S4920 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 8, 2003 HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES in our hearts. She will not be forgot- as ‘‘a mild-mannered, quiet child’’ who Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, ten. It gives us comfort to know that attended Bible study every Wednesday today I am going to continue what the she is at peace right now.’’ night before joining the Army. Senate has been doing since our troops Behind me are the pictures of some The 507th Maintenance Company still started the invasion of Iraq, and that is who have died in action, and I am has five soldiers who are prisoners of to take the first period before we go on going to speak about each of them. war. They are SP Shoshana Johnson, In Texas, there is a town called Com- to the business of the day to salute the SP Edgar Hernandez, SP Joseph Hud- fort that lived up to its name by em- son, PFC Patrick Miller, and SGT troops who are in the field protecting bracing and comforting the parents of James Riley. I have talked with Claude our freedom. Today, I want to salute the members SP James Kiehl. In Comfort, TX, the Johnson, Shoshana’s father, several times. He and his wife Eunice are car- of the 507th Maintenance Company. parents of SP James M. Kiehl are being ing for Shoshana’s 2-year-old daughter. This is the company out of Fort Bliss comforted by their friends and neigh- bors. The 6-foot 8-inch soldier was a These five have not been seen pub- in El Paso, TX, who really were the licly since several hours after they first to be captured, the first prisoners high school basketball player and a member of the band. The people of were taken prisoner March 23, and the of war shown on Iraqi television. Some International Committee of the Red of them have now been recovered, but Comfort, moved by James’ death, cre- ated an impromptu memorial where Cross has not yet been able to visit there are still five missing. them in captivity. We join all Ameri- The rescue of PFC Jessica Lynch was basketballs, flower arrangements, per- sonal notes, and even baseball bats cans in urging the Iraqi Government to a moment of triumph but also sadness, treat those prisoners in accordance as the celebration was tempered by the have been left as tributes to James. His father summed up the family’s feelings with the Geneva Convention, just as we recovery of the remains of fallen sol- have treated the thousands of Iraqi diers who were later identified as her this way: We just want everyone to know we support prisoners we hold. comrades in arms. General Renuart at We pray those prisoners of war from CENTCOM described the rescue this the President and the troops, and we believe in what James went over there for. the 507th Maintenance Company will be way: A special ops soldier called to Pri- returned safely to their families. We vate Lynch saying: James Kiehl’s wife, Jill, is staying with her parents in Des Moines, IA, and pay tribute to them today for the sac- Jessica Lynch, we’re United States soldiers is expecting their first child next rifices they have made. and we’re here to protect you and take you I thank the Chair. I yield the floor. home. . . . month. In Mobile, AL, Rev. Howard Johnson, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- As he walked over to her bed, took ator from Arkansas. Sr., buried his son, Army PFC Howard his helmet off, she looked up to him Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, I come to Johnson, Jr., from the same pulpit of and said: the floor today to pay tribute to our the Truevine Baptist Church where he I’m an American soldier, too. men and women in uniform serving at had stood so many times offering words home and abroad and honor their serv- General Renuart also described the of comfort to his congregation. Rev- recovery of the remains of the soldiers ice to this Nation. Our service men and erend Johnson said of his son: women have risen to the call in the who had been killed because they were Howard, you out ran me, but I’ll see you in told by the same sources that there fight against terrorism. They have the morning. risen to the call to ensure peace and were remains of other soldiers on the SGT Donald Walters of Kansas City, ground outside the hospital where Jes- stability in the world. And they have MO, fought in Operation Desert Storm risen to the call to provide humani- sica lay. He said: and had followed in his father’s foot- tarian aid to those in need. At the same time, the team was led to a steps by joining the military. His fa- One of the great aspects about Amer- burial site, where, in fact, they did find a ther, Norman Walters, is an Air Force ica is our military. We have a history number of bodies that they believed could be veteran and said this about his son: Americans missing in action. They did not in our armed services, a rich and deep have shovels in order to dig those graves up, He was a patriotic guy. He felt it was his history of honor and integrity, and we so they dug them up with their hands. And duty to serve his country. see that firsthand in Operation Iraqi they wanted to do that very rapidly so they Sergeant Walters leaves behind a Freedom. could race the sun and be off the site before wife and three daughters. I wish to acknowledge the ultimate the sun came up; a great testament to the MSG Robert Dowdy and PVT Bran- sacrifice of two of our servicemen who will and desire of coalition forces to bring don Sloan were both from Cleveland, fell in the line of duty: Hospital Corps- their own home. OH. Master Sergeant Dowdy’s brother- man Michael Vann Johnson, Jr., a 25- That one line says all you will ever in-law had this to say about the career year-old Navy medic serving in the 3rd need to know about the character of soldier: Battalion of the 5th Marine Expedi- the young men and women in the mili- He was ready to accept the challenge. tionary Force. Michael was born in Lit- tary today, who refuse to leave their That’s the type of person he was. He knew tle Rock where his mother still lives. I fallen comrades behind: They dug them going in what he was in store for and who he talked with her by phone the other up with their hands, and raced the sun. was and what he was about. day. She is a soldier in her own right. On Friday evening, the families of Private Sloan’s father, the Rev. LCpl Thomas Blair was a 24-year-old those whose remains were recovered Tandy Sloan, proudly said his son ‘‘was marine whose father, Al Blair, resides were officially notified that their loved very committed to the cause of coun- in Gravette, AR. ones had been killed in action. We try.’’ They died very bravely, both serving mourn their loss. PVT Ruben Estrella-Soto was from their country and both trying to make They were PFC Lori Ann Piestewa, El Paso, TX. This is his graduation pic- life better for mankind. I pray for their the first American woman soldier ture. His father said his son families, and I honor them as brave and killed in the Iraq war. This is a picture had a lot of desire to do something with his selfless men who put their lives on the showing the two friends, PFC Jessica life, and wanted to go into the military so he line to make the world safer for others. Lynch and PFC Lori Piestewa. They could get education. I also pray for Iraq and the Iraqi peo- were at Fort Bliss the day of their de- CWO Johnny Villareal Mata was ple. I pray that after Saddam Hussein ployment. They were roommates and from Amarillo, TX. He played football leaves power and that regime ends, the friends. on the Pecos High School Eagles foot- next government in Iraq will be peace- Private First Class Piestewa was a ball team and graduated in 1986. Soon ful; that it will not be oppressive of its Hopi Indian, one of the few American thereafter he joined the Army. The own people; that it will not be aggres- Indian women serving in the military. family remembered him this way: sive toward its neighbors; that Iraq She was PFC Jessica Lynch’s good Our hearts are saddened, and we share the will become a solid rock in the Middle friend and roommate. pain with the other families. He will be deep- East and in that part of the world and ‘‘Our family is proud of her; she is ly missed and will never be forgotten. a model of stability. our hero,’’ her brother Wayland said SP Jamaal Addison of Roswell, GA, I also honor the service of LCpl Saturday. ‘‘We are going to hold that is remembered by his step-grandmother James, or as we know him, ‘‘Jason,’’ April 8, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4921 Smedley of the U.S. Marine Corps. time with their families every day to there today guarding a vital airstrip. Jason was wounded in combat and, by keep us safe from those who would try Thank you, Joshua, for your service, the grace of God, he is returning to us to do us harm. Their commitment and for your commitment and for your now. When not fighting for his country, contributions to national security and bravery. he serves in the office of my colleague homeland security should not be for- I would also like to take a moment from Arkansas, Senator BLANCHE LIN- gotten. We all salute their spirit. to pay tribute to David Bloom, a Min- COLN, assisting Arkansans. We look for- I urge all Americans to pray for our nesotan. Like millions of Americans, I ward to having Jason back, around and troops, their families and our Presi- watched the broadcasts of David Bloom helping Arkansans in the many ways dent, as we defend our Nation and the of NBC from Iraq, a young man full of he does. world from those who seek to do us promise with a young vibrant family. Military service is not a job; it is a harm. This dedicated reporter left all of us calling. It takes a special person to I yield the floor. much too soon. It is a long way from pledge to serve their country, risking The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the shady streets of Edina, MN, David life and limb in doing so. It takes cour- ator from Minnesota. Bloom’s hometown, to the outskirts of age, commitment, and a true sense of Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. President, as I Baghdad. We are heartbroken at the self to be prepared to deploy and fight stand on the floor of the Senate, it is death of David Bloom. for America. crystal clear that the reign of the dic- Like every other American, he was I have two young children, ages 7 and tator of Iraq is quickly coming to an there as a volunteer. His job was not to 9, and I think about the children of our end. In fact, he may already have fallen fight but to help tell the world the military men and women. I think as a result of yesterday’s bombings. truth about the courage and integrity about the boys and girls whose fathers There is no question that his death of our country, even at war. He turned and mothers are far from home or grip around the throats of the Iraqi out to be an outstanding representa- working long hours in the United people is being lifted; his fingers pried tive of these qualities himself. States. I want them to know we appre- by American, British, and other coali- Americans have always known that ciate the sacrifices they are making, tion forces at places such as Basra, freedom and security come at a ter- that we admire their valor in keeping Mosul, and Baghdad. But the freedom ribly high price. It humbles and in- their spirits up, and that their parents of Iraq has come at a loss, a loss of spires us all how many are willing to are doing a job that epitomizes the best American, British, and Iraqi lives. I pay it for us. David Bloom made Min- in human character. mourn the death of each and every one nesotans proud and he served his pro- I pray to God for peace, for world of our sons and daughters, folks who fession and his Nation with great valor. peace, and for the safe return of our volunteered to stand in harm’s way for Our prayers and support will be with troops, and I thank God. I thank God freedom and liberties we wish for all his spouse and his daughters. for allowing me to serve the people of people. They are sons and daughters of I would like to use the words of some this Nation in this way. As a Senator a great American revolution that never of his colleagues and friends to dem- and a member of the Armed Services ends. The cause of freedom and liberty onstrate the professionalism and hu- Committee, I stand ready to work with never ends. manism of this wonderful reporter. The my colleagues and the President to We see pictures every day of uncom- following remarks were on MSNBC re- provide any and all support possible to mon valor, the soldiers who rescued a cently. Tom Brokaw said: young Jessica Lynch from her captors, ensure the success of our military David was the consummate reporter. He’d forces conducting these operations. the young men and women who dashed land in my office without knocking, slide the Our Nation is one of diverse views, hundreds of miles from Iraq to the bor- chair up to my desk and then begin to suck diverse ideologies, and diverse opin- ders of Baghdad to liberate the people all the oxygen out of the room asking ques- ions. That is one of the aspects that of that oppressed nation, or the sol- tions how to cover the story or who should make America great. We might not all diers—and there was one scene I he be contacting. And then, in a flash, he’d agree on how we got to this point; watched on the news of three soldiers be gone. nonetheless, we come together as one with a reporter. They had enough juice Tim Russert, one of David’s mentors, country to support the service men and in a cell phone to make one call. One of says: women who are currently risking life the soldier’s wives was pregnant, but He had a sense of decency and civility. He and limb for this great Nation. They instead of calling their families, they didn’t go for the cheap shot. You fuse that put themselves in harm’s way not for chose to call the parents of a fallen with professionalism, and he had something personal aggrandizement or advance- comrade to see how his mom and dad viewers wanted to watch, embrace. ment but for immense love of country, were doing. Yes, the sacrifice of our troops and liberty, and family. There are dozens of pictures of Amer- their families must never be forgotten. If they can hear me today, I say be ican soldiers comforting the people of But we must also remember the out- assured that the American people are Iraq, bringing them food and offering pouring of love back at home and the behind you. them compassion. These are America’s countless acts of kindness and support When appearing before the Senate sons and daughters. They are the pic- on behalf of our fighting men and Armed Services Committee a few tures of America that the world sees women. I think of the small Catholic weeks ago, GEN John Keane, Vice today. They are the pictures of Amer- grade school in Hampton, MN, that has Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, testi- ica that bring hope to oppressed people just 57 students in the entire school. fied to the courage of our military per- of the world. They are SPC Joshua The schoolchildren came up with a sonnel. He said, when asked what is Sams of St. Francis, MN, a paratrooper wonderful way to show their affection their greatest challenge, his division in the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Fol- and appreciation for our troops on the commanders replied: Keeping our sol- lowing in the boot steps of a military battlefield. diers from being too brave. They are family, Joshua’s father was in the They issued a ‘‘penny challenge’’ last brave, but we want them to return Army during the Korean war. Two of week. Each class was given a pail and home. his brothers are in the Army now and children were asked to drop pennies, do This is not just for our regular one is in the National Guard awaiting what they can, even on a small scale to Armed Forces but also for our Reserves deployment. Joshua joined the Na- show their support. Administrators and our members of the National tional Guard at the age of 17. After 2 were amazed at how much money they Guard. They all play a very key role in years, he wanted to do more for his raised, more than $1,000 with the maintaining strong national defense. country, and Joshua’s mom said her money going for care packages to U.S. Just as we should thank our military son had trained hard for months and troops in Iraq. Parents were very sup- overseas and at home, we should also was anxious to go to Iraq, was ready to portive as well, but the smallest chil- thank our first responders who protect go to Iraq, ready to heed the call of dren were the ones who collected the our hometowns. Firefighters, police, duty. Two weeks ago today, Joshua most money, the kindergartners. health care personnel, they risk their was among the brave paratroopers who Another show of support came from lives every day and sacrifice precious leapt into northern Iraq and remains the magic of television. Believe it or S4922 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 8, 2003 not, the first pitch of the Minnesota April 2, 2003, doing basically the same want to clear up misstatements and Twins’s home opener this week was thing. misrepresentations of her record dating thrown out from the Middle East by a These photographs demonstrate an back to last year. I was confident Jus- group of Minnesota soldiers. Josh old axiom about military operations tice Owen would again demonstrate her Tverger, a U.S. Army specialist from that was written by Ted Fehrenbach in intelligence and capacity for Federal Norwood Young America, MN, threw ‘‘This Kind of War,’’ a book about the judicial service. To put it mildly, she out the first pitch from the Kuwaiti Korean war: certainly did not disappoint. She han- desert. In the Metro Dome, Army SP Americans in 1950 rediscovered something dled questions with insightful and sub- Greta Lind of Le Sueur, MN, was on that since Hiroshima they had forgotten: stantive answers. She was a superb wit- the receiving end. It was all accom- You may fly over a land forever; you may ness, one of the best we have ever had plished through the spectacular tech- bomb it, atomize it, pulverize it and wipe it before the Senate Judiciary Com- nical satellite links similar to what clean of life—but if you desire to defend it, mittee. our military has put to such stunning protect it, and keep it for civilization, you We heard valuable testimony from must do this on the ground, the way the Senator CORNYN, a new Senator, but no use on the battlefield, and now on the Roman legions did, by putting your young ballfield. men into the mud. newcomer to Justice Owen’s record or Yes, there is much love at home. the workings of the Judiciary. In fact, I know Ted Fehrenbach and I know There is also much sadness in many he served with Justice Owen on the he would have said today, by putting homes and villages of those who have Texas Supreme Court for a period of 3 your brave young soldiers and marines given their lives. We thank them. Our years, serving side by side with her. He in the mud, because what he is saying thoughts and prayers are with those had been a Texas trial judge before essentially is the same today as it was who are on the front line today. Our that time. He also served as a Texas in 1950. And that is, if you want to pro- thoughts and prayers are with the fam- State attorney general for the last 3 tect a land and keep it for civilization, ilies of those who have given the ulti- years. Senator CORNYN answered a fre- you must have our young men and mate sacrifice. If we could hug every quent criticism leveled at Justice women willing to go in on the ground. one of them, moms and dads and sisters Owen, a criticism that is false, that she The truth is still the same today. and brothers, I would do it and I know is out of the mainstream on her own I yield the floor. the Senator from Georgia would do the court. If anyone would know whether same. f Justice Owen, in fact, fits this charac- They have our love. They have our MORNING BUSINESS CLOSED terization, Senator CORNYN would prayers. They have our thoughts. God know. He worked next to her, heard the bless them all. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. very same oral arguments she did, ex- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- COLEMAN). Morning business is closed. amined and debated the same law and ator from Texas. f facts with her, and decided the very Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I same cases she did. thank the Senator from Minnesota for EXECUTIVE SESSION There is no doubt, then, Justice a wonderful statement. Certainly, Cornyn disagreed with Justice Owen at every single life that is lost over there times. I can reel off a few case names NOMINATION OF PRISCILLA is appreciated and will be appreciated as well as anyone. But the significant RICHMAN OWEN, OF TEXAS, TO forever in the hearts of Americans be- thing is that he supports her confirma- BE UNITED STATES CIRCUIT cause those young men and women are tion despite attempts by some to cre- JUDGE FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT protecting the freedom we enjoy. ate division where none exists. David Bloom, a constituent of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Former Texas Supreme Court Jus- Senator from Minnesota, was also pro- the previous order, the Senate will now tices John L. Hill, Jack Hightower, and tecting our way of life. He was pro- go into executive session and resume Raul Gonzalez, all Democrats, are tecting the freedom of the press. He consideration of Executive Calendar 86, united in concurring with Senator was serving so well to do that. I knew which the clerk will report. CORNYN’s opinion calling Justice Owen David personally, as most Members The assistant legislative clerk read unbiased and restrained in her deci- did, because he was such a special per- the nomination of Priscilla Richman sionmaking and applauding her for her son and he did his job, worked hard, Owen, of Texas, to be United States impeccable integrity, for her great and was here a lot. We very much miss Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit. character and great scholarship. The him and we know so many of his col- Mr. HATCH. I rise today to express diverse and formidable group, made up leagues miss him, as well. my unqualified support for the con- of 15 former presidents of the Texas Mr. President, I wish to talk about firmation of Justice Priscilla Owen to State bar, wrote in a letter of support: T.R. Fehrenbach, a constituent of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Although we prefer different party af- mine, who wrote what many think is Last evening I talked about the impor- filiations and span the spectrum of the definitive book on the Korean war tance of this debate and this vote. I views of legal and policy issues, we called ‘‘This Kind of War.’’ It is appro- talked about this vote as an oppor- stand united in affirming that Justice priate today. We have been amazed at tunity to remedy the mistreatment Owen is a true, unique, and out- the technological capability of our Justice Owen received last September standing candidate for the appoint- military in the war in Iraq. They have when she was voted down in com- ment to the Fifth Circuit. launched missiles, dropped bombs, and mittee, along party lines, and blocked There is no dissent from Hector De delivered other ordnance on the battle- from receiving a Senate vote. We know Leon, immediate past president of field with pinpoint accuracy. I came she would have been confirmed in the Legal Aid of Central Texas, who ap- across a picture today reminiscent of Senate by both Democrat and Repub- plauds Justice Owen’s commitment to our soldiers from an earlier era that re- lican Members, but unfortunately she improving the quality of legal services minds me of some basic truths that was never allowed to make it to that for the poor, or from Mary Sean apply no matter how much techno- point. I talked about this vote as an O’Reilly, lifelong member of the logical capability we might acquire. opportunity for the Senate to show we NAACP, pro-choice Democrat who I have a picture of American troops can be fair to a well-qualified nominee worked with Justice Owen on gender from the Army’s 101st Airborne Divi- and provide him or her a simple up-or- and family law issues. They are joined sion marching into Bastogne during down vote. in support by E. Thomas Bishop, presi- World War II. This was the counter- Finally, I talked about this vote as dent of the Texas Association of De- attack against the Germans. We see an opportunity to place a great judge, fense Counsel, who writes: I cannot the 101st Airborne Division. I have an- Justice Owen, on the bench. I convened imagine a more qualified, ethical, and other picture taken last week of the a hearing for Justice Owen last month knowledgeable person to sit on the 101st Airborne Division, nearly 60 years because I wanted to provide all of my Fifth Circuit; and William B. Emmons, later—a column from the First Brigade colleagues an opportunity to ask ques- self-styled Texas trial attorney, Demo- march into Najaf, Iraq, on Wednesday, tions of her and to hear her answers. I crat, and ‘‘no friend of Priscilla