H10982 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 7, 2003

DEMOCRACY BUILDING manufacturing sector of our economy, jobless claims dropped to a 21⁄2-year (Mr. SNYDER asked and was given which is important to so many States, low, further signifying the success of permission to address the House for 1 including my home State of Michigan, the Republican tax relief championed minute and to revise and extend his re- appears to be turning around with a by President George W. Bush. This fol- marks.) vengeance. lows last week’s historic news that the Mr. SNYDER. Mr. Speaker, Stephen October’s indices showed manufac- economy is growing at the highest rate Kinzer, in his book, ‘‘All the Shah’s turing expanding more rapidly than at in nearly 20 years, as the GDP grew by Men,’’ describes the events of the over- any time since January of 2000. The re- 7.2 percent in the last quarter. Last week was the fourth straight throw of the Iranian Government in port also showed new orders for manu- week in which jobless claims were 1953 in a coup staged by the United factured goods, the key to future below 400,000, as claims dropped to States and the British. President Tru- growth, are at their highest levels 348,000. In headlines across America man did not support overthrowing the since 1999. Overall construction spend- ing has reached its highest level ever. today, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan government of Prime Minister Greenspan said of the decrease in job- Mossadeq. In this picture taken in 1951 Existing home sales are at record highs. And, of course, this morning we less claims, that ‘‘the odds increasingly here in Washington, D.C., you can see favor a revival in job creation.’’ As his relationship with Mossadeq, who he got the greatest news of all: unemploy- ment fell in October and the economy Democrats continue to try to talk respected as a nationalist. However, down the economy, the news of the re- the Eisenhower government came in, created 126,000 new jobs. Every American should be happy. covery is just too clear to ignore: President Eisenhower supported the 126,000 new jobs in October were an- coup, and the government was over- The Bush tax cuts are working; the economy is on the rise. But what is the nounced this morning. thrown in 1953. Republican policies of tax relief, fis- I thought of these events on hearing response to all this good news from my friends on the other side of the aisle? cal discipline, corporate account- the President’s speech yesterday call- ability, and national defense to protect ing for the spread of democracy in the More pessimism. More gloom and doom. Mr. Speaker, I am beginning to American families from terrorists have Middle East. Stephen Kinzer in his restored our Nation’s confidence and interviews with Iranians asked them in wonder if they view good economic news as good news at all. promoted a healthy business environ- the past what they had thought of ment. American overtures talking about de- f In conclusion, God bless our troops. mocracy in Iran, and their response DISABLED VETERANS TAX f was we had a democracy, but you (Mr. DEFAZIO asked and was given Americans overthrew it. THE ECONOMY permission to address the House for 1 We all support democracy and demo- (Mr. KINGSTON asked and was given minute and to revise and extend his re- cratic ideals, but when it comes to re- permission to address the House for 1 marks.) making societies, Mr. Speaker, we minute and to revise and extend his re- Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, the dis- marks.) should approach this with humility, re- abled veterans tax: more than one-half alism, and a sense of history. Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, the million disabled veterans, career mili- economy is turning around: a 7.2 per- f tary, have their disability benefits off- cent growth last quarter in the gross LT. COLONEL WEST SHOULD BE set dollar for dollar against their re- domestic product, the largest since GIVEN MEDAL, NOT COURT tirement. What does that mean? It Ronald Reagan cut taxes in 1984. The MARTIALED means a retired master sergeant, 100 jobless claims have fallen. More people percent disabled, is taxed at a rate of 50 are working than ever before. Produc- (Mr. DUNCAN asked and was given percent. permission to address the House for 1 tivity has increased. Tax cuts work. Now, the President rushed through Why do they work? Because the more minute and to revise and extend his re- relief for millionaires who had to pay a marks.) money a worker has in his pocket, the tax of 35 percent on the dividends they more money he is going to spend. When Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, this com- clipped off their stocks, and this House ing Monday, Lt. Colonel Allan West is he goes out and buys more clothes, accommodated that, but he says there tires, or hamburgers, small businesses scheduled to face an article 32 hearing is no money to help out those disabled to see if he should be court martialed. react by expanding their inventory. veterans. We cannot afford, the Presi- When they do that, they also hire more Colonel West is accused of threat- dent says, to offset or reduce that tax ening an Iraqi prisoner. According to employees. When more people have or eliminate that unfair tax on our dis- jobs, more people are working, more news reports, Colonel West shot his abled veterans. handgun into a firing barrel and also people pay taxes, and less people are Well, that is pretty strange when we dependent on government welfare fired it near this prisoner. He did not can do that for millionaires and bil- harm the prisoner in any way, but he checks. lionaires; but somehow, as Veterans’ Tax cuts work. The best solutions are apparently scared him into giving in- Day comes upon us, we can only give a always seen in the private sector and formation that foiled an attack on tiny bit of relief phased in over 10 years not in government. I hope the next American soldiers. to some of these veterans who are sub- time when we have an opportunity to If these news reports are accurate, jected to this outrageous tax, despite make these tax cuts permanent that Colonel West saved many American the fact that almost every Member of we can get the Democrats, particularly lives. This is a man who has served the House is a sponsor of a bill to to- those in the other body, to join us in honorably for almost 20 years in the tally repeal it. But they are afraid to making these tax cuts a permanent United States Army. He should not be put their names from the Republican part of our Tax Code. court martialed. He should be given a side on a petition to force that bill to f medal for saving American lives. the floor of the House. f Sign the petition. Have the guts to CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1588, deliver for your veterans. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZA- ECONOMIC GROWTH TION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004 f (Mrs. MILLER of Michigan asked and Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, by direc- REPUBLICAN TAX RELIEF SPURS was given permission to address the tion of the Committee on Rules, I call JOB CREATION House for 1 minute and to revise and up House Resolution 437 and ask for its extend her remarks.) (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina immediate consideration. Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. asked and was given permission to ad- The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- Speaker, if we needed any more proof dress the House for 1 minute and to re- lows: of an improving economy following vise and extend his remarks.) H. RES. 437 last week’s outstanding economic Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Resolved, That upon adoption of this reso- growth figures, we just got it. The Speaker, yesterday we learned that lution it shall be in order to consider the

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07NO7.003 H07PT1 November 7, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10983 conference report to accompany the bill America’s all-volunteer armed services erans Administration beginning Janu- (H.R. 1588) to authorize appropriations for and the families that support them. ary 1, 2004. Over the next 10 years, this fiscal year 2004 for military activities of the The pay raise will cut the pay gap be- bill will provide concurrent receipt to Department of Defense, for military con- tween military and civilian jobs from more veterans than have ever been cov- struction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe per- 6.4 to 5.5 percent. This will be the fifth ered by current law. Our veterans have sonnel strengths for such fiscal year for the consecutive year that pay raises have given deeply and heroically, and it is Armed Forces, and for other purposes. All exceeded that of the private sector. only fair we recognize their service. points of order against the conference report For our active soldiers, the conferees So let us pass this rule and pass the and against its consideration are waived. increased the rates of special pay for underlying defense authorization con- The conference report shall be considered as those subject to hostile fire and immi- ference report. At the end of the day, read. nent danger worldwide from $150 a we will be making our homeland safer, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- month to $225 per month for the period and we will be supporting our sons and tlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. beginning October 1 of 2003, through daughters serving in our military. We MYRICK) is recognized for 1 hour. December 31 of 2004. are also preparing for war, thereby en- Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, for the We also want to acknowledge where suring victory. At this crucial time in purposes of debate only, I yield the cus- these active soldiers get the source of our history, this bill is most impor- tomary 30 minutes to the gentleman their strength. It is from their families tant. from Texas (Mr. FROST), pending which here at home. And we are increasing Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of I yield myself such time as I may con- the family separation allowance for my time. sume. During consideration of this res- servicemembers with dependents from Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- olution, all time yielded is for the pur- $100 a month to $250 a month for the self such time as I may consume. pose of debate only. period October 1 this year through De- (Mr. FROST asked and was given per- This morning, the Committee on cember 31 of 2004. mission to revise and extend his re- Rules met and granted a normal con- I also want to take a moment to per- marks.) ference report rule for H.R. 1588, the sonally thank the gentleman from Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, for all of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal California (Mr. HUNTER) for tirelessly my 25 years in this Congress, I have Year 2004. The rule waives all points of fighting for the solid ‘‘Buy American worked to strengthen America’s mili- order against the conference report and Provisions’’ that are included in this tary and to increase our national secu- against its consideration. conference report. That is extremely rity. Like other defense proponents on In addition, the rule provides for 1 important to my State of North Caro- both sides of the aisle, I have bent over hour of debate equally divided and con- lina. backwards to put politics aside and trolled between the chairman and The ongoing war on terrorism dic- work together to support America’s ranking minority member of the House tates the need to have reliable domes- men and women in uniform. Committee on Armed Services. tic sources of weapons and equipment. For instance, nearly 18 months ago, I Mr. Speaker, this should not be a Unfortunately, fewer American compa- introduced the Citizenship for Amer- controversial rule. It is the type of rule nies are designing and manufacturing ica’s Troops Act, a bill to help U.S. we grant for every conference report the components and materials used in troops who are legal immigrants by we consider in the House. And I want our military systems, as the U.S. in- easing the costly and burdensome ob- to especially give my thanks to the dustrial base is becoming more depend- stacles that they face in the current chairman and ranking member of this ent on foreign sources. And this is a citizenship process. Working with committee, because they have done a disturbing factor to me, as I know it is Democrats and Republicans in the phenomenal job with this bill. It is a to the gentleman from California House and the Senate, a good com- bill that sets an example for the rest of (Chairman HUNTER). We have got to be promise was finally reached, one that the committees in the House as far as able to produce these equipment needs is in this defense authorization con- working together and doing what is here in the United States so we are not ference report. It is not perfect, but it right for the country and what is right at the mercy of some other country if does provide much-needed relief to the for our servicemen. they decide for some reason to cut us more than 37,000 patriotic legal immi- This legislation firmly shows our off. grants on active duty in the U.S. mili- commitment to restoring the strength However, I am very disappointed, and tary, brave men and women who have of our Nation’s military. The conferees I know the chairman is too, that the been fighting and dying for a country authorize $400.5 billion in budget au- conference report did not include a key in which they could not even vote. thority for the Department of Defense provision that was passed by the House This kind of cooperation and biparti- and the national security programs of that would ensure that all the compo- sanship approach, Mr. Speaker, is fun- the Department of Energy, which nents of the Department of Defense damental to our efforts to keep Amer- matches the President’s request. uniforms come from American compa- ica’s military strong, especially at a The legislation authorizes the fund- nies. The language specifically worked time when so many Americans are los- ing necessary to defend the Nation and to more adequately cover domestic tex- ing faith in President Bush’s ability to our interests around the globe. It con- tiles and leather industries. win the peace in Iraq. tains important provisions, such as I would also like to congratulate my While this conference report offers concurrent receipt pay for the Nation’s good friend and colleague on the Com- much to be proud of, Mr. Speaker, like veterans, commonsense environmental mittee on Rules, the gentleman from the military pay raise and health care reforms allowing our troops to properly Washington (Mr. HASTINGS), for author- benefits for the National Guard and Re- train, and important new benefits for ing the 1-year citizenship provision for serves that Democrats have fought for, military personnel and their families. our valiant servicemen and women. It it also demonstrates how bipartisan- The Iraqi conflict and our continuing reduces the length of service require- ship is becoming increasingly rare war on terrorism have brought a re- ment for naturalization to 1 year. And under this all-Republican government. newed and proper focus on national de- I would also like to note that the rank- During the conference committee ne- fense. We owe much to our men and ing member on the Committee on gotiations on this bill, Republican women in uniform; and their success in Rules, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. leaders shut out Democrats, including Iraq and Afghanistan is a testament to FROST), worked hard on this issue as the distinguished ranking member of their bravery, training and equipment, well. the Committee on Armed Services, the and their commitment to defend our On a positive note, I am extremely gentleman from Missouri (Mr. SKEL- freedoms. It is the means by which we pleased and proud that H.R. 1588 estab- TON), on some key areas of the con- meet our commitment to provide them lishes a payment program to simulta- ference. And the gentleman from Mis- a decent quality of life with an across- neously compensate disabled military souri will speak about those in more the-board 4.15 percent increase for retirees who were injured in combat for length. This is part of a clear and dan- military personnel, so as to sustain the their full retirement pay from DOD and gerous pattern by Republican leaders. commitment and professionalism of disability compensation from the Vet- We have seen it on the energy bill, the

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07NO7.002 H07PT1 H10984 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 7, 2003 Medicare bill, and the FAA bill; but it The conference report also builds on Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in is extraordinarily disappointing to see our efforts to support the National strong support of this rule and the un- America’s national defense policy Guard and Reserves, who bear more derlying conference report which we treated in such a partisan manner. and more of the burden of defending are going to consider this morning. Moreover, the conference report America at home and abroad. For in- I want to begin by thanking my itself contains several provisions where stance, it ensures that when the Ready friend, the former mayor of Charlotte, Republican idealogy clearly trumped Reserves serve in areas where those on the gentlewoman from North Carolina solid national defense policy. In the in- active duty get hazardous duty pay, (Mrs. MYRICK), for the fine work she terest of time, I am going to just men- they will too. And if members of the has done not only in managing this tion three examples. Ready Reserve cannot get health insur- rule but her important support of pro- First, why will President Bush and ance through their employer, it gives visions in this measure dealing with the Republicans not listen to the vet- them access to the same TRICARE sys- concurrent receipt, making sure that erans and Democrats who are fighting tem that serves the military. those veterans who have been wounded to repeal the disabled veterans tax? Additionally, Mr. Speaker, I am and suffered will also receive their re- Right now it penalizes nearly 560,000 pleased that the conference report in- tirement pay. This I know was a very disabled veterans, denying them $3 bil- cludes my own legislation to make life high priority for her. She also was very lion in military retirement benefits easier for the Guard and Reserves, both involved, Mr. Speaker, in addressing each year. As the American Legion has active duty and retirees, and their fam- the Buy American Provision, which my said, Mr. Speaker, the right thing to do ilies, by allowing them unlimited ac- very dear friend and classmate, the is repeal the tax for all service-disabled cess to commissaries. They and their gentleman from California (Mr. military retirees. Democrats have pro- families are making great sacrifices for HUNTER), the chairman of the com- posed a plan to do that; but Repub- this Nation and they deserve our sup- mittee, has pursued. And I believe that licans, led by President Bush, continue port. we have come to a reasonable com- to block it. In fact, in this bill, Repub- Finally, the bill continues to make promise on it. licans refuse to help almost 70 percent important investments in the wide I am not in total agreement with the of those disabled veterans, Mr. Speak- range of weapons that ensure Amer- gentleman on this provision, at least er. ica’s military superiority throughout the way he had originally had it, be- So when Republican Members are at the world. It includes full funding of cause I believe we need to focus on en- home for Veterans’ Day celebrations $4.4 billion for the F–35 Joint Strike suring we get the best quality product next week, I hope they will be honest Fighter, the next generation multirole at the lowest possible price for our tax- with the people about the provisions in fighter of the future for the Air Force payers. But at the same time, obvi- this bill which provide only partial re- and the Navy and the Marines. It fully ously, we do want, as a first choice, to lief to only a fraction of America’s dis- funds the F/A–22 Raptor aircraft, the focus on, in the area of machine tools abled veterans. I hope they will explain high-technology air dominance fighter and other areas, American workers and that they did not think they could af- for the Air Force, by providing $3.5 bil- American job opportunities here. I want to say that there is another ford to restore military retirement lion for 22 planes, and it includes the provision that my friend, the gen- benefits to 390,000 disabled veterans be- full $1.2 billion needed for the V–22 Os- tleman from Washington State (Mr. cause they spent so much of the U.S. prey aircraft. HASTINGS), worked on, and I know the Treasury on tax breaks for the wealthi- Mr. Speaker, all these important gentleman from Texas (Mr. FROST) est few. prodefense provisions have strong bi- worked on as well, which is very impor- Second, does anyone really believe partisan support. They reflect the long- tant, and that is to ensure that we pro- that national security requires that we standing commitment of Democrats vide citizenship to those who have gut landmark environmental protec- and Republicans to work together to risked their lives and fought on behalf tions? Of course not. But rolling back ensure the U.S. military has the re- of the interests of the United States of America’s environmental protections sources it needs. That is the type of bi- America. I am pleased that the con- is a Republican priority. So Repub- partisanship and cooperation that our licans stuck into this bill provisions ference has in fact chosen to follow the national security policy requires. It direction of this House in ensuring that that attack the Endangered Species builds strong public support for a U.S. we have brought about the Hastings Act and the Marine Mammal Protec- foreign policy here at home and en- language on this. We know that Presi- tion Act. sures our troops have the resources dent Bush strongly supports this as And, third, is it really necessary to they need to do the dangerous job we weaken the workplace protections of well, and I would like to congratulate ask of them. him on this. 746,000 patriotic Americans employed Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, Repub- at the Pentagon, the same people who lican leaders seem to have forgotten b 0930 responded so courageously to the Sep- these lessons. And the President too Mr. Speaker, this legislation is very tember 11 attack on that building? And often ignored them in the run-up to the important. As we opened the Com- is it really necessary to eliminate the war in Iraq, which is a big reason it mittee on Rules meeting at 7 o’clock rules prohibiting patronage at the Pen- will be so hard to restore President this morning, I said that if you look at tagon? Of course not. But gutting im- Bush’s credibility and the public’s con- most of the things that we do here in portant worker rights is another key fidence in his ability to win the peace Washington, D.C., most all of them can Republican priority, and they are in Iraq. The American people deserve be handled by State and local govern- shamefully using this national defense better than that, and so do our troops ments. We are obviously involved in bill to do it. in the field. I urge my Republican health care and education and a wide Fortunately, Mr. Speaker, there are friends to remember that, especially as range of areas, but clearly those are some areas of this conference report U.S. troops and U.S. taxpayers con- things that can be handled at the local where bipartisanship and sound defense tinue to shoulder almost the entire level. There is really one preeminent policy have prevailed. These include burden for rebuilding Iraq. issue that cannot be handled by a city, the substantial quality-of-life improve- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of a county or a State government, and ments that Democrats have fought for. my time. that happens to be the overall security Those include a 4.1 percent increase in Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I am of the United States of America and basic pay for all members of the Armed very pleased to yield such time as he our interests overseas. And that is why Forces, plus targeted increases for mid- may consume to the gentleman from I feel as a Member of this body very grade and senior noncommissioned offi- California (Mr. DREIER), our distin- fortunate to have both the gentleman cers and select warrant officers to en- guished chairman of the Committee on from California (Mr. HUNTER) and the hance retention. And they also include Rules. gentleman from Missouri (Mr. SKEL- an increase in imminent-danger pay (Mr. DREIER asked and was given TON) working hard to ensure that we and the family separation allowance permission to revise and extend his re- have the very, very best defense for our for U.S. troops serving in harm’s way. marks.) Nation.

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07NO7.006 H07PT1 November 7, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10985 Now, I want to say that as I listened Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 beach area. They can only do that to my friend from Dallas go through minute to the gentleman from Missouri practice in a very, very limited area of his prepared statement on this he did (Mr. SKELTON), the ranking member on about one kilometer because of envi- end by talking about the fact that the Committee on Armed Services. ronmental considerations. And if you Democrats and Republicans alike stand Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in go to bases around the country, rifle together in support of a strong defense, support of the rule and thank the gen- ranges, air space for our Air Force and but I have to disabuse my colleagues of tlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. our other services to undertake inte- the notion that was made that some- MYRICK) and the gentleman from Texas grated training with multiple aircraft, how Republicans are interested in gut- (Mr. FROST) for presenting it this all of that is being hindered and ob- ting worker rights, murdering our en- morning. structed because of a collision with our vironment. Nothing could be further This was a difficult bill, and shortly environmental laws. from the truth, Mr. Speaker. we will talk about some bumps along Now, we have an answer to that, and I will state that when it has come to the way. But, Mr. Speaker, we are at the answer is a management plan the environmental issues, and I know war. We must do our very best, and I called an inramp, and that is where the the gentleman from California (Mr. think we have done a good job as it re- military gets together with State Fish HUNTER) will get into this as he has in lates to the troops of the United States and Wildlife and Federal Fish and our meeting upstairs this morning and of America. They are superb. They are Wildlife and they make an agreement. he has repeatedly here in the well, he doing a good job. We must pay respect They make an agreement and they say, has talked about the responsibility to to them legislatively as well as to their okay, the habitat for the gnatcatcher ensure that our men and women in uni- families legislatively, and I think we will be over here, we will set aside this form are not playing second fiddle to have done that by the various items. 400 acres, and the Marines will have some obscure environmental priorities The family separation allowance, the this area for rifle training or the Army that one has. This measure, in fact, combat pay, the pay raise and all of will have this area for tank training or pursues a very balanced approach to these personnel items that we touched the Air Force will have this area for environmental issues. upon is our way of saying thanks for a aircraft training. Similarly, this notion that we some- good job well done. Once you make that agreement and how want to plunder workers rights, So I support this rule. In the process you put it in place, it is not open for that we want to gut the rights of work- I want to express my deep appreciation groups to come in and sue under the ers, again, nothing could be further to everyone in uniform and to those Endangered Species Act to close down from the truth. This measure pursues a families who support those in uniform. that rifle range, to close down that very balanced approach which focuses And, sadly, we have lost some and I tank range, to close down that air on worker rights. And so I want to say hope that this is some consolation that space that is so vital so that our people that I believe this measure is going to we continue to support the American can survive in theaters like Iraq and pass with strong bipartisan support. men and women who are wearing the Afghanistan. As the gentlewoman from North uniform of the United States of Amer- So this is offered under the propo- Carolina (Mrs. MYRICK) pointed out, ica. sition that the real endangered species the issue of concurrent receipts is im- Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 here is a 19-year-old Marine rifleman portant for us to address, especially as minutes to the gentleman from Cali- who needs the very best training that Members prepare to go back to their fornia (Mr. HUNTER), the distinguished he can get here at home before he States and districts and talk about the chairman of the Committee on Armed projects American power overseas, and important sacrifice that has been made Services. in this bill we put together this bal- and, of course, as we think today, and Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank ance between conservation and mili- the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. the gentlewoman for yielding me time. tary requirements. SKELTON) was the first one to report Let me congratulate my colleague, Also, with respect to allowing our this to us in the Committee on Rules the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. submariners to utilize the best of their this morning, we heard the tragic news SKELTON), my good partner on the sonar devices that will keep them alive overnight of a Black Hawk helicopter Committee on Armed Services, and all when they are in the littorals, in shal- that was downed and the loss of six the Members, Republican and Demo- low water areas around the world, lives. We continue to live in a very dan- crat, who helped to put this bill to- where they will be faced with very gerous world. And the chairman of the gether. I want to thank the gentle- quiet diesel submarines which are now Permanent Select Committee on Intel- woman from North Carolina (Mrs. being proliferated in certain adver- ligence, the gentleman from Florida MYRICK), the chairman on the com- saries’ navies. We say that, whereas be- mittee, the gentleman from California fore the standard was that if a mam- (Mr. GOSS), I think made a point very clearly in our hearing this morning and (Mr. DREIER), who gave us a lot of time mal, maybe a sea lion, was potentially that is that we need to take action and attention, and all the members of disturbed that military training could now. We want to make sure that the the Committee on Rules. not take place in his neighborhood. conflict exists there and not here, and Let me just say a word or two about Now we say he has to actually be sig- that is why this legislation is so impor- what this bill does because this bill nificantly disturbed. He has to actually tant, so that we can in fact deal with makes what I consider to be some be disturbed or that disturbance has to those who want to do us in. sweeping reforms and it is a great bill. be significant enough to alter the way The training that continues to take It covers a number of major areas, and he migrates or feeds or the way he goes place in the madrasas, which is along with what I call the ‘‘people about his daily life. virulently opposed to the United States issues’’; that is, the pay raise that has So we are trying to give as much and our Western values, the other kind been mentioned, the additional monies value to the sailors’ survival as we of terrorist activity that we are seeing, for housing that brings down the have given to the sea lions’ survival. I we have to be prepared to deal with amount that a service member has to think that is a good balance. In this that. pay out of their pocket, all of the case we put the sailor ahead of the sea Lives are being lost on a regular things that go to quality of life for per- lion. I think the American people want basis because of this battle against sonnel. It also covers some major areas that. international terrorism, but with pas- that have needed reform. With respect to personnel, right now sage of this legislation we will be able One aspect of that is what I call free- we are facing a war that is a new war. to diminish the threat of loss of life dom to train, and today if you go to a It is a war in which we see terrorists and ensure that our men and women in place like Camp Pendleton, I have used with high technology. We have to be uniform are equipped and compensated that as an example, it has some 17 flexible. We have to move quickly, and to deal with this very, very serious miles of shoreline. Only a very small that involves people who not just wear issue. area can actually be utilized for Ma- the uniform of the United States, it Mr. Speaker, I urge strong support of rines who basically practice Iwo Jima. also involves people who wear the civil this rule and the conference report. They practice assaulting a defended service uniform.

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07NO7.008 H07PT1 H10986 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 7, 2003 So we are empowering Mr. Rumsfeld intelligence must be addressed now. A from corrosion and have high mainte- with the ability to reshape his civil ‘‘lessons learned’’ study cannot await nance costs. So the KC–135 must be re- service so that instead of taking 4 or 5 the conclusion of David Kay’s ongoing placed, and this is good news because or 6 months to go through the bureauc- WMD search. Regardless of what he this defense authorization conference racy to qualify a civil servant to work finds, there were problems with collec- report does that. at a job so you get to the point where tion, analysis and the way policy mak- But, Mr. Speaker, I would like to you just direct a sergeant to go do it ers used the information. place the House on notice that we will and he salutes and goes and does it, we I strongly support this bill’s require- have to correct some of the problems will now be able to quickly move civil ment of an Iraq ‘‘lessons learned’’ re- that have been created by this agree- servants into that job. We will be able port by the Department of Defense due ment in the current legislation. The to hire them quickly, and when people March 31 of next year. As a conferee on conference report changes the original show an extraordinary ability to work the intelligence authorization bill, I plan for the KC–767. It changes the de- and an enthusiasm and dedication that plan to push for an interim ‘‘lessons livery rate and purchasing method that rises above the community, that they learned’’ report from the Intelligence was supposed to save approximately $4 will be rewarded for that. And we have Community on the same date as the billion, an estimated $4 billion, but the tested these ideas in pilot projects military’s report is due, and I hope short-term plan was shortsighted. It around the country, and the members that the gentleman from Florida does create a long-term problem. I will who have participated in the pilot (Chairman GOSS) will join me in this submit for the RECORD the letter from projects have voted that they like it. request. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul So we are undertaking important re- Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 Wolfowitz outlining the plan to change forms in this bill. We are giving the minutes to the gentleman from Kansas the delivery schedule for the first 100 military the tools they need to fight (Mr. TIAHRT). aircraft. It essentially changes it from this new type of war. I would urge ev- Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I thank a 20-per-year delivery rate to a 12-per- eryone to support the rule and support the gentlewoman from North Carolina year delivery rate. the bill. (Mrs. MYRICK) for yielding me time. When we assume the total program of Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank 400 aircraft, instead of ending this pro- minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- the chairman of the Committee on gram in fiscal year 2025, it will now end fornia (Ms. HARMAN). Armed Services, the gentleman from in fiscal year 2039. That moves the mid- Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank California (Mr. HUNTER), who has just point of this entire program 7 years to the gentleman for yielding me time. gone through very difficult negotia- the right. If we assume an average cost Mr. Speaker, as the ranking member tions at a very difficult time. Some of $150 million per aircraft and a 5 per- of the House Permanent Select Com- Members may not know that he lost cent inflation rate, that is for in- mittee on Intelligence, I am a conferee his home to the California wildfires creased labor cost, increased material on the Defense Authorization Act. Vir- that swept through southern Cali- cost, increased cost of money, it raises tually all of the funding for intel- fornia. So I thank the gentleman from the cost of the entire program by 40.7 ligence is contained in this bill. California (Mr. HUNTER). percent. So instead of 60 billion over 21 This bill is far from perfect. Like a This is good news. This defense con- years for the KC–767 program, the Fed- number of conferees, I am enormously ference report is good news for our eral Government will have to spend ap- concerned about developing bunker young men and women who serve in proximately $84.4 billion over 35 years. buster nuclear weapons, weakening the Armed Services and are required to What needs to be done? We are going nonproliferation programs, and an as- carry out the will of this Nation over- to address the delivery schedule. It sault on collective bargaining, all of seas. We want to give them the tools must be accelerated so that we can which is unfortunately part of this leg- necessary so they can do their job and reach an optimum production rate and islation. come home safely to their families, and a lower cost per aircraft. We also need Nonetheless, I signed the conference this bill provides many of the tools to provide adequate budget authority report and I intend to vote for final necessary for that to happen. It is also to serve the taxpayers with significant passage. The lives of American sol- good news for our veterans in address- reduction in the cost of this program diers, sailors, airmen and women, Ma- ing the issue of concurrent receipts. by accelerating the production rate. rines and civilians are on the line in It is also very good news for the KC– But over all, Mr. Speaker, this is a Iraq and in the global war on ter- 767 program. This is a critical part of very good conference report, and it is rorism. Accurate and actionable intel- our defense program and it completes going to be something that is going to ligence is vital if we are to prevail, and the circuit for the start of a new pro- help our young men and women as well I intend to do everything I can to pro- gram in fulfilling a great need by re- as veterans. I support the rule, and I vide our forces with the best intel- placing our KC–135’s, the tanker fleet support the defense conference report. ligence possible. that we currently have. DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, The funds in this bill meet important Washington, DC, November 5, 2003. intelligence needs vital to our Nation’s b 0945 Hon. JOHN WARNER, security and, in contrast to the recent For those who are not familiar with Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, the KC–135, this is basically a gas sta- U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. $87 billion supplemental, these funds DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Thank you again for come through the regular budget proc- tion in the sky. It refuels other air- your consideration of the Department of De- ess. craft, and it is a very necessary link in fense’s proposal to lease 100 KC–767A air- Still, the following needs to be said: projecting power for this country. Af- craft. As you know, there has been a vig- The Permanent Select Committee on ghanistan and Iraq once again con- orous debate on the best way to get this pro- Intelligence on a bipartisan basis has firmed the necessity that in today’s gram started. Your most recent amendment identified serious shortcomings in the war on terrorism, we must have tank- would allow the Air Force to lease no more prewar intelligence on Iraq’s weapons ers to fulfill the role of carrying out than 20 of the 100 tankers. The Air Force has and projecting power. The problem has developed a proposal to implement that ar- of mass destruction and ties to ter- rangement, and I hope that you will find it rorism. Sketchy and often circumstan- been that they are an aging fleet. The acceptable. tial evidence produced estimates that average age of the KC–135s is 43 years. Our proposal strikes a necessary balance likely were substantially wrong. At a Can the Members imagine, Mr. Speak- between the critical need for new air-refuel- minimum, I believe the Intelligence er, coming back and forth to work in a ing tankers and the constraints on our budg- Community overstated the strength of 1960 automobile? This is basically what et. As reflected in the enclosed chart, we in- the underlying data supporting the we have asked our young men and tend to lease the initial 20 aircraft and then women to do. The average age of 43 buy aircraft at a steady rate of 11 to 13 air- conclusions. craft per year until delivery of the 100th. We The Intelligence Community has yet years is the equivalent of driving a 1960 commit to add $2.4B, in Fiscal Years (FYs) to acknowledge any flaws in prewar in- Dodge Dart. And just like an older 2008 through 2010, to the funding profile for telligence. With American lives on the automobile would suffer from rust and the original proposal to lease 100 aircraft. We line now, the shortcomings in prewar need repair, these aircraft are suffering also will add $1.4B in FY 2012 to 2013. The

VerDate jul 14 2003 05:12 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07NO7.009 H07PT1 November 7, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10987 combination of these added funds achieves allow Congress to flout the budget res- deep sense of gratitude to the gen- an immediate start to the program and al- olution without facing up to these tleman from California (Chairman lows us to purchase the last 80 aircraft at costs. If Congress feels that it is nec- HUNTER), as well as the gentleman time of delivery. essary to abandon the budget resolu- from Missouri (Mr. SKELTON), ranking I appreciate the support that you have pro- vided in the past and look forward to work- tion that supposedly prevails in the member, for their extraordinary and ing with you in the future. If you require fur- House and further increases the deficit, bipartisan leadership on behalf of that ther information, please do not hesitate to then we ought to be accountable for fundamental function of our Nation contact me. A similar letter has been sent to that decision. But this rule would and this Congress to provide for the the chairmen and ranking minority members make sure that no Member of this body common defense and in meeting the ur- of each of the defense committees. will have the opportunity to demand gent needs of soldiers in the field of Sincerely, such accountability. today, our intelligence community, but PAUL WOLFOWITZ. Let me tell the Members specifically also meeting the needs of those who Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 the two problems in the conference re- have served in uniform. I believe this minutes to the gentleman from South port with respect to these items that conference report goes a long way to- Carolina (Mr. SPRATT). give me trouble. The conference report ward discharging that duty. Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I support phases in a compromised version of Mr. Speaker, in the survival of free- this bill, and I am glad to see us put concurrent receipt. In 2004 this would dom we literally as American citizens some quality-of-life provisions in it; increase direct spending by $800 mil- owe our veterans everything. But in a and I commend the chairman, whom I lion. By 2013 this would increase an- world of limited resources, we can only have worked with for 20-odd years, for nual cost to as much as $3.5 billion. in this Congress do the right thing. I once again bringing a bill to closure. This provision would cost an estimated rise specifically today on virtually the I do have to call attention to the fact $22 billion in additional direct spending eve of Veterans’ Day to point out how that this rule waives all points of over the next 10 years, none of which is this Congress, thanks to the bipartisan order, which is typical; but in this provided for in the mandatory spending leadership of the defense authorizing case, as ranking member of the Budget provisions of the budget resolution. committee, is doing the right thing by Committee, I feel obliged to make my That is why I call it a substantial de- veterans in the area of concurrent re- colleagues aware what it is we are parture. ceipts. waiving because it is not a good way to There is another anomaly in the way Since arriving in Congress, I have do business; it is not a good way to concurrent receipt is treated. Since the heard from one veteran after another, men and women who had worn the uni- keep a budget. mid-1980s, we have recognized military form of the United States of America, This conference report contains two retirement costs through an accrual about the injustice of losing disability provisions that entail significant system that sets aside funds to cover benefits for which they were eligible as spending over and above the amounts the cost of retirement benefits we owe veterans at the time they reached the allowed in the budget resolution. One in the future for today’s military serv- age of retirement. Thanks to this legis- allows concurrent receipt of military ice. The concurrent receipt provisions lation, in most cases disability benefits retirement benefits for retirees who in this bill eliminate a reduction or off- incurred in uniform or earned in uni- also get VA disability benefits. The set in military retirement and thus in- form will not be forfeited simply be- other commits the government to lease crease military retirement benefits. and purchase up to 20 or maybe even cause a veteran reaches the age of re- Under current procedures, we should tirement. The Good Book tells us if we 100 new tanker aircraft. increase our accrual payments to ac- No funds were added to this con- owe debts, pay debts; if honor, then count for the fact that we have just in- honor; if respect, then respect. By ference report to pay for either of these creased future spending on retirement programs, and that is my problem. Be- meeting the urgent needs of the de- benefits. This bill does not do that. It fense of the Nation today, we pay a tween the two of them, they will entail departs from a convention we adopted new unfunded future commitments of debt to those who risk and expend their 20 years ago for reporting military re- lives in the advancement of our free- approximately $40 billion, $22 billion tirement programs. for concurrent receipt, $18 billion for dom. But by addressing the injustice of The conference agreement also in- current veterans benefits, Congress 100 new tanker aircraft. cludes language that was not in either As a member of the Committee on today goes a long way toward paying bill to lease 20 tankers and then buy 80 the debt we owe to those we can never Armed Services, I support the com- more. In effect, what it allows is incre- promise on concurrent receipt, and I repay. mental funding, something we have not Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 understand the need for new tankers; done for big procurement programs for minutes to the gentleman from Illinois but I am concerned, and have to be, a long, long time. It entails at least a (Mr. EVANS). about the way we are doing this. The liability of $4 billion, maybe as much Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I thank rule before us would waive the point of as $18 billion, and yet none of this the gentleman for yielding me this order that would otherwise lie against money is in the Air Force budget. None time and for his leadership. the conference report for some clear of this authority has been recognized. I rise to point out that this con- and substantial departures from the What we have here is an effort to ob- ference report does not adequately ad- budget resolution that is supposed to scure the fact that we are increasing dress the needs of our disabled military be prevailing in this House. the defense budget but not adding BA retirees. Later today we will be consid- We just finished the fiscal year 2003, commensurate to the amount of the in- ering a motion to recommit. And I Mr. Speaker, with the largest deficit in crease. strongly urge Members to support that our peacetime history, $374 billion. The There are committees right now and motion and urge that we fix a tremen- deficit for next year, fiscal year 2004, is next week railing against corporate dous injustice in this conference re- likely to break that by $100 billion, misaccounting in this country and port. even without the additional cost of should be. But we should keep our own The conference report provides no re- these programs which are not included books in proper order in order to make lief whatsoever to two-thirds of dis- in any of CBO’s or OMB’s projections. such criticisms. This is not a way to abled veterans who are now paying the All I am saying is if concurrent re- budget. I support the bill and hope it Disabled Veterans Tax. Further, it pro- ceipt is a worthy benefit, and I think it does not constitute a precedent for the vides only limited relief from the un- is, then let us pay for it or at least let future. fair tax burden to those it does cover. us recognize fully in the budget the Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Under this report, veterans with dis- cost of it. If we need these tankers, and minutes to the gentleman from Indiana abilities rated at 50 percent or more I accept the arguments that we do, (Mr. PENCE). would have to wait 10 years before re- then let us pay for them. Let us make Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ceiving their full military retirement the argument and pay for them and set gentlewoman for yielding me this time. pay. The vast majority of eligible vet- the priority in the budget. This bill I rise in strong support of the rule erans are left out. In fact, 400,000 vet- does not do that, and this rule would and of the conference report with a erans with disabilities rated under 50

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07NO7.003 H07PT1 H10988 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 7, 2003 percent would not receive any relief at tional Resources Management Plans, pay or pay for working on holidays or all. In other words, some veterans who that there is consultation, there is col- weekends. This is ironic, since both the lost their limbs while serving their laboration with the Committee on Re- House and the Senate recently voted to country are not considered worthy of sources and the other agencies protect overtime pay for private sector relief after they get back to the States. throughout the Federal Government. employees. This is not ‘‘full concurrent receipt’’ That model that deals with INRMPs, As the war efforts in Iraq have dem- as has been claimed. This is clearly not that assures those guys on the ground, onstrated, DOD employees do not work a victory for veterans. It is an attempt that young 19-year-old rifleman, is only Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. to divide and conquer veterans so as to going to get the best training, no com- Frankly, it is shameful that Congress deprive most retirees of their earned promise on that. And I would like to is going to give those employees who retirement benefits. A vote for the mo- work with the Committee on Armed safeguard our national security less tion to recommit is a vote for full con- Services to deal with those issues over overtime protection than it gives pri- current receipt and an end to the tax the next several months. vate employees. Finally, I have concerns about some on our disabled veterans. b 1000 I urge all Members to vote for this of the provisions dealing with govern- motion and support what 374 Members Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 ment-wide procurement policy. In par- have already said by cosponsoring leg- minutes to the gentleman from Cali- ticular, the bill extends to all civilian islation for full, not partial, concurrent fornia (Mr. WAXMAN). agencies something known as ‘‘other Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank receipt. transaction authority’’ for research the gentleman for yielding me time. and development projects related to de- Mr. Speaker, I believe the veterans of I rise to express my opposition to the our country are wise enough to make fense against terrorism. This would es- conference report on the Department of sentially waive all Federal procure- judgments about where they want to Defense authorization bill. I want to go, and I salute them for raising the ment laws for these contracts. The bill pick up with where the last speaker also includes excessive waivers of pro- issues that we have been dealing with finished. He said he thought in this bill the last few years. curement rules for contracts related to they went a little further than was other anti-terrorism products and serv- Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 necessary in the area of the Endan- minutes to the gentleman from Mary- ices. gered Species Act and Marine Mammal It is wrong to take important must- land (Mr. GILCHREST). Protection Act. I want to say what I Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Speaker, I pass legislation like the DOD author- believe to be the case, that the problem ization and load it up with right-wing thank the gentlewoman for yielding me with this bill is that it has been hi- this time, and I want to say right up policies that damage the environment jacked by the Republican leadership and strip employees of basic rights, but front that I will vote for this defense and the White House, who insisted on authorization. The gentleman from that is what this bill is doing, and I am provisions that weakened environ- going to urge my colleagues to oppose California (Mr. HUNTER), the gen- mental laws relating to the Endan- tleman from Missouri (Mr. SKELTON), it. gered Species Act and the Marine Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 and a whole range of people have done Mammal Protection Act. an outstanding job to ensure the safety minutes to the gentleman from North I am also the ranking member of the AYES). not only of the United States and our Carolina (Mr. H Committee on Government Reform, Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank security but of those young men and and I want to address the civil service the gentlewoman from North Carolina women who are out there basically but- provisions in this bill. I am not opposed for her leadership and appreciate her tressing the pillars of civilization. to reasonable reform that makes the yielding me time. The gentleman from California (Mr. Federal Government function more ef- Let me say that the gentleman from HUNTER) mentioned a little while ago ficiently and still protects the basic Florida (Mr. BILIRAKIS) for 18 years in that a 19-year-old rifleman ought to rights of Federal employees, but this this Congress supported legislation get the best training in the world. I bill is not reasonable. that would give concurrent receipt to agree with him 100 percent. I was a 19- Senator COLLINS developed a bipar- our veterans; 18 years. People in this year-old Marine Corps rifleman who tisan compromise that safeguarded the Chamber need to know that, because worked with the Navy over a period of collective bargaining rights of 700,000 there are people here who have been years, went into assaulted-fortified po- DOD employees, yet gave DOD much of present during that time, and during sitions from Navy ships. So I person- the flexibility it requested, but this that time the people who are now say- ally recognize the absolute need, the bill abandons that compromise. This ing that Republicans will not support uncompromising need, to ensure the bill makes a mockery of labor relations our veterans need to remind them- best available training, the best equip- at the Defense Department. At the selves that not a one of them joined ment, the best of support that this same time that the bill claims to pro- sponsorship for his bill while that was country can offer to U.S. soldiers, sail- tect collective bargaining, it allows there. ors, Marine Corps, and airmen. DOD to waive these requirements for Since I came to Congress, Mr. Speak- I would like to work with the Com- the next 6 years. During these 6 years, er, I have been working to strengthen mittee on Armed Services and the the Department can run rough-shod the Berry Amendment to help ensure chairman and the ranking member. over its unions. The Department can that the Department of Defense use Over the next several months, the decide what issues will be bargained, American manufacturers and products Committee on Resources will be reau- how labor and management impasses in its procurement programs. This past thorizing the Marine Mammal Protec- will be resolved and whether it will dis- spring, and this good rule supports tion Act. The language in the defense criminate against union members. these efforts, I became very concerned authorization bill dealing with the ma- This bill also makes it harder for when there was a blanket waiver issued rine mammals was something that we DOD employees to gain redress for un- for commercial aircraft. worked out. The language that is in fair treatment. Currently employees Among other products, this largely the defense bill now, I think, goes be- have the ability to file appeals with the jeopardizes our domestic titanium in- yond what is necessary. There are some independent Merit Systems Protection dustry. The number of companies that issues dealing with small numbers Board, but under this bill employees currently comprise this industrial base versus negligeable numbers. There are first would have to go through an in- has shrunk to three domestic producers some issues dealing with confined geo- ternal DOD appeals process. An admin- of titanium. Maintaining this base is graphic areas. There are issues dealing istration that says it is against bu- not only vital for our economy, but with permits. There are issues with ci- reaucracy and red tape wants to create also our national security. We simply vilian scientific research. so much bureaucracy for employee ap- cannot be relying on the Russians and I think the model we can use for the peals that employees will simply give the Chinese, who are developing their marine mammals and the Marine up trying to protect their rights. own economies, to supply significant training is laid out before us in this The bill removes requirements for amounts of titanium for our Nation’s thing called INRMPs, Integrated Na- DOD employees to receive overtime defense.

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07NO7.016 H07PT1 November 7, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10989 The gentleman from California concerns about this bill, too. I rep- (Mr. INSLEE asked and was given (Chairman HUNTER) has been tenacious resent the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard permission to revise and extend his re- in working to make sure that our in- in Bremerton, Keyport, Bangor. Many marks.) dustrial defense base is strengthened, of these work rules are very much de- Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, I would not protected, strengthened, so that plored by the workers there, and I re- like to express my deep disappoint- our national security is foremost. gret that they have been attached to ment at the failure to deal with chal- I would like to yield to the gen- this legislation, but we will continue to lenges for one-half of our patriotic tleman from California (Chairman work to try and deal with them as we team in the war against terrorism. We HUNTER) for his comments on this proceed in this session of Congress. have done some good things in here for issue. I want to rise in very strong support our folks in the Armed Services, but Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, will the of the provision my friend the gen- for our civilian employees, who are a gentleman yield? tleman from Kansas (Mr. TIAHRT) crucial part of our defense team, we are Mr. HAYES. I yield to the gentleman talked about earlier, the question of removing protections for overtime pay from California. tankers. I became interested in this and other matters, and that is just Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank issue several years ago with a visit to abominable. my colleague, and we are going to de- Tinker Air Force Base where we saw When I went out to greet with the scribe during the general debate the the condition of our KC–135–Es. I be- gentleman from Washington (Mr. great industrial base provisions, like lieve that this is a crucial national pri- DICKS) the Carl Vinson when she came the machine tool provision that we ority, to get a new tanker replacement back from the Afghanistan war, I came out of this conference with, some program started. talked to the folks about their incred- excellent stuff. The Air Force has chosen the 767. We ibly successful safety record of thou- But with respect to titanium, we have had a lot of controversy about sands of sorties without a loss, and know that we have three major makers whether we should buy or lease. We they told me it is in large part because of titanium left in this country. Other- have come up with a combination here. of the incredibly adept maintenance wise, you have to rely on foreign The Secretary of Defense’s office, led done on that ship by our civilian em- sources. I want to thank the gentleman by Mr. Wolfowitz, sent a letter on ployees. This bill is a jab and a mark of from North Carolina (Mr. HAYES) per- Thursday, which has brought us to- disrespect for those civilian employees, sonally for putting together the work- gether. I want to commend the Speak- who are every bit as patriotic as our ing group between industry and the Air er, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. folks in the Armed Services today, and Force and Members who are interested, HASTERT), for his dedicated leadership there is no reason for this to have hap- and putting together what we call the on this issue. Without his tremendous pened. basket approach to titanium. effort and tenacity, we would not have Now, this is just the first step in this The basket approach says basically gotten this far. effort. We are going to continue to this: If you are going to take a domes- I intend to have a colloquy later with work on this, that this effort of flexi- the chairman of the committee when tic system, like the planes that are bility does not mean disrespect for our we get to the authorization bill on this candidates for this tanker operation, civilian employees. We are going to matter, but I just want to say that I and you convert them into a military stay on it like a dog with a bone. want to compliment everyone who has system, right now the Berry Amend- Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 worked on this. For 2 years, we had to ment says you have to use American- minute to the gentleman from New get an effort under way to get this re- made titanium on American military Jersey (Mr. SMITH). placement effort going. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. systems. Not to understate it, every single We have agreed that since some of Speaker, I rise in very strong support plane that flew into Afghanistan and of this rule and the underlying bill these civilian aircraft will have some into Iraq had to be refueled multiple which will follow immediately there- foreign-made titanium, we got with the times. Our whole effort to improve our after. industry leaders and they agreed that bomber capability with the B–2 and I want to just point out to my col- they would take and require the same smart weapons and all of the aircraft leagues that the concurrent receipt amount of American titanium, with in coming off of our carriers, Navy and victory that is in this bill is signifi- fact a 10 percent increase, and spread Marine Corps aircraft, all of them had cant, it is profound, it is historic, and that across the rest of their lines to to be refueled multiple times. So you make up for the foreign titanium that do not get anything done without will make a major difference in the was in those civilian aircraft. I have tankers. lives of our men and women who have talked with industry leaders. They feel We have planes now, 544 of them, served ably and honorably in our mili- a strong commitment to that policy. that were built between 1957 and 1963. tary, have served for 20 years or more, I want to thank the gentleman for These are very old aircraft. We have se- and also have been disabled. It will pro- putting that in place. I think it is rious corrosion problems, and I am glad vide that anyone who is service-con- going to accrue to the benefit of not that this conference committee was nected disabled 50 percent or more or only our tanker program, but also the able to come together and put together combat-related of any rating will get health of the titanium industry. a package and that the administration the full concurrent receipt after a Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming has said they will make it work. phase-in of 10 years. my time, I thank the chairman very I believe this is one of the most im- Let me point out to my colleagues much, and thanks again to the gentle- portant things we can do. If you think that this adds about $22 billion in bene- woman from North Carolina (Mrs. about it, tankers and the EA–6–Bs, fits over 10 years to veterans com- MYRICK). This is a great rule. It is for which are also old and in terrible con- pensation. This is not an insignificant our troops, it is for our Nation, The dition, are two weapons systems that amount of money. spirit and intent of what we discussed have become absolutely fundamental After the phase-in period, let me re- is there. to our U.S. ability to project power mind my colleagues as well that this Vote for this rule. around the world. I am glad we can get bill adds about a $3.5 billion every year Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 this tanker thing moving forward and to service connected disabled vets. So minutes to the gentleman from Wash- that it is in this bill. the next 10 years we are talking about ington (Mr. DICKS). I appreciate the gentleman from another $35 billion more that will go to (Mr. DICKS asked and was given per- California (Mr. HUNTER) and the gen- our disabled veterans. That is in excess mission to revise and extend his re- tleman from Missouri (Mr. SKELTON) of $57 billion to our disabled veterans marks.) for their leadership on this issue. as a result of this legislation. Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I want to Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I reserve I want to thank the gentleman from thank the gentleman from Texas for my time. California (Mr. HUNTER), the chairman yielding me this time. Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 of the committee, for his work, the Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the minute to the gentleman from Wash- gentleman from Florida (Mr. BILI- conference report and this rule. I have ington (Mr. INSLEE). RAKIS), the gentleman from Missouri

VerDate jul 14 2003 05:12 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07NO7.020 H07PT1 H10990 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 7, 2003 (Mr. BLUNT), and so many others who publicans or Democrats, and we have a bombing a bridge, we send in that one worked on this to make sure that we very bipartisan committee, and I am precision munition, it hits one strut on get concurrent receipt resolved. proud of that. I want to thank the gen- that bridge and brings the whole bridge b 1015 tleman from Missouri (Mr. SKELTON) as down, if we have that combination and not just a friend, but a real full partner we have the legs to get it there over Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- in helping to shape America’s defenses, the target in whatever remote part of self such time as I may consume. along with all of the members on the the world we are operating in, we can I would only point out to the pre- Democrat side on the Committee on project American power, we can pro- vious speaker and to speakers on the Armed Services and, of course, our tect our military forces, and we can other side that if the Republicans in great, great folks on the Republican drive them in a blitzkrieg attack the House were willing to forego a lit- side, along with the subcommittee against the enemy target, whether it is tle bit of the tax cuts for the wealthy, chairmen and ranking members who enemy forces surrounding Baghdad or we could fully fund concurrent re- have done such a great job. some other area of the world; and ceipts, rather than just partially fund- Now, Mr. Speaker, we face a new era. Americans now understand that. ing concurrent receipts. This is an era of what I would call ter- So we have to have tankers. If we do Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this rorists with high technology; and prob- scenarios around the world, every sin- rule and adoption of this conference re- ably Jim Woolsey said it best when he gle scenario requires lots of American port. said we have killed the big dragon, that tankers and, I might say, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance is, we have disassembled the Soviet more than we have now, newer than we of my time. Union, but there are lots of poisonous have now, more capable than we have Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield snakes out there, and we are seeing now. That is the reason we are putting myself such time as I may consume. those poisonous snakes and the effect the tanker deal together, and that is I want to again thank the chairman of their bites every day around the the reason that this is being carried in and ranking member of this committee world, not just in the theatres in Af- this bill. for the good work they have done in ghanistan and Iraq, but elsewhere. And Now, let me tell my colleagues, with bringing this bill forward. It is a good I think probably the American people respect to personnel, we have had some bill at the right time in history to help since 9–11 still have an acute under- arm wrestling over this. But I think our men and women and to be sure that standing of the venom and the poison that the guy with whom we are trust- we are doing all we can in this war on that is manifest in that capability of ing millions of young American lives, terrorism. our adversaries in this new era of ter- the Secretary of Defense, can be trust- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance rorists with high technology. ed with reshaping our personnel system of my time, and I move the previous Our job is to meet that threat, and in civil service in the Department of question on the resolution. our job is further, in meeting that Defense to be more effective, and I The previous question was ordered. threat, to shape the U.S. military and think be more rewarding for those The resolution was agreed to. our defense apparatus to meet the workers. I think they like the idea that A motion to reconsider was laid on threat, to defeat it, and to equip it; to we are going to be able to hire people the table. give it the tools that it needs to do its right out of that job fair instead of Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, pursuant job most effectively, and this bill does telling them, in 3 months, maybe the to House Resolution 437, I call up the that, Mr. Speaker. Federal Government can hire you, conference report on the bill (H.R. I wanted to talk about a number of while IBM and the private concerns are 1588), to authorize appropriations for issues with respect to this bill. This is picking them up immediately. I like fiscal year 2004 for military activities a sweeping bill; and it does a number of the idea that they are going to be able of the Department of Defense, for mili- reforms, a number of changes, a num- to be qualified for a job within a few tary construction, and for defense ac- ber of things that I think are impor- days instead of after 3 or 4 months of tivities of the Department of Energy, tant to change our military as we move bureaucracy, and that will allow them to prescribe personnel strengths for into this new era. to take jobs that military people are such fiscal year for the Armed Forces, Let me talk about, first just talk doing now. When we have tested these and for other purposes. about the last subject that came up things in places like China Lake, a ma- The Clerk read the title of the bill. during the rule, and that is the tank- jority of the workers, the workers have (For conference report and state- ers. Because, yes, the tanker agree- voted that they like this new system, ment, see proceedings of the House of ment is in this bill. Let me tell my col- this new flexible personnel system. November 6, 2003, Book II.) leagues a little bit about that. This is an important new part of shap- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- First, anyone who does a security ing the military. ant to House Resolution 437, the con- analysis or a briefing on potential So I think that is good. ference report is considered as having threats around this world and present Freedom to train, Mr. Speaker, we been read. threats understands that tankers are have talked about that. We have to The gentleman from California (Mr. extremely important. I just might add give our young people the freedom to HUNTER) and the gentleman from Mis- that I undertook a series of classified train, and once we make that agree- souri (Mr. SKELTON) each will control and unclassified briefings, as have most ment that the bird hatchery is going to 30 minutes. members of the Committee on Armed be over here and the rifle range is The Chair recognizes the gentleman Services over the last many years, and going to be over here, we cannot let from California (Mr. HUNTER). paramount to our ability to project groups then go sue to close down the Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield power is American air power. rifle range on the basis that they want myself such time as I may consume. Whether we are talking about B–2 to get that one too. We have to allow a Mr. Speaker, first, I want to thank bombers that can fly literally from balance to be maintained. One Marine all of my colleagues who participated Whiteman Air Base to strike a target said it best. He said to our members of in putting this bill together from the in Kosovo with precision munitions, or the Committee on Armed Services, he earliest hearing that we had early in talking about tactical aircraft flying said, for years we have done work- the year on the threat that America off a carrier and hitting targets in Af- arounds. He said, we cannot work faces, on the status of our Armed ghanistan or Iraq, we need tankers. around it anymore, there is no land left Forces, and on what we need to do to Tankers, that big gas station in the to work around. So we need to have give the President and our troops the sky that the gentleman from Kansas this. This is very, very important legis- tools to get the job done. My partner, (Mr. TIAHRT) talked about, are nec- lation, freedom-to-train legislation, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. essary to project American air power. Mr. Speaker. SKELTON), is every bit a 50–50 partner If we have American air power and, Let me talk about the industrial in this operation, Mr. Speaker. When specifically, if we have stealth, and we base. We have got in this bill a great we really get down to what it takes to couple that stealth with precision mu- foundation for bringing back and main- protect our freedom, there are no Re- nitions, that is, instead of carpet- taining the industrial base of this

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07NO7.023 H07PT1 November 7, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10991 country, and the centerpiece of this is entire population of veterans who were and our issues. They are depending on what I think is the centerpiece of not hurt in combat, were not hit by us. We will not let them down. And we American production, the machine tool enemy bullets, were not hurt while are at war. industry of this country, which used to training for combat but, nonetheless, I want to highlight just a few issues be second to none. We have a provision have disabilities. And all of those peo- that cause me to support this bill. The in this bill, it is not a mandatory pro- ple who are over 50 percent, Mr. Speak- bill includes a 4.1 percent pay raise for vision, so it is not going to make any- er, are going to receive both checks. the troops. The bill provides an in- body have to go in and take out bil- Now, that is going to bring in about crease in imminent-danger pay. It pro- lions of dollars of machine tools, but it 250,000 people, new people into the sys- vides for family separation allowance, says that if you are an American con- tem. It is a big, big victory for vet- which will directly benefit our service- tractor bidding on a DOD job, if you erans. It is a wonderful thing. men and -women who are serving in use an American machine tool instead Mr. Speaker, let me just say, too, Iraq and Afghanistan and other dan- of a foreign machine tool, you are along with the gentleman from New gerous spots away from their homes. going to get points in the competition. York (Mr. MCHUGH), the gentleman The conference report further author- And I think that is going to incentivize from Florida (Mr. BILIRAKIS), obvi- izes TRICARE coverage in the military some of our companies, big and small, ously, the guy that I call the father of health care system for our National to say instead of looking at another concurrent receipt, it has been a big Guardsmen and for our Reservists who foreign-made machine tool, let us call part of his career. And the gentleman played such a vital role against ter- up that American company and see from New Jersey (Mr. SMITH), the gen- rorism. what they have. Maybe we can use that tleman from Missouri (Mr. BLUNT), lots b 1030 machine tool. And that is going to, I of great people; I might say that Sen- Finally, very, very important, this believe, Mr. Speaker, start to bring ator WARNER also, working on Purple back this base of machine tools upon bill includes increasing the Army’s size Heart Plus last year, had a good hand 2,400 additional soldiers. That is so ter- which a lot of our defense manufac- in starting to put this thing together, turing capability was founded. We do a ribly important because the troops are lots and lots of people. Lots of our vet- so strained at this time, and the gen- lot of other great things in our indus- erans and veteran supporters in this tleman from New York (Mr. MCHUGH) trial-based provisions, Mr. Speaker; House have been involved in putting knows that so well as chairman of the but that is the centerpiece, and I think this program together. This is a great subcommittee. it is a very important foundation. program. We need the pay raise. We need the Now, we also reauthorize for 10 years Mr. Speaker, this is a great bill. It is special pay to compensate and help re- the maritime security program. This is a far-reaching bill. It gives the Presi- tain those who have those special a program that brings in the strong dent and the troops the tools to get the skills. Our bases need the military con- right arm of America’s maritime job done. Let us pass this bill. struction and family housing author- unions and makes sure that they are Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of izations. We need to authorize the the ones that are moving men and ma- my time. money for military operations, for fly- teriel across the ocean into theaters of Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield ing hours and steaming days and tank action instead of having to rely on myself such time as I may consume. miles, to allow our troops to be the rental operations where we are taking Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this best trained and prepared in the world. unions and working people from other bill, the National Defense Authoriza- I want to mention concurrent re- countries and having to rely on foreign tion Act. I will explain the reasons ceipt. Overwhelming majorities of both personnel to move the wherewithal for why, but I first want to compliment Houses clearly support providing this military victories around the world. my friend, the gentleman from Cali- benefit to all disabled retirees. Never- That is what is going to bring our mar- fornia (Mr. HUNTER). This was the gen- theless, the conference agreement, itime unions, our ship-builders, and our tleman’s inaugural voyage as chairman which would provide this benefit to maritime operators back into pre- of the Committee on Armed Services those at least 50 percent disabled, is a eminence; and we have worked hard on and the seas were far from smooth. significant step in the right direction. that, Mr. Speaker, and that is a great Many of the issues we faced were par- There will, however, be a motion to re- aspect of this bill. ticularly difficult. I applaud the gen- commit regarding this issue, and I hope Concurrent receipt is very important, tleman’s leadership in recognizing that people will support it. Mr. Speaker. We started out last year the totality of the bill is more impor- I am pleased, Mr. Speaker, that we by saying people who are actually hit tant, especially when our country is at were able to reach agreements on many in combat, people who have won the war in Iraq. difficult issues, but I know many of my Purple Heart, are going to get now two I do want to raise several issues of colleagues will not be happy with some checks. They get the full check for ev- caution about process, however. First, of the substantive outcomes. The con- erything that they have been disabled, the conference process has not been to- ference agreements concerning low for all of their disability, and they get tally inclusive. Many issues, three in yield nuclear weapons, civil service re- the full check for their retirement for particular, civil service reform, concur- form, and changing environmental laws everything that they have done to rent receipt, and Air Force tanker leas- are particularly problematic, and I serve the U.S. military. We now also ing have been decided without sub- point those out. say, and incidentally, I see the gen- stantive Democratic consultation. Sec- Now, perhaps more than any time in tleman from New York (Mr. MCHUGH) ond, there were few conference meet- the last decade, however, Mr. Speaker, here, our chairman of the Sub- ings that involved all the conferees or it is essential that the House take ac- committee on Total Force, who very even all the House conferees. Finally, tion to provide for our men and women much has been a leader in putting this it is highly undesirable to consider a in uniform. This vote will not only be thing together. We also now are going conference report on a large and highly seen in Kabul or Baghdad but also to give full concurrent receipt, that is complex defense bill in just a few hours Diego Garcia, Fort Irwin, Norfolk, Fort that full disability check, to all of after the conference report has been Leonard Wood, Whiteman Air Force those people who are wounded in the filed. It is not possible for Members to Base. We need to send a message to the combat area or who are disabled or make best judgments about voting on American public, and to our adver- hurt in the combat area, who are hurt this bill when there has not been ade- saries and allies, that we as a Congress or disabled while training for combat. quate time after it has been filed. are prepared to give our men and Maybe that guy who is jumping out at The fact that we are considering this women in uniform the support, the the 82nd Airborne, with the 82nd Air- bill today, however, reflects the com- strong support and protection that borne at Fort Bragg hurt his back, he mitment of the Committee on Armed they deserve. is going to get it; and also people who Services members that we must pro- So I urge my colleagues to vote for are hit by instrumentalities of combat, vide for the men and women of our this conference report. like people who are hit by agent or- military when they are sacrificing in Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of ange, Mr. Speaker. Then we go to the so many ways to defend our country my time.

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07NO7.026 H07PT1 H10992 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 7, 2003 Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 those people, take care of their fami- Air Force, Marines, those great minutes to the gentleman from New lies, and to take care of their injuries Guardsmen and Reservists who are Jersey (Mr. SAXTON), who is chairman when they get home. And, so, as earlier being pulled away from their families of the Subcommittee on Unconven- this year I voted to send those young to serve as we speak, and a young per- tional Warfare, Terrorism and Capa- people to Iraq, I share in the responsi- son from Mississippi who was a Guards- bilities and oversees these very impor- bility and for those things that go man died just yesterday, I am going to tant special operations forces who are wrong I share in the blame. vote for this bill. But I would ask my doing such a great job for our country. Having said that, although I have colleagues to let us do this in the fu- (Mr. SAXTON asked and was given grave reservations about parts of this ture in a more sensible way. permission to revise and extend his re- bill, I will be supporting it because Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 marks.) they deserve to be paid, they deserve a minutes to the gentleman from New Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, let me pay increase, they deserve the better York (Mr. MCHUGH), who has a high re- begin by thanking and commending the weapons, the better ships that are in sponsibility of overseeing the total chairman of the committee, the gen- this bill. But there are a couple of force of the military, our Reserves, our tleman from California (Mr. HUNTER), things that trouble me greatly. Active, our Guard, with respect to all and the ranking member, the gen- Number one is the Bush administra- the personnel issues, pay, personnel tleman from Missouri (Mr. SKELTON), tion’s insistence on another round of issues, family benefits, the chairman of for the great bipartisan job that has base closures. Anyone in this body the Subcommittee on Total Force. occurred in bringing this bill to the knows, who has taken the time to look (Mr. MCHUGH asked and was given floor. at it, knows the United States Army is permission to revise and extend his re- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support too small, that the entire United marks.) of H.R. 1588 and do so with a great deal States Army is spoken for. If they are Mr. MCHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I thank of pride after a lengthy but productive not deployed, they are getting ready to the chairman, the gentleman from conference. The conferees have ham- be deployed. So how on earth can we California (Mr. HUNTER), for his gra- mered out an excellent bill that will go close one base out of four as the Bush cious comments and for his courageous a long way in enhancing our national administration wants to do? leadership, certainly on this bill, but security and providing our troops and The fleet is too small, 295 ships. also day in and day out. their families with the assets they Again, how can we close one Navy port I think it is obvious there are a cou- need. out of four if the fleet is too small? ple lessons we can learn from this bill. I have the honor of chairing, as the If the Bush administration truly One is an old lesson, and that is hap- chairman said, the new Subcommittee thinks the base closures is a good idea, pily this is one of, if not the most, bi- on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats then they ought to have the courage to partisan committees to operate in Con- and Capabilities on the Committee on announce which bases they want to gress, and that is so critical in times Armed Services. As many in this body close prior to the Presidential election such as these. We have heard the gra- know, I have worked for many years to and not after in 2005. I think it just cious comments and enlightened com- stand up such a subcommittee, and stands to reason. You do not hear Con- ments of the ranking member, the gen- with good reason, for there is much gressmen saying let us close bases. I tleman from Missouri (Mr. SKELTON), that is left to be done. cannot find one Service Secretary who someone who I respect so much. I want The subcommittee’s ranking Demo- is saying let us close bases. I cannot to thank my ranking member, the gen- crat, the gentleman from Massachu- find one Admiral or General who will tleman from Arkansas (Mr. SNYDER), setts (Mr. MEEHAN), and I have worked name one base that should be closed. for his partnership in our portion on hard together to explore a multitude of So if the Bush administration wants this mark, and all of the members of ways to provide the Department of De- to close bases, let them do it prior to the committee on both sides of the fense with the capabilities to defeat the Presidential election. aisle. But I give a special tip of the hat and defend against terrorists at home Second thing is, Mr. President, for to our chairman who, in a very dif- as well as abroad, and many of these the sake of those people fighting, let us ficult time was experiencing personal ideas are contained in the conference pay for this war. This supplemental, loss, the loss of his private home dur- report before you. and I am going to vote for it, is going ing the California fires, still kept a For example, the conference report to spend $400 billion for our Nation’s focus on this vital piece of legislation. includes many provisions that will pre- defense. The second lesson is that important pare our Armed Forces and, in par- A couple weeks ago we had a supple- as all the military is, the troops are ticular, the Special Operations Com- mental for $87 billion, earlier in the key. And you have heard my colleagues mand, to combat terrorism worldwide year another supplemental for $79 bil- comment about the positive things in as well as several items that will en- lion. That adds up to about $565 billion. this bill, active industry, the increases hance homeland defense. In addition, Every penny of that is borrowed. It is for the Army in difficult times, similar the conference report establishes sev- borrowed from the Social Security end strength increases for the Guard eral programs addressing issues that Trust Fund. It is borrowed from the and Reserve, for those good citizen sol- arose in the recent war with Iraq and Medicare Trust Fund. It is borrowed diers the military pay raise average 4.1 items that will speed the trans- from the military retirees trust fund. percent, the imminent danger and fam- formation of the military services. It is borrowed from the civil service- ily separation allowances at these dif- It is critically important that all men’s retirement trust fund. It is bor- ficult times. But I want to focus on Members vote for this measure. There rowed from the communist Chinese, concurrent receipt. is much to applaud in many areas. I am and it is borrowed from average Ameri- The third lesson of this bill is we al- proud to be a conferee and proud of the cans. ways want to do better, but I would work that the chairman, and my good See, those of us who were lucky note to my colleagues who have con- friend, the gentleman from California enough not to have to fight this war cerns that this is a program that has (Mr. HUNTER), as I said before, and the ought to at least be willing to pay for been in place since the Civil War era. gentleman from Missouri (Mr. SKEL- it and not stick the brave young men And until all of this work together TON) did in this regard. They have set a and women who will be coming home over the last several years, there had standard for us, and this is a bill which from this deployment with the bill. never been a change in it. must be passed, hopefully with a very Every other generation of Americans With this bill today we will have good vote. tried to pay their own bills during war- started at 35,000 troops, veterans who Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Mr. time. This generation of Americans are receiving full concurrent receipt, Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to myself. passes the buck to somebody else, and and we will have expanded that to over Mr. Speaker, last night, yesterday in it is wrong. a quarter of a million. And that is Iraq 7 brave young Americans died. So for the sake of the great young progress, $22 billion. So we will con- This is the committee that makes the men and women who are serving our tinue to fight to do better, but this is decisions to arm those people, to pay country in the Army and the Navy, the amazing progress for more than 160

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07NO7.028 H07PT1 November 7, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10993 years when nothing had been done, and We fixed a problem for our reservists Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, it is my fur- I urge all my colleagues to support this who were called up after September 11 ther understanding that section 135 was bill. and were forced to pay their lodging written after extensive negotiation Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the expenses when they went home on with the Department of Defense and conference report on H.R. 1588, a wartime bill leave. We extended the increase in im- the administration and that that sec- that directly addresses committee concerns minent danger pay to $225 and family tion represents a common under- about the inadequacy of military manpower separation allowance to $250 until the standing between the conferees and the end of next year. Our service members and the damaging effects of excessive oper- administration on the terms under ations and personnel tempos. are still in conflict in Iraq and Afghan- which this tanker program will be exe- H.R. 1588 also reflects the House Armed istan and face months of separation Services Committee’s belief in the need to be from their loved ones. These increases cuted. proactive in military personnel policy and pay are necessary and deserved. matters so as to sustain the commitment and We increased access to TRICARE b 1045 professionalism of the men and women of benefits for reservists and their fami- America’s magnificent all-voluntary armed lies. We expanded commissary access Mr. HUNTER. The gentleman is services, and the families that support them. to selected reservists and Reserve re- again correct. Section 131 codifies an Finally, H.R. 1588 contains legislative and tirees under 60. agreement reached with the adminis- funding initiatives to enhance the ability of the We allow individuals who volunteer tration. The conferees relied upon a active, National Guard and reserves to oper- to defend our Nation but are not U.S. letter sent on November 5, 2003, to the ate as an integrated total force. citizens to become naturalized after 1 chairman and ranking member of the Among the more important provisions of year of service. We also allow their Committee on Armed Services in the H.R. 1588 are: families to become naturalized if a other body by the Deputy Secretary of Active end strength increases of 2,400 for service member is killed in action. Defense, Mr. Wolfowitz, in coming to the Army, with an additional $68 million to I am disappointed that the com- agreement on the tanker acquisition support the increases; mittee was not able to include full con- program authorized by section 135. Growth in selected reserve and fulltime Na- current receipt. Approximately 60 per- tional Guard and reserve strengths; cent of Arkansas disabled veterans who Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, will the Military pay raises that average 4.1 percent; are currently penalized by current law gentleman yield? Continuation of increases in imminent dan- will not be helped by this compromise. Mr. DICKS. I yield to the gentleman ger pay and family separation allowances. We should do better. from Kansas. A significant expansion of concurrent receipt While I am supporting of this bill, that will when implemented wean that benefit the process that brought us here is not Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, it is fur- more than 250,000 military retirees. good. The bipartisanship for which our ther my understanding that section 135 Commissaries and exchange provisions to committee has been known is slowly of the conference report will authorize better define and protect those important ben- vanishing. The responsibility to pro- the Air Force to enter into a single efits. vide for our Nation’s defense and secu- contract to acquire 100 767 tanker air- DOD health care improvements, to include rity is an area in which partisanship craft through a combination of lease expanded health care coverage of the Na- should be minimized, particularly at a and purchase. tional Guard and reserves, and time of war. Mr. HUNTER. The gentleman is cor- Expanded and expedited naturalization pro- Sadly, it is becoming clear that this rect. Section 135 authorizes the Air cedures for active and reserve component partisanship is becoming the norm in Force to enter into one contract for 100 personnel. the way we conduct business. Both None of these great outcomes is achieved Democrats and Republicans have a aircraft, 20 by lease and 80 by purchase, in a vacuum. The conference report before duty and obligation to protect our citi- or more than one contract for the same you is a bi-partisan measure, reflecting the ac- zens and the freedom Americans enjoy. combination of aircraft. tive input and involvement of committee mem- We need to work together in a bipar- Mr. TIAHRT. Finally, it is my under- bers, as well as the leadership and judgment tisan fashion to ensure that our rights standing that section 135 of the con- of Chairman DUNCAN HUNTER and Represent- and freedoms are preserved for future ference report authorizes the Air Force ative IKE SKELTON, the committee’s ranking generations. to enter into a multi-year contract for Democrat. Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 H.R. 1588 is a very good bill that addresses the purchase of 767 tanker aircraft, and minutes to the gentleman from Wash- that payment under this contract may a range of needs of our wartime military. I ington (Mr. DICKS.) be made at the time of aircraft deliv- urge my colleagues to support it. (Mr. DICKS asked and was given per- Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 mission to revise and extend his re- ery, a process sometimes referred to as minutes to the gentleman from Arkan- marks.) incremental funding. sas (Mr. SNYDER.) Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I would like Mr. HUNTER. The gentleman from Mr. SNYDER. Mr. Speaker, as the to enter into a colloquy with the gen- Kansas (Mr. TIAHRT) is correct. The ranking member of the Subcommittee tleman from California (Mr. HUNTER), conferees in their joint report language on Total Force I rise in support of this the chairman of the Committee on agree that this section would ‘‘author- conference report. I would like to take Armed Services. ize the Secretary to enter into a multi- this opportunity to thank the chair- Mr. Chairman, the conference report year procurement program, using in- man of the Subcommittee on Total on H.R. 1588, the Fiscal Year 2004 De- cremental funding.’’ This language in- Force, the gentleman from New York fense Authorization Act, contains a dicates that the multi-year procure- (Mr. MCHUGH), for his leadership and provision, section 135, which authorizes ment program authorized by section also to thank the committee chairman, the Air Force to enter into a contract the gentleman from California (Mr. for 100 tanker aircraft under the terms 135 would allow the Air Force to make HUNTER), and the ranking member, the and conditions of section 8159 of the payments as agreed to in the contract gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skel- Fiscal Year 2002 Defense Appropria- and that the Air Force would not be re- eton), for their many years and efforts tions Act. quired to have the full budget author- that has resulted once again in a con- Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, will the ity required to purchase an aircraft in ference agreement coming to the floor. gentleman yield? order to place an order for that aircraft This bill continues several years of Mr. DICKS. I yield to the gentleman under the contract. improvements to quality of life pro- from California. Mr. DICKS. We thank the chairman grams for our military personnel, retir- Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, the gen- for his hard work on this issue. ees, and their families. We provided a tleman is correct. Section 135 of the targeted pay raise of up to 3.7 percent conference report does authorize a Mr. Speaker, the letter sent to the and additional targeted pay increases tanker acquisition program as did the Committee on Armed Services by Dep- for mid-career and senior enlisted per- Fiscal Year 2002 Defense Appropria- uty Secretary of Defense Wolfowitz is sonnel. tions Act. as follows:

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07NO7.029 H07PT1 H10994 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 7, 2003 DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, One hundred sixty Republicans in magnetic gun initiative. Fourth, a re- Washington, DC, Nov. 5, 2003. this House have co-sponsored the Bili- quirement that the Secretary of De- The Hon. JOHN WARNER, rakis bill to fully repeal the disabled fense complete two independent studies Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, U.S. veterans tax. Unfortunately, only two on potential future fleet architectures Senate, Washington, DC. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Thank you again for of those 160 Republicans have signed for the Navy. your consideration of the Department of De- the discharge petition to require a vote In conclusion, I urge my colleagues fense’s proposal to lease 100 KC–767A air- on that bill. to support the conference report. I craft. As you know, there has been a vig- Well, today there is a second chance would like to thank the gentleman orous debate on the best way to get this pro- to do what is right for veterans. By from Mississippi (Mr. TAYLOR) for all gram started. Your most recent amendment voting yes on the motion to recommit his support in completing in conference would allow the Air Force to lease no more we can repeal the disabled veterans than 20 of the 100 tankers. The Air Force has report. I would also like to thank our developed a proposal to implement that ar- tax. If just a few of the 160 will join chairman, the gentleman from Cali- rangement, and I hope that you will find it with Democrats, we can repeal the dis- fornia (Mr. HUNTER), and our ranking acceptable. abled veterans tax and we can do it member, the gentleman from Missouri Our proposal strikes a necessary balance fully and we can do it today. We can (Mr. SKELTON), for their leadership, between the critical need for new air-refuel- keep the promise we made to veterans commitment and steadfastness in com- ing tankers and the constraints on our budg- when we co-sponsored the Bilirakis et. As reflected in the enclosed chart, we in- pleting this process. tend to lease the initial 20 aircraft and then bill. Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 buy aircraft at a steady rate of 11 to 13 air- Keeping promises and leaving no minute to the gentlewoman from Cali- craft per year until delivery of the 100th. We troops behind, those are quintessential fornia (Ms. PELOSI), the minority lead- commit to add $2.4B, in Fiscal Years (FYs) American values. On the eve of Vet- er. 2008 through 2010, to the funding profile for erans Day, let us apply those American Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the original proposal to lease 100 aircraft. We values to the treatment of our vet- also will add $1.4B in FY 2012 to 2013. The the distinguished member of the Com- erans. Our promise to veterans should mittee on Armed Services for yielding combination of these added funds achieves be more important than Republican an immediate start to the program and al- me time and for his great services to lows us to purchase the last 80 aircraft at Party loyalty. Vote yes on the motion our country throughout his whole life time of delivery. to recommit. Vote yes to keep our which continues here in Congress. As a I appreciate the support that you have pro- promises to America’s veterans. veteran himself, his service on the vided in the past and look forward to work- Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Committee on Armed Services is very ing with you in the future. If you require fur- minutes to the gentleman from Mary- ther information, please do not hesitate to informed and we thank him and recog- land (Mr. BARTLETT), the chairman of nize his leadership. contact me. A similar letter has been sent to the Subcommittee on Projection the chairmen and ranking minority members Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Forces. of each of the defense committees. the commitment of our Nation’s vet- Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Mr. Sincerely, erans. We will have a motion to recom- Speaker, as chairman of the Sub- PAUL WOLFOWITZ. mit, as has been indicated, and it is to committee on Projection Forces, I am Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield support our veterans. pleased to highlight the issues within 21⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from the jurisdiction of our subcommittee. No group of Americans has stood Texas (Mr. EDWARDS). stronger and braver for our Nation Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, one of This conference report increases the requested authorization for programs than our troops and our veterans. From the most time-honored traditions of the bitter cold winter at Valley Forge America’s servicemen and women is to within the jurisdiction of the Sub- committee on Projection Forces by $1.3 to the boiling hot Iraqi terrain, our sol- keep their promise to leave no troops diers have courageously answered when behind on the battlefield. This revered billion to $30 billion dollars. Authoriza- tion is included for the administra- called, gone where ordered, and de- tradition is based on the principle that fended our Nation with honor. it would be wrong to leave those behind tion’s request of one Virginia class sub- As a Nation we have a sacred pact who have served in sacrifice for their marine, 3 DDG–51 destroyers, one LPD– with those who have served us in uni- country. Our Nation should honor this 17 amphibious assault ship, and two form. They have taken care of us and, tradition, this principle of respect cargo and ammunition ships. when it comes to the treatment of vet- Additional authorizations of $75 mil- in turn, we will always take care of erans. No veterans should be left be- lion for advance procurement of LPD– them. That is our solemn pledge. hind when it comes to providing them 17 and $248 million for SSN refueling Today, just before Veterans Day, we the benefits they have earned. overhaul are also included. Our con- stand on the floor of the House of Rep- Unfortunately, the Republican com- ference report addresses 100 aircraft resentatives prepared to vote on the promise on the disabled veterans tax KC–767 Air Force proposed lease pro- Department of Defense authorization known as concurrent receipt leaves gram by restricting the lease portion of conference report. And on this day we over 397,000 veterans behind, 397,000 the program to 20 aircraft, requiring have young men and women, the sons veterans, most of whom have served the Air Force budget to procure the re- and daughters of America on the our Nation in uniform 20 to 30 years. maining 80 aircraft. This approach will ground, engaged in war in Iraq. We sa- They would not benefit whatsoever save the taxpayer at least $2 billion lute them for their courage, their pa- from this so-called compromise that over the originally-proposed program. triotism and the sacrifice they are will- represents a lot of broken promises and We have also taken several initia- ing to make for our country. But this a lot of patriotic veterans left behind. tives to begin to address shortfalls in bill in many respects does not honor Many of the military retirees who important requirements of the Depart- their service. might be benefitted from this com- ment of Defense. An additional $20 mil- Democrats are fighting to live up to promise will never see its benefits be- lion to sustain a force structure of 83 our promise to our veterans by ending cause it is phased in over 10 years. How B–1’s, 23 aircraft above the level the unfair practice of the disabled vet- many World War II veterans will even planned; and an additional $208 million erans tax. The gentleman from Georgia be alive 10 years from now? for Tomahawk missiles, an additional (Mr. MARSHALL) will be offering the When Republicans passed a $230,000 $40 million for the Affordable Weapon, motion to recommit to this effect. He tax break just earlier this year for an additional $100 million bomber R&D is leading our fight for a complete and wealthy Americans making over $1 initiative for the next generation, fol- total repeal of the disabled veterans million a year in dividend income, low-on stealth, deep strike bomber. tax for all of our veterans. We have those massive tax benefits were made In addition, the recommended mark made this long-standing issue too hot effective this year. Why then are vet- includes several important legislative to handle for the Republicans and they erans forced to wait 10 years to see a proposals. First, a multi-year procure- have offered a proposal in today’s con- limited reduction in the disabled vet- ment authorization for several pro- ference report in response. Their pro- erans tax? Where is the fairness in grams. Second, a limitation on C–5A posal is a step, but it is not nearly good that? aircraft requirement. Third, an electro- enough.

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07NO7.005 H07PT1 November 7, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10995 The Republicans have put forth a thing? And he said, we are not doing b 1100 proposal that leaves far too many vet- anything about that concurrent receipt The new personnel system will also erans behind. Under their Republican and we are never doing anything about ensure that employee representatives proposal, two-thirds of our veterans, that concurrent receipt. are included in the planning, develop- two-third of our veterans still will not They had a Democrat President. ment, and implementing of new human receive one penny of compensation for They had a Democrat Senate. They had resources management systems. There their disabilities. a Democrat House. They could have also will be a separate process to en- The Republican deal will address the done something about it, but they did sure that employee representatives tax for some veterans but not for oth- not, and now we get this phony pos- participate in the development and im- ers. For the select few it does address, turing after a deal has been worked out plementation of a new management re- the tax may not fully end for them for to really try to deal with the problem. lations system. 10 years. Many of these are veterans of I think that is a cheap shot, Mr. Chair- There are some things that did not World War II. Ten years is a long time man. But that is not why I rise today. get in this that we were beat back on to wait in any event, but especially if I rise to support H.R. 1588, the Na- in the Senate. I think the BRAC provi- you are a World War II vet. That is not tional Defense Authorization Act for sions were one that I wish were good enough. Fiscal Year 2004. We are a Nation en- changed. I think the firefighting provi- America’s veterans deserve better. gaged in an ongoing global war on ter- sions were very important to be On the battlefield of war our soldiers rorism. American soldiers, sailors, air- changed; but, in balance, H.R. 1588 will pledge to leave no one behind. As a Na- men and Marines are deployed all over make real improvements in U.S. mili- tion, it must be our pledge that after the world in support of Operation En- tary readiness and ensure the contin- our soldiers come home we will leave during Freedom and Operation Iraqi ued strength of U.S. Armed Forces for no veteran behind. Our veterans served Freedom. The bill supports all of our years to come, and I urge my col- for all of us. We must be there for all service members who are fighting ter- leagues to support this bill. of them. rorism and defending our homeland. Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield In June, Democrats launched a dis- H.R. 1588 strikes a careful balance be- 31⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from charge petition to give Members a tween ensuring that our military is South Carolina (Mr. SPRATT). chance to vote to end completely the able to train in a realistic manner (Mr. SPRATT asked and was given disabled veterans tax for all military while remaining good stewards of the permission to revise and extend his re- retirees. Two hundred and three Mem- environment. The bill amends the Ma- marks.) bers, 201 Democrats, only 2 Repub- rine Mammal Protection Act so that it Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, with a de- licans, signed the discharge petition, can be read and implemented in a com- fense budget of $400 billion and an enor- despite the fact that 160 Republicans mon sense fashion. The Navy, for ex- mous range of issues, it is not easy to have co-sponsored the legislation. So ample, will now be able use new sonar bring a conference to closure, and I we know that our Republican col- technology vital to the protection of commend the gentleman from Cali- leagues believe that this is the right U.S. ships, submarines and global in- fornia (Mr. HUNTER), as well as the gen- course of action. Democrats are giving terests, without harming marine mam- tleman from Missouri (Mr. SKELTON), you a way to honor our own commit- mals. for what they have achieved. ment. The right thing to do was obvi- I rise in support of H.R. 1588, the con- The bill also changes the Endangered ous then when this discharge petition ference report thereon, but I have some Species Act to ensure that military was signed to completely end the dis- real concerns. First of all, I have al- training lands are used for their pri- abled veterans tax. ready spoken to the failure of the un- mary purpose, to train America’s The right thing to do today, just be- derlying bill to accrue properly the troops in realistic environments. These fore Veterans Day, is also obvious. budget authority that will be necessary changes will protect the environment Vote to recommit this bill with in- to implement the compromise on con- and also enhance the readiness of our structions to strip out the failed Re- current receipt or the provisions for military personnel. publican language on disabled veterans lease purchase of 100 tankers. I am con- tax and add the Democratic language H.R. 1588 also recognizes that the cerned about the radical reform of civil to completely and totally end the dis- military services will face significant service laws in the Department of De- abled veterans tax. Indeed, this lan- challenges as personnel and equipment fense and the dispensation this bill guage is the language of the gentleman return home from war. The level of ef- gives to the Department of Defense fort necessary to resurge this equip- from Florida (Mr. BILIRAKIS), a distin- from environmental laws that apply to guished member of the Republican ment at our maintenance depots will everybody else. Also, I am concerned Caucus. be extraordinary. This conference re- about the new and cumbersome stric- The current language again leaves port recognizes these consequences and tures on cooperative threat reduction. two-thirds of our vets behind. The includes additional funding for key I am particularly disappointed in the Democratic motion to recommit leaves readiness accounts. provisions of this report that deal with no veteran behind. We have a moral ob- The bill includes $9.7 billion for mili- low-level nuclear weapons. I believe ligation to those who have paid the tary construction and family housing the conferees should have stuck with high price for our freedom, those who projects around the world. This is an the bipartisan compromise reached by have worn our Nation’s uniform. Our increase in the President’s budget of the Committee on Armed Services and words must be as bold as their deeds, more than $420 million, with additional set forth in the defense bill that we and we must honor what they have funds targeted at projects to improve passed last May. That compromise was done for our country. the facilities in which America’s serv- sound enough that in July of this year So let us give a great gift to our vet- ice members live, work, train and oper- when I offered a motion to instruct, erans on this Veterans Day. I urge my ate. Such projects are extraordinarily those provisions were accepted and colleagues to honor our veterans serv- important to the quality of life for our upheld by the House without dissent. ice and vote yes when the opportunity military personnel and their families, The administration began this year comes for the motion to recommit. as well as U.S. military readiness. by stepping up its push for repeal on a Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield The National Security Personnel ban of low-level nuclear weapons re- myself 31⁄2 minutes. System established in this bill will pro- search and development, a ban which Let me just respond just a second to vide the Secretary of Defense flexi- has been in the law for 10 years. There the gentlewoman who just spoke. bility to hire, fire and promote a more was little opposition here to broad- The Democrats controlled this House agile workforce; the authority to tie ening research into low-yield nuclear for 40 years, and I went to Sonny Mont- pay to performance; increased ability weapons, but there was bipartisan con- gomery, who was chairman of the Com- to classify positions and to administer cern about going so far as engineering mittee on Veterans Affairs, and I asked pay and allowances; and a better basis development. And so both the House him years ago, why do we not do some- on which to establish a labor relations and Senate authorization bills pro- thing about this concurrent receipt system. posed changes to allow research into

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07NO7.034 H07PT1 H10996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 7, 2003 low-yield nuclear weapons, but re- a national security personnel system stood ready to serve in times of war stricted any move into engineering de- that we have created that will allow and times of peace. This country owes velopment. the Department of Defense to shed the them more than a tax on the disability The Senate, on the other hand, re- shackles of its 50-year-old civil service compensation. pealed the so-called Spratt-Furse structure, because when it comes to I fear the partial phase-in of concur- amendment entirely, but then our civil service, the tradition of pre- rent receipt will create two classes of backfilled the cavity with caveats bar- serving traditions has become a tradi- veterans: those who will continue to ring testing or deployment of low-yield tion. It is time for that to change. suffer under the disabled veterans tax nuclear weapons. They also added lan- Some of my colleagues on the other and those who will be deemed disabled guage requiring specific congressional side of the aisle have come up with enough to receive their compensation. authorization to move into develop- some statements on this that I think Their sacrifice and service was equal. ment of any advanced nuclear concept are off the mark. They have noted that Congress should treat them with the project. These are the provisions in- this bill makes a mockery of labor- same equity with which they served. cluded in the conference report. management relations. This conference Whether being drafted into service or By contrast, the House version report includes chapter 71, the labor- volunteering, every disabled veteran amended existing law rather than re- management relations in the list of was prepared to give their last full pealing it. We explicitly authorized re- nonwaivable chapters in title V of the measure. Each was prepared to dem- search, but we maintained a bar on de- U.S. Code. The agreement sets up an onstrate the ultimate commitment; velopment beyond detailed feasibility extensive collaborative process that re- yet Congress cannot even muster for studies, the so-called 6.2a level of re- quires the Department to work side by them half a loaf. search and development. side with the unions and employee Mr. Speaker, as we head home to ob- Our compromise may have similar in groups in setting up the human re- serve Veterans’ Day, this is no way to consequences to the Senate approach, sources management system for the honor our veterans. To divide veterans but I think it was superior in form be- Department of Defense. The agreement into the haves and have-nots is not be- cause it makes clear that it is the pol- sets up an extensive collaborative proc- fitting the sacrifices they made. They icy of the United States not to develop ess that requires the Department to gave our country 100 percent, whether low-yield tactical nuclear weapons. work side by side with the unions in in times of war or peace; and they de- The House compromise, thus, gives setting up the process in which man- serve 100 percent of what they earned. In closing, I will be supporting H.R. stronger assurance that Congress will agement and labor work together in 1588, but also will be supporting the be an equal partner if that policy is re- the future. versed, if that decision is taken, and if The second and third requirements Marshall motion to recommit to ex- there is a move to go beyond research. are new to Federal law. No other agen- pand concurrent receipt to all of our When we adopted the Spratt-Furse cies are required to coordinate with disabled veterans. Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield amendment in the early 1990s, it came their employees, a good precedent. for the purpose of making a unanimous in the wake of an issue taken by the Another gentleman said that the bill consent request to the gentleman from first President Bush whereby we with- eliminates overtime pay for civilian Alabama (Mr. EVERETT). employees. That is absolutely false. drew a number of tactical nuclear (Mr. EVERETT asked and was given Overtime pay is not eliminated. The weapons from Europe and the Soviets permission to revise and extend his re- responded in kind. This was a step back agreement, in addition to having $500 marks.) and a step forward for nuclear security million in a human capital perform- Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in throughout the world. This initiative ance fund for civil servants who per- support of this bill. It is very impor- helped us later on to persuade Ukraine, form in an outstanding fashion, the tant that for the first time in well over Kazakhstan, and Belarus to forswear agreement provides the Department 40 years we do something about concur- nuclear weapons. the authority to improve the current rent receipt. If today the United States should provisions in law relating to overtime Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the move toward renewed development of pay for some of the Department’s most conference agreement on the National De- nuclear weapons, especially weapons valuable employees. It asks for this fense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2004. designed to be more usable due to their language not to scrap overtime pay; in- This is a solid bill that broadly serves our low-yield warheads, it sends the wrong stead, they are asking for authority national security interests and addresses the signal. not to be bound by the voluminous re- needs of our armed forces as we continue the Mr. Speaker, I support the conference strictions and requirements in title V fight against terrorism. I will get to some of its report because it does many things I that dictate how, when, and where DOD strengths in a minute. But first I want to thank support, particularly for the quality of is authorized to administer overtime you Chairman HUNTER and Ranking Member life for our troops, and also because I pay. This will allow the Department of SKELTON for the leadership you have provided trust that the effect of the language in Defense to move into the modern age. in putting this bill together. And I particularly the report will be enough to forestall Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 want to recognize the ranking member of the development of mini-nukes. I rec- minutes to the gentleman from Wash- Strategic Forces subcommittee, Mr. REYES, for ommend support for the bill. ington (Mr. LARSEN). his efforts on this bill. Together we have tack- Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. led some very tough issues. minutes to the gentleman from Vir- Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. The first long range missiles and nuclear ginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS), who is chairman 1588, the National Defense Authoriza- weapons were developed almost 60 years of the Committee on Government Re- tion Act of 2004. I want to thank the ago. Yet today, we have no means to defend form. gentleman from California (Chairman the territory of the United States against even (Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia asked HUNTER) and the gentleman from Mis- a single long range missile, and have only re- and was given permission to revise and souri (Mr. SKELTON), the ranking mem- cently begun to deploy defenses against the- extend his remarks.) ber, for their hard work on this bill. I ater range missile threats. In December of last Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. must, however, express my deep res- year, the President announced his intention to Speaker, this legislation has a number ervations with regards to what I see as enhance the capabilities of our Pacific missile of component parts, concurrent re- the inadequacy of the concurrent re- defense test bed to field a modest, initial de- ceipt. It has a $500 million human cap- ceipt provision. This Congress is ex- fensive operational capability to defend the ital performance fund that will reward panding concurrent receipt to only 30 territory of the United States by the end of fis- civil servants for outstanding perform- percent of disabled retirees. Where is cal year 2004. The President requested $9.1 ance, something we have never had be- our commitment to all of our veterans? billion to support that—and other—missile de- fore. It has a services acquisition re- Congress must not forget those veteran fense efforts. form act element that will reform the retirees who will still be denied their I am pleased to report that this bill fully way we buy and purchase services hard-earned retirement pay. All vet- funds the request, providing the resources re- which can save literally billions of dol- eran retirees give at least 20 years of quired to meet this great and historic chal- lars for America’s taxpayers, and it has service to this country. They have lenge. The conferees have also agreed to shift

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K07NO7.036 H07PT1 November 7, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10997 funds from longer term, less mature efforts in meet the threats of tomorrow with fu- 3,500 retired disabled veterans in Or- order to accelerate nearer term fielding of sys- turistic systems like the Air Force’s F/ egon who are currently penalized by tems like Patriot that are designed to protect A–22 Raptor. The bill provides funding this sick tax will receive no benefit our troops deployed worldwide who face in- to make our homeland safe by com- under this Republican compromise. creasing threats from theater range ballistic bating terrorism at home and abroad While I am pleased we were able to missile threat. and continuing to develop a ballistic take this first step, we cannot stop Some of the most difficult issues we ad- missile defense system. until all of our Nation’s military retir- dressed in this bill involve nuclear weapons. Most important in this legislation, ees who are disabled as a result of serv- Since the end of the cold war, we no longer however, are the provisions aimed to ice to this country are able to receive face a monolithic threat. The new national se- benefit our current and past the compensation they have earned and curity environment in which we find ourselves servicemembers. H.R. 1588 provides a deserve. This is a promise we must requires that we adopt a more flexible and 4.1 percent pay raise, and it increases keep. adaptive approach to planning for our strategic imminent-danger pay. It also funds im- Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve deterrent. It further requires that we examine portant military family housing, edu- the balance of my time. the weapons in our aging stockpile to deter- cation and military facilities. H.R. 1588 Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 mine if they continue to meet the Nation’s directs improvements to the TRICARE minutes to the gentleman from Mary- needs for a credible and robust deterrent. Pro- system and survivor benefit, and it land (Mr. HOYER). visions of this bill would allow our scientists contains many other provisions for Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, the con- and engineers the freedom to explore the full members of the National Guard and the ference report before us is one I will range of options for defeating existing and Reserves. support. It will provide adequate pay, emerging threats. At the same time, the bill in- I thank the chairman of the Sub- housing and training for the men and cludes ‘‘checks’’ that reserve for Congress the committee on Total Force, the gen- women serving our country on active authority to approve the development of cer- tleman from New York (Mr. MCHUGH), duty and in the Guard and Reserves. It tain classes of new nuclear weapons. for his tremendous dedication to these funds important modernization prior- The bill would also authorize the budget re- quality-of-life issues. ities that will ensure that the weapons quest of $6.4 billion for the weapons activities This bill also recognizes the inherent systems with which we equip our of the National Nuclear Security Administra- unfairness that disabled military retir- troops are the most advanced and capa- tion. The United States has observed a mora- ees have their retirement benefits off- ble in the world for years to come. set by the amount of their disability torium on nuclear testing for over a decade, b 1115 and NNSA programs continue to maintain the benefits by providing concurrent re- safety, reliability and performance of the nu- ceipt for more veterans than have ever However, the report is not perfect. I clear stockpile in the absence of testing. been covered before. am disappointed by the way in which However, recognizing that circumstances Finally, I thank the gentleman from the conference report treats civilian may require a return to testing at some point California (Chairman HUNTER) and the employees of the Department of De- in the future, and that the current test readi- ranking member, the gentleman from fense. Simply stated, the report will ness posture of almost 3 years does not pro- Missouri (Mr. SKELTON), for not only strip more than a third of our Federal vide a real option for any President, the con- their leadership of our committee but civilian employees, over 700,000 hard- ferees have included a provision that would also for their work in shepherding this working men and women, of their most require the Secretary of Energy to achieve bill through the legislative process. basic worker protections and rights. and maintain a readiness posture of not more They recognize that we owe all of our I am sorry the gentleman from Vir- that 18 months. freedom and safety to our brave men ginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS) left the floor. He The conference agreement provides strong and women in uniform and that Con- indicates 71 and some of the other arti- support for the military space and intelligence gress can help them in a major way cles that protect Federal employees activities that have proven so effective in Af- with the passage of this bill. They also will not be waived. That is technically ghanistan, and more recently Iraq. Notably, know how important this bill is to my true, but the bill allows them to be sus- the bill would promote development of the district and Fort Benning in Columbus, pended for the next 10 years. So al- U.S. commercial space-based imagery indus- Georgia, the home of the infantry though they technically cannot be trial base, enhance space-based communica- where 37,000 active duty troops go to waived, they will not be in effect at the tions to support the warfighter, and robustly work every day. decision of the Secretary. fund development of unmanned aerial vehicles In conclusion, I urge my colleagues Let me be clear. I am not opposed to for intelligence, surveillance and reconnais- to vote in favor of H.R. 1588. thoughtful reform of our civil service sance. Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 system. However, the report goes too Mr. Speaker, the men and women of our minute to the gentlewoman from Or- far. It will undo decades of some of the armed forces are doing their part everyday in egon (Ms. HOOLEY). most important worker protections en- places far from home. Let us do our part, and Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, acted by Congress and supported for pass this bill. I rise in support of this conference re- decades by Republican and Democratic Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 21⁄2 port, and I thank the gentleman from Presidents alike. minutes to the gentleman from Geor- Missouri (Mr. SKELTON) for yielding me Notwithstanding these concerns, Mr. gia (Mr. GINGREY), a member of the this time. Speaker, I will support this important Committee on Armed Services. I am happy to see we are finally mak- agreement. I expect it to pass by a wide Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise ing some progress on eliminating the margin with broad support from both today in strong support of the con- unfair disabled veterans tax, but it is House Democrats and Republicans who ference report on H.R. 1588, the Na- not enough. We must keep working to stand squarely behind our troops and tional Defense Authorization Act for ensure that no disabled veteran has to in favor of protecting our national se- Fiscal Year 2004. This critically impor- give up their hardearned military re- curity. tant legislation provides our brave men tirement pay just because they earn Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 11⁄2 and women in uniform the tools they disability compensation. minutes to the gentleman from New need to accomplish their missions, but Under the Republican plan, veterans Jersey (Mr. SMITH), chairman of the it also contains many provisions to im- who are more than 50 percent disabled Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. prove their quality of life. will begin to receive a benefit that will Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. This bill increases the combat capa- be phased in over the next 10 years; but Speaker, the Democratic motion to re- bilities of our Armed Forces with ap- this still leaves two-thirds of disabled commit is among the most cynical and propriate levels of spending for readi- veterans behind. In Oregon, 5,500 dis- political motions I have seen in my 23 ness, procurement, research and devel- abled veterans are currently penalized years in Congress. And I believe, Mr. opment. It funds programs such as the by this sick tax. Under this com- Speaker, it is a cheap shot, cynically M1 Abrams tank and Bradley fighting promise, 2,000 veterans will receive designed and crafted to politicize dis- vehicles that are used in current con- some sort of relief at some point over abled veterans and to mock the his- flicts, and transforms our military to the next 10 years, but the remaining toric benefits increase contained in

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07NO7.006 H07PT1 H10998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 7, 2003 this bill, $22 billion in the first 10 years Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve tions provided under the current law. Chapter and at least $57 billion over the next 20 the balance of my time. 71 of Title 5 of the U.S. Code sets forth re- years for disabled veterans. For exam- Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 quirements for federal agencies to engage in ple, a 100 percent service-connected dis- minute to the gentlewoman from Texas good faith bargaining with unions and protects abled veterans over the next 10 years (Ms. JACKSON-LEE). against discrimination based on union mem- may see an increase of approximately (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked bership. This bill claims to make Chapter 71 $167,000. That is brand new money. and was given permission to revise and nonwaivable but essentially allows the Depart- They do not have it now. Under this extend her remarks.) ment of Defense to waive Chapter 71 require- bill these deserving men and women Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. ments for the 6-year period following enact- will get it. The same goes for those Speaker, I rise today in full support on ment. During these 6 years, the Department of whose wounds are combat related or the eve of Veterans’ Day of a full com- Defense can unilaterally establish a new labor rated 50% or above by the VA. pensation and total concurrent receipts relations sytem after only minimal consultation For the last 100 years, as we know, for all of our veterans. I want the un- with unions and minimal notification to Con- the unfairness of concurrent receipt warranted tax against veterans to be gress. This new system will supersede all ex- has been with us. For most of those eliminated. I do not like the fact that isting agreements negotiated between the De- years, the Democrats had a hammer 390,000 of our veterans will be left be- partment of Defense and its unions. lock on the House and Senate and did hind in this bill and will be supporting During the 6-year period, the Secretary of nothing. In the early 90’s the Demo- the motion to recommit but will add Defense will have the authority to decide what crats had it all. Bill Clinton was in the my support to this legislation because issues will be bargained, whether labor-man- White House for 8 long years. Yet noth- I hope that we can take a baby step in agement impasses will be resolved by an out- ing was done on the Bilirakis bill. order to make a giant step toward pro- side third party, and what protections union Nothing was done to reform concurrent viding for all our veterans. members will have against discrimination. This receipt. Even this year, it wasn’t in the I would ask my colleagues to go back authority will allow the Department of Defense Democratic budget. We tried to make to the drawing boards on helping our to run roughshod over its unions for the 6 this a bipartisan effort—today’s mo- civil service employees at DOD, be- years, making a mockery out of the collective tion is pure politics. cause overtime is a precious com- bargaining process. Mr. Speaker the lack of I am sickened by this kind of pos- modity for those trying to provide for proper protection for our hard working civil turing. I know the game you are play- their families. Then I think it is appro- service employees is unacceptable. My con- ing. This is all about the next election. priate that we hear from Secretary cern for civil service reform in this bill does not Our bill is a victory for veterans. This Rumsfeld and Paul Wolfowitz on an end with collective bargaining rights. In addi- will make a significant addition to the exit strategy that will help our young tion, this Authorization removes many vital due benefits received by our disabled vet- soldiers on the front lines in Iraq be- process and appeal rights for Department of erans. I hope Members will vote for it. cause we do believe they are fighting Defense employees. Perhaps most striking is Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 for our freedom but it is crucial that the fact that this bill removes the requirement minutes to the gentleman from Maine we understand the loss of life has ex- that Department of Defense employees must (Mr. MICHAUD). ceeded all speculation. And then, of receive additional pay for working overtime, Mr. MICHAUD. I thank the distin- course, I do appreciate the compromise working on holidays or weekends, or working guished gentleman for yielding me this that has allowed us to buy more equip- in jobs involving unusual physical hardship or time. ment for the Air Force and the Boeing hazard. Both the House and Senate voted re- Mr. Speaker, I cannot speak for compromise of lease and option to pur- cently to protect overtime pay for private sec- former Members of Congress because I chase. This approach will be an effec- tor employees. Mr. Speaker it is disheartening am a freshman this year, but had I tive way to balance need and costs. that we are removing many basic rights from been a Member of Congress in the past, And then on the eve of this very fine our civil service employees that we would nor- I definitely would be fighting strongly Veterans Day, let me pay tribute to all mally guarantee for most Americans. for the repeal of concurrent receipt. of our veterans, our combat wounded, CONCURRENT RECEIPTS Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support and particularly those young men and of the motion to recommit to provide Mr. Speaker I rise in full support with my full concurrent receipt for disabled women on the front lines in Iraq, those Democratic colleagues in asking for the imme- military veterans. For years, the lack families who have lost their loved ones diate elimination of the disabled veterans tax. of concurrent receipt, or as some have in Iraq and, yes, those who languish in I will support the motion to recommit. This Au- called it the disabled veterans tax, has our hospitals who are wounded. It is thorization bill leaves two-thirds of our military taken benefits from the pockets of de- time now that we stand for them and retirees to continue having their compensation serving military retirees. It is an em- provide the full support that they need. compromised by this tax. Disabled military re- barrassment that Congress has gone Let us leave no veteran or soldier be- tirees should not be prohibited from receiving this long without taking care of that hind. the full amount of their retirement pay while disabled veterans tax. I am glad that Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, still receiving the full amount of their full dis- some veterans will get relief under this I rise today in support of H.R. 1588 the Na- ability compensation—these benefits are their bill. But all veterans deserve relief. tional Defense Authorization Act for 2004. I entitlement; after all, we are forever indebted This is a matter of keeping sacred am supporting this legislation because our to them for their service. Our disabled vet- promises. fighting men and women deserve to be prop- erans should be amongst our most cherished The so-called compromise today is erly funded. However, I have grave concerns and recognized individuals in society, they de- leaving a lot of veterans behind, in- in regards to how this legislation has been serve better than to be penalized for their sac- cluding 2,038 veterans in Maine who handled by the majority party in the House rifice in battle. This body must move as a would get benefits if we enacted full Armed Services Committee. I stand with whole to adopt the proposal on concurrent re- concurrent receipt for all. Ranking Member IKE SKELTON in expressing ceipts and eliminate this tax that is an undue I urge my colleagues to vote for the my dismay that Democratic members were not burden on our disabled veterans who have al- motion to recommit to provide a full consulted on very important provisions of this ready sacrificed enough for their nation. benefit to all veterans. If that fails, I significant legislation. This Authorization bill EXIT STRATEGY FOR IRAQ definitely will support the final bill to while momentous cannot truly be considered Mr. Speaker while this Authorization bill pro- give relief to at least some of our de- the work of this entire body if it was not inclu- vides necessary funding for our brave fighting serving veterans, including 1,219 in sive of Democratic members. Even so, I add men and women this body must insist on re- Maine who will now get concurrent re- my appreciation to Chairman DUNCAN and ceiving a report on the exit strategy from Iraq. ceipt under this bill. That is a good Ranking Member SKELTON for their sincere It is pertinent that this Congress be informed step forward. commitment to our Armed Forces. how long our soldiers will have to face mortal But I will not give up and I will keep CIVIL SERVICE REFORM danger. How can we reasonably assume the working until all veterans get full con- My concern is most evident in the lack of cost of funding our Armed Services when we current receipt and we eliminate the power civil service reform addressed in this have little information as to when our current unfair disabled veterans tax on these bill. The bill claims to protect collective bar- conflict will end? Secretary Rumsfeld has an veterans. gaining rights but removes all of the protec- obligation to this body and indeed to our brave

VerDate jul 14 2003 05:12 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K07NO7.042 H07PT1 November 7, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10999 troops to report on the administration’s exit Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 wholeheartedly or with others’. But on strategy from Iraq. minutes to the distinguished gen- the other hand there is so much in this CHINOOK HELICOPTER tleman from Washington (Mr. DICKS). bill that takes care of the troops, their Mr. Speaker, I feel that this Authorization bill Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I want to families, their needs, their capability while supporting the needs of our Armed thank the distinguished gentleman of waging war, and we are at war, Mr. Forces may not address the need for greater from Missouri, who is a classmate, for Speaker. With that in mind, I hope that every protection for the Chinook helicopter that is yielding me this time. I want to com- person in this Chamber, despite the widely used by our Armed Forces. The tragic pliment him and Chairman HUNTER on misgivings of some provisions, will loss of life that occurred by the downing of this bill. We have worked for 2 years on support this bill with the under- Chinook helicopters in Iraq illustrates the need the tanker provisions in this legisla- standing that in so doing, a vote for for the implementation of defense technology tion. I am convinced that modernizing this bill is a vote of confidence and ap- to provide greater protection for the Chinook our tankers is absolutely crucial to na- preciation for those who are wearing helicopters. Indeed, the Chinook is a vital in- tional security. The gentleman from Missouri and I have worked for many the uniform and those families at home strument used by our Armed Forces to trans- in whose prayers those young soldiers, port troops and supplies to our fighting forces years to implement and upgrade the B– 2 bombers which fly out of Whiteman, sailors, airmen and Marines are. on the ground. However, it is also one of our Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of most vulnerable pieces of our military arsenal. Missouri. We have found that in all of these deployments that tankers are ab- my time. The infrared technology aboard the Chinook Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 makes it more susceptible to ground-to-air solutely crucial. I must tell the House that the condi- seconds to the gentleman from Florida missile attack. I am disappointed that this Au- tion of our tankers today is not good. (Mr. YOUNG), chairman of the Com- thorization bill may not address the need for The KC–135–Es have significant corro- mittee on Appropriations. modifications to the Chinook helicopter that sion. They were all built between 1957 Mr. YOUNG of Florida. I thank the can counteract its vulnerability. We must not and 1963 in the Eisenhower and Ken- gentleman for yielding me this time. allow our Armed Forces to lose more brave Mr. Speaker, I rise, number one, to nedy administrations. I have been on men and women because we did not address congratulate the Committee on Armed them. I have talked to the pilots who this glaring need, let’s move to insure the Services, led by Chairman HUNTER, fly them. I have talked to General safety of all fighting equipment. Chairman HEFLEY and Ranking Mem- Handy, General Jumper and they are While I have grave concerns about this mo- ber SKELTON. It is a good bill. I rise in convinced that replacing these tankers mentous legislation I am voting in support of support of the bill and against the mo- is one of the most important things we this Authorization. I do so because we must tion to recommit. can do to preserve our military capa- support our Armed Forces, as well it is long Primarily, though, I want to com- bility. When you think about it, every overdue that our civil service and defense em- pliment my friend and colleague from time we deploy, we have to have tank- ployees receive pay increases. Florida (Mr. BILIRAKIS) for the work ers. We have to have EA–6–Bs, those I am also heartened by the purchase com- that he has done over the years on the jammers. Both of them are very, very promise reached with Boeing in this legisla- issue of concurrent receipt. Veterans old and both of them need to be re- tion. Boeing and their supporting suppliers all over America will appreciate the placed and we need get on with it. determination and the tenacity that he who are based in Texas are innovative, when One of the things that I am con- called upon, they are capable of responding to has brought to this issue of concurrent cerned about that we still have not ad- receipt. Today is a recognition of total national security and civil market needs. It is dressed since the Bush administration also important in the future that contracts with dedication and hard work and not will- took office is the fact that we are short ing to give up, while it has been very the Department of Defense rely on both the in procurement still 30 to $40 billion. lease and purchase of this vital equipment. frustrating on occasion. The gentleman The big argument in the tanker issue is from Florida has done an outstanding Mr. Speaker I hope in the future that such lease versus buy. The only reason we significant legislation as this will involve the job. I just want to rise today to say had to do a lease is the Air Force did that. It is a heartfelt thanks to the debate and full consideration of this entire not have the money to buy these air- body. gentleman from Florida and on behalf planes. That is why we have got to get of all the veterans all over our great Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the procurement account up, General the balance of my time. country for him having been able to Myers says somewhere between 100 and make this happen today. Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield $110 billion. We are at $72 billion. We Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from have got work yet to be done here. the balance of my time to the gen- Washington (Mr. BAIRD). I am also very concerned about the tleman from Georgia (Mr. MARSHALL). Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the provisions in this bill that deal with Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, I gentleman for yielding me this time. I worker rights. We are going to con- thank the gentleman from Missouri profoundly appreciate the hard work tinue to work on that. I hope that (Mr. SKELTON) and the gentleman from that has gone into this legislation but, down the road we can exempt shipyards California (Mr. HUNTER) for their lead- my friends, we know that it is 1,200 from those new restrictions. ership in pulling together a good bill. pages long, it spends $400 billion of the PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY Not all of the provisions of this bill are taxpayers’ money and no one in this Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I have a satisfactory to everyone in this Cham- body save the conference members parliamentary inquiry. ber and ultimately I think this bill will have had more than 3 hours to read The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. pass, but I want to give us an oppor- this. SIMPSON). The gentleman will state it. tunity to improve the bill by increas- It is a fine thing to stand up and say Mr. SKELTON. Who has the right to ing the tax cut that this bill con- we support our troops, and we all do. close? templates for disabled American vet- But the fact is we should not be voting The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- erans. on this today because we have not read tleman from Colorado has the right to I have heard a reference to this being it. We should vote next week on this, close. cynical. I have heard a reference to the after we have had time to think about Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield history of the House in which there this seriously. If we truly care about myself such time as I may consume. were other opportunities to end the our veterans, let us care enough to Let me take a moment, Mr. Speaker. disabled veterans tax, but I am a new read the legislation, and if we truly This is deadly serious business that we guy here and I think today we have an care about our troops, let us care are about. We are providing for the opportunity to do what is right. If it enough to read this legislation. troops, those who wear the uniform of was right 20 years ago or 50 years ago I will vote ‘‘present’’ because I do not the United States of America as pro- or 10 years ago, it is right now. have enough information to vote yea or vided by the Constitution of the United I am going to offer a motion to re- nay, and I regret that profoundly. States. This is of the highest calling of commit. I want everybody to under- Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve our Congress. No, all the provisions in stand what that motion to recommit the balance of my time. this bill do not meet with my approval does.

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07NO7.008 H07PT1 H11000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 7, 2003 b 1130 time. We may have had one. I am not by many veterans. I believe the debate needs It leaves the entire bill intact. It even sure we had even that. Never in to be continued on this very important issue, changes nothing in the bill with the ex- any of their budgets had they even put and I was disappointed that the majority chose ception of one thing: it instructs that a single penny into their budgets for to adopt a half-measure rather than solving the House conferees go as far as they full concurrent receipt, even the most the problem in its entirety. can toward the Senate position with recent ones. The discharge petition I also am dismayed that efforts to clarify the regard to the disabled veterans tax, would bring H.R. 303 on the floor. There Berry amendment failed. This is not a failure also known as concurrent receipt. If we is going to be a motion to recommit, of the conference process, but it is a serious do that, we effectively eliminate the which basically says we have got to blow to the textile industry in Massachusetts disabled veterans tax. We are not doing have the entire amount. and across the country. that in this bill. Why did you all not crank those dol- Having said that, I believe the conference We do give a tax cut to disabled vet- lars into your budget? You have not report is on the whole a solid proposal. At a erans in this bill. It is the compromise, chosen to do so. time when members of our Nation’s military frankly, that has been forced as a re- The gentleman has talked about his are being asked to make tremendous personal sult of all of the attention brought to discharge petition. My discharge peti- sacrifices, this bill represents a step in the this issue during this session by many tion back in the early 1990s, 1993 I be- right direction. veterans groups, by many on the lieve it was, failed. Where were all the I recognize the importance of providing a Democratic side, by the discharge peti- signers from that side of the aisle back truly bipartisan authorization package in order tion that I filed earlier, and because so in 1993, or whatever that year was, to maintain the world’s most capable military. many people have supported the Bili- when we had that discharge petition? To this end, the Subcommittee on Terrorism, rakis bill in the past. Right now we Politics, I might say, politics, politics. Unconventional Threats and Capabilities, have got about 370 cosponsors of the Starting January 1 of next year, the where I serve as ranking member, authorized Bilirakis bill. House Resolution 303 is proposal will phase in full concurrent increased spending on DARPA, chemical and designed to end the disabled veterans receipt for all retirees who have dis- biological defense, and special operations. I tax. There are many on the other side ability ratings 50 percent or more. It applaud Subcommittee Chairman SAXTON for of the aisle who have signed on as co- expands the combat-related special his leadership and work on these issues, and sponsors of H. Res. 303 to end the dis- compensation program to cover all 100 I also want to thank Ranking Member SKEL- abled veterans tax. We have got an op- percent combat-related disability cat- TON for all of his efforts. portunity to do that right now with egories, as opposed to those that are 60 While this bill generally represents a sound this motion to recommit. It is a rifle percent now. It also extends these ben- approach to most of the issues before the shot. It does only one thing, and that is efits to the Reserve and National Committee, I am disappointed that its flaws do right by our veterans. Guard, who have not been getting it up were not corrected. In the coming months, I Some have said that we cannot afford to now. hope that we will be able to move forward and more than this. I like tax cuts. While I Despite this breakthrough, Mr. address the shortcomings in this conference was the mayor of Macon, I led the fight Speaker, full concurrent receipt re- report. to lower our property taxes for the mains a priority goal for all of us. Only Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I would have first time in 20 years. I think I am one let us show it. Rather than just dis- liked to offer my support to this conference re- of the few Democrats, fewer than 10, I charge petitions, let us put the dollars port. The conference report includes a much suspect, that voted for the compromise into the budget, if we will, on both needed pay raise and much needed support administration tax cut that we passed sides of the aisle if we are really seri- for our military families. In typical fashion, earlier this year. I will vote for other ous. however, my Republican colleagues have tax cuts as well. I ask everybody to vote for this bill taken a good bill and bogged it down with ex- We have got to prioritize our tax and to oppose the motion to recommit, traneous and extreme measures. The con- cuts. We will have an opportunity right Mr. Speaker, for the reasons stated. ference report does not include the stronger now to give tax cuts to disabled vet- Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in House language on Buy America and allows erans that they well deserve and that support of the Department of Defense author- research on low-yield nuclear weapons—a we can afford if we are willing to put ization conference report. But before I address practice prohibited by Republicans and Demo- that tax cut toward the top of the pri- the issues raised by this bill, I want to thank crats over the last 20 years because it violates ority list. Others here have voted for the staff for their hard work on this bill. I espe- the non-proliferation treaty and makes it easier tax cuts beside this one. Now is an op- cially appreciate the efforts of Bill Natter of the for questionable regimes to obtain nuclear portunity to vote for this. That is why Committee staff and Bill McCann from my per- weapons. The conference report also exempts I am doing this motion to recommit. sonal staff. I also want to extend a special the military from complying with two of our Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield thank you to Faye Virostek, who has worked most important environmental laws, the En- the balance of my time to the gen- in my office as a Brookings Fellows for almost dangered Species Act and the Marine Mam- tleman from Florida (Mr. BILIRAKIS), a year. Faye is tremendously talented and mal Protection Act. who is not a Johnny-come-lately on dedicated. She has contributed greatly to my When this authorization process began, concurrent receipt. He has led this work on the Armed Services Committee and Secretary Rumsfeld came to Congress and fight longer than I have been a Member to my office, and I wish her the best as she told us that in order to maintain readiness, of the United States Congress. prepares to return to her permanent executive they needed exemptions from the Clean Air (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given branch job. Act, the Resources Conservation Recovery permission to revise and extend his re- I did not sign the conference report because Act, Superfund, the Endangered Species Act, marks.) I object to the exclusion of the minority mem- and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Fortu- Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, as to bers of the Conference Committee from delib- nately, the Congress saw fit to exclude most the issue of concurrent receipt, which erations over several important issues. In of what the DOD asked for with regard to en- the other side keeps referring to as a some cases, we were able to work construc- vironmental exemptions. tax on disabled veterans, as the Mem- tively to reach reasonable compromise, but in The conference report directs the Secretary bers know, and I appreciate all the others the majority was unwilling to work with of Interior to substitute the Department of De- kind remarks that I have received from us in an attempt to produce a consensus posi- fense’s land management plan, known as an both sides of the aisle, but I have tion. I do not believe that our Nation’s interests Integrated Natural Resources Management worked on this for 18 years, and during or this institution are well-served by this proc- Plan, for critical habitat designation under the the first half of those 18 years, the ess. Endangered Species Act, if the plan provides other party was in charge, and we have For example, the conference report mirrors a ‘‘benefit’’ for threatened species. Further, the to ask ourselves what was done during the House report language to rewrite the En- conference report does not require that the In- all that period of time. I say to the dangered Species Act and Marine Mammal tegrated Natural Resources Management Plan Members nothing, nothing. I am Protection Act, two critical environmental laws. benefit the species. searching my mind to try to find out In addition, the resolution on concurrent re- This is a much lower standard than the cur- how many hearings we were able to ceipt of disability and retirement benefits fails rent law, not to mention the DOD has enough have on this issue during that period of to resolve the unfairness and hardship faced trouble coming up with a management plan for

VerDate jul 14 2003 05:12 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K07NO7.048 H07PT1 November 7, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11001 things it is supposed to know about, let alone important aspect of military transformation. I frame in accordance with the BRAC (base re- fish and wildlife. If the military is able to es- wish to convey my deepest gratitude to Chair- alignment and closure) process. This com- cape the critical habitat designation, private man HUNTER and Ranking Member SKELTON promise would afford the Navy a quick depar- property owners will have to bear the burden of the Armed Services Committee, as well as ture and cost savings, while keeping with the of providing for the recovery of threatened and Chairman JERRY LEWIS and Ranking Member important protections and procedures required endangered species. This is simply not right. JACK MURTHA of the Defense Appropriations by BRAC. It would also provide Puerto Rico Just this week, the Committee on Re- Subcommittee, for their work to help this effort with the much-needed economic development sources passed a bipartisan reauthorization of reach fruition. opportunities provided through redeveloping the Marine Mammal Protection Act. That legis- This legislation takes another step toward the base. This proposal was agreed to and lation was the culmination of over 4 years providing concurrent receipt to our Nation’s signed into law on September 30. worth of hearings and the testimony of dozens disabled military retirees, though the language In the midst of the defense authorization of witnesses. Contrary to what happened in falls short of our obligations. As a cosponsor conference, out of scope proposals surfaced the committee of jurisdiction, where they were of H.R. 303, I believe we must fulfill our prom- to thwart such progress. The proposals ranged able to successfully compromise to address ises to our Nation’s veterans by allowing them from requiring a report to Congress and sub- the definition of harassment, the language in total access to both their retirement pay and sequent 360-day waiting period for any and all the conference report would overturn a recent disability benefits. Next Tuesday, our Nation Roosevelt Roads property disposals to court decision and construct a wall against honors those Americans that have protected mothballing, or leaving the base on inactive any further litigation against the Navy. our Nation, and we must honor their service status, allowing the land to waste away with- Over the last 5 years our troops have top- by providing them with the benefits they have out a clear plan for redevelopment and cre- pled a dictator in Iraq, stopped a genocide in earned. ating additional uncertainty among the com- Kosovo, and defeated the Taliban in Afghani- Unfortunately, today’s agreement contains munity. While I appreciate that all out of scope stan. Our troops prepared for those missions language that may undermine important civil items in conference have been dropped, I fear without exemptions from our cornerstone envi- service safeguards for civilians within the De- that punitive efforts may surface yet again as ronmental laws—laws that administration offi- partment of Defense, as well as existing envi- base closure and redevelopment continues. cials and the General Accounting Office do not ronmental protections. I urge Chairman The recent proposals are stalling tactics believe are hampering our military readiness. HUNTER and Ranking Member SKELTON to void of merit and driven by angry politics Indeed, former NATO Supreme Allied Com- schedule hearings on these topics in the com- stemming from deep resentment held by those mander, General Wesley Clark recently stated, ing months so that our committee may exer- who strongly opposed closing the Vieques ‘‘Additional exemptions aren’t needed. I spent cise appropriate oversight authority and en- training range. Let the past become the past. a lot of time in the Army and, in all my years sure that the implementation of these new Let’s move forward with the best interest of of service, complying with the environmental policies does not undermine decades of efforts the U.S. military and the American citizens in laws never compromised the military readi- by Congress to protect our environment and Puerto Rico in mind. ness of troops under my command.’’ Mr. federal workforce. If enacted such tactics would have contin- Speaker, we need to ask ourselves why we Overall, this legislation represents an impor- ued to cost the Navy money and drain per- are passing language that neither the Re- tant investment in the defense of our Nation, sonnel resources, while hindering meaningful sources Committee nor a four-star general and I urge my colleagues to support its pas- economic opportunity for Puerto Rico. Under deem necessary. sage. such a scenario, American citizens in Puerto In short, Mr. Speaker, I regret that I cannot Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA´ . Mr. Speaker, the De- Rico would remain without jobs while base re- support this conference report. I must draw a fense Authorization Conferees should be com- development plans sat in limbo. line in the sand. My Republican colleagues mended for rejecting efforts to undermine the Puerto Ricans care deeply about their com- have got to stop looking for ways to put bad agreement signed by President Bush that pro- mon citizenship and continue to serve valiantly and extraneous language in good bills in an vides important protections for how Naval Sta- in our military. What should soldiers think of attempt to force the hands of those who dis- tion Roosevelt Roads is to be closed. It was such punitive, political squabbling about a agree with them. particularly critical because this is a very sad base closure at home, while they fight over- Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, as a member week in Puerto Rico, as Puerto Rico has lost seas? As it was President Bush who author- of the House Armed Services Committee, I am three of our young men and one woman who ized the Navy’s departure from Vieques, he pleased to speak in support of the bill before were serving on active duty in Iraq. It would too has stated on many occasions that we all us. I wish to thank Chairman HUNTER and have been a cruel irony for the Defense au- should avoid politicizing military affairs when Ranking Member SKELTON for their leadership thorizers to remove fundamental BRAC pro- our troops are abroad. in completing action on this legislation, which tections for Puerto Rico at the same time I have included for the RECORD a letter co- provides our military—and the men and Puerto Ricans were paying the ultimate sac- signed by fellow Members of the Congres- women who serve in it—the resources they rifice by serving our country. sional Hispanic Caucus. Such support is much need to keep America strong in the 21st cen- Last spring the U.S. Navy announced appreciated. Further, I want to thank Ranking tury. The military pay increase and the en- downsizing plans for Roosevelt Roads. The Member IKE SKELTON and his Senate counter- hanced benefits for active and reserve per- Navy followed its announcement with the part CARL LEVIN for their strong commitment sonnel recognize the valiant efforts of the men planned departure from the Vieques training and leadership on this issue. and women who have ably served our Nation, range—a result that was the fruit of innumer- I find it troubling that the bipartisan deal that and the development and procurement of able debate and struggle. In subsequent testi- took place on Defense Appropriations might state-of-the-art weapons systems will provide mony to Congress, the Navy professed high someday be undermined by such resentful them with the tools they need to continue their operational costs and personnel requirements politics, especially given the difficult chal- mission of excellence. stemming from the continued operation of lenges we now face, and the sacrifices we ask I am particularly pleased with provisions in Roosevelt Roads and implied the base should of our troops. I will continue to fight against the legislation that demonstrate Congress’s close. these punitive efforts while at the same time I commitment to the role of submarines as an Of course, downsizing and the implications will pursue dialogue with those colleagues essential part of a strong naval fleet. Passage of closure have taken their toll and it has been who may still consider punishing action of the conference report today will represent a sordid year for Roosevelt Roads, those who against my constituents. the final step in a historic agreement to permit work or worked there and Ceiba, Puerto It certainly would be in the best interest of multi-year procurement for the Virginia-class Rico—the community the base has called the Navy, the people of the local community, submarine. This agreement will encourage home for the past 60 years. The Navy’s own and the future of Roosevelt Roads to set more rapid and cost-effective production of pronouncements estimated the base brought these new proposals aside, and continue this important system—saving the U.S. tax- $300 million annually to the local economy. working to redevelop the base and rejuvenate payer an estimated $115 million per sub- The region around base, with 14 percent un- the local economy. We Members of Congress marine—while giving the United States Navy employment, can ill afford a drawn out rede- have more pressing matters to consume our new capabilities to respond to future threats. velopment process. time. Multi-year procurement will also provide great- During negotiations with defense appropri- Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Speaker, given our cur- er stability in southeastern New England’s de- ators and the U.S. Navy, we reached a com- rent military situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, fense industry, and I know that the people of promise that was enacted under which Roo- I believe it is incumbent upon us to send an Rhode Island are proud to have a role in this sevelt Roads would close in a 6-month time- unequivocal message of support for our troops

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07NO7.010 H07PT1 H11002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 7, 2003 who are currently in the field. It is equally im- military has shown so little previous concern and imminent danger is increased from $150 portant that we provide veterans—those who with this issue that it was only in March of this to $225 per month. The legislation also ex- have made sacrifices in order to protect the year that the Department of Defense began tends TRICARE health coverage to National safety of our country, the benefits they have developing guidance on how to assess and Guard members and reservists and their fami- rightfully earned. process exemptions requests inappropriate sit- lies if such servicemembers have been called Not since the Korean War have we as a uations. to active duty. The bill also authorizes nearly country relied on the members of our reserve Marine mammal protection is under its $10 billion for military construction, family forces and National Guard as we do now. We greatest fire today. Although unnecessary from housing, medical facilities, and child develop- are depending on them to preserve the peace the start, a full exemption from the MMPA was ment centers. in Iraq and protect our safety at home. We granted for military readiness activities in the This legislation also continues the trans- have uprooted them from their families, taken version of this bill that passed the House on formation of our military to meet new chal- them away from their jobs and put them in the May 22, 2003. The Senate version of the bill lenges of the global war on terror. The bill line of fire. Yet, it is not uncommon that after contained no MMPA exemption for any rea- funds research and procurement of counter- serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, members of son. How then did it come to pass that the measures to protect troops and the homeland the Reserve forces return home without the Conference Report we debate today broadens from chemical, biological, and nuclear attack. basic benefits they so rightfully deserve. While the exemption to include scientific research It increases weapons and equipment procure- this legislation is far from perfect, it takes an activities by the Federal Government? The ment for Special Operations Forces. It funds important step by ensuring that activated Conference Report, agreed to by Republican programs to dismantle, secure, and eliminate members of the Reserve forces and National conferees behind closed doors, opens gaping weapons of mass destruction and facilities in Guard and their families receive health bene- loopholes in the management of marine mam- Russia and the former Soviet republics. There are several significant shortcomings fits. mals and creates unequal standards for ocean in this legislation, however, that I would like to Importantly, this legislation extends the in- users. This is both unfair to the marine mam- discuss. crease in ‘‘combat pay’’ and a Family Separa- mals struggling to survive and to the shipping, This conference report contains an inad- tion Allowance for all of our troops who are fishing, and tourism industries, which will now equate proposal to address the Disabled Vet- currently serving in the military. Given the sac- be held to different standards under MMPA erans Tax imposed on our military retirees. rifice that our troops make in the name of pro- than scientific researchers and the Navy. Under current law, military retirees are taxed tecting our country, it is only right to guarantee The ‘‘encroachment’’ of civilian communities one dollar of their retirement pay for every dol- that they and their families have adequate fi- on military managed lands is a serious prob- lar they receive in veterans disability com- nancial resources in their time of need. lem as the separation between where people pensation. Denying service-disabled men and Additionally, this legislation addresses the live and where the military trains decreases. women the benefits they have earned breaks unfair Disabled Veterans Tax. It allows certain As such, there has never been a more nec- our promise to those who placed their lives on disabled military retirees to receive both their essary time for the military to look out for the the line for America’s freedom. Any veteran retirement and disability benefits. However, it public’s best interest. The public wants and with a service-connected disability, regardless only allows concurrent receipt of these bene- needs a healthy and well-managed environ- of the length of his or her military service, can fits for one-third of the approximately 700,000 ment and for the military to be held to com- retire from a federal civilian job and receive disabled veterans. I believe this is sorely inad- plying with our nation’s fundamental environ- both retired pay and disability compensation equate and is the reason why I voted to re- mental protection laws. The military should be without penalty. commit this bill so conferees could have the listening to its neighbors and respecting their America’s troops are united as they serve in chance to repeal the entire Disabled Veterans requests, and Congress should have listened Iraq and Afghanistan and here at home. Our Tax and let all disabled veterans rightfully re- to its constituents and prevented the weak- veterans were united as they fought for our ceive both their military benefits as well as ening of the ESA and MMPA. country. They remain united today in their love their retirement benefits. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support for our nation. But the Disabled Veterans Tax While I do not believe this bill is perfect and of H.R. 1588, to authorize military spending for compromise before the House today seeks to I am particularly concerned with certain provi- fiscal year 2004. This bill authorizes the fund- divide them. It leaves behind more than sions regarding civil service reform and the ing necessary to defend our country and pro- 390,000 disabled military retirees—more than environment, I do believe that given our cur- mote our interests throughout the world. The two-thirds of those who would receive full rent military obligations, it is essential that we bill makes significant enhancements to our compensation under HR 303. Those retirees support our troops. By extending benefits for combat capabilities, continues our efforts to with a Purple Heart or combat-related dis- our troops and veterans, we are guaranteeing transform the military to meet the terrorist ability would be eligible this January. Others that those who have dedicated their lives to threats of the 21st century, and provides a who have 50 percent or greater disability serving our country are not left behind during number of new benefits to American soldiers would have to wait for ten years to receive this critical time. throughout the world. their full benefits. Those with less than 50% Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in op- Congress has a responsibility to work with disability still will not receive one penny of position to the Conference Report of H.R. the President to protect the national security of compensation for their disabilities. 1588, the Defense Authorization Act. This bill our nation. When our soldiers are sent in to Because this compromise is phased in over contains anti-environmental provisions that roll war, it is the Congress’s responsibility to make a ten-year period, many of our older veterans, back fundamental protections of the Endan- sure that all resources necessary are provided particularly those from World War II and the gered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine to carry out their missions. Korean War, may not live long enough to re- Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). I stand behind our brave men and women ceive the full benefits to which they are enti- H.R. 1588 exempts the military from pro- who have performed admirably in Iraq and Af- tled. In my district in Maryland, there are 1,519 tecting endangered species. Provisions in this ghanistan. They have made tremendous sac- veterans who are now subject to the Disabled Conference Report compromise the survival of rifices on behalf of their country and have Veterans Tax. This bill leaves 1,000 of them some 300 threatened and endangered species served longer deployments than expected. behind. living on military lands by prohibiting the des- Much of the funds in this bill will go directly to More than 85 percent of the members of ignation of critical habitat as mandated under support our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. this House have cosponsored HR 303, yet the the ESA. Instead, military lands will be man- Under this bill our men and women in uni- compromise before us falls far short. Many of aged under Integrated Natural Resources form will receive a 4.15 percent average in- my colleagues also signed the discharge peti- Management Plans, prepared by the Secretary crease in base pay. At the same time the bill tion that would compel the House to consider of Defense. Currently, such plans have no reduces the average amount of housing ex- this bill. For these reasons, I urged my col- definitions, no standards, and no limits. penses paid by service members from the cur- leagues to support the motion to recommit. It Such sweeping changes in the management rent 7.5 percent to 3.5 percent, and eliminates would have stripped from the bill the inad- of species living on military lands are com- out-of-pocket expenses completely by fiscal equate compromise language that only helps pletely unnecessary. Sea otters and toads do year 2005. The bill also extends special pay two-thirds of America’s veterans, and replace not and will not prevent our military from being and bonuses for active duty personnel through it with full, immediate concurrent receipt. Our the best trained and prepared in the world. But the end of 2004. Family separation allowance disabled military retirees deserve no less. if for some reason the toads rise up, the mili- for service members with dependents is in- I am also disappointed that conferees chose tary already has, but never has used, a na- creased, from $100 to $259 per month. The to include in this bill a far-reaching plan to re- tional security exemption as part of ESA. The special pay rate for those subject to hostile fire vamp the DOD civilian employee system.

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07NO7.014 H07PT1 November 7, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11003 Under this agreement, more than 700,000 ci- many things wrong with this bill. For example, As we move forward, I will be working to do vilian workers in the Defense Department will under H.R. 1588, environmental standards are more to ensure our military retirees eventually lose fundamental protections that have been weakened and worker rights are severely lim- get a full concurrent receipt. in place since President Kennedy’s administra- ited. Yet again, the Republicans have placed I will keep a very close eye on the plans tion. These protections were put in place to a higher priority on partisanship and special and activities of the Department of Defense as safeguard against the patronage, political fa- interests than doing what is right for our coun- they proceed with their plans for civil service voritism, and nepotism that were rampant be- try and our service men and women. workers. I want to ensure that our civil service fore the advent of the civil service system. But, of all the many problems with this con- workers remain the viable, strong workforce These DoD employees will lose many of ference report, the most disappointing is the our national security demands. their current due process rights. The con- section on concurrent receipt that fails to end Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise ference report retains the right of employees this horrendous policy for many of our dis- in support of H.R. 1588 the Defense Author- to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection abled veterans. For months, the Republicans ization Conference Report. While this con- Board but only as an appellate body. As a re- have refused even to allow a vote on H.R. 303 ference report has some deficiencies it also sult, DoD civilian employees would have far which would end the disabled veterans tax for has a number of positive points that I support. fewer rights to appeal personnel actions than all of our veterans. But now in a half-hearted Inititally when this Defense Authorization other civilian employees have. They would attempt to appear responsive to the over- was drafted compromises were reached that lose guarantees on overtime pay, hazard pay, whelming demands of Democrats and vet- would allow the DoD to have flexibility and at weekend pay, and holiday pay. Finally this erans groups to repeal this tax, the Repub- the same time providing labor protections. Un- provision empowers Secretary Rumsfeld and licans have thrown our veterans a bone—a fortunately, the conference report language all future Secretaries of Defense to create an partial repeal of the concurrent receipt policy. has been redrafted and allows DoD to wipe entirely new personnel system for DOD civil- It is estimated that, under the Republican away these protections. It is unfortunate that ians. I am also very concerned that enactment plan, two-thirds of disabled veterans will not civilian defense employees are not receiving of these provisions will set a dangerous prece- receive one penny of compensation for their the same protections. I would hope that we dent that will lead to erosion of protections in disabilities. This is unacceptable. Our veterans can work to ensure workers rights at the Pen- other federal department and agencies. In deserve all of the benefits that they have tagon. These men and women serve our these times of uncertainty and turmoil, we are earned. Our veterans have sacrificed in order country and are also fighting to protect our asking more of our civil servants than ever be- to ensure our freedom and safety. Congress freedoms. fore in our history. To remove these important must now do its part. Congress can and must While this conference report has begun to safeguards now is the wrong thing to do. completely end the disabled veterans tax—im- address the issue of concurrent receipts for In sum, Mr. Speaker, I am disappointed that mediately. veterans it does not fully solve the problem. Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman we have failed to provide the full concurrent We need to make sure all veterans receive DUNCAN HUNTER and Ranking Democrat IKE receipt to our veterans that they deserve, and this benefit. It takes a step in the right direc- SKELTON for their leadership on this important that we have eroded some of the civil service tion, but it does not fully solve the problem. bill. This conference report also calls on the protections for Defense Department employ- Our young men and women in uniform are Secretary of Defense to submit to the House ees. However, I will support this legislation be- performing magnificently right now in Iraq in a Intelligence Committee a report on the prepa- cause it provides additional resources for our difficult and developing mission. They are also ration for and conduct of our military oper- troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the performing magnificently in Afghanistan, and ations under Operation Iraqi Freedom. world as they prosecute the global war on ter- elsewhere around the world where the global I am thankful that the F–22A Raptor re- rorism. Our military must be given every avail- war on terror takes us. It falls to the Congress ceived additional funding. The Raptor is the able tool for its arsenal as it combats emerg- to make sure our troops have what they need new front line jet fighter for our Air Force. This ing threats to our soldiers and our homeland. to prosecute this war on all fronts. Certainly all aircraft will give us complete air superiority. I Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I of Congress agrees that our soldiers in the am proud to say that we build this radar sys- rise today in support of H.R. 1588, the FY field deserve to get all they need, no matter tem in my district. 2004 Department of Defense Authorization bill. what. However, I believe that this bill is far from The central feature of today’s bill is a huge The Authorization also contains additional perfect. It does not fully support veterans’ dis- step forward on the issue of concurrent re- funding for the Shadow 200 Unmanned Aerial ability issues, collective bargaining for civilian ceipt. Finally, we are acknowledging the inher- Vehicle. This vehicle which is again built in my personnel, and protection for the environment. ent unfairness of having long-time service district played a vital role in Iraq in providing It is unfortunate that these issues suffered due members chose between retiree pay and dis- our troops with an aerial view of the battlefield to the political process. I did support the mo- ability. We didn’t get nearly what we wanted, to give our troops a tactical advantage. Be- tion to recommit in hopes that these critical nor what these military retirees deserve . . . cause of the success of this vehicle the Na- issues could be further discussed, but that but we made significant progress on advanc- tional Guard is now interested in the unit and motion failed. ing the cause of expanding the phase-in of has requested funding for it. If we were not in a time of war I would not concurrent receipt. I am happy to say an amendment I inserted support this bill. Yet, our brave men and This bill provides much needed support for into the Defense Authorization has been ac- women deserve all the protections and assist- our military including: a pay raise of 4.15 per- cepted and will be a part of this authorization. ance we can provide, and I will do all I can to cent for uniformed services, further reducing My Amendment calls for employee surveys of support them. out-of-pocket expenses for servicemembers, leadership and management performance. While I am voting against the report, I do increasing allowances for family separation This survey will help to promote efficiency and support the outcome of the Conference Com- and danger pay, and modestly increasing the allow for the recognition of achievement and mittee regarding overseas voting provisions for force structure of the Army and active Re- increase best practices in an agency. It is im- the military. I am pleased that language refer- serves and National Guard. portant that we allow employees to take own- ring to ballots submitted by members of the DOD did not get all the power it wanted ership of where they work and to make them military stationed overseas was not included in when it comes to contracting out civilian jobs, part of the team. the report. The issue of ensuring the integrity but I am very uncertain about what lies ahead Again, I rise in support of this conference of overseas military members’ ballots has for civilian workers. We made some progress report. been addressed in the Help America Vote Act in the negotiations, but the strong language in Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in (HAVA), and I believe we must await the full the House bill put quite a pall over the future support of the conference report for the Fiscal implementation of HAVA before considering of a viable civilian service. We have a very Year 2004 National Defense Authorization Act. any changes. Therefore, I did not believe that tough road ahead. And, I maintain the Sec- I would first like to recognize our Committee some of the suggested changes were nec- retary is just wrong on this one—a strong civil- leadership, Chairman HUNTER and Ranking essary. ian workforce performs the core functions of Member SKELTON, for the bill they have craft- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ex- the military better, and cheaper, in-house. ed to address the immediate needs of our press my disappointment in this conference Today’s package, and our passage of it Armed Forces. Our Committee has a long tra- report. I regret that I must oppose it. speaks, we hope, to the needs of our military dition of working across party lines to ensure I support our troops and our veterans, and and offers them the concrete understanding the readiness and well-being of our Armed applaud the conference report’s improvement that this Congress considers our military men Forces, and I am pleased to have participated in pay for our troops, but there are far too and women our ultimate responsibility. in yet another cooperative effort with my

VerDate jul 14 2003 01:09 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07NO7.017 H07PT1 H11004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 7, 2003 Armed Services colleagues. Unfortunately, this Likewise, I am dissatisfied with the partial this backlog of claims. This is the type of help bipartisan spirit did not extend to the more rollback of the Disabled Veterans Tax. For our veterans need. controversial aspects of the Defense Author- years I have cosponsored and supported leg- It is shameful that our disabled veterans ization Act, especially the reworking of the civil islative efforts to allow disabled veterans to re- cannot receive disability pay without receiving service system and yet another compromise ceive their full retirement annuity in conjunc- a cut in their pension. Veterans should not be on the Disabled Veterans Tax. On the bal- tion with VA disability pay, and year after year, forced to give up one dollar of their pension ance, however, this bill establishes good pol- we are only able to come up with half-hearted for every dollar that they receive in disability icy for our troops when they need it the most. measures. The so-called solution before us pay. A veteran must not be punished for being H.R. 1588 offers the pay and benefit meas- will take ten years to rectify the unfair penalty. disabled. ures that our Armed Forces deserve. We put Our veterans cannot wait until 2014 to finally I cosponsored H.R. 303, the concurrent re- together another healthy across-the-board pay see the compensation they rightfully earned, in ceipt bill. And I signed the petition that would raise—4.15 percent—as well as targeted numerous cases many years ago. It is shame- have brought this bill to the House floor de- raises of up to 6.25 percent for mid-grade and ful that our Republican colleagues are unwill- spite Republican opposition. senior noncommissioned officers and select ing to budget the funding for those who have Our veterans are simply waiting for what warrant officers. We have also extended spe- already made so many sacrifices in behalf of they are owed—their disability pay and their cial pay provisions for the men and women our Nation but yet are all too willing to send full pensions. deployed around the world. Hostile fire and more young men and women down the same Our veterans are dying at a rate of 1,000 a imminent danger pay will be raised from $150 path in harm’s way. I truly hope that we can day. The Republican plan will not aid the vet- per month to $225 per month through Decem- reexamine this phased-in approach next year erans that need help now. ber 1, 2004, while family separation allowance and accommodate all disabled veterans equal- Under the Republican plan only one-third of (FSAA) will increase from $100 to $250 per ly and immediately. the disabled veterans will get the help that month. As the Ranking Democrat on the Sub- they need. This is unacceptable and our vet- In an effort to address the issue of military committee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, I erans deserve better. readiness, H.R. 1588 also includes TRICARE am happy to report that we have done well by Our veterans need our help. Let’s not keep health benefits for deploying Reservists. We the major Army and Air Force acquisition pro- them waiting any longer. I urge my colleagues to support concurrent have been undermining our own system by re- grams under our jurisdiction. The bill carefully receipt and send this report back to con- lying on Reservists to be ready to go when balances current hardware needs with devel- ference. called but failing to provide them the required opment and procurement of future systems. Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I spoke medical coverage to ensure deployment-level Modernization of our Bradley Fighting Vehicles against this bill when it was on the House readiness. Through this new authorization, the and Abrams tanks will ensure the capability of Floor and, unbelievably, it’s gotten worse in Department of Defense can provide immediate our heavy armor divisions and our industrial Conference. I am frustrated that on the week medical and dental screening and care for se- base. I am particularly pleased that we have before Veterans Day, the conference report lected Reservists who are assigned to a unit funded the Stryker Medium Armored Vehicles keeps moving further away from what the mili- alerted or notified of mobilization. Non-mobi- at the Administration’s request for both pro- tary, veterans, and Americans need. The most lized Reservists currently without health insur- curement and research and development. fundamental function of our national govern- ance will also be able to enroll in TRICARE on Stryker represents the bridge between current ment is the defense of our nation. Today, this a cost-share basis. With the burden on our Army legacy systems and the networked Fu- function is more important, and we are spend- Reserves at an all-time high, providing basic ture Combat System; through Stryker, our sol- ing more on national defense than ever be- coverage is the least we can do for those diers will hone the skills necessary for the fore. The conference report that we are debat- called to serve. transformation to the fast and lethal warfare of One of the worst aspects of this legislation ing this morning carries a $401.3 billion price the 21st century. tag, which means that the United States will is the wholesale dismantling of our Depart- I would like to thank the Committee staff for be spending over a billion dollars a day, and ment of Defense civilian workforce. Under the their tireless work over the past several more on our military than do the next 25 na- conference report before us, some 700,000 months in putting together the best bill pos- tions combined. This bill certainly spends federal employees will be stripped of their sible. I would especially like to thank the Tac- enough to do the job, however it is full of pro- rights and protections in the current civil serv- tical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee pro- visions that not only waste tax dollars, but ice system and placed at the mercy of political fessional staff, J.J. Gertler, Bill Natter, and even threaten Americans’ health and safety. appointees in DoD. The Defense Authorization Doug Roach, for their dedication, profes- I am pleased that the Defense Authorization Act, as written, provides no guidelines for a sionalism, and invaluable expertise throughout bill starts to reduce the tax on disabled Vet- new civilian personnel system; rather, it gives the year’s work. erans, which is long overdue. However, I am almost unchecked power to Secretary Rums- We have a bill that we can largely be proud disappointed that the bill would only partially feld to create a system of his own design. We of. Again, I urge my colleagues to support this end the tax—leaving out two-thirds of military have heard testimony about pay for perform- measure. ance and pay banding, but none of this is Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of retirees affected by the tax and forcing those codified in the legislation. It opens the door to the motion to recommit the Defense Reauthor- covered to wait 10 years for full benefits. political patronage and cronyism—the very ization Conference Report. We must say no to I am also extremely disappointed that the abuses which the civil service system was en- the veteran disability tax and support concur- conferees chose to eliminate the 1993 ban on acted to prevent in the first place. Our com- rent receipt. low-yield nuclear weapons. The House bill al- mittee held exactly one hearing on the civil As a veteran, and as a Member of Con- lowed research but maintained the ban on de- service portions of this bill, and that hearing gress, it is my duty to fight for the veterans velopment activities that could lead to the pro- was held only after Committee Democrats who fought for our freedom. We must make duction of a destabilizing and unnecessary raised an outcry. The hearing was hastily or- sure that our veterans receive the benefits and new low-yield nuclear weapon. However, con- ganized with one day’s notice and hardly al- healthcare that they have more than earned. ferees accepted the Senate language that also lowed for the in-depth examination due such a To take money away from our veterans allowed research but eliminated the ban. For- sweeping proposal. Let me be clear—this while giving tax cuts to the wealthy is dis- tunately, Congressional approval is required process has been a farce and nothing less graceful. before these dangerous weapons can be pro- than a slap in the face to our DoD civilian I don’t understand how House Republicans duced, and I hope that this never occurs. Pro- workforce. We praise these men and women can vote to cut $14 billion from veterans’ ben- ducing a new generation of low-yield nuclear in one breath, and in the next, dismiss them efits, and then send 130,000 troops to Iraq. weapons increases the likelihood they will be as expendable. In passing this provision, Con- While America’s wealthiest receive huge tax used in conflict, breaking a taboo that has gress will abdicate its constitutional responsi- cuts our soldiers die overseas. And for those been in place since World War II. Developing bility and cede our authority in this matter to that do come home, they want to cut their new types of nuclear weapons sends the the Executive Branch. I am deeply dis- benefits. Our soldiers deserve better. wrong message to other nations. America appointed that the Administration felt it nec- Right now, 520,000 veterans’ benefits must lead by example if the threat of nuclear essary to interfere in this conference and pre- claims are still pending in the VA. Some of weapons is going to be eliminated. vent us from adopting the much more mod- these claims involve soldiers that served as This bill is missed opportunity to focus on erate and sensible legislation crafted in the long ago as the Korean War. real priorities. The anti-environmental provi- Senate under the leadership of Senator COL- I have even introduced a bill to try to solve sions in this bill are especially frustrating. In- LINS. this problem, H.R. 1264 that will help reduce stead of addressing real threats to readiness,

VerDate jul 14 2003 05:12 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07NO7.021 H07PT1 November 7, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11005 the administration and the Republicans in laws when it’s necessary for national security. ceive any benefits. That means every disabled Congress are taking on an easier target, dol- There has never been a case where a waiver military retiree and veteran with a disability phins. Using defense as cover, they are pro- has not been granted for military necessity. greater than 50 percent will be entitled to con- posing changes to environmental laws that The defense authorization bill is also wrong current receipt. have nothing to do with defense readiness. on a very fundamental level. It is missing an It also creates a 13-member bi-partisan As the largest owner of infrastructure in the opportunity to use the Department of Defense commission appointed by Congressional lead- world and also the biggest polluter, the De- to set the highest standards. Given adequate ers and the White House. Under the commis- partment of Defense should be setting the resources and the right orders, our Depart- sion, for the first time since 1946, there will be best example, not getting permission from ment of Defense can achieve any mission. We a top-to-bottom review of the disability system. Congress to cut corners on the protection of are missing that opportunity. As the wealthiest The commission’s goal is to review the dis- the environment and the health of our commu- and most powerful country in the world, we ability system to ensure that the appropriate nities. ought to be able to figure out how to better benefits are provided to our retirees and vet- The Conference Report includes modified address this problem without compromising erans. House language that would prohibit designa- the environmental survival of what we are From World War II to Vietnam, from the tion of critical habitat under the Endangered fighting to protect. Persian Gulf War to the War on Terror, we Species Act if the Secretary of the Interior de- It is arrogant and hypocritical to let the Fed- provided our active military with the tools they termines that the Integrated Natural Re- eral Government off the hook for environ- need to do their jobs, and our retirees and vet- sources Management Plan prepared by the mental regulations. We will impose them on erans with the proper benefits for their years Secretary of Defense will provide ‘‘a benefit’’ small business or local governments but not of service. The concurrent receipt agreement for endangered and threatened species on on us ourselves. follows that tradition and honors those who military lands. However, there is no definition I oppose this conference report because we have served our country. of ‘‘benefit.’’ are spending too much on the wrong things Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, I have al- We have seen that critical habitat designa- and not enough on strategies that will make ways been a strong supporter of the military tion is not the problem on military lands. This our Department of Defense more sustainable and I’m well aware of the unconventional war conference report misses the real threat to over time. The spending is too heavy on we face against terrorists. However, I continue military readiness: encroachment of develop- weapons research and too light on relieving to oppose the nuclear weapons related provi- ment around bases. This is the same sprawl the stress on our fighting forces. We can and sions in this year’s defense authorization bill. No one is arguing about the need to find and unplanned growth that threatens our must do a better job shaping our Nation’s de- new technologies with which our nation can farms and forestlands, pollutes our air and fense policy. combat deeply buried targets, particularly water, and congests our roadways, and this is Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I support those held by terrorists. At issue is whether the real threat to our ability to train and main- H.R. 1588, the Department of Defense Author- Congress needs to resort to repealing the tain the world’s mightiest fighting force. ization bill, which includes concurrent receipt Spratt-Furse prohibition on nuclear weapons Across the country, from Ft. Stewart, Geor- for disabled military retirees and veterans. development and encouraging the production gia, to Camp Pendleton, California, develop- Currently, disabled retiree and veterans’ bene- ment is threatening the armed forces’ ability to of new weapons. fits are offset by the amount of disability pay There is a disconnect in the federal govern- fly planes, maneuver and conduct other readi- that they are eligible to receive. The legislation ment between weapons development and the ness activities. This has led the State of Cali- corrects that unfairness. realistic application of nuclear weapons. Advo- fornia to pass their Senate bill 1468 which rec- Members of Congress representing hun- cates of new nuclear weapons see them as ognizes the long-term operations of military in- dreds of thousands of retirees and veterans just another tool in the War on Terror, without stallations must involve a partnership between came together to achieve a significant, victory realizing nuclear weapons work best as a de- the State, local agencies and the Federal Gov- for disabled retirees and veterans. We fully terrent, not as first-use weapons. ernment. It provides the military, environ- support our soldiers—past and present. Supporters of the Robust Nuclear Earth mental organizations and local planning agen- The bill is fair, responsible, and appro- Penetrator and new nuclear weapons, argue cies the tools to work together to fight com- priately recognizes the service of our nation’s that the current authorization language is mon enemies of military readiness like subur- disabled retirees and veterans. It establishes a strictly limited to weapons research and devel- ban sprawl. But this proposal is completely ab- concurrent receipt for more disabled military opment in Department of Energy labs. This sent from the legislation coming before us. retirees and veterans than ever before, and claim ignores the obvious end result of weap- The Conference Report also retains con- provides them with the retirement income they ons development—weapons design does not troversial House language that would reduce have earned and deserve. occur in a vacuum. In order for our soldiers to protections for marine mammals. New lan- Under current law, a disabled military retiree use nuclear weapons in combat, these weap- guage, added in conference, would also apply or veteran could be entitled to $1,000 a month ons must first be physically tested, most likely the weakened standards to any research ac- in military retirement and $300 a month in dis- at the Nevada Test Site. The federal govern- tivities by the Federal Government (or contrac- ability. But the amount of the disability pay- ment’s poor record on weapons testing and tors), creating a double standard as current ment is subtracted from the retirement pay, containment of fallout is lengthy and dis- law would continue to apply to citizens and the leaving the soldier with a check for $700 in re- appointing, at best. private sector. tirement and $300 in VA disability. A retiree or Like many Utahns, I come from a family of In addition, key conservation terms of the veteran is no better off if they suffered a dis- downwinders. My father, as well as other Marine Mammal Protection Act are altered in ability than if they didn’t. The legislation elimi- loved ones, developed terminal cancer after order to overturn a recent Federal court of ap- nates this inequity. he was exposed to radiation from Cold War peals decision regarding the impacts of Navy Active duty combat retirees and veterans nuclear weapons tests conducted by the fed- sonar technology. The bill allows the Depart- who are 60 percent disabled and above now eral government. I do not believe that we ment to exempt itself from what’s left of the have full concurrent receipt. The key part of should even consider a resumption of nuclear Marine Mammal Protection Act for anything the agreement expands full concurrent receipt weapons testing when rational alternatives necessary for national defense. It excludes to all combat retirees and veterans with a Vet- have not been fully explored. any meaningful involvement of the wildlife erans Administration disability between 10 per- I have already seen too many Americans agencies, the States, Congress and the public cent and 100 percent. succumb to then-unforeseen consequences of in review of these exemptions. This con- The agreement not only provides a full con- weapons testing. Advances in containment tradicts language passed unanimously this current receipt benefit for active duty retirees technology are certainly possible, however, week by the Resources Committee—the and veterans, but also for reservists and na- the current circumstances do not lend them- House committee with exclusive jurisdiction tional guardsmen who currently do not qualify selves to a resumption of nuclear weapons over the MMPA—which does not contain any for concurrent receipt under either Purple testing and I will do everything in my power to special standards or exemptions for DOD. Heart or combat-related disability pay. The re- avoid that end result. This has raised the ire of both Democratic and servists and national guardsmen will receive Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I Republican Resources Committee Members full concurrent receipt if their disability is be- rise today in opposition to the very limited pro- participating in the Conference. tween 10 percent and 100 percent. vision to address the unfair disabled veterans Not only are these provisions harmful, they The legislation establishes benefits for those tax in the Defense Authorization Act. are also unnecessary. Under current law the remaining retirees and veterans at 50 percent Currently, veterans who retire with 20 years Department can already waive environmental disability and above. They presently do not re- of honorable service and who also have a

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:19 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07NO7.024 H07PT1 H11006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 7, 2003 service-connected disability are not permitted Finally, today’s Conference Report recog- rates will be provided to all eligible military to collect both military retired pay and VA dis- nizes the future needs of our military. H.R. members, not just those serving in Iraq and ability compensation. In essence, they are 1588 enables the Secretary of Defense to de- Afghanistan. paying for their own retirement. We must stop velop a more comprehensive and attractive I strongly support the 4.1 percent pay in- penalizing our disabled veterans in this cold array of educational programs in science, crease for military personnel and the targeted and unfeeling manner. mathematics and engineering. Educational increases for mid-grade and senior non-com- Our nation’s veterans and many, many programs in technical fields will help to train missioned officers and mid-grade officers. Members of this House have been fighting for the next generation of scientists, engineers, I also strongly support the increased author- so long for the elimination of this tax for all re- and technical entrepreneurs, all of whom may izations for the equipment, supplies, logistical tirees. We are now so close to victory. We contribute to the future technological superi- support so badly needed by our deployed mili- cannot settle for the partial concurrent receipt ority of our military forces. tary personnel and those in training, as well as measure that is included in this bill. Congress and the American people support the increases in research, development, test- This proposal is simply unacceptable. It our brave military for their commitment and ing and evaluation of new equipment and ma- gives less than half a loaf and spreads it over their sacrifice. The recent war in Iraq shows terials that will be required for an effective and ten years. It is naive at best and callous at the importance of preparation and equipment modern fighting force. Our uniformed men and worst. for our military as they work to defend free- women deserve the very best equipment to The proposal leaves approximately 400,000 dom and liberty across the globe. In addition carry out their duties and missions, and I be- military retirees without relief. In my state of to these vital education provisions, the Con- lieve this bill helps provide them with these California, fully 38,000 are left out of this Re- ference Report to be passed today will provide materials. publican proposal. the necessary resources and training for our Unfortunately, I cannot support a bill that will Many of the deserving veterans will die be- troops at home and abroad. still leave two out of every three disabled vet- fore the ten years are up and before they re- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in re- erans subject to the so-called Disabled Vet- ceive their full concurrent receipt. luctant opposition to this Conference Report. erans Tax. This conference report includes a This bill will set up yet another complicated While I have continuing problems with the plan to provide concurrent receipt of military administrative system for our veterans to wade process of how this bill was negotiated, ex- retirement and Veterans Affairs (VA) disability through. cluding the participation of most Democratic- benefits to military retirees with disability rat- And worst of all, this bill as presented today appointed conferees, and how no time has ings of 50 percent or high that would be unfairly pits veterans against other veterans. been allowed for Members of this body to re- phased in over the next ten years. According We must restore earned and deserved ben- view the final version of the bill on which we to a report released by Veterans Affairs Com- efits to all eligible military retirees. If this De- are voting this morning, it is not for reasons of mittee Ranking Member Lane Evans, a vet- fense Authorization Conference Report con- process that I oppose this bill. eran himself of the Vietnam War, the plan au- tinues to leave out two-third of deserving vet- I oppose this bill because it does not do thorized in this bill will help only 160,000 of erans, I cannot vote for its passage. right by our disabled veterans; it does not do the approximately 560,000 disabled military re- Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support right by the hard-working, faithful, and patriotic tirees that are subject to the tax. To be eligible of the Conference Report on the National De- civilian workforce of the U.S. Department of for relief, retirees must have 20 years of serv- fense Authorization Act. It was a pleasure to Defense; and it does not do right by our com- ice and disability ratings of 50 percent or serve as an outside conferee to H.R. 1588 for mitment—including the declarations of our cur- above. As is already provided for in current education provisions that will benefit our na- rent president—to halt the global proliferation law, veterans who meet the criteria for a com- tion’s military, schools and students across the of nuclear weapons. bat-related disability, popularly known as ‘‘Pur- world. However, first I would like to summarize ple Hearts Plus,’’ will receive full disability and In addition to Impact Aid, H.R. 1588 pro- several of the items in this bill that I strongly retirement benefits, if they have twenty years vides additional assistance to local educational support and for which I have fought for many or more of service. agencies (LEAs) that benefit dependents of years. I believe that the Conference Report should members of the Armed Services and Depart- I support the extension of TRICARE for non- have included the provisions of H.R. 303, the ment of Defense civilian employees. $30 mil- deployed National Guard and Reservists and Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2003, which I lion is authorized to be used as general rev- their families. Under current law and Pentagon and the Democrats in the U.S. House of Rep- enue by LEAs that are impacted by the pres- policy, reservists become eligible for resentatives attempted to bring to the House ence of military installations. TRICARE, the Defense Department’s health floor for action earlier this year. It would cover Every Member recognizes the importance of care system, once they are on active duty. all of our disabled veterans, not just one out funding for special education. H.R. 1588 rec- This conference report will ensure that of three. Three days from now we will remem- ognizes that the Department of Defense also TRICARE is provided to those Guard and Re- ber our veterans and celebrate Veterans Day. has a role in helping school districts provide servists who lack coverage or who are not eli- I cannot do this in good conscience if I sup- these necessary services. The conference re- gible for coverage offered by an employer. port legislation in which two-thirds of retired port makes available $5 million from the De- Guard and Reservists will be required to pay veterans who have service-related disabilities partment of Defense’s budget to help school 28 percent of TRICARE premium and can stay will be left behind and will be required to con- districts provide special education services to in the program for one month before and six tinue to pay tax on their disability. children with severe disabilities who have a months after mobilization. This program is au- Mr. Speaker, I cannot support this con- parent who is on active duty in the uniformed thorized for one year, until September 30, ference report that scraps existing civil service services or who is a foreign military officer. 2004, but I will continue to fight to ensure laws and protections for the more than Now more than ever our military families these changes become permanent. 746,000 civilian employees whose daily work rely on Department of Defense schools over- I also support the provision in this con- and sacrifices ensures the effective running of seas. H.R. 1588 expands the eligibility for ference report to allow lawful permanent resi- the U.S. Department of Defense. This Con- space-available, tuition-free attendance at De- dent military members to achieve naturalized ference Report removes all collective bar- partment of Defense Dependents Schools citizenship after serving honorably for one gaining protections contained in current law; it (DODDS) overseas to the dependents of mo- year in the regular components of the military removes all basic due process protections for bilized reservists who are called to active duty and our Ready Reserves. It also allows non- employees; it strips Defense Department em- and whose overseas tour is voluntarily or in- citizen spouses, unmarried children, and par- ployees of basic appeal rights; and it removes voluntarily extended beyond one year. Current ents of citizens and non-citizens serving in the the requirement that Defense Department em- admissions policy permits the dependents of U.S. military who are killed as a result of such ployees receive additional pay for working reservists called to active duty from an over- service, to file or preserve their application for overtime, working on holidays or weekends, or seas location to enroll in DODDS on a space- lawful permanent residence. This provision working in jobs involving unusual physical available, tuition-free basis, but denies such does not provide any benefits if family mem- hardship or hazards. Mr. Speaker, this is sim- admission to reservists mobilized from the bers are out of status or are illegal aliens. ply wrong. continental United States. As the number of I support the increases in Imminent Danger Finally, Mr. Speaker, I oppose the Con- reservists deployed overseas continues to in- Pay and Family Separation Allowance. The ference Report on H.R. 1588 because it lifts crease, it is imperative that we recognize the higher rates authorized in this bill will be $225 the ban on research and development of a needs of these men and women as well as per month for hazardous duty pay and $250 new generation of so-called low-yield nuclear the educational needs of their children. for family separation allowance. These higher weapons that was first enacted in 1989 during

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:19 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07NO7.028 H07PT1 November 7, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11007 the Administration of President George H.W. tions bill. Planning has resulted in develop- Carson (IN) Jefferson Pelosi Carson (OK) John Peterson (MN) Bush. This new program will allow the United ment of a more cost-effective frontage levee to Case Johnson, E. B. Pomeroy States to pursue a new generation of nuclear replace a previous ring-levee approach. Clay Jones (NC) Price (NC) weapons of a type most likely to be used in In closing, Mr. Speaker, this Member again Clyburn Kanjorski Rahall battle, which I fear may lead to a new nuclear expresses his appreciation and urges his col- Conyers Kaptur Rodriguez Cooper Kennedy (RI) Ross arms race on a global scale. leagues to vote in support of the conference Costello Kildee Rothman I also have other grave concerns regarding report for H.R. 1588. Cramer Kind Roybal-Allard this bill, such as the weakening of the Endan- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Crowley Lampson Ruppersberger gered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Cummings Langevin Rush SIMPSON). All time for debate has ex- Davis (CA) Lantos Protection Act, which I do not have time to go Ryan (OH) pired. Davis (FL) Larsen (WA) Sanchez, Linda into this morning. Without objection, the previous ques- Davis (IL) Larson (CT) T. I regret that I must vote in opposition to this tion is ordered on the conference re- Davis (TN) Lee Sanchez, Loretta very important bill, but I simply cannot short- DeFazio Levin Sanders port. DeGette Lewis (GA) change our disabled veterans, the Defense Sandlin There was no objection. Delahunt Lofgren Schakowsky DeLauro Lowey Department workers, and the very security of MOTION TO RECOMMIT OFFERED BY MR. Schiff Deutsch Lucas (KY) our nation and the world from nuclear attack. Scott (GA) MARSHALL Dicks Lynch Scott (VA) Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member Dingell Maloney Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, I offer Serrano rises in strong support for the conference re- Doggett Markey a motion to recommit. Sherman port on H.R. 1588, the National Defense Au- Dooley (CA) Marshall The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the Skelton thorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004. This Doyle Matheson gentleman opposed to the conference Edwards Matsui Slaughter Member would like to offer particular thanks to Smith (WA) report? Emanuel McCarthy (MO) the Chairman of the House Armed Services Engel McCarthy (NY) Snyder Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, be- Solis Committee, the distinguished gentleman from Eshoo McCollum cause the conference report does far Etheridge McDermott Spratt California (Mr. HUNTER), and the Ranking Mi- too little to end the disabled veterans Evans McGovern Stark nority Member on the Committee, the distin- Stenholm tax, I oppose the conference report in Farr McIntyre guished gentleman from Missouri (Mr. SKEL- Filner McNulty Strickland its present form. Stupak TON) for their work on this important bill. Fur- Ford Meek (FL) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Frank (MA) Meeks (NY) Tancredo thermore, this Member would like to thank the Tanner Clerk will report the motion to recom- Frost Menendez Chairman of the Armed Services Sub- Gonzalez Michaud Tauscher mit. committee on Military Readiness, the distin- Gordon Millender- Taylor (MS) The Clerk read as follows: Green (TX) McDonald Thompson (CA) guished gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Grijalva Miller (NC) Thompson (MS) HEFLEY), and the Ranking Member of the Mr. MARSHALL moves to recommit the con- Tierney ference report on the bill H.R. 1588 to the Gutierrez Miller, George Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Hall Mollohan Turner (TX) committee of conference with instructions Readiness, the distinguished gentleman from Harman Moore Udall (CO) to the managers on the part of the House to Hill Moran (VA) Udall (NM) Texas (Mr. ORTIZ), for their critical work on au- include, in any further conference substitute Hinojosa Murtha Van Hollen thorizing $3 million for the frontage levee seg- recommended by the committee of con- Hoeffel Nadler Velazquez ment protecting the Nebraska National Guard ference, provisions that, within the scope of Holden Neal (MA) Visclosky conference, maximize the number of persons Holt Nethercutt Waters Camp at Ashland, Nebraska. Indeed, this Watson who will be eligible for full concurrent re- Honda Oberstar Member is very appreciative for the inclusion Hooley (OR) Obey Watt of this provision in the conference report. ceipt of military retired pay and veterans Hoyer Olver Waxman Mr. Speaker, the Nebraska National Guard disability compensation. Inslee Owens Weiner The SPEAKER pro tempore. The mo- Israel Pallone Wexler Camp Frontage Levee Segment is a central Jackson (IL) Pascrell Whitfield element of the Clear Creek portion of the tion is not debatable. Jackson-Lee Pastor Woolsey Western Sarpy Levee project. Completion of Without objection, the previous ques- (TX) Payne Wynn the Guard camp segment must coincide with tion is ordered on the motion to recom- the other elements of the Western Sarpy mit. NAYS—217 project to assure coordinate progress on com- There was no objection. Aderholt Crane Greenwood Akin Crenshaw Harris pleting this governmentally complicated flood The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bachus Cubin Hart protection project. Indeed, without building this question is on the motion to recommit. Baker Culberson Hastert section of the levee along the Platte River si- The question was taken; and the Ballenger Cunningham Hastings (WA) multaneously with the construction of the en- Speaker pro tempore announced that Barrett (SC) Davis, Jo Ann Hayes Bartlett (MD) Davis, Tom Hayworth tire levee system it will not work; there would the noes appeared to have it. Barton (TX) Deal (GA) Hefley be a gap in the levee that would only accen- Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, on Bass DeLay Hensarling tuate the flooding risks and flood volume that that I demand the yeas and nays. Beauprez DeMint Herger Bereuter Diaz-Balart, L. Hobson would affect the Nebraska National Guard The yeas and nays were ordered. Biggert Diaz-Balart, M. Hoekstra Camp unless this project moves forward with The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Bilirakis Doolittle Hostettler the rest of the levee construction project. ant to clause 8 and 9 of rule XX, this 15- Bishop (UT) Dreier Houghton Previously, the Clear Creek Project was au- minute vote on the motion to recom- Blackburn Duncan Hulshof Blunt Dunn Hunter thorized at $15.6 million in the Water Re- mit to conference will be followed by 5- Boehlert Ehlers Hyde sources Development Act of 2000 (WRDA minute votes on the adoption of the Boehner Emerson Isakson 2000) to provide protection to the City of Lin- conference report; the motion to in- Bonilla English Issa Bonner Everett Istook coln’s water supply, I–80, and U.S. 6, BNSF struct on H.R. 6 offered by the gen- Bono Feeney Janklow RR (Amtrak Line), telecommunication lines tleman from California (Mr. FILNER); Boozman Ferguson Jenkins and other public facilities. In the FY2003 omni- and the motion to instruct on H.R. 1 of- Bradley (NH) Flake Johnson (IL) bus appropriations bill, Congress included fered by the gentleman from California Brady (TX) Foley Johnson, Sam Brown (SC) Forbes Keller $500,000 for construction start-up costs. (Mr. CARDOZA). Brown-Waite, Fossella Kelly The Nebraska National Guard Camp at Ash- The vote was taken by electronic de- Ginny Franks (AZ) Kennedy (MN) land, Nebraska, provides training for Nebraska vice, and there were—yeas 188, nays Burgess Frelinghuysen King (IA) and other states’ Army guard units to maintain Burns Gallegly King (NY) 217, not voting 30, as follows: Calvert Garrett (NJ) Kingston mission readiness. The Ashland Guard Camp [Roll No. 616] Camp Gerlach Kirk Cannon Gibbons Kleczka levee is an essential element of the Clear YEAS—188 Creek structure on the western side of the Cantor Gilchrest Kline Abercrombie Becerra Boucher Capito Gillmor Knollenberg Platte River since it also is that part of Clear Alexander Bell Boyd Carter Gingrey Kolbe Creek nearest to the Lincoln wellfield. Plan- Allen Berkley Brady (PA) Castle Goode LaHood ning and design funds for the Guard’s seg- Andrews Berry Brown, Corrine Chabot Goodlatte Latham ment have been previously provided by the Baca Bishop (GA) Capps Chocola Goss LaTourette Baird Bishop (NY) Capuano Coble Granger Leach Congress to the Department of Defense Baldwin Blumenauer Cardin Cole Graves Lewis (CA) through the Military Construction appropria- Ballance Boswell Cardoza Collins Green (WI) Lewis (KY)

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:19 Nov 09, 2003 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07NO7.031 H07PT1 H11008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 7, 2003 Linder Platts Simpson Bradley (NH) Harris Murphy Terry Udall (NM) Weldon (PA) LoBiondo Pombo Smith (MI) Brady (PA) Hart Murtha Thomas Upton Weller Lucas (OK) Porter Smith (NJ) Brady (TX) Hastert Musgrave Thompson (CA) Van Hollen Wexler Manzullo Portman Smith (TX) Brown (SC) Hastings (WA) Myrick Thompson (MS) Visclosky Whitfield McCotter Pryce (OH) Souder Brown, Corrine Hayes Nadler Thornberry Vitter Wicker McCrery Putnam Stearns Brown-Waite, Hayworth Neal (MA) Tiahrt Walden (OR) Wilson (NM) McHugh Radanovich Sullivan Ginny Hefley Nethercutt Tiberi Walsh Wilson (SC) McKeon Ramstad Sweeney Burgess Hensarling Neugebauer Toomey Wamp Wolf Mica Regula Tauzin Burns Herger Ney Turner (OH) Watt Wynn Miller (FL) Rehberg Taylor (NC) Calvert Hill Northup Turner (TX) Weiner Young (AK) Miller (MI) Renzi Udall (CO) Weldon (FL) Young (FL) Terry Camp Hinojosa Norwood Miller, Gary Reynolds Thomas Cannon Hobson Nunes Moran (KS) Rogers (AL) NAYS—40 Thornberry Cantor Hoeffel Nussle Murphy Rogers (KY) Tiahrt Capito Hoekstra Osborne Baldwin Jackson (IL) Sabo Musgrave Rogers (MI) Tiberi Capps Holden Ose Blumenauer Lee Sanders Myrick Rohrabacher Capuano Lewis (GA) Toomey Cardin Hooley (OR) Otter Schakowsky Neugebauer Ros-Lehtinen Carson (IN) Lofgren Turner (OH) Cardoza Hostettler Oxley Serrano Ney Royce Clay Lynch Upton Carson (OK) Houghton Pallone Slaughter Northup Ryan (WI) Conyers Markey Vitter Carter Hoyer Pascrell Stark Norwood Ryun (KS) Case Dingell McDermott Walden (OR) Hulshof Pastor Tierney Nunes Sabo Castle Hunter Pearce Eshoo McGovern Walsh Velazquez Nussle Saxton Chabot Hyde Pelosi Farr Miller, George Wamp Waters Osborne Schrock Chocola Inslee Pence Filner Oberstar Weldon (FL) Watson Ose Sensenbrenner Clyburn Isakson Peterson (MN) Frank (MA) Obey Weldon (PA) Waxman Otter Sessions Coble Israel Peterson (PA) Grijalva Olver Weller Woolsey Oxley Shadegg Cole Issa Petri Holt Owens Wicker Pearce Shaw Collins Istook Pickering Honda Payne Wilson (NM) Pence Shays Cooper Jackson-Lee Pitts Wilson (SC) ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—2 Peterson (PA) Sherwood Costello (TX) Platts Wolf Petri Shimkus Cramer Janklow Pombo Baird Becerra Young (AK) Pickering Shuster Crane Jefferson Pomeroy Pitts Simmons Young (FL) Crenshaw Jenkins Porter NOT VOTING—31 NOT VOTING—30 Crowley John Portman Ackerman Gephardt Meehan Cubin Johnson (IL) Price (NC) Berman Gutknecht Napolitano Ackerman Gephardt McInnis Culberson Johnson, E. B. Pryce (OH) Brown (OH) Hastings (FL) Ortiz Berman Gutknecht Meehan Cummings Johnson, Sam Putnam Burr Hinchey Paul Brown (OH) Hastings (FL) Napolitano Cunningham Jones (NC) Radanovich Burton (IN) Johnson (CT) Quinn Burr Hinchey Ortiz Davis (CA) Kanjorski Rahall Buyer Jones (OH) Rangel Burton (IN) Johnson (CT) Paul Davis (FL) Kaptur Ramstad Cox Kilpatrick Buyer Jones (OH) Quinn Reyes Davis (IL) Keller Regula Davis (AL) Kucinich Towns Cox Kilpatrick Rangel Davis (TN) Kelly Rehberg Emerson Lipinski Davis (AL) Kucinich Reyes Wu Davis, Jo Ann Kennedy (MN) Renzi Fattah Majette Fattah Lipinski Towns Davis, Tom Kennedy (RI) Reynolds Fletcher McInnis Fletcher Majette Wu Deal (GA) Kildee Rodriguez ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE DeFazio Kind Rogers (AL) The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. DeGette King (IA) Rogers (KY) Delahunt King (NY) Rogers (MI) SIMPSON) (during the vote). Members SIMPSON) (during the vote). Members DeLauro Kingston Rohrabacher are advised there are 2 minutes remain- DeLay Kirk Ros-Lehtinen are advised that 2 minutes remain in ing in this vote. this vote. DeMint Kleczka Ross Deutsch Kline Rothman b 1204 b 1157 Diaz-Balart, L. Knollenberg Roybal-Allard Diaz-Balart, M. Kolbe Royce So the conference report was agreed Mr. VITTER and Mr. BARTLETT of Dicks LaHood Ruppersberger to. Maryland changed their vote from Doggett Lampson Rush Dooley (CA) Langevin Ryan (OH) The result of the vote was announced ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Doolittle Lantos Ryan (WI) as above recorded. Mr. WHITFIELD and Mr. TANCREDO Doyle Larsen (WA) Ryun (KS) A motion to reconsider was laid on changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to Dreier Larson (CT) Sanchez, Linda Duncan Latham T. the table. ‘‘yea.’’ Dunn LaTourette Sanchez, Loretta So the motion to recommit was re- Edwards Leach Sandlin f Ehlers Levin Saxton jected. MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES The result of the vote was announced Emanuel Lewis (CA) Schiff Engel Lewis (KY) Schrock ON H.R. 6, ENERGY POLICY ACT as above recorded. English Linder Scott (GA) OF 2003 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Etheridge LoBiondo Scott (VA) question is on the conference report. Evans Lowey Sensenbrenner The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Everett Lucas (KY) Sessions finished business is the question on the The question was taken; and the Feeney Lucas (OK) Shadegg Speaker pro tempore announced that Ferguson Maloney Shaw motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 6. the ayes appeared to have it. Flake Manzullo Shays The Clerk will designate the motion. Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, on that I Foley Marshall Sherman The Clerk designated the motion. Forbes Matheson Sherwood The SPEAKER pro tempore. The demand the yeas and nays. Ford Matsui Shimkus The yeas and nays were ordered. Fossella McCarthy (MO) Shuster question is on the motion to instruct The SPEAKER pro tempore. This Franks (AZ) McCarthy (NY) Simmons conferees offered by the gentleman Frelinghuysen McCollum Simpson from California (Mr. FILNER) on which will be a 5-minute vote. Frost McCotter Skelton The vote was taken by electronic de- Gallegly McCrery Smith (MI) the yeas and nays are ordered. vice, and there were—yeas 362, nays 40, Garrett (NJ) McHugh Smith (NJ) This will be a 5-minute vote. answered ‘‘present’’ 2, not voting 31, as Gerlach McIntyre Smith (TX) The vote was taken by electronic de- Gibbons McKeon Smith (WA) vice, and there were—yeas 188, nays follows: Gilchrest McNulty Snyder [Roll No. 617] Gillmor Meek (FL) Solis 210, not voting 36, as follows: Gingrey Meeks (NY) Souder [Roll No. 618] YEAS—362 Gonzalez Menendez Spratt Abercrombie Bartlett (MD) Bishop (UT) Goode Mica Stearns YEAS—188 Aderholt Barton (TX) Blackburn Goodlatte Michaud Stenholm Abercrombie Bishop (NY) Cardin Akin Bass Blunt Gordon Millender- Strickland Allen Blumenauer Cardoza Alexander Beauprez Boehlert Goss McDonald Stupak Andrews Boehlert Carson (IN) Allen Bell Boehner Granger Miller (FL) Sullivan Baca Boswell Case Andrews Bereuter Bonilla Graves Miller (MI) Sweeney Baird Boucher Castle Baca Berkley Bonner Green (TX) Miller (NC) Tancredo Baldwin Boyd Clay Bachus Berry Bono Green (WI) Miller, Gary Tanner Ballance Bradley (NH) Clyburn Baker Biggert Boozman Greenwood Mollohan Tauscher Becerra Brady (PA) Conyers Ballance Bilirakis Boswell Gutierrez Moore Tauzin Berkley Brown, Corrine Cooper Ballenger Bishop (GA) Boucher Hall Moran (KS) Taylor (MS) Berry Capps Costello Barrett (SC) Bishop (NY) Boyd Harman Moran (VA) Taylor (NC) Bishop (GA) Capuano Crowley

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