March 11, 2002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1727 country’s outstanding military leaders, holding the core values of the U.S. Air nation and without compromising na- Colonel Robert S. Hart, Commander, Force—Integrity First, Service Before tional security. 403d Operations Group. Unfortunately, Self, and Excellence In All We Do. He Last Congress, the Senate passed an Colonel Hart’s service to his country was a true Citizen Soldier, always almost identical version of this bill by ended on February 16, 2002 when he un- ready to answer his nation’s call. On unanimous consent. Unfortunately, in expectedly passed away. behalf of a grateful nation, I ask you to my opinion, the bill was not passed by Colonel Hart entered the Air Force in join me, my colleagues in the senate the House of Representatives under the 1973 through the Air Force Reserve Of- and Colonel Hart’s many friends and expedited procedures of suspension of ficer’s Training Corps program. His family in saluting this distinguished the rules, because it did not pass with early assignments included Williams officer’s many years of selfless service a two-thirds majority, although a ma- Air Force Base, AZ, and Charleston Air to the of America. I jority supported the measure, 232–158. Force Base, SC, where he finished his know our Nation, his wife Karen, and Last February, the Senate again ap- active duty career in October 1979. He his family are extremely proud of his proved this bipartisan legislation, yet entered the Air Force as a pilot and accomplishments. It is fitting that the we are still awaiting action by the continued to fly throughout his career. U.S. Senate honor him today. House on this measure. Today, we are He joined the Air Force Reserve in f offering this legislation as an amend- July 1980. In 1981 he was the Chief of ment to S. 517 in an effort to focus at- Standardization for the 300th Military LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT tention on this important safety mat- Squadron, Charleston Air Force OF 2001 ter and work toward reconciling our Base, SC. From 1992 to 1998 he was the Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam Presi- legislation with the House of Rep- Aircraft Operations Officer for the dent, I rise today to speak about hate resentatives. I hope that we can con- 701st Airlift Squadron at Charleston crimes legislation I introduced with tinue to work with all of the interested Air Force Base. For the first half of Senator KENNEDY in March of last parties as the legislation moves though 1998 he was the Airlift Operations Offi- year. The Local Law Enforcement Act the legislative process. cer for the 707th Airlift Squadron also of 2001 would add new categories to Over the past few years, we have ex- at Charleston Air Force Base; the re- current hate crimes legislation sending perienced two major pipeline accidents, mainder of 1998 to December 1999, he a signal that violence of any kind is one in Bellingham, WA, and the other was the Commander of the 707th Airlift unacceptable in our society. near Carlsbad, NM. While these tragic Squadron. He joined the 403d Wing in I would like to describe a terrible accidents happened, we need to take all December 1999, where he was the com- crime that occurred February 24, 2002 necessary steps to ensure that other mander of the 403d Operations Group. in Santa Barbara, CA. A man, accidents are not waiting to happen. I As the commander of the 403d Oper- Clint Scott Risetter, 37, was doused in think that this legislation will increase ations Group, he was responsible for gasoline and set on fire while he was the tools available to OPS to ensure the training and mission execution of sleeping. The assailant, Martin Thomas that our pipeline system is as safe as the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Hartman, 38, confessed to the murder, possible. I would ask that OPS use the Squadron, the 815th Airlift Squadron, and said that the victim ‘‘deserved to tools that we provide to ensure the ap- and the 41st Aerial Port Squadron at die’’ for being gay. Hartman is being propriate level of oversight of pipeline , MS; and, the charged with murder, arson, and a hate safety practices. 96th Aerial Port Squadron at Little crime in connection with the incident. While there were many who worked Rock Air Force Base, AR. I believe that Government’s first with Senators MCCAIN and HOLLINGS on Colonel Hart was born in Abilene, duty is to defend its citizens, to defend the Commerce Committee to ensure TX. His father and mother, John and them against the harms that come out passage of pipeline safety legislation, I Mary Hart, reside in Eastland, TX. of hate. The Local Law Enforcement would like to recognize, in particular, Colonel Hart earned a Bachelor of Art’s Enhancement Act of 2001 is now a sym- the efforts of Senators MURRAY and degree in business and administration bol that can become substance. I be- BINGAMAN. Senator MURRAY doggedly management at Texas Tech University. lieve that by passing this legislation, pursued changes to increase the level He is a graduate of Squadron Officer we can change hearts and minds as of safety and public participation in School, Air Command and Staff Col- well. pipeline safety, and she worked closely lege, and Air War College. He held the f with other Commerce Committee mem- rating of command pilot with more bers to ensure a reasonable and fair than 8,850 flight hours. He has flown THE PIPELINE SAFETY compromise. Senator BINGAMAN was in- the following aircraft: T–37B, T–38A, C– IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2002 strumental in helping bolster the bill’s 141A/B and C–130. His military decora- Mr. BREAUX. Madam President, I provisions on research and develop- tions include the Meritorious Service rise in support of amendment No. 2979 ment, in fact, he authored provisions Medal with one oak leaf cluster; the to S. 517, the Pipeline Safety Improve- to focus our research on progressive Aerial Achievement Medal; the Air ment Act of 2002, which will enhance areas that will help us develop better Force Commendation Medal with one the safety of our interstate pipeline systems of early detection, and to en- oak leaf cluster; the Joint Meritorious systems. As you may recall, the Senate sure that we can avoid accidents such Unit Award; the Air Force Outstanding passed this legislation last February as as those that occurred in Bellingham, Unit Award with five devices; the Com- one of the first orders of business of the WA, and near Carlsbad, NM. bat Readiness Medal with eight de- 107th Congress. This bill is the product A floor amendment which was ac- vices; the National Defense Service of over 3 years of work and recent com- cepted during consideration of S. 235 Medal with one device; the Armed promise and I urge my colleagues to last February mandates a 5-year integ- Forces Expeditionary Medal with one join me in support. rity inspection period for pipelines. device; the Southwest Asia Service The aim of the bill is to ensure the Since passage of the S. 235 last Feb- Medal with three devices; the Armed safety and security of natural gas and ruary, I understand that studies, con- Forces Service Medal; the Humani- hazardous liquid pipelines. I appreciate ducted by Batelle and Energy and En- tarian Service Medal with three oak the considerable number of hours that vironmental Analysis, Inc., indicate leaf clusters; the Air Force Longevity went into creating this bill by all of that a 5-year period for integrity in- Service Award with five devices; the the parties. I also am satisfied by the spections will cause significant im- Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two spirit of compromise that infused the pacts on natural gas consumers as a re- devices; the Air Force Training Ribbon; parties’ diligent efforts. As a result of sult of pipeline capacity reductions re- the Kuwait Liberation (Saudi Govern- their cooperative work we have a bill sulting from such a short inspection ment) Medal; and, the Kuwait Libera- that reaffirms our efforts to oversee period. I want to bring these studies to tion (Kuwait) Medal for his service in the safety of gas and hazardous liquid the attention of my colleagues as we Operation DESERT SHIELD/STORM. pipelines effectively without inter- prepare to move this important piece Colonel Hart served his nation for 29 fering with the pipeline operators and of pipeline safety legislation to con- years distinguishing himself while up- owners ability to provide service to our ference. S1728 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 11, 2002 Lastly, I would like to address one ’s friar, firefighter, warrior for the Lord with aids in a small Chelsea studio apart- change to the legislation since Senate and New Yorker—I can’t help believing that ment. Or arm in arm with our missing hero passage last year. Since , Erin and Dymphna, your beloved Emmet, Patty Brown, comforting the family of hero who wanted to be a priest at the age of four, firefighters like the late Captain John we have all recognized that the way our beloved Mychal—in the swirling and Drennan in a Hospital burn unit, the Government has done business may fiery wind tunnel of the majestic twin tow- Mychal was equally at home in the brown change due to security concerns. In the ers, helmet off in respect to our creator, lift- robe and sandals of a friar or the uniform of past, we have made efforts to expand ed his lovely tenor voice and uttered a final a fire officer and always in an the amounts of information made Alleluia as he rode the winds aloft, smiling encouraging and positive way motivating us available to the public, including en- broadly as he shot one final mortal glance at to do bigger and better things. couraging electronic access to more what his model St. Francis of Assisi called He was comfortable visiting President and data and information on pipelines. ‘‘burning sun with golden beam and silver Senator Clinton or President and Mrs. Bush moon with softer gleam.’’ in the East Wing of the White House, the Today, we must balance the concerns Father Mike, it’s not that we hardly knew portico of Gracie Mansion with Mayors of national security with the needs of ya that makes you leaving this earth so Koch, Dinkins and Giuliani and the Car- law-abiding citizens who live and work hard. It’s that we all knew you so well and dinal’s Residence with the late Cardinal alongside pipelines. We have included depended on you so much that hurts so O’Connor and now Cardinal Egan. language which, in my opinion, fairly much. But he was really at home in a Times addresses the concerns of the public in Though you were neither a husband nor a Square shelter for single mothers conducting father, you became a model for husbands and obtaining pipeline safety information Midnight Mass on Christmas eve, cradling a fathers. Though you never trained on a hose small plastic doll in its role as the baby and enables the Government to safe- on a fire or experienced the pain of being a Jesus or in a firehouse kitchen helping re- guard information which could be used firefighter’s widow, you became a model for unite a couple whose marriage was strained to do harm or for terrorist activities. firefighters and the widowed. Though up by the job. This church is full of families he This bill is good legislation. It will until recently you never felt the anxiety of united. Being at Ground Zero—wherever it require greater safety and oversight of sickness, you became a guide for the sick. was—was his life, and his death. our Nation’s pipeline system. The bill You taught us that the St. Francis Prayer Mychal loved Christ and loved his family also allows for a greater degree of pub- was not merely a bookmark but a living, and yes, he loved us, the people of New York. speaking roadmap for our daily lives as New This morning we unfortunately see only his lic participation in the process of pipe- Yorkers. We saw your greatness up close and casket. But I dreamt the other night of line safety, without jeopardizing na- personal. But we respectfully ask why were Mychal, walking and walking and walking; I tional security, updates the penalties you so strong? guess the constant motion of his life: In a that would be levied for misconduct As Father Pecci pointed out last night at power walk from 31st Street and Seventh Av- and provides whistle blower protection the wake service maybe it was the countless enue to Coney Island and the Atlantic Ocean, for employees who reveal misconduct. windows and shoes you polished and shined in his crisply pressed uniform on a blustery The bill also provides for Federal in- on Dean Street in as a child. Or Patrick’s day waving, to the crowd was it the constancy and strength of exam- vestment in research which will help us like a matinee idol, hands outstretched to ple of your mother who balanced the needs of hug our children for a moment, flashing a be more efficient and effective in pro- a dying husband, a house and three young knowing, almost shy smile and then jogging viding a safer and more secure system. children in the Depression? back to the line of march. Walking the I urge my colleagues to support this I have not seen your sisters Erin and streets greeting on a first name basis the measure. Dymphna for some time. So I asked homeless and friendless, many of whom wore Dymphna last night, what made Mychal f the Christmas and birthday gifts that many great? She said it best: ‘‘With Michael there in this congregation wrapped so nicely for TRIBUTE TO FATHER MYCHAL F. were no narrow truths. There was only wide Mychal to wear. He loved to watch the fire- JUDGE open possibility.’’ As I stepped outside onto works, a ride on a fire boat, a thick deep 32nd Street near Penn Station last night to piece of apple pie with ice cream. Both most (At the request of Mr. DASCHLE, the get some air, I was struck by the wide world of all, he loved the call to service, the ro- following statement was ordered to be of possibilities that Mychal lived in. I no- mance of duty, the necessity of honor. He printed in the RECORD.) ticed how much more alive the street has be- was a bridge between people. and fire- ∑ Mrs. CLINTON. Madam President, I come in just in twenty-four hours. A saxo- fighters, Christians and Jews, able and dis- submit the following statement of phone could be heard—‘‘Amazing Grace’’— abled. He grafted spirituality onto our Bill of Peter James Johnson, Jr., delivered at the musician played. The smell of fried food Rights. in the air. Taxis racing down the street. Men the funeral mass for Father Mychal F. You see, Mychal was proud to be an Amer- and women laughing in conversation near a ican. Not in the quaint sense of a Norman Judge in New York City on September parked delivery truck. Mychal would say Rockwell painting or in your face flag waver, 15, 2001, for printing in the RECORD to ‘‘How marvelous. What a strong and dynamic although flag waving is good too. commemorate the 6-month anniversary people we are!’’ And I looked at the faces on I recall two connected events to dem- of the many lives so tragically lost on the street behind us. In Mychal’s words: onstrate his palpable pride. I urged Mychal September 11. ‘‘Peter look at these faces. Brown and black to become the Fire , to fill late The statement follows: and yellow and white. Such good minds, such Friar Father Julian Deeken’s large shoes. strong hands, such hard workers.’’ Shortly after he assumed his duties, there REMARKS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY BY PETER ‘‘Such a resilient city. There is nothing was a report of a ship run aground, and yes, J. JOHNSON, JR., AT THE FUNERAL MASS OF like a New Yorker. We’re back.’’ In that mo- even a landing of Chinese nationals with REV. MYCHAL JUDGE, O.F.M., FIRE DEPART- ment I had an understanding of the incessant guns, according to the Park Police, in the MENT OF NEW YORK, CHAPLAIN, SEPTEMBER activity that Mychal often heard from his Rockaways. I was an honorary firefighter 15, 2001, ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH, room on 31st Street. The same vitality that and pro bono adviser to Mayor Dinkins, and NEW YORK CITY, so energized him even when he was bone so Mychal called me, said he would be by to Your Eminence, Cardinal Egan, President tired from caring for the families of the vic- get me in a few minutes and we took off in Clinton, Senator Clinton, Mayor Dinkins, tims of Flight 800 when he would answer the the middle of the night. Mr. Controller, Mr. Public Advocate, Fam- phone or pager and respond to an emergency Just as we started to get to the Brooklyn ily, Friends, Firefighters and Friends. to support a stricken firefighter. Battery Tunnel, the radio started to crackle ‘‘Don’t worry about me. Help the thou- And that was Mychal too. He naturally saw with confirmation of a large ship aground sands.’’ Mychal says to us. the very best of himself in others. And in a with passengers in the water. Mychal gunned I see him kneeling gently, hear him speak- strange way we slowly but surely began to the Chevy, hit the lights and sirens, both ing in a firm and lilting whisper, his large see a little bit of Mychal in all of us. His dy- which reflected and reverberated off the tun- hands making reassuring contact with a namic strength, his good mind and his strong nel walls. I felt like I was in the middle of dying firefighter, his warm eyes focused and hands were always in evidence. Whether he Studio 54. I said ‘‘Mike, what are you doing? loving and deep, communicating the wisdom was helping lift his dear friend paralyzed Slow down.’’ He looked straight ahead of almost seventy years and the spirituality hero Detective Steven McDonald onto a laughed and said: ‘‘No this is good. I’m not of a millennium. Enveloped in the rough stone road in Northern Ireland, to go sure what we’ve got here but we can do good unshakeable concentration of the prayers he another ten miles on the path to peace and things together.’’ knew and lived so faithfully, shrouded in his reconciliation. Or riding Splash Mountain at I’ll never forget what we saw that chilly own mystical but practical Catholic belief, Disney with Conor McDonald, who helps morning. Helicopters in the air. A large bro- oblivious to the risk of harm that rained serve the mass. Or at the bedside of his friar ken ship battered by the waves off shore and from the sky, he died as he lived, trying to friend forever, Patty Fitzgerald, in an Israeli a beach full of shaking, shivering and soaked save a life, to save a soul in our City on a hospital—fifty years of friendship on Satur- Chinese men who had paid dearly and almost sunny, not so perfect September morning. day. Or anointing the forehead of a sick man with their lives to reach the safe haven of