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

Vol. 154 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2008 No. 61 House of Representatives The House met at 8:30 a.m. and was in the long watches of the night in honor on behalf of Speaker PELOSI, called to order by the Speaker pro tem- places far from home. Bring them sol- Leader BOEHNER and myself to wel- pore (Mr. HOYER). ace in times of deep loneliness and come not only former colleagues but f hope for a joyous homecoming. very good friends. I am particularly May we all know Your peace that pleased to recognize the former Speak- DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER passes understanding, Your hope that er of the House, Bob Michel. I know PRO TEMPORE sustains us in times of trial, and Your that’s technically not accurate. I tried The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- love that fills the deepest recesses of to get him the votes to get that office, fore the House the following commu- our hearts. but another person intervened. But we nication from the Speaker: We pray in the Name that is above are certainly pleased to recognize and every name. Amen. WASHINGTON, DC, welcome back the distinguished minor- April 17, 2008. f ity leader to the House, a good friend. I, of course, somewhat parochial, par- I hereby appoint the Honorable STENY H. THE JOURNAL HOYER to act as Speaker pro tempore on this ticularly want to recognize my good day. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The friend, Senator Joe Tydings. When I NANCY PELOSI, Chair has examined the Journal of the first ran for the State Sen- Speaker of the House of Representatives. last day’s proceedings and announces ate, I had a little tiny brochure. On the f to the House his approval thereof. front page of that brochure were two Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- people—Senator Tydings, who had been PRAYER nal stands approved. elected in 1964 and myself in 1966—both Dr. Alan N. Keiran, Chief of Staff, Of- f former Presidents of the Young Demo- fice of the Senate Chaplain, offered the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE crats of Maryland, walking down the following prayer: street. So to that extent, if you’re real- Lord God, creator of heaven and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the ly upset with my being here, Senator Earth, as we open this legislative day, gentleman from New York (Mr. Tydings has some responsibility for we pause to consider the grandeur of MCNULTY) come forward and lead the that. You can talk to him. Your creative genius. We are struck by House in the Pledge of Allegiance. Also, the first Young Democrats con- the vastness of space and the countless Mr. MCNULTY led the Pledge of Alle- vention I attended, the President of the heavenly bodies that light the night giance as follows: Young Democrats of Maryland was a sky. Likewise, we observe with awe and I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Repub- gentleman named Goodloe Byron. wonder Your magnificent handiwork in lic for which it stands, one nation under God, Goodloe E. Byron. He served with me the advent of springtime, often being indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. in the State Senate. He came to Con- moved to worship You for the botanic f gress before me, tragically passed away beauty we are privileged to enjoy. To at an extraordinarily young age, and You alone, O God most high, belong all RECESS his wife, as all of you know, succeeded praise and glory. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- him. A friend of mine for 40 years—she We pray for Your grace to guide the ant to the order of the House of Thurs- was 7 at the time when we first met— Members and former Members of this day April 10, 2008, the House will stand . It’s particularly good body on this very special day, as they in recess subject to the call of the to recognize you and to welcome all of serve those who have elected them to Chair to receive the former Members of you back to the House. public office and the Nation we all Congress. The Chair will now recognize the love. Accordingly (at 8 o’clock and 35 min- Honorable Dennis Hertel. It’s a par- We also pray for all those who are at- utes a.m.), the House stood in recess ticular pleasure for me to recognize tending the Pontiff’s mass this morn- subject to the call of the Chair. Dennis Hertel because, as some of you ing, that they would sense Your pres- f know, he came to the Congress the ence in life-changing ways. May Your same year I came to the Congress. He spirit empower people of faith to seek RECEPTION OF FORMER MEMBERS left the Congress not at the request of You with all their hearts and minds. OF CONGRESS the citizens of Michigan but at the re- We pause as well to pray for those in The Speaker pro tempore presided. quest of the citizens who served in the harm’s way and their families. Be with The SPEAKER pro tempore. On be- State legislature. They divided his dis- those wearing the cloth of our Nation half of the House, I consider it a great trict up not in three ways but in four

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

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VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:07 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\H17AP8.REC H17AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H2446 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 17, 2008 ways, all that had Democratic incum- Distinguished Service Award and to spite the fact that in ours, as in every bents. He chose not to take any of ask you if you would say a few words to democratic society, there is a lot of them on. They were all relieved by our group. criticism, a lot of complaint, nonethe- that. You have done well in choosing Mr. MITCHELL. Thank you very less, I think every Member of Congress him as your leader for this year. much, Congressman Rhodes. Thanks to has earned and deserves the respect of The chair is yours. Congressman HOYER and to all of our the people for their dedication and Mr. HERTEL (presiding). I want to colleagues here. Let me say that I am their service to others. thank Leader HOYER, not only for his grateful to you for the kind words, Thank you all very much for this very kind remarks today and for tak- Congressman Rhodes, and grateful to great honor. ing the time to be with us but the fact all of the Members Association for the Mr. RHODES. Senator, thank you that he has always come to help us honor that you have bestowed upon me. very much for your comments. I think with our one day of session here as I think it’s fitting that this ceremony the significance of your comments is former Members of Congress. It’s very, of former Members be held in the the fact that you and Members of the very much appreciated that Leader House Chamber. other body do recognize that it is one HOYER with his busy schedule always I recall very clearly when I was elect- Congress composed of two separate and has time to come forward for us. ed majority leader of the Senate and I equal bodies. We appreciate that por- Mr. Jim Slattery from Kansas, the attended the first official function with tion of your comments as much as any- President of our Association, cannot be the Speaker. Prior to the function, we thing else. with us today because he has left our met and I said, well, we have to decide We do have a scrapbook with remem- position as President of the Former who goes first. He said, yes. We can dis- brances from your former colleagues, Members Association to become a can- cuss that, he said, but I’d just like to both in the House and the Senate, ap- didate for the United States Senate in call to your attention that the position preciating your service. And, of course, Kansas for the Democratic nomination. of Speaker is mentioned in the Con- the plaque. Now I will read the plaque And so because he is pursuing that wor- stitution and in the laws of the United since I’ve got my glasses on. Actually I thy goal, we have Jay Rhodes, who has States, but nowhere in either the Con- don’t have my glasses on. been our Vice President from Arizona stitution or any law is there any ref- Senator, you’ve got a lot of these. It and done such an excellent job. Jay erence to a majority leader of the just says that we recognize your life- will step up to become President of the United States Senate. He said, but I’m time of service to this body, this body Association and take on those duties perfectly prepared to discuss who being the Congress, not the Senate, and today. should go first. to our country. And we appreciate it The Chair recognizes Jay Rhodes of I said, well, I think you’ve made it very, very much and we appreciate Arizona, the acting President of the rather clear. Ever since then, I have de- your being with us this morning. Association of Former Members of ferred to every Speaker and, in fact, And so I present to you, A, the scrap- Congress. every Member of the House I ever met book; and, B, the plaque—I hope that Mr. RHODES. I apologize for a little because it made such a powerful im- your wall space has room for it—again delay in getting things going. There’s pression on me, about the primacy of from a grateful Nation. been some confusion about the access the House of Representatives in our Thank you very, very much. to the floor of our international guests system of government. Mr. MITCHELL. I guarantee you my who have always been welcomed to the Service in the Congress or in com- wall space will have room for this, a floor during this ceremony but for parable bodies around the world like very prominent place on my wall. some reason that has not occurred, so the Dail in Ireland, where I know there Thank you very much, Jay. they will be in the galleries. I’m sorry are many here today, and from Canada Mr. RHODES. Thank you, sir. about that. That’s not the way we and other countries is, of course, a high Mr. HERTEL. The Chair recognizes wanted things to happen. honor and a great privilege. My service the distinguished majority leader, the Mr. HOYER, thank you very much. in the United States Senate, including gentleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER). And thank you for giving us access to my 6 years as Senate majority leader, Mr. RHODES. Do you want to recog- the Chamber. We have a very special was one of the highest honors of my nize Mr. HOYER or do you want me to event, if you will, which is to honor a life. I was fortunate thereafter to en- recognize Mr. HOYER? very distinguished statesman, the gage in other public service activities, Mr. HERTEL. We can both recognize former majority leader of the United including 5 years in Northern Ireland Mr. HOYER. States Senate, Senator George Mitch- where I served as chairman of the Mr. RHODES. Mr. HOYER, you’re rec- ell of Maine. As far as I am concerned, peace negotiations and of other activi- ognized. that’s the highest rank that you have ties in bringing to a close the conflict Mr. HOYER. May I use this podium? achieved. You have achieved others, in Northern Ireland. But nothing will Mr. RHODES. You may do whatever but being the majority leader of the ever for me exceed the honor of having you wish, Mr. Majority Leader. Senate is something to behold and been a Member of the United States Mr. HOYER. Let me come over here. something to beholden to. We are Congress. I know that every former I tell a story when I greet, as so proud that you are a member of our As- Member here, indeed all former Mem- many of you have, constituents to the sociation, the Former Members of Con- bers, has shared that view. It was not floor of the House. I tell them the story gress, and we are proud to recognize very long ago, of course, that I served. that few Members of the House did I your service to our country as major- Then as now, there were challenges fac- come with a more negative perception ity leader. As a peacekeeper. I think ing our Nation. Then as now, there of than John Rousselot, as you can you had more success in making peace were differences between the parties. imagine. John Rousselot had quite a in Ireland than you have in baseball. But I hope that now as then the cur- reputation around the country. And I But certainly your work in trying to rent Members will rise to the challenge say that to them for the purpose of uncover and rectify the use and misuse and be able to meet the very important saying that I ended up thinking John of performance-enhancing drugs, espe- problems and address the issues facing Rousselot was one of the really delight- cially in professional baseball, is some- our great country and the world. ful human beings with whom I served, thing that I know you’re proud of and In conclusion, I thank everyone here notwithstanding our deep disagree- we’re proud of. We believe that your very much. You know, for most human ments. Some of you who served during work will have taken our national pas- beings, life is in essence a never-ending his term will recall, as we know, John time and restored its luster. We are search for respect. First and most im- had a problem with his leg, but he used very pleased and happy that you have portant, self-respect and then the re- to delight, as you recall, going over to assisted the country again in a very spect of others. There is no one certain that rostrum and talking to you us. important effort. route to gaining respect, but I have al- You remember that, Bob, I am sure, It’s a great pleasure for me as the ways felt that the best way was very well. He did it, however, not in a President of this Association to wel- through service to others. And so I confrontational way but with a twinkle come you and to present to you our think that Members of Congress, de- in his eye, as if to say, I’m coming over

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:07 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\H17AP8.REC H17AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2447 here and I’m going to tell you guys to also remember the friendships that Mr. Michel of Illinois what you really ought to be doing. And we have made here. Mr. Nichols of Kansas I really always enjoyed it. Good luck to you. Thank you very Mr. Parris of Virginia When Jay said, well, I’m not going to much. Mr. Rhodes of Arizona speak from that rostrum, I’m going to Mr. HERTEL. I want to thank the Mr. Sarasin of Connecticut come over here, it reminded me of that. majority leader. Let me say that it’s Mr. Shaw of Florida Unfortunately, as all of you know very appropriate that my Republican Mr. Thomas of Georgia through the years now, the aisle has friend Mr. Rhodes and I both intro- Mr. Zeliff of New Hampshire become more a wall than an aisle. A di- duced the majority leader because if Mr. HERTEL. The Chair announces vision has grown. I lament, I really do, there was an award for statesmanship that 26 former Members of Congress Bob Michel’s loss from the House and for an incumbent, I think our majority have responded to their names. from the country’s service in this leader would certainly achieve that. The Chair recognizes the President of body—he still serves our country as all It’s something to always follow the the Association, Mr. Rhodes, the dis- of you do as well—because he was, with model that Tip O’Neill set for us, of tinguished gentleman from Arizona. Tip O’Neill, two unifying leaders who being bipartisan in the ways that affect Mr. RHODES. Thank you, Mr. Hertel. tried to bring us together, not agreeing our country. I remember the great af- For those of you who don’t quite under- necessarily but disagree in a sense of fection that Tip O’Neill had for Bob stand what the cast of characters is trying to get together to solve prob- Michel and how they worked together, here, you would have expected that our lems with our different perspectives even though they fought on issues on a friend Jim Slattery from Kansas would being involved. As all of you know, I daily and weekly basis of importance be standing here as President of the have a deep affection for Bob Michel to our country. I remember Tip O’Neill Association. Jim made a decision to re- for that reason. But I always come telling me about the love he had for turn to Kansas and to run for the Sen- here—before I was majority leader I one of his very best friends, Jerry Ford, ate. He also made the decision that came here—because I want to thank all the President from Michigan, a Repub- that commitment of time and effort of you for the service you have given to lican, who was as partisan as Tip when would not allow him to devote the time our country, the friendship you have he was the minority leader here in the and effort that he had remaining on his given to me and so many others in this House. What I have seen in the distin- term of office as President of the Asso- body. guished majority leader is taking from ciation, so he did resign. The by-laws Some of you I see on a regular basis. the Speakers that I was honored to really don’t say a lot about when an of- The Historical Society obviously mak- serve under, taking the intellectual ficer resigns to run for office again, but ing such a continued contribution. I abilities of Mr. Foley and the partisan they do say when the President is not saw Ben Gilman 2 days ago at a break- aggressiveness of Mr. Wright and the here, the Vice President shall act as fast at which I spoke. But I really wisdom and the common touch of Tip President. And so I am technically the wanted to reiterate the welcome of O’Neill, and that is embodied in our Vice President and I am here acting as Speaker PELOSI to all of you back to distinguished majority leader. He then the President. If anybody wants to the House. carries forth the fact that you can be challenge me, do so now or forever hold I also want to recognize our friends, an active partisan on behalf of your your peace. Within the ordinary course and I’m not sure which one of you are party in your beliefs and at the same of events within the next few days or here, from Great Britain, from Ireland. time reach over and work with the mi- so, I will be elected to be President, As a matter of fact, I think there are 19 nority and understand their viewpoint and then you will have no challenge Irish Parliamentarians here. There are even as you are strong and aggressive whatsoever. But I am here for Jim and a couple from Greece and New Zealand; on the principles that you believe in. I want to acknowledge Jim’s service to Great Britain, as I said; and Canada. So So we thank the distinguished major- the Association, to the Congress and to we have five nations represented who ity leader again for taking the time to the country. He has served this Asso- with the United States have something be with us and for his leadership on be- ciation extremely well. We have made in common with one of them, Great half of our country. great progress, building on progress Britain. And we have much in common The Chair would like to also thank that began about 6 years ago, or more, with all of us. We welcome you to the Mr. MCNULTY from New York. Chair- with Matt McHugh and then with House. You are friends and great allies man MCNULTY has always been very Larry LaRocco and then with Jack at a time of challenge for the global generous with his time, also, with the Buechner. Your association has grown community, both in terms of econom- former Members and we appreciate his in stature and in numbers and in ac- ics, in terms of terrorism, in terms of time today with such a busy schedule. tivities. We’re going to outline a lot of moving our international community The Clerk will take the roll. that activity here for you today. towards a more peaceful resolution of The Clerk called the roll of the It is also a great pleasure for me to its problems. former Members of Congress, and the welcome to our meeting former Parlia- Senator Mitchell. Did he leave? I’m following former Members answered to mentarians from Canada, from the sorry. I should have said that at the be- their names: United Kingdom, from Ireland, from Greece, and from Turkey. We are very, ginning. I was going to invite Senator FORMER MEMBERS OF CONGRESS PARTICIPATING Mitchell, based upon his experience in IN 38TH ANNUAL SPRING MEETING THURSDAY, very honored to have you with us. We Northern Ireland, if he might visit us APRIL 17, 2008 are very honored to have the kind of here and see if he can resolve the dif- Mr. Broyhill of North Carolina association that we have with your re- ferences between the Senate and the Mr. Buechner of Missouri spective associations. We hope to con- House. I thought that might be a very Mrs. Byron of Maryland tinue to have those grow as well. And useful contribution to the country. Mr. DeNardis of Connecticut we will continue to carry out the ac- We’re having some problems. You may Mr. DioGuardi of New York tivities that have made us, I think, a have noticed. The Senate is a strange Mr. Frey of Florida more vibrant and, I think, a more pro- body, Senator Tydings. We’re trying to Mr. Garcia of New York ductive portion, quasi-governmental work with them, but it is very dif- Mr. Gilman of New York portion of the Government of the ficult. Mr. Goodling of Pennsylvania United States. We have accomplished a In any event, I want to welcome all Mr. Hertel of Michigan lot and we have a lot more to do. of you back and thank you for what Mr. Hockbrueckner of New York I look forward very much to a 2-year you have done for our country on both Mr. Hughes of New Jersey term as President. I am going to be as- sides of the aisle, as Americans, not as Mrs. Kennelly of Connecticut sisted very ably by Congressman Republicans or as Democrats but as Mr. Konnyu of California Hertel, who will be the Vice President, Americans, and say how honored I am Mr. Kramer of Colorado and by Congressman Buechner, who to have the opportunity to join with Mr. Kyros of Maine has graciously agreed to continue in you on this day when you return, to re- Mrs. Long of Louisiana the post of Past President. I don’t member what you have done here, but Mr. McHugh of New York think Jack has a vote, but he does have

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:07 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\H17AP8.REC H17AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H2448 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 17, 2008 a role to play because he has been ex- with election observation. A part strategic plan which envisions its ex- tremely active in the growth of the or- that’s very significant is a code of con- pansion over the next 5 years. Part of ganization and we need his experience duct, to make sure that when our rep- that vision is to become active not just and we need his advice and we appre- resentatives are in these different elec- in election observation missions but in ciate the fact that he is going to con- tion areas, that they know what they democracy building work, now being tinue in that role. That’s the last nice are supposed to be doing and what they carried out worldwide by U.S., Cana- thing I’m going to say about you. are not supposed to be doing. This is an dian and European NGOs. For example, But I’m going to introduce you, be- interesting thing, especially for United former legislators could play a crucial cause I want you to tell the Associa- States politicians going someplace role in aiding a peaceful transition of tion what you and we have been doing where the microscope is always on government following an election. We in the area of democracy building. whatever it is we do. A mere stumble could work with newly elected legisla- Jack, welcome back. It is good to see can sometimes, and I don’t mean phys- tors as they begin their work in a rep- you. ically, but a turn of phrase. resentative democracy. We could share Mr. BUECHNER. If the gentleman One of the things that happens, you our experience when it comes to the will yield, I am glad to be back. I want should know, is that sometimes the nuts and bolts—we all know about the to thank everyone for participating in electoral mechanism, somebody in a nuts in the legislative branch—but, for the programs that we’ve put together country will look at one of our rep- example, the work of committees or re- on the international end of it. In par- resentatives and say, well, what do you lying on a professional staff. In many ticular, something new for the associa- think we should do? The inclination is, countries, there are no professional tion is its participation in the Inter- well, I’d throw that ballot out. Or I’d personnel to work with the legislators. national Election Monitors Institute, accept that ballot. One of the things we I recall one of the first things that hap- the IEMI. It’s a joint project of our as- train our representatives to do is to be pened when I was a new member of the sociation with our sister organizations cool and to step back and to say, it’s Association is we actually helped the in Ottawa and Brussels. I am pleased your election, not our election, and Ukrainian Parliament train what were that some of our Canadian and Euro- we’re just here to make sure that the basically law students and political pean delegates, our colleagues active in world knows what goes on here. Now science students, train somebody to the IEMI, have made the trip to D.C. to you decide what to do with that ballot. work with the Parliament because be with us today. Of course, joining the It’s a very, very powerful thing. there was no one there. And in the Rus- Prime Minister of Great Britain and We have had an international delega- sian Duma in the early stages, if you also the Pope. What a great time to be tion that went to the Morocco elec- wanted to introduce a bill, you had to in Washington, D.C., for the spring- tions. We had 52 observers from 19 actually bring enough paper to print time. countries. We deployed to 12 regions in copies for every member of the Duma. The first goal of our institute is to Morocco and visited 375 polling sta- That was just one of those little things take former legislators, and I am going tions. In addition, observers partici- that starts a democracy rolling, but to use the term ‘‘legislators’’ rather pated in briefings and meetings before you have to deal with it. We believe than Parliamentarians or Members of election day to ascertain the political that via the Institute, we are posi- Congress. I happened to see something and legal climate in which the Moroc- tioning ourselves to play an integral the other day that ‘‘parliament’’ comes can electorate could cast their votes. part in democracy building. from the French word which is basi- We saw a well-organized and trans- Before I yield back the floor, let me cally parle, to talk. Congress comes parent election on September 7. Moroc- recognize Doug Rowland, if you would from the Roman word which is a gath- can authorities had trained polling of- stand up. Doug is the President of our ering of enemies. And I thought, I won- ficials well and ensured that voters Canadian counterpart, our neighbor to der if the Founding Fathers were play- were given the opportunity to cast a the north, but is also the President ing a little joke when they called it a secret ballot without undue influence. currently of the IEMI. He deserves a Congress. These legislators we have There were reported irregularities, but round of recognition. Doug, thank you taken from the EU, from the United the overall impression gathered by for your efforts and for all the mem- States and Canada and we have train- IEMI monitors was that the Govern- bers of the board. ing sessions in proper election moni- ment of Morocco should be congratu- With that, Mr. President, I thank you toring. lated on a free, fair, and transparent for giving me the opportunity to report It’s easy to think that because election process. on the IEMI. you’ve run for office and held office But one of the problems was partici- Mr. RHODES. Jack, thank you very that you know something about elec- pation. An awful lot of people said, you much. tions. Well, you may know something know, even though I’ve got the first op- Jack mentioned that the root mean- about a ridings in Calgary or about a portunity to vote, I think that the ing of the word ‘‘parliament’’ is talk. congressional district in South Caro- King’s going to influence it or the Is- Jack demonstrates the fact that he lina, but that doesn’t mean you know lamic parties are going to be overrepre- really is a parliamentarian, because what you’re doing in Chad, and we’re sented, that they had the same kind of there’s nothing about which he cannot not talking about Florida chads, we’re skepticism that we in the West fre- talk at length. I wonder, though, if you talking about the country of Chad or quently have to encounter, that low know what the root meaning of the someplace that is having an ongoing turnout of 37 percent, but a high num- word Congress is. If you look up Con- uprising by a minority party or a dif- ber of protest votes. One vote we saw gress in a dictionary, the first defini- ferent tribal distincts. The Orange Rev- at the polling station said, I can’t vote tion is sexual intercourse. Then it gets olution taught us a whole lot about for any of these idiots, which is sort of into what you said it was, which is con- what election observations were all the ‘‘none of the above’’ with a little versation amongst others. Fortunately, about. Sometimes it was just sitting more emphasis. But it showed there I think that we mostly do the latter, I and making sure that the guys in was an evidence for further political hope. charge—sometimes gals in charge— reform necessary in Morocco. Former Another of our international pro- were not manipulating the vote. So we Parliamentarians can play a crucial grams is something that I would like have been able to put together these role in encouraging widespread engage- to have our friend Beverly Byron from training sessions and we’ve hosted ment in the process. It is IEMI’s hope Maryland report on. We have done other meetings. We have gotten a 3- that over the next few years leading up quite a number of external programs year grant from the Canadian Inter- to Morocco’s 2012 elections, former leg- that Beverly is an expert on and will national Development Agency. We’ve islators will be invited to assist in de- share her expertise with us, hopefully sent dozens of U.S., Canadian and Eu- veloping reforms such as civic edu- as a Congressman and not as a Parlia- ropean former legislators who have cation or effective political leadership. mentarian. gone through this training and are now In addition to participating in those Mr. HERTEL. The Chair recognizes well-versed in an actual set of respon- missions and conducting several train- the distinguished Congresswoman from sibilities and challenges that come ing sessions, the IEMI has created a Maryland, Beverly Byron.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:07 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\H17AP8.REC H17AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2449 Mrs. BYRON. I’m afraid to touch without financial support. Here comes Foreign Minister Taro Aso; and Head of that podium after his remarks. the advertisement: Craig Kennedy and the U.S. Delegation to the Six-Party Mr. RHODES. I don’t blame you. the German Marshall Fund are ex- Talks, Ambassador Chris Hill. The Con- Mrs. BYRON. Let me first of all tremely active. The Marshall Fund has gressional Study Group on Japan is thank our acting temporary Presi- funded this program for many years. funded by the Japan-U.S. Friendship dent—until this afternoon. The Business Advisory Council also do- Commission. Mr. RHODES. Are you going to chal- nates support on the administrative Last but not least we have the Con- lenge me? side of the Study Group and current gressional Study Group on Mexico. It is Mrs. BYRON. Oh, I don’t know. It’s companies such as Airbus, Allianz, a unique organization in that it serves early in the day. I’ve got probably a BASF, Daimler, Deutsche Telekom, as a bipartisan forum of legislators and couple of hours. You can never tell. DHL Americas, EDS, Eli Lilly, congressional staffers to engage in Let me say that I have been tasked Fresenius, Lufthansa, RGIT, SAP, Sie- issue-specific dialogue with Mexican to talk about a program that I think is mens, and Volkswagen, to name but a elected officials and government rep- one that the acting Members and the few. resentatives. By being involved in the former Members have put together and Modeled after the Congressional group, the two countries’ political deci- have worked very hard—the Study Study Group on Germany, the Associa- sion-makers receive a comprehensive Groups on Germany, Turkey, Japan tion has established other Study picture of the issues revolving around and Mexico. I originally thought I was Groups. The Turkish group in 2005. U.S.-Mexico relations. We are working just going to be talking about the Ger- Turkey as we all know is important for closely with the Woodrow Wilson Cen- man Study Group which I have been in- so many reasons: Peace in the greater ter on the Mexico project. terested in and have no problem with Middle East, the expansion of the Euro- These Study Groups are examples of the pronunciation on the German pean Union, the transformation of how the Former Members Association names, but I have Turkey, Japan and NATO. The Study Group on Turkey can provide an educational service to Mexico. And so bear with me as we go brings current Members of Congress to- current Members and working together along. gether with their legislative peers, gov- furthering issues for our Nation. I look The Association serves as the secre- ernment officials and business rep- forward to being a part of the Study tariat for the Congressional Study resentatives in Turkey and serves cur- Groups. I think those of you that are Groups. Germany is the largest and rently as a platform for participants to not involved in it would get a great most active exchange program. It is learn about U.S.-Turkish relations deal of satisfaction in having an oppor- U.S. Members of Congress and Parlia- firsthand. Thanks to funding from the tunity to see that we are still con- mentarians of Germany. It is a bipar- Turkish Coalition of America, the Eco- tinuing as former Members in many of tisan organization, much as this one is, nomic Policy Research Foundation of the areas and issues that we have been and they alternate the Chairs, Demo- Turkey and TOBB, the German Mar- involved in. crats and Republicans, on the U.S. side. shall Fund also funds some of the work I thank you, the new acting-tem- The German group is celebrating its 25- with the Turkish group, and a group of porary-prospective President, for the year anniversary this year. The pri- corporate sponsors, the Study Group on time this morning. Mr. RHODES. Thank you, Congress- mary goal of the Study Group is to es- Turkey has brought important guests woman Byron, very much not only for tablish a dialogue between Members of to Capitol Hill. That includes then your remarks but for your participa- Congress and their counterparts in the Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah tion. It’s very valuable to all of us. As Bundestag. The group has a Distin- Gul, who is now President of Turkey; Beverly has said, the value of these guished Visitors Program where they Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Study Groups is bilateral. I think that bring high-ranking German elected of- Fried; and many delegations of Turkish ficials to the Capitol. Last year, the we and our sitting Members whom we Parliamentarians. involve in these exchanges learn a lot Study Group on Germany organized The Congressional Study Group on and I think that the counterparts in events featuring political leaders such Turkey also conducts an annual U.S.- the other countries also learn from us, as Chancellor Angela Merkel; Dr. Nor- Turkey seminar. In 2007, that con- and we learn basically that many of bert Lammert, President of the Ger- ference took place in Ankara and our problems are very, very similar. man Bundestag; and Minister Sigmar Istanbul. A congressional delegation It’s fascinating and it’s a great experi- Gabriel, Federal Minister for the Envi- met as we did when we were Members ence. ronment. Every year, the Study Group with high-level representatives, includ- I next want to have Matt McHugh brings approximately eight Members of ing Speaker of the Grand National As- come forward and report to you on our Congress together with sometimes an sembly of Turkey Arinc, as well as various student-based exchange pro- equal number, sometimes more, of the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan. Dis- grams which we loosely call Congress German legislators for several days, fo- cussions included Iraq and Turkey’s bid to Campus. Matt has been intimately cusing on discussions with a predeter- to join the EU. This year’s seminar will involved in the expansion and growth mined agenda. The Parliamentarians take place in May in Memphis in the of the Congress to Campus Program usually are joined by several former district of Representative Steve Cohen. which has been dramatic and a very Members of Congress and former Mem- Members of Congress and their coun- great reward to an awful lot of former bers of the Bundestag. They also have terparts in the Turkish Grand National Members of Congress and hopefully to officials of the two federal govern- Assembly will discuss issues such as, some students out there in the world. ments attending, think-tank and foun- once again, energy security, civil soci- But from time to time, Matt, I think dation representatives, and members of ety, and the Middle East. we learn more than they do. Matt is a the German-American corporate com- The Association also serves as the longtime, very, very valuable member munity. In 2007, the annual Congress- secretariat for the Congressional Study of the Association and we appreciate Bundestag seminar took place in Ham- Group on Japan. This was founded in very much everything that you do for burg, Germany. This year the Study 1993 in cooperation with the East-West us. Group is going to be in Utah for its Center in Hawaii. The Congressional Mr. MCHUGH. Thanks very much, 25th annual seminar and it will be tak- Study Group on Japan is a bipartisan Jay. ing place in the current U.S. president group of 89 Members of the House and As he indicated, my role this morn- of that organization, Rob Bishop’s, dis- Senate. The Japanese Group arranges ing is to present our report on the Con- trict. The upcoming program is going opportunities for Members of Congress gress to Campus Program which as to discuss topics such as NATO, rela- to meet their counterparts in the Japa- many of you know is now run exclu- tions with China, and renewable en- nese Diet in addition to presentations sively by our Association in coopera- ergy. Our program this morning is on by American and Japanese experts tion with the Stennis Center. David the energy issue. I think it’s one that about various aspects of U.S.-Japanese Skaggs, who did such a great job for us we all are very much interested in. relations. Recently featured guests for some years, is now the Secretary of We need to thank the Study Group’s have included Japanese Ambassador to Education in Colorado. But the transi- supporters because it could not operate the United States Ryozo Kato; then tion from his organization, the Council

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:07 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\H17AP8.REC H17AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H2450 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 17, 2008 on Excellence in Government, has been time we will be receiving a financial passes a whole lot of things. Being a very smooth and successful. As most of contribution and some support from teacher, being a fireman, being a po- you know, the Congress to Campus the Joyce and Donald Rumsfeld Foun- liceman, a garbage collector or, like a Program is the Association’s flagship dation. The Foundation’s generous garbage collector, a Congressman. But program for our members. It sends bi- grant will enable our Association to the point is to emphasize to the young partisan teams of former Members to reach out to more students and more people that public service is not a ca- colleges, universities and high schools schools, many of whom have not par- reer to be shunned, it’s a career to be across the country to educate the next ticipated in the past. And so on behalf sought. generation of leaders on the impor- of our members, I want to thank Sec- Matt, your leadership on this is tance of civic engagement. The partici- retary Rumsfeld for recognizing the greatly appreciated. pating students benefit from the inter- importance of our reaching out to the My next project is to try to introduce action with our Association members next generation of leaders. a real hero for the Association. It’s dif- whose knowledge and experience, as we We have also continued working with ficult to do because he knows he’s a know, are a unique resource. But at the the People to People Ambassador Pro- hero and will tell you himself if I don’t same time our members benefit, as Jay gram that brings young people to our do it. Lou Frey has served as President has said, through our continued in- Nation’s capital for a week of events of the Association, and for the last 11 volvement in public service and the centered on the concepts of character years Lou has chaired our annual din- ability to engage these young people on and leadership. These students are far ner which, as I think you probably all issues of importance to them. younger than those who participate in know, is the lifeblood of the Associa- During each visit, our bipartisan the Congress to Campus activities, but tion. When it became clear, Beverly, team conducts classes, meets individ- they have already demonstrated a com- that I was going to become President, ually with students and faculty, speaks mitment to the ideals that the Con- I called Lou and I said to him, Lou, to campus media, participates in both gress to Campus Program seeks to pro- you’ve got to do it 2 more years. Lou campus and community forums, and mote. The Association’s involvement said, I can’t. I’m tired. I’m tired of the meets with local citizens. Institutions in this program allows our members whole thing. I don’t want to do it. are encouraged to market our visits to living in the Washington area to speak I said, Lou, please? the entire campus community, not just to these younger students on the im- And he said, Okay, I’m in for 2 more. to those students who are majoring in portance of public service and to an- Lou has not only done the dinner, he political science, history or govern- swer any questions they might have. A has started several other projects for ment. Over the course of 21⁄2 days, hun- number of our members, as you know, us. I would call upon the Honorable dreds of students are exposed to the are working full time still and the Peo- Member from the State of Florida, Mr. former Members’ message regarding ple to People engagements allow them Frey, to enlighten us as to what he has the significance of public service. to continue their public service in this been doing. We would all like to know. There is one more visit scheduled for particular way. The events are typi- Mr. FREY. Thank you, Jay. Thank this academic year, after which we cally held in the early morning at sub- you very much, Mr. President. begin recruiting schools for next year. urban locations. Again, I want to I would first like to also acknowledge The program has made both domestic thank all of our colleagues who have the tremendous work that your prede- and international visits this academic participated in this program. I want to cessor, Jim Slattery, did. He did an in- year, including a visit to campuses in mention in particular our colleague credible job. He worked incredibly the United Kingdom and Canada and, Orval Hansen of Idaho. I don’t know if hard. You two worked together to give for the first time, two separate visits Orval is here this morning. If not, he us great leadership as I’m sure that to campuses in Mexico. By the end of deserves recognition, because he has you and Dennis will do the same. I did next week, the program will have made made it to nine of these visits early in start the Statesmanship Dinner 11 26 campus visits in this academic year. the morning to meet with these young- years ago and it was a good idea. The More than 30 members of our Associa- er students, seven of those visits in the only bad one was not figuring out who tion have made visits this academic last month alone. That is enormous was going to be the chairman of it. We year, and I want to take the oppor- dedication, and we are grateful to him still haven’t done too good a job on tunity to thank all of you who have in particular. that. This was our most successful din- participated in the program and cer- I want to conclude by again express- ner. We honored all the women who tainly encourage those of you who have ing appreciation to all of those who have served in the Congress and were not had the opportunity as yet to do have made the Congress to Campus serving in the Congress. Speaker so, it’s a great experience for us. Program such a great success and by PELOSI was kind enough to come and I also want to extend our thanks to encouraging all of my friends here to accept the award. And also Lindy the campuses, the faculty and staff participate. As you know, a democracy Boggs was the honorary chairman members and students who worked so can prosper only if its citizens are en- whom we all dearly love. She and Cokie diligently on each of these visits. With- gaged, and as former legislators we were there. It was a really, really nice out their hard work, these visits would have a particular responsibility, I event. Beverly Byron did a great deal not have been possible. We rely heavily think, to encourage others to do so, of work; Nancy Johnson. Incredible on the universities to take the lead in particularly our young people. group they had to help us raise money. coordinating logistics relating to each Thank you very much. It was the biggest crowd we’ve ever visit and appreciate the time they de- Mr. RHODES. Matt, thank you very had, thanks to the efforts of many of vote to ensuring their students will re- much. I just want to echo what Matt the women who served in the Congress. ceive the benefits of the program. says about the Person to Person pro- As you know, that is our big fund-rais- We have also continued, as I men- gram. I’ve participated in one, which ing event and we use it for a lot of dif- tioned at the beginning, our relation- started at 6:45 a.m. in far out Bethesda. ferent activities. ship with the Stennis Center for Public This is all junior high school kids. At One of the things that we have found Service in the administration of the 6:45 they are up and dressed and in my State, and I’m sure it isn’t true program. Association and Stennis Cen- scrubbed and raring to go. I’m standing in your State, but basically we are ter staff work very closely together on there saying, what am I doing out here civically illiterate. Forty percent of a day-by-day basis to make the pro- at 6:45 in the morning? It’s worth it. the adults in Florida cannot tell you gram such a great success. We appre- I want to emphasize what Matt em- the three branches of government. Sev- ciate both the staff support and the phasized, which is that the purpose of enty-three percent of the fourth grad- steady financial contribution we get this kind of activity is not to say to a ers in a multiple choice test can’t pick from the Stennis Center each area. We kid, this is how you prepare yourself to out the Constitution as our leading look forward to working with them in run for Congress, or to run for public document. I’m talking about my State. the years ahead as well. office. The purpose is to say to them, a I happen to have seen the statistics, I am also pleased to announce that in career in public service is a career and I would suggest that maybe we’re the next academic year for the first worth pursuing. Public service encom- not alone in this area. But in Florida

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How do we people who have given to the country were both Members, but we got to reach out to the teachers so that and now can’t give 100 percent but try know each other a lot better over the they’ll have something to turn to if and give as much as they can back to course of the last couple of years. Jim they’re interested in teaching civics. Of this country. It is certainly needed. I and I did a Congress to Campus visit course, one of the answers is the Inter- don’t think there’s any group of people together to Baker University in Bald- net. What we did last year is we experi- who have more knowledge, who have win, Kansas. It was a very, very re- mented with programs that the former more ability and don’t have any skin in warding experience. I can’t emphasize Members would do on key issues and the game in terms of any personal in- enough what Matt said to you, that if used the Internet to get it out to high volvement in what’s going on. you haven’t done a Congress to Cam- schools and colleges around the coun- I thank each and every one of you for pus, do it. You will profit from it and try. That worked pretty good. This what you’re doing. I think it’s great. I you will benefit from it. And hopefully year we’re going to take it to another think, as the President said, there’s a somebody else will, too. But you defi- step. We’re going to really put together lot more we can do, and we will do. nitely will. You will definitely come a library, if you will, for teachers. Thanks to this organization, a lot of away with the feeling that the genera- We’re working with the Presidential young people and people not only here tion that’s coming up is not all bad. Classroom teachers, we’re going to but with our colleagues, a lot of people There are some good people and there work with the institute that I have, around the world are going to have are some very, very enthusiastic and and the former Members. more idea of what’s going on and why intelligent people who want to con- Let’s take a subject like electoral understanding what we’ve been given tribute. It’s well worth the time. college. We will have a 50-minute les- in this great country is really worth- We have a plaque for Jim. It will read son plan for teachers, 30 minutes will while. just sort of like what I said the plaque be a discussion by the former Members Thank you very much, Mr. President. for Mr. Mitchell read, which is: Thank on that issue, 20 minutes for the teach- Mr. RHODES. Lou, thank you. you very much. We appreciate your ers themselves. We’ll put maybe 50 of I’m going to insert something into participation, your association and these together over the next 3 or 4 the script here that wasn’t here, but your friendship, and we wish you the years so that the teachers all around I’m going to ask you to help us as far best. the country can punch in for free, get as the dinner is concerned because one Now this is a bipartisan organization that lesson plan, and teach civics. How of the greatest conundrums that we and we don’t take sides. I will say to in the world can you have a country face is trying to identify somebody you that I wish Jim Slattery phys- that is as great as ours and the people whom we, A, should honor; B, would ically the best. Not necessarily politi- don’t know what they have? Thomas like to honor; and, C, who will sell ta- cally but physically. I know that he Jefferson said a country that’s half ig- bles. If you have any thoughts and sug- misses us and we miss him, and we’re norant never was and never will be gestions along those lines, we would very, very supportive of his desire to free. We’ve probably lost a couple of greatly appreciate hearing them. return to public service. generations. I’m not sure how we’ll Quickly. I want to thank Dennis Hertel and ever get those back. But we are not A couple of other programs that we Mike Parker and Jack Buechner for going to lose the younger generation. have going that you should know their service to the Association, both We’re going to reach out to them as about. One is a golf tournament. We’ve current and in the future. And I want we’re doing in these programs, the had the golf tournament for quite a few to recognize our professional staff. As stuff that Matt is doing. I think we can years. It brings together sitting Mem- any bureaucracy as we have grown make an incredible difference in terms bers and former Members. This is gen- more successful, we’ve grown more of our young people, not preaching erally not bipartisan. We generally pit staff. We currently have five perma- party but preaching what we have and each other against each other on a par- nent staff, led by Pete Weichlein, what our country’s about. So they’ll tisan basis. But it’s fun. But this year whom you all know; but joined by make a decision. Whatever it will be, we’ve changed the format slightly and Whitney Novak, who is an Executive we may agree or disagree, but at least it is going to be a charitable event, and Assistant; and Tracy Fine, who is a it will be a decision based on some we hope that that will expand it great- Program Officer; and Rebecca facts and on some knowledge. ly. The charity is a fund for disabled Zylberman, who is a Senior Program I want to thank many of you for help veterans, especially veterans from Iraq Officer. It must mean she’s older than with the book we’re writing, the second and Afghanistan. The tournament is on Tracy. I’m not sure what that means. edition of the Former Members book. July 14 at the Army/Navy Club. I en- And Sudha David-Wilp who is without As you know, the first edition is used courage you, A, to participate; and, B, peer in terms of what she does for us in in many colleges. The second one, if to encourage others to participate as putting together the international pro- you haven’t sent your final ideas in on well. I think it’s a cause that we all grams. She is terrific. Once again our your rules of politics, please do. It will would agree is well worthwhile. great welcome to our visitors from go to the publisher in August. We were I should tell you that the Association other countries, from other former honored about a month and a half be- sponsors, on a sporadic basis but gen- Parliaments. fore President Ford died, I had been erally biennially, a study trip for our Before I do the sad thing, which I trying to get him for really a couple of members abroad. Last fall we took really am not enthusiastic about doing, years to do it, he sent us five pages on about 40 of our members to Ireland. In I want to recognize one particular what his political rules of life were, retribution, the former members of the member of our Association, and that’s which will be really interesting. That Irish Parliament have sent 30 of their our former Republican leader, Mr. book will be out certainly in August. members here this week. I don’t know Michel. We appreciate your continued We hope that it will add to what teach- if that’s because of the way we behaved support, your continued activity, your ers can use, not necessarily from an or misbehaved in Ireland. I did not go. continued love of your country and all academic style but as a supplement to I have talked with many of our friends that you do for all of us. Thank you for what really goes on in this wonderful who did go and the one thing that’s being here with us this morning, Bob. place. unanimous is that they had a good Now I need to read the list. It seems I want you to know that, according time. The other thing that’s unani- that this list gets longer and I’m not to , we’re back for mous is they don’t know exactly what sure what that means about all of us, an annual ‘‘schmoozefest’’ and it will they did that was so much fun, but but this is the list of those of our Mem- get ‘‘boozy’’ tonight. I don’t know they had a good time. We appreciate bers who have passed in the course of where the reporter is to listen to all you all being here with us very, very the past year since our last annual these things that this group is doing. much. And we’re coming back. meeting. They are:

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Jennifer Dunn of Washington President for his presentation and his Mr. HERTEL. They are in the gal- John Flynt of Georgia leadership today and commend him, lery. We recognize them now, Mr. Gil- Paul Gillmor of Ohio because this is a record time for our as- man, and we thank them all for com- of Maryland sociation. I think it’s because our asso- ing. Augustus Hawkins of California ciation has gone from having some re- Our proceedings are adjourned. Peter Hoagland of Nebraska tired people that were a bit long-wind- Thank you. William Hungate of Missouri ed to having more and more active peo- Accordingly (at 9 o’clock and 58 min- Henry Hyde of Illinois ple and go right to the point about, as utes a.m.), the House continued in re- Tom Lantos of California we have seen this morning, reporting cess. John Mackie of Michigan on the activities of the Association, f Wiley Mayne of Iowa how we have reached out to the Nation Thomas Meskill of Connecticut and the world as far as leadership for b 1032 Howard Metzenbaum of Ohio democracy and public service. AFTER RECESS Joseph G. Minish of New Jersey I want to take a moment just to Parren J. Mitchell of Maryland thank Ken Kramer, a board member, The recess having expired, the House George Sangmeister of Illinois for all his leadership, Ken from Colo- was called to order by the Speaker pro Robert Sweeney of Ohio rado; and Barbara Kennelly for her tempore (Mrs. TAUSCHER) at 10 o’clock Craig Thomas of Wyoming leadership on the board and with our and 32 minutes a.m. Guy Vander Jagt of Michigan association across the board; Mr. Zeliff f Charles Vanik of Ohio from New Hampshire for all he’s done PRINTING OF PROCEEDINGS HAD Joseph Waggonner of Louisiana in support of our association. And to go DURING RECESS Robert Young of Missouri. through the list of the people that I would like for you to stand up and made the presentations today: Mr. Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Madam Speak- let’s have just a moment of silence for Buechner, who’s just done such an ex- er, I ask unanimous consent that the our fallen comrades. cellent job all these years of giving ad- proceedings had during the recess be Thank you. vice and counsel and leading our asso- printed in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD Mr. HOYER mentioned that things ciation. Mr. Matt McHugh from New and that all Members and former Mem- aren’t as friendly and as engaging as York who was past President, also who bers who spoke during the recess have they were when we were here. That’s continues to demonstrate and lead in the privilege of revising and extending all true. I have thought many times the area of public service, especially their remarks. sitting out there where you are about for our young people now today. Lou The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the words that we see in front of us, Frey, who has been with us all these objection to the request of the gen- Justice, Tolerance and Liberty. To the years as past President but chairman tleman from Iowa? extent that we have liberty, and I be- of our Dinner Committee and without There was no objection. lieve that we do, and to the extent that his leadership we would not have the f we have justice and I believe that we opportunity to do the things we are ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER do, we’re lacking in tolerance. I would doing in our country and around the PRO TEMPORE say to all of us that we might take it world with the finances that he has upon ourselves to talk to our sitting helped raise, especially for our Con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The colleagues from time to time and say gress to Campus Program where we Chair will entertain up to 15 1-minute to them, we wish you guys would get now reach over 60 campuses per year. requests per side. along a little better and work harder And, finally, to thank Doug Rowland f on the business of the country rather from Canada, the past President there A PLAN TO SUPPORT OUR ECON- than on your own reelections and your of their parliamentary association that OMY AND OUR INFRASTRUCTURE own egos. I think that probably is al- we helped with in their infancy but NEEDS most a duty for us, to remind them now he has shown great leadership of that this body doesn’t exist for single the highest order in the IEMI and help- (Mr. BLUMENAUER asked and was individuals, it exists for the body and ing us with training election monitors given permission to address the House it exists for the institution and it ex- not only for ourselves but for other for 1 minute.) ists to forward the business of the former parliamentarians in an inter- Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, country. national organization with the Euro- JOHN MCCAIN has famously said that he I don’t think that that’s outside the pean Union and the association of doesn’t know much about economic purview of the charter of the former former Canadian parliamentarians. issues. But it’s paradoxical that the Members of Congress. That’s not lob- Let me close by just summarizing Republican presidential candidate’s bying an issue. It’s lobbying attitude what Jay, our President, said about our idea for helping a troubled economy is and it’s lobbying getting things done. staff. We simply have the best staff in to put people out of work and make There’s only one way to get into this Washington, D.C. I think we can say traffic congestion worse and freight organization, and that’s to get elected. that in one sentence. movement harder. There are only three ways to leave. The Chair again wishes to thank all His proposal to stop collecting the Two of them are not pleasant. There’s the former Members of the House for gas tax will cut critical funding that nobody sitting here now who took the their presence here today. Before ter- keeps commuters, freight and our econ- way out with your boots on, but sev- minating these proceedings, the Chair omy running. And when the trust fund eral of us who left because we were de- would like to invite those former Mem- is moving into deficit for the first time feated in elections and several of us bers who did not respond when the roll in our history he will only make that chose to resign, or retire, but we are was taken to give their names to the problem worse. former Members of this institution and Reading Clerks for inclusion in the It will also lead to the loss of over I think that we ought to assert our- roll. The Chair wishes to thank the 300,000 highway-related jobs, while selves with our sitting colleagues when other former Members of the House for there’s no evidence that huge oil com- we feel that they are not forwarding their presence here today. Good luck to panies will cut their prices when they the interests of the country as much as you all. get this gas tax ‘‘Holiday’’. It is the

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