the largest Senate Legislative Counsel, he did his process for outsourcing Federal jobs to and most complex and important work skillfully. He proved over 400 private contractors by removing sev- pieces of legislation that comes before times, with those 400 amendments, eral unfair advantages that contractors the Senate every year. Every year that he knows how to draft amend- currently have in the contract com- since 1961, it has been a challenge to ments. petition process. get it passed. Thankfully, because of To our committee staff members, I was disappointed, however, that the its vital importance to our Nation, we they truly earned the thanks and rec- Webb amendment which I was proud to have always found a way to do so. This ognition of the entire Senate for their

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12372 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 time and their efforts on this legisla- Gary J. Howard, Systems Administrator; portantly, the freedom we have here at tion. Paul C. Hutton, IV, Research Assistant; home. I want to mention two of the mem- Mark R. Jacobson, Professional Staff Mem- So I thank the chairman. I thank all bers of our staff who lead our staff and ber; Gregory T. Kiley, Professional Staff who made it possible, and say, also, Member; Jessica L. Kingston, Staff Assist- one woman who has served on our com- ant; Michael J. Kuiken, Professional Staff how well our two staffs worked to- mittee staff for the past 19 years. Member; Gerald J. Leeling, Counsel; Peter K. gether in a bipartisan way to achieve, To Rick DeBobes, our committee Levine, General Counsel; Derek J. Maurer, as you say, a consensus on almost 200 staff director, he serves us so bril- Minority Counsel; Thomas K. McConnell, of those amendments. So I think we liantly and well and so unselfishly 24/7. Professional Staff Member; Michael J. have done our job, I say to the Senator. He is within earshot, so I will not em- McCord, Professional Staff Member; William It is at a critical time in the course of barrass him and have him blush other G.P. Monahan, Counsel; David M. Morriss, our country. Again, I wish the men and than to say he is so totally indispen- Minority Counsel; Lucian L. Niemeyer, Pro- women of the Armed Forces and their sable not just to me but to the Senate fessional Staff Member; Michael J. Noblet, Research Assistant; Bryan D. Parker, Minor- families only the best. and all of the staff that work so well ity Investigative Counsel; Christopher J. I yield the floor. with him. Our gratitude. Paul, Professional Staff Member; Cindy The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under To Senator MCCAIN’s new Republican Pearson, Assistant Chief Clerk and Security the previous order, the Senate insists staff director, Mike Kostiw, his leader- Manager; John H. Quirk V, Security Clerk; on its amendment and requests a con- ship is so effective that it is quite dif- Benjamin L. Rubin, Staff Assistant. ference with the House on the dis- ficult to believe this is Mike’s first Lynn F. Rusten, Professional Staff Mem- agreeing votes of the two Houses. year. ber; Brian F. Sebold, Staff Assistant; Arun Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, my A. Seraphin, Professional Staff Member; To Cindy Pearson, our assistant chief chairman has overlooked a minor item. clerk and security manager, a special Travis E. Smith, Special Assistant; Robert M. Soofer, Professional Staff Member; Sean The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- word of thanks and encouragement. G. Stackley, Professional Staff Member; Wil- ator from Michigan. Cindy has been serving the committee liam K. Sutey, Professional Staff Member; f for the last 19 years. She is the con- Kristine L. Svinicki, Professional Staff summate professional in every aspect Member; Diana G. Tabler, Professional Staff MORNING BUSINESS of her work. She is away from us right Member; Mary Louise Wagner, Professional Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I ask now as she undergoes treatment for Staff Member; Richard F. Walsh, Minority unanimous consent that the Senate breast cancer. We want her to know Counsel; Breon N. Wells, Receptionist; Dana proceed to a period of morning busi- she is ever present in our thoughts and W. White, Professional Staff Member. ness, with each Senator given 10 min- in our prayers. We all look forward to Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I yield the utes. welcoming Cindy Pearson back to the floor. I see my dear friend Senator The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without committee family soon. WARNER is here. Again, I cannot say objection, it is so ordered. So Rick’s and Mike’s and all the too often what it means to have as a The Senator from Ohio. other committee staff members’ long partner JOHN WARNER of Virginia. f and hard work and personal sacrifices, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- day in and day out, to get this bill en- ator from Virginia. COSTA RICA AND TRADE POLICY acted again this year paid off. They are Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I very Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I rise to the backbone of the Senate. They and much value the friendship and the speak in this Chamber about a story other people who work for us in this working relationship we have had to- unfolding right now in Costa Rica. Senate make it possible to turn our gether. It would be interesting if some- This country of 4 million people is ideas into policies and into legislation. body wanted to try to look at records. having a national referendum on Octo- I thank them all. I know I thank I suppose since this is our 29th bill we ber 7—next week—on the Central them for their expertise and their dedi- have worked on, that might be a bit of American Free Trade Agreement, the cation on behalf of all the members of a record. But I think also both of us trade deal this Congress passed by a the committee. They brought us again have been chairman three times. That narrow margin a couple of years ago. through to the point of conference with might be a bit of a record too. CAFTA stipulates that the last sig- the House. We are hopeful to bring But I say to the Senator from Michi- natory country must approve the deal back promptly a conference report. But gan, I give you a most sincere and no later than 2 years after the first sig- in the meantime, thanks to them, their warm congratulations for your achiev- natory country implements the agree- professionalism, and their hard work. ing this bill. This is the 19th day the ment. We are where we are at. bill was on the floor, and our good So over the past 2 years, the United Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- friend, the ranking member, was on the States, El Salvador, Honduras, Guate- sent that a list of the entire Armed floor many of those days. He has called mala, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Services Committee staff be printed in in each day to our distinguished chief Republic enacted the NAFTA expan- the RECORD. of staff, Mike Kostiw, and has talked sion. There being no objection, the mate- with me and other members of the The Costa Rican people have resisted rial was ordered to be printed in the staff. So he is very much hands on. it. RECORD, as follows: But I think we probably got through My colleagues have seen news reports ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE STAFF with a little less contention this time this weekend about a massive rally of Richard D. DeBobes, Staff Director; Mi- than in years past. I think that reflects fair traders—people who want trade chael V. Kostiw, Republican Staff Director; a lot of credit on the distinguished but under different rules—against June M. Borawski, Printing and Documents chairman and the distinguished rank- CAFTA in Costa Rica. Some 150,000 Clerk; Leah C. Brewer, Nominations and ing member and the wonderful staff citizens in a country of 4 million people Hearings Clerk; Joseph M. Bryan, Profes- and very active membership by each spoke out expressing their opposition sional Staff Member; William M. Caniano, and every one of the, as you say, 25 to the agreement—150,000 people—and Professional Staff Member; Pablo E. Carrillo, Minority Investigative Counsel; members of the Senate Armed Services most thought that a conservative esti- Jonathan D. Clark, Counsel; Ilona R. Cohen, Committee. mate. Counsel; David G. Collins, Research Assist- We work well together as a team. The pro-CAFTA government gave up ant; Fletcher L. Cork, Staff Assistant; Chris- People are very proud to be on this efforts to pass CAFTA in the legisla- tine E. Cowart, Chief Clerk; Daniel J. Cox, committee. They believe they are serv- ture after continued protest against it, Jr., Professional Staff Member; Madelyn R. ing a most noble cause; that is, the including a 2-day general strike last Creedon, Counsel; Kevin A. Cronin, Staff As- men and women of the Armed Forces, October. sistant; Marie F. Dickinson, Administrative and their families, who tonight are on Their is strong opposition to a Assistant for the Minority; Gabriella Eisen, Counsel; Evelyn N. Farkas, Professional two battlefronts and, indeed, in many NAFTA-style agreement. In fact, the Staff Member; Richard W. Fieldhouse, Pro- other places of personal danger issue of whether to approve CAFTA has fessional Staff Member; Creighton Greene, throughout the world, for the sole pur- stirred up such political upheaval that Professional Staff Member. pose of guarding freedom and, most im- the Government chose to go to a public

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12373 referendum instead of going to the leg- would create millions of new jobs and Chamber takes up issues of trade and islature. Legislators not unlike our enrich communities. Instead, too many globalization—is that there are very peers in Congress did not want to face of these agreements, too often, have different competing ideologies. There voters in their home district if they cost millions of jobs and devastated is the NAFTA ideology and there is the voted for the pact. communities. fair trade ideology. The agreement must be implemented Two years ago, when I served in the In truth, I believe the defeat of this as domestic law—meaning Costa Rica House, we created a bipartisan coali- referendum may actually do more to has to enact new laws in order for the tion against the Central American Free improve Costa Rican-U.S. relations be- trade agreement to take effect. That Trade Agreement. Religious organiza- cause it is clear that there is a fair bothers hundreds of thousands of Costa tions, labor unions, environmentalists, trade movement on the rise in this Ricans because they have in place small businesses, human rights advo- Chamber, in the House of Representa- today strong laws on health, on the en- cates, and small manufacturing compa- tives, and surely across the land. Look vironment, on education, on privatiza- nies were part of this bipartisan oppo- at elections last year in the Presiding tion, on generic drugs, on all the kinds sition. Officer’s State of Rhode Island, in of issues that have helped to build the The opposition that was evident in Ohio, in Pennsylvania, in Missouri, and middle class in Costa Rica. Washington and, more importantly, in in Minnesota and Virginia and Mon- Costa Rica is a progressive country. congressional districts around the tana, because it is clear there is a fair More than a third of its land is pro- country caused the Bush administra- trade movement on the rise in this tected in national parks. More than 90 tion to make deals and promises and— country and in Costa Rica. percent of its electricity comes from in the words of one sympathetic law- We have reason to hope. If the ref- renewals. Costa Rica’s high literacy maker to the Bush administration— erendum is defeated, we can create a rates are well known, and it has a helped us so that we ‘‘twist[ed] arms new trade agreement that benefits strong health care system. Its life ex- until they break into a thousand workers and communities, small busi- pectancy is not too different than our pieces.’’ nesses, religious folks, people who care own in this country. The Bush administration got what it about an economy that works for more Costa Rica’s citizens have also seen wanted when it pushed NAFTA of us, that helps us to create a solid, what NAFTA—the North American through. But we won the debate. Today strong middle class, not just sup- Free Trade Agreement—did to Mexico’s in Costa Rica, we are seeing similar porting the multinational corpora- middle class, and what especially it has scare tactics taken by the pro-CAFTA tions. done to Mexican farmers, small peas- administration. We have a choice. The people of Costa ant family farmers. A memo was leaked to the Costa Rica have a choice there this week. We These factors have created strong re- Rican press, and it has caused an up- can continue with the fair trade model sistance to entering into an agreement roar for good reason. In this memo, the or we can reject the NAFTA and that can handcuff policymakers from Costa Rican Vice President and a Mem- CAFTA models and work together on a setting progrowth, prodevelopment ber of Congress outlined a plan to new trade deal, a fair trade deal. policies in their own country. President Arias that uses fear, threats Mr. President, I yield the floor and As this Chamber knows, NAFTA/ to local officials, and attacks on note the absence of a quorum. CAFTA-style deals are about a whole CAFTA opposition as tactics to win the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The lot more than just tariffs and quotas. referendum. clerk will call the roll. These agreements are top-down pacts The Second Vice President, one of The assistant legislative clerk pro- that lock in new rules on investment, the memo’s authors, had to resign from ceeded to call the roll. on food safety, on services, and on pro- his government office while officials Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I curement. investigate whether any laws had been ask unanimous consent that the order This month, the United Nations Con- broken. for the quorum call be rescinded. ference on Trade and Development The memo states clearly: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without issued a report warning developing The mayor that does not win his canton— objection, it is so ordered. countries to be wary of bilateral and Which is their political jurisdiction— f regional free-trade deals as they are The mayor that does not win his canton BURMA currently written. They warned them (precinct) will not get a penny from the gov- against signing these agreements. ernment in the next three years. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, for The U.N. report cited NAFTA as an It is pretty simple. The memo says the past week the world watched the example of a trade agreement that may the government then needs to ‘‘stimu- people of Burma rise up against the op- have short-term benefits but does long- late fear’’ among Costa Ricans. It even pressive regime that rules that coun- term harm. You hear a lot of talk from lists the kinds of fear that are effec- try. the Bush administration that free tive: Stimulate fear. Create fear of the Then, the tyrannical junta that has trade is necessary to address poverty. loss of jobs if CAFTA is not approved. held power for some 40 years, the State You hear that the ‘‘people,’’ as they Stimulate a fear of violence and civil Peace and Development Council, say, of these mostly poor countries strife. Stimulate a fear of Chavez and brought out its soldiers and it brought want trade deals like NAFTA. Castro if Costa Rica does not approve out its guns. They arrested, brutalized, But what we are seeing in Costa Rica CAFTA. and killed many who bravely stood up right now is what we are seeing around Specifically, there has been an infor- to the misrule of this junta. the globe when it comes to trade deals mational campaign in Costa Rica that So while last week the streets were that purely and simply give too much if this agreement fails, then the United filled with brave monks adorned in saf- power to multinational corporations. States will punish Costa Rica by revok- fron robes demonstrating for freedom, What we are seeing is a loud and clear ing the existing trade benefits that today those same streets are occupied demand for change. Costa Rica has under the Caribbean by uniformed thugs and lined with We see it in the WTO negotiations, Basin Initiative. That is simply pat- barbed-wire barricades. For now the which continue to falter as developing ently false. people of Burma have largely fallen si- countries resist WTO expansion. We see Costa Rica will continue to benefit lent. But the silence in Burma is a it in Ohio—in Lorain and Mansfield, in from CBI because it is the law. It is a deafening one that we can still hear. Youngstown and Lima, in Dayton and permanent program. Its existence de- Even if the freedom-loving people of Chillicothe—where hard-working men pends on the U.S. Congress, not an Burma had been temporarily quieted, and women who have made America edict from the Bush administration. the rest of us can still lend our voices the strongest Nation in the world are These tactics should sound familiar to their cause. betrayed by Washington’s trade policy. to my colleagues who recall the Earlier today, Senator KERRY and I Presidents from both parties have en- CAFTA debate. These tactics make it introduced a sense-of-the-Senate reso- tered into trade agreements, agree- very clear that what is at stake—in lution condemning the SPDC for its ments such as NAFTA, promising they Costa Rica this week and when this brutality in snuffing out these cries for

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12374 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 freedom. We have already been joined legendary figure in the growth of the He was an inspiration to many and by scores of our colleagues on both University. The Mitchell Cancer Insti- will be remembered for his dedication sides of the aisle, and I know we will be tute, the Mitchell College of Business and many contributions to Mobile and joined by many more. The House of and the Mitchell Center sports and per- the University of South Alabama. Representatives is slated to pass a formance complex, proudly bear the I ask the entire Senate to join me in similar measure later this week. In family name. recognizing and honoring the life of this way, the entire Congress of the To date, the Mitchell family holds Mayer Mitchell. United States will be able to speak, the distinction of having contributed The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- when the Burmese citizen, the Bud- more than any other single family to a pore. The Senator from Connecticut. dhist monk, the democracy leader public university in Alabama State his- Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I Aung San Suu Kyi herself are forced to tory. ask the indulgence of the Senator from be silent. The Mitchell Cancer Institute alone Vermont. I know Senator SESSIONS I urge all of my colleagues to join me is a powerful legacy, providing state- wishes to add a few words of tribute to and join Senator KERRY on this resolu- of-the-art cancer care to people Mr. Mitchell, and then Senator SAND- tion. throughout the gulf coast region. ERS will have his 10 minutes. I yield the floor. Mayer always explained his deep com- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- mitment to cancer treatment through pore. The Senator from Alabama. f Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I a personal connection. At the age of 36, thank my colleague Senator SHELBY TRIBUTE TO MAYER MITCHELL he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s dis- for recalling the remarkable facts of Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise ease and was given 6 months to live. the life of Mayer Bubba Mitchell, one today to pay tribute to Mayer Mitch- After 2 years of treatments, Mayer of Mobile’s great citizens, a national ell, a great American and human being made an extraordinary recovery. leader, as well as a local leader, some- who passed away on Wednesday, Sep- This victory not only shaped his life, one who has friends throughout the tember 26, 2007. A highly successful but shaped the future of the Mobile re- country and the world. It is remark- businessman and remarkable philan- gion as well. He never forgot that he able, the extent of his reach and im- thropist, Mayer Mitchell was a per- had to leave Mobile for his own cancer pact. He had a clear vision. He wanted sonal friend, and along with the entire treatment in Rochester, NY, and he his life to be a life that made the world city of Mobile, I mourn his passing. vowed to make certain Mobile had its a better place. He worked at that. He Mayer was born in New Orleans in own cancer center in the future. had a strong will to do that. Senator 1933 and grew up in Mobile, AL. He This experience shaped his generosity SHELBY and I were talking about that earned his bachelor of science degree in and will to persevere in the form of im- this morning. It was remarkable. He economics at the University of Penn- proved quality of health care for every had an ability to get things accom- sylvania’s Wharton School of Finance resident in south Alabama. plished. To me, one of his most re- in 1953. He then served as an Army first Although Mayer Mitchell and his markable characteristics was the fact lieutenant in Korea, earning a com- family were critical to the tremendous that he could have many different ac- mendation ribbon with medal pendant growth of the University of South Ala- tivities going on, but he always seemed for meritorious service. bama, this was not the only object of to complete each one of them and get Returning home to Mobile with his Mayer’s patronage. it done successfully. wife Arlene in 1958, Mayer founded, A strong friend to Israel, he served a At a final AIPAC banquet he at- with his brother Abe, the Mitchell term as president of the American tended, realizing it would be his last— Company, a commercial and residen- Israeli Public Affairs Committee and it was recalled at his funeral service tial real estate development firm. He served on the board of the Washington Friday—he asked these questions about went on to serve as its chairman and Institute for Near East Policy and the himself but really applying to others. I chief executive officer for the next Jewish Seminary of America, which think it would apply to all of us in the three decades, selling his interest in awarded him an honorary doctorate. Senate. Knowing that he would not be the Mitchell Company in 1986. Mayer supported several other back, he asked: Have I done enough? The company’s final total under the schools and numerous social and reli- Have I done my best? Have I made a oversight of the Mitchell brothers was gious organizations. His philanthropic difference? All of us ought to ask those remarkable, with 25,000 single family service included work with Alabama questions more and would probably be homes, 20,000 apartments and 175 shop- Power Company, Wright School, better performers when we do. ping centers built throughout the Bishop State Community College, Leu- His wonderful partner Arlene is such Southeast. kemia Society of America, USA Foun- a fabulous person, so well liked, a In fact, the current Mitchell Com- dation, AmSouth Bank, Altus Bank, former Mobilian of the year. She is so pany that descended from a partner- Mobile Area United Way, Mobile Area gracious. His son Richard spoke so ship of Mayer and his brother remains Chamber of Commerce, Mobile Jewish movingly at his memorial service. His the largest private firm in Mobile and Welfare Fund, Mobile Federation of son-in-law Jimmy Grodnick likewise, is among the top 40 in Alabama. Jewish Charities, Mobile County Real married to his wonderful daughter Joy, Mayer’s business success earned him an Estate Association, Archives of Amer- made remarks. His grandchildren read induction into the Alabama Business ican Art, Anti-Defamation League and from the Talmud such wonderful pas- Hall of Fame in 2006. the Banc Corporation. sages that reflected his values. His Mayer Mitchell leaves a legacy of His honors include: Jewish Welfare brother Abe, who has been a partner in tremendous philanthropy, touching the Fund Man of the Year, Outstanding business and in so many of these ac- lives of many residents of south Ala- Young Men of America, Prichard Hon- tivities, told me afterwards it wasn’t bama. Mayer was a tireless proponent orary Citizen of the Year, Mobile Coun- over. He still had things he wanted to of education and health care, serving ty Realtor of the Year, and numerous do and he would continue to work at more than 32 years on the University of high honors from the Boy’s Club of Mo- them. I know that is exactly what South Alabama’s Board of Trustees, in- bile, Bishop State Community College, Mayer would have liked. cluding a term as chairman. University of Rochester, New Orleans The business school I visited at the He was awarded the University of Chapter of Hadassah, Alabama Insti- University of South Alabama is so well South Alabama’s National Alumni As- tute for the Deaf and Blind, Mobile endowed by the Mitchell family. The sociation Distinguished Service Award Kiwanis Club and the American Hel- athletics center, the Mitchell Center, in 2005 and an honorary doctorate of lenic Educational Progressive Associa- is where his memorial service was held, humane letters in 2007. tion. the sports complex. And perhaps in the The Mitchell family’s philanthropy Mayer is loved and will be missed by long term, the greatest financial in- reached all aspects of the campus at his wife of 54 years, Arlene; his son vestment he and his family made is in the University of South Alabama, from Richard; his three daughters, Melinda the Mitchell Cancer Center that will be business and medicine to athletics. Wertheim, Joy Grodnick and Lisa a place for research as well as treat- Mayer will forever be remembered as a Bukstein; and eight grandchildren. ment of those who have suffered with

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12375 cancer, because he felt so blessed, hav- 25, 2007, he was killed in action in Not to mention the fact that health ing been allowed to survive what many Baghdad. costs continue to rise at an alarming said at the time was a fatal disease. A Huron native, Zachary joined the rate. Make no mistake, the numbers So many people came from all over Army in June 2002 and took great pride are sobering. the country to that service, it was real- in serving his country. His graduation But I am not here to dwell on the ly remarkable, including the Repub- from Ranger School at Fort Benning, past and present. I stand here today to lican leader in the Senate, MITCH GA, in May is described by his father talk about the future. I stand here to MCCONNELL, who himself came down as ‘‘one of the proudest moments for discuss ways to expand access to health and was an honorary pallbearer. He was him and for me.’’ His captain remem- insurance and to change the inequities on a first-name basis with Presidents. bers him as ‘‘a leader, mentor, warrior, in the tax treatment of health insur- Indeed, I am aware that President Bush Ranger, hero.’’ Zachary was on his ance. called him twice in recent months. fourth tour of duty in Iraq and had During the debate on SCHIP, I en- Foreign leaders, Senators, and Con- earned the Purple Heart and Bronze gaged in a colloquy with Senators gressmen were on a first-name basis Star Medal, among other awards. BURR, COBURN, MARTINEZ, CORKER, and with him. His life is a testament to A hard worker, Zachary enjoyed BENNETT. During that exchange, I ex- what can happen when a person focuses hands-on projects and worked for a plained that, currently, a taxpayer who his life on making a positive difference construction company during high receives health insurance through his in the world and living a good life. He school. He also enjoyed spending time or her employer is not taxed on the accomplished those things. Probably four-wheeling, pheasant hunting, and cost of the health coverage. I also ex- outside of a public official, he was on a deer hunting. Friends and family will plained that individuals who do not re- first-name basis with more Senators remember Zachary’s love for life and ceive health coverage through their than maybe any other person in our easygoing personality. employer generally do not receive a country. There may be some others, Sergeant Tomczak gave his all for his tax benefit. Similarly, a tax benefit is but not many would know as many and soldiers and his country. Our Nation not afforded to people who are not em- be as well respected as he was over the owes him a debt of gratitude, and the ployed and purchase health insurance years. best way to honor his life is to emulate on the individual market. I appreciate the opportunity to make his commitment to our country. Mr. I noted that Republicans and Demo- these remarks. Not only did he serve President, I join with all South Dako- crats alike agree that Congress should on the board, chairman of the board of tans in expressing my deepest sym- ‘‘level the playing field’’ and expand the University of South Alabama for 32 pathy to the family of Staff Sergeant access to health insurance. The ques- years, he gave hours and hours of his Tomczak. He will be missed, but his tion is how. Senators BURR, COBURN, time and attention and ideas and abil- service to our Nation will never be for- MARTINEZ, CORKER, and DOLE have in- ity to making that the great university gotten. troduced a proposal that would elimi- it is. So he not only gave money, he PRIVATE FIRST CLASS CHRISTOPHER PFEIFER nate the exclusion for employer-pro- gave of his time and of himself to make Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, I rise to vided health coverage. It would provide it the great university it is. Gordon express my sympathy over the loss of a flat tax credit to all Americans who Moulton, the president, certainly re- United States Army PFC Christopher purchase ‘‘qualifying health insur- flected that in his remarks. Pfeifer of Nebraska. Private First Class ance.’’ I commend the Senators for I thank the Chair and Senator Pfeifer died on September 25 from inju- their leadership, and I intend to work SHELBY for his excellent remarks and ries he sustained near Kamu, Afghani- with them on ways to expand access to yield the floor. stan, when insurgents attacked his health insurance. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- unit on August 17. He was 21 years old. Senators WYDEN and BENNETT have pore. The Senator from Connecticut. Private First Class Pfeifer grew up in also introduced a proposal that would Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, the small town of Spalding, NE, where expand access to health insurance. Sen- Mayer was a wonderful man who a lot he played eight-man football at Spald- ators GREGG, BILL NELSON, and ALEX- of us got to know because of his leader- ing Academy, as well as the drums in ANDER have cosponsored the proposal. ship role in the American Israel Public the band. He was assigned to the 1st Most recently, Senators STABENOW, Affairs Committee. This was a wonder- Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd LANDRIEU, and COLEMAN cosponsored ful gentleman, the exemplification of Airborne Brigade Combat Team based the legislation. This bipartisan legisla- the American dream. He worked ex- in Schweinfurt, Germany. All the flags tion is a ‘‘patient-driven’’ approach to tremely hard, made a great success of in Spalding, a town of about 600 people, reforming our health care system. I himself for his family, for his commu- are at half-mast in honor of Private want to stress, a ‘‘patient-driven’’ ap- nity, for his country. He loved Amer- First Class Pfeifer. proach to reforming health care. ica. He was devoted to Israel and de- Private First Class Pfeifer is remem- A ‘‘patient-driven’’ approach means voted to the strength of the United bered as a devoted husband, son, and the patient can shop for their own States-Israel relationship. He was a brother. Sadly, he was denied the health care in a competitive market- great American patriot. I don’t want to chance to become a proud father; his place, which will allow them to choose take the time to describe it now, but I wife Karen gave birth to a baby girl the the type of health insurance that am personally grateful for him for the day after his death. meets their needs. Many in the Demo- ways in which he stuck with me at All of Nebraska is proud of Private cratic Party, including several of the tough times in my own career. He First Class Pfeifer’s service to our Democratic Presidential candidates, didn’t just stick with me, but he sort of country, as well as the thousands of want a government-run single-payer worked at it to make sure everything other brave Americans serving in Iraq health care system that is not ‘‘pa- came out all right. He was a good and Afghanistan. tient-centered.’’ This is a nonstarter friend, a good man. God bless his soul. In addition to his wife and newborn and is bad policy. Recent polling shows f daughter, he is survived by his parents, that the American public thinks so. Mike and Dar, his brother Aaron, and That is, the majority of Americans do HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES his sister Nicki. not want a government-run system. STAFF SERGEANT ZACHARY TOMCZAK I ask my colleagues to join me and I want to reform the health care sys- Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish all Americans in honoring PFC Chris- tem through the Tax Code. I want to to pay tribute to SSG Zachary topher Pfeifer. cap or eliminate the exclusion for em- Tomczak and his heroic service to our f ployer-provided health coverage and country. As a member of the Army’s offer Americans a choice between a tax 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment of HEALTH INSURANCE credit and a deduction for health insur- the 82nd Airborne Division based in Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I am ance. I want to condition these tax sub- North Carolina, Staff Sergeant here today to talk about health insur- sidies on States undertaking certain Tomczak was serving in support of Op- ance. Congress is well aware of the ever insurance reforms. I want to give the eration Iraqi Freedom. On September increasing number of the uninsured. States the flexibility to decide what

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12376 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 types of reforms are best for their con- tunity to celebrate the achievements are represented on 16 teams across the stituencies. made by Hispanic Americans to enrich country, and during a recent football This ‘‘patient-driven’’ approach— the culture and day-to-day life of the matchup, Grammy winners Gloria with insurance reforms and changes in United States. Estefan and the musical group the tax treatment of health insur- Today, there is no denying the Ozomatli performed the national an- ance—should make health insurance strength and impact of Hispanic Amer- them at the halftime show in honor of more affordable. And it should signifi- icans, who are now more than 40 mil- this month’s celebration. In my home cantly reduce the number of the unin- lion strong. In my home State of New State, music legends like Al Hurricane sured. Mexico, 44 percent of the total popu- and the popular Tobias Rene add to the During my tenure in the Senate, I lation is made up of people of Hispanic rich cultural contributions being made have sought to build bridges between descent, which according to the Census to our society. Republicans and Democrats. I believe Bureau, is the largest proportion of I encourage Americans to take this that there are times where Republicans any State in the Union. What has truly moment to remember all of the areas and Democrats need to come together been remarkable to me over the years of our society that have been influ- to produce results. is the extent to which the Hispanic enced by the Hispanic community. I An example of my efforts to work in community has thrived in every facet would also like you to recall the sac- a bipartisan manner is the bipartisan of civic life. rifices Hispanics have made to preserve SCHIP legislation that was overwhelm- For instance, I am proud to call at- the liberties and freedom that make ingly passed by this body. In the spirit tention to the remarkable achievement America a beacon of hope to millions of bipartisanship, I join Senator WYDEN of PFC Jose´ F. Valdez, one of 48 His- around the world. These men and in cosponsoring the Healthy Americans panic American Medal of Honor recipi- women have stood up as proud Ameri- Act. The Healthy Americans Act is a ents. Born and raised in Governador, cans and volunteered to protect their ‘‘patient-driven’’ approach to reform- NM, Jose´ served during World War II families and communities during the ing our health care system. near Rosenkrantz, France. He hero- global war on terror. Our Nation is While I support this ‘‘patient-driven’’ ically saved the lives of his fellow com- stronger because of these men and approach, I have serious concerns rades by engaging in a firefight which women. They deserve the gratitude of about a number of the provisions of the allowed the soldiers to escape after an the Nation for their sacrifices. Healthy Americans Act. For example, enemy counterattack. Similar tales of The tradition of Hispanic Heritage like many of the Democratic Presi- bravery are prevalent in the history of Month dates back almost 40 years. In dential candidates, the act would re- Hispanic Americans, who have served 1968, Congress started by designating a quire all individuals to buy health in- with distinction in every U.S. military week to celebrate Hispanic heritage. surance. I support accessibility to pri- campaign including our current en- By the early 1980s, we decided to ex- vate insurance and differ with my col- gagements in Iraq and Afghanistan. tend the designation to cover a month leagues on this point. Also, Senator In the areas of science, medicine, starting on September 15. The extra WYDEN’s approach is more regulatory sport, art, business, and public service, time has been a necessary and appro- than I would prefer. the various achievements of the His- priate change to allow us to recognize In addition, I am not endorsing the panic community are immeasurable. the long record of contributions His- repeal of the noninterference clause in This year, Hispanic Business magazine panic Americans have made to our Medicare Part D. That is not going to celebrated its 25th anniversary by communities and to our Nation. I call be on the table. So my cosponsorship is profiling 500 of the largest Hispanic- on the American people to join with all not an endorsement of these elements. owned companies in the United States, children, families, organizations, com- Instead, I am cosponsoring the Healthy a nearly tenfold increase from the munities, churches, cities, and States Americans Act to add my voice to the magazine’s initial listing in 1982. These across the Nation to observe the month call for significant changes in our companies boast total revenues of $36.6 with appropriate ceremonies and ac- health care system. billion, which is a sizable contribution tivities. What we have here is Republicans to the American economy. f and Democrats coming together to Twenty-five of these top-ranked com- solve a problem. This is what biparti- panies join me in calling New Mexico COMMENDING JIM NICHOLSON sanship is all about. We are all on the their home. At the top of this list is Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, it is my same page when it comes to the big Manuel Lujan Agencies from Albu- distinct pleasure to recognize my picture; that is, reforming our health querque, NM, which has also been friend and fellow Coloradan Jim Nich- care system and expanding access to awarded ‘‘Most Admired Company’’ by olson. Although it is with sadness that health insurance. New Mexico’s top 100 private compa- his resignation takes effect this week, We have serious problems, and we nies. Also included in this list is I would like to take this time to com- need serious people to solve them. So Centinel Bank of Taos in Taos, NM, mend him for his service as the Sec- let’s put politics aside, roll up our which is one of the very few minority- retary of the Department of Veterans sleeves and work in a bipartisan way to owned financial institutions in the Affairs. reform our health care system. United States. I am pleased that Jim is a veteran’s veteran. As a West Make no mistake, my cosponsorship Manuel Lujan Agencies and Centinel Point graduate, Army Ranger, highly of the Healthy Americans Act is only Bank of Taos are joined by such firms decorated Vietnam war veteran, and 4 one step in the process. I intend to as Roses Southwest Papers, Applied years of service as the ambassador to work with Senators BURR, COBURN, Tech Associates, Networx and Sparkle the Holy See, Jim was well prepared MARTINEZ, CORKER, and DOLE on their Maintenance Inc. The fact, is Hispanics and highly qualified for the duties as health care reform proposal. I intend to in New Mexico today lead a growing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Jim work with Chairman BAUCUS and mem- number of firms that help set the pace was nominated by President Bush to bers of the Senate Finance Committee for a growing economy in my State, serve as Secretary in December of 2004 on small business health reforms, along and many of them are firms involving and was subsequently confirmed unani- with more comprehensive health care high technology, construction, and mously by the Senate. The confidence reform proposals like the Healthy service industries. bestowed upon Jim Nicholson by the Americans Act. Let’s get serious. While there is no doubt that His- President and all of those who gather f panics have fought to protect our free- here speaks to his unassailable ability doms and made advancements in the to assist our veterans. Sworn into of- HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH corporate world, they are also leaving fice on February 1, 2004, Jim readily as- Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I wish their imprint on the world of enter- sumed his role as the primary advocate today to pay tribute to the contribu- tainment through sports and the arts. for veterans. tions of Hispanic Americans as we com- Of the athletes currently playing in the Jim accepted control of the VA at an memorate Hispanic Heritage Month. National Football League, 24 players extremely difficult time and has prov- This occasion welcomes the oppor- are of Hispanic descent. These players en himself to be the right man for the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12377 job. He was asked to serve his country This organization and the U.S. Army young Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts in a new capacity and brought with have led the Nation in space and mis- about camping. I commend all volun- him a great sense of honor and duty. In sile defense from the 1957 authorization teers for their commitment. this time of war, Jim has worked tire- to proceed with the Nike Zeus system Now in its 14th year, National Public lessly to ensure that the VA meet the to the deployed hit-to-kill national and Lands Day has become the largest current needs of those veterans return- theater missile defense systems today. grassroots volunteer effort on behalf of ing from Iraq and Afghanistan. Al- Along the way, the Army’s missile de- our public parks, rivers, lakes, forests, though there is great urgency in caring fense team has achieved a number of rangelands, and beaches. Last year, an for our recently wounded service men significant milestones: the first suc- estimated $11 million worth of labor in- and women, Jim has also understood cessful intercept of an intercontinental tensive work was carried out, and this the crucial need to continue to provide ballistic missile, ICBM, in 1962; the year it is expected that $12 million of the utmost care for our veterans and first deployed ballistic missile defense improvements were added to America’s warriors of past generations. Under his system in the United States in 1975: the public lands. leadership, the VA has earned higher first non-nuc1ear intercept of an ICBM On Wednesday, September 27, the marks for medical services than the in 1984; the first kinetic energy inter- front page of USA Today displayed a private health care industry for cus- cept of a tactical missile in 1987; and picture of Coeur d’Alene, ID, with a tomer satisfaction, according to the the first directed energy intercepts of headline that read ‘‘No end in sight for American Customer Satisfaction Index, rockets in flight in 1996. Their Idaho’s growth.’’ The article went on to for the seventh consecutive year. He battletested products are currently de- provide a breakdown of how Idaho’s has helped to give all our veterans the ployed around the world defending our economy has remained strong despite care they deserve, as they have sac- Nation, our service members, and our the current slump in the housing mar- rificed so much for all of us. allies. ket. It reads, ‘‘[An] ingredient in Ida- I have personally worked with Jim In 1957, missile defense brought a new ho’s boom has been the ‘‘amenities for years. I would especially like to facet to the Army’s exploration of business’’—hiking, hunting, fishing, thank him for the instrumental role he space in the 1950s. As missions skiing, whitewater rafting—that at- played in reinvigorating the construc- changed, it remained constant. In the tracts tourists and new residents, from tion of a new VA hospital in Aurora on 1970s, the Army returned to space ex- billionaires to young outdoor enthu- the Fitzsimons campus. Without his ploration with a precedent setting tac- siasts.’’ support, this project would not have tical exploration program. From the Today Idaho is experiencing a new progressed to the point it is at today. 1970s through Operation Desert Storm, brand of tourists and a new brand of This hospital will prove to be a great the first space war, space has become neighbors moving in down the street. asset for our veterans in Colorado, and an integral element of the warfighter’s These people are focused on the vig- Secretary Nicholson should be com- orous quest for a quality of life that in- mended for his efforts. life. Since then, this organization has cludes the enjoyment of the outdoors. As we celebrate the service of Sec- become the focal point for Army Space. retary Nicholson, I had also like to They provide research and development What ties the third generation Idahoan take this opportunity to thank his to expand the possibilities provided by to a newcomer is an appreciation for family, notably his wife Suzanne, space. They have established a brigade the resources and the value that mul- whose endless support is undoubtedly of space soldiers dedicated to space su- tiple uses contribute to our livelihoods valued and is greatly appreciated. Jim periority and the application of space and communities. Nicholson has served this country with technology. And today, space soldiers The USA Today article also points honor and valor in many capacities. I and technologies continue to provide out that ‘‘[t]he federal government will certainly miss Secretary Nichol- battlefield communications, satellite owns about two-thirds of the land in son, and wish him and his family the imagery and analysis, three-dimen- Idaho, mostly national forests. The best of luck in the future. I thank him sional visualization, guidance informa- state has 21 million acres of roadless for his exceptional service on behalf of tion, precise early warning of threat wilderness, about the size of South all our veterans. missiles, and a host of other space- Carolina and more than any state ex- cept Alaska.’’ Public lands have much f based capabilities tailored for the warfighter. to offer and are very beneficial for 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. Together with their Government and Idaho. ARMY SPACE AND MISSILE DE- industry teammates, the future of There are a myriad of different re- FENSE COMMAND space and missile defense rests in the sources that can be responsibly har- Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, it is hands of the men and women who work vested or extracted from our public with great pleasure that I recognize in this Army organization in Hunts- lands. From sustainably managed for- the celebration of the 50th anniversary ville and Colorado Springs, as well as ests to livestock use to oil and geo- of the U.S. Army Space and Missile De- other locations throughout the world. thermal potential, these lands hold the fense Command, an organization that Mr. President, I salute Huntsville, resources Americans rely on to achieve is headquartered in Huntsville, AL. the surrounding area, and the hard- the standard of living that we have On this day, October 3, 1957, the working men and women of this great today. Army activated the Redstone Anti-Mis- region of our country. Most impor- Using the resources on our own pub- sile Missile Systems Office. With a tantly, I wish to extend a warm and lic lands, as opposed to relying on for- staff of 5 military and 19 civilians, this hearty congratulations to the U.S. eign resources, affords us the oppor- organization set the foundation of the Army Space and Missile Defense Com- tunity to fund schools, highways, and Army’s space and missile defense pro- mand team for a job well done, and national defense, all the while easing grams. From these beginnings, they best wishes for its continued success the financial burden on the taxpayers. have become an international organiza- during the next 50 years and beyond. There are those, however, who would tion of more than 2,000 military and ci- Secure the high ground. prefer to see land management agen- vilians devoted to providing around- f cies take more of a preservationist the-clock space and missile defense re- role, prohibiting access to our national search and development and oper- NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY forests, parks, beaches, and rangelands ational capabilities. I wish to express Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, this past and leaving nature to run its course. my congratulations to the Army com- Saturday was National Public Lands This is not a value that many Idahoans munity in northern Alabama for their Day. On September 29, hundreds of hold, and neither do I. splendid record of achievement in thousands of citizens from across the We must actively manage our lands space and missile defense and to ask country volunteered to give their time so that the recreational and resource my colleagues to join me in saluting to improve our public lands. These vol- benefit can be utilized by every Amer- them for their contributions to the se- unteers cleared obstructed trails, ican citizen. Under certain cir- curity of our Nation and her picked up litter, planted trees, re- cumstances, active management in- warfighters. moved invasive species, and taught cludes limited access in specific areas;

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12378 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 however, we must be cautious not to be delible mark on the country he has plans for a client. Thanks to their overly restrictive of public access to served his entire life, and he has im- input, this house was specially de- public lands. The same holds true for proved the lives of millions of workers. signed to meet the needs of the natural resource management. We can- I wish him a retirement full of health Marquez family. not use a one-size-fits-all management and happiness.∑ Habitat for Humanity is responsible style when there are so many differing f for the creation and rehabilitation of opinions on how to best utilize our do- over 150,000 homes since its 1976 incep- HONORING MICHAEL mestic natural resources. tion. In my home State of New Mexico, HOOFFSTETTER In closing, I want to again say thank there are 18 affiliates of Habitat for you to the volunteers for their tremen- ∑ Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I wish Humanity who have improved the lives dous efforts to ensure that the public today to recognize a fellow New Mexi- of families and communities by striv- lands we enjoy today will be enjoyed by can, Michael Hooffstetter, for his hard ing to provide safe and affordable hous- many, for years to come. work and advocacy on behalf of indi- ing. As a Senator, I am always looking f viduals living with Parkinson’s disease. for ways to help New Mexico commu- Michael is in Washington this week nities be the best that they can be, and ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS receiving a very prestigious award thanks to organizations like Habitat from the Parkinson’s Action Network, for Humanity, this common goal can be (At the request of Mr. REID, the fol- the Milly Kondracke Award. The accomplished.∑ lowing statement was ordered to be award’s namesake was a well-known f printed in the RECORD.) Parkinson’s advocate who worked tire- lessly to increase awareness of this dis- TRIBUTE TO GRACE PALEY RETIREMENT OF RICK DIEGEL ease and support Federal funding for ∑ Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I wish ∑ Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, I research until her death in 2004. The to acknowledge the recent passing of would like to take a moment to recog- award is presented annually to an ad- Grace Paley. Grace, who called nize the distinguished career of a man vocate who demonstrates the incred- Vermont her home, was a renowned who has devoted his life to improving ible strength of spirit and commitment and award-winning short story writer, the welfare of working men and to advocacy that Milly demonstrated. I a political activist, a wife and mother. women. am very pleased that this year’s recipi- Although she spent much of each Rick Diegel hails from Texas, where ent is Michael Hooffstetter. year in Thetford, VT, and we consid- he worked as a journeyman wireman Each of the last several years, Mi- ered her an adopted Vermonter, her fic- and foreman. He served his country in chael and others from New Mexico have tion was set in the apartments, streets the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1968, come to Washington and met with me and neighborhoods of New York City. and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. to discuss programs that help those Grace Paley was not attracted to the He also served three terms as the suffering with Parkinson’s disease. As bright lights or famous personalities or mayor pro-tem of the City of Ingleside, the New Mexico State coordinator for glitter of New York; however, she was Texas, and was elected business man- the Parkinson’s Action Network, Mi- attracted to the quotidian lives and the ager of International Brotherhood of chael speaks candidly about his dis- interpersonal and ethical problems Electrical Workers Local 278 in Corpus ease, the treatments he has undergone, faced by people very like ourselves. As Christie in 1977. He held this post until and the effect it has had on him and his Grace once said, ‘‘I’m not writing a his- 1983, when he was appointed to the family. Michael’s Air Force service has tory of famous people, I am interested International Office of IBEW as the di- given him a special interest in the De- in a history of everyday life.’’ She rector of their Committee on Political partment of Defense Neurotoxin Expo- wrote about them in her two most Education. In 1998, he became director sure Treatment and Research Program. noted collections of stories, ‘‘The Lit- of the Political/Legislative Depart- I have always appreciated his honesty tle Disturbances of Man’’ and ‘‘Enor- ment, a position he has held to this and insight and admire him for his ad- mous Changes at the Last Minute.’’ day. vocacy. And she wrote beautifully, and with For nearly four decades, Rick has Michael Hooffstetter has helped great sensitivity to both the spoken fought to improve the working and liv- many people by dedicating his time language and to human relationships. ing standards for our Nation’s workers. and efforts through the Parkinson’s Her work gathered enormous critical As director at the International Office, Action Network. I congratulate him for acclaim. She was one of the great short Rick spearheaded the modern political this award.∑ fiction writers of our age. program of the union, and transformed f Her home in Thetford, VT, was not the way that unions effect legislative some weekend getaway, some means of change. He worked to get more IBEW HABITAT FOR HUMANITY unwinding from the hectic pace of life members elected to office than any ∑ Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I in the big city. For Grace, Thetford— other union, and he established a full- wish today to congratulate the New and the State of Vermont—was a place time grassroots mobilization program Mexico affiliates of Habitat for Human- where she could carry on her long- at IBEW to give even a louder voice to ity on the completion of their 500th standing struggle for peace and for so- workers’ needs. house. This house was built for Frances cial justice. She was an active, a very Throughout his career, Rick has been Marquez and her daughter, 11-year-old active, presence in the local commu- a forceful advocate for the approxi- Amanda Marquez in San Pedro, NM, nity. Whether it was through her long- mately 750,000 members who work in a which is located right outside of standing commitment to bringing wide variety of fields, including utili- Espan˜ ola. The Espan˜ ola and Los Ala- peace to the world or her many local ties, construction, telecommuni- mos affiliate of Habitat for Humanity readings of her fiction, Grace Paley cations, broadcasting, manufacturing, gathered 100 people from Espanola Val- was a presence in our lives—and a be- railroads and government. Rick has ley to volunteer on this project and loved local figure. She never sought the served as a powerful champion for the bring a real sense of community to the spotlight, but she did not shy away labor movement, not only because he Marquez family’s new home. from it when she felt her cause was was a skillful advocate on behalf of This particular house was a very spe- just. She lived her convictions and workers, but also because he encour- cial project. It involved the community served as a model for generations of aged workers to make their individual not only through the volunteers who women, of Vermonters, of activists. voices heard. Rick understood the im- built the house, but also through the In recognition of her contributions to portance of workers engaging in the suggestions of Northern New Mexico Vermont, Grace Paley was awarded the political process to elect members who College surveying students who helped title of ‘‘Vermont State Poet’’ in 2003, made workers’ rights a priority. draft the plans for the house. Drafting a position that had been held pre- Rick Diegel is a dear friend and an instructor Jeff Toomey brought this viously by Robert Frost, among others. invaluable ally in the fight to support project to his class in order to give She was also awarded the title of ‘‘New America’s workers. He has left an in- them a real-world lesson on drafting York State Writer’’ by Mario Cuomo in

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12379 1986. It is a fitting testimony to the REPORTS OF COMMITTEES S. 2124. A bill to direct the Secretary of quality and importance of her literary The following reports of committees Agriculture to convey certain land in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Mon- work that both States, which she were submitted: called home, chose to honor her in this tana, to Jefferson County, Montana, for use By Mr. BYRD, from the Committee on Ap- as a cemetery; to the Committee on Energy fashion. propriations: and Natural Resources. Grace Paley will be sorely missed, Special Report entitled ‘‘Further Revised By Mr. SHELBY: but her work, her passion for peace and Allocation to Subcommittees of Budget To- S.J. Res. 19. A joint resolution proposing justice, and her love of her fellow tals from the Concurrent Resolution for Fis- an amendment to the Constitution of the Vermonters will not be forgotten.∑ cal Year 2008’’ (Rept. No. 110–186). United States relative to Proposing an By Mr. KENNEDY, from the Committee on amendment to the Constitution of the f Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: United States which requires (except during Report to accompany S. 1693, a bill to en- MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT time of war and subject to suspension by hance the adoption of a nationwide inter- Congress) that the total amount of money Messages from the President of the operable health information technology sys- expended by the United States during any United States were communicated to tem and to improve the quality and reduce fiscal year not exceed the amount of certain the Senate by Ms. Evans, one of his the costs of health care in the United States revenue received by the United States during (Rept. No. 110–187). secretaries. such fiscal year and not exceed 20 per cen- f tum of the gross national product of the f INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND United States during the previous calendar year; to the Committee on the Judiciary. EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED JOINT RESOLUTIONS As in executive session the Presiding The following bills and joint resolu- f Officer laid before the Senate messages tions were introduced, read the first from the President of the United and second times by unanimous con- SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND States submitting sundry nominations sent, and referred as indicated: SENATE RESOLUTIONS and a treaty which were referred to the By Mr. JOHNSON (for himself, Mr. appropriate committees. ALEXANDER, Mr. BAUCUS, Mr. BIDEN, The following concurrent resolutions (The nominations received today are Mr. BINGAMAN, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. and Senate resolutions were read, and printed at the end of the Senate pro- BROWN, Mr. BROWNBACK, Mr. BUN- referred (or acted upon), as indicated: ceedings.) NING, Mr. CHAMBLISS, Mr. FEINGOLD, By Mrs. FEINSTEIN: Mr. HAGEL, Mr. HARKIN, Mr. INOUYE, S. Res. 338. A resolution supporting the f Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. KERRY, Mr. LAUTEN- goals and ideals of National Passport Month; BERG, Mr. NELSON of Florida, Mr. MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE considered and agreed to. ROBERTS, Mr. SALAZAR, Ms. SNOWE, By Mr. KERRY (for himself, Mr. DURING ADJOURNMENT Mr. SPECTER, Mr. THUNE, Mr. VITTER, MCCONNELL, Mr. BIDEN, Mr. LUGAR, and Mr. VOINOVICH): Mrs. BOXER, Mr. DODD, Mr. DURBIN, S. 2119. A bill to require the Secretary of Mr. COLEMAN, Mr. FEINGOLD, Mr. ENROLLED BILLS AND JOINT the Treasury to mint coins in commemora- RESOLUTIONS SIGNED KENNEDY, Mr. MENENDEZ, Mrs. FEIN- tion of veterans who became disabled for life STEIN, Mr. REID, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. Under authority of the order of the while serving in the Armed Forces of the HAGEL, Mr. MCCAIN, Mr. SCHUMER, Senate of January 4, 2007, the following United States; to the Committee on Bank- Mr. CASEY, Mrs. CLINTON, Mr. OBAMA, enrolled bills and joint resolutions, ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Mr. CARDIN, Mr. BINGAMAN, Mr. previously signed by the Speaker of the By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. BROWNBACK, Mr. SUNUNU, Mrs. House, were signed on September 28, MARTINEZ, Mr. BIDEN, Mr. LUGAR, Mr. HUTCHISON, and Mr. WHITEHOUSE): 2007, during the adjournment of the DODD, Mr. COLEMAN, Mr. SALAZAR, S. Res. 339. A resolution expressing the Mr. KERRY, Mrs. CLINTON, Mrs. Senate, by the President pro tempore sense of the Senate on the situation in BOXER, Mr. NELSON of Florida, and Burma; considered and agreed to. [Mr. BYRD]. Mr. CARDIN): By Mr. MARTINEZ (for himself, Mr. H.R. 976. An act to amend title XXI of the S. 2120. A bill to authorize the establish- NELSON of Florida, Mr. MENENDEZ, Social Security Act to extend and improve ment of a Social Investment and Economic and Mr. SALAZAR): the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Development Fund for the Americas to pro- S. Res. 340. A resolution recognizing the ef- and for other purposes. vide assistance to reduce poverty, expand the forts and contributions of outstanding His- H.R. 3668. An act to provide for the exten- middle class, and foster increased economic panic scientists in the United States; consid- sion of transitional medical assistance opportunity in the countries of the Western ered and agreed to. (TMA), the abstinence education program, Hemisphere, and for other purposes; to the and the qualifying individuals (QI) program, Committee on Foreign Relations. f and for other purposes. By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. H.J. Res. 43. Joint resolution increasing LAUTENBERG, and Mr. DURBIN): the statutory limit on the public debt. S. 2121. A bill to provide funding and incen- ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS H.J. Res. 52. Joint resolution making con- tives for caregiver support and long-term S. 334 tinuing appropriations for the fiscal year care assistance; to the Committee on Fi- 2008, and for other purposes. nance. At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the By Mrs. MURRAY (for herself, Mr. names of the Senator from Minnesota f BIDEN, Mr. OBAMA, and Mr. SANDERS): (Mr. COLEMAN), the Senator from Iowa ENROLLED BILL SIGNED S. 2122. A bill to amend title V of the Ele- (Mr. GRASSLEY), the Senator from Lou- mentary and Secondary Education Act of isiana (Ms. LANDRIEU) and the Senator Under authority of the order of the 1965 to reduce class size through the use of from Michigan (Ms. STABENOW) were highly qualified teachers, and for other pur- Senate of January 4, 2007, the Sec- added as cosponsors of S. 334, a bill to retary of the Senate, on September 29, poses; to the Committee on Health, Edu- cation, Labor, and Pensions. provide affordable, guaranteed private 2007, during the adjournment of the health coverage that will make Ameri- Senate, received a message from the By Mr. GREGG (for himself, Mr. KEN- NEDY, Mr. COLEMAN, Mr. DODD, Ms. cans healthier and can never be taken House of Representatives announcing COLLINS, Mr. HARKIN, Mr. DOMENICI, away. that the Speaker has signed the fol- Ms. MIKULSKI, Mr. MARTINEZ, Mrs. S. 335 lowing enrolled bill: MURRAY, Mr. SMITH, Mrs. CLINTON, At the request of Mr. DORGAN, the H.R. 3625. An act to make permanent the Ms. SNOWE, Mr. OBAMA, Mr. SPECTER, waiver authority of the Secretary of Edu- Mr. SANDERS, Mr. BROWN, Mr. STE- name of the Senator from New York cation with respect to student financial as- VENS, Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr. SUNUNU, (Mrs. CLINTON) was added as a cospon- sistance during a war or other military oper- and Mr. PRYOR): sor of S. 335, a bill to prohibit the In- ation or national emergency. S. 2123. A bill to provide collective bar- ternal Revenue Service from using pri- Under authority of the order of the gaining rights for public safety officers em- vate debt collection companies, and for ployed by States or their political subdivi- other purposes. Senate of January 4, 2007, the enrolled sions; to the Committee on Health, Edu- bill was subsequently signed on Sep- cation, Labor, and Pensions. S. 469 tember 29, 2007, by the President pro By Mr. BAUCUS (for himself and Mr. At the request of Mr. BAUCUS, the tempore [Mr. BYRD]. TESTER): name of the Senator from New Jersey

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12380 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 (Mr. MENENDEZ) was added as a cospon- LUGAR) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Ms. LANDRIEU) was added as a cospon- sor of S. 469, a bill to amend the Inter- 1120, a bill to amend the Public Health sor of S. 1661, a bill to communicate nal Revenue Code of 1986 to make per- Service Act to provide grants for the United States travel policies and im- manent the special rule for contribu- training of graduate medical residents prove marketing and other activities tions of qualified conservation con- in preventive medicine and public designed to increase travel in the tributions. health. United States from abroad. S. 557 S. 1139 S. 1718 At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the At the request of Mr. BINGAMAN, the At the request of Mr. BROWN, the name of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. name of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. ENSIGN) was added as a cosponsor of S. REID) was added as a cosponsor of S. WEBB) was added as a cosponsor of S. 557, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- 1139, a bill to establish the National 1718, a bill to amend the enue Code of 1986 to make permanent Landscape Conservation System, and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to the depreciation classification of mo- for other purposes. provide for reimbursement to torsports entertainment complexes. S. 1239 servicemembers of tuition for pro- S. 667 At the request of Mr. ROCKEFELLER, grams of education interrupted by At the request of Mrs. CLINTON, the the name of the Senator from Massa- military service, for deferment of stu- name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. chusetts (Mr. KENNEDY) was added as a dents loans and reduced interest rates BROWN) was added as a cosponsor of S. cosponsor of S. 1239, a bill to amend the for servicemembers during periods of 667, a bill to expand programs of early Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend military service, and for other pur- childhood home visitation that in- the new markets tax credit through poses. crease school readiness, child abuse 2013, and for other purposes. S. 1733 and neglect prevention, and early iden- S. 1382 At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the tification of developmental and health At the request of Mr. REID, the name of the Senator from Michigan delays, including potential mental names of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. (Mr. LEVIN) was added as a cosponsor of health concerns, and for other pur- WYDEN) and the Senator from Mary- S. 1733, a bill to authorize funds to pre- poses. land (Ms. MIKULSKI) were added as co- vent housing discrimination through S. 741 sponsors of S. 1382, a bill to amend the the use of nationwide testing, to in- At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the Public Health Service Act to provide crease funds for the Fair Housing Ini- names of the Senator from Maine (Ms. the establishment of an Amyotrophic tiatives Program, and for other pur- SNOWE) and the Senator from Mis- Lateral Sclerosis Registry. poses. sissippi (Mr. LOTT) were added as co- S. 1773 sponsors of S. 741, a bill to amend the S. 1494 At the request of Ms. SNOWE, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conserva- At the request of Mr. DOMENICI, the tion and Management Act to establish name of the Senator from Massachu- name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. a grant program to ensure waterfront setts (Mr. KERRY) was added as a co- ISAKSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. access for commercial fishermen, and sponsor of S. 1494, a bill to amend the 1773, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- for other purposes. Public Health Service Act to reauthor- enue Code of 1986 to regulate payroll ize the special diabetes programs for tax deposit agents. S. 759 Type I diabetes and Indians under that S. 1791 At the request of Mrs. CLINTON, her name was added as a cosponsor of S. Act. At the request of Ms. KLOBUCHAR, the 759, a bill to prohibit the use of funds S. 1568 name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. for military operations in Iran. At the request of Mr. ISAKSON, the DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1791, a bill to amend the Farm Security S. 803 name of the Senator from Texas (Mrs. and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to re- At the request of Mr. ROBERTS, the HUTCHISON) was added as a cosponsor of name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. S. 1568, a bill to amend the Internal authorize, and increase funding for, the biodiesel fuel education program. DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. Revenue Code of 1986 to encourage pri- 803, a bill to repeal a provision enacted vate philanthropy. S. 1843 to end Federal matching of State S. 1577 At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the spending of child support incentive At the request of Mr. KOHL, the name name of the Senator from Washington payments. of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. BAYH) (Ms. CANTWELL) was added as a cospon- S. 969 was added as a cosponsor of S. 1577, a sor of S. 1843, a bill to amend title VII At the request of Mr. DODD, the name bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the of the Senator from Michigan (Mr. the Social Security Act to require Age Discrimination in Employment LEVIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. screening, including national criminal Act of 1967 to clarify that an unlawful 969, a bill to amend the National Labor history background checks, of direct practice occurs each time compensa- Relations Act to modify the definition patient access employees of skilled tion is paid pursuant to a discrimina- of supervisor. nursing facilities, nursing facilities, tory compensation decision or other S. 1015 and other long-term care facilities and practice, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. COCHRAN, the providers, and to provide for nation- S. 1895 name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. wide expansion of the pilot program for At the request of Mr. REED, the LUGAR) was added as a cosponsor of S. national and State background checks names of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. 1015, a bill to reauthorize the National on direct patient access employees of DURBIN), the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Writing Project. long-term care facilities or providers. LUGAR) and the Senator from Maine S. 1070 S. 1627 (Ms. COLLINS) were added as cosponsors At the request of Mrs. LINCOLN, the At the request of Mrs. LINCOLN, the of S. 1895, a bill to aid and support pe- name of the Senator from Massachu- names of the Senator from Georgia diatric involvement in reading and setts (Mr. KERRY) was added as a co- (Mr. CHAMBLISS) and the Senator from education. sponsor of S. 1070, a bill to amend the Mississippi (Mr. COCHRAN) were added S. 1930 Social Security Act to enhance the so- as cosponsors of S. 1627, a bill to amend At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the cial security of the Nation by ensuring the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to name of the Senator from Maine (Ms. adequate public-private infrastructure extend and expand the benefits for COLLINS) was added as a cosponsor of S. and to resolve to prevent, detect, treat, businesses operating in empowerment 1930, a bill to amend the Lacey Act intervene in, and prosecute elder abuse, zones, enterprise communities, or re- Amendments of 1981 to prevent illegal neglect, and exploitation, and for other newal communities, and for other pur- logging practices, and for other pur- purposes. poses. poses. S. 1120 S. 1661 S. 1951 At the request of Mr. HARKIN, the At the request of Mr. DORGAN, the At the request of Mr. BAUCUS, the name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. name of the Senator from Louisiana names of the Senator from Montana

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12381 (Mr. TESTER), the Senator from Ten- strengths for such fiscal year, and for STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED nessee (Mr. CORKER), the Senator from other purposes. BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS CHUMER New York (Mr. S ) and the Sen- AMENDMENT NO. 3024 By Mrs. MURRAY (for herself, ator from Michigan (Ms. STABENOW) Mr. BIDEN, Mr. OBAMA, and Mr. were added as cosponsors of S. 1951, a At the request of Mr. TESTER, his name was added as a cosponsor of SANDERS): bill to amend title XIX of the Social S. 2122. A bill to amend title V of the Security Act to ensure that individuals amendment No. 3024 proposed to H.R. 1585, to authorize appropriations for Elementary and Secondary Education eligible for medical assistance under Act of 1965 to reduce class size through fiscal year 2008 for military activities the Medicaid program continue to have the use of highly qualified teachers, of the Department of Defense, for mili- access to prescription drugs, and for and for other purposes; to the Com- tary construction, and for defense ac- other purposes. mittee on Health, Education, Labor, tivities of the Department of Energy, S. 1954 and Pensions. to prescribe military personnel At the request of Mr. BAUCUS, the Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I am strengths for such fiscal year, and for pleased today to join my colleague, name of the Senator from Montana other purposes. (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor Senator MURRAY, in introducing legis- of S. 1954, a bill to amend title XVIII of AMENDMENT NO. 3032 lation—the Facilitating Outstanding the Social Security Act to improve ac- At the request of Mr. SESSIONS, the Classrooms Using Size Reduction cess to pharmacies under part D. names of the Senator from Oklahoma (FOCUS) Act of 2007—that will provide S. 1970 (Mr. INHOFE), the Senator from West $2 billion in funding to help, States and school districts hire 100,000 new teach- At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, her Virginia (Mr. BYRD) and the Senator ers to reduce class size, particularly in name was added as a cosponsor of S. from New York (Mrs. CLINTON) were the early grades. 1970, a bill to establish a National Com- added as cosponsors of amendment No. 3032 proposed to H.R. 1585, to authorize When a teacher is responsible for a mission on Children and Disasters, a classroom of 25, 30, or more students, appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for National Resource Center on Children how can we expect each student to re- military activities of the Department and Disasters, and for other purposes. ceive enough time and attention? One of Defense, for military construction, S. 2067 pillar of our education system should and for defense activities of the De- At the request of Mr. MARTINEZ, the be small classes. The body of research partment of Energy, to prescribe mili- name of the Senator from Alabama around class size has consistently tary personnel strengths for such fiscal (Mr. SESSIONS) was added as a cospon- shown that smaller classes improve year, and for other purposes. sor of S. 2067, a bill to amend the Fed- student performance, including reading eral Water Pollution Control Act relat- AMENDMENT NO. 3058 and mathematics, in the early grades ing to recreational vessels. At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the as well as in subsequent years when S.J. RES. 13 names of the Senator from Vermont students are placed in larger classes. At the request of Mr. GREGG, his (Mr. SANDERS), the Senator from New Research also shows that at the end of name was added as a cosponsor of S.J. York (Mrs. CLINTON) and the Senator fifth grade, students who were in small Res. 13, a joint resolution granting the from Maryland (Mr. CARDIN) were classes in first through third grades consent of Congress to the Inter- added as cosponsors of amendment No. were about half a school year ahead of national Emergency Management As- 3058 proposed to H.R. 1585, to authorize students from larger classes in all core sistance Memorandum of Under- appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for subjects—reading, language arts, math, standing. military activities of the Department and science. Additionally, studies have At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the of Defense, for military construction, found that students from small classes name of the Senator from New Hamp- and for defense activities of the De- earn better grades in high school, take shire (Mr. SUNUNU) was added as a co- partment of Energy, to prescribe mili- more advanced courses, and are more sponsor of S.J. Res. 13, supra. tary personnel strengths for such fiscal likely to take college-entrance exams. S. RES. 319 year, and for other purposes. They are also more likely to graduate from high school than students in larg- At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the At the request of Mr. DURBIN, his name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. er classes. name was added as a cosponsor of Small classes also enable teachers to OBAMA) was added as a cosponsor of S. amendment No. 3058 proposed to H.R. teach better. Any teacher will tell you Res. 319, a resolution expressing the 1585, supra. that small classes make a difference. sense of the Senate regarding the AMENDMENT NO. 3078 Small classes allow teachers to spend United States Transportation Com- more time on instruction, get to know mand on its 20th anniversary. At the request of Mrs. MURRAY, her their students better, spend less time AMENDMENT NO. 2068 name was added as a cosponsor of amendment No. 3078 proposed to H.R. on discipline problems, and better iden- At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the tify students who need individually tai- name of the Senator from Delaware 1585, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for military activities lored assistance. The difference be- (Mr. BIDEN) was added as a cosponsor of tween teaching large classes and teach- amendment No. 2068 proposed to H.R. of the Department of Defense, for mili- tary construction, and for defense ac- ing small classes is substantial, and 1585, to authorize appropriations for the pedagogy required for each differs. fiscal year 2008 for military activities tivities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel I have stood with Senator MURRAY on of the Department of Defense, for mili- previous legislation to reduce class size tary construction, and for defense ac- strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. in our Nation’s schools, and I am proud tivities of the Department of Energy, to stand with her again today in sup- to prescribe military personnel AMENDMENT NO. 3082 port of a class size reduction bill. The strengths for such fiscal year, and for At the request of Mr. SANDERS, the bill we offer today strengthens our ear- other purposes. names of the Senator from Georgia lier efforts to reduce class size. First— AMENDMENT NO. 2905 (Mr. ISAKSON) and the Senator from the FOCUS Act would provide a dedi- At the request of Mr. SANDERS, the Massachusetts (Mr. KERRY) were added cated funding stream for class size re- name of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. as cosponsors of amendment No. 3082 duction. The No Child Left Behind Act HARKIN) was added as a cosponsor of proposed to H.R. 1585, to authorize ap- incorporated the Class Size Reduction amendment No. 2905 proposed to H.R. propriations for fiscal year 2008 for Program into title II of the Elemen- 1585, to authorize appropriations for military activities of the Department tary and Secondary Education Act. fiscal year 2008 for military activities of Defense, for military construction, The Murray-Biden FOCUS Act would of the Department of Defense, for mili- and for defense activities of the De- create a separate funding stream in tary construction, and for defense ac- partment of Energy, to prescribe mili- title V for the class size reduction ini- tivities of the Department of Energy, tary personnel strengths for such fiscal tiative—ensuring that efforts to reduce to prescribe military personnel year, and for other purposes. class size would not have to compete

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12382 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 for funding with a broad array of other lines of the effort to keep America SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS teacher and administrator professional safe. They perform difficult, exhaust- development and training funds. ing work, day and night, to preserve Another provision that has been and protect our communities. In this SENATE RESOLUTION 338—SUP- added are instructions that States and post-9/11 era, they have an indispen- PORTING THE GOALS AND schools districts allocate their funding sable role in homeland security as well. IDEALS OF NATIONAL PASSPORT in a manner that creates a continuum It is vital to our national interest to MONTH of small classes for students as they ensure that these essential public serv- Mrs. FEINSTEIN submitted the fol- progress from kindergarten to third ices are carried out as effectively as lowing resolution; which was consid- grade and beyond. Research has shown possible. ered and agreed to: that the benefits of attending small Strong partnerships between first re- S. RES. 338 classes are the greatest for students in sponders and the cities and States they serve are vital to public safety. Studies Whereas, through international travel, kindergarten through third grade, with Americans can individually play a major further benefits accruing to those stu- show that cooperation between public role towards improving foreign relations by dents for each additional year spent in safety employers and employees im- building bridges and making connections small classes. The ultimate goal is that proves the quality of services commu- with citizens of other countries; a student in the kindergarten grade nities receive and reduces worker fa- Whereas interacting with the global com- matriculates through first, second, and talities. These strong, cooperative munity inspires Americans to reflect on the third grades—each with an average partnerships are built on bargaining re- diverse multi-cultural background that has class size of 18 students or less. lationships. Every New York City fire- defined the United States as a great country fighter, emergency medical technician, of cooperation and progress; The bill also establishes a Web-based Whereas having a passport and traveling National Clearinghouse on Class Size and police officer who responded to the abroad creates connections with the global that would provide research, best prac- disaster at the World Trade Center on community; tices, and resources for small class- 9/11 was a union member under a col- Whereas having a passport and traveling room instruction. This information lective bargaining agreement, and abroad promotes understanding and goodwill needs to be broadly available and eas- those agreements strengthened their throughout the world, opening the doors to ily accessible to the education commu- ability to respond in that time of cri- increased peace, tolerance, and acceptance; nity as well as the public. sis. Whereas having a passport and traveling Additionally, the legislation requires Unfortunately, many first responders abroad opens up a wealth of educational op- portunities and experiences for Americans of an independent evaluation to be con- across the country do not have basic all ages; ducted to determine the impact and ef- workplace protections. Twenty-nine Whereas having a passport and traveling fectiveness of the initiative and the States and the District of Columbia abroad enables Americans to see first-hand National Center for Education Statis- guarantee all public safety workers the the effect of the United States on the world, tics to report on average class size right to bargain collectively, but 21 including the tremendous amount of human- data. It is imperative that we under- States deny some or all of their public itarian aid given by the United States stand, objectively, how these funds are safety workers this fundamental right. through both public and private sectors; spent, and what outcomes are achieved. Our Nation’s first responders have Whereas having a passport and traveling earned the right to be treated with re- abroad reminds Americans that they are Mr. President, the ultimate success members of a global family and gives them of our education system depends on spect. The Cooperation Act will ensure opportunities to mend rifts around the teachers. Ask any teacher if it matters that they receive that respect and will world; whether they are teaching a class of 18 benefit from the same protections en- Whereas fewer than 23 percent of Ameri- students or 25 students and you will get joyed by many other workers across cans have passports, thereby limiting their the same answer every time: abso- the country. The bill gives public safe- ability to travel outside the United States; lutely. Smaller classes will provide ty officers the right to bargain over Whereas the more Americans travel out- teachers with the resources they need wages, hours, and working conditions, side the United States, the more they will and ensures that these rights are en- experience opportunities to increase their to create the opportunities for learning understanding of the world and the place of that our students deserve. forceable in State court. It also pro- the United States in it; vides an efficient and effective means Whereas the creation and support of a Na- By Mr. GREGG (for himself, Mr. to resolve disputes in labor-manage- tional Passport Month signals to Americans KENNEDY, Mr. COLEMAN, Mr. ment conflicts. the important role they can play as ambas- DODD, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. HARKIN, The Cooperation Act accomplishes sadors for the United States by serving as Mr. DOMENICI, Ms. MIKULSKI, these important goals in reasonable, agents of understanding, tolerance, and mu- Mr. MARTINEZ, Mrs. MURRAY, moderate ways. States that already tual respect; and Mr. SMITH, Mrs. CLINTON, Ms. have collective bargaining in place for Whereas travel publishers along with trav- el editors from the most prestigious media SNOWE, Mr. OBAMA, Mr. SPEC- public safety workers are not affected outlets in the United States, student travel TER, Mr. SANDERS, Mr. BROWN, by the bill. States that do not cur- organizations, and book sellers have des- Mr. STEVENS, Mr. LIEBERMAN, rently provide these protections may ignated September as ‘‘National Passport Mr. SUNUNU, and Mr. PRYOR): establish their own collective bar- Month’’ to educate the public about the im- S. 2123. A bill to provide collective gaining systems or ask the assistance portance of having a passport and the posi- bargaining rights for public safety offi- of the Federal Labor Relations Author- tive impact international travel has on indi- cers employed by States or their polit- ity in doing so. This approach respects viduals: Now, therefore, be it ical subdivisions; to the Committee on existing State laws and gives each Resolved, That the Senate— Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- State full authority to decide how it (1) supports the goals and ideals of Na- tional Passport Month; and sions. will comply with the basic standards. (2) calls on the Federal Government, Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, it is a America’s public safety workers are States, localities, schools, nonprofit organi- privilege to join Senator GREGG today prepared to put their lives on the line zations, businesses, other entities, and the in reintroducing the Public Safety Em- for their community each and every people of the United States to observe Na- ployer-Employee Cooperation Act, to day. They deserve a voice at the table tional Passport Month with appropriate guarantee that all firefighters, police in the life-and-death decisions about ceremonies, programs, and activities. officers, emergency medical personnel, their work. It is essential for their f and other first responders across the safety, the safety of our communities, country have fundamental collective and the safety of our entire Nation. It SENATE RESOLUTION 339—EX- bargaining rights. The issue is one of is a matter of basic fairness for these PRESSING THE SENSE OF THE basic respect for this valuable work- courageous men and women to have SENATE ON THE SITUATION IN force, and I urge all of my colleagues to the same rights that have long bene- BURMA support this bipartisan bill. fited so many other Americans. I urge Mr. KERRY (for himself, Mr. MCCON- The first responders of our State and Congress to act quickly to provide NELL, Mr. BIDEN, Mr. LUGAR, Mrs. local governments are on the front these fundamental protections. BOXER, Mr. DODD, Mr. DURBIN, Mr.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12383 COLEMAN, Mr. FEINGOLD, Mr. KENNEDY, Statement from condemning the State Peace SENATE RESOLUTION 340—RECOG- Mr. MENENDEZ, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. and Development Council crackdown against NIZING THE EFFORTS AND CON- REID, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. HAGEL, Mr. the peaceful demonstrators; TRIBUTIONS OF OUTSTANDING Whereas the prevalence of tuberculosis in MCCAIN, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. CASEY, Mrs. HISPANIC SCIENTISTS IN THE Burma, with nearly 97,000 new cases detected CLINTON, Mr. OBAMA, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. annually, is among the highest in the world, UNITED STATES BINGAMAN, Mr. BROWNBACK, Mr. malaria is the leading cause of mortality in Mr. MARTINEZ (for himself, Mr. SUNUNU, Mrs. HUTCHISON, and Mr. Burma, with 70 percent of the population liv- NELSON of Florida, Mr. MENENDEZ, and WHITEHOUSE) submitted the following ing in areas at risk, at least 37,000 died of Mr. SALAZAR) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and HIV/AIDS in Burma in 2005, and over 600,000 resolution; which was considered and agreed to: are currently infected, and the World Health agreed to: S. RES. 339 Organization has ranked Burma’s health sec- tor as 190th out of 191 nations; S. RES. 340 Whereas hundreds of thousands of Burmese Whereas the failure of the State Peace and Whereas the purpose of the National His- citizens, including thousands of Buddhist Development Council to respect the human panic Scientist of the Year Award is to rec- monks and students, engaged in peaceful rights and meet the most basic humani- ognize outstanding Hispanic scientists in the demonstrations against the policies of the tarian needs of the Burmese people has not United States who promote a greater public ruling State Peace and Development Council only caused enormous suffering inside understanding of science and motivate His- (SPDC), demanding that the State Peace and Burma, but also driven hundreds of thou- panic youth to develop an interest in Development Council release all political sands of Burmese citizens to seek refuge in science; prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize lau- neighboring countries, creating a threat to Whereas the 7th annual National Hispanic reate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and urging regional peace and stability; and Scientist of the Year Gala will be held at the that the government agree to a meaningful Whereas the State Peace and Development Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa, tripartite dialogue with Suu Kyi, the Na- Council continues to restrict the access and Florida, on Saturday, October 6, 2007; tional League for Democracy (NLD), and the freedom of movement of international hu- Whereas proceeds from the National His- ethnic minorities towards national reconcili- manitarian organizations to deliver aid panic Scientist of the Year Gala support ation; throughout Burma: Now, therefore, be it scholarships for Hispanic boys and girls to Whereas the State Peace and Development Resolved, That it is the sense of the Sen- participate in the Museum of Science & In- Council violently dispersed the peaceful ate— dustry’s Youth Enriched by Science Pro- demonstrators, killing at least 10 (and re- (1) to strongly condemn the use of violence gram, known as the ‘‘YES! Team’’; and portedly more than 200) unarmed protesters, against peaceful protestors in Burma, and to Whereas a need to acknowledge the work including a number of monks and a Japanese call on the Government of Burma to refrain and effort of outstanding Hispanic scientists journalist, and arrested hundreds of others, from further violence, release the dem- in the United States has led to the selection and continues to forcibly suppress peaceful onstrators it has arrested, immediately of Dr. Louis A. Martin-Vega as the honoree protests; cease attacks against ethnic minorities, re- of the 7th annual National Hispanic Sci- Whereas the National League for Democ- lease Aung Sang Suu Kyi and all other polit- entist of the Year Award, in recognition of racy won a majority of seats in the par- ical prisoners, and begin a meaningful tri- his accomplishments developing foundation- liamentary elections of 1990, but the State partite political dialogue with Suu Kyi, the wide programs aimed at integrating research Peace and Development Council refused to National League for Democracy, and the eth- and education in science and engineering and uphold the results or to negotiate a transi- nic minorities; in increasing the participation of women and tion to civilian rule and subsequently placed (2) to call on the People’s Republic of underrepresented minorities in these fields; Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest; China to remove objections to efforts by the and Whereas Aung San Suu Kyi has spent most United Nations Security Council to condemn Whereas Dr. Martin-Vega is also to be com- of the past 18 years under house arrest or in the actions taken by the Government of mended for his years of leadership in engi- jail, and is currently being held in govern- Burma against the peaceful demonstrators; neering education at such fine institutions ment custody, cut off from her followers and (3) to call on the People’s Republic of as the University of Puerto Rico at Maya- the international community; China and all other nations that have pro- guez, the University of Florida, Florida In- Whereas 59 world leaders, including 3 vided military assistance to the Government stitute of Technology, Lehigh University, former presidents of the United States, have of Burma to suspend such assistance until ci- the University of South Florida, and North called on the State Peace and Development vilian democratic rule is restored to Burma; Carolina State University, and for his serv- Council to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all (4) that the Government of Burma should ice at the National Science Foundation: other political prisoners; engage in a peaceful dialogue with opposi- Now, therefore, be it Whereas the State Peace and Development tion leaders and ethnic minorities to imple- Resolved, That the Senate— Council has destroyed more than 3,000 vil- ment political, economic, and humanitarian (1) recognizes efforts to educate, support, lages, systematically and violently repressed reforms that will improve the living condi- and provide hope for the Hispanic commu- ethnic minorities, displaced approximately tions of the Burmese people and lead to the nity, including efforts to honor outstanding 2,000,000 Burmese people, and arrested ap- restoration of civilian democratic rule; Hispanic scientists in the United States at proximately 1,300 individuals for expressing (5) to recognize and welcome the many the annual National Hispanic Scientist of critical opinions; constructive statements issued by various the Year Gala and to organize a ‘‘Meet the Whereas the United States Department of nations, and particularly the statement Hispanic Scientist Day’’; and State’s 2006 Reports on Human Rights Prac- issued by the Association of Southeast Asian (2) congratulates the 2007 National His- tices found that Burma’s junta routinely re- Nations on September 27, 2007, which de- panic Scientist of the Year designated by the stricts its citizens’ freedoms of speech, press, manded an immediate end to violence in Museum of Science & Industry, for ongoing assembly, association, religion, movement, Burma, the release of all political prisoners, dedication to improving the quality of, and and traffics in persons, discriminates against and a political solution to the crisis; access to, science and engineering research women and ethnic minorities, forcibly re- (6) that the United States and the United and education. cruits child soldiers and child labor, and Nations should strongly encourage China, f commits other serious violations of human India, and Russia to modify their position on rights, including extrajudicial killings, cus- Burma and use their influence to convince AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND todial deaths, disappearances, rape, torture, the Government of Burma to engage in dia- PROPOSED abuse of prisoners and detainees, and the im- logue with opposition leaders and ethnic mi- prisonment of citizens arbitrarily for polit- norities towards national reconciliation; SA 3112. Mr. CHAMBLISS (for himself, Mr. ISAKSON, and Mr. INHOFE) submitted an ical motives; (7) to support the United Nations mission amendment intended to be proposed to Whereas the Government of Burma relies to Burma led by Ibrahim Gambari, and to amendment SA 2011 proposed by Mr. NELSON heavily on the unconditional military and call on the Government of Burma to allow of Nebraska (for Mr. LEVIN) to the bill H.R. economic assistance provided by the People’s the mission freedom of movement and access 1585, to authorize appropriations for fiscal Republic of China; to top government leaders in order to pre- year 2008 for military activities of the De- Whereas on September 30, 2006, the United vent additional violence and to further partment of Defense, for military construc- Nations Security Council officially included peaceful dialogue towards national reconcili- tion, and for defense activities of the Depart- Burma on its agenda for the first time; ation; and ment of Energy, to prescribe military per- Whereas on January 13, 2007, China and (8) that the United States should work sonnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for Russia vetoed a United Nations Security with the international community to pres- other purposes. Council Resolution calling on Burma to re- sure the Government of Burma to lift all re- SA 3113. Mr. CHAMBLISS submitted an lease all political prisoners, allow a more in- strictions on humanitarian aid delivery and amendment intended to be proposed by him clusive political process and unhindered hu- then allow international humanitarian aid to the bill H.R. 1585, supra; which was or- manitarian access, and end human rights organizations to work to alleviate suffering dered to lie on the table. abuses, and on September 26, 2007, China and improve living conditions for the most SA 3114. Mrs. HUTCHISON submitted an blocked a United Nations Security Council vulnerable populations. amendment intended to be proposed by her

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12384 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 to the bill H.R. 1585, supra; which was or- grated maintenance and sustainment strat- Thomas & Mack Moot Court at the dered to lie on the table. egy for the Joint Cargo Aircraft that takes William S. Boyd School of Law at the SA 3115. Mr. SESSIONS submitted an maximum advantage of capabilities organic University of Nevada, Las Vegas, lo- amendment intended to be proposed to to the United States Government. cated at 4505 Maryland Parkway, Las amendment SA 2011 proposed by Mr. NELSON Vegas, Nevada. of Nebraska (for Mr. LEVIN) to the bill H.R. SA 3114. Mrs. HUTCHISON submitted 1585, supra; which was ordered to lie on the an amendment intended to be proposed The purpose of the hearing is to con- table. by her to the bill H.R. 1585, to author- sider the major environmental threats f ize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 to the Great Basin in the 21st century. Because of the limited time available TEXT OF AMENDMENTS for military activities of the Depart- ment of Defense, for military construc- for the hearing, witnesses may testify Mr. CHAMBLISS (for him- SA 3112. tion, and for defense activities of the by invitation only. However, those self, Mr. ISAKSON, and Mr. INHOFE) sub- Department of Energy, to prescribe wishing to submit written testimony mitted an amendment intended to be military personnel strengths for such for the hearing record should send it to proposed to amendment SA 2011 pro- fiscal year, and for other purposes; the Committee on Energy and Natural posed by Mr. NELSON of Nebraska (for which was ordered to lie on the table; Resources, United States Senate, Mr. LEVIN) to the bill H.R. 1585, to au- as follows: Washington, DC 20510–6150, or by e-mail thorize appropriations for fiscal year to [email protected]. 2008 for military activities of the De- SEC. . Notwithstanding any other provi- sion of law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs gov partment of Defense, for military con- and the Secretary of Defense may conduct a For further information, please con- struction, and for defense activities of pilot program to operate a shared facility tact Scott Miller at (202) 224–5488 or the Department of Energy, to prescribe that will provide health care services to Rachel Pasternack at (202) 224–0883. military personnel strengths for such beneficiaries of both the Department of Vet- f fiscal year, and for other purposes; as erans Affairs and the Department of Defense. follows: The purpose of conducting the pilot program PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR will be to determine the effectiveness of op- At the end of subtitle D of title III, add the erating a shared facility with the Depart- Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask following: ment of Defense. unanimous consent that Daniel SEC. 342. SENSE OF SENATE ON THE AIR FORCE Gutman and Jordan Anderson of my LOGISTICS CENTERS. SA 3115. Mr. SESSIONS submitted an staff be granted floor privileges for the (a) FINDINGS.—The Senate makes the fol- lowing findings: amendment intended to be proposed to duration of today’s session. (1) Air Force Air Logistics Centers have amendment SA 2011 proposed by Mr. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- served as a model of efficiency and effective- NELSON of Nebraska (for Mr. LEVIN) to pore. Without objection, it is so or- ness in providing integrated sustainment the bill H.R. 1585, to authorize appro- dered. (depot maintenance, supply management, priations for fiscal year 2008 for mili- Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I ask and product support) for fielded weapon sys- tary activities of the Department of unanimous consent that MAJ John tems within the Department of Defense. This Defense, for military construction, and Muller, an Army fellow in my office, be success has been founded in the integration for defense activities of the Depart- granted the privilege of the floor for of these dependent processes. (2) Air Force Air Logistics Centers have ment of Energy, to prescribe military duration of consideration of H.R. 1585. embraced best practices, technology personnel strengths for such fiscal The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- changes, and process improvements, and year, and for other purposes; which was pore. Without objection, it is so or- have successfully managed increased work- ordered to lie on the table; as follows: dered. load while at the same time reducing per- On page 91, between lines 13 and 14, insert Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, on behalf sonnel. the following: of Senator REID, I ask unanimous con- (3) Air Force Air Logistics Centers con- (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.— sent that Jacqueline Beatty-Smith, a tinue to successfully sustain an aging air- (1) IN GENERAL.—The amendments made by Brookings Fellow in his office, be craft fleet that is performing more flying this section shall take effect on a date elect- hours, with less aircraft, than at any point granted the privileges of the floor dur- ed by the Secretary of Defense, which date ing consideration of the Defense Appro- in the last thirty years. may not be earlier than the date that is one (4) The purpose of the Global Logistics year after the date of the enactment of this priations Act. Support Center is to apply an enterprise ap- Act. The Secretary shall publish in the Fed- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without proach to supply chain management to eral Register notice of the effective date of objection, it is so ordered. eliminate redundancies and improve effi- the amendments made by this section, as so f ciencies across the Air Force in order to best elected. provide capable aircraft to the warfighter. (2) REPORT.—Not later than the effective DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COLLEGE (5) The Air Force is working diligently to date elected under paragraph (1), the Sec- ACCESS ACT OF 1999 identify means to create further efficiencies retary shall submit to the Committees on in the Air Force logistics network. Armed Services of the Senate and the House On Tuesday, September 18, 2007, the (b) SENSE OF SENATE.—It is the sense of the of Representatives a report setting forth the Senate passed H.R. 1124, as amended, as Senate that the Air Force should work close- recommendations of the Secretary regarding follows: ly with Congress as the Air Force continues the following: H.R. 1124 to develop and implement the Global Logis- (A) The appropriate role and mission of the Resolved, That the bill from the House of tics Support Center concept. Reserve Forces Policy Board. Representatives (H.R. 1124) entitled ‘‘An Act (B) The appropriate membership of the Re- to Extend the District of Columbia College SA 3113. Mr. CHAMBLISS submitted serve Forces Policy Board. Access Act of 1999’’, do pass with the fol- an amendment intended to be proposed (C) The appropriate procedures to be uti- lowing amendment: by him to the bill H.R. 1585, to author- lized by the Reserve Forces Policy Board in On page 2, after line 11, insert: ize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 its interaction with the Department of De- for military activities of the Depart- fense. SEC. 2. MEANS TESTING. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3(c)(2) of the Dis- ment of Defense, for military construc- f trict of Columbia College Access Act of 1999 (113 tion, and for defense activities of the NOTICE OF HEARING Stat. 1324; Public Law 106–98) is amended— Department of Energy, to prescribe (1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘and’’ military personnel strengths for such SUBCOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC LANDS AND FORESTS after the semicolon at the end; fiscal year, and for other purposes; Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I (2) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period which was ordered to lie on the table; would like to announce for the infor- at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and as follows: mation of the Senate and the public (3) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(G) is from a family with a taxable annual At the end of title I, add the following: that a hearing has been scheduled be- fore the Subcommittee on Public income of less than $1,000,000.’’. Subtitle E—Joint and Multiservice Matters (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 5(c)(2) Lands and Forests of the Committee on SEC. 161. SENSE OF SENATE ON THE JOINT of the District of Columbia College Access Act of CARGO AIRCRAFT. Energy and Natural Resources. 1999 (113 Stat. 1328; Public Law 106–98) is It is the sense of the Senate that the Army The hearing will be held on Thurs- amended by striking ‘‘through (F)’’ and insert- and the Air Force should pursue an inte- day, October 11, at 10 a.m., in the ing ‘‘through (G)’’.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 6333 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12385 Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask tiative. They establish a legal basis for Department has increased by 66 per- unanimous consent that the order for international cooperation in the inves- cent. This year, the State Department the quorum call be rescinded. tigation, prosecution, and extradition is expected to issue a record 17 million The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of those who commit or aid terrorist passports, up from last year’s record of objection, it is so ordered. acts or trafficking in weapons of mass 12 million. f destruction aboard ships at sea or on This surge in passport applications APPOINTMENT OF CONFEREES—H.R. 1585 fixed platforms. has led to longer processing times, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under The Protocols establish the first averaging 6 to 8 weeks. As a result, the previous order, with respect to H.R. international treaty framework for there have been significant increases in 1585, the Chair appoints Mr. LEVIN, Mr. criminalizing certain terrorist acts, in- public requests for expedited proc- KENNEDY, Mr. BYRD, Mr. LIEBERMAN, cluding using a ship or fixed platform essing. Mr. REED of Rhode Island, Mr. AKAKA, in a terrorist activity, transporting The designation of September as Mr. NELSON of Florida, Mr. NELSON of weapons of mass destruction or their ‘‘National Passport Month’’ will serve Nebraska, Mr. BAYH, Mrs. CLINTON, Mr. delivery systems and related materials, as an important reminder for the PRYOR, Mr. WEBB, Mrs. MCCASKILL, Mr. and transporting terrorist fugitives. American people to plan ahead and MCCAIN, Mr. WARNER, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. The Protocols require Parties to crim- begin their passport application proc- SESSIONS, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. CHAMBLISS, inalize these acts under their domestic ess early. Mr. GRAHAM, Mrs. DOLE, Mr. CORNYN, laws, to cooperate to prevent and in- Despite the significant increase in Mr. THUNE, Mr. MARTINEZ, and Mr. vestigate suspected crimes under the the number of passport applications CORKER conferees on the part of the Protocols, and to extradite or submit being processed, fewer than 23 percent Senate. for prosecution persons accused of com- of Americans have passports. mitting, attempting to commit, or aid- f This number is far too low. Inter- ing in the commission of such offenses. national travel provides a unique per- REMOVAL OF INJUNCTION OF SE- The 2005 SUA Protocol also provides spective of the world and is an invalu- CRECY—TREATY DOCUMENT 110–8 for a ship-boarding regime based on able opportunity to interact with the Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, as in ex- flag state consent that will provide an global community and experience ecutive session, I ask unanimous con- international legal basis for interdic- world cultures first hand. tion at sea of weapons of mass destruc- sent that the injunction of secrecy be I want to encourage the American tion, their delivery systems and related removed from the following treaty people to get their passports and see materials, and terrorist fugitives. transmitted to the Senate on October the world. 1, 2007, by the President of the United I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration to The designation of September as States: ‘‘National Passport Month’’ will not Protocols of 2005, the Convention the Protocols, subject to certain under- standings that are described in the ac- only encourage the American people to concerning Safety of Maritime Naviga- avoid delays and get their passports tion and to the Protocol concerning companying report of the Department of State. early, but it will also acknowledge the Safety of Fixed Platforms on the Con- positive impact of international travel tinental Shelf (Treaty Document 110– GEORGE W. BUSH. THE WHITE HOUSE, October 1, 2007. in promoting understanding, tolerance, 8). acceptance, and goodwill throughout f I further ask that the treaty be con- the world. sidered as having been read the first SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND On September 5, 2007, the U.S. House time; that it be referred, with accom- IDEALS OF NATIONAL PASSPORT of Representatives unanimously agreed panying papers, to the Committee on MONTH to an identical resolution introduced Foreign Relations and ordered to be Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask by Congresswoman BARBARA LEE. It is printed; and that the President’s mes- unanimous consent that the Senate my hope that this body will do the sage be printed in the RECORD. proceed to the immediate consider- same. I urge my colleagues to support The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ation of S. Res. 338, submitted earlier this resolution. objection, it is so ordered. today. The message of the President is as Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask The PRESIDING OFFICER. The follows: unanimous consent that the resolution clerk will report. be agreed to, the preamble be agreed To the Senate of the United States: The legislative clerk read as follows: to, the motions to reconsider be laid With a view to receiving the advice A resolution (S. Res. 338) supporting the upon the table, and that any state- and consent of the Senate to ratifica- goals and ideals of National Passport Month. ments relating thereto be printed in tion, I transmit herewith the Protocol There being no objection, the Senate the RECORD. of 2005 to the Convention for the Sup- proceeded to consider the resolution. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without pression of Unlawful Acts against the Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I objection, it is so ordered. Safety of Maritime Navigation (the rise today in support of this resolution The resolution (S. Res. 338) was ‘‘2005 SUA Protocol’’) and the Protocol that would designate the month of Sep- agreed to. of 2005 to the Protocol for the Suppres- tember as ‘‘National Passport Month.’’ The preamble was agreed to. sion of Unlawful Acts against the Safe- Travel book publishers, along with The resolution, with its preamble, ty of Fixed Platforms Located on the travel editors from some of the most reads as follows: Continental Shelf (the ‘‘2005 Fixed prestigious media outlets in the United Platforms Protocol’’) (together, ‘‘the States and many student travel organi- S. RES. 338 Protocols’’), adopted by the Inter- zations, have designated September as Whereas, through international travel, national Maritime Organization Diplo- ‘‘National Passport Month’’ as part of Americans can individually play a major matic Conference in London on October role towards improving foreign relations by a campaign to educate the public about building bridges and making connections 14, 2005, and signed by the United the importance of having a passport. with citizens of other countries; States of America on February 17, 2006. This resolution supports the goals Whereas interacting with the global com- I also transmit, for the information of and ideals of ‘‘National Passport munity inspires Americans to reflect on the the Senate, the report of the Depart- Month’’ and calls on the Federal Gov- diverse multi-cultural background that has ment of State with respect to the Pro- ernment, States, schools, businesses defined the United States as a great country tocols. and the people of the United States to of cooperation and progress; The Protocols are an important com- observe the month of September with Whereas having a passport and traveling ponent in the international campaign programs and activities that will en- abroad creates connections with the global community; to prevent and punish maritime ter- courage Americans to get their pass- Whereas having a passport and traveling rorism and the proliferation of weapons ports and see the world. abroad promotes understanding and goodwill of mass destruction and promote the Since 2000, the number of passport throughout the world, opening the doors to aims of the Proliferation Security Ini- applications received by the U.S. State increased peace, tolerance, and acceptance;

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S12386 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 1, 2007 Whereas having a passport and traveling uses children as soldiers and laborers, over the institutional relics of an ear- abroad opens up a wealth of educational op- imprisons arbitrarily, abuses prisoners lier, more brutal age. In Georgia, portunities and experiences for Americans of and detainees, and rapes and tortures. Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan the old re- all ages; This military junta is now engaged in gime was toppled with barely a hint of Whereas having a passport and traveling abroad enables Americans to see first-hand an attempt to violently suppress the violence. Elsewhere, like Lebanon, stri- the effect of the United States on the world, Burmese people who refuse to be si- dent democratic blows were struck including the tremendous amount of human- lenced anymore. Those who have taken against the ruling order. I remember itarian aid given by the United States to the streets are doing so at great per- not two decades ago, when the Soviet through both public and private sectors; sonal risk. Thousands were killed in a Union peacefully dissolved, its citizens Whereas having a passport and traveling similar uprising in the summer of 1988. having had finally enough of com- abroad reminds Americans that they are This brutal regime is responsible for munism, misery, and the KGB. members of a global family and gives them the destruction of 3,000 villages and the Sadly, these bloodless successes are opportunities to mend rifts around the displacement of 2 million people. The not always the norm. Events in Uzbek- world; istan and Belarus have shown us—as Whereas fewer than 23 percent of Ameri- people of Burma are saying enough is cans have passports, thereby limiting their enough. did Tiananmen Square 18 years ago— ability to travel outside the United States; Dr. King also wrote from his jail cell that governments which are serious Whereas the more Americans travel out- that ‘‘injustice anywhere is a threat to about holding power do not topple eas- side the United States, the more they will justice everywhere.’’ That is why this ily. They draw on their full arsenal of experience opportunities to increase their resolution is so important and why I modern repression, from electronic sur- understanding of the world and the place of am so proud to be a cosponsor. It sends veillance and torture to indiscriminate the United States in it; a strong message to those marching in beatings and murder. This is what has Whereas the creation and support of a Na- happened in Burma. We hoped for a tional Passport Month signals to Americans the streets of Rangoon and Mandalay the important role they can play as ambas- that the United States is witness to bloodless success, and we are rewarded sadors for the United States by serving as what is happening. It also says that the with a bloody failure. For me, this is agents of understanding, tolerance, and mu- United States is working to rally the particularly hard to bear. tual respect; and international community behind the I have been involved with Burmese Whereas travel publishers along with trav- Burmese people as they strive for jus- political issues throughout my tenure el editors from the most prestigious media tice after years of oppression. in the Senate. I have cosponsored nu- outlets in the United States, student travel This resolution recognizes that we merous bills and resolutions con- organizations, and book sellers have des- can all play a positive role in bringing demning Burma’s military tyranny and ignated September as ‘‘National Passport its human rights record. Congress after Month’’ to educate the public about the im- justice and peace to Burma, and that portance of having a passport and the posi- we must work with the international Congress, session after session, I have tive impact international travel has on indi- community to pressure the Burmese pushed for stricter sanctions on the viduals: Now, therefore, be it Government to lift restrictions on hu- Burmese regime. In 2003, I was a co- Resolved, That the Senate— manitarian aid. It also calls on the sponsor of S. 1215, the Burmese Free- (1) supports the goals and ideals of Na- United Nations to play a unique role in dom and Democracy Act, which cut off tional Passport Month; and furthering dialogue toward reconcili- all imports to the United States from (2) calls on the Federal Government, ation and concurs with the Association Burma and authorized support for Bur- States, localities, schools, nonprofit organi- mese democratic activists. I likewise zations, businesses, other entities, and the of Southeast Asian Nations decision to people of the United States to observe Na- demand an end to the violence, the re- supported H.R. 2330, the House version tional Passport Month with appropriate lease of all political prisoners, and a of that act which was eventually ceremonies, programs, and activities. political solution to the crisis. Finally, passed into law. Just this past summer, f this resolution rightly urges that as I have done repeatedly before, I co- China end its military assistance to sponsored a bill renewing the sanctions EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE the Burmese regime, and that it no of the Freedom and Democracy Act. In SENATE ON BURMA longer block the efforts of the United October 2001, I voted for S.A. 1933 to Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask Nations Security Council to condemn the Foreign Operations bill, denying unanimous consent that the Senate the oppressive action of the Burmese Burma outside aid unless Rangoon proceed to the immediate consider- junta. changed its behavior. And in March ation of S. Res. 339, submitted earlier I want to end with a quote from the 2005, I introduced S. Res. 91, which today. icon of freedom in Burma, Aung San urged China to stop enabling Burma The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Suu Kyi: ‘‘We will prevail because our with military support. clerk will report the resolution by cause is right, because our cause is just It is clear, however, that there is a title. . . . History is on our side. Time is on limit to what my colleagues and I can The legislative clerk read as follows: our side.’’ effect from our seats in Washington. A resolution (S. Res. 339) expressing the We must continue to stand beside the The regime which rules Burma is near- sense of the Senate on the situation in people of Burma in that cause. ly impervious to outside pressure. The Burma. Mr. SMITH. I wish today to denounce true wielders of influence—such as There being no objection, the Senate the savage actions of Burma’s military China and India—have been effectively proceeded to consider the resolution. government. During this past week, a silent thus far on the junta’s latest Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I sup- familiar pageantry of riot police and brutalities. And so today, the Burmese port the resolution offered by Senator soldiers deployed to stop the peaceful protests have ended much the way I KERRY on the current crisis in Burma. demonstrations of Burmese monks and feared they would. There has been no In his April 16, 1963, letter from a jail citizens. These protestors demanded an peaceful overthrow of the government. cell in Birmingham, AL, Dr. King end to the dictatorship which has gov- There is now only the sight of thou- wrote that ‘‘freedom is never volun- erned Burma for most of the past 41⁄2 sands of soldiers patrolling the streets, tarily given by the oppressor, it must decades. They carried no weapons, in- the monks locked in their monasteries, be demanded by the oppressed.’’ cited no violence, and made no de- Internet and broadcast communication The people of Burma, are demanding mands beyond those which constitute nearly cut off. We will probably never freedom. They are peacefully marching basic human freedoms. know how many dissidents were in the streets to demand freedom from Their military junta reacted as that thrown into jail over the past week. We an oppressor that is one of the world’s government always has: with silence, have only the haziest idea of how many worst human rights abusers. They are with threats, and then at last with vio- Burmese were killed. A regime de- demanding freedom from a government lence. I had hoped that the course of serter—a government intelligence offi- that restricts the basic freedoms of these protests would not conform to cer—claims that thousands were killed. speech and assembly, engages in Burma’s old pattern of repression. So We do know that Japan has confirmed human trafficking, discriminates often in this decade we have seen the the death of one of its nationals, a pho- against women and ethnic minorities, forces of peaceful revolution triumph tographer who was caught up in last

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:10 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S01OC7.REC S01OC7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S12387 week’s events. And we also know that gone the way of other bunker regimes, tices found that Burma’s junta routinely re- Burma’s emblem of democracy, the ac- and today be little missed. stricts its citizens’ freedoms of speech, press, tivist Aung San Suu Kyi, remains The one weapon it does not have, assembly, association, religion, movement, under house arrest. She was allowed to however, is time. Sooner or later, all and traffics in persons, discriminates against tyrannies collapse. The effort of repres- women and ethnic minorities, forcibly re- speak with the U.N.’s special envoy cruits child soldiers and child labor, and last Sunday, the first foreigner she has sion is ultimately self-immolating; and commits other serious violations of human met in 10 months. She has languished then the regime’s only lasting histor- rights, including extrajudicial killings, cus- under house arrest for the past 4 years, ical legacy will be the misery it has in- todial deaths, disappearances, rape, torture, and under severe travel restrictions be- flicted. For the Burmese people, who abuse of prisoners and detainees, and the im- fore then. Her father, Aung San, was suffer through this misery and resist prisonment of citizens arbitrarily for polit- another famous Burmese leader and the best they can, life will be unbear- ical motives; revolutionary who was murdered before ably harsh. I believe they will continue Whereas the Government of Burma relies heavily on the unconditional military and his dream of an independent Burma re- to resist regardless. My colleagues and I will assist them however we can, in economic assistance provided by the People’s alized. I can only pray that history Republic of China; does not repeat itself. whatever small way is open to us. And Whereas on September 30, 2006, the United I imagine that Aung San Suu Kyi one day, when the orange robes of the Nations Security Council officially included herself, however, would have more monks line the streets once more and Burma on its agenda for the first time; mixed feelings. Her father fell shortly the troops are nowhere to be found, we Whereas on January 13, 2007, China and before achieving a free nation. I imag- shall have victory, and a new day will Russia vetoed a United Nations Security ine that such is her dedication, his break over Burma. They—and I—await Council Resolution calling on Burma to re- that day. lease all political prisoners, allow a more in- daughter might readily accept the clusive political process and unhindered hu- same bargain. Ten years ago, when her Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution manitarian access, and end human rights husband was dying of cancer in Lon- abuses, and on September 26, 2007, China don, Suu Kyi was offered the oppor- be agreed to, the preamble be agreed blocked a United Nations Security Council tunity to go visit him. It was an ago- to, the motions to reconsider be laid Statement from condemning the State Peace nizing choice. On the one hand, she was upon the table, en bloc, and that any and Development Council crackdown against compelled to be with her husband in statements relating to the resolution the peaceful demonstrators; be printed in the RECORD. Whereas the prevalence of tuberculosis in the last days of his life, a man she had The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Burma, with nearly 97,000 new cases detected been prevented from seeing for years. objection, it is so ordered. annually, is among the highest in the world, On the other, she had absolutely no The resolution (S. Res. 339) was malaria is the leading cause of mortality in doubt that once she left the country agreed to. Burma, with 70 percent of the population liv- the regime would not allow her to re- The preamble was agreed to. ing in areas at risk, at least 37,000 died of turn. It is not inappropriate to ac- The resolution, with its preamble, HIV/AIDS in Burma in 2005, and over 600,000 knowledge here that the generals rul- are currently infected, and the World Health reads as follows: Organization has ranked Burma’s health sec- ing Burma are clever, having survived S. RES. 339 tor as 190th out of 191 nations; many threats to their rule. But their Whereas hundreds of thousands of Burmese Whereas the failure of the State Peace and semblance of cleverness does not de- citizens, including thousands of Buddhist Development Council to respect the human tract from their barbarity. There was monks and students, engaged in peaceful rights and meet the most basic humani- much of both in their offer to Suu Kyi. demonstrations against the policies of the tarian needs of the Burmese people has not They dangled her dying husband in ruling State Peace and Development Council only caused enormous suffering inside front of her as incentive to leave (SPDC), demanding that the State Peace and Burma, but also driven hundreds of thou- Development Council release all political Burma, possibly the cruelest bait imag- sands of Burmese citizens to seek refuge in prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize lau- neighboring countries, creating a threat to inable. She declined. reate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and urging regional peace and stability; and I cannot begin to imagine how heart- that the government agree to a meaningful Whereas the State Peace and Development rending that decision was. Aung San tripartite dialogue with Suu Kyi, the Na- Council continues to restrict the access and Suu Kyi has sacrificed almost every- tional League for Democracy (NLD), and the freedom of movement of international hu- thing for her country. I have little ethnic minorities towards national reconcili- manitarian organizations to deliver aid doubt that at some point, perhaps not ation; throughout Burma: Now, therefore, be it far in the future, the regime will decide Whereas the State Peace and Development Resolved, That it is the sense of the Sen- Council violently dispersed the peaceful ate— to take her life as well. As long as the demonstrators, killing at least 10 (and re- (1) to strongly condemn the use of violence military junta is in power, Suu Kyi and portedly more than 200) unarmed protesters, against peaceful protestors in Burma, and to other brave Burmese who dream of including a number of monks and a Japanese call on the Government of Burma to refrain freedom face a bleak fate. Watching journalist, and arrested hundreds of others, from further violence, release the dem- the monks’ showdown with police over and continues to forcibly suppress peaceful onstrators it has arrested, immediately the past week, she must have hoped protests; cease attacks against ethnic minorities, re- against hope that this time would be Whereas the National League for Democ- lease Aung Sang Suu Kyi and all other polit- different. It would not be like 1988. racy won a majority of seats in the par- ical prisoners, and begin a meaningful tri- liamentary elections of 1990, but the State partite political dialogue with Suu Kyi, the Today there is the Internet, satellite Peace and Development Council refused to National League for Democracy, and the eth- television, and digital cameras to uphold the results or to negotiate a transi- nic minorities; shame the generals into restraining tion to civilian rule and subsequently placed (2) to call on the People’s Republic of their response. Sadly, and perhaps pre- Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest; China to remove objections to efforts by the dictably, they did not. Whereas Aung San Suu Kyi has spent most United Nations Security Council to condemn In a few more weeks, the world will of the past 18 years under house arrest or in the actions taken by the Government of go back to its other interests. The U.N. jail, and is currently being held in govern- Burma against the peaceful demonstrators; envoy will make desultory progress in ment custody, cut off from her followers and (3) to call on the People’s Republic of achieving his political solution, and he the international community; China and all other nations that have pro- Whereas 59 world leaders, including 3 vided military assistance to the Government will go home. But the Burmese people former presidents of the United States, have of Burma to suspend such assistance until ci- know, as I do, that a political solution called on the State Peace and Development vilian democratic rule is restored to Burma; is unlikely. The military junta has Council to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all (4) that the Government of Burma should stayed in power through brute force, other political prisoners; engage in a peaceful dialogue with opposi- though it sought legitimacy from Bur- Whereas the State Peace and Development tion leaders and ethnic minorities to imple- ma’s monasteries. After last week’s Council has destroyed more than 3,000 vil- ment political, economic, and humanitarian beatings and killings of those monks, lages, systematically and violently repressed reforms that will improve the living condi- that relationship is shattered. Stripped ethnic minorities, displaced approximately tions of the Burmese people and lead to the 2,000,000 Burmese people, and arrested ap- restoration of civilian democratic rule; of its last veneer of legitimacy, the proximately 1,300 individuals for expressing (5) to recognize and welcome the many government will fall back on its guns. critical opinions; constructive statements issued by various But for its weapons, and its will to Whereas the United States Department of nations, and particularly the statement rule, this regime would long ago have State’s 2006 Reports on Human Rights Prac- issued by the Association of Southeast Asian

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RES. 340 October 2; that on Tuesday, following manded an immediate end to violence in Whereas the purpose of the National His- the prayer and pledge, the Journal of Burma, the release of all political prisoners, panic Scientist of the Year Award is to rec- proceedings be approved to date, the and a political solution to the crisis; ognize outstanding Hispanic scientists in the morning hour be deemed expired, the (6) that the United States and the United United States who promote a greater public Nations should strongly encourage China, time for the two leaders be reserved for understanding of science and motivate His- their use later in the day, and that India, and Russia to modify their position on panic youth to develop an interest in Burma and use their influence to convince science; there then be a period for the trans- the Government of Burma to engage in dia- Whereas the 7th annual National Hispanic action of morning business for 60 min- logue with opposition leaders and ethnic mi- Scientist of the Year Gala will be held at the utes, with Senators permitted to speak norities towards national reconciliation; Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa, therein for up to 10 minutes each, with (7) to support the United Nations mission Florida, on Saturday, October 6, 2007; the time equally divided and controlled to Burma led by Ibrahim Gambari, and to Whereas proceeds from the National His- between the two sides, with the Repub- call on the Government of Burma to allow panic Scientist of the Year Gala support the mission freedom of movement and access licans controlling the first half and the scholarships for Hispanic boys and girls to majority controlling the final portion; to top government leaders in order to pre- participate in the Museum of Science & In- vent additional violence and to further dustry’s Youth Enriched by Science Pro- that following morning business, the peaceful dialogue towards national reconcili- gram, known as the ‘‘YES! Team’’; and Senate proceed to H.R. 3222, as pro- ation; and Whereas a need to acknowledge the work vided for under a previous order; that (8) that the United States should work and effort of outstanding Hispanic scientists on Tuesday, the Senate stand in recess with the international community to pres- in the United States has led to the selection from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. in order to sure the Government of Burma to lift all re- of Dr. Louis A. Martin-Vega as the honoree accommodate the respective party con- strictions on humanitarian aid delivery and of the 7th annual National Hispanic Sci- then allow international humanitarian aid ference meetings. entist of the Year Award, in recognition of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without organizations to work to alleviate suffering his accomplishments developing foundation- and improve living conditions for the most wide programs aimed at integrating research objection, it is so ordered. vulnerable populations. and education in science and engineering and f in increasing the participation of women and f underrepresented minorities in these fields; ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. and TOMORROW RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS AND Whereas Dr. Martin-Vega is also to be com- Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, if there CONTRIBUTIONS OF HISPANIC mended for his years of leadership in engi- is no further business, I ask unanimous SCIENTISTS neering education at such fine institutions as the University of Puerto Rico at Maya- consent that the Senate stand ad- Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask guez, the University of Florida, Florida In- journed under the previous order. unanimous consent that the Senate stitute of Technology, Lehigh University, There being no objection, the Senate, proceed to the consideration of S. Res. the University of South Florida, and North at 6:50 p.m., adjourned until Tuesday, 340, which was submitted earlier today. Carolina State University, and for his serv- October 2, 2007, at 10 a.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ice at the National Science Foundation: clerk will report the resolution by Now, therefore, be it f title. Resolved, That the Senate— (1) recognizes efforts to educate, support, NOMINATIONS The assistant legislative clerk read and provide hope for the Hispanic commu- Executive nominations received by as follows: nity, including efforts to honor outstanding the Senate: A resolution (S. Res. 340) recognizing the Hispanic scientists in the United States at IN THE ARMY efforts and contributions of outstanding His- the annual National Hispanic Scientist of panic scientists in the United States. the Year Gala and to organize a ‘‘Meet the THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED There being no objection, the Senate Hispanic Scientist Day’’; and UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 624 AND 3064: (2) congratulates the 2007 National His- proceeded to consider the resolution. To be major general panic Scientist of the Year designated by the Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask Museum of Science & Industry, for ongoing BRIG. GEN. DAVID A. RUBENSTEIN, 0000 unanimous consent that the resolution dedication to improving the quality of, and IN THE NAVY be agreed to, the preamble be agreed access to, science and engineering research THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT to, and the motions to reconsider be and education. IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO THE GRADE INDICATED laid upon the table. WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND f RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without To be vice admiral objection, it is so ordered. ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER The resolution (S. Res. 340) was 2, 2007 REAR ADM. BERNARD J. MCCULLOUGH III, 0000 THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR REGULAR AP- agreed to. Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask POINTMENT IN THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED The preamble was agreed to. unanimous consent that when the Sen- STATES NAVY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 531: The resolution, with its preamble, ate completes its business today, it To be lieutenant commander reads as follows: stand adjourned until 10 a.m., Tuesday, STEPHEN T. VARGO, 0000

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HONORING JEAN PICKER She is rightfully proud of 27 years of funding Township and electing its first Mayor, William FIRSTENBERG, AMERICAN FILM the Directors Workshop for Women. Most of V. Pulis. INSTITUTE the women directors working in the film indus- Between 1876 and 1980, Franklin Lakes try today come from this program. grew to a whopping 8,500 people. And, today, HON. NANCY PELOSI As she prepares to take leave of her day- nearly 10,500 people live there. Though it has OF CALIFORNIA to-day responsibilities at AFI, she will continue grown in size and stature, it has always main- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES her service in her capacity as a lifetime trustee tained its sense of neighborly quiet. The sense and through her legacy as a mentor, entre- of friendship and community is evident in Monday, October 1, 2007 preneur and role model. She will do so with every nook and cranny of Franklin Lakes. It is Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I rise today the love and support of her family, particularly my hope that the people of Franklin Lakes will in tribute to a great American pioneer, Jean her daughter, Debra and her husband Michael maintain this vision for another 85 years into Picker Firstenberg, the outgoing President and Kusma, and their children Rachel, Sarah, and the future and then some, and I congratulate CEO of the American Film Institute. Her 27- Christopher; her son Doug, his wife Suzanne, them all on this milestone occasion. year tenure has marked AFI as one of Amer- and their children Samantha, Drew, and Lindy; ica’s greatest national cultural and educational and her brother David Picker, and his wife, f resources. Under Jean Picker Firstenberg’s vi- Sandy. Firstenberg’s commitment to excel- sionary leadership, AFI has fulfilled its mission lence and ethics in filmmaking is best cap- TRIBUTE TO TEXAS STATE REP- of excellence in screen education and the rec- tured by her AFI Conservatory graduates who RESENTATIVE SENFRONIA ognition and celebration of excellence in the describe her this way: ‘‘She has made AFI a THOMPSON art of film, television and digital media. place committed to the notion that television From the moment she joined AFI in 1980, and film are more than commerce or tech- Firstenberg was effective from the start, ac- nology—they are our investment in the future; HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON quiring an 8-acre campus in Los Angeles, and in fact, our legacy. That we are to be held re- OF TEXAS accrediting the AFI Conservatory through the sponsible for the images we perpetuate in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES National Association of Schools of Art and De- culture. And that one institute would take on sign. the task of encapsulating the hard truths and Monday, October 1, 2007 In the 1980s, Firstenberg incorporated tele- dreams of a nation by preparing the story- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. vision and video into AFI’s work, and estab- tellers of its future.’’ Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to lished the AFI Los Angeles International Film Madam Speaker, I ask the Congress of the a friend of mine, a maverick, a community vi- Festival, AFI FEST, which has become a United States to recognize the vision, talent sionary, a leader, and a true Texan who has world-renowned annual event. and contributions that Jean Picker Firstenberg achieved an extraordinary milestone this year. In the 1990s, she embraced the digital revo- has made to enrich our cultural heritage and Senfronia Thompson set history this year by lution, starting with the AFI-Apple Computer to encourage future generations to capture the becoming the first woman and the first African- Center for Film and Videomakers, and adding imagination and innovation of the American American legislator in the state of Texas to the AFI Media and Technology division, the people. serve for 34 years. This milestone is an ac- AFI Digital Content Lab, and Virtual AFI Web f complishment for all Texas women and all sites (AFI.com, AFIFEST.com, and SIL Texas African-Americans. VERDOCS.com. IN HONOR OF THE 85TH ANNIVER- Firstenberg has brought the art and science SARY OF THE BOROUGH OF In 1973, Senfronia Thompson was elected of storytelling to children through the AFI K–12 FRANKLIN LAKES, NEW JERSEY to the Texas State House of Representatives Screen Education Center that utilizes the ad- from Houston. She has continued to serve her vantages of digital and Internet technology to HON. SCOTT GARRETT constituents in honor ever since. She now teach core subjects in America’s schools, and ranks as the longest-serving woman and the OF NEW JERSEY longest-serving African-American in Texas to the general public through the AFI Show- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES case at the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park State legislature history. in Orlando, Florida that depicts AFI programs Monday, October 1, 2007 I had the pleasure of serving beside and projects to millions of guests each year. Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Senfronia Thompson, a native Houstonian and Firstenberg has celebrated the diverse tal- Speaker, tomorrow, the people of Franklin a champion of civic participation, when we ents and creativity of American filmmakers in Lakes, New Jersey and their neighboring com- were both freshman legislators together in the innovative AFI’s 100 Years . . . 100 Mov- munities throughout Bergen County will cele- 1973. It was an honor to serve with her then ies series she began in 1998. Millions of brate the 85th anniversary of the Borough. A and it is an honor for me to be able to cele- Americans have revisited old favorites and dis- full day of rides, demonstrations, music, and brate her accomplishment today. covered new classics with the AFI series, great carnival food will mark the birthday cele- which includes 100 Years . . . 100 Stars bration, which culminates in a fireworks dis- f (1999), 100 Years . . . 100 Laughs (2000), play. PERSONAL EXPLANATION 100 Years . . . 100 Thrills (2001), 100 Years From as far back as the 17th Century, peo- . . . 100 Passions (2002), Years . . . 100 He- ple have been drawn to this picturesque area. roes & Villains (2003),100 Years . . . 100 The Lenape Indians first traveled here to fish HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES Songs, (2004), 100 Years . . . 100 Quotes and make winter camp. Later as Dutch settlers OF OHIO (2005), and 100 Years . . . 100 Cheers pushed west, they, too, made what we now (2006). know as Franklin Lakes their home. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Another milestone, reached in 2003, was In 1876, the Walker Atlas shows that the Monday, October 1, 2007 the opening of the AFI Silver Theatre and Cul- community had grown from its first business— tural Center in Silver Spring, MD, a state-of- Daniel Youman’s Grist Mill on Franklin Lake— Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, on the-art center for the moving image arts. It to a thriving community of shops, schools, Thursday, September 27, 2007, I missed three hosts SILVERDOCS, a film festival for aspiring mills, hotels, and about 100 residences. In rollcall recorded votes due to unforeseen cir- documentary filmmakers, and anchors a revi- years to follow, rail and road expansion would cumstances. talized community. bring even more people to the Franklin Lakes On rollcall vote No. 914, on a Motion to Ad- Firstenberg has continually embraced new area. And, in 1922, Franklin Lakes officially in- journ, I would have voted ‘‘No.’’ On rollcall media and blazed a trail for others to follow. corporated, detaching itself from Franklin vote No. 922, on a Motion to Recommit with

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:47 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A01OC8.001 E01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS E2024 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 1, 2007 Instructions, I would have voted ‘‘No.’’ On roll- given states the option of offering more com- choice for this first award. But her dedication call vote No. 923, on Final Passage of the prehensive health information. to The House not only speaks volumes of her Small Business Investment Expansion Act of I want to be clear. I do not think we should goodness and compassion, but also of the 2007, I would have voted ‘‘Aye.’’ fund any abstinence-only programs. I don’t worthiness of her cause. The House of the f think that we should be funding federal pro- Good Shepherd is a phenomenal community grams that are specifically premised on with- and I wish it the best for another century of TMA, ABSTINENCE EDUCATION, holding crucial and age-appropriate health in- service. AND QI PROGRAMS EXTENSION formation from young people. f ACT OF 2007 But I am heartened by Chairman DINGELL’s statement that he will continue to fight for the HONORING GOLDY LEVI SPEECH OF House changes, because I believe they will HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN move us closer to a responsible federal posi- HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON OF CALIFORNIA tion on sex education. I offer Mr. DINGELL my OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES full support in ensuring that federally-funded IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES programs actually improve the health and well- Wednesday, September 26, 2007 Monday, October 1, 2007 being of American youth. Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, this bill allows f Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. the extension of some important programs, Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to specifically Transitional Medical Assistance IN HONOR OF THE 125TH ANNIVER- a dear friend of mine, Goldy Levi, on his eight- and the Medicare Qualifying Individual Pro- SARY OF THE HOUSE OF THE ieth birthday. Not only is Goldy Levi a wonder- gram. GOOD SHEPHERD ful man who is greatly liked, he is an upstand- But it unfortunately ties these necessary ing citizen and a pillar of the Dallas commu- provisions to yet another ill-considered exten- HON. SCOTT GARRETT nity. He is a true Texan who has achieved an sion of the federal abstinence-only program. OF NEW JERSEY extraordinary milestone this year. Keeping federal abstinence-only programs IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Longevity is a cause for celebration, espe- in the form they’ve taken for the past ten cially when it has been accomplished with Monday, October 1, 2007 years is an embarrassment to Congress, an such great ease. Goldy Levi has been a long insult to taxpayers and a disservice to the Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam time Dallas resident and I am honored to be health of American young people. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 125th an- blessed with his friendship. It is a true pleas- We all support promoting abstinence as the niversary of The House of the Good Shepherd ure for me to be able to celebrate this mile- healthiest choice for young people. But the ab- retirement community in Hackettstown, New stone with him today. stinence-only programs we’ve been funding Jersey. For over a century, this community f are a mistake. They contain serious misin- has provided seniors with a place to call formation and, most importantly, are not effec- home. IN RECOGNITION OF MASTER WAN tive in improving adolescent health. In 1882, five Episcopal Congregations KO YEE In 2004 a report I released looked at feder- founded The House with a 20–room rental ally-funded abstinence-only programs and building in Orange, New Jersey, rented for the HON. BARBARA LEE found that the vast majority of the most pop- sum of $400. Less than a decade later, they OF CALIFORNIA ular curricula had significant scientific and had outgrown that building and a new home IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES medical errors. Kids were being taught that was built in Orange housing three dozen HIV can be spread by tears and sweat, that women. In the 1960s, they expanded their of- Monday, October 1, 2007 condoms don’t help protect against STDs, and fering to 175 residences on a wooded, 15– Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recog- that pregnancy occurs one in every seven acre site in Hackettstown. The Musconetcong nize Master Artist Wan Ko Yee, a distin- times a couple uses condoms. River and Stephens State Park offer a serene guished scholar who resides in the 9th District In 2006, GAO found that HHS still wasn’t re- and quiet atmosphere. And, the excellent staff of California. His areas of expertise include lit- viewing the medical accuracy of curricula used offer a loving and friendly environment for the erature, painting, sculpting, calligraphy, music, in the biggest federal abstinence-only pro- seniors who live there. martial arts, and traditional medicine. As a grams. GAO also said there was no reliable The House of the Good Shepherd is professor at Auburn University, Master Yee is evidence that these programs improve partici- equipped to offer its residents a variety of care a well renowned author, researcher, and phi- pants’ health. options from independent apartments to as- losopher. He has created exceptional work ex- In 2007, HHS released the results of an sisted living suites to skilled nursing resi- hibited throughout the world. His work reflects evaluation it had commissioned itself on the dences. It is an active community where sen- Buddhist themes and the ideas of tolerance effectiveness of federally-funded abstinence- iors to go live their golden years to the fullest. and peace between nations. He is recognized only programs. In this randomized, controlled This year’s anniversary is somewhat bitter- as a pioneer in creating multi-colored sculp- study—the gold standard of research—the ab- sweet for the residents of this community as tures. stinence-only programs had no impact on their Executive Director of more than ten years In 2003, the United States Congress dis- whether teens had sex. They had no impact has announced his retirement. Fred Heleine played selected work from Master Yee during on the age of first sex. They had no impact on has ministered to and served the needs of an art exhibition held in the Gold Room in the the number of partners. And they had no im- these seniors admirably and with love and House Office Building. He has been recog- pact on rates of pregnancy or sexually trans- compassion since 1995, and as he said in an- nized by the Royal Academy of Arts of the mitted disease. nouncing his retirement to his extended family United Kingdom, and the Organization of It’s not surprising, in light of all this, that of The House of the Good Shepherd, ‘‘I leave American States. eleven states have decided they’d rather not The House with much gratitude for the privi- I commend Master Wan Ko Yee’s artistic receive federal abstinence-only money at all. lege of having been there.’’ I know that the contributions and his efforts to promote peace This program is broken. We’ve given absti- gratitude is mutual, and I join the community through the arts and cultural exchange. nence-only programs one billion dollars in the in thanking Fred for his fine service. f past decade. $500 million of that has been This Sunday, at a gala celebration fitting of through this program. And that doesn’t include such a momentous milestone, the residents TRIBUTE TO JOHN MCCUE the matching money states have put in. And and staff of The House of the Good Shepherd for all that money, all we’ve been able to show will be joined by members of the extended HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY the taxpayers are glaring medical errors and community. To mark this special anniversary, OF CALIFORNIA zero impact on adolescent health. they will present their first annual ‘‘Distin- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Language passed by the House in August guished Friend of The House’’ award to Clau- would have required programs to contain dia Conway, a longtime resident of Monday, October 1, 2007 medically accurate information; mandated that Hackettstown and supporter of The House. Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise programs be based on models proven effec- Ms. Conway’s service has been remarkable, today with my colleague Representative MIKE tive in improving adolescent pregnancy, HIV, particularly her participation on the Foundation THOMPSON of California in honor of John or sexually transmitted disease rates; and Advisory Council, and she was a natural McCue, who is retiring as CEO of the non-

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:47 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A01OC8.005 E01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2025 profit organization Becoming Independent, organization have been an integral part of the retaining a high quality of service and satisfac- after 21 years of work on its behalf. Mr. community. From its birth more than 50 years tion among program participants. Becoming McCue has been hugely influential in estab- ago, the Corps has blossomed to a strong and Independent focuses on helping provide indi- lishing and expanding the programs that Be- steady group that today responds to more viduals with the skills they need to live fulfilling coming Independent offers, and this hard work than 1100 calls for help a year. lives through community living support serv- has been reflected by the remarkable success And, the Ramsey Ambulance Corps volun- ices, which enable individuals with disabilities of participants in the program. teers do far more than respond to calls for to live on their own with dignity and responsi- Mr. McCue was born in Hartford, Con- ambulance assistance. They also loan impor- bility. Vocational education is also a major em- necticut, and received his Bachelor’s degree tant medical equipment, like wheelchairs and phasis in the organization, and with the assist- from California State University, Fullerton in crutches, to people in need. They operate a ance of Becoming Independent’s employment 1971. He has 36 years of experience in dis- bike corps for special events. They train peo- services, hundreds of participants have found ability services, and has a credential in adult ple in emergency medical services, like CPR. rewarding jobs all over Sonoma County. This education. Mr. McCue joined Becoming Inde- And, they help with important search and res- success has been reflected in the annual pendent in 1981 as a program director before cue efforts. gains they have charted in participant employ- becoming CEO in 1986. In 1991 he received This weekend, I will join these fine public ment and earned wages. his Master of Public Administration degree servants and their neighbors at the dedication In addition to his leadership at Becoming from Sonoma State University. of two new ambulances. One will be dedicated Independent, Mr. McCue has been active in During Mr. McCue’s tenure as CEO, Be- to Mr. Lawrence R. Inserra, Sr. His family, a local and state organizations, focusing on ben- coming Independent has dramatically ex- pillar of the community, generously donated efiting individuals with disabilities. He has panded the range of services available to per- the funds to purchase one of these new am- been a longtime member of the California Re- sons with disabilities in Sonoma County, while bulances. The Inserra Family is in its third habilitation Association, and served as Chair retaining a high quality of service and satisfac- generation running a local supermarket chain of the Board of Directors from 2004–2005. He tion among program participants. Becoming of more than 20 stores in North Jersey and is also a board member of the Nonprofits In- Independent focuses on helping provide indi- nearby New York. They have used their surance Alliance of California. He is active in viduals with the skills they need to live fulfilling wealth to make North Jersey a better place to Sonoma County and beyond as a member of lives through community living support serv- work, live, and raise a family, including the North Bay Housing Coalition, North Bay ices, which enable individuals with disabilities through an endowed chair in Italian and Italian Developmental Disabilities Services, and to live on their own with dignity and responsi- American Studies at my alma mater, Montclair Leadership Santa Rosa, among many others. bility. Vocational education is also a major em- State University. phasis in the organization, and with the assist- The other will be dedicated to one of the Madam Speaker, at this time it is appro- ance of Becoming Independent’s employment committed leaders of the Ambulance Corps, priate that we thank John McCue for his many services, hundreds of participants have found Michael F. Adams. In addition to being a life years of service to the people of Sonoma rewarding jobs all over Sonoma County. This member of the Ramsey Ambulance Corps, the County and his work with Becoming Inde- success has been reflected in the annual Ramsey Police Reserve, and the Ramsey pendent. His leadership has been instrumental gains they have charted in participant employ- Rescue Squad, he is also completing his thir- in providing superb services to individuals with ment and earned wages. ty-third term as the Borough of Ramsey’s disabilities to help them gain their independ- In addition to his leadership at Becoming Emergency Management Coordinator. As a ence. Independent, Mr. McCue has been active in CERT Program Manager and Instructor and local and state organizations, focusing on ben- head of the Ramsey Citizen Corps Council, he f efiting individuals with disabilities. He has is one of the Borough’s leading advocates for been a longtime member of the California Re- citizen preparedness. TRIBUTE TO SKIP RICH habilitation Association, and served as Chair I commend these fine citizens for their com- of the Board of Directors from 2004–2005. He mitment to their community and the example is also a board member of the Nonprofits In- of service that they demonstrate daily. HON. IKE SKELTON surance Alliance of California. He is active in f OF MISSOURI Sonoma County and beyond as a member of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the North Bay Housing Coalition, North Bay HONORING JOHN MCCUE Developmental Disabilities Services, and Monday, October 1, 2007 Leadership Santa Rosa, among many others. HON. MIKE THOMPSON Madam Speaker, at this time it is appro- OF CALIFORNIA Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I would priate that we thank John McCue for his many IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES like to take this moment to recognize the ex- tensive career of Skip Rich. Mr. Rich spent years of service to the people of Sonoma Monday, October 1, 2007 County and his work with Becoming Inde- over 30 years serving Cole County as its Col- pendent. His leadership has been instrumental Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam lector of Revenue, but will retire on October 3, in providing superb services to individuals with Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Rep- 2007. disabilities to help them gain their independ- resentative WOOLSEY in honor of John McCue, Skip Rich was first appointed as collector in ence. who is retiring as CEO of the non-profit orga- 1977, and he was re-elected to that position f nization Becoming Independent, after 21 years every term thereafter. His record as collector of work on its behalf. Mr. McCue has been has been outstanding. He has presided over IN HONOR OF THE SERVICE OF hugely influential in establishing and expand- notable increases in county collections and he THE MEN AND WOMEN VOLUN- ing the programs that Becoming Independent was instrumental in starting the Cole County TEERS AT THE RAMSEY AMBU- offers, and this hard work has been reflected employee retirement system. LANCE CORPS by the remarkable success of participants in their programs. Skip Rich has also honorably served our HON. SCOTT GARRETT Mr. McCue was born in Hartford, Con- country in uniform. He is a Marine who served necticut, and received his Bachelor’s degree a tour of duty in Vietnam and who later joined OF NEW JERSEY the Missouri Army National Guard. In that po- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES from California State University, Fullerton in 1971. He has 36 years of experience in dis- sition, he held the rank of command sergeant Monday, October 1, 2007 ability services, and has a credential in adult major for over 14 years and received over Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam education. Mr. McCue joined Becoming Inde- twenty awards and service medals. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the men and pendent in 1981 as a program director before Having devoted his life to public service, Mr. women who volunteer their time, skills, and becoming CEO in 1986. In 1991 he received Rich’s leadership will indisputably be missed. energy to the people of Ramsey, New Jersey his Masters in Public Administration from He plans to spend his retirement traveling with through their dedicated service to the Ramsey Sonoma State University. his wife, Eva, and spending time with his three Ambulance Corps. During Mr. McCue’s tenure as CEO, Be- children and four grandchildren. I trust that Since 1953, when the Ramsey Ambulance coming Independent has dramatically ex- Members of the House will join me in wishing Corps got its first ambulance and responded panded the range of services available to per- Skip Rich and his family the best of luck in to its first calls, the faithful volunteers of this sons with disabilities in Sonoma County, while their future endeavors.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:47 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A01OC8.010 E01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS E2026 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 1, 2007 TRIBUTE TO NICHOLAS BENSON gram is creating a series of public service an- TRAVEL BAN ON SYRIAN ACTIVIST nouncements for television, posters, and more RIAD SEIF HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY to speak to teens about the importance of OF RHODE ISLAND driving responsibly and safely. Streetwise, the HON. FRANK R. WOLF IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES name of their program, promotes six character OF VIRGINIA Monday, October 1, 2007 education pillars—respect, responsibility, citi- zenship, fairness, caring, and trust- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. KENNEDY. Madam Speaker, I would worthiness—in ways that really resonate with Monday, October 1, 2007 first like to acknowledge everything that the their target audience. Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to National Heritage Fellowship has meant to this Today, the participants in this innovative country over the past 25 years. It has been a bring attention to the Syrian human rights ac- program celebrated their work while trying to tivist Riad Seif. Mr. Seif is a former Member vital inspiration for those who practice tradi- break the Guinness Book of World Records tional arts and Americans owe so much of our of Parliament and a prisoner of conscience record for the longest message/graffiti scroll held by the Syrian Government, one of hun- nation’s artistic diversity to the Fellowship. using their Streetwise message. They will be I also speak today to honor the achieve- dreds like him who are prohibited from leaving joined by fellow students from other Bergen ments of Nicholas Benson. In Rhode Island, a Syria to see family, pursue education, or seek County High Schools and supportive parents place where there is no shortage of history, medical care. Mr. Seif desperately needs med- and citizens throughout the County. All of Ber- the contributions of Mr. Benson’s family stand ical attention and should be allowed to leave gen County is proud of their efforts. out for their beauty, charm and authenticity. Syria to seek this care. I call upon the Syrian Government to imme- Mr. Benson oversees a stone carving shop f that has been in his family for three genera- diately lift the travel ban against Mr. Seif and tions and has been operating continuously for RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVER- others who are prevented from leaving Syria over three hundred years. SARY OF VILLA JULIE COLLEGE because of their stand for freedom and human Thankfully, the contributions of Nicholas rights. Mr. Seif should be released to seek the Benson and his family have not been limited medical care that he so urgently needs. to Rhode Island. From the Civil Rights Memo- HON. JOHN P. SARBANES rial in Montgomery, Alabama to the World War OF MARYLAND f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES II Memorial here in Washington, DC, his work IN HONOR OF THE MILL CREEK is a part of our history. In a country where so Monday, October 1, 2007 FIRE COMPANY AND ITS LADIES’ much of our history is recorded through art, I AUXILIARY; HONORING: JOSEPH am reminded of something John Adams wrote Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Villa Julie College in Ste- H. MULLINS, SR., LAWRENCE to his wife Abigail in l780, MERGENTHALER, AND CATH- ‘‘I must study politics and war, that our sons venson, Maryland on its Founder’s Day which ERINE W. JENKINS may have liberty to study mathematics and recognizes the accomplishments of the re- philosophy. Our sons ought to study mathe- markable women who helped establish the matics and philosophy, geography, natural his- College and honors those who have since HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE tory and naval architecture, navigation, com- contributed and continue to contribute to Villa OF DELAWARE merce and agriculture in order to give their Julie’s vitality. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Villa Julie has developed from a one-year children a right to study painting, poetry, Monday, October 1, 2007 music, architecture, statuary, tapestry and por- women’s secretarial college into a four-year, celain.’’ co-educational liberal arts institution offering Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with Nicholas, in producing three generations of career-focused Bachelor’s and Master’s de- great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute outstanding artists, your family has surpassed grees in a variety of programs. It has to the Mill Creek Fire Company and its Ladies’ even the dreams of John Adams himself. I transitioned from a local commuter college to Auxiliary for providing the people of Delaware would like to congratulate you once again. It is a regional residential institute of higher learn- with 80 years of outstanding service. The im- my hope that this fellowship allows you to fur- ing. Enrollment has increased more than 45 portance of emergency fire and medical serv- ther your craft and to continue the work of percent in 7 years; revenues have doubled ices within our communities cannot be under- your family. You are an inspiration to us all. and the endowment has increased by more scored enough. I am proud to represent a f than $11 million since 2000. state that is home to such selfless and dedi- Today Villa Julie is Maryland’s third largest cated firefighters, EMTs, and service volun- IN HONOR OF BERGEN TECHNICAL independent college and it has earned rec- teers as those at the Mill Creek Fire Company SCHOOL’S PARTNERSHIP WITH ognition as a ‘‘best value’’ by several national here in Delaware. STATE FARM TO PROMOTE SAFE news sources including U.S. News and World The Mill Creek Fire Company was born from TEEN DRIVING Report which ranked it in the top quarter for its a tradition of strong community involvement classification. Villa Julie’s distinct approach of and has kept that tradition alive through the HON. SCOTT GARRETT blending liberal arts with a career focus con- years. The fire company had its humble begin- OF NEW JERSEY tinues to attract terrific students from around nings in the Social Room of the Marshallton IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the region. Students have benefited signifi- United Methodist Church back in 1927, when Monday, October 1, 2007 cantly from Career Architecture, an award-win- seven community members each chipped in Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam ning process developed to assist them in one dollar to start the Mill Creek Fire Com- Speaker, I rise today to commend the faculty, building a career plan based on individual val- pany Treasury. From that point on, it has staff, and students at Bergen Technical High ues, skills, and interests. More than 70 per- steadily grown into a pillar of strength within School who have partnered with State Farm to cent of incoming freshmen over the past six the community. Residents within its 17 square promote safe teen driving. years say the College’s reputation of preparing mile response district have come to rely on Far too many young people lose their lives students for rewarding careers was ‘‘very im- the company not only for safety, but also for senselessly to motor vehicle accidents, largely portant’’ in their decision to attend. the social role it plays in bringing the commu- because of their youth and inexperience be- As the College continues to expand, it has nity together. The Mill Creek Fire Company’s hind the wheel. In fact, 14 percent of all motor stayed true to its mission of increasing access unique, green fire trucks have become a vehicle deaths are teen drivers and car crash- to higher education. Student surveys indicate source of pride, and serve as a reminder of es is the number one killer of teens today. that about 60 percent of Villa Julie students the dedication and spirit which enable the State Farm has developed a phenomenal pro- are the first in their family to attend college. company to excel. gram called Project Ignition, committed to re- Madam Speaker, Villa Julie is a special On this special anniversary, I would like to versing this trend and saving teens on the place. The College, its founders and sup- recognize three individuals for their unprece- road. This popular program partners with local porters can take enormous pride in how it has dented dedication to the Mill Creek Fire Com- schools to develop ad campaigns to promote successfully adapted over time and in the dif- pany; Joseph H. Mullins, Sr., Lawrence Mer- safe driving in ways that really speak to young ference it has made in the lives of so many in genthaler, and Catherine W. Jenkins. They people. this area. I take this opportunity on Founder’s have each put forth tremendous effort to make Bergen Technical High School is one of only Day to congratulate Villa Julie for its commit- the organization what it is today. 25 schools nationwide chosen to participate in ment to higher education over the past 60 Joseph Mullins joined the company in 1938, this program. Their visual graphic design pro- years. from which point he went on to serve as Chief

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:47 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A01OC8.014 E01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2027 for 25 years and president for two terms. Law- Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join Food Bank and the Indianapolis Police Depart- rence Mergenthaler joined the company in me in honoring Rockville, Maryland and ment. 1953 and assumed the position of Chief after Pinneberg, Germany for their meaningful and Jeff Pigeon started working at WIBC in 1981 Joseph Mullins in 1976. He has served sev- productive collaboration over the past 50 as host of the 7 p.m.–midnight shift. He took eral terms on the board of directors and years. We all look forward to another 50 years over the morning drive-time show in 1988. among his many accomplishments, he was of friendship between these two great cities. His radio background stretches across the voted to be a fireman of the year. Catherine f country, from stations in Minneapolis, Denver Jenkins was president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary and Chicago. An espouser of Midwestern val- for 4 years, served on the board of directors, TRIBUTE TO CORPORAL DAVID ues, Jeff graduated from the University of Illi- and still remains active in many community or- MCCONNELL nois before launching his radio career. ganizations. Hoosiers of Eastern Indiana congratulate This brief list of distinctions does not do HON. BILL SHUSTER Jeff Pigeon on 27 great years of service to our State and a voice they have come to know, these honorees justice for all the hard work OF PENNSYLVANIA respect and love. He will be greatly missed. and sacrifices they have made for the ends of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bettering our community. Their efforts will in- f Monday, October 1, 2007 spire others and I am happy to call attention RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBU- to the positive influence they have had Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise TIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF throughout Delaware and beyond. today to honor Corporal David McConnell of MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR I would also like to commend the Mill Creek Altoona, Pennsylvania. CPL McConnell is cur- JANE SWIFT Fire Company and its Ladies’ Auxiliary for its rently serving in Iraq as part of the United 80 years of exceptional service. The bravery States Marine Corps. He has served our coun- HON. JOHN W. OLVER try since 2005 when he first enlisted in the and hard work of all those involved with this OF MASSACHUSETTS Marine Corps. outstanding fire company are responsible for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES making Delaware a safer place to live. Corporal McConnell was deployed to Iraq Monday, October 1, 2007 f on December 31, 2006, initially serving as an Infantryman. He was stationed in Fallujah as Mr. OLVER. Madam Speaker, I rise to rec- TRIBUTE TO ROCKVILLE, MARY- part of the Regimental Combat Team 6 Secu- ognize the contributions and achievements of LAND AND PINNEBERG, GER- rity Platoon, where he acted as convey secu- Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift, a woman MANY rity. Promoted to corporal in August, McCon- whose record of leadership in our State is nell is currently stationed in Fallujah to provide matched by few. HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN protection services for the team directing lead- When Jane Swift became Chief Executive of OF MARYLAND er engagement with Iraqi diplomats. Massachusetts in April 2001, she became the first woman Governor of the Bay State, one of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES A dedicated and enthusiastic leader, Cor- poral McConnell is committed to furthering the only five women Governors at the time, and Monday, October 1, 2007 cause he believes so much in. He is proud of one of only 19 women Governors in history. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise the work of his unit and believes that the con- These numbers are far too low, and Governor today to recognize Rockville, Maryland and tributions and sacrifices they have made are Swift deserves credit for being a trailblazer Pinneberg, Germany on the 50th anniversary well worth it to be able to assist in expanding and an inspiration to what hopefully will turn of their outstanding ‘‘Sister City’’ relationship. freedom in Iraq. out to be many more women chief executives In 1983, the first official delegation from I’d like to take this opportunity to thank and in the future. During her tenure, Governor Swift oversaw Pinneberg visited Rockville, and participated in recognize David and the rest of our troops for a budget that had reached the $23 billion a White House ceremony commemorating the their efforts in serving our military. He and his mark, directed 13 cabinet agencies and exec- 300th anniversary of German immigration to unit should be very proud of the work they are the United States. Over the past 50 years, in- utive divisions, and enacted numerous re- doing in Iraq and the sacrifices they have forms. In policymaking as well as in example, dividuals and groups from both cities, includ- made for their country. Their courage and de- ing police officers, students, politicians, sports she established herself as an advocate for votion do not go unnoticed, and they are all in women and families. Her efforts on behalf of teams, choruses and concert bands, have par- our thoughts and prayers for a safe return foster children and working parents garnered ticipated in exchanges that have left both home. praise across the political spectrum. And, sides richer in knowledge and understanding. f when Governor Swift delivered twin girls while I know these participants will never forget their in office, she achieved yet another remarkable experiences and the lessons they have TRIBUTE TO JEFF PIGEON, WIBC, INDIANAPOLIS first. learned from each other. Also while in office, Governor Swift contin- We here in Rockville and our friends in ued her work as a strong supporter of the cul- Pinneberg should be proud that our cities HON. MIKE PENCE tural development of our State, which included were among the first in the United States and OF INDIANA championing the Massachusetts Museum of Germany to engage in this relationship, after IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Contemporary Art. Her efforts to bolster Mass its proposal in 1956 by President Dwight D. Monday, October 1, 2007 MoCA continue to be greatly appreciated by Eisenhower as part of a people-to-people cit- everyone who cares about the economic de- izen diplomacy initiative. Our sister city rela- Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to velopment of the north Berkshires. tionship is a cornerstone of a program that for honor an icon of the Indiana airwaves, Jeff Pi- Governor Swift counts 12 total years of offi- many years has worked to achieve peace and geon. After serving Hoosiers for 27 years at cial public service in her career. Elected to the prosperity through cultural understanding and WIBC in Indianapolis, IN, Jeff bid a bittersweet Massachusetts State Senate at age 25, she exchange among countries all over the world. farewell this morning during his final broad- was the youngest-ever woman member of the Even during turbulent times, our two cities cast. legislature. She also has spent many more have reached towards one another in friend- Jeff Pigeon has never been anything but up- years personally working in her community to ship and set an example for others to follow. beat and positive and for nearly 20 years on create opportunity and improve the quality of In celebration of this anniversary, a delega- the WIBC Morning News and that is how he life for local residents. tion from Rockville, including its Mayor, Larry helped Hoosiers wake up and start their day. Today, Governor Swift serves on a number Giammo, visited Pinneberg this past June. It’s hard to imagine WIBC or Indiana without of key boards and steering committees, includ- This week, beginning on October 2nd, the City him. ing the board of the Williamstown Elementary of Rockville will formally welcome a 40-mem- Jeff’s energy touched the hearts of Hoosiers School Endowment and the Community Out- ber delegation from Pinneberg, including its far beyond Indianapolis as people in Muncie, reach Board of Mass MoCA. She remains ac- current Mayor. They will spend time with our Anderson, Columbus, New Castle and areas tive in politics and is engaged in a wide variety local elected officials, tour the City and other throughout Indiana cherish Jeff and his ebul- of public policy issues. Drawing on her diverse sights in Maryland, dedicate a commemorative lient personality. experiences, Governor Swift shares her per- plaque, and conclude the week’s festivities His heart for people stretched beyond the spectives as a sought-after public speaker, im- with ‘‘An Evening of Celebration’’ in Rockville’s airwaves and is attested to by his work for parting wisdom to and inspiring the next gen- new Town Center on October 7th. Crossroads Rehabilitation Center, Gleaners eration of women and men leaders.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:47 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A01OC8.018 E01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS E2028 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 1, 2007 It is my honor to commend her years of Nonetheless, while we attempt to address For lending her talents, passion and vision public service and pay tribute to Governor these situations diplomatically, these actions to the effort of bringing justice to workers, we Swift’s enduring leadership. National Women’s must be backed by strong sanctions against are all thankful to Chavez-Thompson. She has Business Week is an important occasion to the regime in Tehran. It is with this knowledge marched and spoken on behalf of those who celebrate women leaders, and Governor Swift that I support H.R. 1400, the Iran Counter-Pro- often labor without a voice and has inspired us has been a groundbreaker since the beginning liferation Act of 2007. This legislation, first and all to continue this important work for workers of her career. She is, indeed, a ‘‘Woman of foremost, declares the support of diplomatic across the world. Achievement,’’ and I join the Northern Berk- and economic means to resolve the Iranian shire Business and Professional Women in nuclear situation, calls for enhanced U.N. Se- f honoring her this month. curity Council efforts, and explicitly states that f nothing authorizes the use of force in Iran. Ad- FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THE ditionally, the bill expands bilateral sanctions DEMOCRATIC RECORD PERSONAL EXPLANATION against Iran, prohibits the Presidential waiver of these sanctions, and increases oversight of HON. JOHN M. SPRATT, JR. HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY the Administration’s efforts. OF CALIFORNIA While critics of this legislation may consider OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES these actions to be inflammatory, I instead see IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Monday, October 1, 2007 it as a necessary and diplomatic step that Monday, October 1, 2007 Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I was un- must be taken. Iran has long flouted its dis- avoidably detained on September 24, 2007 regard for the international community and it Mr. SPRATT. Madam Speaker, on Friday, and as a result I was not present to vote on must understand that it cannot pursue a nu- Majority Leader STENY HOYER spoke to the rollcall No. 893. Had I been present, I would clear weapons program and ignore inter- National Press Club regarding fiscal responsi- have voted ‘‘aye.’’ national law without facing international polit- bility and the Democratic record. I recommend f ical and economic repercussions. his speech to all of my colleagues. f H.R. 1400, THE IRAN COUNTER- The speech sets out the clear differences PROLIFERATION ACT OF 2007 TRIBUTE TO LINDA CHAVEZ- between the current Administration’s harmful THOMPSON fiscal policies and the strong track record of SPEECH OF fiscal responsibility that the current 110th Con- HON. TOM UDALL HON. JOE BACA gress has established. Indeed, the new House OF NEW MEXICO OF CALIFORNIA majority has already passed and adhered to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Pay-As-You-Go rule and passed a budget Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Monday, October 1, 2007 resolution that returns to balance by 2012. The speech also establishes some helpful Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, on behalf of context for the Administration’s pending veto the Iranian government continues to defy the the members of the Congressional Hispanic threats on the appropriations bills. Most of the international community in its pursuit of nu- Caucus, I rise today to honor Linda Chavez- funding difference consists of Congressional clear weapons. In the past, it denounced Thompson, executive vice president of the efforts simply to restore harmful cuts proposed United Nations Security Council Resolutions AFL–CIO, on the occasion of her retirement. by the President, and the rest of the difference imposing sanctions as ‘‘illegal’’ and ‘‘invalid.’’ Elected to this post in 1995, Chavez-Thomp- represents a responsible level of increase that And just this week, Iranian President son became the first woman and person of will enable us to fund key priorities. Our ap- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke before the U.N. color to be chosen for one of the federation’s propriations level was accommodated within General Assembly and announced that the nu- three highest offices. As a second-generation American of Mexi- our fiscally responsible budget resolution, clear issue in Iran was closed. It is obvious to all of us that Iran’s nuclear can descent, Chavez-Thompson personifies which returned the budget to balance by 2012. the American dream. Born in Lubbock, TX to development programs are a concern for our MAJORITY LEADER HOYER’S ADDRESS AT THE cotton sharecroppers, Chavez-Thompson Nation. Our Nation’s security would be greatly NATIONAL PRESS CLUB: FIGHTING FOR AMER- toiled the fields to help supplement her fam- affected by Iranian control over any nuclear ICA’S FUTURE ily’s income. After making 30 cents an hour weapons. However, we must not forget that, in SEPT. 28.—I first want to thank Alan picking cotton, Chavez-Thompson rose addition to its disregard for the international Greenspan for putting the issue of fiscal re- through the ranks of the labor movement, be- community, the regime in place has abhorrent sponsibility back on the political map. This ginning her career as a union secretary at the civil liberties and human rights practices within is a very healthy development, even though local AFSCME chapter, the labor union to it embarrasses the Administration. Iran. In the past 5 years, hundreds of news- which her father belonged. In his new book, the former Federal Re- papers have been closed, hundreds of pro-re- In her capacity as executive vice president serve Board Chairman writes: ‘‘Most trou- form websites have been blocked, and innu- of the labor federation, Chavez-Thompson has bling to me was the readiness of both [the merable people have been unjustly impris- worked tirelessly to strengthen State and local Republican-controlled] Congress and the Ad- oned. Just this year, Dr. Haleh Esfandiari, an labor movements and has served as a strong ministration to abandon fiscal discipline.’’ Iranian-American, was jailed for months for voice on behalf of civil, human and immigrant And this: ‘‘ ‘Deficits don’t matter,’ to my unsubstantiated accusations that she was try- workers’ rights. She serves as vice-chair of chagrin became part of the Republicans’ rhetoric. . . . Deficits must matter.’’ ing to set up networks of Iranians to start a the Democratic National Committee, and I was tempted to come here and deliver the revolution to bring down the government. In serves as the president of the Inter-American fact, she has long been an advocate for build- shortest speech of my professional life. Eight Regional Organization of Workers, ORIT, words in all. ‘‘Chairman Greenspan is cor- ing bridges between the United States and the which is the Western Hemispheric arm of the rect. Are there any questions?’’ Middle East. While Dr. Esfandiari has been re- International Trade Union Confederation. But the bar is higher today. So, I intend to leased, countless others have not, and it is In retirement Chavez-Thompson will con- convince you of four main points: First, this clear that we must work to stop these base- tinue to pioneer new territory as the first AFL– Administration has pursued the most fis- less and ruthless actions. CIO Executive Vice President Emeritus. In this cally irresponsible policies in American his- While we address our ongoing concerns, we capacity, she will continue to provide her lead- tory. must be vigilant in ensuring that the United ership to state and local labor councils and Second, the Democratic Party is the party States works with the international community communities throughout the country, and will of fiscal responsibility today—which is a and approaches the Middle East diplomati- continue her important international work. Her very under-reported story. cally. As our Nation has learned, we must be determined work on behalf of all workers, es- Third, the President needs to put down his willing to do everything that is necessary to pecially women, people of color, people with veto pen and pick up the telephone. Our dif- protect our Nation and its people; however, we disabilities and immigrants will continue. ferences on funding levels for domestic ap- must not preemptively strike other sovereign In making this difficult decision to retire after propriations for Fiscal Year 2008—which be- gins on Monday—are relatively minor. We nations because of incomplete and question- more than 40 years of service to the labor need to work out those differences, rather able information. What we must all agree on movement, Chavez-Thompson expressed, than engage in political posturing. is that Iranian nuclear capability must continue ‘‘You . . . have given me the opportunity of a And finally, we must not allow our dis- to be investigated, discussed, and debated— lifetime, which was to go where I never agreement on appropriations to distract us throughout this Congress, the Nation, and the dreamed I could go, and do more than I ever from the ominous, long-term fiscal chal- world. dreamed I could do.’’ lenges that confront our nation. The United

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:47 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A01OC8.022 E01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2029 States of America is on an unsustainable fis- other than Defense. It’s four times more Today, we are examining different pro- cal path—and the longer we wait to address than we spend on education, and seven times posals to permanently reform the alternative our challenges, the more difficult it will be more than we spend on the Department of minimum tax, as well as a temporary AMT to avert a fiscal crisis. Homeland Security. fix that would be offset by closing tax loop- THE REPUBLICANS’ FISCAL TRAIN WRECK In other words, these interest payments— holes and cracking down on special interest which increasingly are paid to foreign gov- tax breaks. In either case, simply waiving There’s no other way to say it, the Repub- ernments that hold our debt—cannot be used PAYGO is not an option—even if some mem- licans’ fiscal record is like a decades-long to build roads and bridges; to invest in re- bers of the other body prefer that we do so. train wreck. For 18 of the 26 years that I search and development; to improve edu- have served in Congress, a Republican has THE CURRENT APPROPRIATIONS FIGHT IN cation, to protect our nation, or, yes, to pro- occupied the White House. CONTEXT vide tax relief. Now let me focus on the current disagree- And, in every single year of those Repub- The Republicans’ record of fiscal irrespon- lican Administrations, the federal govern- ment between Democrats in Congress and sibility speaks for itself. As Republican Con- the Administration over domestic appropria- ment ran a budget deficit. The cumulative gressman Jeff Flake of Arizona said last deficits under Presidents Reagan, George tions. Don’t be fooled. This is not a fight year: ‘‘Whether we want to admit it or not, about spending. This is a fight about our pri- Herbert Walker Bush, and George W. Bush the Republican Congress’s failure to dis- total more than $4.1 trillion. orities as a nation—and about the Adminis- cipline itself is sending us all down a flower- tration’s desire to posture for its base. In contrast, the Clinton Administration strewn path to fiscal insolvency.’’ had a cumulative surplus of nearly $63 bil- Let me say, I am not pleased that we have lion over eight years. Under President Clin- DEMOCRATIC MAJORITIES WORK TO RESTORE not completed our appropriations work on ton’s stewardship, the federal government FISCAL DISCIPLINE time. The Administration’s unjustified veto reduced the deficits he inherited and re- The truth is, Democrats are the party of threats have only impeded our progress. corded four consecutive surpluses—the first fiscal discipline in Washington today. Nonetheless, we have passed a continuing time that had happened in 70 years. In one of our first acts after regaining the resolution to ensure that our government is So, forgive me for dismissing the Repub- Majority, we reinstated the pay-as-you-go funded and functioning, and to give us time lican Party’s claim that it is fiscally respon- budget rules (or PAYGO) that are widely to work out our differences. But the bottom line is, the Administration sible. credited with producing record budget sur- is itching to instigate an appropriations Forgive me for rejecting the Republicans’ pluses during the Clinton Administration. In fight with Congress in a vain effort to estab- repeated assertion that supply-side tax cuts a nutshell, PAYGO means the federal gov- ernment must offset tax cuts or spending in- lish its bona fides with its conservative base. pay for themselves—an assertion that has After failing to veto even one appropria- been challenged by the Treasury Depart- creases elsewhere in the budget. It’s a com- mon-sense rule that millions of American tions bill or other legislation that substan- ment, the Congressional Budget Office, and tially added to the deficit during his first six the current Chairman of the Federal Re- families apply to their own personal budgets. Adopted on a bipartisan basis in the 1990s, years in office, the President is now threat- serve, who told the Senate in 2005: ‘‘I think ening to veto eight of the 12 annual spending it’s unusual for a tax cut to completely off- PAYGO was even rhetorically supported by President Bush in his first three budgets—al- bills for Fiscal 2008 over a total of $23 billion. set the revenue loss.’’ There is no question that $23 billion is a In fact, revenues have grown by just 3.6 though he exempted his 2001 tax cuts from the rule and Republicans allowed it to expire lot of money. However, let’s put it in per- percent since the President’s 2001 tax cut spective: $23 billion is about eight-tenths of was enacted—less than half the 8.4 percent in 2002. The President’s new Director of OMB, 1 percent of a total federal budget of nearly annual growth during the Clinton Adminis- former Budget Committee Chairman Jim $3 trillion. tration. Twenty-three billion dollars is not quite Nussle—who supported PAYGO in the ‘90s— And forgive me for being somewhat amused half of the $42 billion in additional funding later had a change of heart, explaining: ‘‘We by the Administration’s defensive push-back for Iraq that the Administration requested don’t believe you should have to pay for tax on Alan Greenspan’s recent comments. on Wednesday, and about 12 percent of the cuts.’’ The President claimed last week that his And so Republicans didn’t. They just kept Administration’s total request of $190 billion fiscal record is ‘‘admirable and good.’’ Does on billing the costs of tax cuts and spending for the war for 2008—a war the White House he really believe this? He came to office in- estimated would have a total cost of $60 bil- increases to future generations through heriting a projected 10-year budget surplus of lion. higher deficits. The truth is, $16 billion of the $23 billion $5.6 trillion, and proclaimed, ‘‘We can pro- Today, Democrats are fighting to restore that Democrats are fighting for would sim- ceed with tax relief without fear of budget the fiscal discipline that has been sorely ply restore cuts proposed by the President to deficits, even if the economy softens.’’ lacking since 2001. Why? Because we believe key programs—a 50-percent cut in vocational But then, the Republican-controlled Con- deficits and spiraling debt threaten our fu- education; the elimination of student aid gress passed and the President signed the ture prosperity and national security. And other than work study and Pell Grants; and largest tax cuts in a generation—tax cuts because we believe that it is simply immoral deep cuts in medical research, law enforce- disproportionately skewed toward the to force our children and grandchildren to wealthiest citizens—while increasing spend- ment grants and rural health programs, to pay this generation’s bills. name a few. ing at a rate (7.1 percent) nearly twice that That’s why we passed a budget for Fiscal of the Clinton Administration. This is a fight about whether we ade- 2008 that would bring the budget back to bal- quately fund No Child Left Behind, special As predicted, these irresponsible policies ance by 2012. Last year, the Republican Con- turned surpluses into massive deficits: $158 education, medical research, Head Start, gress failed to even pass a budget. clean water programs, public safety, and ap- billion in Fiscal 2002, $378 billion in Fiscal And, that’s why we have honored our com- propriate health care for our veterans and 2003, $413 billion in Fiscal 2004, $319 billion in mitment to PAYGO. We have not violated men and women in uniform. Fiscal 2005, and $248 billion in Fiscal 2006. the PAYGO rule once in the approximately On Sunday, when we close the books on Please, Mr. President, do not lecture us 30 bills with direct spending or revenue pro- about fiscal responsibility. And please, do Fiscal 2007, we’ll record another $158 billion visions of more than $1 million, as will be de- not tell us that we cannot find funding to in- deficit. The President will crow that he is re- tailed in a report next week by John Spratt, vest in our children, our infrastructure, and ducing the deficit, ignoring the fact that, but Chairman of the House Budget Committee. our future when you are proposing to spend for his policies, we would not even have defi- If you examine the four major House bills another $190 billion on the war in Iraq. cits. And consider: The Administration pro- with mandatory spending increases—chil- Democrats believe the President’s prior- jected a budget surplus of $573 billion this dren’s health insurance, the farm bill, higher ities are deeply misguided, and not supported year when it took office. So, Fiscal 2007 real- education and energy—you’ll see that ap- by the American people. We believe, in this ly represents a swing of three-quarters of a proximately 80 percent of the spending in- appropriations fight, the President is playing trillion dollars, virtually all of it the result creases have been financed by spending cuts. politics, pure and simple. of policies enacted by a Republican Congress For all their talk about being tough on If you doubt that, just consider that fund- and signed by President Bush. spending, our Republican friends in the ing for non-defense appropriations in 2008 The exploding national debt is equally dis- House actually have opposed the spending (when adjusted for inflation and population turbing. Today, the debt stands at more than cuts that we have put forward. House Demo- growth) is actually below the funding levels $9 trillion, a 56-percent increase (or $3.3 tril- crats, for instance, paid for our SCHIP bill passed by the Republican Congress and lion) under President Bush. That’s $29,728 for by, among other things, cutting subsidies for signed by the President for Fiscal 2002, 2003, every man, woman and child in our nation. insurers—cuts Republicans opposed. We have 2004 and 2005. All these figures can be mind-numbing. So, made the tough decisions with respect to I know that Chairman David Obey remains let’s put them in perspective: spending priorities that Republicans never hopeful that in the next few weeks the Con- In 2007, the interest payments on the na- made when they were in power. gressional leadership and White House will tional debt—the fastest growing major cat- And, as we enter the final stages of this sit down and negotiate a reasonable agree- egory of spending in the budget—are a pro- session of Congress, I want to make one ment on funding levels. jected $235 billion. That’s more than Con- thing clear: The House will not waive But as the rhetoric heats up, ask yourself: gress appropriates in discretionary spending PAYGO for any tax cuts or entitlement If the President is really fiscally conserv- for any government department or agency spending increases that are not offset. ative, why didn’t he veto one appropriations

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:47 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A01OC8.027 E01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS E2030 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 1, 2007 bill in six years? Why didn’t he veto the cor- would be unforgivable. As Comptroller Gen- As a prosecuting attorney, he set the tone for porate tax bill in 2004—a bloated bill that eral Walker has warned: ‘‘Continuing on the how lawyers ought to interact with one another doled out $139 billion in corporate welfare unsustainable fiscal path will gradually professionally, fight as they may in the court- when all that was needed was a $5 billion tax erode, if not suddenly damage, our economy, fix to put us in compliance with our trade our standard of living, and ultimately our room. Our community and our criminal justice agreements? national security.’’ system are stronger because of him. We Democrats are going to fight for the Our fiscal future need not be filled with John left us September 21, 2007 at the age priorities of the American people. The Presi- peril—if we have the courage and will to rec- of 87. His law partners were his son John Jr. dent should not try to rehabilitate his fiscal ognize and address these challenges. and Winter Huff. He began working in his fa- record by vetoing responsible appropriations f ther’s insurance company in the 1940s. After bills—or, for that matter, the bipartisan Pearl Harbor was bombed, he joined the U.S. children’s health insurance bill. HONORING STAFF SERGEANT Navy, where he served in North Africa and OUR LONG-TERM FISCAL CHALLENGES ZACHARY TOMCZAK Italy. After the war, he graduated from the Uni- Finally, let me say that as important as versity of Kentucky law school and began his this disagreement over appropriations is, we legal career, spanning six decades and includ- must not be distracted from the long-term HON. STEPHANIE HERSETH SANDLIN fiscal challenges that face our nation. Fiscal OF SOUTH DAKOTA ing terms as Somerset City and State pros- responsibility is not some virtue that exists IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ecuting attorney. As a civic leader, he was not just a member in a vacuum. It’s vital to our future. Monday, October 1, 2007 As Bob Bixby of the Concord Coalition of our community organizations, including the points out: ‘‘The basic facts [of our fiscal Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, I Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, VFW and American challenges] are a matter of arithmetic, not want to take this opportunity to honor the life Legion, he was a leader in them. He was also ideology. Two factors stand out: demo- of Staff Sgt. Zachary Tomczak, who died Sep- a profound Sunday school teacher. But John graphics and health care costs.’’ tember 25, 2007, in Iraq from wounds suffered Prather’s greatest civic effort was his near-life- With the imminent retirement of 78 mil- lion Baby Boomers, and the attendant de- when his unit came under small arms fire. long commitment to Troop 79 of the Boy mands on Social Security and Medicare, we Zachary, who served in the Army’s 325th Scouts, headquartered at his church in Som- are on the cusp of a fiscal tsunami that Airborne Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Air- erset. Generations of young boys became threatens to drown our nation in a sea of red borne Division based in Fort Bragg, NC, grad- much better men through John’s dedication to ink. uated from Huron High School in 2002 and Boy Scouts. They were his greatest pride and Over the next quarter century, the number joined the Army soon after graduation. He was maybe his greatest legacy. of Americans 65 and older will nearly dou- serving on his fourth tour of duty when he was He leaves behind his wife, Jean, a son, a ble—from 12 percent of the population today daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren. to 20 percent. wounded. He is described as a phenomenal Medicare and Medicaid will grow by nearly person who stood as an example for all Amer- John was a father figure and friend to us five times as a share of the economy by 2050, ican citizens. His high school principal said, lawyers, his church, civic colleagues, and, in- if we assume the growth of health care costs ‘‘Zac was someone who demanded very little deed, the whole community. A mighty oak has does not slow. And these programs will ab- of us and gave an awful lot. He was a won- fallen and the void left on the mountain top is sorb as much of our nation’s economy by the derful, wonderful young man.’’ both painful and profound. We will miss the late 2040s as the entire federal budget does The lives of countless people were enor- gentlemanly courtesies, wise counsel, and today. mously enhanced by Zachary’s compassion warm friendship he dispensed so liberally. According to the 2006 Financial Report of We will miss John G. Prather. the United States—signed by Treasury Sec- and service. He represented the best of the retary Paulson—our fiscal exposures (ex- United States, South Dakota, and the Army. f plicit liabilities and implicit obligations) His life continues to inspire all those who IN RECOGNITION OF THE REMARK- had a present value of $44 trillion, or about knew him and many who did not. Our Nation ABLE EFFORTS OF SEW MUCH as much as the net worth of all household as- and the State of South Dakota are far better COMFORT sets. places because of his service, and the best We are not going to grow our way out of this problem, through some magic supply- way to honor him is to emulate his devotion to our country. HON. JEFF MILLER side solution. The GAO estimates that it OF FLORIDA Today, we remember and honor Zachary’s would require inflation-adjusted average an- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nual economic growth in the double-digit noble service to the United States and the ulti- range every year for the next 75 years to mate sacrifice he has paid with his life to de- Monday, October 1, 2007 close the gap through growth alone. fend our freedoms and foster liberty for others. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on It is imperative that we get serious about I join with all South Dakotans in expressing behalf of the United States Congress, it is an our long-term fiscal challenges. There is my sympathies to the family and friends of plenty of room for debate over the mix of op- honor for me to rise today to recognize the tions that should be considered. But we do Staff Sgt. Tomczak. His commitment to and nonprofit organization, Sew Much Comfort, not have time to waste. sacrifice for our Nation will never be forgotten. which coordinates the efforts of volunteer Senators Conrad and Gregg and Congress- f seamstresses to adapt clothing for wounded men Cooper and Wolf have put forward pro- servicemembers. posals for a bipartisan task force. While I TRIBUTE TO JOHN GIDEON This all-volunteer initiative formed in Decem- would like to believe that Congress could ad- PRATHER SR. ber 2004 as a 501(c)3 public charity and is the dress these issues through the regular legis- only organization that provides specially de- lative process, the experience of recent years suggests that this is extremely difficult in HON. HAROLD ROGERS signed adaptive clothing to military hospitals. the current political environment. OF KENTUCKY Ginger Dosedel founded the organization Thus, I support the Conrad-Gregg and Coo- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nearly 4 years ago when her husband was per-Wolf proposals in concept, although I stationed at Eglin Air Force Base. Their son Monday, October 1, 2007 have concerns about several specific provi- underwent treatment at Walter Reed Army sions. Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I Medical Center for muscular cancer and sug- My preference certainly would be to have regret that I must inform the House of the gested to his mother that she may be able to Members of Congress and this Administra- passing of another member of that vanishing help the many wounded soldiers they met tion make recommendations that are consid- breed of ‘‘the Greatest Generation’’ of Ameri- ered in this Congress. But there are two while in Washington, DC. problems with that: First, this is now an out- cans who served our Nation during World War Their mission ‘‘to design, create, and deliver going Administration, with little over a year II and made our Nation and its communities customized clothing for these brave troops’’ left. And second, despite the good-faith ef- strong when they came home. not only provides our heroes with a tangible forts of Secretary Paulson, this Administra- John Gideon Prather Sr. was somebody all symbol of our immeasurable support for them, tion is loath to put all options on the table. of us turned to for advice. Part of that was be- but also helps to facilitate the healing process As a result, I believe that we must move cause he was a wise attorney, helping many upon their return from military service. forward with such a task force after our new clients who couldn’t really afford one, but it The Emerald Coast Chapter of the Amer- President is inaugurated in January 2009, with a process allowing the President and was also because that’s just the way he was, ican Sewing Guild recently sponsored an Congress to consider alternatives. regardless of his chosen profession. The event where numerous volunteers gathered in Turning a blind eye to our long-term chal- country lawyer in him gave advice to judges, Baker, a city in my district of Northwest Flor- lenges would not only be irresponsible, it other attorneys and clients across Kentucky. ida, to sew for this wonderful cause.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:47 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A01OC8.031 E01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2031 Over the past four years, thousands of vol- Although he will be missed at the Regional MS. FABIOLA SMALL unteers have worked diligently to alter shirts, Development Center, we are all glad to know shorts, boxer shorts, and pants. All of which that he will still serve in an advisory capacity HON. TED POE are shipped to a central distribution center in and help transition to a new Executive Direc- OF TEXAS Ohio and then allocated to military hospitals tor. I’m sure Vernon is counting the days until IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES throughout the United States, as well as Ger- he can fully enjoy the beautiful Georgia weath- many, Iraq, and Afghanistan er on his beloved motorcycle. I wish him the Monday, October 1, 2007 Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United best of luck in his retirement. Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today I am States Congress, I am proud to recognize the proud to recognize a longtime community remarkable philanthropic efforts of Sew Much f leader in southeast Texas. Ms. Fabiola Small Comfort and their volunteers for their gen- has worn many distinguished hats throughout erosity and commitment to service which has CONGRATULATING ST. JOHN’S her lifetime, including co-chair of the Port Ar- helped to create a better life for our brave PREPARATORY SCHOOL IN thur Weed and Seed; founder of Love People, servicemembers. DANVERS, MASSACHUSETTS Inc.; founder of the Port Arthur, Texas f Juneteenth Pageant; president of Woodmen of HON. JOHN F. TIERNEY the World, Lodge 6192 and Youth Lodge PERSONAL EXPLANATION OF MASSACHUSETTS 4640; president of Texas Senior Citizens As- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sociation; and board member of Tekoa Acad- HON. KENNY C. HULSHOF emy Charter School. OF MISSOURI Monday, October 1, 2007 ‘‘Ms. Fab’’ selflessly volunteers her time at IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. TIERNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Sports Monday, October 1, 2007 to honor St. John’s Preparatory School in Section, and delivers meals to the young and Danvers, Massachusetts, on the occasion of the elderly. She has received countless Mr. HULSHOF. Madam Speaker, unfortu- its 100th Anniversary Celebration and extend awards, including the 2006 Woodmen of the nately, I was unavoidably detained and missed the congratulations and best wishes from the World Insurance Society; 2006 Fraternalist of September 7th’s rollcall vote, number 869. United States House of Representatives for the Year; MVP of the National Fraternal Con- Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘aye’’ continued success in all of its future endeav- gress of America; 2006 Women’s History, on H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction Act ors to the School’s Board of Trustees, Admin- Builders of Communities & Dreams; 2007 of 2007. istration, Faculty, Staff and Alumni. MVP of the U.S. Congress, and 2007 f St. John’s Preparatory School held its first Juneteenth Trailblazer. Ms. Small is the first African American to be RECOGNITION OF RETIREMENT day of classes on September 10, 1907, and over the next century, it has graduated 12,000 recognized as the National and International HON. JACK KINGSTON alumni, who have gone on to make significant, Fraternalist of the Year. An award presented lasting contributions in careers and commu- to fraternalists who provide outstanding volun- OF GEORGIA nities throughout the region, across the coun- teer service in his or her community, and ex- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES try and around the world. cellent leadership in his or her local chapter Monday, October 1, 2007 Today, St. John’s Preparatory School con- throughout the past year. Ms. Small’s vol- tinues to honor the legacy of its founders, the unteerism even caught the attention of South- Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Speaker. I rise ern Living Magazine, who will feature her in an today in recognition of the retirement of Congregation of the Brothers of St. Francis Xavier, and remains dedicated to the pursuit upcoming issue. Vernon Martin, the Executive Director of the Ms. Small has dedicated her time and en- Coastal Georgia Regional Development Cen- of humility, zeal, compassion, trust and sim- plicity in all endeavors. ergy to the Golden Triangle for most of her ter. Vernon has been a valuable partner in my life. Her selfless acts of kindness, devotion, Throughout its history, the School has nur- efforts to represent the First District of Georgia and compassion for others are a true testa- tured a dynamic community of learners en- and a great friend. ment to her character. With 4 children, 18 chil- couraging its students to develop their full spir- Over the many years that we have known dren that she has taken under her wings, 22 itual, intellectual, moral, physical and creative each other, he has been wonderful to work grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren, ‘‘Ms. potential, and it has inspired its student body with and always kept the safety, security, and Fab’’ is an inspiration to others, setting a great to value and honor the diversity that enriches well-being of the community in the forefront of example for all to follow. both the school community and the world be- his thoughts. Vernon has dedicated 38 years On behalf of the Second Congressional Dis- yond its campus. of service to Coastal Georgia Regional Devel- trict of Texas, I applaud Ms. Fabiola Small on St. John’s Prep students continually strive opment Center, where he was instrumental in her outstanding achievements. She has for excellence and have earned distinction in the economic development of the region. The helped make our world a better place to live, scholarship, athletics, service and the arts. service area for his office has undergone tre- and I applaud her unwavering service and The Prep, as it is better known by many, is mendous change in the past four decades. dedication to the community. committed to the character, mission and val- Coastal Georgia needed leadership and hard And that’s just the way it is. work to transition from the slow growth rates ues of a Catholic education and since its f that characterized prior eras to the booming opening has celebrated its Catholic identity growth that the region is now experiencing. and formed partnerships with schools in the TRIBUTE TO PAUL WICE OF WEST Vernon and his staff at the RDC have pro- region to enhance educational opportunity and CENTRAL NEBRASKA vided steady guidance and support to the ensure access for students from all walks of communities they serve, helping them prepare life. HON. ADRIAN SMITH for the future and adapt to change. St. John’s Preparatory School seeks to pro- OF NEBRASKA mote human dignity and the pursuit of peace Vernon’s list of accomplishments over the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES years is a long one. He was active in the cre- and justice, and its alumni, students, faculty ation of Coastal Emergency Management Plan and staff have established various programs Monday, October 1, 2007 to insure the safety of Georgia’s costal com- to respond to the needs of many working side Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I munities during hurricanes, established the by side with other volunteers and social serv- rise to pay my respects to a broadcasting in- Nation’s first and largest rural revolving loan ice organizations locally, nationally and inter- stitution in West Central Nebraska, Paul Wice. fund, helped to create one of the Nation’s first nationally. This past Friday he turned on the microphone regional rural tourism program and was in- Congratulations to St. John’s Preparatory to host ‘‘Talk of the Town’’ one last time. volved in coordinating off-base impact plan- School for one hundred years of education, in- A 1962 graduate of Kearney High, and a ning for two major military installation expan- spiration and enrichment bestowed upon so 1966 graduate of Kearney State College, Paul sions. In 2004, Vernon was awarded the Wal- many who have passed through its halls and has been a fixture on the airwaves for lis- ter Scheiber Leadership Award for his support in recognition of the contributions and accom- teners in my district for nearly 40 years. to the Association and for his outstanding plishments of its alumni, administration, fac- I have had the pleasure of being interviewed leadership and innovation as a regional coun- ulty, staff and students that have touched by him both as part of news stories, and as a cil executive director. many throughout the world. guest on his show.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:47 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A01OC8.035 E01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS E2032 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 1, 2007 Never one to shy away from the tough ices to those in need, it also is ‘‘a wonderful National Flood Insurance Program to include questions, Paul earned his reputation as being place for the community to come together and coverage for wind damage. a tough but fair interviewer, whose only moti- connect,’’ says executive director Deanna Multi-peril coverage, or the coverage of both vation was to provide his listeners with the Euritt. wind and flood risk in one policy, has proven most up-to-date information available. Novato has a very strong sense of commu- especially important in the aftermath of Hurri- He has given back to the Kearney commu- nity, she explains, and it is because of the canes Katrina and Rita as survivors continue nity in so many ways—as an instructor, a vol- community’s support that the center exists and to struggle to receive fair compensation for the unteer, and a member of many local commu- continues to operate. ‘‘We’re very grateful to damages they experienced. Private insurers nity boards—yet I fully expect this service to the City of Novato and all the residents who have used anti-concurrent causation clauses continue. live here who have been very generous not to deny payment for damages on the grounds I wish him well in his retirement and I hope only with their financial contributions, but with that the damages occurred as a result of he knows how much he will be missed. their time.’’ flooding, which is covered by the Federal gov- f As one donor said, ‘‘God’s been really good ernment. Multi-peril coverage would shield SALUTE TO NOVATO HUMAN to me and I feel this need to be good to some- consumers from these arguably deceptive NEEDS CENTER one else who might be in dire circumstances.’’ practices, protecting consumers in the ab- And that, Madam Speaker, is what makes sence of a solution to this controversy. the center a valuable member of the Novato Again, I express my full support for this im- HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY community—neighbors helping neighbors. portant piece of legislation. OF CALIFORNIA Congratulations to the Novato Human Needs f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Center on its 35th anniversary, and to the Monday, October 1, 2007 people of Novato for supporting such a worthy TRIBUTE TO BISHOP GREGORY MANSOUR Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise organization. today to ask you to share with me in saluting f the Novato Human Needs Center on its 35th HON. DALE E. KILDEE anniversary of serving the low-income people FLOOD INSURANCE REFORM AND OF MICHIGAN of Novato and helping them move towards MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2007 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES self-sufficiency. Monday, October 1, 2007 The Novato Human Needs Center began in SPEECH OF 1972 when three people—Gene Quinones, a HON. AL GREEN Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise to day Catholic priest, Bob Stockwell, a Protestant to honor the Most Reverend Gregory John OF TEXAS Mansour on the 25th anniversary of his ordi- businessman, and Mary Banks, a black wel- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fare mom—came together that Thanksgiving nation. Bishop Mansour will be honored at Di- season with the desire to help those in need. Thursday, September 27, 2007 vine Liturgy and festivities on Sunday, October 7th in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. With $50 and a heart full of good intentions, The House in Committee of the Whole they gave birth to the Holiday Share program, House on the State of the Union had under After graduating from Western Michigan allowing those who have to give what they can consideration the bill (H.R. 3121) to restore University in 1977, Gregory Mansour entered to those in need. Since then, the nonprofit has the financial solvency of the national flood Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary in helped thousands of residents, has increased insurance program and to provide for such Washington, D.C. and attended Catholic Uni- program to make available multi-peril cov- its services to provide year-round assistance, versity of America. Graduating with a degree erage for damage resulting from windstorms, in Theological Studies in 1981, he was or- and has grown to operate on a budget of and floods, and for other purposes: more than $1.4 million. dained a priest on September 18, 1982 by Such is the power of the organization’s phi- Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I Bishop John Chedid at St. Michael Church in losophy that those who come for help—sen- am honored to be a co-sponsor of H.R. 3121, Flint. He celebrated his first Divine Liturgy at iors, immigrants, the disabled, those in unex- ‘‘The Flood Insurance Reform and Moderniza- Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church and pected crisis—are often those who years later tion Act of 2007’’ and I would like to thank then traveled to Rome to continue his studies become the helpers. One anonymous donor, Chairman FRANK. Subcommittee Chairwoman earning his License in Spiritual Theology from once a poor immigrant and now a wealthy WATERS, Representative TAYLOR, and Rep- the Gregorian Pontifical Institute. resident, subsidizes the center’s rental assist- resentative JINDAL for their leadership in re- Returning from a trip to Lebanon in 1983, ance program which allows someone experi- forming a program that plays a vital role in Father Mansour began his work as a parish encing a temporary and unexpected crisis, protecting residents and communities in flood priest. He worked as an administrator at St. such as a medical emergency or job loss, to prone areas. Maron Parish in Philadelphia and served 11 get one-time help with rent or mortgage pay- Flood protection is an important issue in my years as pastor to St. George Maronite Catho- ments. Among those whom this program district and in Texas, a state which has experi- lic Church in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Bishop saved was an elderly woman left without an enced the greatest number of flood and flash John Chedid tapped him to serve as the income when her husband died. Because of flood deaths over the past 36 years. In 2006, Eparchy’s Protosyncellus, Vicar General, and the donor’s generosity, Novato Human Needs Texas saw an increase of over 20 percent in Chancellor for the newly formed Eparchy of Center was able to cover the widow’s rent new flood insurance policies under the Na- Our Lady of Lebanon in Los Angeles in 1994. until social security checks arrived in her tional Flood Insurance Program. He also served as Advocate/Procurator for the name. I want to thank Chairman FRANK for working Eparchial Marriage Tribunal. ‘‘It really is neighbor helping neighbor,’’ with Congressman HINOJOSA and I in com- His Beatitude Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Car- notes Susan Markavage, a Novato resident mittee to preserve subsidies for those prop- dinal Sfeir nominated him to Chorbishop and who works at the center. erties that serve as affordable rental housing he was ordained on January 21, 1996. When In addition to rental assistance, the center for many families. A measure was included in Bishop Chedid retired his replacement, Bishop has instituted programs for such wide-ranging the bill to acknowledge that the loss of sub- Robert J. Shaheen, with the concurrence of services as providing emergency food, job sidies for properties that serve as primary the Holy See, moved the See of the Diocese training and financial, as well as continuing the homes for rental households could result in from Los Angeles to St. Louis, Missouri. traditional Holiday Share. significantly higher premiums, to the detriment Chorbishop Mansour relocated and assumed In fact, the center—which operates out of of these families. Higher premiums would in- the additional duties as rector of St. Raymond facilities underwritten by the City of Novato— crease the cost of property ownership, a cost Cathedral and began teaching Spiritual The- even provides showers for the homeless, that apartment owners would likely pass on to ology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. many of whom work but simply can’t afford tenants in the form of higher rents. By pro- When Bishop Stephen Hector Douelhi re- housing in Marin County, one of the Nation’s tecting subsidies for these properties, this tired, His Holiness Pope John Paul II named most expensive places to live. measure would ensure their continued afford- Bishop Mansour to succeed him as the head ‘‘One of them,’’ Markavage explains, ‘‘cleans ability at a time when our nation is faced with of the Eparchy of Saint Maron in Brooklyn. Or- our parking lot thoroughly every morning be- a shortage of affordable housing. dained a bishop in Lebanon on March 2, fore coming in.’’ I want to also express my strong support for 2004, he was enthroned in Our Lady of Leb- Although Novato Human Needs Center is a provision in the bill authored by my col- anon Maronite Cathedral in Brooklyn on April unique in that it provides comprehensive serv- league Congressman TAYLOR to expand the 27, 2004.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:47 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A01OC8.038 E01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2033 Madam Speaker, throughout his life Bishop memorial known as Dark Elegy, dedicated to legislation in order to secure a permanent lo- Mansour has followed the words of St. Augus- all victims of terrorism. Pursuant to the Com- cation for this worthy and poignant memorial tine, ‘‘With you I am a Christian, for you I am memorative Works Act, my legislation author- to all victims of terrorism. (a priest, and now) a Bishop.’’ Bishop izes Dark Elegy as a commemorative work, Mansour has kept the promise he made 25 making it eligible to be located in the Wash- f years ago to serve Our Lord Jesus Christ with ington, DC, area on land owned by the Na- WELCOMING HONOR AIR humility, joy, and compassion. I ask the House tional Park Service or Government Services of Representatives to join me in congratulating Agency. HON. HEATH SHULER him as he celebrates this momentous occa- Dark Elegy is currently located in Montauk, OF NORTH CAROLINA sion and wish him the best for the future. New York—in my home district of eastern IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f Long Island—and has been exhibited around the Northeast for the past 16 years. The me- Monday, October 1, 2007 TRIBUTE TO COLONEL JAMES morial was created by one of my constituents, KASLER OF MOMENCE, ILLINOIS Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise to wel- the artist Suse Lowenstein, and consists of come World War II veterans from my home larger-than-life sculptures depicting the reac- district to Washington, DC. I am honored to HON. JERRY WELLER tion of 76 mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, welcome these members of the Greatest Gen- OF ILLINOIS and relatives as they responded with shock eration to Washington to visit the National IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and grief upon learning of the death of their World War II Memorial. loved ones after the 1988 terrorist bombing of Monday, October 1, 2007 For the past year Honor Air of Henderson Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. and Buncombe counties has provided trips Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I Mrs. Lowenstein’s son, Alexander, was one of free of charge for World War II Veterans to rise today to honor a true American war hero 35 Syracuse University students aboard that ensure that they would have an opportunity to whom I had the pleasure to meet recently. flight. see the memorial which honors their service to Retired Air Force COL James Kasler of Sadly, the creation of Dark Elegy spanned a our nation, and remembers their comrades in Momence, Illinois, represents the uncommon growing number of terrorist attacks around the arms who never made it home. I would like to courage that is found in our military men and world. It is a striking and solemn coincidence offer my sincere gratitude to the dedicated vol- women. His distinguished record of service in- that this work of art was dedicated on Sep- unteers of Honor Air for making these trips cludes 76 awards for valor and service, and tember 11, 1991—exactly one decade before possible. Colonel Kasler has the distinction of being the the terrorist attacks against the United States World War II was a defining moment for our only person in our country’s history, dead or on September 11, 2001. If you are not familiar country during the 20th Century. The men and alive, to receive the Air Force Cross three with Dark Elegy, I ask you to view ‘‘Remem- women who served in uniform during that war times. bering the Moment,’’ which will tell you more dedicated their lives and spirit to guiding our His career as a decorated combat pilot about the legacy of Dark Elegy than any writ- Nation through some of its most trying hours. began as a B–29 tail gunner over Japan in ten statement could ever convey and can be On behalf of all the residents of North Caro- World War II. He went on to become a jet ace accessed at the following website: lina’s 11th District, I offer our deepest appre- in Korea, and showed remarkable bravery vol- www.darkelegy103.com. ciation. unteering for bombing runs in Vietnam. Dark Elegy was created to remind the world The National World War II Memorial was On his 91st mission, in Vietnam, Colonel of the devastation that terrorism leaves in its opened to the public in May of 2004, and has Kasler was shot down while covering for his wake. It will serve as a lasting testament to been visited by millions of visitors. Built to downed wingman. He would go on to endure the victims of terrorism worldwide in the honor the 16 million Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, 61⁄2 years in a Vietnamese prison camp, and unending struggle to eradicate this menace Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Merchant would become a role model for his fellow pris- from the globe. In addition, it is intended to Mariners who served our Nation during World oners, including Senator JOHN MCCAIN of Ari- stand as a beacon for all peace-loving people War II, the National World War II Memorial zona and a member of this House, Represent- throughout the world to unite. serves as a reminder of their sacrifice and ative SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is my goal to help find service to the American people. I am thankful James Kasler is the face of the valor that all a permanent home for Dark Elegy that can be that we have finally found a permanent memo- our veterans demonstrated when they put on visited by as many people from as many na- rial here in the Nation’s capital to honor their the uniform of our armed forces. Recently I tions as possible. From its current display in service. had the honor of delivering the keynote ad- my district, this memorial has assumed a dress at the dedication of the Kasler-Momence unique role in both healing and remembrance f Veterans Park in my district, where I met the for many individuals and families. It has been colonel. This park will serve to honor all those visited by families affected by terrorism includ- DR. THOMAS C. HO veterans who served and those future vet- ing families of the victims of the September erans who are currently serving. Hundreds of 11th attacks and by families of murdered chil- HON. TED POE thousands of military personnel go about their dren whose loss, while not terrorism-related, OF TEXAS task every day without complaint, often far was equally painful. It is through their voices IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the Lowensteins repeatedly heard, and from their families and in hostile conditions— Monday, October 1, 2007 and too many don’t make it home. Their serv- continue to hear, the expressed belief that ice keeps us free. Dark Elegy should be placed somewhere Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, the Texas State I am proud to have COL James Kasler as prominent where people from all over the University System (TSUS) recently announced a constituent, and proud to have been associ- world can visit and experience it themselves. the establishment of the TSUS Regents’ Pro- ated with the veterans’ memorial that bears It is important to note that establishing this fessor Award to honor outstanding perform- his name. I ask my colleagues to join me in memorial would not cost taxpayers any addi- ance and contributions of its professors. honoring him and all war heroes of the past, tional public funds. Once a permanent location These ‘‘stars of academia’’ bring attention to present, and future. is found, the artist and her family will donate their campuses through their distinguished f the memorial to the public. Also, the artist and teaching, accomplishments in research, schol- her family will personally finance the casting of arly activities, service at the local, state, and ESTABLISHING A MEMORIAL TO each figure in bronze assuring the longevity of national levels, and commitment to their col- ALL VICTIMS OF TERRORISM the sculptures that make up the memorial. It is leges and universities. their strong belief that this is an appropriate On August 16, 2007, Dr. Thomas C. Ho, a HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP use of the money paid to them from the Liby- Lamar University Professor in the Chemical OF NEW YORK an Government following the Pan Am 103 Engineering Department was one of six out- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tragedy in 1988. standing faculty members to be recognized as Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to the first recipients of the Regents’ Professor Monday, October 1, 2007 please join me in cosponsoring this legislation, Award. Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker and I call upon the committees of jurisdiction Dr. Ho has had a 25-year long teaching ca- I rise to introduce a bill that would designate and our leadership to consider it pursuant to reer at Lamar University. He, shapes his stu- a permanent location in Washington, DC, for a the Commemorative Works Act and related dents through his unique and challenging

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:57 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A01OC8.041 E01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS E2034 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 1, 2007 teaching methods and projects. His excep- HONORING JOHN JOSEPH ‘‘JACK’’ HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES tional student evaluations attest to his commit- HEALY AND CONDEMNING RUSH ment to their success, and their appreciation LIMBAUGH’S ATTACK ON of his efforts. HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY ‘‘PHONY SOLDIERS’’ As a member of the AIChE Fluidization OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Committee, and ASME Industrial Waste Com- HON. MARK UDALL mittee, Dr. Ho has received numerous teach- Monday, October 1, 2007 OF COLORADO ing awards, including the Amoco Teaching Ex- Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cellence Award, the Lamar University Teach- today to honor John Joseph ‘‘Jack’’ Healy, Monday, October 1, 2007 ing Bonus Award, and the Certificate of Rec- former Santa Rosa mayor and city Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, ognition awarded by the International Inciner- councilmember, who died recently as a result today I am introducing a resolution to affirm ation Conference. of a traffic accident. Jack, who was 81, was known for helping others and promoting edu- that our soldiers have the freedom to speak With expertise in thermal treatment of haz- cation. about the war in Iraq. As a Member of the ardous and industrial wastes, fluidization and Because of his delightful personality, Jack House Armed Services Committee, I believe it fluidized bed combustion & incineration, met- was a top vote-getter in elections. He served is important to express opposition to the view als and sulfur emission control, mercury sorp- the city for a dozen years before retiring be- that American soldiers who do not embrace tion and desorption on sorbents, it is obvious cause of heart problems. the policies of the Bush Administration lack why he received the International Incineration In civic affairs, Jack did his homework on the skills to do the job of protecting their coun- Conference’s Outstanding Service Award four the issues and was known for treating peo- try or lack the willingness to make the ultimate times. ple—even those who disagreed with him—with sacrifice in service of their country. respect. Friends say that because of this, he Madam Speaker, as a general principle it Dr. Ho currently has active research had no enemies. should not be the business of Congress to projects in metal capture by sorbents during ‘‘He was one of the kinder, more thoughtful condemn or applaud the publicly expressed fluidized bed technology for metal emissions City Council persons, who didn’t just look at views of private citizens. If we took note of control; development of two-state fluidized bed the technicality of the issue, but how it im- every stupid, ignorant or asinine utterance in technology for metal emissions control; sor- pacted people,’’ longtime friend and former the public square we would have little time to bent technology for multipollutant air emis- council colleague Schuyler Jeffries told report- focus on the important issues facing this na- sions control; and statistical study of PM–10, ers upon hearing the news of Jack’s death. tion. PM–2.5, and PM–1.0 Before becoming involved in politics, Jack Moreover, I believe firmly in the right of Dr. Ho also has illustrative papers and pres- joined the business faculty at Santa Rosa Jun- every American to speak his or her mind free- entations on metal capture during fluidized ior College. Perhaps because of his own ly. Even the most outrageous and offensive struggles to get a college education, Jack speech is, and should be, protected by the bed incineration wastes contaminated with worked to help others achieve this accom- first amendment of our constitution. Our citi- lead chloride; metal behavior during fluidized plishment, and eventually he became dean of zens should be free to express their political bed thermal treatment of soil; and adsorption the campus evening program. views without expecting Congress to act as a and desorption of mercury on sorbents at ele- ‘‘I always was impressed by his desire to kind of imperious censor or arbiter of what is vated temperatures. give people a hand up who needed it,’’ his acceptable, intelligent or in good taste. Instead Dr. Ho’s passion for students, his research son, Mike Healy, says. ‘‘He went out of his of passing resolutions condemning the political projects and publications, and contributions to way to help people better themselves in life.’’ views of others, I think the preferred approach professional societies earned him this top The son of Irish immigrants—his father was for Congress as an institution is to stay above honor. I am proud to recognize his contribu- a copper miner who died when Jack was the partisan fray and let individual Members tions in the Second Congressional District. young—Jack dreamed of going to college. express their personal, as opposed to institu- Thanks to the GI Bill, that dream was realized tional, views about the free speech of others. And that’s just the way it is. after World War II, when he attended San There are times, however, when I believe Francisco State University. There, he met his this body should speak collectively—and that f wife, Sharon, to whom he was married for 54 is in those rare circumstances when the years until her death in May. The couple had HONORING OFFICER CHRISTOPHER speech of prominent Americans, media per- two sons, Mike and Matt, who survive them, PFEIFER sonalities or political organizations is so out- along with two grandchildren, Megan and rageous and divisive that it commands the at- Tom. tention of every Member. We can respect the HON. ADRIAN SMITH Jack was a well-liked member of the ‘‘old first amendment rights of others without giving gray mayors,’’ an informal group of former city up our own right to speak out freely and col- OF NEBRASKA leaders, and continued to remain active in lectively in this body. local affairs even after his retirement, serving IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In this regard, I believe remarks by a promi- for eight years on the Sonoma County Library nent conservative talk-show personality, Mr. Monday, October 1, 2007 Commission. Rush Limbaugh, deserve a rebuke from the Madam Speaker, I would like to honor a Congress. Democrats and Republicans alike Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, man who served his community not only wise- should find his attack on our men and women today I rise to remember a brave young man ly but also well. Jack will long be missed. in uniform both offensive and deplorable. from the Third District, Pfc. Christopher f Specifically, Mr. Limbaugh suggested that Pfeifer, who passed away last week from PERSONAL EXPLANATION soldiers who oppose the Bush Administration’s wounds suffered in Afghanistan on August 17 policy in Iraq are ‘‘phony soldiers.’’ The clear when his unit came under enemy fire. He was HON. AL GREEN implication of his remarks leaves no doubt. Mr. assigned to the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Limbaugh used his syndicated radio program OF TEXAS Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat to impugn the character of those American IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Team. servicemen and women who have spoken out Monday, October 1, 2007 A talented young man, Chris has been de- against the policies of the Bush Administra- scribed as the type of person who gave his Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, tion. very best at everything he did, and who loved today I was unavoidably delayed and missed I believe that Congress should make clear the vote on final passage of H.R. 3121, The that our soldiers, whatever their rank and the Army. Chris’ death came just days before Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization whatever their views, deserve to be honored his wife, Karen, gave birth to their first child, Act of 2007 (Rollcall 921). Although H.R. 3121 for their service. I believe Congress should a baby girl. passed by a vote of 263–146, I respectfully re- make clear that Mr. Limbaugh’s use of the Words cannot express our gratitude for quest the opportunity to record my position. term ‘‘phony soldiers’’ is beneath contempt. I Chris’ service to our country, or the loss of Had I been present I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ believe Congress should remind Mr. Limbaugh such a brave individual. on Rollcall 921. that the men and women who serve in our

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:47 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A01OC8.045 E01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2035 military do so, not as Republicans, conserv- ing the GPO supplied with paper, ink, equip- dent and CEO. Mr. Vinney presided over a pe- atives, Democrats or liberals, but as Ameri- ment, and all the other materials required to riod of unprecedented growth at STERIS, in- cans. accomplish its work. In 1975, then-Public cluding a growth in revenue of more than 50 Madam Speaker, it is not my intention to ad- Printer Thomas McCormick appointed him Su- percent, a near quadrupling of stock values, vance a partisan message with this resolution. perintendent of Documents, a statutory posi- and a rise in employment in Mentor from Nor is it my intention that Congress waste tion which is responsible for the public dis- fewer than 400 employees to almost 1,000. time and effort in exposing partisan hypocrisy, tribution of all Government documents via Mr. Vinney has innovatively led the way at however tempting that goal may be. sales, distribution to Federal depository librar- STERIS, transforming it from primarily a It is my intention, however, to make clear to ies, and the international exchange program. healthcare company to one that has adapted the men and women serving in uniform, many From that post LaBarre directed a nationwide its proven technologies for new markets. Most of whom are risking their lives on foreign soil network involving warehouse-based mail order significantly, he established STERIS’s Defense to defend our civil liberties, that it is not ac- operations, 25 bookstores in major metropoli- & Industrial Group to adapt and market ceptable for anyone to accuse them of being tan areas, and depository libraries in virtually STERIS’s technologies to help businesses and ‘‘phony’’ or false patriots because their political every State and congressional district; during government address the risks of biochemical views may differ from those of their com- his tenure, the numbers of depository libraries contamination. mander-in-chief. increased from 1,170 to 1,367, broadening the Following the anthrax attacks in 2001 that To suggest that a soldier’s sacrifice is reach of the program across America. Sales closed down much of Washington—including somehow made less worthy by expressing his also increased, from $34.5 million annually my congressional office—STERIS successfully or her opinion betrays a view of military serv- when he took office to $55 million by the time completed the cleanup of State Department ice so cramped as to be unrecognizable to LaBarre retired in 1982. and the General Services Administration’s mail most Americans—Republicans or Democrats. I The hallmark of Carl LaBarre’s service as processing facilities. Since then, he has can say with full confidence that that is not the Superintendent of Documents was his effort to briefed me regularly as STERIS has success- opinion held by those of us who serve on the improve the management of GPO’s docu- fully conducted collaborative research and de- Armed Services Committee. Congress should ments distribution operations and increase velopment work with the U.S. Army Edgewood make clear that it rejects this narrow view as customer satisfaction. He adopted modern in- Chemical Biological Center to adapt and mod- well. formation technology and worked to make ify STERIS’s Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide That is the underlying purpose of this reso- GPO’s customer services comparable with (VHP) technology for use against biological lution, and I ask my colleagues to join me in those of private-sector firms. In the Federal and chemical warfare agents. embracing the underlying message. Depository Library Program, LaBarre sup- Mr. Vinney is keenly aware that military ap- f ported the automation of the Monthly Catalog plications can be applied to other settings, and of U.S. Government Publications, which trans- has helped grow STERIS into a model for mili- TRIBUTE TO CARL A. LABARRE, formed the world of bibliographic control for tary, public and commercial applications of its LATE A FORMER SUPER- Government documents. He supported micro- technologies. The cutting-edge VHP decon- INTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS, U.S. fiche conversion of Government documents, at tamination system can be used to kill bacteria, GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE that time seen as a primary means for pro- viruses and spores in settings from operating viding depository libraries with scientific and rooms to jets, and was even used after Hurri- HON. ROBERT A. BRADY technical documents printed in small numbers cane Katrina. OF PENNSYLVANIA outside of GPO. He made the Depository Li- Beyond his work with STERIS, Les is a civic IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES brary Council an effective advisory body for leader as well, and has served as Chairman of Monday, October 1, 2007 the Public Printer and it remains so to this the Northeast Ohio Technology Coalition, an day. For his efforts he was commended by the organization promoting economic and tech- Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam American Library Association. LaBarre also re- nology development in Northeast Ohio. He’s Speaker, as chairman of the Committee on ceived GPO’s Distinguished Service Medal, also served on the boards of the Federal Re- House Administration and of the Joint Com- the highest award the Public Printer can be- serve Bank of Cleveland, University Hospitals, mittee on Printing, I wish to pay tribute to Carl stow, not once but twice for ‘‘his outstanding the Greater Cleveland Partnership, and as a A. LaBarre, who served the U.S. Navy faith- success in improving the management of the past chairman of the Lake County United Way fully and well during his career, and who then Documents operations and for creating an un- Campaign. Outside Ohio, he also serves on brought a similar standard of service to the precedented era of customer satisfaction,’’ and the boards of Campbell Soup Company and Government Printing Office, where he led his for ‘‘his exceptional leadership and his unpar- the Advanced Medical Technology Association staff in improving public access to Govern- alleled achievements while serving as Super- (AdvaMed). ment information. intendent of Documents.’’ I wish Les the best in his retirement, and On October 4,2007, Carl LaBarre will be laid Madam Speaker, I have not had the privi- know how much he is looking forward to to rest with full honors in Arlington National lege of working with Carl A. LaBarre during spending more time with his wife, Linda, and Cemetery. A Montana native who attended the my tenure on the Joint Committee on Printing. their family. On behalf of the 14th Congres- University of Montana and later the Naval War Those who did have the privilege attest that sional District of Ohio, I congratulate Les on College, the Naval Post Graduate School, and he was a remarkable man and a faithful, dedi- all of his fine work, and thank him for his lead- the Harvard Graduate School of Business Ad- cated public servant. On behalf of the Joint ership for Northeast Ohio and the nation. ministration, LaBarre was a career U.S. Navy Committee and indeed the entire Congress, I f officer who retired as Inspector General of the extend condolences to Carl LaBarre’s family, Naval Supply Systems Command in Wash- friends, and former colleagues. HONORING LCDR TRACY G. DEWITT ington, D.C., with the rank of Captain. During f his service he earned the Legion of Merit, the HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN Navy Commendation Medal, and the Depart- RECOGNIZING LES C. VINNEY OF TENNESSEE ment of Defense Joint Service Commendation IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Award. Perhaps most significantly, especially HON. STEVEN C. LaTOURETTE Monday, October 1, 2007 to those of us who have been watching Ken OF OHIO Burns’ latest documentary The War, then-En- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, it is sign LaBarre earned recognition for service in my honor and privilege to rise today on behalf the best tradition of the Navy on December 7, Monday, October 1, 2007 of an Arlington, Tennessee resident, Lieuten- 1941, while ‘‘effecting the rescue of personnel Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I rise ant Commander Tracy G. DeWitt, who has de- trapped below decks’’ on the battleship USS today to recognize Les C. Vinney, a resident voted his life to defending the United States of California, which was badly damaged in the of the 14th Congressional District of Ohio, who America. Please join me in commending Com- Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. retired at the end of September from his posi- mander DeWitt on a career spent serving our As noteworthy as it was, Carl LaBarre’s ca- tion as President and Chief Executive Officer Navy and our Country. On October 1, 2007 he reer did not end with his service in the Navy. of STERIS Corporation in Mentor, Ohio. will retire after 24 years of service to a grateful In 1971, he joined the GPO as Deputy Direc- Mr. Vinney joined STERIS as Chief Finan- Nation. tor and then Director of its Materials Manage- cial Officer in 1999, and from July 2000 Born and raised in Gravette, Arkansas, ment Service, which was responsible for keep- through September 2007 he served as Presi- Commander DeWitt began his service in the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:47 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A01OC8.049 E01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS E2036 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 1, 2007 Navy by enlisting when he finished high Finally, for two long years the communities As you died, so others may live . . . your school. After basic training in Orlando, Florida, of Clovis and Portales worked strenuously with life, the most precious of all gifts one Commander DeWitt completed tours in Diego unwavering determination to ensure that its Air could give! Force base would not be closed. I want to rec- While, in That Moment, Garcia and Pensacola, Florida before being When, who lives and who dies . . . where the accepted at Auburn University as part of the ognize the tireless, selfless leadership of Gen- most splendid of all courage so lies! Navy’s Enlisted Commissioning Program. eral Hanson Scott, Randy Harris, Mayors As it was you, Jason the one so who my fine Commander DeWitt received a Bachelor of David Lansford and Orlando Ortega, and the son . . . The Congressional One, who so Science degree in Management and was com- entire Committee of 50 in working to bring gave his life! missioned as an Ensign in August of 1994. He AFSOC to Cannon. I am certain that the men As now I cry! has served aboard many of the Navy’s finest and women of the 27th SOW will find assist- Knowing full well, how so beautifully you ships, including the aircraft carrier USS John ance, comfort and camaraderie in the neigh- died . . . C. Stennis, the USS Stout, and the USS bors of Clovis and Portales. Maybe a child, who’ll save the world . . . a I look forward to seeing the years ahead as boy or girl, from that One Fine Thing Thomas Gates. In August of 2004, Com- unfurled which lies! mander DeWitt was ordered to U.S. Naval the 27th SOW grows and matures. In times of war and in times of peace, these dedicated To bring, in your being . . . and in your life Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee, ... where he served as the Head of Sea Special soldiers will serve with staunch perseverance Could you, would we, would you . . . the Assignments and the Head of Enlisted Sepa- and patriotism. I am honored to represent courage find, in this your life’s mean- rations. them and I pledge to work with them as they ing so divine! Along with completing both his Master’s de- continue the rich, storied history of Cannon Air To somehow find, to give to this our world gree in Management from Troy State Univer- Force Base. all in our time . . . but, One Fine Thing! sity and his doctoral work in Management f from Northcentral University, Commander IN HONOR OF CORPORAL JASON L. f DeWitt has received numerous citations to in- DUNHAM clude the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy PSORIASIS AND PSORIATIC AR- Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement HON. JOHN R. ‘‘RANDY’’ KUHL, JR. THRITIS RESEARCH, CURE, AND Medal and the Navy Good Conduct Medal. OF NEW YORK CARE ACT Madam Speaker, please join me in again IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES congratulating Lieutenant Commander DeWitt on his record of service and wishing him, his Monday, October 1, 2007 HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS wife Gillis, and their three sons Tyler, Justin Mr. KUHL. Madam Speaker, the poem OF CALIFORNIA and Andrew a fulfilling and enjoyable retire- below was written by Albert Carey Caswell in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment. May God bless him and his family. honor of Corporal Jason L. Dunham of the Monday, October 1, 2007 f United States Marine Corps. Corporal Dunham gave his life for his country while serving in Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, NEW MISSION AT CANNON AIR Iraq, absorbing the brunt of a grenade explo- I rise today in support of the Psoriasis and FORCE BASE sion in a selfless act of bravery on April 14, Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care 2004, thereby saving the lives of two of his fel- Act, H.R. 1188 and to encourage my col- HON. TOM UDALL low Marines. Corporal Dunham’s undaunted leagues to lend their support. According to the National Institutes of OF NEW MEXICO courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwaver- Health (NIH) as many as 7.5 million Ameri- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing devotion to duty in the face of certain death earned him the Medal of Honor, our Na- cans are affected by psoriasis—a chronic, in- Monday, October 1, 2007 tion’s highest award for valor, on January 11, flammatory, painful, disfiguring and disabling Mr. UDALL of Mew Mexico. Madam Speak- 2007. Corporal Dunham is survived by his disease for which there is limited treatment er, earlier today, the 27th Special Operations family in Scio, New York. and no cure. Ten to thirty percent of people Wing (SOW) assumed control of Cannon Air One, with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, Force Base, becoming the Western base for One Fine Thing . . . which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the Air Force Special Operations Command As to this our world, your heart so surely and around the joints. On average, there are (AFSOC). This is a great day in the history of brings! 17,000 people living with psoriasis and psori- the Air Force, and I am proud to represent the All in your choices, atic arthritis in each congressional district. All through your most sacred inner Cristy Boisvert is one constituent in my dis- brave men and women in uniform who will be voices . . . serving as the ‘‘tip of the spear’’ at Cannon in As to our Nation, the blessings you’ve be- trict living with psoriasis. Cristy was diagnosed defense of our nation. stowed upon her . . . which so ring! with psoriasis when she was six months old. First, I must note the closing of an honor- All in The Face of Death, Growing up with psoriasis was difficult. Her able chapter in the history of Cannon, the de- When, your oh so magnificent courage so mother spent countless nights applying medi- parture of the 27th Fighter Wing. In October seems to crest! cation to her scalp, followed by countless 1951, the 140th Fighter-Bomber Wing was es- For in these, are the things which so makes mornings washing the greasy mess out of her tablished as the first Air Force mission at Can- an angel’s heart sing . . . no less! hair before school. All in that moment! In junior high, Cristy played on the basket- non. Over the next eight years, various mis- There between life and death, A Freedom sions and units were housed at the Eastern Fighter . . . at his best! ball team. One day she wore shorts to prac- New Mexico base until 1959 when the 27th All in these moments, of which we are now tice, which revealed the flaky psoriasis Tactical Fighter Wing was activated. Since so left . . . to carry with us, until our plaques on her legs. Her friends stood around that time we have seen thousands of soldiers deaths! making fun of her. They called her ‘‘Fungi’’ be- serve at Cannon, providing the air support and Children of God! cause they said it looked like mushrooms fighter capability with great distinction. I would Who cry, when their brothers and sisters in were growing on her legs. You can only imag- like to personally acknowledge Colonel Scott arms . . . so fall and die! ine how much those words hurt her. Yet, marching on . . . ever onward until the When Cristy was 20, she began to think West for his steadfast command of the 27th evil is gone, as where courage is born! over the past year and a half. To Give All! about whether she wanted to have children. The changing of command that occurred To Hear That Most Noble Of All Calls! She reflected back on all of the grief that living this morning swept in a new era for the base. To go forth, in that of death’s course . . . for with psoriasis caused her and questioned Colonel Timothy Leahy, who is not new to One Fine Thing, While Standing Tall! whether she wanted to take the risk of passing New Mexico having served three separate To give up your young promising life! that down to another human being. missions at Kirtland Air Force base, has as- To go so boldly forth, all in your course . . . Cristy is now in her 30s, and she is ecstatic sumed command of the 27th SOW. There is and so gallantly to sacrifice! about the fact that she can do something posi- But All, to stand In The Shadow of Death no doubt that this elite group of soldiers will . . . and not look away, nor think tive about psoriasis. As an active member of bring substantial pride to our state and I hope twice! the National Psoriasis Foundation, she is that in the coming months they feel as com- Rise . . . to Heaven, my Fine Son! working to ensure that young people in the fu- fortable calling New Mexico home as the pre- Jason, for you in your angelic glow . . . have ture will not have to endure the same ridicule vious occupants at Cannon. Heaven so won! that she did.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:47 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A01OC8.053 E01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2037 The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Re- ron was pivotal in the victory at the battle of PERSONAL EXPLANATION search, Cure, and Care Act will expand psori- Midway. The squadron lost many pilots and asis and psoriatic arthritis research and en- planes, but the VT–3 squad regrouped and sure access to care and treatment for these still participated in the Pacific theatre. HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. diseases. Despite the serious adverse effects In the Philippines, South China Sea, and OF GEORGIA that psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have on in- Japan, the VT–3 squad flew with valor. They IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dividuals and families, psoriasis and psoriatic provided air support in the invasions of Leyte, Monday, October 1, 2007 arthritis are under-recognized and under-fund- Luzon, and Iwo Jima. They flew missions over ed by our nation’s research institutions and Hong Kong and Okinawa, as well as taking Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I public health agencies. On average, the NIH part in the first strikes on Tokyo. regret that I was unavoidably absent Thursday has spent less than one dollar for each person They are an example of exemplary service afternoon, September 29 on very urgent busi- with psoriasis in the last ten years. H.R. 1188 and heroism. The squadron earned four Presi- ness. calls on the National Institute of Arthritis and dential Unit Citations, six Asiatic-Pacific Cam- Had I been present for the two votes which Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to expand paign Medals and the prestigious silver star occurred I would have voted ‘‘no’’ on H.R. and intensify research on psoriasis and psori- was awarded to Lt. Frank F. Frazier for his ac- 3567, rollcall vote No. 922; I would have voted atic arthritis and to coordinate those efforts tions in the battle of Formosa. ‘‘aye’’ on H.R. 3567, rollcall vote No. 923. with the NIH. The bill directs the Centers for The Naval Aviation Torpedo Squadron Disease Control and Prevention to develop a f patient registry to collect much-needed longitu- Three fought valiantly to defend our Nation, dinal data on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis flying some of the most difficult and dangerous PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE ORANGE so we can begin to understand the long-term missions in the Pacific Theater. Through their COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE impact of these conditions and evaluate the sacrifice, our Nation endured, earning our last- effects of various therapies. ing honor and respect. Of serious concern is that people with psori- As a Member of the 110th House of Rep- HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY asis are at elevated risk for a myriad of resentatives, I hereby commend the members OF NEW YORK comorbidities, including, but not limited to, of the Naval Aviation Torpedo Squadron Three IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES heart disease, diabetes, obesity and mental for their gallantry and service during World Monday, October 1, 2007 health conditions. To help address this, H.R. War II and we extend to them our sincere best 1188 authorizes the Secretary of Health and wishes in the future. Mr. HINCHEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today Human Services (HHS) to convene a summit to honor the Orange County Chamber of Com- of researchers, public health professionals, f merce in Montgomery, New York as it cele- representatives of patient advocacy organiza- brates two significant events in the history of tions and policymakers to review current ef- AMERICAN FAMILY FARM AND its organization. The Chamber is marking the forts in research, treatment, and quality-of-life RANCH PROTECTION 10th Anniversary of the merger of Orange maintenance being conducted by federal County’s two major chamber organizations, agencies whose work involves psoriasis and which united to form the current Chamber of psoriatic arthritis and their related co- HON. EARL BLUMENAUER Commerce on this day in 1997. Additionally, morbidities. Lastly, the legislation also directs OF OREGON the Chamber is commemorating the 125th an- the Secretary of HHS to commission a study IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES niversary of the formation of one of the prede- from the Institutes of Medicine to evaluate and cessor chambers in 1882. make recommendations to address health in- Monday, October 1, 2007 In recent years, Orange County has consist- surance and prescription drug coverage as ently ranked as one of the fastest growing Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today they relate to medications and treatments for counties in New York State. As this growth I am proud to join with my colleague, Rep- psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. has occurred, the Orange County Chamber of resentative PHIL ENGLISH, to introduce the I thank the National Psoriasis Foundation for Commerce has provided critical leadership in American Family Farm and Ranch Protection all of its efforts and leadership over the last creating and supporting an environment in Act,’’ which will help conserve and protect our four decades, and am grateful to the Founda- which business will succeed while also work- nation’s vital lands, farms, and ranches. tion and its members and staff for their ongo- ing to enhance the quality of life throughout ing commitment to improving the quality of life The voluntary placement of a conservation Orange County’s communities. The Chamber for those with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis easement on private land is a very effective continues to serve as a consistent and effec- in my district. I also would like to personally and successful tool for protecting and con- tive advocate for businesses throughout Or- thank my constituent, Cristy Boisvert, for all serving our Nation’s open spaces and sen- ange County and the Hudson Valley region. her work. sitive lands. Through their committed efforts and dili- I urge my colleagues to join me in cospon- In 1997, in order to encourage the con- gence, the Board of Directors and staff at the soring the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Re- servation of sensitive lands and farms, Con- Chamber have expanded its membership to search, Cure, and Care Act. gress enacted an estate tax exclusion for land nearly 2,400 businesses and individuals, mak- f placed under a conservation easement. Unfor- ing it one of the ten largest in the State of tunately, the original bill capped the exclusion IN RECOGNITION OF THE NAVAL New York and the largest between Long Is- at $500,000. Our bill would update and in- AVIATION TORPEDO SQUADRON land and Albany. This strong network of com- crease this estate tax exclusion to $5 million. THREE munity and business leaders coupled with the Given the significant rise in land values over technical support, expertise and promotional the past decade, the increased exclusion pro- services provided by the Chamber has contrib- HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ vides a meaningful and in many cases nec- uted to the ongoing expansion of business op- OF TEXAS essary increase in the estate tax incentive as portunities in Orange County. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a way to encourage and allow individuals to Madam Speaker, I am delighted to salute Monday, October 1, 2007 place conservation easements on their land. the Orange County Chamber of Commerce on Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, the Our Nation’s family farmers, whose most the anniversary of these important milestones. men and women who served their country dur- significant asset is often their land, provide a I’d like to congratulate Chamber President ing World War II deserve our deep respect glaring example of why this legislation is need- John A. D’Ambrosio, outgoing Board President and reverence. The Naval Aviation Torpedo ed. When the owner of the farm dies, sur- Kunwar Nagpal, and incoming Board Presi- Squadron Three (VT–3) embodies the spirit viving family members are often forced to sell dent Jim Smith for their leadership and hard and achievement of this era, through their all or a significant portion of the farm just to work. I’d also like to recognize the Board of bravery and sacrifice. Today we honor their pay the estate tax bill. This legislation would Directors, staff, and members of the Chamber sacrifice. help ensure that families are not forced to sell for their dedicated efforts to make Orange VT–3 served valiantly in the Pacific while the farm and that their land resources are County, New York a better place to live, work assigned to both the carriers Yorktown and available for agricultural use by future genera- and visit. Saratoga. While on the Yorktown, the squad- tions.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:47 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A01OC8.056 E01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS E2038 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 1, 2007 SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2:30 p.m. torney for the Central District of Cali- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- fornia. Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, fairs SD–226 agreed to by the Senate on February 4, State, Local, and Private Sector Prepared- Joint Economic Committee 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- ness and Integration Subcommittee To hold hearings to examine the cost of tem for a computerized schedule of all To hold hearings to examine pandemic mass incarceration in the United meetings and hearings of Senate com- influenza, focusing on state and local States. mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- government efforts to prepare. SH–216 SD–342 2:30 p.m. tees, and committees of conference. Foreign Relations This title requires all such committees Commerce, Science, and Transportation East Asian and Pacific Affairs Sub- Consumer Affairs, Insurance, and Auto- to notify the Office of the Senate Daily committee motive Safety Subcommittee Digest—designated by the Rules Com- To hold hearings to examine Burma’s To hold hearings to examine S. 2045, to mittee—of the time, place, and purpose saffron revolution. reform the Consumer Product Safety of the meetings, when scheduled, and SD–419 Commission to provide greater protec- any cancellations or changes in the tion for children’s products, to improve OCTOBER 4 meetings as they occur. the screening of noncompliant con- 9:30 a.m. As an additional procedure along sumer products, to improve the effec- Armed Services tiveness of consumer product recall with the computerization of this infor- Business meeting to consider the nomi- programs. mation, the Office of the Senate Daily nations of John J. Young, Jr., of Vir- SR–253 Digest will prepare this information for ginia, to be Under Secretary of Defense Judiciary printing in the Extensions of Remarks for Acquisition, Technology, and Logis- To hold hearings to examine the imple- section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD tics, Douglas A. Brook, of California, mentation of the Hometown Heroes on Monday and Wednesday of each to be an Assistant Secretary of the Survivors Benefits Act. Navy, and Robert L. Smolen, of Penn- SD–226 week. sylvania, to be Deputy Administrator Meetings scheduled for Tuesday, Oc- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- for Defense Programs, National Nu- fairs clear Security Administration. tober 2, 2007 may be found in the Daily Oversight of Government Management, the SD–106 Digest of today’s RECORD. Federal Workforce, and the District of Foreign Relations Columbia Subcommittee To hold hearings to examine united Na- To hold hearings to examine forestalling MEETINGS SCHEDULED tions Convention on the Law of the the coming pandemic, focusing on in- Sea, with Annexes, done at Montego OCTOBER 3 fectious disease surveillance overseas. Bay, December 10, 1982 (the ‘‘Conven- 9:30 a.m. SD–342 tion’’), and the Agreement Relating to Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs the Implementation of Part XI of the To hold hearings to examine combating United Nations Convention on the Law OCTOBER 17 genocide in Darfur, focusing on the role of the Sea of 10 December 1982, with 9:30 a.m. of divestment and other policy tools. Annex, adopted at New York, July 28, Veterans’ Affairs SD–538 1994 (the ‘‘Agreement’’), and signed by To hold an oversight hearing to examine Foreign Relations the United States, subject to ratifica- the Department of Veterans Affairs To hold hearings to examine the nomina- tion, on July 29, 1994 (Treaty Doc. 103– and Department of Defense collabora- tions of Gail Dennise Mathieu, of New 39). tion, focusing on the report of the Jersey, to be Ambassador to the Repub- SD–419 President’s Commission on Care for lic of Namibia, William Raymond Indian Affairs America’s Returning Wounded War- Steiger, of Wisconsin, to be Ambas- To hold an oversight hearing to examine riors, the report of the Veterans Dis- sador to the Republic of Mozambique, the backlogs at the Department of the ability Benefit Commission, and other Dan Mozena, of Iowa, to be Ambassador Interior, focusing on land in to trust related reports. to the Republic of Angola, and Eunice application, environmental impact SD–562 S. Reddick, of New York, to be Ambas- statements, probate, and appraisals 10 a.m. sador to the Gabonese Republic, and to and lease approvals. Commerce, Science, and Transportation serve concurrently and without addi- SD–628 To hold hearings to examine the digital tional compensation as Ambassador to 10 a.m. television transition, focusing on gov- the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs ernment and industry perspectives. and Principe. To hold hearings to examine the regula- SR–253 SD–419 tion and supervision of industrial loan 10 a.m. companies. OCTOBER 18 Environment and Public Works SD–538 2:30 p.m. Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Sub- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Commerce, Science, and Transportation committee To hold hearings to examine the security Science, Technology, and Innovation Sub- To hold hearings to examine the Nuclear of our nation’s seaports. committee Regulatory Commission’s reactor over- SR–253 To hold hearings to examine science sight process. Judiciary parks, focusing on bolstering United SD–406 Business meeting to consider S. 1640, to States competitiveness. Aging amend chapter 13 of title 17, United SR–253 To hold hearings to examine veterans States Code (relating to the vessel hull health, focusing on ensuring the care of design protection), to clarify the defi- OCTOBER 24 aging heroes. nitions of a hull and a deck, S. 2035, to SR–325 maintain the free flow of information 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. to the public by providing conditions Veterans’ Affairs Judiciary for the federally compelled disclosure To hold hearings to examine to consider Antitrust, Competition Policy and Con- of information by certain persons con- pending legislation. sumer Rights Subcommittee nected with the news media, S. Res. SD–562 To hold hearings to examine S. 772, to 326, supporting the goals and ideals of a amend the Federal antitrust laws to National Day of Remembrance for Mur- OCTOBER 31 provide expanded coverage and to der Victims, H. Con. Res. 193, recog- 9:30 a.m. eliminate exemptions from such laws nizing all hunters across the United Veterans’ Affairs that are contrary to the public interest States for their continued commitment To hold an oversight hearing to examine with respect to railroads. to safety, and the nomination of Thom- vocational rehabilitation. SD–226 as P. O’Brien, to be United States At- SD–562

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HIGHLIGHTS See Re´sume´ of Congressional Activity. Senate passed H.R. 1585, National Defense Authorization Act. Senate Shipbuilding and Conversion for the Navy, Chamber Action $1,172,710,000 for advanced procurement relating Routine Proceedings, pages S12343–S12388 to the Virginia class submarine program. Page S12356 Measures Introduced: Six bills and four resolutions Levin (for Bennett) Amendment No. 3102 (to were introduced, as follows: S. 2119–2124, S.J. Res. Amendment No. 2011), to require the Secretary of 19, and S. Res. 338–340. Page S12379 Energy to develop and implement a strategy to com- Measures Reported: plete the remediation at the Moab site, and the re- moval of the tailings to the Crescent Junction site, Special Report entitled ‘‘Further Revised Alloca- in the State of Utah by not later than January 1, tion to Subcommittees of Budget Totals from the 2019. Page S12356 Concurrent Resolution for Fiscal Year 2008’’. (S. Rept. No. 110–186) Levin (for Lott) Modified Amendment No. 2264 (to Amendment No. 2011), to improve the adminis- Report to accompany S. 1693, to enhance the tration and oversight of the Armed Forces Retire- adoption of a nationwide interoperable health infor- ment Home. Pages S12356–57 mation technology system and to improve the qual- ity and reduce the costs of health care in the United Levin (for Murray) Modified Amendment No. 2953 (to Amendment No. 2011), to assist school States. (S. Rept. No. 110–187) Page S12379 districts serving large numbers or percentages of Measures Passed: military dependent children affected by the war in National Defense Authorization Act: By 92 yeas Iraq or Afghanistan, or by other Department of De- to 3 nays (Vote No. 359), Senate passed consider- fense personnel decisions. Page S12357 ation of H.R. 1585, to authorize appropriations for Levin (for Feingold) Modified Amendment No. fiscal year 2008 for military activities of the Depart- 3005 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide for 2 ment of Defense, for military construction, and for programs to authorize the use of leave by caregivers defense activities of the Department of Energy, to for family members of certain individuals performing prescribe military personnel, after taking action on military service. Pages S12357–61 the following amendments proposed thereto: Levin (for Lautenberg) Modified Amendment No. Pages S12350–72 2957 (to Amendment No. 2011), to authorize cer- Adopted: tain activities of the Maritime Administration. Levin (for Domenici/Bingaman) Modified Amend- Pages S12358–61 ment No. 2937 (to Amendment No. 2011), to re- Levin (for McCain) Modified Amendment No. quire a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed funding 3103 (to Amendment No. 2011), to require a pilot reduction for the High Energy Laser Systems Test program on commercial fee-for-service air refueling Facility. Page S12355 support for the Air Force. Page S12361 Levin (for Carper) Amendment No. 3028 (to Levin (for Nelson (FL)/Martinez) Amendment No. Amendment No. 2011), to allow additional types of 3107 (to Amendment No. 2011), to modify the pur- vehicles to be used to meet minimum Federal fleet poses for which the Naval Aviation Museum Foun- requirements. Pages S12355–56 dation at the National Museum of Naval Aviation at Levin (for Reed) Modified Amendment No. 3099 Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, may operate (to Amendment No. 2011), to make available from the National Flight Academy. Page S12361 D1294

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:36 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D01OC7.REC D01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with DIGEST October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D1295 Levin (for Sanders) Modified Amendment No. National Passport Month: Senate agreed to S. Res. 3082 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide, with 338, supporting the goals and ideals of National an offset, an additional $15,000,000 Research, De- Passport Month. Pages S12385–86 velopment, Test, and Evaluation, Army, for a pro- Burma Sense of the Senate: Senate agreed to S. gram of research on Gulf War illnesses. Page S12361 Res. 339, expressing the sense of the Senate on the Levin (for Baucus/Tester) Modified Amendment situation in Burma. Pages S12386–88 No. 2325 (to Amendment No. 2011), relative to the removal of missiles from the 564th Missile Squad- Recognizing Outstanding Hispanic Scientists: ron. Page S12361 Senate agreed to S. Res. 340, recognizing the efforts Levin (for Kennedy) Modified Amendment No. and contributions of outstanding Hispanic scientists 2897 (to Amendment No. 2011), to establish a Joint in the United States. Page S12388 Pathology Center located at the National Naval Department of Defense Appropriations Act: A Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing Pages S12361–62 that at approximately 10 a.m., on Tuesday, October Levin (for Kennedy/Biden) Modified Amendment 2, 2007, the Senate begin consideration of H.R. No. 2068 (to Amendment No. 2011), to require re- 3222, making appropriations for the Department of ports on the mitigation of effects of explosively Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, formed projectiles and mines. Page S12362 2008. Page S12388 Levin (for Chambliss) Amendment No. 3112 (to Removal of Injunction of Secrecy: The injunction Amendment No. 2011), to express the sense of the of secrecy was removed from the following treaty: Senate on the Air Force Logistics Center. Page S12362 Protocols of 2005 to the Convention concerning Levin (for Sessions) Modified Amendment No. Safety of Maritime Navigation and to the Protocol 3032 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide an ef- concerning Safety of Fixed Platforms on the Conti- fective date for section 531. Pages S12362–63 nental Shelf (Treaty Doc. No. 110–8). Levin (for Sanders) Modified Amendment No. The treaty was transmitted to the Senate today, 2905 (to Amendment No. 2011), to require a pilot considered as having been read for the first time, and program on military family readiness and referred, with accompanying papers, to the Com- servicemember reintegration. Pages S12354, S12363–64 mittee on Foreign Relations and ordered to be print- Levin (for Hutchison) Modified Amendment No. ed. Page S12385 3027 (to Amendment No. 2011), to require a report on the feasibility of establishing a Border State Avia- Nominations Received: Senate received the fol- tion Training Center. Page S12363 lowing nominations: By 51 yeas and 44 nays (Vote No. 358), Reid (for 1 Army nomination in the rank of general. Kennedy) Amendment No. 3058 (to Amendment 1 Navy nomination in the rank of admiral. No. 2011), to provide for certain public-private A routine list in the Navy. Page S12388 competition requirements. Pages S12350, S12364–69 Messages from the House: Page S12379 Nelson (NE) (for Levin) Amendment No. 2011, in Additional Cosponsors: Pages S12379–81 the nature of a substitute. Page S12350 Withdrawn: Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Reid (for Kennedy) Amendment No. 3109 (to Pages S12381–83 Amendment No. 3958), to provide for certain pub- Additional Statements: Pages S12378–79 lic-private competition requirements. Amendments Submitted: Pages S12383–84 Pages S12350, S12368 Pursuant to the order of the Senate of Friday, Sep- Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S12384 tember 28, 2007, the motion to invoke cloture on Privileges of the Floor: Page S12384 the bill was withdrawn. Text of H.R. 1124 as Previously Passed: Senate insisted on its amendment, requested a Pages S12384–85 conference with the House thereon, and the Chair was authorized to appoint the following conferees on Record Votes: Two record votes were taken today. the part of the Senate: Senators Levin, Kennedy, (Total—359) Pages S12368–69, S12370 Byrd, Lieberman, Reed, Akaka, Nelson (FL), Nelson Adjournment: Senate convened at 2 p.m. and ad- (NE), Bayh, Clinton, Pryor, Webb, McCaskill, journed at 6:50 p.m., until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oc- McCain, Warner, Inhofe, Sessions, Collins, tober 2, 2007. (For Senate’s program, see the re- Chambliss, Graham, Dole, Cornyn, Thune, Martinez, marks of the Acting Majority Leader in today’s and Corker. Page S12385 Record on page S12388.)

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:36 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D01OC7.REC D01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with DIGEST D1296 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST October 1, 2007 House of Representatives unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom: H. Con. Chamber Action Res. 185, amended, to commend the 1st Brigade Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 10 pub- Combat Team/34th Infantry Division of the Min- lic bills, H.R. 3707–3716; and 6 resolutions, H. nesota National Guard upon its completion of the Con. Res. 221; and H. Res. 694–698 were intro- longest continuous deployment of any United States duced. Pages H11069–70 military unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom, by a Additional Cosponsors: Pages H11070–71 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 378 yeas with none voting Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 924; Pages H11037–40, S11044–45 H.R. 3648, to amend the Internal Revenue Code Agreed to amend the title to read as follows: of 1986 to exclude discharges of indebtedness on ‘‘Commending the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th principal residences from gross income, with an Infantry Division of the Minnesota National Guard amendment (H. Rept. 110–356) and upon its completion of the longest continuous de- H.R. 2830, to authorize appropriations for the ployment of any United States ground combat mili- Coast Guard for fiscal year 2008, with an amend- tary unit in Operation Iraqi Freedom.’’. Page H11045 ment (H. Rept. 110–338, Pt. 2). Page H11069 Corporal Christopher E. Esckelson Post Office Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she Building Designation Act: H.R. 2276, to designate appointed Representative Hirono to act as Speaker the facility of the United States Postal Service lo- Pro Tempore for today. Page H11032 cated at 203 North Main Street in Vassar, Michigan, Recess: The House recessed at 12:35 p.m. and re- as the ‘‘Corporal Christopher E. Esckelson Post Of- fice Building’’, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 379 yeas convened at 2 p.m. Page H11032 with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 925; Recess: The House recessed at 2:04 p.m. and recon- Pages H11040–41, S11045–46 vened at 2:31 p.m. Page H11032 Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Post Office Designa- Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules tion Act: H.R. 3325, to designate the facility of the and pass the following measures: United States Postal Service located at 235 Mountain Commending the Wings Over Houston Airshow Road in Suffield, Connecticut, as the ‘‘Corporal Ste- for its great contribution to the appreciation, un- phen R. Bixler Post Office’’, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay derstanding, and future of the United States vote of 379 yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. Armed Forces, the City of Houston, Texas, and 926; Pages H11041–42, S11046 Ellington Field: H. Res. 691, to commend the Philip A. Baddour, Sr. Post Office Designation Wings Over Houston Airshow for its great contribu- Act: H.R. 3382, to designate the facility of the tion to the appreciation, understanding, and future United States Postal Service located at 200 North of the United States Armed Forces, the City of William Street in Goldsboro, North Carolina, as the Houston, Texas, and Ellington Field; Pages H11032–34 ‘‘Philip A. Baddour, Sr. Post Office’’; and Honoring the sacrifices and commitments of the Pages H11042–43 men, women, and families of the United States Transportation Command: H. Res. 640, amended, Laurence C. and Grace M. Jones Post Office to honor the sacrifices and commitments of the men, Building Designation Act: H.R. 3233, to designate women, and families of the United States Transpor- the facility of the United States Postal Service lo- cated at Highway 49 South in Piney Woods, Mis- tation Command; Pages H11034–36 sissippi, as the ‘‘Laurence C. and Grace M. Jones Recognizing the Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Post Office Building’’. Pages H11043–44 Fort Pierce, Florida, as the official national mu- seum of Navy SEALS and their predecessors: H.R. Recess: The House recessed at 3:50 p.m. and recon- 2779, to recognize the Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in vened at 6:30 p.m. Page H11044 Fort Pierce, Florida, as the official national museum Senate Message: Message received from the Senate of Navy SEALS and their predecessors; by the Clerk and subsequently presented to the Pages H11036–37 House today appears on page H11032. Commending the 1st Brigade Combat Team/ Quorum Calls—Votes: Three yea-and-nay votes de- 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota National veloped during the proceedings of today and appear Guard upon its completion of the longest contin- on pages H11044–45, H11045–46 and H11046 . uous deployment of any United States military There were no quorum calls.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:36 Oct 02, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D01OC7.REC D01OCPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC71 with DIGEST October 1, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D1297 Adjournment: The House met at 12:30 p.m. and House adjourned at 10:40 p.m. Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agri- culture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administra- tion, and Related Agencies, on Food Aid Programs, 10 Committee Meetings a.m., 2362A Rayburn. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on (Committees not listed did not meet) Telecommunications and the Internet, hearing entitled ‘‘Digital Future of the United States: Part VI: The Future No committee meetings were held. of Telecommunications Competition,’’ 9:30 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, hearing entitled ‘‘Sys- Committee Meetings temic Risk: Examining Regulators’ Ability to React to No committee meetings were held. Threats in the Financial System,’’ 10 a.m., 2128 Ray- f burn. Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing NEW PUBLIC LAWS entitled ‘‘Credit-Based Insurance Scores: Are They Fair?’’ 2 p.m., 2128 Rayburn. (For last listing of Public Laws, see DAILY DIGEST, p. D1289) Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Africa, H.R. 954, to designate the facility of the United and Global Health, hearing on Ethiopia and the State of States Postal Service located at 365 West 125th Democracy: Effects on Human Rights and Humanitarian Street in New York, New York, as the ‘‘Percy Sut- Conditions in the Ogaden and Somalia, 10 a.m., 2172 ton Post Office Building’’. Signed on September 28, Rayburn. 2007. (Public Law 110–87) Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, hearing on Leveraging Remittances for Families and Communities, 2 H.R. 3218, to designate a portion of Interstate p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Route 395 located in Baltimore, Maryland, as ‘‘Cal Committee on House Administration, Election Task Force, Ripken Way’’. Signed on September 28, 2007. (Pub- briefing on the Status of the Investigation into FL–13 lic Law 110–88) Congressional District Contested Election, 4 p.m., 1310 H.R. 3375, to extend the trade adjustment assist- Longworth. ance program under the Trade Act of 1974 for 3 Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Commer- months. Signed on September 28, 2007. (Public Law cial and Administrative Law, hearing on the United 110–89) States Trustee Program: Watchdog or Attack Dog? 1 p.m., 2237 Rayburn. f Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Se- curity, hearing on Gang Crime Prevention and the Need COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR TUESDAY, to Foster Innovative Solutions at the Federal Level, 1 OCTOBER 2, 2007 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Energy (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) and Mineral Resources, hearing on H.R. 2262, Hardrock Senate Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007, 2 p.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: to Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, hearing on hold hearings to examine the National Flood Insurance Private Security Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan, 10 Program, 10:30 a.m., SD–538. a.m., 2154 Rayburn. Committee on Environment and Public Works: to hold hear- Committee on Rules, to consider the following: H.R. ings to examine pending nominations, 10 a.m., SD–406. 2740, MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act of 2007; Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: to H.R. 928, Improving Government Accountability Act; hold hearings to examine issues and challenges facing cur- H.R. 3648, To amend the Internal Revenue Code of rent mine safety disasters, 10 a.m., SD–430. 1986 to exclude dischargers of indebtedness on principal Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: residences from gross income, and for other purposes; and Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, H.R. 3246, Regional Economic and Infrastructure Devel- the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, to opment act of 2007, 3 p.m., H–313 Capitol. hold hearings to examine the National Capitol for pan- Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on demic preparedness, 10 a.m., SD–342. Research and Science Education, hearing on Committee on the Judiciary: to hold hearings to examine Nanotechnology Education, 2 p.m., 2318 Rayburn. preserving the rule of law in the fight against terrorism, Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, hearing 10 a.m., SD–226. on United States Fire Administration Reauthorization: Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: business meeting to con- Addressing the Priorities of the Nation’s Fire Service, 10 sider the nomination of Paul J. Hutter, of Virginia, to a.m., 2318 Rayburn. be General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, time Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Sub- to be announced, room to be announced. committee on Highways and Transit, hearing on The

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Federal Safe Routes to School Program, 10 a.m., 2167 Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Rayburn. Analysis and Counterintelligence, executive, hearing on Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive, brief- CIA Activity, Part I, 10 a.m., H–405 Capitol. ing on Iran, 12:30 p.m., H–405 Capitol.

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Re´sume´ of Congressional Activity

FIRST SESSION OF THE ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS The first table gives a comprehensive re´sume´ of all legislative business transacted by the Senate and House. The second table accounts for all nominations submitted to the Senate by the President for Senate confirmation.

DATA ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY DISPOSITION OF EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS January 4 through September 30, 2007 January 4 through September 30, 2007 Senate House Total Civilian nominations, totaling 388, disposed of as follows: Days in session ...... 138 126 . . Confirmed ...... 176 ′ ′ Time in session ...... 1,058 hrs., 48 1,134 hrs., 55 .. Unconfirmed ...... 187 Congressional Record: Withdrawn ...... 24 Pages of proceedings ...... S12,342 H11,029 . . Returned to White House ...... 1 Extensions of Remarks ...... E2,021 . . Public bills enacted into law ...... 21 66 . . Private bills enacted into law ...... Other Civilian nominations, totaling 2,644, disposed of as follows: Bills in conference ...... 5 5 . . Confirmed ...... 2,304 Measures passed, total ...... 421 794 1,215 Unconfirmed ...... 340 Senate bills ...... 59 25 . . House bills ...... 80 357 . . Senate joint resolutions ...... 3 . . . . Air Force nominations, totaling 6,061, disposed of as follows: House joint resolutions ...... 4 3 . . Confirmed ...... 6,053 Senate concurrent resolutions ...... 16 5 . . Unconfirmed ...... 8 House concurrent resolutions ...... 25 67 . . Simple resolutions ...... 234 337 . . Army nominations, totaling 5,994, disposed of as follows: Measures reported, total* ...... 324 342 666 Senate bills ...... 185 2 . . Confirmed ...... 5,928 House bills ...... 57 230 . . Unconfirmed ...... 66 Senate joint resolutions ...... 4 . . . . House joint resolutions ...... 1 . . . . Navy nominations, totaling 4,584, disposed of as follows: Senate concurrent resolutions ...... 7 . . . . House concurrent resolutions ...... 4 7 . . Confirmed ...... 4,583 Simple resolutions ...... 66 103 . . Unconfirmed ...... 1 Special reports ...... 16 7 . . Conference reports ...... 1 6 . . Marine Corps nominations, totaling 1,334, disposed of as follows: Measures pending on calendar ...... 43 . . Confirmed ...... 1,329 Measures introduced, total ...... 2,512 4,673 7,185 Unconfirmed ...... 5 Bills ...... 2,110 3,706 .. Joint resolutions ...... 18 54 . . Concurrent resolutions ...... 47 220 . . Summary Simple resolutions ...... 337 693 . . Quorum calls ...... 6 7 . . Total nominations carried over from the First Session ...... 0 Yea-and-nay votes ...... 357 439 . . Total nominations received this Session ...... 21,005 Recorded votes ...... 477 . . Total confirmed ...... 20,373 Bills vetoed ...... 1 1 . . Total unconfirmed ...... 607 Vetoes overridden ...... Total withdrawn ...... 24 Total returned to the White House ...... 1 * These figures include all measures reported, even if there was no accom- panying report. A total of 185 reports have been filed in the Senate, a total of 355 reports have been filed in the House.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE H. Res. 564—Recognizing that violence poses an increasingly 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 2 serious threat to peace and stability in Central America and supporting expanded cooperation between the United States Senate Chamber and the countries of Central America to combat crime and vio- lence; (7) H. Con. Res. 203—Condemning the persecution of Program for Tuesday: After the transaction of any morning labor rights advocates in Iran; (8) H. Res. 676—Declaring that business (not to extend beyond 60 minutes), Senate will begin it shall continue to be the policy of the United States, con- consideration of H.R. 3222, Department of Defense Appropria- sistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, to make available to tions Act. Taiwan such defense articles and services as may be necessary (Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. for their re- for Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability; (9) spective party conferences.) H.R. 2828—To provide compensation to relatives of United States citizens who were killed as a result of the bombings of United States Embassies in East Africa on August 7, 1998; (10) Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H.R. 2003—Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 9 a.m., Tuesday, October 2 2007; (11) H.R. 3432—200th Anniversary Commemoration Commission of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act of 2007; (12) H.R. 3571—To amend the Congressional House Chamber Accountability Act of 1995 to permit individuals who have Program for Tuesday: Consideration of the following suspen- served as employees of the Office of Compliance to serve as Ex- sions: (1) S. 474—A bill to award a congressional gold medal ecutive Director, Deputy Executive Director, or General Coun- to Michael Ellis DeBakey, M.D.; (2) H. Res. 657—Expressing sel of the Office, and to permit individuals appointed to such heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the devastating thunder- positions to serve one additional term; (13) H. Con. Res. storms that caused severe flooding during August 2007 in the 200—Condemning the violent suppression of Buddhist Monks States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin; (3) and other peaceful demonstrators in Burma and calling for the H.R. 3068—Federal Protective Service Guard Contracting Re- immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu form Act of 2007; (4) S. 1612—International Emergency Eco- Kyi’’; and (14) H.R. 3087—To require the President, in co- nomic Powers Enhancement Act; (5) H. Res. 635—Recog- ordination with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, nizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior military leaders, to of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in develop and transmit to Congress a comprehensive strategy for the United States and throughout the world for their faith; (6) the redeployment of United States Armed Forces in Iraq.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Green, Al, Tex., E2032, E2034 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E2024 Smith, Adrian, Nebr., E2031, E2034 Herseth, Stephanie, S.D., E2030 Miller, Jeff, Fla., E2030 Spratt, John M., Jr., S.C., E2028 Baca, Joe, Calif., E2028 Hinchey, Maurice D., N.Y., E2037 Olver, John W., Mass., E2027 Thompson, Mike, Calif., E2025 Bishop, Sanford D., Jr., Ga., E2037 Hulshof, Kenny C., Mo., E2031 Pelosi, Nancy, Calif., E2023 Tierney, John F., Mass., E2031 Bishop, Timothy H., N.Y., E2033 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E2023, Pence, Mike, Ind., E2027 Udall, Mark, Colo., E2034 Blackburn, Marsha, Tenn., E2035 E2024 Poe, Ted, Tex., E2031, E2033 Udall, Tom, N.M., E2028, E2036 Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E2037 Jones, Stephanie Tubbs, Ohio, E2023 Rodriguez, Ciro D., Tex., E2037 Van Hollen, Chris, Md., E2027 Brady, Robert A., Pa., E2035 Kennedy, Patrick J., R.I., E2025 Rogers, Harold, Ky., E2030 Waxman, Henry A., Calif., E2024 Castle, Michael N., Del., E2026 Kildee, Dale E., Mich., E2032 Sarbanes, John P., Md., E2026 Weller, Jerry, Ill., E2033 Davis, Susan A., Calif., E2036 Kingston, Jack, Ga., E2031 Shuler, Heath, N.C., E2033 Wolf, Frank R., Va., E2026 Garrett, Scott, N.J., E2023, E2024, Kuhl, John R. ‘‘Randy’’, Jr., N.Y., E2036 Shuster, Bill, Pa., E2027 Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif., E2024, E2028, E2025, E2026 LaTourette, Steven C., Ohio, E2035 Skelton, Ike, Mo., E2025 E2032, E2034

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