Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 110 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

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

Vol. 153 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2007 No. 28 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was I pray in the name of my Lord and VOTE AGAINST THE ESCALATION called to order by the Speaker pro tem- Savior, Jesus Christ. OF TROOPS pore (Mr. CAPUANO). Amen. (Mr. DEFAZIO asked and was given f f permission to address the House for 1 DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE minute.) PRO TEMPORE Mr. DEFAZIO. Even as the House de- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- bates the continuation of the failing gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. TIM Bush policies in Iraq, Vice President fore the House the following commu- MURPHY) come forward and lead the nication from the Speaker: DICK CHENEY, the chief architect of the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. Iraq strategy, is beating the drums for WASHINGTON, DC, Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania a new war, a war with Iran. February 14, 2007. led the Pledge of Allegiance as follows: I hereby appoint the Honorable MICHAEL E. On Sunday, we had unidentified CAPUANO to act as Speaker pro tempore on I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the sources saying that the highest levels this day. United States of America, and to the Repub- of the Iranian Government have di- NANCY PELOSI, lic for which it stands, one nation under God, rected use of weapons that are killing indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Speaker of the House of Representatives. U.S. troops. No information was pro- f f vided to substantiate the charge; ad- PRAYER WELCOMING PASTOR CARL TOTI ministration officials yesterday de- The Reverend Carl Toti, Senior Pas- (Mr. NEUGEBAUER asked and was flected requests for more details, even tor, Trinity Church, Lubbock, Texas, given permission to address the House as they repeatedly implied Tehran’s in- offered the following prayer: for 1 minute.) volvement. It may or may not be true, Let’s welcome God’s presence into Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Speaker, I but they have got a pretty bad record our hearts and into this place. am pleased to have Pastor Carl Toti on intelligence. And now MG Peter ‘‘I lift my eyes up to the hills, where with us today delivering the opening Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of does my help come from? My help invocation for the United States House Staff, said yesterday that he has no incomes from the Lord, who made heaven of Representatives. formation indicating Iran’s govern- and Earth.’’ Pastor Toti currently serves as the ment is directing the supply of lethal Father, hear our prayers. ‘‘If My peo- senior pastor of Trinity Church in my weapons to Shiite insurgent groups in ple, called by My name, will humble hometown of Lubbock, Texas. He is a Iraq. It sounds like the Iraq war intel- themselves, pray, and seek My face and graduate of Rhema Bible Training Cen- ligence all over again, phony intel- turn from their wicked ways, then I ter. He has also earned a master’s de- ligence leading us down the path to dis- will hear from heaven, forgive their gree in theological studies from Vision astrous involvement. sin, and heal their land.’’ University in Ramona, California. This has to stop. We start by voting We pray this Nation will return to against the escalation of the Bush poli- the faith exhibited by men and women Just as Pastor Toti speaks to diverse audiences through his ministry, so does cies in Iraq and begin to chart a new who trusted God, forged a Nation out of course. wilderness, raised families guided by he today speak to a diverse audience here in our Congress. Although Mem- standards from Your Word, and estab- f lished a Nation that presently is the bers of this body come from different rival of the entire world. May the same parts of the country and varying beliefs, I hope his words will unite and STAFF SERGEANT RICHARD ROSE, standards be raised high by these lead- USAF ers You have placed over us. May in- guide us all today as we conduct the tegrity and wisdom guide them to business of the people of the United (Mr. HAYES asked and was given make decisions that please You. States of America. permission to address the House for 1 Father, shield our military troops f minute and to revise and extend his re- protecting our freedoms around the marks.) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER world. May godly decisions be made Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, there are concerning them. PRO TEMPORE many heroes fighting the global war Lord, we ask that You would guide The SPEAKER pro tempore. The against terrorists, and many from the and bless our Representatives as they Chair will entertain 15 one-minutes per Eighth District of North Carolina. But advance our Nation. side. today I rise to pay tribute to one hero

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.

H1567

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:07 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE7.000 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1568 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 in particular. Today I am proud to rec- should ask before they vote to escalate especially through the camaraderie of ognize Air Force Staff Sergeant Rich- the war in Iraq. the Cruzan Gentlemen of his current ard Rose, son of Robyn Rose of f home and the Gentlemen of Savaan, Laurinburg, North Carolina. where he spent his early life. NONBINDING RESOLUTION IS NOT Staff Sergeant Rose, a member of the Bert was my coworker, supporter, THE WAY TO GO 1st Combat Camera Squadron at confidant and friend. I will miss him, Charleston Air Force Base, served as a (Mrs. BLACKBURN asked and was as all who knew him and loved him Joint Combat Camera photographer given permission to address the House will. He gave a lot to everyone that he with the Multinational Division in for 1 minute and to revise and extend touched as he passed this way. We are Baghdad from May 18 to September 18 her remarks.) grateful for his life, a life he lived fully of 2006. Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, the and well. During this time, Sergeant Rose was war in Iraq is the front line in the war My family, staff and the Congress of attached to several Army units, docu- on terror. We know this because the the United States extend our heartfelt menting their daily missions and con- terrorists tell us it is so. In poll after sympathy to his wife, children, grand- tributing over 1,000 images of Oper- poll, the American people tell us they children and his entire family. May he ation Iraqi Freedom. fully believe that what happens on the rest in peace. Sergeant Rose primarily shoots with front line in Iraq affects their security f his camera lens, but that changed last every single day. summer. During a mission with the You know, the Democrats have every TRUST THE TROOPS right to disagree with the President’s 101st Airborne Division Air Assault (Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was plan, but a nonbinding resolution is Unit, insurgents began firing at an Ex- given permission to address the House not the way to go. It sends a message plosive Ordnance Disposal Team which for 1 minute and to revise and extend of no confidence and no support to our was clearing roadside bombs nearby. his remarks.) troops in the field, weakening their Richard quickly responded by return- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, morale while encouraging and ing fire with his M4 rifle, which al- this nonbinding resolution is really a emboldening the enemy. lowed the Explosive Ordnance Team to nonsensical political statement. It Our men and women in harm’s way move to safety. His efforts are credited would deprive the generals and the are fighting the insurgents and they with helping to save the lives of 56 troops of the reinforcements they des- are fighting the battle of ideas every servicemembers during the attack, and perately need. day, not only in Iraq but in 30 different his bravery in this firefight earned him How would you feel if you were an countries around this globe. They the Bronze Star. American soldier in Iraq and Congress I ask that you join me in congratu- know that what we have to do is con- passed this resolution? It is like telling lating Sergeant Richard Rose on being tinue to win in that battle, and they you to fight with one arm tied behind awarded the Bronze Star in defending don’t have time to fight the war of pub- your back, and that is no way to defeat our Nation in the war against terror- lic opinion in this country, which is a terrorist. Let’s trust the men and ists. Pray for their safety, and pray for what some of my colleagues in this women in uniform who are sacrificing victory against these terrorists. House would seek to have them do. their lives to protect ours. The Democrats have no alternative f There is a reason there has been no plan; they have no way forward. I wel- terrorist attack on America since 2001. MEMBERS WHO SUPPORT TROOP come a responsible debate on this war, It is not because some want to second- ESCALATION NEED TO EXPLAIN but let’s make sure that we keep the guess our military, it is because our HOW WE PROTECT THE TROOPS focus on encouraging our troops, free- troops want to win. (Mr. STUPAK asked and was given dom, prosperity and ideas, and that we permission to address the House for 1 not encourage those who seek to do us f minute and to revise and extend his re- harm. FAST TRACK marks.) f Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, this week (Mr. MEEHAN asked and was given the House is conducting the most im- ALBERT BRYAN, SR. permission to address the House for 1 portant debate of this Congress, wheth- (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was minute.) er Members will support the Presi- given permission to address the House Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, it is time dent’s plan to send 21,500 more troops for 1 minute.) to get off the fast track of lost jobs and to Iraq. I oppose the President’s plan, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, on the right track for our American and during this debate I am hoping yesterday, while we were here at work, workforce. that those who support the escalation his family, my prior coworkers at the In these very Chambers I hear that of the war can answer a couple of ques- Department of Health, my friends and we just need to fix labor provisions and tions. community said farewell to a beloved trade agreements and do a side deal on First, if the President is allowed to son, Albert Bryan, Sr. fast track and then the problem is move forward, how do we guarantee His sudden passing caught us all off solved. This is simply not good enough. these troops have the protective armor guard, but that was often his way. I ask my fellow Democrats that this they need? Earlier this month we Never one to call attention to himself, is a time to sound the alarm on fast learned that troop escalation would despite his good looks, tall stature and track. Fast track hamstrings Congress’ create logistical hurdles for both the significant presence, he was unassum- ability to fix our broken trade policies. Army and Marines, which are already ing and gentle, with a generous spirit. The midterm elections show that short thousands of vehicles and armor Whether it was as a senior officer at most Americans understand that our kits. Members who support the Presi- one of our banks or as PTA president current trade policies have failed. dent’s plan need to explain how do we at the Pearl B. Larsen Elementary Over 3 million American manufac- provide the troops the equipment they School our children attended, or turing jobs, one out of every six manu- need. whether it was as an administrator of facturing jobs, have been lost during Members who support the plan also the Charles Howard Health Facility or the fast track era. The U.S. trade def- need to explain where do we come up co-owner of a favorite watering hole, or icit has exploded as imports have with the additional troops that will be whether it was as the devoted son, hus- surged. U.S. wages stagnate as trade needed to support 21,500 combat troops. band, father, grandfather who was al- deficits soar, displacing good U.S. jobs. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget ways about family, he was the best Fast track trashes the checks and Office estimates as many as 48,000 there was. balances that are essential for our de- troops may be required to implement Born and raised in St. Thomas, but mocracy. It is time to get Congress on the plan. living much of his adult life on St. the right track in the new majority. It Mr. Speaker, these are questions that Croix, he accomplished the impossible is time for a new direction as we deal supporters of escalating the war in Iraq in bringing the two islands together, with trade agreements.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.003 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1569 VICTORY IS THE ONLY WAY OUT b 1015 am reminded of how crucial it is that OF IRAQ DO NOT ENCOURAGE TERRORISTS we achieve victory to protect American (Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina families. (Ms. FOXX asked and was given per- The current situation in Iraq reminds asked and was given permission to ad- mission to address the House for 1 dress the House for 1 minute.) me of a smoldering fire in an urban minute.) area. Proper equipment and a sufficient Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today number of professional firefighters are Mr. Speaker, in a time of war Ameri- to strongly condemn H.Con.Res 63, and brought in to put out the fire. To sit cans and those risking their lives to the destructive message it sends our back, overlook the seriousness or leave protect freedom deserve leadership, not troops. Additionally, it sends a mes- the scene of the fire only enables the politics. As we continue to debate this sage that emboldens the very terrorists fire to grow, become more intense and nonbinding resolution today, we under- we are fighting to prevent another 9/11. spread throughout the neighborhood. mine the overall war on terror and the The debate over this resolution This analogy is applicable to Iraq. As successes we have had since the attack. makes America appear weak in her re- Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said In the battle for Iraq mistakes have solve to win the war on terror. We have recently, the violence in Iraq, if un- been made, but the President put forth seen terrorism all across the globe, checked, could spread outside its bor- a plan for victory that understands from bombings in Spain, to London and ders and draw other states into a re- those mistakes and sets benchmarks to Bali. gional conflagration. Just as we know ensure Iraqi involvement and success. America is fighting radical Islamic our fire chiefs would call up additional On the other side, they want to have jihadists, an enemy that poses a threat firefighters to contain a spreading fire, it both ways. They say we support our of colossal proportions. They will stop we must give our troops in Baghdad troops, but at the same time they say at nothing to follow their twisted the chance to suppress violence and we don’t support the war you are fight- version of Islam and to pursue the destabilize the region, which protects ing. Our troops deserve better. Either struction of Israel and Western civili- American families. commit to their mission and bring zation. In conclusion, God bless our troops them home victorious or stop their That is why I stand here with the and we will never forget September 11. funding and bring them home in defeat. firm resolve and pledge to protect my f The choices are there in front of us. country and future generations from Congress should allow time for the terrorism. I took an oath and have a CONGRESS IS PROVIDING REAL plan to take hold, not put forth a reso- constitutional obligation as a Member OVERSIGHT OF THE ADMINIS- lution that clearly is a step in the of Congress to protect and defend TRATION AND THE WAR IN IRAQ wrong direction, a policy of retreat and America from all enemies, foreign or (Mr. SIRES asked and was given per- defeat. domestic. This is an obligation all mission to address the House for 1 Mr. Speaker, there is only one way Members of Congress share, and it sim- minute.) out of Iraq, only one way out of this ply escapes me how some of my col- Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, since the war, victory. leagues fail to understand the dire con- beginning of the war in Iraq, congres- sequences of leaving Iraq. sional Republicans have stood on the f f sidelines as the Bush administration proved time and time again that it LIES GOT US INTO IRAQ AMERICANS WANT CONGRESS TO could not manage the war. DEBATE THE PRESIDENT’S (Mr. KUCINICH asked and was given When Democrats took control of Con- TROOP ESCALATION PLAN permission to address the House for 1 gress we vowed things will be different. minute and to revise and extend his re- Mr. Speaker, we are living up to that (Mr. HARE asked and was given per- marks.) promise. In the last month, House and mission to address the House for 1 Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, the Senate committees have held 52 hear- minute.) United States illegally attacked and ings on the war in Iraq. Congress is fi- Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, the Amer- invaded Iraq in a war based on lies. nally asking the tough questions of ican people deserve to know where we Now those same lies are being used to this administration. stand on the President’s troop esca- tell the American people we must esca- This week each of us has an oppor- lation plan, and this week every Mem- late and continue to fund the war in tunity to speak on the President’s ber of this House will have an oppor- the name of the troops. Now, where troop surge. Every single Member of tunity to explain why he or she sup- does this logic end? this House will have 5 minutes to speak ports or opposes President Bush’s plan The war could go on endlessly as we on the resolution. The House has not to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq. profess our support for the troops. It is debated the issue of war like this since The resolution that we are debating time to stop using the troops as pawns. the first gulf war in 1991. this week is a straightforward two- It is time to stop using the presence of Mr. Speaker, the American people page bill. First, it highlights our con- the troops in Iraq as a reason to keep want Congress to take its oversight re- tinued support for our troops in Iraq. funding the war. It is time to use the sponsibility seriously. And this new And second, it voices opposition to the money we have now to bring the troops Democratic Congress is doing just that. President’s troop increase plan. home. And when they come home, it is f The American people don’t want Con- time to take care of our veterans. gress to continue to shirk from its re- I have presented this Congress with a ENSURE SENIORS GET FAIR AC- sponsibility to oversee the Bush admin- 12-point plan to bring our troops home, CESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE istration’s implementation of this war. end the occupation, and stabilize Iraq. (Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania Unfortunately, that is exactly what Yes, we should stop the escalation, but asked and was given permission to ad- happened in the Senate, where a bipar- we should also end the occupation by dress the House for 1 minute.) tisan resolution opposing the Presi- ending funding for the war. Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. dent’s troop escalation plan is being f Mr. Speaker, an estimated 2 million kept hostage from the Senate floor by seniors suffer from a depressive illness, Republicans who seem content to allow IRAQ IS A SMOLDERING FIRE and another 5 million may have depres- the President to conduct this war any (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina sive symptoms. The risk for depression way he sees fit. asked and was given permission to ad- doubles when a person has a chronic Mr. Speaker, the American people dress the House for 1 minute and to re- illness such as heart disease, stroke, di- have unequivocally called on Congress vise and extend his remarks.) abetes, cancer or Parkinson’s disease. to discuss this situation in Iraq and to Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. People with mental illness can get bet- take action to change our course there. Speaker, as we continue the debate of ter with the right treatment, but Medi- Here in this House, we have begun the opposing reinforcements for American care’s current policy discriminates process this week. forces in the global war on terrorism, I against mental health by charging 21⁄2

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.004 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1570 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 times more in copayments than for any the State. For them, a well-maintained ticle was entitled, ‘‘Rape Only Hurts if other outpatient health care treat- road system is critical to ensuring fam- You Fight It.’’ He claims rape is a mag- ment. ily farmers can compete in this global ical experience and a blessing for unat- Seniors who receive necessary men- market. With more than 340 bridges tractive women. He and his Third- tal health services reduce their hos- and, a State high, 1,650 miles of road, World college newspaper now say the pital costs. One hospital offered mental Umatilla County faces a significant in- piece was satire and humor. health services for elderly patients frastructure maintenance backlog and This mean-spirited article shows no with fractures, and reduced the length challenge. humor, but vile and vicious and abu- of stay by 2 days and hospital costs by County Commissioner Dennis sive words about women. Journalistic over $160,000. Doherty says, ‘‘American farms are de- attacks on rape victims dehumanize I will be reintroducing legislation to pendent on a farm-to-market road sys- them and show a total lack of under- end Medicare discrimination for men- tem and loss of those funds will cripple standing of this crime. Rape is a phys- tal health services by adjusting copay- our local road system.’’ ical and emotional crime that tries to ments, and I ask my colleagues to co- Tammy Dennee, executive director of destroy the inner soul of the victim. sponsor it. Learn more about how we the Oregon Wheat Growers League Almost one-fourth of the women on can make health care affordable and said, ‘‘Global competition starts lo- college campuses are rape victims. accessible by visiting my Web site, cally. Being the number one wheat pro- Journalists who are out of touch with Murphy.house.gov. We need patient- ducing county in the State, it is vital the real world do a disservice to this centered health care for patient qual- to farmers here that the road system is field, and tragically, like physical ity, patient safety and patient choice. dependable.’’ abusers, heap journalistic abuse on rape victims. f My colleagues, Congress must keep faith with these timbered counties and And that’s just the way it is. GENERALS AGREE THAT PRESI- pass H.R. 17. Our future depends on it, f DENT’S TROOP ESCALATION our credibility depends on it, and time NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR DEAL PLAN IS NOT THE BEST WAY is running out. AHEAD (Mr. SCHIFF asked and was given f permission to address the House for 1 (Mr. PERLMUTTER asked and was minute and to revise and extend his re- given permission to address the House HOUSE BEGINS HOLDING THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION AC- marks.) for 1 minute.) Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, the an- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, COUNTABLE FOR THE WAR IN IRAQ nouncement in Beijing yesterday that today we will continue debating a bi- the Government of North Korea has partisan resolution that voices this (Mr. ELLISON asked and was given agreed to abandon its nuclear weapons Congress’ opposition to the President’s permission to address the House for 1 program is a positive step, and I ap- troop escalation plan. We are not alone minute.) plaud the efforts of Assistant Secretary Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, the days in our opposition to the President’s of State Christopher Hill, as well as the of this House rubber-stamping Presi- plan. efforts of our negotiating partners, Military leaders have raised concerns dent Bush’s failed war policies have Japan, South Korea, Russia and China. since the framework of this plan was ended. So far this year, House and Sen- Obviously much work remains to be announced at the end of last year. Here ate committees have held over 52 hear- done to ensure that North Korea fol- are a few examples. In testimony beings on Iraq. And now this week, over lows through on its pledge to halt plu- fore the Senate in November, General a 4-day period here on the House floor, tonium production at Yongbyon and to John Abizaid, the commander of Cen- we will be debating the President’s allow the return of international in- tral Command said, ‘‘I do not believe plan to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq. spectors, as well as to resolve other that more American troops right now The bipartisan bill is simple. It outstanding issues; most noticeably, is a solution to the problem.’’ states that the House will continue to the need for complete declaration from Retired General Joseph Hoar stated support our troops, but that we oppose Pyongyang of all of its nuclear activi- last month, ‘‘The new strategy reflects the President’s troop increase plan. ties and final disposition of North Ko- the inability of the administration to Some of my Republican colleagues say rea’s existing nuclear program. get it right. The proposed solution to that if you really support the troops, As with past agreements with the re- send in more troops will not work. It is you must support the President’s plan. clusive regime of Kim Jong-Il, this far too little and too late.’’ But this makes no sense. agreement could collapse at any time. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Do my colleagues not realize that our There is now, however, rare optimism and Secretary of State, Colin Powell, troops in Iraq were polled on the Presi- that a significant ratcheting down of said in December, ‘‘I am not persuaded dent’s plan? Only 41 percent of them tensions with the North is possible. that another surge of troops into Bagh- supported it. Not even a majority of The agreement should serve to remind dad for the purposes of suppressing this our troops say that this plan of the those in the administration who see communitarian violence, this civil war, President’s is a good plan. What about confrontation as the only way to con- will work.’’ our generals? Both retired and active vince Iran to abandon its nuclear pro- Mr. Speaker, those are all men who duty military leaders have said that gram, that diplomacy can be effective, have been on the frontlines. They join the President’s plan will not reverse even if it is often immensely frus- us in opposing the President’s esca- the devastating civil war that is now trating. lation plan. taking place in Iraq. I hope that the President and Sec- f Mr. Speaker, it is time that we listen retary of State will use this break- to those military leaders and our UMATILLA COUNTY FARMERS through with North Korea to reinvigo- troops and voice our opposition to the rate diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran (Mr. WALDEN of Oregon asked and President’s plan. from developing nuclear weapons. was given permission to address the f f House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) JOURNALISTIC ABUSE ON WOMEN IRAQ WAR RESOLUTION IS BAD Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speak- (Mr. POE asked and was given per- FOR AMERICA er, the failure of Congress to reauthor- mission to address the House for 1 (Mr. HOEKSTRA asked and was ize the Secure Rural Schools and Com- minute.) given permission to address the House munity Self-Determination Act is a Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, journalism for 1 minute.) breach of promise to the more than 600 has taken a plunge into the depth of Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, let me forested counties across America and disturbing depravity at Central Con- give you four reasons why I think the 4,400 school districts. necticut University. A writer for the resolution we will debate today is a bad In Umatilla County, Oregon, it is the college newspaper wrote a slam piece resolution. Number one, it is non- number one food producing county in against sexual assault victims. His ar- binding. It is a paper tiger. It does

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.005 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1571 nothing to influence our strategy or We have three options to follow. The have the collective will to send one of our direction in the global war with first is to stay the course. I don’t know our own. radical jihadists. of anyone, including the President, The bipartisan resolution before us Secondly, it ill defines the enemy. It who is suggesting we take that route. asks the Members one straightforward does not recognize that we are in a The second is to increase the troops question to be answered. Do you ap- global war with radical jihadists who level, which the supporters of House prove of the President’s proposal to de- have attacked us around the world. Concurrent Resolution 63 are saying no ploy more than 20,000 additional troops Third, it omits recognizing key U.S. to. The only other option is to reduce in Iraq, or do you not? Thus, this reso- personnel that are serving, and serving troops. lution is a clarifying moment for the ably, in this global war with radical I would ask you who will support Members to say precisely where they jihadists. Why does it not recognize our House Concurrent Resolution 63, read stand on the President’s plan. intelligence professionals? Why does it the Baker-Hamilton report, a bipar- There is little doubt that our Iraq not recognize our Armed Forces and in- tisan report, that talks about the ef- policy is not succeeding. Our Com- telligence professionals serving in Af- fects that will occur if we do withdraw mander in Chief, President Bush, ac- ghanistan, throughout the Middle East, from Iraq. There will be widespread vi- knowledged on this floor last month Africa and parts of Asia? olence there, more than we are seeing during his State of the Union address Finally, most ironic, the bottom line today. And they warn us that a with- that, and I quote, ‘‘Whatever you voted of this resolution tells the President to drawal may require the U.S. to engage, for, you did not vote for failure.’’ stay the course. That is not good once again, in Iraq to stabilize that I voted for the authorization, and I enough. This is a tough enemy. We area. did not vote for failure. But the poli- need to develop and evolve our strategy So for those of you who would sup- cies being pursued by this administra- to be successful. port House Concurrent Resolution 63, I tion have not led to success. After nearly 4 years at war, after f again ask, what is your plan? ‘‘No’’ is not a plan. more than 3,100 of our finest sons and TIME TO SEND THE BUSH ADMIN- f daughters have given the ultimate ISTRATION A MESSAGE THAT A measure of sacrifice in Iraq, after more CHANGE IN DIRECTION IS NEED- IRAQ WAR RESOLUTION than 25,000 have been wounded, after ED IN IRAQ The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the expenditure of more than $400 bil- (Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia asked and ant to section 3 of House Resolution lion on this war effort by the American was given permission to address the 157, proceedings will now resume on the taxpayer, our success seems as remote House for 1 minute.) concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 63) as ever. Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- disapproving of the decision of the Not surprisingly, two-thirds of the er, it is time to send a message to the President announced on January 10, American people oppose the President’s Bush administration that change is 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 addi- escalation plan. So do many current needed in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, the resolu- tional United States combat troops to and former senior military officials, tion we are debating this week here on Iraq. and Prime Minister Maliki has ex- the House floor is the first step in this The Clerk read the title of the con- pressed his disapproval as well. new Congress’ efforts to take Iraq in a current resolution. I oppose the President’s plan for sev- new direction. The SPEAKER pro tempore. When eral reasons. First, we simply cannot Last November the American people proceedings were postponed on Tues- ignore the many miscalculations made were clear that they wanted a dramatic day, February 13, 2007, time for debate by the administration about this war, change in Iraq. The President’s troop on the concurrent resolution on that from sending too few troops, to grossly escalation plan is not what they were day had expired. underestimating the cost, to failing to asking for. This week this House will Pursuant to the resolution, it is now properly plan for the postwar period. emphatically voice its opposition to in order for a further period of debate The President repeatedly said that the President’s plan. We hope that this on the concurrent resolution to extend his policies were working. He was trag- serves as a wake-up call and sends the not beyond midnight. ically wrong, just as he is wrong today, ‘‘Decider’’ a message that he can no The gentleman from Maryland (Mr. in my view, about this escalation. longer walk over Congress. We are not HOYER) and the gentleman from Michi- Secondly, this troop escalation does going to rubber-stamp his plans any gan (Mr. HOEKSTRA) each will control 5 not represent a new strategy. In fact, more. hours. we have tried at least four escalations This week’s debate is only the begin- The Chair recognizes the gentleman in the past, none of which has suc- ning, Mr. Speaker. House and Senate from Maryland. ceeded in quelling violence. committees have already conducted 52 Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I ask The time for more troops was 4 years hearings on Iraq. That is what the Con- unanimous consent to yield my time ago, 3 years ago, perhaps even 2 years gress is supposed to do, provide real for controlling the time to Mr. AN- ago, but not today. oversight on the administration. Un- DREWS or his designee. The fact is our commitment of forces fortunately for the first 3 years of this The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- has never, has never been commensu- war, congressional Republicans rubber- tleman from New Jersey is recognized rate with the risk the President says stamped the Decider’s Iraq plan. as the designee of the gentleman from exists. Never has the President, the Those days are over. Mr. Speaker, we Maryland. Commander in Chief, suggested the re- have an obligation to find a new course Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I yield sources necessary to succeed. This is in Iraq, and a military solution is now 1 minute to the distinguished majority too little, tragically, too late. Third, we cannot disregard the deep out of the question. And that is why leader, Mr. HOYER of Maryland. (Mr. HOYER asked and was given skepticism and warnings of our mili- this troop escalation plan should be de- permission to revise and extend his retary leaders. General Abizaid, not just feated. marks.) another soldier, but the former chief of f Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, 3 months the Central Command in charge of our b 1030 ago, the American people sent a re- effort in Iraq, has stated that, and I sounding message, a message for quote, ‘‘More American forces prevent WHAT IS YOUR PLAN? change. They voted for a new direction the Iraqis from doing more, from tak- (Mr. SALI asked and was given per- in our Nation, including a new direc- ing more responsibility for their own mission to address the House for 1 tion for the war in Iraq, which will future.’’ That is the consequence Gen- minute.) enter its fifth year next month. eral Abizaid believes of the President’s Mr. SALI. Mr. Speaker, for those who This week on this House floor the policy. would support House Concurrent Reso- Members of this great body can dem- Former Secretary of State Powell, lution 63, I ask, what is your plan? onstrate that we not only have heard one of the military leaders so success- ‘‘No’’ is not a plan. the voters’ message, but also that we ful in Iraq I, stated, and I quote again,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.007 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1572 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 ‘‘I am not persuaded that another surge who is absolutely committed to pre- So I am speaking today in memory of of troops into Baghdad for the purposes vailing in the war on terror, to protect Paulie and his mother and his father of suppressing the communitarian vio- our people, to protect our country and, and his brother and those who are still lence, this civil war, will work.’’ That yes, to protect my three daughters, my fighting there for us and listening to is General Powell. three grandchildren, and my great what we have to say. And even Senator MCCAIN, who sup- grandchild, I am absolutely committed I will not speak by calling into ques- ports the President’s escalation none- to policies that will protect us from tion anyone’s patriotism or motives. theless, said just last week, ‘‘I don’t terror and defeat those terrorists who All of us, Republicans and Democrats think it enhances our chances for suc- threaten us. Continuing to support alike, recognize that much is at stake ceeding in Iraq.’’ failed strategy, however, weakens our in Iraq and, undoubtedly, we all feel It is obvious that there is not a mili- efforts in the war on terror. It does not passionately about doing our duty to tary solution to the violence in Iraq. strengthen them. move forward and address what I con- We need a diplomatic surge, a surge of Furthermore, our failure to imple- sider to be the issue of our lives, the Iraqi responsibility. ment an effective strategy in Iraq has worldwide war against terrorists and a We must implement an aggressive clearly, indisputably, resulted in en- battleground of that war, which is Iraq. diplomatic strategy, as suggested by couraging and enhancing the ability of The issue of responsibility in this our friend, FRANK WOLF, both within terrorists to recruit and to spread their war has been discussed during this de- the region and beyond. The Iraqis must twisted, hateful, violent ideology. bate, and I believe it is an important take the lead on security, and the mis- Finally, my colleagues, some assert issue when addressing Iraq and in ad- sion of American forces must shift that this resolution is a first step to dressing this resolution. from combat to counterterrorism, defunding our troops in the field. This b 1045 training and logistics. And we must is categorically false. begin the responsible redeployment of While the new majority will explore Certainly in the change of direction our forces. other opportunities to affect Iraq pol- the President has presented, the Iraqis Now, let me close by urging Members icy, our commitment to our men and have a clear responsibility to meet the to disregard the arguments of those women in harm’s way is unwavering. goals of securing their own future. who seek to mischaracterize this reso- Mr. Speaker, there is not a Member Likewise, Congress has a clear respon- lution. Some say that the resolution of this body, not one, on either side of sibility to produce meaningful legisla- will demoralize our troops. In a democ- the aisle, who does not pray for our Na- tion and provide effective oversight of racy it is proper and essential that we tion’s success in Iraq. our government’s actions, especially debate the tactics and strategy we are Our brave service men and women during time of war. employing when we are asking young have performed there with valor and Put another way, our citizens hold Americans, and some not so young with great honor. They have done ev- their elected Representatives account- Americans, to be at the point of the erything that a grateful Nation has able to craft legislation that results in spear. It is easy for us to talk about asked of them since the beginning of meaningful and positive change. That tactics and strategy, not so easy for this war. We will not abandon them. I is precisely what is so disappointingly those who are in harm’s way. say to them directly, we will not aban- unacceptable about this nonbinding The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of don you. We will support you and we bill, which fails to do anything, which Staff, General Pace, says this debate will assure that you are trained and holds no one accountable, and does not will not adversely affect morale if we equipped for the mission that we give move our country forward on this crit- make it clear, as we have made it clear you. ical issue. over and over and over again, that we This is a critical moment, I tell you, Frankly, those many who have criti- will not abandon, we will not my colleagues, in our Nation’s war ef- cized the administration for staying underman, we will not undersupply, we fort in Iraq. The President’s policy is the course too long are now presenting will not undertrain, and we will not failing and his most recent proposal us with a bill that is the ‘‘stay the defund those who we have put in promises more of the same. This reso- course’’ piece of legislation that both harm’s way. We will support our troops lution is a first step in our attempt to advocates failure and a position of sta- today, tomorrow and every day there- forge a new direction in Iraq, and I tus quo. More specifically, the bill ig- after. urge every Member to support it. nores two of the most important parts Some say that this resolution will Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, at this of our Nation’s role in Iraq: the con- demoralize our troops. Yet General time I would like to yield 10 minutes to sequences of failure and the principal Pace, as I said, says otherwise. the gentlelady from Texas (Ms. GRANG- support that we should provide our Others say that this resolution has ER). troops during times of war. not received adequate consideration. Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on Sun- Let us say we do redeploy, which Yet, I tell my friends, in the first 6 day afternoon, I drove about 20 miles means quit. Or let us say the Congress weeks of this new Congress, we have to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul takes the next step that is being talked held 52 House and Senate hearings. For Balint in Willow Park, Texas. I had the about, and that is stopping the funding the last 4 years this Congress has been solemn honor of presenting them with in Iraq. Let us look clearly at the con- absent without leave, and the Amer- congressional remarks commemorating sequences of a failed state in Iraq, not ican people know it. We did not de- the noble and distinguished service of only for America but for the world. mand accountability. We did not look their son, Paulie. Let there be no mistake, Iraq is but at strategy. We did not question the The parents of Captain Balint did not one front in a long war against a fanat- President’s policies. Fifty-two hearings complain to me or ask me to vote to ical enemy who does not value human have been held to date, and Chairman end the war. They talked about the life and who seeks to destroy those who LANTOS has announced that he will pride of their son and his lifetime de- do. Failing to secure Iraq will result in hold a full committee hearing on all sire to serve in the military. massive instability in the Middle East, pending resolutions related to Iraq The Balints have never waffled in which will undoubtedly spill over to when we come back from the Presi- their belief that the war in Iraq is one the rest of the world. dent’s Day break. that demands our Nation’s full com- Consider the fractured nature of the Some say that this resolution is mitment. They experienced a loss no Middle East and the nature of the dan- merely symbolic. To them I simply one ever wants to share. Paulie was gerous threat we face. Iranian tele- state that the bipartisan expression of fighting to preserve our freedom and vision stations routinely broadcast the will of this House, when it mirrors our way of life. commercials that are designed to re- the views of the vast majority of the As I wished them well and turned to cruit would-be terrorists. In one ad spe- American public, cannot, must not, leave, the Balints asked me to bring a cifically for children, cartoon char- should not be casually ignored. message back to Washington. They acters entice them to be suicide bomb- Some say that this resolution signals said to tell you to stay firm because we ers. Imagine a society that views in- retreat in the war on terror. As one need to finish the job in Iraq. doctrinating 10-year-olds in the joys of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:07 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.009 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1573 martyrdom as a positive action. And With all my heart I believe we stand Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I yield yet that is precisely the kind of hate- at a crucial crossroad where the deci- myself 111⁄2 minutes. filled enemy we face in this war, where sion we make will affect not just us, (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given again Iraq is just one battle. but our children and their children and permission to revise and extend his re- A failed Iraq would provide inter- generations to come. Our enemies have marks.) national terrorists fertile ground to demonstrated that they are willing to Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I sup- sow the seeds of just that type of ha- kill us even if they have to die them- port this resolution because it provides tred and extremist thought. These ter- selves. Thankfully, our servicemen and the affirmation and the change that I ror groups are cold and brutal and fully women are willing to bravely defend believe we need in Iraq. The affirma- dedicated to our destruction. our freedom as we in Congress go tion is essentially universal in this In a failed Iraq, terror organizations through the semantics of debating a House. It is an affirmation that we are would exploit a populace who is dis- nonbinding resolution. irrevocably committed to arm, sup- trustful of Western democracies, who For this reason and all the other rea- port, equip, and protect the troops that have turned their backs on them. sons I have outlined today, I will not we have sent to Iraq. We are com- These people would be ripe for terrorist support a resolution that sends any- mitted to stand by the young men and recruitment thing less than a clear message of sup- women who have made the choice to Just yesterday, many of us met with port for our troops who are deployed in make a sacrifice for this country. That the ambassadors of Jordan and Egypt harm’s way. Senator JOE LIEBERMAN issue is not an issue. who warned us of the consequences stated last week in the Senate, ‘‘This What is an issue is whether American should we take the next steps that bill is a resolution of irresolution.’’ policy is working in Iraq or failing in have been hinted at during this debate If you believe the President’s new Iraq. I believe it is failing, and I believe and meetings held in congressional of- strategy is unsound, then offer a better that a vote for this resolution is a vote fices. America cannot afford to repeat solution to win. If that is where your for change. the mistakes of the past by withdrawal convictions lie, then have the courage We have frequently heard, Mr. Speak- from a direct confrontation with rad- to act decisively and be ready to accept er, from the minority side that they ical terrorists. Should we retreat from the consequences of your convictions. would like to hear a plan. With all due the current fight, the enemy will con- Now, that would be a resolution. respect, Mr. Speaker, I suggest they tinue to intensify their attacks against The nonbinding resolution before us start listening to this debate and to America, just as they did following the is at best confusing, at worst immoral. the American people. 1983 bombings of the Marine barracks It pledges to support the troops in the Here is how you build a plan: First, in Beirut, the first World Trade Center field but washes its hands of what they you acknowledge reality by properly bombing in 1993, the 1996 attack on the are doing. We can’t have it both ways. defining the problem. The administra- Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia, the We can’t say that our military men tion persists in rhetoric that defines U.S. Embassy bombings in Africa in and women have our full support while the conflict in Iraq as a struggle be- 1997, and the brazen attack against disapproving of their mission on the tween forces of civilization on one hand USS Cole in 2000. eve of their battle. The bill does not re- and the forces which wrought Sep- Many of the speakers on this resolu- solve to do anything. It doesn’t offer a tember 11 on the other. To some extent tion have cited the widely accepted solution. It only offers political expe- this characterization is accurate, but Iraq Study Group report, which pointed dient top-cover. It would be nice to to a great extent this characterization to the dire consequences that America, play the game of nonbinding actions, is inaccurate. indeed the world, would face should we but our soldiers and marines in Iraq A significant portion of the violence fail in Iraq. What they choose to ignore don’t have that option, and neither in Iraq is not the result of Islamic vio- is that the bipartisan authors of this should we. In fact, if the troops in Iraq lence against American troops, al- report stipulated that they would agree cared to watch what we were doing in though it exists. A significant portion with a short-term surge of American Congress this week, they would be out- of the violence in Iraq is the result of forces to bolster security and train raged. Fortunately for us, they have sectarian violence, Shiia against Iraqi forces, which is precisely what more important things to do and they Sunni, Sunni against Shiia, and occa- our new strategy does. live in a world where bullets are real sionally others against the Kurds. This Two weeks ago, the National Intel- and words alone carry little meaning. is not the position of the Democratic ligence Estimate on Iraq was pub- I will close by asking all of you to Party. This is the observation of the lished, and it largely concurred with picture yourselves as an 18- or 19-year- military and intelligence leadership in the findings of the study group of the old marine or soldier who is preparing public documents of this country. Sec- results that failure in Iraq would bring. for imminent battle in Baghdad. At tarian violence is the principal prob- Retreat from Iraq would result in this very moment, you would be fuel- lem in Iraq. pervasive instability in the Middle ing your Humvee; loading your ammu- If the problem in Iraq were that a East, encourage rogue regimes, and nition, checking your gear and equip- fragile but legitimate young govern- give terrorists a secure base from ment; taking time out to pray a pri- ment was struggling to hang on but which to launch attacks against free vate, quiet prayer. And if you are could not overcome the resistance, nations everywhere. lucky, you might be able to call family then this idea of a troop surge would No one disagrees that the situation and friends to tell them how much you make sense. The idea of sending more in Iraq has become more dangerous, love them. And all the while, the back fighters to defeat the resistance would but let me be perfectly clear. The con- of your hair is standing up and the make sense. This is not the proper defi- sequences of failure in this fight would back of your neck is itching because nition of the problem. The troop surge be catastrophic not only for America, the support that you feel that is nec- does not send more fighters to defeat but for the entire world. essary from your government is lack- the resistance. It sends more referees While this war is certainly a test of ing. As you prepare for battle, the best to inject themselves into the violence our resolve, America has faced tough that your elected Representatives back between Shiia and Sunni militia and decisions during critical war years in home in your Nation’s Capital can do is warfighters. The problem in Iraq is the past. In 1862 debate over the Civil to debate a nonbinding resolution that largely, not exclusively but largely, War threatened the success of the cam- has no real significance, except to call how to stop the sectarian violence. paigns that our troops were engaged in. into question the mission you are The second change that we must During the opening days of World War about to embark on. have is a change that vests the Iraqis II, while the troops were engaged in a Quit? Unthinkable. Stop the funding themselves with the primary responsi- fight for their lives in the Pacific, Con- while they are fighting? Immoral. Stay bility and eventually the exclusive regress bickered over strategies of isola- the course and do nothing? Outrageous. sponsibility to defeat that sectarian vi- tionism based in fear. And now in 2007, What the Nation and our troops de- olence. Sending more American troops we find ourselves in the fight of our serve is our best thinking and our best to do the job of the Iraqis is not the an- generation. support. swer. Insisting that the Iraqis do their

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:07 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.011 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1574 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 own job, defend their own country, tions: First, that the intelligence com- Last June I voted against the admin- fight their own fight is the answer. munity correctly assessed that Iraq istration’s ‘‘stay the course’’ resolu- Now, the United States should not di- had active stockpiles of chemical and tion that sought to conflate the war in vorce itself from that effort. The biological weapons and was pursuing a Iraq with the entire struggle against al United States, in my view, should not nuclear bomb; second, that President Qaeda, even as it failed to acknowledge immediately vest the Iraqis with all Bush would exhaust all diplomatic ef- that our strategy to stabilize the coun- that authority. But sending more forts to resolve the international com- try was not working and that its coun- young Americans to fight the fight for munity’s standoff with Iraq over its try was slipping into civil war. legitimacy of the Iraqi Government weapons programs; and, third, that if Now, against the advice of Congress, will not further the legitimacy of the the President determined that a resort the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, most Iraqi Government. It will defer it. It to force was necessary the prosecution military experts and the American peo- will weaken it. It will undermine it. of the war and its aftermath would be ple, President Bush has determined There is one way, and one way only, to competently managed by the President that victory in Iraq can be achieved by determine whether Iraqis themselves and his administration. deploying 21,000 additional combat are willing to fight for this govern- Each of these assumptions proved to troops to Baghdad and its environs. ment, whether Shiia are willing to be wrong. Iraq had no weapons of mass Regrettably, I cannot see how this fight Shiia militia, whether Sunni are destruction and no nuclear program; escalation can be successful. Instead, I willing to fight Sunni militia. And that President Bush did not exhaust all dip- believe it will further the cycle of de- is to let them do it, not to give the job lomatic efforts; and perhaps most trag- pendency that has allowed Iraq’s Shiite to more and more Americans. This is ically, his administration made ter- dominated government to avoid mak- the change that we need. rible, costly and repeated blunders in ing compromises with Sunnis and to And, finally, we need a change which its conduct of the war. avoid building capable security forces. recognizes that the principal problem I have been to Iraq three times to It will increase the strain on our mili- in reaching a unity government in Iraq visit our troops and to thank them for tary at a time when the Army and Ma- is political negotiation. Now, this is their service and their sacrifice. I have rines are already stretched to the not to say that diplomats alone can met the families of five soldiers and breaking point. And, most of all, it will solve this problem, but it is most cer- marines from my district who have deepen our military commitment to tainly to say that if those who are been lost in Iraq. I have visited with Iraq at a time when there is a national vested in the outcome of this civil war our wounded here and overseas. consensus that we should be taking are not brought to a conference table, Words cannot convey the admiration steps to reduce our combat role and re- invigorate the diplomatic process. brought to a negotiation, and com- that I have for the magnificent job The administration and the minority pelled or encouraged to reach a solu- that these men and women, many of them still in their late teens and early charge that those who do not support tion, I doubt very much that it will the escalation have no plan and that come. twenties, are doing on our behalf in Iraq. Whatever failings there have been this is the only possible path to suc- The United States has become the cess. I disagree. The Iraq Study Group guarantor of the status quo in Iraq, and in the prosecution of this war by the administration, our troops have per- laid out a strategy that centered the status quo is failing. The best way around a reduced American combat formed magnificently in wretched con- to serve the interests of the American presence in Iraq, increased efforts to ditions and against an often unseen troops is to engage in the democratic train Iraqi forces, increased pressures enemy that has targeted U.S. military debate for which they are fighting. on the Iraqis to make compromises and and Iraqi citizens without discrimina- Young Americans are fighting and a regional conference to hammer out a dying so that Iraqis will have the right tion. We must and we will continue to en- common approach to Iraq. to debate their country’s future. It This resolution is a clear message to sure that they have the resources they would be sadly and bitterly ironic if we the President that his approach has need to do their jobs and to come home abrogated our responsibility to debate lost the confidence of this House and our country’s future over what they safely, and once they are home, we will we need a change of direction. I hope should be doing in that country and provide them with the care and bene- he chooses to take our counsel. But he how long they should be there. fits that they have paid for in blood. should be aware that the days of a rub- Unlike some of my friends in the mi- ber-stamp Congress are over, and we b 1100 nority, I have never construed support are willing to take other steps to insist If you want to serve the troops, have for the troops to require a blind, un- on charting a new course in Iraq. the debate. And if you want to promote questioning and slavish devotion to the Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield the idea of avoiding failure in Iraq, Executive, even when the Executive is 6 minutes to my colleague from Texas then change the policy in Iraq. Do not wrong, even when its policies will not (Mr. CARTER). sustain the status quo. I believe that if achieve the desired result, and even Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank you want to change the policy in Iraq, when those very policies place our the gentleman for yielding. voting ‘‘yes’’ on resolution 63 is the troops unnecessarily and unproduct- Mr. Speaker, I spent many years of right first step. ively at greater risk. On the contrary, my life being a trial judge in the be- Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of on the contrary, an engaged Congress loved State of Texas, and as we are try- my time to my friend from California is essential to meaningful support for ing to make these decisions here today, (Mr. SCHIFF). the troops. I think there is a good parallel to be Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, it has On many occasions here on the House struck between the decisions that this been nearly 4 years since President floor, in committee and in meetings House is going to make and the deci- Bush ordered American military forces with senior officials, I have pressed for sions that a jury gets asked to be made into Iraq with the intention of toppling accountability, oversight and a more in the courtroom. the government of Saddam Hussein. vigorous commitment to force protec- The process always begins with Now, after more than 3,100 American tion. In October 2003, I voted against pleadings, and I have here in my hand troops have been lost and this Nation the $87 billion Iraq supplemental be- the pleadings of the majority party of has spent in excess of $365 billion, we cause I believed that it shortchanged the House of Representatives, pleading find ourselves at a crossroads. Do we security for our troops and allocated for relief from this body. endorse the President’s decision to es- too much for no-bid contracts. They begin by section 1, the Congress calate the conflict, or do we, as a co- Now, more than 3 years later, our re- and the American people will continue equal branch of government, exercise construction efforts in Iraq are a dis- to support and protect the members of our prerogative to force a change in aster and a national disgrace. Too the United States Armed Forces who course? many of our troops still ride into bat- are serving and have bravely served In October of 2002 I voted for the res- tle in vehicles that are not properly honorably in Iraq. olution authorizing the use of military protected against IEDs and other weap- Well, they are not really pleading for force in Iraq based on three assump- ons. any relief there. They are not actually

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:07 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.012 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1575 asking us for anything, other than Then we go on to see what also they dam Hussein and the terrorist attacks stating this is what they stand for. So are telling us that they want to do. on 9/11. we have to kind of fall back on our ex- They are just telling us that Congress The mission of our troops seems to perience and what we have experienced disapproves of the decision of President change and expand daily, but their cur- recently. George Bush, that President George rent mission appears to be to act as We have just experienced a con- Bush announced on January 10, 2007, to threatened referees in an increasingly tinuing resolution, as they called it, deploy more than 22,000 additional bloody civil war between the Sunni and which cut the military over $4 billion. United States troops in Iraq. Shiite Iraqis. But that is okay, it is going to be put Okay. What does that tell us? That As for international support, the back in the supplemental, we are told. tells us they don’t like what the Presi- American taxpayer has borne the vast Yet in the argument in this case, I dent’s decision was. That is what it majority of the costs to the tune of have heard many folks that step up tells us. Does it tell us why? Well, we hundreds of billions of dollars. Amer- there and start talking about they are have heard a lot of people tell us why. ican fighting men and women and their part of the Out of Iraq Caucus and they So I guess that is what we have to rely families have borne the vast majority wish to defund to get the troops back upon. Has it told us what alternative of the deaths and injuries to Coalition home. So if they are going to defund, they feel like we are going to have? troops, over 3,100 Americans killed, 18 when are they going to put that money Does what they are asking us to do from my district, and over 23,000 back? today give us an alternative? I find wounded. They say they support our troops. nothing else in this piece of paper that Even our staunchest ally, Great Brit- They, this Congress, has elected by its says that. I don’t find any solution pro- ain, plans to reduce the number of its vote, General Petraeus, an expert in posed. troops in Iraq to 4,500 by this June. Are we safer today than we were be- counterinsurgency, to give us a plan. So what should Americans expect fore the invasion of Iraq? Declassified And he has. He has told us, I need more from what is being asked for here CIA National Intelligence Estimates boots on the ground to back up the today? I think they should expect dis- indicate that the war in Iraq has be- Iraqi troops as they go in and clean out couraged troops. I think they should come a primary recruitment vehicle these militias and give some stability expect an encouraged enemy. But, to Baghdad. That is what he has asked for Islamic terrorists. Far from being more importantly, I think we as we the central front in the war on terror, us for. And he has also told us that this make this decision should realize that type of action by Congress will discour- as the President and his people say, what we may be doing is bringing this Iraq is the incubator and training age his troops. fight to the very people we are here to Secretary Gates has told us in his ground for new terrorists from around represent, so that when we stand in opinion this will encourage our en- the world. those metal detector lines at our malls emies, just this statement, this kind of Finally, the President has never thing that we are doing here today. we will know it all started with H. Con. clearly stated what is our strategy to And yet we hear arguments that is just Res. 63. Now we live in the unsafe world win in Iraq nor what is our exit strat- not true. that the Israelis deal in every day. egy. ‘‘Mission accomplished,’’ ‘‘Bring it Yet I don’t know, I have got a little Mr. Speaker, the relief sought here on,’’ ‘‘Stay the course,’’ or ‘‘We will note here that ABC News, certainly no- today is minimal, this action does stand down as the Iraqis stand up’’ are body’s conservative press, reports that nothing to help our troops or help our slogans, not strategies. they talked to some Army sergeants in effort, and the only solution, if it goes Our generals, our diplomats, the Iraq Ramadi. First Sergeant Louis Barnum bad, is prayer. We have a chance to Study Group even the White House, all says, ‘‘It makes me sick. I was born have a solution here today, and I would agree there is not a military solution and raised a Democrat. When I see submit that that solution is vote to the war in Iraq. Only a political res- that, it makes me sad.’’ against House Concurrent Resolution olution between the warring Iraqi fac- Sergeant Brian Orzechowski says, ‘‘I 63. tions could end the current violence. don’t want to bad mouth the President Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I am I do not believe that adding more at all. To me, it is treason.’’ pleased to yield 5 minutes to my friend American troops will do anything to Then in this morning’s paper, in the and colleague from Michigan (Mr. KIL- help foster that crucial political solu- Washington Times, Cal Thomas’ col- DEE). tion. In fact, it may hinder it. umn, Army Sergeant Daniel Dobson, Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Telling the Iraqi leadership and the 22, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in his the gentleman for yielding. Iraqi people that they must solve their second tour in Iraq, says, ‘‘The Amer- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of own internal problems without limit- ican military has shown a stone-cold House Concurrent Resolution 63, to less American assistance has a far bet- professional veneer throughout the stop the President’s escalation of our ter chance of success than continuing seething debate over Iraq. Beneath involvement in what has now become our current blank-check policy. that veneer, however, is a fuming vis- the Iraqi civil war. Mr. Speaker, President Bush either ceral hatred. We feel as though we have I voted no in 2002 when the Congress did not get or did not understand the been betrayed by Congress.’’ passed the resolution authorizing the message the American people sent last So the evidence seems to be that this President to invade Iraq. It was wrong November. Before the end of this year, does seem to discourage our troops. to start this war then, and it is wrong U.S. troops should be redeployed and And how will it encourage our en- to escalate it now. their efforts focused on support and emies? Let’s think about that. If the In 2002, I had several basic questions training the Iraqi Security Forces. It is majority gets its way and we pull out addressed to the President, questions their country, it is their fight, and it is of Iraq, the enemy will be able to say, that are still valid today. I asked then, their future. the jihadists of whatever faction they what is the nature and urgency of the Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield may be, will be able to say, ‘‘We de- Iraqi threat to the United States? 6 minutes to my colleague from Vir- feated the Russians in Afghanistan; we What is the mission of our troops? How ginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS). defeated the Shah and the United much international support will we Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. States of America in Iran; we have now have? Will this military operation in Speaker, in this debate, our first care defeated the United States of America Iraq decrease terrorism or increase ter- should be for the safety and morale of and its coalition partners in Iraq.’’ rorism? And what is the exit strategy the men and women serving in the Won’t this make a great recruiting to withdraw our troops from Iraq? American Armed Forces. Whatever the poster and slogan for those who seek way forward, nothing said here should further jihadists who wish to do us b 1115 be heard by friend or foe as disrespect harm? Mr. Speaker, we now know that Sad- for the work and sacrifice of those who So although their pleadings don’t dam Hussein did not have weapons of willingly fight our battles in a very call for anything other than a state- mass destruction. President Bush has dangerous world. ment of what they stand for, the con- since publicly acknowledged that there It took the United States and coali- sequences may be dire. was no link or connection between Sad- tion forces less than 3 weeks to topple

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.014 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1576 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 a brutal Iraqi regime that had held an At this point, it seems clear to many main, as Winston Churchill admon- iron grip on power for almost 30 years. that only Iraqi interests, not ours, can ished, ‘‘decided only to be undecided, Since then, they have battled a grow- be advanced on the streets of Baghdad. resolved to be irresolute, adamant for ing insurgency and rampant sectarian U.S. and coalition forces were tasked drift, solid for fluidity, all-powerful to violence with professionalism and as protectors of Iraq’s hard-won sov- be impotent.’’ bravery. Of all the instruments of na- ereignty, not referees in unchecked Mr. Speaker, we must decide, and I tional power we could and should be sectarian vendettas. From here, the have decided, to support this resolution discussing today, diplomacy, economic surge looks much more like the status because it is the only option that has policy, intelligence and warfare, our quo on steroids than a serious alter- been made in order by the majority military is the only one that has per- native policy to reach a realistic goal. today to engage the House in formula- formed predictably, consistently, and Some way must be found to cut the tion of Iraq policy, but once troops are well. Gordian knot that ties us to an Iraq committed by the Commander in Chief Still, knowing what we know today, strategy that says we can neither win and we are engaging the enemy, sym- after almost four years of attempted nor leave. bolic gestures like this must confront nation-building on the shifting sands of Moreover, so long as American troops the more complex realities of how to Iraq, the plan to put 21,000 more Ameri- are the ones on the ground, taking the support those forces in the safe and cans in harm’s way there has to be fire and being objects for sectarian ter- speedy completion of their mission. viewed with a cold-eyed skepticism rorist hatred, other stakeholders who Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I am born of that hard experience. Putting have more at stake in the region than pleased to yield 5 minutes to my friend, American troops between feuding we will refuse to step forward. the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Sunni and Shia in the middle of Bagh- But whatever else it might accom- MCCARTHY). dad, in my judgment, is a mistake. plish, this resolution still does not do Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York. Mr. This is the appropriate place for Iraqis, enough to illuminate a new, sustain- Speaker, I thank the gentleman for able strategy in Iraq. It offers us few not Americans. yielding. The Iraq Study Group concluded alternatives, and I am disappointed in Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of that, ‘‘Sustained increases in U.S. that. The profound and complex issues House Concurrent Resolution 63. De- spite the brave efforts of our troops, troop levels would not solve the funda- central to our international position the situation in Iraq continues to dete- mental cause of violence in Iraq, which today cannot be reduced to simplistic riorate. Our troops have gone above is the absence of national reconcili- political statements. We took an oath and beyond the call of duty. Unfortu- ation.’’ They quoted a U.S. general who to uphold and defend the Constitution, not just strike poses on how that duty nately, they are caught in the middle said that if the Iraqi Government does applies to the key questions before us of sectarian violence. not make political progress, ‘‘all the as a Nation. In the end, these are pure- From the onset of the conflict, there troops in the world will not provide se- ly political statements, when the de- has been mismanagement and mis- curity.’’ I agree. handling from this administration. The Like many Members, Republicans bate we really need to have is about the most apolitical subject of all: na- administration was not prepared for and Democrats, I voted for the resolu- the violence following the removal of tion authorizing President Bush to use tional security in a time of global peril. Saddam Hussein. force in Iraq, just as I supported Presi- Today, the House sends a purely sym- In addition, the previous Congress dent Clinton’s decision to take mili- bolic message to the President. It is a did not do its job. The 110th Congress tary action against the former Yugo- message that will also be heard by our held the first oversight hearing since slavia. Four years ago, we were trying troops, by the Iraqi Government, by the invasion in 2003. That is 4 years to persuade Saddam Hussein to comply the Iraqi people who have relied on us, without any congressional oversight. with the United Nations resolutions on and by our enemies who are hoping we I have heard so many speeches here disarmament and weapons inspections. will quit the fight soon. It does not say saying that we support the troops. I Only a credible threat of force could enough. We should be debating the ele- think everyone, every single Member, possibly convince him that it was fi- ments of an effective policy to stem supports the troops. Yet all those years nally in his interest to respect the law- the tide of jihadism infecting growing that we were hearing from the families ful demands of the international com- swaths of the globe. This resolution and from our soldiers themselves, say- munity. says only what some Members are ing they did not have the equipment, Voting to support the President against, nothing about what we are for. they did not have certainly the equip- strengthened his hand in the diplo- The Iraq Study Group report put ment to keep them safe, where were matic effort to get the Iraqi regime to forth 79 specific recommendations, we? Where were we as Members in comply peacefully. Saddam Hussein many focused on the need for far great- making sure that our military had the chose not to comply, and when diplo- er engagement of regional powers, best equipment? macy fails, and military action be- friends and foes in taking realistic Since January, we have had 52 over- comes necessary, politics should stop steps to stabilize Iraq. I joined my col- sight hearings on Iraq. It turns out at the water’s edge and every American league, FRANK WOLF, in supporting cre- that nearly $12 billion from the Amer- should stand behind the Commander in ation of the Iraq Study Group, and I ican taxpayers have not been ac- Chief. wish he and others were allowed to counted for. That is $12 billion that But no grant of authority is a blank offer those recommendations for dis- could have been spent on our equip- check. Today, naive notions about a cussion by the House. Those are the de- ment to protect our troops. Our troops quick or tidy victory in Iraq have given bates and the votes I had hoped to par- deserve better. way to far grittier options on how best ticipate in today. The President explained his new plan to achieve our strategic goals in that The lack of substantive alternatives for Iraq last month. Again, I hear that nation, in the region, and in the global before us, particularly on the question we must stand by the President. Well, struggle against Islamic extremism. of adequate funding for deployed I was one that stood by the President. We want the President to succeed, troops, betrays the majority’s empty, I voted with the President. I voted for but we are disappointed our hopes and conflicted positions on Iraq: against every appropriation for the President, good intentions for Iraq remain unreal- the President, but for nothing. The and now he is doing the same thing. It ized. Many are frustrated by the mis- Senate majority attempted to straddle is not working. It has not worked. It is takes and missed opportunities that the same contradictions recently, con- time for a new plan. plagued this noble but star-crossed ef- firming without dissent the new com- He called for an increase of 20,000 fort. Poor planning for occupation and manding general for Iraq, while at the more troops in Iraq and, unfortunately, reconstruction of a devastated nation, same time claiming to be against the I am afraid that this is a little bit too and missteps by the Coalition Provi- very same mission they know he has late. We needed hundreds of thousands sional Authority, allowed the insur- been ordered to undertake. of troops in the beginning. That is gency and long-simmering factional On the genuine questions of security when the generals asked for those hatreds to erupt and to take root. and strategy in Iraq, we cannot re- troops and they were denied.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.015 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1577 The truth of the matter is we did this coming into Iraq while the Iraqi Gov- United States has Congress passed a war on the cheap. We did not do it ernment tries to solve their own prob- resolution expressing an opinion on a right in the beginning, and now we are lems. battlefield strategy for an ongoing operation that Congress has approved? It all paying the consequences. b 1130 Throughout the conflict our troop is like June 13, 1944, D–Day plus seven: levels have changed. We have sent We can go back into Afghanistan and Congress passes a resolution that says, more troops in when our generals make sure that we shore up that coun- ‘‘We support the troops, but Eisen- called for them. Then they were made try so more insurgents and military hower should never have landed in Nor- smaller. To no fault of our troops, the equipment are not coming from that mandy. And, besides, he doesn’t have extra numbers did not calm the situa- country. the right number of people to hit those We must show the American people tion. I do not believe that putting more beaches anyway.’’ and our allies, by the way, who are of our brave men and women in harm’s Mr. Speaker, I can only conclude leaving, they are not supporting us, it way is the solution to this conflict. that this resolution is more about po- is not just Democrats and a lot of our President Bush emphasized his inten- litical posturing than it is about any- Republican colleagues that feel that we tions of placing more authority and re- thing else, and I think every American should get out. Our strategy has been sponsibility on the Iraqi Government. ought to be saddened and disappointed wrong, it is time to work together, and Well, it is about time. We have spent a by it. We have a spectacle going on in I am hoping after all these debates, lot of money to train the police offi- this country where a group of people when we come back from our break, we cers, to train their military, and yet running for President try to outdo one can actually go to our committees and they are not standing up for their own another to see who can be the most come up with a way to solve these country. against our involvement in Iraq. Now problems, not only for America, but be- Prime Minister Maliki has not prov- we come to add to that spectacle with fore the world. a nonbinding contrary resolution. en that he can stop the violence that is Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield going on in his country. That should Just put yourself in the shoes of 5 minutes to my colleague from Texas, those men and women going into battle not mean that our troops should be a member of the Intelligence Com- there. Our troops are trained for a war, in Baghdad. Does this resolution en- mittee (Mr. THORNBERRY). courage you or discourage you? Put not to settle political differences in Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I that country. He has failed to bring yourself in the shoes of those people have listened to much of the debate who do not want stability in Iraq, our equal representations of the Sunnis yesterday and today, and I appreciate and the Shiites into the Iraqi Govern- adversaries. Does this resolution en- the efforts of my colleague from Michi- courage you or discourage you? Put ment. This shortfall has fueled sec- gan to remind and educate us all about tarian violence, putting our troops in yourself in the shoes of those families what is at stake for our security and like Ms. GRANGER, just visited, or the greater harm. how Iraq fits into the larger war Poor planning by civilian leaders Britt family in Wheeler, Texas, or the against radical Islamic terrorists. That Das family in Amarillo, Texas who within the administration has placed is serious work. our brave men and women in harm’s have lost their sons in this effort. Does Unfortunately, this resolution is not this resolution encourage you, or does way. Our troops have gone above and serious work. I believe we have to start it discourage you? Who is helped by beyond the call of duty. They have by asking a basic essential question: this resolution? served our country bravely and honor- Why are we doing this? What is the Mr. Speaker, I do not want to be mis- ably, and we all know that. Many of purpose of this resolution? What good understood; mistakes have clearly been these troops have served their full will come from passing it? I cannot made with regard to our involvement tours of duty in Iraq, and they have find an acceptable answer. in Iraq, and Members should be part of left behind family and friends to defend The struggle in Iraq and the larger a serious study to learn from them. this great Nation. war against radical Islamic terrorists There are a good many questions that More than 3,000 of our men and is, in my view, the preeminent national need to be asked, and there is very women have made the ultimate sac- security issue facing our country. It is good reason for skepticism that this rifice, and not one of them, in my opin- important for Congress to devote seri- new strategy is really going to work. ion, has died in vain because they were ous, meaningful attention to it. But We should ask those questions. We doing their duty. We sent them there, whatever we do should have a purpose, should hold Iraqis accountable for and they have lived up to that, and a purpose that makes the United doing what they say they are going to thousands more have suffered debili- States stronger, a purpose that will do. I know there are some people who tating injuries. help us be successful, a purpose we can say we don’t need to ask any more It is time to shift the burden of this explain and be proud of in years to questions, they have already made up conflict to the Iraqis themselves. We come. their mind; they are ready to vote to have a responsibility in Congress to Here we have a nonbinding resolu- leave today. Fine, let’s vote on that. It make sure that our troops are not put tion, which means it does not have the is a serious vote, with consequences, unnecessarily in harm’s way. force of law. It conveys an opinion. and people that vote that way ought to President Bush has made his deci- Now, we do that from time to time. We be ready to shoulder the responsibility sions without consulting enough ex- congratulate a sports team, we express for the consequences that come from perts and retired generals. Where was concern about curing a disease, we pat that sort of vote. all the information that we needed somebody on the back. We do express But this resolution is not serious, it years ago as far as bringing the ex- opinions. is just political posturing, pure and perts, knowing what the culture was in What is the opinion in this resolu- simple. the Middle East? That is something tion? It is that we support the troops, Mr. Speaker, this struggle is going to that we still are not addressing here. but we do not support their mission. require the best of us for years and pos- Decisions have not been clearly We support the troops, but we do not sibly decades to come. It will require thought out and our troops have paid support their new commander, who is that we put aside the political tempta- the price. And after much thought, I this Nation’s preeminent strategist and tions to get a momentary partisan ad- have come to the conclusion that a expert on counterinsurgency, who just vantage. It requires that we do our phased redeployment of our troops is wrote the manual for counterinsur- constitutional duty not to be a rubber the best option. gency, who was just approved by the stamp to any administration, but to be No one is really talking about Af- Senate unanimously. We support the an independent branch of government ghanistan either. When we started, we troops, but we don’t support him or her committed to serious, thoughtful work. were winning in Afghanistan. When we or what he is trying to do. Now, what To prevail over these radical Islamic took those troops out of Afghanistan, is the purpose of expressing that kind terrorists and protect our people, we we started seeing the insurgents com- of self-contradictory opinion? are going to have to bring the full ing in. We can put our troops along the And I continue to be troubled when I array of national assets. Yes, our mili- borders. We can stop the insurgents think, when in the history of the tary, but also our diplomats and our

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.016 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1578 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 foreign assistants and our ideas and Bush, who is now President Bush, said tion. Early on, virtually no one was our ideals. All of that is going to have about the nonbinding resolution. This even remotely considering withdrawal. to be at our best. But it is going to re- was in The Washington Post, March 27, I believe withdrawal is not unsound for quire the best of us, too, and we are not 1999. I quote Mrs. Hughes speaking for the reasons I have previously cited. giving our best with this resolution. Governor Bush at the time, criticizing Some Americans and perhaps some in Hopefully, we can do better. President Clinton, and this is a quote. this body oppose the Iraqi operation Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, in the ‘‘If we are going to commit American because they dislike President Bush. I, spirit of bipartisanship, I yield 1 hour troops, we must be certain that they however, do not march to that drum. I of our time to my friend and colleague, have a clear mission, an achievable am personally very high on President the gentleman from North Carolina goal, and an exit strategy.’’ Bush. But on the matter of troop esca- (Mr. JONES), and I ask unanimous con- With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 lation, I am not in agreement. sent that he be allowed to control this minutes to the gentleman from North The noted British statesman Edmund hour of time. Carolina, my colleague and friend (Mr. Burke, while addressing Solicitors at The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there COBLE). Bristol many years ago said, ‘‘As your objection to the request of the gen- Mr. COBLE. I thank the distin- representative, I owe you my industry, tleman from New Jersey? guished gentleman from North Caro- but I also owe you my judgment. And if There was no objection. lina. I sacrifice my judgment for your opin- Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Mr. Speaker, I oppose deploying ion,’’ he said, ‘‘I have not served you Speaker, I thank the gentleman from 20,000 additional troops to Iraq. Oh, if well.’’ New Jersey. And I apologize for my you oppose the surge, the troops will be Some of my constituents will em- voice. demoralized, we are told. The five ‘‘d’’ brace my vote as demonstrating sound Before I yield time, I want to take words will be prominently exposed this judgment. Others will likely reject my just a couple minutes and remind the week as my friend just mentioned: devote as a result of flawed judgment. House that, yes, we are here today to bate, dialogue, discipline, deliberation, Not only do I owe my best judgment talk about resolution 63, but to remind and democracy. to my constituents, but to our troops the House that why we are in Iraq is The troop morale will be adversely as well, who we continue to remember the question. affected because we are involved with in our thoughts and prayers. I want to start my comments by these disciplines? I think not. I believe I thank the Speaker and I thank the sharing with the House that I met with they would more readily be demor- distinguished gentleman from North a real marine general hero that very alized if we were willy-nilly rubber- Carolina. few people on the floor know his name; stamping every issue confronting us. Mr. HOEKSTRA. At this time, I yield his name is General Gregory Newbold. I approved of removing Saddam Hus- 6 minutes to our colleague from Ten- And I want to quote him from Time sein because it is my belief, and I con- nessee (Mr. WAMP). magazine, April 9, 2006, ‘‘Why Iraq Was tinue to believe it is the general con- 1145 a Mistake.’’ I will be brief. sensus of this Congress, that Saddam b Two senior military officers are was indeed an international terrorist. I Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I want to known to have challenged Defense Sec- regret that we were inept in formu- first say, since I am coming at this retary Donald Rumsfeld on the plan- lating a post-entry strategy. I am not point in this time, that I am a Repub- ning of the Iraq war. Army General convinced that any particular strategy lican who opposes this resolution. Most Eric Shinseki publicly dissented and was ever in place. importantly, because this resolution is found himself marginalized. Marine It is unfortunate and, yes, unfair, nonbinding, I am one of the ranking Lieutenant General Greg Newbold, the that many people, strike that, some members on the Appropriations Com- Pentagon’s top operations officer, people, perhaps many people, are blam- mittee who will fight to make sure voiced his objections internally and ing President Bush, the United States, that, no matter what, funds are not re- then retired, in part out of opposition Great Britain, Australia, and our other stricted or reduced or cut from the men to the war. Here, for the first time, allies for the civil unrest in Iraq. Sad- and women in harm’s way on behalf of General Newbold goes public with a dam was removed and a free election this country in the future days, regard- full-throated critique. I want to quote was conducted, so the Iraqi people were less of what is said on this floor. this to the House from General New- given a choice between freedom and I want to make some general obser- bold. civil war. Unfortunately, they chose vations. First, the war on terror is the ‘‘I was a witness and therefore a the latter. They rejected freedom and worst-named war in the history of our party to the action that led us to the chose civil war. And the longer we country. We are at war with Islamic invasion of Iraq, an unnecessary war. maintain a presence there, the more jihadists, fundamentalists, radicals. We Inside the military family, I made no they will rely upon us. The time has need to be more clear as to who we are secret of my view that these zealots’ come, in my opinion, for the baton to fighting. Frankly, my view is that this rationale for war made no sense, and I be handed to the Iraqis. is a religious conflict. People may ask think I was outspoken enough to make Finally, permit me to discuss cutting in Tennessee or Texas, why are we in- those senior to me uncomfortable. But and running. Oh, you cannot leave; you volved? I now regret that I did not more openly will be accused of cutting and running, Well, for the first 1,350 years of this challenge those who were determined we are told. If we had removed Saddam, religious conflict we were not involved. to invade a country whose actions were which most Iraqis wanted, and then But history shows that a man named peripheral to the real threat, al withdrew 4 or 5 weeks later, or even 4 Qutb, the Wahhabi leader, a radical, Qaeda.’’ or 5 months later, that would have con- over 40 years ago, came to this coun- I mention that, Mr. Speaker, because stituted cutting and running. But we try, was educated, went back and in- today this is an important debate. And, have been there for years, Mr. Speaker. doctrinated a man named Azzam and yes, my friends on the other side I re- Over 3,100 of our troops have given the taught a man named bin Laden that spect and have great love and affection. ultimate sacrifice, in excess of 25,000 Western liberalism, freedom, self-gov- But I remember in 1999, when we were have suffered injuries, many perma- ernment would actually bring about on the floor as the majority party nent disabling injuries. This is sac- apostasy or ungodliness. criticizing President Clinton for going rifice, not cutting and running. And I That is the truth. He indoctrinated into Bosnia, that was a nonbinding res- insist that we do not maintain an eter- the Sunni radicals that your way of olution. nal presence in Iraq if for no other rea- life, self-determination, would create That is what the Congress is about: son than the cost to the taxpayers, ungodliness, and that it must be debate, disagreements, agreement, de- which has been astronomically unbe- stopped, and at that point we were bate. That is our constitutional respon- lievable. brought into this religious conflict, the sibility. In excess of 2 years, Mr. Speaker, I split there in the Arab and Persian Let me tell you what Karen Hughes, have stressed the importance of retain- world created by the 1970s, organiza- who was speaking for then-Governor ing troop withdrawal as a viable options in Iran that overthrew the Shah,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.018 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1579 and it gave them the first Islamic state troops we have had over the last sev- community for their bravery, their when Ayatollah Khomeini was brought eral years is from 136,000 to 160,000. We professionalism and their stunning back in 1978, and, unfortunately, our are down to the lower level. This is competence in Iraq and Afghanistan leaders in the country helped bring going to bring us back to the upper under very difficult circumstances. that about in the late 1970s. level, about what we had when the Those young men and women have Khomeini took over, and within a few elections were held. It is not a surge, it eliminated terrorist training camps months they took our hostages in is reinforcement. and gotten rid of Saddam Hussein and Tehran. That was a low point in this Three, the commanders tell us that his band of terrorists, who for years country’s history and my life, and from reinforcement will, quote, will save have brutalized the Iraqi people and 1978 forward 30 times our interests have lives and reduce violence. Reinforce- many people, many thousands of people been attacked around the world, and ments militarily, always there is a grid in the region. twice they have been attacked domes- that shows that reinforcements save They have eliminated the potential tically in the United States. lives and reduce violence. for weapons of mass destruction, these It is important to remember this. We Four, there are two tracks here. One young men and women, and we are are at war with Islamic jihadists. Al- is troop strength and security. The proud of that. The Taliban is disbanded Zarqawi and Zawahiri were talking other is diplomacy. You will see in the and al Qaeda is on the run. These are while al-Zarqawi was still alive, and he coming days diplomacy break out in our troops and the intelligence commu- said we need to expand the caliphate the region. I say to all my colleagues nity. from Indonesia to Morocco. They be- who have great concern, that are afraid Where are we now? We find ourselves lieve they can go north to Europe and we are not talking to Iran and Syria, now, the war on Iraq, and the global all the way to the former Soviet Union. just stay with us. I believe you will see war on terrorism, in a new phase, the This is where the Arabs have had influ- dialogues at every level take place in President understands that phase. The ence, this is their agenda. the region in the coming weeks, and I Congress is grasping with that phase. It is interesting to me that this only have been meeting with some of the ad- We now know the war in Iraq is in a became very difficult in the last 12 ministration officials. new phase, and a global war on terror months in Iraq. This week was the 1- Then let me say this, and I know continues, so how do we respond? year anniversary of the Samara what the distinguished majority leader How do we approach this new phase? mosque bombing. That is when the sec- said, and I respect him, and I believe Let’s look at the recent past. Let’s go tarian violence broke out. They are at- many, many people, if not everyone in back to the 1950s. President Eisen- tacking each other. Moqtada al-Sadr’s this House, have good intentions. If hower said, for the United States to be uncle is buried at that mosque. He was this resolution is followed by a funding safe and secure we need a strong mili- killed by Saddam Hussein. cut, more Americans will die, and the tary, the best intelligence, and con- One year ago, they blew up that sacrifices to date will be lost. We must sensus and dialogue. mosque in sectarian violence. What is do better, but we better not retreat in President Eisenhower implemented Moqtada al-Sadr doing today? He is Iraq. all of those practices, especially after fleeing. Why? Because he hears that we Too much is at stake. Our problems Nikita Khrushchev pounded his shoe at are going to increase security, put are not going away. Let’s not be fool- the podium of the United Nations and more boots on the ground in Baghdad. ish. Let’s not retreat from this chal- pointed to the Western diplomats and He is fleeing to Iran. lenge. Let’s stand together and unite said, ‘‘we will bury you.’’ What does that say about all of this? for the fight of our lives. It is a Eisenhower’s response? He invited Well, it says to me that we are begin- generational struggle, and we must Khrushchev to the United States for a ning to do the right thing. The region’s pull together and meet in defense of dialogue. leaders told us this week partition of liberty and our way of life. President Kennedy was told there Iraq is not acceptable in the Arab Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Before were armed nuclear warheads in Cuba. world or the Persian world or the re- I introduce my friend from Maryland, I What did President Kennedy do? Pro- gion. A partition will not work. It will want to read a statement from Marine ceed with dialogue and talking with make things worse. They also said ‘‘a General Joseph Hoar, former Com- the Soviets. We did not go to war. precipitous withdrawal will be cata- mandant of U.S. Central, when he ap- Nixon went to China. strophic.’’ peared before the Senate Foreign Rela- Who during that period of time did I remind my colleagues and the tions on January 18 of 2007. This Ma- we not have a dialogue with? It was Ho American people, we were not in Iraq rine general said, and I quote, the pro- Chi Minh; 53,000 Americans died in the before September 11. We were not in posed solution is to send more troops, Ten Thousand Day War. Hundreds of Afghanistan before September 11. This and it will not work. The addition of thousands were wounded, and millions problem is not going to go away if we 21,000 troops is too little and too late. of Vietnamese were killed. What if we leave Iraq. This is a generational chal- Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the had a dialogue with Ho Chi Minh about lenge. gentleman from Maryland (Mr. ending the French colonial period and As a matter of fact, I will say this, GILCHREST), himself a former Marine, encouraging Vietnam to have self-de- and this may be the most dramatic always a Marine, who served during termination, that which we fought for thing said on this floor, and I am Vietnam and was wounded for this in World War II? What would have hap- briefed at a pretty high level. I believe country. pened? we haven’t been attacked domestically Mr. GILCHREST. I thank the gen- Fifty-three years of dialogue with since September 11 for two reasons. tleman from North Carolina for being North Korea just now may be yielding One, we are better than we have ever generous with his time. I also want to results, 53 years of dialogue. Ask your- been at intelligence again, and I am sincerely thank the gentleman from self this question. Is a century of dia- glad. North Carolina for his effort to resolve logue without resolution better than Two, they don’t want to see us united the issue successfully and for bringing one day on the battlefield? Don’t be like they saw us after September 11. those of us who are speaking here this quick to answer that, but ask that Our enemies love the dissent and the morning together and for organizing question to yourself. division. They do not want to see us this time. The world, rich and poor, the people come together again, because when we Mr. Speaker, I am going to vote for of the world, are intimately familiar do we are the best in the world. this resolution for many reasons that I with American history, especially with Five points, Iraqi troops are showing will explain, but this resolution is not the following man. They know the up, progress is being made. This morn- a retreat from Iraq. This resolution is words of Thomas Jefferson. ‘‘We hold ing, a story out, several Iraqi battal- understanding the new phase that we these truths to be self-evident: that all ions now exceed the 75 percent meas- find ourselves in with the war in Iraq men are created equal; that they are urement on participation. For them and the war on terrorism. So it is a endowed by their Creator with certain that is very good. step forward in the right direction. inalienable rights; that among these Two, reinforcement is what this is. It I want to begin by commending our are life, liberty, the pursuit of happi- is not a surge. The spread on how many American troops and the intelligence ness.’’

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.020 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1580 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 They know Lincoln’s words, ‘‘with Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I was here on we cannot do that and we know it. And malice toward none and charity for the floor yesterday and thought I yet for political expedience this body is all.’’ They know Martin Luther King, would only speak once. As I heard the pretending to be military experts. Jr.’s, words, ‘‘You should be judged by debate of thoughtful Members on both Mr. Speaker, I will close simply by the content of your character.’’ sides of this issue, I was reminded of reminding this body of something we America is the race of races. The something I said yesterday that needed do know about. This is a body filled melting pot has become a common her- to be said again. Although the people with people who understand history. itage with the world’s people. Our en- you are hearing from mean well on Under fascism; we took on Japan, Ger- emies are ignorance, arrogance and both sides, less than a third of the many, Italy and their allies. And it dogma. Monstrous certainty has been Members speaking on this House floor took 4 years before we did it, while and is the tragedy of mankind. The served in the U.S. military, although they grew, and 4 years to defeat them. new phase of the war in Iraq and the everyone was eligible, and less than a And it took a decade or more to turn global war on terror not only includes third have traveled to Iraq, although those countries into functional democ- the military, it not only includes the everyone was eligible. Perhaps we will racies. intelligence community, but in this in- give the freshmen a pass. Yet America stayed the course. And stance it must include a surge of diplo- This is, in fact, a debate by people we had troops deployed there and we macy, to integrate the Middle Eastern who are not military experts. I count have troops deployed there today, even countries in a diplomatic dialogue myself among those, who although I though they are functional democ- about the stability of the region, in- served in the military and have been to racies. cluding reconciliation, economics, Iraq, I am not a military expert. I don’t Mr. Speaker, for more than 50 years trade issues, medical and educational pretend to play one on television and we fought the other ‘‘ism,’’ com- exchanges, et cetera, et cetera. This before the American people, and yet munism. China, the Soviet Union, and must be and is a necessary part of that that is what we are doing here for four the rest of the Soviet Bloc stood there complete strategy to make America solid days. threatening annihilation, but the American people put up with unspeak- safe and secure. The blueprint, the b 1200 starting point, is to vote ‘‘yes’’ today able amounts of money and significant on today’s resolution. We are in fact, pretending to be mili- loss of military lives, over 100,000 in The second phase of that is to under- tary experts. Well, Mr. Speaker, this two side battles of the Cold War. stand the words which is the blueprint morning I had a military expert in my We spent countless billions. Some- for this new phase, the Iraq Study office, Staff Sergeant Bain. He is only times as much as 50 percent of our gov- Group. What do we do with U.S. troops a staff sergeant. How is he an expert? ernment’s budget went to the military. in the Middle East? There are strong He is just finishing 3 years in Walter And we did it. Now we are being asked recommendations for that. What do we Reed, 3 years of recovery from terrible to deal with radicalism. And I cannot do about training and equipping the wounds. He came in doing a very good name a country of radicalism. And I Iraqi Army and making them prepared? job with his artificial leg. He came in cannot say radical Islam or radical Is- That is in the Iraq Study Group. and shook my hand, even though he lamic fascism, I simply say radicalism, What is the framework for coopera- cannot feel with that hand. because these radicals come from dif- tion with the Iraq people, the Iraq Gov- All I could do was thank him for his ferent sects of Islam, but they have one ernment, and the problems with sec- service and hand him a coin and wish thing in common: They seek to con- tarian violence? That is in the Iraq him well in his civilian life. But he quer countries to put an ‘‘ism’’ onto Study Group. took the time to tell me that he dis- them that is not of their choosing, and What about a new diplomatic initia- agreed with the President sending without freedom. tive with all of Iraq’s neighbors, in- 20,000 troops to Iraq. Won’t the American people stand cluding Iran and Syria? How about con- He said, I am sorry I can’t be there here today with the Congress rep- sultation with Congress? Vote for this for that. He said, they ought to send resenting them and stand against this resolution, and we can move on to end 100,000. What we did there we need to ‘‘ism’’ for at least as long as we stood the violence, the sectarian chaos, the finish. Staff Sergeant Bain got it right. against fascism and at least as long as foolish, bitter electronic exchanges be- The United States military and its ex- we stood against communism? tween countries, electronic exchanges, perts believe we need to get this fin- Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. instead of face-to-face conversations. ished and get it right. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I That effort, fully implemented, will Now, the staff sergeant is 3 years out may consume. bring our troops home sooner. They of Iraq, so I will forgive him for not Mr. Speaker, I would like to quote a will have a brighter future, and the being sure about whether it should be military expert, General John Abizaid, generations to come for the people in 20,000, as our military leaders, includ- former commander of the U.S. Central Iraq and Afghanistan. ing General Petraeus, have asked for, Command, who said during a Senate We as Members of Congress are at the or whether it should be 20,000 more if Armed Services hearing on November controls. We are able to control the necessary, or 100,000. But it is impor- 15, 2006, ‘‘I believe that more American policy. How? With our vote. Do we tant that Staff Sergeant Bain be heard. forces will prevent the Iraqis from know how to use the military? Do we Because in fact what you have here doing more, from taking more respon- know how to use the intelligence com- are a bunch of people, most of whom sibility for their own future.’’ munity? Do we know the possibilities did not serve in the military, most of General Abizaid is not in favor of this of consensus and dialogue with all the whom have not bothered to go to the surge. He is a military expert. countries of the region? If our young combat zone, and those of us who did Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the men and women are brave enough to go for the most part had a relatively gentleman from Delaware (Mr. CAS- into Iraq and Afghanistan, then we as quick tour in and out. We have not ex- TLE). Members of Congress must be brave perienced what our troops have experi- Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank enough and informed to start a dia- enced. the distinguished gentleman from logue in Damascus, in Tehran, in the And I know there is some disagree- North Carolina for yielding to me. entire region, to hasten peace. ment among those who have been Mr. Speaker, since the beginning of The first step is an ‘‘aye’’ vote on there. But, Mr. Speaker, I ask the the Iraq war, one of my foremost con- this resolution. American people to ask a vet of this cerns has been the long-term stability Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield war, their own vet, their own neighbor- of the Middle East, and the potential 5 minutes to a Member from California, hood, and they are going to find out impact that chaos in this region could a member of the Intelligence Com- they want to win this peace just as have on our security. mittee (Mr. ISSA). they won the war. Our men and women in the United (Mr. ISSA asked and was given per- They toppled Saddam, and now they States military, among the hundreds of mission to revise and extend his re- are being told to cut and run. That is Delawarians, are doing extraordinary marks.) what this is leading to. Mr. Speaker, work under very complex and difficult

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:07 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.021 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1581 circumstances. We owe them an enor- forward, based on the pragmatic style minutes to my colleague from Michi- mous debt of gratitude. of diplomacy that helped us win the gan (Mr. ROGERS). Notwithstanding the heroic efforts of Cold War. Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. our military personnel, the Iraqi Gov- For this reason, I have joined Con- Speaker, this is a pretty important de- ernment has been unable to overcome gressman FRANK WOLF and some of my bate, and I have to tell you I am a lit- the constant instability and sectarian colleagues in introducing legislation tle confused by my friends’ resolution. violence that has marked much of the that endorses the Iraq Study Group’s It is a very complex problem. last 4 years. We have increased top lev- call for an integrated diplomatic ini- When you look at the problem in Iraq els in the past, including Fallujah in tiative. In focusing on a true strategy today, you have really two distinct 2004, and Baghdad this past July, with for achieving stability in Iraq, this res- problems. One is the ethnosectarian vi- mixed results. olution seeks to improve our global olence that is self-sustaining now in Despite the incredible efforts of our standing and concentrate our efforts on Baghdad. It was a precursor to al brave solders, it is clear to me that an funding an end game based on a gen- Qaeda activity to actually create con- increase in American forces alone can- uine commitment to diplomacy. flict between the Sunnis and the Shias, not resolve this conflict. Therefore, I To obtain these goals, the Wolf reso- and unfortunately, it has raised to a will support this resolution, because I lution seeks to lift our debate above level that it is self-sustaining. believe that the surge will be unsuc- the existing political rhetoric and pur- And you have an al Qaeda-Sunni in- cessful without a comprehensive diplo- sue a comprehensive strategy to build surgency happening west of Baghdad matic strategy to engage the inter- regional and international support for that certainly warrants our attention, national community and turn the re- stability in Iraq. and the troops there have called for responsibility over to the Iraqi Govern- It is equally crucial that we do every- inforcements. They said, give us rein- ment. thing within our ability to accelerate forcements, we need them badly. Al That being said, I am disappointed the training of Iraqi troops and provide Qaeda is settling in to make safe haven that today’s discussion has been struc- them with the resources necessary to here. And part of the plan or the surge in tured in such a way that Members are assume control of their own destiny. fact says that we are going to reinforce limited solely to an up-or-down vote on Mr. Speaker, as we speak, thousands those soldiers who are fighting al the troop increases. On Friday, after of our Nation’s bravest and brightest Qaeda, and they have asked to be rein- Congress passes this resolution, we will are risking their lives to serve our forced. still lack the strategy necessary to sta- country in Iraq. Protecting American The simplicity of the resolution con- bilize the Middle East and bring our soldiers must continue to be our great- cerns me greatly. I am not in favor of soldiers home. est priority. I will oppose any attempt sending American troops, the other This Congress owes the American to cut off funds for our troops who are 16,000, into the streets of Baghdad to people a truly complete and com- serving in harm’s way. intervene in the sectarian violence. I prehensive discourse regarding our fu- Therefore, it is crucial that we ad- am not. ture in Iraq. The situation facing our vance constructive strategies, such as I am in favor of supporting the sol- soldiers is extremely complex, and it is those identified by the Iraq Study diers who have asked and should re- unfortunate that the Democratic reso- Group, to end the violence and bring ceive reinforcements fighting al Qaeda lution fails to accurately reflect that our troops home to their families. in the west. reality. b 1210 This resolution really makes no dif- In December, the bipartisan Iraq ference in that fight. It makes no dif- Study Group presented a comprehen- Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, before ference in the complexities and how we sive blueprint to achieve stability in I yield to my colleague from Michigan, win and get our soldiers home. This the region and transfer responsibility let me make just a couple of com- resolution does not bring one soldier over to the Iraqi Government, which I ments. home. This resolution does not make have in my hand and I went back and I think, as we all know, the Iraq one soldier safer. This resolution does reread this week. I would encourage ev- Study Group did allow for a surge in not bring to justice one terrorist. This eryone to reread it. troops on a temporary basis to allow us resolution offers not one alternative. In my opinion, one of the important to achieve our objectives. I think we made some devastating recommendations made by the group Also, as a previous speaker, I was mistakes in Iraq: The extent of our de- was to call for a robust diplomatic ef- negligent in not acknowledging the Baathification, and what that has fort to stabilize Iraq and ease tensions comments of my colleague from Mary- meant for us winning the peace, the in the region. In fact, some of our Na- land when he recognized the contribu- dismissal wholesale of military units tion’s greatest military minds, includ- tions that were being made by our in- and what that has meant to our ability ing former Secretary of State Colin telligence folks in Iraq and around the to sustain peace, the shuttering of Powell, have joined the group in rec- world. nearly 300 state-owned enterprises and ommending that every country with an There are some who believe and are what that has done for unemployment interest in averting a chaotic Iraq, in- confused by what they may believe or and not allowing us to sustain the cluding all of Iraq’s neighbors, Turkey, perceive to be the callous omission of peace, our failure to focus our national Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran and any reference to the contributions power on solving some of these basic Syria among them, participate in this being made by our intelligence folks in problems. important dialogue. Iraq today. It is a significant short- We, in fact, and this is up to us, have The group also recommended that we coming of this resolution, and I am allowed politics to creep onto the field engage the United Nations Security thoroughly confused as to why they of battle, and that has created some Council, the European Union and other would be omitted in this resolution, very real problems for us and our sol- international institutions in launching and their contributions. They are diers. We have seen, because of that this new diplomatic offensive. The in- working side by side each and every politics that has crept into the battle- tensive diplomacy recommended by the day with our Armed Forces, and this field in Iraq and what that has meant, Iraq Study Group should be familiar to resolution forgets to even recognize it has created some inefficiencies. I, all of us who remember the Cold War. that contribution. the other day, have counted up 12 dif- One of the best examples of this ap- With that, Mr. Speaker, I would now ferent groups or agencies or Depart- proach to diplomacy was evident when like to recognize my colleague from ments that have some ability to pro- a week after President Reagan asked Michigan, a member of the Intelligence vide reconstruction money in Iraq. General Secretary Gorbachev to ‘‘tear Committee, who thoroughly recognizes Twelve. That is a problem. down this Wall,’’ he sent his adminis- and has met with these people in Iraq Some conflicting policies. Our sol- tration to Moscow for diplomatic talks. and Afghanistan and understands their diers will tell you that they feel that The Iraq Study Group’s recommenda- contributions. He is as confused as I they are handcuffed. They at least have tions are by no means a panacea. But am as to why they do not want to rec- one hand cuffed behind their back be- their report does represent a new path ognize their contributions. I yield 7 cause of the politics that have crept in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:52 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.022 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1582 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 that changed the way they are allowed physical training test for the United That is from General Colin Powell, who to engage the enemy as they see him States Army and go back to Iraq. And also noted that he had not heard any and protect themselves. Politics crept he was going through all that very generals on the ground in Iraq ask for onto the battlefield. painful process of getting it fitted and more troops. The turf battles between the State going through the physical training Mr. Speaker, the original mission of Department and DOD, I wish they and trying to rehabilitate himself. U.S. troops in Iraq was to liberate the didn’t exist. We all know they do. We And as I got ready to leave, I said, is country and turn it over to the Iraqi took a very large, bureaucratic, civil- there anything that I can do for you as people. We need to get back to that ian organization and set it down in the a Member of Congress? And he turned original mission. Our brave troops have middle of Baghdad and wondered why and said yes, sir, there is. Just don’t done an absolutely heroic job of liber- it has some inefficiencies. But these give up on us. ating the people of Iraq. Now our are things that we can change. We can Now, if this soldier can believe in troops should get back to the original do that. this mission, and he can get up every mission of training Iraqi security And my mother told me that if you day and fight through the sweat and forces so they can secure their own are going to tell me what I am doing the pain and the anguish of a lost limb country and turn it over to the Iraqi wrong, you better be prepared to tell so that he can get back in the business, people. General Casey has long argued me how to do it right. if he can roll up his pant leg every day that the principal emphasis of Amer- The resolution before us today says and fit that prosthesis, isn’t there a ican policy should be training Iraqi se- nothing of an alternative. We have sol- way, and shouldn’t we do better and curity forces and handing over respon- diers who are getting up every day enroll up our sleeves to work together to sibility to the Iraqis. gaging themselves in the fight for lib- find a solution? We got in this to- Mr. Speaker, the resolution author- erty and defense and going after al gether, we must get out of it together. izing the use of force in Iraq that we Qaeda targets in the west and trying to We need to stop the division that this passed in the fall of 2002 was never in- find al Qaeda elements locating and resolution brings to this House and tended to authorize the use of Amer- spurring on to self-sustaining ethno start working together. Our soldiers ican troops to police a civil war. It was sectarian violence. It does nothing to deserve better. America deserves bet- never intended to provide justification tell them that we, A, support them ter. The future of this country and for sending 21,500 more American and, B, will give them all the tools and safety and security deserve better. troops into the middle of a civil war. Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. make the changes that we know we can As former Navy Secretary in Virginia, Speaker, would you please tell us how to make it possible for them to come Senator JOHN WARNER, put it: ‘‘Whom much time is left? home to their families soon. do they shoot at, the Sunni or the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. This afternoon I am going to do that. Shia?’’ With 325,000 Iraqi security THOMPSON of California). The gen- I am introducing a resolution, it is forces already trained, Mr. Speaker, tleman from North Carolina (Mr. fairly comprehensive, that will allow that is according to our Defense De- JONES) has 41 minutes remaining. The us to focus our national power without partment, it is time for Iraqi troops to gentleman from Michigan (Mr. HOEK- sending 20,000 troops to Iraq. It will step up to the frontlines in Baghdad, STRA) has 4 hours, 131⁄2 minutes. Anbar province, and Fallujah. It is help target the unemployment that we Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. know is fueling terrorism in Iraq time to accelerate the training of Iraqi Speaker, I would like to yield 5 min- security forces and the turnover of se- today. Clear rules of engagement for utes to the gentleman from Minnesota our troops, calling for the repatriation curity to the Iraqis so our troops can (Mr. RAMSTAD). of the one to two million Iraqis who come home with their mission com- Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, the pleted. It is time for enforceable bench- are middle class Iraqis, their doctors President has said for more than 4 and lawyers and engineers and their marks to measure the progress of Iraqi years that he would follow the advice security forces. Mr. Speaker, it is time teachers who fled Iraq in this turmoil of his commanders on the ground with for a surge in diplomacy, not a surge in to engage our allies to get them back respect to troop levels in Iraq. That is troops to mend a broken country. It is and invest them in the future of Iraq. why I am both surprised and dis- time for a stepped-up regional peace ef- What disturbs me most, Mr. Speaker, appointed the President did not follow about this resolution, is its clear pur- fort in the Middle East to settle this the advice given as recently as 2 conflict. pose is to divide those of us in this months ago by the Army and Marine Mr. Speaker, Congress should listen Chamber. Corps Chiefs of Staff, as well as Gen- to our commanders on the ground. We As I said earlier, I don’t support the eral John Abizaid, General George should follow the advice of the Army surge in Iraq that targets sectarian vi- Casey, and General Colin Powell. All of and Marine Corps Chiefs of Staff. We olence in Baghdad. I think that must these highly respected commanders ex- should follow the advice of General have an Iraqi face for that to be suc- pressed their opposition to increasing Abizaid, General Casey, and General cessful, and I think we can provide lo- the number of U.S. troops in Iraq. Powell when they spoke up in Decem- gistics and command and control and As General Abizaid, the top com- ber. It is time for Congress to step up we can provide combat air support and mander in the Middle East said, an in- and express our strong support of our special operation support to make crease in U.S. troops would be counter- brave troops, our continued support of them successful as they move through productive because it will perpetuate the original mission, and our opposi- Iraq. I think we can do that. the dependency of Iraqi forces, create tion to the increase of U.S. troops to But this resolution does nothing to more targets and stretch our military police a civil war in Iraq. bring Members together to solve this too thin. I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on the resolution. problem. If you win this vote today, Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, at this 1220 and this passes, we will have solved not b time I would like to yield 6 minutes to one problem for one soldier who gets up Until recently the top ground com- Mr. HENSARLING from Texas. this morning hoping and praying that mander in Iraq, General George Casey, (Mr. HENSARLING asked and was he can accomplish his mission and has said that sending more American given permission to revise and extend come home to his family, not one. It troops into Baghdad and Anbar prov- his remarks.) truly seeks to find the differences of ince would increase the Iraqi depend- Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I those of us in this Chamber on how we ency on Washington. As General Colin believe that this is a sad day for our in- move forward in Iraq. There is nothing Powell, one of the most respected mili- stitution, the House of Representa- constructive in that, nothing construc- tary leaders of our generation put it, a tives, and I think it is a sad day be- tive in that. surge was already tried in Baghdad last cause I sense this debate has very little There is a young soldier that I met, I fall and it failed. Now it will only fur- to do with coming together as a Nation visited him down in Brooks Army Med- ther delay Iraqis taking control of to face the greatest threat that we ical Center. He asked that his leg be their own security. have faced since the Cold War. But in- amputated so that he could have full ‘‘It will only further delay Iraqis tak- stead I sense and I fear it has much to range of motion so he could pass the ing control of their own security.’’ do with politics as usual.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:07 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.024 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1583 I have heard speaker after speaker with the mothers of fallen soldiers. trying to micromanage this war. I am come to the floor to decry faulty intel- Their burden and sacrifice is solemn just a Member of Congress, not a four- ligence, to decry how our Nation be- and profound. But I never, never, never star general. But I have listened to came involved in Iraq in the first place. want to meet with the mothers whose what our country’s most well-respected I have heard speakers decry how the children may perish in the next 9/11 if four-star generals have to say about war had been conducted. But, Mr. we accept defeat in Iraq. Iraq must be this matter, and Generals Abizaid, Speaker, regardless of how we got into seen in the larger context of this war McCaffrey and Colin Powell have all Iraq, regardless of whose war it might with jihadism, with radical Islam. said that sending more troops into have been once, today it is an Amer- Whether we like it or not, the battle Baghdad now is not the answer. ican war, and we must accept that fact. lines are drawn in Iraq. And don’t take Some people will say, if you are not As the people’s elected Representa- my word for it. Take the jihadists’ for surging more American troops into tives, certainly we should look at this word for it. Osama bin Laden has said, Baghdad now, what are you for? What new strategy. We need to take an open ‘‘The epicenter of these wars is Bagh- is your plan? and honest look at it. And certainly we dad. Success in Baghdad will be success I am for a different kind of surge. I are all disappointed that the previous for the United States. Failure in Iraq is am for a surge of Iraqi troops to take strategy has not yielded the desired re- the failure of the United States. Their out al-Sadr and his militia, especially sult. But, Mr. Speaker, very, very defeat in Iraq will mean defeat in all since the Iraqi security forces out- much hangs in the balance. their wars.’’ number the Sadr militia by a ratio of 5 I myself do not know if the new Mr. Speaker, we must soberly reflect to 1. That is 325,000 versus 60,000. I am strategy will work. I think it can work. on the challenge that we face. Listen for a surge of political process by the I hope it will work. And I know it is at to al Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s Iraqi Government to finally reach a least a strategy that has been rec- number two in command: ‘‘Al Qaeda deal on sharing oil revenue. I am for a ommended by the Iraqi Study Group has the right to kill 4 million Ameri- surge of action in implementing the and our new battlefield commander, cans, 2 million of them children.’’ Lis- Iraq Study Group recommendations, General Petraeus. So until such a time ten to Hassan Abbassi, Revolutionary which were adopted in a bipartisan, as somebody brings to me a more com- Guard’s intelligence adviser to the Ira- unanimous fashion. I am for a surge of pelling strategy or until such a time nian President: ‘‘We have a strategy gratitude by the Iraqi people, 61 per- that somebody convinces me that drawn up for the destruction of Anglo- cent of whom think it is okay to kill American troops and 79 percent have a somehow the security of my country Saxon civilization.’’ Listen to Iraqi mostly negative view of the United and the security of my family is some- Ayatollah Ahmad Husseini: ‘‘Even if how made better off by our immediate States. this means using biological, chemical, Some people argue that we should withdrawal and the subsequent implo- and bacterial weapons, we will conquer sion of Iraq, I feel we must support the support President Bush’s decision. I the world.’’ like and respect President Bush. I want new strategy. Defeat is not an option. So what are the options, Mr. Speak- b 1230 him to be successful. Three years ago I er? Clearly many, if not most, of the This is the enemy we face, Mr. could have voted for this surge. But the Democrats call for withdrawal from Speaker, and we face him foremost in situation on the ground in Iraq today is Iraq, as do several of my very respected Iraq. very different than it was 3 years ago. Three years ago, Iraq was not in a Republican colleagues. And I respect The consequences of failure in Iraq civil war. Now it is. Three years ago, their views when they are heartfelt. are immense, the beginning of a Sunni- Iraq did not have 325,000 of its own se- But, Mr. Speaker, since Democrats now Shiite genocidal clash as American curity forces to defend itself. Now it control both Houses of Congress, why troop convoys flee the country. The does. Three years ago, we didn’t know are we not voting on a withdrawal res- battle for Baghdad will undoubtedly spill over to the entire country. Shiites whether surging more American troops olution? And that is one of the reasons into Baghdad would give us a long-last- will most likely win. They will draw in this is such a sad day. ing impact. Now we know the answer, I mean, think about it, Mr. Speaker. Jordan and Saudi Arabia to the defense because we tried the same thing last How do you look a soldier in the eye of Sunni Iraqis. Iran will rise to the de- summer. The benefits were temporary. and say, You know, I don’t believe you fense of Shia Iraqis. An entire regional The body bags were permanent. can succeed in Iraq. I don’t believe in war could easily ensue, and what is left We are now told we should trust the your mission. I don’t believe you can of Iraq would become a safe haven for Maliki government. I have been down win this war. And I have the power to the recruitment, training and financ- that road before. I personally went to bring you home, but I refuse to do it. I ing of radical Islam. Baghdad and met with the Maliki gov- refuse to do it. Where is the courage in Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. ernment officials last summer. I was that resolution? Where is the convic- Speaker, the Members of this House told by December of 2006 they would tion in that resolution? If you truly be- take great pride in saying that this is have enough security forces that they lieve in your heart of hearts that our the people’s House. An AP poll on Jan- would need to defend themselves and soldiers are needlessly risking their uary 11, 2007, says 70 percent of the we would then be in a position to start lives, don’t you have a moral obliga- American people are opposed to the bringing our troops home. Now they tion to bring them home? So with lives surge. say, give us another year. hanging in the balance, with our na- With that, I yield 6 minutes to the We were told when America sent tional security hanging in the balance, gentleman from Florida (Mr. KELLER). 15,000 of its own troops to surge in we have a nonbinding politics-as-usual Mr. KELLER of Florida. Mr. Speak- Baghdad last summer that the Iraqi resolution. er, the Iraq war is the central issue of troops would be right there beside Mr. Speaker, it is not really all that our time. We are spending $2 billion a them. Well, Iraqi troops didn’t show easy to figure out exactly what it is week and we are losing 100 American up. The benefits of the surge were only that the Democrats support. But if lives a month. Under these conditions, temporary. they don’t put forth their own strategy I feel I owe my constituents my best Mr. Speaker, I voted to authorize the and yet they want to vote against the judgment. use of force in 2002 because I did not new strategy, that says one and only Interjecting more young American want Saddam Hussein to give weapons one thing. It says stay the course. It troops into the cross-hairs of an Iraqi of mass destruction to al Qaeda. Now says status quo. If you don’t have an civil war is simply not the right ap- Saddam is dead and there are no weap- alternative and you want to vote proach. If the President sends these ons of mass destruction in Iraq. against this new strategy, then you are troops anyway, I will support their We have remained in Iraq for 4 years voting to stay the course. The stakes funding 100 percent so they have the because we want a unified and secure are too high to stay the course. bullets and equipment they need to de- Iraq, so it doesn’t become a haven for Now, we all know that fighting this fend themselves. terrorists. Unfortunately, it seems the war is very costly. And like many I approach this decision with a great Americans want a unified and secure Members of this institution, I have met deal of angst and humility. I am not Iraq more than the Iraqis do.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:52 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.027 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1584 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 Let me give you an analogy. Imagine The first stage of this process is to them to succeed in Iraq by giving the your next-door neighbor refuses to expel the Americans from Iraq, accord- buildup a chance to succeed.’’ mow his lawn and the weeds are all the ing to al-Zawahiri. Mr. Speaker, I think the commander way up to his waist. You decide you are The second stage, establish an Is- of the national VFW is absolutely going to mow his lawn for him every lamic authority or an emirate, to de- right, and I thank the gentleman for single week. The neighbor never says velop it and support it until it achieves yielding time. thank you, he hates you, and some- a level of a caliphate over as much ter- Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. times he takes out a gun and shoots at ritory as you can spread power in Iraq. Speaker, I yield 51⁄4 minutes to the gen- you. Under these circumstances, do The third stage, he says, is to extend tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. you keep mowing his lawn forever? Do the jihad wave to the secular countries ENGLISH). you send even more of your family neighboring Iraq. Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. members over to mow his lawn? Or do The fourth stage, it may coincide Speaker, with regard to the current de- you say to that neighbor, you better with what came before, he says, the bate on the floor on Iraq policy, I step it up and mow your own lawn, or clash with Israel, because Israel was es- would like to offer the following obser- there are going to be serious con- tablished only to challenge any new Is- vations. sequences for you. lamic entity. First, I respect the President’s constitutional role as Commander in Chief Mr. Speaker, sending more young b 1240 American troops now into the middle of the Armed Forces, and I appreciate of Iraqi civil war violence is not the an- So clearly, the al Qaeda leadership President Bush’s offer to entertain sug- swer. I will support the troops 100 per- believes that Iraq is part of the global gestions from Congress regarding Iraq cent. But we are not going to solve an situation that we refer to as the global policy. Iraqi political problem with an Amer- war on terror, and if that is right, and I understand that success in Iraq de- ican military solution. And that is my I think at least for me I have to as- pends on bipartisan support at home. best judgment. sume that that is their intention, Iraq I applaud U.S. troops who are serving May God bless our troops, our Presi- is certainly part of the global war on in Iraq with professionalism and brav- dent and our country. terror from a Western perspective. And ery. They deserve the support of all Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield so what the President has suggested is Americans. 61⁄2 minutes to my colleague, Mr. to take advantage of the assets that we It is becoming self-evident that mul- SAXTON. have developed, while training Iraqi tiple, extended deployments to Iraq Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank soldiers to provide for their own secu- and Afghanistan have strained the the gentleman for yielding. rity, and send three brigades into the military. Current deployments and Mr. Speaker, it has been said here on Sunni Triangle, mostly in Baghdad, to those to come will have lasting im- the floor by more than one speaker, or be supported by the 21,500 Americans pacts on recruiting, retention and read- suggested at least, that the war in Iraq who he has proposed to send. I heard iness of the all-volunteer military. is not part of the war on terror. I dis- yesterday that the Iraqi brigades are, Unfortunately, sectarian violence in agree. I could not disagree more with in fact, showing up in Baghdad at a 75 Iraq between Sunni and Shia Muslims that statement. But if you agree with percent level, which is better than any- is increasing, and the failure of Iraqis that statement, and if you are casting one expected, at least better than I ex- to reach political settlements and sup- your vote because you think that is a pected. Maybe others expected better. port a unified government greatly con- rationale upon which you can justify So I think if we are going to take on tributes to the increased violence. your vote, I hope you are sure. this effort to develop a caliphate, as I believe it is time for Iraq’s govern- I would say I would hope you are sure one of the previous speakers said before ment and security forces to step for- because I am in my 23rd year, and I it gets here, then maybe we ought to ward and bear primary responsibility know how this place works. It is a won- do what the commander of the national for internal security. derful system, because we almost al- VFW suggests. As the gentleman from North Caro- ways have a chance to come back and The commander of the national VFW lina noted, the former head of the U.S. correct our mistakes. A vote on tax put out a press release, and I have the Central Command, General John policy? I happen to favor lower taxes. text of it here. ‘‘The national com- Abizaid, told Congress last November But if we make a tax vote that is a bad mander of the Nation’s largest organi- that sending in more U.S. troops would vote, we can come back next year and zation of combat veterans is very con- not contribute to success in Iraq be- fix it. Or if we spend too much money cerned that the ongoing debate in Con- cause it would prevent the Iraqis from on transportation this year, we can gress about the planned troop buildup taking more responsibility. come back next year and reduce it. will be perceived by those in uniform It is clear that Iraqi public sentiment This resolution takes us down a dif- as a sign that America’s lawmakers opposes the continued U.S. troop pres- ferent road. This starts us down a road have given up on them and their mis- ence. where, at some point, we won’t be able sion in Iraq. In November, the Iraq Study Group to come back next year and just fix it. ‘‘My generation,’’ he said, ‘‘learned called for new diplomatic and political You don’t have to believe me. But lis- the hard way that when military deci- efforts in Iraq and the region and a ten to what our enemies say. I have sions are second-guessed by opinion change in the primary mission of U.S. here the text of a letter that was writ- polls or overruled by politicians, it’s forces that will allow the United States ten on July 9, 2005, from Ayman al- the common soldier and their families to ‘‘begin to move its combat forces Zawahiri, the author, the second in who pay the price. out of Iraq responsibly.’’ command in al Qaeda, to al-Zarqawi, ‘‘There is no question,’’ he said, Unfortunately, the Iraqi Government the person who at that time was the ‘‘that mistakes have been made in the has made little progress toward assum- leader of al Qaeda in Iraq. ‘‘Our in- prosecution of the war in Iraq,’’ but ing more responsibility for security, tended goal in this age is to establish a ‘‘there is no playbook to fight an un- disbanding militias, reconciling sec- caliphate in the manner of the proph- conventional war against an unconven- tarian differences and improving essen- et.’’ tional enemy that wears no uniform tial services. Now, I don’t claim to be an expert in and acts without conscience, yet our Therefore, I have reluctantly con- Islam, but I am told that at one time forces have adapted and are performing cluded that I have to disagree with the under this establishment of a caliph- brilliantly,’’ and I agree with him. President’s plan to send in an addi- ate, the caliphate stretched from Spain ‘‘We fully respect congressional over- tional 21,000-plus combat troops. While through the Middle East and Northern sight and the first amendment rights of I applaud the President’s reassessment Africa to Central Asia and to India. all Americans to debate issues of na- of U.S.-Iraq policy, I joined with sev- That is a vast stretch. If that is the tional importance, but the VFW is very eral of my colleagues in January in in- goal, then we ought to be aware of it, concerned with the tone and timing of forming the White House that I did not because it becomes a very serious mat- it,’’ he said. ‘‘We need to send the mes- support an expansion of American ter. sage to our troops that America wants troop strength on the ground, and

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They are fighting Nevertheless, Congress should not offer when it comes to national secu- the insurgents in the field, they are take any action that would endanger rity and to their thoughts on how we fighting the battle of ideas; and the U.S. military forces in the field, in- deal with the situation in Iraq, and battle of ideas is a very, very powerful cluding the elimination or reduction of that is a disappointment to me. fight in Iraq at this point in time. funding for troops in the field. b 1250 Now, too many in this Chamber want Most Americans fundamentally un- to add another fight to our military derstand the long-term security inter- I think that the question that we men and women, to their agenda every ests of the United States would be best have to ask is, whose side are you on? day. They want them to have to fight served by an Iraq that can sustain, gov- Whose side are you on? Are you on the the battle of public opinion here in the ern and defend itself and serve as an side of winning? Are you on the side of United States. I see that as a disservice ally in the war against extremists. freedom? Or are you on the side of al- to the men and women in uniform. This Overall U.S. military, diplomatic, lowing the terrorists to get an upper legislative body does have a role in hand? and economic strategy should not be oversight of the war, but I do believe, I And as I begin my remarks, I do want regarded as an open-ended commit- personally believe it is inappropriate, to thank the troops that live in my dis- ment but should be conditioned upon trict, those of the 101st Airborne at Mr. Speaker, that we try to micro- the Iraqi Government’s meeting bench- Fort Campbell, members of the Na- manage from the comforts of Wash- marks, including the deployment of ad- tional Guard who have served with dis- ington. I do believe that we should be ditional Iraqi troops in Baghdad, equi- tinction, Reservists who have been de- listening to our troops and our com- table distribution of resources without ployed more than once. I want to manders in the field. regard to sect or ethnicity, the use of thank their families, and I want to General David Petraeus, who has oil revenues to benefit all Iraqi citizens thank the veterans that served in an taken the command, accepted the coa- equitably, and granting military com- advisory capacity to me as we look at lition flag this Saturday, said it very manders authority to make decisions these issues and as we make decisions well and I will enter his comments for without political interference. about how best to approach preserving the RECORD. He reminds us that Mr. Speaker, with very minor edits, freedom, preserving liberty, and pre- progress is being made and lays that the remarks you have just heard from serving the sovereignty of this great out, and I will enter that for the me summarize the resolution on Iraq Nation as we know it. I thank them. I RECORD and have the opportunity to offered by Senator WARNER in the am grateful for their sacrifice. I am talk about it again later. I think that other body. It is one of the alternative grateful for their service to this Na- what we have to do is realize the reso- resolutions we should be debating here tion, and I want it to be noted on this lution before us, Mr. Speaker, will not today. Unfortunately, the majority day. They have a commitment and a build morale with the troops on the leadership does not want to allow a full perspective and a love of freedom that ground, and it does give the terrorists and fair debate on Iraq. few Americans will ever know. I wish just what they want. We have to fight When the Democrat leadership in the that we all did. back. We have to realize sacrifices do other body tried to force a vote on the I am grateful also that they can ar- have to be made in order for us to fur- resolution without an opportunity to ticulate so fluently their mission and ther the cause of freedom and liberty offer meaningful amendments, the mi- what they are called on to do every day in this great land. nority was able to insist on their right in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and in the 30 The situation in Iraq is exceedingly chal- to a real debate rather than this phony countries around the globe where lenging. The stakes are very high. The way pretense. Unfortunately, we do not Americans fight to preserve freedom. ahead will be hard and there undoubtedly have that ability in this Chamber. They articulate this in e-mails and will be many tough days . . . however, ‘‘hard’’ So I will vote in favor of the resolu- is not ‘‘hopeless’’; indeed, together with our blogs, and even in notes and letters to Iraqi partners, we can and we must prevail. tion before us as offered, as narrow and their Member of Congress. as inadequate as it is, but I cannot help (General David Petraeus, Commander MNF– I also, Mr. Speaker, want to recog- I, 2/10/07.) but express my frustration that the nize the Kurdish community that calls WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: GENERAL PETRAEUS leadership of the House has squandered Nashville, Tennessee home, and recog- TAKES COMMAND an opportunity to allow a full and fair nize their commitment and their ap- This Mission Is Doable: ‘‘Our job in the debate with real amendments, not just preciation to our U.S. troops. One of months ahead, supporting and working with to Republicans, but to all Members of the points that many of them make to Iraqi forces will improve our security so tht the House, including their own Mem- me regularly and also one of the points the Iraqi government can resolve the tough bers whose voices are stifled by this de- that our men and women in uniform issues it faces and so that the economy and cision to put political calculations make regularly is to remind us of why basic services can be improved. These tasks ahead of the national interests and a we are in this fight, why we are in this are achievable, this mission is doable.’’ (Gen- robust debate. fight and providing the historical per- eral David Petraeus, Commander, MNF–I, 2/ I am not sure what the leadership of 10/07) spective that is so important. This Enemies Who Brag of Inhuman Acts the majority party is afraid of. If they didn’t begin on September 11. It did in- Against Fellow Human Beings: ‘‘Tragically, have the votes to reject alternatives, deed begin long, long, long ago. barbaric enemies have prevented Iraq from then they lose nothing by allowing Indeed, the radical Islamists have making the most of the abundant blessings them to be offered. If they do not, they fought Judaism and Christianity not bestowed by the Almighty on Mesopotamia. will quickly learn, as we did, that if for decades but for centuries. This is These are enemies who brag of inhuman acts you need to use procedural games to something that we all know. The Is- against fellow human beings, who invoke re- avoid a tough vote, you have already lamic radicals did get a toe-hold in ligious justifications for actions that no God lost on the underlying issue. Iran in the late 1970s with the approach could countenance, who try to drive wedges at that point by President Carter, then between religious and ethnic groups that I thank the gentleman from North have lived together in harmony in the past, Carolina for allowing me to be a part of President Carter, and those around and who in recent weeks have even targeted this debate. him. And now those radicals tell us, a girls’ school, innocent laborers, market- Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield they tell us that Iraq is indeed the cen- places and pet shops in their efforts to spark 6 minutes to the the gentlewoman from tral front in the global war on terror. sectarian violence.’’ (General David Tennessee (Mrs. BLACKBURN). We know that they want to change the Petraeus, Commander, MNF–I, 2/10/07) Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I Middle East and then they want to Together We Can Defeat The Enemies of thank the gentleman from Michigan change the world. And, Mr. Speaker, Iraq: ‘‘Surely the Iraqi people realize that for yielding the time, as we come to that is not the type change that we these enemies do not want the best for Iraqi’s citizens, and surely now is the time the floor to debate this nonbinding, no want. I want my children and grand- for all Iraqis to reject violence, crime and confidence resolution that is going to children to live in freedom. I want corruption and to rise up against those who serve to discourage our troops and em- them to know an America that is free employ such methods to further their agen- bolden our enemies. and strong and independent. das. It is against these enemies that all

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His recruitment of Is- ning of the war and the wrong treat- have? lamic extremists has been greatly en- ment was prescribed. Refusing to reas- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- hanced by our occupation of Iraq. sess our mistakes and insisting on just 3 tleman from North Carolina has 25 ⁄4 Unfortunately, we continue to con- more and more of a failed remedy is minutes. centrate on the obvious mismanage- destined to kill the patient. In this Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. ment of a war promoted by false infor- case, the casualties will be our lib- Speaker, this resolution 63 is first to mation and ignore debating the real erties and prosperity, here at home, thank the troops for their service, and issue which is this: Why are we deter- and peace abroad. we all support them. The second part of mined to follow a foreign policy of em- There is no logical reason to reject the resolution is to oppose the surge. pire building and preemption which is the restraints placed in the Constitu- I quote a great military general, unbecoming of a constitutional repub- tion regarding our engaging in foreign Colin Powell: ‘‘I am not persuaded that lic? conflicts unrelated to our national se- another surge of troops into Baghdad Those on the right should recall that curity. The advice of the founders and for the purposes of suppressing the the traditional conservative position of our early Presidents was sound then, communitarian violence, this civil war, nonintervention was their position for and it is sound today. would work.’’ He supports our position. most of the 20th century, and they ben- We shouldn’t wait until our financial He opposes the surge. That is Colin efited politically from the wars care- system is completely ruined and we are Powell. lessly entered into by the left. Seven forced to change our ways. We should Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the years ago, the right benefited politi- do it as quickly as possible and stop gentleman from Texas (Mr. PAUL). cally by condemning the illegal inter- the carnage and the financial bleeding (Mr. PAUL asked and was given per- vention in Kosovo and Somalia. At the that will bring us to our knees and mission to revise and extend his re- time, the right was outraged over the eventually force us to stop that which marks.) failed policy of nation building. we should have never started. Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the It is important to recall that the left We all know in time the war will be gentleman for yielding, and I rise in in 2003 offered little opposition to the defunded one way or another and the support of the resolution and in opposi- preemptive war in Iraq, and many are troops will come home. So why not tion to the escalation in Iraq. I want to now not willing to stop it by defunding now? thank the gentleman from North Caro- it, or work to prevent an attack on Mr. HOEKSTRA. At this time I would lina for his very determined and prin- Iran. like to yield 5 minutes to my colleague cipled effort to end this ill-advised and from Ohio (Ms. PRYCE). dangerous war, and I am very pleased b 1300 Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. I thank the gen- that he brought together a group of The catch-all phrase the ‘‘war on ter- tleman for yielding. And I especially Members today who are representing rorism’’ in all honesty has no more thank you for your leadership on the the traditional conservative position meaning than if one wants to wage a floor through this very important de- on war and peace and I deeply appre- war against criminal gangsterism. Ter- bate, a hard debate for us here in the ciate that. rorism is a tactic. You can’t have a war House of Representatives and a hard Mr. Speaker, this grand debate is against a tactic. It is deliberately debate for this country. welcomed, but it could be that this is vague and nondefinable in order to jus- But, Mr. Speaker, a new plan is being nothing more than a distraction from tify and permit perpetual war any- implemented, a new plan with polit- the dangerous military confrontation where and under any circumstances. ical, economic and military compo- approaching with Iran, which is sup- Don’t forget, the Iraqis and Saddam nents. Reinforcements are on their way ported by many in leadership on both Hussein had nothing to do with any even as we speak. The Iraqis do need to sides of the aisle. This resolution, un- terrorist attack against us, including do their part, we know that. President fortunately, does not address the dis- that on 9/11. Maliki tells us that they will. And if aster in Iraq. Instead, it appears to op- Special interests and the demented we reinforce now, they will take it pose the war while at the same time of- philosophy of conquests have driven over. They will stand up because they fering no change of the status quo in most wars throughout all of history. must, and then we will come home. Iraq. Rarely has the cause of liberty, as it Mr. Speaker, not everyone believes As such, it is not actually a vote was in our own Revolution, been the that this is a good plan. It is sophisti- against a troop surge. A real vote driving force. In recent decades, our cated, it is comprehensive, but not ev- against a troop surge is a vote against policies have been driven by eryone agrees that it is the right plan, the coming supplemental appropriation neoconservative empire radicalism, and I understand that. which finances it. I hope all my col- profiteering in the military-industrial This war certainly hasn’t achieved leagues who vote against this surge complex, misplaced do-good inter- its intended results. The President said today will vote against the budgetary nationalism, mercantilistic notions re- ‘‘stay the course,’’ and some said no. surge when it really counts, when we garding the need to control natural re- The President now says, ‘‘change the vote on the supplemental. sources, and blind loyalty to various course,’’ and the same folks say no. The biggest red herring in this debate governments in the Middle East. That’s fair; we have room in this great is the constant innuendo that those For all the misinformation given the Nation to disagree. But if that is the who don’t support expanding the war American people to justify our inva- case, that you don’t want to stay the are somehow opposing the troops. It is sion, such as our need for national se- course or change the course, then use nothing more than a canard to claim curity, enforcing U.N. resolutions, re- the tools and the powers available to that those of us who struggled to pre- moving a dictator, establishing a de- you to stop the course. vent the bloodshed and now want it mocracy, protecting our oil, the argu- The tools are at your disposal, the stopped are somehow less patriotic and ment has been reduced to this: If we power of the purse to defund the effort. less concerned about the welfare of our leave now, Iraq will be left in a mess; You could repeal the authorization military personnel. implying the implausible, that if we that most of us voted for this in 2002. Osama bin Laden has expressed sadis- stay, it won’t be a mess. You could require troop withdrawal. tic pleasure with the invasion in Iraq Since it could go badly when we You have that power and you have that and was surprised that we served his leave, that blame must be placed on right. But, Mr. Speaker, with the world interests above and beyond his dreams those who took us there, not on those watching, with Islamic fundamental- on how we responded after the 9/11 at- of us who now insist that Americans no ists, jihadists, just waiting, and with

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:52 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE7.001 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1587 our troops working tirelessly to pro- decision to go to war in Iraq was not a Now we have had more than 3,000 tect and defend us, don’t pass this conservative decision historically.’’ Americans killed, many thousands pointless resolution. And he added that it ‘‘asked Repub- more wounded horribly and have spent If it meant anything, it would be a licans to behave like a different people $400 billion and the Pentagon wants different argument, but it won’t bring than they intrinsically are.’’ $170 billion more. And as one previous one soldier home sooner and it won’t William F. Buckley, Jr. wrote in 2004 speaker said with all the added medical change the course of this war. It has no that if he had known in 2002 what he and veterans’ costs, the ultimate cost teeth, no muscle; but most of all, it has knew then, he would have opposed the of this war could reach $2 trillion. no positive value whatsoever for us as war. And in 2005 he wrote that to con- There is nothing fiscally conservative a Nation at war. Some people say it tinue there beyond another year would about this war. Most of what we have sends a message to our Commander in indicate ‘‘not steadfastness of purpose spent has been purely foreign aid in na- Chief, and I believe that that is true. but, rather, misapplication of pride.’’ ture, rebuilding Iraq’s infrastructure, But that message pales compared to What about this surge? The conserv- giving free medical care, training po- the message it sends to our enemies; ative columnist George Will wrote in lice, giving jobs to several hundred our enemies, who pledge that their opposition to it and said it would take thousand Iraqis and on and on and on. jihad will last until their religion pre- a miracle for it to succeed. Our Constitution does not give us the vails in the world; not until we are out Very few people, Mr. Speaker, pushed authority to run another country as we of Iraq, until their religion prevails in harder for us to go to Iraq than the col- have in reality been doing in Iraq. With the world; our enemies, who believe it umnist, Charles Krauthammer. A few a national debt of almost $9 trillion, we is their religious duty to bring hos- weeks ago he wrote that the Maliki can’t afford it. To me, our misadven- tility to the West and to America. government we have installed there ture in Iraq is both unconstitutional They are tuned in today, Mr. Speaker, cares only about making sure the Shi- and unaffordable. Some have said it you better believe it, and no doubt ites dominate the Sunnis. was a mistake to start this war but that now that we are there we have to, they are cheering. b 1310 But what this message says to our quote, finish the job and we cannot cut enemies and to the President and to ev- ‘‘We should not be surging troops in and run. Well, if you find out you’re erybody else in the world is nothing defense of such a government,’’ going the wrong way down the inter- compared to what it says to our troops. Krauthammer wrote. ‘‘Maliki should be state, you do not keep going, you get This resolution says, Your cause is made to know that if he insists on hav- off at the next exit. lost. This impatient Congress says, ing this sectarian war, he can well have There is no way, Mr. Speaker, we can Thanks, but we have had our fill. This it without us.’’ keep all of our promises to our own resolution says to our troops that your But listen to what the enlisted men people on Social Security, veterans’ cause is no longer worthy and your say: Specialist Don Roberts, 22, of benefits, and many other things in the friends have died in vain. And today we Paonia, Colorado, now in his second years ahead if we keep trying to run learn that this is only the first step in tour in Iraq, told the Associated Press: the whole world. As another columnist, the slow-bleed strategy. ‘‘What could more guys do? We cannot Georgie Anne Geyer, wrote more than 3 We can’t say in the first paragraph pick sides. It is like we have to watch years ago, Americans, quote, will inevi- that we support them and in the next them kill each other, then ask ques- tably come to a point where they will paragraph that we can’t reinforce tions.’’ see they have to have a government them. We can’t say that first we honor Sergeant Josh Keim of Canton, Ohio, that provides services at home or one our troops and their service, and in the also on his second tour said, ‘‘Nothing that seeks empire across the globe. We should help other countries dur- next breath say that their cause really is going to help. It is a religious war ing humanitarian crises and have trade isn’t worth it after all. and we are caught in the middle of it.’’ Mr. Speaker, our military leaders PFC Zack Clauser, 19, of York, Penn- and tourism and cultural and edu- have a plan. They don’t have guaran- sylvania, told the McClatchy News cational exchanges. But conservatives tees, there are no guarantees in war. Service: ‘‘This isn’t our war. We’re just have traditionally been the strongest General David Petraeus asked for these in the middle.’’ opponents to interventionist foreign policies that create so much resent- troops. I met him when I was in Iraq. Sergeant Clarence Dawalt, 22, of ment for us around the world. We need He is one of the country’s most quali- Tulsa, Oklahoma said, ‘‘They can keep to return to the more humble foreign fied, brilliant military leaders. He says sending more and more troops over policy President Bush advocated when this is what is needed. here, but until the people here start This plan gives our troops the help working with us, it’s not going to he campaigned in 2000. Finally, Mr. Speaker, we need to tell they need and gives the Iraqi Govern- change.’’ all these defense contractors that the ment a last chance to stand up and And Sergeant First Class Herbert time for this Iraqi gravy train with take over. This resolution rejects the Gill, 29, of Pulaski, Tennessee, said: their obscene profits is over. It is cer- ‘‘Sunnis and Shiites have been fighting only plan on the table. If we reject this tainly no criticism of our troops to say for thousands of years’’ and he said plan, then what should we do? We will that this was a very unnecessary war. that after our raids melt insurgents be at the status quo. What should we It has always been more about money away, ‘‘2 or 3 months later when we do to keep this country free from ter- and power and prestige than any real leave and say it was a success, they’ll ror for another 5 years? What should threat to us or to our people. And this come back.’’ we do to show solidarity? Nothing? war went against every traditional Saddam Hussein was an evil man, Mr. What we should do, Mr. Speaker, is de- conservative position I have ever Speaker, but he had a total military feat this resolution. Don’t demoralize known. our troops. budget only a little over two-tenths of It is time, Mr. Speaker, to bring our Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. 1 percent of ours, most of which he troops home. Speaker, I yield 51⁄2 minutes to the gen- spent protecting himself and his family Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I tleman from Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN). and building castles. He was no threat yield 5 minutes to the distinguished Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, Dick to us at all. As the conservative col- gentleman from Texas (Mr. SESSIONS). Armey, our former majority leader, umnist Charley Reese has written sev- Mr. SESSIONS. I appreciate the gen- said in an interview with a major news- eral times, Iraq did not threaten us tleman from Texas (Mr. THORNBERRY) paper chain last week that he deeply with war. They did not attack us and for yielding me the time. regretted voting for the war in Iraq. were not even capable of attacking us. Mr. Speaker, on Monday night the Mr. Army said, ‘‘Had I been more true But even before the war started, For- Rules Committee met and after hours to myself and the principles I believed tune Magazine had an article saying of testimony from members of both in at the time, I would have openly op- that an American occupation of Iraq parties, the Democrat members of the posed the adventure vocally and ag- would be ‘‘prolonged and expensive’’ committee voted along party lines to gressively.’’ Chris Matthews, on and would make U.S. soldiers ‘‘sitting shut out every opportunity for amend- MSNBC on election night, said, ‘‘The ducks for Islamic terrorists.’’ ments to be a part of this debate of this

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:52 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.037 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1588 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 resolution today that we will be debat- guarantees that we will continue to stop the killing and aggression towards ing for the next 2 days. fund their heroic efforts; no guarantees Americans in Iraq, I would support it. Our colleague from Texas, Congress- that Congress will heed the advice of If I thought that the presence of 21,500 man SAM JOHNSON, brought an amend- the Iraq Study Group, which notes on new American troops would cause the ment that would have clarified that page 73 of their report that it would Maliki government to get their house Congress and the American people sup- ‘‘support a short-term redeployment or in order and their country in order and port our troops and that funding for surge of American combat forces to make the Iraqis step up and do their our Armed Forces serving bravely in stabilize Baghdad, or to speed up the duty to protect their country, I would harm’s way should not be cut off or re- training and equipping mission.’’ Nor support it. stricted in any way. does this resolution provide the Amer- Instead, we find ourselves with an Our colleague from Virginia, Frank ican people with a clear picture of our Iraqi security force that has more time Wolf, also brought to the Rules Com- direction in Iraq. It simply says ‘‘no.’’ in training than the young people that mittee a very comprehensive amend- It says ‘‘no’’ to the only strategy for we are sending from our country to de- ment that would have made clear that success that has been placed forward. fend theirs, yet they cannot get the job Congress supports the recommenda- President Bush said, ‘‘If you disagree done. It is time to ratchet up diplo- tions of the Iraq Study Group, with its with me, then come outthink me.’’ macy, make the Iraqis accountable for emphasis on providing American com- This resolution in its simple form does their own security, and kick off the manders serving in Iraq with the strat- not do that. training wheels that we have tethered egy and tactical means that they need Mr. Speaker, I think Congress can do them to. for success and accelerating coopera- better than this nonbinding resolution Even the Pentagon has warned that tion with Iraqi leaders to meet specific for the status quo of Iraq. I know that an escalation of troops in Baghdad goals, as the strategy for moving for- a number of my Republican colleagues could fuel the jihadists, cause an up- ward to success in Iraq. tried to improve this legislation but tick in attacks and embolden al Qaeda A number of other Members also were denied that opportunity. But I even more. What shakes me to the spent a lot of their evening sitting in know that our troops serving in harm’s core, however, is that we plan to send the Rules Committee waiting to share way and the American people deserve these additional troops into harm’s their ideas about how to improve this better than this simplistic resolution way without adequate equipment and resolution which thus would help that provides no new ideas, outlines no vehicles. General Speakes, the Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Force Devel- America in our message to not only the strategy for victory, and makes no opment, recently laid out a bleak sce- President but also the world. However, guarantees that we will continue to nario, a surge without enough armor the 13 members of the Rules Com- stand behind our troops with funding. I kits and without enough up-armored mittee are the only ones who had the am greatly disappointed in this resolu- trucks. benefit of hearing and debating these tion and the Democrat majority’s ef- good ideas because none of them were Others within the military add there forts to prevent this body from consid- won’t be enough up-armored Humvees, given the opportunity to be considered ering meaningful amendments. and voted on by the House. Instead, which even as fortified as they are offer Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. no match for the destruction and the rather than allowing this body to con- Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- sider good ideas, today we are con- power of the IEDs that are used against tleman from Ohio (Mr. LATOURETTE). our troops. One senior Army official tinuing debate on the floor with a com- (Mr. LATOURETTE asked and was pletely closed process to debate a non- speculated that the only way, the only given permission to revise and extend way, there will be enough Humvees for binding resolution with no teeth and his remarks.) serious logistical flaws. this surge is if five brigades of up-ar- In two short paragraphs, without ex- b 1320 mored Humvees fall out of the sky. This prognostication takes me back plicitly stating that funds will not be Mr. LATOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, to what I thought was one of the most cut off for our troops that serve in first of all, I want to thank my friend insensitive remarks uttered by a public harm’s way, the resolution asserts that and classmate, Mr. JONES of North official during the course of this war, Congress and the American people will Carolina, for yielding me the time, and the former Secretary of Defense in 2004, continue to support the members of the also for his leadership on this issue, who indicated you go to war with the Armed Forces who are serving in Iraq. and had the President followed his very Army you have, not the Army you This nonspecific language is something respectful letter of January 10, we want. that every single Member of this House would not be having this debate on this Mr. Speaker, I can’t believe that 26 already supports. It also states that resolution drafted by the Democratic months later we are going into a surge Congress disapproves of the President’s leadership. with what we have got instead of what plan to deploy 20,000 reinforcements to Mr. Speaker, like most Americans, I we need. It is not fair to the men and Iraq to bolster the mission and provide desperately want us to succeed in Iraq, women already in Iraq, nor those on additional support to the troops al- and I was heartened by the Iraq Study the way, and the costs are too high, ready there serving on the ground. This Group report, and I was heartened both in American lives and also the resolution gives no direction on how we when the President of the United toll on the American spirit. Make no should proceed in Iraq. Instead, it set- States said we were going to take a mistake, like all Americans I support tles for some generic language about fresh approach in Iraq. I fear, however, our troops and am eternally grateful supporting the troops without guaran- that this is not a fresh approach, that for their courage and their sacrifice, teeing that Congress will continue to this is more of the same. I also fear and I hope and I pray that we succeed fund their efforts and stand behind that our course of ‘‘more of the same’’ in Iraq. them as they remain in harm’s way. could lead to the deaths of more Amer- Some of the troops that will be part And it simply amounts to a vote for icans. of the surge are already in Iraq. I wish the status quo. I know that the President believes in our President had chosen a different Mr. Speaker, this is a serious debate his heart that the surge will succeed. I path, but he did not. I wish my Demo- about the serious challenges that like and respect the President of the cratic colleagues had chosen a different America faces in not only this fight in United States, but we tried last year a approach and allowed my party to offer Iraq but also against Islamic terrorism. surge of about 12,000 troops in Oper- alternative language, but they did not. We all understand the cost of failure in ation Together Forward. The result has It is what it is, but that does not Iraq is too great to bear. It would em- been an escalation of sectarian vio- change my resolve that this surge is bolden radical Islamic terrorists and lence and attacks on our troops that not in the best interests of this Nation. give them a base from which to train has been unprecedented and unrelent- May God bless our country, our from and to attack America for genera- ing. troops in the field, and the President of tions. But with this resolution, my col- If I thought that the presence of the United States. leagues on the other side of the aisle 21,500 additional American troops in Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I provide the troops with nothing: no Iraq would quell sectarian violence and yield 51⁄4 minutes to the distinguished

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:52 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.039 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1589 gentleman from Arizona (Mr. SHAD- MORE TROOPS, PLEASE—‘‘NOT LOSING’’ ISN’T the city and we were frequently greeted by EGG). THE SAME AS WINNING locals with the question, ‘‘Where have you (By First Lieutenant Pete Hegseth) been?’’ Americans can’t of course be omni- Mr. SHADEGG. I thank the gen- present; but we should at least be there when tleman for yielding, and I rise to dis- I’ve heard President Bush repeatedly state he will send more troops to Iraq if the com- it matters. When Americans are there, either cuss a part of this debate that relates manders on the ground ask for them. I think, the insurgents are not or they are on the los- to the Intelligence Committee, and I having returned home from Iraq two months ing side of a firefight. Second, because of a lack of troops, Amer- think it is important that I thank ago, that there must be a breakdown in com- ican military leaders are forced to make a them for yielding me time. munication somewhere along the line. choice between mission objectives and self- Maybe units on the ground are painting too Mr. Speaker, I have argued on this preservation. Many of our leaders are opting rosy a picture for the generals. Perhaps the to guard supply routes and coagulate on floor that this discussion and debate generals aren’t asking because it goes sprawling military bases, rather than con- ought to be about more than just Iraq, against the ‘‘can do’’ ethos of the Army. Pos- sistently moving into dangerous areas and indeed, that it is about the worldwide sibly the military is being squeezed by the fighting the insurgency. In our case, we had jihadist movement to attack us. I have Pentagon to do more with less. Or maybe the 500 soldiers stationed outside Samarra who argued and quoted many jihadist lead- White House doesn’t want to admit more made infrequent trips into the city center. troops are needed. In any case, while I do not ers who have said their goal isn’t just There is little reason why most of these have the answers nor do I seek to place to win in Iraq, but to take that fight to troops were not stationed inside Samarra, blame, it is painfully obvious there’s a dis- Westerners and, in turn, ‘‘unbelievers’’ canvassing every neighborhood with platoon- connect. throughout the world. I volunteered to serve in Iraq because I be- sized patrol bases and suffocating insurgent But I am not alone in that view. This lieve in our mission there. I share the presi- operations. Rather than take the risks necessary—like small patrol bases and frequent is the language of the National Intel- dent’s conviction about the Iraq war—we can and must win, for the Iraqi people, for the fu- foot patrols—our unit opted to secure itself ligence Estimate written last April, and its supply routes rather than commit re- and it warns America in very simple ture of our country and for peace-loving people everywhere. But I’m frustrated. America sources inside the city. And while this ap- terms. It sets the case forward in two is fighting with a hand tied behind its back. proach is safer in the short run, it only pro- clear sentences, which I hope all of my Soldiers have all the equipment we need—ar- longs mission accomplishment, ultimately colleagues have read and thought mored humvees, body armor for every body endangering more troops. We often specu- through. part, superior technology, etc.—but we sim- lated our unit would be back next year, driving the same streets with even fewer guys. The first sentence is, ‘‘We assess that ply do not have enough troops in Iraq, and we need them now. I believe that ‘‘the safety of America de- . . . perceived jihadist success [in Iraq] After witnessing two national elections pends on the outcome of the battle in the there would inspire more fighters to during three months in Baghdad, my Army streets of Baghdad.’’ Why then do we have continue the struggle elsewhere.’’ What unit moved north to Samarra, where we just enough troops in Iraq not to lose? Amer- does that tell you? If they are success- spent eight months sowing the seeds of icans understand a defeat in Iraq would have ful, if the jihadists who hate us in Iraq progress. While we had success in uprooting horrible consequences for America and its allies for decades to come. America has the ca- are successful there, they will carry the insurgency and building the local government, it wasn’t enough. We had just pacity to win. that struggle on elsewhere. Ask your- Why then are we pursuing a bare minimum self, where is elsewhere? I would sug- enough troops to control Samarra and secure ourselves, but not enough to bring lasting approach? gest to you elsewhere is Great Britain. stability or security. ‘‘Not enough’’ became Mr. SHADEGG. Pete Hegseth served I would suggest to you elsewhere is the story of my year in Iraq. in both Baghdad and Samarra for a Japan. I would suggest to you else- The future of Samarra, and Iraq as a year. He was an infantry platoon leader where is the United States of America whole, ultimately lies in the hands of her in Iraq. He fought both on the streets and the streets of your hometown. people—their sympathies are the ultimate of Baghdad and Samarra, and here is prize in this war. No matter how many insur- I have challenged my colleagues on gents we kill, city leaders we meet or police- what First Lieutenant Pete Hegseth the other side of this debate to name men we enlist, it is all for naught if we can- said about the surge. He never heard for me a single jihadi or Islamist lead- not provide security and stability. Tribal the term ‘‘surge,’’ but he described the er, name one, name me just one who sheikhs told us that even within Samarra— struggle he faced. He said, and I quote, has said if we withdraw from Iraq, if we deep in the Sunni triangle—a vast majority ‘‘America is fighting with a hand tied pull our troops back, they will stop. of people just want peace and order and will behind its back.’’ ‘‘We simply do not Name me one who has said that if we side with whoever can provide it. Right now have enough troops in Iraq, and we leave Iraq they will walk away and not Samarrans rightfully question who that will need them now.’’ That was last Octo- be. carry their fight to the rest of the The end goal is for Iraqis to do everything ber. world. for themselves. But their government and se- Discussing his situation in Samarra, But I am not alone in saying this curity forces are not ready. Insurgents use Lieutenant Hegseth went on. There in issue is bigger. Let me tell you what death threats and murder to assert power Samarra, he goes on to say, and I the National Intelligence Estimate, over anyone working with the City Council quote, ‘‘We had just enough troops to or joining the police force. This atmosphere control Samarra and secure ourselves, written by our Nation’s best and forces moderate Samarrans to keep their brightest intelligence experts in every but not enough to bring lasting sta- mouths shut, and their silence abets the in- bility or security.’’ intelligence agency we have, said next. surgents who live and fight in Samarra. De- They said, ‘‘Should jihadists leaving spite killing scores of insurgents, we are un- He goes on and says, ‘‘Two things are Iraq perceive themselves, and be per- able to provide lasting security, and so the to blame for our predicament. The first ceived, to have failed, we judge fewer Samarran street slips away. reason is that we did not have enough fighters will be inspired to carry on the Two things are to blame for our predica- troops in Samarra,’’ and I quote ‘‘the fight.’’ That is the national intel- ment, one a corollary of the other. The first second, because of a lack of troops, reason is that we did not have enough troops American military leaders,’’ those on ligence community giving us a simple in Samarra. The skill and courage of 150 message. If we prevail in Iraq, the the ground, those engaged in this fight, American soldiers prevented chaos, but was ‘‘are forced to make a choice between world will be safer. If we are defeated never enough to fully secure a city of 120,000 in Iraq, the world will be more dan- people or maintain the rule of law. The sol- mission objectives and self-preserva- gerous. diers in the city were preoccupied with de- tion.’’ He goes on to complain that all fending themselves and conducting night too often that choice that they are Now, I would argue that there ought raids, and were therefore largely unable to forced into is protection of our troops, to be some attention given to the regularly patrol during the day—thus giving not mission objectives. words of the troops in the field, and I insurgents reign to move freely and intimi- Let me tell you how he concluded, want to devote the rest of my remarks date the local population. A visitor in because I think it is pertinent to this to a column written by First Lieuten- Samarra on an average day would be hard- debate, where what we seek to do is to ant Pete Hegseth last October. pressed to point out a single American humvee traversing local neighborhoods. The disapprove the surge of 20,000 troops. Mr. Speaker, I would ask to insert same is true for Baghdad. I believe that the safety of America this column by First Lieutenant Our four-vehicle civil-affairs patrol was depends on the outcome of the battle in Hegseth in the RECORD. often the only American presence deep inside the streets of Baghdad. Pete Hegseth

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:07 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.040 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1590 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 asks, and I quote, ‘‘Why then do we It is almost a daily routine for me today to support this resolution. In have just enough troops in Iraq not to when I see a man or woman in uniform closing, I want to again say this resolu- lose?’’ at the airport, the cafeteria, at home, tion is simple and to the point. The To conclude, he says ‘‘Americans un- anywhere, Bethesda, Walter Reed Hos- most important point is to say, Thank derstand a defeat in Iraq would have pital, I take a moment and thank them you, men and women in uniform; you horrible consequences for America and for their sacrifice and their service. are great, you are magnificent, we are its allies for decades to come. America Our troops need all of the equipment behind you 100 percent. has the capacity to win.’’ He wrote, to make sure that their safety can be The second part deals with the surge. ‘‘Why then are we pursuing a bare min- as secure as it can be. This week I e- Two very quick stories. Six months ago imum approach?’’ mailed a number of our troops that I Gene Taylor and I went to Walter I urge my colleagues to vote against have met that are overseas. I talked Reed. We went into a room that we this dangerous and ill-advised resolu- about this resolution, including the were carried into and saw a mother tion. policy of the surge. And many of them with tears in her eyes, a father, and we Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. responded at length. I want to share shook their hands. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I part of their stories and responses Then the Army colonel took us to may consume. without using their names. the bed to speak to the Army sergeant Mr. Speaker, this resolution is, first One of my Army captains said this. who had been wounded in Iraq. We of all, to thank our men and women in ‘‘Bringing in more Americans will thanked him. We told him he was a uniform. They are absolutely magnifi- force us into more confrontational hero. And he was just great. His fiancee cent. They are the real heroes of Amer- roles. This is not the way to win. More was sitting at the end, at the foot of ica, not the football players, not the American soldiers on the ground will the bed. We met her. Then he said, I basketball players, and not the base- not win the war, it will only delay the don’t know if my opinion matters to ball players. It is our men and women enemy’s reaction. If the people do not you gentlemen. And we assured him it in uniform, and that is what H. Con. believe that their government can pro- did matter. It mattered greatly. Res. 63 says. We appreciate you. We tect them, they will look for one that He said, well, let me share this with will be with you today, tomorrow, and they believe will.’’ you. I have been to Iraq three times. in the future. Mr. Speaker, these folks are on the He said, I don’t care if you are there 5 ground. They know what is going on. years or 10 years, you cannot change b 1330 The generals on the ground, too, said the people. If you look at the history, The second part is that we are op- that more U.S. troops would be coun- he is probably right. But then after he posed to the surge. Let me read very terproductive and in fact only increase said that you cannot change the peo- quickly, before I introduce the next or deepen the threats on our U.S. ple, Mr. Speaker, he pulled the sheets speaker, General Barry McCaffrey be- troops. down from his waist and we saw that Let’s face it, this is a civil war. It is fore the Senate Foreign Relations above his knees his two legs were gone. real anarchy. And in fact the Iraqis do Committee on January 18, 2007, and I In his third tour in Iraq he lost his not want us there. Nearly 80 percent of quote General Barry McCaffrey, former legs. them in Baghdad say that the Amer- commander of the Southern Command. I close by sharing this in this debate. ican troops provoke more violence than He said, ‘‘There the current adminis- I quoted five generals that have said in they prevent. And these same polls tration is going to try to muscle this the last 6 months this surge will not show that Iraqis overwhelmingly want thing out in the next 24 months with work, it is not the right policy answer. an urban counterinsurgency plan that I U.S. troops gone within a year. In fact, we know that a majority on I don’t think anyone can say it any personally believe, with all due re- both sides, Shia and Sunni, believe better than retired Army General Jay spect, is a fool’s errand.’’ that it is okay to kill our troops. So Garner, the first U.S. official in charge That is a military professional. A much for being a liberator. In other of postwar Baghdad. January 7, 2007. military professional. words, we are viewed as part of the This is his quote. ‘‘I don’t know that Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the problem, not the solution. the Iraqi Government has ever dem- gentleman from Michigan (Mr. UPTON). Mr. Speaker, all of us, all of us sup- onstrated an ability to lead the coun- Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I know port our troops. But there are many of try, and we should not be surprised. that Iraq has been on all of our minds us that believe that this surge strategy You will never find in my lifetime one for a long, long time. Many of us here will fail and will only prolong the day man that all of the Iraqis would coa- have visited Iraq on multiple occa- that the Iraqis will finally pick up the lesce around. Iraqis are too divided sions. Many of us have also visited Be- baton and lead their own government. among sectarian, ethnic and tribal loy- thesda Naval Hospital as well as Walter The Baker-Hamilton unanimous bi- alties’’ he said, ‘‘and their loyalties are Reed and tried to comfort our brave partisan report labeled the situation as regional, not national.’’ and caring servicemen and women. grave and deteriorating. It called for Mr. Speaker, as I close, and this is Yes, many of us have grieved with regional cooperation and a new direc- my close, let’s pass this resolution. the families that have lost a loved one tion. Mr. Speaker, I am one that be- Let’s work with the President to find at a gravesite back in our districts. Mr. lieves that the vote authorizing the an end point to the strategy, and let’s Speaker, we had a breakthrough this war was based on evidence that was not put our men and women in the week in North Korea. It was a diplo- flat-out wrong. middle of a civil war to make them ref- matic success. And our country led the Let’s not continue to ignore the real erees. effort to engage other countries in the situation and the mistakes of the past. God bless America, and God bless our region: Russia, South Korea, Japan and It is time, it is time for the Iraqis, not men and women in uniform. Please, China. The Six Party Talks helped see the United States, to lead after 4 years. God, continue to bless this country. a negotiated settlement that made We need to send a message to our Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I sense and the world today is a better troops that, yes, we support them, and, yield 51⁄2 minutes to the gentleman and safer place. Diplomacy won again. for this administration, a signal for from New Mexico (Mr. PEARCE). Now, one of our big problems in Iraq them to pursue a diplomatic surge in- Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, it is a is that we have not pursued the diplo- volving the region. very dark time for the Nation. The matic angle like we should have. We For these reasons, I too support the President is at an unpopularly low rat- have not seen a diplomatic surge like resolution. ing, unprecedented in our history. We we ought to. Let’s talk about this reso- Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. are involved in an unpopular war. lution. The first finding, of course, is Speaker, first I would like to thank Elected officials on both sides are call- that the Congress and the public will Chairman SKELTON and Chairman LAN- ing for us to get out of the war. I am continue to support and protect those TOS for allowing me to be part of this not talking about this war, I am talk- serving in Iraq. That tells me that we resolution, H. Con. Res. 63. ing about the civil war, when President are not going to cut off the aid for the Also I want to thank the 10 Repub- Lincoln had the courage and the vision brave folks that are there. licans who came to the floor to join me to hold onto that concept that we must

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:25 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.048 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1591 let liberty triumph. And because of his There are those who claim that Gen- happens in 6 months or a year or 5 courage, we have a Nation that has set eral Abizaid has said we can’t win the years. the course for liberty for the entire war. President Lincoln was faced with Our troops won the war, God bless world. the same thing, generals who listened them. But the problem with the Presi- Exactly what are we involved in too much to the public. He had to fire dent’s plan is that it calls upon our here? This is far broader than a war in General McClellan and replace him troops to do something they do not Iraq. This is a war with radical Islam. with General Grant. have the power to do, and that is to It is not the first time we have engaged Many recall those words of President convince the Iraqi factions to stop kill- with radical Islam. The first time that Lincoln saying, if you will not use the ing each other and work together on a comes to my attention was 1786. troops, sir, can I borrow them? political compromise. b 1340 We have replaced the general who Instead of the President’s surge, in was in charge of Iraq with a new gen- my view, we should set a rough target Thomas Jefferson goes to find out eral. I am sorry, but he is a troop. He for repositioning our troops out of the about the Barbary Coast. He comes is a commander. He is the commander, area. We should recognize that Sunnis, back and he reads the letter about why he is the supreme troop in Iraq, and he Shiites and Kurds, will never join to- the Barbary pirates were fighting ev- says, I could use more troops. Please, gether in a strong central government. eryone in that region. He buys his own don’t leave me dangling. book of the Koran to understand, but We should tell the Iraqis that if they And yet, this Congress, with this that letter that he had and brought do not amend their Constitution to leadership, is going to say, we support back says that it was founded, he is allow for a loose confederation with an the troops but we are not going to sup- talking about Islam, it was founded on oil sharing agreement between the port the troops. The mental gym- the laws of their prophet, that it was Sunnis and the Shiites, that we will nastics, the political gymnastics are to written in their Koran that all nations leave them to each others’ tender mer- appease the very shrillest of their pro- who should not have acknowledged cies. We should participate in regional ponents, the very shrillest of their sup- their authority were sinners; that it discussions with all parties, including porters. But everyone knows they will was their right and duty to make war Syria and Iran. We should resume ag- not be content with this nonbinding upon them wherever they could be gressive leadership to resurrect a found. That same principle is holding resolution. Those supporters will be meaningful Middle East process, peace today. We read it on all the Web pages like the tiger at the door, eating their process, and Congress should pass legis- of the radical Islamists. own if it does not escalate from here. lation prohibiting an attack on Iran Now, we can wish that it weren’t Have the courage to bring the troops without authorization by this Con- true. We can wish that the attacks on home, my friends, if you are not going gress. the Cole did not happen. We can wish to let the generals run the war. Let the Given the chaos that the administra- that 9/11 did not happen. But they did. military run the war. tion’s policy has produced, none of And now we are involved in a very dif- The greatest mistake we made in this these suggestions may work. But all of ficult, unpopular war with the Presi- House in Vietnam was trying to man- them would be better than continuing dent, again, at historic low ratings. age it with people who are elected rath- to be stuck in another 5-year period in I rise today, Mr. Speaker, in opposi- er than military leaders, and it was an an endless war with endless promises tion to this dangerously misguided res- abysmal failure. to the American people and with end- olution which will only embolden our Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 less failures on the ground. enemies and demoralize our troops. minutes to my friend, my colleague Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 Our friends on the other side of the and chairman of the Appropriations minutes to my friend and colleague, aisle claim to support our troops, and I Committee, the gentleman from Wis- the chairman of the Readiness Sub- do not discount that. I do not question consin (Mr. OBEY). committee of the Armed Services Com- their sincerity. I question their judg- Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, 4 years ago mittee, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. ment. this Congress voted to authorize the ORTIZ). I will tell you that the political gym- President to engage in a preemptive at- (Mr. ORTIZ asked and was given per- nastics that are required to come this tack to Iraq, a country that had not at- mission to revise and extend his re- soon after they campaigned against tacked the United States. I supported marks.) stay the course, to present a resolution the military action against Afghani- Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in that supports our troops who are in stan because they gave sanctuary to support of this bipartisan resolution. Iraq, and yet says that we will not Osama bin Laden and those who at- I could ask a question, were we ready change the tactic, we will not increase, tacked us on 9/11. But I opposed the to go to war? I don’t think so. if we are not going to get out, if they President’s unilateral and preemptive I just want to put a little of the his- have turned down those resolutions attack on Iraq, because I believed that tory of Iraq in context. And we prob- which would bring us home, and if they this action would destabilize the Mid- ably remember these names, Specialist do not want to declare to defund the dle East, isolate us in world opinion, Edgar Hernandez, Specialist Joseph war, if they do not want the surge, and weaken our influence in the world. Hudson, Specialist Shoshana Johnson, then we are involved in a resolution Our opposition was vilified. Our patri- PFC Jessica Lynch, PFC Patrick Mil- today that is nonbinding, but says stay otism was questioned, and that con- ler and Sergeant James Riley. They the course. tinues today. were all members of the 507th Mainte- Do tell. Stay the course is what they We are told that if we oppose the nance Company that went missing had to campaign so hard against in the President’s intensification of the war, after an Iraqi ambush in Nasiriya on last elections. we are giving aid and comfort to the March 23, 2003. I served in Vietnam when elected of- enemy. Well, I, for one, am tired of They were a maintenance company. ficials were on the floor of this House those who have been consistently They weren’t supposed to be in front of having these same conversations, and I wrong about this war lecturing those of the infantry. And, of course, we under- will tell you it is extraordinarily dis- us who have been right from the start. stand this is war and there is a confu- tressing from the point of someone I am tired of the manipulation of intel- sion. serving in harm’s way to have the ligence by this administration. I am elected officials playing games. tired of the stubbornness of an admin- b 1350 My friends, if you don’t want to sup- istration that didn’t have a clue about They were taken prisoners. But this port the effort in Iraq, you have the the Middle East realities when they got illustrates for us again that we were majority, call the troops home. It is us into this mess, and don’t have a clue not ready for this war from the begin- within your capability. Have the cour- now about how to get us out. ning. We went in with too few soldiers, age of your convictions. Stand for what Sadly, there will be no happy endings who, by the way, were not greeted with you believe. Do not put this resolution to this war. The President’s policy has flowers or parades. This administration in front of us that simply encourages done so much damage that there is no went against the recommendations of our enemies and distresses our troops. good way for us to get out, whether it the Chief of Staff of the Army, General

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:07 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.043 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1592 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 Shinseki, who said, you know what, we today, disappointed. Over the next few what they do not include. Perhaps need no less than 250,000 troops to over- months, the United States will make most significantly, I don’t believe it is whelm the enemy. So what happened? some very important decisions, prob- vital to America’s national interests to We went in with less than that. What ably the most important national secu- stop all sectarian violence in Iraq. was the goal? To go straight to Bagh- rity decisions that we will make in this We admire our military because they dad. And we left the left flank, the decade. These decisions are going to af- are forward leading and ‘‘can do’’ peo- right flank completely open. Not only fect the size and the composition and ple. But in this instance we cannot do that. With thousands of ammunition the equipment of our military. It will for the Iraqis what they will not do for dumps all over the place in Iraq, you impact our relationships with our al- themselves. know what? They were ready for war. lies, the perception of our enemies, and The President is sending an addi- They were ready for us. But we were the stability of the Persian Gulf re- tional 20,000 troops to Iraq. The prob- not ready for them. Because a lot of gion. These are serious and difficult lem isn’t the numbers. The problem is things went wrong in this war. The in- issues that demand thoughtful leader- the mission and setting the conditions telligence was flawed. It was wrong. ship and the careful exercise of our to be able to accomplish that mission. And, my friends, I am saying this be- considerable responsibilities under the Some of these troops are going to cause we cannot afford to make a an- Constitution. Anbar, and I think that we do need to other mistake such as this. The resolution that we have before us enforce our troops in the Sunni heart- I was just at a hearing about an hour today is not binding in a legal sense. land to fight al Qaeda and to make it ago, 2 hours ago, and let me read to We are not exercising any real power less likely that they will be welcomed you what the Chief of Staff of the here. But I think it is worse than that. there for the long term. But I am skep- Army, Schoomaker, said just a few mo- The words in these two brief sentences tical about the Baghdad mission. Oper- ments ago. He said, ‘‘After years of in- are vague enough to allow people with ation Together Forward, the effort to sufficient investment in the Army, very different views on what we should secure Baghdad last year, failed. The many of our units were underequipped do to feel satisfied whichever way they idea was to clear, hold, and build; but and not ready for deployment, espe- vote. The language in this resolution is the Iraqi units did not show up in cially in our Reserve units. To meet clever, but this isn’t a time for clever. enough numbers to be able to hold combatant commanders’ immediate Whether I support this resolution or what America had cleared. In the early wartime needs, we pulled equipment oppose it, this body should say some- days of this surge in Baghdad, there from across the force to equip those thing, say something that matters are too many indications that this will soldiers deploying into harm’s way, a about what our vital national interests be happening again. The resolution we are considering practice that we are continuing today are, about how we should pursue those this week contains only two thoughts. to meet current operational needs.’’ interests, about what the risks are, It is only two sentences long. First, My friends, we are at war. We sup- what the trade-offs are and the poten- that we oppose increasing troop levels port our soldiers. The men and women tial consequences. We should say in Iraq by 20,000. As I have said, I sup- in uniform are in dangerous places whether we intend to buy the bullets port increasing troops in Anbar, even around the world to do their duty on and the body armor for those who are though I am skeptical about the likeli- behalf of all of us, military, civilian, about to deploy and take on the chal- hood of success in Baghdad. Republicans, Democrats, and independ- lenges that we face as a Nation. ents. With power comes responsibility. b 1400 This resolution is very simple: Con- And rather than do the hard work of But the second thought is notable for gress and the American people will building a consensus here in the House what it omits. The resolution says that continue to support and protect the and leading the way, it is easier to this House will fund our soldiers and members of the United States Armed punt, to be vague and clever, to frame our veterans if they are there now or if Forces who are serving or who have political issues rather than confront they have been there before. served bravely and honorably in Iraq; forthrightly the difficult problems that This begs the most important ques- and Congress disapproves of the deci- we face as a Nation. For that reason I tion about our real power here in the sion of the President of the United believe this resolution represents a lost Congress. What about the five brigades States, George W. Bush, who an- opportunity that we cannot afford to of young Americans who are now pre- nounced on January 10, 2007, to deploy lose. paring their families and packing their more than 20,000 additional United I believe that too often in the last 31⁄2 gear to deploy? What about them? States combat troops to Iraq. years our goals in Iraq have been de- What are you saying to them? Will we Now, it is going to take more than scribed in the lofty and idealistic buy body armor for them? Will we have 21,000 soldiers. You have got to send terms that go far beyond America’s armored Humvees for them? Will they support troops. So I think sometimes I vital national interests. There has been have trucks to take them to their as- wonder whether if we could just pause a tendency to move beyond the hard- signed place of action? Will they get or take time off so that we could re- nosed and clear-eyed view of what the bullets and the night scopes and group or correct the mistakes. But you America’s national interests are in the sleeping bags and the chow? What can’t do that when you are in the mid- Iraq and we have come to emphasize about them? Will they get their com- dle of two wars. the loftier dreams for the American bat pay? Will they get their family sep- This is a different mission, and we people. aration allowance? ask our soldiers to do the best that To be sure, I am glad that Saddam I believe that the majority in this they can, and then we say that we need Hussein is dead and gone. And I hope House and the sponsors of this resolu- for the Iraqis to stand up so we can that the Iraqi people seize this oppor- tion would support a clear statement stand down. My friends, if we cannot tunity to create a unified state that re- that we will fund the troops and the even equip our military, how can we spects minorities and has robust demo- mission they are being ordered to un- expect to equip the Iraqis so that they cratic institutions. But there is a dif- dertake. But, of course, perhaps half of can stand up? ference between what we would wish the Democrats in the Congress, from Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I for the Iraqi people and what is vital the far left of America’s political spec- am pleased to yield 10 minutes to the for America’s national security. trum, want to stop the funding. distinguished gentlewoman from New In thinking about America’s vital in- In this war on terrorism, the greatest Mexico (Mrs. WILSON), a member of the terests in Iraq, I think it really boils burdens have fallen on the shoulders of Intelligence Committee and a veteran down to two things: First, Iraq must the relatively small number of Ameri- and retired officer herself. not become a safe haven for al Qaeda; cans who have volunteered to take (Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico asked and, second, Iraq must not be a source great risks on our behalf. As leaders of and was given permission to revise and of instability in the region. These vital this Nation, this House abdicates its extend her remarks.) interests are actually quite narrow. responsibility if we fail to make clear Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Some might argue that they are too to them that they will have the equip- Speaker, I come to the floor here narrow. But they are most notable for ment they need to do the job and come

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:25 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.049 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1593 home again. The short two sentence uncertain and divided as the country is on Sunni (32–37 percent) Muslims. Shiite popu- resolution we will vote on here this what is best to do in the Middle East. Rather lations constitute a majority in Iran, Iraq, Bah- week doesn’t address any of these im- than do the hard work of building consensus rain and Azerbaijan. Worldwide, about 10– portant issues. and leading the way, it is easier to punt, to be 15% of all Muslims follow the Shiite branch of If you are asking the wrong question, vague and clever, to frame political issues Islam. Sunnis and Shiites share most basic re- perhaps any answer will do. But we will rather than confront forthrightly difficult prob- ligious tenets. Their differences have some- vote anyway, and it will make head- lems important to the security and future of times been the basis for sectarian violence lines, and it will accomplish nothing of this country. and political infighting. the hard work we have in front of us. For that reason, this resolution represents a GOVERNANCE What are our vital national interests in lost opportunity that we can ill afford to lose. The Iraqi people have made substantial Iraq, and what is not vital? What strat- REVIEWING IRAQ POLICY progress in governing themselves over the egies can we use to protect and pro- Over the last 3 months, I’ve spent a lot of past two years. They have written a Constitu- mote those vital interests? What are time thinking about Iraq, reading widely from tion, conducted elections under that new Con- the resources that are required to pur- both classified and unclassified sources, meet- stitution and formed a government. The Iraqi sue those strategies? What are the ing with experts inside and outside of govern- people as a whole voted in the face of death risks and the costs and the choices we ment, spending time with our intelligence threats and Iraqi elected officials serve in spite must make? Are there ways to miti- agencies and our men and women in the mili- of risks to themselves and their families. If you gate those risks? tary listening to what they think and drawing are wondering whether there are Iraqi’s who These are the important questions, on their experience. are willing to take great risks to build their fu- and in the short two-sentence resolu- At the New Year, I returned to Iraq. I went ture, you should visit the military hospital at tion, they remain unresolved, leaving to Falluja, al Kut, Baghdad and Balad. Balad. Two thirds of the casualties brought to the House with nothing very important At each stop along the way, I was reminded our great surgeons and trauma teams are to say about what matters to America of how fortunate we are to have such dedi- Iraqi, not American. and what we should do. cated, capable and decent men and women Our admiration for their progress and their I have made my position clear in serving us in uniform. They are all committed courage cannot blind us to some other reali- ways that this resolution fails to do. I to their missions and they are performing ad- ties. will seek to provide leadership in this mirably. The central government in Iraq is weak. In House to address these important ques- Our forces have the ‘‘can do’’ attitude that part, that weakness is inherent in the Constitu- tions, to influence this administration we have come to take for granted but never tion under which the Prime Minister does not and to focus on what is vital to Amer- should. They are doing difficult work a long form his own government. Ministers of Health, ica. It is for these reasons that I must way from home and have been at it for a long Interior and Defense for example are chosen oppose the resolution in front of us time. separately and do not serve at the pleasure of today. There are good reasons to be restrained in the Prime Minister. THE RESOLUTION AND THE CONGRESS public comments about military strategy and Ministers are loyal to different parties and I come to the House floor today dis- operations when we have young Americans in factions. Corruption, a long established prac- appointed. combat. Honest debate about policy can be tice in that region of the world, is endemic. Over the next few months, the United States confused with lack of support for the troops. Both the Ministry of the Interior and the Min- will make some of the most important national There have been times that I have ques- istry of Defense are heavily penetrated by mili- security decisions of this decade. Those deci- tioned the administration’s conduct of the war tias loyal to factions rather than loyal to the sions will play out principally in Iraq, but will over the last 31⁄2 years—the inadequacy of national government. As one officer involved affect our broader national security and foreign force levels immediately after the fall of Sad- in training local Iraqi police told me, ‘‘The head policy. dam, the decision to disband the Iraqi army of training for the police in this province has The decisions we make will affect the size, and the slow reconstitution of the Iraqi Army, no experience and is not qualified for the job. composition, and equipment of the American the need to expand the size of the active duty He has the job because he is a member of the military for many years. Army and Marine Corps, and the failure to un- Badr Organization.’’ These decisions will impact our relationships derstand the strategic significance of treatment Another officer involved with training the with our allies, the perceptions of our enemies, of prisoners at Abu Ghraib. All of these deci- Iraqi border patrol said, ‘‘The commander in and the stability of the Persian Gulf region. sions were made at senior policy levels, not my sector was given a list by the Ministry of These are serious and difficult issues that by people in the military doing the job. the Interior of 42 people he was supposed to demand thoughtful leadership and the careful I’m from the old school that believes par- hire. They were all militia.’’ exercise of our considerable powers under the tisan politics should stop at the water’s edge. The Iraqi central government and its min- Constitution. The security of this country is too important to istries do not have the capacity and, in some We have to do more than debate. We have make it subservient to domestic political cases, perhaps the will to support operations to take a stand; we have to make tough deci- maneuvenng. in the 18 provinces. Even though the central sions; we have to clearly articulate what Amer- It was clear to me in late October that it was government has money, it can’t seem to ica’s vital interests are. We have to do things time for a complete review of American strat- spend it. There is no national banking system that matter and build a broad consensus mov- egy in Iraq. That means we must: Fully under- so soldiers and police are paid sporadically ing forward. stand the situation we face in Iraq and be hon- and in cash. They must travel home to give The resolution we have before us today is est with ourselves and the American people their pay to their families. not binding in a legal sense—we are not exer- about the challenges we face; clearly define The combination of factionalism within the cising any real power here. But it is worse and build a broad consensus on exactly what ministries and weak logistics systems are than that. The words in these two brief sen- the vital national interests of the United States used to undermine units in the field. As an- tences are vague enough to allow people with in Iraq are and, conversely, what is not vital; other officer told me, ‘‘If I train a really good quite different views on what we should do to and develop strategies, plans, and resources Iraqi police SWAT team that’s going after the feel satisfied with whatever way they vote. to pursue those vital national interests fully ‘wrong’ people, they can be strangled by logis- The language in this resolution is clever. But vetting the alternatives and the risks of those tics. No bullets. No gasoline. No SWAT team.’’ this isn’t a time for clever. We are better than alternatives. The national police are heavily infiltrated by this. Whether I support a resolution or oppose THE SITUATION IN IRAQ the militias, particularly Jaish al-Mahdi or JAM, it, this body should say something about what Iraq is a country of 26 million people in a which is loyal to Shia firebrand Muqtada al- our vital interests are, about why this matters, land area about twice the size of the state of Sadr. about what we do recommend and what we Idaho. About 6.5 million people live in the cap- A principal characteristic of a sovereign gov- do not recommend, about whether or not we itol, Baghdad. ernment is that it has a monopoly of the use will buy the bullets and the body armor for the Ethnically, Iraq is 75–80 percent Arab and of force within its borders. The central govern- troops for the next rotation of troops, about the 15–20 percent Kurdish with the remainder ment of Iraq has not yet consolidated this mo- risks and the challenges we face to best pro- Turkoman, Assyrians and others. nopoly for itself. tect our Nation. Iraq is 97 percent Muslim by religious faith. The Iraqi Army is more reliable and has With power comes responsibility. And per- It is one of four countries in the world where made significant progress over the last 18 haps the real truth is that the Congress is as there are more Shi’a (60–65 [percent) than months. But the quality and capability of its

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:25 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.051 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1594 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 units varies. Even units that are fully manned In summary: The overall security situation in external threats for a long time and we should usually have half of their soldiers on leave at Iraq is grave and is not improving. Strategies not define success this broadly or even raise any time. During Operation Together Forward, to quell violence have not been effective; while the possibility of arming them with indirect fire the joint Iraqi-American operation to secure some violence is anti-coalition, the most dan- weapons, tactical air forces and so forth. Baghdad this summer, some Iraqi Army units gerous trend has been the rise of sectarian vi- It is not vital to American interests that Iraq refused to be deployed to Baghdad, a clear in- olence between Sunni and Shiite militias and remain unified except to the extent dissolution dication of the weakness of the central gov- death squads in a cycle of violence and retal- of Iraq as a strong nation contributes to re- ernment and the questionable effectiveness of iation; while the unity government of Nouri al- gional instability or creates ungoverned areas these units. Maliki says all the right things, there are where al Qaeda could thrive. Iraq was created LEVELS OF VIOLENCE strong doubts about the ability of the unity after World War I from three Ottoman prov- There is not a single insurgency or source government to reduce widespread sectarian inces of Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul. The of violence in Iraq. There are a number of violence; further political evolution in Iraq is country has a history of instability as a result interrelated and overlapping conflicts. likely as factions maneuver for power relative of ethnic, religious and regional rivalries. It is In the south, while there has been less vio- to one another and decisions are made on not vital to American national interests that we lence, different Shi’ a factions, principally critical issues including federalism, distribution resolve these tensions and probably not rea- those associated with Muqtada al-Sadr (JAM) of oil revenues, and the militias. Iraq will make sonable to expect to do so. and the Supreme Council for Islamic Resist- more and more of its own political choices, There are a variety of governing models ance in Iraq (SCIRI) (the Badr organization) less and less influenced by America. from a loose confederation to de facto local periodically fight each other for local advan- AMERICA’S VITAL INTERESTS arrangements that are consistent with the vital tage and attack coalition forces as well. Too often in the last three and a half years, national interests of the United States. In the northern Kurdish region the Kurdish our goals in Iraq have been described in lofty The Iraqi constitution allows for regional ar- Peshmerga has made the area mostly secure and idealistic terms that go far beyond Amer- rangements and we need not spend too much and stable. We can expect violence to in- ica’s vital national interests. capital resisting new arrangements that might crease in Kirkuk in the run-up to the ref- Most of us in the Congress voted to author- emerge. erendum on whether this oil rich city will be ize the use of force against Saddam Hussein Perhaps most significantly, it is not vital to associated with the Kurdish region. because the intelligence said he had or was American interests to stop all sectarian vio- Anbar province, the large province in west- seeking to acquire chemical, biological and lence in Iraq. Certainly if sectarian violence ern Iraq that borders Syria, Jordan, and Saudi nuclear weapons and that he intended to use escalates to a conflagration that affects sta- Arabia, is predominantly Sunni. While there is bility in the region, it could affect our vital in- a Sunni insurgency and rejectionists in this re- them against the United States. In my case, it was the intelligence on bio- terest in regional stability. But the Iraqi’s must gion, it has also been fertile territory for al logical weapons that was the deciding factor, decide to quell sectarian violence. While we Qaeda in Iraq and foreign fighters. In recent reaching the high threshold required for pre- might assist and support Iraqi efforts, we can- months, some key Sunni tribal leaders have not and should not do this for them. They started working together to resist al Qaeda in emptive military action. As we all now know, the intelligence was must take the lead. this region, opening opportunities for United wrong in several important respects. Perhaps We admire our military because they are States forces to work more cooperatively with in part because it was wrong, there has been forward leaning and ‘‘can do’’. But in this in- local leaders to fight al Qaeda. stance, we cannot do for the Iraqi’s what they Overlaying these regional fights is a rise in a tendency to move beyond a hard-nosed, clear-eyed view of our national interests in will not do for themselves. sectarian violence that has increased substan- There are other things that do not appear in tially since the bombing of the Golden Mosque Iraq to emphasize loftier dreams for the Iraqi people. a clear statement of America’s vital interests in Samarra in February 2006. Anger and dislike making Iraqi into a model of democracy in trust between Sunni and Shiite is very high To be sure, I’m glad that Saddam is dead and gone, and I hope the Iraqi people build a the region and ensuring its economic pros- and plays out in death squad killings, torture, perity. Both of these things are desirable. Iraq intimidation and what amounts to ethnic unified state with a society that respects minorities with robust democratic institutions. But certainly has the oil, natural gas, and two fer- cleansing of neighborhoods in Baghdad. tile river valleys to sustain itself and prosper This summer, the Iraqi government with the there is a difference between what we would economically. But these desirable things are multinational force in Iraq launched Operation wish for the Iraqi people and what we need for not vital to America’s national interests and Together Forward to reduce widespread sec- American security. what is vital should drive American strategy. tarian violence in Baghdad. U.S. Forces, in- The American military should only be used If everything is a priority, nothing is a pri- cluding the American striker Brigade, were to protect America’s vital national interests, ority. What is vital, it seems to me, boils down sent to Baghdad as part of an effort to ‘‘clear under American command, with the resources to two things: No al Qaeda safe haven and an and hold’’ those neighborhoods. The operation necessary to win and come home again. Iraq that is not a source of instability in the re- failed, as did Operation Together Forward II When it comes to clearly defining our vital gion. this fall. Levels of sectarian violence are high national interests in Iraq, we have lost our way and are not improving. in mushy rhetoric. These words matter be- AMERICAN STRATEGY The concept was for U.S. forces to ‘‘clear’’ cause they set the goals we ask our military The shear breadth of the policy options for violent neighborhoods and the Iraqi Army to achieve and drive the strategies and re- Iraq put forward in recent months by thought- would ‘‘hold’’ the neighborhoods providing se- sources to achieve them. There has been far ful people is striking. curity after they had been cleared out. The too little debate and discussion on what our Quit and withdraw. Reposition in neigh- Iraqi Army forces didn’t show up in the size re- vital interests are and what they are not in boring countries. Increase U.S. forces tempo- quired and were not able to provide security. Iraq. rarily. Increase forces substantially and with As one Army officer told me, ‘‘It wasn’t clear Every discussion of what path forward we no deadline. and hold. It was clear and fold.’’ should choose in Iraq should start with clearly Side with the Shia because they are likely to Confidence in the ability of the central gov- defining our vital national interests. As the win. Befriend the Sunnis. Destroy the Sunnis. ernment, the Army and the national police saying on the classroom wall goes, ‘‘If you Withdraw U.S. forces from the cities. Start force to provide security has declined causing don’t know where you are going, you’re likely with Baghdad and the cities first. people to rely on local militias and neighbor- to end up somewhere else.’’ Divide the country into three pieces. Insist hood security to protect their families. In some In thinking about America’s vital interests in on unity. cases, JAM, Muktada al-Sadr’s militia, has Iraq, it seems to me there are only two: Iraq These debates are healthy when they get built confidence and support by blocking emer- must not become a safe haven for al Qaeda beyond the brainstorming stage—which they gency response by the central authorities or its affiliates; Iraq must not be a source of rarely do—but the breadth of the options out while JAM members help victims, thereby in- instability in the region. there is partially due to a lack of clarity and creasing local trust of the militias and further These vital interests are really quite nar- consensus about America’s vital interests. undermining the credibility of the government. row—some might argue too narrow—and We should also be clear that no strategy is Finally, while the Sunni insurgency may probably most notable for what they do not in- without risk. There are no easy or obvious have been spurred by al Qaeda in Iraq and clude. paths here. various Shi’a groups get support from Iran, at It’s not vital to America that Iraq be able to DENYING AL QAEDA SAFE HAVEN this point, the violence in Iraq is largely inter- defend itself from outside powers. Iraq is un- Al Qaeda in Iraq principally thrives in the nal and self-sustaining. likely to have an Army that can defend against Sunni regions of the country. Defeating al

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:25 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14FE7.006 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1595 Qaeda and denying them sanctuary must be a ple, the vast majority of whom live in the Eu- expect that the police will be effective as other central objective for U.S. Forces in Iraq. This phrates river valley. An intense than a mechanism to employ and occupy must be an area of focus and, to some extent, counterinsurgency strategy in the Sunni areas young men anytime soon. we have lost that focus over the last six can help to root out al Qaeda today and make SUPPORT THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT AS THEY ADDRESS months as we have emphasized the fight for their brand of extremism unwelcome for the SECTARIAN VIOLENCE Baghdad. long term. I do not believe that the United States Using U.S. special forces, conventional U.S. Strengthen both technical intelligence collec- should take the lead in resolving sectarian vio- military forces and American intelligence capa- tion and human intelligence collection in the lence between Shi’a and Sunni or between dif- bilities, the United States should target, kill or Sunni regions of Iraq. ferent militias vying for power in Shi’a areas. capture and detain al Qaeda leadership in Intelligence is the first line of defense in the The Iraqi government and Iraqi leaders must Iraq. war on terror and we are doing a lot of things take the lead. We cannot and should not do U.S. forces have had some significant suc- right. But there continues to be a need to this for them. cess in recent months capturing middle and strengthen technical intelligence, surveillance I told the President this before he an- high ranking al Qaeda operatives in Iraq in and reconnaissance collection so that more nounced his new plan for Iraq and I have spite of the reduction of emphasis and fewer requirements can be met. been clear about this publicly both in New troops in the Sunni dominated areas of the More importantly, we continue to lag behind Mexico and here, in Washington. country. in human intelligence collection capability. American soldiers should not be in a situa- But there is an infuriating fact seldom dis- We are five years after 9/11 and we still are cussed: fully half of the high value al Qaeda tion as reportedly happened on October 24th desperately short of linguists in strategic lan- when they raided an area looking for a leader targets in Iraq have been captured and re- guages. We need more soldiers trained in leased before. As one senior officer put it, ‘‘I of a Shi’a militia group and were told by the basic 30 and 60-day language programs in Iraqi government to stand down. have great photographs of half the people we order to effectively conduct a counter-insur- are hunting. They are wearing orange We cannot do for the Iraqis what they will gency effort. not do for themselves. If they do not choose jumpsuits in the mug shots we took of them At a higher level, we need more military to disarm the militias and stop the death when we captured them the first time.’’ members and intelligence specialists who are squads, Baghdad will continue to be a violent Weare operating a catch and release pro- fluent in languages like Arabic, Farsi, Pashtun place. gram for al Qaeda in Iraq. This is inexcusable and Dari. Heretofore, this has just not been a I believe it is unlikely that this violence will and frustrating as all get out for our men and national priority and it must change. women in the fight. rise to a level where Iraq becomes a source TRAIN AND EXPAND THE IRAQI ARMY American soldiers are capturing terrorists of regional instability even if it does threaten trying to kill Americans and Iraqis and they are The training of the Iraqi Army has gone the internal stability and political direction of turned over to an Iraqi run detention system slower than any of us want. They are still the country. As cold as it sounds, the sec- that is likely to release them. heavily dependent on the U.S. for logistics and tarian violence is not something we can stop Indeed, some officers whose opinions I trust their capability and effectiveness is limited by by getting in the middle of it and it is not vital describe detention as training camp for al the practice of allowing military members to go to American national interests that we do so. Qaeda where they share information and con- home for about two weeks of each month. This is where we are at most risk, again, of tacts improving their skills and enhancing their Still, the Iraqi Army offers the best possibility losing our way by reaching beyond our grasp. position within al Qaeda when they are re- for the Iraqi government to consolidate its authority and quell violence. THE SURGE leased. The President is sending an additional We cannot afford to spend half our re- The United States should continue to accel- 20,000 troops to Iraq. The problem isn’t the sources hunting al Qaeda members we have erate training and equipping the Iraqi Army so numbers. The problem is the mission and set- already caught before. We need to change our that they can take responsibility for internal se- ting the conditions to be able to accomplish detention policy so that there are no high curity. that mission. value targets with orange jumps suit mug I am not convinced that embedding large Some of those troops are going to Anbar, shots in ‘‘wanted’’ posters hanging on the numbers of U.S. soldiers in Iraqi units is the and I think we do need to reinforce our troops walls in the operation centers of our special most effective way to train Iraqis. I’m not con- in the Sunni heartland to fight al Qaeda in Iraq forces units in Iraq. vinced that it is not effective either. There are Using classic counter-insurgency strategies differing views by thoughtful people and I don’t and strengthen relationships that will make it and tactics, the United States military and in- have the experience to know. But it is an im- less likely that they will be welcome there over telligence services should build relationships portant question for the military and its training the long term. with tribal and local leaders in the Sunni-domi- elements to assess. We should pursue train- But I am skeptical about the Baghdad mis- nated regions who will deny al Qaeda safe ing strategies that are most likely to make sion. haven for the long term. Iraqi units effective and independent in the Operation Together Forward, the effort to We are having some recent and fragile suc- shortest time. secure Baghdad, failed because there was no cess with this approach to security in al Anbar. There are two disadvantages of embedding ‘‘holding’’ after a neighborhood was ‘‘cleared’’. Sunni tribal leaders, with the support and en- Americans in Iraqi units. First, it is harder to The Iraqis did not show up. And the ‘‘building’’ couragement of U.S. forces, are recruiting protect and support the Americans to the never really happened at all. It was a failed men from their tribe into security units. standards we expect for our soldiers when approach without adequate resources from the These counter-insurgency efforts building on they are detached. Second, some American Iraqis to follow through. We probably made established local tribal relationships and indig- trainers who have been embedded express plenty of enemies without making people feel enous leadership must be supported finan- concern that it is difficult to get the Iraqis to safer or more confident in the ability of their cially directly by the U.S. military. Large U.S. stand on their own and take responsibility be- government to protect them. aid programs run at the national level have cause they think the Americans will do things Rather than ‘‘clearing’’ neighborhoods where been slow and ineffective at engaging the Iraqi for them. An embedded American trainer told there is sectarian violence, we should focus people and getting things done. me, ‘‘I have to decide that I’m not going to do on strengthening indigenous security in co- The American military has the capability to the maintenance for them even though I can. operation with the Iraqi government and the use funds to support counter-insurgency oper- That’s hard to do.’’ Iraqi Army in neighborhoods and villages ations at the community level rapidly and Assist the Iraqi Army and Ministry of De- where there is stability or leadership to work where needed without a lot of hassle. This fense in establishing logistics and service sup- with. This is an inside-out approach that builds mechanism has been used successfully in Iraq port for the Army. indigenous capacity rather than an outside-in before, although it is not universally supported. While we have focused on training military approach. It’s a turf and power thing. To a certain de- units—and Iraq may need more of them than In the Kurdish region, the Peshmerga pro- gree, we have a choice. We can micro-man- they initially planned—the systems for payroll tect the Americans, not the other way around. age contracts from Washington and Baghdad and logistics support just do not exist. We That is a relationship we built over a decade. or we can get things done rapidly and effec- need to put effort into helping them develop Al Qaim on the Syrian border used to be a tively giving authority within broad guidelines those systems so that the Iraqi army is fed, hotbed of foreign fighter activity. Now it is for Lieutenant Colonels to use their judgment. paid, has gasoline and trucks and uniforms. largely peaceful and led by strong local tribal While al Anbar is a very large area, it is The Iraqi police and border patrol are infil- leaders who cooperate with the Americans sparsely populated with about 1.2 million peo- trated by militia and ineffective. We should not and own their community.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:25 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14FE7.008 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1596 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 In 2003 and 2004, immediately after the fall to carry out. But, of course, perhaps close to is also the chairman of the Sub- of Saddam when there was no Iraqi govern- half of the Democrats, from the far left of the committee on Oversight and Investiga- ment, I believe a large U.S. presence that took American political spectrum, want to stop tions of the Armed Services Com- charge and visibly controlled the streets killing funding. mittee. or disarming any Iraqi with a weapon would In this war on terrorism, the greatest bur- Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank have made a difference. When it comes to oc- dens have fallen on the shoulders of a rel- the chairman for yielding. cupation, quantity has a quality all of its own. atively small number of Americans who have With all due respect to my friend But we are beyond that now. Iraq has its volunteered to take great risks on our behalf. from New Mexico, I want to make the own government with an Army that is getting As leaders of this nation, this House abdicates point that this resolution does not do better. They must own their own neighbor- its responsibility if we fail to make clear to anything to stop funding for the hoods. We can help them, but we cannot do them that they will have the equipment they troops. As a matter of fact, it was this it for them. need to do the job we are asking them to do. administration that sent 140,000 troops In the early days of this ‘‘surge’’ there are IN CLOSING into harm’s way without up-armoring too many indications that we will be doing this The short two sentence resolution we will Humvees. There is nothing in this to for them. Two units of Iraqis have showed up vote on this week does not address any of cut funding for the troops. But this ad- to help secure Baghdad, and they are at about these important issues. If you are asking the ministration sent 140,000 troops into half strength. wrong question, perhaps any answer will do. harm’s way without up-armored Like Operation Together Forward, the units But we will vote on it anyway, and it will Humvees, without Kevlar vests. And committed by the Iraqi government have make headlines and accomplish nothing of the what did Secretary Rumsfeld say? He shown up far below strength, which means the hard work we have in front of us. It is a dis- said you go to war with the Army you effort is unlikely to have enough reliable sol- appointing abdication of our responsibility to have, not the Army you wish you had. diers and police to conduct an effective grapple seriously with defining and protecting We are the United States of America. counter-insurgency in a city of 6 million peo- vital US national interests in the Persian Gulf. We should never go into harm’s way, ple. What are our vital national interests and never go into harm’s way, without up- Perhaps more importantly, as projected by what is not vital? What strategies can we use armored Humvees and Kevlar vests. the intelligence community in Congressional to protect and promote those interests? What The Washington Post did a front page testimony, the Jaish al-Mahdi militia loyal to resources are required to pursue these strate- piece just the other day. It says that Muqtada al Sadr seems to have decided to lay gies? What are the risks and the costs of the we still don’t have the most effective low, put away their arms and wait out the choices we might make? Are there ways to up-armored Humvees that are available surge calculating that they can afford to bide mitigate those risks? These are the important in the United States. It is not accept- their time. questions and, in this short two sentence reso- able. It is inexcusable and indefensible. In contrast, the Sunni insurgents have esca- lution, they remain unresolved leaving this I will be going to Iraq in a few days. lated their attacks in recent weeks. As a re- House with nothing very important to say I expect to see a country, unfortu- sult, it is possible that U.S. forces will con- about what matters to America and what we nately, that has gotten worse and centrate on putting down Sunni insurgents and should do. worse in terms of the level of violence possibly rogue elements of Sadr’s Shiite militia I support increased troops in al Anbar—the than the one I visited in 2003 and in who don’t keep their heads down. The irony Sunni region where al Qaeda thrives. These January of 2005. here is that we risk strengthening radical anti- forces are part of the 20,000 referred to in the When I came back in January of 2005 American cleric Muqtada al Sadr in the me- resolution. It is vital to U.S. interests that we I presented a strategy, a white paper, dium and long term by taking out his enemies destroy al Qaeda in Iraq and deny them a entitled ‘‘Iraq: The Light at the End of now while his militia lays low waiting for Amer- safe haven from which to operate. The resolu- the Tunnel.’’ Many of those rec- ica to leave. tion makes no distinction or even reference to ommendations were included in a bi- While this scenario is not inevitable, we these forces. partisan Iraq Study Group with distin- need to understand that US forces in the I am skeptical that increasing U.S. forces in guished experts on foreign policy and midst of sectarian violence may be helping Baghdad in the quantity and with the mission military affairs. They didn’t call for consolidate the power of a radical anti-Amer- and tactics described by the President and his more troops in Iraq. What they called ican Shiite. military commanders will quell the sectarian vi- for was for America to go into the FUNDING THE TROOPS olence between Shia and Sunni, nor do I think background. The resolution we are considering this week it is vital to America’s national interests to do The simple facts bear out a true grim contains only two thoughts. First, that we op- so. The Iraqis must resolve these sectarian ri- reality. We are told that we are going pose increasing troop levels in Iraq by 20,000. valries. The President believes the Baghdad to rebuild the country’s infrastructure. The second thought is notable for what it security plan is the most realistic path forward. But here are the facts. Iraq has less omits. The resolution says that this House will I disagree with the President on this point and electricity than it did before the war. fund our soldiers and veterans if they are I have told him so directly. It’s not about the Residents of Baghdad get 41⁄2 hours of there now or if they have been in Iraq before. troop numbers, it’s about their mission. electricity now, one-quarter of what This begs the most important question about The resolution intentionally leaves unan- they expected before the war. our real power as the Congress. swered the question of whether we will fund We were told that oil revenues would What about the five brigades of young the bullets and body armor for troops who are pay the entire cost of the way. But Americans who are now preparing their fami- not there yet but are going. I believe a major- here are the facts. Iraq produces less lies and packing their gear to deploy? Will we ity of this House would vote to equip and sup- oil today than it did before the war. In- buy body armor for them? Will they have ar- port the men and women being sent there, stead of funding the war, oil is turned mored Humvees and trucks and bullets and even if they question the President’s strategy. out at about half the rate it was when night scopes and sleeping bags and chow? The resolution’s silence on this important reas- Saddam was in power. Will they get their combat pay and their family surance to our troops and their families brings The bad news continues. Sky- separation allowances? discredit on this House. rocketing unemployment, decreasing Most of you know that I served in the United I have made my position clear in ways that levels of drinkable water and a security States military. I’m the only woman in the this resolution fails to do. I will seek to provide situation that has deteriorated into a House or Senate who has. Some of you know leadership in this House to address these im- full-blown civil war. that I am married to a man who continues to portant issues and to influence the administra- Now the President wants, in face of serve as a drilling reservist in the Air Force tion to focus on what is vital to America. We the recommendations of experts, to Reserve. A lot of our closest friends in the must adopt strategies, tactics and apply re- send 21,500 more troops into this situa- world still wear the uniform. These are not idle sources to secure those vital interests and tion. Does the President really think questions if you are the parent or the spouse garner the support of the American people for that the surge will stabilize the secu- or the child of a soldier who is being called up doing so. It is for these reasons that I will op- rity system long enough to undo all to do their duty. pose the resolution before us. the failures of the last 4 years? I can- I believe the majority of this House would Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 not honestly believe that this is the support a clear statement that we will fund the minutes to my friend the gentleman best strategy and the collective wis- troops and the mission they are being ordered from Massachusetts (Mr. MEEHAN), who dom of the Department of Defense, of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:25 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE7.010 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1597 the State Department and of the intel- Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank certainty, at a time when our enemies ligence community. my colleague for yielding, and I just are numerous, unpredictable and dan- You know what I see? I see a Presi- wanted to address a point that my gerous, this administration has made dent who seems to be desperate to di- friend from Massachusetts just made. the wrong choice. vert attention away from the missteps, He said that we always need to have I believe this approach damages our away from holding people accountable, up-armored Humvees in any war that military readiness today and damages and to just hold on to Iraq as long as he we enter into. We had at the end of the our ability to prepare for threats in the can and let the next administration Clinton administration about 112, as I future. deal with it. When I watched his recall, up-armored Humvees, only for This war has strained our ability to speech, when I listened to Secretary VIPs and for diplomats. We have today train here at home with functional Gates describe it, I saw nothing that 15,000 up-armored 114s. This is the first equipment. It has strained the ability gave me the impression that the esca- war in our history since the beginning of our services to recruit for the future. lation would do any good in the long of this country in which we have had It has strained our ability to prepare a term. up-armored tactical vehicles. defense budget that can prepare us for When we need to encourage them, With respect to the SAPI vests, that 21st century threats. Shias, Sunnis and Kurds, instead we is, the bulletproof vests and body Every State in this Union, including are alienating. When we need to be armor that our troops wear, we had at Washington State, has National Guard standing up Iraqi security forces so our the end of the Clinton administration units that are depleted. They do not men and women can stand down, in- this many, zero pieces of body armor have the equipment that they need to stead we are undercutting. When we for our troops. We have today over train and are forced to leave equipment need to be engaging Iraq’s neighbors, 400,000 sets. That is enough sets for two in theater, making it harder to do their instead we are on a war path with Iran. sets for everybody who is in theater, job at home. In Washington State, 90 percent of We need to fundamentally change our and everybody has them. approach in Iraq, and this plan is more I have said for the last several years the Army National Guard and 65 per- of the same. if there is anybody who has a son or cent of the Air National Guard have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and I admit that the escalation we are de- daughter who does not have body performed admirably and honorably; bating will accomplish a number of armor who is in theater, call me per- but at home, they only have 55 percent things. It will endanger more American sonally at my office. In the last 2 of their required equipment on hand, lives. It will continue to erode our na- years, I have received zero calls. equipment that is integral to the train- tional security. It will continue around So we have, we feel, the new equip- ing of these Guardsmen. the world to keep America up front in ment, not just up-armored Humvees the war in Iraq, creating more terror- The President’s escalation plan will but body armor, which incidentally is not solve these problems. It will make ists and more insurgents, not less. It very heavy and, to some degree, does will deplete our military’s resources, them worse. The President’s plan will result in some degradation of mobility, not decrease our strategic risk. It will which are already stretched to the but we have put in hundreds of new limit. And this plan will again ask our exacerbate it. systems, weapons and equipment sys- Units at home are struggling just to soldiers and marines to leave their tems, since the year 2000 which have families and return to the war zone meet the training requirements nec- accrued to the benefit of our troops. essary to deploy to Iraq. With this es- that they have just left. I just wanted to set the record I stand here today with a simple mes- calation plan, units at home will suffer straight. I appreciate the gentleman sage: Mr. President, the American peo- as the Army and Marine Corps are for yielding. ple want a policy that changes direc- forced to take more of their equipment Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 to supply the additional brigades going tion. We urge you to rethink this pol- minutes to my colleague, the gen- icy of escalating the war in Iraq. into Iraq, depleting their training op- tleman from Washington (Mr. LARSEN) Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such portunities. who is also a member of the Armed time as she may consume to the gen- Equipment shortages at home are Services Committee. tlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. WIL- what we hear about most, but the war’s Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. SON) to respond. effect on our prepositioned equipment Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman abroad may be as serious a threat. Speaker, I wonder if my colleague from SKELTON for yielding time, and I rise The Army relies on prepositioned Massachusetts, given his comments today certainly in support of this reso- sets of equipment in strategic locations about the resolution and the support lution. around the world. This equipment en- I rise also today in support of a for the troops we are deploying, would sures that our troops are able to deploy strong U.S. military, a military that is join me in a unanimous concept re- at a moment’s notice. A large portion ready to combat terrorists and a mili- quest to amend the resolution to ex- of this equipment has been taken to tary that is ready for the challenges of press our intent and the intent of this support the troop increase, increasing this century. And for these reasons, I House to support those in the U.S. the chance that equipment will not be have to oppose the President’s plan to Armed Forces who are serving and who available in the case of an emerging escalate the war in Iraq and support will serve in Iraq. crisis. Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, if the the resolution before us. I personally have lost confidence in gentlewoman will yield, if I may, we The President’s announcement to add the Iraqi Government to fulfill its com- have supported the troops. In fact, if it 21,500 U.S. troops to Iraq is a step in mitments to the United States. I want were not for this Congress working in a the wrong direction. The American our women and men in the military to bipartisan way with Republicans and public does not want an escalation of know that we have a strategy that is Democrats, we never would have got- the Iraq war, especially without an ex- worthy of their individual actions and ten up-armored Humvees into the field. planation of what we are trying to sacrifice and that they will have the We never would have gotten Kevlar achieve. The President promised a new resources necessary to do their job. But vests. approach, but more troops does not most of all, I am concerned that the equal a new way forward. President’s decisions have led us away b 1410 The United States has a choice. We from our greatest national security Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Re- can stay in Iraq to keep a lid on Iraq’s threat; that is, fighting terrorists who claiming my time, this is exactly my civil war or we can devote enough time will do us harm. point, is the gentleman will not sup- and attention to fighting terrorists Make no mistake, while some of us port those who are deploying, and the wherever they are and securing a mili- support this escalation and some of us resolution does not do so. I thank my tary that is prepared to protect our na- oppose it, all of us can agree on the colleague from Arizona for the time. tional security. need to support our women and men in Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such I choose the latter. At a time when the military, honor their commitment, time as he may consume to the gen- we need to manage our strategic risk and make sure they get the resources tleman from California (Mr. HUNTER). in the face of terrorists and nuclear un- they need to do their jobs.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:25 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.052 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1598 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 I recently heard from a friend of My friend, the former chairman of the Mr. HUNTER. That is inaccurate if mine who, I will conclude with this, committee, just got up and said he has you refer to the historic amount of who served in the Army Reserve in Iraq not gotten any calls lately, but we got body armor that our troops have had. and likely will return. This is what he a lot of calls in in 2003 and 2004 and Mr. HOYER. Reclaiming my time. said. 2005. And today, Chairman MURTHA of Mr. HUNTER. Then I would say, yes, ‘‘Here I am, socially and culturally the Appropriations Committee is say- that is inaccurate. The way the gen- aware of the greater world. I am edu- ing we do not have the armored tleman stated and if he is not going to cated and a father of two beautiful Humvees for these new troops that are qualify it, then that is inaccurate, be- children, children who have not been going to be deployed or in the process cause we have never had body armor touched by war or tragedy. People tell of being deployed. until this war. me I should get out of the military be- Mr. HOYER. Reclaiming my time, is b 1420 cause I have done my part, I don’t need the gentleman asserting that all of the to serve again; but I do because if not So when you come to the floor, my troops who were in Humvees in 2003 and me, then whom? I serve as an instru- friends, debate the substance of this 2004 had armored Humvees or that they ment of the State because I believe in policy, but do not hide behind the had all of the troops deployed in the institution which is the Army and troops, do not assert that anybody on harm’s way, and, by the way, being in in turn with what that institution sup- this floor does not have every intention Iraq is in harm’s way wherever they ports. As an officer, I have a duty to and commitment to supporting to may be, had sufficient body armor? Is provide leadership to those under my whatever degree necessary our young that what the gentleman is asserting? command, and if it means I give my men and women and, as I have said, Mr. HUNTER. The gentleman and I life at the expense of my children and some not so young, who are deployed in are good enough friends, if the gen- all the things I love and hold so dear in harm’s way at the point of the spear. tleman will allow me to make a one- life, then that is what I will have to do. Because no one in this Congress, and sentence answer. I do not seek this action blindly. I am our troops ought to know, that no one The answer is, not since 1776 until cognizant of the dangers inherent in in this Congress will not support them just a few years ago have American soldiering and understand the risks and when they are deployed at the point of troops in Vietnam and Korea and rewards involved. As a soldier, I will al- the spear. World War II, in any war, had what is ways pray for peace, but in a time of Mr. HUNTER. Will the gentleman known as ballistic body armor. It is a war, I am willing to move towards the yield? brand-new thing. And we have got yet sounds of the guns. I will fight for the Mr. HOYER. I will be glad to yield to new systems that we are going to be Army and I will fight for my country, my friend. putting into the field shortly. So they but most importantly, I will fight so Mr. HUNTER. I thank the gentleman don’t have the newest and they didn’t others will not have to experience the for yielding. The point that I made—— have the newest. They now have 400,000 mental anguish and soul-crushing re- Mr. HOYER. I was not referring to sets. But to imply that that lack of ality which is war. For in the end, I you, my friend. I want to make that having them from 1776 to 2000 made know that I can love the Army all I clear. them into some type of an unequipped want, but the Army and this country Mr. HUNTER. I am talking about the force is also not fully true. will never love me back, no matter armor issue. The point that I made is Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman what the sacrifice. I am at peace with the idea of coming to the floor and im- for his observation. But, of course, my this dichotomy.’’ plying that somehow there was bad assertion was not 1776 to 2000; it was We owe my friend and his brothers- faith in this government for not having 2003 and 2004. in-arms the training and equipment he the new body armor that our troops But the point that I will make, and if deserves, and we owe him a national presently have to the tune of 400,000 I can conclude, Mr. Chairman, I appre- strategy that honors our military and sets, that somehow that was a derelic- ciate the time. The point that I wanted our safety. That is why I ask everyone tion of duty is also a disservice, not to make, though, is irrespective of that to vote for H. Con. Res. 63 to show that only to the former Congresses, but also assertion one way or the other, I be- this escalation is a step in the wrong to the former administrations. Because lieve every one of our colleagues, what- direction. the last administration in the year 2000 ever their view on this resolution Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 had zero sets of body armor. might be, all 435 have every intention minutes to the majority leader. Body armor is a new advent, it is a and will in fact do whatever they need Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank new system. We now have hundreds of to protect and promote the safety of the chairman for yielding. I was watch- new systems that we have injected into our men and women in harm’s way. ing this debate from my office, and I the warfighting theater. So the idea And the assertion, I tell my friend, was constrained to come to the floor. that we had a ragtag military moving that was made by the gentlewoman There are legitimate issues raised by across the berm into Iraq is also not from New Mexico that the verbiage of this resolution as to whether or not accurate. this resolution says, because serving, it you support or do not support the esca- And I would hope that the gentleman does not mean those who will serve, ob- lation that has been proposed by the would admonish his colleagues who viously, as soon as they are sent into President. But no one ought to hide become to the floor who imply that our theater, they are serving in Iraq and hind the troops. No one ought to come people went across that berm they are covered by this resolution. to this floor and say that this Con- unequipped is also not accurate. I There ought to be no confusion on that gress, 435 of us, will not support what- thank the gentleman for yielding. issue by anybody on the floor or any- ever soldier or sailor or marine is de- Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman body who might be listening to this deployed to Iraq. Whether it is today or for his observation. I am not sure the bate. tomorrow, they will have our support. gentleman and I agree. I am not an ex- Mr. HUNTER. Will the gentleman And when we say in this resolution pert in this area; I do not serve on the yield one last time? they are serving, it means if they are subcommittee or the committee. But Mr. HOYER. I will be glad to yield to serving, if the Commander in Chief has the information that I have is that the my friend. sent them there, we will support them. troops that we sent in 2003 and 2004 on Mr. HUNTER. I thank the gentleman And very frankly, for my friend from the ground did not have sufficient for yielding. And let me say to my New Mexico to come to this floor and quantities of body armor for each one friend, and I listened to the gentle- make the representation that somehow of them. Now, that may be inaccurate, woman’s discussion. The gentlewoman we have limited that support to those and if the gentleman thinks that asser- is a very careful Member of Congress, who currently are on the ground is not tion is inaccurate I would be glad to and she looked at the words and she an honest representation, in my opin- yield. asked the question: Does this include, ion. Mr. HUNTER. My point is to the gen- because it appeared that it refers, the There are those of us who disagree as tleman. equipage language refers to people who to what supporting the troops means. Mr. HOYER. Is that inaccurate? are presently there but does exclude,

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And her worry, lions, fiercely defending our people, fe- refugee exodus into Jordan and Syria and I think it was a sincere concern, is rocious in the face of enemy.’’ and the surrounding regions. that people who may be sent by the You know, unfortunately, this non- My friends, should we lose our re- President in the future may end up see- binding resolution is a political whim- solve, it is likely death squads will ing a cutoff of funds, of supplies, O&M per rather than a roar of support for roam and will become immediately dollars, as a result of this Congress. our troops. The language undermines more emboldened and more murderous, So if the gentleman is assuring us our battlefield plans, it fails to offer and what is now referred to as violence that that is not going to happen, I any alternatives, it offers no hope, en- in Baghdad will quickly regress into think that is good news to the gentle- courages no victory, and contains no mass killings. woman from New Mexico. solutions. Mr. Speaker, genocide is what caused Mr. HOYER. Reclaiming my time, I Mr. Speaker, this resolution is a our involvement in the Clinton admin- am glad that it is good news. I will re- cruel message to our brave soldiers on istration to put us into Bosnia. Eventu- peat: No one in this Congress, not the front lines and it undermines their ally the cry from mass slaughter of in- Chairman SKELTON or Chairman MUR- fighting spirit and their morale. It nocent civilians in Baghdad could THA or any Member on this side, will pushes for an abrupt exit to Iraq, side- cause us to reenter Iraq. We need to take any action that will put at risk steps the dire consequences of leaving take responsibility, all of us, for our the men and women whom we have Iraq, not just of the country but of the words and our actions. We need to un- placed at the point of the spear in people. derstand the effect this flawed resolu- harm’s way. I make that representa- On a recent trip to Baghdad I was tion has on the morale of our soldiers tion to you, that assertion, and I make stunned by the honorable Iraqi families overseas, and the effect it will have on it as strongly as I can possibly make it. who live in the Sunni-Shia fault line the desires of our allies to team with neighborhoods, families who have lived This is about a policy, a policy as to us in the future. whether or not we ought to send 21,000 together despite ethnic differences and Finally, we need to take responsi- additional people. And as the gentle- religious differences. These are neigh- bility, all of us, for the encouragement woman from New Mexico said she her- borhoods that are a model for religious this resolution gives to our enemies. self has great reservations about that tolerance. Can you imagine enduring I was up in Bilad recently with Gen- policy, but rationalizes voting against religious bigotry and living peacefully eral McCrystal. After a long briefing the resolution which opposes that pol- alongside a different Muslim sect, and and discussion, we were ready to depart yet in exchange for your moderation icy on an assertion that I think was the region and General McCrystal said and understanding your family is hunt- not correct. And if she wanted that to me, You know, tell the folks back ed, you are forced to move by armed clarification, I am glad that I could home that I am going to stay and fight militia at gunpoint, and these are the give it to her. I thank the gentleman. until somebody makes me leave. same radicals that pursue and round up I thank the gentleman for yielding. General McCrystal, today we are try- your husbands and your sons and tor- Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate ing to stop that from happening until ture them and kill them? the dialogue, and I thank the gen- your work is done. tleman from California. I yield myself b 1430 Mr. Speaker, the American people such time as I may consume. And then you are left as a single must demand that the authors of this I also could benefit from the wisdom mother in downtown Baghdad with resolution tell us what their better of the gentleman from Maryland. In de- children, and all you have to hold on to plan is for al Anbar province. Tell us fense of my neighbor from New Mexico, is a fledgling government and Amer- what your better plan is for the tribal she articulately pointed out that the ican soldiers, these same American sol- authorities who have just joined us in resolution also talks about the fact diers that are already deployed and the fight against al Qaeda in our na- that the flawed language in this resolu- being sent and are already on their way tional interests. Tell us, my colleagues, tion, and I quote, says that Congress to Baghdad to protect your home and explain to me the consequences of disapproves of deploying more than your children’s future. And yet this withdrawing from downtown Baghdad 20,000 additional United States combat morning you awake in Baghdad, you and the slaughter that that could have troops to Iraq. await the news of politicians in Wash- on the tens of thousands of innocent Certainly you do not disapprove of ington arguing about taking away this families. the several thousand troops that will little bit of security that you have. Tell me what we say to the Salva- be sent to al-Anbar province. I mean, And if you can’t imagine that, and a dorans serving with us on the Iraq-Ira- after all, that is where we are engaging lot us have traveled together who have nian border if we are about to leave al Qaeda, the folks who attacked us. I been to the Iran-Iraq border, go with that border unguarded. Please explain mean, after all, that is where the gen- me to al-Kut, where we are developing to me how this measure of discourage- erals are asking for those several thou- evidence of Iran’s active engagement in ment, this flawed resolution, doesn’t sand troops. exporting weapons and money and sup- affect the performance and the morale So you throw out a number of 20,000 port for radical Islamists. Could the of our troops. Please tell me how this troops. Not all of them are going to news be true that the Americans are political debate doesn’t weaken the re- downtown Baghdad. Many of them are talking about leaving the border, about solve of our country to win, to endure, going to al-Anbar. A funny thing about leaving the several hundred El Salva- and to prevail. al-Anbar province and Fallujah. The doran and multinational forces that Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 tribal authorities in that area who are serving there with us? Those are minutes to my colleague, a fellow were with al Qaeda have now turned the El Salvadorans from our own hemi- member of the Armed Services Com- against al Qaeda. They are looking to sphere. These are the El Salvadorans mittee, the gentlelady from California join the American forces. They are that survived death squads in their (Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ). looking to take advantage of this new own country. These are the El Salva- Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- enthusiasm, this new troop deploy- dorans who will return home. And what fornia. ment. will they say about America? Did we Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support Certainly when you put down 20,000 leave too soon? Did we leave that bor- of this resolution and in opposition to troops, you don’t mean the 4,000 or der unguarded? Did we turn it over to the President’s decision to send more 5,000 going to fight al Qaeda that at- the Iranians? Did we allow that little of our troops to Iraq. tacked us. Do you? Because that por- city called al-Kut to revert back to the I was against this war from the tion of the resolution is flawed. city named ‘‘Little Teheran’’? onset. On October 10, 2002, I was one of

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The President fails to and deployed military forces on our tion bill to give our troops what they grasp that military action alone is not homeland or around the world, in all need to achieve their mission. sufficient to stabilize Iraq. And with- those years, in that entire history of So here we are, more than 4 years out a legitimate diplomatic compo- the United States, we never had body later, and what do we have to show for nent, there will be no end to the civil armor. I never had body armor in Viet- this war? Violence in Iraq continues to war in Iraq. But the President has re- nam. Nobody ever saw it. We had no skyrocket. This past December was the fused to engage the powers in the re- body armor in Korea. We had no body deadliest month for Iraqi civilians gion. He has outright rejected the no- armor in World War II, except perhaps since the war began. tion of dialogue with Iran and Syria, a in very, very specialized operations Over the course of this war, 45,000 to key suggestion from the Iraq Study where perhaps specialized custom-made 65,000 Iraqi civilians have lost their Group. It is not the role of Congress to body armor, that is, bulletproof armor lives, maybe more; we really don’t command our forces. That is the con- would be manufactured for some spe- know, because nobody is counting here stitutional responsibility given to the cial forces teams or special operations. in America. And over 3,000 brave Amer- Commander in Chief. But he has to do Now, I have in front of me a compari- ican troops, men and women in our it right. And we have to hold him ac- son. This comparison is between a sol- Armed Forces, have lost their lives. My countable for our failures in Iraq. dier in 1999, at the end of the last ad- home State of California sends the As Commander-in-Chief, that responsibility ministration and the equipment that most to the services. We alone have is up to President Bush. he has, and a soldier today. Now, as lost 325 men and women in Iraq, and we The President must be frank with Congress you can see, this is a soldier in 1999. He have sustained about 2,500 injuries to and with the American people, and admit that has a number of accessories. In fact, he our military personnel, more than any the strategy in Iraq to date has been a com- has an M–16; he has a flak jacket; he other State in the United States. plete failure. has gloves; he has load-carrying equip- And Iraqis have paid the price. Our The President must come up with a new ment; he has protective goggles. He military, their families; the families of strategy to stabilize the situation in Iraq, one does have a night vision device. He has our military are the ones sacrificing in that ends with the redeployment of our troops also got a helmet and accessories that this war. They have paid the price, and home. What is his plan? can be utilized when he is in combat. My message for the President is this: our country has paid the price for this Now, the soldier today has a lot The voters have told you, Mr. President, President’s war. more. That soldier has, for example, in- that they have had enough of your failed strat- Yet Iraq is less secure than ever, stead of an M–16, he has an M–4 car- egy in Iraq. bine. He has now body armor, including even before the President’s ‘‘mission And today, Mr. President, this Congress is an outer tactical vest body armor. He accomplished’’ declaration. There is no telling you that we too have had enough of has enhanced small arms protective in- functioning infrastructure, no banking your failed strategy in Iraq. system, zero economic stability. Iraq is Our troops deserve more from you. You serts, called SAPI plates. He has del- not secure, Baghdad is not secure. The have ignored the American people’s wishes. toid auxillary protection and side Iraq Study Group reported that the You have ignored the Iraq Study Group’s rec- plates. He has knee pads. He has more President’s strategy in Iraq is failing. ommendations. sophisticated aiming equipment and It is failing. Today, I hope you will not ignore this Con- night vision equipment than his coun- And how does our President respond? gress. I hope you will not send any more of terpart of just a couple of years ago. With more of the same. He wants to our Armed Forces into harm’s way, until you My point is that whenever new sys- send 21,500 more of our men and women have a plan to win. tems are introduced into the force, and into Iraq to carry out the same failure. Our military is the strongest and most capa- the first thousand or so systems or sev- The President has failed to articulate ble in the world, but they cannot continue to eral thousand systems go into the force what these new troops will do that is be overextended and asked to participate in and a battalion or even a brigade has different from what has been done over your failing strategy. those pieces of equipment, you can by the past few years. What is his plan? Mr. President, I ask you to listen to the definition say that everybody else that Four surges? Four surges that didn’t American people, the Iraq Study Group, and doesn’t have them is now deficient in work. He wants to do it again? this Congress. equipment. But, in fact, they are not And believe me, sitting on the Armed We are telling you clearly that we do not deficient in equipment. This point was Services Committee, I have been here want you to send any more troops to partici- made by a leader in the 101st Airborne to see it. I was the one in the first few pate in a failing strategy. It is your responsi- who pointed out that one of his battal- months who told General Franks, this bility as the Commander-in-Chief, to come up ions that they looked at, which was is an insurgency, it is guerrilla war- with an actual plan to stabilize Iraq and begin rated the top level of readiness, that is fare. He refused to call it that. I was bringing our troops home to their families. C–1 readiness, ready to go, ready to the one that went to Iraq when General Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield fight, in 1999. If you took all of the new Odierno told me there were only 359 in- myself such time as I may consume. equipment that troops have today and surgents left, that we were almost ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE put that new equipment on as a re- there, while the day before, his boss, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. quirement for that same battle-ready Abizaid, had said he thought there CROWLEY). Will the gentleman suspend battalion in 1999, they would be ren- were about 5,000. That was 2 years ago. momentarily. dered C–4, or unready for battle by defi- I was there when Secretary Rumsfeld The Chair will remind all persons in nition because they don’t have the new was saying we have trained 89,000; 2 the gallery that they are here as guests equipment. days later, 95,000; a week later, 160,000 of the House and that any manifesta- So I think one thing we need to do, Iraqi Army. This was 2 years ago. Just tion of approval or disapproval of pro- as we lean on the Army, the Marine pulling numbers out of the air, that is ceedings or other audible conversation Corps, and the other services to move what they were doing to America. is in violation of the rules of the equipment into the field quickly, let’s And I was there in Iraq the day that House. not penalize them, and when they move General Petraeus, who was successful The gentleman from California may the first several thousand sets into the in Mosul, and then Mosul fell because proceed. field, let’s not say, Congratulations, he pulled his troops from there to Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, thank you’ve just rendered on paper the rest Fallujah, and to try to take Fallujah. you, and I wanted to take this couple of your units unready because they And he said to me with tears in his of minutes to expand on my conversa- don’t have the new stuff you’re moving eyes, We couldn’t hold Mosul because tion with the majority leader. in. That will have a chilling effect on

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Don’t look at the bullets that equipment to the field. who had warned against doing exactly are flying here at you, because if you I wanted to just make that point. what we are doing today when he said do you are going to die on this beach What I would like to do at this point this: ‘‘Do not have efforts that end in and you are going to lose everything is yield as much time as he may con- the production of nothing but paper, you believed in. sume to the gentleman from Virginia but we must contrive to produce ac- What he told them to do, he said, (Mr. FORBES). tion, not paper, if our goal is victory, Look at that hill. We have got to take Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise this not defeat.’’ that hill. He said, Rangers, lead the afternoon among a sea of voices that I way. Americans, lead the way. You b 1450 quickly confess I do not understand. know what? They took that hill, and Now, some of them are my friends and Mr. Speaker, they described how they won the greatest military victory some of them are very good people and when General Eisenhower, one of the in the history of this country. As a re- I don’t want to make any mistake most beloved generals of our time, sult, they saved the world. about it. I understand the pressures when he was strategizing that great vi- Mr. Speaker, I hope and I pray that they are under. I understand what it is sion, his own generals disagreed with we will continue to birth voices that like when you have major news media him on many issues. In fact, some of say don’t look down, don’t look at the outlets who will not even take individ- them threatened to quit because there mistakes, look at that hill. We have uals who attack innocent civilians in were different strategies. Some said got to take this hill, and we have got the United States and destroy our don’t go today, some said go today, to save the world from this threat of property and they won’t even call them some said do it a different way. terrorism that so threatens us. terrorists. I understand the pressure But then as they watched that inva- Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, may I when they control much of the media sion, greatest victory of all times, let inquire about the time that has been that we get across the country. me tell you what happened early that consumed and the time remaining, I also understand what it is like, Mr. morning. Our airborne men, some of please? Speaker, when we have Web sites that them were dropped into the flooded The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- are filled with hate, that spew poison lowlands, and they drowned without a tleman from Missouri has 3 hours, 3 out throughout all of our congressional bullet ever being fired on them because minutes remaining. The gentleman districts, and I understand the pressure we dropped them in the wrong places. from California has 3 hours and 4 min- that we get when we have people who Some of them were dropped in the utes remaining. don’t want to listen but simply want to midst of German positions, and they Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield scream, who stand outside and protest were captured or they were killed. myself such time as I may consume. at our offices. I understand those pres- Less than a half of the 82nd Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to note sures. What I don’t understand is the Airborne’s gliders ever reached their that this debate is about so many response that I am seeing here today assigned landing fields. By early morn- things other than the resolution that is on this floor. ing, 4,000 men of the 82nd and 60 per- before us. Simple, straightforward, in Just a few years ago, I had the privi- cent of their equipment was unac- plain English language, two points. lege of traveling with then Speaker counted for. The first is, we in this Congress fully DENNY HASTERT to the 60th anniver- The high seas that day swamped support those wonderful young men sary of one of the greatest military many of our boats, and we lost our ra- and women in uniform. achievements the United States has dios in the bottom of the sea, and only Secondly, we do not agree with the ever seen, and that was the invasion of three out of 16 of our bulldozers sur- addition of 21,500 troops into Iraq. That Normandy. Almost every historian vived. But what was worse, in the first is what we ought to be debating. agrees it was the battle that literally 4 minutes we had 97 percent casualties I listened to my good friend from Vir- saved the world. It was of particular on that beach. The Germans were elat- ginia speak of Normandy, I was there importance to me because my dad had ed. with him. I saw my friend, Dr. Tommy died just a few months before and he Mr. Speaker, as I have listened to MacDonnell, with a worn Purple Heart was there during World War II. Mr. this debate, I could only think what and a Cluster and his Silver Star in his Speaker, I sat that day in the sun would happen if the leadership control- uniform that day. Great memories, among a sea of heroes who didn’t come ling this floor had been on the com- great American victory. But what in up to the microphone and pound the mand ships sitting off of Omaha Beach, the world is the debate involving other desk and they didn’t speak in shrill because you and I know what would battles, other days, other conditions, voices. They sat with quiet silence behave happened. One by one, they would when we ought to be talking about cause they had done the hard work and could came up to the podium, they this? This is a simple, straightforward they had literally saved the world. And would have grabbed a microphone, they debate. after that ceremony, I had the honor of would have pounded, and they would Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to my just walking with them, in the same have looked at all the things that hap- friend and colleague, the gentleman presence with them, as we walked down pened. At the end of all that, do you from Georgia, a member of the Armed on the beach at Omaha Beach and know what it would have resulted in? Services Committee (Mr. MARSHALL). stood there literally speechless as the It would have had a note that they Mr. MARSHALL. I thank the gen- military historians first told us that would have passed to the 29th Division, tleman. that was a victory that didn’t nec- and those young boys on that beach, Mr. Speaker, we are debating today a essarily have to be a victory, that we some of them 17, 18, 19 years old, who nonbinding resolution to disapprove could have easily lost that battle. And were hunkered down on that beach in the Iraqi-American military surge in if we had lost Omaha Beach, we would the sand, some of them paralyzed with Baghdad. We do so knowing Congress have lost that invasion. If we had lost fear not knowing what to do. That note cannot manage a war, let alone micro- that invasion, Germany would have would have said, we love you, we sup- manage one. We do so knowing the signed a treaty and Europe would have port you, we just want to let you know surge has begun, and we will continue looked much different than it looks we disagree with the action that you despite our debate and vote. We do so today. are taking. We don’t know what to tell hoping our debate will not discourage And they told us about the guns that you, we just disagree with the action those called upon to execute the surge, were pointed up and down Omaha that got you here. but we also do so knowing that it Beach, huge cannons and the machine But fortunately, that was not the might. guns locked on the front that created leadership that governed that day. The Mr. Speaker, that is enough for me to virtually killing fields for our young leadership that governed that day was oppose the resolution. I will vote ‘‘no’’ men that would have to come on that people like Brigadier General Cota who on the anti-surge resolution, despite beachhead. went up and down that beach and he the fact that for 3 years now I have

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:38 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.060 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1602 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 consistently contended that we should so many others who have fought for us rity and stability in a region of the have fewer troops in Iraq, not more. in Iraq and elsewhere. I am a good bit world that we can ill afford to abandon. Clearly, the surge is inconsistent with older. It has been 40 years since I was As a member of the Armed Services my general view with how to make our in combat. When I look back at com- Committee, I know about the pressure effort in Iraq sustainable and winnable. bat, I remember the things that I on our active duty and National Guard But the anti-surge resolution is akin failed. I forget the things that went and Reserve soldiers. They lack enough to sitting on the sidelines booing in the particularly well. equipment and training. They are expe- middle of our own team’s play because Don’t fail, do as well as you can. riencing multiple or extended deploy- we don’t like the coach’s call. I cannot Don’t be discouraged by this debate, ments and limited time at home be- join mid-play naysaying that might and we will continue to have additional tween deployments. But to be success- discourage even one of those engaged debates. There will be laws, et cetera, ful our men and women must be prop- in this current military effort in Bagh- passed. Just do your duty as best you erly trained, equipped, and ready to de- dad. can. ploy worldwide quickly. To those soldiers and marines who Shortfalls in personnel, equipment, b 1500 are engaged, I would say the following. or training increases the risk to our Don’t be discouraged by this debate Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speak- troops and to their mission. In short, and vote. It is birthed by the very de- er, I yield myself 6 minutes. this administration’s policies have mocracy that you are defending. If you Mr. Speaker, I want to also acknowl- brought us to the point where we not are successful, Iraqis may one day edge Mr. MARSHALL and the powerful only cannot sustain an escalation in enjoy the same right to debate and sentiments he just shared with all of Iraq, but also we are not fully prepared vote like we are debating and voting. If us. Mr. Speaker, this debate is long for other contingencies. they do, they may well look back at overdue. It is our first extended and But that is not the only reason I op- you as having birthed that right for substantive debate on the war in Iraq pose the escalation. I do not think the them. since Congress gave the President the President’s rationale for it makes Nearly 40 years ago, I was a grunt authority to invade more than 4 years sense, no matter our readiness levels. platoon sergeant in Vietnam, a kid who ago. The just-released National Intelligence dropped out of college and enlisted spe- But if we do nothing more than de- Estimate on Iraq agrees that the term cifically to go to Vietnam. And at the bate the President’s escalation plan, ‘‘civil war’’ accurately describes what very time that I was fighting insur- we will not keep faith with the Amer- is happening in Iraq, and suggests that gents in Vietnam, our country was torn ican people who rightly expect this new the conflict may in fact be worse than by antiwar protests and debate. I didn’t Congress to bring our costly involve- a civil war. worry about that. You should not ei- ment in Iraq to a close. And while the Putting more Americans at risk is ther. I didn’t let it discourage me. You resolution before us is largely symbolic not a recipe for victory. And as a new should not let it discourage you. You and nonbinding, it can be, I think it Foreign Relations Council report should simply do your duty and be should be, the opening part of a longer, notes, we bear responsibility for devel- proud of the fact that you have done it. thoughtful debate about our long-term opments within Iraq, but are increas- Do it to the best of your ability. national interests not only Iraq but the ingly without the ability to shape I made tons of mistakes, failed many, entire Middle East. those developments in a positive direc- many times to do what I should have So this resolution is a start. And I tion. done. But do what you can to discharge will vote for it because I agree with the So what should be the way forward? your duty on behalf of the country and message it sends. The resolution ex- For one, I believe a reduction of mili- let others, the President and the Con- presses disapproval of the President’s tary forces in Iraq and a phased rede- gress, debate what that duty actually sending more troops to Iraq, an action ployment of our Armed Forces to bor- is. There are legitimate differences of that is contrary to the wise advice of der regions like Anbar and the Kurdish opinion in the United States among the the Iraq Study Group, critical members areas of Iraq would be effective. That leadership concerning the best way for- of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and experi- can give us flexibility to act militarily ward in Iraq, how to get to the best enced military commanders like in Iraq if necessary, but will also in- possible result. Don’t worry about that. former Secretary of State Colin Pow- crease the pressure on the Iraqi Gov- No doubt you have your own ideas. I ell. ernment to move toward political rec- certainly did when I was in Vietnam. The President’s escalation is most onciliation. While in combat in Vietnam, I was con- likely too small to be effective, and I do not think an immediate with- vinced that the tactics that we were adopting new counterinsurgency tac- drawal of American forces or setting a using needed to be dramatically tics comes 2 years too late. The resolu- date certain for withdrawal makes changed. But, nevertheless, I continued tion, in my opinion, represents the cor- sense, but neither does an open-ended to do the best I could as I was in- rect response to these facts. It ex- commitment for American blood and structed to do. presses support for our brave men and treasure. And as bad as the situation is I gave a eulogy for Sergeant Victor women in uniform, but disagreement in Iraq, we must work to avoid a col- Anderson of the Georgia National with the policy of military escalation. lapse in the region. Not only because Guard about 2 years ago, 39 years old, Mr. Speaker, as we speak here today, we have a moral obligation to the peo- disqualified because of diabetes when the death toll in Iraq rises, and the war ple of Iraq, but also because our na- the National Guard was called up. He continues to drain our national Treas- tional security has been badly com- fought his disqualification, he went to ury, stretch our Armed Forces, and promised by the Bush administration’s Iraq. weaken our capacity to effectively failures. The week before he died, hit by an counter Islamic terrorism. Congress We should adopt the main policy rec- IED, he saw some of his men killed. He needs to send the message that things ommendations of the Iraq Study sent an e-mail back to his family. In must change. Group, including stronger efforts of di- that e-mail, he explained this, people I opposed the Bush administration’s plomacy in the region. It is not in the ask me why I fight. I do not fight for decision to go to war in Iraq, and I interests of any nation to have Iraq de- some ideology. I fight for that man to have never once regretted that vote. scend into further civil war and chaos. my left and the one to my right. They But today we must focus on the future. As challenging as diplomacy is in the are men of their honor. When called, We cannot move the clock back, but we Middle East, I believe the sacrifice of they responded and did their duty. need to avoid making a bad situation our soldiers demand that we engage in They did not run away. If you believe worse. We should not be scaling up our serious regional talks, including those in nothing else, believe in them. military mission in Iraq, we should be with our adversaries Syria and Iran. It is that kind of spirit that I hope scaling back. We need to make the U.S. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am convinced you have. I hope, in fact, that I can military footprint lighter, not in order we must reach for bipartisanship in look at you when you come back from to hasten defeat or failure in Iraq, but crafting our policy in Iraq. Mr. Speak- Iraq and be as proud of you as I am of to salvage a critical measure of secu- er, the stakes in Iraq are very high.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:38 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.062 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1603 The outcome in this region will have equipment, or training increase the risk to our Iraq, but I will also offer proposals that are consequences for future generations troops and to their mission. By all measure- aimed at finding common ground. I will be in- that will long outlive those of us who ments, we are not in a position to sustain an troducing legislation that looks beyond the are in Congress today. escalation of troops. ‘‘surge’’ and toward the necessary and inevi- Great leaders acknowledge mistakes, But I don’t believe the President’s rationale table contingency planning that will be needed learn and chart a new course. For the for the ‘‘surge’’ makes sense, no matter our if we are to avoid deeper and more cata- sake of future generations and to keep readiness levels. The just-released National strophic scenarios in Iraq and the region. faith with the generations that built Intelligence Estimate on Iraq agrees that the Mr. Speaker, the stakes in Iraq are very America, let us be a Nation of great term ‘‘civil war’’ accurately describes aspects high. The outcome in this region will have con- leaders. of the Iraq conflict and goes further in sug- sequences for future generations that will long Mr. Speaker, this is the first significant de- gesting that the conflict may in fact, be more outlive those of us who are in Congress today. bate we have had on the war in Iraq since complicated and worse than a civil war. Put- Great leaders acknowledge mistakes, learn, Congress passed the President’s request for ting more American troops at risk in this kind and chart a new course. For the sake of future an authorization to invade Iraq more than four of setting is not a recipe for victory; it is only generations and to keep faith with the genera- years ago. And even though our debate today a prescription for quagmire. As a new Foreign tions that built America, let us be a Nation of is on a largely symbolic question—a non-bind- Relations Council report notes, we bear re- great leaders. ing resolution disapproving the President’s an- sponsibility for developments within Iraq, but Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield nounced plan for moving additional troops to are increasingly without the ability to shape such time as he may consume to the Iraq—I believe it ought to serve as the begin- those developments in a positive direction. gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. ning of a deeper and more thoughtful debate So what should be the way forward? How SAXTON). about our long-term national interests in the should Congress respond? Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank Middle East, and Iraq. I believe a policy aimed at escalating diplo- the gentleman for yielding me time. If all we do is debate the wisdom of a surge, matic and political efforts is preferable to one First, let me begin by saying that I have observed several speakers here we will not keep faith with the American peo- that continues to rely on our soldiers to carry during this debate who I am sure in ple, who rightly expect this new Congress to the heavy burden of nation-building—a mis- good faith made the representations bring our costly involvement in the Iraq war to sion that soldiers are ill-equipped for without that they did, that the short-term re- a close. strong international support, particularly in the deployment or surge was not a rec- Nevertheless, I will support this resolution midst of civil war and sectarian violence. That disapproving the president’s call for additional ommendation of the Iraq Study Group. is why I favor a reduction of military forces in This is a copy of the report of the troops in Iraq because it runs contrary to the Iraq, and a phased redeployment of our armed Iraq Study Group. On page 73 there is a wise advice of the Iraq Study Group (the forces to border regions in places like Anbar discussion of increasing troop levels in Baker-Hamilton Commission), critical members province and the Kurdish areas of Iraq, which Iraq. And the Iraq Study Group did in of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and experienced should give us some flexibility to respond mili- fact suggest that a substantial increase military commanders like former Secretary of tarily should circumstances require it, but will of 100,000 or 200,000 troops would likely State, Colin Powell, on the best strategic ap- also increase the pressure on the Iraqi gov- be not a good idea. proach in Iraq. The President’s plan calls for ernment to move toward political reconciliation However, they say this, and I quote. an infusion of additional soldiers—probably too and stability. ‘‘We could, however, support a short- few to have the desired outcome—and uti- I do not believe an immediate withdrawal of term redeployment or surge of Amer- lizing counterinsurgency tactics that are two American forces or setting a date certain for ican combat forces to stabilize Bagh- years too late and that I believe will be ineffec- withdrawal makes sense, but neither does an dad, or to speed up the training and tive in the context of the civil war that has open-ended commitment of American blood equipping mission if the U.S. com- emerged in Iraq. and treasure. mander in Iraq determines that such We are also expecting General David As bad as the situation is in Iraq, however, steps would be effective.’’ Petraeus and our troops to operate under a we must work to avoid a collapse in the re- And so I would say to my friends that complicated joint command structure with Iraqi gion—not only because we have a moral obli- is in fact the case. And so I hope that forces and political leaders that is unprece- gation to the people of Iraq, but also because that puts that matter to rest. Mr. dented in our military history and undermines our national security has been so badly com- Speaker, this resolution, I suspect, has the ‘‘unity of command’’ rule in warfare. And promised by the Bush Administration’s failures been drawn up as a well-meaning reso- all this comes at a time when the death toll in there. The President’s decision to take the Na- lution. There have been some sugges- Iraq is rising and the war continues to drain tion to war has made our country less safe. tions here today that it is political in our national treasury, stretches our armed We need to change course and chart a path nature. I do not know if that is true. forces, and decreases—rather than en- that enhances our national security and sets But I would hope that it is a good, hances—our ability to wage an effective war the right priorities for the war on terrorism and well-meaning resolution. against Islamic terrorism. Even as we debate struggle against extremists. I have been here now for well over 20 a ‘‘surge’’ in Iraq, we should not forget Af- To do this, I believe Congress should pass years, I am in my 23rd year. I have ghanistan. We will win there if we redouble a resolution that embodies the main policy ele- learned a lot about the House. This is a our efforts now. ments of the Baker-Hamilton Commission, in- great system. We do great work here. I opposed the Bush Administration’s deci- cluding a call for stronger efforts at diplomacy And we usually do it right. Sometimes sion to go to war in Iraq and I have never in the region and internationally. It is not in the we make mistakes. once regretted that vote. Today, we cannot interests of any nation to have Iraq descend On many issues we make corrections move the clock back, but we can surely avoid into further civil war and chaos. As challenging to those mistakes. When we pass tax making a bad situation worse. We should not as diplomacy is in the Middle East, I believe bills, months later or a year later we be scaling up our military mission in Iraq—we the sacrifice of our soldiers demands that we will make some technical corrections should be scaling back. We need to make the engage in serious regional talks, including to the tax bill, because we did not do it U.S. military footprint lighter—not in order to talks with our adversaries, Syria and Iran. quite right. In many other cases, if we hasten defeat or failure in Iraq, but to salvage Finally, I believe we must reach for biparti- spend too much money in an appropria- a critical measure of security and stability in a sanship in crafting our policy in Iraq. The tions bill this year, we can come back region of the world that we can ill afford to President misguidedly took us into war on the and reduce it in a future year. abandon. eve of a bitter national election. We must try But I would suggest to my friends I say this as a Member of the Armed Serv- hard not to compound this error by turning a who support this resolution that it is a ices Committee who understands the pres- debate on Iraq into a partisan game of one- start down a road; it is a start down a sures on our active duty and National Guard upmanship where legitimate disagreement road that at some point could have dis- and reserve soldiers, including a lack of equip- with the Administration’s plan for escalation is astrous effects. So we want to make ment and training, multiple or extended de- called a betrayal of our troops or where resist- sure, I am sure you want to make sure, ployments, and limited time at home between ance to immediate withdrawal is called war- that you get this right. I would like to deployments. To be successful, U.S. forces mongering. walk you through some reasons why I must be trained, equipped, and ready to quick- For my part, I intend to speak out loudly and think that this takes us in the wrong ly deploy worldwide. Shortfalls in personnel, often for a responsible withdrawal strategy in direction.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:38 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.063 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1604 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 In fact, there is a bunch of evidence hearted Americans, in 1992 and 1993, we said, because this is a great country, to point to the fact that the enemy is decided to save the starving Somalis, and because I want my family to have watching what we are doing, that they and we initiated Operation Restore the same opportunities I have had. have learned from our past mistakes, Hope. In May 1993, the U.N. assumed This is my son Marty and his wife and that they are in fact hoping that the mission from the U.S. as an inter- and their little gal, my granddaughter this resolution passes, for some fairly national mission. In October of 1993 the Allie. This is my daughter, Jen, this is obvious reasons. Let me go through battle for Mogadishu took place. Eight- Kate, and this is Jacqueline. four case studies that we have made een Americans were killed. The U.S. I will admit the artist got a little about similar situations. stops operations against Aidid, and in carried away because they made a First, a situation in Lebanon. Leb- March, 1995, both U.S. and U.N. forces montage out of this picture and they anon was a wonderful country. It was a withdraw. It was later confirmed that put my grandchildren on here two or democracy. It had a Parliament. Had al Qaeda supported Aidid’s militia. three times each. But I will tell you Christians and Muslims living together There is evidence that the U.S. with- what, if we go down this road to the sharing power. In the middle 1970s, drawal inspired bin Laden’s first bomb- point where we can’t correct a mis- things began to change. The big change ing of the World Trade Center. The take, I wonder what the future is going was that fundamentalist Islam came to Islamist fundamentalists filled the to be for my family and for your fam- town and Hezbollah came to town. void once again. ily. b 1510 Let me move to my fourth case And so this resolution today is an study, the Israeli withdrawal, again, important one. It may be only 97 words And in 1975, a war erupted, which has from Lebanon. Preceding the Israeli in- or whatever it is, and it may have only been called a civil war. There was the vasion in 1982 the PLO was conducting two statements in it, but we are headed emergence of multi-sided militia attacks on Israel from south Lebanon. down a road, and it is a dangerous one, groups, sectarian violence and civilian In 1982, Israeli forces invaded southern in my opinion. massacres. Sounds familiar. Lebanon in response to an assassina- Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speak- In 1982, the U.N. sent in a multi-nation attempt by Abu Nidal against er, at this time I yield 5 minutes to my tional force to try to quell the vio- Israel’s ambassador to the U.K. After friend and colleague, the gentleman lence. And on October 23, 1983 the Ma- attacking PLO, Syrian and Muslim from the great State of Oklahoma (Mr. rine barracks was bombed by Hezbollah Lebanese forces, Israel occupied south- BOREN), a member of the Armed Serv- with the support of Iran. The best de- ern Lebanon. ices Committee. scription of it I have heard or read If you want to read a great account Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise comes from a description by some Navy of this, read the book entitled ‘‘Be- today in support of our men and SEALs who were sleeping in their cause They Hate.’’ It is a book written women in uniform, and in support of bunker on the beach, not in the bar- by a Christian woman by the name of this resolution. racks. And the magnitude of the explo- Brigitte Gabriel, who is now living in Nearly 230,000 Americans are cur- sion, to hear them describe it, was the U.S., and she tells the story of liv- rently deployed to the Middle East something to behold. And it shocked ing in a bunker, living in a bunker fighting the war on terrorism. Three America. And in 1984 we withdrew our until the war was over, not a nice thing thousand of those are from my home Marines. The remainder of the peace- to do. State of Oklahoma. These men and keeping force was gone by April of 1984. In 1982 to 1984, the multi-national women are fighting for their country, There was no serious U.S. retaliation peacekeeping force came to Lebanon. not as Democrats or as Republicans, for the Beirut bombing. The civil war The PLO withdrawal in 1982 is replaced but as Americans. continued until 1990. Hezbollah by a strengthening of Hezbollah. In I was not in Congress nearly 4 years emerged from a loose coalition of Shia 1985, Israel moves to the security zone ago when the war in Iraq began, but in groups and, with Iranian assistance, in southern Lebanon. And in 2000, the 2 years since I have served here I quickly grew into a strong fighting Israel withdraws. have not once encountered a colleague force in Lebanon. That is case number I only need to point to the events of who does not support our troops. We one. last summer in Lebanon to say, once have our disagreements over strategy, Case Number two. We have got troops again, the fundamentalist Islamists, spending and even the war itself, but today in Afghanistan. If things had Hezbollah, filled the void. when it comes to support for the self- happened somewhat differently a cou- We are embarked today on a discus- less Americans serving in uniform, we ple of decades earlier, they might not sion of another potential road to with- are unanimous. be there at all. But in the mid-1980s the drawal. And I don’t represent that this For anyone, and I repeat, anyone to Afghan resistance builds momentum resolution does that, but it puts us in suggest anything to the contrary just with Muslim fighters to recruit a jihad that direction. Evidence of our failure distracts from this serious, serious de- against the Soviets. And we all have to respond to terrorism has bate. read about that resistance movement. emboldened al Qaeda for years. This b 1520 It was fierce, and we actually helped withdrawal would be another one, if it them. And in 1989 the Soviets had had goes that far. As many of my colleagues have al- enough, just like we had had enough in In 1993, the World Trade Center ready noted, our troops are not the Lebanon, and the Soviets withdrew. bombing took place. We didn’t respond. problem. They have done an out- From 1989 to 1992, the Afghan civil In 1996, the Khobar Tower bombings standing job executing the mission war continued until the government of took place and we didn’t respond. In that they have been given. The prob- Afghanistan fell. In 1993 and 1994, the 1998, the U.S. embassy bombings in lem is with the administration’s strat- Taliban came along, and they gained Kenya and Tanzania occurred and we egy. We owe it to the men and women power. In 1996, Osama bin Laden moves didn’t respond. In 2000, the attack on of our Armed Forces to pursue a policy back to Afghanistan and forges an alli- the USS Cole occurred and we didn’t that offers them the best possible ance between al Qaeda and the Taliban. respond. The result, New York City, 9/ chance at success, not a plan that re- Since then, we know the history very 11. peats past mistakes. well of Afghanistan. A void was there People ask me why I am so concerned The President’s decision to deploy an to be filled, and the fundamentalist about this. People ask me why, Saxton, additional 21,500 American combat Islamists filled it. you have been on the floor too much. troops to Iraq is not the first time that Now, I would like to turn to the third Let me show you the next chart. This we have had a surge of troops in this case study, the case study involving is why I am concerned. This is my fam- conflict. In April of 2004, January and Somalia. In 1980, the Somalia Govern- ily. October of 2005, and again in October of ment becomes increasingly totali- When I first ran for Congress in 1984 last year, we saw temporary esca- tarian and resistance movements the steering committee asked me why I lations that provided no long-term re- emerge across the country, which leads wanted to be a Member of Congress. I ductions in violence. I am concerned to a civil war in 1991. Being great big- said, because I have had a good life. I that this latest plan is a renewed effort

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:38 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.064 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1605 for more of the same that does little to GILLIBRAND), a member of the Armed ceives a stake in the oil revenues and a encourage the Iraqis to take responsi- Services Committee. plan for oversight and accountability bility for their own future. As one gen- Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Speaker, I to reduce fraud and corruption and to eral told the Iraq Study Group, ‘‘All thank Chairman SKELTON for yielding. disrupt the black market for oil. the troops in the world will not provide It has been an honor to serve on his Right now only a small portion of the security if the Iraqi Government does committee. Iraqi oil revenues has been used for re- not make political progress.’’ Rather Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my construction; yet billions of American than laying out a plan that establishes strong support for this resolution. Last dollars have been spent. We need ac- solid benchmarks for Iraqi security and November the voters in upstate New countability and real answers to ensure the corresponding redeployment of U.S. York spoke loudly and clearly in de- the Iraqis leverage the oil revenue ef- troops, the President is pursuing a manding a change in direction in Iraq, fectively to bring all of the parties to strategy that history shows does not and I will cast my vote in favor of this the table. work. resolution to fulfill my duty to rep- And where is the accountability with Former Secretary of State and Chair- resent their will. the war spending? We need a Truman- man of the Joint Chiefs Colin Powell, As a freshman Member of this new style committee to investigate these Commander of the U.S. Central Com- Congress, I can think of no higher re- billions of dollars of no-bid contracts mand General John Abizaid, Marine sponsibility than to debate the merits being awarded in Iraq, and we should Corps Commandant General James of the President’s plan to escalate bring the war funding process com- Conway, and many other current and American involvement in this war in pletely under the regular appropriation former military leaders have said more Iraq. And I am pleased to see that structures. troops is not the answer. Our Nation’s every Member of Congress has been We have also not seen a plan to military is already stretched thin. This given 5 minutes to voice their view and transfer the reconstruction contracts open-ended plan to increase American to speak on this measure. to the Iraqis. The Iraqi 20-year-olds troop levels in Iraq would exacerbate Today’s debate is not about what is should be the ones that are rebuilding the overextension of our Armed Forces best for Democrats or best for Repub- the bridges and the roads and the and cripple our ability to respond to licans. It is about what is best for our schools and the hospitals, not fighting other crises around the world. Because troops, for our national security, and each other and not attacking our we don’t know what the future holds, for all Americans, as it should be. I be- troops. we have to be ready for anything. lieve the sentiments will be reflected And where has the progress been U.S. and coalition forces successfully in the bipartisan support this resolu- made on the political stability? Where removed Saddam Hussein from power, tion will ultimately receive. is the plan to develop a special envoy and the world is a better place for it. As I have traveled throughout my and to engage others in the region to But we now find ourselves locked in district doing town hall meetings and bring forth peace and stability? the middle of an Iraqi civil war. The ‘‘Congress on Your Corner’’ to invite In my view, the testimony provided Iraq of today is vastly different from comments from my constituents and in the several hearings that the Armed the Iraq we entered nearly 4 years ago, listen to their issues, I hear a con- Services Committee has had have re- yet our strategy remains the same. We sistent message. People say to me, we vealed an insufficient commitment to need to succeed in Iraq, but we need to need a new direction in Iraq. We need a these very targets that both General redefine what success really is. plan for success. We need to make sure Pace and Secretary Gates have testi- For over a year now I have joined our we bring stability to the region; and fied are required for success. Yet the great chairman, Chairman SKELTON, in when will our troops come home? All of President continues to push forward his call for solid benchmarks in Iraq. these issues I couldn’t agree with more and send in more troops. We need a mechanism to measure our strongly. Unfortunately, the Presi- Our men and our women in the mili- progress toward an Iraq that is respon- dent’s plan is not a change in direction. tary have served admirably and have sible for its own security. It is in our It is, rather, more of the same. done everything we have asked them to interest, it is in Iraq’s interest, and it As a member of the House Armed do. They have fought bravely under is in the interest of the region to en- Services Committee, I have had the daunting circumstances, often at times sure that Iraqi personnel are trained unique opportunity to question both without the proper equipment that and ready to take control sooner rath- Secretary Gates and General Pace and they need. They have made sacrifice er than later. Realistically, some of the to listen to their testimony on this after sacrifice in leaving their families more than 140,000 troops we already proposed escalation. At no point has and loved ones behind to do the job have in Iraq to secure the Iranian bor- anyone from the administration been that we have asked them to do. And der would do more to further our goals able to articulate to me clearly that how do we repay this sacrifice and pain Iraq than sending more Americans this is a strategy that will effectively triotism? By continuing to extend into Baghdad. And that is a plan, my undermine terrorism, promote lasting their tours indefinitely, cutting their friends. stability, and be successful in rede- veterans benefits when they return At the end of the day, military com- ploying our troops. What is so clear to home. The dedication and sacrifice of mand decisions rest with the Com- so many of our military advisers, the men and the women in the Armed mander in Chief. This resolution and former and current military generals, Forces deserves responsible leadership. this debate are not about microman- and a majority of this body and the They have given us everything they aging the war or forcing a withdrawal American public at large does not seem have, and in turn we must give them a of troops. Public opinion polls should to be shared by this administration, new direction for success. not dictate war strategies. The facts that the answers in sustaining peace in There are those out there that will should. And the facts are that surges Iraq lie in the political, diplomatic, use this debate as a partisan wedge. haven’t worked in the past and experts and economic solutions, not in the That type of rhetoric undermines the agree it won’t work this time. military ones. core values of our democracy. In fact, The President knows we are all in In our hearings I have worked hard to it was Thomas Jefferson who declared this together. That is why I was very bring to light whether the President that dissent is the highest form of pa- disappointed to see the administration has a plan for Iraqi oil revenues and re- triotism. move forward with such a dramatic es- construction contracts to create calation despite strong bipartisan op- progress in the economic and political b 1530 position in Congress. Without a clear arenas. Both Secretary Gates and Gen- Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield mission or effective benchmarks, it is eral Pace testified that the President’s such time as he may consume to the too big of a gamble to take with so current plan has no chance of success gentleman from Alabama (Mr. EVER- many American lives. unless there is significant progress in ETT). Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 both of these arenas. I call upon the ad- Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank minutes to my colleague, the gentle- ministration to produce a real plan to my ranking member, a combat veteran woman from New York (Mrs. ensure each of the sectarian groups re- from Vietnam and a great American.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:38 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.069 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1606 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor our fight against the terrorists is to Mr. Speaker, Mr. Wood has a number today to pay tribute to my ranking have failed to learn the lessons of 9/11 of other examples here, and that is the member and chairman, and to the serv- and to revert to a policy that allowed reason I will include the letter for the ice of all men and women who are serv- two decades of escalating violence. RECORD. ing in the Armed Forces and those who That policy resulted in the death of NO COMPARISON BETWEEN VIETNAM AND IRAQ have prior service, many who serve in thousands of Americans, as was so well WARS this distinguished body. And thank documented by the gentleman from (By Wayne Wood) goodness. I say thank goodness, be- New Jersey (Mr. SAXTON). As I watch the current debate over the war cause I find that in this body we have Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that we in Iraq, I remember sitting in the day room too few people who have ever worn a defeat this enemy, whose sole desire is at Fort Sill, Okla., with my buddies and uniform, but we have an awful lot of to kill Americans anywhere, in any watching the collapse of South Vietnam and opinions about how to wear a uniform. way they can. Today the theater is Saigon in 1975. I was thinking of, and I know We have heard from many of these Iraq. But if we retreat from this war, as my buddies were thinking of, all the guys we Members on both sides of the aisle. those on the other side of the aisle knew who’d gone over to fight for the Viet- Some served in Vietnam, some in the namese who didn’t come back. We cursed the have advocated, then we will fight ARVN soldiers as cowards because they first gulf war, and some in the war that them in the cities and in the towns. Ei- would not stand and fight for their country. we are currently fighting in Iraq and ther way, this war will be fought. We were angry that the sacrifice of all those Afghanistan. They cite their firsthand Mr. Speaker, I have a guest essay good—no, great—Americans was in vain. experience in serving our country as from my hometown newspaper, the It was only years later that I learned, to justification for why they believe we Dothan Eagle, from a war veteran by my dismay, that it wasn’t the ARVN who be- cannot afford to lose the war or why we the name of Wayne Wood, and I would trayed my fellow soldiers’ blood, it was their should not support the Commander in like this complete essay entered into very own elected representatives in Congress who voted to cut funding for the defense of Chief’s reinforcement proposal or, in the RECORD after I speak. But first I the Republic of South Vietnam. some cases, why we should bring the want to quote a couple of things from We are being told the Iraq situation is troops home immediately and cut off it. This is, as I said, from a former unwinnable. We were told we had lost the funding. combat veteran, Wayne Wood. war in Vietnam. Mr. Speaker, I respect every Member ‘‘As I watch the current debate over After TET in 1968, Walter Cronkite, ‘‘the in this Chamber who has served our the war in Iraq, I remember sitting in most trusted man in America,’’ went on the country with honor and distinction. the day room at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, air and said so. Americans said, ‘‘If Walter Each of them brings a different per- with my buddies and watching the col- Cronkite says we’ve lost, it must be so.’’ spective to the debate. However, today lapse of South Vietnam and Saigon in Now, our media tells us the same thing. We are being told of how hopeless the situation I would like to bring another perspec- 1975. I was thinking of, and I know my is in Iraq. What are the American people sup- tive to the debate, and it is that of buddies were thinking of, all the guys posed to think? Army pilot Keith Yoakum from Coffee we knew who’d gone over to fight for But the picture I get from former students Springs, Alabama, in my district. Chief the Vietnamese who didn’t come back. who have served Iraq tells another story. Warrant Officer Yoakum was killed We cursed the ARVN soldiers as cow- They are frustrated that the good things February 2 in Iraq when the Apache ards because they would not stand and they see happening in Iraq aren’t being helicopter he was flying was forced to fight for their country. We were angry shown, that the people only see the bad. land during combat operations in sup- that the sacrifice of these good—no, There’s a genuine fear they won’t be allowed to finish the job. Their sacrifice would be in port of Operation Iraqi Freedom. great—Americans was in vain. vain. While his death is a tragedy, his fam- ‘‘It was only years later that I From a distance, the situation as shown ily is taking comfort in the fact that learned, to my dismay, that it wasn’t looks grim. But, as a soldier who has seen Chief Warrant Officer Yoakum was the ARVN who betrayed my fellow sol- war up close, I know war is a grim business. doing what he loved, defending the diers’ blood, it was their very own I remember the words of Marine Gen. Julian country that he loved. This Army avi- elected representatives in Congress Smith, speaking of the Battle of Tarawa in ator was proud of what he was doing in who voted to cut funding for the de- World War II: ‘‘We were losing until we Iraq, and told his father that there was fense of the Republic of South Viet- won!’’ no other place he would rather be until nam. Yes, I get saddened when I read the cas- ualty reports and see the pictures of the dead the war was over. ‘‘We are being told the Iraqi situa- in the Army Times. No one knows better Much of his pride came from his abil- tion is unwinnable. We were told that than a soldier that if a nation goes to war, it ity to protect our guys on the ground we had lost the war in Vietnam. owes it to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and using his Apache helicopter who were ‘‘After Tet in 1968, Walter Cronkite, marines to fight to win so their sacrifice executing the dangerous missions of ‘the most trusted man in America,’ isn’t wasted. I think of my own son in uni- ridding the neighborhoods of those who went on the air and said so. Americans form. I can only pray for him and be proud wanted to kill his fellow troops as well said, ‘If Walter says we’ve lost, it must that he has ‘‘stepped up to the plate’’ to as innocent Iraqis. However, equally as be so.’ serve his country, particularly in time of important was Keith Yoakum’s belief ‘‘Now, our media, and others, some in war. Today, politicians and pundits just know that he was making a difference in this this body, ‘‘tell us the same thing. We we are losing in Iraq. Walter Cronkite and fight to make this world a better place are being told of how hopeless the situ- others just knew we’d lost the war in Viet- for his daughters to live. ation is in Iraq. What about the Amer- nam after TET. If only we had known that Chief Warrant Officer Yoakum is not ican people? What are the American Ho Chi Minh and General Giap didn’t know alone in his belief. The hundreds of sol- people supposed to think? they’d won. diers that I have visited with share his ‘‘But the picture I got from former They were about ready to throw in the view of this war. Whether it was during students who have served in Iraq tells towel after TET until the anti-war people in a solemn sendoff of our brave men and another story. They are frustrated that America told them otherwise. Well, we left Vietnam and millions of people died in women or an emotional welcome home the good things that are happening in Southeast Asia in the turmoil caused by the ceremony, the soldiers I talk to believe Iraq aren’t being shown, that the peo- power vacuum. Who can tell what might hap- in this mission and that we must pre- ple only see the bad. There’s a genuine pen if we withdraw from Southwest Asia. vail in this war. fear that they won’t be allowed to fin- In 1975 it didn’t matter to most of Amer- They recognize the dire consequences ish the job. Their sacrifice would be in ica. The deaths were far away and the Viet if we don’t succeed in Iraq. If we with- vain. Cong couldn’t cross the ocean to attack us. draw prematurely, the terrorists will ‘‘From a distance, the situation as Nor did they care to. have an unchecked sanctuary from shown looks grim. But as a soldier who Unfortunately, we don’t have that luxury which they can launch attacks to kill has seen war up close, I know war is a today. We fight an enemy who will stop at nothing to destroy us and our way of life. If more innocent Americans, similar to grim business. I remember the words of we leave Iraq, they will follow us home and what existed in Afghanistan prior to Marine General Julian Smith, speaking it won’t be millions of Cambodians or Viet- our toppling the Taliban regime in Op- of the Battle of Tarawa in World War namese dying in the killing fields of South- eration Enduring Freedom. To abandon II: ‘We were losing, until we won.’’’ east Asia, it will be Americans in the streets

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:38 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.071 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1607 of our cities. Can we afford to be so smug in since the President first decided to go constitutional duty and hold this ad- our knowledge? it alone and make his stamp upon his- ministration accountable for its war We may not like the president. We may not tory, for better or worse. policy in Iraq. The day I was sworn in like war. We may not like this war or the Although I must admit, it has even as a new Member of Congress, I accept- way it has been conducted. But now that we’re in it, this is one war we cannot afford become difficult to remember the exact ed this responsibility, and I rise today to lose. reason the President used to justify his in opposition to the President’s esca- In one thing I heartily agree with U.S. decision to take us to war in Iraq; but lation of the war and in support of H. Sens. Edward Kennedy and John Kerry: allow me to briefly summarize for you Con. Res. 63. America can certainly not afford another the reasons that the President has Make no mistake about the signifi- Vietnam in Iraq. given the American public in his at- cance of what is happening this week. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues, tempt to justify his decision to go to America’s new Congress will go on and I urge my colleagues on the other war. record for the first time in opposition side, if we are not going to cut funding Number 1, weapons of mass destruc- to the Bush administration’s 4-year from this war, then bring up Congress- tion. There were none. Number 2, the legacy of mistakes and misjudgments man SAM JOHNSON’s amendment that nuclear threat. There was none. Num- in Iraq. This will be in sharp contrast says we will neither cut nor restrict ber 3, links to al Qaeda. There were to 8 months ago when the prior Con- funding for this war. I ask my col- none. And yet now, when we debate the gress did exactly the opposite. That leagues to stand with Chief Warrant wisdom of sending more than 20,000 Congress lined up in lockstep with a Officer Yoakum and the thousands of young men and women into battle in war resolution written by and for the other soldiers who believe in their mis- this so-called surge, we are expected to White House. sion and want to see it through to com- trust an administration which has been That resolution completely brushed pletion, and vote against this resolu- so consistently wrong. It is difficult to over the misleading and manipulated tion. It can only do harm to our troops remember that we are in Iraq fighting intelligence that got us into this con- and bring aid and comfort to the ter- for a war whose justification has not flict, the strain of this war on our rorists. yet been justified at all. brave men and women in uniform, and Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 So at this point, when we look at the the drain on our Nation’s military minutes to the gentleman from Geor- state of the readiness of our military, readiness that is undercutting critical gia (Mr. JOHNSON), a member of the it has been called into question. Re- efforts in Afghanistan and our overall Armed Services Committee. cruiting, the Army has failed to defense infrastructure. Instead of doing Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- achieve its recruitment goals by 17.8 their constitutional duty, the 109th er, I thank the chairman. percent in 2006, and moreover, recruit- Congress instead just rubber-stamped Mr. Speaker, before I begin my comment quality has suffered. The percent- the administration’s rhetoric and fail- ments, I must admit that it seems that age of Army recruits with high school ing policy. our friends from across the aisle have diplomas has declined. The above-aver- Opponents of today’s resolution are forgotten what the subject of this de- age middle category test scores of our claiming that it will damage our bate remains. I was under the impres- recruits have declined, and the number troop’s morale. As a member of the sion that we were here to debate a res- of recruits scoring in the lowest ac- Armed Services Committee, I believe olution opposing the President’s so- ceptable middle category has in- the opposite is true. called surge plan. Yet I keep hearing creased. Our retention rates are soft. Let us be very clear about where the commentary that appears to be de- We have got over 3,000 killed in Iraq, 20,000 new troops will come from. Presi- signed to distract the American public 20,000-plus wounded; meanwhile we are dent Bush cannot simply dial 911 and from the real reason that we are gath- having problems with our equipment 20,000 fresh new troops appear. This es- ered for a conversation on our future shortfalls, which are glaring in the calation can only happen by extending involvement in Iraq. combat theater, and also for our non- the deployments of soldiers already in Let it be known, Mr. Speaker, that deployed personnel who are in the proc- Iraq, beyond their promised commit- when it comes time to vote, HANK ess of training to be deployed to Iraq ments, or accelerating the arrival of JOHNSON will be voting in favor of and who cannot be properly trained preexisting rotations. Upon close ex- House Concurrent Resolution 63. without adequate equipment. amination, it is clear that the impact Now, ‘‘help is on the way.’’ Those Then we have got the issue of mul- of this surge lands squarely on the were the watchwords of a former Presi- tiple deployments, people having been backs of our men and women in uni- dential campaign 7 years ago. Yet here deployed three and even four times to form who have already borne an unfair we are, neck deep into the second term the theater, but yet this President pro- burden. of the Bush-Cheney administration. poses to send an additional 22,000 As we debate this resolution, there And when one considers the current troops, plus support personnel, into are nearly 1,900 men and women from state of our military’s readiness, our this civil war in Iraq, where we are my State of Connecticut, including 962 proud military’s readiness, one has to simply sitting ducks and falling victim from Connecticut’s National Guard, wonder, where has the help gone? to ever more sophisticated improvised serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. They Where is the help? explosive devices, i.e., roadside bombs. have all honored our Nation with their This killing is continuing at exorbi- service and sacrifice, and they have b 1540 tant rates, and so this is what we are done all that has been asked of them If this was the help that was prom- here to talk about with this resolution. and more, and their families have ised us 7 years ago, at the current state It is important for the American public shown awe-inspiring strength in their of our readiness, I would be reluctant to know that we support our military. absence. to see what not helping our fine mili- We definitely want to see them do the Earlier this month, I was forwarded tary men and women would mean. job that they must do. However, this an e-mail from a constituent serving in I must point out that I, along with troop surge is wrong. Two wrongs do Iraq which demonstrates the con- each of my colleagues in this distin- not make a right. sequences of these unsustainable poli- guished body, do support our troops. Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank cies. In it he described how the morale But the issue at hand is whether, un- the gentleman from Georgia. I yield 5 in his unit fell when they found out like campaign promises of the past, we minutes to my colleague on the Armed that their tour was being unexpectedly intend to back our rhetoric with ac- Services Committee, the gentleman extended another 4 months. He wrote: tion. from Connecticut (Mr. COURTNEY). ‘‘These guys have seen so much of We are now engaged in a debate Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, today the fighting here. To see the looks on about committing more troops to what we are here, exactly 100 days after a these soldiers’ faces was heartbreaking. can only be described as an ill-con- historic watershed election in this A lot of these guys had plans made al- ceived, poorly planned, and misguided country, in which the American people ready with their loved ones, like wed- attempt to bring some sort of stability spoke loudly and clearly that they dings, trips, or family that traveled to a region that has suffered terribly wanted a new Congress to rise to its from far away to see them get off that

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:38 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE7.018 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1608 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 plane. There are children that were all Mr. SESTAK. Mr. Speaker, 1 year ful phrase I heard often when deployed excited, holding signs they made, wait- ago, I retired from the U.S. Navy after to that region throughout the years, ing to see their fathers again only to 31 years in our military, serving our Anshala, Bugra: God willing, tomor- have that shattered. How much more Nation during the challenges of peace row, good enough any longer. can soldiers like this take? These guys and in the fury of war, including com- So, yes, I will vote for this resolu- deserve the right to go home. They manding an aircraft carrier battle tion, because sending more troops to earned it.’’ group of 30 ships and 15,000 sailors in Iraq and remaining there indefinitely Letters like these demonstrate the combat operations in Afghanistan and will only increase the dependence of real impact on our troops from the Iraq. Having worn the cloth of this Na- the Iraqis on America, both politically President’s policy. And they are rein- tion for so long, I know that our mili- and militarily, at a time when they forced by the testimony I have heard at tary is a national treasure that cannot should be shouldering increased respon- Armed Services. Over and over again, be hoarded like miser’s gold if it is to sibility for their country, while im- we have heard about the deterioration be a force for peace and progress, but pacting our degraded military and stra- of our military readiness caused by nor can it be used recklessly. And now, tegic security readiness further. overdeployment of our troops. Consider as a Member of the House of Represent- But I also believe we need to go a that today, as a result of the strain of atives, I am conscious that war is a step further and pursue an alternative strategy, which is why last week I in- the war, we currently have no active shared responsibility in our Constitu- troduced binding legislation setting duty or Reserve brigades considered tion between the President and Con- the end of 2007 for our redeployment combat-ready in the Continental U.S., gress, as are the respective responsibil- from Iraq. The rationale for doing so is leaving our Nation dangerously unpre- ities of the executive and legislative clear: Redeployment from Iraq will en- pared and vulnerable if needed to re- branches to ensure U.S. security, and hance our security by allowing us to spond to other global threats or domes- to provide for our common defense. properly address other potential chal- tic emergencies. My experience leads me to be con- lenges around the world, and by allow- Despite the huge costs to our troops cerned for U.S. security because of ing us to resolve the concerns about and our national defense, the President Iraq, a tragic misadventure that does the readiness of our Armed Forces here has opted to aggravate the holes in our not permit us to best address more im- at home. defense with a plan to escalate the portant security challenges throughout Rather than leading to a spiral of vi- number of troops in Iraq. And for what? the world. My experience also says olence, redeploying from Iraq will Yesterday, I read the new classified don’t double down on a bad military serve as the necessary catalyst for the National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq. bet by using more troops as the Presi- Iraqis to assume responsibility for What I found in this report was the dent has proposed, when an increase their country, with regional nations same as the unclassified version that has not worked before; have confidence then interested in ensuring stability has been reported in the press; that we in our diplomatic ability to lead re- when the United States is outside that have a deteriorating security situation gional negotiations for stability, even country, but remaining with strength in Iraq whose fundamental causes were with Syria and Iran; and, set a date in the region. The needed reconcili- identified as political, not military. certain for redeploying out of Iraq, this ation will only come about when the This finding completely dovetails with year, to serve as the necessary leverage Iraqi political leaders are forced to the findings of the Iraq Study Group to have the Iraqis accept the reality of take the difficult political steps needed who came to the exact same conclu- the personal consequence of not assum- to cease the violence in their country, sion. ing responsibility for their nation. such as building coalitions among com- Instead of absorbing the rec- What concerns me about Iraq is the peting sects, ensuring minority rights, ommendations of the Iraq Study Group continuing use of our national treasure balancing power between provincial report and the National Intelligence in what is an inconclusive, open-ended and central governments, and sharing Estimate and surging diplomacy and involvement within a country where oil revenues among all regions in Iraq. political solutions, the President in- the long-term benefits do not match And regional nations’, particularly stead has opted to escalate the war by what we need to reap, and where the Syria’s and Iran’s, incentives change sending 21,500 more troops into the tradeoffs in benefits of not focusing toward stability when the United middle of a violent sectarian conflict. elsewhere is harming our future pros- States is no longer in the midst of the Where are the plans to equitably di- perity, interests, and values. civil war, and these nations will have vide oil revenue or revisit the Iraqi We need to apply our resources else- to bear the consequences of further Constitution which was left incomplete where in the world, where terrorists strife, with refugee flows to their coun- 2 years ago, or the push to create a real come from, including Osama bin tries, and the possibility that these rel- power-sharing arrangement between Laden, who is still on the loose, or atively allied nations could then be the Shia and the Sunni? Nowhere do we where emerging nations such as in the joined into a proxy battle to their det- see any effort to get to the root causes Western Pacific have growing political riment, as one is primarily Sunni and of the violence. Instead, the Bush plan and economic interests, and therefore the other Shia. is more of the same, asking our brave influence, that may challenge ours. Only by a strategy of setting a date troops to do the impossible, settling a An alternative strategy is just what certain, a deliberate timetable for re- sectarian conflict that goes back cen- is needed, because remaining in Iraq deployment, are we able to create a turies in time. means less security and a greater stra- catalyst for the political leaders in President Bush has made his choice. tegic security risk for America. It neg- Iraq to acknowledge and accept that Now it is Congress’ turn as a coequal atively impacts the readiness of our they must undertake the difficult po- branch of government to make ours. Armed Forces and hinders our ability litical steps necessary to cease the sec- to adequately focus on other security b 1550 tarian violence, as they understand priorities here at home and throughout that they otherwise would bear the I firmly believe that the passage of the world, including the global war on consequences of not assuming the re- this resolution will go down in history terror and regional challenges from Af- sponsibility for their country. as the first stirrings of life from a Con- ghanistan, North Korea, and Iran to Iraq is not the central front in ter- gress that has been in an Iraq strangle- the Western Pacific and Middle East rorism. Rather, it is a result of our hold for 4 long years. It is an honor to regions. leadership forgetting the age-old axiom be part of this history on behalf of one The fact is we have fostered a culture that ‘‘successful generals win, then of the districts that had the courage to of dependence in Iraq, and it is time for they go to war.’’ In short, we did not vote for change last November 100 days Iraqi leaders to be responsible for their accurately plan before we went into ago, and I will support resolution 63. own country. They must make the dif- Iraq, and we should redeploy. Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 ficult political compromises that will The only way is to use our redeployment as minutes to the gentleman from Penn- stop the civil war we are refereeing and the catalyst for Iraqis and other regional na- sylvania, a member of the Armed Serv- bring about stability. We cannot do tions to accept their responsibilities for a rel- ices Committee (Mr. SESTAK). this work for them. Nor is that wonder- ative peace. U.S. interests in the world do not

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:07 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.076 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1609 include pouring endless amounts of our na- ultimate goals. A resolution of force the military. Mr. Speaker, it wasn’t tional treasure of lives and money into elusive, implies something less, and it allows that long ago that our Nation faced an- endless goals when there is an alternative Members of Congress who did that to other global war for freedom, it was a strategy, and when we have so much else to say, yes, I agreed with force but I different type of war, but a war that achieve in this world. didn’t expect it to be used this way. Or, was won because we held firm. There Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I would I wasn’t really that serious. Or I didn’t were a lot of people who said we like to yield to the gentleman from expect it to be anything more than a couldn’t win; they said that prag- Utah (Mr. BISHOP) 5 minutes. little war taking place. It is a process matism dictated we would compromise Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I that allows you to be deeply shallow. our values and our beliefs. President appreciate the gentleman from Cali- This resolution may clear the con- Ronald Reagan told our Nation that we fornia yielding me this time. science of some people, it may put po- needed to hold firm because ultimately I suppose I speak to you here and de- litical distance between others, but it our values and beliefs would prevail in clare it first a nonconflict of interest. I does noting for soldiers, it does nothing cold war then, and ‘‘hot war’’ now. was not here on this floor when the towards a U.S. victory, to benefit this President Reagan said, ‘‘The ulti- original resolution to approve the use country, or to improve the body poli- mate determinant in the struggle now of force was made; therefore, I took as tic. Our words, our actions, our votes going on for the world will not be my role and responsibility when I came will be looked on in history with con- bombs and rockets but a test of wills in here to make sure that we did every- tempt, for they are indeed in this issue and ideas, a trial of spiritual resolve, thing in our power to make sure that deeply shallow. the values we hold, the beliefs we cher- our policy objectives were indeed fol- In conclusion, I would like to de- ish and the ideals to which we are dedi- lowed through and successful. scribe the good that will come from cated.’’ This quote was in context of You know, in the other Chamber, in this resolution for our Armed Forces. the cold war, but it is applicable today the original House floor there is a Yes, that about sums it up. in our present hot war against terror- Mr. Speaker, with disdain of the beautiful sculpture sitting up there ists. This resolution shows a lack of process of this flawed message that is which is a clock made out of a chariot. will to win. This resolution hurts our so limited in its scope it does nothing The clock is actually the wheel, then troops and it helps our enemies. there is a chariot. And in that chariot to help those Members on either side of Mr. Speaker, similar to debates from is the muse of history with this tablet the aisle explain their nuances of their years ago during the cold war, I have in hand writing down what we do on belief or this situation. heard speakers on the other side say, Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I would the people’s floor, the subject and our all we need is a strategy based on di- like to yield 5 minutes to the gen- actions in history. plomacy. Mr. Speaker, I am all for tleman from North Carolina (Mr. Perhaps it is good that that still peace and for diplomacy and for co- HAYES). stays out those doors and down the operation and for working things out, hallways and is not here today, because b 1600 but al Qaeda is not, suicide bombers when the muse of history records what Mr. HAYES. I thank the gentleman are not, terrorist executioners are not. we are doing today and yesterday and from California, my friend, Ranking That is reality, and our foreign policy tomorrow, and maybe Friday, that his- Member DUNCAN HUNTER. has to be based on reality. tory is going to be written with an ele- Mr. Speaker, today I rise to vigor- Terrorists thrive on poverty, despair, ment of contempt. ously oppose and to speak against the violence and fear. And the bottom line There are some people who have op- resolution at hand; a resolution that is is they cannot afford for freedom and posed this war from the very begin- being watched by friend and foe alike; justice to succeed. Conversely, we canning; they still oppose it now; and I a resolution that I feel will serve to not afford to allow freedom and justice give them credit to their commitment embolden those who promote and use to fail. That is reality, and one-sided to consistency, although I don’t nec- violence in Iraq, and across the world diplomacy is not a strategy. Where is essarily agree with their decision. for that matter; a resolution that sends the other side’s strategy for victory? Some of those have also criticized this a message to our troops at home and There is none in this resolution. resolution as also being too weak of a deployed that we are not supporting Mr. Speaker, I have concerns with resolution, for indeed the resolution the mission that we are conducting. the situation in Iraq. No one wants to today is a nonbinding resolution. By Mr. Speaker, I don’t know of a single see the Iraqis stabilize the security of definition, it means it does nothing. It Member in this Chamber who is satis- their nation more than I do. The re- changes nothing, but allows us all to fied with the existing situation in Iraq. ality is we have troops over there in make statements for media consump- In fact, with the escalating violence harm’s way. Troops from the 82nd Air- tion and allows some of those who and an increase in terrorist activity, borne, stationed at Fort Bragg in my made the original vote to use force the we shouldn’t be satisfied with the situ- district, are part of this surge deploy- ability to shirk the responsibility of ation in Afghanistan either. But Iraq ment. that particular action. has become intensely political, and Mr. Speaker, they are watching. I Yesterday, I had the opportunity of that is unfortunate. Make no mistake have received their e-mails letting me going back to Baltimore and watching about it, this is the beginning of know in no uncertain terms that they a play, ‘‘Wicked.’’ And in the play, the defunding our military and our na- are paying attention to what we are main character, the male lead, Fiero, is tional security. doing today. One soldier wrote to me in love with Elphaba. And she tries to Mr. Speaker, in this age when the using this quote from the ancient distance herself from him by saying, Internet and global newscast are an in- Athenians, which he thought was ap- ‘‘Yeah, but you’re thoughtless and tegral part of warfare and propaganda, propriate to this debate. This soldier shallow.’’ And Fiero says, ‘‘I know, but it is naive to think that the resolution said, ‘‘I will not disgrace the soldier’s I am a deep shallow.’’ is not being watched and its outcome arms nor abandon the comrade who This resolution is a deep shallow. It won’t be used to further embolden the stands at my side, but whether alone or may have words aimed at the White resolve of those who use indiscriminate with many, I will fight to defend things House and the White House action, but violence to advance their radical agen- sacred and profane. I will hand down regardless of those words, when history da. my country not lessened, but larger is written the finger of accusation will When you recruit homicide bombers, and better than I have received it.’’ not point to the executive branch, who they need to feel that their ultimate As my colleague from South Carolina has been consistent, it is going to point sacrifice is meaningful, and I fear this quoted a soldier in his district yester- back here to Congress, to our actions. resolution will be used as an additional day, he said, ‘‘This is my war.’’ That is Our Constitution gives Congress the recruiting tool to show that our re- a soldier’s attitude and should be our responsibility of the declaration of solve is wavering in the face of their attitude. It is our war against brutal, war. Instead, we passed a resolution ap- acts. ruthless terrorists. proving force. With a war declaration, In some instances, Members have I will not support a resolution that there is a commitment to action and to made no secret of their desire to defund tells our soldiers that the United

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:07 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE7.014 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1610 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 States Congress is not supporting what the streets of Baghdad and other Iraqi overdue. We as a new Congress, led by they are doing. cities. a new Democratic leadership team, Mr. Speaker, I ask that everyone Day after day, U.S. service people are must communicate that we are placing pray for our troops, for their safety and being killed and injured by bullets and a firmer hand on the tiller of this ship for their victory. May God continue to bombs traded by Shiite and Sunni zeal- of state and that we are demanding bless America and the magnificent men ots for reasons that predated our in- greater accountability for both the pol- and women in uniform who protect her. volvement and which will likely endure icy and funding of the Iraq war. This Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 long beyond the time we finally leave new direction starts with a brief and minutes to my friend for years and my Iraq. declarative statement, that ‘‘Congress colleague, the gentleman from Wash- For the past 4 years, I regret that the disapproves of the decision of President ington (Mr. DICKS), who is the vice Republican leadership of Congress has George W. Bush announced on January chairman of the Defense Subcommittee abdicated much of its oversight respon- 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 ad- on Appropriations. sibility for the Iraq war and its fund- ditional United States combat troops Mr. DICKS. Thank you, Mr. Chair- ing. To date, the Bush administration to Iraq,’’ but it must be followed by has not adequately explained to Con- man, for your kindness. that harder task of guiding our mili- gress or the American people the rea- The resolution that is being consid- tary policy through aggressive over- sons for our continued military in- ered in the House of Representatives sight and more careful direction of our volvement in Iraq. In announcing his today expresses a very clear message to political and military leadership by all intention to send more than 21,000 ad- the American people that it is time to of the relevant committees here in change the direction of our policy in ditional troops to Iraq, last month the President said it is time for the Iraqi Congress. Iraq. That is our task ahead, Mr. Speaker, The meetings and communications Government to act, to take charge of their security and to begin to govern and as a member of the Defense appro- that I have had with people from the priations subcommittee, I am prepared Sixth Congressional District from the themselves. What we in Congress are saying now to do my part. State of Washington have made it clear is that we believe the Maliki govern- Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I would that the people I represent want to ment in Iraq will be more apt to ac- like to yield to the gentleman from hear from Congress. My resolve in this complish that goal if we do not send North Carolina, but first I would like is strengthened by the loss and grief I more American troops into Baghdad to recognize the gentleman from New have heard from families in my district and if we signal to Iraqis that we are York (Mr. MCNULTY) for purposes of a whose loved ones have been lost or in- planning for a phased withdrawal from unanimous-consent request. jured in this conflict. their country. That is what we must do (Mr. MCNULTY asked and was given I also deplore the mistakes by this to change the policy that keeps our permission to revise and extend his re- administration: failing to deploy forces acting as the local police officers marks.) enough troops to stabilize Iraq, dis- on the streets of Baghdad, and to give Mr. MCNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in banding the Iraqi Army, failing to pro- the Iraqi people greater incentive for strong support of House Concurrent vide jobs and economic restoration. taking charge so that our troops can Resolution 63. Those are but a few. begin to come home. This was a view of I strongly support H. Con. Res. 63, oppos- It has been 4 years since U.S. and Co- the bipartisan Iraqi Study Group, ing the President’s proposal to send 21,500 alition Forces invaded Iraq based on which pointed to a compromise rec- additional American troops into the middle of what was faulty intelligence. The ommendation calling for gradual draw- a civil war in Iraq. premise for our military action against down of U.S. troops from Iraq. More than 5 years after the worst terrorist the Saddam Hussein government in It is instructive to recall the views attack in the history of our country, the mas- Iraq was that he had weapons of mass expressed by many of the generals on termind behind it—Osama bin Laden—is still destruction, and even the President has the ground, including General Abizaid, alive, free, and planning another attack on our now acknowledged that this determina- General Casey, General Petraeus, that country. And the President rarely even mention resulted from an incorrect inter- this conflict cannot be won militarily; tions his name. pretation of intelligence information. it will require a political solution. Instead, he pursues a failed policy in Iraq. With more than 3,000 U.S. military That political solution requires the in- The number of American soldiers killed in Iraq personnel killed and thousands more volvement of other regional govern- now exceeds the number of lives taken on wounded, people across the Nation, in- ments, including Syria and Iran. September 11, 2001, and this war has now cluding many Members of Congress, are All Americans, certainly every Mem- lasted longer than our involvement in World questioning our continued involvement ber here in the House of Representa- War II. very seriously and very legitimately, tives, wants the Iraqi Government to The President’s response is to send more especially since the President has now succeed and to become the stable de- troops. This surge is nothing more than an es- ignored the advice we know he received mocracy we had hoped to achieve at calation of the failed policy that has been tried from many senior military advisors the outset of our involvement. None of several times already. I couldn’t disagree more and has decided to increase the number us want Iraq to fall into chaos and to with the President. of military troops deployed to Iraq. It become a haven for terrorists, includ- The Bush policy in Iraq will, in my opinion, is time for this Congress to speak ing al Qaeda. But the current U.S. pol- go down in history as one of the biggest blun- clearly and forcefully in opposition to icy and the proposed escalation of a ders in the history of warfare. Why? Because this escalation and in support of chang- number of American troops offers little the terrorist who attacked us is still at large promise, I am convinced, of accom- ing course in Iraq. and the situation in Iraq gets worse by the In this resolution we are clear that plishing those goals. Even the recently completed Na- day. Simply put, we went after the wrong guy! our determination that American So what should we do now in Iraq? A target forces have accomplished everything tional Intelligence Estimate on Iraq, which the President presumably relies date for redeployment of our troops should be they have been asked to do in Iraq cou- set, and their withdrawal from Iraq should rageously and with the professionalism upon, concludes that the war, as it is currently being prosecuted, will not or begin now. Then the Iraqis who say they sup- the Nation expects of the best-trained cannot bring about these results. My port their new government will have the incen- and best-equipped military in the colleague, Mr. MURTHA, has also sug- tive to step forward and volunteer for military world. These troops have not let us gested that it will be up to the Iraqi service—something they will not do as long as down, to be sure; but in many ways people themselves who will expel what we offer to take all the enemy fire. they have been let down by a policy remains of al Qaeda in the country, and As others have said, ‘‘The Iraqis need to that ignores the reality of their situa- I believe there is merit in his argu- demonstrate that they want this new govern- tion, and by a Commander in Chief ment. ment more than we do.’’ whose only response to what is unmis- It’s decision time for the Iraqi people. takably a civil war in Iraq is to place b 1610 The President has submitted a supple- more American troops in harm’s way This is an important debate, Mr. mental budget request for almost $100 billion while sectarian violence plays out in Speaker, and one that is perhaps long to further fund the war in Iraq. If Congress

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:07 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.079 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1611 does not amend this proposal to include an of our national objectives. The Presi- Some have argued that our troops exit strategy, I will—as I did on the last Iraq dent’s surge plan does not meet these must remain in Iraq to prevent intoler- war supplemental on March 16th, 2006—vote criteria, and Congress should oppose it. able outcomes. But the outcomes that ‘‘no.’’ The question before us today is we have most feared—a civil war, a PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY whether an escalation of as many as training ground for terrorists, an as- Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, par- 48,000 American troops is the best way cendant Iran—have already become re- liamentary inquiry. to turn things around in Iraq. However, ality, despite the continuing presence The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. this question is part of a much larger of our troops. While a military pres- RANGEL). The gentleman may inquire. debate that this country and this ence may delay even worse outcomes, Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I under- Chamber must conduct, a debate about it cannot prevent them. If we are to stand at 4:30 we are going to break for the future of the U.S. military mission. avoid a regional war or an exponential some time for the Norwood resolution, There cannot be a simply military increase in Iraq’s carnage, our best which is absolutely appropriate. I just solution to the challenges that we, and hope is the increased political and dip- wanted to see if you could give us a the Iraqi people, face in Iraq. The size lomatic effort that I have proposed. split on the time, how much time we of our military presence will not make Mr. Speaker, how we leave Iraq does have left, we both have Members who the difference, because any solution to matter. A well-planned withdrawal can are squeezed to get their remarks in, Iraq’s problems will still be political, enhance our ability to protect our make sure we get an even split on time not military. troops and prepare Iraqis to assume to half past the hour. The recent National Intelligence Es- control. We must not make the same I would like to work with my friend timate (NIE) on Iraq confirms this con- mistake ending the war that we did in from Missouri to make sure we do that. clusion. The unclassified report noted beginning it, pursuing a strategy with- Mr. SKELTON. Yes. that even the term ‘‘civil war’’ is not out adequate planning. But we should I have one remaining speaker, Mr. grave enough to convey the complexity not hide behind this imperative. We Speaker. of the security challenges in Iraq. More can’t allow an exit strategy to prevent The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- to the point, the NIE noted that there or postpone an exit. tleman from California has 2 hours and were three ‘‘identifiable elements that I urge my colleagues to consider H.R. 35 minutes. The gentleman from Mis- could help to reverse negative trends’’: 645, which I believe offers the best way souri has 2 hours and 31 minutes. broader Sunni acceptance of the fed- to pursue American national security Mr. HUNTER. We needed to know eralist political structure, Shia and interests in Iraq. how much time we had before the 4:30 Kurdish concessions to Sunnis, and ‘‘a Let me close on a note of caution. break, Mr. Speaker, because we have bottom-up approach to help mend The resolution we are debating here folks, but if we just have one speaker frayed relationships between tribal and today is necessary, but it is not suffi- there, that is fine. religious groups.’’ Note that none of cient. The President should hear our The SPEAKER pro tempore. The these elements can be achieved by message, which expresses the convic- Chair recognizes the gentleman from military force. tion of the majority of the American Missouri. The outgoing commander of Multi- people that the time to end our occupa- Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 National Forces Iraq, Lieutenant Gen- tion of Iraq has come. However, if he minutes to my friend and colleague, eral Peter Chiarelli, recently stated, doesn’t take steps to bring our troops the gentleman from North Carolina ‘‘We need to get out of thinking that home, the President should be under no (Mr. PRICE), who is the Chair of the this is solely a military conflict. All of illusion that this nonbinding resolu- Subcommittee on Homeland Security our Nation’s strengths—diplomatic, tion exhausts Congress’s role. Rather, on the Appropriations Committee. economic, political—must be leveraged it is a first step in holding him ac- (Mr. PRICE of North Carolina asked to help the Iraqis find their way countable and reversing a failed policy and was given permission to revise and through this process.’’ Other military that has made our Nation less safe, and extend his remarks.) leaders have echoed this sentiment. has cost us so dearly in blood and Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. My colleague from North Carolina, treasure. Speaker, I rise today to oppose the es- BRAD MILLER, and I have proposed such Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I would calation of troop levels, to call for an an approach in our bill, H.R. 645. like to recognize the gentleman from end to the American occupation of Our bill would dramatically strength- Florida (Mr. MILLER) for 5 minutes. Iraq, and to support the resolution been U.S. political and diplomatic ef- Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank the fore the House. forts. It would send special envoys to chairman for yielding. The two clauses of this resolution go the region to encourage Iraq’s neigh- Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise in support of hand in hand. There should be no doubt bors to play a more productive role in victory in Iraq and in support of our about the support from this Congress resolving the conflict and to facilitate troops. But I also rise to oppose this and indeed from the American people a national reconciliation process in Democratic defeatist resolution and I for those who risk their lives to defend Iraq. It would also authorize a program hope to provide some historical per- this Nation. As a Nation, we have to get would-be insurgents off the spective to help the American people learned to sincerely honor the warrior, streets and into the workforce. And it understand what the Democrats plan even when we disagree with the war. would provide ongoing support for the to do this year. I have personally been moved by my development of democratic institu- Make no mistake about it, this reso- own interactions with our troops. I tions, particularly at the local level. lution is about polls. National polling have been honored to meet with them While enhancing our political and before November’s elections showed a here at home, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, diplomatic efforts, our bill would de-es- majority of Americans were opposed to in Kosovo, and in numerous other calate our military commitment. It cutting off funds for the war but were places where they are serving honor- would terminate the authorization for generally unhappy with events on the ably. And I have mourned with their the war at the end of this year, and re- ground. Now, this polling data led the families when their service has led to quire President Bush to develop an exit Democratic message machine to create the ultimate sacrifice. No one who strategy for bringing our troops home a ‘‘we support the troops, don’t support spends time with the members of our by that date. the war but won’t cut off funding’’ po- Armed Forces can fail to be impressed We can no longer ask our troops in sition. Much like Majority Leader by the dedication and valor with which Iraq to do the impossible. In fact, their HOYER’s empty promises to allow a Re- they carry out their duty. presence is fueling the insurgency and publican alternative to this defeatist In addition to guaranteeing that they is a magnet for international ter- resolution, the Democrats are now fol- have the resources, equipment and rorism. It is time for the American oc- lowing polls and slowly, piece by piece, compensation they need, supporting cupation of Iraq to end, and for Iraqi bit by bit, revising their stance on our troops also means ensuring that leaders to assume responsibility for defunding the war. the missions we ask them to perform their country’s future, for better or for Due to their majority status, this are viable and well-designed in terms worse. resolution will pass, and soon after the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:45 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE7.019 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1612 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 passage, I suspect that Congressman stituents that the recent developments filling prophecy for the Democratic party—a MURTHA and others will move to defund in Iraq will result in a quick or certain party fixated on the 2008 election and ‘‘intoxi- the war the same way the Democratic- victory in Iraq. But I can assure my cated’’ by their new majority status. controlled Congress defunded the Viet- constituents and my colleagues that The only difference between what the nam War over a several-year period. Democrats cannot say with absolute Democrats will soon attempt to do and what They will do so in a piecemeal fashion certainty that there is no military so- they did in the late 60’s and early 70’s is they with various amendments to appropria- lution to the war in Iraq. will continue to say publicly they support the I must also point out several other tion bills, always avoiding the term troops, as Senator KERRY did in front of a con- ‘‘defunding’’ at all costs. recent Democratic statements that I gressional committee, of the atrocities of the take issue with, like the one from over b 1620 so-called ‘‘baby-killers.’’ The poisonous atmos- this weekend, where a Senator with phere of those times resulted in the military Before we have even concluded this Presidential ambitions said that more prohibiting all military personnel in the Metro- debate, our Speaker has already said a than 3,000 lives were wasted. Of course, politan Washington area from wearing their vote of disapproval will set the stage he clarified his remarks, because he uniforms in public, out of safety concerns. for additional Iraq legislation, which forgot about the secret Democratic will be coming to the House floor. I ask memo that this isn’t the 1970s any Two of the most crippling amendments of our Speaker, what is your additional more, and trashing the military is no the Vietnam war were passed in 1969 and Iraq legislation? longer acceptable. 1973. In 1969, Senator John Sherman Cooper The only difference between what the It reminds me of a former Presi- (R–KY) cosponsored an amendment prohib- Democrats will soon attempt to do and dential candidate who said that those iting the use of ground troops in Laos and what they did in the late 1960s and who joined our Army were only stupid Thailand. In August 1973 the Congress early 1970s is that they will continue to people. Of course, after the polls came passed the Fulbright-Aiken amendment which say publicly that they support the in, he clarified his remarks because he cut off all funding for U.S. military forces in, or troops, instead of speaking, as Senator saw they were not being taken very over, or from the shore of North Vietnam, KERRY did, in front of a congressional well. South Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia. committee of the atrocities of the so- Back to the polls, only 15 percent of President Nixon’s approval ratings in 1973 called baby killers. The poisonous at- the public expressed initial support for were dismally low and he was close to resign- mosphere of those times resulted in the the first President Bush to invade Iraq ing as a result of the Watergate scandal. His military prohibiting all military per- in 1991. Many in my own Republican weakened position emboldened Democrats to sonnel in the metropolitan Washington Party vehemently opposed FDR in take extreme actions. Some of their actions area from wearing their uniforms in World War II. During the Civil War, may have bordered on treasonous, but have public out of safety concerns. there was a congressional committee never been judicially challenged. Our current Now, two of the most crippling that met officially and unofficially on President has an approval rating nearly as amendments of the Vietnam War were a regular basis to critique President low; and now, as they did then, Democrats are passed in 1969 and 1973. In 1969, Senator Lincoln’s performance in nearly every feeling emboldened to challenge our Com- John Sherman Cooper of Kentucky co- battle the Union waged. Does history mander-in-Chief during a time of war, for polit- sponsored an amendment prohibiting now reflect these? ical gain. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the rest of the use of ground troops in Laos and Last week the Democratic-controlled United my comments be inserted in the Thailand. In August of 1973, the Con- States Senate attempted to debate various RECORD. gress passed the Fulbright-Aiken non-binding resolutions about the Iraq war. I Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of victory in amendment, which cut off all funding must admit I found it interesting to hear Major- for U.S. military forces in or over or Iraq and in support of our troops. I rise to oppose this Democratic defeatist ity Leader REID say that voting on a non-bind- from the shore of North Vietnam, resolution and I hope to provide some histor- ing resolution would show the American peo- South Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia. ical perspective to help the American people ple where they stood on the war. Senator REID President Nixon’s approval ratings in understand what the Democrats plan to do and the Democratic leadership of both the 1973 were dismally low, and he was this year. House and Senate have made it very clear close to resigning as a result of the Wa- Make no mistake about it—this resolution is where they stand on the war—they are op- tergate scandal, and his weakened posi- about polls. National polling before Novem- posed to winning the war, claim they were tion emboldened the Democrats to take ber’s elections showed a majority of Ameri- tricked into supporting it and will do anything extreme actions. I would say that some cans were opposed to cutting off funds for the in their power to cut off all funding to the war. of their actions may have bordered on war, but were generally unhappy with events I encourage Democrats to put forth a bill treasonous, but they have never been on the ground. that eliminates all funding for the Iraq war judicially challenged. This polling data led the Democratic mes- along with an accompanying statement of non- Our current President has an ap- sage machine to create a ‘‘we support the support for the deployed troops. This would proval rating nearly as low now as they troops, don’t support the war, but won’t cut off show their true colors and allow the Demo- did then. Democrats are feeling funding’’ position. Much like Majority Leader crats to be intellectually honest. emboldened to challenge our Com- HOYER’s empty promises to allow a Repub- It has been said this non-binding resolution mander in Chief during a time of war lican alternative to this defeatist resolution, the will not affect troop morale. If so, why not specifically for political gain. Democrats are now following polls and slowly, amend this nonbinding resolution to send It has also been said that this non- piece by piece, bit by bit, revising their stance every man and woman fighting in Iraq a copy binding resolution will not affect troop on defunding the war. of it, along with the recorded vote. morale. If so, why not amend this non- Due to their majority status, this resolution binding resolution to send a copy to will pass and soon after the passage, I sus- Oh—that’s right, no amendments. every man and woman fighting in Iraq, pect Congressman MURTHA and others will This would also stand in stark contrast to along with a record of each vote. That move to defund the war in the same way the their most recent act of hypocrisy—voting to is right, we don’t get a chance to have Democratic controlled congress defunded the confirm General David Patraeus, wishing him any amendments. Vietnam war over a several year period. They luck and then moving to undercut his efforts What is important here are the Presi- will do so in a piecemeal fashion with various soon after he left the Capitol to begin his jour- dent’s words and his actions. He has or- amendments to appropriations bills and avoid ney to Iraq. dered more combat forces to Iraq. He the term ‘‘defunding’’ at all costs. Before we More importantly, we need to achieve real has extended the tours of some forces have even concluded this debate, our Speaker progress in Iraq. We have come to a critical already in country. Let us be perfectly has already said, ‘‘A vote of disapproval will juncture and must make sure the price that clear, 14 of the 18 provinces in Iraq are set the stage for additional Iraq legislation, has been paid—the blood of our young men secure. These additional forces will which will be coming to the House floor.’’ I say and women—results in victory. To ensure a help restore overall order and provide a to Speaker PELOSI what is your additional Iraq real and enduring victory, our Commander-in- stable environment for the political legislation? Chief is moving forward with a new plan. process from within which to work. This immoral approach will slowly squeeze Some in Congress and the media are debat- Now, I cannot assure all of my con- off funding and support and become a self ful- ing whether it is a new strategy, a new set of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:45 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.085 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1613 tactics or no change at all. This political pos- join with us in voting for this resolu- in harm’s way, and will rather likely turing is unimportant to the Specialist or Cor- tion, then we will avoid the crises of result in the wrong message to many of poral walking point in Baghdad or Al-Anbar the Constitution that he talks about our soldiers, our partners and, avoid- province. and, instead, we will shock this Presi- ably, the enemy. What is important are the President’s words dent into giving us a new direction in I believe this debate is dividing the and his actions. He has ordered more combat Iraq. Congress. I believe this debate is divid- forces to Iraq and has extended the tours of POINT OF INQUIRY ing the American people and sending some forces already in the country. Their mis- Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, a point of the wrong message to our soldiers in sion is to restore order to the 4 provinces in inquiry. the field, who may question our unwav- Iraq that remain volatile. Let us be perfectly The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- ering support on their behalf. I con- clear, 14 of the 18 provinces are secure. tleman from California is recognized. tinue to be awe struck and proud of the These additional forces will help restore over- Mr. HUNTER. This is not an un- valor of our servicemen and -women of all order and provide a stable environment for friendly request. I just want to note Iraq. However, this debate sends a the political process within to work. one of our Members has a relative’s fu- mixed message to them, their families, Today we have received reports from var- neral he wants to go to. He has just a and the families of those who were lost ious sources that the radical cleric Al-Sadr few minutes. I know my friend Mr. in the global war on terror. We could may have fled to Iran as a result of the Amer- OBERSTAR is waiting to speak. Is there have, and we should have had a debate ican and Iraqi forces cracking down on his mi- any chance you could yield to Mr. that sends a strong message to support litias and top aides. Iraqi forces are showing LOBIONDO so he could get his 4 minutes our troops in their commitment, but up to their appointed duty locations in excess in before the deadline? the majority has chosen against us. of 70 percent of the time. The Iraqi govern- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- While I do not support the Presi- ment is taking the politically difficult step of tleman will inquire. dent’s latest strategy, I believe the forcing some Baghdad residents to vacate Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. OBERSTAR. American military should not serve as homes they unlawfully moved into during the Mr. OBERSTAR. I am happy to yield a referee in the sectarian conflict that war. There is also talk of stricter curfews and to the gentleman from California. has lasted for centuries. It is the re- closing the borders with Syria and Iran for 30 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- sponsibility of the Iraqi Government to days—all of this talk coming from the Iraqis. tleman from California is recognized. take a stronger role to set benchmarks I cannot assure my constituents these re- Mr. HUNTER. I want to thank my and not let the American military and cent developments will result in a quick or cer- friend, Mr. OBERSTAR, very much for our forces be caught in the middle. tain victory in Iraq. I can assure my constitu- that. This resolution is silent in its require- ents and my colleagues that Democrats can- Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the ments to the elected Iraqi Government not say with absolute certainty that there is no gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. and to the Iraqi people, and holding military solution to Iraq. I also must point out LOBIONDO). their own destiny in their hands. several other recent Democratic statements Mr. LOBIONDO. Mr. OBERSTAR, thank As a member of the Armed Services that I take issue with. you very much. The circumstances are Committee, I have listened to the gen- One Senator with Presidential ambitions difficult. erals and military experts, administra- claimed that the more than 3,000 lives lost in Mr. Speaker, it is more than 5 years tion officials, tell us that Iraqi forces the war had been wasted—he then imme- that we are into the global war on ter- are ready for greater responsibilities in diately clarified his remarks because he had ror. Since the horrific attacks to our securing Iraq. However, after being to forgotten the secret Democrat memo stating country on September 11, we are fight- Iraq five times myself, and talking that this isn’t the 70’s and trashing the military ing a faceless enemy, an unbelievably with a number of soldiers in the field, is no longer acceptable. This reminds me of a ruthless enemy, an enemy who is the reality on the ground is that Iraqi former presidential candidate’s comments al- undeterred in their hatreds for our forces are not being used to the extent leging that only stupid people end up in the freedoms and our way of life. that they should at this point. I think Army and in Iraq. Of course, another ‘‘clarifica- We must remain strong in our resolve that needs to change. tion’’ was issued soon after these comments to defeat the enemy, and it is no acci- I would like to also say that it is since 2–3 days of polling indicated that the re- dent that our Nation has not been at- with great regret that I will not be marks were not well received. tacked since September 11. It is not be- here at the conclusion of the debate Back to polls—only 15 percent of the public cause the enemy and its supporters this week. Unfortunately, my father- expressed initial support for the first President have not wanted to bring destruction in-law passed away after a battle with Bush to invade Iraq in 1991. Many in my own to America, it is because we as Ameri- cancer, and I will be heading out to the Republican party vehemently opposed FDR in cans have remained committed to the World War II and during the Civil War there funeral with my wife and the family. defense of our homeland. I wanted to be on record before leav- was a congressional committee that met offi- It is because we have remained vigi- ing as to what this critical motion cially, and unofficially, on a regular basis to lant in working with our international means. This debate cannot and should critique President Lincoln’s performance in partners to prevent terrorists from not be the end of what we are talking nearly every battle the Union waged. Does history now reflect that these three being successful, and it is mostly be- about, and for the reasons stated before conflicts were wrong for America to engage cause of our brave men and women in all future debates must be substantive in? I think not. Resolute leaders bucked short uniform, who have taken the fight to on policies. It is clear to me the major- term public opinion for the good of the country the enemy. Likewise, our commitment ity has a strategy that many have in the long term. That is why we elect Presi- to the troops on the battlefield, wheth- talked about that reflects far beyond dents and that is what we should demand of er in Iraq or Afghanistan, or wherever just the surge in Iraq and what it may them. the global war on terror may take our mean, but has implications for funding. To date, mistakes have been made and the brave young men and women, must run Mr. Speaker, let me make it per- President has acknowledged them. We must, deep. Our commitment must include fectly clear. I support the troops, but however, win this war. I believe immediate that our soldiers have all the necessary on the basis of the message that this is withdrawal will destabilize the region and equipment and armor that they need. sending to our partners, to the troops, cause us to return there in the future, as we Mr. Speaker, I come to the well, to to their families on this nonsub- have had to do in many regions throughout the podium today very troubled. For 3 stantive resolution, I cannot support our history. We cannot fight a war based on days, the majority will have us debat- it. polls and emotions. We must take actions that ing the very critical issue of the war in I will close by saying that I received will preserve and enhance our national secu- Iraq, but this debate is really without a call from a father, who has two chil- rity now and beyond the next election, the real substance. dren that are in Iraq. One felt so next news cycle or the next opinion poll. This debate is without an alternative strongly that he sent a letter to our Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise strategy that many of us acknowledge local newspaper, Specialist Matthew J. to assume the Democratic time. we desperately need to be discussing. Smith of Hopewell Township, and I I would just comment to the gen- This debate will not bring about one have just a few excerpts from his let- tleman from Florida that if he would positive change for our men and women ter. ‘‘I personally feel as if I am here

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:45 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE7.016 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1614 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 for a great purpose and goal that our We have spent and are continuing to EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE Commander in Chief has ordered us to spend $9 billion a month in Iraq; 3,122 HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE achieve. I have never felt it would be of our servicemen and -women have HONORABLE CHARLIE NORWOOD, an easy task, nor should those at home been killed; 23,550-plus have been MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM living their comfortable lives. Have we wounded; tens of thousands more Iraqis THE STATE OF GEORGIA forgotten that this great country of killed and wounded. The violence is es- Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ours was not handed to us on a silver calating, our troops are the targets. offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. platter? I am asking everyone, please 159) and ask for its immediate consider- I do not think this resolution pre- don’t allow those of us who have died ation. to die in vain. When we have completed judges anything. The facts speak for The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- the mission and have been successful in themselves. And the people are saying lows: defending freedom, we will come bring the troops home with honor. I did H. RES. 159 home.’’ not support this war at its outset. We Resolved, That the House has heard with b 1630 had Saddam Hussein contained. Al profound sorrow of the death of the Honor- Qaeda was not in Iraq. We had a job to able Charlie Norwood, a Representative from Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I just do in Afghanistan. I supported going the State of Georgia. want to thank the gentleman. I want into Afghanistan to capture Osama bin Resolved, That a committee of such Mem- to thank the gentleman for yielding bers of the House as the Speaker may des- Laden. But I saw no clear rationale for this time to Mr. LOBIONDO. As this ignate, together with such Members of the Member gets time in the coming de- sending troops into combat in Iraq. Senate as may be joined, be appointed to at- bate, we owe you one. The resolution does offer a statement tend the funeral. Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The of support for the troops. Their service the House be authorized and directed to take House of Representatives extends its is an extraordinary gift. They volun- such steps as may be necessary for carrying deepest sympathy to the gentleman teer to leave their homes and families out the provisions of these resolutions and from New Jersey. and risk their lives every day, at the that the necessary expenses in connection Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield order of the President. All they ask is therewith be paid out of applicable accounts 5 minutes to the very patient and the of the House. that we never ask them to go to con- Resolved, That the Clerk communicate very distinguished gentleman from flict unless that conflict is absolutely Minnesota, the chairman of the Trans- these resolutions to the Senate and transmit necessary and in the national interest. a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. portation and Infrastructure Com- Resolved, That when the House adjourns mittee (Mr. OBERSTAR). Lieutenant General William Odom, today, it adjourn as a further mark of re- Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, this is in a recent article in The Washington spect to the memory of the deceased. the moment that a majority of Ameri- Post said, about the question that we The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- cans who voted last November have have to continue to fight in order to tleman from Georgia (Mr. DEAL) is rec- been waiting for, a time when Congress support the troops, has anyone asked ognized for 1 hour. does something about Iraq. And that the troops? During their first tours, Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I something that the people asked of us many may have favored staying the yield 30 minutes of time to the gen- is to get us out of Iraq. course. But now in their second, third, tleman from Georgia (Mr. LEWIS) and The resolution before us will not of fourth tours, he writes, many are thank him for arranging for this reso- itself get U.S. forces out of Iraq, but to changing their minds. lution to be heard at this time today. paraphrase Winston Churchill, if it is Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 2 min- We see no evidence of that in the not the end, it is at least the beginning utes. of the end. news stories about unhappy troops Mr. Speaker, as we all know, we lost Our President is having trouble un- being sent back to Iraq. The strangest a true champion in the House of Rep- derstanding the message from the aspect of the rationale, General Odom resentatives on yesterday: CHARLES American people. It is a simple mes- writes, for continuing the war is the NORWOOD from Georgia. CHARLIE, as he sage that I hear every time I go back implication that our troops are some- was known by most of us here, was home to Minnesota. Time to bring our how responsible for deciding to con- truly a friend across party lines and troops home with honor. The people tinue the President’s course. across State lines. He was a true pa- are telling me our mission in Iraq is ac- That political and moral responsi- triot. He served in the dental services complished. The President already de- bility belongs to the President, not to in the U.S. Army in the combat zone of clared victory. The goals of the U.S. in- the troops. Didn’t Harry Truman make Vietnam. vasion have been met. He returned to a private dental prac- it clear that the buck stops in the Oval Iraq’s army was defeated, Saddam tice in Georgia, and then in the elec- Hussein removed from power and Office? The President keeps dodging it. tion cycle of 1994 was elected to this brought to judgment. The Iraqi people Where does it stop, General Odom asks, House of Representatives. He came held elections to establish a new gov- with Congress? And that is why we are with a passion for many things. Health ernment. Mission accomplished. Time here today to say it is up to us to make care was at the very top of his list. to bring the troops home with honor. a definitive statement with this resolu- Education was very shortly thereafter. No weapons of mass destruction were tion, a statement that it is time to end And he worked on both of those issues found, despite extensive searches. The the U.S. involvement in Iraq, to bring with all of his heart. Iraqis have a government, they have an the troops home with honor. And then He inspired many people in this army, a police force. There is no fur- if the President does not heed, then we House because he was indeed pas- ther purpose of American policy to be must take more vigorous steps, steps sionate about everything that he did. If served by a continued military pres- that I voted for in coming to end the he was your friend, you knew he was ence in Iraq. U.S. involvement in Vietnam over 32 your friend. If you were on the opposite What remains in Iraq is religious years ago. side of an issue from him, he let you warfare between Sunni and Shia, with know that as well, but he was still your our troops caught in the crossfire. This If that is what it takes, then we have friend. is not the job our troops signed up for. to say that the buck stops with us in All of us watched as we observed This is not the war President Bush sold the Congress to stop the U.S. engage- what had been diagnosed in 1998 as an to Congress. People are telling the ment in Iraq. incurable disease. And following that President, it is time to bring the troops diagnosis, he underwent lung trans- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE home and to do it with honor. plant surgery. That was a process that President Bush has said he is con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- most of us probably would have had cerned this resolution is prejudging the ant to section 3 of House Resolution great difficulty undergoing. But CHAR- outcome of our involvement in Iraq. I 157, further proceedings on the concur- LIE did it with courage. He rebounded would say the outcome is not in doubt. rent resolution will be postponed. with the same kind of determination

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:07 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.089 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1615 and willingness to go forward in spite me to want to some day have the op- men, Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. of the inconveniences that that portunity, and thank God that I did, to Lee. It was at a time when this Nation brought to him. follow in that walk that he walked. was going through its great Civil War We saw him with his oxygen tank, What a great Member of this body and how to fix that. That conversation and we saw him on his little scooter as and what a fierce competitor and a fair went like this. Robert E. Lee said, it is he rode around the Capitol on his way competitor, Mr. Speaker. As my col- not incumbent upon us to complete the over here and back and forth to votes. league on the other side of the aisle, task. And Abraham Lincoln said, nor Throughout it all, he maintained his the distinguished JOHN LEWIS, knows are we free to desist from doing all we good humor, he maintained his zest for well, CHARLIE would fight for some- possibly can. life. CHARLIE NORWOOD is someone who thing he believed in but in a very re- That was the essence of CHARLIE will truly be missed. spectful way. And he thought about NORWOOD. We might not have to com- b 1640 others before himself. plete this task, to make America a bet- An example, Mr. Speaker, is that just ter place, but neither are we free to de- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, in this last election cycle, when CHAR- sist from doing all we possibly can. I want to thank Mr. DEAL and members LIE was suffering so much, as Rep- CHARLIE, we appreciate you. You of the delegation for bringing this reso- resentative DEAL has just mentioned, fought the good fight. You stayed the lution before us as a tribute to our fall- he didn’t think about himself. He won course. And for you, God has put up an en colleague, Mr. NORWOOD. his reelection with 67 percent of the extraordinary crown of righteousness. More than anything else, Congress- vote. And it wasn’t that he couldn’t We thank you, and we thank God for man NORWOOD was a warrior. He fought campaign because of his illness. He was passing our way. for his beliefs with passion and convic- working all that time for another col- Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I tion, and he fought for the people of his league in a very competitive district. am pleased to yield 3 minutes to my district and for the people of Georgia He was essentially running that other colleague from Georgia (Mr. PRICE). who loved him. campaign. That is the kind of guy Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, He was awarded two Bronze Stars for CHARLIE NORWOOD was, and the kind of America, the State of Georgia and this his bravery on behalf of our Nation fellow that we will all remember here House of Representatives have lost a during the Vietnam war, and he fought on both sides of the aisle in this great great public servant, an uncommon courageously for patient rights right House of Representatives. leader, and a proud patriot. here on the floor of the House of Rep- He was a friend, he was a colleague. I am profoundly saddened by the resentatives. He was a fighter. He was a fighter for passing of Congressman CHARLIE NOR- In fact, his last official act was to re- patients’ rights. He was a fighter for WOOD, a gentleman who selflessly introduce the Patients’ Bill of Rights students, as his work on the Education served the people of Georgia and this on Monday, a bill he coauthored with and Workforce Committee, the Energy House for more than 12 years. JOHN DINGELL. CHARLIE NORWOOD, this and Commerce Committee, he is some- CHARLIE spent his entire life helping good man, this son of Georgia, fought a body that we can all emulate. others as a soldier, as a dentist, as a good fight. He was a warrior to the end. And I just want to say to his wife legislator. He served valiantly in the The thoughts and prayers of all of Gloria, to his two sons, Carlton and defense of our Nation in the Medical the Members of Congress, and espe- Charles, Jr., and to the four grand- Battalion of the 173rd Airborne Brigade cially the members of the Georgia dele- children and to the Norwood family, we in Vietnam. He returned home to serve gation, are with his wife Gloria and his are praying for you. We want to uplift his community in Augusta as a dentist. two sons, Charles and Carlton, their you. We will be with you tomorrow, And for 12 years, he was a faithful serv- family and his many grandchildren. I but we know, as you do, that CHARLIE ant to the people of Georgia in his dis- hope they will find comfort in knowing is in heaven right now, and God has ac- trict as a Member of Congress. that Congressman CHARLIE NORWOOD cepted him in open arms and saying, In Congress he was a passionate sup- made a lasting contribution not just to well done, my good and faithful porter of our military and of our vet- the State of Georgia, but to the Nation servant. erans. He was a tireless advocate for and to all of us as Members of this Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, patients and patient centered health body. We are more than lucky, we are I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman reform. And he never forgot for whom very blessed to have known him as a from Georgia (Mr. SCOTT). he was to work in Washington, his con- friend and as a colleague. He will be Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, stituents. deeply missed. to my distinguished colleagues from Congressman NORWOOD was a dear Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Georgia and other Members of Congress friend to me. His friendship and his my time. who are here, this is indeed a sad occa- perspective and his guidance in this Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I sion. House are things that I will always would yield 3 minutes to our Georgia CHARLIE NORWOOD led an extraor- cherish. Anyone who knew CHARLIE colleague (Mr. GINGREY). dinary life. He was a combat veteran. knew that he was as tough as they Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, CHARLIE He was a dentist. He pulled himself up come and he always stood up for what NORWOOD was a very successful dentist by his own bootstraps, truly a son of he believed in. Rarely, rarely in any in my hometown of Augusta, Georgia. I the South, a son of Georgia. walk of life are we privileged to come didn’t know CHARLIE at that time be- He is a person that cared about all of to know someone who stood for his cause I had long since moved away. the people of Georgia. Let me give you principles as strongly as CHARLIE NOR- But as a practicing physician in an example, if I may. I remember when WOOD. His legacy in the House of Rep- Marietta, Georgia, as an OB/GYN, sev- I was serving in the Georgia legislature resentatives will be one of integrity, eral years ago I went to the annual as a State senator, and we needed some one of vigor, and one of loyalty. meeting of the Georgia OB/GYN Soci- help for the Morehouse School of Medi- Congressman NORWOOD’s devotion to ety to hear Dr. CHARLIE NORWOOD talk cine’s National Primary Care Center. this body and to our country will be about the Patients’ Bill of Rights. Phy- The person that led the fight up here to sorely missed, but his legacy will never sicians across Georgia and across this secure the Federal dollars for the be forgotten. And I shall never forget country were concerned with managed Morehouse School of Medicine’s Pri- that wry smile and that twinkle in his care and HMOs and liability and that mary National Care Center was CHAR- eye. What a hero. sort of thing. LIE NORWOOD. And we thank him for Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in And, Mr. Speaker, when I heard Dr. that. expressing our deepest sympathies to NORWOOD speak to my colleagues, phy- Mr. Speaker, as I think of CHARLIE CHARLIE’s wife Gloria, his family and sicians about this issue, and them, in NORWOOD, and I think of so many of the his friends. turn, including myself, give him a great debates and the battles that we standing ovation, I want to tell you, have had up here that we have shared, b 1650 Mr. Speaker, and I never did tell CHAR- I am reminded of a great conversation And while we mourn the loss of this LIE this, but that was an inspiration to that took place between two great great patriot, we celebrate his lifetime

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:07 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.091 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1616 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 of noble and heroic service and we I met CHARLIE NORWOOD over 30 years sence will be long felt here in Wash- thank God for giving us the gift of the ago. We were both young dentists in ington and back home in Georgia. life of CHARLIE NORWOOD. Georgia. He was the president of the My prayers remain with Congress- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Georgia Dental Association, and I was man NORWOOD’s wife, Gloria, and with I am pleased to yield 21⁄2 minutes to the a young, newly elected dentist in the their entire family. gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Georgia legislature. And his enthu- Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker I CAPPS). siasm blew me away. Irrespective of am pleased to yield 1 minute to the mi- Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I want to what he was talking about, he only had nority leader (Mr. BOEHNER). thank all of the fine colleagues that we two gears: neutral and full speed ahead. Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank have who are from Georgia for giving And his enthusiasm would capture you. my colleague from Georgia for yield- each and every one of us a chance to And the bulldoggedness, the way he ing. speak. I am not from Georgia, and I would put his teeth on an issue and And I come to remember my good know he was your favorite son, but I do fight for it without ever backing up friend and our good friend, CHARLIE want to give this as my chance to was astonishing to me. CHARLIE did not NORWOOD. honor this very distinguished Member have a coy bone in his body. From the I met CHARLIE in October of 1994 of Congress, CHARLIE NORWOOD. day you met CHARLIE, you knew what when he was a candidate for Congress I rise, Mr. Speaker, today with a he stood for on whatever the issue was. for the first time and had dinner with heavy heart but also real admiration Respectfully, he and I differed on the him one night before we went off on a for the life of this dear colleague of Patients’ Bill of Rights. We spent 16-city tour. I didn’t think it would ours, CHARLIE NORWOOD. And my heart many hours talking about it. He was ever end. But at dinner that night, I as well as all of our hearts go out to his adamant that I was wrong and he was looked at CHARLIE and I asked, Why family members, to his community, right. But at no point did he ever raise are you running for Congress? and to all of the people whose life he his voice or show any disrespect for a And he said, That OSHA, that OSHA, has touched. position that I had taken that was dif- they did this to me and did this to me. I had the privilege of serving on the ferent from his. And for every day that CHARLIE NOR- Energy and Commerce Committee with CHARLIE loved this institution. He WOOD served in this Congress, he was CHARLIE for several years and had the loved the give-and-take of it. He loved all over OSHA, to have rules and regu- opportunity to work with him on ini- the formality of it. We talked one day lations that met the straight-face test. tiatives in the Health Subcommittee. if he ever had any notion of running for I was the chairman of the Education And though he and I come from vastly and the Workforce Committee, and different places on the ideological spec- the Senate, and he said he would never survive there. He would never survive CHARLIE was one of my subcommittee trum, we were often able to see eye to Chairs for the 5 years that I was the eye on health policy as two health pro- not getting something done every day. He treated this institution that he chairman. Clearly the most difficult fessionals serving in Congress. member I have ever had to try to man- I was proud to work with him in co- loved with great dignity. When he age. And whether it was the Patients’ chairing the School Health and Safety fought his fights, you knew he was Bill of Rights, whether it was OSHA, or Caucus, where we used the opportunity going to fight fair. And for 30-plus a host of other issues, when CHARLIE to spotlight ways in which we could years when I have been able to visit got that bone in his mouth, you could improve the health of children through with him or know him on this issue or school-based initiatives. I was also that, I always walked away from each not get it out of his mouth. He was the honored to work with him on legisla- encounter saying what a nice man, most dogged, persistent Member I have tion to promote children’s dental what a nice man. ever worked with. As a matter of fact, health. For Gloria and the family, you are in I might even say he might be the most I think we can all agree that CHARLIE our prayers. A psalmist has written dogged persistent person that I have will be remembered as reliably con- that the Lord is close to the broken- ever met with because when CHARLIE servative, but also as an independent hearted, and those who are crushed in picked up a cause, he was never going thinker. His leadership on establishing spirit He saves. to leave it alone until he accomplished a Patients’ Bill of Rights was exem- May God give you peace. his goal. plary of his willingness to go out on a Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, And I am sure that CHARLIE is watch- limb for something in which he truly I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the ing over us today, wondering why the believed. He introduced that bill short- gentleman from Georgia (Mr. BARROW). Patients’ Bill of Rights isn’t law. Mr. ly before I came to Congress, and the Mr. BARROW. Mr. Speaker, I thank LINDER just talked about it. CHARLIE momentum for passage of the Patients’ the gentleman for yielding. fought about this on more occasions Bill of Rights was one of the main rea- I rise this afternoon to remember one than you can ever imagine, as did JOHN sons that I was eager to serve on this of our fellow delegation members, the and a lot of other Members. But CHAR- Health Subcommittee, which he be- Honorable CHARLIE NORWOOD. I know LIE truly believed in that piece of legis- longed to. that many Members of this body served lation. He put his heart and soul into I admired his characteristic patient- with CHARLIE much longer than I did, it. centered approach to health care pol- but unlike them, I think I may be the We are going to miss CHARLIE around icy. It wasn’t popular with some of our only Member here with the distinction here. We are going to miss that dogged colleagues, and the President flat-out of once actually having been rep- persistence that he brought to this warned that his bill would be vetoed. resented by CHARLIE as one of his con- floor every day and in the committee But CHARLIE continued forward and stituents. rooms every day. was looking forward to an opportunity CHARLIE NORWOOD was an accom- But to Gloria and his family, our to finally pass the Patients’ Bill of plished and a tireless legislator who prayers are with you. Rights in its original form in this, the had stands on issues that ran the polit- And, CHARLIE, may your soul rest in 110th Congress. ical spectrum. And while I may not peace. So I want to take this opportunity to have agreed with him on every issue, I Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, express again my condolences to the always admired his spirit, and I say I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the Norwood family and to thank them all that as a former constituent and as a gentleman from Georgia (Mr. JOHN- for the tremendous years, 12 years, of colleague. SON). service that they allowed their CHAR- As anyone who knew him will tell Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- LIE to serve with us all in Congress. you, CHARLIE cared deeply for the er, today I rise to honor CHARLIE NOR- And I thank my colleagues again. State of Georgia and for the people he WOOD, a great servant of the people of Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I represented in Congress for over 12 Georgia. am pleased to yield 3 minutes to an- years. By now you have all heard about his other Georgia colleague (Mr. LINDER). In this Chamber and among this dele- life, so I won’t spend much time on his Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I thank gation, there is no question that CHAR- extensive biography. But I do want to my friend for yielding his time. LIE NORWOOD will be missed and his ab- bring attention to what he would have

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:07 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.094 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1617 wanted us to focus on above and be- the Voting Rights Act, trying to mod- cause they just couldn’t understand yond his legislative accomplishments, ernize section 5, the renewal of the how he became a Republican. and that is his family. Voting Rights Act, I had come up with CHARLIE was a student. CHARLIE got b 1700 two amendments. One of them had to his bachelor’s. He studied dentistry. He do with putting the whole country was a soldier. He served his country. I did not get an opportunity to get to under it, going through the same scru- He was in Vietnam. But CHARLIE was a know CHARLIE, but I do know enough tiny. public servant. CHARLIE believed in about him to understand what was I met with CHARLIE and CHARLIE said, serving leadership, and he lived it. most important to him. He was a man ‘‘Lynn, I want the modernization CHARLIE really was great, because of high character and values, and so his amendment to be the Norwood amend- measured by the standards of Jesus, family was very important. So I would ment.’’ I said, ‘‘That’s fine, Charlie, that he who is great among you shall like to mention and send my deepest but why?’’ He said, ‘‘Because I can do a be your servant, and he who is greatest condolences to CHARLIE’s beautiful better job than you can.’’ That is the shall be servant unto all, CHARLIE wife, Gloria, and his two sons, Charles way he felt, and that is exactly the measured up. and Carlton, who enabled him and way he was. CHARLIE was a fighter. CHARLIE made it possible for him to serve so That is just one example of why I fought hard for any principle in which honorably, particularly at times when called CHARLIE my ‘‘foxhole buddy.’’ he believed. He didn’t give up, as you clearly he must have not been feeling When CHARLIE NORWOOD said he was heard, on the Patients’ Bill of Rights. well. But he still persisted with his du- with you, he was with you until the He was a fierce competitor. I often ties and responsibilities as a Congress- bitter end. You had his word that he didn’t agree with him, but I had to ad- man. mire his tenacity, because he was a It takes a lot to just walk these Halls would have your back, and his word fighter. And all the way to the end, from the office to the Capitol and back was his bond. His loyalty and love of country de- CHARLIE fought. He fought for life. again, and he walked as long as he We are all blessed, really blessed, to could, and then he started taking his fined him throughout his life. The Val- have known CHARLIE. And Gloria was wheelchair. So the man had a spirit to dosta High School football star went devoted to CHARLIE. She took leave prevail over whatever obstacles might on to become a dentist who took his from her duties as a member of the have befallen him. That is a spirit that skills to the front lines of Vietnam, each one of us can learn from and live where he served his fellow soldiers and Congressional Club to attend to CHAR- by and do the best that we can, like he his Nation with valor. He served in LIE, to give CHARLIE her best efforts in did. Vietnam for a year and obtained the his last days. So in addition to just being a great rank of captain and won two Bronze But CHARLIE served well. He really human being, there were a number of Stars. embodied God’s minute. I have only legislative accomplishments. I will not For the next four decades, CHARLIE just a minute, only 60 seconds in it; go over those either, but I will say as a and his loving wife Gloria made their forced upon me, can’t refuse it; didn’t member of the Armed Services Com- home Augusta, where they raised two seek it, didn’t choose, did it; I must mittee, that I want to bring attention children, Carlton and Charles, and he suffer if I lose it, give account if I to his military service. He was awarded served his community with a smile on abuse it; just a tiny little minute, but the Combat Military Badge and two his face when he talked about his eternity is in it. Bronze Stars for his service in Viet- grandchildren. Thank you, CHARLIE. You used your nam. While I did not always or often So the thoughts and prayers of all minute well. Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I agree with him on the issues, by all ac- Georgians go out to the Norwood fam- am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the counts he served his State and his dis- ily tonight, to let that family know gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. trict well. that we are appreciative of the time Georgia and this Nation have lost a that they allowed CHARLIE to come up WILSON). great man, and I am honored to have here and to serve with us, to bring joy Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. this opportunity to recognize his con- to our hearts and thoughts to our Thank you, Congressman DEAL, for co- tributions today. minds of what we could do to make ordinating this tribute to a patriot. Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I this country a better place to live in. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute am privileged to yield 3 minutes to our The one thing that I want to close and remembrance of my dear friend colleague, the gentleman from Georgia with is this, Mr. Speaker: In all of the and our colleague CHARLIE NORWOOD. (Mr. WESTMORELAND). discussions that I got into with CHAR- Upon my election 5 years ago, two of Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, LIE NORWOOD about legislation he con- the first people to offer guidance to me I thank my colleague from Georgia for stantly said, ‘‘Lynn, we have got to do were CHARLIE and Gloria Norwood. As a yielding me time. what’s right.’’ That was his motto, to Member of Congress from an adjoining Mr. Speaker, CHARLIE NORWOOD was a do what was right, and he did. It was district, I learned firsthand of CHAR- friend of mine, he was a friend of all an honor to call him friend. LIE’s dedication to the public and his Georgians, and he was a friend of every Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, love of America. Gloria has been a freedom loving person in this world, be- I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the model First Lady for the district, en- cause he fought hard for you. gentleman from Georgia (Mr. BISHOP). thusiastically assisting CHARLIE in his He was one of the original Repub- Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, life of public service. lican revolutionaries that was elected I thank the gentleman for yielding. CHARLIE was a committed health care in 1994, and he never really lost that Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to stand practitioner, a loving family man and a spirit, that conservative fever. He this afternoon to give some remarks passionate public servant. He spent his agreed with Jefferson that the govern- about our colleague and dear friend, entire life fighting for the people of his ment that governs least, governs best, CHARLIE NORWOOD. beloved Georgia. and he fought for 12 years in this House Shakespeare wrote that all the world True to his character, CHARLIE to make sure that regulations on busi- is a stage and all the men and women fought to the end, despite debilitating ness and individuals’ lives were at a merely players. Each has his entrance health conditions. He was always in minimum. In fact, sometimes he called and his exit. One man in his time may good spirits, even though we knew he the government’s reach into our lives play many parts. was exerting extraordinary efforts to oppressive. So it was with CHARLIE. CHARLIE was fully represent his constituents. He re- Once CHARLIE was quoted in the At- a son, a son to Charlie Norwood, Sr., minded me so much of my predecessor, lanta Journal and Constitution, as say- and Lola. He was a husband to Gloria. the late Congressman Floyd Spence, a ing, ‘‘If I want to put bad wiring in my He was a father to Charlie and Carlton fellow courageous lung transplant re- house and burn my family down, that and a grandfather. And he was a cousin cipient. is my problem, not the government’s.’’ to two very, very wonderful ladies I had the pleasure of serving with That was typical of CHARLIE. He was down in Valdosta who said that they CHARLIE on the Education and Work- a witty warrior. When he joined me in often prayed for Cousin CHARLIE, be- force Committee. I am honored to, this

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:07 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.096 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1618 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 year, be the Republican ranking mem- Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I said, CHARLIE, I thought you were a ber on the Workforce Protection Sub- I want to read a part of a letter. It is big player around here; you cannot committee, which CHARLIE ably dated February 8, 2007. It is to myself. even get up to the clubhouse. So Nor- chaired for three terms. It is from Congressman NORWOOD. It is wood started giving me a hard time, In Congress, CHARLIE was an ardent the last official correspondence that I and I started hoorahing the guard, and advocate for health care reform and pa- received from him. It says: he said, Wait a minute; he said you are tients’ rights. He was a good friend and ‘‘Dear Joe. a Congressman from Texas? And I said, strong supporter of the employees of ‘‘When you receive this letter, you Yes, sir. He said, Congressman NOR- the Savannah River Nuclear Labora- will know of my return to Georgia WOOD, you park right up there by the tory. I was proud to work closely with after my decision to forego further clubhouse. him in our efforts to create a MOX fa- medical treatment in the Washington, So, for that one day, CHARLIE NOR- cility for the transformation of pluto- D.C., area for my ongoing battle with WOOD had a better parking spot than nium waste at the Savannah River site. non-small-cell cancer. Needless to say, Tiger Woods or Arnold Palmer or any of the members of the Masters golf b 1710 I hope things turn out for the best. ‘‘I expect to be unavailable for my course. CHARLIE is survived by his wife Glo- duties for the foreseeable future. I do, He is in heaven now and my guess is ria; his two sons, Charles and Carlton; however, expect my staff to continue he has got the best parking spot in and four grandchildren. Roxanne and I working on several issues, even if I heaven, too. God bless you, CHARLIE join with his colleagues in mourning can’t be there in person. NORWOOD, and God bless you, Gloria, his passing and send our prayers to his ‘‘I will have my staff working on the and God bless all your family members. family, staff and constituents. May Living Organ Kidney Donation Clari- You will dearly, dearly be missed. Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, God bless the Norwood family at this fication Act (H.R. 710). This bipartisan, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the time, and may they know that he made bicameral bill addresses the issue of gentleman from Texas (Mr. GENE a significant and positive difference for paired transplantation, which is a way America. GREEN). to solve the dilemma faced by people Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, who want to become living organ do- it is my pleasure to yield 1 minute to Speaker, I thank my colleague from nors for a family member or friend, but Georgia. the Speaker of the House of Represent- are unable to do so because they are atives, the young lady from California, I rise in support of the resolution and biologically incompatible. In the proc- to pay tribute to my friend and fellow Speaker NANCY PELOSI. ess of kidney-paired donor transplants, Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank member of the Energy and Commerce a pair consisting of a kidney transplant the gentleman for yielding and having Committee, Dr. CHARLIE NORWOOD. candidate and an incompatible living this Special Order to honor the life and CHARLIE came to Congress after my donor is matched with another such in- service of our colleague Congressman first term as part of the class of 1994, compatible pair to enable two trans- and it seems a year did not go by that NORWOOD. It is with great sadness that we re- plants that otherwise would not occur. we did not serve on a committee to- ceived the news first of his illness and This bill is widely supported, has no gether. I honorably served with him at first then of his passing. We had hoped to known opposition, doesn’t cost a dime, on the Education and Workforce Com- have an occasion such as this before he will save Medicare money, and will mittee and then later on the Energy died so he could hear the praise of his save thousands of lives. I urge you to and Commerce Committee. colleagues on the floor. I know that work with Mr. INSLEE, Chairman DIN- CHARLIE and I shared a passion for many conveyed their good wishes to GELL, and my staff to move this important bill forward.’’ health care issues, and I particularly him personally. enjoyed our work together on the He left us in a very dignified way. He I have checked with Chairman DIN- GELL. He has assured me that he is pre- Health Subcommittee. decided that he would be, as he lived, A dentist by training, CHARLIE was surrounded by his family at home so pared to move the bill if it is as he says it is. Knowing CHARLIE, always telling devoted to improving the health care that he could die in peace. system, not only for providers like Congressman NORWOOD, as we all the truth, it is. So hopefully, very soon on the floor of this body, we will have himself but also for the patients that know, as our minority leader men- rely on our health care system to keep tioned, he had his own particular style, the CHARLIE NORWOOD Living Organ Kidney Donation Clarification Act. them well. plain spoken, very eloquent, and he The phrase Patients’ Bill of Rights There are so many stories, but I want was a passionate public servant. He would not have been coined if CHARLIE to tell one Norwood story. CHARLIE served our country and his own com- and our chairman, JOHN DINGELL, had asked me and now my wife, then my munity in Vietnam in service to our not teamed up to give patients an abil- girlfriend, Terri, to go down to the country and in the Congress of the ity to fight back against the HMOs Masters Golf Tournament. I am not United States. that too often make health care deci- Again, in this Congress he did his golfer and so I discouraged him from sions based on the bottom line, rather best to serve his constituents, his con- asking me. He said you may not like it than a physician’s recommendation. science, and his country. but Terri will. I note CHARLIE’s last legislative act Again, he faced the end of his life and So we got to go down to the tour- before leaving Washington and return- his sickness with great bravery and nament, and on the first day we went ing to Georgia was to reintroduce the dignity. to the tournament, CHARLIE was telling Patients’ Bill of Rights in this Con- Our thoughts and prayers, I have con- me how plugged in he was with all the gress as H.R. 979. veyed to his wife Gloria, but I say folks at the Masters and how many There is no doubt in my mind that again on this floor that our thoughts people he knew and really he was real- this legislation will be CHARLIE’s leg- and prayers are with Gloria and his two ly a major figure out there. acy and will honor him and his work in sons, Charles and Carlton, and his four So we pulled up to the driveway to go this esteemed Chamber by finally mak- grandchildren. I know that I can speak up to the main clubhouse that you ing his vision of patients’ rights a re- for all Members of Congress when we have seen on TV, and the guard at the ality. convey our sympathy to them. I hope gate said, May I help you? He said, I Last July 4 recess, CHARLIE and I that it is a comfort to them that so am Congressman NORWOOD, and I have joined two other members of the many people mourn their loss and are got Congressman BARTON of Texas, and Health Subcommittee as we visited the praying for them at this sad time. we want to go up to the clubhouse. The impressive trauma facilities utilized by Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I guard said, Well, Congressman, you are our brave military doctors to treat our am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the not on the list. He said, I am not on the wounded service personnel in Balad and gentleman from Texas (Mr. BARTON). list? And the guard said, No, Congress- Baghdad, Iraq and Kabul, Afghanistan. (Mr. BARTON of Texas asked and man, you are not. So I started giving I knew there was a good reason CHAR- was given permission to revise and ex- CHARLIE a hard time from the back- LIE and I got along, despite being dif- tend his remarks.) seat. ferent parties, but I also realized that

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It has a So one of the things I did just trying LIE, whenever she came back we always picture of CHARLIE NORWOOD with a .50- to get to know CHARLIE a little better made it a point as often as we could to caliber machine gun in a helicopter we is I went to his Web site and looked up get together with the Norwoods and were flying in, but CHARLIE was not a little bit about him, and was struck have dinner. CHARLIE loved to try a lot really happy because he was not sitting by the description that I found of his of different venues: He was a steak behind that .50-caliber machine gun. military service in Vietnam. And I man, and we ate steak. He liked Italian CHARLIE was a good doctor and hon- thought I would like to just read that; food, and we found several Italian orable Member of Congress and a great and many people who are watching this places that we ate. He took me to a Ko- friend. He always thought of others, won’t have an opportunity to hear this rean restaurant. He liked Korean food and I will always remember him for his about CHARLIE, though everybody after being in Asia. And we had great friendship for these years. Our knows, I think, that he served in the conversations. We talked about the pa- thoughts are with his family, and his military. tients’ bill of rights; we disagreed. We wife Gloria has become a good friend of But specifically during his tour in talked about OSHA; we agreed. And so my wife Helen through the Congres- Vietnam, CHARLIE NORWOOD partici- he and Gloria became good friends of sional Spouses, and I will miss CHAR- pated in experimental military dental Claire and me, and he even hosted my practices that became standard proce- LIE, and we all will. We honor his mem- brother and I down at the Master’s one dure for the Armed Forces after the ory and his contributions to our coun- year. My older brother and CHARLIE try. war. He was one of the first partici- shared the same birth date, so they had pants in the Army outreach program to b 1720 a bond right off the bat. deliver dentists to forward fire bases in If there is one legacy I think that lieu of transferring patients to rear Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I CHARLIE will leave with all of us, it is am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the treatment areas. I am not sure if the the bulldoggedness and the determina- gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. rest of the dentists and the doctors ap- tion with which he pursued legislation. preciated that very much; it meant BARRETT). But if there is one other legacy that that you were going into harm’s way a Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. will be left, it is the way he displayed little bit more than they otherwise Mr. Speaker, I too stand in favor of the the courage to fight this disease that would. resolution for my friend CHARLIE NOR- he had. And I truly think, Mr. Speaker, WOOD. NORWOOD also provided some of the first field-based dental treatment of that any lesser man would not have When I first started running in 2002, lasted as long as he did with the dis- CHARLIE was one of the first guys to military guard dogs, and assisted in nondental trauma care in Mobile Army ease that he had. grab me by the hand, introduce me to CHARLIE will be very, very much people, and be my friend. I remember Surgical Hospitals, MASH, units. In recognition of his service under combat missed, and our prayers go out to Glo- my first day in Congress CHARLIE com- ria and the family. ing up to me and said, ‘‘Boy, you just conditions, he was awarded the Combat Medical Badge and two Bronze Stars. Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, hang with me, I will take good care of may I inquire how much time do we you.’’ And he did. After Vietnam, he was assigned to the Dental Corps at Fort Gordon, Georgia, have left. He always told me that the Augusta The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. where he served until his discharge in side of Georgia was mine and the North FRANK of Massachusetts). The gen- 1969. NORWOOD was awarded the Asso- Augusta side of South Carolina was 1 ciation of the Army’s Cocklin Award in tleman from Georgia has 12 ⁄2 minutes, his; that no river or border could keep and the other gentleman from Georgia us apart. And it was true. And the 1998, and was inducted into the Asso- ciation’s Audie Murphy Society in 1999. has 8 minutes. things he did for me, the things he did Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, for South Carolina, for Georgia, for He remained a lifelong member of the American Legion, the Veterans of For- I reserve the balance of my time. this Nation will always be remembered. Mr. DEAL of Georgia. I thank the eign Wars, and Military Order of the CHARLIE NORWOOD was a good friend Speaker. And I would ask the gen- of mine, and we will be sad and we will World Wars. CHARLIE’s family should be very tleman, we have numerous speakers, if cry, but in heaven they are screaming, proud of CHARLIE NORWOOD. As CHARLIE there is a possibility of yielding time ‘‘We love you, Charlie.’’ God bless you. NORWOOD was slowly struggling with at some point, we would request it. Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, the disease that took his life, he had to Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. I would be I am pleased to yield 21⁄2 minutes to the look back on his life and realize that pleased to do so. gentleman from Georgia (Mr. MAR- he helped an awful lot of people in a Mr. DEAL of Georgia. I thank the SHALL). very positive way. We will miss him. gentleman. Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. DEAL of Georgia. I am pleased to At this point I would yield 1 minute didn’t know CHARLIE well; I only met yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. CHARLIE once before I came to Congress Washington (Mr. HASTINGS). BLUNT). and then had a few occasions to work Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. I Mr. BLUNT. I thank all of my col- with him in Congress. I certainly knew thank the gentleman for yielding. leagues for the comments they have his reputation. He was a great advocate Mr. Speaker, today I mourningly lost made today. The job of the whip in the for veterans and a great advocate for not only a colleague but a very close House is supposed to be the job of orga- patients’ rights and, on some subjects, friend. We all know that CHARLIE’s un- nizing the Members, and many people willing to buck his leadership in order wavering dedication to his constituents think it is the job of convincing Mem- to advance the cause of patients’ and to our Nation inspired us who had bers they should do something they rights, and it was something I appre- the privilege of serving with him. He don’t really want to do. I will tell you ciated a great deal. was known and was well-documented that the Member that it would have As CHARLIE grew sicker, from time to as a principled lawmaker who was ab- been the most impossible to convince time I would seek him out on the floor solutely committed to his values and to do anything he didn’t want to do and ask him how he was doing. He was to his work in this people’s House. He was CHARLIE NORWOOD. He was here to always upbeat about it, he was always was never afraid to stand up for his do what he thought was the right thing positive about it. He was never down convictions. to do. It wasn’t always what I thought and sad. He would be very frank about But, Mr. Speaker, I would like to was the right thing, but it was what he what he was able to do and where he speak on a personal note, because thought was the right thing and he was

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:08 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.101 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1620 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 going to do it. The toughness, the cour- CHARLIE NORWOOD, what was not to Mr. SHADEGG. I thank the gen- age, the determination of CHARLIE NOR- like? His dogged determination, some tleman for yielding. WOOD was extraordinary among an ex- would say he was stubborn as a mule. Mr. Speaker, I rise to mourn the loss traordinary group of people. Just this But I think CHARLIE might more ele- of my friend, CHARLIE NORWOOD, and to struggle that we have witnessed with gantly say he was persistent until it al- pay tribute to him and his record, and CHARLIE’s health, a struggle that he most ceased to be a virtue. But with to extend my sympathies to his wife faced uncomplainingly as he sat day CHARLIE, it was a virtue. and his family. after day over in that corner recov- Now, some gave him bad press, along CHARLIE NORWOOD was an extraor- ering from massive surgery, but, as with some others of us that worked to- dinary human, an extraordinary soldier Chairman BARTON showed in the letter gether on the Voting Rights Act. Some and an extraordinary United States he got in recent days, never giving up falsely claimed that CHARLIE and oth- Congressman, and the Nation is better on the job he was doing for the people ers of us were trying to restrict the for his service. he served. usage of the Voting Rights Act when a You have heard it said here, over and The people that sent him here should clear indication, everything CHARLIE over and over again, that he was pas- be proud, the people who worked with did, everything we worked on, every- sionate, that he was a fighter for the him should be proud. The people of the thing we talked about behind the cause, whether that was in Vietnam, United States would be proud if they scenes was, by golly, the Voting Rights whether that was in his chosen field, knew the great and tireless job that Act has done good for the places it has dentistry, or whether that was here in CHARLIE NORWOOD did for them every been applied. It needs to be applied in the United States Congress. day. And I am honored to have had a every district in America until racial I worked closely with CHARLIE on the chance to serve with him and call him disparity has disappeared. Patients’ Bill of Rights. I believed my friend. And although we lost on the floor deeply, as CHARLIE did, that individual Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I temporarily, I do believe there is Scrip- human beings, patients, were being in- am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the ture to support people in heaven to jured by the practices of managed care gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. know what is going on here on Earth. companies around the country, and They rejoice over one soul’s salvation, COBLE). that we needed to do something about Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, thank you, they know that it isn’t over yet. As a that. CHARLIE injected himself in that sir. matter of equal protection, I think we fight with the kind of passion that I represent Pinehurst, North Caro- eventually will get it extended to every CHARLIE brought to every fight. And I lina, the golf capital of America. And district where there is racial disparity. worked shoulder to shoulder with To Gloria, to the Norwood family, all when I would say that, CHARLIE took CHARLIE in that fight, and Dr. TOM we can say through the Speaker is, great umbrage, he being from Augusta. COBURN, and learned what a great indi- thank you for sharing this wonderful On one occasion, CHARLIE overheard vidual and what an inspiring principled gift with us. And to God on high, thank someone ask me to describe my dis- human being he was. you for sharing this gift with this trict. I replied, ‘‘I represent High But the best thing about CHARLIE was House of Representatives. the twinkle in his eye. When CHARLIE Point, the furniture capital of the Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I got into a fight, he would literally world; I represent one of the finest zoos am pleased to yield 1 minute to the light up, and light the room with a in the country near Asheboro.’’ And gentlelady from North Carolina (Mrs. twinkle of being able to press forward knowing that CHARLIE was listening, I MYRICK). said very condescendingly, ‘‘And, of Mrs. MYRICK. I thank the gentleman with his fight and his belief and his course, the golf capital of America in for yielding. passion. Pinehurst.’’ Mr. Speaker, as you have heard some We will all miss him. I consider it a CHARLIE jumped up from his chair, of my other colleagues say, there were privilege to have known him. this is the sanitized version. He said, a group of us who came in in 1995 to- Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ‘‘Now, you son of a gun,’’ he said, ‘‘I gether with CHARLIE and got to know am pleased to yield 1 minute to the will let you have the furniture and zoo, him very well and consider him a dear gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. WICK- but you ain’t taking golf.’’ friend. ER). I told that story, Mr. Speaker, to the You have heard all the words, ‘‘perse- Mr. WICKER. I thank the gentleman Southern Pines North Carolina Rotary verance’’ and ‘‘doggedness’’ and ‘‘deter- for yielding. Club, and within one week that story mination’’ and ‘‘stubborn’’ and all Mr. Speaker, CHARLIE NORWOOD and I was personally delivered to Doc NOR- those other things that describe CHAR- were elected together in 1994, as were WOOD. And CHARLIE said to me, ‘‘How- LIE, but there are also some other the two previous speakers. And we ard, don’t ever talk about anybody. It words that describe CHARLIE, and that were part of that history-making, ma- will come back to bite you.’’ was ‘‘loyal’’ and ‘‘friend,’’ because he jority-making 73-Member class who CHARLIE NORWOOD, as has been said was a friend to all. came to office in 1995. many times on this floor today, one Gloria and CHARLIE and I became It didn’t take us long to realize that great guy, one great Congressman who very good friends early on. You could CHARLIE NORWOOD was one of the wisest will be sorely missed. always count on him. There was never and steadiest and most dependable CHARLIE, I won’t even say Pinehurst any question, if you needed CHARLIE, Members of that class. He was a con- is the greatest golf capital of the world he was there if he believed in what you servative, and never wavered from that at least for a day or two in remem- were doing; if he didn’t, he would al- philosophy. He was trustworthy, as brance of you. ways forthrightly tell you. Mrs. MYRICK said. And condolences to Gloria and the He also displayed that big word He was a competitor. When CHARLIE entire Norwood family. ‘‘courage,’’ because we saw what he NORWOOD waged battle on this floor on went through as he spent his last 3 your side, you knew you had a capable b 1730 years here, and he was always doing his comrade at arms. And if he was on the Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I job for his people. The other thing other side, when it was over, you knew am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the about CHARLIE was integrity. I think you had been in a fight. I remember at gentleman from Texas (Mr. GOHMERT). you have to look long and far to find the end of the debate on the Patients’ Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, it was someone who had more integrity than Bill of Rights, right along the rail back truly an honor to know CHARLIE NOR- CHARLIE NORWOOD; if he gave you his here, CHARLIE NORWOOD and TOM WOOD; I admired and respected him. word, he gave you his word. COBURN embracing after the debate And shortly after I got here to this All of our blessings go to Gloria and like athletes after a great contest. body I was told by another Member his family. Whatever he did, CHARLIE NORWOOD from Georgia, he was sitting by CHAR- Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I did it cheerfully, and that is one of the LIE when I was up speaking and he said, am pleased to yield 1 minute to the main things I will remember about Who is that guy? I like him. Well, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. SHAD- CHARLIE. He was a patriot in every feeling was more than mutual. EGG). sense of the word. He was a credit to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:08 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.103 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1621 this House of Representatives. I am I also want to talk about Gloria, be- our friend and colleague, CHARLIE NOR- proud to have called him my colleague cause Gloria took my wife under her WOOD. While most of us hope to make a and my friend. wing and was kind to her. And I can difference in this world, CHARLIE NOR- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, tell you for this last year and a half, WOOD certainly did that. He also made how much time does the gentleman literally every week that I have served a difference in the lives of those who from Georgia (Mr. DEAL) have? in this Congress, my wife has asked were fortunate enough to have known The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- about CHARLIE’s health because she fell him. tleman has 30 seconds remaining. in love with Gloria Norwood. CHARLIE was steadfast and did what Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Everyone in this House sends out he thought was right. He was an im- I am pleased to yield 6 minutes to my their hearts to Gloria at the loss of her movable object in the defense of prin- colleague from Georgia, and I ask beloved husband. We were proud to ciple, and when met with irresistible unanimous consent to let the gen- serve with him. He was a great Amer- force, it wasn’t likely that CHARLIE was tleman from Georgia in turn control ican. the one who was moved. that 6 minutes and yield to other Mem- Today I rise to honor my friend and col- During the development of the Medi- bers. league Mr. CHARLIE NORWOOD from North- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there care prescription drug benefit, I eastern Georgia who passed away yesterday objection to the request of the gen- worked closely with CHARLIE and sev- morning. As a man of strong character and tleman from Georgia? eral of my colleagues to see if there There was no objection. unwavering convictions, his passing is surely a was an alternative plan and how we The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- saddening loss to the American people. were going to work this out. CHARLIE’s HARLIE ORWOOD tleman from Georgia (Mr. DEAL) now C N served as a brave sol- contributions were insightful, they dier during Vietnam as part of the Army Dental has 61⁄2 minutes. were valuable, and added considerably Mr. DEAL of Georgia. I thank the Corps in the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was to the worth of our final product. Dur- gentleman for his courtesy. honored for his courageous service with the ing that process, he was constantly I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the Combat Medical Badge and two Bronze Stars. mindful of two things, and that was the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Elected to Congress in 1994, CHARLIE was need to help seniors who had no drug WHITFIELD). the first Republican to represent his North- coverage and the need to be wise stew- Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, all of eastern Georgia district since Reconstruction. ards for taxpayers. us join in wishing our condolences to During his time in Congress he was known for Coming to Congress with a medical CHARLIE’s wife Gloria and his entire his endless fight for the patients’ bill of rights background, CHARLIE provided a point family. and his fight for stricter immigration policies. of view that enhanced any debate he Those of us who were elected in 1994 CHARLIE bravely battled cancer and lung dis- entered. While witnesses before him, at and had the opportunity to know CHAR- ease, and in his final days he returned to Au- the Health Subcommittee may have LIE, to work with CHARLIE, and for me gusta to be with his family. The Norwood fam- cringed at times under his questioning, personally I had the opportunity to sit ily will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please the responses that were drawn out al- next to him on the Energy and Com- join me, Mr. Speaker, in expressing our deep ways added an important dimension to merce Committee for about 8 years, appreciation for the lifetime of service by our debates. CHARLIE was many things. He was a CHARLIE NORWOOD and extending our sym- CHARLIE will be sorely missed: in soldier in Vietnam, he was a business- pathies to his wife, Gloria Wilkinson Norwood, Congress, in the Health Subcommittee, man, he was a dentist, he was a great and their family. but more importantly in all our lives. I United States Congressman. He also Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I give my deepest sympathies to his wife, was a Sunday school teacher at Trinity am pleased to yield 1 minute to one of Gloria, his sons Charles and Carlton, on the Hill Methodist Church in Au- our colleagues from Iowa (Mr. KING). and his constituents. gusta, Georgia. And I know that that b 1740 Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I church meant a lot to him because he am pleased to yield 1 minute to the is asking for donations to that church Mr. KING of Iowa. I thank the gentleman for yielding. gentleman from Iowa (Mr. LATHAM). as a memorial. Mr. LATHAM. I thank the gentleman Recently I attended a church service Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in pro- for yielding, and I thank the Speaker in a Methodist church in Kentucky, found sorrow and gratitude for the life for this chance to say just a few words and the title of the sermon was ‘‘You of CHARLIE NORWOOD. I believe I had about my dear friend and classmate, Can’t Make a Success of Life Without known CHARLIE long before I came here CHARLIE NORWOOD. Making a Gift of It.’’ And when I think to meet him in person. I got to know To Gloria, to the family, we extend of CHARLIE NORWOOD, that is really him through C–SPAN and through the our most sincere, deepest condolences. what I think about: He made a gift of media. When I met him personally, he Kathy and I will keep you in our pray- his life. We will miss him. He has made had matched up identically with the ers. a tremendous impact on all of us. We person that I saw through the tele- wish his family the very best. vision screen. CHARLIE had that light I just want to tell one short story Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I within him, as John Shadegg said. about CHARLIE. When we came into am pleased to yield 1 minute to the I look back at a time when CHARLIE Congress together back in 1994 and we gentleman from Texas (Mr. CARTER). was not feeling well. He came here had the Contract With America, the Mr. CARTER. I thank you for yield- whenever it was physically possible for first 100 days, one of the very first ing. him to do that, and I remember a day votes that we had was H.R. 1. That was Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about when he looked poor, but when he an amendment to the Constitution to my friend, CHARLIE NORWOOD. I have spoke in that microphone right there, balance the budget. I was standing prepared remarks, but I would really that light came back on again and the right back here at the voting machine like to just relate like others have. real CHARLIE NORWOOD again blessed beside CHARLIE NORWOOD. I voted The first time I ran into CHARLIE I this Chamber with his presence. ‘‘yes.’’ CHARLIE put his card in, he was a new freshman in this body. He America will always be grateful. Glo- voted ‘‘yes,’’ and he turned to me and sat behind me. And when you are brand ria, Marilyn and I want you to know says, You know what. That’s what I new here, you are listening and you are that you and your family are in our ran on. I can go home now. I’ve done trying to figure out what is going on. prayers. We will always look over to my job. I’ve kept my promise. And when CHARLIE NORWOOD opened his this place on this floor where CHARLIE That’s what CHARLIE NORWOOD was mouth, he was saying things some- always sat and recognize that as CHAR- all about. I just want to say, CHARLIE, times that others were not, and stood LIE’s seat in the people’s Chamber. you’re home now, the Augusta, the his ground to those things, even though Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I Georgia that you love, and our they might be in conflict with both the am pleased to yield 1 minute to the thoughts and prayers will always be other side and his party, both. CHARLIE gentleman from Indiana (Mr. BUYER). with you and the great honor that you had a way of standing up for his prin- Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to have given all of us here to serve with ciples. express deep sorrow at the passing of you in this great body.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:08 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.106 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1622 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 Mr. DEAL of Georgia. I would say to Prior to his service in the House of Rep- vidual rights showed his intense compassion my colleague, Mr. LEWIS, I am prepared resentatives, CHARLIE served his country as a for the American people. to close if you would like to. Captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps in Viet- Congressman NORWOOD was someone who The SPEAKER pro tempore. The nam, and he contributed to his community as lived the American dream. He went to college, Chair recognizes the gentleman from a dentist, business owner, and active wor- became a dentist, fought for his country in Georgia (Mr. LEWIS). shipper in his Methodist Church. Vietnam, and was a loving husband, father Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I first learned about CHARLIE in 1994 when and grandfather. He served his district, state CHARLIE NORWOOD, the man from Geor- he was running for his Georgia district. Struck and country with distinction in the United gia, not just a citizen of Georgia, not by his pluckiness and quiet steadfast deter- States Congress. just a citizen of the American South, mination even then, I decided to campaign for CHARLIE worked to leave the world a better but a citizen of the world, a man who him in his district-to-be, and met his wife Glo- place than it was given to him, and I can say fought the good fight, who kept the ria. And when he was elected, he immediately that, because of his service to our country and faith. He was a good and decent man, became a player in health care legislation, not work for health care issues, he did just that. and we will never ever forget his last- waiting for reaching the echelons of seniority Congressman CHARLIE NORWOOD was taken ing contribution. to make real contributions. from this earth too soon. My wife Diana and We pray for his family, for the people Through all his trials, CHARLIE NORWOOD I extend our deepest sympathy to Gloria and of his congressional district, and we had a sparkle, an ingenuity how to get things the entire Norwood family in this difficult time. pray for his soul. accomplished. His passion would at times Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise with Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance translate into defiance at another Member. In a heavy heart today to remember a friend, and of my time. particular, I recall such a moment at the En- colleague—Representative CHARLIE NORWOOD Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, ergy & Commerce markup on July 27, 2006 of of Georgia, who passed away yesterday, at in closing, I want to thank my col- H.R. 4157, the Better Health Information Sys- his home in Augusta, Georgia. CHARLIE and I came into Congress as part league, Mr. LEWIS, for his graciousness, tem Act of 2006, or ‘‘Health IT’’ bill. Another for his assistance in bringing this reso- of the ‘‘Republican Revolution’’ in 1994. We Member, Representative MARKEY, was offering lution to the floor, and to express my shared a common vision with the rest of our some language that would have the effect of classmates of what the Federal Government appreciation to all of our colleagues governing relations between health care pro- who have spoken here today. Their elo- should be and how it should act. CHARLIE viders and their patients. Well, CHARLIE took worked diligently to attain this vision while quence, I hope, conveys to Gloria and great exception to this, and rather angrily to the family the esteem with which we serving his constituents. erupted to Representative MARKEY that his held CHARLIE NORWOOD. Truly the gen- During this sorrowful time my thoughts and profession has engaged in the highest ethical prayers go out to his family, friends, staff and tleman from Georgia and the blue standards of patient privacy since the incep- searsucker suit is going to really be loved ones. It was an honor serving with tion of dentistry, and therefore ‘‘I don’t need CHARLIE, and he will be sorely missed. missed here, but his legacy will live on. you to legislate my professional ethics.’’ It is the responsibility of each of us Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, In the past couple of years, CHARLIE would to make sure that we have the same I rise to pay tribute to a great American and ride in his scooter to the Energy & Commerce a member of this House. CHARLES NORWOOD degree of commitment and passion as Committee on which we served together, and CHARLIE NORWOOD did. He set a great was a veteran, dentist, small business owner, to the Floor, for debate and hearings and and Member of Congress from Georgia. example we will all endeavor to follow. votes. And notwithstanding his ailing health, I Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Congressman NORWOOD, who died on was always touched by his continued friendly, I rise today in sadness to note the recent Wednesday, February 14, 2007, was a re- high spirits. CHARLIE, I am honored to have spected member of this body and respected passing of a dear friend and colleague, CHAR- known you. Rest in peace. by all who knew him. His presence will be LIE NORWOOD. I want to extend to his wife Glo- Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- greatly missed and we all mourn his loss and ria and her sons, and their family, my deepest port of this resolution honoring the life of our extend our sincerest condolences to his family sympathy for their loss. friend and a great member of this body, CHAR- I know how much CHARLIE loved his wife and friends. LIE NORWOOD, who passed away after an 8- CHARLES NORWOOD was born July 27, 1941 Gloria and his family.? I join my colleagues today on the floor of year battle with a chronic lung disease, and in Valdosta, Georgia. ‘‘CHARLIE’’ as he was the House to honor his service in the House then lung cancer. known, attended school in Valdosta through- Elected in 1994, CHARLIE was a passionate of Representatives, and to honor his memory. out his first year of high school when his fam- CHARLIE and I came to Washington with the public servant who will be remembered for his ily moved to Tennessee, where he graduated class of 1994. We were elected to Congress dedication to health care issues and his com- in 1959 from Baylor Military High School in in the same year and we came with the class mitment to patients’ rights. A dentist by train- Chattanooga. He received his B.A. from Geor- that was going to change the way Washington ing, he had the unique perspective of under- gia Southern University in 1964 and a Doc- operates. standing how health policy impacted him as a torate in Dental Surgery from Georgetown Uni- In the seven terms that I have served with practitioner as well as his patients. His experi- versity Dental School in 1967 where he was CHARLIE, I gained a lasting friendship and re- ences were a driving force in his passionate elected President of the Dental School Stu- spect for CHARLIE. advocacy for a patients’ bill of rights, and he dent Body during his senior year. CHARLIE certainly made an impact on the helped lead the effort to pass that legislation. After completing dental school, CHARLIE House of Representatives. He always fought CHARLIE also served his country in the Army NORWOOD enlisted in the United States Army, for the causes for which he believed, and for 3 years, and was a veteran of the Vietnam and was commissioned a Captain in the U.S. many times we were on the same side. war. I had the privilege of getting to know Army Dental Corps from 1967 to 1969. He In the last year of his service, as he was CHARLIE when our offices were next door to was first assigned to the Army Dental Corps at battling illness, he always had a smile for me each other in the Rayburn building and en- Sandia Army Base in Albuquerque, New Mex- when I would speak to him. And I know that joyed our friendly visits and candid conversa- ico. In 1968, he was transferred to the Medical he had a smile for anyone that came to say tions. He instantly gained my respect as a Battalion of the 173rd Airborne Brigade in hello. hard-working and eager gentleman willing to Vietnam. As a man of faith, I know that CHARLIE is in work across party lines in search of com- While in the Dental Corps, CHARLIE pio- heaven. But for those of us who had the privi- promIse. neered dental practices that became standard lege to know him, we will miss him until we Mr. Speaker, while CHARLIE’S presence will procedure after the Vietnam War. In addition meet again. be missed, his valiant spirit will live on and I to assisting the soldiers, he also provided He was an outstanding Congressman, and am grateful for the opportunity to have served some of the first field-based dental treatment he will be missed. with him in this Chamber. I send my condo- of military guard dogs. For his distinguished Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, it is with sor- lences and best wishes to his family, and join service to our Nation, CHARLIE received the row, yet fondness, that I speak on the passing my colleagues in supporting this resolution. Combat Medical Badge and two Bronze Stars. of our colleague and friend, CHARLIE NOR- Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply He was discharged in 1969 after which, he en- WOOD. While in Congress, his dedication to saddened at the loss of a great American. tered the private practice of dentistry in Au- Georgians, to patient advocacy, to business CHARLIE NORWOOD was an honored member gusta, Georgia. For many years, ‘‘DOC NOR- ownership and property rights, and to veterans of this House of Representatives and will be WOOD’’ provided great service to all his pa- are legendary. deeply missed. His work for patient and indi- tients.

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In 1994, CHARLIE NORWOOD was elected to The message also announced that Saudi Arabia, a country with an appar- represent the Tenth Congressional District of pursuant to Public Law 106–286, the ently stable and obstensibly friendly Georgia in the historic 104th Congress. We Chair, on behalf of the President of the government. So even if Iraq were stable were classmates because that same year I Senate, and after consultation with the and friendly, individual Iraqi terrorists was elected to represent the citizens of the Majority Leader, appoints the fol- might well come to the United States Eighteenth Congressional District of Texas. lowing Members to serve on the Con- and carry out actions against us. CHARLIE represented his district so well that he gressional-Executive Commission on Third, we are told that we have an obli- was reelected by his constituents six times the People’s Republic of China: gation to the Iraqi people to stay and always by substantial margins. The Senator from Montana (Mr. BAU- there, to stay the course. We have lib- In Congress, CHARLIE NORWOOD was a CUS). erated the Iraqis from Saddam Hussein, strong proponent for health care reform. He in- The Senator from Michigan (Mr. a man who killed millions in his war troduced legislation calling for a Patient’s Bill LEVIN). against Iran and against the Kurds. of Rights. He also championed more and bet- The Senator from California (Mrs. Now we have given the Iraqi people an ter health care for veterans. In addition to his FEINSTEIN). opportunity to come together. We have work in health care reform, NORWOOD intro- The Senator from North Dakota (Mr. bled sufficiently for Iraq. duced legislation and worked on various other DORGAN), Co-Chairman. Finally, we are told that we owe it to public-policy issues. The Senator from Ohio (Mr. BROWN). those Americans who died in battle to Throughout his congressional career, CHAR- f stay in Iraq until Iraq is a model democracy. LIE NORWOOD served on the Energy and Com- IRAQ WAR RESOLUTION merce Committee and the Education and b 1750 Workforce Committee. He was Vice Chairman The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ant to section 3 of House Resolution I would argue that instead we owe it of the Subcommittee on Health from 2001 to to those who died to have an intel- 2004 and a member of the Energy and Power 157, proceedings will now resume on the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 63) ligent foreign policy that safeguards Subcommittee from 1997 to 2000. America. That starts with learning the Mr. Speaker, a dear colleague has fallen but disapproving of the decision of the President announced on January 10, lessons of the Cold War. Remember the he will not be forgotten. We are all saddened 1960s and the 1970s, when we were told 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 addi- by our loss but we are happy to have served that if we didn’t support every esca- tional United States combat troops to with him. Our prayers and condolences are lation in Vietnam, then the Com- Iraq. with his family and loved ones. CHARLIE NOR- munists would follow us home or, in The Clerk read the title of the con- WOOD—Vietnam Veteran, dentist, small busi- the parlance of that day, there would current resolution. ness owner, and Member of Congress—was a be Communists on the beaches of The SPEAKER pro tempore. When good representative, a good legislator, and a southern California. good man. He will be missed. proceedings were postponed earlier Well, we won the Cold War because Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I today, 4 hours and 46 minutes of debate we pulled out of Vietnam. The short- yield back the balance of my time. remained on the concurrent resolution. term outcome in Vietnam was not The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time The gentleman from California (Mr. what we would have liked, but even if has expired. SHERMAN) has 2 hours and 21 minutes we had stayed in Vietnam another dec- Without objection, the previous ques- remaining and the gentleman from ade, it would have been no different. tion is ordered on the resolution. New York (Mr. KING) has 2 hours and 25 We won the global war on communism There was no objection. minutes remaining. because we waged it globally, and we The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The Chair recognizes the gentleman did not become fixated forever on Viet- question is on the resolution. from California. nam. The resolution was agreed to. Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield The time has arrived to pull back A motion to reconsider was laid on myself so much time as I may con- from daily battles on the streets of the table. sume. Baghdad. It is time for Iraq to no Mr. Speaker, we are engaged in a f longer be viewed as the sole or exclu- long war on radical Islam, a war the sive battlefield in the war on ter- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER President has analogized to the Cold rorism. It is time instead for us to PRO TEMPORE War. Two roads in that war lead to dis- focus on the one part of the global war The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under aster. The first disastrous road would on terrorism that could lead to hun- clause 5(d) of rule XX, it is the Chair’s be to abandon the battle, appease, dis- dreds of thousands of American deaths, duty to announce to the House that, in arm, blame America, and speak to and that is Iran’s nuclear program. We light of the death of the gentleman Syria and Iran about what concessions need to mobilize all of our diplomatic from Georgia (Mr. NORWOOD), the whole we are going to give them. leverage to reshape our policies to- number of the House is 434. The second disastrous course is to wards Russia, Europe and China, to- stay the course in our utter fixation on f ward the single goal of putting to- Iraq as the only battlefield in the glob- gether a coalition that will put the GENERAL LEAVE al war on radical Islam. Those who pro- pressure on Iran necessary to force Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I pose that we stay the course, an erro- that country to abandon its nuclear ask unanimous consent that all Mem- neous course, I might add, give four program. We owe this to those who bers have 5 legislative days in which to different reasons: have died in Iraq, and we owe it to the revise and extend their remarks on the First, they say that if we do not stay American people. resolution just adopted. in Iraq and prevail, then terrorists will Finally, we are told that this resolu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there have a place to gather and plot against tion is nonbinding, meaningless, that objection to the request of the gen- us. Mr. Speaker, terrorists can plot the President will ignore it, that the tleman from Georgia? against us in the deserts of Somalia. only way we have of affecting policy is There was no objection. Terrorists are plotting against us in to cut off funds, which is constitu- f the mountains of North Waziristan, in tionally problematic, since it involves the mountains of Pakistan. Mr. Speak- tying in the hands of the Commander MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE er, terrorists can plot against us in an in Chief while we have troops in the A message from the Senate by Ms. apartment building in Hamburg. Even field. But the very people who say this Curtis, one of its clerks, announced if we prevail in Iraq, terrorists will al- resolution is meaningless have it in that the Senate has passed without ways be able to find a conference room. their power to make it meaningful, amendment a joint resolution of the The second reason we are given is have it in their power to avoid such House of the following title: that if we do not prevail in Iraq, the constitutionally problematic ap- H.J. Res. 20. Joint resolution making fur- terrorists there will follow us home. proaches. ther continuing appropriations for the fiscal Well, keep in mind on 9/11, the vast ma- Because if the Republicans will vote year 2007, and for other purposes. jority of the hijackers came from for this resolution, they will make it

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But if even a third of the Repub- importantly, think of the message we I have researched this. I have not lican caucus votes for this resolution, are sending to the enemy of the region. found one instance during the history then the President will no longer stay I just heard the previous gentleman of our country where the United States the course, he will be jolted, he will say that those of us who oppose the Congress has injected itself into battle- work with Congress cooperatively to- resolution want to stay the course. I field decisions. wards a foreign policy that makes would say that those who are sup- I was just thinking suppose we did sense for our country. porting the resolution are the ones who this during World War II, and we had I look forward to having enough want to stay the course. This is a sig- this situation with a small island in votes for this resolution so that it is, nificant new policy. General Petraeus the Pacific, Iwo Jima, where almost indeed, meaningful. has said it is a new policy, and it is a 7,000 people were killed in less than 6 Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of new policy. weeks, almost 26,000 casualties. If we my time. The gentleman also said that we had 24-hour cable news, if we had a The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- don’t really have to worry about Iraq sense of disunity in the country, we tleman from New York is recognized as becoming a haven for terrorists be- would be bringing a resolution in the the designee of the minority leader cause terrorists can attack us any- second or third week of the battle say- under the rule for the purpose of yield- where. He basically said you can do it ing we already lost 2, 3, 4,000 troops, ing time. from an apartment in Hamburg. this one island, how can we have 10 to I would suggest that if the pro- The gentleman is recognized. 15,000 casualties just in the first 2, 3 ponents of the resolution cannot appre- Mr. KING of New York. I thank the weeks. ciate the distinction between a hotel Speaker for his recognition and for his But the fact is we have allowed the room in Hamburg and a sovereign state usual courtesy. President, as Commander in Chief, and such as Iraq being occupied by terror- Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time that is his constitutional responsi- ists, then they don’t realize the impact as I may consume. bility. We voted for the war in the that Afghanistan had, the fact that the I rise today in opposition to the reso- House. We voted for the war in the Sen- Taliban allowed al Qaeda to have a lution. I have listened as carefully as I ate. Once we do that, the Commander can for the past day and a half of de- sanctuary in Afghanistan, how it gave them a strong base of operations to in Chief, I believe, strongly believe, has bate, and it becomes clearer and clear- the constitutional authority and the er to me that those who were sup- carry out and plot the attacks of Sep- tember 11. right to be deciding exactly the tac- porting this resolution, for whatever tical and strategic decisions. reason, are unwilling to accept the con- Now, truly there are terrorists everywhere, Islamist terrorists throughout If the Members of Congress want to sequences of the words of this resolu- the world. They are certainly through- cut off funding for the war, the fact is tion, unwilling to accept the con- out the Middle East, the Philippines, some of them may, then the fact is sequences of what could happen by the Indonesia, Singapore, they are here in they should say that, not be coming in adoption of this resolution. the United States, we know that, in through the backdoor. Yes, the resolution is meaningless. Canada. But the fact is you try to take So I would urge my colleagues to re- Yes, the resolution has no legal im- as many sanctuaries away from them if alize the consequences of their action. pact, but it does send a terrible mes- possible. You know, I spoke on the House floor sage. It sends a terrible message to the Iraq, if we did leave Iraq, and that, I yesterday, and after I was finished the world that the United States is losing a believe, has to be the necessary out- speaker who followed me said I wish sense of resolution, if you will. It also come, the only logical conclusion of that the opponents of the resolution sends a very cruel message, I believe, where this resolution will ultimately would just stick to the resolution to the troops in the field, because while lead us, then we have a situation where itself. the resolution goes out of the way to we are talking about confronting Iran. I am more than willing to debate the say it supports the troops, at the very Well, the Shiites in Iran will certainly resolution. I believe I have. The fact is same time it is necessarily under- have enormous influence in Iraq. Al I can see why they don’t want to look mining the newly appointed com- Qaeda will have a sanctuary among the at the consequences beyond the narrow mander of those troops. We hear from Sunnis in Iraq, and then we will have language of that resolution, because it speaker after speaker who was speak- the situation in the north between the will have horrific consequences for the ing in support of the resolution that Kurds and the Turks. So the fact is no United States. Actions have con- this is more of the same staying the one more than those of us who oppose sequences, words have consequences, course, this is a policy that cannot the resolution realize this is not the and the words of this resolution will work. only battlefield, but it is a main battle- have terrible consequences for the But yet the newly designated com- field. United States, terrible consequences mander, General Petraeus, who was Certainly al Qaeda believes it is im- for all of us who oppose Islamic ter- unanimously confirmed by the United portant. That is why we have al Qaeda rorism, and terrible consequences for States Senate, is one of the architects in Iraq. That is why al Qaeda has been our allies in the region and with whom of this policy. General Petraeus has carrying out attacks, that is why al we need support in the future. stated that this policy can work, that Qaeda was there. That is why we are Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of he believes it will work. engaging in Anbar province. By the my time. Those of us who have been to Iraq way, of the 21,000 additional troops, at b 1800 and seen the outstanding work that least 4,000 will be directly confronting General Petraeus has done, the 101st al Qaeda in Anbar province. Mr. SHERMAN. Madam Speaker, I Airborne, we realize how committed he These are all the issues I feel have am proud to be part of a process that is. To me it sends such a mixed mes- not been in any way adequately or suf- shows our troops that America is a sage to, on the one hand, have him ficiently addressed by the supporters of functioning democracy, and that we unanimously confirmed as the new the resolution. Again, at a time when are engaged in discussing a resolution commander in the field, and yet at the we have General Petraeus embarking that reflects the views of the vast ma- same time to be attacking his credi- on what I believe is a key turning point jority of the American people. bility or his competency. in the war, it is really irresponsible to Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to You can’t have it both ways. You even be considering voting for this res- the chairman of the Congressional can’t say he is the best man for the job, olution. Black Caucus, a distinguished Member

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.114 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1625 of the Congress and of the Appropria- before you today for the American peo- centuries of slave labor, 4 centuries of tions Committee, the gentlewoman ple. I have the strength to let you lynchings, 4 centuries of Jim Crow laws, 4 from Michigan (Ms. KILPATRICK). know that we as a Nation can be all centuries of sitting on the back of the bus, 4 (Ms. KILPATRICK asked and was that God wants us to be. That in fight- centuries of combined discrimination. And de- given permission to revise and extend ing wars, and wars will come from time spite 4 centuries of second class citizenship, her remarks.) to time, this is the time to bring this African Americans have always heeded the Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I one to the end. call to arms in defense of a country that did thank the gentleman for yielding me I will protect and speak out for the not always defend them. time. over 3,100 families who have lost young Indeed, when it comes to war, the very first I stand here today in support of men and women, over the tens of thou- person, black, white, Asian, Pacific Islander, or House Resolution 63, a long time com- sands who are blinded and amputees, Native American to die for this country was an ing, but as it is always said, it is right and over the many hundred thousands African American, Crispus Attucks, who did on time. I stand here to speak for the we do not yet know who will be in need not even have the right to vote, the right to millions of Americans today who have of mental health services as our mental buy property, the right to be recognized as a had enough, who have had enough of health capacity in this country has human being. He wanted the right to love our this war, its unjust nature, its over $500 been shredded. country. Like the hundreds of thousands of Af- billion that has been spent there in Those dollars have to be invested so rican Americans who have followed his foot- Iraq and Afghanistan and not spent in that we take care of our veterans. I steps in the military, I honor and I appreciate our own country. have the strength to stand here before the service of all our women and men in the I stand here today in support of H. you this evening because it is time, as military of all ethnicities. I support all of the Con. Res. 63 because this war has lasted we debate H. Con. Res. 63, that we rise women and men who serve, without glory but longer than World War II. My 87-year- up as a Nation and speak out and con- with honor, efficiently and effectively protecting old father fought in the Navy at Pearl tinue our legislative responsibilities, all of us, never hesitating to pay the highest Harbor during World War II. One of my as I stood before you, took my oath of price any human being could pay for our free- political mentors, a great man, Mayor office that I would protect this coun- dom. Coleman Alexander Young, a former I speak to America today because Ameri- try, our Constitution, against both do- Tuskeegee Airman, fought during cans have had enough, as best selling author mestic and foreign intimidation. Frank Rich illustrates, of the ‘‘decline and fall World War II. It is time to bring our I stand before you tonight as one of of the truth.’’ Of what decline and fall do I troops home. It is time for us to change 43 members of the Congressional Black speak? Of ‘‘Mission accomplished.’’ Of ‘‘bring the course. Caucus during this African American As we celebrate this Black History ’em on.’’ Of ‘‘shock and awe.’’ Of ‘‘dead or History Month, who love our country, Month, the theme of the Congressional alive.’’ Of ‘‘uranium coming from Africa.’’ Of who want us to invest in America’s Black Caucus during these times are ‘‘smoking guns becoming mushroom clouds.’’ change course, do something different, families. H. Con. Res. 63 will begin that Those Americans who have had enough are act, speak, donate, join, confront the discussion. It will make it available not just the Democratic majority. They are not crisis, the crisis of the war which is that we might change course, do some- just the senior citizens, the working class why we are here today, and then con- thing different, listen to the American women and men who punch a time clock tinue the legacy that has brought this people. every day, or the liberals of America. They We love our troops. We served in country to greatness. conservatives, my Republican colleagues in Many of my Congressional Black those troops. Our families served. We Congress and elsewhere, people in the red Caucus members have served in the want the strongest military that we States and blue States, business owners, mili- have available. We are now having in military. JOHN CONYERS, CHARLIE RAN- tary women and men and their families. GEL, ED TOWNS, BOBBY SCOTT, WILLIAM Iraq equipment shortages. If we spent My father served this country honorably as JEFFERSON, SANFORD BISHOP, all able over $503 billion, why is it that equip- a member of our military, as have many of my men who have fought and served in our ment is not adequate for our soldiers to relatives. Many members of the Congressional military over the years. engage in battle? Black Caucus have also served this country in We come to you, tonight, this Accountability. The Inspector Gen- our military. Just off of the top of my head, my evening, as members of the Congres- eral recently reported $9 billion is un- colleagues Chairman JOHN CONYERS, Chair- sional Black Caucus, proud Americans. accounted for. That is $9 billion as part man CHARLES RANGEL, Congressman ED We love our country. We serve our peo- of the $500 billion that could be in- TOWNS, and Congressman BOBBY SCOTT, ple. And we want to remain the strong- vested in American families. So I say among others, have worn the uniform. My po- est Nation in the world. as I stand here, H. Con. Res. 63, vote litical mentor and hero, the late, great mayor Who speaks for the American people ‘‘yes.’’ Let’s change course. of Detroit, Michigan, Coleman Young, was one in this time of crisis? They spoke to us I am honored and blessed with the under- of General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.’s under- last November when they said enough standing of a power greater than that of any studies as a Tuskeegee Airman as a bom- is enough. The first military man who singular or even collective Membership of this bardier and navigator. During the Vietnam died in wars for our country’s inde- Congress. That power has allowed Congress war, African Americans served despite the op- pendence was Crispus Attucks, who to finally debate the most pressing question of position of Dr. King and other groups opposed fought in the Revolutionary War, an our time—the War in Iraq. As I prepared my- to the Vietnam war. They did it for the same African American man who gave his self to speak in support of H. Con. Res. 63, reason why I serve this country as a Member life because he loved this country, a very simple and very clear declaration that of Congress—because I love our country. could not vote at the time, could not Congress supports our troops, but we oppose The investment that began when African own property, but again he fought in a the escalation of this war, I reflected upon the Americans set foot in Jamestown, Virginia in war because, again, this was the great- words of one of the greatest warriors for 1619 and continues to this very day is the rea- est country in the world. peace this world has ever known, Dr. Martin son why I stand in support of this resolution So what do we do today as we discuss Luther King, Jr. A prolific author, Dr. King that is but the first step, to resolve the chal- H. Con. Res. 63? It is time to engage in wrote a book entitled, ‘‘Where Do We Go lenge that is Iraq. I am not a military expert, a diplomatic solution. We cannot win From Here: Chaos or Community?’’ In it, Dr. and I don’t pretend to be a military expert. But, this war militarily. The generals, the King writes that ‘‘we are faced with the fact as noted genius Albert Einstein once said, ‘‘in- Joint Chiefs of Staff, have spoken out that tomorrow is today. We are confronted sanity is doing the same over and over again against the escalation. What is the with the fierce urgency of now. Life often and expecting different results.’’ Over and plan, Mr. President? How do we bring leaves us standing bare, naked and dejected over, Congress has spent over $503 billion in our soldiers home, redeploy them on with a lost opportunity.’’ Congress lost our op- Iraq. Over and over, America’s finest have the periphery, and make our country portunity for real debate on this war a little died, with more than 3,000 women and men, safe, and, at the same time, invest more than four years ago. Congress has that in Iraq. Over and over, women and men are those dollars in Americans’ lives, in opportunity now. wounded or maimed, some for life, with more their children’s lives? As this is the height of Black History Month, than 25,000 today. Today, we still cannot Dr. King wrote a book, ‘‘I Have the I also speak to America today because of the safely fly planes on a reliable basis in and out Strength.’’ I have the strength to stand investment that my ancestor put through 4 of Baghdad. This is progress?

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:08 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.116 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1626 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 Progress is what Americans want. I know This does not mean, however, that we the resources that they need to get the that war can be messy, amorphous at times, should abandon this mission and leave job done. This resolution specifically and brutal. After a war that has lasted more Iraq to certain failure by prematurely says you will not do that. than the United States involvement in World pulling out our troops, nor should we Premature withdrawal or a forced War II, our military women and men deserve cut military funding or adopt non- gradual withdrawal, which this resolu- progress. Our taxpayers deserve progress. binding resolutions that embolden our tion seems to endorse, from Iraq, Our current course, and this surge, is not what enemies and undermine our troop mo- through cutting funds, may appease Americans want, this is not what Congress rale. those who oppose the war, the base of wants, this is not what I want. Now, that last statement has been the authors who wrote this resolution, Historians have generally acknowledged accused by many speakers on the Dem- but it surely will produce more blood- that the debate on the war in 1991 was one ocrat side as being a red herring to shed and sectarian violence far exceed- of the high marks of this institution. Congress chase the American public away from ing the level currently reported by did not cede its role then to a popular Presi- the attention of this addition of 20,000 newspapers today. dent. Instead, Congress and the White House troops. But I read their authored reso- I am not willing to gamble with worked together to achieve a worthwhile goal. lution. And the words are that you sup- those lives of future Americans of our It was difficult. Both sides had to compromise. port and protect members of the Armed generations to come. This resolution But guess what? That is how a democracy Services who are serving, are serving runs away from the best option we works. or have served, which means that they have been presented to provide security Unfortunately, Congress did not have this will not support our troops, any uni- in Iraq. I am open to alternatives, bet- debate over 4 years ago in a war that has formed member that is newly sent to ter plans, including those from our col- now lasted longer than the United States was Iraq, whether it is for training the leagues on the other side. It is just involved in World War II. Thank God, we have Iraqi troops, whether to be embedded that we are not able to engage in that that debate now. Thank God, we have heard and help them, or any capacity. So the discussion today. the voice of the American people. Thank God next logical step from their own word- I will vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolution, and the American people, it is time for a ing of this resolution is to cut funding. and hope that the majority of my col- change. That is the only way to stop supporting leagues will join me. After this debate, after this resolution, I hope any new military member that goes to Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam that this is the beginning of our country, and Iraq. Speaker, I gladly yield 5 minutes to my our world, to begin to choose between chaos So we have to ask, how will they do distinguished colleague from Louisiana and community. As Dr. King once wrote, ‘‘we that? Now, I believe the Iraqi Govern- (Mr. JEFFERSON). have a choice today—nonviolent coexistence ment needs our assistance to restore Mr. JEFFERSON. Madam Speaker, I or violent co annihilation.’’ security and prevent a descent into an- thank you for this opportunity to ad- Dr. King wrote another book entitled archy and civil war, or, worse yet, a dress an issue of grave importance to ‘‘Strength to Love.’’ It is because I have the heightened foreign insurgency that re- our country. I rise in support of the strength to love my country, the strength to sults in terrorist control of that na- resolution that is before us. The resolu- love our troops, the strength to love the oath tion. tion continues to support our troops I took for this office—that I will protect and de- The situation in the Middle East is a who are presently fighting in Iraq. But fend the Constitution of the United States, powder keg that will explode if the it calls into severe question the wis- against all enemies, foreign and domestic— United States abandons it. The resolu- dom of escalating our military involve- that I have the strength to support this resolution under debate today offers no mili- ment there. tion. We need to be smarter about our policy tary or diplomatic solutions apart from I personally believe that escalating in Iraq to include diplomatic and political solu- expressing disapproval over the plan to our efforts in Iraq is a tremendous mis- tions rather than repeating the same military increase troops that will help train the take. It is time for us to recognize that policies that have not worked, but continue to Iraqis to go to the front and take more there is no military solution to what is put the finest of our women and men in responsibilities to securing Iraq. happening there. The only solution harm’s way. Republicans and Democrats, con- The U.S. military personnel will be that will work in Iraq is a political so- servatives and liberals, working together, can working closely with and training Iraqi lution. Even those who believe this arrive at a solution that establishes a stable soldiers. Pentagon leaders tell us that surge to be an excellent strategy do so democracy in Iraq, protects American inter- embedding these highly trained U.S. because they hope that it will lead to ests, and increases the role and responsibility troops have been highly effective in more favorable conditions for a polit- of the Iraqi people to fend for themselves. making the Iraqi military better. ical settlement. Instead of ‘‘bring them on,’’ I hope that my In anticipation of the American with- The political solution depends on the colleagues agree that Congress can start to drawal, 23 Sunni clerics in Saudi Ara- Iraqi people themselves deciding to ‘‘bring them home.’’ I will vote in strong sup- bia have already expressed support for work together to knit their country to- port of H. Con. Res. 63, and hope that Con- sending their Sunni fighters to Iraq as gether and to fight in behalf of their gress can quickly work to bring stronger, bind- have Shiite clerics from other areas of own nascent democracy. The rampant ing legislation to the floor soon. the Middle East in anticipation of the violence in Iraq is the result of a civil Mr. KING of New York. Madam U.S. leaving Iraq. conflict in that country, and the Iraqi Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- people must decide whether they will 1810 tleman from Nebraska (Mr. TERRY). b truly have a real representative democ- Mr. TERRY. Madam Speaker, I rise The Jordanian ambassador has de- racy that includes the Sunnis, the Shi- in opposition to H. Con. Res 63. Our scribed it well, saying that it is like ites, and other significant segments of troops have made tremendous sac- the U.S. has stepped on a land mine, their society. rifices in waging war against Islamic only that this is the other type of a If the Iraqi Government is to stand extremists who not only want to deny land mine that will explode when you up for its own future, we must begin freedom to their fellow countrymen take your foot off of it. We will see an now to make it clear that we will not but remain committed to attacking explosion if we do as this Democrat stay there forever and continue to add America and our way of life. resolution sets up and stop supporting our troops. I personally believe that We have lost some of the bravest, our troops and begin withdrawing the best way to signal that our com- most dedicated and committed Ameri- them. mitment is not open ended in this civil cans we have been honored to know, This Congress must not repeat the war is to start now the withdrawal of love, and mourn. They deserve the mistakes of Vietnam. War should not some of our troops. However, short of highest honor and respect from this be conducted by 535 self-proclaimed that, this resolution is an important Congress and the American people for generals. Politicians should not be dic- first step toward ensuring that the peo- their service. Those brave men and tating troop levels or planning mis- ple of our Nation know that we are women still in harm’s way have earned sions. Our duty is to conduct effective changing direction in Iraq, and so that the right to come home as quickly as and responsible oversight while giving the people of Iraq will know that they possible. our soldiers and military commanders must plan a future with the United

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE7.022 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1627 States as an important ally, but not as frustrations of those who are dishonor the men and women of our an enforcer of the status quo in their appointed in the course of this conflict. Armed Forces who have served and nation. Over the past few days we have heard continue to give the highest service to Madam Speaker, the justifications passionate debate on both sides of the this country even today in Afghani- for the invasion of Iraq have long ago issue from Democrats and Republicans stan, Iraq and around the world. been discredited. There were no weap- alike. But I would say to my col- And I rise as a proud American and ons of mass destruction. There was no leagues, passing this resolution is not the representative of the more than nuclear threat. Every credible source the answer to their frustration. Not 120,000 people of the United States Vir- and study has established that there only is it purely symbolic and offers no gin Islands who love this country and was no connection between Saddam productive solution for helping our desire nothing more than it be the Hussein and al Qaeda and the tragic military succeed, it sends the wrong strongest and best it can be in support events of 9/11. These were the reasons message to our troops. of House Concurrent Resolution 63, that were given as justification for our Instead of debating a resolution that which expresses our strong support for entry into the Iraqi war and that sup- says what we should not do in Iraq, it the members of the U.S. Armed Forces ported the statement that our national seems to me a more reasonable ques- for their honorable and brave service in interest was at stake. Unfortunately, tion should be, how should we go for- Iraq, but just as forcefully and clearly since the reasons were erroneous, no ward from here? states our disapproval of the decision national interest exists. In January, the President put forth a of the President to deploy the over Winning a military conflict, even if plan to send reinforcements to help se- 20,000 additional troops. it were possible, does not create a na- cure key areas in and around Baghdad b 1820 tional interest. Adding more troops to and Anbar province in order to achieve fight under the present conditions on a level of security to allow the Iraqi I don’t take this position lightly, as the ground in Iraq cannot create a na- Government and security forces to as- we currently have over 100 members of tional interest where none truly exists. sume control. As we all know, it may the Virgin Islands National Guard serv- Such a strategy will simply add more work and it may not. ing in that theater today, and having human targets in a civil war that does But if the President, as Commander recently lost two members of the not threaten America. in Chief, and General Pace truly be- Guard as well as four other soldiers We are straining our troops and our lieve this plan will succeed, then I be- who preceded them. military and financial resources believe it should be given a chance to However, Madam Speaker, as the sole yond all reasonable limits. We are deci- work. Representative of the people of the mating our National Guard strength at Having listened to proponents and U.S. Virgin Islands in the Congress, a time when we have more than enough critics of the plan, it seems to me its Americans who have fought and died in disasters here at home to which we success or failure is dependent on some every war and conflict from the Revo- must attend. key factors, including, first, whether lutionary War to this and yet cannot At a time when Louisiana needs the our soldiers will be given the latitude vote for the Commander in Chief, I con- support of our National Guard, mem- to fully perform their duties without sider it my solemn duty to express bers of our National Guard are being political interference; secondly, wheth- their views on this, the most pressing called to serve in Iraq. At a time when er the Iraqi Government will be held and important issue facing our coun- the New Orleans area residents strug- accountable to live up to its commit- try. gle to rebuild following the worst nat- ments; and, third, whether the Iraqis Madam Speaker, our fellow Ameri- ural disaster in our Nation’s history, will finally take responsibility for cans spoke loud and clear last Novem- and following deadly tornadoes just 2 their own affairs. ber, expressing a desire for a change of days ago, we need National Guard Madam Speaker, the stakes in this direction in Iraq, and by a more than 2- troops here at home to fight crime in debate are high. Iraq, indeed, is now to-1 margin, they presently oppose the our streets and to keep our people safe. the primary battlefront in the global President’s plan. We need the billions of dollars that we war on terror, and there are no easy It is important, Madam Speaker, are spending on war and the rebuilding answers. that we engage in this important de- of Iraq to wage a war on poverty and The House may pass this resolution bate today. The American people are ignorance here at home. We need a this week, but in doing so, we will have demanding that we do so. Far from sec- greater commitment to rebuilding the missed an opportunity for a better and ond-guessing the President’s strategy Gulf Coast communities, including my more balanced debate, including the and undermining our troops, as the beloved City of New Orleans. chance to vote on a substitute bill. White House charges, we are fulfilling Madam Speaker, let’s not continue to Given the sacrifices our Nation has our constitutional role and doing the make matters worse at home and made, I agree the time to see real responsible thing. The last 4 years have abroad by pursuing a policy in Iraq progress in Iraq is now. We all want demonstrated that the present course that cannot work, that has not worked our troops to come home safely and as in Iraq is not the correct one, and it is and that simply can no longer be justi- soon as possible. But we also need for time that we demand that the Presi- fied. them to be successful in order for our dent listen to other experienced ex- I urge my colleagues to support this Nation to remain secure. perts and responsible voices that are important resolution which supports Though our patience is being tested, calling for another approach. our troops in the field and supports, at our men and women in uniform deserve This modest resolution is but the the same time, the commonsense ob- better from us than this purely sym- first step in that effort, an effort to jections to escalating our troop pres- bolic resolution. They need our com- support our troops and support our Na- ence in Iraq. The people of this great plete and unqualified support. tion by holding the President and the country eloquently expressed their dis- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Department of Defense accountable, by approval of the course of this war in Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 5 insisting on an exit strategy that extri- the November elections, and on their minutes to the distinguished cates our men and women from what is behalf we should do no less. gentlelady from the U.S. Virgin Islands now a civil war, and allows the Iraqi Mr. KING of New York. Madam (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN), who currently is people and their government to take Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- the chairlady of our Subcommittee on responsibility for their country’s wel- utes to the gentleman from Alabama Insular Affairs of the House Resources fare. (Mr. ROGERS), who is a member of the Committee. She also serves as a mem- We are also told by Members on the Armed Services Committee and the ber of the Homeland Security Com- other side of the aisle, Madam Speaker, Homeland Security Committee. mittee. that if we change course in Iraq, it will Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Madam Speak- be disastrous for the Iraqi people. But Speaker, I rise today to oppose this er, I come to the floor of this House the Iraqis themselves don’t think so. resolution. In doing so, I want to say I today wearing my American Legion Not only do polls show that 78 percent understand and share in some of the auxiliary pin, as I do every day, to of Iraqis believe that American troops

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.118 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1628 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 provoked more violence than they pre- men’s souls. The summer soldier and say here and watching what we do here. vented and that nearly three-quarters the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, Will the passage of this resolution give of Baghdad residents would feel safer if shrink from the service of their coun- our troops encouragement? I don’t American forces left Iraq, but previous try; but he that stands it now deserves think so. surges have indeed resulted in an esca- the love and thanks of man and The Americans are conflicted about lation of violence, killing greater num- woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not eas- this war. A CBS poll this week showed bers of Americans as well as Iraqis. ily conquered.’’ that only 44 percent of Americans sup- Instead of beating the drums of war, In the summer of 1863, Colonel Josh- port this resolution; 45 percent are op- the President should be engaging in di- ua Chamberlain of Maine faced a simi- posed. That is all the more reason for plomacy, as the Iraqi Study Group lar crisis. He had to convince a group leaders to lead. Washington and Lin- called for, to pursue our common inter- of mutineers to stand and fight in a coln were not concerned about public est in a stable Iraq, even if it means key battle. He promised to plead their opinion polls. They did what was nec- sitting down with Syria and Iran, as we case later if they rejoined the ranks. essary to succeed, and that is what is have done in the past. Peace and the They did, and helped him win the Bat- called for in the halls of Congress lives of our men and women deserve tle of Gettysburg. today. this effort. Public opinion at that time was run- I am convinced that deep in their With all of the thousands of Iraqis ning against President Lincoln and the hearts, most Americans realize we are killed and over 3,100 of our troops hav- war. It was lasting longer and costing in a serious global war for survival ing made the ultimate sacrifice, we more than anticipated. In Congress, against an enemy that wants to wipe have paid a far greater price for the de- Democrats demanded the troops be us off the face of the Earth. When all is cision to invade Iraq without the prop- brought home immediately, but Lin- said and done, the American people er justification or an exit strategy and coln stood by his convictions and won want us to win this war. Success in without adequate preparation, train- the war. Iraq is a key element in winning ing, and protection for our troops. We It is easy for us to look back on these against the terrorists. have further paid the price of the loss pivotal moments in our Nation’s his- Osama bin Laden’s chief deputy has of respect and esteem by the inter- tory without remembering how tough urged al Qaeda operatives in Iraq to national community and the loss by the going was, how reluctant many of expel the Americans, extend the ‘‘jihad the people of this country of any con- our own people were, and how it took wave’’ to neighboring countries, and 2 fidence that what we are told by the strong leadership to bring about vic- weeks ago he spoke of Afghanistan and White House is the truth. tory. Iraq as two ‘‘most crucial fields.’’ I re- While we, sadly, cannot bring back Let’s contrast those times with the gret to say that enemies like these will those who have died, we can honor situation today in Iraq. Clearly the be pleased when this resolution passes. their memory by restoring truth and American people are tired and impa- Madam Speaker, let’s send the ter- restoring this country to the high re- tient with this war, and many believe rorists a message of strength and respect, regard, and leadership that the we cannot win. Yet troop morale is solve. Let’s send a message of support brave men and women of our Armed high. In testimony before Congress last and unity and confidence and apprecia- Forces dedicate and sacrifice their week, the senior enlisted personnel tion to our troops. This resolution lives to preserve. from each service, the National Guard, sends the wrong message, and I will House Concurrent Resolution 63 be- and the Reserves, said our forces in vote against it. gins that restoration and repair. I urge Iraq believe in what they are doing and b 1830 my colleagues to adopt this resolution. that positive things are being accom- Mr. KING of New York. Madam plished. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I would remind the supporters But you don’t have to take their Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- of the resolution that more than 70 per- word for it. The enlistment and reen- utes to my distinguished friend and cent of the American people, in opinion listment figures themselves are a testi- colleague, the gentleman from Mary- polls, opposed President Truman’s pol- mony to the commitment of our land (Mr. WYNN), currently serving as icy in Korea, and that was one of the troops. All service branches met and chairman of the Subcommittee on En- turning points in the Cold War. exceeded their goals in both categories vironmental and Hazardous Materials Madam Speaker, I yield 61⁄6 minutes in 2006. The command sergeant major of the Energy and Commerce Com- to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. of the Marine Corps told our committee. WICKER), who is a retired Air Force mittee that young people join the Ma- Mr. WYNN. Madam Speaker, I would lieutenant colonel and a member of the rines today to get to the fight. Know- like to thank the gentleman for yield- Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. ing full well they will go to Iraq, they ing. Mr. WICKER. Madam Speaker, I are signing up with enthusiasm and Madam Speaker, I rise in support of thank my friend for yielding. purpose. It almost takes your breath House Concurrent Resolution 63, a bi- Madam Speaker, on December 31, away to hear the troops who have been partisan resolution supporting our 1776, with the fate of the Revolution in there say they continue to believe in troops in Iraq, while opposing the doubt, General George Washington our mission and want to see it through President’s troop escalation strategy. faced a challenge of convincing his sol- to completion. This marks the fourth year of this diers to stay in the fight. With their I hear the same thing from my con- war. It is time to bring our troops enlistments over, they wanted to go stituents who have returned from Iraq. home now. We have not quelled the vio- home. Washington made an impas- They express frustration about the lence. We have not thwarted al Qaeda. sioned plea and even offered volunteers news media’s focus on the bad news. We have not stabilized the region. We a bonus. But no one responded. He Returning troops tell of their successes have not deterred terrorist radicals. In spoke again, saying that all they held in helping steer Iraq toward a path of fact, because of our presence, there are dear was at stake. And finally one man democracy and freedom. more jihadists in Iraq than there were stepped forward. Then others followed. I received an e-mail this week from a before. Public opinion at that time was not Mississippi soldier in Iraq. He said, ‘‘No Thus, I find it inconceivable that the on Washington’s side. Only a third of one wants everybody home more than I President’s response to this situation, 3 the population supported the war for do, but we must finish the job. We are years of military failure in Iraq, is to independence. One-third were openly doing good things here and taking bad suggest that we add more troops, 20,000 hostile, and another one-third simply guys out of the game.’’ additional troops. did not want to be involved. The most important question in to- Since the start of the war in 2003, We should be grateful that George day’s debate is what message does this over 3,000 U.S. troops have died, more Washington was not obsessed with pub- resolution send to our military, to the than 50 from my State of Maryland lic opinion polls. volunteers who have been serving so alone. In addition, 23,000 American sol- Only days earlier Thomas Paine had proudly in harm’s way? And make no diers have suffered serious injury and written: ‘‘These are the times that try mistake, they are listening to what we will have post-traumatic consequences.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:08 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.120 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1629 The President’s approach will only re- America wants peace in Iraq. In fact, Well, here is where we are. The ques- sult in the loss of more U.S. lives. other Arab nations in the region have tion is, is this the right resolution to Iraq is in the midst of what has bean even greater desire for peace and pass? I for one don’t know if this strat- come a civil war between Shia and stability. They don’t want to see their egy is going to work or not. I believe Sunni. There also is internal tribal and brethren killed. They don’t want to see our troops are going to do exactly what gang violence. Our troops can play no waves of refugees flood their region. we ask them to do. I have perfect con- constructive role in this environment, Our new strategy should be a diplo- fidence that the U.S. soldiers, airmen, except as targets for all sides. matic initiative to bring countries Army and Marines are going to do ex- This is not a partisan Democratic such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, actly what we ask them to do and they issue. Let me be clear. The President’s Iran and Syria to the table to engage will do their jobs. proposed troop escalation runs con- in finding solutions. Where my doubts lie are with the trary to the recommendations of the Now, I know the war hawks will say Iraqi Government. Will the Iraqi Gov- bipartisan Iraq Study Group and mili- diplomatic approaches cannot work. ernment do what we are asking them tary experts such as the Joint Chiefs of But think about it. It wasn’t too long to do? Will the Iraqi Government do Staff. According to a December Wash- ago that this administration and these what is needed to do to hold up their ington Post article, the Joint Chiefs war hawks were saying that North end of the bargain? I don’t know. have long opposed the increase in Korea was an intractable enemy. Yet But what I do know is this: If we pass troops. today, through diplomatic efforts, we this resolution, this resolution, while Generals Colin Powell, George Casey, are making appreciable progress. I be- our troops are in the middle of imple- John Abizaid and Barry McCaffrey lieve this diplomatic approach can menting this mission, while our troops have all expressed skepticism about work in Iraq. are over there right now implementing the President’s surge strategy. Even We need a dramatic change in strat- this strategy, and we pass this resolu- some of my Republican colleagues will egy. We should begin with the with- tion which says, you know what, we oppose this surge strategy, and for drawal of U.S. troops and place more don’t think you can succeed; we don’t good reason. responsibility on the Iraqis to foster think you can do the job; we don’t Troop buildups in Iraq haven’t their own democracy. Most people, in- think you can do what you are being worked. U.S. troop levels increased by cluding General John Abizaid, under- asked to do right now, that is a slap in 18,000 from November 2004 to January stand that we cannot impose democ- the face. It is a killer of morale. This is 2005 in advance of the Iraqi elections, racy on the Iraqis if they don’t want it the wrong message to send our troops. yet insurgent attacks increased. In for themselves. That is why I support We have to think about the alter- 2005, the administration increased the End the War in Iraq Act, which natives. We have to think about the troop levels by over 20,000 to secure would use the congressional power of consequences of failure. We have to Iraq ahead of its constitutional ref- the purse to bring this war to an end if think about the message this sends our erendum. The strategy not only failed the administration cannot or will not troops. We have to think about the to quell the violence, but insurgent at- do so. message this sends our enemies. But in addition to beginning a phased tacks increased by 29 percent. Madam Speaker, by telling the world, Some of my Republican colleagues withdrawal of U.S. troops, we must by telling Americans and by telling our make an argument that if you support pursue an aggressive diplomatic initia- enemies and our troops we don’t think the troops, you must support the mis- tive to involve willing Muslim coun- this is going to work, we don’t think tries in creating a ceasefire first, a sion. They say if we don’t defeat rad- this can succeed, what message does peace process second, and the rebuild- ical Islam in Iraq, then where will we that send? ing of Iraq in the third instance. These do it? Unfortunately, both of these And for those who say this won’t countries have a vested interest in pro- theories are flawed. work and I am voting for this resolu- moting peace and stability in the re- Our troops have performed admi- tion, it is your obligation to tell us gion. rably, sacrificing life and limb, often how better you can do this, what is It was said many years ago war is not your plan, what is your strategy. Be- without sound strategy or adequate the answer, and today more war in the equipment. And, yes, the goal of peace form of troop escalation is the abso- cause we have to think about the con- and stability in the Middle East is ad- lutely wrong answer. I urge adoption of sequences of failure. We have to accept mirable, but this mission is misguided. the resolution. and know that if we just pull out we The fact is that despite previous con- Mr. KING of New York. Madam will have sectarian genocide. We will gressional support, this mission was in- Speaker, I remind supporters of the have a safe haven for terrorists with oil adequately planned and our troops in- resolution that the newly confirmed money. We will have a Middle East adequate equipped. In addition, the ad- commander in Iraq says this is new power struggle that will be very, very ministration has cast a blind eye at strategy and it will work, and he is the ugly, where countries that are very massive fraud, waste and abuse that expert on counterinsurgency. hostile to us, like Iran and Syria, will has undermined the reconstruction ef- Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to have the run of the region. We have to forts and cheated the American tax- the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. look at those consequences. payer. RYAN), the ranking member of the But more important than anything We are now in the midst of a civil Budget Committee. else, Madam Speaker, is the fact that I war that we neither understand nor can Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Madam just cannot look our soldiers in the we resolve. I support the troops, but I Speaker, I thank the gentleman for eyes, and I am traveling to this region cannot support this ill-conceived mis- yielding. in a few days, I cannot look them in sion. Friends and colleagues, I am glad we the eyes and tell them that when I was As hard as it is for some, we must un- are having this debate. It is good to de- in the comforts of Congress, I sat there derstand that this is not a World War bate the most important issue facing high open my pedestal and I told the II type conflict. This is not our great our country, the most important issue American people and you that the mis- army defeating their great army. facing the world. I am glad we are talk- sion you are about to engage in, the job We cannot defeat a radical Islamic ing about Iraq. We need to have a de- you are trying hard to do for us, you insurgency militarily. This does not bate about Iraq. can’t complete it. You are incapable. It mean we cannot defeat a radical Is- I have grave concerns about the con- won’t work. Why bother trying? I can’t lamic insurgency. It does not mean duct of this war. I look back at the last send that message to our troops. that if we oppose a troop escalation or 3 or 4 years and I think to myself, boy, With that, Madam Speaker, I urge a begin withdrawing our troops that we I would have done that differently, I ‘‘no’’ vote. This is the right debate to have failed. Rather, it is a recognition would have done this differently; they have, the wrong resolution to pass. of what the American people already should have done that, they should Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam know: We need a new strategy. have done this. I think we all can look Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 min- This administration operates under at hindsight and see how things should utes to the distinguished gentlewoman the arrogant assumption that only have been done differently. from the great State of Ohio (Mrs.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.122 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1630 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 JONES), currently serving as the chair- ner, placed second in a 10-kilometer fort in Iraq, and you can find families woman of the Committee on Ethics and run in El Paso. on all sides. a distinguished member of the Com- Why am I talking about all of these I think it is wrong to somehow sug- mittee on Ways and Means. personal things? Because somehow in gest that those who died, somehow the the course of this discussion, we have families want us to vote for this resolu- b 1840 taken it away from being personal, tion or against it. We can find suffi- Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speak- about people. We stand here on the cient numbers on both sides. Certainly er, I rise today in strong support of H. floor talking about a surge, or giving in my experience, most of those would Con. Res. 63. Today through this reso- life and saying we are not supporting oppose the resolution. I certainly lution, we reiterate our support for our these troops. These families want their would not impose that on anyone else. troops, these brave men and women, babies to come home and so do I. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to who even when they did not have prop- This past weekend I spoke to the the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. TURNER), er equipment and resources, continued 112th Battalion of the Ohio National a distinguished member from the to serve and protect this country. Guard. The battalion is the oldest and Armed Services Committee. Today we pledge to offer them the most decorated military organization Mr. TURNER. Madam Speaker, I same support they have so willingly in the State of Ohio, with lineage and thank the gentleman for accommo- given us throughout the conflict. honors dating back to and including dating me so I might have some time To date, 3,100 soldiers have given World War I and World War II. These to speak on this issue this evening. their lives in this war and over 20,000 men and women have sacrificed greatly Today, Speaker PELOSI has continued have been injured. I often feel that we for this country, and now they are with what is called a debate on the Iraq gloss over the numbers and forget that being asked to support the President’s war, but this is not a debate. The floor each one was an actual person. They plan to send 20,000 more troops. here is empty, except for the Members were somebody’s son, daughter, some- I simply cannot support it. You have scheduled to come to the floor for the body’s mother or father, somebody’s heard all the things I said previously. record and comment on the failures or brother or sister. They were real peo- This is not the way. We do not need to success of the war on terror, the con- ple, as real as 19-year-old PVT. Bran- send any more Brandons or Robert flict in Iraq, prewar intelligence, the don Sloan and 1SG Robert Dowdy, who Dowdys or Michael Kings or Sam search for weapons of mass destruc- were the first soldiers from my con- Bowens over there to die. tion, reconstruction efforts, al Qaeda, gressional district to become casual- We pledged to take this country in a Saddam Hussein and, yes, George Bush. ties of this war. new direction without regard to the No real debate. There have been many others, includ- war in Iraq, through greater account- School children across America who ing SGT Michael Wiggins, a graduate ability, oversight, and through strong- are schooled in debate would not recog- of Shaw High School in East Cleveland, er diplomatic and political initiatives. nize what has happened here today, killed on January 23; or Charles King, At the services for the 25th Marine which should be the intellectual proc- a man described by family and friends Regiment, a Band of Brothers, we lost ess of argument, because to call these as a highly decorated, hardworking sol- some 12 young men from Brook Park, series of speeches a debate is fiction, dier, died October 14 of injuries sus- and I said to them in my closing words, just as to call the nonbinding resolu- tained when an improvised device deto- because these are the words I think tion proposed by the Speaker as con- nated near his vehicle; and Samuel these young men are saying to us: gressional action is fiction. Bowen, who was affectionately called ‘‘Please celebrate my life, please This resolution has no binding effect ‘‘Smokey’’ and always had a great have no regrets; we did not spend all on the administration, and it does not smile on his face. He was killed when a the time we wanted, yet the time we even have any binding effect on this rocket-propelled grenade exploded near had was well spent. We did not reach body of Congress. This resolution is not his vehicle. every rung of that ladder, yet we wrung a document from which decisions will At his funeral, Specialist Ronald all that we could from each height. be made or any action taken. This is Eaton, a soldier rescued by Bowen, ‘‘We did not sing every song, yet we not policy. This is not governance. It said, Without regard to himself, with- sang every note of the song we sang, we is, at best, a press conference. It is just out regard to the injuries he had sus- did not laugh all the time, but when we talk. tained, Sam grabbed me and pulled me did we often laughed until we cried or The travesty of this fiction of a de- to safety. until our stomachs hurt; and when we bate on the House floor is that there is All of these are special stories, but I cried, we cried until our tears ran dry. no plan debated or alternatives for us will share a few more with you about ‘‘But most of all we loved, and our to consider, only opposition. We do not Brandon Sloan and Robert Dowdy. love is everlasting, if you look for us have on the table a plan, an answer, or Brandon Sloan was a special young listen for us, but most of all live for us. an action for us to take. man who exhibited a unique blend of ‘‘We have fallen but you can lift us Now, I was not a Member of Congress personality and strength, a loving child up. Your love, your faith, your support, when this House was asked in October who played and enjoyed spending time and your pride was what we needed of 2002 to grant the President authority with other children. Later he became a then; God’s love, grace and mercy is to go into Iraq, and neither were 66 of big brother to his sister Brittany, with what we need now.’’ my Republican Members of Congress. If whom he shared a close relationship. Lift these young men and women they were with me they would fill this He began his education in East Cleve- who have been killed in Iraq, lift them well, 66 of us that were not here on the land and remained in the district until up and say to the world, no surge, no Republican side when the President his family moved to Euclid. While in more young people will be lost in Iraq. asked for authority to go into Iraq. East Cleveland, he developed a love for Bring our troops home. However, I believe there are 55 Demo- basketball and continued in various Mr. KING of New York. Madam cratic colleagues who voted to send athletic pursuits. Speaker, I certainly acknowledge the troops to Iraq who are still here today, In 1996, the family moved to Oakwood passion of the former speaker on the and yet even those 55 Members who in the Bedford School District, and floor. voted to send troops to Iraq offer no al- there Brandon became a Bearcat. He I would just say, though, that all of ternative plan. At a minimum you confessed his hope in Christ during his us have suffered casualties and deaths would think if you voted ‘‘yes’’ to send high school years and was baptized. in our districts. Certainly a gentleman troops you would feel responsible and Later, he pursued a career in the mili- from my former district was killed last have a plan before publicly dis- tary where he subsequently gave his week. He was a graduate of Duke Uni- approving of the President’s plan. life. versity. He was offered scholarships to Now, there is certainly enough about MSG Robert Dowdy was a native of law school. He was an All American la- the administration’s handling of the Cleveland, a member of the 507th Main- crosse player, volunteered to serve in Iraq conflict to disapprove of if we were tenance Company. He was a loving son the Army, was in his third tour. His to have a real debate. There is no ques- and devoted husband, a distance run- family more than ever supports the ef- tion that serious mistakes have been

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:08 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.123 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1631 made in the execution of the Iraqi con- dermine the ability of our Nation to so absolutely prophetic. Listen to what our flict. But today we will not debate so- address unmet domestic priorities.’’ 2002 Principles said and it will put in context lutions because, unfortunately, this The passage of time has dem- why I feel so strongly that this War has taken resolution does not provide any. onstrated and history will record that us in the wrong direction and why this Resolu- In the war on terror, we have real en- every single one of these concerns was tion is so necessary and worthy of support: emies who want to kill Americans and legitimate and warranted. First 2002 Congressional Black Caucus our allies. No nonbinding resolution Fifth principle: ‘‘Any post-strike Principle: ‘‘We oppose a unilateral, first-strike passed on this House floor will change plan for maintaining stability in the action by the United States without a clearly that reality. region would be costly and require a demonstrated and imminent threat of attack on This is not a debate but it should be. long-term commitment.’’ the United States.’’ My colleagues, history will The risks to our country are great. Our We haven’t yet gotten to a level of record that the President took first strike action enemies and our men and women in stability that we are trying to main- and that there was neither a clearly dem- uniform are listening. The only pro- tain, but the cost of this war today ex- onstrated nor an imminent threat of attack on posal brought forth by the Speaker is a ceeds $500 billion. That is costly and the United States. statement of opposition and dis- with no end in sight. If we continue to Second Principle: ‘‘Only Congress has the approval. follow the President, the duration of authority to declare war.’’ History will record The House and the administration our commitment has no end in sight that Congress delegated that authority to the should work together on a bipartisan and no plan to bring home or redeploy President, but I say unapologetically that his- plan for winning the war on terror, a our troops. tory will also record that I voted against that plan with a commitment that is not Increasing the number of troops in delegation of authority. I never believed that undermined by political expediency or Iraq does not make ending the war Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and— partisan division. more foreseeable. Past troop increases perhaps more importantly—even if they did, I in Iraq have paraded under different never believed that they posed any imminent b 1850 names than surge, but make no mis- threat to the United States. Saddam Hussein Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam take about it, this is not the first time was a dastardly tyrant and bully toward his Speaker, at this time I would like to the United States will have increased own people, but was a coward and no threat yield 51⁄2 minutes to my distinguished troop levels, and each time they have to the United States. colleague and friend from North Caro- been met with greater levels of vio- Third Principle: ‘‘Every conceivable diplo- lina, who currently is chairman of the lence. matic option must be exhausted.’’ History will Oversight Investigation Subcommittee From December of 2003 to April 2004, record that our President, instead, thumbed of the House Financial Services Com- the troop increase paraded under the his nose at the United Nations and at almost mittee, Mr. WATT. name ‘‘troop rotation’’ and resulted in all diplomatic options in his rush to lead us (Mr. WATT asked and was given per- an increase from 122,000 to 137,000 into this foolhardy war. mission to revise and extend his re- troops; yet April of 2004 was the second Fourth Principle: ‘‘A unilateral first strike marks.) deadliest month for U.S. forces. would undermine the moral authority of the Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, in Octo- From November 2004 to March 2005, United States, destabilize the Middle East re- ber of 2002 I worked meticulously with the increase paraded under the name gion and undermine the ability of our Nation to Members of the Congressional Black ‘‘improving counterinsurgency oper- address unmet domestic priorities.’’ The pas- Caucus to craft a statement of prin- ations after the Fallujah offensive,’’ or sage of time has demonstrated and history will ciples that has proven to be so abso- ‘‘increasing security after January record that every single one of those concerns lutely prophetic. Listen to what our 2005.’’ We increased our troop level to was legitimate and warranted. Fifth Principle: ‘‘Any post-strike plan for 2002 principle said, and it will put in 150,000 troops; the result, no impact on maintaining stability in the region would be context why I feel so strongly that this violence increase. And again, Sep- costly and require a long-term commitment.’’ war has taken us in the wrong direc- tember to December of 2005, we went to We haven’t yet gotten to a level of stability tion and why this resolution is so nec- 160,000 troops, still no decrease in vio- that we’re trying to maintain, but the cost of essary and worthy of our support. lence. this War to date exceeds $500 billion. That’s First principle: ‘‘We oppose a unilat- In most respects, what the President ‘‘costly’’ and with no end in sight. If we con- eral first strike action by the United has proposed is business as usual, sim- tinue to follow the President, the duration of States without a clearly demonstrated ply under a different name. It did not our commitment has no end in sight and no and imminent threat of attack on the work before, and there is no prospect plan to bring home or redeploy our troops. United States.’’ that it will work this time. Madam Increasing the number of troops in Iraq does My colleagues, history will record Speaker, this resolution is one that we not make ending the War more foreseeable. It that the President took first strike ac- should support and bring our troops will only escalate the number of troops and tion, and that there was neither a home. the prospects of casualties and will likely only clearly demonstrated nor an imminent Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of increase the resolve of the enemy, the same threat of attack on the United States. the Resolution. Simply stated, as the Resolu- thing that increases in troop levels have done Second principle: ‘‘Only Congress has tion says, I support the troops and I oppose in the past. Past troop increases in Iraq have the authority to declare war.’’ the increase in the number of troops. Simply paraded under different names than ‘‘surge’’. History will record that Congress del- stated, I support a redeployment of the rest of But, make no mistake about it, this is not the egated that authority to the President, our troops from Iraq as soon as possible. first time the United States will have increased but I say unapologetically that history But I can’t go forward before I review how troop levels. And each time they have been will also record that I voted against we got here in the first place. Looking back met with greater violence. that delegation of authority. I never helps me to put a time perspective on this be- From December of 2003 to April of 2004, believed that Iraq had weapons of mass cause this War is now approaching 5 years in the troop increase paraded under the name destruction; and, even if it did, I never duration, a period longer than the Second ‘‘troop rotation’’ and resulted in an increase believed that they posed any imminent World War. And looking back also helps me to from 122,000 to 137,000 troops. Yet April of threat to the United States. put a substantive perspective on this that I 2004 was the second deadliest month for U.S. Third principle: ‘‘Every conceivable think is absolutely critical to an understanding forces. diplomatic option must be exhausted.’’ of my vote. From November 2004 to March 2005, the History will record that our Presi- It’s gut wrenching for me to recall that as increase paraded under the name ‘‘improving dent instead thumbed his nose at the early as October 2002—several months before counterinsurgency operations after the United Nations and at almost all diplo- the President proceeded to war in Iraq and Fallujah offensive’’ or ‘‘increasing security be- matic options in his rush to lead us long before I was later elected to serve the 2- fore the January 2005 constitutional elections’’ into this foolhardy war. year term that I have now completed as Chair- and increased troops to 150,000. Result: short Fourth principle: ‘‘A unilateral first man of the Congressional Black Caucus—I term positive impact, but longer term increase strike would undermine the moral au- worked meticulously with every single member in violence and resistance. thority of the United States, desta- of the Congressional Black Caucus to craft a Between September and December 2005, bilize the Middle East region, and un- Statement of Principles that have proven to be troop levels were increased again, taking the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.126 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1632 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 number up to 160,000, around the constitu- Not only has this happened, but we dam Hussein and al Qaeda are not dis- tional referendum and parliamentary elections. have a new Secretary of Defense and, positive of the role of al Qaeda in Iraq. The referendum and elections proceeded with- as was stated on the floor just a mo- As Peter Berger, the only Westerner to out major violence, but the increase had little ment ago, we have a new commander conduct an interview on television long term impact on sectarian violence. on the ground in Iraq. with Osama bin Laden puts it, there is In most respects, what the President has It is at this point, however, that I am one thing that bin Laden and Bush proposed is business as usual, simply under a somewhat mystified by my friends on agree on, says Peter Berger: that Iraq different name. It did not work before and the other side of the aisle. Since the has become a central front in the war there is little prospect that it will work this time. resolution of disapproval concerning on terror. Berger, who did not support Madam Speaker, this Resolution is our at- this change in the direction of U.S. pol- the decision to invade Iraq, warns of a tempt to make it clear that we do not support icy contains absolutely no alternative, potential repercussion at war’s end a troop increase or an escalation of this War. it follows that its adoption represents that could make the blowback from the I intend to vote for the Resolution. I just hope a tacit endorsement for the policies Afghan war against the Soviets look the President is listening. which we all agree are not working. It like high tea at the Four Seasons. Mr. KING of New York. Madam is a simple, logical entailment that This, in my estimation, is why it is so Speaker, I would suggest to the gen- criticism of a change in policy without important that the impression not be tleman, while he believes this plan has any concrete alternative is tantamount given that our hand has been forced by no chance of working and it is the to the endorsement of the status quo. Iraqi insurgents, notably al Qaeda of same as previous plans, the fact is the Thus, we find ourselves in the ironic Mesopotamia. newly confirmed general in Iraq, Gen- situation that to support this resolu- If we have learned anything from the eral Petraeus, who is by all accounts tion is to condone a policy that vir- tragic events of the Khobar Towers, the most significant general we have tually everyone agrees has not been the Embassy bombings in East Africa, had in Iraq, who is the author of the working. and the attack on the USS Cole, it is counterinsurgency policy, said it is a We are telling our troops that we are that the fanatics’ perception of success significant change and it will work. sending a new commander. We are tell- only serves to embolden those who That is why I would say that while the ing them by this resolution that we seek to kill us. resolution says it supports the troops, don’t support what the new commander The extreme nature of this mur- you are in effect undermining the new is doing. We are saying by this resolu- derous mens rea is illustrated in an ar- commander by challenging either his tion we don’t believe that the new plan ticle in the London Telegraph which credibility or his competency. And that will work. We are saying, Godspeed, we reports, ‘‘A husband and wife arrested is a terrible message to the troops. support you. But we are sending you on in the British terror raids allegedly Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, will the a fool’s errand. planned to take their 6-month-old baby gentleman yield? If you truly believe that, stand up on a mid-air suicide mission, using the Mr. KING of New York. I yield to the here and have the guts to stop the pro- baby’s milk bottle to hide a liquid gentleman from North Carolina. gram by cutting off the money. Take bomb.’’ The story is shocking on many Mr. WATT. I am just sick and tired responsibility for your actions, which levels, but perhaps so disturbing is that of people telling us that we are unpa- the Constitution allows you to do. it shatters the belief that mothers and triotic and not supporting of the Let me suggest to my colleagues on fathers share a common commitment troops. the other side of the aisle that the ab- to the future of their children. Mr. KING of New York. Reclaiming sence of any comprehensible policy ob- We face an enemy which subscribes my time, I never suggested unpatriotic. jective leaves only one element of the to an ideology rooted in a nihilistic I said you are questioning the com- resolution intact: Disapproval of the culture of death. This contemporary petency or credibility of the com- President. And this, in my estimation, version of the ‘‘will to power’’ seeks mander in Iraq, who was just confirmed is most unfortunate, for there was one justification for a totalist world view unanimously by the United States Sen- thing on which I wish we could all through the abuse of a religion to cam- ate. agree. This should not be about George ouflage its deeper roots. Madam Speaker, I yield 10 minutes to Bush. It is far more important than As Paul Berman has chronicled in the gentleman from California (Mr. that. ‘‘Terrorism and Liberalism,’’ this fas- DANIEL E. LUNGREN). Our response to the current state of cist-like ideology arising out of the re- Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- affairs in Iraq will have dramatic con- visionism of Sayyid al Qutb taught fornia. I would just like to say, it was sequences not only for the people in that there was no middle ground and interesting to hear the previous speak- Iraq but for the security of the Amer- no possibility of compromise. Bin er talk about the principles articulated ican people as well. Laden became interested in a radical some years ago. They are reminiscent distortion of Islam from the fiery taped of the arguments I heard on this floor b 1900 sermons of Abdullah Azzam, a disciple some 20 years ago when Ronald Reagan I believe we must resist the tempta- of al Qutb, and came to share Qutb’s made the courageous decision to put tion to fight over matters which have grim view of the world and used it to medium range nuclear weapons into long ceased to be of any relevance. justify mass murder. Europe, despite the protest of Europe, The question of whether we should By the late 1980s, following the despite the protest of many on the have initially gone into Iraq is simply crackdown by the Egyptian Govern- other side, despite the fact we were not the issue. The fact is that we are ment on the extreme Islamist groups in told we were taking a unilateral step. there, and that is the unpleasant but response to the assassination of Sadat Sometimes it is difficult to make essential reality to which we must rein 1981, many of the Islamic militants these decisions, and you can’t always spond. It is not possible to pretend oth- went into exile. It was through the guarantee success. And if we always erwise or to keep looking backward or presence of Egyptian Islamist teachers went by that argument, frankly, Amer- to keep quoting things that were said in Saudi Arabia that bin Laden and ica would not be where it is today. in the past or to suggest that we other al Qaeda members were influ- Let me begin with a note of biparti- shouldn’t be where we are. We are enced; most notably, Ayman al- sanship, however. It goes without say- there. It is of little solace to our troops Zawahiri, a leader in the Egypt Islamic ing that we can all agree that things to say, gee, we made a mistake in put- jihad. have not progressed as we wished they ting you there, and therefore we are Another avenue by which this would in Iraq. Perhaps we could all going to pass a resolution of dis- totalist ideology was introduced to the agree with the characterization of the approval of what we are asking you to Middle East via the Vichy Government Iraq Study Group that the situation in do now. What sense does that make? of France during World War II, which Iraq is grave and deteriorating. I think What sense at all does that make? despite its short shelf-life, infected the we can all agree that there was there- It should be acknowledged that find- French mandated territory of Syria- fore a need for a change in the direc- ings concerning the absence of a col- Lebanon. It was during this time that tion of U.S. policy in Iraq. laborative relationship between Sad- the ideological foundations of the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:08 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE7.030 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1633 Baathist Party were laid and a Nazi re- be, wishful thinking, as described in cost American taxpayers over $400 bil- gime headed by Rahid Ali was set up in this resolution, is not a basis for pol- lion. We were told that our troops Iraq. During this same period, the icy. would be greeted as liberators, and now mufti of Jerusalem was wined and Al Qaeda is present in Iraq, and they we know that was only wishful think- dined by none other than Hitler him- perceive it to be a central front in the ing based on neocon fantasies and not self. war. It is simply not possible for us to the facts. The point is that there were some pretend otherwise, as much as we Today, American troops are em- very dark influences on this region of would like it. This resolution does broiled in a bloody quagmire that has the world which are still playing them- nothing to help us in this war against already resulted in over 26,000 Amer- selves out today. We cannot believe Islamic fascism. In fact, it goes in the ican casualties. And now, just this past that our absence from this area will opposite direction. week, the Defense Department Inspec- solve problems and allow us to retreat. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam tor General reported that senior ad- We must make no mistake about Speaker, I believe that the statements ministration officials engaged in a de- their intentions: They seek to kill us. made earlier by our good friend from liberate misinformation campaign Ayman al-Zawahiri, al Qaeda’s second North Carolina was right to the point. about al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein. in command, has left us with no ambi- Unilateralism was our policy. We told Now we have learned that officials in guity on the matter when he states the world, We don’t need you. And our government deliberately distrib- that they have the right to kill 4 mil- what are we doing now? We are prac- uted altered intelligence assessments. lion Americans, 2 million of them chil- tically begging the world to come and Such a misinformation campaign is un- dren, and to exile twice as many and help us with this mess that we created. conscionable and a greater threat to wound and cripple hundreds of thou- Diplomacy? Look at the success of our national security than any act of sands. No, we must not give such peo- the multilateralism that we have now terrorism. ple a misapprehension about any mis- advocated in our dealings with North We are all familiar with the histo- guided notions they may have about Korea. But that was not the case with rian’s observation that great nations their providential place in history. Iraq, and this is why we are having this are not conquered by outside forces Although our ultimate objective in problem. until the nation has destroyed itself Iraq is to hand over power in an or- Madam Speaker, I gladly yield 5 min- from within. I implore my colleagues derly fashion to a duly constituted gov- utes to my good friend, the gentleman to heed the lessons of history. Do not ernment, the manner in which we do so from Missouri, who currently chairs allow the politics of deception to dis- is of the highest order of importance. the Subcommittee on Information and tort reality. That is what I don’t hear from the Policy, and I am very, very happy to This administration is denying the other side. It is not just the question of introduce the gentleman for 5 minutes facts. It has repeatedly misled the Con- peace being the absence of war, it is (Mr. CLAY). gress and the American people and un- what we will have in the aftermath. Mr. CLAY. I thank the gentleman dermined our Nation’s integrity What kind of a world will we have in from American Samoa for yielding. throughout the world. Now the Presi- the Middle East? Will it be safer for our Madam Speaker, I rise to declare my dent is asking Congress to register children and our grandchildren? Will absolute and unwavering opposition to more support for a policy failure. Esca- the implications of our decisions be the President’s plan to escalate this lating the military violence in Iraq by heard in history as something of which tragic and unnecessary war. injecting 21,000 more U.S. troops into a we will be proud, or will it be just that Four years ago, I stood on the floor civil war reflects nothing more than we got tired of the effort? And if we believe that by absenting of this House to oppose the original this administration’s obstinate refusal ourselves from the area, that solves force authorization resolution. At the to face present realities. A vast majority of Americans want a problems, it has never been the case. It time, some of my colleagues cautioned responsible end to this war as soon as wasn’t the case when we got out of me that I was taking a risk by oppos- possible. They want our troops rede- Lebanon following the attack on our ing the President and failing to support ployed, they want us to alleviate the marines; it was not the case when we the war against terrorism. But I took basically got out of the area after the that position because I believed then suffering of innocent Iraqis, and they USS Cole. and still believe today that great na- want us to finally tell the Iraqi people Again, independent of the origins of tions do not start wars as a matter of that they must be engaged in their al Qaeda’s presence in Iraq, the rel- policy, they exercise diplomacy and ne- country’s destiny. The future of Iraq evant point is how al Qaeda itself per- gotiation to avert threats and achieve must ultimately be determined by ceives the war there. It is their poten- security. them, not by us. I want to conclude by quoting a good tial reaction to our Iraqi policy which b 1910 has most relevance. In this regard, the friend of mine and a fellow colleague, intercepted letter sent by al-Zawahiri The evidence that the administration the distinguished chairman of the to al-Zarqawi is most important and presented did not clearly establish any Armed Forces Committee, IKE SKEL- has been mentioned on this floor many imminent threat to our national secu- TON. In a recent statement he said, times. He said, We must think for a rity. I was convinced that invading ‘‘Only the Iraqis can change the situa- long time about our next steps and how Iraq, without international support tion there and bring lasting security to we want to attain it, and it is my hum- and without unequivocal evidence that their nation. I remain convinced that a ble opinion that the jihad in Iraq re- Iraq was involved in 9/11, would dan- gradual and responsible redeployment quires several incremental goals. gerously drain our military strength, of U.S. forces is the best way to help The first stage: Expel Americans distract us from fighting the very real the Iraqis take responsibility for their from Iraq. terrorist threat, and ultimately weak- security and to restore the full The second stage: Establish an Is- en our credibility around the world. strength of our military.’’ lamic authority or emirate, and then Now we can see that the world in Iraq Mr. KING of New York. Madam develop it and support it until it has emboldened our enemies and pro- Speaker, I would just advise the sup- achieves the level of caliphate over as voked the scorn of our allies. porters of the resolution that while Mr. much territory as you can spread its Madam Speaker, standing here 4 CLAY and others did oppose the war, power in Iraq and Sunni areas in order years later, I can only wish that my as- and I certainly commend them for to fill the void stemming from the de- sumptions were wrong, that invading their consistency, the fact is the Demo- parture of the Americans. Iraq was somehow vital to our national cratic leader at the time and many of The third stage: Extend the jihad security. We were told that there were the Democratic leaders in the House wave to the secular countries of neigh- weapons of mass destruction, and now and the Senate strongly supported the boring Iraq. we know there were no WMDs. We were war resolution in October of 2002, both The fourth stage: Go after Israel. told that Iraqi oil revenue would pay in the House and the Senate. It is, therefore, clear that regardless for this war, and now we know that Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, will the gen- of how we might wish the situation to that was only a pipe dream that has tleman yield?

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.129 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1634 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 Mr. KING of New York. I yield to the emies. We cannot allow this to become ies. So we have got a real serious prob- gentleman from Missouri. another Vietnam situation, a situation lem here. Mr. CLAY. Sure, we had Democrats where politicians tried to manage the I gladly yield 5 minutes to the distin- on this side supporting it. It didn’t war. guished lady from the State of Texas, make it right. It certainly didn’t make My emotions run high as I remember the chairlady of the Transportation it right. We were given false informa- that era. My first cousin, Fred Gouge, and Infrastructure subcommittee on tion. This Congress and the country was laid to rest just 1 week ago. Fred environment. was given false information. was wounded in that war in Vietnam, a Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Mr. KING of New York. Reclaiming war that was micromanaged by politi- Texas. Madam Speaker, the American my time, both former President Clin- cians. Because of that conflict, he people want a new direction in Iraq and ton and others have said that he saw spent the better part of the last 40 I expect Congress to act accordingly. the same intelligence as President years in a wheelchair. He received a They really do think that this is a de- Bush did. Purple Heart for his service. He was a mocracy and that this is representative With that, I yield 5 minutes to the war hero, just like the men and women government. gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. DAVID of our military are right now. b 1920 DAVIS), a newly elected Member. We cannot afford to ignore the advice Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. of General Petraeus, who was recently It has been almost 4 years since this Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to unanimously approved by the Senate, administration declared the end of the resolution but in support of our and the advice of his commanders. I major combat in Iraq. He declared mis- troops. would ask, Madam Speaker, what mes- sion accomplished. Since this declara- According to former Congressman, sage does a nonbinding resolution real- tion, we have seen more than 3,000 of Senator, and Secretary of State Daniel ly send? This resolution says that this our military killed in combat, and Webster, ‘‘God grants liberty only to Congress will support our troops who more than 22,000 injured. those who love it and are always ready have defended our freedoms, or who are We cannot forget that these are not to guard and defend it.’’ That was true currently serving in harm’s way, but just numbers. These are our sons and in the mid 1800s and it is still true that is little comfort for those brave daughters and grandsons and grand- today. men and women who would be called daughters. They are now more than I represent the First District of Ten- upon to protect us and our families in 3,000 men and women who will never re- nessee. Tennessee is known as the Vol- the future. This nonbinding resolution turn home to be with their families. unteer State because of our heavy in- is only playing politics with our brave Many are so young, at 18, 19 and 20 volvement in the Mexican War and the soldiers, their lives and our future as a years old, their lives have ended before willingness of our men and women nation. To suggest that we can support they ever really began. down through history to volunteer for the troops but not be in the battle to I started my professional career as a service to our country. win is ridiculous and shortsighted. psychiatric nurse at the Dallas Vet- Right now, there are brave men and I can remember as a child watching erans Administration Hospital, and I women in our armed services who are many different western television observed firsthand the physical and sacrificing for our freedom. The people shows. Growing up, I don’t know of psychological trauma that the return- of the First District of Tennessee and I many my age that didn’t want to be ing young people faced from the Viet- are indeed indebted for their service the cowboy in the Wild West. After see- nam war. and we thank these brave soldiers and ing many of these stories, you realize It is a long-term battle for them and we pray for them and their families. that when the hero is in trouble, they their families as they learn to live with There are some who would want to sound the alarm, or blow the trumpet, these disabilities. We are in a war with limit their discussion to Iraq, while in and in races the cavalry to join their no end in sight, and now we are talking fact we are involved in a global war on brothers in arms to win the fight. about troop escalation. How many terror. We must be committed to win Madam Speaker, the trumpet has more young lives are we going to lose? this war on terror that was started by been sounded. It is time for the cavalry How many more soldiers will face long- radical Islamic extremists. This war to join our brothers and sisters in arms term disabilities, life-long disabilities? did not start on September 11. We have to gain victory in this global war on The experts have weighed in on this been in a war for many years. terror. As the trumpet has been sound- issue, and they have said we are mak- Many of you will recall the Iranian ed, we have politicians in Washington ing a mistake to escalate. hostage crisis, 1979, 52 Americans held who want to sit on their hands and not The President sent a group of experts hostage, 444 days. send in the troops. to design a new course for Iraq. The As we move forward in history, the Looking at the latest news, as addi- President’s experts did not recommend Beirut bombings, 1983. Two hundred tional forces are moving in, radical Is- additional troops. In fact, they rec- forty-one of our brave marine soldiers lamic leaders like al-Sadr are fleeing ommended the very opposite. were killed. for their strongholds. It has been re- Madam Speaker, it is time to listen Then we had the first bombing of the ported that he has left Iraq for his own to the experts and the commanders on World Trade Center in 1993. protection. The additional troops are the ground. Our troops are faced with Then we had the USS Cole in 2000. already having a positive impact on an impossible task of policing a civil Seventeen Americans killed. the region. We have the ability to win war. Each day we hear of sectarian at- Then finally, September 11, 2001, 3,000 this war on terrorism, and we must win tacks and bombings. Our troops are Americans killed. this war to protect America today and caught in the middle with no real This war didn’t start on September 11 for our future generations. strategy to end this violence. A great and this war is not with Iraq. This is a Madam Speaker, that is why I will American military cannot be a sub- war with radical Islam. We are in- join many of my colleagues in voting stitute for a weak Iraqi government. volved to win a battle with terrorists ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. We need to focus on diplomatic solu- who hate us, who hate our freedoms Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam tions and training Iraq’s security and who quite frankly hate our reli- Speaker, I could not agree more with forces so they can take care of them- gion. The extremists have engaged us my good friend in just quoting Daniel selves and patrol their own country. in battle. We owe it to our fellow citi- Webster. ‘‘God grants liberty to those With this escalation, we are just zens to see that we have nothing less who love it.’’ The problem that I have compounding the problem. We should than total victory. right now is that I don’t know if the concentrate on training the Iraqi secu- Congress should not micromanage people among the Shiites and the rity forces. They must know that this this war. We have one Commander in Sunnis love liberty that much to want is not going to be an open-ended situa- Chief. It is fine to disagree and to point to make sacrifices. The point of the tion. out mistakes, but this resolution is a matter is Saddam Hussein tortured and Madam Speaker, my constituents in step to weaken the morale of our murdered over 300,000 Shiites. One north Texas continue to grieve the loss troops and it will embolden our en- mass grave contained 30,000 dead bod- of their sons and daughters. They are

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.131 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1635 concerned for our troop safety and they mary mission to training and equip- takes of the past, but has arrogantly are demanding answers. The war is ping Iraqi security units and embed- concluded that House Democrats can costing us too many lives and too ding more U.S. soldiers in the Iraqi take command and control of our much money, $1 billion a week. At an military. strategy and our troops in Iraq from overall cost of $500 billion, we will be The administration has also pledged the floor of this Chamber. Keep in paying the cost of this war for decades to hold the Iraqi Government account- mind, now that the Democratic leader- to come. able to its commitments to take pri- ship has assumed the role of Com- In my congressional district in Dal- mary responsibility for security in all manders in Chief, the consequences of las, Texas, our share of the cost will be of Iraq’s provinces by November, estab- failures are now also theirs. Just as the $1 billion. In Dallas this would have lishing a fair constitutional amend- North Vietnamese changed their strat- provided 400,000 children with health ment process, reforming de- egy and were emboldened by the mis- care or paid for 23,000 additional police Baathification laws, creating a fair oil guided actions of the Congress, so too officers. For our Nation’s 300 million revenue sharing arrangement and hold- will the enemies of freedom in Iraq be Americans, their share will be $1,300 a ing local elections. emboldened by this and subsequent res- piece. Let me also remind the Democratic olutions by this Congress. Accountability of Iraq war spending majority that when the Iraq Study Furthermore, if the majority party’s has been appalling. Does there exist Group announced its recommendations, political rhetoric corresponds with any accountability? Last week we the Democratic leaders publicly stated their legislative agenda on Iraq, you began the congressional hearings re- they hoped the President would em- can rest assured that the humanitarian garding contracting fraud. Apparently brace the report. But when the admin- disaster will be yours. The jihadist vic- there is $12 billion unaccounted for. istration proposed carrying out policy tory will be yours. The rogue state coa- Contractors were being paid with large recommendations by the study group, lition of Iran and Syria will be yours. bags of cash. which included a surge in troops, the b 1930 This is truly an embarrassment and Democrats backed away and took the the height of irresponsibility as thou- cynical approach, oppose and criticize, A genocidal Sunni-Shiite-Arab civil sands of American children go to bed rather than to offer to work for real so- war will be yours. You will have hand- hungry tonight. Many are children of lutions. ed al Qaeda victory and empowered its our troops, and now we are talking Some Members of this body will use homicidal leaders. Again with this res- about spending more money and adding this week’s nonbinding resolution to olution, the Democratic majority has more troops. We need to end this, rede- run away from the vote that they cast seized control of this conflict. And ployment needs to start now. in 2003. I will suggest to you that his- again, remember what Colin Powell Madam Speaker, we have before us a tory will judge this Congress in a man- said: If you break it you own it. bipartisan resolution opposing the es- ner many of you have not considered. History will not focus on your voting calation of troops in Iraq. However, In my judgment, every Member who for the resolution authorizing the this debate is only the first step. The votes in favor of this resolution is enforce, but they will long remember you ultimate goal is to bring our troops dorsing the Democratic Party’s deci- unleashing the hell that is going to home safely and swiftly. It is time for sion to manage the war from Capitol come in Iraq by voting for this resolu- the President to listen to the American Hill. tion. people and his advisers and refrain After all, as the debate on this reso- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam from changing the leadership when lution got under way this week, the Speaker, I yield myself such time as I they disagree with him. Democrat leadership in this House may consume. The best way to support our troops made it perfectly clear that the resolu- Madam Speaker, I would say in re- serving in Iraq is to say ‘‘no’’ to the tion is just the first effort by the ma- sponse to the gentleman’s comments, President’s escalation of this war. An jority to begin a Democratic-led legis- we gladly accept the responsibility. outstanding general said recently that lative micromanagement of this war. That responsibility was truly exhibited stubbornness cannot be mistaken as It is said that Colin Powell advised in the election in November. This is leadership and cliches cannot be called the President on Iraq, if you break it, the reason why we are taking action. I policy. you own it. So I want to tell the Demo- think this resolution, every bit, is part I strongly urge my colleagues to sup- cratic majority that with this resolu- of that accepting the responsibility and port this resolution. tion, your plan to micromanage this the will of the American people who Mr. KING of New York. Madam war through your legislative initia- have spoken in the November election. Speaker, various supporters of the res- tives, you are taking possession of this I just want to note that. olution can point to this general or war. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to that general. I would point to the gen- With this resolution, you are taking the gentlewoman from the District of eral who was most recently confirmed over the day-to-day management of Columbia (Ms. NORTON), who is cur- and unanimously confirmed by the this conflict, and at the same time tak- rently chairwoman of the Sub- United States Senate, who is the au- ing the onus off of the President. Let committee on Economic Development thor of this plan. I will stand by him. me say that again. You are now respon- in the Transportation Committee. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to sible for the outcome of this war. Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. The Democratic majority has deter- thank the gentleman for yielding me LATHAM). mined that solutions to our most com- time. I thank him for the dispropor- Mr. LATHAM. I thank the gentleman plicated conflicts can be solved tionate service of his own constituents from New York for allowing me this through nonbinding resolutions, and I in this war. time. predict forcing the President’s hand by As the House prepares to consider a Madam Speaker, I rise today to share cutting off the funding for our men and bill for the first full House vote in two everyone’s frustration with the mis- women in uniform, just like they did in centuries for the taxpaying American takes that have been made in Iraq, and Vietnam. Our soldiers fought gallantly citizens who live in the Nation’s Cap- the fact that progress has not been in Vietnam as they do today in Iraq, ital, that have fought in all our wars, I made as fast as we would all have but the legislative micromanagement dedicate these words to the first D.C. liked. I would say, though, before you by the U.S. Congress during the Viet- resident to die in the Iraq war, 21-year- cast your vote on this resolution, I nam era, and in decisions to cut fund- old National Guard Specialist Darryl think it is only fair to remind Members ing for our military mission in South- Dent of the 54th Transportation Com- of this Chamber that the main thrust east Asia, only tied the hands of our pany, and to the other residents of the of this resolution focuses only on one warriors, but it not only tied the hands District of Columbia who have died in of at least 10 of the recommendations of our warriors, it demoralized our men this war without a vote in this House. the administration is carrying out and women in uniform for decades. Like the soldiers from every State based upon the work of the Iraq Study Ladies and gentlemen, the new ma- and territory, Specialist Dent did not Group. Others include shifting our pri- jority has not learned from the mis- have the luxury of equivocation. He

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.133 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1636 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 acted, so must we. With uncommon March and April of 2003. By August of percent of the people, have voted for bravery, loss of life, and unique inju- 2005, 57 percent of U.S. fatalities were their own leadership. The army and the ries, our troops have acted. So must reservists that year. How can we ask police are being trained. Schools and we. our troops to give yet again? They hospitals are being built and opened. The resolution before us asks quite have given to the preemptive war Coalition forces have done the best simply: Whose side are we on? Do we against weapons of mass destruction they can under extraordinary cir- support our troops best by committing that did not exist. They have given as cumstances. another 20,000 to a war where only they the war morphed into a war for democ- Iraqis need to continue to take con- must act and only they are account- racy that is not yet in sight. trol of the security. And in every dis- able? Do we support our troops by send- The question before us, my friend, is cussion we have had with the Com- ing more of them to another battle of not what will the President do or even mander in Chief, he has been on the Baghdad while the insurgents scatter what will we do. The question before us phone talking to the Prime Minister, to return as before, unless, of course, is what more can we ask our troops to persuading him that the American peo- our troops are to be permanently de- do after 4 years of repetitive brave ple are becoming impatient, that he ployed in the cross-hairs of a civil war? combat duties? has to take control of his government, Do we support our troops by sending The question answers itself. Let the he has to stand up an army, he has to 20,000 more whose lives will be in the troops pass the baton to the Iraqis. stand up a police force. hands of Prime Minister Nouri al- Bring our troops home to their chil- I believe the Commander in Chief, Maliki, the man we are asked to be- dren, their families, their mortgages, the President, will hold the Prime Min- lieve will help put down the militias and, yes, to all of us. ister’s feet to the fire and hold the responsible for civil war conditions, al- Mr. KING of New York. Madam Iraqi Government accountable so that though their leaders are part of his Speaker, I would suggest that the lives they can begin to take full control of government? of our troops are in the hands of Gen- the responsibilities. Madam Speaker, the vote this resolu- eral Petraeus, and his credibility is un- I think when that happens we will tion seeks is about our troops more dermined by this resolution. have achieved a great deal. I will not than about the war. Four years of Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to vote for this resolution that does noth- worsening insurgency have rendered a the distinguished gentleman from Illi- ing but show our enemies that the verdict of its own on the war, that even nois (Mr. LAHOOD). House of Representatives does not sup- great powers cannot alone win another (Mr. LAHOOD asked and was given port our military. This ignores the country’s civil war without its leader- permission to revise and extend his re- more than 3,100 men and women who ship and without diplomacy. marks.) made the ultimate sacrifice. We turn Yet another verdict on this war has Mr. LAHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise our backs on the 3,100 when we pass a been rendered by the migration of 2 in opposition to this resolution. More resolution like this. million Iraqis; among them, the physi- importantly, I rise today to express my b 1940 cians and other professionals who will support for our Commander in Chief And we also turn our backs on those be desperately needed in postwar Iraq. and the men and women serving in the that are doing the hard work in Iraq The 50,000 monthly who flee for safety Armed Forces. It is simply not possible today. When I have had opportunities have created the largest refugee crisis to claim that you support the troops to visit those who have served from my in the Mideast since 1948. while completely disavowing their mis- district, who have come back, I have No, Madam Speaker, dispatching sion. not heard one word of complaining, not 20,000 more American troops to Iraq is Our troops in Iraq put their mission one word of whining, no wringing of not about the war, it is about those first, above all else, even their own hands, only an opportunity to serve. troops and the troops that are already safety. How can we even consider pass- And so I urge my colleagues to stand there. Most tragically, this war will be ing a resolution stating that we do not up for the troops, stand up for the mili- remembered for citizen soldiers like support providing them the manpower tary, stand up for those who have done Specialist Darryl Dent, the largest that they need to accomplish their the hard work. Stand up for those who number to be uprooted from family and mission? How does this support the mo- have made the ultimate sacrifice. Vote job since World War II. rale? How does this show them that we down this resolution and send the mes- Recently more than 60 percent of the have confidence in their abilities? sage that we stand with those who fatalities were National Guard soldiers As we all know, this resolution has stand for freedom and hope and oppor- who typify average Americans, com- no real legal authority, it is preemp- tunity. puter operators, teachers, police offi- tive, purely political, without taking Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam cers, who joined to serve at home but the difficult step of offering an alter- Speaker, I submit it is not General were always ready and willing to serve native proposal. At first I thought this Petraeus that we are questioning here. anywhere. debate was simply political theater, 3 It is the decision of our Commander in By what right do we call on them days of speeches and sound bites. Chief, our President, his decision to de- again, some for the second or the third But now we are learning this resolu- ploy some 20,000 troops, additional time? Devoted though they remain, de- tion is simply the first step. The gen- troops to this mess that we created in clining enrollment has had to be bol- tleman from Virginia quoted in The Iraq. We planned and carried out this stered by increasing incentives to pre- Washington Post yesterday, saying: war on the cheap, saying we only need- serve the volunteer, all-volunteer mili- This is just the bark, this resolution is ed 140,000 when in fact the experts said tary. Here in the capital, the Guard’s the bark, the real bite will be in 2 we needed at least 250,000 or 300,000 to unique mission to protect the Federal weeks when they trot out a continuing complete and do the job. That didn’t presence is at risk, just as those called resolution or appropriation bill that happen. So why do you think that add- away from every State have weakened will cut off the funds to the troops. ing another 20,000 troops is going to homeland protection and security. I hope you are all relishing the op- make that much difference? That is As Mississippi and Louisiana Guards portunity to support that appropria- what is at issue and I think this is were serving in Iraq, Guard units from tion to cut off the troops. This is the what we need to debate on. every State except Hawaii plus 7,500 ac- bark. The next the step is to cut off the Madam Speaker, I gladly yield 5 min- tive duty soldiers were necessary dur- funds. utes to my good friend from North ing Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. By I supported the original resolution Carolina, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, a member what right do we surge troops into authorizing force. I have served on the of the Armed Services Committee. Iraq? Are we about to throw more cit- Intelligence Committee for 8 years, and Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speak- izen soldiers and weekend warriors I believe we have done the right thing. er, I want to thank the gentleman from with truncated training into a war I believe our troops have done the right American Samoa (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) with results like those of 2005? thing. for yielding this time to me, and thank Reserve and Guard were 10 percent of Saddam is gone. He has been tried the Speaker for convening this very the fatalities during major combat in and executed; 12 million Iraqis, over 70 important debate this evening.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.135 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1637 Madam Speaker, I come to the floor are on their fourth and fifth deploy- that gives no guidance on how we can this evening to express my uncondi- ments. Military personnel costs are help stabilize Iraq and bring our troops tional support for H. Con. Res. 63. I also skyrocketing. Further strains on our home. come to the floor this evening to thank Armed Forces will leave this country Working with Congressman FRANK the leadership, to thank Speaker unprepared for a wide range of threats WOLF and others, we helped create the NANCY PELOSI and the majority leader, that now exist. At a cost to the Amer- Iraq Study Group, bipartisan experts and Chairman IKE SKELTON for their ican taxpayer of nearly $2 billion a led by Jim Baker and Lee Hamilton leadership on this issue, and thank week, we simply will not have the re- who offered fresh eyes on Iraq and of- them very much for scheduling this de- sources needed to prepare for the wide fered specific recommendations. bate. I am confident that the American variety of future threats that our coun- The Iraq Study Group made three people are also appreciative of this de- try may have to face and for our do- recommendations, transfer responsi- bate. mestic needs at home. bility for police patrolling the streets Madam Speaker, 4 years ago, shortly America has a problem and we must from American troops to Iraqi security before I was elected to this body, the fix it. This debate this evening is the forces; two, encourage Sunnis and President of the United States con- first step in a new direction. Our goals Shias to resolve their differences or vinced this Congress that dictator Sad- in Iraq have been accomplished, and it face the consequences, American dam Hussein had in his possession is now time to begin bringing our troops leaving; and, three, conduct a weapons of mass destruction, and that troops home. Now is not the time for robust diplomatic effort with all of he was prepared to use those weapons escalation. Surges have not helped be- Iraq’s neighbors to engage them in the against our country. The world now fore, and they will not help now. country’s future. knows that he was wrong, and history The time has come to redeploy and The White House has implemented will decide whether that intelligence reset our force to begin addressing our the first and second of those rec- was manipulated or whether it was an other challenges around the world and ommendations but, regretfully, not the honest mistake. give us an opportunity to repair our re- third. But this evening, Madam Speaker, lationships with our allies and refocus The Study Group provided a road the invasion we all know, happened. We on the war on terror. map resoundingly endorsed by mem- captured Baghdad, and we arrested Mr. KING of New York. Madam bers from both political parties. It is a Saddam Hussein, and he has now been Speaker, I would say to my good friend missed opportunity that the resolution convicted and executed. But the search from American Samoa that one of the we are debating this week does not infor weapons of mass destruction re- reasons why I do refer to General corporate these three recommenda- vealed that there were no weapons Petraeus is he is one of those who put tions. I know there are many Americans whatsoever. this plan together and he says it will who are concerned about a short-term Our aim then turned to helping the work, and for people to belittle his plan increase in troops to secure and regain Iraqi people create a democratic gov- or to ridicule it or to adopt for the first control of Baghdad. I understand their ernment with free and fair elections, a time in history a resolution attacking concern. Two years ago I believed this constitution was ratified, and elected his strategic plan is an attack on ei- strategy had a better than even chance representatives are now making deci- ther his credibility or his competency. to work. Today it is less likely to suc- sions on what is best for their country. You can’t have it both ways. ceed, but it is still the best opportunity The Iraqi Government has a security Madam Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to we have. force in place, and we are assisting in the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. training them to defend their country. SHAYS), who has been to Iraq 15 times. b 1950 In 4 years of fighting the brave men Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, it is But this strategy will only work if and women of our Armed Forces have good we are having this debate. As a 20- Iraqi troops do their part; Sunni and accomplished every mission put before year veteran of this place, I am, frank- Shia politicians resolve their dif- them. They have performed admirably ly, impressed with the heartfelt and ar- ferences, meeting benchmarks against and completed all that is possible mili- ticulate statements from both sides of firm timelines like they did in 2005; and tarily possible in Iraq. There is an in- the aisle. On matters of war and peace, the U.S. and Iraq engage in a diplo- tractable problem on the ground in it is imperative we do what is right for matic surge with all of Iraq’s neigh- Iraq. The tensions between the sec- our country, as we see it, and then live bors, including Syria and Iran. tarian groups are centuries old. We all personally with the consequences. We also need to be prepared with plan know that, and our continued presence Critics of the war in Iraq wanted new B if this plan fails. It seems to me plan is exacerbating those tensions. It is no leadership at the Department of De- B involves taking our troops out of longer a military problem, but a polit- fense, new military leadership on the harm’s way, removing them from the ical problem best resolved through di- ground, and a new plan to stabilize Iraq urban areas, and placing them along plomacy. and bring our troops home. the borders so Iraq’s neighbors, Syria, It is clear, Madam Speaker, that a We have a new Defense Secretary, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, continued open-ended military action Robert Gates, new Commanding Gen- and Turkey, are not tempted to enter is not in the best interest of our coun- eral of Multinational Forces, David Iraq. try. It is not in the best interest of the Petraeus, who everyone acknowledged And if plan B fails, we will have no Iraqi people or the citizens of the Per- is as perfect a person for this job as we choice but to leave, having been de- sian Gulf region. We have reached the could find, and a new strategy to clean feated, having lost to the Islamist ter- point where we need to turn Iraq over up, hold and rebuild the neighborhoods rorists who have made it very clear to the Iraqis. Iraqis know that, so that with a short-term buildup of our forces. this is just the beginning. the Iraqis will know that the U.S. is The Democratic majority in the In essence, our troops deserve to not an occupying force. House has introduced a resolution con- know we have a plan to win. If we do Since the invasion we have lost 3,000 demning this strategy, expressing dis- not have a plan to win, we need a plan lives. We have heard that for the last 2 approval, without offering any alter- to leave. The resolution before the days. And so many of those injuries are natives. Ironically, they offer a stay House neither helps us succeed nor permanent. The financial cost of this the course resolution. gives us guidance on when and how to war exceeds $400 billion. The President The majority is clear on what it is leave. It is counterproductive. is now seeking another $245 billion to against, but does not say what it is for, It is so counterproductive, for 535 finance the war over the next 18 leaving us with what exists right now, Members of the House of Representa- months. the status quo. tives and Senate to micromanage the Madam Speaker, if those funds were The resolution sends the wrong mes- war. It is the responsibility of the ad- invested in rural America, there is no sage to the President, to our troops, ministration to conduct the war effort. question that we would improve thou- and to our enemies. It will not get my It is Congress’s responsibility to con- sands of lives in our own country. vote. duct tough oversight, hold the adminis- Our military and their families are We need a resolution to help resolve tration accountable for the implemen- tremendously strained. Some troops this conflict, not a symbolic resolution tation of the war.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.137 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1638 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 Having chaired 14 hearings on the op- Our military leaders have indicated govern itself, sustain itself, and defend erations in Iraq and been to Iraq 15 that a prolonged occupation cannot itself will require much time and de- times to conduct on-the-ground over- prevent what already exists: little po- pend primarily on the actions of the sight, I will continue to ask the admin- litical accommodation, hardening sec- Iraqi people, not American troops. istration the tough questions and to tarian divisions, and a growing civil Mr. KING of New York. Madam provide, to the best of my ability, my war. Speaker, again I would suggest to these observations and recommendations. It has been asked what the majority supporters of the resolution that the Regretfully, too few Members of Con- is for. Well, I can tell you that I am for President’s key advisers, including the gress have fully considered the con- standing down from these policies in chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sequence of leaving Iraq prematurely. Iraq that have been based primarily on General Pace, and the new commander The Iraq Study Group warned, ‘‘If the fear and pride. Fear can be false evi- in Iraq, General Petraeus, strongly situation in Iraq continues to deterio- dence appearing real, and fear is one of support this increase in troops. rate, the consequence could be severe the most destructive afflictions that Madam Speaker, I yield such time as for Iraq, the United States, the region, can affect the human mind, and often, he may consume to the gentleman and the world.’’ This is what members as we have seen, feeds aggression. from Washington State (Mr. REICHERT). of the Iraq Study Group said on a bi- Pride, of course, is one of the seven Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank partisan basis, Republicans and Demo- deadly sins, and it is an excessive belief the gentleman from New York for crats united. in one’s own abilities and is often yielding. The ultimate goal for me is to bring called the sin from which all others Mr. Speaker, I support our troops wholeheartedly and without reserva- our troops home without leaving Iraq arise. Oh, we are going to be great lib- tion, but I cannot support a resolution in chaos. This is still achievable if Re- erators. publicans and Democrats, the White Fear can appear and make you see a that simply opposes a new strategy House and Congress, agree on a bipar- false reality. As the ancient author without offering any alternative plan tisan solution and then carry it out Lactantius said, ‘‘Where fear is to win. There is too much at stake. with steely resolve. Officially endors- present, wisdom cannot be.’’ b 2000 ing the recommendations of that Iraq In 2003 America’s fear of weapons of Let us just think about where we are Study Group and acting on them is the mass destruction, Saddam Hussein, and today as a country, about the global best way to make this happen. al Qaeda bolstered arguments for going war we are in with people with intent The only way we should leave Iraq is to war. Fear outraced the facts, and 4 to kill Americans and how that affects the same way we went in: together. years later our troops find themselves our strategy in Iraq. When considering Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam in a civil war. this, we must consider our Nation’s Speaker, I yield myself such time as I Today this debate, this call for an es- history and other difficult times of may consume. calation, is led by fear. We hear the war. I just want to note with interest also dire predictions about withdrawing There have been many bleak mo- in my good friend from New York’s ob- from Iraq: Oh, if we leave, civil war and ments in America’s history, battles we servations, on this side of the aisle we bloodshed will continue. Sadly, the re- have been engaged in where American are in no way trying to criticize or hu- ality is if we stay, civil war and blood- victory was far from certain. miliate the integrity of the great gen- shed will continue. Pride blinds our ac- In 1942, hell bent on dominating the eral that is now leading our forces in tions just as much as fear, and some world with his ideology, Adolph Hitler Iraq. In fact, I have the utmost respect have said that ego is the defender of and the Third Reich systematically for General Petraeus. He received his fear. A requirement of pride, indeed a marched through Europe, taking the doctoral dissertation from Princeton symptom, is that each challenge to our most basic freedoms from the Jewish University on counterinsurgency; and pride drives us harder to improve our people and killing millions. The United that is why, as the former commander illusions and keep up appearances. Oh, States entered World War II reluc- of the 101st Airborne Division, he was we are going to achieve victory. Oh, we tantly and we were not ready for the so successful as a general up in Mosul. have got to maintain the morale and hurdles we faced. So I think we need to have that frame- pride of the forces. Oh, if we don’t suc- Don’t forget, there were times when work understood with my good friend ceed, we don’t support our troops. And victory was far from certain. The out- from New York. We are not questioning if we send more troops, we are sending look was grim. Many Americans and the integrity of the good general, Gen- the wrong message. A very precarious Europeans alive today can remember eral Petraeus. It is the decision made warning about pride that I think we how bleak those times were as the war by our President, who is the Com- are all familiar with is that ‘‘pride drug on and on and on. But we didn’t mander in Chief, that we are debating cometh before a fall.’’ In order for us to give up. We persevered, because we about in this great debate that we are consider what our real interests in Iraq knew there was too much at stake. having this evening. and the Middle East are, we have to get Eighty years before World War II, in Madam Speaker, I want to yield 51⁄2 past stoking fear and pride. 1862, President Lincoln faced a war minutes to my good friend, the gentle- Fact: The U.S. is not going to impose that most believed could not be won. woman from Wisconsin (Ms. MOORE), a democracy on Iraq by military force. He faced vocal and unrelenting criti- distinguished member of the Financial And no matter how proud we are, no cism for his resolve to win the Civil Services Committee. matter how much we may wish, no War. When the war began, Lincoln Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam matter when we leave, the U.S. will called for 74,000 troops for 90 days; Speaker, I thank the gentleman so leave an Iraq that is in pieces, not at 74,000 troops for 90 days. And history much for yielding. peace. The U.S. alone cannot stabilize has showed us that Lincoln greatly un- First of all, I must humbly acknowl- the Middle East. Will our pride prevent derestimated the resources needed, be- edge what a difficult situation we face us from reaching out and being honest cause, as we know, over 620,000 soldiers in Iraq, and I respect the passionate de- brokers and invite others in the region, were killed during that war. bate on both sides. And I must concede such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, to help At a time in our history when it that I don’t really have a cohesive, stabilize Iraq? It is said that the pun- might have been politically expedient comprehensive plan for fixing Iraq. ishment for pride is being broken on to win the Civil War without first And, indeed, the Iraq Study Group has the wheel, and our budget and military achieving victory, President Lincoln indicated that really no one can guar- readiness is being broken on the wheel. pressed on, constantly seeking a new antee that any course of action in Iraq There are a lot of things I would like strategy, until he found one that at this point will stop sectarian war- to see in Iraq, Madam Speaker: more worked because so much was at stake. fare, growing violence, or the slide to- political and economic opportunities Perhaps some of the resolve Lincoln ward chaos. for women, respect for law, the emerg- displayed came from lessons he learned Our intelligence community recently ing of democratic institutions. But as 15 years earlier when he entered a found that the violence in Iraq is now the Iraq Study Group noted, achieving smaller battle. In 1848, Abraham Lin- a self-sustaining sectarian struggle. the goal of having an Iraq that can coln was an often criticized young

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.139 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1639 freshman Member of this body, the and women in uniform who put their change, because there is only failure House of Representatives, and was fac- lives on the line in Iraq, Afghanistan and darkness ahead for us as a country, ing a difficult point in his career. Lin- and all around the world, preserving as a people, if it doesn’t.’’ coln criticized the reasons President our freedom. Sergeant Jeffers’ words hit at the Polk gave for getting us into the Mexi- Today, the United States is engaged heart of our present challenge in Iraq. can-American War, a war that began in another war, and just as before we Our current strategy in Iraq is failing, before Lincoln came to office, a posi- face an enemy that wants to destroy and yet failure is not an option. In No- tion that I can identify with today as I our way of life. Just as before we face vember, the American people told us stand here. an enemy that thinks it is winning. they wanted a new strategy, not be- Then-Congressman Lincoln voted for Just as before our country is divided. cause they wanted to lose, but because a resolution that stated the Mexican- Just as before we are making mistakes. they wanted to win. Now we have a new American War was ‘‘unnecessarily and Just as before we face a moment of strategy before us. unconstitutionally’’ initiated by Presi- truth about what to do next. And just Is this new plan going to work? I dent Polk. Lincoln thought the war as before the consequences of losing are don’t know. No one in this body who is was nothing more than a political devastating. voting on this resolution knows. move to grab land from the Mexican The enemy is clear about what their b 2010 people. intentions are by what they say and What I do know is that we must find My friends, it is legitimate and in what they do. Al Qaeda and the global a way to achieve victory, and simply fact our duty to question the reasons movement that it has spawned have saying ‘‘no’’ to a new plan without of- why our country goes to war, and Abra- made it clear they want nuclear and bi- fering up an alternative will not work ham Lincoln showed us that. However, ological weapons. It is clear they want and sends a terrible message to our en- he also showed us something else. to kill us, Americans. Osama bin Laden emies and our soldiers. Abraham Lincoln made an incredibly has called acquiring nuclear weapons a This is an historic war. America is important distinction that we can ‘‘religious duty.’’ The fact is we are en- engaged in a war for our freedoms on a learn from today. gaged in a global war with people in- scale that we have never experienced A Lincoln biographer, Doris Kearns tent on killing Americans, and regard- before. I understand the dissension, the Goodwin, writes that after being criti- less of how we got into Iraq, Iraq is questions and the uncertainty. cized for that vote ‘‘Lincoln sought to now the central front of that war. I understand the cost is high and the clarify his position, arguing that al- And yet while we debate this non- way is often unclear. I have served in though he had challenged the instiga- binding resolution, what is really at law enforcement for 33 years. I under- tion of the war he had never voted stake is winning or losing. Like Lin- stand the loss. I have lost partners and against supplies for the soldiers.’’ coln, I was not in this office as the war friends in the line of duty. I understand This is an important point to make began. I understand the arguments. I the cost of freedom and the sacrifices again. Lincoln sought to clarify his po- understand the questions. I have been that must be made. The sacrifices are sition, arguing that although he had asking questions, too, as an elected of- hard, they are tragic and they are challenged the instigation of the war ficial in this body for the past 2 years, never forgotten, but we must remain he had never voted against supplies for as a concerned citizen, and before that, focused and not let those sacrifices be the soldiers. Lincoln knew the damage as a veteran. I understand that there in vain. of condemning a war while claiming to are many who think we should never Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the troops. Yet that is what have entered Iraq. We now know there vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. Lincoln this resolution before us does today. was faulty intelligence that led to that warned us against tying a criticism of During the American Revolution, the decision. the war to support for our troops. Let men and women who had become this But the war is upon us nonetheless. I us send a message to our enemies and country’s first citizens were declared am elected to deal with what is hap- our troops alike that we will always by the King of England to be in rebel- pening now. Will we succeed? Will we support our young men and women who lion. The King sent soldiers across the win? Just as at other moments in our put their lives on the line for our free- Atlantic to quell the uprising. history, those questions stand unan- dom. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, In every war, it is the average citizen swered. The consequences of declaring I yield such time as I may consume at who stands up and fights for his neigh- an end to the war in Iraq without vic- this time. bor’s freedom. It is the same today. In tory would be felt for decades. Our en- Mr. Speaker, I support House Concur- response to the King of England’s at- emies around the world would be rent Resolution 63, and I want to thank tack, again it was the average citizen emboldened. Iran and al Qaeda would our chairman of the House Armed who raised his hand, volunteered, stood declare victory. Our allies in Iraq Services Committee, the gentleman up and fought for our freedom. A book- would certainly face bloodshed, and our from Missouri (Mr. SKELTON); also, our store owner, the manager of an iron allies around the world would question chairman of the House Foreign Affairs foundry and a land surveyor all stood our resolve to help protect them. Committee, the gentleman from Cali- and fought for our freedom. Those men Sergeant Eddie Jeffers is a U.S. fornia (Mr. LANTOS); and especially the were Henry Knox, Nathaniel Green and Army infantryman serving in Ramadi, gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. George Washington. Iraq. Sergeant Jeffers has a firsthand JONES), my good friend and colleague, During America’s War for Independ- appreciation for what is at stake in as original cosponsors of this legisla- ence, it was not clear if we would pre- Iraq and our presence there and what it tion. vail then. We lost battle after battle. means to the Iraqi people. Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank Troops deserted the battlefields. Gen- He writes, ‘‘We are the hope of the the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. eral Washington and his deputies per- Iraqi people. They want what everyone WOLF) and Mr. Richard Solomon of the severed, continuing to engage the else wants in life: Safety, security, United States Institute of Peace for enemy until the tide turned, because so somewhere to call home. They want a their initiative and leadership to estab- much was at stake. country that is safe to raise their chil- lish what is commonly known today as We are the United States of America dren in. They want to live on, rebuild the Iraq Study Group, composed of na- today and we are free because General and prosper. And America has given tionally recognized leaders from both Washington refused to quit. We are the them that opportunity, but only if we political parties, and co-chaired by United States of America today and we stay true to the cause and see it to its former Secretary of State James Baker are free because Abraham Lincoln re- end. But the country must unite in this and former Congressman and director fused to quit. And we are the United endeavor. We cannot place the burden of the Woodrow Wilson International States of America today and we are on our military alone. We must all Center for Scholars Mr. Lee Hamilton. free because Roosevelt and Truman re- stand and fight, whether in uniform or The Iraq Study Group conducted for fused to quit. And we are the United not. Right now the burden is all on the well over eight months a most com- States of America today and we are American soldier. Right now hope rides prehensive review, in my humble opin- free because of the sacrifice of the men alone. But it can change. It must ion, of the crisis that we are now faced

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.141 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1640 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 with in Iraq, and I sincerely hope that Laden and his al Qaeda organization how many troops it would require to in the weeks and months to come that that was under the protection of the take control of Iraq, and his response we here in this body will review seri- Taliban in Afghanistan. was something in the order of several ously its recommendations for a reso- Well, we got rid of the Taliban, and hundred thousand soldiers. Here was a lution to the conflict in Iraq. we were successful in establishing a soldier who fought and was wounded Mr. Speaker, almost 5 years ago, as a democratic government for the people while engaged in combat in Vietnam, a member of the House International Re- and the leaders of Afghanistan, but we most respected officer who served with lations Committee, I voted in support did not, and I repeat we did not, com- honor and distinction for some 35 years of the resolution which authorized our plete our mission of either killing or in defense of our Nation. Needless to President to use military force against capturing the leader who was respon- say, Mr. Speaker, I must say, General Saddam Hussein and his military re- sible for the attack against our coun- Shinseki’s professional assessment of gime, for the most critical reason pre- try on September 11, 2001. the mismanagement and ill-planning of sented by our President, our Vice The terrorist leader’s name is Osama this war in Iraq could not have been President, our Secretary of Defense, bin Laden, and after almost 6 years more accurate, given the sad state of and our National Security Adviser, now, the most powerful country in the affairs we find our country is in now that Saddam Hussein had in his posses- world militarily, Osama bin Laden still when dealing with Iraq. sion supposedly nuclear weapons. Our has not been killed or captured, let Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us Nation’s own national security was se- alone the fact that we did not complete is plain and simple. It is a clear state- verely at risk, imminent danger. These our commitment in resources and force ment to the American people and to were the phrases that were used. And structure to sustain Afghanistan’s the world that Congress absolutely besides for other reasons, the nuclear newly established democratic govern- supports the efforts of all the men and issue was the linchpin, in my humble ment. women who proudly serve in the Armed opinion, that convinced many of us on Now, there is a new escalation of Forces of the United States. It also both sides of the aisle to approve the Taliban presence in Afghanistan and sends a very simple message to Presi- resolution to allow our President to its ability to wage military operations dent Bush that his recent decision to wage war against Iraq. against us and our NATO allies, and send an additional number of some Mr. Speaker, our Nation, and espe- the situation in Afghanistan is now be- 20,000 troops to the war effort in Iraq is cially the American people, have now coming more like Iraq, needing more not going to change the serious secu- come to realize that Saddam Hussein troops and resources to fight the rity problems and the civil war that is never had in his possession nuclear Taliban again. now in place between the Sunni and weapons, due to faulty intelligence and The critical question of why our the Shiite factions. misleading statements made by top of- country decided to wage war against Mr. Speaker, we have fulfilled our ficials of this administration in order Saddam Hussein is one that will be a mission, our military mission, by cap- to totally change the atmosphere to matter of public debate for years to turing Saddam Hussein who, of course, have the public believe that our num- come, but suffice it to say, one, Sad- now recently was hung by the authori- ber one public enemy was Saddam Hus- dam Hussein did not attack us on Sep- ties with the new Iraq Government. It sein and not Osama bin Laden. tember 11, 2001. It was Osama bin is up to the Iraq people and their lead- Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues, Laden and his al Qaeda organization ers now to determine for themselves a how in the world did we end up in Iraq that was based in Afghanistan and political solution to the rights and and we have now caused more tension parts of Pakistan. privileges of the three major factions: in the Middle East than ever before? Two, our President and his top offi- the Sunnis, the Shiites and the Kurds. As I recalled, Mr. Speaker, our Na- cials had misled the American people It is a fact that 60 percent of the pop- tion was attacked by some 18 terror- and the Congress to state that Saddam ulation in Iraq is Shiite. Prime Min- ists, 14 Saudi Arabians, one Egyptian, Hussein possessed weapons of mass de- ister Maliki is a Shiite, and interest- two from the United Arab Emirates, struction, especially nuclear weapons. I ingly enough, the President is a Kurd. and one Lebanese, on September 11, honestly believe that this issue alone 2020 2001. None of these terrorists came was the catalyst and what prompted b from Iran or Iraq. Most of them were Congress to give the President military Now the question is how and in what from Saudi Arabia, and they were authority to force Saddam Hussein to way the Sunnis are going to be part of members of a terrorist organization comply with U.N. resolutions and to this newly established government. that we now know as al Qaeda, and the also locate and destroy his alleged sup- And there is no denial, Mr. Speaker, leader of this terrorist group is Osama ply of nuclear weapons. that for the future the new government bin Laden. Three, we may have won the war in will be dominated by Shiites, an unin- Our Nation was attacked on Sep- Iraq by eventually capturing Saddam tended consequence of our decision to tember 11, 2001. Most of the nations Hussein, but we have caused more ten- wage war against Saddam Hussein, who around the world not only sympathized sion and conflict among the rival fac- was a member of the Sunni faction, with us but supported us, but the Con- tions between the Shiites, comprised of which made up only 20 percent of the gress gave authority to our President 60 percent of this country’s population population of Iraq. But Saudi Arabia, to go after Osama bin Laden and his al of 26 million, and the Sunnis, which Jordan, Syria, Egypt and the rest of Qaeda organization that was under the make up some 20 percent of the popu- the Muslim world is Sunni. Eighty-five protective custody of the Taliban, lation, and the remainder the Kurds percent of the Muslim world is Sunni, which at the time controlled Afghani- which, for the most part, is not in- we have to understand that, and Iran stan and certain parts of Pakistan. volved in this conflict at this point in and the Shiite factions in Iraq make up It is critically important, I submit, time. only 15 percent. Mr. Speaker, that our colleagues and I must include, Mr. Speaker, the I said earlier, Mr. Speaker, and I the American people need to be re- name of former Army Chief of Staff want to quote again my good friend’s minded on what prompted our Presi- General Eric Shinseki as part of the de- quotation from Daniel Webster: God dent, as Commander in Chief, and this bate and discussion, if you will. Gen- grants liberty to those who love it, but Congress, what actions our Nation eral Shinseki, in my mind, was among I say they must also be willing to die took after our country was attacked on the first of our military leaders who, for it. September 11, 2001. for making an honest statement as a The civil war now taking place be- Our government leaders properly professional soldier concerning the sit- tween the Sunnis and the Shiites is a identified al Qaeda and Osama bin uation in Iraq, was publicly criticized war not for seeking liberty and free- Laden as the perpetrators of the at- and humiliated by civilian superiors dom, but it is a religious war that has tacks on September 11, 2001, and our within the Department of Defense. been going on for the past 1,400 years. President and the Congress acted ac- In response to questions by members There are never winners in religious cordingly to summon our military of the Senate Armed Services Com- wars, Mr. Speaker. And no force, not forces to wage war against Osama bin mittee, General Shinseki was asked even the most powerful nation of this

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We should insist on victory President Bush has ordered for deploy- a stay-the-course strategy in Iraq. Now in Iraq. This resolution does not sup- ment in Iraq are going to get caught in that the President has offered a new port victory, it supports failure. We the crossfire of the civil war that is strategy, the other side wants the sta- must defeat the terrorists, we must now going on between the Sunnis and tus quo, to stay the course. The Amer- protect America from Islamic terror- the Shiites, a war that can only be re- ican people want a new direction in ists. Defeat this resolution. solved only among the Iraqi factions Iraq, but not a retreat or a defeat. Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 51⁄2 themselves and not with our military This is a stay-the-course resolution. minutes to the gentleman from New presence there. It opposes sending in reinforcements to York, Representative ED TOWNS. I urge my colleagues to support this help achieve victory, as the Iraq Study Mr. TOWNS. I thank the gentleman resolution. Group suggested that we do on page 73 from New Jersey for yielding time to Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, of their report. me, and to say that I thank the leader- I ask unanimous consent to yield the Now, I am not suggesting that the ship of this House. I thank Speaker balance of my time to the gentleman military is the only solution to win- NANCY PELOSI and I thank IKE SKELTON from New Jersey, my good friend chair- ning the Iraq war. It is only one leg in for bringing this resolution forward. man of our Subcommittee in Africa a three-legged stool, which also should You know, I served in the military, and Global Health, Mr. PAYNE, so that include diplomatic, political, economic and I have great admiration and re- he may be able to control the time on efforts as well. But it is absolutely an spect for the military, and I also can- this side of the aisle. indispensable part of the solution. To not understand why people are saying The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. undermine the military effort is wrong that if you support this resolution you BECERRA). Is there objection to the re- and will guarantee defeat. are not supporting the troops. I can’t quest of the gentleman from New Jer- The left wants us to fight a politi- make that connection because I sup- sey? cally correct war. They believe that if port the troops, but I must admit I also There was no objection. we stop fighting the war will end. They support this resolution. Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, are wrong. Mr. Speaker, 4 years have passed I yield myself 10 seconds to note that Some of us met with ambassadors since this administration began its ill- the Iraq Study Group specifically said from the Middle East yesterday. The fated war in Iraq. No weapons of mass the United States should significantly ambassadors voiced strong opposition destruction have been found, no coali- increase the number of U.S. military to withdrawing troops from Iraq. They tion of nations has fought in the war, personnel, including combat troops em- said to do so before the Iraqi Govern- and the American people are still wait- bedded in and supporting Iraqi units. ment is able to sustain itself would ing for a plan for a real war against Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the lead to catastrophe, catastrophe in terrorism. gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Iraq and catastrophe in the region. Though Saddam Hussein is now dead, PITTS). They are right. If we stop fighting, the this fact alone has not been worth Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, as a Viet- consequence will be disastrous. Our nearly $400 billion in taxpayer funds, nam veteran who served three tours terrorist enemies will be greatly the loss of 3,000 lives, and 26,000 casual- during Vietnam and flew 116 combat emboldened and empowered. Countless ties. What message does this send to missions over there in B–52s, I rise to Iraqis will be slaughtered. Genocide the American people? I have been hear- oppose this resolution. will occur. The terrorists will become ing this all day long coming from the I am sure I don’t speak for every even a bigger threat to the region, de- minority side. Vietnam veteran, but I am sure I speak stabilizing and possibly igniting a re- Let me tell you what the message is for a lot of them when I say that when gional war, and they will surely follow that we are sending to the American we served in combat we detested the us home to fight here. And our allies people: That our priorities are upside politicians in Washington who under- will never trust our resolve again. down, and we need to fix them. mined our efforts to win, politicians If we don’t defeat the Islamic terror- who criticized the war effort, politi- ists in Iraq, then let me ask you, where b 2030 cians who sought to micro-manage the will we do so? I have opposed this war from the very war, politicians who set the rules of en- Mr. Speaker, the world is watching beginning, because I was concerned gagement from thousands of miles the Pelosi Congress. Will we show them that we would come to this point where away. that our determination to succeed is we would spend all the money on the These politicians were anything but stronger than the terrorists? If this war and not have the resources to do helpful. They undermined our efforts war is lost, it won’t be lost by our mag- the things to keep our Nation and to and our morale. They made us fight nificent troops in the field, it will be make our Nation strong. with one hand tied behind our backs. lost in the Halls of this Congress by Almost all the speakers on the other They demoralized our forces and our politicians who want to micromanage side expressed their support for the allies and our families. And, their our military. And that is why I ask my troops. I want you to know that on this words and political efforts grated on colleagues to consider the con- side we also express our support for the our families back home. sequences of this vote and this war. troops. This administration has asked Mr. Speaker, it was wrong then and The long-term consequences are mous to cut funding for children, for chil- it is wrong now. Our troops need and mentous. What will it mean for your dren’s health insurance. We were asked deserve our full support. kids and grandkids? What kind of to cut critical funds for Medicaid and I don’t question the proponents of world will they inherit? What will it Medicare, a loss of dollars that may this resolution’s patriotism. I question mean for the Middle East? What will it cripple our public health system. Many their judgment. What we are debating mean for our allies in the Middle East? of our hospitals are actually closing, this week is called a nonbinding resolu- What will it mean for the future of our and we are asked to provide token tion. What that really means is that great country? funding so No Child Left Behind be- this is nothing more than a political Make no mistake about this. This comes ‘‘most children now are left be- statement. It is designed to send a mes- resolution will harm our troops who hind.’’ sage to the voters and to the media to are sacrificing for the cause of free- This war and its budgetary require- score political points, I guess. But this dom. It opposes sending in reinforcements are squeezing the American peo- resolution is not about President Bush ments to troops in battle. Our troops ple, and I say that enough is enough. or failures of his administration, this is deserve and need our support. The arm But, no, the administration is asking

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:08 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.145 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1642 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 for 20,000 more combat troops and ap- the new commander says can work and Mr. Speaker, there are over 9,300 bur- proximately 15,000 support troops. The will work. ied in Normandy. Those brave souls Congressional Budget Office estimates With that, I yield 5 minutes to the fought in a war against the forces of that it will cost approximately $13 bil- gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. evil then, just as our soldiers in Iraq lion. BROWN). are fighting against the forces of evil This administration has had troop Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. I today. surges in the past; this is not new. thank the gentleman from New York What would have happened if Frank- What is different about this troop for yielding. lin Delano Roosevelt pulled our troops surge? It is more of the same, just Mr. Speaker, as President Bush and out of France after the casualties we more targets we are sending. his top military advisers implement took storming the beaches of Nor- In October, the administration sent the new plan for victory in Iraq, we mandy? If Franklin Delano Roosevelt more combat troops into Baghdad to must be united in a common goal for was alive today, what would he think attempt to end the growing violence; victory, and we should never forget of this debate which empowers and en- however, the violence in Baghdad has that our enemy is listening to this de- ergizes our enemies and demoralizes only grown worse. Now the United bate, just as our troops are listening to our brave fighting men and women? States military is caught up in a very every word of every Member of this What would America have done if the violent civil war, something they are Congress. Congress enacted a nonbinding resolu- neither trained nor equipped to deal As many of my colleagues have done, tion to pull our troops out of France with. Sending additional troops to Iraq I have personally visited Iraq. I have after D–Day? What kind of world would actually makes things worse for Iraqi seen the progress and I have seen the we be living in today? civilians and for our troops. good job that our brave men and Iraq is directly tied to the future se- Our military is already stretched too women are doing for us and for the peo- curity of our Nation, and consequently, thin. Many soldiers are doing two and ple of Iraq. failure in Iraq is not an option. three and four tours of duty. The ad- We have achieved some major accom- I do not believe we have already lost ministration now plans to send addi- plishments in Iraq. Women are now in Iraq, but we will lose if we don’t give tional troops into a city almost the able to vote in real elections for the the troops what they need to win. I re- size of New York City, and they may first time in their lives. Iraqi citizens main hopeful that the Democrats and have to go house to house in order to are now able to protest and let their Republicans can unite around a new keep warring sides from killing each opinions be heard in public, and Iraq is policy, clearly defining our troops’ other. a self-governing nation, free of tyr- mission for the sake of our national se- What message does this send to the anny. curity. American people when we tell them we I was proud to sit down and share a Mr. Speaker, I support President have no more money for children’s meal with many soldiers from South Bush and his vision for the new strat- health insurance, no more money for Carolina’s First District. And the ques- egy for victory in Iraq. I cannot in Medicaid, no more money for Medicare, tion many of our soldiers kept asking good faith support this resolution be- no more money for senior programs me was, why are none of the good sto- cause it sends our soldiers the message and no more money for children’s edu- ries making it back to the folks at that the United States Congress be- cation? And how do you think the home? lieves that they cannot succeed in American people will react to more fa- Mr. Speaker, I think that many of us their mission. It is much easier to com- talities and more wounded? How long today are trying to share some of the plain, while offering no real ideas or al- will Congress keep supporting a war good stories and recognize some of the ternatives. This resolution is all bark that has nothing to do with ending ter- positive things that our brave men and and no bite. I will conclude with a quote from a rorism? women in Iraq are doing for us. I ask the question tonight, how long South Carolina’s First District has a good friend and someone I am proud to will this administration keep ignoring high proportion of active and retired have as my constituent, Medal of the real needs of the American people? military personnel and are directly im- Honor recipient and retired Major Gen- It is time for America to withdraw pacted by the war in the Middle East. eral James Livingston. ‘‘Today we have from Iraq and focus on the real busi- At the Charleston Air Force Base, the a choice of fighting the enemy in Iraq. ness of the American people: better C–17 aircraft that come and go are a di- If we do not take them on in Iraq, then health care, more jobs, education for rect link in the supply chain that as- we will be forced to fight the enemy all of our children. We should not send sist our brave soldiers fighting for us in here on our homeland.’’ Mr. Speaker, I strongly oppose this an additional 21,500 troops. That only Iraq. resolution. means we are sending additional tar- At Force Protection in Ladson, gets into the area. South Carolina, they continue to build b 2040 Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, the Buffalo and the Cougar vehicles Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 I would say to my good friend from that save the lives of our soldiers minutes to the gentlewoman from New York, the message this resolution against the mines and IED attacks Florida, Representative CORRINE sends to the troops in the field is that every day. BROWN. the resolution challenges and opposes Last year on Memorial Day, in my (Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida the mission that their group com- capacity as chairman of the Veterans asked and was given permission to re- mander is asking them to carry out, Affairs Subcommittee on Health, I was vise and extend her remarks.) and to me that has to undermine their fortunate enough to be the guest Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. morale. speaker at an American cemetery in Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Mr. TOWNS. Will the gentleman Normandy, France, which overlooks the resolution which requires our sup- yield? Omaha Beach. port for our brave troops and the Mr. KING of New York. I will yield to Our brave soldiers during World War American military, yet also expresses the gentleman. II were in France not to fight the disapproval of President Bush’s deci- Mr. TOWNS. Let me say to you that French, but to fight the occupying sion to deploy additional troops to the I read the resolution, and I don’t know Nazis. Today our soldiers are not in area. how you can arrive at that conclusion. Iraq and Afghanistan to fight the citi- My colleagues, the most serious vote Mr. KING of New York. Reclaiming zens of those countries, but are there any Member of Congress will ever take my time, the reason I am saying that to fight the insurgents in Iraq and the will be to send men and women to war. is, you are opposing the 21,000 troop in- Taliban in Afghanistan. I support the troops 100 percent. Yet crease, and that is the policy of Gen- In listening to the debate over the when you have your head in the lion’s eral Petraeus, who is the new com- past few days, it reminded me of my mouth, how do you get it out? mander in the field. That is the policy visit and reading some of the names of I did not vote for the war when it he is asking his troops to carry out, the brave soldiers that fought our Na- came before the House of Representa- and you are opposing the very policy tion’s war during World War II. tives back in 2002. I never supported

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They allowed no amendments with false grounds for going to war, it is the position of the Democratic either from Republicans or from their and now he is inventing reasons for us Party that Iran is not funding and sup- own Democratic colleagues. They re- to stay there. plying the insurgents in Iraq, because I fused to permit any substitutes. They As President Bush begins to lay out think that was determined far before even denied us a motion to recommit. his case for expanding this terrible war President Bush’s administration made By putting before us this highly re- into Iran, we see the false rhetoric, the any comments about it. strictive rule, the other side has effec- same war drumbeats in the back- With that, I would yield 7 minutes to tively foreclosed dialogue on other ground, drumming up support for the my distinguished colleague and friend measures that might have added sub- attack on Iran. Since we have never on the Homeland Security Committee, stance to the debate. While both Demo- found a link between al Qaeda and Iraq, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. crats and Republicans utilize the Iraq we are trying to hide our failure to DENT). Study Group findings to justify their control the civil war in Iraq by blam- Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, this has positions, the majority leadership has ing Iran for supplying weapons to Iraqi been a long debate. But two points refused to consider my colleague from insurgents. There is no proof and no must be absolutely clear at the outset. Virginia’s legislation, Mr. FRANK one is certain this is under the direc- First, it is imperative that we continue WOLF, his legislation, H. Con. Res. 45, tion of the Iranian leadership. Again, to support our troops on the ground. which would implement some of the the President is telling the American Our servicemembers deployed to Iraq most significant recommendations of people this is true, but why should we have done a magnificent job. They have the Iraq Study Group’s report. This believe him? I know what the Bush ad- performed their missions admirably, legislation would emphasize the need ministration is capable of doing. They effectively, and with valor. They have for U.S. forces to accelerate the train- will use any means necessary to done everything we have asked them to ing of their Iraqi counterparts, would achieve their ends, even if it means do. They have made sacrifices as have establish milestones for success in doctoring up the information supplied their families. They deserve our un- Iraq, and would promote diplomatic to Congress and to the international qualified support. And as a Member of initiatives in order to advance stability community to wage a war over oil. Congress, I strongly disagree with in the country and in the region. They have provided all the justifica- some of my colleagues who have sug- tions, all the sanctimony, frightening gested cutting off funds for our troops the American people into supporting a serving in Iraq. b 2050 $600 billion war in Iraq, supposedly to A second point to be made here is Yet no debate on such a bill and no deter terror, but in reality it is having that immediate withdrawal from Iraq, opportunity to offer an amendment the opposite effect. My colleagues, this which has likewise been advocated by consistent with those objectives was war needs to come to an end. The some members on the other side of the tolerated by the majority. What does American people want the troops aisle, is also a bad idea. The Iraq Study this say about their commitment to home. This was the message sent loud Group has said that ‘‘it would be wrong fulfilling the objectives recommended and clear to the Bush administration for the United States to abandon the by the Iraq Study Group’s report? You during the November elections. Yet country through a precipitate with- know, we are all speaking about this they for some reason just didn’t get the drawal of troops and support.’’ The Na- report, but we are simply not voting on message. Nearly 70 percent of the tional Intelligence Estimate of Janu- it. That is wrong. American people want us out of Iraq. ary 2007 says that ‘‘if Coalition forces I stand before you today in my sec- Yet, President Bush continues to ig- were withdrawn rapidly during the ond term in Congress as someone who nore that. We have already spent over term of this estimate, we judge that has tried to understand the Iraq war half a trillion dollars over there. Let this almost certainly would lead to a from many different viewpoints. I have me repeat. $600 billion. There was even significant increase in the scale and talked with my constituents both pro a period between 2003 and 2004 when our scope of sectarian conflict in Iraq.’’ and con about the war. I have listened military was carrying huge wraps of Religious conflict aside, there is an- to military and intelligence briefings. I $100 bills over to Iraq. other reason for avoiding immediate have visited Iraq. I have studied the Look at this cruise ship. I want you withdrawal, and that is simply that al Iraq Study Group report. I have read to imagine a cruise ship full of $100 Qaeda and its affiliated groups still op- journal articles, academic studies and bills. We sent it over to Iraq. Now, let erate in Iraq. Ayman al-Zawahiri, news clips on the subject, all to in- me tell you something, folks. A billion Osama bin Laden’s chief deputy, con- crease my professional awareness of dollars is even a lot of money here in siders their efforts in Iraq to be ‘‘cru- what is going on over there. Washington. $100 bills, a billion dollars. cial’’ towards furthering al Qaeda ob- Let me tell you what that would pay jectives in the region. Thus, these But I do not just see this from a pro- for our veterans. $1.7 billion would fund groups are aggressively pursuing ter- fessional perspective. The Iraq war has over 1.5 million veterans in category 8 rorism within the borders of that coun- had personal consequences for me as that we are not funding today. Let me try, commiting acts of violence against well. One of my staffers, Jason Lane, is repeat. Over 1.5 million veterans we Shias, Kurds and anyone else who dares a Reservist who has been called to ac- could serve if we could recoup just $1 to disagree with them. tive duty and is deployed there right billion, and we have sent over about $9 By instigating this mayhem and now. billion that we cannot account for. bloodshed in Iraq, al Qaeda hopes to re- I have talked with the troops who Folks, I am going to give the Bush alize its supreme goal, to destabilize have served there. I have visited the administration an F, and I am going to the government, assume control over wounded in hospitals and most pain- give the past Congress an F for giving the country and its oil wealth and fully attended the funerals of those him a blank check. eventually install a Taliban-style gov- who gave to this country what Abra- We all have the opportunity to have ernment in Baghdad. This is not good ham Lincoln called the last full meas- a serious vote for our troops and a vote for the United States. It is not good for ure of devotion. I attended one of those for the American people. I say vote Iraq. And it is not good for the region. funerals just last Friday. ‘‘yes’’ on the resolution. That is why I oppose immediate with- From all of this, I must admit, I have ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE drawal. my concerns about the efficacy of the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. That being said, and understanding President’s troop surge. I believe that BECERRA). Members are reminded to re- the need for Congress to debate the it is far more important that the Iraqis

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.149 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1644 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 show the political will to achieve rec- When, in fact, we did accomplish it American than seeing our troops in ac- onciliation and end the sectarian vio- and got inspection teams back in with tion, because they are so very good. lence that is slowly but surely stran- unfettered access, I was sitting They are well motivated, they are well gling their capital and their country. through administration briefings ask- trained. They are the best our Nation As their Prime Minister, Maliki said ing them if we were cooperating with has to offer. on November 27, 2006, ‘‘The crisis is po- them and directing them to suspected I have had 18 military funerals in my litical, and ones who can stop the cycle sites. Of course we were, they said, but Congressional district alone, most of of aggravation and the bloodletting of they are not finding anything. which I personally attended. If I don’t innocents are the politicians.’’ That is when that pit in my stomach have to attend another military fu- Success in Iraq is essential to achiev- first formed, that perhaps Saddam did neral, if I don’t have to pick up the ing America’s foreign policy objectives, what he said he did all along, and that phone to call another grieving family, I and it is in America’s best interest to is disarm. That is when I, along with will be one of the happiest people in ensure that Iraq can sustain, govern my friend and colleague, SHERROD the world. They are a constant re- and defend itself. But I believe in hold- BROWN, drafted a letter signed by 150 of minder of the human toll this is having Prime Minister Maliki to his word. our colleagues in January of 2003 asking, not only with our troops but with We cannot and will not abandon our ing the President to give the inspection their families and our communities. troops who are currently on the ground teams time to do their job and not rush There is not a day that goes by when I in Iraq. in because they were not finding any- am not concerned about the safety and We must make sure that our forces thing. welfare of our troops. effectively engage al Qaeda, as opposed But instead of heeding our advice, he That is exactly why we should be de- to mediating a Sunni-Shia conflict ordered the inspection teams out, sent bating this resolution, because it is im- that is the responsibility of the Iraqi our troops in with insufficient forces to perative that war is a last resort, that government to resolve. We all know secure the peace, with no plan for the we as policymakers do everything we these are the challenges facing this day after, with no clear objectives and can to get the policy right because of Congress, and these are challenges that with no exit strategy, all contrary to the impact it has on our troops, their must be met in a bipartisan manner. the Powell Doctrine. Now we are where family, and our communities. It is im- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 we are today with over $500 billion al- portant that we give them a mission minutes to the gentleman from Wis- ready spent, over 3,000 lives lost, over with which they can succeed. consin (Mr. KIND). 23,000 injured who have returned home. Mr. KIND. I thank my friend for It is time to stop asking our troops And we are faced with no good options. yielding me this time. to babysit a civil war. It is time to ask Yes, we do need a new direction and Mr. Speaker, I do rise in support of the Iraqis to stand up. It is time to sup- the resolution before us. It is a very not an escalation. It is time for us to port this resolution and give the Presi- simple and straightforward resolution. turn over responsibility for security to dent a clear indication of where this It expresses our support and gratitude the Iraqi people so we can begin a rede- Congress stands. to our troops and our disapproval with ployment of our forces, first within the Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- the President’s escalation plan in Iraq. country, let us get them off the front self such time as I may consume. I have believed for some time now that lines and off the main streets of Bagh- Before yielding to the gentleman we are in desperate need of a new direc- dad, where they can still play a support from Georgia, Mr. DEAL, I would just tion and not an escalation in Iraq. role, but which could also lead to a re- like to comment on my colleague from It is not like we are confronted with deployment eventually out of country. Wisconsin and say to have lost 18 of his a new plan by the President here We can then refocus our energies on constituents is heart wrenching, and I today. We have tried three troop surges the real national security threat, and know that his statement is heartfelt. in the last 2 years alone, without the that is dismantling the al Qaeda global But, in fact, we are involved in the desired result. I don’t know what the network that we face, making sure we Arab League. We have involved five of President sees or hears today that don’t lose Afghanistan, making sure the states surrounding, and every one leads him to believe that the fourth the Taliban doesn’t reconstitute them- of the ambassadors from this Arab time is a charm. selves and making sure that we bring League said, we didn’t want you to go No, from the beginning, this has been those who are directly responsible for in, but you cannot leave. the wrong war at the wrong time for September 11 to justice, like Osama bin I would just say to the gentleman as the wrong reasons. We now know that Laden, who is still at large and roam- well that we asked, critics asked you Saddam Hussein did not, in fact, posing free today. Ultimately, this con- and others for a new team and a new sess weapons of mass destruction. He flict cannot be solved militarily, but plan. You have a new team, and you do had no involvement in the attacks on only by tough political compromises have a new plan. The new plan is not September 11. He had no links with al between the Sunnis, Shia and Kurds. the surge in troops. The new plan is Qaeda. I believe then, as I do today, We cannot do this for them. coming into the neighborhoods in that while he may have been poten- We also need to get the Arab League Baghdad with Iraqis, embedded Amer- tially dangerous, he was eminently involved, because they can help with ican troops, cleaning them up, and containable. reconstruction, they can help with se- holding them. But I too must share some responsi- curity, and they can help add legit- Mr. KIND. Will the gentleman yield bility for having supported the Iraq imacy to the Iraqi government. It is for a brief comment? resolution in the fall of 2002. I did so not in their interest to see the Sunni- Mr. SHAYS. A brief comment. while believing the President when he Shia conflict spread outside of the Iraq Mr. KIND. I was at the same meeting stated that the goal was disarmament borders and sweep the region, which is and I heard the same message from the and not regime change, that war would a very real threat today. Nor is it in ambassadors in the region. No one here be a last resort and not a convenient Iran and Syria’s interests to be on the is advocating an immediate with- option, that he would work through the opposite sides of a civil war that may drawal, just a different direction and a U.N. Security Council and with the break out in Iraq. That is what a plan, different strategy rather than what has international community rather than a new direction should look like, one failed in the past. taking unilateral action. that we should be pursuing, rather Mr. SHAYS. Reclaiming my time, But I also believed that it was impor- than just more of the same, stay the what we do have is a new plan, and it tant at that time to get weapons in- course. is not the surge, it is cleaning up the spection teams back in Iraq to search Mr. Speaker, I have had the oppor- neighborhoods and holding them with for weapons and to keep an eye on Sad- tunity on three occasions to visit our Iraqi troops embedded with American dam so he didn’t develop capability to military command and our troops in troops. do harm. I also believe that we could the field in Iraq. I also visited our Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the not accomplish that goal without a troops during the height of our mili- gentleman from Georgia (Mr. DEAL). threat of credible force hanging over tary engagement in the Balkans. Noth- Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I Saddam’s head. ing has made me prouder to be an rise to oppose this resolution, and I

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.153 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1645 readily admit that I don’t know for I fear, Mr. Speaker, the President is you wish to make a statement in sup- sure what the best policy is in this once again missing an important op- port of our new strategy in Iraq or fight against radical Islamic groups. portunity. He is missing his chance to whether you oppose this new plan. With all due respect, I don’t think any send a strong message to the Iraqi peo- By simply supporting this resolution, other Member of this body does either. ple that we will no longer police their you are saying you want to leave Iraq Much of what we have heard this week civil war, and that it is time for them as soon as possible. I am not willing to are words based on emotions, and not to assume responsibility for their own do this. I am willing to support the ad- facts. country so that our troops can be re- ministration and to give our military In the midst of such uncertainty, I do moved from harm’s way. and our troops the benefit of the doubt, believe there are certain opinions that In my judgment, this war is beyond and I will vote against this resolution are factually sound. Number one, the the scope of our men and women in because I want to give this new strat- greatest weapon our enemy has is the uniform. The situation in Iraq is in egy a chance, a simple chance to suc- loss of resolve on the part of the Amer- dire need of a diplomatic solution. ceed. ican people. Two, what this Congress Sure, we need to be ready to take down My colleagues, let me repeat. If you does significantly affects that resolve al Qaeda training camps in the region, vote for this resolution, then you are of the American people. Three, this res- but we do not need to be refereeing saying you do not wish to give the olution is a major signal that America age-old religious disputes. military and General Petraeus a has lost its resolve. This is an untenable situation and chance to succeed. In fact, this resolu- If we succumb to an attitude of de- unfair to our brave troops who have be- tion declares the new strategy in Iraq feat, then defeat is what will occur. I come targets of insurgents. If we are is a failure before it has even had a will simply ask, if we don’t want to en- going to support our troops in every chance to be implemented. gage radical Islam in Iraq, then where? way possible, it is vital that we not This is inconsistent with the unani- If we don’t want to engage radical only support them with the supplies mous vote the Senate gave to the man Islam now, then when? and armor that they need, we must selected to carry out this strategy, General Petraeus. Everyone agrees he b 2100 also ensure that they are being deployed in such a way that they have a is the best man. This resolution is un- If we cannot answer these questions, dercutting the general and our troops be assured that our enemy will provide realistic chance of success. We must make certain that the funds we are at the very time they need our support. us with the answers. I am not willing Now, many will argue that there has sending to Iraq are going to our troops to vote for a resolution that I believe been ample opportunity to succeed and and not into the pockets of no-bid con- does just that. It is true that the Iraqis that we have failed at this point. Cer- tractors and war profiteers. must truly step forward and want to tainly mistakes have been made and a Mr. Speaker, I support this resolu- govern themselves. President Bush has change of strategy is long overdue. tion, because I support our men and set out markers by which they will be However, what should this strategy be? women in uniform. I have heard speak- measured. We should hold them to Should the U.S. immediately pull out ers on the other side say that this de- these reasonable standards. of Iraq, leaving the terrorists bate will demoralize our troops. Well, I Tonight I stand with our troops, and emboldened and potentially put more submit that nothing can demoralize I thank them and their families for Americans at risk? their service. our troops more than having them po- The advocates for this resolution Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 lice a civil war. And that is what this have no answer. In fact, they beg the minutes to the gentleman from Ken- administration is asking them to do. very question, What happens when we All of us in this body believe in the tucky, a member of the Appropriations leave? What happens in Iraq if we leave spread of democracy and freedom. But Committee (Mr. CHANDLER). precipitously? And what do we do if it that grand responsibility cannot solely Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Speaker, I turns into a Middle East conflagration? thank my friend from New Jersey for rest on the shoulders of our troops. It If Shiite Iran succeeds in exerting its yielding me time. must rest on the shoulders of free na- influence through Shiite Iraq, it will Mr. Speaker, as we debate this reso- tions across this world. And it must threaten to spill over the sectarian vio- lution on Iraq, we are reminded of the rest on the shared sacrifice of all citi- lence across the Middle East and else- uncertain world in which we live. While zens of this country. where. Now here is how the head of the the 5-year anniversary of 9/11 has No doubt we have real enemies. They Arab League views this potential con- passed, the memories of that day are are the Islamist jihadists, and they flict. This is what he said. ‘‘If this hap- still with us, as are the actions of this must be opposed. These same enemies pens we will enter hell itself.’’ administration that led us into this are shared by all free nations. But es- The supporters of the resolution keep war. calating the war in Iraq is not the talking about the past, but they do not Following 9/11, our country missed an right approach to defeat the jihadists. talk about the future and how we are important opportunity that will for- It is an approach that will cost more going to solve this problem without ever change our history. Instead of American lives and mire us even fur- creating a more serious problem. building coalitions and using that sup- ther in the Iraqi civil war. Edmund Burke, the great conserv- port to maximize our strength, we We can win the long-term struggle if ative leader from Britain, this is how alienated much of the world. We lost we are smart, if we focus on the real he put it: It is not a question of how we sight of the simple truth: A respected enemy, if we build our alliances prop- got into this situation, but how do we America is a more secure America. erly, and if we do not let our own pride get out. They have no answers, and by But this administration insisted on get in the way. not answering this latter question they going it alone in Iraq. They refused to Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, are begging the question. let U.N. inspectors complete their I would say to supporters of the resolu- Now, this is circular reasoning. It is work, and they launched an invasion tion that General Petraeus himself, in one in which a premise presupposes the without the support of the inter- answer to a question from Senator conclusion in some way. In a course of national community. We are now faced LIEBERMAN, he said that resolutions logic, this is called the core relative. with lasting repercussions of that deci- such as this will affect the morale of So this resolution is faulty reasoning. sion. And it appears the President still the troops that he has been asked to has not learned from that mistake. lead in battle. b 2110 Once again, the President is going it Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the Any professor of logic would simply alone with his call for more than 20,000 gentleman from Florida (Mr. STEARNS). recognize the false choice. We need this additional troops in Iraq. He does not (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given new strategy that General Petraeus is have the support of the international permission to revise and extend his re- implementing so that we can hand over community, and he has lost the sup- marks.) this country to the constitutionally port of many in the military, the Con- Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in elected government. My colleagues, gress, and, most importantly, the opposition to this resolution. What this this can be done and will be done soon American people. debate is really all about is whether one way or the other.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.155 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1646 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 Any new strategy must be accom- measurable benchmarks for success in Iraq Osama bin Laden has to say about Iraq from panied by a set of strategic bench- while expressing unwavering support for our a 2006 audiotape—‘‘The epicenter of these marks designed to measure progress in troops. wars is Baghdad, the seat of the caliphate Iraq and to hold the administration Any new strategy must be accompanied by rule. Their defeat in Iraq will mean defeat in all and the Iraqi Government accountable a set of strategic benchmarks designed to their wars and a beginning to the receding of for their role in achieving this success. measure progress in Iraq and to hold the Bush their Zionist-Crusader tide against us.’’ Mr. Speaker, I ask to include in the administration and the Iraqi Government ac- Sectarian violence rages in Iraq, fanned by RECORD a list of these benchmarks that countable for their role in achieving success. Iran and Syria, and this could well spill over I recommend be part of this new strat- Threatening to reduce the future commitment throughout the region. Look at these charts. egy to allow our troops to come home. of American troops and economic aid if they They show the sectarian divide in Iraq among Why not consider a resolution that are not implemented, we must enforce these Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds; and the other incorporates these benchmarks? benchmarks. It is important to stress that an shows the regional divide between Sunnis and But I do offer a warning to the ad- open-ended American military commitment is Shiites. ministration. We must have bench- both unwise and dangerous. In the business If Shiite Iran succeeds in exerting its influ- marks that demonstrate our progress world, no successful enterprise gives enor- ence through Shiite Iraq, it will threaten the in Iraq. I, for one, and many others, mous sums of money without accountability, spillover of sectarian violence throughout the cannot support continued funding and nor should we. Middle East and elsewhere. Here is how Amr without measurable benchmarks. And The military benchmarks I would like to see Mousa, head of the Arab League, views this we need to know if we are making utilized include: potential Iranian-backed Shiite conflict with the progress; and if we are not, then we can Measuring the level of Iraqi government co- Sunni nations—‘‘We will enter hell itself.’’ employ other tactics and different operation with the U.S. Military; The Islamist terrorist threat is real and di- measures, all of which will lead to the Iraqi progress in removing terrorists and oth- rectly connected to defeating the insurgents in Iraqi Government taking on the re- ers from its own security forces; Iraq. Democrat plans to abandon Iraq will not sponsibility for their own country. Identifying the level of combat experience make this threat disappear. My colleagues, the political easy for all Iraqi Army battalions; and America cannot afford to repeat the mis- thing to do is to vote for this faulty Tracking the expenditure of funds sup- takes of the past by withdrawing from a direct resolution because you are not willing porting Iraqi defense forces. confrontation with radical Islamist terrorists. to give a final chance for success and The political benchmarks include: They will continue to intensify their attacks you have no ideas on achieving success. Advancing a strategy to promote tolerance against America, just as they did following The harder, political vote is ‘‘no,’’ and and co-existence among Iraqis; other attacks such as in: that is what I intend to do. Providing fair access to all Iraqi resources; 1979: 66 American diplomats taken hostage If I have a few more moments, I just Promoting the rule of law; and held in Iran for 444 days. want to bring to my colleagues’ atten- Reforming the judicial system to ensure 1983: A truck bomb kills 241 marines at tion a quote that has been declassified equal application of the law; and their barracks in Beirut. from bin Laden’s deputy. And if you Measuring cooperation and coordination of 1988: Pan Am 103 bombing kills 270, in- will bear with me and follow this neighboring countries in stabilizing Iraq. cluding 189 Americans, over Lockerbie, Scot- quote. ‘‘It is my humble opinion that Why not consider a resolution that incor- land. the jihad in Iraq requires several incre- porates these benchmarks? 1993: Six killed in first World Trade Center mental goals: The first stage, expel the This resolution sends an inappropriate mes- bombing by militant Islamic terrorists. Americans from Iraq; the second stage, sage to our troops. This resolution declares 1996: 19 U.S. service members are killed in establish Islamic authority, and then the new strategy in Iraq a failure before it Khobar Towers bombing. develop it and support it until it even has the chance to be implemented. This 1998: 225 people killed in bombings at the achieves the level of a caliphate; the is inconsistent with the unanimous vote the U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya. third stage, extend the jihad wave to other body gave to the man designated to 2000: Al Qaeda’s attack on the destroyer the secular countries neighboring Iraq, carry the strategy out, General Petraeus. Con- USS. Cole kills 17 American sailors. Syria, Jordan, Iran; the fourth stage, it gress is undercutting General Petraeus and 2001: Al Qaeda hijackers fly planes into the may coincide with what came before, our troops at the very time they need our sup- World Trade Center and the Pentagon, while the clash with Israel because Israel was port. passengers force a fourth to crash in Pennsyl- established only to challenge a new Is- As cochair of the Congressional Air Force vania. Total number killed: 2,973. lamic entity.’’ Caucus, I joined in leading a delegation of It is vital that we succeed in Iraq for these My colleagues, that is what is at members to Iraq. This trip provided valuable reasons: A stable Iraq dedicated to the rule of stake. The war in Iraq is a central insight into our operations and conditions on law will weaken extremism in the Middle East; front in the global war on terrorism the ground. The situation in Iraq poses mul- we cannot allow terrorists to gain a safe haven and a central battleground for Islamic tiple problems—Sunni al Qaeda terrorists, in that nation; and curbing Iran’s regional am- militant extremists in this worldwide committed Baathists who are largely Sunni, bitions. mission to simply destroy all Western Shiite militias, and Shiite interference from But I do offer a warning. We must have democracy. And you don’t have to take Iran. This is truly an unholy brew. benchmarks that demonstrate our progress in my word for it. You can see this declas- The war in Iraq is a central front in the glob- Iraq. I for one cannot support continued fund- sified deputy to bin Laden, his opinion. al war on terrorism and a central battleground ing without measurable benchmarks and we Mr. Speaker, I will vote against this resolu- for Islamist militant extremists in their world- need to know if we are making progress. If we tion. While no proposal guarantees success, a wide mission to destroy democracy. But don’t are not, then we can take other tactics and dif- precipitous withdrawal of U.S. support would take my word for it. Take the words from a de- ferent measures. All of which will lead to the guarantee failure. The stakes are too high to classified letter from bin Laden’s deputy Iraqi Government taking on the responsibility fail in Iraq. It remains in America’s strategic in- Ayman al-Zawahiri. for their own country. terests to ensure regional stability in the Mid- It is my humble opinion that the Jihad in In conclusion Mr. Speaker, one thing is for dle East and to deny terrorists a safe haven Iraq requires several incremental goals: The certain: The men and women fighting in Iraq in Iraq. first stage: Expel the Americans from Iraq. must never be used as a political tool. They Certainly mistakes have been made and a The second stage: Establish an Islamic au- deserve our unmitigated support. They do not thority . . . then develop it and support it change of strategy is long overdue. However, until it achieves the level of a caliphate . . . deserve political posturing. We must continue what should this change of strategy be? The third stage: Extend the jihad wave to to provide the troops with the support they Should the U.S. immediately pull out of Iraq, the secular countries neighboring Iraq. The need to be safe and successful. I urge all my leave the terrorists emboldened and potentially fourth stage: It may coincide with what colleagues to oppose this resolution and seek put more Americans at risk? Or do we need came before: the clash with Israel, because a real resolution that includes military, political, a new strategy to win the war and finish the Israel was established only to challenge any and social benchmarks for success. job? I think the latter. new Islamic entity. Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would Instead of a politically motivated resolution, These Islamic extremists view victory in Iraq just like to mention, logic was men- my colleagues and I have developed a strat- as paramount to their establishment of a tioned, and I recall in studying logic, egy for victory in Iraq. We need to establish worldwide Islamic kingdom. Here is what with the square of opposition, that you

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.157 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1647 do not do something over and over And I say to Mr. President, please lis- be listening to our commanders in the again and come out with a different ten to Congress. Please listen to the field. conclusion. American people, and please listen to There has been some mention this Mr. Speaker, at this time I would these soldiers. evening of General David Petraeus, like to yield 5 minutes to the gen- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE who this weekend took control of com- tleman from Kansas (Mr. MOORE), a The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. mand in Iraq. And I will give you some member of the Budget and Financial BECERRA). The Chair would once again of his quotes, some of the things that Services Committee. remind Members to direct their re- he has had to say in the last few days Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, marks to the Chair. as he is over there and working those. I rise tonight in support of the resolu- Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, And I quote from him. ‘‘Our job in the tion. I would just comment on the remarks months ahead, supporting and working I wrote to the President on May 24 of of my good friend, the gentleman from with Iraqi forces, will improve our se- last year and told the President in this Kansas, as to troops that he has heard curity so that the Iraqi Government letter: Mr. President, I voted for the from. I know I have visited Iraq a num- can resolve the tough issues it faces, use of force resolution based upon what ber of times. I visit Reserves, National and so that the economy and basic later proved to be flawed intelligence Guard, regular troops, active duty, and services can be improved. These tasks about the weapons of mass destruction I have never seen morale higher in any are achievable. This mission is do- in Iraq. Armed Forces. able.’’ I am glad Saddam Hussein is gone. I speak with troops when they come He was a vicious dictator who killed b 2120 home to my district. I go to the wakes thousands and thousands of innocent Indeed, those on the ground believe and funerals of those who die from my people. At that time, in May of last this is doable. We know that it is do- district. And I think we can pick and year, there were 2,400 dead Americans able, and we know in the global war on choose as to what we say. I would say as a result of our intervention in Iraq. terror we have to win. We cannot lose. the overwhelming majority I have spo- Now there are more than 3,100 dead We have to win. The civilized world de- ken to do support and know exactly Americans, 700 more than just 9 pends on defeating terrorists and win- why they are there. months ago. ning. We have done militarily all we can do But again, I just lost a constituent We also know that Iraqis are making in Iraq. We need to ask and tell the the other day. His family certainly is progress. There has been some debate Iraqi Government, this new Iraqi Gov- honored by his service. It was his third and some mention tonight about ernment, to step up to the plate and as- tour. He went back for a third tour. So progress not being made in Iraq. And, sume responsibility for the protection he certainly understood what was Mr. Speaker, I will offer to you that in- of their people and their country, Iraq. going on. deed you are not going to hear this on We need to give them incentive, power- Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the the 6 o’clock news, the 10 o’clock, 11 ful incentive to step up to the plate gentlelady from Tennessee, a member o’clock news around the country be- and assume responsibility. of the Homeland Security Committee cause the major media outlets just Sometimes new governments are like (Mrs. BLACKBURN). don’t want to report it. But we are some people. If you tell them you will Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, as I finding out that while this body sets do something for them, they stand rise I do want to say a special thank aside a political debate that some back and let you do it and do it and do you to our troops who are deployed to- think will benefit them, what we see is it and never, never assume responsi- night, to those that are from Ten- our troops in the field in Iraq are mak- bility. nessee’s Seventh Congressional Dis- ing progress. They understand their We saved the Iraqi people from Sad- trict, many of those from Fort Camp- mission. They know what they are dam Hussein, but we can’t save the bell, and our National Guardsmen, our about every day. We see that even just Iraqi people from the Iraqi people if Reservists, certainly to our veterans. in the last few days, when you are talk- they won’t put aside centuries of reli- I can think of no more wonderful gift ing about Baghdad, three Iraqi Army gious differences and support their new to give those and to leave for those you brigades are now deploying to Baghdad government. I am talking about the love than the gift of freedom. And cer- to reinforce the six Iraqi Army bri- Shia and the Sunnis for more than 1,000 tainly, on Valentine’s Day, on Valen- gades and nine National Police bri- years have been fighting. tine’s evening that is an important, gades that are already there. These are Mr. Speaker, I want to read an e-mail important thought for us to have. And steps that are taking place. This is I received from a constituent last I appreciate all of our men and women progress that the Iraqi people are mak- week. This is from a young lady who is and the efforts that they make to keep ing on behalf of their quest for free- serving presently in Iraq. this Nation free, and to be certain that dom. These are their steps, these are ‘‘I am a soldier currently deployed to our children and our grandchildren their steps toward freedom and toward Iraq. Our company is on the verge of an have the opportunity to grow up in leadership. extension. Although we all are proud to freedom and to enjoy the America that How dare we discount that? How dare serve our country, we also want to go we have enjoyed. we not recognize that? How dare we not home. Most of us have been gone from As we have talked about this resolu- encourage that? And how dare we take home for over a year. If or when we get tion, the 97 words that exist in this steps to embolden and encourage the extended, we wouldn’t have seen our very short resolution, we have talked enemy who would seek to strike them families for almost 2 years. about it from different angles, how a down? ‘‘With the news of the possible exten- nonbinding resolution and a no con- Mr. Speaker, we should be very, very sion, the soldiers’ morale went down. fidence resolution affects our troops, careful whom we listen to, and we The families at home are stressed and the thoughts that went into creating should be very thoughtful as we answer that can and will stress a soldier out. this resolution. And one of the ques- the question, Whose side are you on? Some soldiers had to go home on emer- tions that I continually come back to I am so grateful, Mr. Speaker, that gency leave because their families are that actually was posed to me by some those that have gone before us chose to falling apart. of the veterans in my district, is whose be on the side of freedom. ‘‘We watch the news here all the time side are you on? When you offer a reso- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am very and most of the time we can’t believe lution like this, whose side are you on? pleased that the Iraqis are deciding what we hear and see. We see soldiers And the other question that keeps now to start to defend themselves. I dying left and right, but what are they coming back is who are you listening think it is wonderful. I wish it had hap- dying for? Most of us don’t even know to? pened a number of years ago. what we are over here fighting for any- Certainly, I would hope that we Mr. Speaker, I yield 51⁄4 minutes to more. would all be standing on the side of the gentlewoman from South Dakota, a ‘‘I guess I just wanted to tell the side freedom. I would hope that we would member of the Veterans Affairs Com- of a soldier because no one else will do all be standing on the side of our mittee, Representative Stephanie it.’’ troops. And I do hope that we would all Herseth.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.158 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1648 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 Ms. HERSETH. Mr. Speaker, I rise so as to prevent the spread of it and protect, with a government that recog- today to join so many other proud and the instability in the region that would nizes their service and sacrifice with patriotic Members of this body, includ- result. more than just words of gratitude, but ing a number of our military veterans, Moreover, as recent oversight hear- with action that fulfills our Nation’s in support of this bipartisan resolution. ings have revealed, such a large esca- collective duty and obligation to them Just over a year ago when I was in lation of both combat and support as veterans who take their place along- Iraq on my second trip to the region, I troops undoubtedly will have an im- side the other fighting men and women shared the optimism and the assess- pact on our overall military readiness. who have kept America free and safe. ment of many that, following three And despite their unwavering commit- Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, consecutive elections in 2005 with in- ment to serve when called, there may I was remiss before in not commending creasing turnout among Iraqi voters in be serious consequences for National the gentleman from New Jersey on his each, 2006 would be a key transitional Guard and Reservists, as redeploy- knowledge of logic and philosophy. I year militarily, politically, and eco- ments of full units will be required to should have known he would get us on nomically. implement the troop surge, according that one. However, a year ago this month, the to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. With that, I also note that the Iraq sectarian strife in Iraq began to wors- So after carefully reviewing the Study Group said that the United en, and our inadequate planning for President’s proposal to increase the States should significantly increase possible and likely scenarios that could number of U.S. troops in Iraq, hearing the number of U.S. military personnel, unfold in this war continued to catch testimony from senior members of the including combat troops. up with us and continued to narrow our military, and analyzing the public Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he strategic options. As initial and impor- statements of combatant commanders, may consume to the gentleman from tant political developments did eventu- and speaking with many of those from Indiana, a member of the Homeland Se- ally unfold throughout last summer, my home State of South Dakota who curity Committee (Mr. SOUDER). sectarian violence did not abate but in- have served or who have loved ones Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I thank tensified, particularly in Baghdad. In who are serving in the war on terror, I our leader from the Homeland Security response, U.S. forces were part of as conclude we should not stay this Committee for yielding. No congressional decision is more many as four different efforts to en- course. I remain unconvinced that difficult than a vote related to war, hance security in the capital in order sending additional troops to Iraq is the and this vote is no different. It is espe- best way forward. Some who support to ease the path toward further essen- cially difficult when you disagree with the escalation have described it as ‘‘our tial political compromise. None of the President of your own political last best chance to win.’’ To me, that is these efforts proved successful because party. of the limitations of the Iraqi security a clear acknowledgment that the Presi- I voted to support this war because I forces and police and the restrictions dent’s plan further narrows rather than believe Iraq presented a direct threat imposed by Iraqi Government leaders. expands our strategic options. to the United States. Iraq had, was de- And let me add this: This is an issue I had serious concerns when the veloping, and was attempting to de- that demands a bipartisan approach, President proposed last month to in- velop weapons of mass destruction. crease the number of troops in Iraq, and it is most unfortunate that the ad- and I hold them still today. I have seri- ministration has made a decision that b 2130 ous concerns regarding the ability of dismisses the recommendations of the Iraq was, at a minimum, cooperating Iraqi security forces not only to act as bipartisan Iraq Study Group. I believe with the funding and harboring of ter- a reliable partner in the efforts to se- this bipartisan, narrowly crafted reso- rorists committed to our destruction. cure Baghdad, but to take on and lution reflects the public’s and Con- Saddam Hussein was repeatedly maintain the lead in such efforts, congress’ assessment that increasing our defying U.N. resolutions, contesting cerns echoed in the most recent Na- military’s combat role, especially in no-fly zones and blocking WMD inspec- tional Intelligence Estimate on Iraq. the midst of an intensifying sectarian tors. Our intelligence estimates, never I have serious concerns regarding struggle, is not the answer. 100 percent accurate, in any case, ap- whether this plan is sufficiently dif- For those who would attack this lim- parently overstated the immediate ferent from previous efforts to secure ited resolution and the debate sur- risk. the Iraqi capital, particularly when rounding it or to suggest and ask, But the basic facts remain the same. Prime Minister al-Maliki’s initial pro- Whose side are you on, I would refer Knowing what we know now, perhaps posal presented to the President in De- them to the comments of Secretary we could have waited another 6 to 12 cember did not envision additional U.S. Gates from his testimony in the House months, which would have given us troops as part of the effort. I have seri- Armed Services Committee last week valuable time to solidify position in ous concerns about the further erosion in which he said that the troops are Afghanistan. But the decision to go to of the commitment of our coalition ‘‘sophisticated enough to understand war was still the right decision, just partners and other allies, if indeed Iraq that . . . the debate’s really about . . . possibly premature. is the central front of our battle the path forward in Iraq. They under- I would not have supported this war against terrorism. stand that the debate is being carried had the initial selling point been a goal Now, there is no doubt that al Qaeda on by patriotic people who care about of establishing democracy in Iraq. Ad- in Iraq and elsewhere poses a real and them and who care about their mis- vancing freedom has always been an serious threat to our security in the sion.’’ ideological goal of our Nation ever Middle East and to our national secu- Lastly, I want to reemphasize the since our founding. We have long sup- rity here at home. But the security sit- first part of today’s important resolu- ported, from the days of Jefferson and uation in Iraq has evolved to include a tion. Congress and the American people Monroe, the causes of dissident free- complex civil war, described as ‘‘a self- will continue to support and protect dom fighters. We did this in occupied sustaining intersectarian struggle’’ by members of the U.S. Armed Forces who Eastern Europe, in Saddam’s Iraq and the NIE, for which additional U.S. are serving or who have served bravely Soviet-occupied Afghanistan. troops should not be on the front line and honorably in Iraq. We have a new But there is a difference between aid- to resolve. generation of veterans returning from ing people fighting for freedom and The Iraqi Government needs to un- Iraq. As a subcommittee Chair on the doing most of the fighting for them. I derstand they are on borrowed time House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I stated from the beginning that after and they must take greater control of will work with all of my colleagues to removing the direct threat of the Sad- the future of their own country ensure that the tens of thousands of dam government, it would be in our na- through political reconciliation to young people coming home, some after tional security interests if a republican quell the sectarian violence. Iraq’s their second, third, and fourth tours, form of government, a unity govern- neighbors and the international com- many with severe and debilitating ment respecting the rights of others, munity must be more engaged dip- physical and mental wounds, return to could be established in Iraq. If this gov- lomatically to end the sectarian strife the democracy which they fought to ernment of diverse Iraqis could prevail,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.161 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1649 it would be a model for the entire re- past efforts, this time we will hold our Pakistan significantly alter their ways gion. We needed to give them a chance gains. With whom? With what? when it comes to supporting terrorists. for self-governance. But, and this is a This is the basic underlying issue. Hostile governments that harbor ter- big qualifier, it would ultimately be Assuming some militias are defeated rorists have to ask themselves whether their decision, not ours. and others just melt away, how do we it is worth the risk of military action On the news we often see Iraqis say- plan to keep them from coming back? by the United States, something Iran ing that Americans need to do this or Is the surge permanent? Even if it were appears to be debating. And, most im- that to provide security. Men and so, far fewer troops are required to root portantly, this fact is indisputable: women from Fort Wayne and the rest out terrorists than to hold gains. Will Since 9/11, terrorists have not suc- of Indiana and America can do most of we need tens of thousands of additional ceeded in any attacks on American the fighting for the freedom of Iraq soldiers to hold any gains? soil. only for so long. It is the Iraqis’ coun- The obvious premise offered by the Because of the bravery and valor of try. President is that the Iraqis themselves our soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, We should have known this would not can hold the gains. Based upon every- we have disrupted the terrorists’ abil- be easy. It is self-evident that democ- thing we have seen to date, other than ity to gather and plan new methods of racy in the Muslim world is not com- in isolated cases, there is no evidence attacking us. If they surface, we get mon now nor in the past. A little bit that the Iraqis will fight and die to de- them. hubris and more humility when we sent fend their central government. I have During this period, we have had time our soldiers into this conflict would repeatedly heard from returning sol- to make significant progress in home- have been helpful. This is not just diers that when the gunfire starts the land security. While you may have hindsight. For example, the distin- Iraqis by and large disappear. They heard that our Southwest border is not guished senior Senator from Indiana, only seem dedicated when Shia get to exactly airtight, progress certainly has Senator RICHARD LUGAR, raised con- kill Sunnis and vice versa. been made. Every month we make ad- cerns over and over again that pre- By being bogged down as the main se- ditional progress. Our airports are planning was insufficient. curity force in Iraq and increasingly more secure. Our ports are more se- Certain basic arguments being made hostile cities, we are undermining our cure. The PATRIOT Act has given us by the administration are simply not long-term potential to fight the war on the ability to track and hunt down ter- accurate. To insist that the war in Iraq terror. rorists. We have improved both inside is not a civil war when the entire world For years, we have now been utilizing the U.S. and around the world our abil- and the Americans all understand that our National Guard and our Reserves ity to track finances, communications it is, continues to undermine the credi- as if they were regular military. Many and movement of terrorists. bility of those who make it. are about to enter their second 12- The sacrifice of our brave men and From the beginning, it had elements month-plus tour of duty in combat, women in the military and their fami- of a civil war. The Sunnis had per- something historically many regular lies bought the United States Govern- secuted the majority Shia as well as military veterans did not do. Because ment valuable time to further prepare the Kurds. Vengeance was inevitable. of the heavy usage, we are starting to our domestic and worldwide ability to The United States correctly demanded short training funds and repair funds cope with terrorism. We will never that the sectarian militias be elimi- for those units. We are finding that em- achieve 100 percent success. But the nated from the Iraqi national police ployers are getting increasingly nerv- wars in Afghanistan and Iraq took the and the military. I, like many other ous about disruptions to their firms. battle to them, rather than requiring Members, was asked by the administra- Family objections are becoming more us to fight at home. tion to deliver such messages to Iraqi intense. Recruiters are running into in- But we cannot sustain this intense government officials during my visits creasing resistance. effort indefinitely. Complete victory to Iraq. As for our overused regular military, over terrorism is unlikely ever to Our government knew full well that a they are facing near exhaustion. What occur. Sometimes you have to reposi- civil war was going on, even among will be the long-term impact on these tion and prepare for the broader battle, people we selected to run the govern- forces? What impact will this contin- not exhaust yourself on just one front ment. We had hoped that the early ued burning up of huge sums of mili- and then risk defeat in the overall con- smaller scale civil war could be coun- tary dollars do to our long-term ability flict. tered by a strong central government. to fight? I beseech our President, Secretary It is now a large scale civil war, erod- It has been said many times by de- Gates, Secretary Rice and others, ing the already limited power of the fenders of this surge that Iraq is the never to give up the war on terrorism, Iraqi Government. It is now absurd to place the enemy has chosen to fight, but to understand that without signifi- deny it is a civil war. and this is the place that we must cant tactical drawdowns in Iraq our en- Making exaggerated statements of fight. That is partly true. Hezbollah tire counterterrorism and military ef- progress in Iraq also does not pass the has chosen to fight us on many fronts. forts are threatened. Our Nation can ill basic credibility test. While we have Iran is a threat itself, not just in fund- afford another decade of defeatism and made sporadic progress, a school or a ing Iraq. Terrorists attacked in Ma- retreat that seized the United States project here and there, it is apparent to drid, London, Afghanistan, Pakistan after Vietnam. any Member of Congress who visited and many other places throughout the All this said, I am going to vote ‘‘no’’ Iraq a number of years ago and again world, and they continue to try to at- on the resolution. The resolution is no recently visited that security has dete- tack us in the United States. Iraq is surge protection. The battle has al- riorated. not the only place terrorists have cho- ready begun. Most of us have individ- Baby boomer Americans especially sen to fight. ually clearly stated our views and contend to see everything as Vietnam. A Furthermore, we face threats from tinue to do so. government that denies basic realities North Korea, as the new Castro, Hugo For the United States Congress as a has little hope of persuading even its Chavez, presents other challenges. We corporate body to deliver a public re- friends. We want our government to are sobered by the recent destruction buke to the Commander in Chief during tell the truth, pleasant or not. These of a satellite by China, potentially the a battle that is already commenced facts are foundational to the funda- most significant threat we face. would potentially put our soldiers at mental question currently before us. If we burn up the support of the additional risk and confuse the world. It is not whether a surge can root out American people, our military’s ability It is one thing for us to argue about terrorists. Our brave men and women to recruit, the usage of our Guard and strategy and tactics. It is another to can do this in door-to-door bloody com- Reserves in Iraq, how do we defend our- have Congress openly defy the Presi- bat, if necessary, and we may be able selves elsewhere? dent. The world already knows we have with extra troops to stabilize some It is not that this effort in Iraq is a deep divisions in America. The terror- areas temporarily. But then what? The failure, as some liberals claim. We have ists already know we disagree. But President has also said that unlike seen the governments in Libya and they also need to know that when the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:44 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.163 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1650 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 fight starts, as Americans we stand the President misled us, and at best, I rise this evening in support of this united. our intelligence failed us. resolution to stop the escalation of this The fact is while I do not believe that There is not a more difficult decision war. We can no longer tolerate more of the surge will succeed, none of us actu- Members of Congress must make than the same, and we must demand from ally knows that it will not work. At whether to send our brave men and this President, our Commander in this point it seems to me that our posi- women in uniform into harm’s way. Chief, a new strategy and a new direction as a Congress should be to encour- And when we are asked to make those tion in Iraq. age success in this mission. We need to decisions, we must know that our in- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE support the Iraqis as they take increas- telligence is correct. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ing responsibility. What the world We have all been personally touched Chair must again remind all Members should see from us at least is shared by this war. I have a brother-in-law in that it is not in order to engage in per- hope for victory, not defeatism. the United States Air Force who is cur- sonalities towards the President. But the President does need to under- rently serving in the Middle East. My Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I stand that opposition to the surge is first cousin was in Iraq when his wife yield myself such time as I may con- not just among Democrats. It is even gave birth to their first child. sume. among his strongest supporters. Some I have also traveled to Walter Reed Mr. Speaker, during the debate on of us who deeply share his passion to Medical Center and met with countless Iraq yesterday, we heard many times fight terrorism fear that he is poten- soldiers who have suffered life-altering from some of our Democratic col- tially endangering his past successes, injuries in combat, many from my leagues that they had no intention of as well as our Nation’s ability to con- home State of Arkansas. The most re- defunding our troops in Iraq. Some tinue the war on terror beyond this ad- cent was a U.S. Marine, Staff Sergeant even expressed outrage and indignation ministration. Marcus Wilson of Dermott, Arkansas, when some of our Republican Members I hope and pray that the surge suc- who recently lost his leg in Iraq. made mention of their plans for ceeds. But if it does not, we need to try And I have visited with too many defunding the troops. However, a dramatically different approach that families of soldiers who are not coming defunding plans clearly demonstrate does not totally abandon Iraq, the re- home. their policy is to withdraw from the gion or the war on terror. On August 11, 2004, I visited Iraq global war against Islamic militant ex- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, it gives me when the 39th Infantry Brigade of Ar- tremists by surrendering to the enemy pleasure to yield 51⁄2 minutes to the kansas had over 3,000 soldiers stationed in Iraq. gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. ROSS), a there, and if the President gets his way We are faced with two options in member of the Energy and Commerce with this escalation of the war, they Iraq, Mr. Speaker, to move forward or Committee. will be back in Iraq by early next year. to retreat. Some of my Democrat col- Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, September Let me be clear on one very impor- leagues appear to be united in opposing 11, 2001, was a day I will never forget. tant point. I strongly believe that as any effort to adopt a more vigorous From my office window I saw the long as we have troops in harm’s way strategy in Iraq and, instead, are ready smoke rise from the Pentagon shortly we must support them. I also want to to retreat. This resolution is but the before my staff, several constituents see to it that our government keeps its first step in that direction. and I were evacuated. A few hours promises to our military veterans. Despite denials, the evidence is that later, I would learn that a young naval When we invaded Iraq, the President the effort to cut the funding of our petty officer from my district named said we were doing so with the intent troops in Iraq and, in turn, for all of Nahamon Lyons was among the casual- of removing the evil regime of Saddam our efforts there are well underway. ties in that attack on the Pentagon. Hussein from power and to find and Several bills have already been intro- Picking up the phone and calling his eliminate his weapons of mass destruc- duced by Democrat Members to compel mom, Mrs. Jewel Lyons, back in Pine tion. We have since learned that there a withdrawal. Let me read the titles Bluff, Arkansas, was one of the most were no weapons of mass destruction, and the provisions. difficult calls I have ever had to make. and not only has Saddam’s evil regime H.R. 508, to require the United States come to an end, but he has now been military disengagement from Iraq, 2140 b put to death. which mandates a withdrawal of U.S. There was no one who wants to put So I ask, why are we still there? We forces within 6 months of the enact- an end to terrorism more than I do. now find ourselves spending nearly $9 ment of this act and which cuts off That is why I supported our President billion a month to try and force our funding for any deployment or contin- when he chose to send U.S. military way of life on a people who live a long ued deployment of forces in Iraq. Let forces to Afghanistan to go after those way from Arkansas. me emphasize that again. It cuts off who attacked our Nation on 9/11. Had I known then what I know now, funding for any deployment, not just I met with the President at his invi- I would never have voted to give the an increase, not just sending reinforce- tation in the White House on Sep- President authority to use force in Iraq ments, but for any deployment of U.S. tember 26, 2002, to hear his case for a and, instead, would have directed the forces in Iraq, including those already preemptive strike in Iraq. I kept my full strength of our military to Afghan- there, and it even limits the number of notes from that important meeting, istan to go after Osama bin Laden and embassy personnel. and this is what the President told us. al Qaeda, those who actually attacked Also, H.R. 438, to prohibit an esca- He said that Saddam Hussein had our Nation on 9/11. lation in the number of members of the weapons of mass destruction; he said It is my duty as a U.S. Congressman United States Armed Forces in Iraq, that Saddam Hussein trains terrorists to demand accountability from this ad- which states that funds appropriated or on weapons of mass destruction; and he ministration, accountability for the otherwise made available to the De- said that if military force is used it decisions that are being made in Iraq, partment of Defense under any provi- will be fierce, swift and tough. We now accountability for how these decisions sion of law may not be obligated or ex- know that none of that information are carried out, and accountability for pended to increase the number of mem- was accurate. how our hardworking taxpayers money bers of the United States Armed Forces I do not know whether the President is being spent. serving in Iraq. intentionally misled our Nation or re- Sending 21,000 new troops into Iraq is H.R. 746, to provide for the safe and ceived bad intelligence. Perhaps we not a new direction. It is simply an es- orderly withdrawal of United States will never know, but regardless, both calation of the war. military forces and Department of De- possibilities trouble me. I am not advocating that we leave fense contractors from Iraq, which Had I known that the information Iraq tonight, but we must begin to ac- mandates the beginning of the with- the President shared with me on Sep- celerate the training of the Iraqi Army drawal of U.S. forces from Iraq within tember 26, 2002, was not accurate, I and police force and replace American 30 days of the enactment of this act would have never given him the au- soldiers on the front lines of this war and complete the withdrawal no later thority to use force in Iraq. At worst, with Iraqis. than 180 days later. It also prohibits

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:21 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.164 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1651 funds to increase the number of Armed efforts against us. All we need to do is side Iraq, its relation with Syria and Forces serving in Iraq or to extend the focus on bin Laden’s own words. Hezbollah, and the strengthening of deployment of those already there. In his 1996 Declaration of Jihad and this political strategic alliance. This Or H.J. Res. 18, to redeploy U.S. other statements that he made, he re- would create a scenario where you have forces from Iraq, which states that the peatedly pointed to America’s weak- these four: Iran, Iraq, influenced by deployment of United States forces in ness being its low threshold for pain. Iraq, Syria, and Hezbollah, who have a Iraq by the direction of Congress is As evidence, bin Laden pointed to the strategic objective that would create a hereby terminated, and the forces in- U.S. withdrawal from Somalia in 1993 major conflict. Our argument to the volved are to be redeployed at the ear- because of casualties from the attacks United States,’’ he continues, ‘‘is that liest practical date. of al Qaeda and its allies. Bin Laden a capable, independent, secure Iraq is When we offered a proposal to pro- said of our retreat from Mogadishu, the best way of containing Iran. The hibit the cutting off of funds for our ‘‘The extent of your impotence and Iranians realize that the way to have troops, that is what we wanted to do on weakness became very clear.’’ success against the West is by them our side of the aisle, a proposal to pro- Bin Laden and the global Islamic succeeding in Iraq. So Iraq is the bat- hibit cutting off of funding of our militant network continued to test our tleground of the West against Iran.’’ troops in harm’s way, the Democratic resolve throughout the 1990s and today. These are the words of our ally King leadership blocked it from coming to They launched multiple attacks Abdullah of Jordan. Yet some of our the floor. Why? Well, based on the bills against U.S. targets with little re- colleagues choose to believe that one that I just mentioned, the only expla- sponse on our part. Then came the de- can reason with our enemies. nation I would think is that they fear plorable attacks on 9/11. Since this resolution provides no con- that their caucus would indeed vote to But they won’t stop there, Mr. crete alternative, some have expressed cut off funding for our troops and leave Speaker. They won’t stop in Iraq, they support for new diplomatic initiatives. them to face the enemy without the won’t stop in Afghanistan. They have However, I must ask my colleagues: necessary resources. made it abundantly clear that they With whom? Do they propose engaging So, within this context, they offer will not stop until they dominate the with rogue regimes such as Iran and this nonbinding resolution which the world. Just listen to the words of bin Syria? These rogue regimes are part of Democrat leadership claims to support Laden. the problem, not part of the solution. the troops. But how can such a claim He said, ‘‘The jihad in Palestine,’’ re- Some of our colleagues may say that be credible? Because in the second ferring to the attacks against Israel, diplomatic engagement is the key to paragraph of the resolution, it opposes ‘‘and in Iraq is a personal duty incum- our success. But I ask them, how are sending the reinforcements that our bent upon the residents of the two we to engage our allies in the region to troops in Iraq need to confront the countries alone. But if they are unable help foster security and reconciliation enemy. to carry it out, this duty is incumbent in Iraq if by our withdrawal and sur- upon the residents of the adjacent render we leave them to fend for them- b 2150 countries, and so on and so forth, until selves against enemies in the region Our commanders in the field say they the circle includes all the Muslim who have been strengthened by our re- need the reinforcements in order to ad- countries.’’ treat? How is diplomacy to be effective dress the security situation in Iraq. My And to focus on what al Qaeda leader in such an abstract context? stepson Douglas Lehtinen and my al-Zawahiri said in December of last We cannot expect to achieve success daughter-in-law, Lindsay, served in year just a few months ago, ‘‘Iraq, if we are operating from a position of Iraq as Marine officers. Lindsay will Allah permitting, is the gateway to the weakness. soon serve in just a few weeks in Af- liberation of Palestine and the restora- The so-called diplomatic alternative ghanistan. They understand the dif- tion of the Islamic caliphate.’’ offered by some is no alternative at all. ference between saying we support our Or those of Iran’s Ahmadinejad when The resolution before us and the bills troops but we don’t support your mis- he said in January of this year, ‘‘We that have been introduced is a compel- sion. It is the mission that matters. must prepare ourselves to rule the ling argument, they believe, for a with- Some of our colleagues seek to deny world.’’ drawal from Iraq, but it adds to a pol- our troops that level of support, that This follows statements made in Oc- icy of surrender. level of backup which could be the dif- tober of 2005 when Ahmadinejad said, Some may try to hide that fact by ference for Dougie, for Lindsay, for so ‘‘Undoubtedly, I say that we will soon constantly repeating the empty words many others between death and sur- experience a world without the United that they support the troops. But sup- vival. States and will breathe in the brilliant porting our troops cannot be reconciled This resolution seeks to substitute time of Islamic sovereignty over to- by refusing them the reinforcements the assessment of the military com- day’s world.’’ that they need or with the retreat in manders with the views of lawmakers. It is echoed by other Iranian leaders the face of the enemy. We claim to know more than the com- who have threatened the U.S. and mod- The hopelessness with which these manders. erate Arab governments who say that, measures spring is alien to our Amer- Rather than focusing on the strategic ‘‘Anyone who recognizes Israel will ican spirit. That spirit has sustained us policy issue, the Democratic leadership burn in the fire of the Islamic nations. through many dark times, Mr. Speak- has drafted a resolution that under- They will burn in their fury,’’ and who er, throughout our history. This hope- mines tactical military matters and have expressed their commitment to ful spirit springs directly from the seeks to override the decisions of our bringing America to its knees. hearts of the American people who military commanders and the position The Islamist militant extremist net- have never given up faith in their be- articulated by General Petraeus. They work have proven time and time again lief, in their country, in their sons and do not want to discuss the grave con- that this is not mere rhetoric. U.S. al- daughters in uniform facing our en- sequences of withdrawal and surrender. lies in the Middle East understand this emies overseas. They do not want to discuss the nature reality. They understand the critical Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of our of the enemy, the Islamist militant ex- role that Iraq plays in the global war revolution over two centuries ago when tremists who seek to destroy us, who against Islamic militant extremists. our country faced almost impossible like vultures descend on us to prey on For example, Jordan’s King odds and many counseled for retreat, our weakness. Abdullah, a courageous leader who con- Thomas Payne summoned forth the Some of our colleagues on the other tinues to demonstrate his country’s words that apply directly to the debate side of the aisle seek to focus on the and his people’s commitment to peace, in this Chamber when he said, ‘‘These abstract rather than on the reality. to security, and to democratic reform, are the times that try men’s souls. The They believe that security will come summarized the situation we are facing summer soldier and the sunshine pa- from withdrawal and surrender. On the in the following way. He said, ‘‘My con- triot will in this crisis shrink from the contrary, retreat guarantees that the cern is political, revolving around Iran, service of their country, but he that Islamic militants will intensify their around Iran’s political involvement in- stands by it now deserves the love and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:44 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.167 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1652 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 the thanks of every man and woman. tion. This President’s inability to about this really important resolution, Tyranny, like hell, is not easily con- admit and correct mistakes has not the resolution of retreat from combat. quered, yet we have this consolation served our Nation or our troops well. You know, we in this House, in this with us: That the harder the conflict, Now Iraq has descended into a bloody warm House tonight at 5 minutes after the more glorious the triumph.’’ civil war that cannot be resolved by the hour of 10 o’clock, we view this res- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues the American military. The Sunni-Shia olution from our own personal opin- therefore to reject this resolution. divide goes back 1,400 years. Twenty ions. But maybe we should view some- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I recognize thousand more American troops cannot thing, and this resolution in particular, the gentleman, a member of the Rules reverse 14 centuries of division and from a historical standpoint, for his- and Agriculture Committees, from hate in that country. tory has no opinion but is a teacher of California, Representative DENNIS According to a recent poll, 71 percent hard facts of retrospect. CARDOZA, for 5 minutes. of Iraqis want us to leave. Sixty-one You know, this debate is not new to Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I thank percent of Iraqis support attacking Congress. Years ago, after 5 long years the gentleman. U.S. troops. To argue that increasing of war, this Nation found itself at war Mr. Speaker, I believe in a robust our presence in Iraq will lessen the vio- with the greatest empire on Earth, military and a strong national defense; lence defies common sense. The Amer- Great Britain. The war of independence however, I oppose this escalation, be- ican people and our military did not was not going well in 1781 and 1782. It cause I do not believe that it will make sign up for refereeing a civil war half- looked bleak. The Commander in Chief, America safer or improve security in way across our planet. History has George Washington, had lost most of Iraq. taught us that outside powers are ill- the battles he was engaged in. Public At this hour, sending more American equipped to influence or resolve civil opinion was at an all-time low during forces cannot reasonably be expected wars in foreign lands. the war. There were even mutinies in to resolve a civil war rooted in over 14 I am also deeply troubled that the the Army from the Pennsylvania vol- centuries of deep-seated historical divi- war in Iraq has undermined our efforts unteers and the New Jersey volunteers. sion. I oppose the escalation because I to address urgent threats in the war on There was talk in the press of even re- believe that we must recognize Iraq for terrorism, note notably in Afghani- uniting with Great Britain, of all what it is, not what we want it to be. stan. After failing to kill Osama bin things, forming a truce and going back Our best hope lies not with increas- Laden at Tora Bora, the administra- to be with the British. There were ing Iraqi dependence on us, but rather tion turned its attention to Iraq, allow- preachers of gloom, doom, despair and in handing over responsibility to them. ing the Taliban to regain lost ground. defeatism. There were generals on the This ultimate success or failure is the I believe we must refocus our efforts battlefield that didn’t like the way endeavor that now lies in the hands of on the following objectives: George Washington was handling him- them, not us. Stopping the spread of a wider war in self as Commander in Chief and preach- the Middle East. b 2200 ing to the public and their troops, We Preventing a humanitarian crisis in can’t beat the British. Our goal in Iraq must reflect reality. Iraq. The debate was not new to this Our objective should be to protect the Protecting the ethnic and religious House, Mr. Speaker. Congress wanted ethnic minorities and religious minori- groups, such as Assyrian Christians, to cut funding. The Continental Con- ties from further oppression and geno- who are vulnerable to persecution. gress wanted to cut funding for the cide, and to maintain a strong deter- And we must redouble our efforts to American Army and they not only rent against the spread of a broader snuff out the Taliban in Afghanistan. wanted to do so, they did slash funds. war in the Middle East. None of these Let me close, Mr. Speaker, by paying Congress even in this time of bleak war ends is served, however, by simply es- homage to our men and women in uni- reduced the size of the Continental calating the failed strategy that has form. Some have alleged that this de- Army. For the first and only time dur- gotten us to this point today. bate is inconsistent with support for ing the long war, George Washington Like most Americans, I am deeply our troops. Those who insist that Con- left the field of battle and came to Con- dismayed by this administration’s gress should remain silent on this issue gress and made the case for winning inept prosecution of this war. At al- are very familiar with that word ‘‘si- the war and not giving up, not surren- most every turn, the President and his lence.’’ Many have remained silent dering, not reuniting with Great Brit- team have been intolerant and when it comes time to supporting care ain. dismissive to outside advice, the con- for our veterans and their families as And he made the comments. He said, sequences of which have been dire. The well. Many have stood idly by for years ‘‘We should never despair. Our situa- President sent our men and women as our troops went into battle lacking tion before has been very unpromising. into battle absent a real plan and lack- the equipment and body armor they But it has changed for the better. So it ing the tools they need to protect needed. Most of all, far too many have will be again.’’ themselves. By pushing our allies been invisible when it comes to genu- It’s a good thing the Commander in aside, the President has isolated Amer- inely supporting our servicemen and Chief did not listen to the gloom, doom ica from the world. We are now bearing women by insisting on an effective plan and despair of the Continental Con- the burden of this war virtually alone. to conclude and win this conflict. Sim- gress in 1781. Then, as now, victory was It did not have to come to this. ply repeating the word ‘‘victory’’ does the only option. Victory is simple. You From the beginning, responsible crit- not equal a plan, or support for our defeat the enemy wherever they are. ics who genuinely desire success in Iraq men and women in uniform. So George Washington and a handful have offered the President and his I want to conclude by thanking those of barefoot soldiers at Yorktown de- team sensible strategies for changing serving in harm’s way. These brave feated who the skeptics and cynics said course. Almost 3 years ago, I proposed men and women are America’s finest. could never be defeated—the British. a plan to the President that offered a They have done everything that has The consequences of loss in 1782 would responsible path forward. I am still been asked of them and more. Let us have been somewhat staggering. waiting to this day for a response. honor them by thanking them for a job Mr. Speaker, the flag that flies be- President Roosevelt during World well done and pursuing a policy that is hind you now would have been the War II, President Truman during Korea worthy of their sacrifice. Union Jack instead of the Stars and and the dawn of the Cold War, Presi- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Stripes, and this country, this people, dent Kennedy during the Cuban missile am pleased to yield to the gentleman this free people, would have been much crisis, and President Reagan at the from Texas (Mr. POE), a member of our different had we not won the war and twilight of the Cold War all success- Foreign Affairs Committee, for 10 min- stayed the course. fully guided the ship of state through utes. The consequences of abandoning our the roughest of seas. That caliber of Mr. POE. Thank you, Ms. ROS- troops in the field by not giving them leadership has been sorely lacking dur- LEHTINEN. I appreciate your leadership more troops would be joy to the terror- ing this challenging time for our Na- and the time you have given me to talk ists that hate us and want to kill us. I

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:44 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.168 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1653 am sure the terrorists throughout the lives meant more than just dying while came from New Jersey, Morristown, world would vote ‘‘yes’’ for this resolu- the rest of the country decided to run Newark, and went on through and did tion of retreat and surrender, and those away. We should finish what we have have a victory. of us who want to defeat the terrorists started. We should win this battle. We But let me say the difference, when should vote ‘‘no.’’ Our troops on the should fight the terrorists. We should George Washington was fighting, there battlefield need to know help is com- look them in the eye and tell them, was a clear and present issue. We were ing. Like most Members of Congress in We’re not going away until our job is fighting for independence. We knew ex- this House, they know people and they done. actly what it was. We were being held know people in their congressional dis- This resolution does not promote bondage by the British, that Union tricts that have died for this country American unity to finish the job. This Jack. in Iraq and Afghanistan. resolution does not hold in honor the But what do we have here? We have, Mr. Speaker, I carry with me the names on this list, these real people, following 9/11, support from practically names of the fallen in my congres- killed for this country and all volun- every country in the world. But then sional district. The first one that fell teers. And they, like the ones that died we went on and Osama bin Laden said was Sergeant Russell Slay, 1 day after in the Continental Army 200 years ago, he did the bombing, he took credit for I was elected in 2004. There are 17 died for a reason. The families that I it, the World Trade Center, the Pen- names on these sheets of paper, all of have talked to believe in what their tagon and the final plane that was them volunteers from southeast Texas, sons and daughters died for, and that brought down on the way to the Cap- who went to Iraq and Afghanistan to was for fighting these evil people. We itol and the White House. fight terrorists, as they say in south- call them terrorists, these extremists, Then we said that we were going into east Texas. Their names, Mr. Speaker, that hate us and will kill us if they Iraq. First of all, it was because there are more than names. They are real have the chance. were weapons of mass destruction. people. So, I think history has taught us a Then it was the fact that we had to Sergeant Slay died November 9, 2004, lesson, that this Congress 200 years ago have a regime change. At one point we from Humble, Texas. was faced with a choice and decided to talked about we had to remove Saddam Lance Corporal Wesley Canning, No- take the funds away from George Hussein. vember 10, 2004. He was from Washington. Fortunately, he was able We kept looking for reasons, and that Friendswood, Texas. to reunite the country and win that is a big difference. We had the preemp- Lance Corporal Fred Maciel, January independence. And I hope that we re- tive strike, and then we tried to come 26, 2005, from Spring, Texas. unite this country and finish the job up with the reason that we were doing Private First Class Wesley Riggs, and win this battle that we are fighting it, and it continued to change, one rea- May of 2005 from Beach City, Texas. in a land far, far away for the same son after another. Lance Corporal Robert Martinez, reason, and that are fighting people There is a great sense of sadness Splendora, Texas. He died December 1, that are terrorists and hate us and peo- among those of us who foresaw over 4 2005, at the age of 21. ple that are extreme in their beliefs in years ago the tragedy that is now un- Staff Sergeant Michael Durbin, Janu- their hatred for America. folding in Iraq. On October 8 and 9, ary 25, 2006, from Spring, Texas. Because like I mentioned, Mr. Speak- 2002, I stood right here in this very well Walter Moss, Jr. He was a tech ser- er, the flag that flies behind you is im- at the House of Representatives, and I geant from Houston, Texas. March 30, portant. It is important that it is not managed the time those 2 days in oppo- 2006. the Union Jack or some other flag, and sition to the preemptive first strike for Private First Class Kristian we owe it all to the military, the vol- Iraq. It was in the 107th Congress, and Menchaca, June 16, 2006, at the age of unteers, the young men and women now we are in the 110th Congress, and 23, from Houston, Texas. that have served recently and have the war that we assumed would be Staff Sergeant Benjamin Williams, served in our past for this country. swift and certain now continues to June 20, 2006, from Orange, Texas. He rage. was 30. b 2215 I am looking over the remarks I Staff Sergeant Alberto Sanchez, Jr., Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I yield made at that time. It saddens me that at the age of 33, he was killed in Iraq 7 minutes to the distinguished chair- the argument of those of us who oppose on June 24, 2006, and from Houston. man of the Subcommittee on Africa the war fell on deaf ears. At that time, Lance Corporal Ryan Miller, Sep- and Global Health, the gentleman from I stated that a unilateral first strike tember 14, 2006, from Pearland, Texas. New Jersey (Mr. PAYNE). would undermine the moral authority He was 20. Mr. PAYNE. I appreciated having the of the United States of America. I stat- Staff Sergeant Edward Reynolds at opportunity to control the time in the ed that results of substantial losses of the age of 28 was killed September 26, past several hours, and perhaps might life will occur, that there will be a de- 2006, from Houston, Texas. request from the chairman perhaps an stabilization of the Middle East region Captain David Fraser, killed in Iraq additional 2 minutes as I respond and and undermine the ability of our Na- on November 26, 2006, at the age of 25, wrap up. tion to address unmet domestic prior- and he was from Houston. Mr. Speaker, let me say that I lis- ities. Lance Corporal Luke Yepsen, Decem- tened with great interest to the George It saddens me beyond words that 3,122 ber 14, 2006, at the age of 20, from Washington story, and there is no ques- Americans had to sacrifice their lives Kingwood, Texas. tion that there were tough times. But and over 23,000 have been wounded for a Specialist Dustin Donica, December George Washington had some pretty in- war that did not have to be fought. In- 28, 2006, from Spring, Texas, at the age telligent advisers. You know, the peo- cluded in this number are 50 fatalities of 22. ple who signed the Declaration of Inde- from my home State of New Jersey and Specialist Ryan Berg, January 9, pendence, he had people like Adams 366 wounded. Estimates are up towards 2007, at the age of 18 from Sabine Pass, and Washington. You had people like 100,000 Iraqi men, women and children Texas. Ryan Berg enlisted on his 18th Crispus Attucks, the first person to die have been killed. birthday to join the United States Ma- in the Revolutionary War and in the After the administration has been rine Corps. Boston Massacre on May 4, 1770. proven wrong on every prediction from And Staff Sergeant Terrence Dunn You had people who participated in the length of the war to weapons of just a few days ago, February 7, 2007, the Boston Tea Party because they mass destruction to the strength of the from Houston, Texas. said taxation without representation is insurgency, we are now being asked to Seventeen names from one congres- tyranny. It was Christmas Eve in Penn- trust their judgment on a new strat- sional district, Mr. Speaker. There are sylvania when George Washington egy, which would put 20,000 more names of over 3,000. And it seems to me came across the Delaware and attacked American lives on the line. This plan that we owe it to these individuals, the Hessian soldiers on Christmas Eve will not provide lasting security for these American patriots, to send them because they were unaware that this Iraqis. It is not what the American the help that they need so that their attack was coming. George Washington people have asked for in November.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:21 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.171 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1654 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 Haven’t we learned anything from our In the debate before the war those of ments. This appeal may be our last mistakes yet? us who predicted the outcome did not best hope for a free democratic Iraq Recent so-called short-term troop prevail. I pledge with my colleagues to willing to be able to protect their citi- surges in Iraq have not stopped the vio- listen this time to vote against esca- zens and support us in the war on ter- lence from getting worse. There is lation of the war and support this reso- rorism. nothing to suggest that this time will lution. Are we politicians sitting safe and se- be any different. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, at cure in Washington, DC, going to say For example, we had Operation To- this time, I am pleased to yield 4 min- no to this request? Surely not. gether Forward from June to October utes to the gentleman from Illinois Throughout our history, a debate 2006. In June, the Bush administration (Mr. SHIMKUS), a graduate of West such as this has occurred on the floor announced a new plan for securing Point. of the House and across the Nation. Baghdad by increasing the presence of (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given Monday was the 198th anniversary of Iraqi security forces. That plan failed, permission to revise and extend his re- the birth of our 16th President, Abra- so in July, the White House announced marks.) ham Lincoln. At his tomb I read this that additional American troops would Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, leaving quote from the Gettysburg Address, be sent into Baghdad. the Capitol last night, I came across a which I believe is applicable today. ‘‘It By October, a U.S. military spokes- sign on the Seventh Street Bridge over- is for the living, rather, to be dedicated man, General William Caldwell, ac- pass that said, ‘‘Democrats, get a peace here to the unfinished work which they knowledged that the operation and plan.’’ who have fought here have thus far so troop Increases was a failure and had Clearly, someone felt that this non- nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be not met our overall expectations of binding resolution does not get us any here dedicated to the great task re- sustaining a reduction in the level of closer to peace, and some, myself in- maining before us—that from these violence. Regardless of how the admin- cluded, would argue that this resolu- honored dead we take increased devo- istration intends to increase the troops tion takes us further away from our tion to that cause for which they gave in Iraq, the result will be the same. goal of securing the peace. Retreat, the last full measure of devotion—that There is additional strain on our surrender, leaving, disengagement, we here highly resolve that these dead military personnel and their families, that is the view of some politicians in shall not have died in vain . . . ’’ and personal lives will be upset by un- Washington, DC, making decisions on Instead of fighting, we are arguing expectedly early deployments of family combat operations overseas. If there is amongst ourselves. We ought to com- members or unexpected delays in their any clear comparison to Vietnam, this mit our country to finish the task at homecoming. This is an additional bur- legislation is it. hand. We should be united in the cause den to our military families that they Here is the Republican plan for and to pray to God, the Creator of all, should not have to bear. peace, victory. In the 1980s, it was a to bless our efforts here, the efforts of By extending operations, we under- peace through strength that was a our military, the government of Iraq, take a strategic risk. Our ability to military I was proud to serve in. Our her people, and, yes, even our enemies. meet potential future challenges is last best chance for victory is by sup- I want to end with another quote strained under the current operational porting the decisions of the com- from Abraham Lincoln. In his farewell demands. Increasing these demands manders in the field. Their current re- address to Springfield as President- only increase the risk to our future ca- quest is to reinforce the Iraqi military Elect, he said: ‘‘Today I leave you; I go pacity. and police who will take the lead in to assume a task more difficult than I had the privilege of serving in the military action against all insurgents that which devolved upon General past as a congressional delegate to the and al Qaeda in Iraq. Washington. Unless the great God who United Nations. I strongly believe in We are to ensure reconstruction con- assisted him shall be with me and aid the power of democracy. If we had al- tinues to empower Iraq’s security me, I must fail. But if the same omni- lowed the United Nations inspectors to forces and newly elected leadership to scient mind, and Almighty arm that di- complete their work before the war in- be prepared to fully assume their des- rected and protected him, shall guide stead of suddenly ordering them out of tiny, and to leave, when asked, by a and support me, I shall not fail, I shall Iraq, I believe things would have sovereign country of Iraq. succeed. Let us all pray that the God of turned out much differently. Instead, It is our national security interest to our Father may not forsake us now. To the administration proceeded full speed support moderate Arab states. Mod- him I commend you all. Permit me to ahead towards war, as they dissemi- erate Arab states that are democratic ask that with equal security and faith, nated faulty intelligence and relied on observe the rule of law, support wom- you all will invoke His wisdom and scare tactics to garner support. en’s rights, and are allies with us in guidance for me.’’ I believe the time has come to begin the war on international jihadist ter- May God bless our President and an orderly withdrawal of American rorists. We have an opportunity for military leaders. May God bless our forces from Iraq. This approach would Iraq to be a moderate Arab state and men and women in uniform who volun- send a message to the Iraqis that they an ally. teered to protect our Nation from must take more responsibility for their However, we can be assured if we harm, and may God bless the United own security and would reduce the leave early that the radicals will take States of America. strain on the American military. over after an ensuing and huge blood- Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I yield The administration should listen to bath and will forever be an enemy to 5 minutes to the gentleman from Geor- the Baker-Hamilton commission, the United States. During the buildup gia, a member of the House Committee which has offered a stinging assess- to the Iraqi constitutional elections, I on Energy and Commerce, Mr. BARROW. ment of virtually every aspect of the wore a flag pin representing both Iraq Mr. BARROW. I thank the gentleman U.S. venture in Iraq and called for a re- and the United States of America. for yielding. shaping of the American presence and a As I have traveled about my district Mr. Speaker, since taking a seat in new Middle East diplomacy initiative in the past weeks, I have put the pin this body over 2 years ago, I have sup- to prevent the country from sliding back as a sign of solidarity with a sov- ported our President’s efforts in the into anarchy. ereign and free Iraq. What this resolu- war on terror at every turn. I have I conclude by saying I have heard my tion does is sever this alliance. This been to Iraq. I have visited those colleagues on the other side warn commitment emboldens our adver- wounded there, and I have spoken with about Iraq falling into chaos and dan- saries. It tells the world we are unable family members who have sacrificed gers of the United States losing our to go the distance and keep our com- more for their country than most peo- standing in the world. Sadly, Iraq al- mitment to do the right thing. ple could stand. ready is in total chaos, and, unfortu- Well, I will not accept defeat, and es- I have carefully considered the Presi- nately, the United States, a country we pecially from political armchair quar- dent’s plan. I have listened to his rea- all love, has suffered much loss and terbacks. The military commanders in sons, and I have tried to understand prestige around the world. the field have asked for reenforce- them. But the inescapable conclusion

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:44 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.173 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1655 is this. While there are differences be- tion, and because of my support for our In my opinion, the Chairman of the tween the President’s new strategy and military men and women, I also rise in Joint Chiefs of Staff may have a little his prior conduct of the war, the simi- support of this resolution. better idea of troop morale than Mem- larities still outweigh the differences. I support this resolution because I bers of Congress. I strongly disagree The President’s new plan is not a new see no evidence that an increase in with the notion that our actions this strategy. Instead, it represents more of troops will lead to anything other than week embolden the enemy. If our lack the same strategy that has gotten us to more lost American lives. I do not of support for the President’s plan where we are today. If we are going to think a troop surge will bring stability emboldens the enemy, then public defeat terrorism in Iraq, we simply to Baghdad. I do not think the surge opinion polls also embolden the enemy, cannot afford to keep doing more of the will enable the Iraqis to stand up and since polls show the majority of Ameri- same. defend themselves, and I do not think cans disagree with the administration’s Congress cannot manage a war, and the surge will end the religious and policy in Iraq. And if this is the case, it should not try. Instead, Congress’ job ethnic strife that has existed in the why do not we see condemnation of the is to demand accountability from those Middle East for centuries. American people for their views? It is charged with the conduct of the war ef- So here we are this week debating because politically those who oppose fort, and so far Congress has failed to the President’s proposal to send more this resolution know they cannot criti- do that job. troops into Baghdad. And as expected, cize the American public, but can criti- This resolution, however imperfect, the rhetoric from our friends on the cize those of us who serve here in Con- is intended to bring about some ac- right has at times been shameful. To gress. countability on the part of those suggest that Democrats and Repub- If the actions of the House and Amer- charged with the conduct of the war ef- licans who support this embolden the ican people embolden the enemy, then fort, and it says of the President’s enemy, that they are defeatist, and we need to consider everyone’s com- plan, thou art weighed in the balance that we do not support the troops, and ments. Iraq’s prime minister al-Maliki and found wanting. that we want to micromanage the war, recently said that the Bush adminis- The President’s plan is found want- and that we do not want to preserve tration’s description of the Iraqi gov- ing because he doesn’t explain how this freedom and liberty in our great coun- ernment’s being on borrowed time, lis- escalation in the number of American try puzzles me. ten, gives a morale boost to the terror- troops can make any difference in a It seems to me our friends on the ists. The prime minister of Iraq is ac- war plan that depends on redeploying right do not like discourse, they don’t cusing the administration of doing the so many more Iraqi troops. We have like questions, and they do not like same thing that many of us are being been given no credible explanation as meaningful discussions. They do not accused of doing in this House cham- to why 21,000 more American troops want us to question the President’s ber. How shameful. Let’s get real. can accomplish what the 130,000 al- strategy, instead they want us to fol- I contend that the American people, ready on the ground cannot accom- low him like sheep down a tragic street the Democrats, the Republicans, and plish. that dead-ends in failure. that President Bush loves America. The President’s plan is found want- Attempts to use fear and insults to The discussion we are having in Con- ing because it calls for completely new quiet the administration’s critics are gress this week is an extension of the rules of engagement. distasteful and quite frankly hurt cure for America, because we all want America. Why do those who oppose this b 2230 what we think is best for our country. resolution want to discourage the type And what do we want? Success. We The President’s plan is found want- of action that led to the founding of want security. ing because it calls for new rules of en- our Nation? The very actions that al- In order for us to have success and gagement, with no explanation as to lowed the United States to continue security we must force the Iraqi people why such rules of engagement were not evolving towards that never ending to fight for their own country. In my allowed in the past when they would goal of a more perfect union. have done the most good. Our country derives its strengths opinion, the way we do this is not by The question before us is not whether from the diversity of views and ideas adding more troops to the kill zone in the President’s new plan represents a that comes from its people. If we dis- Baghdad, but rather take our troops better chance of success in Iraq. The agree with the President’s proposal, it out of the kill zone and force the Iraqis real question is whether the chances is our duty, particularly as Members of to step up their efforts. for success it represents is a good Congress, to say so. I maintain that is We should put our troops in a posi- enough chance to be worth the sac- the highest of patriotism, and I am not tion to support the Iraqis when they rifices that our soldiers will have to the only one who thinks so. need us. This way the pressure is on make to implement it. The President Theodore Roosevelt the Iraqis, not on our fighting men and A 1 percent increase in the chances of said, referring to the Presidency, and I women. The idea that we are going to success may be better than no increase, quote him, ‘‘That there should be full cut and run from the Middle East and but our troops deserve a better plan liberty to tell the truth about his acts, allow terrorists to control Iraq is false that that. Mr. Speaker, I do not believe and that this means that it is exactly and has no basis in reality or in his- that this plan represents the change in necessary to blame him when he does tory. strategy that we need in Iraq, nor does wrong as to praise him when he does We did not leave Germany after it offer a good enough chance for suc- right. Any other attitude in any Amer- World War II, we did not leave Korea cess to be worth the sacrifices that it ican citizen is both base and servile. To after that war, and we will not leave will cost. And that is why I will sup- announce that there must be no criti- the Middle East after our soldiers’ report the resolution. cism of the President or that to stand sponsibilities in Iraq have ended. We Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I yield with the President right or wrong is did not leave the Middle East after the 51⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from not only unpatriotic and servile, but it Persian Gulf War and we will not leave Tennessee (Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS). is morally treasonable to the American the Middle East now. (Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS of Tennessee public.’’ Mr. Speaker, the French did not win asked and was given permission to re- I do not know about the majority of the Revolutionary War for us and we vise and extend his remarks.) Republicans in Congress, but I agree cannot win this peace for the Iraqis; Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS of Tennessee. with Teddy. Our actions this week do they have to win it for themselves. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong sup- not dishearten the troops, nor reflect a Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, if port of our military men and women. I lack of support for our troops. Defense I could ask how the allocation of time will strongly support our soldiers serv- Secretary Gates and General Pace both is being handled, because our next ing in harm’s way in Iraq and Afghani- testified before the Senate Armed speaker I would like to recognize for 11 stan. I support all off our veterans, Services Committee that a resolution minutes. But we have been told that we men and women who have served our disagreeing with the President’s pro- need to wait to even out the distribu- country with great honor and distinc- posal would not dishearten the troops. tion of time.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:44 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.175 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1656 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. them is the recently announced surge we always, always remember the cur- ELLISON). The gentlewoman from Flor- strategy. But while I am concerned rent costs that have been expended, ida has 51⁄4 minutes remaining. The about the wisdom of the strategic mili- over 3,000 lives, over 23,000 that have gentleman from Massachusetts has 133⁄4 tary decision, Congress does not have been injured, and a fiscal account- minutes remaining. the authority nor the ability to man- ability that has gotten lost in the Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I age this war or any other by com- checks and balances of the Congress, a yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from mittee. war that initially was advertised to Colorado (Mr. TANCREDO). I fear that this resolution is just the cost us $60 billion is now in excess of Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, the beginning of a long-term attempt by $379 billion, $8 billion a month, with a approaching vote on this resolution has Congress to become the micromanager supplemental request for another $235 caused me and I am sure many of my of the conflict in Iraq. As many Mem- billion. colleagues to give serious and consider- bers have correctly noted, this resolu- Mr. Speaker, we do not need nor able thought to the most difficult issue tion is nonbinding, but it has been de- should we micromanage the war. But that faces America today. scribed by its authors as just the bark we should, as an equal branch of Gov- Like many of my friends on both from the Congressional dog. The bite ernment, require and demand account- sides of the aisle, and like many Amer- will come as they say during the appro- ability. That is why I stood up on this icans I am opposed to increasing our priations process. floor 2 weeks ago supporting the Blue troop presence in Iraq. I am sure we As I said at the beginning, Mr. Dog Accountability Act to ensure that have all asked ourselves individually Speaker, for a time this resolution we have an opportunity to review on a what we would do if we were in the posed a dilemma for me. But after regular basis the conduct of the war, oval office at this time. hours of listening to the debate, read- the no-bid contracts, the single If I were in the oval office, if I were ing the Constitution, it helped me to sourcing, putting our troops in harm’s Commander in Chief, I would tell the decide how to vote, there is no longer a way without adequate armament. Iraqis something similar to what Ben- doubt in my mind. I accept the wisdom Let us not forget, for almost 4 years jamin Franklin told a woman who of the Founding Fathers and bend to our President and the course that he asked him as he came out of the nego- the constraints of the document that conducted and the case he has made tiations on the Continental Congress, we swear to uphold and defend. Dr. Franklin, what have you given us? has had a blank check, literally a I hope that Members of both sides He answered, a Republic if you can blank check to conduct this effort as will think carefully about the prece- keep it. he saw fit. dent that this debate will set for the Mr. Speaker, I believe we have with b 2245 future, for future Presidents, future our blood and treasure already won a And it has only been in the last 6 great victory when we deposed a dic- wars, future soldiers. I would ask them to join me in opposing this ill-con- months when it became abundantly tator and helped the Iraqis set up a clear in the last year that it was deter- fledgling democracy. Frankly, I believe ceived resolution. Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I yield mined that a new course or a new di- it is up to them to keep it. rection would be needed. But, unfortu- Mr. Speaker, the fall of Saddam has 5 minutes to the gentleman from Cali- nately, so much of this new course that helped create a situation in the Middle fornia (Mr. COSTA). the President offered last month is East that we did not anticipate but one Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise this more of the same and, unfortunately, that can be exploited. I believe that the evening to welcome this much needed too little too late. ethnic and sectarian earthquake inside debate, on perhaps one of the greatest I told the President that I was doubt- and across the broader Middle East is challenges facing our generation, our ful on this surge. Why? Because we underway. I believe the fault lines in country, this war in Iraq. I intend to this conflict can be seen moving today, support this nonbinding resolution not have had previous surges, back in Au- not just in Iraq, but in Lebanon, Iran because I believe it is perfect, rather in gust of last year a surge in Baghdad and elsewhere. fact I feel it is probably imperfect. with six brigades that was promised by If I were Commander in Chief, I But I am supporting it because I hope the Iraqi Army. They delivered two. would do what I could to exploit the this will be the beginning of a rational, They weren’t very good. We neutralized situation. I believe it can be exploited, bipartisan dialogue for a new direction Sadr City. Maliki got political pressure but not if we are acting as a referee in to be employed together with the placed on him. We were asked to leave. what has become a civil war. I believe House of Representatives, with the Unless we have a robust political ef- that prolonging or increasing the U.S. Congress working together with the fort that accompanies this surge, I presence in Iraq will virtually guar- President. fear, unfortunately, more of the same antee this fault line will move in a way For after all, Mr. Speaker, we are the will occur, which is why I asked the not advantageous to us. people’s House. The choices that we Secretary of State last week what is Sure, if I was President, Mr. Speaker, have before us today are more than plan B? I can tell you unequivocally I would simply cut and run or stay the course. We are, whether we like it or not, in not be sending an extra 20,000 soldiers. For after all, we know a long time ago the middle of a sectarian civil war. And But I am not President of the United that was nothing more than a sound unfortunately, the folks that we are States, I am not Commander in Chief, bite, and the American public under- trying to referee are more concerned I am a Member of Congress. And while stood that it was nothing more than a about how power is distributed and how I have every right as a Member of Con- political sound bite. We are a wonder- oil revenues are distributed as opposed gress to voice my concerns and objec- ful country. We have tremendous re- to instituting a democracy in the Mid- tions to what I see as flaws in the sources, ingenuity, and we have credi- dle East. And therefore, we need a new strategies this President may choose to bility notwithstanding our difficulties direction. employ, neither I nor this Congress has today throughout the world. Have we not learned the lessons that the right to micromanage a war. And therefore, as the world’s greatest many of us remember from the Viet- Mr. Speaker, our Constitution vests super power, we have resources and nam War? Secretary Powell knew those sole authority of the U.S. military in means in which we can offer alter- lessons well. Remember what Sec- the President of the United States, not native choices to bring together people, retary Powell advised our President? in 435 Congressmen or 100 Senators. not only in the Middle East, but allies He says, Iraq, Mr. President, is like a Our Founding Fathers empowered the throughout the world that supported us Pottery Barn. We break it, we own it. President, not the Congress, with the in the past. Unfortunately, how true those words authority precisely to avoid the kind of Everyone who has talked about this have come. group micromanagement of our mili- nonbinding resolution talks about the But Secretary Powell knew from his tary strategy that we are seeing on cost. We all talk about their support experience as a general that the Powell this floor today. for our men and women in uniform, our doctrine invoked four principles, one, I differ with the President on many support to continue to ensure that they to have overwhelming support of the things, Mr. Speaker. Indeed one of are properly funded and to ensure that Nation; two, in fact, to ensure that we

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:21 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.177 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1657 had a broad international coalition; constituents in restaurants and The SPEAKER pro tempore. At the three, that we went in with over- churches and to concerned Hoosiers beginning of the debate, the Chair pro- whelming force; and, four, that we had throughout my district. I have also visionally allocated 5 hours to the lead- an exit strategy. None of those are in met with Iraq Study Group cochair- ers or their designees in approximation evidence. man, Lee Hamilton, with military rep- of the amount of the controlled debate So let me close. I believe that a new resentatives, and with my valued col- that might be conducted before mid- direction is evident. I believe America leagues. What I have heard consist- night. is less safe today than it was before the ently is that our brave troops should It appears at this point that all of 9/11 attacks. And as violence in Iraq not be placed in the middle of what is that 10-hour allotment will be con- climbs and the costs continue to soar, increasingly becoming a very dan- sumed before midnight. The Chair will we need a new direction in Iraq in a bi- gerous civil war. try to achieve parity between the two partisan fashion. Our fighting troops have been placed sides by allocating 20 minutes for each I ask my colleagues to work on this in an almost impossible situation. side at this time, but wants each side bipartisan manner, evaluating the They are trying to bring stability to to know that all pending balances of facts, not on rhetoric, to create a real Iraqi cities and provinces where a time will lapse at midnight. plan for security in Iraq, stability in fierce and bloody religious war rages PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY the Middle East, and let’s not forget between the Sunnis and the Shiites. Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I have Afghanistan, the problems that exist in Our service men and women from a parliamentary inquiry. Lebanon today, and let’s come together Michigan City and South Bend and Lo- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- as a nation. Our troops deserve better. gansport cannot end this vicious cycle tleman will state his parliamentary in- Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I ap- of death. Only the Iraqis can do that. quiry. plaud the gentleman from California The Iraqi Government and people have Mr. GOHMERT. The Speaker has infor his insightful and thoughtful re- to want peace and stability for their dicated that he will allocate the remarks and particularly his observation country as much as we want it for maining time 20 minutes a side, but the that this is not about micromanaging them. time will expire at midnight. I would the war. This is about accountability. If the proposed surge increased our ask if it would make sense, since 20 And I daresay that if over the course chances of succeeding in Iraq, I would minutes gets us to 11:35, why not just of the past two previous Congresses support it wholeheartedly. However, I take 65 minutes, or actually you have fear this surge will not lead to an Iraq that there was oversight and that there got 31⁄4 and you have got 2, so it would that will be stable over the long term, was more monitoring, we would not be an hour, and give each side 30 min- but instead will simply put over 21,500 find ourselves in this unhappy moment. utes a side, and then we don’t have to more American troops into harm’s Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the keep playing this game and redo this way. There will not be stability until gentleman from Indiana, a new Mem- and waste 10 minutes trying to reallo- the Shiites and Sunnis decide that the ber of the House, a valued member of cate the time. That is my inquiry. price of the death and destruction they the Committee on Veterans Affairs and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The inflict upon each other is no longer Financial Services, Mr. DONNELLY. Chair would advise Members that the worth the cost. The Iraqis have to Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. Speaker, we all distribution of debate time takes into make this decision, and sending 21,500 want success in Iraq. We want a stable account the difference between the more of our finest citizens will not region. We want safety and security for time remaining until midnight and the cause the Iraqis to make that decision our troops and peace in the Middle time consumed in debate. any quicker. In fact, it might only East. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, Our service men and women are the delay that day of decision for them. Two recent surges by American my next speaker will be allocated 11 finest in the world, the best trained, minutes of time, so if this is the proper the most dedicated. They are incred- troops did not bring additional security to Iraq, and I do not see how placing time to have him be recognized for 11 ibly fine soldiers and people. They de- more troops in the most dangerous minutes without interruption, I would serve a clear mission in Iraq. They de- areas of the country at this point will like to recognize Mr. FRANKS, a mem- serve to have all the protective equip- calm things down. Our troops deserve ber of the Armed Services Committee ment and armor needed to keep them America’s full support, full funding, for 11 minutes. safe. They deserve to have all the fund- and all the equipment and materials Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, if I ing required, and they deserve to have they need to remain safe and battle can inquire of my friend and colleague the best leadership in the field and the ready. The time has come for the Iraq on the other side, I have a speaker that finest military planning from Wash- Government and its troops to step up has been waiting here. Understanding ington. 1 and to seek peace with each other. Our that I have 3 ⁄2 minutes left before the What our brave troops do not deserve obligation in Congress is to provide reallocation, I would like to give her is Washington’s bungling. We had bad common-sense judgment that guaran- an opportunity to address the House. intelligence at the start, a flawed occu- tees complete support for our troops The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- pation plan that failed to send enough 1 and a plan that provides a path toward tleman has 23 ⁄2 minutes remaining. troops, despite the best advice of the peace and stability. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. If the gen- Army’s Chief of Staff at that time, and I do not see, and I have not been tleman would yield. We have been Washington failed to properly plan for shown, how this surge will further our waiting on our side as well for such a critical logistics such as electricity chances for success. For the above stat- long time, and if my good friend from and infrastructure. These mistakes ed reasons, I will be voting for House Massachusetts would allow Mr. FRANKS have put our troops in much greater Concurrent Resolution 63. May God to give his statement, and then we can danger. bless America and our troops serving in continue. With these issues in mind, I sent a Iraq, Afghanistan and everywhere else I would like to recognize Mr. FRANKS, letter to the Administration over 1 throughout the world. a member of the Armed Services Com- month ago asking for specific answers Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I mittee for 11 minutes, and I thank the as to how this surge would increase our would ask where we stand in terms of gentleman from Massachusetts. chances for success in Iraq. I was very the time allocation. Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Mr. Speak- hopeful for positive solutions. I also The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. er, today, as we embrace the grave re- asked at that time what specific bench- ELLISON). The gentleman from Massa- sponsibility of debating an issue that marks we could look at to indicate chusetts (Mr. DELAHUNT) has 31⁄4 min- will have profound impact on future whether or not we were making utes. The gentlelady from Florida (Ms. American generations, it seems very progress. As of this date, I have yet to ROS-LEHTINEN) has 2 minutes. appropriate to remind ourselves of the receive any answer from the Adminis- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ideal that gave birth to this Nation in tration. am going to reserve the balance of our the first place. We hold these truths to I have spoken to veterans in time to have it for the further alloca- be self-evident that all men are created Winamac and in Osceola, Indiana, to tion of the remainder of the evening. equal and endowed by their Creator

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:44 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.179 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1658 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 with certain unalienable rights, that Al-Zarqawi said of America’s leaders: truth: We are only one act of madness among these are life, liberty and the ‘‘They are aware that if the Islamic away from a social cataclysm unlike pursuit of happiness. giant wakes up, it will not be satisfied anything our country has ever known. Whether we realize it or not, most of with less than the gates of Rome, After a handful of such acts, who the important discussions in this Washington, Paris, and London.’’ knows what kind of civilization break- Chamber, including the one in this mo- Al-Muhajir, Osama bin Laden’s latest down might be in store?’’ ment, center around whether we still lieutenant in Iraq, said: ‘‘The fire has Mr. Speaker, we simply can no longer believe those words. not and will not be put out and our deny that we are fighting a war against In these hours, America finds herself swords, which have been colored with an insidiously dangerous and evil ide- at war with an expressively dangerous your blood, are thirsty for more of ology that is bent on the destruction of ideology that is the antithesis of those your rotting heads.’’ the Western world, and they would like words and everything that is the Amer- Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of nothing better than to decapitate this ican ideal. What concerns me most is Hezbollah, said, ‘‘We have discovered country by detonating a nuclear blast that this war between an ideology com- how to hit the Jews where they are 100 yards from here. And to allow mitted to the absolute death to destroy most vulnerable. The Jews love life; so jihadists to declare victory in Iraq will freedom and subjugate the entire that is what we shall take away from only serve to hasten such a day. world, and the world’s free people who them. We are going to win because Mr. Speaker, the free nations of the still remain primarily asleep. they love life and we love death.’’ world once had opportunity to address Mr. Speaker, this ideological war did And then, Mr. Speaker, we hear a the insidious rise of the Nazi ideology not begin on 9/11. It began many years Democrat Member of this body say, in its formative years when it could ago when certain Muslim extremists ‘‘The savagery of terrorists is not rel- have been dispatched without great embraced a divergent Islamist dogma evant.’’ Even the most senior Demo- cost. But they delayed, and the result that dictates that all infidels must die. crat in this House is quoted as saying was atomic bombs falling on cities, 50 It was called then as it should be called ‘‘I don’t take sides for or against million people dead worldwide, and the now, jihad. Hezbollah or for or against Israel.’’ swastika’s shadow nearly plunging this Thomas Jefferson was the first Amer- Mr. Speaker, a blind relativism that planet into Cimmerian night. ican President to send U.S. military deliberately ignores all truth and Winston Churchill’s words of warning force to war against Islamist jihad. The equates merciless terrorism with free far preceded such tragic events. He Marine hymn begins, ‘‘From the halls nations defending themselves and their said, ‘‘If you will not fight when you of Montezuma to the shores of Trip- innocent citizens is more dangerous to can easily win without bloodshed, if oli,’’ the latter being a reference to humanity than terrorism itself, and it you will not fight when your victory Jefferson’s war against the Islamist is proof that liberals completely mis- will be sure and not too costly, you Barbary pirates based in Tripoli, in understand the enemy that we face. may come to the moment when you present day Libya. Osama bin Laden’s deputy, al- This is the same jihadist ideology will have to fight with all the odds that murdered Israeli athletes in 1972, Zawahiri, made clear shortly after 9/11 against you and only a precarious that took American hostages in Iran, in his book ‘‘Knights Under the Proph- chance of survival. There may be a that murdered Marines in their bar- et’s Banner,’’ al Qaeda’s most impor- worse moment. You may have to fight racks in 1983, that bombed the World tant short-term strategic goal is to when there is no hope of victory be- Trade Center in 1993, Riyadh in 1995, seize control of a state, or part of a cause it is still better to perish than to the Khobar Towers in 1996, the embassy state, somewhere in the Muslim world. live as slaves.’’ If so-called enlightened Germans fell in 1998, the USS Cole in 2000, and that He wrote, quote, ‘‘Confronting the en- prey to the Nazi ideology, why do we brutally murdered scores of little emies of Islam and launching jihad not believe Third World Muslims can schoolchildren on opening day in against them require a Muslim author- also fall prey in large numbers to this Beslan, Russia. ity established on Muslim land. With- And then, Mr. Speaker, this same out achieving this, our actions will jihadist ideology? History does indeed dark ideology massacred nearly 3,000 mean nothing.’’ repeat itself, Mr. Speaker, and each Americans on September 11. Mr. Speaker, such a jihadist state time the price goes up. The ideology and practice of Islamist would be the ideal launching pad for fu- Jihadists believe they have a critical jihad is decapitating humanitarians ture attacks on the West. advantage over free people in the with hacksaws on television while the Bin Laden himself once again has world. They believe their will is far victims scream for mercy, cowardly stated: ‘‘The whole world is watching stronger than ours and that they need hiding behind women and children this war and the two adversaries. It is only to persevere to break our resolve. while launching rockets deliberately either victory and glory or misery and Mr. Speaker, the message of this reso- targeting innocent civilians, contin- humiliation.’’ lution has only encouraged them in ually breaking treaties of peace, and Mr. Speaker, the terrorists regard that belief. forcing children to blow themselves to Iraq as the central front in their war So today in this Chamber, we each pieces to affect the murder of other in- against humanity. And if we are to un- have some grave questions to ask our- nocents, and this, as their own mothers derstand our enemy and this war, we selves, and the answers will profoundly leap for joy as they do. must understand that Iraq is the cen- affect future American generations. We tral front in our war against jihad. Our need to ask ourselves first, not whether b 2300 courageous and noble soldiers under- the Nation should have gone to war but As we anticipate future actions of stand that very well and our enemy whether the Nation should lose this jihadists, we should all consider very definitely understands that. war. carefully. Al Qaeda’s al-Zawahiri said: Osama bin Laden himself has said, Will jihadists break the will of the ‘‘The jihad movement is growing and ‘‘The most important and serious issue world’s free people or not? Will they be rising. It reached its peak with the two today for the world is this Third World able to hide long enough to gain access blessed raids on New York and Wash- War . . . It is raging in the land of the to nuclear or other weapons of mass de- ington. And now it is waging a great two rivers, Iraq. The world’s millstone struction? If we do allow nations like heroic battle in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pal- and pillar is in Baghdad, the capital of Iran to gain nuclear weapons, what will estine, and even the crusaders’ own the caliphate.’’ we tell our children when they face nu- homes.’’ Mr. Speaker, if Democrats are cor- clear jihad, perhaps even in this gen- Al-Manar said on BBC: ‘‘Let the en- rect that the struggle in Iraq is not eration? If liberals in this body are tire world hear me. Our hostility to the crucial to the winning of the war willing to see freedom defeated in Iraq, Great Satan, America, is absolute. Re- against Islamist jihad, then for God’s are they willing to take responsibility gardless of how the world has changed sake I wish they would explain that to for what will almost certainly follow? after September 11, death to America the terrorists. If this entire Nation was riveted and will remain our reverberating and pow- Brink Lindsey has put it all so suc- heartbroken when two airplanes hit erful slogan: Death to America.’’ cinctly. He said, ‘‘Here is the grim two buildings in New York, how will we

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:44 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.181 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1659 feel when an entire American city is in Instead of sending more troops, our Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I nuclear flames? military mission in Iraq must shift would like to yield 7 minutes to Dr. If Speaker PELOSI and other Demo- from attempting to secure Iraq to bet- GINGREY of Georgia. crats are willing to vote against moni- ter equipping and training the Iraqi Se- (Mr. GINGREY asked and was given toring terrorist conversations on the curity Forces so they can secure their permission to revise and extend his re- telephone, or tracking their financial own country. Like most Americans, I marks.) transactions, or protecting our border have supported the President’s objec- Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise from terrorist insurgency, or effective that we will stand down as the today in strong support of our troops tively interrogating terrorists in cus- Iraqis stand up. We have already who are faithfully serving our Nation tody, or sending reinforcements to our trained nearly 325,000 Iraqi Security in harm’s way. Therefore, I must op- troops on the battlefield, then the Forces toward that end. pose this resolution brought to the question that cries for an answer is For 4 years Americans have seen the floor by the Democrats because it of- what are they willing to do to defeat brave men and women of our Armed fers no plan, no strategy, and no hope Islamic terrorism? What is their plan? Forces perform their duty coura- for victory. In fact, it does nothing but Mr. Speaker, there is no substitute geously. We have seen over 3,100 Amer- risk demoralizing our troops. Mr. Speaker, let me start by saying for victory. If we surrender Iraq to ican husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, that Republicans and Democrats alike Islamist jihadists, we will supercharge sons, and daughters make the ultimate recognize mistakes have been made in their recruitment efforts in the Middle sacrifice, including 116 servicemen and Iraq and neither side of the aisle is East and all over the planet, and our women from my State of Illinois. We happy with where we are today. But children will pay an unspeakable price, have seen $400 billion in hard-earned and history will condemn this genera- rather than offering solutions to move tax dollars invested in this effort to us forward or engage in a productive tion for unspeakable irresponsibility in support those fighting. What we the face of such an obvious threat to debate on alternative strategies, the haven’t seen is real accountability for Democrats have decided to propose human peace. results. So, Mr. Speaker, before we vote on what certainly seems to be a politi- That is why I have joined my col- cally motivated resolution. this resolution, may we consider care- leagues in the Blue Dog Coalition to in- fully the words of Abraham Lincoln as I ask, Mr. Speaker, what are we real- troduce the Iraq War Cost Account- ly accomplishing with this resolution? he sought to steel the resolve of Ameri- ability Resolution. This resolution re- The answer is nothing. With this cans in another great and historic quires accountability in four ways: shameless stunt, the Democrats are struggle. He said, ‘‘Fellow citizens, we spending accountability; contractual locking down this body for 36 hours cannot escape history. We of this Con- accountability; budget accountability; maybe in hopes of scoring political gress and this administration will be and, importantly, Iraqi accountability. points by criticizing the President. But remembered in spite of ourselves. No To ensure spending accountability, by using our troops as pawns in an at- personal significance or insignificance this resolution requires the Depart- tempt to gain political leverage, this can spare one or another of us. The ment of Defense Inspector General to resolution serves only to weaken troop fiery trial through which we pass will provide an accounting of all military morale while giving hope and comfort light us down, in honor or dishonor, to and reconstruction spending and to re- to the enemy. the last generation. port to Congress every 90 days, includ- Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I b 2315 ing how and where our tax dollars are would now yield 5 minutes to the gen- being spent, transparency in con- In doing so, Mr. Speaker, the Demo- tlewoman from Illinois (Ms. BEAN), a tracting and procurement methods, crats have done nothing to end the war member of the Financial Services Com- and levels of participation from other or help our troops achieve victory. mittee. Mr. Speaker, seeing as the Democrats countries, additional funding required, Ms. BEAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my have hijacked the Floor all week to de- and, importantly, sanctions applied for colleague, the gentleman from Massa- bate this resolution, surely they must fraud, abuse, and war profiteering. chusetts, for yielding. have an alternative to the President’s To enforce contractual account- I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. plan. I will bet the American people are ability, a select committee akin to the 63 and in opposition to the proposed as eager as I am to hear about this new Truman Committee would be created troop surge in Iraq. plan for success, their plan. Certainly to investigate the awarding of con- When I visited Iraq in 2005, like the my constituents in the Eleventh Dis- tracts and their execution to protect soldiers I met there, I was hopeful that trict of Georgia are waiting. democratic elections would allow Iraq our tax dollars. To provide budget ac- So what is their magic alternative? to move forward as a unified sovereign countability, this resolution requires Mr. Speaker, here it is. It is the same nation. While the elections dem- funding requests for the war in Iraq in on both sides. They don’t have one. We onstrated a commitment from the Iraqi fiscal 2008 and beyond must come have heard from members of the Demo- people to do that, the situation on the through the regular appropriations cratic team threaten to cut funding, to ground has instead worsened, sectarian process, not continued emergency cap troop levels or to compel a forced violence has increased, and the esca- supplementals. And to demand Iraqi withdrawal. But where are those ideas lating death toll for American and Al- accountability, the administration in this resolution? I have read through lied troops and the Iraqi people demand should firmly condition further Amer- its two brief paragraphs and I can as- serious scrutiny of our strategy in ican financial and military support sure you they aren’t to be found. Iraq. upon steady and measurable improve- Sadly, the Democrats lack the polit- When I met with the President’s ment in Iraqi progress towards prin- ical will to fully engage in a meaning- military and national security advisers cipal responsibility for internal secu- ful debate on Iraq policy. They have re- last month to learn about their new rity in Iraq. fused to allow a vote on funding for the plan, I anticipated that a new course Mr. Speaker, increasing the number war which would give Members an op- would be proposed. Regrettably, this of troops without increasing the level portunity to show support for our surge does not constitute a new course. of accountability perpetuates the same troops with actions and not empty We have tried multiple troop surges. policy that has led to this crisis in words. After the most recent surge last sum- Iraq. Simply put, Mr. Speaker, the Demo- mer, conducted in Baghdad, the U.S. I urge my colleagues on both sides of cratic leadership is afraid to ask their military declared that it had ‘‘not met the aisle to support both of these reso- Members to put their money where our overall expectations of sustaining a lutions. Instead of sending more their mouths are and either vote yes or reduction in levels of violence.’’ In troops, let us provide the high degree no to fund our troops and the mission. fact, attacks increased by 22 percent, of accountability that the American Isn’t this why they have denied Repub- and already after 20 percent of the cur- people demand and that our valiant licans an opportunity to offer an alter- rent surge has been deployed, violence men and women serving in Iraq de- native bill, or even a motion to recom- has not decreased. serve. mit? They were for that last Thursday,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:44 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.182 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1660 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 before being against it tonight. Sound pose this resolution brought to the floor by the Mr. Speaker, the President has offered a familiar? Democrats because it offers no plan, no strat- new idea that can help us achieve our goals Apparently, Mr. Speaker, calls for egy, and no hope for victory. In fact, it does in Iraq, so we can foster a more stable Middle funding cuts and troop withdrawals are nothing but risk demoralizing our troops. East and yes, then bring our troops home to good enough for newspaper headlines, Mr. Speaker, let me start by saying that Re- a grateful nation and the comfort of their fami- but they are not good enough for votes publicans and Democrats alike recognize mis- lies. This ‘‘new way forward’’ isn’t perfect, nor on this House floor. Let me remind my takes have been made in Iraq, and neither will it make every Member of this body happy, colleagues that sound bites for the side of the aisle is happy with where we are but it is a reasonable plan which offers per- nightly news will do nothing to win today. But rather than offering solutions to haps our last best chance to silence the insur- this war against terror. move us forward, or engaging in a productive gency, allow the Iraqi political apparatus to Mr. Speaker, America has a long tra- debate on alternative strategies, the Demo- thrive, and help the region realize greater se- dition of standing on the right side of crats have decided to propose what certainly curity and stability. seems to be a politically motivated non-bind- this fight for freedom, even when it is WHAT WOULD VICTORY ACCOMPLISH? ing resolution. a difficult stand to make, and the right Mr. Speaker, when I look at this resolution, course of action today is to stand by I ask, Mr. Speaker, what are we really accomplishing with this resolution? The answer I feel as though I need to remind my col- the Iraqi people until their govern- leagues on both sides of the aisle just what is ment, their police and military can en- is nothing. The Democrats are locking down this body for 36 hours—maybe in hopes of at stake in this debate—and what is at stake sure the security of their own nation. with our victory or defeat in Iraq. As in any war, there have been set- scoring political points by criticizing the Presi- dent. But by using, our troops as pawns in an Victory in Iraq will deliver a blow to the backs in Iraq. But as in past wars, we cause of terrorism in the Middle East and will move forward with victory as our attempt to gain political leverage, this resolution serves only to weaken troop morale, while across the world. Al Qaeda and other terrorist goal. This Democratic resolution is a groups are hoping the U.S. will give up in Iraq, thinly veiled attempt to sound the re- giving hope and comfort to the enemy. And in doing so, Mr. Speaker, the Demo- because that would make it easier for them to treat. That amounts to an unaccept- crats have done nothing to end the war or to recruit, plan, and execute deadly acts of ter- able act of playing politics with our na- help our troops achieve victory. rorism across the Middle East and even here tional security. Mr. Speaker, since the Democrats have hi- in America. Victory, on the other hand, will de- Mr. Speaker, as you have heard over jacked the floor all week to debate this resolu- liver a tremendous blow to their unconscion- the past 2 days, this is a serious debate, tion, surely they must have an alternative to able plans. with very serious ramifications. It is the President’s plan. I’ll bet the American peo- While all of us may worry about the next not simply a simple resolution as the ple are as eager as I am to hear about this election, today’s debate should focus on the Democrats would like to characterize new plan for success. Certainly my constitu- next generation, and how the Congress will it. But on one hand, we have a shot at ents in the 11th District of Georgia are. achieve security for the American people. victory. We have an opportunity to So what is their magic alternative? As far as How soon we forget what it takes to keep push back the cause of radical ter- I can tell, Mr. Speaker, they don’t have one. our Nation safe, Mr. Speaker. Is it an accident rorism. On the other hand, we have a We’ve heard members of the Democrat that we have not had a terrorist attack on U.S. two paragraph, nonbinding resolution team threaten to cut funding, cap troop levels, soil since 9/11? No! It is because our leaders that is essentially a vote of no con- or compel a forced withdrawal. But where are have consistently stood up to the terrorists in fidence in the commander in chief. those ideas in this resolution? I’ve read word and action to show that the U.S. will not This is not the time for our majority through its two brief paragraphs, and I can as- tolerate their ideology. party to cave in to their anti-war sup- sure you—they aren’t to be found. The war on terror rages today, and America Sadly, the Democrats lack the political will porters of the liberal left and play poli- can’t give up our fight in Iraq, because it is to fully engage in a meaningful debate on Iraq tics with the security of the United crucial to our triumph over global terrorism. States. This is a time for bold leader- policy. They’ve refused to allow a vote on ship and bold plans. Sadly, Mr. Speak- funding for the war, which would give Mem- CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE er, neither is on display here today. bers an opportunity to show support for our Mr. Speaker, let me discuss in very clear I hope for the sake of the American troops with actions, not empty words. terms the consequences of failure in Iraq. people, our troops and freedom-loving Simply put, Mr. Speaker, the Democrat Failure in Iraq—which is what this non-bind- nations around this world, that this leadership is afraid to ask their members to ing resolution will lead to—would mean: the resolution’s flimsy words are not taken put their money where their mouths are and collapse of a democratic Iraqi government, as a substitute for America’s long tra- vote ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no’’ to fund our troops and their likely leading to mass killings and genocide in dition and commitment to achieving mission. the nation. Al Qaeda and other terrorists victory. Isn’t this why they’ve denied Republicans an groups would use this defeat to boost recruit- Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to opportunity to offer an alternate bill, or even a ment, and would use Iraq as a staging ground point out to my colleagues this poster motion to recommit with instructions? for deadly attacks—paid for with Iraqi oil rev- They were for that last Thursday before now on my left. These brave soldiers, Paul enue. Iran and Syria would exert tremendous being against it. Sound familiar? Saylor from Breman, Georgia; Justin influence over the region, an extremely dan- Apparently, Mr. Speaker, calls for funding gerous proposition when you consider Iran’s Johnson from Rome, Georgia; Lieuten- cuts and troop withdrawal are good enough for ant Tyler Brown, a Georgia Tech grad- nuclear ambitions and Syria’s continued dis- newspaper headlines, but not for votes on the ruption of the democratic process in Lebanon. uate, the president of the student body; House floor. Let me remind my colleagues and Hayes Clayton, III, from Marietta, Israel would be pushed into the sea, and the that sound bytes for the nightly news will do opportunity for democracy and freedom across Georgia, all died for their country. nothing to win this war on terror. Mr. Speaker, we cannot turn our the Middle East would be dealt a crippling, in- VICTORY deed deadly, blow. backs on them. We cannot say to their I can tell you one thing the Democrats aren’t moms and dads, their brothers and sis- These are the consequences of defeat. And discussing here today, and that’s victory. Vic- these are the reasons we can’t abandon our ters, their wives and their children, tory in Iraq will result in a nation that can de- Iraqi friends just because we face difficult that we supported sending them into fend itself, govern itself, sustain itself, and be times. Instead, we must find bold solutions harm’s way and they gave their lives an ally against terrorism rather than a safe and have the will to carry them out. for their country, and now we are say- haven for terrorists. Victory should be the Who said ‘‘when the going gets tough, the ing it was for naught, it was for noth- focus of our debate today, because victory is ing, it was not worth it. We can’t let the goal of our military’s efforts. One of my tough get going?’’ Maybe the Marines; cer- that happen. Democrat colleagues said yesterday that ‘‘we tainly not the ‘‘Out of Iraq’’ House caucus. Mr. Speaker, I want my colleagues on have given war a chance.’’ Well, Mr. Speaker, MORE THAN A TROOP SURGE both sides of the aisle to join with me I retort that we must now, at this darkest hour, Mr. Speaker, the Democrats’ would have in voting down this meaningless reso- give victory a chance, rather than appease- you believe the President’s plan amounts to lution. ment! nothing more than a thoughtless troop surge. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support So I implore someone to please tell me how While a temporary troop increase is critical to of our troops, who are faithfully serving our this resolution achieves any advancement to- the plan’s success, the ‘‘new way forward’’ is Nation in harm’s way. Therefore, I must op- ward victory. a comprehensive plan that offers an array of

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And could truly be devastating. the ‘‘Go Iraqi’’ strategy advocated by Armed our Generals in charge say they need this This is not the time for our majority party to Services Ranking Member DUNCAN HUNTER new plan in order to achieve victory. kowtow to their anti-war supporters of the lib- and supported by many in this body—includ- General Casey has consistently stated he eral left and play politics with the security of ing myself—who serve on the Armed Services will ask for the troops needed to accomplish the United States of America. Committee. our mission, something he says this new plan This is the time for bold leadership, and We know we need more troops in Baghdad. can achieve. In fact, General Petraeus stated bold plans. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, neither is on The ‘‘Go Iraqi’’ strategy will make many of in a recent Senate Armed Services Committee display here today. those troops Iraqi, including the redeployment Hearing that he could not take over his new I hope—for the sake of the American peo- of three Iraqi brigades to Baghdad. This job and succeed without additional troops. ple, our troops, and freedom-loving nations achieves several important goals: it allows Mr. Speaker, I for one am more inclined to around the world—that this resolution’s flimsy Iraqi units to become battle-hardened, which listen to our military commanders focused on words are not taken as a substitute for Amer- in turn allows U.S. troops to redeploy as Iraqi winning this war than to the Democrat leader- ica’s long tradition of—and commitment to— troops take their place; it shows the Iraqi peo- ship focused, it seems, on winning something achieving victory. ple that their military is capable of protecting else. We owe it to them, their moms and dads, wives and children, brother and sisters. and defending the nation; and it builds rapport SUPPORT FROM TROOPS I ask all of my colleagues to join me in vot- between the military and the people it is I am also inclined to listen to our troops. Mr. charged with protecting. ing ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. Speaker, as I have visited our men and Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I yield IRAQI PROMISES: MADE AND KEPT women in uniform serving in Iraq, they have myself such time as I may consume. The President’s new plan was contingent on impressed upon me their dedication to achiev- Mr. Speaker, I would commend to my several promises from Prime Minister Maliki, ing victory. And they know that cutting and friends and colleagues who spoke pre- and it is critically important that these prom- running won’t get the job done. viously that they take the time and re- ises are kept. So far, the Iraqi government has Captain Jim Modlin of Oceanport, New Jer- view the National Intelligence Esti- been true to its word, and we are making sey recently told the Washington Post that mate that was released by the Bush ad- progress. ‘‘Pulling out now would be . . . worse than ministration in September of 2006, be- Prime Minister Maliki has pledged that he going forward with no changes. Sectarian vio- cause the American intelligence agen- will institute new rules of engagement to give lence would be rampant, democracy would cies found that the American invasion Iraqi commanders greater control of their cease to exist, and the rule of law would be and occupation of Iraq has helped forces and the ability to crack down on all mili- decimated. It’s not ‘‘stay the course’’ or ‘‘cut spawn a new generation of Islamic tias, regardless of their religious sect. This and run’’ or other political catchphrases. There radicalism and that the overall ter- may be the single most important aspect of are people’s lives there . . . a simple solution rorist threat has grown. What we want the new strategy, as militias loyal to Muqtada just isn’t possible. to accomplish is to defeat terrorism, al-Sadr will no longer operate unfettered and Another soldier posted on a military blog but we are not doing it with this strat- can be increasingly neutralized. that ‘‘If the Democrats block these troops, egy. This new plan also recognizes that unem- we’re screwed. We need them. We are as ef- Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the fective as we can be right now, but with more ployment rates in Iraq are between 14 and 18 gentleman from Indiana (Mr. ELLS- personnel we could be doing a lot more.’’ percent, which fuels participation in militias WORTH), a new Member of the House and death squads. SUPPORT FROM VETERANS and a member of the Committee on An essential part of the ‘‘new way forward,’’ Mr. Speaker, our veterans have also voiced Armed Services. therefore, requires economic development as- strong support for a meaningful discussion on (Mr. ELLSWORTH asked and was sistance, including a $10 billion commitment Iraq. given permission to revise and extend made by the Iraqi government. Gary Kurpius, a Vietnam veteran and leader his remarks.) New oil legislation will decrease fuel short- of the VFW recently stated, ‘‘We have to let Mr. ELLSWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I ages, and there will be a more equitable dis- our generals be generals and wage this war would like to thank the gentleman for tribution of oil revenues. The ‘‘new way for- as only they are trained to do . . . My genera- yielding. ward’’ also calls for passing de-Ba’athification tion learned the hard way that when military Mr. Speaker, every day I am inspired legislation, and holding provincial elections in decisions are second-guessed by opinion polls by the unwavering will and determina- the near future. or overruled by politicians, it is the common tion of our fighting men and women It is a shame that we are not debating any soldiers and families who pay the price.’’ who continue to serve with valor in of these new ideas here today. Yet against this tide of support, the Demo- Iraq and Afghanistan. Their commit- THE PLAN IS WORKING crats it seems have decided to put politics ment to serving our country represents Mr. Speaker, while the Democrats would front-and-center. So we debate not a solution the very best America has to offer and have you believe the President’s plan is for victory, but two paragraphs aimed at criti- we owe them our debt of gratitude. doomed to failure, a January 19th Associated cizing the President. Mr. Speaker, I, too, wondered how Press article indicates that the plan is already STAND BY OUR TROOPS this resolution would affect our troops. working. Mr. Speaker, America has a long tradition of In recent hearings of the House Armed The article notes, ‘‘The arrest of a high- standing on the right side of the fight for free- Services Committee, of which I am a level aide to radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al- dom, even when it is a difficult stand to make. member, when asked about the impact Sadr in Baghdad came a day after Sadr’s And the right course of action today is to of this debate on our troops, General Mahdi Army fighters said they were under stand by the Iraqis until their government, po- Peter Pace, the Chairman of the Joint siege in their Sadr City stronghold as U.S. and lice, and military can ensure the security of Chiefs of Staff, a man I hold in very Iraqi troops killed or seized key commanders. their own nation. high regard, said, ‘‘From the stand- Further, two commanders of the Shiite militia As in any war, there have been setbacks; point of our troops, I believe that they said Prime Minister Maliki has stopped pro- but as in past wars, we will move forward with understand how our legislature works tecting the group.’’ victory as our goal. This Democrat resolution and that they understand there’s going There are also reports that al-Sadr himself, is a thinly-veiled attempt to sound the retreat, to be this kind of debate.’’ But most accompanied by his military commanders, has and that amounts to the unacceptable act of importantly he told us, ‘‘There is no fled the country for neighboring Iran. playing politics with our national security. doubt in my mind that the dialogue And to address concerns voiced last Mr. Speaker, as you can tell, this is a seri- here in Washington strengthens our de- evening by my friend from New York, Mr. ous debate with very serious ramifications. mocracy. Period.’’ WEINER, about how the new plan did nothing On one hand, we have a shot at victory, an Mr. Speaker, I had two Iraqi war vet- to address incursions by extremists along the opportunity to push back the cause of radical erans in my office this afternoon and I Iranian border, Prime Minister Maliki has an- terrorism. On the other hand, we have a two- asked them about this resolution. They nounced plans to seal the border with both paragraph non-binding resolution that is a vote said, ‘‘Congressman, let me tell you

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:21 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE7.047 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1662 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 what the guys over there think about. ical will to solve their own problems lars, it pales compared to the high They think about doing their job, they and take charge of their own destiny. price many of our military families think about staying alive, and they That is ultimately the key to finding a have had to pay. Our troops are over- think about getting home to their fam- successful conclusion to this war and stretched, their families are over- ilies.’’ bringing our brave men and women stressed, and there is no relief in sight. General Pace and these soldiers are home. Every one of our active duty military right. Our democracy is strengthened Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I yield brigades have served at least a year when we engage in vigorous debate 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio long in Iraq or Afghanistan. When a about solutions to the challenges that (Mr. WILSON), another new Member and mother or father or husband or wife is we face, and there is not a more press- a valued member of the House Com- abroad for a year, it places tremendous ing, more important challenge before mittee on Financial Services. strain on the family. Too many fami- us than this war right now. Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Thank you, Mr. lies have been torn apart by this war. But let me be perfectly clear: I DELAHUNT. The cost of broken families will never strongly and I unequivocally support Mr. Speaker, the costs keep climb- be entered into an accountant’s ledger, our troops, and I challenge anybody ing. Thousands of our young brave men but the cost is too high, and it just that questions my patriotism. As a re- and women have been killed. Next keeps climbing. sult, we must provide the equipment month we enter the fifth year of this This month, one young man from my and the resources that our troops on war, a war that has lasted longer than district was killed in Iraq. I know that the ground need to meet their mission World War I or World War II. Hundreds this country will feel his loss. He left safely. Their safety should never be of billions of dollars of taxpayer money behind his parents, his wife and an in- compromised by our disagreements has been spent, and some of that fant son, Mr. Speaker, that he never here in Washington, D.C. money seems to have just disappeared had a chance to meet. I feel their loss Despite our differences, I believe the into the desert air. The costs keep deeply, and I ask all of my colleagues President is sincere in his desire to climbing, and nobody, not a single Re- to remember that every man and bring a successful end to the war in publican or Democrat, can deny that. woman that has been killed in Iraq Iraq, but he has failed to convince me The question before us now is clear: cannot be replaced and leaves behind that sending these 21,000 additional Should we escalate this war and send many people who depended on them. 21,500 more of our sons and daughters troops represents a new or successful The resolution before us today could to referee a civil war in Iraq? The strategy. We went to Iraq under a not be any more clear. It states that American people have spoken out for failed plan in 2003, and we can’t afford the Congress will continue to support change, and many of us here have lis- to take the same failed path. and protect our troops. I will never More importantly, we owe our fight- tened carefully. But escalating this vote for any legislation that will en- war does not reflect the hard reality at ing men and women better than what danger our troops in the field, and we home or on the ground in Iraq. we are giving them. We need to know will never vote to cut off funding that Saying ‘‘support our troops’’ is easy, will help to compromise the safety of the goals for success are well-defined; but actually standing up for our troops that benchmarks are in place for both our men and women in uniform. But es- overseas and their families here at calating this war and sending 21,500 the Iraqis and for America; and that home demands so much more from us. the Iraqi government will live up to more troops to referee a civil war is We must ask the tough questions and not the answer. their end of the bargain. So far they provide real support, instead of empty have not, and there is no indication rhetoric. b 2330 that says they will now. Supporting our troops requires that The American people have spoken For too long, Mr. Speaker, our coun- we protect their bodies and lives with and they demand that we support our try has gone without questioning the best armor available. Supporting troops with a real change in direction. whether there is a better way forward our troops means equipping them with As the voice of the people, Congress in Iraq, and before we send these 21,000 the most reliable weapons and effective will make sure that this administra- men and women into harm’s way, we training. Supporting our troops does tion finally takes notice. must ask ourselves these questions. not stop when they come home from Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I And I remind you, I asked General the war. It is the Nation’s solemn obli- thank the gentleman for his concern Pace these questions myself and asked gation to care for those who have given and respect for the families and the him to look me in the eye and answer so much. Supporting our troops means soldiers that serve. He should know these. Does this plan produce less vio- we must ask ourselves the hard ques- that there are many that are serving lence and fewer roadside bombs? Does tion, should we send more of our sons today in Iraq that agree with you. it ensure our military can meet the and daughters into the constant cross- Let me quote from a private in Bagh- other threats to our security and fire of Iraq’s civil war? The answer is dad who was shot at and who is endur- homeland across the country? Does it no. ing the vagaries and the vicissitudes of move us closer to the day when our Mr. Speaker, it comes down to sup- living every day in hell. This is what fighting men and women can come porting our troops. In addition to the he had to say in a paper just recently. home and America is at peace? I don’t best armor, the proper respect and the ‘‘We can go get into a firefight and believe this plan answers any of those right benefits, our troops deserve the empty our ammo, but it doesn’t accom- in the affirmative or with a yes. right plan. In fact, nothing matters plish much. This isn’t our war. We’re Over the last few weeks, I have lis- more than the right plan. Our heroic just in the middle.’’ And that is Pri- tened to generals, I have heard from soldiers have done everything that we vate First Class Zach Clausen. constituents and talked to military have asked them to do. Without a real- Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the families, and after countless hours of istic plan to guide them, we cannot say gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. consideration, my gut tells me that I that we are supporting our troops. SHULER). can’t believe that this plan is the an- While sacrificing health care for chil- Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I thank swer. dren and pharmaceutical needs for our the gentleman for yielding. Unfortunately, this plan still gives seniors, this administration has Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in support no clear indication of the consequence shipped 363 tons of cash on pallets to of this resolution because for 4 years if the Iraqis fail to meet their commit- Iraq. When it got there, the American this administration has driven us down ment that they made to us over the officials turned it over to Iraqis, with- the wrong road in Iraq. The adminis- last few years. To date, our military out any idea of where they were spend- tration’s newest proposal does nothing has done everything we have called on ing it or what they were doing with it. more than accelerate our pace further them to do. Yet the Iraqi leaders have That defies common sense. It should and further away from our obligation not lived up to their commitments. not be a surprise that nearly $9 billion of stabilizing Iraq and getting our I believe the time has come for the are missing. troops home. Iraqi government to step up and halt Again, Mr. Speaker, the costs keep Our men and women in uniform have the sectarian violence, find the polit- climbing. As high as the cost is in dol- performed bravely and done everything

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:54 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.185 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1663 asked of them. Yet, 4 years into this The gentlewoman from Florida is truck bomb kills 241 Marines in their conflict, we have our troops driving recognized. barracks in Beirut; 1993, six killed in unarmored humvees in enemy terri- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I the first World Trade Center bombing; tory. am pleased to yield 10 minutes to the 2000, al Qaeda’s attack on the destroyer Meanwhile, our government cannot gentleman from Georgia (Mr. PRICE). USS Cole, killing 17 American sailors; account for roughly $12 billion allo- Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I and then September 11, 2001, al Qaeda’s cated for the war in Iraq. With that $12 thank the gentlewoman very much for hijackers fly planes into the World billion, we could have made the fol- the time and for her charity and her Trade Center and the Pentagon, while lowing purchases for our men and leadership on this issue. passengers on a fourth plane bring it to women in harm’s way: 80,000 armor kits Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor this a crash landing in Pennsylvania, total for humvees; 16,000 armored security evening with a whirlwind of senses and number killed, 2,973. vehicles; 20 million bulletproof vests; emotions. I am disappointed. I am dis- Since then, there have been attacks 40 million helmets. That money is appointed by the emptiness and the hy- in England and Spain and elsewhere, gone. It disappeared in a cloud of pocrisy of this resolution. and just last summer, Scotland Yard in waste, fraud and incompetence that Our men and women in the field, val- Britain arrested a couple who planned has engulfed this war from the begin- iantly serving to protect our freedom, to destroy 10 civilian planes over the ning. they deserve more than this. They de- Atlantic. They were going to use their In the words of Three Star General serve a real debate that honors the job 8-month-old baby to disguise the bomb Greg Newbold, ‘‘Members of Congress, that they are doing. material as baby food. We as a Nation from both parties, defaulted in ful- Instead, what we have this week is a are ill-prepared for the ferocity and the filling their constitutional responsi- resolution that is eight short lines, hatred of people who will kill their own bility for oversight.’’ eight lines, that in their entirety stab baby in order to get a chance to kill us. Now, this administration wants Con- at the motives and undermine the dif- American public policy failed to gress to rubber stamp an escalation ficult work that our patriot military is grasp the scope of the threat posed by and continuation of those same failed doing. I am so disappointed in a major- radical Islam until September 11, 2001. policies. Well, that time is over. ity party that has no more respect for On September 11, we reaped the con- My fellow Blue Dogs and I have made our military than that. sequences of decades of inaction a public commitment to root out war This debate has been called historic, against the very real threat posed by profiteering. We demand oversight. We and historic it is. It is historic in its militant Islam. demand accountability. We demand hypocrisy. If you truly believe that These are extremely challenging transparency. The Blue Dogs and I will this is not winnable with what has been times. Some would credibly suggest do everything in our power to make proposed, then it is incumbent upon that these are more difficult times sure when we say we are funding our you to do everything that you can do than we have faced since World War II, troops, the money actually gets to our to stop it and stop it now. Doing any- with the demographics of our society, troops. thing less belies your duty and your re- the changing nature of the world and Mr. Speaker, our military defeated a sponsibility. globalization and the nature of our terrible dictator. This is what they This resolution says we support you competitors, all overshadowed by the were asked to do, but for 4 years now, but we are going to hang you out to nature of our avowed enemy, those who we have asked those same troops to re- dry, and this from the folks who say have publicly stated their goal to see build a Nation, and we have asked they want a new direction. What a dis- the end of the Western world and them to do this without a plan. grace to the integrity of this body. America and who are working to secure Now, this administration has asked How disappointing. the means to accomplish that goal. us to send over 20,000 more military I am saddened. I am saddened by the I am perplexed. I am perplexed by the troops to continue trying to rebuild apparent fact that everything done by apparent inability of many in Congress Iraq, still with no plan. Mr. Speaker, the majority is absolutely political, all to grasp this fundamental fact. We are that is wrong. form, no substance. Is there nothing currently facing an enemy who is cal- I believe it is the patriotic responsi- above politics? Surely the defense of culating, patient, indiscriminate and bility of every Member of Congress to our Nation and the preservation of murderous, an enemy actively waging ask those tough questions. I promised freedom should be above politics. war against us. the people of Western North Carolina How did a once proud party, the That is not just an opinion. That is that I would ask those questions. I party of FDR, who said, ‘‘We have not just my opinion. That is their stat- have been to the White House, I have nothing to fear but fear itself,’’ and the ed purpose and fact. been to the Pentagon, and I have been party of JFK, who said, ‘‘Let every Na- In their own words, Osama bin Laden to the hearings, and I am not satisfied tion know, whether it wishes us well or said, ‘‘Hostility toward America is a with the answers I am getting. ill, that we shall pay any price, bear religious duty, and we hope to be re- Mr. Speaker, this resolution we are any burden, meet any hardship, sup- warded for it by God . . . I am con- debating is not a binding resolution, port any friend, oppose any foe, to as- fident that Muslims will be able to end but the grief felt by families who have sure the survival and the success of lib- the legend of the so-called superpower lost loved ones is binding. The physical erty,’’ how did a once proud party drop that is America.’’ and mental struggles of our returning to such a depth? How very sad. Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman said, troops are binding. The devastation I am astounded by the seeming lack ‘‘Oh, you Muslims everywhere, sever caused to innocent people by the vio- of desire to study and to call upon his- the ties of their Nation, tear them lence in Iraq is binding. torical events for a basis upon which to apart, ruin their economy, instigate It is a moral outrage to continue develop policy. America is a great and against their corporations, destroy sending troops into harm’s way with- a good Nation, and we are great and their embassies, attack their interests, out a plan for success. good because we have been blessed to sink their ships, and shoot down their This administration must realize have been led by men and women who airplanes. Kill them in land, at sea, and that military might alone is not until now did their level best to utilize in the air, kill them wherever you find enough to secure Iraq and end the civil all the information available. them.’’ war. I urge my colleagues to be true to the So the impact of this resolution, Mr. Victory in Iraq requires more than oath that we took just a few weeks ago. Speaker, is to give aid and comfort to bullets and bombs. It requires the co- Don’t you remember, we stood right the enemy and to dishearten our own operation of the Iraqi government, in- here and said, ‘‘I do solemnly swear military. creased regional diplomacy, and com- that I will support and defend the Con- In a Senate Armed Services Com- petent leadership at home. stitution of the United States against mittee hearing on January 23, General ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE all enemies, foreign and domestic?’’ All David Petraeus, now commanding offi- The SPEAKER pro tempore (MR. enemies, foreign and domestic. cer in Iraq, agreed that a resolution of ELLISON). The Chair allocates an addi- What is a glimpse of the recent his- disapproval for this new strategy would tional 5 minutes per side at this time. tory of our current enemy? 1983, a ‘‘give the enemy encouragement.’’

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:54 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.187 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1664 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 What are the consequences of failure? anguish on the faces of families as they Most importantly, we need to repair The consequences of failure would be watch their loved ones march off to- and restore our strategic military re- catastrophic to the region, to the wards the uncertainty and peril that serves that have already been stressed United States, and yes, to the world. awaited them in Iraq and Afghanistan. to the breaking point. Because of the The consequence of the next step of I have seen the troops return home to large force already in Iraq, Army this majority party plan is defeat. those same families, their faces reflect- ground forces here at home are not They may say it is inevitable or un- ing the elation, relief, and joy of seeing mission ready. This is because of both avoidable, but it is, nonetheless, a their loved ones safe at home. I have equipment and personnel shortages. strategy for defeat. seen the veterans return with Purple The National Guard that remains at What message does that send to our Hearts, having lost arms, legs, and suf- home is woefully unready to meet their allies around the world? What will the fering from the mental trauma that re- statutory obligations based on natural Chinese think of our commitment to sults from war and the adverse impacts disasters, wildfires, terrorism, and Taiwan? Will the North Korean, the on their families. I have also stood and other threats to the homeland. The Iranians, the Syrians, the Venezuelans, listened to Taps played over the bodies large presence in Iraq has drained read- will they be more cautious or will they of too many who have returned in flag- iness and equipment and personnel be bolder after an American defeat? draped coffins. Mr. Speaker, it is time from the rest of our military. The It is inconceivable to me how a re- for a change. surge will cost us dearly in billions of markably weakened United States in The situation in Iraq has become dollars and time, and we desperately the eyes of the world is a good thing very grave. Like General Schoomaker need to repair, to reconstitute, and to for us or will result in a less and countless others, I believe we reset our forces to face other signifi- emboldened Iran or North Korea or al should not surge without a purpose, cant threats at home and around the Qaeda. The consequences of failure are and that purpose should be measurable world. clearly unacceptable. in its outcome. Thus far, the President We cannot stay the course we are on. So I am disappointed, I am saddened, has not set forth a clear marker We must change. Support our troops I am astounded and I am perplexed, but against which the purpose and the out- and our long-term national security by I am also enthusiastic and I am opti- come can be measured. Previous in- voting for this resolution. mistic, Mr. Speaker. I am enthusiastic creases in troop strength have not Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I yield in my support of our valiant men and brought a reduction in violence or the balance of the time to the gen- women who defend our freedom day in quelling of sectarian strife. Rather, the tleman from Rhode Island, a member of and day out, and I am optimistic be- problems have intensified, casualties the House Appropriations Committee cause I believe so strongly in the have increased, and political situations and a valued member of the caucus, United States and in her people, and I show more cracks, corruption, and Mr. PATRICK KENNEDY. am optimistic because I am certain signs of instability every day. Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, my that they will appreciate and recognize There are those who say we should uncle said a generation ago: If we ex- the consequences of this debate and the not oppose the President’s plan with- amine the history of the conflict, we remarkable differences in our approach out presenting an alternative. I think find the dismal story repeated time and our desire to defend America. that may be a fair challenge, but there after time. Every time, at every crisis, Thomas Paine said, ‘‘He that would is another way. We need a new strategy we have denied that anything was make his own liberty secure, must that is based on redeployment rather wrong; sent more troops; and issued guard even his enemy from oppression; than further military engagement, one more confident communiques. Every for if he violates this duty, he estab- that is centered on handing Iraq back time, we have been assured that this lishes a precedent that will reach to to the Iraqis. As Congressman MURTHA one last step would bring victory. And himself.’’ has stated: Iraq cannot make the polit- every time, the predictions and prom- So, Mr. Speaker, let us honor our ical progress necessary for its stability ises have failed and been forgotten, and troops. Let us honor all who work for and security until U.S. forces redeploy. the demand has been made once again freedom on our behalf. Let us work to- To achieve stability in Iraq and the re- for just one more step up the ladder. gether for liberty. Let us recall and region, we must redeploy from Iraq. And once again the President tells us commit ourselves to our oath and our Why, you might ask? 91 percent of that we are going to win; victory is duty to defend our blessed Nation. It is the Sunnis, 74 percent of the Shia want coming.’’ that action, and that action alone, us out. 70 percent of Americans want us My Uncle Robert Kennedy made this with the grace of God, that will ensure out. 72 percent of Americans who statement in March of 1968. It took an- the wonder and the survival of our served in Iraq last year believe that we other 5 years and 37,455 American lives great Nation. should be out by now. 61 percent of before a United States President was Iraqis approve of attacks on U.S. led withdrawing Americans out of Vietnam 2345 b forces. They see us as occupiers and and stopping that war. Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I yield want us out. The longer we stay, the I am here tonight to say that the 5 minutes to the gentleman from Geor- more troops we send, the more violence American people and this Congress are gia, a member of the House Appropria- we see, and the more we help recruiting going to say ‘‘no’’ to this President tions Committee, Mr. BISHOP. of radical extremists. So we must rede- when it comes to repeating that mis- Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, ploy first from Saddam’s palaces in take. I support the troops, their families, and Baghdad, then from the cities, the fac- There are those who will disparage those who have sacrificed so much in tories, and universities. We must give this amendment and who say that this this war. But like others who sup- the country back to the Iraqis and let is a nonbinding resolution. But this ported the Iraq efforts in the past, I them govern themselves and rebuild. resolution says that we are going to re- have serious reservations about the Next, we must execute a robust and ject this President’s doubling down on President’s new way forward. diplomatic effort, and we must regain the gambling of American lives, and On Friday, this House will vote on a our credibility by denouncing aspira- this foolish policy which has sent over resolution asking Members to support tions for permanent bases. We must 3,125 soldiers to their deaths, over our troops but oppose the President’s shut down Guantanamo and bulldoze 23,417 wounded soldiers back home, and plan to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq. Abu Ghraib prison. These are black hundreds of thousands of innocent For me, this will be a sobering mo- eyes on the face of our international Iraqis to their graves and countless ment. I have spent many days agoniz- credibility. We must articulate clearly more also injured. ing over the issue, and I do not take a policy of no torture, no exceptions. We are saying in this resolution that lightly the judgment to rebuke the de- Then, we must engage dialogue with we either have to start digging our- cision of the President, our Com- Iraq and all of its neighbors to promote selves out of this hole, or we are going mander in Chief. But I have sent off investment of resources and coopera- to start rueing the day when we have and welcomed home thousands of sol- tion for security by the other Arab failed to act tonight to start changing diers at Fort Benning. I have seen the countries in the region. course.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:54 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.190 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1665 This administration’s bullheaded in- This resolution poses a simple choice. After Our choice today is clear. Keep digging or sistence, bullheaded insistence on ide- 4 years, after 3,125 deaths, after more than climb out? If we decide to begin climbing out, ology over strategy is what has gotten 23,417 wounded, are we digging our hole in as I think we will, there are debates yet to us into this mess, and now that same Iraq even deeper, or are we strong enough to come about the best way to do that—whether stubbornness is counseling us to send start climbing out? we should fence off funds to prevent an esca- still more soldiers and more Marines We need a stronger America, a more se- lation, for example. I look forward to those into an Iraqi civil war. cure America and that begins with a rejection conversations. But today is a more funda- Our service men and women have of the failed strategy in Iraq. mental question about the direction of our been heroic. They have been confronted It has now been nearly 4 years since the country. with repeated civilian failures of lead- President declared that in Iraq, our mission We can withdraw from Iraq without with- ership, ill equipped and under equipped, was accomplished. drawing from the fight. We can be strong and yet in increasingly untenable posi- Four years of disintegration. Four years of enough to climb out of that hole. For our tions they have been unflinching and unfounded insistence that the turning point is troops, for their families, and for our Nation’s have been uncomplaining in their right around the corner. strength and security, I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote. shouldering of every burden we have Are we digging deeper, or climbing out? The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. asked of them, and they have done it We have watched a child hug their parents ELLISON). The Chair will recognize both with dignity and professionalism. But tight on the tarmac—only to have to let go as sides for 2 additional minutes. it is not right. It is not right to ask Morn or Dad is deployed for the second, third, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I them, to ask the military to bear the or even fourth time. would like to consume the remaining 2 burden of the responsibility of solving We have stood at the graveside with a minutes. And I would like to say to all someone else’s civil war. It is not right, grieving family as a Gold Star mother accepts Members that although the debate to- and it won’t work. a folded American flag. night may have seemed uncivil at Instead of closing our eyes and cross- We have visited our Nation’s newest vet- times, this is the wonderful process ing our fingers and giving this Presi- erans in the hospital, their bodies and minds that we have here in democracy in this dent a rubber stamp for an endless civil scarred by the horrors of war. wonderful country, my adopted home- war in Iraq, we should be beginning to Are we digging deeper, or climbing out? land. And my colleague from Massa- move our country back to a common- Each day we all see, with our own eyes, the chusetts (Mr. DELAHUNT) and I disagree sense policy of strength through lead- carnage and the chaos that has become the on so many issues, and yet we under- ership. norm in Iraq. stand that this is indeed the greatest Our choice tonight is clear: Keep The administration’s bull-headed insistence country in the world. We want peace digging, or climb our way out of this on ideology over strategy has led us to where and stability to all oppressed people hole. I think this Congress will decide we are today. And now, that same stubborn- throughout the world. to start climbing our way out. ness is counseling some to send still more of I happen to believe that the mission And there will be many who will say, our soldiers and marines into an Iraqi civil war. of the United States of America and what will we do then? I will say, well, Our current course is failing in Iraq. It’s fail- the mission of the men and women who maybe we will propose to fence off the ing the bigger struggle against our terrorist en- wear our Nation’s uniform is a noble funds as many have suggested. That emies. It’s failing our troops and their families. one. It is noble to stand up for freedom will be a debate for another day. That And it’s failing our core values as Americans. and for democracy; it is noble to fight will be a debate for another day wheth- I won’t settle for that failure. We must against the radical Islamic Jihadists, er we will fence off the funds. But to- change course. We must begin to climb out of who I believe do want to destroy our night will be the debate, and tomorrow the hole in Iraq. country, who want to destroy our allies will be the decision as to whether we Democrats, Republicans, generals, and like Israel, and want to destroy our will vote to go in that direction. So you can say it is a meaningless, most importantly, the American people now way of life. I believe that the mission is nonbinding resolution all you want, see that it is time for a new plan; it is time to just and I think that those who say we but it is the first conversation as to embrace a new approach. cannot stay the course, then how could which direction we are going to go, and Our service men and women have been he- they be against the decision of the that is the direction we have to decide, roic. Confronted with repeated civilian failures President to send reinforcements? Be- and I vote that we go in the direction of leadership, underequipped, and in an in- cause the decision of the President of starting to move our way and our creasingly untenable position, our troops have says that staying the course is not the troops out of Iraq. not flinched, they have not complained, they right motion for the United States to Mr. Speaker, ‘‘if we examine the history of have shouldered every burden we ask of them make. We want to change the course. the conflict, we find the dismal story repeated with dignity and professionalism. We want a new way forward. And the time after time. Every time—at every crisis— But it is not right to place upon our military way forward is to send reinforcements we have denied that anything was wrong; sent the responsibility of solving someone else’s to those brave men and women who are more troops; and issued more confident com- civil war. It’s not right, and it won’t work. wearing proudly our Nation’s uniform, muniques. Every time, we have been assured Instead of closing our eyes, crossing our fin- who are standing in harm’s way, and that this one last step would bring victory. And gers, and giving the President a rubber stamp we want to give them everything that every time, the predictions and promises have for endless war in Iraq, we should begin mov- they need to succeed in their mission. failed and been forgotten, and the demand ing our country back to a commonsense policy I have been to Iraq as have many has been made again for just one more step of strength through leadership. Members and I have come to under- up the ladder. . . . And once again the Presi- Our strong leaders of the last century, like stand what their mission has been and dent tells us that ‘we are going to win’; ‘victory’ Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, and they say, ‘‘Don’t just say we support is coming.’’ Reagan, recognized that while American mili- our troops. Say you support our mis- My uncle, Robert Kennedy, spoke these tary might was important, American values sion. Don’t leave us out there in the words in March 1968, It took another 5 years were our greatest strength. field.’’ and another 37,455 American lives before a We rallied the world in the Second World And as I said in my previous re- U.S. President finally withdrew American War and defeated the Soviets in the cold war marks, Mr. Speaker, this is going to be troops from Vietnam. on the strength of our Nation’s democratic an escalation and we will soon be cut- I will not stand by, the American people will ideals. For the entire 20th century, we led by ting off funding for our troops and not stand by, and allow the President to re- our example, and by the force of our prin- leave them in harm’s way. That is a peat that mistake. ciples. dangerous path. Some disparage this resolution because it’s While military action will continue to be a The SPEAKER pro tempore. The nonbinding. But with due respect, I couldn’t necessary component of our current struggle, Chair recognizes the gentleman from disagree more. This resolution represents a ultimate victory against this generation of en- Massachusetts. fundamental policy choice by this Congress. emies will similarly be won not on the battle- Mr. DELAHUNT. Thank you, Mr. It’s about whether you agree with doubling field, but in the minds of millions around the Speaker. down the President’s high stakes gamble with world. That victory is impossible while we are I agree with my friend and colleague American lives. in the middle of Iraq’s civil war. from Florida. This is a special country

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:54 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.192 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1666 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 and a special Nation and our men and tration has squandered their credibility by los- sider the consequences of support for this ill- women who are serving us in Iraq are ing billions in reconstruction funds, failing to conceived resolution. This is a time of war, special to us, to all of us. adequately equip our troops, and failing to de- one that is not of our choosing. Militant The article that I alluded to earlier velop a clear plan for reconstruction in Iraq. Islamists have been at war with America for and mentioned the name of Private It is time for the Iraqi people to stand up decades, and they have grown more dan- Clausen, I would like to quote from and for the United States to begin a phased gerous each year, as we tragically learned a other soldiers who are in Baghdad cur- redeployment to protect American interests little more than five years ago. rently who are fighting, are in the and take our troops out of the direct line of With overwhelming bipartisan determination, combat, and their observations, and I fire. we voted to authorize military action in Iraq in would encourage my colleagues on both In closing, this war has created a new gen- 2002. Retreat from our current mission would sides to listen to their words. They get eration of veterans with new disabilities not communicate to Al Qaeda and jihadists it. They understand. They know what seen in past wars. Adding insult to injury, the around the world that the United States is is happening on the ground. They know president’s recent budget proposal lacks ade- fainthearted, and we could expect more hor- the reality of Iraq. quate funding for our veterans returning home. rific attacks on American soil than we saw on Lieutenant Antonio Hardy. These are Researching post-traumatic stress disorder, 9/11. his words: improving suicide prevention, and providing Let me be clear—I am troubled by the last ‘‘To be honest, it’s going to be like adequate funding for prosthetics are crucial year’s increased level of violence in Iraq; we this for a long time to come, no matter budget needs to serve our new veterans. all are. But this resolution can only exacerbate what we do. I think some people in On a recent trip to the Walter Reed Army the problem. Our service men and women de- Medical Center, I met with several of our America don’t want to know about all serve better from us. And we, Madam Speak- wounded soldiers. I pledge to them—and to all this violence, about all the killings. er, regardless of party, are better than this. our men and women in uniform—that your The people back home are shielded May God bless our troops. from it. They get it sugar-coated.’’ country will take care of you. And I urge my The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Sergeant Herbert Gill: colleagues to support this resolution. ant to section 3 of House Resolution ‘‘What is victory supposed to look Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise 157, further proceedings on the concur- like? Every time we turn around and today in fervent support of the brave men and rent resolution will be postponed. go into a new area, there’s somebody women of our Armed Forces currently serving waiting to kill us. Once more raids in Iraq. While American soldiers and Marines f start happening, they’ll melt away. courageously risk their lives to confront a de- REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- And then 2 or 3 months later, when we termined enemy in Iraq, the Democrat leader- VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF leave and we say it’s a success, they’ll ship in Congress offers this resolution. The MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE come back.’’ spineless resolution under consideration would RULES Our troops get it. undermine our military commanders’ plan for I referred earlier to Private Zack victory in this ongoing struggle. Mr. WELCH of Vermont (during con- Clausen. Let me repeat his words: ‘‘We This act of political posturing strikes me as sideration of H. Con. Res. 63) from the can get into a firefight and empty our inconsistent with pledges of support for our Committee on Rules, submitted a priv- ammo, but it doesn’t accomplish much. troops. We cannot simultaneously claim to ileged report (Rept. No. 110–13) on the This is not our war—we’re in the mid- support the troops while calling into question resolution (H. Res. 161) providing for dle.’’ the validity of their mission. The question, consideration of motions to suspend Listen to these voices. These are not Madam Speaker, quite simply, is this: to fund the rules, which was referred to the the voices that come and appear before or not to fund. If this Congress intends to pro- House Calendar and ordered to be us in congressional hearings. These are vide our service men and women with the printed. our brothers, our children, our sons, funds they need to achieve their mission, and f our daughters that are serving every we must, it follows that funding ought to go LEAVE OF ABSENCE day in Baghdad. Let’s listen to the hand-in-hand with resolute commitment in troops. support of their current mission. By unanimous consent, leave of ab- Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today If not this plan, what plan? Before you an- sence was granted to: with a profound debt of gratitude for our men swer that, recognize that Congress is not, and Mr. CRAMER (at the request of Mr. and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. has never been, tasked with administering a HOYER) for February 13, on account of Our brave soldiers are remarkable. They war. No successful war in the history of man- a death in the family. find themselves in a foreign land with regional kind has ever been managed by the legislative f branch of any government. And no credible al- conflicts that date back over a thousand years. SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED However, they don’t run and hide. They fight. ternative for victory in Iraq has emerged from They risk their lives helping to encourage and any member of this institution. By unanimous consent, permission to teach the Iraqis to take over their own destiny. I find it curious that not a single Senator op- address the House, following the legis- Our Nation’s sons and daughters deserve posed the confirmation of General Petraeus as lative program and any special orders nothing short of unconditional gratitude and Commanding General of our troops in Iraq. heretofore entered, was granted to: support from their government and the Amer- General Petraeus is the coauthor of the (The following Member (at the re- ican people. As long as I am in Congress, our Army’s new official counterinsurgency doctrine quest of Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) to revise soldiers will have an ally. that this resolution seeks to undermine. Yet, and extend his remarks and include ex- As a veteran, and a father, I will always fight only weeks later, this body seeks to pull the traneous material:) to protect those who defend their country. I rug out from under General Petraeus through Mr. GINGREY, for 5 minutes, February will fight for equipment and supplies. I will fight this resolution. Such political posturing is 16. for their safety and protection. I will make sure shameful, but unfortunately it is anything but f they return home to their loved ones as quick- petty, as the consequences could be deadly. ENROLLED BILL SIGNED ly as possible. And I pledge they will NOT be Members of Congress may be able to con- forgotten once they return home. vince themselves of all sorts of contradictory Mrs. Haas, Clerk of the House, re- But I will not support sending over 20,000 positions and logical inconsistencies through ported and found truly enrolled a joint more young men and women into a fight with- double-speak, but our service members know resolution of the House of the following out a plan to win and get them home. We can- weakness when they see it. Thank God our title, which was thereupon signed by not send more Americans into harm’s way to troops are men and women of resolve and in- the Speaker: instill a peace that the Iraqis are not willing to tegrity. If you want to endanger even more H.J. Res. 20. Joint resolution making fur- seek for themselves. Americans in the field and usher in an Amer- ther continuing appropriations for the fiscal The solutions now are political not military. ican defeat in Iraq, the surest way to do so is year 2007, and for other purposes. The Iraq Study Group urged the president to to demonstrate a lack of commitment from this f pursue a diplomatic solution alongside our House, and therein embolden the enemies our ADJOURNMENT military efforts. troops are battling right now. But this president has decided to ignore the I don’t believe that’s what anybody in this Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I diplomatic side of the equation. This adminis- body wants, so I urge my colleagues to con- move that the House do now adjourn.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:54 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00100 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.193 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1667 The motion was agreed to. logical products, and for other purposes; to ernize the quality improvement organization The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the Committee on Energy and Commerce, (QIO) program; to the Committee on Energy ant to House Resolution 159, the House and in addition to the Committee on the Ju- and Commerce, and in addition to the Com- mittee on Ways and Means, for a period to be stands adjourned until 10 a.m. today, diciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for subsequently determined by the Speaker, in as a further mark of respect to the consideration of such provisions as fall with- each case for consideration of such provi- memory of the late Honorable CHARLIE in the jurisdiction of the committee con- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the NORWOOD. cerned. committee concerned. Thereupon (at 12 o’clock and 1 By Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself, Mr. By Mr. CLAY: minute a.m.), pursuant to House Reso- LUCAS, Ms. FALLIN, and Mr. BOREN): H.R. 1047. A bill to authorize the Secretary H.R. 1039. A bill to direct the Secretary of of the Interior to conduct a study to deter- lution 159, the House adjourned as a mine the suitability and feasibility of desig- further mark of respect to the memory the Interior to conduct a special resources study regarding the suitability and feasi- nating the Soldiers’ Memorial Military Mu- of the late Honorable CHARLIE NOR- bility of designating the John Hope Franklin seum located in St. Louis, Missouri, as a WOOD until today, Thursday, February Greenwood Memorial/Museum of Reconcili- unit of the National Park System; to the 15, 2007, at 10 a.m. ation and other sites in Tulsa, Oklahoma, re- Committee on Natural Resources. By Mr. FERGUSON: f lating to the 1921 Tulsa race riot as a unit of the National Park System, and for other H.R. 1048. A bill to establish a program to transfer surplus computers of Federal agen- EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, purposes; to the Committee on Natural Re- cies to schools, nonprofit community-based ETC. sources. educational organizations, and families of By Mr. BURGESS (for himself, Mrs. Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive members of the Armed Forces who are de- DRAKE, and Mrs. MYRICK): ployed, and for other purposes; to the Com- communications were taken from the H.R. 1040. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- mittee on Oversight and Government Re- Speaker’s table and referred as follows: enue Code of 1986 to provide taxpayers a flat form. tax alternative to the current income tax 602. A letter from the Director, Office of By Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey (for Legislative Affairs, Federal Deposit Insur- system; to the Committee on Ways and himself, Mr. HENSARLING, Mr. ance Corporation, transmitting the Corpora- Means, and in addition to the Committee on FEENEY, Mr. PRICE of Georgia, Mr. tion’s final rule — Deposit Insurance Assess- Rules, for a period to be subsequently deter- PAUL, Mr. GINGREY, Mr. WESTMORE- ments—Designated Reserve Ratio (RIN: 3064- mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- LAND, Mr. CARTER, Mr. GOODE, Mrs. AD02) — received December 29, 2006, pursu- sideration of such provisions as fall within MYRICK, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. LAMBORN, ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Mr. FLAKE, Mr. AKIN, Mr. ROYCE, and on Financial Services. By Mr. SMITH of New Jersey (for him- Mr. NEUGEBAUER): 603. A letter from the Director, Office of self, Mr. SAXTON, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. H.R. 1049. A bill to reduce the unintended Legislative Affairs, Federal Deposit Insur- MCCAUL of Texas, and Mr. costs and burdens that the Sarbanes-Oxley ance Corporation, transmitting the Corpora- DELAHUNT): Act of 2002 imposes on United States busi- tion’s final rule — Assessments (RIN: 3064- H.R. 1041. A bill to amend title 38, United nesses, while maintaining that Act’s goals of AD03) — received December 29, 2006, pursu- States Code, to provide an enhanced funding bolstering confidence in the integrity of pub- ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee process to ensure an adequate level of fund- licly held companies; to the Committee on on Financial Services. ing for veterans health care programs of the Financial Services. 604. A letter from the Chief, Publications Department of Veterans Affairs, to establish By Ms. LEE: and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue standards of access to care for veterans seek- H.R. 1050. A bill to establish a living wage, Service, transmitting the Service’s final rule ing health care from the Department of Vet- jobs for all policy for all peoples in the — General rule for taxable year of deduction erans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the United States and its territories, and for (Rev. Rul. 2007-3) received January 3, 2007, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. other purposes; to the Committee on Edu- pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- By Mr. HENSARLING: cation and Labor, and in addition to the mittee on Ways and Means. H.R. 1042. A bill to extend trade promotion Committees on the Budget, Armed Services, 605. A letter from the Chief, Publications authority; to the Committee on Ways and and Rules, for a period to be subsequently and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Means, and in addition to the Committee on determined by the Speaker, in each case for Service, transmitting the Service’s final rule Rules, for a period to be subsequently deter- consideration of such provisions as fall with- — Classification of Certain Foreign Entities mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- in the jurisdiction of the committee con- [Notice 2007-10] received January 7, 2007, pur- sideration of such provisions as fall within cerned. suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. By Mr. HOLT (for himself, Mr. REGULA, mittee on Ways and Means. By Mrs. JONES of Ohio (for herself, Mr. HINOJOSA, Mrs. BIGGERT, Ms. 606. A letter from the Chief, Publications Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Mr. WOOLSEY, Mr. WOLF, Mr. GRIJALVA, and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue NEAL of Massachusetts, Mr. EMAN- Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS, Mr. EMAN- Service, transmitting the Service’s final rule UEL, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. PASCRELL, UEL, Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, — Closing agreements (Rev. Proc. 2007-17) re- Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. DAVIS of Alabama, Mr. PUTNAM, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. BERMAN, ceived January 3, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Mr. TURNER, Mr. HOLT, Mr. MILLER of Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Ways and Florida, Mr. MARSHALL, Mr. PAUL, CUMMINGS, Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Means. Mr. EHLERS, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. JOHN- SCHIFF, Mr. MILLER of North Caro- SON of Georgia, Ms. LEE, Mr. LIPIN- f lina, Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota, SKI, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California, REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. Mr. MCNERNEY, Mr. PRICE of North PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ROSS, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Carolina, Mr. SMITH of Washington, Texas, Ms. HERSETH, Ms. CARSON, and Mr. STARK, and Ms. SUTTON): Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of Mr. FILNER): H.R. 1051. A bill to direct the Secretary of committees were delivered to the Clerk H.R. 1043. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Education to establish and maintain a public for printing and reference to the proper enue Code of 1986 to modify the rehabilita- website through which individuals may find calendar, as follows: tion credit and the low-income housing cred- a complete database of available scholar- it; to the Committee on Ways and Means. ships, fellowships, and other programs of fi- Mr. ARCURI: Committee on Rules. House By Mr. BAKER (for himself, Mr. nancial assistance in the study of science, Resolution 161. Resolution providing for MELANCON, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mr. ALEX- technology, engineering, and mathematics; considertion of motions to suspend the rules ANDER, Mr. JEFFERSON, Mr. MCCRERY, to the Committee on Education and Labor. (Rept. 110–13). Referred to the House Cal- and Mr. JINDAL): By Mr. JEFFERSON (for himself, Mr. endar. H.R. 1044. A bill to improve the disaster MELANCON, Ms. KILPATRICK, Mr. f loan program of the Small Business Adminis- HASTINGS of Florida, Ms. JACKSON- tration, and for other purposes; to the Com- LEE of Texas, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS mittee on Small Business. Ms. LEE, Mr. CLAY, Ms. MILLENDER- Under clause 2 of rule XII, public By Mr. BOSWELL (for himself and Mr. MCDONALD, Mr. WATT, Ms. EDDIE bills and resolutions were introduced REGULA): BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. H.R. 1045. A bill to designate the Federal WYNN, Ms. NORTON, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, and severally referred, as follows: building located at 210 Walnut Street in Des and Mrs. CHRISTENSEN): By Mr. WAXMAN (for himself, Mrs. Moines, Iowa, as the ‘‘Neal Smith Federal H.R. 1052. A bill to provide an option to EMERSON, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. EMAN- Building‘‘; to the Committee on Transpor- proceed with an action in any Federal court UEL, and Ms. HIRONO): tation and Infrastructure. to recover actual damages for physical or H.R. 1038. A bill to amend the Public By Mr. BURGESS: property damage in a major disaster that Health Service Act to provide for the licens- H.R. 1046. A bill to amend titles XI and proximately results from the failure or neg- ing of comparable and interchangeable bio- XVIII of the Social Security Act to mod- ligence of the Army Corps of Engineers in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:21 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE7.198 H14FEPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with HOUSE H1668 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 14, 2007 the design, construction, or maintenance of elementary and secondary school teachers; ipal governments, universities, companies, a project for which the Corps is legally re- to the Committee on Ways and Means. and other institutions in the United States, sponsible; to the Committee on the Judici- By Mr. PAUL: and all Americans to divest from companies ary, and in addition to the Committee on H.R. 1060. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- that do business with Sudan; to the Com- Transportation and Infrastructure, for a pe- enue Code of 1986 to provide a tax credit for mittee on Financial Services. riod to be subsequently determined by the professional school personnel in pre-kinder- f Speaker, in each case for consideration of garten, kindergarten, and grades 1 through such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- 12; to the Committee on Ways and Means. ADDITIONAL SPONSORS tion of the committee concerned. By Ms. SLAUGHTER (for herself, Mr. Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors By Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California MCHUGH, Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota, were added to public bills and resolu- (for himself, Mr. CAMPBELL of Cali- and Mr. MANZULLO): fornia, and Mr. CALVERT): H.R. 1061. A bill to implement the Western tions as follows: H.R. 1053. A bill to authorize the Secretary Hemisphere Travel Initiative and other reg- H.R. 37: Mr. MILLER of Florida. of Transportation to carry out certain trans- istered traveler programs of the Department H.R. 91: Mr. MILLER of Florida. portation projects in the State of California of Homeland Security; to the Committee on H.R. 156: Mr. EMANUEL, Ms. NORTON, and to relieve congestion on State Route 91; to Homeland Security, and in addition to the Ms. BORDALLO. the Committee on Transportation and Infra- Committees on Foreign Affairs, and the Ju- H.R. 180: Mr. BERMAN, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. structure. diciary, for a period to be subsequently de- WEXLER, Mr. RUSH, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. FRANK of By Ms. NORTON: termined by the Speaker, in each case for Massachusetts, and Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. H.R. 1054. A bill to amend the District of consideration of such provisions as fall with- H.R. 201: Mr. STARK. Columbia Home Rule Act to eliminate Con- in the jurisdiction of the committee con- H.R. 207: Mr. HARE. gressional review of newly-passed District cerned. H.R. 251: Ms. MATSUI. laws; to the Committee on Oversight and By Mr. ROGERS of Michigan: H.R. 279: Mrs. BLACKBURN. Government Reform, and in addition to the H. Con. Res. 65. Concurrent resolution dis- H.R. 297: Mr. SHAYS. Committee on Rules, for a period to be sub- agreeing with the plan announced by the H.R. 325: Mr. RANGEL. sequently determined by the Speaker, in President on January 10, 2007, to increase by H.R. 327: Mr. RAMSTAD, Mr. COHEN, Mr. each case for consideration of such provi- more than 20,000 the number of United States ELLISON, Mr. ACKERMAN, and Mr. VISCLOSKY. sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the combat troops in Iraq, and urging the Presi- H.R. 333: Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia committee concerned. dent instead to consider options and alter- and Mr. ALLEN. By Mr. PALLONE (for himself, Ms. natives for achieving success in Iraq; to the H.R. 358: Mr. CRAMER, Mr. GOHMERT, and SOLIS, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. BRADY of Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addi- Mr. PEARCE. Pennsylvania, Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. tion to the Committee on Armed Services, H.R. 400: Ms. HARMAN and Mr. KILDEE. LANTOS, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. for a period to be subsequently determined H.R. 403: Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. FRANK of Massachusetts, Ms. by the Speaker, in each case for consider- H.R. 462: Mr. PAUL and Mr. ISRAEL. SCHWARTZ, Mr. ROTHMAN, Mr. INSLEE, ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- H.R. 488: Mr. ACKERMAN. Ms. MATSUI, Mr. MCGOVERN, Ms. risdiction of the committee concerned. H.R. 489: Mrs. MUSGRAVE. WOOLSEY, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. GEORGE By Mr. DEAL of Georgia: H.R. 493: Ms. SUTTON and Mr. STUPAK. MILLER of California, Mr. WEXLER, H. Res. 159. A resolution expressing the H.R. 503: Mrs. NAPOLITANO and Mrs. DAVIS Mr. MARKEY, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. WEINER, condolences of the House of Representatives of California. Mr. CONYERS, Mr. WAXMAN, Ms. on the death of the Honorable Charlie Nor- H.R. 539: Mr. KING of New York, Mr. ´ LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California, Mr. wood, a Representative of the State of Geor- PALLONE, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mrs. gia; considered and agreed to. ALLEN, and Mr. CALVERT. CAPPS, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. BLUMENAUER, By Mr. GORDON (for himself and Mr. H.R. 545: Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. SERRANO, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Ms. HALL of Texas): H.R. 566: Mr. ELLISON. CASTOR, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. HOLT, H. Res. 160. A resolution providing H.R. 570: Mr. SOUDER and Mr. HOEKSTRA. Ms. HIRONO, Mr. SIRES, Mr. amounts for the expenses of the Committee H.R. 581: Mr. NEUGEBAUER and Mr. SHAD- PASCRELL, Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. on Science and Technology in the One Hun- EGG. HONDA, Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. CLAY, Mr. dred Tenth Congress; to the Committee on H.R. 584: Mr. LANTOS, Ms. CARSON, and Mr. ELLISON, Ms. MCCOLLUM of Min- House Administration. BOSWELL. nesota, Mr. OLVER, Ms. KILPATRICK, By Mr. COHEN (for himself, Mr. RAN- H.R. 588: Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. Mr. NADLER, Mr. WYNN, Mr. LEVIN, GEL, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. MOORE of Kan- HOLT, Mr. INSLEE, Mrs. MALONEY of New Mr. DOYLE, Ms. BALDWIN, and Mr. sas, Ms. LEE, Mrs. JONES of Ohio, Mr. York, Mr. MOORE of Kansas, Ms. ROYBAL-AL- FARR): PAYNE, Mr. TOWNS, Mrs. LARD, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. THOMPSON of H.R. 1055. A bill to amend the Emergency CHRISTENSEN, Mr. JEFFERSON, Mr. California, Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota, and Planning and Community Right-to-Know HASTINGS of Florida, Ms. JACKSON- Mr. BOREN. Act of 1986 to strike a provision relating to LEE of Texas, Ms. CORRINE BROWN of H.R. 592: Mr. TOWNS, Ms. NORTON, and Mr. modifications in reporting frequency; to the Florida, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. DAVIS of ORTIZ. Committee on Energy and Commerce. Illinois, Mr. LEVIN, Ms. NORTON, Mrs. H.R. 594: Ms. BALDWIN and Ms. SUTTON. By Mr. PAUL (for himself, Mr. FEENEY, SCHMIDT, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. H.R. 620: Mr. CHANDLER, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. RUSH, and Mr. SENSENBRENNER): FATTAH, Mr. SERRANO, Mrs. MALONEY Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, and Mr. ROTHMAN. H.R. 1056. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- H.R. 628: Mr. SAXTON, Mr. WEXLER, Mr. enue Code of 1986 to allow individuals a cred- of New York, Ms. KILPATRICK, Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey, Mrs. DRAKE, Mr. it against income tax for tuition and related MEEK of Florida, Mr. SMITH of Wash- CALVERT, and Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. expenses for public and nonpublic elemen- ington, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. H.R. 656: Mr. CARNEY. tary and secondary education; to the Com- CUMMINGS, Mr. EMANUEL, Mr. H.R. 677: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. mittee on Ways and Means. BUTTERFIELD, Ms. MILLENDER- H.R. 678: Ms. HIRONO. By Mr. PAUL (for himself, Mr. BART- MCDONALD, Ms. CARSON, Ms. H.R. 693: Mr. WYNN, Mr. RUSH, Mr. CLAY, LETT of Maryland, Mr. GARRETT of SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. THOMPSON of Mis- Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. New Jersey, and Mr. SENSEN- sissippi, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, ELLISON, Mr. MEEKS of New York, Mr. BRENNER): Mr. DOYLE, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, H.R. 1057. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. MEEK of Florida, Mr. SCOTT of enue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against ROHRABACHER, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Georgia, Ms. LEE, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, income tax for amounts contributed to char- Mr. HARE, and Mr. HOLDEN): Ms. KILPATRICK, Mr. JEFFERSON, and Mrs. itable organizations which provide elemen- H. Res. 162. A resolution recognizing the JONES of Ohio. tary or secondary school scholarships and for contributions of the Negro Baseball Leagues H.R. 695: Mr. DAVIS of Illinois and Mr. contributions of, and for, instructional mate- and their players; to the Committee on Over- COURTNEY. rials and materials for extracurricular ac- sight and Government Reform. H.R. 698: Mr. WHITFIELD, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, tivities; to the Committee on Ways and By Ms. DELAURO (for herself, Mr. Mr. COBLE, Ms. BALDWIN, and Ms. FOXX. Means. OLVER, Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, H.R. 699: Mr. BUYER, Mr. PLATTS, Mr. MAR- By Mr. PAUL (for himself and Mr. Mrs. MALONEY of New York, and Mr. SHALL, Mr. YOUNG of Florida, and Mr. WICK- MCCOTTER): FATTAH): ER. H.R. 1058. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- H. Res. 163. A resolution urging the collec- H.R. 787: Ms. NORTON. enue Code of 1986 to allow the Hope Scholar- tive judgment of both Congress and the H.R. 801: Ms. HIRONO, Ms. BALDWIN, and Mr. ship Credit to be used for elementary and President regarding the use of military force PETRI. secondary expenses; to the Committee on by the United States; to the Committee on H.R. 808: Mr. BOSWELL and Mr. OBERSTAR. Ways and Means. Foreign Affairs. H.R. 811: Mr. LAHOOD. By Mr. PAUL: By Mr. TANCREDO: H.R. 813: Mr. DREIER, Mr. ROYCE, Mr. ROHR- H.R. 1059. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- H. Res. 164. A resolution encouraging the ABACHER, Mr. CALVERT, and Ms. LORETTA enue Code of 1986 to provide a tax credit for Federal Government and State and munic- SANCHEZ of California.

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H.R. 840: Mr. HINOJOSA and Mr. MCHUGH. H.R. 997: Mr. PUTNAM, Mr. BILBRAY, and H. Res. 118: Mr. SKELTON, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. H.R. 852: Ms. MATSUI. Mr. TANCREDO. GARY G. MILLER of California, and Mr. H.R. 870: Mr. UPTON. H.R. 1010: Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. DAVIS of BISHOP of Georgia. ILDEE RIJALVA OR H.R. 878: Mr. MCDERMOTT and Ms. SHEA- Illinois, Mr. K , Mr. G , Mr. P - H. Res. 121: Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. BURTON of TER ARTLETT PORTER. , Mr. B of Maryland, and Mr. Indiana, Mrs. MALONEY of New York, Mr. IERNEY H.R. 884: Mr. SOUDER. T . GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. MORAN of H.R. 1012: Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. H.R. 886: Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. REICHERT, Virginia, Mr. ROTHMAN, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. H.R. 1026: Mr. POMEROY. and Mr. SMITH of Washington. TOWNS, Mr. FOSSELLA, and Mr. CROWLEY. H. Con. Res. 45: Mr. INGLIS of South Caro- H.R. 890: Ms. HIRONO, Ms. LINDA T. lina and Mr. SHAYS. H. Res. 135: Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas and SA´ NCHEZ of California, Mr. HARE, Mr. H. Con. Res. 48: Mr. MCCOTTER, and Mr. Mr. CLYBURN. CAPUANO, Ms. WOOLSEY, Ms. CASTOR, and Ms. KIRK. WATSON. H. Res. 136: Mrs. MALONEY of New York, H. Res. 42: Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. SKELTON, H.R. 942: Ms. MATSUI. Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota, Mr. REYES, and Mr. MARCHANT. LUNT EXLER Mrs. CAPPS, Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, H.R. 957: Mr. B , Mr. W , Mr. ONES H. Res. 53: Mrs. J of Ohio. Mr. DOYLE, Ms. BORDALLO, Ms. WASSERMAN KIRK, Mr. CANTOR, Mr. BERMAN, and Mr. H. Res. 55: Mr. ALLEN, Mr. KUCINICH, and ˜ SCHULTZ, Mr. SKELTON, Mr. SHULER, Mr. FORTUNO. Mr. SCHIFF. SERRANO, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. H.R. 971: Mr. ROGERS of Alabama, Mr. H. Res. 64: Mr. KLEIN of Florida and Mr. PAYNE, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. MORAN of Vir- COBLE, Mr. ADERHOLT, Mr. ROSS, and Mrs. MCNULTY. ginia, Mr. HINOJOSA, Ms. ESHOO, Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. H. Res. 79: Mr. KLINE of Minnesota and Mr. NAPOLITANO, and Ms. KILPATRICK. H.R. 976: Mr. MCKEON, Mr. PATRICK MUR- WAMP. PHY of Pennsylvania, Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. SKEL- H. Res. 87: Mr. PUTNAM. H. Res. 149: Mr. HARE, Mr. ROTHMAN, Mr. TON, Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas, and Mr. HERGER. H. Res. 98: Mr. WEXLER, Mr. MILLER of KUCINICH, Mr. DELAHUNT, Mr. JOHNSON of H.R. 984: Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. North Carolina, Mr. MCCAUL of Texas, and Georgia, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. SESTAK, and Ms. H.R. 985: Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. ZOE LOFGREN of California.

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Vol. 153 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2007 No. 28 Senate The Senate met at 12 noon and was U.S. SENATE, when we came here, Democrats and Re- called to order by the Honorable AMY PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, publicans alike had a real problem be- KLOBUCHAR, a Senator from the State Washington, DC, February 14, 2007. cause the last Congress only funded the To the Senate: of Minnesota. Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, Government until February 15. With of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby cooperation between Democrats and PRAYER appoint the Honorable AMY KLOBUCHAR, a Republicans, difficult negotiations The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- Senator from the State of Minnesota, to per- took place, but it was a situation fered the following prayer: form the duties of the Chair. where Senators COCHRAN and BYRD, Let us pray. ROBERT C. BYRD, who lead us in the Appropriations Com- Eternal Lord God, creator of summer President pro tempore. mittee, working with Chairman OBEY and winter, teach us to appreciate life’s Ms. KLOBUCHAR thereupon assumed on the other side of the Capitol, to- seasons. May the snow and ice that sur- the chair as Acting President pro tem- gether with all ranking members and round us today remind us of our de- pore. all chairs of the subcommittees on pendence on You in life’s sunshine and f both sides, worked through these dif- shadows. RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY ficult issues. And they were difficult. Sustain our Senators during this na- LEADER We had not enough money to do all that is necessary to be done, but we got tional season of challenge and uncer- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- tainty. Teach them that the One who it done without a single earmark. I pore. The majority leader is recog- know this was difficult. designed the seasons can order their nized. steps and direct their destinies. Meet There are issues that are so trou- their deepest needs with Your great f bling. There is a Senator on the other power and love. Strengthen their re- SCHEDULE side of the aisle, JOHNNY ISAKSON from solve to press on in their efforts to do Mr. REID. Madam President, today Georgia. I don’t know how you could Your will. following whatever time the leaders find a nicer person in the world than As they grapple with complex issues, might utilize, the Senate will be in JOHNNY ISAKSON. He is pleasant. He al- give them the peace of knowing that morning business for 1 hour, with the ways has a smile on his face. He has an You are already working on solutions. time equally divided and Senators per- issue that is really important to him Help them never to forget that You mitted to speak for up to 10 minutes concerning children and health—some- alone are the source of security, peace, each. thing that should be in this bill. It is and hope throughout the seasons of our Yesterday, cloture was invoked on not. years. We pray in Your holy Name. the continuing funding resolution by a KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, the senior Amen. vote of 71 to 26. We need to run the 30 Senator from Texas, has an issue dealing with BRAC that has bipartisan sup- f hours postcloture. Then all time will expire at 8:52 this evening. port. There are bases that we legislated PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Following morning business, we will closure for, and communities are hav- resume consideration of the funding ing difficult times as a result of these The Honorable AMY KLOBUCHAR led resolution. base closures doing all that needs to be the Pledge of Allegiance as follows: I have had discussions with the Re- done, and we promised them money to I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the publican leader about other matters allow these closures to go forward United States of America, and to the Repub- which we might consider prior to ad- without as much concern and real lic for which it stands, one nation under God, hardship. But there wasn’t anything we indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. journing for the February recess. Among those would be several judicial could do. If we had a single amendment f nominations on which I have acknowl- on this bill, it had to go back for con- edged on previous occasions we would ference. APPOINTMENT OF ACTING be able to secure a time agreement. As a result of that, it would mean PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE Members will be apprised of the likeli- that very likely we couldn’t complete The PRESIDING OFFICER. The hood or the possibility of votes today. this by tomorrow night at midnight. I clerk will please read a communication f have made commitments to a number to the Senate from the President pro of people that we are going to take tempore (Mr. BYRD.) CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS care of these things in the supple- The assistant legislative clerk read Mr. REID. Madam President, I would mental which should be here the last the following letter: like to say that this 110th Congress, week in March, and I am going to do

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

S1929

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.000 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1930 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 everything I can to make sure the RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME We have seen since August 2003, em- process on the supplemental is as open The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ployment has expanded over 41 con- and free as people think it should be. pore. Under the previous order, the secutive months—creating 7.4 million We will be as patient as we can be to leadership time is reserved. new jobs in America. This timeframe is work our way through this. I have told not accidental. In 2003, we passed some the distinguished Republican leader f of the tax relief which is largely re- that vehicle will be open to amend- MORNING BUSINESS sponsible for giving the American ments. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- worker greater incentive to work hard So I think we have done very good pore. Under the previous order, there and to save their money and invest it work. Legislation is the art of com- will be a period for the transaction of in their small business, thus creating promise and consensus building, and I morning business for up to 60 minutes, jobs and opportunity for all Americans. appreciate very much the Republicans with Senators permitted to speak for This has created the sort of freedom supporting this. There were some who up to 10 minutes each, and the time that is always demonstrated in the didn’t and I understand that and I un- equally divided between the two sides. strength of our burgeoning economy. It derstand why. What we did yesterday is as a result of not Government action f in invoking cloture on this bill is a per se but, rather, the freedom we have step forward to allowing us to get the ORDER OF PROCEDURE given the economy and the hard-work- country’s financial affairs in order. I Mr. REID. Madam President, I ask ing American taxpayer to keep more of have talked to Senator BYRD. I have unanimous consent that Senator what they earn and creating an incen- spoken to Senator COCHRAN. I have spo- COBURN be recognized for up to 1 hour tive for them to work hard and be able ken to the distinguished Republican at 3:15 p.m. today, not to exceed the 1- to earn more to support their family leader. We are all going to do our very hour time. and their way of life. utmost this year to get appropriations The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- The third chart demonstrates the bills done. We are going to be able to pore. Without objection, it is so or- economic picture is not as the distin- do that now that this CR is going to be dered. guished majority leader said, ‘‘bleak’’ out of the way either today early on or, The Senator from Texas is recog- but demonstrates that revenue to the if we can’t work anything out, when nized. Federal Treasury has exceeded all his- the time expires tonight. Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, I torical precedent. Indeed, this last pro- So, again, I want to express my ap- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- jection is that in 2007 we will see it increase by 18.5 percent, and you can see preciation publicly to everyone who ator from Colorado, Mr. SALAZAR, be worked on this matter. There were peo- recognized following my remarks. above the line on this chart that rep- ple who voted against the bill who were The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- resents historical averages. Each of the a part of the process of working things pore. Without objection, it is so or- following years leading up to 2012 will out. I have spent time on this issue dered. exceed that historical average. Again, the economy is stronger than ever and with the senior Senator from New Mex- f ico. I have spent a lot of time with continues to grow because of our cur- him. He and I did that Energy and STATE OF THE ECONOMY rent low tax and progrowth policies. Unfortunately, this is a lesson that Water Subcommittee for many years as Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, on Washington sometimes forgets because chairman and ranking member. We Monday the distinguished majority when given the opportunity, the in- went back and forth. He didn’t get ev- leader took to the floor and bemoaned stinct of Washington is to increase erything he wanted, but he got quite a the state of our economy, calling our Federal revenue by increasing taxes. I bit. I am not going to go through the economic future bleak. As surprised as don’t think you need to know much whole rollcall of others with whom we I was by those comments, I thought it about human nature to know that high worked on this to try to make it as was even more important to come taxes decrease the incentive we all easy a slide as possible. But anyway I down to the floor and to respond and to have to work hard. What that does is am glad it is done. It is good for the provide, I think, a much different pic- actually have a wet-blanket effect on country. ture than that depicted by the distin- the economy and on the ability of guished majority leader. small businesses and employers to cre- f It is ironic the same date those com- ate jobs which create the kind of eco- ments were made, the Associated Press nomic growth and the kind of revenue reported a story that leads with this MEASURE PLACED ON THE our tax system generates as a result of paragraph: CALENDAR—S. 574 strong economic activity. The deficit for the first four months of the Mr. REID. Madam President, I know I am worried that even with the cur- current budget year is down sharply from rent continuing resolution that is in there are Senators wishing to speak, the same period a year ago as the govern- but I just want to say a few more words ment continues to benefit from record levels the Senate now that cuts $3.1 billion on a different subject. First of all, S. of tax collections. from defense spending at a time when 574 is at the desk and due for a second The Treasury Department reported Mon- we are trying to bring our troops home reading. day that the deficit for the budget year that from Europe and Asia and to provide The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- began October 1 was down 57.2 percent from them a place to come home to, that the the same period a year ago. pore. The clerk will report the bill by solution offered by the distinguished title for a second time. That same article goes on to say: chairman of the Committee on Appro- The assistant legislative clerk read The continued strong growth in revenues priations is ‘‘Don’t worry, we will add as follows: reflects the record profits corporations have that money back in when we get to the been recording in recent years and the low supplemental appropriations bill.’’ A bill (S. 574) to express the sense of Con- levels of unemployment, which means more The problem with that is the $3.1 bil- gress on Iraq. Americans are working and paying taxes. lion that has been spent out of the cur- Mr. REID. Madam President, I object If this is ‘‘bleak’’ economic news, I rent continuing resolution or Omnibus to any further proceedings with respect would love to see what good economic appropriations bill on things other to this bill. news might look like. than our military, that money has now The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- I have a few charts that provide a been spent on other programs that are pore. Objection is heard. The bill will more accurate picture of exactly where favored by the new majority. What be placed on the calendar. we stand in terms of the American they are saying is, instead of spending (The remarks of Mr. REID pertaining economy today. This first chart dem- $3.1 billion, we will spend $6.2 billion— to the introduction of S. 579 and S. 588 onstrates for 21 consecutive quarters the $3.1 on things other than defense, are located in today’s RECORD under we have seen the U.S. economy grow, but we will come back later and make ‘‘Statements on Introduced bills and including the latest quarter where the the defense budget whole but in a way Joint Resolutions.’’) economy grew by 3.5 percent. that aggravates the budget deficit.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.005 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1931 Of course, the consequence of that Let me thank my colleagues. Let me the great leadership of Senator TOM kind of spending policy which has a thank my colleague from Colorado for HARKIN from Iowa, we will be able to tendency to aggravate the deficit lays letting me share with all how much we put together a farm bill that will help the groundwork for our colleagues on enjoy these new lives in our family on revitalize rural America and will help the other side to say, the American this Valentines Day. us put the spotlight on what has been people are not taxed enough. We need I yield the floor. the forgotten America. to actually raise taxes in order to gen- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Even as we start the process of mov- erate more revenue to pay for this ad- pore. The Senator from Colorado is rec- ing forward and addressing the issues ditional spending. ognized. set forth in the 10 titles of the farm This is exactly the kind of response Mr. SALAZAR. Madam President, let bill, we already see some statistics we do not need. As demonstrated by me congratulate my good friend from that to all of us should be alarming. At the charts, as demonstrated by the Idaho, Senator CRAIG and Suzanne and a hearing we had earlier this week, booming economy, we have, as a result their grandchildren, Lily and Damon. I there was testimony provided to us of the low tax policy and the progrowth wish your family the very best. The that the per capita investment in rural policies of the last 6 years, the Amer- family in Idaho, obviously, is where the America is about $550 less than it is in ican economy could not be stronger or roots are. Our families are so impor- urban communities. That is because better. tant to all of us, and we appreciate the the formulas we have for community I hope we will all be edified by this Senator coming to the floor and shar- development block grants and other in- factual data demonstrated on the ing that special valentine message not vestments the Federal Government charts and that the misimpression that only with the family but with the Na- makes to help communities ends up, in the distinguished majority leader was tion and our colleagues in the Senate. a very disappointing way, affecting under when he called the economy f rural communities in these negative bleak will be now disabused. I hope he FORGOTTEN AMERICA ways. I am hopeful, as we move forward will see from the charts and from my with the farm bill, we will be able to comments—not because I said it but Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, I come to the Senate to speak about the for- correct some of these disparities and because this is what the facts dem- create new opportunities for rural onstrate—the low tax and progrowth gotten America. That is the rural America which is a wide expanse of the America. policies we have had over the last 6 We will see one of those opportuni- years have served the American people geographic area of these United States. When I came to the Senate 2 years ago, ties created with our efforts to grow very well and that 7.4 million new jobs our way to energy independence. The have been created in America since Au- I gave my maiden speech about forgotten America, the rural parts of our fact of the matter is, both Democrats gust 2003. That, indeed, should be what and Republicans, progressives and con- we are all about. country which have been in decline decade after decade after decade. servatives, are coming together to rec- I yield the floor. ognize the fact that growing our way to The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- I did so because if you look at my energy independence is a matter of na- pore. The Senator from Idaho is recog- own history, I come from a place that tional security, a matter of economic nized. is 300 miles to the south of Denver, a Mr. CRAIG. The Senator from Colo- place that has the name of Conejos, in security, and a matter of environ- rado is going to speak a little longer, English meaning rabbit county. It is mental security. I am tremendously but he has agreed I can interject my- one of the four poorest counties in the optimistic about what we can do with self but for a moment. United States of America. In that the new farm bill. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- county, as in so many counties across Mr. President, today I speak briefly pore. The Senator is recognized. America, you see the kinds of problems about two pieces of legislation I have introduced or will soon be introducing f that describe the two Americas we have. We have the America of pros- that are part of that agenda to try to A VALENTINE TO MY FAMILY perity, much of that part of America help rural America. The first, a bipar- Mr. CRAIG. Madam President, today lying within the metropolitan areas of tisan legislation that creates a rural is an essential day in my life. It is not our great Nation, and we have the leasing institute. It is legislation just Valentines Day. It happens to be other America, the forgotten America, which I am proudly sponsoring with the anniversary of the first date I had the America that struggles on the vine Senator PRYOR, my good friend and with my wife Suzanne. Am I a roman- every day to stay alive, the part of former attorney general from Arkansas tic? Well, maybe just a little bit. America that has great disparity in and Senator CHAMBLISS and Senator Little did I know then that one day terms of the kind of health care and ISAKSON. we would be celebrating the first date the kind of education and the kind of This legislation creates a rural polic- as a married couple with three children economic opportunity that exists for ing institute to make sure our law en- and nine grandchildren. them. forcement in rural communities has a Over the years, I have taken to the In my own State of Colorado, there similar kind of opportunity that law Senate to announce the news of our were 64 counties, and out of the 64 enforcement has in the major metro- growing family and I ask my col- counties, even in the great boom of the politan areas. In my State of Colorado, leagues’ indulgence again today to send 1990s when unemployment was non- we have about 14,000 peace officers. I a special valentine to the two most re- existent and our economy was growing had the great honor as the attorney cent additions to our family. at a very rapid pace, most of those general of that State to serve as the Born November 20 of 2004, a beautiful counties were withering on the vine. chairman of the board that certified all granddaughter named Lily Terese They were declining in population. the law enforcement officers in my Craig. On April 18 of 2006, another Their population was aging. They were State for a period of 6 years. There is a beautiful grandchild, Damon Oliver struggling with health care. They were big difference between the kind of Craig, was born into our family. It is a struggling with a whole host of issues training rural law enforcement officers thrill to be a granddad to these won- that affect those communities. get and the kind of training provided derful children. It has been a great joy Out of the 64 counties in Colorado to law enforcement areas in the metro- to hold them, to love them, to see them during the period of 2000 to 2005, 21 of politan communities. Of the 14,000 around, and to watch them grow. them actually declined in population. peace officers in Colorado, 7,000 of the My wife Suzanne and I look forward That is a third of my State that was people work in departments that have to many happy experiences with Lily actually declining in population. The fewer than 15 officers. They cannot af- and Damon and the rest of our crew. fact is that same statistic can apply for ford the kind of training to protect Often we come to the Senate to talk many other States, including Ne- themselves and to protect the public about momentous and meaningful braska, the Dakotas, Idaho, and most safety that other larger metropolitan events, but there is no more important of our States around the country. police organizations can afford. event than when grandchildren enter I am very hopeful, as we move for- Therefore, our effort to move forward our lives. ward in the 110th Congress, that under with this rural policing institute is to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.007 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1932 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 allow our national Government to pro- were set in last year’s bills, and we I am going to vote for the bill. I vide training opportunities to the haven’t had the opportunity for hear- think we have to do it. thousands upon thousands of police of- ings, committee markups, or to offer I am very concerned about the NASA ficers who live in rural communities any amendments from the floor. That funding. There is money taken out of and who work every day to protect the is not the way the Senate has done the ongoing, very important priority of public safety of their communities. business, certainly not the Appropria- getting the crew return vehicle that is I hope our colleagues will join in the tions Committee. The Appropriations the successor to the shuttle online on passage of this legislation. Last year, Committee has been quite bipartisan time. I cannot imagine we would take this legislation enjoyed the unanimous throughout the time I have been a money out of that program, which was support of the Senate. I am hopeful we member. done in this bill, which would poten- will again have that same kind of sup- I don’t like to see this type of prece- tially delay us years down the road port. dent being set. The last time Repub- from having the crew return vehicle In conclusion, let me say that the licans took over from Democrats, there that is set to replace the shuttle. The forgotten America is, indeed, much of were 11 appropriations bills not yet fin- shuttle is set to go out of existence in rural America. It is that part of rural ished. We didn’t do a continuing resolu- 2010, possibly 2011. We need the shuttle America which we know is so impor- tion and fill up the tree so there to finish the space station. But the Ad- tant to us because of the values we find couldn’t be amendments. We did an ministrator, Michael Griffin, has said there, the bedrock values of what Omnibus appropriations bill. We de- we need to retire the shuttle as soon as America is all about. It is a pioneering bated it for 6 days. We timed it so that possible. We have to finish the space spirit of the West. It is the place where people had full access to amendments station. The new crew return vehicle the food security of our Nation so de- and the process. We had 100 amend- will not be able to carry big parts up to pends. ments. That was 2003. I am very con- the space station. It will not be heavy If you walk into my office, for many cerned about this type of process. But enough. But we need to close the gap so years I have had on my desk a sigh we are now 1 day before the end of the we don’t have a time when the United that says: No farms, no food. No farms, previous continuing resolution, which States is not able to send people into no food. I would hope, as we make that means we could see a Government space, and that is what is going to hap- statement—as I make that statement— shutdown if we can’t come to agree- pen if the crew return vehicle is not we recognize we should never comment. able to be produced when the shuttle promise the food security of the United I said last week that we had time for goes out of existence. States of America. We, obviously, have amendments and to confer with the I think we are putting NASA in jeop- done that in a very negative and disas- House. The amendment I put forward ardy. I met with Senator BILL NELSON, trous way with respect to our energy with 27 cosponsors, the Hutchison- the chairman of the NASA Sub- dependence on foreign countries today. Inhofe amendment, would have fully committee, of which I am ranking We ought not to do the same thing restored the $3.1 billion that was taken member. We met with Michael Griffin with food security. out of military construction that was and members of the staff of the Appro- Our ability to revitalize rural Amer- preparation for the movement of troops priations Committee who assured Mi- ica and to enact a farm bill that will home from overseas, as well as many chael Griffin he would have the ability help us revitalize rural America is very other base changes that were going to to transfer money out of other ac- much at the heart of how we take care be made. I asked for the restoration of counts to go there. But I am concerned of this forgotten America. that with 27 cosponsors, and my about it. Why was the money moved (The remarks of Mr. SALAZAR per- amendment was ruled out of order. out of that account in the first place? taining to the introduction of S. 583 are I know there was bipartisan support That doesn’t seem like the proper way printed in today’s RECORD under for those many military construction to do business. But we are going to ‘‘Statements on Introduced Bills and projects. And since I am the ranking watch that very carefully. Joint Resolutions.’’) member and previously the chairman Senator NELSON and I are very bipar- Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, I sug- of that subcommittee, I know how im- tisan in our approach to NASA. We gest the absence of a quorum and ask portant they are. I know they were so both believe it is most important for us unanimous consent that the time be important that the chairman of all the to have human spaceflight capabilities equally divided. services, plus the Chairman of the for the United States of America. It is The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Joint Chiefs, wrote a letter saying: a national security issue as well as a MENENDEZ). Is there objection? Please do not fund with a continuing scientific issue that we stay in the Without objection, it is so ordered. resolution the military construction forefront of science, and the lead we The clerk will call the roll. projects because there will not be have had by going into space early is The assistant legislative clerk pro- enough to fully cover our needs. The unmatched by any other country. Our ceeded to call the roll. Secretary of Defense said the same lead is so important for our national Mrs. HUTCHISON. I ask unanimous thing. security and the dominance we have consent that the order for the quorum We are not going to be able to do had in space. The ability we have had call be rescinded. what is right for our military because to guide missiles from space is a phe- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without $3 billion was taken out of the Senate- nomenal advantage America has been objection, it is so ordered. passed appropriations bill and con- able to achieve by conquering space. If f verted to other projects. It was spread we don’t have the ability to put hu- around throughout the other agencies, mans in space for some period of time— CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS and the military construction was the 3 to 5 years—what are we going to do? Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I pay-for. I tried to correct that, and I Are we going to go and beg the Rus- rise to speak on the continuing resolu- have to say that the distinguished ma- sians? Who knows, by 2010 or 2011, tion before the Senate, H. J. Res. 20, to jority leader did make an effort to whether the Russians would even give point out some of the flaws in the bill. work with the House to make my us space on their shuttles, much less Because we have the potential for a amendment in order. He was not able give us the accommodations we would Government shutdown, I believe it is to do that. I accept that, and I accept need and perhaps the secrecy we would my responsibility to vote for the legis- that he tried. I do believe he tried. I need. lation. think Senator REID did make an effort. I am concerned about this bill. If we I am reluctant to be in the position But we have a process here which is were not facing a potential shutoff of of voting for a $463 billion spending bill not one anyone can be proud of; that is, the Government and many important with no capability for amendment. We a $463 billion spending bill, taking $3 programs, including benefits to vet- passed appropriations bills out of the billion away from military construc- erans and military pay, I would vote Senate last year. They reflected the tion, putting it into other priorities, no, just as I did vote against cloture Senate’s priorities. Yet this measure and not allowing amendments. It is not because I thought we still had time to changes many of the priorities that right, and I protested. do this right. We should have had time

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.009 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1933 to do it right, but we didn’t, so we are consideration of H.J. Res. 20, which the the long-term budget forecast, it is faced with the Hobson’s choice of shut- clerk will report. going to continue to grow and grow, ting down the Government or trying to The legislative clerk read as follows: with middle-class taxpayers paying a do this bill in the right way with no A joint resolution (H.J. Res 20) making fur- tax that was meant to be for 155 amendments. I don’t consider it a good ther continuing appropriations for the fiscal wealthy people. choice. year 2007, and for other purposes. When forecasters put their projec- Mr. President, I will vote for the bill. Pending: tions together, they are working under I do not think this is the Senate’s fin- Reid amendment No. 237, to change an ef- the assumption that the hold-harmless est hour. I do believe the Senate major- fective date. that was extended in last year’s tax ity leader made an effort. I think he Reid amendment No. 238 (to amendment bill will not be extended because they heard the merits of our bipartisan No. 237), of a technical nature. base their assumptions on current law. amendment with 27 sponsors. I hope he Motion to recommit the bill to the Com- This means the hold-harmless provi- will, as he has promised, work with us mittee on Appropriations, with instructions sions ended December 31, 2006, and to get the full funding of these military to report back forthwith, with Reid amend- money being earned right now is going construction projects in the supple- ment No. 239, to change an effective date. to hit millions more people. Reid amendment No. 240 (to the instruc- mental appropriations bill. However, People who guesstimate how much we have the chance right now. I hate to tions of the motion to recommit), of a technical nature. money comes into the Federal Treas- give up the bird in the hand for one ury—and we have people both in the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- that might see some delays, that might executive branch and the legislative ator from Iowa. see many changes. I will be right on branch who have that as their responsi- top of it. As the ranking member of ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX bility, so we can make good tax pol- this subcommittee, I will certainly ex- Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I icy—take into consideration what is pect that we have the ability to amend think it was 48 hours ago I opened a current law, and they are planning on the appropriations bill that comes for- discussion with my fellow Senators on these millions of middle-class tax- ward as a supplemental, just as we the alternative minimum tax. As I payers paying this alternative min- have always had in this body. I hope we pointed out at that time, it is gen- imum tax, even though they were will not have to worry that we are erally recognized that the alternative never intended to pay it. Because of going to have a filled up amendment minimum tax is a policy failure. this, budget planners make the as- tree and cloture filed on the supple- Created in 1969, in response to the sumption that revenues will be much mental appropriations bill. discovery that 155 wealthy taxpayers— higher than everyone who is frustrated We can do business the right way in and let me emphasize that I am talking the Senate. We have for most of the with the AMT thinks that amount of about 155 wealthy taxpayers—were able money ought to be, as well as the num- years of this great institution. I will be to eliminate their entire tax liabilities disappointed if we start seeing us bring ber of people who are going to be pay- through legal means, the AMT has now ing it. bills to the floor and not allow amend- evolved into a place where, because it ments—there is no reason to have 100 The reason for that is the alternative wasn’t indexed, it has captured more Members if that is the way we are minimum tax tremendously balloons than 3 million middle-class Americans going to do business. We could just the revenue base, as it is projected to as of 2004. The AMT was never supposed have 51 or we could just have 1 if all increase revenues as a percentage of to affect anyone except the very the decisions are going to be made in gross domestic product. There is a that fashion. wealthy people. great deal of evidence to support this. That is not what the Constitution in- I am using 2004 numbers because 2004 On a side note, a senior, well-re- tended, and I hope it is certainly not is the most recent year we have com- spected tax lawyer on the other side of what the new majority intends as a pleted data. Three million people in the aisle in the other body took excep- way to do business. that year were hit by AMT, even tion to my use of the term ‘‘bal- I am going to hold out hope that the though since 2001 we have had in place looning.’’ The staffer wrote an article word is kept, that we can have the a tax policy that no additional people and criticized me for that term. Well, I amendment process, that we can fund should be hit by the alternative min- am not used to staff writing articles the military construction projects that imum tax. criticizing Members of Congress, so I are so important for quality of life and At the time I was visiting with my happened to respond to that staffer’s training capabilities for the great men colleagues 2 days ago, I cited the wide- criticism through my own staff. The and women who are serving our coun- spread observation that the most sig- essence of the senior staffer’s criticism try and putting themselves forward to nificant structural flaw afflicting the was that the term ‘‘ballooning’’ ig- give up their lives, if necessary, for AMT is the failure to index its rates nored the accounting for the inter- freedom for future generations of and exemptions for inflation. This fail- action of bipartisan tax relief with Americans. ure, then—and I alluded to this a AMT costs. As we pointed out, bal- Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I minute ago—has resulted in the grad- looning revenue from the AMT occurs suggest the absence of a quorum. ual encroachment of the alternative in the outyears, whether the bipartisan The PRESIDING OFFICER. The minimum tax to hit middle-class tax- tax relief is extended or made perma- clerk will call the roll. payers who were never intended to pay nent. I will talk more about that in a The legislative clerk proceeded to this tax. few minutes. call the roll. Despite the widespread agreement The nonpartisan Congressional Budg- Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask that something needs to be done with et Office has consistently forecast this unanimous consent that the order for the alternative minimum tax, agree- ballooning year after year. This chart the quorum call be rescinded. ment on what exactly to do is not so The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without which I have before me now for you to widespread. A major factor in the dis- objection, it is so ordered. look at, reproduced from the Congres- agreement relates to the massive sional Budget Office’s long-term budg- f amount of money the alternative min- et outlook, was published in December CONCLUSION OF MORNING imum tax brings to the Federal Gov- 2005 and shows how Federal revenues BUSINESS ernment. In 2004, from these 3 million are expected to push through the 30- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning taxpayers hit by this tax, more than year historical average and then keep business is now closed. $12.8 billion was paid into the Federal going up. Treasury. If we don’t extend the most You can take that historical average f recent alternative minimum tax hold- back 30 or 40 years for sure, and maybe MAKING FURTHER CONTINUING harmless that actually expired at the longer than that, but the historical av- APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FIS- end of 2006, the amount paid by those 3 erage is here and current law is actu- CAL YEAR 2007 million taxpayers is expected to bal- ally going to bring in this much rev- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under loon to a much greater amount. And, of enue, and that includes the ballooning the previous order, the Senate resumes course, when you go beyond that, into of the alternative minimum tax.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.012 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 I want to note that although the Tax they are subject to the alternative In 2004, the Commissioner of the In- Increase Prevention and Reconciliation minimum tax and that making the tax ternal Revenue Service, Mark Everson, Act of 2005 was signed into law after cuts permanent will only make those informed the Finance Committee that this analysis was published, the 2006 problems worse. This sort of reasoning the same number of taxpayers, as a tax bill extended the AMT hold-harm- is deceptive and could not be more percentage of the tax-filing population less through December 31 last year, and wrong. First, the analysis that I pre- at large, continues to pay no Federal this chart shows Federal revenues all sented—done by the Congressional income tax. the way through to the year 2050. It is Budget Office—looks forward all the So even to hit the people who were important to note the long-term effects way to 2050, and the Bush tax cuts supposed to be hit, there are people in then of the alternative minimum tax under current law sunset in 2010. As I a tax situation, legally, able to avoid on the revenue base. previously said, the AMT’s greatest not only the regular income tax but to There may be some doubters who flaw is that it is not indexed for infla- avoid the alternative minimum tax. So hesitate to attribute this ballooning of tion, and inflation is going to continue it is a failure by its own reason for ex- revenues to the alternative minimum whether the Bush tax cuts are extended istence. tax, but this chart illustrates the dras- or not. Inflation is going to be there. According to an IRS analysis of the tic expansion of the AMT under cur- This next chart from the Congres- tax year 2003 data, we had 2,366 tax- rent law over the next 43 years. Over sional Budget Office illustrates how payers with incomes above $200,000 or the next 43 years. This is also from the the alternative minimum tax will con- more who did not use the medical or nonpartisan Congressional Budget Of- tinue to be a money machine, regard- dental expense deduction and had no fice. You can clearly see that the share less of any other factors. The bottom income tax. of households subjected to the alter- line illustrates individual income tax The AMT has failed in every way ex- native minimum tax is alarmingly liabilities if the Bush tax cuts are cept for the ability to raise very large around 65 percent. made permanent and the AMT is modi- sums of money, and it was never in- Let’s go through that again. You can fied, the middle line illustrates current tended to be a tax-producing machine. see from the new chart which I have law with the permanence of the Bush It was only intended to hit people who put up here that the share of house- tax cuts, and the very top line—current were not going to pay any income tax holds subjected to the alternative min- law. If the Bush tax cuts are allowed to and ought to pay a little bit for the imum tax increases by the year 2050 to sunset and the AMT is allowed to grow privilege of living in America. While it about 65 percent of taxpayers. The rea- and consume our middle class, the may be hard for some to turn down son why this 65 percent—or even going AMT will still balloon revenues any- taxpayers’ money, whether we are sup- back to here, or even back to here—is way. Any argument that making the posed to collect it or not, no one seems significant is because, as I told you 48 Bush tax cuts permanent will worsen to have trouble spending it. This means hours ago, and as I tell my colleagues our AMT problem is completely false, that some want the taxpayer to pay now, this alternative minimum tax was and this chart proves that. The AMT is the price for a tax that was designed put in the tax law to hit wealthy tax- a problem all by itself. poorly and through the comedy of er- payers, 155 at that year, who didn’t pay As I said earlier, the problem with all rors was allowed to flourish. any tax whatsoever. of the projections showing the AMT It is simply unfair to expect tax- It was felt that everybody, particu- ballooning revenues is that these pro- payers to pay a tax they were never in- larly wealthy people living in this jections are used to put together budg- tended to pay—and that means middle country and who benefit from this ets. This means the central problem in class America. And it is even more un- country, ought to pay some sort of a dealing with the AMT is money. There fair to expect them to continue paying tax. It was never intended to hit this are some people who say we can only for that tax once we get rid of it. The percentage of taxpayers, or this per- solve the AMT problem if offsetting reform or repeal of the AMT should not centage of taxpayers, and surely not revenue can be found to replace the be offset because it is money we were this percentage of taxpayers. And if we money that the AMT is currently fore- never supposed to collect in the first do nothing, it is going to be 65 percent. cast to collect. Anyone who says this place. I don’t know what the population of sees the forecasts showing revenue The way to solve this problem is to this country is going to be in 43 years, being pushed up as a percentage of look on the other side of the ledger, the but I know that 65 percent of the popu- GDP—and they are high-tax people and spending side. Budget planners need to lation in 2050 will be more, quite obvi- yet higher tax people to satisfy them— take off their rose-colored glasses when ously more than the 155 taxpayers the and they want to keep it there. These looking at long-term revenue projec- AMT was intended to target. arguments are especially ridiculous tions that include a tax by middle class This chart also shows how the AMT when one considers that the alter- people who were never intended to pay will consume a greater and greater native minimum tax was never meant that tax, the alternative minimum tax, share of the total individual income to collect so much revenue and collect and to read the fine print. In general, it tax liability. The Congressional Budget it from the people who are going to end is a good idea to spend money within Office report states: up paying it, the middle class people, if your means. That is true in this case as By 2050, roughly 15 percent of the indi- we don’t do something about it. well. If we start trying to spend reve- vidual income tax liability would be gen- As a policy instrument, the alter- nues we expect to collect in the future erated by the alternative minimum tax com- native minimum tax has been and con- because of the AMT, from people who pared with about 2 percent today. tinues to be a complete failure, as I dis- were never expected to pay it, it was This is what will happen if we don’t cussed 48 hours ago. The alternative never supposed to come in the first do anything. This is going to happen. minimum tax was originally conceived place, we will be living beyond our The analysis done by the Congressional as a means to ensure that extremely means. We need to stop assuming that Budget Office clearly shows an upcom- wealthy taxpayers were not able to record levels of revenue are available ing ballooning of Federal revenues, ac- game the system and to avoid their en- to be spent and to recognize that the companied by a corresponding bloating tire tax liability. In 1969, the alter- AMT is a phony revenue source. of the share of households and the native minimum tax was calculated to As we consider how to deal with the share of total liability attributed to a hit only one out of a half a million peo- AMT, we must first remember that we tax that was only intended to hit 155 ple. There is absolutely no way anyone do not have the option of not dealing people 39 years ago. can call the AMT anything close to a with it unless we want to kill the mid- A particularly wrongheaded argu- success. The alternative minimum tax dle class. The problems will only get ment that has been advocated is that has even failed in its objective: to en- worse every year and make any solu- the Bush tax cuts are responsible for sure that no citizen, regardless of how tions more difficult. We must also be increases in the number of people hit wealthy, was able to completely avoid clear that the revenue the AMT would by the alternative minimum tax. Some paying at least a little bit of Federal not collect as a result of repeal or rethink the Bush tax cuts are increasing income tax because we have this anom- form should not be offset as a condition some people’s income so much that aly. for repeal or reform. We should not call

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.014 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1935 it lost revenue because it is revenue viewed in the context of the regime’s I am deeply concerned by the recent that the middle class was never ex- quest to acquire nuclear weapons. The statements coming out of the Bush ad- pected to pay. Making the offsetting of regime also uses its influence and re- ministration. The administration has the AMT’s ill-gotten gains a condition sources in the region to support ter- asserted evidence of the Iranian re- of the AMT fix is to punish the Amer- rorist elements that attack Israel. gime’s complicity at the highest levels ican taxpayers for an ill-conceived and Hezbollah’s attack on Israel this sum- for attacks within Iraq. Yet, at the poorly executed policy that has been a mer, using Iranian weapons, clearly same time, GEN Peter Pace, Chairman total failure. demonstrates Iran’s malevolent influ- of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, questions Aside from not increasing the propor- ence, even beyond its borders. these assertions—in particular, the cul- tion of wealthy taxpayers who pay in- We also have evidence, although it is pability and intentions of the Irani come taxes, the AMT is projected to by no means conclusive, of attacks Government. In this delicate situation, balloon Federal revenues over histor- using Iranian-supplied or manufactured while making disturbing comments, ical averages and to become a greater weaponry against our own American the administration has also announced source of revenue than even the regular soldiers. As I have long said, and will it is sending a third aircraft carrier to income tax. Budget forecasters need to continue to say, U.S. policy must be the gulf. The President owes an ongo- recognize that the AMT is not a legiti- clear and unequivocal. We cannot, we ing consultation to this Congress and mate source of revenue, and Congress should not, we must not permit Iran to owes straight talk to the country. We needs to be disciplined enough to show build or acquire nuclear weapons. In have to get this right. The Congress restraint on spending so that an AMT dealing with this threat, as I have also should debate our current course, in- solution doesn’t boil down to the re- said for a long time, no option can be cluding the current silent-treatment placement of one misguided policy by taken off the table. But America must policy toward our adversaries. I believe we can better understand another misguided policy. proceed deliberately and wisely, and we how to deal with an adversary such as I yield the floor. must proceed as a unified nation. The Iran if we have some direct contact The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- smartest and strongest policy will be with them. I think that can give us ator from New York. one forged through the institutions of valuable information and better lever- Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, I ask our democracy. That is the genius of age to hold over the Iranian regime. unanimous consent that following my our American system and our constitu- remarks, Senator BROWN of Ohio and And if we ever must, with congres- tional duty. sional agreement, take drastic action, Senator CHAMBLISS of Georgia be rec- We have witnessed these past 6 years, we should make clear to the world that ognized. until the most recent election of a new we have exhausted every other possi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Congress by the American people, the objection, it is so ordered. bility. cost of congressional dereliction of its I welcome the agreement announced IRANIAN THREAT oversight duty—a vital role entrusted yesterday between the United States Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, at this to Congress by our constituents and en- and North Korea. It demonstrates the moment of challenge for our Nation, shrined in and even required by our central value of using every tool in our the vantage point of this august Cham- Constitution. So we are here today be- arsenal to achieve our objectives. I ber, we look onto a world filled with cause the price that has been paid in only wish the administration had pur- danger, deeply complex threats against blood and treasure through the rush to sued this course 6 years ago when an our troops and our national interests war in Iraq and the incompetence of its agreement with North Korea was with- abroad, and genuine risks to our secu- execution and managing the aftermath, in reach. The wasted time has allowed rity at home. Keeping our Nation in the excesses of military contracting North Korea to develop nuclear weap- strong and our people safe requires abuses and the inadequate supply of ons in the interim. that we employ the best and smartest body armor and armored vehicles on Failure to use diplomacy has dam- strategies available. the ground, have led to a loss of con- aged our national security interests. In confronting enemies and threats fidence in this administration among The important step forward our coun- we are fortunate to possess a great our allies and the American people. try has made with North Korea raises many assets, all of which we must Therefore, we cannot and we must the obvious question: Why will the wisely deploy, including our military, not allow recent history to repeat President refuse to have any kind of diplomatic, economic, and cultural as- itself. We continue to experience the process involving Iran, as I and others sets. Our strongest asset remains the consequences of unchecked Presi- have urged? The United States engaged democracy that we are privileged to dential action. Sunlight is the best dis- in talks with North Korea within a take part in as Members of the Senate infectant but this President was al- multilateral process but also had ongo- and as representatives of our constitu- lowed, for too long, to commit blunder ing bilateral discussions. We should ents. Our democratic institutions, after blunder under cover of darkness have such a process of direct engage- under our Constitution, balance one provided by an allied Republican Con- ment with Iran as recommended by another and check against excesses and gress. many, including the Iraq Study Group. concentrations of power that help us In dealing with the threats posed by We need friends and allies to stand wrestle with difficult challenges in an the Iranian regime, which has gained with us in this long war against ter- open and forthright way. This constitu- its expanding influence in Iraq and the rorism and extremism and to contain tional framework is not an obstacle to region as a result of the administra- and alter the regimes that harbor and pursuing our national security but the tion’s policies, President Bush must support those who would harm us. Dur- example that we should project to the not be allowed to act without the au- ing the Cold War, we spoke to the So- world. Our democracy, with its tradi- thority and oversight of Congress. It viet Union while thousands of missiles tion of accountable power and open de- would be a mistake of historical pro- were pointed at our cities, while its bate, is America at its best. That is portion if the administration thought leaders threatened to bury us, while what we need, America at our best, as that the 2002 resolution authorizing the regime sowed discord and military we deliberately and resolutely confront force against Iraq was a blank check uprisings and actions against us and the threat posed by the Iranian regime. for the use of force against Iran with- our allies. That was a smart strategy Make no mistake, Iran poses a threat out further congressional authoriza- used by Republican and Democratic to our allies and our interests in the tion. Nor should the President think Presidents alike, even though it was region and beyond, including the that the 2001 resolution authorizing often a difficult one. United States. The Iranian President force after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 As we discuss potential evidence of has held a conference denying the Hol- in any way authorizes force against Iranian complicity in supplying arms ocaust and has issued bellicose state- Iran. to insurgents along with the refusal to ment after bellicose statement calling If the administration believes that suspend their nuclear ambitions, we for Israel and the United States to be any—any—use of force against Iran is need to deliver a strong message to wiped off the map. His statements are necessary, the President must come to Iran that we will not stand by and tol- even more disturbing and urgent when Congress to seek that authority. erate this behavior. However, we need

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.015 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1936 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 to deliver that message forcefully must look at all of our assets, not just hurts the local business owners—the through direct talks. The lives of the brave men and women who wear drugstore, the grocery store, the neigh- American soldiers are at risk, and we the uniform of our country. To imple- borhood restaurant. When people are should not outsource our discussions ment the best policy, we should start out of work, they can’t support their with the Iranians on this and other by employing our best values: the local economy, which forces owners to issues. When I say no option should be democratic values that give strength close, in too many cases, their small taken off the table, I include diplo- to our Nation and our cause and that businesses. That means lost revenues macy. serve as an example and beacon to peo- to the community, which hurts Currently, our intelligence on Iran is ple who wish to live in peace and free- schools, which hurts fire departments, of uncertain quality. We need to exam- dom and prosperity around the world. which hurts police departments. The ine the facts closely and carefully. No Mr. President, I yield the floor. trade policies we set in Washington and action can or should be taken without The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- negotiated across the globe have a di- explicit congressional authorization. ator from Ohio is recognized. rect impact on places such as Toledo And knowing what we know now, this BUILDING ECONOMIC SECURITY and Steubenville, Cleveland and Lima, body needs a steady stream of real, Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, today be- Zanesville and Portsmouth. verifiable intelligence. We in the Con- fore the Senate Banking Committee, We hear the word ‘‘protectionist’’ gress cannot do our part in deciding the Federal Reserve Chairman testified thrown around by those who insist on what needs to be done if we do not that the economy is doing well. I was more of the same failed trade policies. know what is happening, and it does joined by my friend, the Senator from It is considered ‘‘protectionist’’ by not appear that the administration has New Jersey, Mr. MENENDEZ, who is in some of them to fight for labor and en- any real grasp on the facts on the the chair. He told us that consumer vironmental standards, but they call it ground, even after all these years. The spending is up, productivity is up, and free trade when we pass trade agree- public unclassified sections of the NIE that the labor market will stay ments to protect drug company patents recently issued made it very clear in healthy. At the very moment that the and Hollywood DVDs. If we can protect their conclusions that sectarian vio- Chairman delivered a rosy prediction intellectual property, as we should, if lence would still exist in Iraq absent for our Nation’s economy, an AP story we can protect intellectual property Iran. broke that Chrysler is cutting 13,000 rights with enforceable provisions in So we have a lot to sort out. We have jobs. One hundred of those jobs are in trade agreements, we can certainly do all learned lessons from the conflict in Cleveland. Those aren’t just numbers; the same for labor and environmental Iraq, and we have to apply those les- those are 100 families. and food safety standards. It is not a sons to any allegations that are being Two weeks ago, before the same Sen- question of if we trade, it is how we raised about Iran because what we are ate Banking Committee, the Treasury trade and who benefits from that trade. hearing has too familiar a ring, and we Secretary testified that the economy While it is unclear whether the ad- must be on guard that we never again was doing well. He repeated many ministration will ever acknowledge make decisions on the basis of intel- times that the GDP had grown in ex- that our trade policy has failed, it is ligence that turns out to be faulty. If cess of 3 percent. Earlier that same very clear that this Congress is already we find evidence of potential Iranian morning, at the Senate Agriculture at work. Republicans and Democrats complicity, we will take appropriate Committee, Rhonda Stewart, a single are working cooperatively to revamp action, but that requires a partnership mother from Hamilton, OH, testified our trade policy. We are working coop- to defend and protect America’s na- that despite working full time, caring eratively to raise the minimum wage. tional security interests between the for her 9-year-old son Wyatt, and even We will work cooperatively to make Congress and the President. serving as president of the PTA and a education more affordable for middle- Oversight will also lead to a con- leader in the Boy Scouts, she and her class families and to lower the cost of sensus approach that brings together son must rely on food stamps to sur- prescription drugs for our Nation’s sen- the best judgment and strategies of our vive. At the end of each month, she iors, and we will work cooperatively to Nation and will examine the con- told us, she must forgo dinner so her invest in new technology and new in- sequences of action, the reality of any son can eat because the food stamps dustry. perceived or alleged threat, and the just don’t go far enough. In my State of Ohio, we have a tal- consequences of taking action. I some- Worker productivity is up, profits are ented and hard-working labor force and times fear that the word ‘‘con- up, the stock market is doing well, and an entrepreneurial spirit second to sequence’’ has been taken out of the millionaires are enjoying exorbitant none that needs only the investment vocabulary of this administration. We tax breaks. Thirteen thousand more dollars, predictable tax policy, and have to look over the horizon. We have workers are about to lose their jobs, commitment from our Government to to make hard choices among difficult and a single mother working full time, realize our economic potential. options. involved in her community, doing her Oberlin College, in the county in So there are no easy answers to the best, can’t afford to eat dinner. There which I live, Lorain County, has the complex situations we confront in the is a clear disconnect between the cor- largest building on any university cam- world today. But if we do face threats, porate-driven myopia of this adminis- pus in the country fully powered by the congressional consultation and au- tration on our Nation’s economy and solar energy. However, the builder had thorization will bring the American the real-world economic conditions to buy the solar panels from Germany people into the debate. Whatever steps, working families in Ohio struggle and Japan because we do not make if any, may be required should be taken through every day. enough of them in our country. by our Nation, not just by our Presi- Our middle class is shrinking in large Through investment and alternative dent. We must act as Americans, not as part because our policies in Wash- energy, we can not only create jobs, we members of one party or another. Our ington have betrayed the values of can grow industry, and we can grow in- Nation has been divided by a failed pol- working families across our country, dustry through biomedical research icy and the relentless pursuit of it. We which is why we must revamp our eco- and development. Now is the time for are facing that again with the esca- nomic and trade policies so that we in- Government to do its part and direct lation policy the President is pursuing vest in our middle class. We must our priorities from favoring the today. shrink income inequality, grow our wealthiest 1 percent to growing our Na- Mr. President, if we face up to our business community, and create good- tion’s middle class. constitutional responsibilities as the paying jobs. We must establish trade Mr. President, on a personal note, I Congress, if we conduct the oversight policy that builds our economic secu- would like to take this opportunity to that is required, if we exercise our rity. That is not what we have now. wish my wife Connie, who is home in checks and balances, then we are likely Job loss does not just affect the Ohio under several feet of snow, a to reach a better conclusion than we worker or even just the worker’s fam- happy Valentines Day. have thus far. We must be tough and ily; job loss, especially job loss in the Connie, I am blessed to have you as smart, deliberative and wise, and we thousands, devastates communities. It my wife.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.018 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1937 The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. under them. I implore my colleagues Last year, in the richest Nation in CARDIN). The Senator from Georgia is on both sides of the aisle to encourage the history of the world, 35 million of recognized. the Democratic leadership to allow the our fellow Americans struggled to put SCHIP FUNDING amendment to come forward, let us food on the table. The Agriculture De- Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I have a vote on this amendment to partment recently reported that the would like to wish my colleague a make sure all of these children who number of the poorest, hungriest happy Valentines Day, also. I am sorry participate in the SCHIP program in Americans keep rising. In America his wife is under all that snow. It is 70 Georgia as well as the other 13 States today, hunger is a growing problem. degrees in south Georgia, so you should that are going to experience a shortfall We have a crisis in our Nation in come south this year. between now and the time we reauthor- terms of affordable housing. Millions of I rise today to bring to the attention ize this program before the end of the working families in my State of of this body once again an amendment year, can continue to have that health Vermont and all over this country are Senator ISAKSON and I filed to the con- care coverage they deserve and that paying 50 to 60 percent of their limited tinuing resolution. The amendment is they so badly need. It is a very simple incomes for housing. And there are, as very simple. It is very straightforward. request we are making of the Demo- we well know, other families who are We have a program called SCHIP that cratic leadership that we allow this either living in their cars or living out everybody in this body is familiar with, amendment to come forward. on the streets—in some cases, with and it has been a very valuable pro- Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask their children—in America. gram to every State in the country be- unanimous consent Senator CARDIN be Last year, there were 1.2 million cause what it does is provide children recognized at 3 p.m., and when Senator home foreclosures in this country, an all across America who are above the SANDERS is recognized today, he be per- increase of 42 percent since 2005. Medicaid limit but not able to afford mitted to speak up to 20 minutes. The cost of energy has rapidly risen health insurance the opportunity to be The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without since President Bush has been in office. covered by medical insurance. It is objection, it is so ordered. Oil prices have more than doubled and called the SCHIP program, and it is ex- Mr. BROWN. I yield the floor. gasoline prices have gone up by 70 per- actly what it says it is: health insur- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- cent since January of 2001. This in- ance assistance for children. ator from Vermont is recognized for 20 crease in energy prices, in gas prices, is Unfortunately, the money that is minutes. putting a huge strain on people from block-granted under this program has THE BUDGET all over this country, including work- created some shortfalls in several Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, the ers from rural States such as Vermont, States. The shortfalls vary with the Federal budget is more than a long list who have to travel long distances to timing of the shortfalls, and the rea- of numbers which, in this case, adds up get to their jobs. soning for the shortfalls differs in each to about $2.9 trillion. The Federal As is well known, many middle-class of the States where we are about to run budget, similar to any family budget or families in our country today are find- out of money for these children and any company budget, is a statement of ing it increasingly difficult to afford then these children will no longer have values and priorities. In fact, the Fed- the escalating costs of a college edu- health insurance coverage. eral budget, in many ways, is a state- cation with average tuition and other The amendment that Senator ment of what our country is all about. costs increasing rapidly with the result ISAKSON and I have proposed will come We would all find it irresponsible and that many families are now saying: We up with an alternative that allows strange if a family we knew spent all of can’t send our kids to college, while those States which have an excess its money on an expensive vacation but other young people are graduating col- amount of money to put that money forgot to put aside money for the mort- lege deeply in debt. into a pool of money from which the 13 gage or the rent and suddenly the fam- In America today, millions of our States that have a shortfall in the ily and their kids found themselves out workers are working longer hours for SCHIP program. on the street. We would say: My good- lower wages, and median income for Mr. President, in this amendment, ness, that is irresponsible. The family working-age families has declined for 5 for the 13 States that will have a short- was spending money where they years in a row. Today, incredible as it fall, we take money from States that shouldn’t have been and not spending may sound, the personal savings rate is have an excess amount of money, it where they should. below zero, which has not happened money they cannot possibly use in Preparing the Federal budget and since the Great Depression. In other their SCHIP program because this pro- analyzing the Federal budget is exactly words, all over this country working gram expired at the end of this fiscal the same process. It is about spending people and people in the middle class year. We allow them plenty of room for the money of the people of the United are purchasing groceries, they are pur- any emergency-type situation that States of America. It is about deciding chasing gas at the pump, they are pur- might arise between now and the end of where we should spend it and where we chasing other basic necessities through the fiscal year, and we give them the should not spend it. It is looking at the their credit cards and, in the process, funding they need to cover the children American people as a family. It is are going deeper and deeper into debt. in their States. We utilize that money about taking a hard look at the needs Over the last 6 years, we have lost in to fund the shortfalls in States such as of our people and prioritizing the budg- this country 3 million manufacturing Georgia, where 273,000 children partici- et in an intelligent and a rational way. jobs, often good-paying manufacturing pate in SCHIP. Let me take a quick glance at the jobs, including 10,000 in my small State Frankly, the main reason we have a economic reality facing the middle of Vermont. Many of the new jobs that shortfall in Georgia is because fol- class, the working families of our coun- are available to those displaced work- lowing Hurricane Katrina last year we try, tens and tens of millions of Ameri- ers, if they are lucky enough to find had an influx of some 40,000 children cans and their kids. new jobs, will pay wages and benefits who came from the hurricane-dev- Since President Bush has been in of- substantially lower than the jobs they astated areas of Louisiana and Mis- fice, more than 5 million Americans have lost. sissippi into Georgia. They are now have slipped into poverty, including It is no secret that in America today participating in the SCHIP program, over 1 million children. Not only does our health care system is disinte- and they should be allowed to have the United States of America have the grating. There is little dispute about that coverage. highest rate of poverty of any major that. Health care costs are soaring. We now have the opportunity, in this country on Earth, we also shamefully Today, we have 46.6 million Americans Senate—whether it is today when we have the highest rate of childhood pov- with zero health insurance, an increase vote on the continuing resolution, erty in the industrialized world, with of 6.8 million since President Bush has whether it is tomorrow or whether it is almost 18 percent of our children living been in office. Friday—to look after these children in poverty. Today, 37 million Ameri- Today, 3 million fewer American who are very soon going to have this cans live in poverty and 13 million are workers have pension coverage than insurance safety net jerked out from children. when President Bush took office and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.019 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1938 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 half of private-sector American work- working parents, the Bush budget re- country, who are excited about going ers have no pension coverage whatso- duces the number of children receiving to college, will be able to do so without ever. childcare assistance by 300,000. coming out deeply in debt. Throughout our country, American Childcare in crisis. The President’s re- We do not have the money to help workers who now work the longest sponse: Deny childcare to 300,000 chil- those families. Yet—yet—while we turn hours of any people in the industri- dren. our backs on the middle-class and alized world—husbands working long In addition, the President’s budget working families of our country, it ap- hours, wives working long hours, peo- provides a $100 million cut for the Head pears we have plenty of money for the ple being stressed out by having to Start program at a time when only millionaires and billionaires of this work so hard to earn the living they about one-half of the children eligible country. We have tens of billions, in need to pay for their basic needs—are for this important and excellent pro- fact, to shower on those who need it finding it harder and harder to come up gram actually participate in it due to a the least, yet we have nothing, and we with jobs, to get jobs which provide lack of funding. Huge numbers of kids are cutting back on the programs, for them a decent amount of vacation cannot get into Head Start. The Presi- those who need it most. time. The 2-week vacation is some- dent’s response: Cut Head Start fund- Included in the President’s budget, thing many workers no longer can have ing. amazingly, is the complete repeal of in this country. While hunger in this country, as I the estate tax which would take effect While the middle class is shrinking mentioned earlier, is shamefully in- at the end of 2010. As you know, the and while poverty is increasing in our creasing, the President’s budget denies complete repeal of this tax would ben- country, there is another reality tak- food stamps to 280,000 families and efit only the top two-tenths of 1 per- ing place. That is that the wealthiest 1 eliminates nutrition assistance to over cent of the American people. Let me percent, the people at the very top of 400,000 senior citizens, mothers, and repeat that. The complete repeal of the the economic ladder, have not had it so newborn children. estate tax would benefit solely the good since the 1920s. The middle class We are in a war in Iraq. We are in a upper two-tenths of 1 percent of the is shrinking, poverty is increasing, and war in Afghanistan. The number of our American population. the people on the top are doing phe- veterans is increasing. Twenty-two These are families, of course, who al- nomenally well. thousand have been wounded, many se- ready are millionaires and billionaires, According to Forbes magazine, the riously. Many will come back to this and these are families who in the cur- selective net worth of the wealthiest country with post-traumatic stress dis- rent economy have been doing exceed- 400 Americans increased by $120 billion order. Yet the President has signifi- ingly well. In other words, 99.8 percent last year to $1.25 trillion; 400 families, cantly cut funding for the VA over a of Americans would not benefit by one $1.25 trillion in worth. The 400 wealthi- period of years, and some years ago nickel from the complete repeal of the est Americans are worth an unbeliev- made hundreds of thousands of vet- estate tax, as proposed by the Presi- able amount of money and their wealth erans ineligible to get VA health care. dent. is soaring. In this great country, with so many According to the President’s budget, Sadly, however, the United States people struggling desperately to keep this repeal of the estate tax would re- today has the most unfair distribution their heads above water, we should not duce receipts for the Treasury by more of wealth and income of any major be cutting back on health care. We than $91 billion over the next 5 years country and the gap between the very should not be cutting back on nutri- and more than $442 billion over the wealthy and everyone else is growing tional benefits. We should not be cut- next decade. But the long-term damage wider. This was a country formed ting back on Head Start, affordable to our fiscal solvency is even worse. around egalitarian principles—we are housing, the needs of our veterans, and According to the Center on Budget all in it together. When one goes up, educational opportunities for middle- and Policy Priorities, repealing the es- others go up. Yet what we are seeing class families. That is what we should tate tax would cost over $1 trillion today in an almost unprecedented way not be doing. from 2012 to 2021—over $1 trillion. In is the people on the top making out This is especially true when the other words, if the President’s plan to like bandits, earning huge increases in President’s budget provides $739 billion permanently repeal the estate tax suc- their incomes, in their wealth, while in tax breaks over the next decade to ceeds, the children and family mem- the middle class shrinks and poverty is households with incomes exceeding $1 bers of the very few most privileged increasing. million per year. The average tax families in America will reap a massive Today the wealthiest 13,000 families break for this group of millionaires tax break. Instead of closing the gap in our country own nearly as much in- will total $162,000 by the year 2012. between the rich and the poor, instead come as do the bottom 20 million fami- Let me be very blunt. In my view it of addressing the huge national debt lies. That is 13,000 compared to 20 mil- is wrong, in my view it is immoral to and deficit problems we have, we make lion. And the wealthiest 1 percent own give huge tax breaks to millionaires both situations worse by fully repeal- more wealth than the bottom 90 per- and billionaires—the people who need ing the estate tax. cent. them the least—while cutting back on I have brought with me a few charts I have given a brief sketch of the the needs of the middle-class and work- to demonstrate who are the winners economy in terms of how it impacts ing families of our country. That is and losers in the President’s budget. the middle class and working families wrong. Obviously, fortunes go up and down, of our country. Let me, within that Is this budget, the President’s budg- and we do not know what anyone is context of what is happening to tens of et, a reflection of the values of the peo- going to be worth tomorrow, let alone millions of Americans, take a look at ple of our country? I do not believe in the coming years. And the estimates the President’s budget. that. I do not believe ordinary Ameri- I am giving to you and the charts I am At a time of a major health care cri- cans think it is right and appropriate using are based on two reports. sis, with more and more Americans un- to give tax breaks to billionaires and The first is an April 2006 report by insured or underinsured, the Presi- then provide inadequately for our vet- United for a Fair Economy and Public dent’s budget would cut Medicare and erans, for our children, and for our sen- Citizen, entitled ‘‘Spending Millions to Medicaid by $280 billion over the next iors. That is not, in my view, what Save Billions,’’ reflecting the financial decade, lowering the quality of health America is about. position of the wealthiest 400 Ameri- care for approximately 43 million sen- We are told over and over again we cans in this country as compiled by ior citizens and people with disabilities do not have the money to reduce child- Forbes magazine from the year 2005. who depend on Medicare and more than hood poverty in this country. We are The second is a May 30, 2006 report 50 million Americans who rely on Med- told we do not have the funds to wipe from the House Government Reform icaid. out the disgrace of hunger in America. Committee, entitled ‘‘Estimated Tax At a time when our childcare and We are told we do not have enough Savings of Oil Company CEOs.’’ early childhood education system are money to make sure the young people Of course, no one can predict what totally inadequate to meet the needs of who graduate from high school in this the numbers will be in the years to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.024 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1939 come. But these are the best figures break, according to the April 2006 re- As a member of the Senate Budget available to us at this time. port from United for a Fair Economy. Committee, it appears to me that the Let me go to the first chart. The Tax breaks of over $800 million for an choice we as a Congress are facing and granddaddy of all of the winners under enormously wealthy family, and yet we that the American people are facing is the Bush budget is none other than the see a $630 million cut in the President’s pretty clear. Do we continue to shower heirs to the Wal-Mart fortune. If the budget for the Community Services huge tax breaks on millionaires and estate tax was completely repealed, the Block Grant Program. billionaires, people who are already entire Walton family would receive an As you know, the Community Serv- doing phenomenally well, while we cut estimated tax break of $32.7 billion— ices Block Grant Program provides the back on the needs of the middle-class that is with a ‘‘B’’—$32.7 billion in tax infrastructure necessary to deliver working families and the most vulner- relief for one family which today hap- services to 15 million of the lowest in- able people in this country? It all pens to be one of the wealthiest fami- come people in our country. These are comes down to the phrase ‘‘which side lies in this country already. people who are hungry. When they are are we on.’’ Are we on the side of those Meanwhile, in contrast, the Presi- hungry, they go to the community ac- people who make huge campaign con- dent’s budget proposes to cut Medicaid tion program. When they are homeless, tributions to Congress and the White by $28 billion over the next decade, they go to the community action pro- House, or are we on the side of tens of driving up the cost of health care for gram. When they do not have any millions of working families, strug- tens of millions of Americans. In other money to buy food, they go to the com- gling hard to keep their heads above words, while one of the wealthiest fam- munity action program. We are going water? ilies in this country gets a tax break of to cut back on that program, but we do That is the choice we face. As a mem- over $30 billion, tens of millions of have $826 million in tax breaks for the ber of the Budget Committee, I think Americans—children, seniors—will suf- Nordstrom family. the answer is pretty obvious. I will not fer. Now, that may make sense to Another major beneficiary of the be voting to provide a tax break to the someone, that may appear to be fair to Bush budget is the family of Ernest heirs of the Wal-Mart fortune. Rather, someone, but it sure does not make Gallo, who would receive a $468 million I will be fighting to substantially in- sense to me. In other words, if the tax break—$468 million. Meanwhile, crease financial aid for low- and mid- President’s proposed budget passes, the President proposes to cut $420 mil- dle-class families so that every Amer- millions of Americans will lose, includ- lion from the Low-Income Home En- ican, regardless of income, can receive ing some of the most vulnerable people ergy Assistance Program, the LIHEAP a college education. I will not support in our country, while one very wealthy program. another tax cut for the former CEO of family wins. According to the latest available ExxonMobil and his family. Instead, I A second major beneficiary of the data, 5.4 million senior citizens on will be voting to give support to work- President’s tax cuts is the heirs of the fixed incomes and low-income families ing families all over this country who Mars candy bar fortune. Now, I like with kids receive help paying their are desperately seeking quality and af- Snickers as much as anybody. And I do heating bills through this program fordable childcare. not want to be seen here as attacking each and every year. In the State of If, as a nation, we are serious about Snickers, one of the basic food groups Vermont, trust me, it gets very cold, addressing the long neglected needs of of American society. But the family and we have a lot of people in Vermont the middle-class and working people that owns Mars is slated to receive an and throughout this country who are and creating a fairer and more egali- estimated $11.7 billion tax break if the dependent upon the LIHEAP program. tarian society, we have to invest in estate tax is fully repealed. But, as a nation, the President sug- education, health care, housing, and Mr. President, $11.7 billion for the gests: No, no, we have to cut $420 mil- our infrastructure. We have to deal Mars family. They are winners. Yet, lion from LIHEAP, which impacts the with the crisis of global warming and who are the losers? As I mentioned ear- lives of low-income senior citizens. sustainable energy, as well as many lier, all over this country there are But—guess what—we do have $468 mil- other areas. We also have to reduce our waiting lines for veterans to get into lion available as a tax break for the national debt. Given that reality, Con- VA hospitals. We are not keeping our Gallo family. gress must develop the courage to promises to the veterans. Veterans lose The former CEO of ExxonMobil does stand up to the big money interests, to while one family wins big time. I think very well from the President’s tax the wealthiest families. We must roll that is wrong. breaks. As some will remember, while back the tax breaks given to the Another major winner in the Presi- the cost of gas at the pumps was soar- wealthiest 1 percent, and we must de- dent’s budget is the Cox family. They ing, while the profits of ExxonMobil mand that fortunate people rejoin are the heirs to the Cox cable fortune. were soaring, the company decided, in American society and understand that They will gain $9.7 billion if the estate its wisdom and generosity, to provide a like everybody else in this country, tax is repealed. Meanwhile, while the $400 million retirement package for they are part of America and not a spe- Cox family would receive almost $10 their departing CEO, Mr. Lee Ray- cial breed. If we are to keep faith with billion in tax breaks, the President mond. Now the President wants to re- our children, our seniors, our veterans, wants to cut funding for education by ward Mr. Raymond by providing his es- and with those people who have no $1.5 billion. tate with an estimated $164 million tax health insurance, we can do no less. I The President keeps talking about break. On the other hand, there is a look forward to working with my col- No Child Left Behind while his budget program called the Commodities Sup- leagues to make sure we do just that. continues to leave, in fact, millions of plemental Food Program which pro- I yield the floor and suggest the ab- children behind. In Vermont and all vides a package of high-quality, nutri- sence of a quorum. over this country, school districts are tious food to some 480,000 seniors, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The struggling with grossly inadequate mothers, and children. The President clerk will call the roll. funding for special education, which wants to eliminate this program. He is The assistant legislative clerk pro- the President also wants to cut. We do saying to the 4,000 seniors in Vermont ceeded to call the roll. not have the money to fund special who benefit from this program, the al- Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I education to improve public education most half a million seniors, mothers, ask unanimous consent that the order in America. We do not have that and kids who benefit from this package for the quorum call be rescinded. money. But we do have $9.7 billion for of food once a month: We in America The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without one family, the Mars family. don’t have enough money to provide objection, it is so ordered. Another major beneficiary of the for you who are hungry, for you who ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE President’s budget is the Nordstrom are old. We can’t do it. But if you are Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I family, owners of the upscale depart- the former CEO of ExxonMobil, if you rise this afternoon to speak of an issue ment store chain. By repealing the es- have a $400 million bonus at the end of of great concern in my State of Alaska tate tax, the Nordstrom family stands your career, guess what. Your family but also a concern we are seeing across to receive an estimated $826 million tax will get a $164 million tax break. the Nation, and this is access to health

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.026 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1940 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 care and, more specifically, access to lem. The high cost of medical school is one residency training program—and I the professionals who provide for our in large part to blame. Most students, should also mention we don’t have any very important health care needs. very severely in debt after medical medical schools in the State of Alas- In just 20 years, 20 percent of the U.S. school, are forced away from primary ka—our one residency training pro- population will be 65 years or older, a care and forced into more lucrative gram trains 12 family medicine resi- percentage larger than any other time speciality medicine. Rural areas and dents each year—clearly a number that in our Nation’s history. And just as their community health centers across is far fewer than our population needs. this aging population places the high- the Nation report a declining ability to Seventy-seven percent of the residents est demand on our health care system, recruit primary care physicians. choose to stay in Alaska—the highest the Council on Graduate Medical Edu- Alaska, as my colleagues have heard rate of return in the Nation. We know cation states that there will be a name say on the floor of the Senate many why it is. We figure we have an awful tional shortage of over 100,000 physi- times, geographically is huge. It is a lot to offer those who come to the cians in this country. Other experts State larger than Texas, California, State, but the problem is drawing them look at it from a bit more dire perspec- and Montana combined. In Alaska, to the State in the first place. tive and predict a shortage closer to ‘‘rural’’ really takes on a new meaning. In the last Congress, with great fan- 200,000 physicians. If that becomes a re- The physician shortage crisis in Alaska fare, we provided a Medicare prescrip- ality, 84 million patients will be left has long been magnified. Health care tion drug benefit. But the question I without a doctor’s care. delivery in the State is extremely dif- was asking at that time is, What good A dozen States already report physi- ficult because, in part, there are fewer is a prescription drug benefit if there is cian shortages. Across the country, pa- roads than in any other State. Even no physician to write prescriptions? In tients are experiencing, or soon will Rhode Island has more roads than the 21st century, we cannot, as a Gov- face, shortages in many physician spe- Alaska. This means that for the vast ernment, permit such dire access to cialties, including cardiology, radi- majority of communities in Alaska, care to continue. I do believe the situa- ology, and several pediatric and sur- our medical supplies, our patients, and tion is intolerable. We cannot sit by gical subspecialties. Demand for doc- our providers all must travel by air, while potentially millions of patients tors is accelerating more rapidly than which adds to the cost. go without care. That is why I am pro- the supply, and yet the number of our Alaska’s population is growing, espe- posing a three-pronged plan to allevi- medical school graduates has remained cially its elderly population, which is ate the Nation’s rural health care ac- virtually flat for over a quarter of a the second fastest growing in the Na- cess crisis. century. tion. Earlier in the year, I introduced the During that same time period, the People don’t typically think of Alas- Rural Physician Relief Act. This is leg- median tuition and fees at medical ka as having a fair number of seniors, islation which would provide tax incen- schools have increased by 750 percent but our senior population is growing at tives for physicians to practice in our in private schools and by nearly 900 a very rapid rate. However, Alaska’s most rural and frontier locations in the percent in public schools. physician workforce, as others across country. Today, I am announcing a sec- To add to that, much of the Nation’s the Nation, is aging. The number of ond step on improving access to health physician workforce also is graying. new residents is not keeping up with care. Soon, I will introduce the Physi- They are simply getting older. They attrition. Mr. President, 118 physicians cian Shortage Elimination Act. This is are heading for retirement. A third of in Anchorage alone are expected to re- a strong step in improving access to the Nation’s 750,000 active post resi- tire in the next 10 years. our health system. Later, as the third dency physicians are older than 55 and Currently, Alaska has the sixth low- prong of my plan, I will introduce com- likely to retire just as this boomer pop- est ratio of physicians to population in prehensive legislation for improving ulation generation moves into its time the United States. Outside of Anchor- the plight of the uninsured. of greatest medical need. By the year age, the ratio is the worst in the Na- To get to the Physician Shortage 2020, physicians are expected to hang tion. To put it into perspective, if Alas- Elimination Act, it essentially does up their stethoscopes at a rate nearly ka were to reach its national average four things: 21⁄2 times the retirement rate of today. of physicians to population, if we were First and foremost, it doubles the A looming doctor shortage threatens to reach it by the year 2025, we would funding for the National Health Serv- to create a national health care crisis need a net increase of 980 physicians ice Corps. This program has operated by further limiting access to physi- statewide or 49 more physicians per with 37 years of excellence, providing cians, jeopardizing quality and accel- year. primary care services to our most vul- erating cost increases. People are wait- For some in States where their popu- nerable populations. It is a solution to ing for weeks to get appointments, and lation base is significant, they might the many students who find the exorbi- emergency departments have lines that say 980 physicians between now and tant cost of medical school prohibi- fall out the door, literally. Many will 2025 isn’t that bad. We only have about tively expensive. However, the program go without care entirely, and we know 650,000 people in the State of Alaska. is just too small to meet the great need the consequence then in terms of the For us to find 980 physicians, or 49 in underserved America. Right now, pressures on the health care system more physicians per year, is a tall over 4,000 National Health Service when they go without care. In rural order. Corps clinicians provide primary care America, patients have long gone with- In Anchorage, many specialties are to nearly 6 million people nationwide out care. In fact, the shortage of physi- in serious or in critical shortage, in- who otherwise would likely have gone cians, especially primary care physi- cluding general internal medicine, neu- without care. Tragically, this still cians, in rural areas of the United rology, neurosurgery, rheumatology, leaves some 50 million people with ex- States represents one of the most in- and infectious diseases. Patients wait tremely diminished access to health tractable health policy problems of the for months to be accepted as new pa- care. In fact, the American Association past century. As a result, rural patients for general internal medicine. of Medical Colleges said the current tients are often denied both access to Others have to be flown to Seattle for program only meets 12 percent of the care and quality of care. One-fifth of some critical specialties. needs of the underserved. Yet this pro- the U.S. population lives in rural I need to repeat this because we are gram is so popular with medical stu- America. not just talking about ‘‘I don’t like dents that 80 percent of its applicants Yet only 9 percent of the Nation’s this particular doctor, and I want to in a typical year must be turned away. physicians are practicing in these find somebody else.’’ We don’t have the This National Health Service Corps areas. Over 50 million of these rural physicians to see the patients, so a pa- has a proven track record. Let us build Americans live in areas that have a tient will wait for months for an ap- on its success. Doubling our invest- shortage of physicians to meet their pointment or the other alternative is ment in the National Health Service basic needs. to fly outside to Seattle. Corps is the most prudent, most cost- Additionally, physician recruitment There is a bright spot, though, on the effective and expeditious way to meet to rural America has also been a prob- horizon. Even though Alaska has only the current needs and future needs of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.028 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1941 America’s underserved. In fact, the Mr. President, as a person coming It is time to exercise moral leadership former president of the AAMC stated from a rural area, you know a strong and exercise more muscular diplomacy that the National Health Service commitment to our community health in an area where so little has been ac- Corps: centers is a smart, cost-effective way complished for so many. . . . is ideally positioned to alleviate the of maximizing our health care dollars The conflict in Darfur has been rag- shortage of physicians in many medically for our neediest populations. ing for 4 years. Since 2003, the Suda- underserved areas but has only had sufficient The prognosis for quality of health nese Government and its allied funding to accommodate only a fraction of care in America right now does not Janjaweed militia have been fighting those young physicians who are prepared to look good. The prognosis is poor. Fifty the rebel Sudanese Liberation Army— practice in those areas. million Americans in underserved SLA, and the Justice and Equality The second part of the bill will im- areas across the Nation today already Movement—JEM. The SLA and the prove and expand current medical resi- must do without care. Soon, we will JEM claimed their aim was to force the dency programs. Half of all physicians have greater problems. We will have Sudanese Government to address the practice medicine within 100 miles of even greater physician shortages, underdevelopment and political their residency. This means the resi- which will mean another 84 million pa- marginalization in the region. dents who train in rural or underserved tients will be left without a physician’s In response, the government and the areas are likely to remain in those care. Janjaweed targeted the region’s civil- areas. The small Alaska Family Resi- We must act here in Congress. I ask ian population and the ethnic groups dency Program, which is a program de- my colleagues to take a look at the from which the rebels draw their sup- signed to help meet the needs in rural legislation we are introducing, the port. Alaska, is a great example of this. Of Physician Shortage Elimination Act, Since the fighting began, over 200,000 the 55 graduates, 75 percent have and see if this isn’t something we can people have been killed. Approximately stayed in Alaska upon completing their join together to work on so we can con- 3 million people have fled to internal residency—the highest return rate of tinue to provide the level of care Amer- displacement camps within Darfur, or any graduate medical program in the icans across the country, in both rural to neighboring Chad and the Central country. Unfortunately, it is too small and urban areas, deserve and expect. African Republic—C.A.R. None of these to meet the large needs of rural Alas- With that, Mr. President, I yield the options have shielded them from vio- ka. Rural and underserved residency pro- floor. lence as the Janjaweed has patrolled grams must be allowed to flourish. We ORDER OF PROCEDURE outside the camps and Sudanese war- have arcane barriers, and we have arti- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. planes have attacked inside Chad and ficial caps on residency programs that SANDERS). The majority leader. C.A.R. need to be removed. Students must be Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- In the face of these horrendous condi- allowed to learn their craft in the most imous consent that at 4:30 p.m., the tions, an estimated 14,000 aid workers rural and underserved areas of the Na- Senate go into executive session to risk their lives to provide basic human tion. My legislation will prevent resi- consider Executive Calendar No. 25, the services and comfort to one-third of dency programs from being penalized nomination of Nora Barry Fischer to the population in Darfur. The majority for training in locations where the be a U.S. district judge; that there be of these aid workers are Sudanese na- need is greatest, such as the Indian 10 minutes for debate on that nomina- tionals who have banded together to Health Service locations. Additionally, tion equally divided between the chair- create an unprecedented relief oper- it will remove barriers that prevent man and ranking member of the Judi- ation. programs from developing rural train- ciary Committee and 5 minutes under For its part, the United States pro- ing rotations and rural experiences in the control of Senator CASEY; that at vides approximately $1 billion in food their curriculum. All the experts agree 4:45 p.m., the Senate vote on the nomi- aid to the Darfur region. This contribu- that this is likely one of the most ef- nation; that the motion to reconsider tion is one of the few positive develop- fective ways to prepare students for a be laid on the table, the President be ments for the people in Darfur as we rural practice. immediately notified of the Senate’s have been able to increase the daily nu- Further, the legislation will reau- action, and the Senate then return to tritional intake. Nonetheless, the vio- thorize the Centers of Excellence Pro- legislative session and resume consid- lence rages and many aid agencies gram and the Health Careers Oppor- eration of H. J. Res. 20; that all amend- working in Darfur are unable to gain tunity Program. This did not receive ments and motions be withdrawn, the access to vast areas because of the funding for 2006, but these are impor- joint resolution be read a third time, fighting. tant programs, and they target dis- and the Senate vote on final passage, Thus far only the African Union— advantaged and minority students with the preceding all occurring with- AU—has responded to the call to pro- from as young as kindergarten on out any intervening action or debate. tect civilians. Unfortunately, the AU through high school. They target these The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there troops have been deployed in a slow young people to develop an interest in objection? and limited manner. the health professions. The programs Without objection, it is so ordered. The Darfur region is roughly 160,000 nurture the youth in rural and under- The Senator from Maryland is recog- square miles, and the AU force is far served areas, and they create a pipeline nized. too small to cover this vast territory. to careers in the health professions. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I ask The AU should be commended for This concept of ‘‘growing your own,’’ if unanimous consent that I be allowed to shouldering the burden this long. you will, is the most effective way of speak for up to 10 minutes. In August 2006, the United Nations achieving long-term retention in most The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Security Council adopted Resolution rural locations. objection, it is so ordered. 1706, to expand the mandate of the U.N. Finally, my legislation will bolster DARFUR mission in Sudan—UNIMIS—to include the cornerstone of health care in rural Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, the peo- Darfur. The resolution ‘‘invites the America, which is the community ple of the Darfur region of Sudan are consent of the Sudanese Government’’ health center. Community health cen- crying out for help during their time of to allow U.N. forces into Darfur and ters provide quality community-based despair. It is time for the U.S. Govern- ‘‘authorizes use of ‘all necessary health care for millions of America’s ment to exercise greater international means’ to protect U.N. personnel and medically underserved and uninsured. leadership and take greater strides to civilians under threat of physical vio- This bill will help them do their job. It stave off a humanitarian disaster. lence.’’ will expand residency programs and Darfur has been identified as geno- Resolution 1706 calls for a total of primary care services offered by com- cide and the international community 27,000 armed personnel for Sudan. The munity health service centers and offer is permitting it to continue. This is not breakdown includes the 7,000 AU sol- grants to health centers to assist them acceptable. diers, 17,000 U.N. blue helmets and 3,000 in recruitment, technical assistance, It is not enough to posture and police officers. This is a significant and physician mentoring programs. threaten the government in Khartoum. mission by the United Nations and one

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.029 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 that underscores significant inter- progress on democracy and human American people to understand it is national concern about Darfur. issues in Africa. Having China thumb not Republican or Democrat, it is Without question, U.N. Resolution its nose at these accomplishments short-term vision versus long-term vi- 1706 caused concern and then foot drag- would set a bad precedent for Africa sion for our country. ging by the Khartoum Government. and should have consequences in the We have a bill before us on the floor Khartoum is wary of a robust U.N. West. of the Senate that does a lot of troop presence on its soil for two rea- China should be afforded an oppor- things—a lot we should have gotten sons. First, it fears the investigators tunity to become part of the solution done. There is no question. The major- from the International Criminal in addressing Sudan’s humanitarian ity is within its rights to do what it Court—ICC—who will have greater lati- concerns. has done. The predicate that Senator tude under a U.N. presence. Second, it Diplomacy and economic leverage REID used, that it was used on the fears the presence of the U.N. will force should be applied to Sudan with the co- Democrats before—there was no com- them to follow through on the oil rev- operation of China. plaint with that. It has been done. It is enue sharing agreement with the The United States has clearly shown not a good process. But what we are southern Sudanese. what can be accomplished through sus- seeing is not what was promised. We Khartoum views a U.N. presence as a tained and concerted diplomatic ef- thought we bought a new car, and what surrender of sovereignty. However, forts. After 21 years of fighting we were we bought, what the American people what it really fears is the ICC inves- able to persuade Khartoum to nego- bought, was a car that had been tigators being able to gather evidence tiate with the Sudanese People’s Lib- wrecked and repainted and sold as new. within its borders. Since the ICC ac- eration Front—SPLF. I want to talk about several of the cepted the responsibility of looking This administration was able to mar- problems, things that are wrong with into genocide in Sudan, Khartoum has shal international humanitarian sup- this bill. I want to raise the question maneuvered mightily to keep its inves- port and the attention of the world to why should we not fix it now. I will tigators away, out of the country. what is happening in Darfur. The start first with the BRAC money—$3.1 Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir United States must provide the vision billion to move tens of thousands of has resisted the U.N. force since its in- and the leadership to protect innocent troops out of Germany, back here. It is ception. As he has done repeatedly civilians in Darfur. not going to happen. The money may throughout the Darfur crisis, he com- I yield the floor. come with the omnibus but not in time mits and later reneges on commit- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- to achieve the savings that we were ments and pledges of cooperation in ator from Oklahoma. hoping to achieve through the BRAC Darfur. For this reason, former U.N. Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I be- process. So there is a double cost. One General Secretary, Kofi Annan, gave us lieve under the unanimous consent is, if we took that money and we spent a viable Plan A to implement the U.N. agreement I am recognized until 4:15; is it to grow the Government—debatable. force in Sudan. that correct? It is not debatable that some of the Plan A implements a hybrid U.N.–AU The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- things that are funded with that are force which the government of Sudan ator is correct. not good—but are they the priority? initially agreed to. Mr. COBURN. I will try not to take We are going to grow the Government, Plan A is a workable option and a that much time. No. 1, and then we are going to take win-win for everybody. Unfortunately, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- that money and put it on the supple- President al-Bashir has back pedaled ator from Oklahoma is recognized. mental bill. from his initial embrace of Mr. Annan’s (A portion of the remarks of Mr. A supplemental bill is a bill that plan. On November 18, 2006, it was re- COBURN are printed in today’s RECORD comes forward outside the budget pa- ported Sudan’s U.N. ambassador de- under ‘‘Morning Business.’’) rameters, so therefore any of the clared ‘‘there will be no U.N. peace- Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I want money spent doesn’t have to be within keepers in Darfur.’’ to turn to the bill in front of us and the budget limits. That money goes di- The ambassador’s comments came as make a few remarks about how things rectly to the credit card of your Sudanese war planes and Sudanese- change, but they never change. We had grandkids. There is $3.1 billion. Then backed militias staged fresh attacks in an election this last fall. The election we are going to lose the benefits neighboring Chad and the Central Afri- was based on changing the control so through delay of the BRAC closure can Republic. we can control the spending, so we can process which is going to be another $3 It is imperative the United States secure the future, so we can eliminate to $5 billion. So by playing the same and the international community rein- wasteful Washington spending. I would games Washington has been known for vigorate diplomacy with Sudan in put forth that the bill in front of us is for years, we are going to add $7 or $8 order to move Khartoum to reason. more of the same—actually I want to billion more to the debt of our grand- This is what I would describe as the ad- guard the words I use—more of the children. ministration’s potential Plan B. same lack of clarity, lack of trans- If you thought things changed, they The immediate next steps for Darfur parency and game playing that Con- didn’t. They changed in name only. are complex, yet achievable. These in- gress has been known for the last 25 to This game with this maneuver in it is clude securing a cease fire and pro- 30 years. a sham for our grandkids and anybody tecting humanitarian relief corridors, The bill before us manipulates the else who thinks we are going to be fis- establishing the hybrid U.N.–AU peace- numbers. The bill before us is untruth- cally responsible with your money. keeping operation and advancing the ful about the costs. The bill before us is The second thing it does is it de- political dialogue in Darfur. put on the floor of the Senate without stroys some of the help that was out Additionally, President Bush and any debate to bring forth transparency. there to help the most vulnerable. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice No amendments are going to be offered There was a provision in the new Ryan must place Sudan higher on the U.S.- to bring forth transparency. No amend- White AIDS bill that saves the life of Chinese agenda. Sudan produces some ments are going to be offered to offset newborn babies. We know it works. The 500,000 and 600,000 barrels of oil per day. the cost. This $3.1 billion expense is two States that have done it have re- China purchases 80 percent of this oil going to go directly to our grand- duced HIV infection in newborn chil- and invests heavily into Sudan’s oil children because what is not spent for dren by about 98 percent—for $85: $10 to producing infrastructure. military construction and BRAC costs test and $75 to treat newborn children. As China continues its diplomatic will be added to the supplemental In New York they used to have 500 and economic courtship of African na- which we are going to be taking up in babies a year born who were infected tions, she should be clear about how March. We are going to be taking up with HIV. Last year they had seven. she intends to deal with despotic and more of the same games, so what you Why? Because women who did not authoritarian governments. The inter- got for what you thought was change is know their status were given an oppor- national community has worked hard not a change at all. It is just a change tunity to opt out of being tested. If over the past 20 years for greater in name only. It is important for the they didn’t want to be tested, they

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.001 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1943 didn’t have to be. But if they did, they tion that aren’t available to you, that tural areas, where we have a tremen- were given an opportunity to get test- have nothing to do with national secu- dous need—an agricultural disaster by ed. And if they didn’t want to be test- rity. I can’t even get them. The Presi- any means that we have addressed be- ed, their baby was tested, so if, in fact, dent pro tempore of the Senate right fore. We tried to address it before we they were carrying HIV, we could pre- now can’t get them unless he sits on went home, but we didn’t want to pay vent, 99 percent of the time, those chil- the appropriations subcommittees of for it. So that didn’t go anywhere. That dren from becoming infected with HIV. those reports coming back. That is not is going to go somewhere when the sup- The money was taken out in this bill. transparency. What that is is working plemental comes. It will be a part of This is a chart for the infections, in the dark so the American people the supplemental package that comes perinatal infections. Just in these don’t know what is going on. I have an out of the Appropriations Committee States alone, for which we have a amendment that says those reports and we will pay $4 billion or $5 billion record, these are going to be the pre- ought to be made public to the Amer- or $6 billion. It won’t be paid for, we ventable cases of newborn baby AIDS ican people. It is their money. It is our will charge it to our kids, and we will that are going to not happen because of money. But we have—here we go—an help these farmers. There is $1 billion what this bill does. Thousands of ba- appropriations bill that has 40 reports in my amendment that is paid for— bies are going to get infected with HIV from the Federal Government agencies paid for; we don’t have to charge it to because we are taking away the incen- to report back to Congress. Yet the our grandchildren—that will help im- tives. In terms of this bill, it is small Senator from Vermont and the Senator mediately those farmers who have suf- numbers, $30 million—incentives to get from Oklahoma cannot see those re- fered through this tremendous drought States doing what New York and Con- ports, and neither can you. What is in the Central Plains. We can not offer necticut have done. that all about? Why shouldn’t you be that amendment. We can not help the Shame on us, shame on us, to claim able to see those reports? You should people who need us to help right now we care and then to take this and be able to. But that amendment is de- because we are playing games. We are eliminate it. They went so far as to nied under this process. More of the playing the same old political games talk to the administration about this, same. More work done in darkness that were played when the Republicans hoping that they would have a letter without the light of day for the Amer- were in charge. This isn’t a new day; coming that would say we don’t want ican people to see what is going on in this is just a new manager under the the money. In fact, they want the their Government with their money. same scams. It is a scam, and the money. It is in the President’s budget. They should reject that. We all should American people need to know it is a He wants the money. Why? Because it reject that. But change comes slowly. scam in terms of their money. actually does something. Your dollars The reason I am out here talking Finally, the money we are stealing actually go to make a difference. How about it is I think the American people from the BRAC, a portion of that we do they make a difference? Not only do ought to know what is going on in this are giving to the Global AIDS Fund. they save the life, the cost to treat a bill. Yes, the threat is if we don’t pass We are the largest contributor to the baby over their life—their life expect- this, the Government will shut down. Global AIDS Fund—$300 million. We ancy is only 25 years if they get HIV. The Government doesn’t have to shut are going to bump that to $750 million, But that is a quarter of a million dol- down. We could continue this for 2 except there is no accountability in the lars versus $85, and the vast majority weeks, but we are playing the game. Global AIDS Fund. The Boston Globe of that money is going to be paid by Who will look worse if you vote against recently released a report on some in- the American taxpayers. So shame on it. What the American people care side auditor work inside the Global us. Shame on us for doing that. These about is whether we have an open and AIDS Fund showing the slush funds, are, just in these States alone, the transparent government. That is what showing the money that has been wast- number of children who are going to I am about: making sure we know the ed. Yet we can’t have access to those get infected with HIV without this pro- cost of what we are doing, making sure reports. We are the largest contributor, gram going forward. we know who is responsible, and hold- but we are denied access. I have an Another amendment I wanted to ing those accountable when they are amendment that says if they want the offer so we could offer ways to try to not doing what is in the best long-term money, then they have to show us the change these things is to delay the CR interest of our country rather than internal transparent workings of that for 2 weeks and let’s have the debate what is in the best short-term political organization, since we are the largest about these issues, but we are not interest of either political party or any contributor. That is denied. That is going to be allowed to even offer an individual Member of Congress. common sense. If you were giving amendment to continue it for 2 more Another amendment I was going to money to a charity and they were weeks so we can actually debate it. offer but have been precluded from wasting it, you would want to know That is the majority’s right. I respect doing so is we have thousands of people how they were spending your money. their right. It was probably done to waiting for assistance with their drugs As a matter of fact, we make char- them before I got here. It doesn’t mean for HIV. As a matter of fact, there are ities in this country show how they are it is the correct process for our country several hundred, 350-some in South spending their money. We actually to solve the big fiscal problems that Carolina alone who don’t have any audit them. We are precluded from are in front of us. money, are not getting treated, their knowing how $750 million of your One of the items which BARACK HIV is progressing, they are going to money is going to be spent. And the OBAMA and I got through the last Con- AIDS, and they are going to die. That waste we have found out about in that gress in coordination with several key number is in the thousands across the program is denying the very people we Members in the House was the Ac- country right now, and although we are hoping to help, those innocent countability and Transparency Act of have increased the AIDS drug assist- young African children who are in- 2006. What that act says is by January ance program, we haven’t increased it fected with HIV, with their medicines 1 of next year, you as the American enough to where we are taking care of every day. taxpayer are going to start finding out those who do not have any other re- So the way to have great government how we are spending the money. The source with which to get the medicines is to have transparency. The way to whole idea behind it is if you know, we to save their lives. That amendment is get rid of wasteful Washington spend- are going to be held to a higher stand- foregone. We can’t do that, not avail- ing is to have transparency. The way ard. We are going to be held more ac- able. to lower the taxes on everybody in this countable. Also the idea behind it is if Another amendment I had, which is country is to get rid of the waste, you know the American people are certainly necessary—and we have had fraud, abuse, and duplication that is going to know, maybe you won’t do the Senators from North Dakota and present within our Government. This some of the things for your buddies you South Dakota talking about it—is the bill does none of that. What this bill are up here doing. fact that we have had a disaster in the does is spend more of your money and But in this bill there are 40 reports Central Plains of this country, in west- with sleight of hand and under the that are demanded of the administra- ern Oklahoma and many other agricul- cover of darkness transfer billions to

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It is interest. It is in- but I will tell my colleagues, I am cer- political person; he is a straight shoot- terest on the debt, and we have perpet- tainly not going to quit when the ma- er; he knows what we are facing is an uated that with this bill. jority party claims—falsely claims—to impending crisis in this country and I know none of my amendments will be doing something in the best inter- that we are on a crash course toward be made in order, but I am inclined to ests of this country in terms of fiscal fiscal bankruptcy. But here is what we show the ridiculousness of this process. responsibility when, in fact, they are know. If you are born today in this So with notice to the Presiding Officer, not. country, you have a birth tax of who I expect to object, as is his right There is no question what I have laid $453,000. That is what your share is of as a Senator from Vermont, I ask out here today is factual. There is no the unfunded liabilities we refuse to fix unanimous consent that the pending question that what we are seeing is that we are adding to with this bill—we amendments be set aside and my more of the same in Washington. It is are going to add $10 billion to $12 bil- amendment No. 234 be called up. time for it to stop. It is time for the lion actually with this bill when the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there American public to hold everybody ac- new supplemental comes out—that is objection? countable, and we ought to be about my prediction—at a minimum, $3 bil- In my capacity as a Senator from America, not the Democratic Party or lion, probably $10 billion to $12 billion. Vermont, I do object. the Republican Party. We ought to be What we are doing is going to add to Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I have nonpartisan for the long-term future of that birth tax. another unanimous consent request, this country. We ought to be non- What is the great thing about our which is that the pending amendments partisan in order to restore the idea of country? The great thing about our be set aside and that amendment No. sacrifice and service for the next gen- country is it was built on the sacrifice 235, the AIDS Drug Assistance Pro- eration, rather than taking it for us of one generation creating opportunity gram, be called up. today. for the next. This bill does the opposite The PRESIDING OFFICER. In my Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I of that. This bill steals from the next capacity as a Senator from Vermont, I note the absence of a quorum. generation to take care of us now. object. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The There is no long-term thinking in this Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I ask clerk will call the roll. bill; there is only short-term thinking. unanimous consent that my amend- The legislative clerk proceeded to Is it partially my fault we are here? ment No. 236 be called up and the pend- call the roll. Sure. I will take that. But the process ing amendments be set aside. This is an Mr. WARNER. I ask unanimous con- and the false claims that we are under amendment that will allow us to consent that the order for the quorum call a new day, that we are under a new fis- tinue to discuss this for 2 weeks. be rescinded. cal paradigm, is hogwash. There is no The PRESIDING OFFICER. In my The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. fiscal responsibility in this bill. This capacity as a Senator from Vermont, I MCCASKILL). Without objection, it is so bill actually claims that it eliminates object. ordered. all the earmarks. Nothing could be fur- Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I ask Mr. WARNER. Madam President, ther from the truth. As a matter of unanimous consent that my amend- parliamentary inquiry: My under- fact, hopefully today, I understand, the ment No. 250, which allows all report standing is that the matter before the President is going to say they are not requests by the Appropriations Com- Senate at this time is the continuing going to honor the unwritten ear- mittee—40 of them—be made public, resolution and that Senators may ad- marks. There is $17 billion worth of un- that the pending amendments be set dress aspects of that resolution at this written earmarks that will continue in aside and that it be called up. point in time; is that correct? this bill the way this bill is written. The PRESIDING OFFICER. In my The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Now, they get to claim in the press capacity as a Senator from Vermont, I ator is correct. that they have a little section in the object. Mr. WARNER. Madam President, the bill that says none of the earmarks in Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I ask Senate has before it the continuing res- this bill carry the force of law. Well, unanimous consent that the pending olution which is an absolutely essen- that doesn’t do anything. None of those amendments be set aside and my tial piece of legislation to permit our earmarks carried the force of law last amendment No. 251 that will apply $1 Government to go forward. We are year. None of those earmarks next year billion for the farmers who are in dire about to have a vote, I understand, at will carry the force of law. It does need in this country today be called up. 4:45 in relation to that resolution. The nothing to eliminate those earmarks The PRESIDING OFFICER. In my resolution has been consistent with the from continuing to be spent. We know capacity as a Senator from Vermont, I rules and precedent of the Senate, put what earmarks are. We know how they object. before the Senate in such a way as to create conflicts of interest within this Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I ask make extremely restrictive the ability body and within the lobbying commu- unanimous consent that the pending to amend that resolution. nity and individuals throughout this amendments be set aside and my Nevertheless, a group of Senators country. They ought to be gone. None amendment No. 252, which asks for the have felt ever so strongly about our of them should be honored, unless they transparency of our contributions into initiative, which is contained in S. are in the bill and people are willing to the Global AIDS Fund be called up. Con. Res. 7, a document that was filed stand up and defend those and they The PRESIDING OFFICER. In my at the desk in connection with the de- have been vetted by the committees of capacity as a Senator from Vermont, I bate on Iraq. We feel very strongly that this Congress. object. the program announced by the Presi- So bear in mind as I vote against this Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I went dent on January 20 of this year con- bill, it is not because I want to shut the through that exercise, and I know the tained therein aspects to which we Government down; it is because it is a Senator from Vermont does not dis- could not give our full concurrence. vote saying it is more of the same, agree with all those amendments, but There is a range of differences of opin- American people. You didn’t get what he is doing what he has been instructed ion between our group, and when I say you bargained for, again. Hold us ac- by the majority to do. The fact is we ‘‘our group,’’ they have identified countable, come ask the questions, and could have a debate, we could delay themselves from time to time as being don’t take the spin. The fact is there is this for 2 weeks, and we could make cosponsors and other Members of the a $453,000 birth tax for every child who this bill far better. We could decide not Senate.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.037 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1945 Speaking for myself, I felt the plan, by political motivation—and have tried liamentary procedures—the so-called as announced on January 20, did not to continuously push our resolution be- filling up the tree and motions for clo- speak to the clarity I thought nec- fore this Senate such that each and ture filed at the same time the legisla- essary, to say this operation should be every Senator could express his or her tion is before the Senate increase to an highly dependent on the Iraqi-trained agreement, concurrence, or disagree- ever-accelerating process. military and other security forces. ment. We have not yet succeeded, but I was very disturbed about that proc- Our Nation, together with coalition we are going to continue to press on. ess being exercised when my side of the partners over the period of this long There is some representation—I don’t aisle was in the leadership, and I am conflict—in the not-too-distant future know whether it is final—that the Sen- even more concerned as I watch the months or so it will begin a fifth year— ate may see after we come back from new majority conduct business in the have invested heavily in dollars and this recess the measure that will be Senate. I could submit for the record sacrifice and otherwise to train the presumably passed by the House this the fact of literally every measure be- Iraqi forces to take on their own secu- week and presented in what I’m told fore the Senate that at the same time rity obligations. The figure ‘‘over could well be an identical form. We feel a cloture motion is proposed, the tree 300,000’’ has been frequently referred to very strongly our resolution, S. Con. is filled. in briefings and otherwise, that we Res. 7, without any changes in it, The Senate is here to debate and have thus far, in one way or another, should be brought up as a substitute amend. The other body, understand- trained and equipped. amendment, but at the present time, ably, has different rules. Given the As a member of the Committee on given the few minutes remaining, I see mechanisms that are being put in place Armed Services in the course of brief- my distinguished colleague who has by the majority side, what is the dif- ings and, indeed, in the Intelligence joined me in this effort, the distin- ference? It seems to me that 20 years Committee, both of which I serve on, it guished Senator from Nebraska, Mr. ago—and I would ask my friend from Virginia, who has been here consider- has been represented through the BEN NELSON. We have put forward this ably longer than I have—the routine years, most particularly the last 2 to S. Con. Res. 7, which requires the fund- was a piece of legislation would be be- 21⁄2 years, there has been a steady im- ing for the Government. provement in the quality and the pro- At this time, I ask the pending fore the Senate, there would be amend- fessionalism of these Iraqi forces. amendment be set aside so I may offer ments proposed, debated, with second- 1 degree amendments, if necessary. And Now, 2 ⁄2 years is a long time to train amendment numbered 259 which is our the process was something where lit- a military person. In the United S. Con. Res. 7, in identical form, which erally every Member of the Senate, if a States, we have prided ourselves since is pending at the desk. the days of World War II in taking a 17- The PRESIDING OFFICER. In my Member so chose, could come to the floor and debate and amend and im- or 18-year-old individual and training capacity as a Senator from Missouri, I prove the legislation, if that was a that individual to be a fighting person object on behalf of the request of the in 6, 8, 9 months and then some train- Member’s desire. leadership. Where are we now? We file cloture. ing with a unit and therein to a combat Mr. WARNER. Madam President, I We vote on cloture. We stand around situation. Throughout our history, receive that with a great deal of dis- for 30 hours or so. And then we vote up they have discharged themselves with appointment because I felt, in this crit- or down. This is a very dangerous proc- the highest degree of professionalism. ical period of time as this operation in ess we are going through. So now we Many of the forces we currently have Baghdad is getting underway, the con- are examining a bill which funds all in Iraq have followed that pattern of structive recommendations to the but two Federal agencies in a measure less than a year’s training. How well President, as embraced in our resolu- which no Member is permitted to offer, we know the courage with which the tion, should be brought before this Sen- debate or vote on a single amendment. men and women of the Armed Forces of ate for full discussion. I see my col- That is not why I came here. That is the United States, with the strong sup- league. not why. We are sent here—we are sent port of their families, have fought, suf- I yield the floor. here—to express the views and ambi- fered severe wounds, and died to enable Mr. MCCAIN. Madam President, what tions and hopes and dreams of our con- the Iraqi people to have their freedom, is the pending business? stituents. to have a nation which is regarded as a The PRESIDING OFFICER. House I have been in discussion with several sovereign nation today, to have a gov- Joint Resolution 20. other Members about how this trend ernment elected by themselves. Mr. MCCAIN. I ask for the regular continues to accelerate and literally I find it highly perplexing that in order and I ask to be recognized. deprive this institution from being de- that cadre of some 300,000, there are The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- scribed as not the greatest deliberative not those elements that could have ator is recognized. body in the world but a deliberative been utilized to a far greater degree in Mr. MCCAIN. Madam President, I body. this campaign. come to the Senate to comment on And I say to the leadership, please sit We have heard reports—within the H.J. Res. 20, making continuing appro- down and work these things out. Have last 2 days I received confirmation— priations for fiscal year 2007 which, as a reasonable number of amendments. that those Iraqi contingents, those I understand, is the pending business Have debate. Agree to time agree- troop commitments to this surge plan before the Senate. ments. Agree to time agreements. I had which is now in operation still fall I think most of us agree that funding several amendments to this bill for short of the level of numbers in the the Federal Government should be which I would have agreed to an hour commitment to have them in place. done through the regular order, not time agreement, which would have Nevertheless, given the magnitude of through a patchwork of continuing res- been plenty of time to debate the that force, in our resolution, we spe- olutions. The reality is that all but two amendments and render the Senate’s cifically say the President should Federal agencies are being funded judgment, which I would have re- charge—we use the word ‘‘charge’’— through a measure to which no Mem- spected whether it succeeded or failed. hold them accountable for taking the ber is being permitted to offer, debate Now, there are many of us who are lead, for taking the point, for bearing or vote on a single amendment. That is very unhappy because we think we the principal burden of this operation wrong. We are not the House of Rep- could have improved this legislation, called ‘‘surge’’ in Iraq as enunciated by resentatives. We are not the other which covers all but two—two—Federal the President on January 20. Therein, body, I say to my colleagues. We are agencies of the entire Federal Govern- rests this Senator’s grave concern the Senate, a deliberative body. I hope ment. And we are going to consider an about the utilization of 21,500—and the Senate leadership on both sides up-or-down vote on it. That is not even a somewhat larger force than will work to ensure we do not repeat right. It is not fair to the American originally announced—in this oper- this fate. people. And it is not fair to the hal- ation. I have been in this body for a little lowed traditions of this institution. We gathered together individuals of over 20 years. I have watched, over I do not know exactly what to do honest thinking, clear thinking—not those 20 years, an increasing use of par- about it. But there are some of us who

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.048 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 are looking for ways, perhaps, to ex- tion requires the flow of money. And And we are here today to try to con- press our dissatisfaction on this issue. unless this particular continuing reso- tinue to do the right thing. The House In all deference to my dear friend from lution is acted upon by this body with- of Representatives is engaged in a his- Virginia, all I asked for on this issue of in the next few days, it will, indeed, toric debate today over a resolution the ‘‘surge’’ or ‘‘change in strategy’’ in impair the ability of our Government that does, in part, what our resolution Iraq was 2 hours of debate on our to function. So we have to take into does. It expresses opposition to the amendment, with a time agreement consideration those things. President’s planned surge of troops in and a vote. I do not think that is a lot Madam President, might I ask my Iraq. to ask. I do not think that is a great friend, our good friend from Nebraska Although their resolution and our deal. I do not think that is a huge re- was to have had 2 minutes to rejoin in resolution come at it from different di- quest. The two leaders sitting down to- my effort to get the amendment up. At rections and points of view, in essence, gether could have—and, by the way, I some point, might he be recognized they have some similarity. But I would know my friend from Virginia sup- and—— prefer the Senate to take up the War- ported that. I am not in any way deni- Mr. MCCAIN. Madam President, I ask ner-Nelson-Collins resolution because grating—— unanimous consent that without losing we have spent considerable time and Mr. WARNER. If the Senator will the floor, my friend from Nebraska be energy drafting a complete and com- yield? recognized for 3 minutes to make a prehensive resolution that includes Mr. MCCAIN. Yes. statement on the issue which has been many of the priorities Senators have Mr. WARNER. I would have it re- raised by the Senator from Virginia, expressed over the duration of that flected in our colloquy that I did sup- which I heartily disagree with. war. port that because it has always been Mr. WARNER. Madam President, I Our resolution includes the need to my understanding, this being the thank my friend from Arizona for his establish benchmarks for the Iraqi greatest deliberative body in the usual good humor and courtesy. Government to meet in order to con- world’s organization, legislatures The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tinue involvement of the United States should have that as a fundamental objection, it is so ordered. in Iraq. It includes the desire to con- precedent. The Senator from Nebraska. tinue fighting the terrorists in Anbar I supported the Senator, much to the Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Madam Province. It expresses clear opposition risk—and I was defamed from coast to President, I thank my friends from Vir- to the President’s proposal to deposit coast—but I stood by the Senator’s ginia and Arizona for the courtesy 21,000 troops at the crossroads of civil right to have his amendment, along being extended to me and I appreciate war in Baghdad. with mine, considered by this body. their forbearance. The House resolution does express Mr. MCCAIN. I thank my friend from Madam President, the Senate is opposition to the President’s plan, but Virginia. And let the record be clear, about to embark on a weeklong recess it does not include these other impor- the Senator from Virginia supported in the next couple days, and I would be tant measures which we think are very the proposition that we would consider remiss to allow this week to end with- important. more than one amendment. out at least trying with my colleague So I hope we can resolve our dif- Now, I am absolutely convinced—I from Virginia one more time to get the ferences and vote on this resolution in hate to keep going on this aspect of it Senate to consider our resolution on a timely fashion. The American public because I wish to discuss the con- the Iraq troop surge. deserves an up-or-down down vote on tinuing appropriations bill before us— For days we have seen Senators de- this most important issue of today. but we could have sat down and said: liver speeches on this floor, some for a The time is now to express our opposi- OK, we will have four amendments, a vote, others against allowing a vote. tion to the troop surge and the use of certain amount of time on each amend- We have heard great calls to action, American soldiers to stop civil war in ment for debate. Time agreements and we have heard that doing nothing Iraq. would have been entered into, and then would be better than doing something. Thank you, Madam President. And I everybody could have had their say or We even had Senators participate in an thank my colleague and friend from certainly the majority of the Senate exercise to block an up-or-down vote Arizona and my colleague and friend would have agreed to that. on a resolution, some for reasons they from Virginia. Instead, unfortunately, we ended up think were certainly important. Mr. WARNER. Madam President, if I without addressing the issue in a com- But I am not a believer in doing might be recognized to thank my col- prehensive fashion, in fact at all, be- nothing, and I believe the Senate has league from Nebraska and then thank cause of the process that went through. an obligation to lead. I have said that our colleague for his courtesy. But equally as important—equally as before, and I will say it again. The Sen- Mr. MCCAIN. Madam President, I important—I say to my friend from ate is not only a deliberative body, but have to insist on the regular order. Virginia—and I would ask him, when it is a governing body and has over- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- he first came here, would he have ever sight interests. Each Senator, as a ator from Arizona is recognized. seen a situation where the entire fund- Member of the body, has an obligation Mr. WARNER. I thank my colleague ing of the Federal Government was in a to lead. from Arizona. measure before this body without a sin- I would like to commend my col- Mr. MCCAIN. I thank my colleagues. gle amendment being allowed to it? leagues, the Senator from Virginia and Madam President, I understand at Madam President, I ask unanimous the Senator from Maine, for exhibiting 4:15 we are turning to a judge. I ask consent to engage in a brief colloquy great leadership and courage in forging unanimous consent for an additional 5 with the Senator from Virginia. this resolution that includes many im- minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without portant issues that need to be covered The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. in a vote of this magnitude. Both of my objection, it is so ordered. Mr. WARNER. Madam President, colleagues and others have overcome Mr. ALLARD. Madam President, be- I—— fierce political pressures, including the fore we do that, I was under the im- Mr. MCCAIN. For the record, you Presiding Officer. But we have come pression I might be able to speak for might want to say how many years you together to do the right thing. about 5 minutes or so at around 4:15. If have been here. I would like to thank my colleagues, I could add another 5 minutes at the Mr. WARNER. I certainly recall, over the chairman of the Senate Armed end of that so we each have 5 minutes. a period of 29 years, the importance of Services Committee, from Michigan, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The time the continuing resolution and the my colleague from Nebraska, and the for executive session is not until 4:30. greater utilization, regrettably, of the other Senators who have signed on in Mr. ALLARD. Meaning we have necessity for leaders on both sides to support of our resolution. Together, we time? OK. resort to that. But I would have to say are able to begin the process of over- Mr. MCCAIN. We have time. to my good friend, the imperative of sight, the process of leadership, the Mr. ALLARD. Thank you, Madam the ability for our Government to func- process of living up to our obligations. President.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.050 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1947 Mr. MCCAIN. I thank the Chair. I was BRAC, account, and was pleased to join the idea of funding BRAC in the supple- misinformed. in cosponsoring the amendment filed mental, I have not heard one idea on Madam President, I will not go on, on by Senators HUTCHISON and INHOFE to how to pay for it. Do they instead ad- this issue, but I believe we need to, as fund the account at the amount re- vocate for an increase to the supple- a body, sit down and try to fix this un- quested by the President and the mental? Why not just provide the funds fortunate situation where we are not amount we authorized for 2007. to BRAC by offsets in the pending allowing amendments nor sufficient ex- The 55 percent cut to the BRAC ac- measure before us, as proposed by the amination of legislation before the count, submitted without any type of Hutchison amendment? We should be body. justification or explanation, seriously addressing full fiscal year 2007 funding Madam President, there is one silver jeopardizes the Department of De- for BRAC in this CR. Using budget lining to the measure pending before fense’s ability to meet a statutory gimmicks and shell games in a supple- us. It is largely free of wasteful ear- deadline to complete all BRAC actions mental, which could have devastating marking and porkbarrel spending. This by 2011. Congress imposed this 6-year results for the military and local com- is the first time during my years in deadline specifically to limit the nega- munities, is not the way to provide ap- Congress I have witnessed such an oc- tive impact on the military units and propriations for critical military re- currence. Compare this to the last fis- local communities around the country quirements. cal year, 2006. According to data com- affected by BRAC. Congress intended Finally, I want to associate myself piled by the Congressional Research that a concentrated period of invest- with the remarks of my colleague, Dr. Service, the appropriations bills and ment would accelerate the economic COBURN. He has been on the floor sev- accompanying reports for the last fis- development and recovery of commu- eral times to discuss the very serious cal year included $64 billion in ear- nities affected by BRAC. This callous ramifications of the provision in this marks—the largest earmarked funding decision to deny funds to the Depart- bill that will prohibit funding for what in history. ment at this critical juncture directly is known as the ‘‘baby AIDS’’ program. So again, this CR, which does not harms these communities as much as it I’ve often commented that we need to have an accompanying report where does the military units placed in limbo start making tough fiscal decisions historically 95 percent of earmarks are by the sudden denial of funds. around here among competing prior- included, is a welcomed change. I can The administration noted in its re- ities. But I have yet to hear anyone de- only urge the Appropriations Com- cent response to the CR that the BRAC fend or even attempt to explain the de- mittee to let this be a guide for future cut will ‘‘reduce BRAC savings, delay cision that was made to prohibit fund- appropriations measures when it comes or postpone scheduled redeployments ing for this critical program. to earmarks: Do not include them and of military personnel and their fami- I completely agree with Dr. COBURN. do not waste the taxpayers’ dollars. lies from overseas locations to the This funding prohibition is regrettable, I was pleased to join with several of United States, and negatively impact and may have far reaching and dev- my colleagues in writing the President many communities throughout the astating consequences for those help- last week to urge his leadership on this country that have begun making spe- less babies who could otherwise be issue and ensure his administration un- cific plans in response to BRAC.’’ given a better chance at having and derstands clearly and fully that it is Surely our colleagues who developed keeping healthy lives. under absolutely no obligation to con- this CR proposal did not intend to I yield the floor. tinue to fund earmarks that were in- cause additional harm to the local EXHIBIT 1 cluded in past committee reports or communities that are already trying to urged by Members of Congress or their cope and recover from the BRAC deci- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Washington, DC, February 2, 2007. staff. As stated by the President in his sions. Quoting Congressman DAVID State of the Union Address last month, OBEY, chairman of the House Appro- MEMORANDUM FOR ALL PROGRAM SECRETARIAL when it comes to earmarking, ‘‘The priations Committee, about the CR, ‘‘I OFFICERS time has come to end this practice.’’ don’t expect people to love this pro- From: Jeffrey Kupfer, Chief of Staff, Office Now it is up to the administration to posal, I don’t love this proposal, and we of the Secretary. Re: FY 2007 Funding. probably have made some wrong abide by the President’s directive, and As you know, the House of Representatives I assure you, we will be watching. choices.’’ recently passed H.J. Res. 20, which would Also, last week, Senator COBURN and So, why are we in the Senate not al- provide funding for the Department of Ener- I received a response from the Depart- lowed an opportunity to correct an ob- gy’s programs through the remainder of FY ment of Energy Secretary Samuel vious mistake? 2007. Even though the Senate has not yet Bodman in response to our letter of the I’ve heard from the other side of the acted on that legislation, we must begin to previous week stating our serious con- aisle during debate of H.J. Res. 20 that evaluate how we would operate if it is en- cerns about reports that the Depart- they understand this problem and that acted into law. ment may be planning ‘‘business as they plan to correct this $3.1 billion One important matter that must be addressed in implementing H.J. Res. 20 is how usual’’ and would fund conference re- BRAC underfunding in the fiscal year 2007 emergency supplemental request we will handle the matter of earmarks. As port earmarks. President Bush noted in his recent State of Fortunately, the Secretary has clari- of $93.4 billion. What kind of solution is the Union address, special interest funding fied his Department’s position and will that? Supplemental funds have been re- earmarks often are included in committee only fund programs or activities that, quested by the President for military reports that are never voted on by Congress in his words, are ‘‘meritorious and ef- operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. or presented to the President for approval, fective’’ and ‘‘support and advance the These funds are critically needed to and these earmarks cost the taxpayers bil- Department’s missions and objectives purchase equipment for force protec- lions of dollars each year across the Federal ... ’’ tion and IED defeat initiatives. These Government. I ask unanimous consent that copies funds will be used to train and equip There is no House or Senate committee report accompanying H.J. Res. 20, and thereof our correspondence with the Sec- Iraqi security forces. Since when is fore there are no committee earmarks for retary be printed in the RECORD at the BRAC an emergency related to the the funding it would provide. Furthermore, conclusion of my remarks. global war on terror? section 112 of this proposed legislation states The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Furthermore, we are having this dis- that ‘‘[a]ny language specifying an earmark objection, it is so ordered. cussion because my colleagues who de- in a committee report or statement of man- (See exhibits 1 and 2.) veloped the resolution share with us agers accompanying an appropriations Act Despite what I have described as a the common goal to reduce overall for fiscal year 2006 shall have no legal effect positive consequence of this CR, the Government expenditures. In that spir- with respect to funds appropriated by this di- measure is imperfect and, like many of it, what critical warfighting require- vision.’’ Nonetheless, I understand some of your offices have begun to receive requests my colleagues, I believe we should have ment will we cut in the supplemental from some Congressional offices, asking that had an opportunity to improve it. I am to pay for the BRAC increase they pro- the Department continue to fund programs particularly concerned about under- pose? What do we deny to our front- or activities that received earmarked funds funding the Base Realignment Closure, line fighting troops? While I have heard in prior years.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.051 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1948 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 Because the funding provided by H.J. Res. you have any further questions, please call units that were planning to return 20 will not be subject to nonstatutory ear- me or Jill L. Sigal, Assistant. Secretary for stateside will have to remain abroad. It marks and the President’s policy on ear- Congressional and Intergovernmental Af- means the temporary and old housing marks is clear, we must ensure that the De- fairs, at 202–586–5450. will continue to be used, further in- partment only funds programs or activities Sincerely, that are meritorious; the Department itself SAMUEL W. BODMAN. creasing the upkeep in costs. And it is responsible for making those determina- means it is going to cost a lot more to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- implement it. Each week that goes by, tions. As a result, and at the Secretary’s di- ator from Colorado. rection, any proposal by a recipient of an each time it is delayed, it is going to earmark in prior years who seeks continued Mr. ALLARD. Madam President, I cost additional money. ask unanimous consent that I may funding in FY 2007 needs to be carefully re- Here is the other problem we have, if make some introductory remarks on S. viewed and evaluated. Only those with meri- we stop and think. All the commu- torious proposals or programs that effec- 589, which is at the desk. nities that are surrounding our various tively support and advance the Department’s The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without military establishments have partici- missions and objectives, and who have sub- objection, it is so ordered. pated in the BRAC process and have mitted appropriate advance documentation (The remarks of Mr. ALLARD per- said: If you will do this and expand this justifying their request, should receive FY taining to the introduction of S. 589 are 2007 funding. Of course, all funding-related base, we will put in free housing, we located in today’s RECORD under decisions and actions must be made in ac- will do health care for the children of ‘‘Statements on Introduced Bills and cordance with applicable laws and regula- our military people. All these very gen- Joint Resolutions.’’) tions. erous contributions which are made by If H.J. Res. 20 is enacted into law, I will Mr. ALLARD. I yield the floor and the private sector very likely will not ask each of you to submit a report con- suggest the absence of a quorum. even be made. taining your recommendations about which, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The It is not too late to change our mind. if any, earmarks from prior Congressional clerk will call the roll. I just wish I could reach a number of committee reports you believe should con- The assistant legislative clerk pro- tinue to receive funding in FY 2007. No final people here to convince the leadership, ceeded to call the roll. decisions are to be made concerning those such as my good friend from North Da- Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, I ask potential recipients until after you have sub- kota. I know he is interested in accom- unanimous consent that the order for mitted your report and received further modating the BRAC needs. If we could guidance from the Secretary’s Office. The Of- the quorum call be rescinded. just get this one amendment in to fice of the Chief Financial Officer will pro- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without allow us to do the military construc- vide instructions on the timing and the con- objection, it is so ordered. tion and to pull that out of the content of your report. Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, what tinuing resolution, it would be appre- is the regular order? EXHIBIT 2 ciated very much by our troops who The PRESIDING OFFICER. We are are fighting a very difficult battle. THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY, to proceed to executive session at this Washington, DC, February 7, 2007. I will make my one last appeal. We time. Hon. JOHN S. MCCAIN, cannot take the $3.1 billion out and Mr. INHOFE. I ask unanimous con- U.S. Senate, adequately support the military oper- sent that I be recognized for 5 minutes Washington, DC. ation. DEAR SENATOR MCCAIN: Thank you for as in morning business. your February 2, 2007 letter concerning H.J. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without I yield the floor. Res. 20. In your letter, you inquire whether objection, it is so ordered. FUNDING FOR IRAQ: REFUGEES the Department of Energy (DOE) intends to Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, Mr. KENNEDY. Madam President, I continue funding earmarks that have ap- there is a vote coming up on the reso- commend Senator LEAHY, chairman of peared in committee reports accompanying the Foreign Operations Subcommittee prior year appropriations bills. You note lution. We already had one vote on a that a recent press report, citing unnamed cloture motion. I have to say publicly of the Appropriations Committee, for sources, states that DOE has told Congres- one more time the reason I have so vig- including an additional $20 million for sional appropriators it will continue to fund orously opposed this whole concept, Iraqi refugees in the continuing resolu- earmarks despite H.J. Res. 20 language that and it is because in a very partisan tion. says agencies are not bound to continue way, in a very partisan manner, the More than 3 million Iraqis have been funding prior year earmarks. Democrats were successful in taking displaced from their homes, and many The press story cited in your letter does out the money that would have imple- of them have fled the country. America not accurately reflect DOE policy or the di- has a special obligation to help them rection that has been given to DOE program mented the fifth and last BRAC round. offices. Late last week, the Department’s BRAC is the Base Closure and Re- and the neighboring countries in meet- Chief of Staff issued a memorandum to all alignment Commission. In this BRAC ing their needs. Program Secretarial Officers concerning how round, we would have saved $20 billion The UNHCR has made an inter- they should evaluate earmarks that ap- by 2012, but by delaying it a year, the national appeal for $60 million to deal peared in Congressional committee reports costs are going to be far greater. There with this emerging crisis, and the accompanying prior year appropriations is $5.7 billion to implement BRAC, and United States plans to provide $20 mil- bills. A copy of that memorandum is en- the Democrats took out effectively $4.1 lion to that appeal. closed. Among other things, the memorandum billion and then put $1 billion back— Our invasion of Iraq led to this crisis, states that DOE officials must carefully re- $3.1 billion out. That means we cannot and we have a clear responsibility to do view any requests for continued funding of implement these BRAC policies and ac- more to ease it. We should provide at prior year earmarks. Only those project tually effect the savings. least half the funding for this $60 mil- sponsors ‘‘with meritorious proposals or pro- The problem I have with this is they lion appeal to help this growing refugee grams that effectively support and advance say this is going to come out of the population. the Department’s missions and objectives, emergency supplemental, we will get it I believe $10 million of the funds in and who have submitted appropriate advance all taken out of that. That means it this bill should be for the UNHCR ap- documentation justifying their request, should receive FY 2007 funding.’’ This means comes out of money that otherwise peal, in an effort to raise the total U.S. that DOE may continue funding some pro- would have gone to our fighting troops contribution to $30 million. Is that the grams or activities that have received ear- in Iraq. This is not what I want to hap- chairman’s intent? marked funds in prior years, but only if the pen. Right now, we are underfunded Mr. LEAHY. Yes, it is. Senator KEN- programs or activities are meritorious and over there. We have great needs in ar- NEDY, who is the chairman of the Judi- effective. DOE is prepared to be fully ac- mored vehicles, operating costs, and ciary Committee’s Subcommittee on countable for making those decisions. training costs for Iraqi security forces, Refugees, makes an important point. I As you know, H.J. Res. 20 has not yet been and this translates into American believe that the United States should enacted into law. We hope that Congress will act quickly on that legislation so that nec- lives. contribute half of the funds, and I will essary funds will be provided for the remain- To have $3.1 billion come out of this work with Senator KENNEDY and with der of Fiscal Year 2007, not only for DOE but BRAC process to me is unconscionable the State Department to ensure that for many other federal agencies as well. If when we are at war. This means the those funds are provided. I agree that

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.005 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1949 America should show greater leader- time in the future. That is not the General Purpose ship by providing at least half the case. The average life of a Web site is Outlays ...... 532,456 Previously-enacted bills: funds for this appeal. 44 days and material not saved today Defense: NDIIPP will be gone tomorrow. Geospatial in- Budget Authority ...... 377,357 Mr. STEVENS. Madam President, I formation, including records of land Outlays ...... 394,446 have come to the floor to engage in a elevation, weather patterns, water lev- Department of Homeland Se- colloquy with the ranking member of els, LANDSAT imagery, State and curity: Budget Authority ...... 31,905 the Committee on Rules and Adminis- local maps and other statistical infor- Outlays ...... 38,714 tration, Senator BENNETT of Utah. mation about an area exist almost ex- Total: In 2000, Dr. James Billington, the Li- clusively in digital format today. If Budget Authority ...... 872,718 brarian of Congress, came to many these materials are not actively pre- Outlays ...... 965,616 Members of this Chamber with an ur- served, the vital information they con- Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Madam President, gent request. He wanted to begin pre- tain will be lost. Outside of efforts I rise today to speak on two matters serving important cultural works being undertaken by government agen- concerning the 2007 continuing resolu- which existed only in digital format. cies such as the Library of Congress tion. Soon after, Congress approved the and its public and private sector part- First, as the chairman of the Interior creation of the National Digital Infor- ners, little is being done to preserve Subcommittee, I want to let my col- mation Infrastructure and Preserva- digitally created materials for the fu- leagues know exactly what this con- tion Program, which is also referred to ture use of the Congress. The expense tinuing resolution means for the agen- as ‘‘NDIIPP.’’ is great, the technologies necessary for cies within my subcommittee’s juris- Those of us in Congress secured $100 long term preservation of digital infor- diction. million over 10 years to start this pro- mation are in their infancy and the Second, I want to touch briefly on gram. With the Library’s guidance, risks of loss are not widely known or the appropriations process and why it NDIIPP quickly became a broad-based understood. The legislators of the fu- is so important that Congress pass in- coalition of Federal agencies, univer- ture will have access to only what we dividual appropriations bills. sities, non-profit organizations, and actively preserve today. Let me go through some funding companies in the science and tech- Mr. STEVENS. I thank the Senator highlights for the agencies and pro- nology industries. from Utah for his commitment to this grams under my subcommittee’s pur- Today, the NDIIPP partnership in- important program. view: cludes 67 public and private organiza- REVISED CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FOR The President recently announced tions nationwide. But the future of this FISCAL YEAR 2007 his new, National Parks Centennial effort is in serious jeopardy. Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I Initiative. This will provide up to $3 The House-passed fiscal year 2007 rise to offer for the RECORD the Budget billion over the next 10 years to im- continuing resolution rescinds $47 mil- Committee’s official scoring of H.J. prove our national parks in prepara- lion in NDIIPP funds—effectively de- Res. 20, making revised continuing ap- tion for their centennial in 2016. This stroying a program essential to our in- propriations for fiscal year 2007. continuing resolution contains the creasingly digital world. The pending long-term continuing first $40 million of the $100 million in- If funding for NDIIPP is not restored, resolution appropriations bill for fiscal stallment the President requested in the Library of Congress risks losing year 2007, as passed by the House, pro- his 2008 budget. the resources which have already been vides discretionary budget authority The amount provided in the con- invested—and the important work al- for fiscal year 2007 of $463.5 billion. tinuing resolution for basic operations ready completed—with regard to dig- When combined with discretionary at our national parks is $1.758 billion, a ital preservation. budget authority levels included in the $40 million increase over last year’s The Library’s partners in the private 2007 Defense and Department of Home- level. sector have committed $37 million in land Security conference reports, total The continuing resolution also con- matching funds to this effort. If 2007 nonemergency budget authority is tains an increase of $70 million in the NDIIPP is eliminated, these funds will $872.7 billion. This level is $60 million Forest Service firefighting account. Of also be lost. below both the Appropriations Com- that amount, $51 million is provided for NDIIPP is essential to our ability to mittee’s 302(a) allocation pursuant to basic fire suppression activities. identify, preserve, and provide access the deeming resolution (Sec. 7035 of We have added $19 million to the haz- to digital content. This program is P.L 109–234) and the President’s re- ardous fuels reduction account so that helping to ensure future generations quested level. important preventive work can con- will be able to access information need- When funding levels contained in the tinue as well. ed for research and policymaking. bill are combined with nonemergency The continuing resolution provides Madam President, our choice is clear. budget authority levels included in pre- an additional $125 million for the In- A number of digital works have already viously enacted bills, all subcommit- dian Health Service so that the critical disappeared. Many Web sites launched tees are at their 302(b) allocation with medical care so desperately needed in before 2000, for instance, were never the exception of the Homeland Secu- Indian country can be made available. preserved and will never be recovered. rity Subcommittee, which is $60 mil- There is also $60 million for basic If funding for NDIIPP is eliminated, lion below its allocation. No points of operational needs for the Fish and many future works will likewise be lost order lie against the bill as passed by Wildlife Service, the Forest Service, forever. If funding for NDIIPP is re- the House. and the Bureau of Land Management. stored, we can help ensure these works I commend the distinguished chair- Together, these agencies manage a condo not suffer a similar fate. man of the Appropriations Committee servation and recreation network that This project holds great possibilities, for bringing this legislation before the spans more than 550 million acres. and I will work with my colleagues to Senate. I ask unanimous consent that Finally, I would like to point out assure it receives the funding it de- the table displaying the Budget Com- that under this continuing resolution, serves. mittee scoring of the bill be printed in EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Mr. BENNETT. I agree with the Sen- the RECORD. Fund will receive nearly $1.1 billion. ator from Alaska. Funding intended for There being no objection, the mate- That is $200 million more than the 2006 NDIIPP serves a vital purpose for our rial was ordered to be printed in the level, which will be used to help local Nation. I will work with the Senator RECORD, as follows: communities meet their wastewater in- and our colleagues to restore these H.J. RES. 20, REVISED CONTINUING frastructure needs. funds. RESOLUTION FOR 2007 But while there are some funding in- There is a wide assumption that dig- [Fiscal Year 2007; $ millions] creases in this continuing resolution, ital materials will be available tomor- General Purpose the fact that we are now considering row and that we can put off taking House-passed bill: this on the floor today—over 4 months measures to preserve them until some- Budget Authority ...... $463,456 into fiscal year 2007—underscores the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.011 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1950 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 problem with not going through the In the Commerce, Justice, Science complete required BRAC actions on regular appropriations process. chapter of this resolution, we were able time. This resolution essentially provides to increase funding for the Department I, along with the other members of the same level of funding as fiscal year of Justice by $1.4 billion over last year the Maryland congressional delegation, 2006, with a few exceptions. But this to ensure there were no cuts to the FBI have sent a letter to the Chairmen and means that dozens of programs and and the war against terror. We pro- ranking members of the House and projects did not receive an increase vided the FBI with a $333 million in- Senate Appropriations Committee, urg- over 2006 levels or did not receive fund- crease over the old CR which fully ing them to fully fund BRAC Military ing at all. funds the FBI, U.S. attorneys and the Construction in the fiscal year 2007 There are, however, a few bright Bureau of Prisons. More importantly, emergency supplemental spending bill. spots in what has otherwise been tough the additional $1.4 billion eliminates Both the House and Senate majority times. the cuts to State and local law enforce- leaders have pledged their support for For instance, there is an increase of ment proposed in the President’s budg- our effort. I will fight to add this vital $3.6 billion in veterans health care and et. At a time when crime rates are funding to the emergency supple- $1.2 billion to help care for our brave going back up according to the most mental when it comes before the Sen- military personnel and their families; recent FBI crime statistics, we fully ate in March. over a billion dollars for State and fund the COPS program, as well as pro- So while this bill is not what anyone local law enforcement assistance grams to fight gangs and sexual preda- wanted, it is the best we could do con- grants; $399 million for the State tors. Protecting our neighborhoods and sidering what we were left with. I will Criminal Alien Assistance Program, communities remains our No. 1 pri- support this continuing resolution and SCAAP, the same as fiscal year 2006; ority and this extra funding is proof of I will fight to do better next year. $1.2 billion for Ryan White CARE our commitment to make America Mr. NELSON of Florida. Madam grants, an increase of $75.8 million to safer. President, I rise today to clarify an fund at the newly authorized level; $4.5 We were also able to make a down issue of concern to communities in my billion for Global HIV/AIDS, an in- payment on our innovation and com- home state of Florida, particularly to crease of $1.3 billion; a $502 million in- petitiveness agenda. We added $335 mil- those who have been affected by nat- crease for section 8 tenant-based hous- lion to the National Science Founda- ural disasters in recent years. ing vouchers and the first increase in tion’s research account to increase our The continuing resolution, H.J. Res. the maximum Pell grant in 4 years, commitment to basic research that 20, contains a revision to the formula from the current $4,050 to $4,310; and will lead to new breakthroughs in for funding the critical section 8 ten- full funding of the Transportation Re- science, technology and future innova- ant-based rental assistance voucher authorization bill for fiscal year 2007. tion to keep America competitive in program. Inefficiencies in the voucher Yet many programs will not receive the global economy. In addition, we funding formula in place since 2004 increases. For example, in California added $38 million to the National Insti- have resulted in the loss of vouchers there is no increase for CalFed. This tute of Standards and Technology to for an estimated 150,000 families na- program plays an important role in in- increase research grants and an addi- tionwide. My understanding is that the creasing California’s water supply, re- tional $12 million to modernize their revised formula will provide sufficient storing fisheries and delta levees, and laboratory facilities. Finally, we gave funding for the number of families as- improving the water quality of the San the Patent and Trademark Office the sisted last year, and provides a $100 Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joa- full $1.7 billion called for in the Presi- million pool to assist agencies who ex- quin River Delta. Additionally, programs of a critical dent’s fiscal year 2007 budget request perience unusual circumstances during nature in my State that I fought hard and ensured that all patent fees stay the transition. to secure funding for will not receive with the Patent Office. However, due to the devastating hur- While I would have liked to have in- the resources they deserve. These in- ricanes in 2004 and 2005, several of our creased funding for NASA, there was clude State agricultural pest detection, Florida communities helped unusually simply not enough extra funding avail- Perchlorate cleanup efforts, and impor- low numbers of families last year. This tant flood control projects. able for us to do so. Within the limits is because the hurricanes devastated That is why it is so significant that of NASA’s fiscal year 2006 operating their housing stock they simply did Congress does its job to fully consider plan, we added an extra $460 million to not have the apartments and houses to and approve each individual appropria- exploration while protecting other crit- rent. In some areas, the amount of tions bill. This is the best way to en- ical NASA programs in science and aer- need did not decline; there was simply sure that needed projects and programs onautics. With only 7 months left in a shortage of affordable housing op- are funded adequately. this fiscal year, I believe NASA will be tions. For this reason, I am glad to serve on able to manage their programs in ex- I rise to confirm my understanding the Appropriations Committee under ploration with minimal impact to the that the section 8 funds for housing as- the leadership of the Senator from overall schedule. sistance payments already allocated by West Virginia. Under his direction, I This bill cuts $3.3 billion in Military the Department of Housing and Urban believe we will pass all 12 bills for fis- Constructions funds required to imple- Development, HUD, to a local housing cal year 2008. First, however, we must ment the 2005 Base Realignment and authority will remain accessible. dispose of the leftover business from Closure round. By putting the entire If my understanding is correct, hous- last Congress. year’s BRAC Military Construction ing authorities may continue to use The Chairman is proceeding the best program on hold, the current situation the funds in their possession, along he can, and I believe we need to sup- has caused adverse disruptions to im- with their fiscal year 2007 funds, to port this effort and get this done. I portant military planning. In Maryland lease up to the authorized level of units urge my colleagues to vote for the pas- alone, the Defense Department is un- under contract. This will ensure that sage of this continuing resolution. able to execute over $300 million worth our hurricane damaged communities Ms. MIKULSKI. Madam President, of projects, preventing the construc- and others who have seen losses in re- this joint funding resolution is not tion of badly needed facilities that di- cent years due to unforeseen cir- what anyone wanted. We are in this po- rectly support our warfighters. This cumstances or the dislocations that sition because the last Congress failed delay also has a huge impact on the have occurred since 2004 will be able to to do its job. We had no choice. We economy of the State of Maryland, in recover. As our communities rebuild, I were determined to stay within strict the construction industry and other want to make sure that our housing spending limits while trying to address key support industries. Finally, the agencies will continue to have access compelling needs. I believe we have continuing resolution blocks critical to the available resources needed to done the best we can do. We were able projects required to implement the 2005 serve low-income families. to take care of the most important pri- Base Realignment and Closure, BRAC, Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, orities facing the nation without going recommendations, jeopardizing the today I will vote in favor of the con- over our spending limits. ability of our military installations to tinuing resolution not because it is

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.002 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1951 perfect but because it is the responsible with an additional $86 million in high- has turned its attention to this nomi- course of action for Congress to bring way funds and $14 million more for nation and is granting its consent. I some fiscal sanity back to our Federal transit funds. Amtrak will also receive thank Majority Leader REID for acting budget. The alternative, letting Gov- much-needed funding so it can con- promptly. ernment come to a screeching halt and tinue to help thousands of Marylanders The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- blocking services to millions of Ameri- get to work each day. ator from Pennsylvania. cans, is unacceptable. Again, this continuing resolution is Mr. SPECTER. Madam President, I The resolution we vote on today was far from perfect, and the circumstances have sought recognition to speak in drafted under the guidance of a Repub- under which we are passing it are far favor of the pending nomination of a lican Congress and Republican Presi- from ideal. It is unfortunate that this distinguished Pennsylvania lawyer, dent. Yet that same Congress, the Congress was forced to finish the work Mrs. Nora Barry Fischer, who is to be 109th, refused to make difficult fiscal of the prior Congress, but it is our re- considered for the position of a U.S. decisions and instead simply passed the sponsibility to do so. Therefore, I sup- district judge for the Western District buck to the current 110th Congress. So port the continuing resolution and en- of Pennsylvania. Senator CASEY and I strongly endorse today we meet our constitutional re- courage my colleagues to do the same. her confirmation. She is a Pennsyl- sponsibility to determine the Nation’s f vania native with a distinguished aca- budget and provide funding for pro- demic record. She graduated magna grams that millions of hard-working EXECUTIVE SESSION cum laude from St. Mary’s College Americans rely on to make ends meet. with a B.A. degree in 1973 and received Perhaps most unfortunate, today we NOMINATION OF NORA BARRY a law degree from Notre Dame Law are voting for appropriating funds for FISCHER TO BE UNITED STATES School in 1976. She has had a distin- fiscal year 2007 that for most agencies DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE WEST- guished law practice with the Pitts- are the same as fiscal year 2006 levels. ERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYL- burgh firm of Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, In addition, it concerns me that this VANIA Bebenek & Eck and later at resolution gives too much power to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Pietragallo, Bosick & Gordon. She Federal agencies. Under the formula served as an administrative partner in prescribed in this resolution, each the previous order, the Senate will proceed to executive session to consider charge of recruitment and training and agency seemingly has wide discretion served as co-chair of the Defense Liti- to determine which specific programs the following nomination, which the clerk will report. gation Practice, which is Pietragallo get slashed and which receive addi- Bosick’s largest practice group. As The assistant legislative clerk read tional funds. I fear this widespread Special Master for the Court of Com- the nomination of Nora Barry Fischer, Federal discretion could have a nega- mon Pleas of Allegheny County, she of Pennsylvania, to be United States tive impact on programs critical to handled conciliations, nonjury and jury District Judge for the Western District Maryland, like the Chesapeake Bay trials by consent of the parties, which Gateways and Small Watersheds Pro- of Pennsylvania. gives her a leg up on analogous judicial grams, the consolidation of the FDA Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, Nora duties. Headquarters at White Oak, and the Barry Fischer is an accomplished and Mrs. Fischer is the recipient of a Ocean City hurricane protection well-respected attorney with over 30 number of awards. The Pennsylvania project, to name only a few. I encour- years of legal experience. She is nomi- Bar Association’s Commission on age the agencies to do the right thing nated to a seat on the United States Women in the Profession awarded her and allocate appropriate funds for pro- District Court for the Western District the Anne X. Alpern Award for her ef- grams with track records of success be- of Pennsylvania. She received her law forts to promote women in the law. cause Congress will be watching. degree from Notre Dame University The Pennsylvania Bar Association also Despite the shortcomings in this res- Law School, and graduated magna cum recognized Mrs. Fischer for her work as olution, it does include some modest laude from St. Mary’s College, Notre co-chair of the Task Force on Health increases for important programs. In Dame, with a B.A. in history and hu- Care Delivery in Pennsylvania. She Maryland, scientists at the National manistic studies. She has been an at- was named the recipient of the 2006 Institutes of Health are on the cutting torney with the law firm of Meyer, Professionalism Award by the Civil edge of unlocking some of our most Darragh, Buckler, Bebenek & Eck, Litigation Section of the Allegheny complicated and devastating diseases. where she quickly rose through the County Bar Association for her faithful The additional $620 million that this ranks. She is currently a partner with adherence to the highest standards of resolution allocates to NIH may lead to the Pittsburgh law firm of Pietragallo, legal professionalism. She has been a groundbreaking cure or vaccine. Bosick & Gordon, cochairing the firm’s recognized as a Pennsylvania Super We must continue to do more to Defense Litigation Group. Ms. Fischer Lawyer and as one of the Top 50 make a college education a reality for brings courtroom experience to the Women Super Lawyers in Pennsyl- all families, and I am pleased to see bench, having tried over 55 cases in vania. that Pell grants will be expanded to State and Federal courts across the The American Bar Association has help students afford college. In Mary- country. She has also served as a spe- unanimously rated Mrs. Fischer ‘‘well land, the cost of receiving a public edu- cial master in state court and an arbi- qualified’’ to serve as a federal district cation has increased by nearly 40 per- trator in Federal court on pro bono court judge. She is precisely the type of nominee cent at some State universities. A col- cases. She has been president of the we are looking for, and I believe she lege education is key to achieving the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Alle- will do very well in this very important American dream, and we must con- gheny County, served on the Executive Women’s Council of Pittsburgh, and position. tinue to make sure all children regard- Madam President, in the absence of worked with the Alleghany County Bar less of what zip code they live in or any other Senator seeking recognition, Association to provide legal services to how much money their parents make I suggest the absence of a quorum. have that opportunity. the underserved. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Although some of Maryland’s envi- I thank Senator CASEY for expediting clerk will call the roll. ronmental programs might be affected, his consideration of this nomination. The assistant legislative clerk pro- the increased funding in the Clean As a courtesy to Senator SPECTER, I ceeded to call the roll. Water State Revolving Fund will en- asked the former majority leader to Mr. DORGAN. Madam President, I able Maryland communities to con- proceed to this nomination in Decem- ask unanimous consent that the order tinue upgrading sewage treatment ber last year. Regrettably, Senator for the quorum call be rescinded. plants to help cleanup the Chesapeake FRIST chose not to do so and Senator The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Bay. This is a step in the right direc- SPECTER’s chairmanship of the Judici- objection, it is so ordered. tion. ary Committee ended without this Mr. DORGAN. Madam President, am Maryland’s transportation systems nomination having been confirmed. I I correct that there is a vote ordered at will also receive a much-needed boost, am glad that, at long last, the Senate 4:45 p.m.?

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:36 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.031 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1952 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is Interior Subcommittee. That bill and the Senator from South Dakota correct. didn’t get to the floor of the Senate. (Mr. JOHNSON) are necessarily absent. Mr. DORGAN. And is the time be- The Energy and water bill didn’t get to Mr. LOTT. The following Senator tween now and 4:45 p.m. allocated? the floor of the Senate. The bill that was necessarily absent: the Senator The PRESIDING OFFICER. It is di- would have carried the BRAC funding from Wyoming (Mr. THOMAS). vided between the chairman and rank- didn’t get to the floor of the Senate. ing member of the Judiciary Com- Why not? Don’t blame that on Demo- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. mittee. crats. We didn’t control this Chamber OBAMA). Are there any other Senators Mr. DORGAN. Madam President, if last year. in the Chamber desiring to vote? the chairman of the Judiciary Com- But I don’t come to blame one side or The result was announced—yeas 96, mittee is not here to take the time, let the other. I only come to say we have nays 0, as follows: me take a moment. If he shows up, I tried to make the best of a bad situa- [Rollcall Vote No. 47 Ex.] certainly will yield to him. tion. We were left with quite a mess. Mr. SPECTER. Madam President, I How did we make the best of this? We YEAS—96 will be glad to yield to the Senator worked with the House and the Sen- Akaka Domenici McConnell from North Dakota, especially since he ate—bicameral; we worked with the Alexander Dorgan Menendez called me the chairman. Allard Durbin Mikulski staff of the Republicans and the staff of Baucus Ensign Murkowski Mr. DORGAN. I was talking about the Democrats, bipartisan—to try to Bayh Enzi Murray the chairman who was about to show see if we could put together something Bennett Feingold Nelson (FL) up, Senator LEAHY. that would allow us to put the fiscal Bingaman Feinstein Nelson (NE) Mr. SPECTER. I withdraw my con- Bond Graham Obama year 2007 appropriations bills behind us Boxer Grassley Pryor sent. and move ahead, because we need to Brown Gregg Reed BRAC move immediately now to begin to put Brownback Hagel Reid Mr. DORGAN. Madam President, I Bunning Harkin Roberts together the fiscal year 2008 appropria- Burr Hatch Rockefeller wish to make a point. My colleague tions bills. We need to do that now. Byrd Hutchison Salazar from Oklahoma was talking about the So I only make the point that that is Cantwell Inhofe Sanders BRAC funding. I think everybody here why we are here. No one likes it. We Cardin Isakson Schumer Carper Kennedy Sessions supports the BRAC funding. I certainly have done the best we could to make Casey Kerry Shelby do. It is not a part of this agreement, the best out of a bad situation. Chambliss Klobuchar Smith but it is not, as the Senator from Okla- Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, will Clinton Kohl Snowe homa suggested, the Democrats’ fault. the Senator yield for a very friendly Coburn Kyl Specter Cochran Landrieu Stabenow Just so people understand, we inher- question? Coleman Lautenberg Stevens ited a heck of a mess. We inherited a Mr. DORGAN. I will be happy to Collins Leahy Sununu huge mess. What was the mess? The yield. Conrad Levin Tester fact is, last year, 10 of the appropria- Mr. INHOFE. We had authorized $5.7 Corker Lieberman Thune Cornyn Lincoln Vitter tions bills never got to the floor of the billion to be spent this year on the Craig Lott Voinovich Senate. We never got here. They never BRAC process and $4.1 billion was Crapo Lugar Warner had any discussion on them. Had that taken out, with $1 billion put back. My DeMint Martinez Webb Dodd McCain Whitehouse happened, we would have had those ap- question to you is: Can we have that Dole McCaskill Wyden propriations bills passed and signed made up without taking it out of a sup- into law, and we wouldn’t be discussing plemental that would be pulling it out NOT VOTING—4 these issues. of other wartime activities? I would Biden Johnson As a result of inheriting an unbeliev- say that probably would work. That is Inouye Thomas able mess, we had to put together my concern. The nomination was confirmed. something between the House and the Mr. DORGAN. Madam President, re- Senate. Let me make this point: That claiming my time, it is not going to be The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under which was done between the House and taken out of other funding in a supple- the previous order, the motion to re- the Senate included discussions with mental. It will be added to a supple- consider is considered made and laid on Republicans and Democrats on every mental, I presume. The President has the table. single subcommittee. We engaged the proposed sending us $250 billion in The President will be immediately staff of the Republicans and the Demo- emergency funding in two tranches, notified of the Senate’s action. crats as this was put together. the first for this fiscal year and the Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I was I wanted to make that point. We in- second for the next fiscal year. My as- pleased that today a fellow Pennsylva- herited a mess. We have tried to make sumption is that everyone here be- nian, Nora Barry Fischer, was con- the most of it. lieves those BRAC funds need to be firmed by the U.S. Senate to serve on This BRAC issue is going to get re- dealt with and will be dealt with in a the U.S. District Court for the Western solved. I support resolving it. The supplemental, not by taking it away District of Pennsylvania. I was also President is going to ask us for, appar- from other military expenditures. happy to help expedite her nomination ently, $100 billion in the coming couple Madam President, I yield the floor. before the Judiciary Committee to help of weeks. The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time ensure a speedy consideration by the Mr. INHOFE. Will the Senator yield? has expired. Mr. DORGAN. Let me finish my The question is, Will the Senate ad- full Senate. thought. vise and consent to the nomination of Ms. Fischer is a native of Homestead, He is going to ask for $150 billion Nora Barry Fischer, of Pennsylvania, PA, and a graduate of Notre Dame Law above that next year with respect to to be United States District Judge for School. In private practice, she has Iraq and Afghanistan. the Western District of Pennsylvania. gained extensive experience in litiga- The point I am making is this: I un- Mr. DORGAN. I ask for the yeas and tion and mediation. Ms. Fischer will derstand that not just the Senator nays. bring a wealth of knowledge to the from Oklahoma but any number of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a bench, and I am confident that she will Senators might come and say: I wish sufficient second? serve western Pennsylvania and the this had been in it, I wish that had There appears to be a sufficient sec- Nation well. been in it. I personally wish a number ond. of items had happened that didn’t hap- The clerk will call the roll. f pen in this continuing resolution. But I The assistant legislative clerk called was involved in working on it as chair- the roll. LEGISLATIVE SESSION man of the Appropriations Energy and Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Water Subcommittee. Last year, I was Senator from Delaware (Mr. BIDEN), The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ranking member of the Appropriations the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. INOUYE), ate will return to legislative session.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:50 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.058 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1953 MAKING FURTHER CONTINUING Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I able man, who contributed more to the APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FIS- ask unanimous consent to speak as in freedom we cherish today than we may CAL YEAR 2007—CONTINUED morning business. ever fully understand. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without February 12 was the 198th anniver- the previous order, all pending amend- objection, it is so ordered. sary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth in a ments on H.J. Res. 20 are withdrawn. f log cabin in Kentucky. We all learned about ‘‘Honest Abe’’ in grade school The clerk will read the resolution for SCHIP FUNDING a third time. and his role in guiding this Nation Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I The joint resolution (H.J. Res. 20) through the Civil War. rise to thank the majority leader for But at the very essence of Abraham was read the third time. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The his cooperation on an issue regarding Lincoln was a man of great conviction question is, Shall the joint resolution an amendment that I had on the con- who showed incomparable humility, a pass? tinuing resolution relative to the tested sense of morality, and an ability Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. Presi- SCHIP problem that exists not just in to rise above personal pettiness. Learn- dent, I ask for the yeas and nays. my State of Georgia, but in 13 States ing about Abraham Lincoln’s life is a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a where we have a shortfall in Federal humbling lesson in leadership. He was self-educated and had none of sufficient second? There is a sufficient funding that is going to require, if we the advantages of a formal education. second. don’t take action, a number of children He taught himself the law and never The clerk will call the roll. all across America to be removed from The assistant legislative clerk called the SCHIP rolls, and their health in- stopped learning along the way. Wheth- the roll. surance will be terminated. The major- er it was studying history, philosophy, Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the ity leader has agreed that during the or military strategy, what Lincoln lacked in classroom time, he made up Senator from Delaware (Mr. BIDEN), break we are going to work among our for in focus and determination. the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. INOUYE), staffs—Senator ISAKSON and I have And while moral fiber can be taught, and the Senator from South Dakota been in conversation with his staff al- that doesn’t mean it will have its de- (Mr. JOHNSON) are necessarily absent. ready—and we are going to continue to sired effect. It is said that trials don’t Mr. LOTT. The following Senator work with him, as well as with others. build character, they reveal it. Abra- was necessarily absent: the Senator This is not a problem unique to Geor- ham Lincoln had so many trials. His from Wyoming (Mr. THOMAS). gia. We are going to seek to come to a tremendous character was revealed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there compromise on this issue. In about 10 time and again. The stories are endless, any other Senators in the Chamber de- days to 2 weeks or so, we will have a but I want to share a few examples of siring to vote? cure or a fix for this problem that ex- The result was announced—yeas 81, ists out there regarding the shortfall what a giant of a man President Lin- nays 15, as follows: on SCHIP. coln really was. During his days practicing law, Lin- [Rollcall Vote No. 48 Leg.] To Senator REID, I say thank you for his cooperation on this and his com- coln would often ride the legal circuit, YEAS—81 mitment to working together with us which meant that he traveled with a Akaka Dodd McCaskill band of lawyers and judges across Illi- Alexander Domenici McConnell to find a solution for the children all Allard Dorgan Menendez across America to make sure these nois to try cases in every corner of the Baucus Durbin Mikulski children do remain insured. I say to my State. Lincoln was admired and loved Bayh Feingold Murkowski colleague from Georgia, Senator by his colleagues for his skill as a law- Bennett Feinstein Murray yer, and his gift for telling stories was Bingaman Grassley Nelson (FL) ISAKSON, thanks for his hard work and Bond Gregg Nelson (NE) commitment on this issue as we have legendary. It was during this time that Boxer Harkin Obama worked very closely together. fellow lawyers noted Lincoln’s heart- Brown Hatch Pryor felt conviction that no man was better Bunning Hutchison Reed I yield back the remainder of my Burr Isakson Reid time, and I suggest the absence of a than he. One lawyer pointed out: Byrd Kennedy Rockefeller quorum. He arrogated to himself no superiority Cantwell Kerry Salazar The PRESIDING OFFICER. The over anyone.... Cardin Klobuchar Sanders This sense of equality would remain Carper Kohl Schumer clerk will call the roll. Casey Kyl Shelby The legislative clerk proceeded to consistent throughout Lincoln’s life— Chambliss Landrieu Specter call the roll. as a man and a public servant—and Clinton Lautenberg Stabenow Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I ask would extend to other character Cochran Leahy Stevens Coleman Levin Sununu unanimous consent that the order for strengths he exhibited. Lincoln was Collins Lieberman Tester the quorum call be rescinded. humble—to an astonishing degree. In Conrad Lincoln Thune The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 1855, Lincoln withdrew his name for a Corker Lott Vitter seat in the U.S. Senate. Although he Cornyn Lugar Webb objection, it is so ordered. Craig Martinez Whitehouse Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I ask to had the greater number of votes, it be- Crapo McCain Wyden speak as in morning business. came apparent that, if either he or the NAYS—15 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without other anti-slavery candidate did not Brownback Enzi Sessions objection, it is so ordered. succumb, the cause of slavery would be Coburn Graham Smith f the true victor. Much to the dismay of DeMint Hagel Snowe his loyal supporters, Lincoln advised Dole Inhofe Voinovich CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF the floor manager to drop his name, Ensign Roberts Warner ABRAHAM LINCOLN handing Lyman Trumball the win. Lin- NOT VOTING—4 Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, since coln showed no hard feelings and shook Biden Johnson 1915, an oil portrait of Abraham Lin- Trumball’s hand at his victory party. Inouye Thomas coln has hong in the chambers of the Six months later, Lincoln suffered The joint resolution (H.J. Res. 20) Nevada Assembly. The painting of our another blow to his morale when he be- was passed. 16th President serves as a reminder of lieved that he was part of an important Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I move to Nevada’s entrance to the Union during patent test case. Unbeknownst to him, reconsider the vote, and I move to lay his remarkable administration and of he was not part of the case, but he con- that motion on the table. the special place his leadership will al- tinued to prepare as if he were. When The motion to lay on the table was ways hold in our State’s history. he approached the lawyers involved agreed to. I want to pay tribute today to that with the case, one of them, Edwin Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, may man who rose to the highest office in Stanton, drew the other aside and I inquire as to the pending business? our country at one of the most turbu- asked why he had brought the ‘‘... The PRESIDING OFFICER. There is lent times in our history. He is an ex- long armed Ape here . . . he does not currently no pending business. ample to all of a good, decent, honor- know any thing and can do you no

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:50 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.061 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1954 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 good.’’ Stanton treated Lincoln poorly Lincoln’s honest, kindly heart—that in his style of leadership and his moral in the days that followed, but six years the soldier referenced—was also appar- fiber. Today, we face a politically di- later, Lincoln asked Stanton to be his ent in his loyalty and willingness to vided government and country. How- Secretary of War. take responsibility for his actions. Lin- ever, the issues are not as dire as the Lincoln’s ability to put aside such coln would not let a subordinate take Civil War that took the lives of what losses—which for most people would be the fall for a decision he had made. In today would be five million people. The terrible ego blows—was inspiring. Not 1862, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton United States is not on the brink of ex- only did he move forward, but he was the victim of an especially aggres- tinction. But we have an opportunity wasn’t blinded by hate or rage and he sive, brutal personal attack. He was ac- to rise above the political games and didn’t seek revenge. Instead, he recog- cused of not providing all the backup the pettiness to make progress on some nized the need to surround himself troops to counter what turned out to of the major issues facing our Nation. with the best people who would make be a battle of great loss to the Union. We should all strive to show some of the greatest contributions to the mis- Lincoln took the unprecedented step of the humility, moral conviction, cour- sion at hand. convening a Union meeting with all the age, and honesty by which Abraham Lincoln’s decision on who would join government departments. The audi- Lincoln lived his life. This Nation paid his cabinet was the perfect example of ence, gathered in front of the Capitol, a grave price in the name of freedom what his assistant, John Nicolay, de- was comparable in size to that of a under his watch. Not only did freedom scribed as ‘‘one of great courage and crowd at an inauguration. He explained survive but it flourished, and he led us self-reliance.’’ Lincoln did not fill that, ‘‘The Secretary of War is not to to new and greater heights. these positions with friends and loyal blame for not giving when he had none Abraham Lincoln lost his life in the supporters who would agree with him to give. I believe he is a brave and able name of that freedom. After being shot man, and I stand here, as justice re- and thought as he did. According to in the back of the head, Lincoln strug- quires me to do, to take upon myself Lincoln: gled for 9 hours between life and death. what has been charged on the Sec- We needed the strongest men of the party The Nation—north and south— retary of War.’’ What a humbling in the Cabinet. We needed to hold our own mourned for this beloved man, but people together. I had looked the party over story. This is what Harry Truman meant when he said, ‘‘The buck stops those most inconsolable were the men and concluded that these were the very who had first been Lincoln’s rivals and strongest men. Then I had no right to de- here.’’ prive the country of their services. Equal to his loyalty was Abraham who had later become his closest friends and advisors. There is no great- It took great strength of character to Lincoln’s courage. The Emancipation Proclamation was described by one er praise than that of Secretary of War understand that—especially when three Edwin Stanton whose tribute from Lin- of those men were his rivals for the Re- supporter as ‘‘. . . the greatest act of justice, statesmanship, and civiliza- coln’s deathbed has proven true, ‘‘Now publican nomination for the presi- he belongs to the ages.’’ dency. These men: William Seward, tion, of the last four hundred years.’’ The Executive Order, signed by Presi- President Lincoln told an Ohio regi- Salmon Chase, and Edward Bates, were ment in 1864: stunned by their losses to Lincoln in dent Lincoln, declared the freedom of the primary and each maintained that all slaves in those areas of the rebel- It is not merely for to-day, but for all time lious Confederacy that had not already to come that we should perpetuate for our he was the best man for the post well children’s children this great and free gov- after their losses. When Lincoln em- returned to Union control. By the summer of 1865, an estimated four million ernment, which we have enjoyed all our braced them for the cabinet positions, lives. they still looked down on him as the slaves had been freed. Hannah Johnson, the mother of a Northern Black sol- I invite my colleagues to join me in lesser choice for president. However, honoring the legacy of one of our Lincoln was wonderfully gifted at dier, wrote to President Lincoln about the Emancipation Proclamation, stat- greatest Presidents by working to- transforming rivals to admirers. gether and challenging each other to Seward, who Lincoln named his Sec- ing: When you are dead and in Heaven, in a lead as he did. retary of State, slowly came to recog- Mr. President, I yield the floor and nize the President’s strong leadership thousand years that action of yours will make the Angels sing your praises. suggest the absence of a quorum. abilities. He called the President’s no- No doubt there are angels still sing- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The bility ‘‘almost superhuman.’’ Seward ing, just 144 years later. clerk will call the roll. was not alone. Lincoln never considered himself a The legislative clerk proceeded to But not everyone grew gradually champion for the slave. His priority call the roll. fond of the President, as many saw his was upholding and defending the Union Mr. OBAMA. Madam President, I ask promise and brilliance immediately. and the Constitution upon which it unanimous consent that the order for Nevada’s first senator William Stew- stood. However, it was his vision and the quorum call be rescinded. art, whose seat I occupy today, de- steady leadership that ultimately The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. scribed Lincoln’s greatness. brought down slavery in the United Cantwell). Without objection, it is so President Lincoln was the greatest man States. With this transformation also ordered. this hemisphere has produced. Without came the respect and admiration of schooling he wrote the best English; without f black abolitionist Frederick Douglass. education in rhetoric or logic he was the MORNING BUSINESS most conclusive reasoner; without the Douglass has been a frequent critic of slightest pretension to oratory he was the the President’s, trashing him publicly Mr. OBAMA. Madam President, I ask most persuasive speaker of his time. He was many times. However, the two agreed unanimous consent that there now be a the kindest, most benevolent and humane on the need to recruit and build black period of morning business, with Sen- man of his generation. Whoever may be sec- regiments to fight in the war. It was a ators permitted to speak therein for up ond as a scholar, as a statesman and as a controversial move, but Lincoln under- to 10 minutes each. friend of humanity, Lincoln must be first. stood the impact that the soldiers The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Lincoln also touched the hearts of would have on the rebellion. Douglass objection, it is so ordered. the soldiers who served under him. went to the White House to meet with f After one of his many visits to the Lincoln about some of the inequalities TRIBUTE TO THE LATE troops on the battlefield, one soldier among black and white soldiers. Just CONGRESSMAN CHARLIE NORWOOD wrote home that as the President as he had won over countless rivals in passed them, his smile ‘‘was a real re- the past, Lincoln’s ‘‘humane spirit,’’ as Mr. COBURN. Madam President, I flection of his honest, kindly, heart; Douglass called it, won him over as want to take a few minutes first to but deeper, under the surface of that well. The two formed a relationship, talk about someone who was a very marked and not all uncomely face, and Douglass came to greatly admire dear friend whom I think was emblem- were the unmistakable signs of care Abraham Lincoln. atic of what our forefathers thought and anxiety . . . In fact, his popularity I wanted to talk about Abraham Lin- about when they thought about a U.S. in the army is and has been universal.’’ coln because there is a timeless lesson Congressman. His name was CHARLIE

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:00 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.014 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1955 NORWOOD. He died yesterday. CHARLIE I take a moment to thank Senators forts; education, medical care for our was a ‘‘tell it like it is’’ guy. His moti- for their support for this legislation, troops and our veterans; and energy vations were always altruistic. They and to the members of the Appropria- independence. We invest resources were never self-centered. tions Committee, Democratic Senators wisely in an effort to meet the coun- He had never been in politics. He was and Republican Senators, for their de- try’s needs today while building the a dentist, and he got fed up. He came termination and effort to reach this foundation for a stronger America to- here and had a tremendous impact in milestone. morrow. terms of his voice of common sense, This was not easy legislation to I thank Senators for their support of reason, and compassion. The House of craft. Members and staff took on the this legislation, and I look forward to Representatives is going to miss that difficult task of wrapping the funding continuing this bipartisan effort on the voice, but more important, the Amer- of every domestic department and Fiscal 2008 appropriations legislation. ican people are going to miss one of the agency into a single bill, without Con- f few voices of common sense that we gressional earmarks and within very have in Congress today. He leaves a austere budget limitations. It was one CENTRALIA HIGH SCHOOL wife, Gloria, and two sons, all sup- of the most complex processes that the BASKETBALL TEAM portive of his sacrifice to serve here. Appropriations Committee has under- Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I There are a lot of stories told about taken in recent memory. But it was a rise today to congratulate the CHARLIE. I won’t go into that. He was challenge that we met in a smart, inno- Centralia High School boy’s basketball always fun to be around. He was always vative way. team for 100 years of remarkable suc- invigorating. And he never quit believ- I thank the Appropriations Com- cess. ing in this wonderful thing we call the mittee staff: Staff Director Terry The Centralia High Orphans have American dream. Sauvain; Deputy Staff Director Charles earned the distinction of being one of He fought hard for what he thought Kieffer; Agriculture, Rural Develop- the ‘‘winningest’’ high school basket- was right on immigration. He recog- ment, FDA clerk Galen Fountain; Com- ball teams in America. The Centralia nized that if we build a wall, it is not merce, Justice, Science clerk Paul basketball program began its winning to keep people in; that the opportuni- Carliner; Defense clerk Charlie Houy; career with a 2-and-2 record in its inau- ties here are so great, what has been Energy and Water clerk Doug Clapp; gural 1906–1907 season, less than a dec- created by our Founders and grew Financial Services clerk Marianne ade after the sport had been invented. through the years is so tremendous, Upton; Interior clerk Peter Kiefhaber; In this their 100th season, the Orphans that we ought to continue to take ad- Labor, Health and Human Services, have amassed more than 1,975 career vantage of it. and Education clerk Ellen Murray; wins. What I really liked about him was Legislative Branch clerk Nancy During the past 100 years, Centralia that he was a true citizen legislator. Olkewicz; Military Construction and High has witnessed many legendary He abandoned his practice and his easy Veterans Affairs clerk Christina Evans; coaches and players. Coach Arthur life and came to do the hard work of State and Foreign Operations clerk Trout led the team to three State representing the people of Georgia with Tim Rieser; and Transportation and championships as well as an impressive common sense and down-home, plain Housing and Urban Development clerk 1941 season of 44 wins and only 2 losses. family values. He will be sorely missed. Peter Rogoff; their associate staffs; Coach Trout has an honored place in But he leaves a legacy, a legacy to ev- Communications Director Tom Gavin Centralia High’s history where the new erybody who is out there today who and Communications Coordinator school gym bears his name today. Even thinks we need to change the Congress Cindy Huber; Deputy Chief Clerk now, many fans fondly recall the Or- of the United States. The legacy he Elnora Harvey; and professional staff phans’ all-time leading scorer, Dwight leaves is this: If you are willing to sac- members Jack Conway and Bob ‘‘Dike’’ Eddleman, who played for the rifice and get into the fray, you can Knisely. Senators know the value of a team in the 1940s. Eddleman went on to come here and make a difference. That strong staff, and this staff is, in my letter in three sports at the University is what he proved. His life was not that opinion, the best on Capitol Hill. Each of Illinois, won the silver medal in the of a career politician—although that is of these men and women devoted long high jump at the 1948 Paris Olympics, a wonderful service, and we have dedi- hours to this legislation. But it was not and played in the NBA. Other Orphans cated people throughout both Houses of just a commitment of time; it also was that represented Centralia in the NBA Congress who have dedicated their the application of their years of experi- include Bobby Joe Mason, Ken lives to public service. But he brought ence and their dedication to this coun- McBride, and Dick Garrett. a freshness and he brought ideas be- try that helped to craft this funding I am proud to be able to offer my cause his experience was what every- resolution and help see it through the congratulations to the Centralia High body else in the country was experi- Senate. basketball team, Coach Randy Lincoln, encing, not what is experienced among This was a bipartisan effort, and I and the town of Centralia, IL on reach- the political elite in this country. want to pay tribute to Senator THAD ing their 100th season, and I look for- The challenge that CHARLIE leaves COCHRAN, the ranking member of the ward to cherring on many more suc- for all of us who are not in Congress, Senate Appropriations Committee, his cessful seasons of Orphans basketball who do not like things the way they staff director Bruce Evans, and the Re- in the future. are, is to actually get involved. That publican subcommittee staffs. They f legacy will live on for a long time—I were partners in producing this bal- TRIBUTE TO CAMPBELLSVILLE know in his district in Georgia, and anced funding legislation, and their UNIVERSITY also through the State of Georgia—but ideas and input were invaluable. also for those of us who will continue Not only was the writing of this leg- Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, to remember him and the sacrifices he islation a bipartisan process, but it I rise today to honor a great Kentucky made. also was a bicameral one. House Appro- institution, Campbellsville University, f priations Chairman DAVE OBEY and his as it celebrates 100 years of academic staff, and Ranking Member JERRY excellence. HARD WORK YIELDS WISE LEWIS and his staff, were integral to Campbellsville University was origi- INVESTMENTS FOR AMERICA the success of this legislation. nally founded in 1906 as the Russell Mr. BYRD. Madam President, the This final funding package is an ex- Creek Academy and has proven itself Senate today gave final Congressional ample of how the Congress can work to be an outstanding institution of approval to a comprehensive $463.5 bil- together, without regard to party lines higher education over the last 100 lion funding resolution. The vote today or partisan positions. this legislation years. It has had an immeasurable im- was the culmination of many weeks of focuses not on Democratic priorities or pact on thousands of young men and determined effort by Senators and Republican priorities, but rather on na- women and has helped add to the aca- Members of the House from both par- tional priorities of health care; law endemic excellence of our fine Common- ties, and from their talented staffs. forcement and counterterrorism ef- wealth.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:00 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.065 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1956 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 In the beginning, the Russell Creek Originally from Tennessee, Specialist of Representatives the same year and Academy began with training depart- Mitchell moved to West Memphis, AR, represented adjoining districts in Geor- ments for teacher and pastor training. in 2002 to live with his grandparents gia and South Carolina. In 1907 the Russell Creek Academy pro- and attend West Memphis Christian CHARLIE was a dear friend of mine. vided classes in music, art, and a di- School. While going to school, Mitchell I have never met anyone in politics ploma program for an enrollment of 200 helped his grandparents with the busi- with more passion about what they be- students. Campbellsville University ness they had operated for more than lieve than CHARLIE NORWOOD. He was a has now grown to 2,300 students as of 18 years. Teachers at West Memphis great representative for the people for last fall, with 38 undergraduate pro- Christian School remember Specialist the people of the 10th district of Geor- grams and 9 graduate programs, all Mitchell for the tremendous strides gia, and in his years of service he made while encompassing 75 acres of beau- they witnessed him make as a student a real difference in the Congress. tiful land near Campbellsville, KY. and as a person. The quiet young man There is no doubt CHARLIE’s leader- To make sure that the university they knew came out of his shell and be- ship, his wisdom, and his wit will be will continue to grow and progress for came involved in the school and the sorely missed. the next 100 years as it has this past community. Specialist Mitchell clearly Now is the time to keep CHARLIE’s century, many improvements are being valued the company of friends and fam- family in our prayers. But we should made across the campus to add to its ily and considered returning one day to also celebrate a life well-lived. Know- beauty and improve life for students. coach baseball. Upon graduating in ing CHARLIE NORWOOD like I do, I am For instance, great progress is being 2004, he enrolled at Arkansas State confident he would not have wanted it made on the 800-seat Ransdell Chapel University in Jonesboro before enlist- any other way. and the new Heilman Student Center. ing in the U.S. Army in 2005. f With the new School of Nursing, new While serving in the Army, Specialist VOTE EXPLANATION tennis courts and the 48-bed addition to Mitchell became an infantry man. De- the Resident Village, Campbellsville spite the ever-present danger, he coura- Mr. BROWNBACK. Madam President, University is looking forward to many geously devoted his skills where he felt due to inclement weather resulting in new projects to keep up the demand they were needed most—becoming the flight delays around the country on and growth of this institution. point man, or lookout, for his patrol. February 13, I was regrettably unable Academically, the School of Nursing When asked why he became a point to arrive in Washington before the Sen- program began this year and is off to a man he said, ‘‘I’m not the best shot ate voted on the motion to invoke clo- great start. Campbellsville University . . . but I’m the fastest.’’ It was a tes- sure on H.J. Res. 20. Regarding vote has also expanded its master of busi- tament to his bravery, desire to serve No. 46, I would not have voted in favor ness administration program, moving his country and devotion to his fellow of the motion to invoke cloture on H.J. along with the technological revolu- soldiers. In August 2006, his unit de- Res. 20. My vote would not have altered tion by offering the program online in ployed to Baghdad where he served as a the result of this motion. addition to the traditional MBA classes driver and gunner for humvees while on f that the University has offered and patrol. Over Thanksgiving he had the BLACK HISTORY MONTH been so well-known for over the years. opportunity to return home on a 2- The students enrolled at Campbells- week leave from Iraq. During his leave, REGINALD JONES ville University are proudly preparing he spent time with his family in Ten- Mr. MENENDEZ Madam President, I a time capsule to commemorate this nessee and had a chance to visit his old rise today to join with my colleague, centennial celebration that will be school in West Memphis. He told his Senator FRANK R. LAUTENBERG, and opened in another 100 years, in 2107. grandmother that after completing his our House colleague Congressman DON- The capsule will enable students 100 service in the Army, he planned to go ALD PAYNE in honoring Reginald Jones, years from now to look at a time be- back to Arkansas State University and a distinguished and inspiring figure in fore they became students at Camp- try out for the baseball team. African-American history. In recogni- bellsville University and compare its Tragically, Specialist Mitchell died tion of Black History Month, we gath- first 100 years to the next. on January 6, 2007, from wounds sus- ered with residents of New Jersey to According to Dr. Michael V. Carter, tained during routine security oper- pay tribute to Mr. Jones on Saturday, the school’s president, ‘‘at Campbells- ations in Baghdad. On January 15, he February 10, 2007, at the Newark Mu- ville University, faculty encourage stu- was laid to rest in Smyrna, TN, with seum in Newark, NJ, during ‘‘A Salute dents to grow stronger spiritually and full military honors. He was post- to Heroes.’’ find their true purpose in life, which is humously awarded the Bronze Star and Raised in Newark, NJ, Reginald the greatest discovery of all.’’ I hope the Purple Heart. Jones has dedicated his life to serving that the history and tradition of this The loss of someone so young and full our great Nation. First, as a proud ma- great school, encapsulated in the time of life, and loved by so many is a tragic rine, he defended the freedoms and lib- capsule that they are preparing, will reminder of the terrible consequences erties we all hold dear as Americans. aid in that discovery for the students of war. While I could never find the It was while stationed in Guanta- of today and a century to come. words to adequately express the sorrow namo Bay that Reginald discovered Madam President, I ask that the en- felt by friends and family of Neal boxing, a sport which led him to win tire Senate join me in congratulating Mitchell, I hope they can find some sol- the bronze medal at the 1971 Pan-Am Campbellsville University on this aus- ace knowing that he lived his life with Games in Cali, Colombia. In 1972, picious occasion; with 100 years of ex- passion and with love. My thoughts and Reggie was selected as a member of the cellence in education behind us, we prayers are with his family members, U.S. Olympic Team in Munich, Ger- look forward to the next 100 with high friends, and all those who knew and many. In a boxing match that led to hopes and anticipation. loved him. many changes in the sport, Reginald, a f f light middleweight, found himself in the ring with Valerie Tebugov of the HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES HONORING THE LIFE OF Soviet Union. Judging discrepancies SPECIALIST RAYMOND ‘‘NEAL’’ MITCHELL, III CONGRESSMAN CHARLIE NORWOOD did not allow Reginald to advance to Mrs. LINCOLN. Madam President, I Mr. GRAHAM. Madam President, I medal rounds, but Reginald received a wish to pay tribute to the life of Army wanted to take this opportunity to say good sportsmanship award for the dig- SPC Raymond ‘‘Neal’’ Mitchell III. a few words about my close friend and nity he displayed throughout the Specialist Mitchell gave his life serving colleague who passed away yesterday, games, which he fondly recalled in a our Nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Congressman CHARLIE NORWOOD. Star Ledger article as an ‘‘opportunity Although he may no longer be with us, There is no doubt that with the death to make many friends.’’ his legacy and spirit will live on of CHARLIE NORWOOD the State of Geor- Now, as a caseworker with the New through the lives he touched and the gia has lost one of her favorite sons. Jersey Division of Children and Fami- example he set for others. We were elected to serve in the House lies Services for more than 20 years,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:30 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.040 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1957 Reginald continues to serve our Na- coaching were his true calling, and he Guard, specifically the 190th Air Re- tion, caring for and watching over the later became a track coach at Oberlin fueling Wing which celebrates its 50th neediest children, ensuring that future College, in Ohio, where he also taught anniversary on February 23, 2007. The generations have access to the same sociology, and at Santa Monica Col- enormous sacrifice and dedication of opportunities that helped Reggie reach lege, in California. Now a resident of these heroic men and women reflects his goals. Georgia, Tommie has dedicated his well on themselves, the 190th Air Re- There is no doubt Reginald Jones is time to speaking to students across the fueling Wing, and the Kansas Air Na- an exemplary leader and a profoundly country, urging them to stand up for tional Guard. They truly make all Kan- committed individual who is a true what they believe in and to have ‘‘faith sans proud. role model for the Nation. Therefore, I and hope.’’ This outstanding military organiza- am pleased to pay tribute to Reginald Since 1968, Tommie Smith has been tion began as the 117th Fighter-Inter- Jones, and know my colleagues will recognized for his actions in defense of ceptor Squadron located at the Hutch- join in wishing him continued success. civil rights and for his athletic prowess inson Naval Air Station in Hutchinson, TOMMIE SMITH by various organizations including the KS. The unit was federally recognized Madam President, I also rise today to National Track & Field Hall of Fame, on February 23, 1957. Over the course of join with my colleague, Senator FRANK the California Black Sports Hall of its 50-year history, the 190th has flown R. LAUTENBERG, and our House col- Fame, the County of Los Angeles and the F–80, B–57A, B–57G, RB–57, EB–57, league Congressman DONALD PAYNE to the State of Texas. He was honored KC–135A, KC–135D, KC–135E and cur- honor Tommie Smith, a distinguished with the 2004 dedication of the Tommie rently the KC–135R. The unit was sta- and inspiring figure in African-Amer- Smith gymnasium in Saint-Ouen, tioned at Hutchinson Naval Air Sta- ican history. In recognition of Black France, and a 2005 honorary doctorate tion—later the Hutchinson Air Na- History Month we gathered with resi- degree of humane letters from San Jose tional Guard Base—until 1967 when the dents of New Jersey to pay tribute to State University. unit was transferred to Forbes Air Dr. Smith on Saturday, February 10, There is no doubt Tommie Smith is Force Base in Topeka, KS. 2007, at the Newark Museum in New- an exemplary leader and a profoundly The 190th Air Refueling Wing at ark, NJ, during ‘‘A Salute to Heroes.’’ committed individual who is a true Forbes Field continues to be a leader in Tommie Smith was born to Richard role model for the Nation. Therefore, I the Air National Guard. The unit re- and Dora Smith on June 6, 1944, in am pleased to pay tribute to Tommie cently received two prestigious Clarksville, TX. The 7th of his family’s Smith, and I know my colleagues will awards—the Spaatz trophy—awarded 12 children, he moved to California at a join in wishing him continued success. to the overall outstanding Air National young age. His father was a share- f Guard Flying Wing—and the Air Force cropper, and Tommie used to pick cot- Outstanding Unit Award. We owe these ton at neighboring farms to help with COMMEMORATING ARIZONA’S brave servicemen, servicewomen, and the family finances. STATEHOOD their families a debt of gratitude. I During high school he excelled at Mr. KYL. Madam President, 95 years thank them for their 50 years of service football, basketball, and track. He re- ago today Arizona became the 48th and extend my best wishes to them for ceived his bachelor of arts degree from State in the Union when, on February the next 50 years and beyond.∑ San Jose State University in social 14, 1912, President William Taft signed f science, with double minors in military the Arizona Statehood Act. MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE science and physical education, and his Today, just as almost a century ago, masters degree in sociology from God- Americans are drawn to Arizona’s eco- dard Cambridge in Boston, MA. As a nomic opportunity, culture, and nat- ENROLLED BILL SIGNED sophomore college student, Tommie ural beauty. At the time of statehood, At 12:03 p.m., a message from the began breaking world records in track Arizona’s population numbered in the and went on to tie or break a total of House of Representatives, delivered by hundreds of thousands, but it was Ms. Niland, one of its reading clerks, 13 world records. He is the only man in growing quickly, from around 200,000 in the history of track and field to hold 11 announced that the Speaker has signed 1910 to over 330,000 in 1920. Today, it is the following enrolled bill: world records simultaneously. the Nation’s fastest growing State, H.R. 742. An act to amend the Antitrust In 1968, Tommie was selected for the with a population of more than 6 mil- U.S. Olympic team for track and field. Modernization Commission Act of 2002, to ex- lion. tend the term of the Antitrust Moderniza- The 19th Olympiad, held in Mexico Tourists flock to the State for its tion Commission and to make a technical City, witnessed Tommie Smith break- cultural heritage and scenic beauty. correction. ing the world and Olympic records for Arizona is home to four national parks The enrolled bill was subsequently the 200-meter race with a time of 19.83 and many other national monuments signed by the President pro tempore seconds. On October 16, 1968, as the and historic sites. Many who visit (Mr. BYRD). ‘‘Star Spangled Banner’’ played, these sites are heeding the advice of Tommie stood on the victory podium, Theodore Roosevelt, who said of the At 4:00 p.m., a message from the draped with his Olympic gold medal, Grand Canyon, ‘‘You cannot improve House of Representatives, delivered by shoeless, and together with his team- on it. But what you can do is to keep Ms. Niland, one of its reading clerks, mate, John Carlos, raised a clenched it for your children, your children’s announced that the House has passed fist, covered in a black leather glove, children, and all who come after you, the following bill, in which it requests in what has come to be recognized as a as the one great sight which every the concurrence of the Senate: historic stand for ‘‘power, liberation American should see.’’ H.R. 437. An act to designate the facility of and solidarity.’’ Both Tommie and From its days as a rough Wild West the United States Postal Service located at John were members of the Olympic territory to the dynamic State it is 500 West Eisenhower Street in Rio Grande Project for Human Rights. This silent City, Texas, as the ‘‘Lino Perez, Jr. Post Of- today, Arizona’s beauty and culture fice’’. act received both cheers and jeers, and has captivated those who have experi- Tommie was suspended by the U.S. enced it. I wish the State a happy f Olympic Committee and ordered to birthday. MEASURES REFERRED leave Mexico. But Tommie Smith was f The following bill was read the first not dissuaded from his commitment to ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS and the second times by unanimous championing the cause of oppressed consent, and referred as indicated: people. After the Olympics, Tommie re- H.R. 437. An act to designate the facility of KANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD the United States Postal Service located at turned to San Jose State University. 500 West Eisenhower Street in Rio Grande Upon graduation, Tommie played pro- ∑ Mr. BROWNBACK. Madam President, City, Texas, as the ‘‘Lino Perez, Jr. Post Of- fessional football with the Cincinnati I wish to acknowledge the accomplish- fice’’; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- Bengals for 3 years. But teaching and ments of the Kansas Air National rity and Governmental Affairs.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.020 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1958 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 MEASURES PLACED ON THE By Mr. DORGAN (for himself, Mr. Act of 1986 to strike a provision relating to CALENDAR INHOFE, and Mr. HARKIN): modifications in reporting frequency; to the S. 585. A bill to require the Secretary of Committee on Environment and Public The following bill was read the sec- the Treasury to mint and issue coins in com- Works. ond time, and placed on the calendar: memoration of Native Americans and the By Mr. GREGG (for himself and Mr. S. 574. A bill to express the sense of Con- important contributions made by Indian SMITH): gress on Iraq. tribes and individual Native Americans to S. 596. A bill to amend the Federal Food, the development of the United States and Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the f the history of the United States, and for regulation of Internet pharmacies; to the EXECUTIVE REPORT OF other purposes; to the Committee on Bank- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and COMMITTEE ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Pensions. By Mr. BINGAMAN: By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mrs. The following executive report of a S. 586. A bill to amend the Public Health HUTCHISON, Ms. MURKOWSKI, Mrs. nomination was submitted: Service Act to provide grants to promote BOXER, Ms. SNOWE, Ms. CANTWELL, By Mr. KENNEDY for the Committee on positive health behaviors in women and chil- Mrs. CLINTON, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. KYL, Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. dren; to the Committee on Health, Edu- Mr. VOINOVICH, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. *Leon R. Sequeira, of Virginia, to be an As- cation, Labor, and Pensions. DODD, Mr. DOMENICI, Mr. STEVENS, sistant Secretary of Labor. By Ms. STABENOW (for herself and Mr. WARNER, Mr. SALAZAR, Mr. Mr. LEVIN): *Nomination was reported with rec- BIDEN, Mr. FEINGOLD, Mr. GRAHAM, S. 587. A bill to require the Secretary of Mr. BAUCUS, Mr. THOMAS, Ms. MIKUL- the Treasury to mint coins in commemora- ommendation that it be confirmed sub- SKI, Mr. LEAHY, Mr. BURR, Mr. tion of the Model T Ford Automobile and the ject to the nominee’s commitment to BROWNBACK, and Mr. SUNUNU): respond to requests to appear and tes- 100th anniversary of the Highland Park S. 597. A bill to extend the special postage tify before any duly constituted com- Plant, Michigan, the birthplace of the assem- stamp for breast cancer research for 2 years; bly line, and for other purposes; to the Com- mittee of the Senate. to the Committee on Homeland Security and mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- Governmental Affairs. f fairs. By Mr. KERRY (for himself, Ms. By Mr. NELSON of Florida (for him- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND SNOWE, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. VITTER, self, Mr. REID, and Mr. BIDEN): JOINT RESOLUTIONS and Mr. LIEBERMAN): S. 588. A bill to amend title XVIII of the S. 598. A bill to require reporting regarding The following bills and joint resolu- Social Security Act to increase the Medicare the disaster loan program of the Small Busi- tions were introduced, read the first caps on graduate medical education posi- ness Administration, and for other purposes; tions for States with a shortage of residents; to the Committee on Small Business and En- and second times by unanimous con- to the Committee on Finance. sent, and referred as indicated: trepreneurship. By Mr. ALLARD: By Ms. SNOWE (for herself, Ms. By Mr. REID (for himself, Mr. HATCH, S. 589. A bill to provide for the transfer of LANDRIEU, and Mr. VITTER): Mrs. CLINTON, Ms. MURKOWSKI, Mr. certain Federal property to the United S. 599. A bill to improve the disaster loan SANDERS, Ms. SNOWE, Mr. WARNER, States Paralympics, Incorporated, a sub- program of the Small Business Administra- Mr. FEINGOLD, Mr. BIDEN, Mr. MENEN- sidiary of the United States Olympic Com- tion, and for other purposes; to the Com- mittee; to the Committee on Environment DEZ, Mr. REED, Mr. LEAHY, and Mr. mittee on Small Business and Entrepreneur- and Public Works. LAUTENBERG): ship. By Mr. SMITH (for himself, Mr. S. 579. A bill to amend the Public Health By Mr. SMITH (for himself, Mr. DODD, SALAZAR, Ms. SNOWE, Mr. MENENDEZ, Service Act to authorize the Director of the Ms. COLLINS, Ms. SNOWE, Mr. KEN- Mr. LUGAR, Mr. KERRY, Mr. KENNEDY, National Institute of Environmental Health NEDY, Mr. VITTER, and Mr. BINGA- Mr. ALLARD, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. Sciences to make grants for the development MAN): and operation of research centers regarding LIEBERMAN, Mr. LAUTENBERG, Ms. S. 600. A bill to amend the Public Health environmental factors that may be related CANTWELL, and Ms. LANDRIEU): Service Act to establish the School-Based S. 590. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- to the etiology of breast cancer; to the Com- Health Clinic program, and for other pur- enue Code of 1986 to extend the investment mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and poses; to the Committee on Health, Edu- tax credit with respect to solar energy prop- Pensions. cation, Labor, and Pensions. erty and qualified fuel cell property, and for By Mr. HATCH: By Mr. BAYH (for himself, Mr. COBURN, other purposes; to the Committee on Fi- S. 580. A bill to amend the National Trails Mr. OBAMA, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. KERRY, nance. System Act to require the Secretary of the Mr. CARPER, Mr. DURBIN, Mrs. FEIN- By Mr. CHAMBLISS (for himself, Mr. Interior to update the feasibility and suit- STEIN, Mr. SCHUMER, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, HARKIN, Mr. ROBERTS, Mrs. LINCOLN, ability studies of four national historic Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr. BIDEN, Mr. Mr. COCHRAN, and Mr. LEAHY): trails, and for other purposes; to the Com- BROWN, Ms. STABENOW, Mrs. CLINTON, mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. S. 591. A bill to amend the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to adjust for inflation the allowable Mr. LEAHY, and Mr. KENNEDY): By Mr. FEINGOLD: S. 601. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- amounts of financial resources of eligible S. 581. A bill to amend the Buy American enue Code of 1986 to require broker reporting households and to exclude from countable fi- Act to increase the requirement for Amer- of customer’s basis in securities trans- ican-made content, to tighten the waiver nancial resources certain retirement and education accounts; to the Committee on actions, and for other purposes; to the Com- provisions, and for other purposes; to the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. mittee on Finance. Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- By Ms. COLLINS: f ernmental Affairs. S. 592. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- OCKE- By Mr. SMITH (for himself, Mr. R enue Code of 1986 to provide for a manufac- SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND FELLER, Mr. REED, and Mr. ALEX- turer’s jobs credit, and for other purposes; to SENATE RESOLUTIONS ANDER): the Committee on Finance. The following concurrent resolutions S. 582. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- By Mr. BURR (for himself, Mr. REED, enue Code of 1986 to classify automatic fire and Senate resolutions were read, and Mr. NELSON of Florida, Mr. MAR- sprinkler systems as 5-year property for pur- referred (or acted upon), as indicated: TINEZ, Mr. DURBIN, Mrs. DOLE, and poses of depreciation; to the Committee on By Mr. BROWN (for himself and Mr. Ms. COLLINS): Finance. S. 593. A bill to amend the Public Health VOINOVICH): By Mr. SALAZAR: Service Act to establish a grant program to S. Res. 81. A resolution recognizing the S. 583. A bill to create a competitive grant provide supportive services in permanent 45th anniversary of John Hershel Glenn, Jr.’s program for States to enable the States to supportive housing for chronically homeless historic achievement in becoming the first award salary bonuses to highly qualified ele- individuals, and for other purposes; to the United States astronaut to orbit the Earth; mentary school or secondary school teachers Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and to the Committee on the Judiciary. who teach, or commit to teach, for at least Pensions. f 3 academic years in a school served by a By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mr. ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS rural local educational agency; to the Com- LEAHY, Mr. SANDERS, and Ms. MIKUL- mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and SKI): S. 21 Pensions. S. 594. A bill to limit the use, sale, and At the request of Mr. REID, the name By Mrs. LINCOLN (for herself, Mr. transfer of cluster munitions; to the Com- of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. BROWN) SMITH, and Ms. LANDRIEU): mittee on Foreign Relations. was added as a cosponsor of S. 21, a bill S. 584. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- By Mr. LAUTENBERG (for himself, enue Code of 1986 to modify the rehabilita- Mrs. BOXER, and Mr. MENENDEZ): to expand access to preventive health tion credit and the low-income housing cred- S. 595. A bill to amend the Emergency care services that help reduce unin- it; to the Committee on Finance. Planning and Community Right-to-Know tended pregnancy, reduce abortions,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:19 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.020 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1959 and improve access to women’s health BROWNBACK) was added as a cosponsor New Mexico (Mr. BINGAMAN) and the care. of S. 388, a bill to amend title 18, Senator from Missouri (Mrs. S. 57 United States Code, to provide a na- MCCASKILL) were added as cosponsors At the request of Mr. INOUYE, the tional standard in accordance with of S. 558, a bill to provide parity be- name of the Senator from California which nonresidents of a State may tween health insurance coverage of (Mrs. BOXER) was added as a cosponsor carry concealed firearms in the State. mental health benefits and benefits for of S. 57, a bill to amend title 38, United S. 423 medical and surgical services. States Code, to deem certain service in At the request of Mr. AKAKA, the S. 565 the organized military forces of the name of the Senator from Maine (Ms. At the request of Mr. BINGAMAN, the Government of the Commonwealth of SNOWE) was added as a cosponsor of S. name of the Senator from California the Philippines and the Philippine 423, a bill to increase, effective as of (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- Scouts to have been active service for December 1, 2007, the rates of com- sponsor of S. 565, a bill to expand and purposes of benefits under programs pensation for veterans with service- enhance postbaccalaureate opportuni- administered by the Secretary of Vet- connected disabilities and the rates of ties at Hispanic-serving institutions, erans Affairs. dependency and indemnity compensa- and for other purposes. S. 80 tion for the survivors of certain dis- At the request of Mr. STEVENS, the abled veterans. S. 572 name of the Senator from Maine (Ms. S. 436 At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the COLLINS) was added as a cosponsor of S. At the request of Mr. FEINGOLD, the name of the Senator from New York 80, a bill to amend title 5, United name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. (Mrs. CLINTON) was added as a cospon- States Code, to provide for 8 weeks of OBAMA) was added as a cosponsor of S. sor of S. 572, a bill to ensure that Fed- paid leave for Federal employees giving 436, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- eral student loans are delivered as effi- birth and for other purposes. enue Code of 1986 to reform the system ciently as possible in order to provide S. 206 of public financing for Presidential more grant aid to students. At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the elections, and for other purposes. S. 573 names of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. S. 479 At the request of Ms. STABENOW, the DURBIN) and the Senator from Wash- At the request of Mr. HARKIN, the name of the Senator from North Da- ington (Mrs. MURRAY) were added as names of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. kota (Mr. DORGAN) was added as a co- cosponsors of S. 206, a bill to amend REID), the Senator from Ohio (Mr. sponsor of S. 573, a bill to amend the title II of the Social Security Act to re- BROWN) and the Senator from New Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act peal the Government pension offset and York (Mrs. CLINTON) were added as co- and the Public Health Service Act to windfall elimination provisions. sponsors of S. 479, a bill to reduce the improve the prevention, diagnosis, and S. 223 incidence of suicide among veterans. treatment of heart disease, stroke, and At the request of Mr. FEINGOLD, the S. 505 other cardiovascular diseases in name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the women. ISAKSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. S. CON. RES. 10 223, a bill to require Senate candidates WEBB) was added as a cosponsor of S. to file designations, statements, and 505, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- At the request of Mrs. CLINTON, the reports in electronic form. enue Code of 1986 to increase the above- name of the Senator from Mississippi S. 236 the-line deduction for teacher class- (Mr. COCHRAN) was added as a cospon- At the request of Mr. FEINGOLD, the room supplies and to expand such de- sor of S. Con. Res. 10, a concurrent res- name of the Senator from Maryland duction to include qualified profes- olution honoring and praising the Na- (Mr. CARDIN) was added as a cosponsor sional development expenses. tional Association for the Advance- of S. 236, a bill to require reports to S. 518 ment of Colored People on the occasion Congress on Federal agency use of data At the request of Mrs. MURRAY, the of its 98th anniversary. mining. name of the Senator from Massachu- AMENDMENT NO. 234 S. 254 setts (Mr. KENNEDY) was added as a co- At the request of Mr. COBURN, the At the request of Mr. ENZI, the names sponsor of S. 518, a bill to amend the names of the Senator from Arizona of the Senator from Utah (Mr. BEN- Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (Mr. MCCAIN), the Senator from Kansas NETT) and the Senator from Colorado to require the Statistics Commissioner (Mr. BROWNBACK) and the Senator from (Mr. ALLARD) were added as cosponsors to collect information from coeduca- Alabama (Mr. SESSIONS) were added as of S. 254, a bill to award posthumously tional secondary schools on such cosponsors of amendment No. 234 in- a Congressional gold medal to schools’ athletic programs. tended to be proposed to H.J. Res. 20, a Constantino Brumidi. S. 543 joint resolution making further con- S. 316 At the request of Mr. NELSON of Ne- tinuing appropriations for the fiscal At the request of Mr. KOHL, the name braska, the name of the Senator from year 2007, and for other purposes. of the Senator from Massachusetts Kansas (Mr. ROBERTS) was added as a AMENDMENT NO. 235 (Mr. KENNEDY) was added as a cospon- cosponsor of S. 543, a bill to improve sor of S. 316, a bill to prohibit brand Medicare beneficiary access by extend- At the request of Mr. COBURN, the name drug companies from compen- ing the 60 percent compliance thresh- names of the Senator from North Caro- sating generic drug companies to delay old used to determine whether a hos- lina (Mr. BURR) and the Senator from the entry of a generic drug into the pital or unit of a hospital is an inpa- Alabama (Mr. SESSIONS) were added as market. tient rehabilitation facility under the cosponsors of amendment No. 235 intended to be proposed to H.J. Res. 20, a S. 329 Medicare program. joint resolution making further con- At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the S. 556 tinuing appropriations for the fiscal names of the Senator from Kentucky At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the year 2007, and for other purposes. (Mr. BUNNING) and the Senator from names of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. North Dakota (Mr. CONRAD) were added HARKIN), the Senator from Utah (Mr. AMENDMENT NO. 259 as cosponsors of S. 329, a bill to amend HATCH) and the Senator from Maryland At the request of Mr. WARNER, the title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Ms. MIKULSKI) were added as cospon- name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. to provide coverage for cardiac reha- sors of S. 556, a bill to reauthorize the VOINOVICH) was added as a cosponsor of bilitation and pulmonary rehabilita- Head Start Act, and for other purposes. amendment No. 259 intended to be pro- tion services. S. 558 posed to H.J. Res. 20, a joint resolution S. 388 At the request of Mr. DOMENICI, the making further continuing appropria- At the request of Mr. THUNE, the names of the Senator from Tennessee tions for the fiscal year 2007, and for name of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. (Mr. ALEXANDER), the Senator from other purposes.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:19 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.022 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1960 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED America’s high breast cancer rate. There being no objection, the text of BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS Studies have explored the effect of iso- the bill was ordered to be printed in By Mr. REID (for himself, Mr. lated environmental factors, such as the RECORD, as follows: diet, pesticides, and even electro- HATCH, Mrs. CLINTON, Ms. MUR- S. 579 magnetic fields. In most cases, the re- KOWSKI, Mr. SANDERS, Ms. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- sults have been inconclusive. Further- resentatives of the United States of America in SNOWE, Mr. WARNER, Mr. FEIN- more, there are many other factors Congress assembled, GOLD, Mr. BIDEN, Mr. MENEN- that are suspected to play a role that SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. DEZ, Mr. REED, Mr. LEAHY, and have yet to be studied. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Breast Can- Mr. LAUTENBERG): What is needed is not just a boost in cer and Environmental Research Act of S. 579. A bill to amend the Public the research investment on the role of 2007’’. Health Service Act to authorize the Di- SEC. 2. NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH; the environment in the development of rector of the National Institute of En- AWARDS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND breast cancer, which has been very lim- vironmental Health Sciences to make OPERATION OF RESEARCH CENTERS ited so far. We also need a comprehen- REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL FAC- grants for the development and oper- sive, national strategy to fully and ef- TORS RELATED TO BREAST CANCER. ation of research centers regarding en- fectively explore these issues. The Part A of title IV of the Public Health vironmental factors that may be re- Service Act (42 U.S.C. 281 et seq.) is amended Breast Cancer and Environmental Re- lated to the etiology of breast cancer; by adding at the end the following: search Act would address both needs, to the Committee on Health, Edu- ‘‘SEC. 404H. RESEARCH CENTERS REGARDING EN- cation, Labor, and Pensions. thereby spurring on promising re- VIRONMENTAL FACTORS RELATED search. The resulting discoveries could TO BREAST CANCER. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I am ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, acting pleased to be joined by Senators be crucial to improving our knowledge of this complex illness, which could through the Director of NIH, based on rec- HATCH, CLINTON, MURKOWSKI, SANDERS, ommendations from the Breast Cancer and and SNOWE in introducing the Breast lead to new treatments and perhaps a Environmental Research Panel established Cancer and Environmental Research cure one day. under subsection (b) (referred to in this sec- Act of 2007. On behalf of the millions of Specifically, the Breast Cancer and tion as the ‘Panel’), shall make grants to Americans who are affected by breast Environmental Research Act will au- public or nonprofit private entities for the thorize $40 million each year for five development and operation of collaborative, cancer, I urge all my Senate colleagues multi-institutional centers for the purpose of to support this important bill. years to establish multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary Breast Cancer and conducting multidisciplinary and multi-in- Many of us are familiar with breast stitutional research on environmental fac- cancer’s serious toll on the Nation. Ap- Environmental Research Centers of Ex- tors that may be related to the etiology of proximately 3 million women are living cellence. Each Center would include in- breast cancer. Each such center shall be with the disease today, including an es- stitutions with different areas of exper- known as a Breast Cancer and Environ- timated 1 million who have not yet tise working together to tackle the mental Research Center of Excellence. been diagnosed. Moreover, anyone’s same problems from different angles, ‘‘(b) BREAST CANCER AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH PANEL.— mother, daughter, wife, sister, or friend as well as collaborating with community organizations in the area. Modeled ‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall is at risk. It is thought that breast can- establish within the National Institutes of cer will strike one in eight American after the tremendously successful Health a Breast Cancer and Environmental women in her lifetime, with a new case Breast Cancer Research Program at Research Panel. diagnosed every 2 minutes. That means the Department of Defense, grants ‘‘(2) COMPOSITION.—The Panel shall be com- almost 275,000 new cases are expected would be awarded under a competitive, posed of— to be diagnosed annually, including peer-reviewed process that involves pa- ‘‘(A) 9 members to be appointed by the Sec- over 1,600 in Nevada. More than 40,000 tient advocates. retary, of which— lives are lost to the disease every year. Small studies sponsored by the Na- ‘‘(i) six members shall be appointed from Deanna Jensen, a lifelong Nevadan tional Institute of Environmental among physicians and other health profes- Health Sciences are already underway sionals, who— and tireless activist for breast cancer ‘‘(I) are not officers or employees of the research, was one of those lives. Sadly, to study the prenatal-to-adult environ- United States; Deanna passed away this year after her mental exposures that may predispose ‘‘(II) represent multiple disciplines, includ- own heroic battle against breast can- a woman to breast cancer. This is a ing clinical, basic, and public health cer. Although the loss is most painfully promising step in the right direction, sciences; felt by her loved ones, her legacy can but it is only a down payment on the ‘‘(III) represent different geographical re- be a reminder to us all that there are task at hand. Moreover, the research gions of the United States; real people and real stories behind the strategy for these grants does not fol- ‘‘(IV) are from practice settings, academia, impersonal statistics. low the nationally-focused, collabo- or other research settings; and There are many more women across rative, and comprehensive model as ‘‘(V) are experienced in peer review; and the country whose stories go unrecog- ‘‘(ii) three members shall be appointed outlined by the Breast Cancer and En- from the general public who are representa- nized. But they deserve more than rec- vironmental Research Act. Now, more tives of individuals who have had breast can- ognition and appreciation. They de- than ever, we need to see the Breast cer and who represent a constituency; and serve answers to the same questions Cancer and Environmental Research ‘‘(B) such nonvoting, ex officio members as that many patients must surely ask Act signed into law. the Secretary determines to be appropriate. themselves: Why me? Why do I have If we miss promising research oppor- ‘‘(3) CHAIRPERSON.—The members of the breast cancer? tunities because Congress has failed to Panel appointed under paragraph (2)(A) shall The search for those answers is the act, millions more and their families select a chairperson from among such mem- driving force behind the Breast Cancer will face difficult questions about bers. and Environmental Research Act. Un- breast cancer. Every day, many of ‘‘(4) MEETINGS.—The Panel shall meet at fortunately, we still do not know what the call of the chairperson or upon the re- these Americans, like Deanna Jensen, quest of the Director of NIH, but in no case causes breast cancer, despite the re- rise to the challenge of fighting back less often than once each year. markable progress achieved so far. Sci- against breast cancer. I encourage Con- ‘‘(5) DUTIES.—The Panel shall— entists have identified some risk fac- gress to heed the national call to ac- ‘‘(A) develop a comprehensive strategy tors, but those factors can explain tion as well. concerning collaborative centers that fewer than 30 percent of cases. Because In the 109th Congress, 66 of my Sen- would— many women, and men, have no family ate colleagues and 262 members of the ‘‘(i) result in innovative approaches to history or known genetic links to House of Representatives joined me in study unexplored or underexplored areas of breast cancer, it is generally believed doing so. I hope that my colleagues in the environment and breast cancer; that the environment plays a role in the 110th Congress will support the ‘‘(ii) outline key research questions, meth- odologies, and knowledge gaps concerning the development of breast cancer. How- Breast Cancer and Environmental Re- environmental factors that may be related ever, we still do not understand the ex- search Act. to the etiology of breast cancer; tent of that role. I ask unanimous consent that the ‘‘(iii) outline key issues concerning envi- We do know that environmental tox- text of the bill be printed in the ronmental factors that may be related to the ins could be partly responsible for RECORD. etiology of breast cancer; and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:30 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.023 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1961 ‘‘(iv) result in an overall strategy to ad- cer will be diagnosed among men in the This legislation is modeled after the dress environmental factors related to breast United States. In my home State of highly successful and promising De- cancer; Utah, as indicated by the Utah Cancer partment of Defense Breast Cancer Re- ‘‘(B) make recommendations to the Sec- Registry, breast cancer has the highest search Program (DOD BCRP), which retary with respect to the mechanisms, peer incidence rate of the ten leading cancer review criteria, and allocations under this operates under a competitive, peer-re- section; types. This disease has an impact on viewed grant-making process that in- ‘‘(C) assist in the overall program evalua- nearly every American’s life. volves consumers. tion; and Breast cancer death rates have been Isolated studies have been conducted ‘‘(D) make recommendations for the dis- dropping steadily since 1991; however, to look at suspected environmental semination of information on program proc- challenges still remain. The bottom links to breast cancer; but these stud- ess. line is that we still do not know what ies are only a small step toward the ‘‘(c) COLLABORATION WITH COMMUNITY.— causes this disease, or how to prevent Each center under subsection (a) shall in- broad strategic research that is re- it. Although scientists have discovered quired. What is needed is a collabo- clude community organizations in the geo- some risk factors for breast cancer, the graphic area served by the center, including rative, comprehensive, nationally-fo- those that represent women with breast can- known risk factors account for only a cused strategy to address this over- cer, as integral collaborators involved at all small percentage about 30 percent—of sight a strategy like the one outlined levels of the decision-making and research in breast cancer cases. There are no prov- in this bill. such center. en interventions to prevent breast can- It is important to note that while we ‘‘(d) COORDINATION OF CENTERS; REPORTS.— cer and there is no cure. have made progress in the fight against The Director of NIH shall, as appropriate, There is general belief within the sci- provide for the coordination of information breast cancer, we are still a long way entific community that the environ- from prevention or a cure—breast can- among centers under subsection (a) and en- ment plays a role in the development sure regular communication between such cer remains the leading cause of cancer centers, and may require the periodic prepa- of breast cancer, but the extent of that death among women worldwide. Stud- ration of reports on the activities of the cen- role has been less-examined. Research ies have shown that environmental fac- ters and the submission of the reports to the has investigated the effect of isolated tors that cause breast cancer may Director. environmental factors such as diet, exist, but conclusive evidence is scarce. ‘‘(e) REQUIRED CONSORTIUM.—Each center pesticides, and electromagnetic fields; This bill will go a long way in helping under subsection (a) shall be formed from a but, in most cases, there has been no the scientific community explore envi- consortium of cooperating institutions and conclusive evidence. Some scientists ronmental triggers of breast cancer. community groups, meeting such require- hypothesize that certain subgroups of ments as may be prescribed by the Director The Breast Cancer and Environ- of NIH. Each center shall require collabora- women have genetic variants that may mental Research Act had strong bipar- make them more susceptible to adverse tion among highly accomplished scientists, tisan support in the 109th Congress, environmental exposures. other health professionals and advocates of with 66 Senate cosponsors. In the In addition, a large study of twins diverse backgrounds from various areas of House of Representatives, 262 Members expertise. demonstrated that the majority of supported the legislation. ‘‘(f) DURATION OF SUPPORT.—Support of a breast cancers cannot be explained by I urge my colleagues to think of center under subsection (a) may be for a pe- inherited factors. The incidence of breast cancer patients and their loved riod not exceeding 5 years. Such period may breast cancer in Western industrialized be extended for one or more additional peri- ones, and support this important bill. countries, such as the United States, is ods not exceeding 5 years if the operations of much higher than the incidence in Af- This Federal commitment is critical such center have been reviewed by an appro- for the overall, national strategy and priate technical and scientific peer review rica and Asia. When women migrate from a country with low incidence to a the long-term investments required to group established by the Director of NIH and discover the environmental causes of if such group has recommended to the Direc- country with high incidence, their tor that such period be extended. daughters experience the breast cancer breast cancer so that we can better ‘‘(g) GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF CEN- risk of the new country’s population. prevent it, treat it more effectively, TERS.—The Director of NIH shall, to the ex- The discrepancy in incidence among and, ultimately, cure it. tent practicable, provide for an equitable various countries suggests that some of Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, today geographical distribution of centers under the differences in incidence may be ex- I am proud to introduce the Breast this section. Cancer and Environmental Research ‘‘(h) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— plained by environmental exposures. Act with Senator REID and colleagues For the purpose of carrying out this section, In-depth study of these potential there is authorized to be appropriated risks could provide invaluable informa- from both sides of the aisle. $40,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 tion in understanding the causes of This legislation would allow us to in- through 2012. Such authorization is in addi- breast cancer, and could lead to new vestigate the links between environ- tion to any other authorization of appropria- prevention strategies. Clearly, more re- mental exposures and breast cancer. tions that is available for such purpose.’’. search needs to be done to determine Improving our ability to investigate Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I am the impact of environmental factors on the connection between pollutants and pleased to introduce today along with breast cancer. cancer incidence is the first step in im- my colleagues, Senators HARRY REID, My colleagues and I are introducing proving our overall response to envi- JOHN WARNER, HILLARY CLINTON, OLYM- the Breast Cancer and Environmental ronmental health concerns. Environ- PIA SNOWE, LISA MURKOWSKI, and BER- Research Act of 2007 to address this mental hazards manifest themselves in NIE SANDERS, the Breast Cancer and palpable need for research. It creates a unexpected cancers, tumors, and other Environmental Research Act of 2007. national strategy to conduct research diseases in ways that we are only now The American Cancer Society esti- into the possible links between breast beginning to understand. mates that a woman in the United cancer and the environment. The time Breast cancer is the second leading States has a one in eight chance of de- to address these frightening statistics cause of cancer death for women in the veloping invasive breast cancer during is now. United States, and 3 million women in her lifetime. This risk was about 1 in 11 Specifically, the bill authorizes the the United States are currently living in 1975. All women are at risk for National Institute of Environmental with the disease 1 million of whom breast cancer. About 90 percent of Health Sciences (NIEHS) at the Na- have not yet been diagnosed. Each women who develop breast cancer do tional Institutes of Health (NIH) to year, over 13,000 women in New York not have a family history of the dis- award grants for the development and State are diagnosed with this disease. ease. The most recent available statis- operation of up to eight centers for the Every one of us has been affected by tics show that 40 percent of all women purpose of conducting research on envi- breast cancer, whether it is through diagnosed with invasive breast cancer ronmental factors that may be related our own personal battle or our experi- died from the disease within 20 years. to breast cancer. These centers will ences offering love and support to our These are frightening statistics. work across institutions, across dis- friends, our mothers, and our sisters. Furthermore, the disease is not lim- ciplines, and with community organi- Since 2001, I have sought to raise ited by gender—in 2007, approximately zations to study environmental factors awareness of the need for increased re- 1,750 new cases of invasive breast can- that may cause breast cancer. search into the connections between

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:19 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.024 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1962 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 environmental factors and the inci- Congress passed an amendment for ‘‘(B) SHARED ROUTE.—The term ‘shared dence of chronic diseases like breast the establishment of the California and route’ means a route that was a segment of cancer. I have worked closely with ad- Pony Express National Historic Trails more than one historic trail, including a vocates from New York on this issue, in 1992. This amendment broadened the route shared with an existing national historic trail. and hosted a field hearing of the Sen- statute to include the possibility of ‘‘(2) REQUIREMENTS FOR REVISION.— ate Environment and Public Works trail variants for the California Trail ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the In- Committee in Long Island to discuss and provided a more accurate depiction terior shall revise the feasibility and suit- breast cancer and other environmental of the original trail. The legislation I ability studies for certain national trails for health concerns. am introducing today will provide ad- consideration of possible additions to the The bill that we are introducing ditional authority for variation to trails. today will expand the available re- these four trails to provide a more ac- ‘‘(B) STUDY REQUIREMENTS AND OBJEC- sources for our scientists and expedite curate depiction of history. TIVES.—The study requirements and objec- research in this area. The Breast Can- To those of us in the West, these tives specified in subsection (b) shall apply to a study required by this subsection. cer and Environmental Research Act trails are the highways of our history. ‘‘(C) COMPLETION AND SUBMISSION OF will create Centers of Excellence to en- With this legislation, I hope to capture gage in multidisciplinary research, car- STUDY.—A study listed in this subsection the important stories made along the shall be completed and submitted to Con- ried out in collaboration with the com- variations of these main trails. Since gress not later than 3 complete fiscal years munity, and learn more about how en- the enactment of the National Trails from the date funds are made available for vironmental factors may be linked to System Act in 1978, there has been a the study. the more than 200,000 breast cancer great deal of support to broaden the ‘‘(3) OREGON NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL.— cases diagnosed each year. Act to include these side roads of the ‘‘(A) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Secretary of I am hopeful that in the not-too-dis- trails. the Interior shall undertake a study of the routes of the Oregon Trail listed in subpara- tant future, the incidence of breast Not every pioneer embarked on their cancer will be dramatically reduced, graph (B) and generally depicted on the map journey from Omaha, NE, or Independ- entitled ‘Western Emigrant Trails 1830/1870’ and in the handful of new cases that ence, MO and not every great or tragic appear, we will be able to provide high- and dated 1991/1993, and of such other routes event took place along the main of the Oregon Trail that the Secretary con- quality, highly effective treatment and routes. Tens of thousands of settlers siders appropriate, to determine the feasi- save women’s lives. But in order to began from other starting points. bility and suitability of designation of one or achieve those goals, we need to learn These trail variations and alternate more of the routes as components of the Or- more about all the causes of breast routes show the ingenuity and adapt- egon National Historic Trail. cancer, including the environmental ‘‘(B) COVERED ROUTES.—The routes to be ability of the pioneers as they were factors that contribute to this disease. studied under subparagraph (A) shall include Last year, the Breast Cancer and En- forced to contend with inclement the following: vironmental Research Act was reported weather, lack of water, difficult ter- ‘‘(i) Whitman Mission route. unanimously out of the Health, Edu- rain, and hostile Native American ‘‘(ii) Upper Columbia River. ‘‘(iii) Cowlitz River route. cation, Labor and Pensions Committee. tribes. The Act requires comprehensive ‘‘(iv) Meek cutoff. I will work with my colleagues there to ‘‘(v) Free Emigrant Road. once again move it through the com- management for the historic trails. In 1981, such plans were completed for the ‘‘(vi) North Alternate Oregon Trail. mittee process quickly, so that we can ‘‘(vii) Goodale’s cutoff. pass this essential legislation in this Mormon and Oregon trails. Since that ‘‘(viii) North Side alternate route. session of Congress. time, however, endless hours of re- ‘‘(ix) Cutoff to Barlow road. search by the Park Service and trails ‘‘(x) Naches Pass Trail. By Mr. HATCH: organizations have produced a more ‘‘(4) PONY EXPRESS NATIONAL HISTORIC S. 580. A bill to amend the National complete picture of the westward ex- TRAIL.—The Secretary of the Interior shall Trails System Act to require the Sec- pansion. The National Park Service undertake a study of the approximately 20- retary of the Interior to update the fea- has determined, however, that legisla- mile southern alternative route of the Pony sibility and suitability studies of four tion is required to update the trails Express Trail from Wathena, Kansas, to national historic trails, and for other Troy, Kansas, and such other routes of the with this newfound history. Pony Express Trail that the Secretary con- purposes; to the Committee on Energy That is why I am introducing this siders appropriate, to determine the feasi- and Natural Resources. legislation today. This bill would au- bility and suitability of designation of one or Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise thorize the study of further important more of the routes as components of the today to introduce the Pioneer Na- additions to the California, Mormon Pony Express National Historic Trail. tional Historic Trails Studies Act Pioneer, Oregon, and Pony Express Na- ‘‘(5) CALIFORNIA NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL.— which would update the feasibility and tional Historic Trails and allow for a ‘‘(A) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Secretary of suitability studies of four national his- more complete story to be told of our the Interior shall undertake a study of the Missouri Valley, central, and western routes toric trails and allow possible additions history of the West. to them. The trails in question are the of the California Trail listed in subparagraph I urge my colleagues to support this (B) and generally depicted on the map enti- Oregon, the Mormon, the Pony Ex- legislation. tled ‘Western Emigrant Trails 1830/1870’ and press, and the California National His- I ask unanimous consent that the dated 1991/1993, and of such other and shared toric Trails. text of the bill be printed in the Missouri Valley, central, and western routes In 1978, the Oregon and Mormon RECORD. that the Secretary considers appropriate, to trails were established by the National There being no objection, the text of determine the feasibility and suitability of Trails System Act which defined these the bill was ordered to be printed in designation of one or more of the routes as components of the California National His- trails as ‘‘point A to point B,’’ limiting the RECORD, as follows: them to one beginning point and one toric Trail. S. 580 final destination. At that time, The ‘‘(B) COVERED ROUTES.—The routes to be Mormon Pioneer National Historic Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- studied under subparagraph (A) shall include resentatives of the United States of America in the following: trail was defined as the route Brigham Congress assembled, ‘‘(i) MISSOURI VALLEY ROUTES.— Young took in 1846 through Iowa and SECTION 1. REVISION OF FEASIBILITY AND SUIT- ‘‘(I) Blue Mills-Independence Road. then to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. ABILITY STUDIES OF EXISTING NA- ‘‘(II) Westport Landing Road. The Oregon Trail was defined narrowly TIONAL HISTORIC TRAILS. ‘‘(III) Westport-Lawrence Road. as the route taken by settlers from Section 5 of the National Trails System ‘‘(IV) Fort Leavenworth-Blue River route. Independence, MO, to Oregon City from Act (16 U.S.C. 1244) is amended by adding at ‘‘(V) Road to Amazonia. 1841 to 1848. It was limited to a single the end the following: ‘‘(VI) Union Ferry Route. trail with only three variants as well. ‘‘(g) REVISION OF FEASIBILITY AND SUIT- ‘‘(VII) Old Wyoming-Nebraska City cutoff. ABILITY STUDIES OF EXISTING NATIONAL HIS- ‘‘(VIII) Lower Plattsmouth Route. Unfortunately, we have come to realize TORIC TRAILS.— ‘‘(IX) Lower Bellevue Route. that this rigid definition precludes des- ‘‘(1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: ‘‘(X) Woodbury cutoff. ignation of some very important his- ‘‘(A) ROUTE.—The term ‘route’ includes a ‘‘(XI) Blue Ridge cutoff. torical sites. trail segment commonly known as a cutoff. ‘‘(XII) Westport Road.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:19 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.003 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1963 ‘‘(XIII) Gum Springs-Fort Leavenworth By Mr. FEINGOLD: tion to department secretaries and route. S. 581. A bill to amend the Buy Amer- agency heads. My bill would modify ‘‘(XIV) Atchison/Independence Creek ican Act to increase the requirement this waiver provision to prohibit it routes. for American-made content, to tighten from being invoked by an agency or de- ‘‘(XV) Fort Leavenworth-Kansas River route. the waiver provisions, and for other partment head after a request for pro- ‘‘(XVI) Nebraska City cutoff routes. purposes; to the Committee on Home- posals, or RFP, has been published in ‘‘(XVII) Minersville-Nebraska City Road. land Security and Governmental Af- the Federal Register. Once the bidding ‘‘(XVIII) Upper Plattsmouth route. fairs. process has begun, the Federal Govern- ‘‘(XIX) Upper Bellevue route. Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, today ment should not be able to pull an RFP ‘‘(ii) CENTRAL ROUTES.— I am introducing legislation to help by saying that it is in the ‘‘public in- ‘‘(I) Cherokee Trail, including splits. American workers and companies. terest’’ to do so. This determination, ‘‘(II) Weber Canyon route of Hastings cut- The bill that I am introducing, the off. sometimes referred to as the Buy ‘‘(III) Bishop Creek cutoff. Buy American Improvement Act, fo- American Act’s national security waiv- ‘‘(IV) McAuley cutoff. cuses on the Federal Government’s re- er, should be made well in advance of ‘‘(V) Diamond Springs cutoff. sponsibility to support domestic manu- placing a contract up for bid. To do ‘‘(VI) Secret Pass. facturers and workers and on the role otherwise pulls the rug out from under ‘‘(VII) Greenhorn cutoff. of Federal procurement policy in companies that are spending valuable ‘‘(VIII) Central Overland Trail. achieving this goal. The reintroduction time and resources to prepare a bid for ‘‘(iii) WESTERN ROUTES.— of this bill, which I first introduced in a Federal contract. ‘‘(I) Bidwell-Bartleson route. ‘‘(II) Georgetown/Dagget Pass Trail. 2003, is part of my ongoing efforts to The Buy American Act may also be ‘‘(III) Big Trees Road. stem the flow of manufacturing jobs waived if the head of the agency deter- ‘‘(IV) Grizzly Flat cutoff. abroad. mines that the cost of the lowestpriced ‘‘(V) Nevada City Road. The Buy American Act of 1933 is the domestic product is ‘‘unreasonable,’’ ‘‘(VI) Yreka Trail. primary statute that governs Federal and a system of price differentials is ‘‘(VII) Henness Pass route. procurement. The name of this law ac- used to assist in making this deter- ‘‘(VIII) Johnson cutoff. curately describes its purpose: to en- mination. My bill would modify this ‘‘(IX) Luther Pass Trail. sure that the Federal Government sup- ‘‘(X) Volcano Road. waiver to require that preference be ‘‘(XI) Sacramento-Coloma Wagon Road. ports domestic companies and domes- given to the American company if that ‘‘(XII) Burnett cutoff. tic workers by buying American-made company’s bid is substantially similar ‘‘(XIII) Placer County Road to Auburn. goods. Regrettably, this law contains a to the lowest foreign bid or if the ‘‘(6) MORMON PIONEER NATIONAL HISTORIC number of loopholes that make it too American company is the only domes- TRAIL.— easy for government agencies to buy tic source for the item to be procured. ‘‘(A) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Secretary of foreign-made goods. I have a long record of supporting ef- the Interior shall undertake a study of the My bill, the Buy American Improve- forts to help taxpayers get the most routes of the Mormon Pioneer Trail listed in ment Act, would strengthen the exist- subparagraph (B) and generally depicted in bang for their buck and opposing the map entitled ‘Western Emigrant Trails ing law by tightening its waiver provi- wasteful Federal spending. I don’t 1830/1870’ and dated 1991/1993, and of such sions. Currently, the heads of Federal think anyone can argue that sup- other routes of the Mormon Pioneer Trail departments and agencies are given porting American jobs is ‘‘wasteful.’’ that the Secretary considers appropriate, to broad discretion to waive the Act and We owe it to American manufacturers determine the feasibility and suitability of buy foreign goods with little or no ac- and their employees to make sure they designation of one or more of the routes as countability. We should ensure that get a fair shake. I would not support components of the Mormon Pioneer National the Federal Government makes every awarding a contract to an American Historic Trail. effort to give Federal contracts to ‘‘(B) COVERED ROUTES.—The routes to be company that is price gouging, but we studied under subparagraph (A) shall include companies that will perform the work should make every effort to ensure the following: domestically. We should also ensure that domestic sources for goods needed ‘‘(i) 1846 Subsequent routes A and B (Lucas that certain types of industries do not by the Federal Government do not dry and Clarke Counties, Iowa). leave the United States completely, up because American companies have ‘‘(ii) 1856–57 Handcart route (Iowa City to thus making the Federal Government been slightly underbid by foreign com- Council Bluffs). dependent on foreign sources for goods, petitors. ‘‘(iii) Keokuk route (Iowa). ‘‘(iv) 1847 Alternative Elkhorn and Loup such as plane or ship parts, that our The Buy American Act also includes River Crossings in Nebraska. military may need to acquire on short a waiver for goods bought by the Fed- ‘‘(v) Fort Leavenworth Road; Ox Bow route notice. eral Government that will be used out- and alternates in Kansas and Missouri (Or- I have often heard my colleagues say side of the United States. There is no egon and California Trail routes used by on this floor that American-made question that there are occasions when Mormon emigrants). goods are the best in the world. I could the Federal Government needs to pro- ‘‘(vi) 1850 Golden Pass Road in Utah. not agree more. Regrettably, nearly cure items quickly for use outside the ‘‘(7) SHARED CALIFORNIA AND OREGON TRAIL 90,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs United States. However, there may be ROUTES.— have left my State since 2000. And the items that are bought on a regular ‘‘(A) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Secretary of the Interior shall undertake a study of the country has lost around 3 million man- basis and used at foreign military bases shared routes of the California Trail and Or- ufacturing jobs since January 2001. or United States embassies, for exam- egon Trail listed in subparagraph (B) and This hemorrhaging of jobs shows that ple, that could reasonably be procured generally depicted on the map entitled Congress needs to do more to support from domestic sources and shipped to ‘Western Emigrant Trails 1830/1870’ and dated domestic manufacturers and their em- the location where they will be used. 1991/1993, and of such other shared routes ployees. One way to do this is to ensure My bill would require Federal agencies that the Secretary considers appropriate, to that the Federal Government makes to compare the difference in cost for determine the feasibility and suitability of designation of one or more of the routes as every effort to buy American-made obtaining articles that are used on a shared components of the California Na- goods. regular basis outside the U.S., or that tional Historic Trail and the Oregon Na- There are five primary waivers to the are not needed immediately, between tional Historic Trail. Buy American Act, and my bill ad- an overseas versus a domestic source— ‘‘(B) COVERED ROUTES.—The routes to be dresses four of them. The first of these including the cost of shipping—before studied under subparagraph (A) shall include waivers allows an agency head to buy awarding the contract to the company the following: foreign goods if complying with the that will do the work overseas. ‘‘(i) St. Joe Road. Act would be ‘‘inconsistent with the The Buy American Act’s domestic ‘‘(ii) Council Bluffs Road. public interest.’’ I am concerned that source requirements may also be ‘‘(iii) Sublette cutoff. ‘‘(iv) Applegate route. this waiver, which includes no defini- waived if the articles to be procured ‘‘(v) Old Fort Kearny Road (Oxbow Trail). tion for what is ‘‘inconsistent with the are not available from domestic ‘‘(vi) Childs cutoff. public interest,’’ is actually a gaping sources ‘‘in sufficient and reasonably ‘‘(vii) Raft River to Applegate.’’. loophole that gives too much discre- available commercial quantities and of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:19 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.026 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1964 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 a satisfactory quality.’’ My bill would Finally, my bill would require the erence to a company submitting an offer on require that an agency or department Government Accountability Office to the contract that manufactures in the head, prior to issuing such as waiver, report to Congress with recommenda- United States the article, material, or sup- determine whether domestic produc- ply for which the offer is solicited, if— tions for defining the terms ‘‘incon- ‘‘(A) that company’s offer is substantially tion can be initiated to meet the pro- sistent with the public interest’’ and the same as an offer made by a company that curement needs and whether a com- ‘‘unreasonable cost’’ for purposes of in- does not manufacture the article, material, parable article, material, or supply is voking the corresponding waivers in or supply in the United States; or available domestically. the Act. I am concerned that both of ‘‘(B) that company is the only company My bill would also strengthen the these terms lack definitions, and that that manufactures in the United States the Buy American Act in four other ways. they can be very broadly interpreted article, material, or supply for which the It would, for the first time, make the by agency or department heads. GAO offer is solicited. Buy American requirement applicable ‘‘(3) USE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.— would be required to make rec- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) shall to the United States Congress. The cur- ommendations for statutory defini- apply without regard to whether the articles, rent definition of a Federal agency in tions of both of these terms, as well as materials, or supplies to be acquired are for the Act specifically exempts the Sen- for establishing a consistent waiver use outside the United States if the articles, ate, the House, and the Architect of process that can be used by all Federal materials, or supplies are not needed on an the Capitol, and activities under the di- agencies. urgent basis or if they are acquired on a reg- rection of the Architect. I believe that The gaping loopholes in the Buy ular basis. Congress should lead by example and ‘‘(B) COST ANALYSIS.—In any case in which American Act and the trade agree- the articles, materials, or supplies are to be comply with the Buy American Act, a ments and defense procurement agree- acquired for use outside the United States requirement that we have imposed on ments that contain additional waivers and are not needed on an urgent basis, before executive agencies. of domestic source restrictions have entering into a contract an analysis shall be Secondly, my bill would increase the combined to weaken our domestic made of the difference in the cost of acquir- minimum American content standard manufacturing base by allowing—and ing the articles, materials, or supplies from for qualification under the Act from sometimes actually encouraging—the a company manufacturing the articles, materials, or supplies in the United States (in- the current 50 percent to 75 percent. Federal Government to buy foreign- The definition of what qualifies as an cluding the cost of shipping) and the cost of made goods. Congress can and should acquiring the articles, materials, or supplies American-made product has been a do more to support American compa- from a company manufacturing the articles, source of much debate. To me, it seems nies and American workers. We must materials, or supplies outside the United clear that ‘‘American-made’’ means strengthen the Buy American Act and States (including the cost of shipping). manufactured in this country. This we must stop entering into bad trade ‘‘(4) DOMESTIC AVAILABILITY.—The head of a classification is a source of pride for agreements that send our jobs overseas Federal agency may not make a determination under subsection (a) that an article, ma- manufacturing workers around our and undermine our own domestic pref- country. The current 50 percent stand- terial, or supply is not mined, produced, or erence laws. manufactured, as the case may be, in the ard should be raised to a minimum of By strengthening Federal procure- United States in sufficient and reasonably 75 percent. ment policy, we can help to bolster our available commercial quantities and of satis- In addition, my bill would put in domestic manufacturers during these factory quality, unless the head of the agen- place for the next five years the ex- difficult times. As I have repeatedly cy has conducted a study and, on the basis of panded reporting requirement that I noted, Congress cannot simply stand such study, determined that— authored which was first enacted as on the sidelines while tens of thou- ‘‘(A) domestic production cannot be initiated to meet the procurement needs; and part of the fiscal year 2004 omnibus sands of American manufacturing jobs spending bill and was included again by ‘‘(B) a comparable article, material, or have been and continue to be shipped supply is not available from a company in this body as an amendment to the re- overseas. While there may be no single the United States. cent minimum wage bill. Prior to the solution to this problem one way in ‘‘(c) REPORTS.— enactment of these provisions, only the which Congress should act is by ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days Department of Defense was required to strengthening the Buy American Act. after the end of each of fiscal years 2007 report to Congress on its use of Buy through 2011, the head of each Federal agen- I ask unanimous consent that the cy shall submit to the Committee on Home- American waivers and purchases of for- text of the bill be printed in the eign goods. It is virtually impossible to land Security and Governmental Affairs of RECORD. the Senate and the Committee on Oversight get hard numbers on the Federal Gov- There being no objection, the text of and Government Reform of the House of Rep- ernment’s purchases of foreign—and the bill was ordered to be printed in resentatives a report on the amount of the domestic—made goods and to ensure the RECORD, as follows: acquisitions made by the agency in that fis- that there is disclosure and account- S. 581 cal year of articles, materials, or supplies ability in the waiver process. This re- purchased from entities that manufacture Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- porting requirement seeks to hold the articles, materials, or supplies outside of resentatives of the United States of America in the United States. agencies accountable by requiring Congress assembled, agencies to report on their foreign- ‘‘(2) CONTENTS OF REPORT.—The report re- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. quired by paragraph (1) shall separately in- made purchases and make that infor- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Buy Amer- clude, for the fiscal year covered by such re- mation available to Congress and the ican Improvement Act of 2007’’. port— American public. SEC. 2. REQUIREMENTS FOR WAIVERS. ‘‘(A) the dollar value of any articles, mate- The annual report to be submitted by (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2 of the Buy rials, or supplies that were manufactured agency heads will be required to in- American Act (41 U.S.C. 10a) is amended— outside the United States; clude the following information: the (1) by striking ‘‘Notwithstanding’’ and in- ‘‘(B) an itemized list of all waivers granted dollar value of any items purchased serting the following: with respect to such articles, materials, or that were manufactured outside of the ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding’’; and supplies under this Act, and a citation to the United States; an itemized list of all (2) by adding at the end the following: treaty, international agreement, or other ‘‘(b) SPECIAL RULES.—The following rules law under which each waiver was granted; applicable waivers granted with respect shall apply in carrying out the provisions of ‘‘(C) if any articles, materials, or supplies to such items under the Buy American subsection (a): were acquired from entities that manufac- Act, including the type of waiver used; ‘‘(1) PUBLIC INTEREST WAIVER.—A deter- ture articles, materials, or supplies outside and a summary of the total procure- mination that it is not in the public interest the United States, the specific exception ment funds spent by the Federal agen- to enter into a contract in accordance with under this section that was used to purchase cy on goods manufactured in the this Act may not be made after a notice of such articles, materials, or supplies; and United States versus on goods manu- solicitation of offers for the contract is pub- ‘‘(D) a summary of— factured overseas. In addition, my bill lished in accordance with section 18 of the ‘‘(i) the total procurement funds expended Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 on articles, materials, and supplies manufac- also requires that the heads of all Fed- U.S.C. 416) and section 8(e) of the Small Busi- tured inside the United States; and eral agencies make these annual re- ness Act (15 U.S.C. 637(e)). ‘‘(ii) the total procurement funds expended ports publicly available on the Inter- ‘‘(2) DOMESTIC BIDDER.—A Federal agency on articles, materials, and supplies manufac- net. entering into a contract shall give pref- tured outside the United States.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:19 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.032 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1965 ‘‘(3) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—The head of 18,000 civilian injuries. Fire also caused (10) sprinkler systems dramatically im- each Federal agency submitting a report over $10 billion in direct property dam- prove the chances of survival of those who under paragraph (1) shall make the report ages in 2005. cannot save themselves, specifically older publicly available to the maximum extent Fire sprinklers can dramatically de- adults, young children and people with dis- practicable. crease loss of life and injury as a result abilities; ‘‘(4) EXCEPTION FOR INTELLIGENCE COMMU- (11) the financial cost of upgrading fire of fires. The National Fire Protection NITY.—This subsection shall not apply to ac- counter measures in buildings built prior to quisitions made by an agency, or component Association has no record of a fire kill- fire safety codes is prohibitive for most prop- thereof, that is an element of the intel- ing more than two people in a com- erty owners; ligence community as specified in, or des- pletely sprinklered public assembly, (12) many State and local governments ignated under, section 3(4) of the National educational, institutional, or residen- lack any requirements for older structures Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 401a(4)).’’. tial building where the system was to contain automatic sprinkler systems; (b) DEFINITIONS.—Section 1 of the Buy properly installed and fully oper- (13) under the present straight-line method of depreciation, there is a disincentive for American Act (41 U.S.C. 10c) is amended by ational. Fire sprinklers also mitigate adding at the end the following: building safety improvements due to an ex- ‘‘(c) FEDERAL AGENCY.—The term ‘Federal economic losses resulting from fires. tremely low rate of return on investment; agency’ means any executive agency (as de- Fire sprinklers are responsible for a 70- and fined in section 4(1) of the Office of Federal percent reduction in property damage (14) the Nation is in need of incentives for Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403(1))) or from fires in public assembly, edu- the voluntary installation and retrofitting of any establishment in the legislative or judi- cational, residential, commercial, in- buildings with automated sprinkler systems cial branch of the Federal Government. dustrial, and manufacturing buildings. to save the lives of countless individuals and ‘‘(d) SUBSTANTIALLY ALL.—Articles, mate- The Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act will responding firefighters as well as drastically rials, or supplies shall be treated as made provide an incentive for businesses to reduce the costs from property damage. substantially all from articles, materials, or protect their buildings with fire sprin- SEC. 3. CLASSIFICATION OF AUTOMATIC FIRE supplies mined, produced, or manufactured SPRINKLER SYSTEMS. in the United States, if the cost of the do- klers. Under current law, the cost of (a) IN GENERAL.—Subparagraph (B) of sec- mestic components of such articles, mate- retrofitting an existing building with tion 168(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of rials, or supplies exceeds 75 percent of the automatic fire sprinklers generally 1986 (relating to 5-year property) is amended total cost of all components of such articles, would be depreciated over a 39-year pe- by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of clause (v), by materials, or supplies.’’. riod. Our legislation would reduce the striking the period at the end of clause (vi) (c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— and inserting ‘‘, and’’, and by inserting after depreciation period to 5 years, greatly clause (vi) the following: (1) Section 2 of the Buy American Act (41 reducing the economic burden of retro- U.S.C. 10a) is amended by striking ‘‘depart- ‘‘(vii) any automatic fire sprinkler system ment or independent establishment’’ and in- fitting a building. placed in service after the date of the enact- serting ‘‘Federal agency’’. I ask unanimous consent that the ment of this clause in a building structure (2) Section 3 of such Act (41 U.S.C. 10b) is text of this legislation be printed in which was placed in service before such date amended— the RECORD. of enactment.’’. (A) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘depart- There being no objection, the text of (b) ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM.—The table con- ment or independent establishment’’ and in- the bill was ordered to be printed in tained in section 168(g)(3)(B) of the Internal serting ‘‘Federal agency’’; and Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to special rule the RECORD, as follows: for certain property assigned to classes) is (B) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘depart- S. 582 amended by inserting after the item relating ment, bureau, agency, or independent estab- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- to subparagraph (B)(iii) the following: lishment’’ and inserting ‘‘Federal agency’’. resentatives of the United States of America in (3) Section 633 of the National Military Es- ‘‘(B)(vii) ...... 7’’. Congress assembled, tablishment Appropriation Act, 1950 (41 (c) DEFINITION OF AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRIN- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. U.S.C. 10d) is amended by striking ‘‘depart- KLER SYSTEM.—Subsection (i) of section 168 This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Fire Sprin- ment or independent establishment’’ and in- of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is kler Incentive Act of 2007’’. serting ‘‘Federal agency’’. amended by adding at the end the following: SEC. 2. FINDINGS. UTOMATED FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM SEC. 3. GAO REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS. ‘‘(18) A .— The Congress finds that— The term ‘automated fire sprinkler system’ (a) REPORT ON SCOPE OF WAIVERS.—Not (1) the publication of the original study later than 180 days after the date of the en- means those sprinkler systems classified and comprehensive list of recommendations under one or more of the following publica- actment of this Act, the Comptroller General in America Burning, written in 1974, request- tions of the National Fire Protection Asso- of the United States shall report to Congress ing advances in fire prevention through the ciation— recommendations to be used in determining, installation of automatic sprinkler systems ‘‘(A) NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler for purposes of applying the waiver provision in existing buildings have yet to be fully im- Systems, of section 2(a) of the Buy American Act, as plemented; ‘‘(B) NFPA 13 D, Installation of Sprinkler redesignated by section 2(a) of this Act, (2) fire departments responded to approxi- Systems in One and Two Family Dwellings whether acquiring articles, materials, and mately 1,600,000 fires in 2005; and Manufactured Homes, and supplies mined, produced, or manufactured (3) there were 3,675 non-terrorist related ‘‘(C) NFPA 13 R, Installation of Sprinkler in the United States would— deaths in the United States and almost 17,925 Systems in Residential Occupancies up to (1) involve unreasonable cost; or civilian injuries resulting from fire in 2005; and Including Four Stories in Height.’’. (2) be inconsistent with the public interest. (4) 87 firefighters were killed in 2005; (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments (b) RECOMMENDATIONS.—The report de- (5) fire caused $10,672,000,000 in direct prop- made by this section shall apply to property scribed in subsection (a) shall include rec- erty damage in 2005, and sprinklers are replaced in service after the date of the enact- ommendations— sponsible for a 70 percent reduction in prop- ment of this Act. (1) for a statutory definition of unreason- erty damage from fires in public assembly, able cost and for standards for determining Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, educational, residential, commercial, indus- inconsistency with the public interest; and today I rise to join my colleague Mr. trial and manufacturing buildings; (2) for establishing procedures for applying SMITH in the introduction of the Fire (6) fire departments respond to a fire every the waiver provisions of the Buy American Sprinkler Incentive Act. Two years 20 seconds, a fire breaks out in a structure Act that can be consistently applied. ago, we first introduced this legislation every 61 seconds and in a residential struc- to help provide businesses with an im- By Mr. SMITH (for himself, Mr. ture every 79 seconds in the United States; (7) the Station Nightclub in West Warwick, portant tax incentive to install life- ROCKEFELLER, Mr. REED, and Rhode Island, did not contain an automated saving sprinkler systems, believing Mr. ALEXANDER): sprinkler system and burned down, killing 99 that the legislation would be one way Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, today people on February 20, 2003; to keep our Nation’s citizens, and the Senator ROCKEFELLER and I are intro- (8) due to an automated sprinkler system, firefighters who dedicate their lives to ducing the Fire Sprinkler Incentive not a single person was injured from a fire fire safety, free from unnecessary fire- Act of 2007. This legislation would re- beginning in the Fine Line Music Cafe´ in related injury. At that time, I could duce the tremendous economic and Minneapolis after the use of pyrotechnics on not imagine that in 2007 West Virginia human losses that fire inflicts on the February 17, 2003; would suffer one of the worst fire-re- (9) the National Fire Protection Associa- National economy and the quality of tion has no record of a fire killing more than lated tragedies in many years. In Janu- life. 2 people in a completely sprinklered public ary of this year, a fire at the Emmons In 2005, fire departments responded to assembly, educational, institutional or resi- Junior Apartment Building in Hun- about 1.6 million fires. These fires re- dential building where the system was prop- tington, WV, took the lives of nine in- sulted in about 3,500 deaths and almost erly installed and fully operational; dividuals, including three teenagers

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:19 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.030 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1966 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 who were all siblings and another unre- enue code to classify automatic fire shortage of bilingual health informa- lated child who was only seven years sprinkler systems as depreciable over a tion and health providers; and cul- old. My heart goes out to those fami- 5-year period, would mitigate the ex- turally insensitive systems of care. lies and to a devastated community. pense of retrofitting older buildings This legislation would help to ad- We later learned that the complex was with costly automated sprinkler sys- dress the issue of access by providing built in 1924 and was not equipped with tems. It helps businesses make the $15 million per year for a three year pe- a sprinkler system. I cannot help choice to take advantage of fire safety riod in grants to State, local, and trib- thinking that if the tax incentives pro- systems that have been proven to have al organizations, including community vided by this legislation were already life-saving results. health centers and public health de- in effect, many businesses including I again express my support for the partments, for the purpose of hiring those operating apartment complexes Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act as a way community health workers to provide might have had enough financial incen- to promote the use of fire sprinkler health education, outreach, and refer- tive to allow them to make the deci- systems that are now an invaluable rals to women and families who other- sion to install life-saving sprinkler sys- asset in our efforts to protect citizens wise would have little or no contact tems. and firefighters from fire-related death with health care services. Recognizing factors such as poverty Fire safety is a national problem. and injury. This proposal has been en- and language and cultural differences The National Fire Protection Associa- dorsed by firefighters, the insurance in- that often serve as barriers to health tion (NFPA) indicates that in 2005 dustry, and general contractors, and I care access in medically underserved there were over 1.6 million fires re- urge my colleagues to do the same. ported in the United States, which populations, community health work- caused 3,675 civilian deaths, 17,925 civil- By Mr. SALAZAR: ers are in a unique position to improve ian injuries, and $10.7 billion in prop- S. 583. A bill to create a competitive health outcomes and quality of care for erty damage. As a result, 80,100 fire- grant program for States to enable the groups that have traditionally lacked fighters were injured and another 87 States to award salary bonuses to high- access to adequate services. They often serve as ‘‘community specialists’’ and died responding to these fires in an ef- ly qualified elementary school or sec- are members of the communities in fort to protect the lives of their fellow ondary school teachers who teach, or which they work. As such they can ef- citizens. High-rise buildings and other commit to teach, for at least 3 aca- fectively serve hard-to-reach popu- living facilities that were built under demic years in a school served by a lations. older codes often lack adequate fire rural local educational agency; to the A shining example of how community safety protection and leave vulnerable Committee on Health, Education, health workers serve their commu- those citizens who cannot as easily Labor, and Pensions. nities, a group of so-called save themselves from a fire, such as Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, the ‘‘Promotoras’’ in Dona Ana County older adults, young children, and peo- second piece of legislation I am intro- were quickly mobilized during a recent ple with disabilities. There were 511,000 ducing has to do with education. We flood emergency in rural New Mexico. structure fires in 2005, and 381,000 of know rural school districts have a very These community health workers as- those occurred in family home struc- hard time in terms of retaining teach- sisted in the disaster recovery efforts tures including dwellings, duplexes, ers. The national teacher turnover rate by partnering with FEMA to find, in- manufactured homes, apartments, across the country is about 15 percent, form and register flood victims for townhouses, rowhouses, and condomin- but in rural districts it is as high as 30 Federal disaster assistance. Their per- iums. These home structure fires ac- to 40 percent. Thirty to forty percent sonal networks and knowledge of the counted for 82 percent of civilian fire- of teachers in rural school districts are local culture, language, needs, assets, related fatalities and $6.7 billion in di- turning over. and barriers greatly enhanced FEMA’s rect property damage. So what I hope to do with the Colo- community outreach efforts. The Protecting our citizens and first-re- rado Teacher Retention Act is to help Promotoras of Dona Ana County dem- sponders from these fire-related inju- with a competitive State program that onstrate the important role commu- ries and fatalities is of the utmost im- would allow rural school districts to nity health workers could play in com- portance, and a real way to improve provide bonuses for highly qualified munities across the nation, including fire safety exists in the use of auto- teachers who commit to teaching in increasing the effectiveness of new ini- matic sprinkler systems. These devices rural schools for at least 3 years. It tiatives in homeland security and react quickly and save lives by dra- would simply provide an opportunity emergency preparedness, and in imple- matically reducing the heat, flames for rural schools to have the kind of ex- menting risk communication strate- and smoke produced in a fire. The cellence in teaching they so deserve. gies. NFPA reports that when sprinklers are The positive benefits of the commu- present, the chances of dying in a fire By Mr. BINGAMAN: nity health worker model also have are reduced by between 50 and 75 per- S. 586. A bill to amend the Public been documented in research studies. cent and average property loss is cut Health Service Act to provide grants to Research has shown that community by one-half to two-thirds. The NFPA promote positive health behaviors in health workers have been effective in also has no record of a fire killing more women and children; to the Committee increasing the utilization of health pre- than two people in a building where a on Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- ventive services such as cancer sprinkler system was properly installed sions. screenings and medical follow up for and fully operational. Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, the elevated blood pressure and improving The benefits of fire sprinkler systems legislation I am introducing today, en- enrollment in publicly funded health are overwhelming, even for business titled the ‘‘Community Health Workers insurance programs. In the case of un- owners, but one thing that inhibits Act of 2007,’’ would improve access to insured children, a study by Dr. Glenn their implementation is cost. Under health education and outreach services Flores, ‘‘Community-Based Case Man- current law, installations in residential to women and children in medically agement in Insuring Uninsured Latino rental property and non-residential underserved areas, including the U.S. Children,’’ published in the December real property must be deducted over a border region along New Mexico. 2005 issue of Pediatrics found that un- 27.5- or 39-year period, respectively. Lack of access to adequate health insured children who received commu- The financial cost of upgrading exist- care and health education is a signifi- nity-based case management were ing structures with fire safety meas- cant problem on the southern New eight times more likely to obtain ures is prohibitive for most property Mexico border. While the access prob- health insurance coverage than other owners, and under our present straight- lem is in part due to a lack of insur- children involved in the study because line method of depreciation, there is ance, it is also attributable to non-fi- case workers were employed to address disincentive for building safety im- nancial barriers to access. These bar- typical barriers to access, including in- provements due to an extremely low riers include a shortage of physicians sufficient knowledge about application rate of return on investment. This leg- and other health professionals, and processes and eligibility criteria, lan- islation, by amending the internal rev- hospitals; inadequate transportation; a guage barriers and family mobility

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:19 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.036 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1967 issues, among others. This study con- health risk behaviors that most often lead to ‘‘(D) tobacco use; firms that community health workers disease, premature death, and disability, and ‘‘(E) alcohol and substance use; could be highly effective in reducing are particularly prevalent among many ‘‘(F) injury and violence; the numbers of uninsured children, es- groups of minority women. ‘‘(G) risky sexual behavior; and (5) Over 60 percent of Hispanic and African- ‘‘(H) mental health problems; pecially those who are at greatest risk American women are classified as over- ‘‘(3) to educate and guide regarding effec- for being uninsured. Preliminary inves- weight and over 30 percent are classified as tive strategies to promote positive health tigation of a community health work- obese. Over 60 percent of American Indian behaviors within the family; ers project in New Mexico similarly women are classified as obese. ‘‘(4) to educate and provide outreach re- suggests that community health work- (6) American Indian women have the high- garding enrollment in health insurance in- ers could be useful in improving enroll- est mortality rates related to alcohol and cluding the State Children’s Health Insur- ment in Medicaid and the State Chil- drug use of all women in the United States. ance Program under title XXI of the Social Security Act, Medicare under title XVIII of dren’s Health Insurance Program, or (7) High poverty rates coupled with barriers to health preventive services and med- such Act and Medicaid under title XIX of ‘‘SCHIP.’’ ical care contribute to racial and ethnic dis- such Act; According to a 2003 Institute of Medi- parities in health factors, including pre- ‘‘(5) to promote community wellness and cine, IOM, report entitled, ‘‘Unequal mature death, life expectancy, risk factors awareness; and Treatment: Confronting Racial and associated with major diseases, and the ex- ‘‘(6) to educate and refer target popu- Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare,’’ tent and severity of illnesses. lations to appropriate health care agencies community health workers offer prom- (8) There is increasing evidence that early and community-based programs and organi- life experiences are associated with adult zations in order to increase access to quality ise as a community-based resource to health care services, including preventive increase racial and ethnic minorities’ chronic disease and that prevention and intervention services provided within the health services. access to health care and to serve as a community and the home may lessen the im- ‘‘(c) APPLICATION.— liaison between healthcare providers pact of chronic outcomes, while strength- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Each State or local or and the communities they serve. ening families and communities. tribal unit (including federally recognized Although the community health (9) Community health workers, who are tribes and Alaska native villages) that de- worker model is valued in the New primarily women, can be a critical compo- sires to receive a grant under subsection (a) shall submit an application to the Secretary, nent in conducting health promotion and Mexico border region as well as other at such time, in such manner, and accom- disease prevention efforts in medically un- parts of the country that encounter panied by such additional information as the derserved populations. challenges of meeting the health care Secretary may require. (10) Recognizing the difficult barriers con- needs of medically underserved popu- ‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—Each application sub- fronting medically underserved communities mitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall— lations, these programs often have dif- (poverty, geographic isolation, language and ‘‘(A) describe the activities for which as- ficulty securing adequate financial re- cultural differences, lack of transportation, sistance under this section is sought; sources to maintain and expand upon low literacy, and lack of access to services), ‘‘(B) contain an assurance that with re- community health workers are in a unique their services. As a result, many of spect to each community health worker pro- these programs are significantly lim- position to reduce preventable morbidity and gram receiving funds under the grant award- ited in their ability to meet the ongo- mortality, improve the quality of life, and ed, such program provides training and su- ing and emerging health demands of increase the utilization of available preven- pervision to community health workers to their communities. tive health services for community mem- enable such workers to provide authorized bers. The 10M report also noted that ‘‘pro- program services; (11) Research has shown that community ‘‘(C) contain an assurance that the appli- grams to support the use of community health workers have been effective in signifi- health workers . . . especially among cant will evaluate the effectiveness of com- cantly increasing health insurance coverage, munity health worker programs receiving medically underserved and racial and screening and medical follow-up visits funds under the grant; ethnic minority populations, should be among residents with limited access or un- ‘‘(D) contain an assurance that each com- expanded, evaluated, and replicated.’’ derutilization of health care services. munity health worker program receiving I am introducing this legislation to (12) States on the United States-Mexico funds under the grant will provide services in increase resources for a model that has border have high percentages of impover- the cultural context most appropriate for shown significant promise for increas- ished and ethnic minority populations: bor- the individuals served by the program; der States accommodate 60 percent of the ing access to quality health care and ‘‘(E) contain a plan to document and dis- total Hispanic population and 23 percent of seminate project description and results to health education for families in medi- the total population below 200 percent pov- cally underserved communities. other States and organizations as identified erty in the United States. by the Secretary; and I ask unanimous consent that the SEC. 3. GRANTS TO PROMOTE POSITIVE HEALTH ‘‘(F) describe plans to enhance the capacity text of the bill be printed in the BEHAVIORS IN WOMEN. of individuals to utilize health services and RECORD. Part P of title III of the Public Health health-related social services under Federal, There being no objection, the text of Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g et seq.) is amend- State, and local programs by— the bill was ordered to be printed in ed by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(i) assisting individuals in establishing the RECORD, as follows: ‘‘SEC. 399S. GRANTS TO PROMOTE POSITIVE eligibility under the programs and in receiv- HEALTH BEHAVIORS IN WOMEN. S. 586 ing the services or other benefits of the pro- ‘‘(a) GRANTS AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary, grams; and Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- in collaboration with the Director of the ‘‘(ii) providing other services as the Sec- resentatives of the United States of America in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention retary determines to be appropriate, that Congress assembled, and other Federal officials determined ap- may include transportation and translation SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. propriate by the Secretary, is authorized to services. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Community award grants to States or local or tribal ‘‘(d) PRIORITY.—In awarding grants under Health Workers Act of 2007’’. units, to promote positive health behaviors subsection (a), the Secretary shall give pri- SEC. 2. FINDINGS. for women and children in target popu- ority to those applicants— Congress makes the following findings: lations, especially racial and ethnic minor- ‘‘(1) who propose to target geographic (1) Chronic diseases, defined as any condi- ity women and children in medically under- areas— tion that requires regular medical attention served communities. ‘‘(A) with a high percentage of residents or medication, are the leading cause of death ‘‘(b) USE OF FUNDS.—Grants awarded pur- who are eligible for health insurance but are and disability for women in the United suant to subsection (a) may be used to sup- uninsured or underinsured; States across racial and ethnic groups. port community health workers— ‘‘(B) with a high percentage of families for (2) According to the National Vital Statis- ‘‘(1) to educate, guide, and provide out- whom English is not their primary language; tics Report of 2001, the 5 leading causes of reach in a community setting regarding and death among Hispanic, American Indian, and health problems prevalent among women and ‘‘(C) that encompass the United States- African-American women are heart disease, children and especially among racial and Mexico border region; cancer, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, ethnic minority women and children; ‘‘(2) with experience in providing health or and unintentional injuries. ‘‘(2) to educate, guide, and provide experi- health-related social services to individuals (3) Unhealthy behaviors alone lead to more ential learning opportunities that target be- who are underserved with respect to such than 50 percent of premature deaths in the havioral risk factors including— services; and United States. ‘‘(A) poor nutrition; ‘‘(3) with documented community activity (4) Poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco ‘‘(B) physical inactivity; and experience with community health use, and alcohol and drug abuse are the ‘‘(C) being overweight or obese; workers.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:19 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.037 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1968 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 ‘‘(e) COLLABORATION WITH ACADEMIC INSTI- ‘‘(5) TARGET POPULATION.—The term ‘target Because physicians tend to remain in TUTIONS.—The Secretary shall encourage population’ means women of reproductive the region where they complete their community health worker programs receiv- age, regardless of their current childbearing medical training, increasing the num- ing funds under this section to collaborate status and children under 21 years of age. ber of residency cap positions in States with academic institutions. Nothing in this ‘‘(k) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— section shall be construed to require such There are authorized to be appropriated to with a shortage will help to ensure an collaboration. carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of adequate physician workforce. Accord- ‘‘(f) QUALITY ASSURANCE AND COST-EFFEC- fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010.’’. ing to a study by the AAMC, 47 percent TIVENESS.—The Secretary shall establish of physicians are practicing in the guidelines for assuring the quality of the By Mr. NELSON of Florida (for State in which they did their training. training and supervision of community himself, Mr. REID, and Mr. Florida’s record of retention is even health workers under the programs funded BIDEN): better than the national average. The under this section and for assuring the cost- S. 588. A bill to amend title XVIII of effectiveness of such programs. same study shows that approximately ‘‘(g) MONITORING.—The Secretary shall the Social Security Act to increase the 60 percent of physicians who trained in monitor community health worker programs Medicare caps on graduate medical Florida stay in Florida to practice identified in approved applications and shall education positions for States with a medicine after their residency. determine whether such programs are in shortage of residents; to the Com- Today we are introducing the Resi- compliance with the guidelines established mittee on Finance. dent Physician Shortage Reduction under subsection (f). Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. Presi- Act of 2007 to enhance America’s ‘‘(h) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—The Sec- dent, I am pleased to be joined by my retary may provide technical assistance to health care infrastructure by expand- community health worker programs identi- colleague Senate Majority Leader ing the number of resident physician fied in approved applications with respect to HARRY REID as we introduce the Resi- training positions in States with a planning, developing, and operating pro- dent Physician Shortage Reduction shortage of resident physicians. Spe- grams under the grant. Act of 2007. The bill would enhance cifically, the bill authorizes the Sec- ‘‘(i) REPORT TO CONGRESS.— America’s health care infrastructure retary of Health and Human Services ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 4 years by expanding the number of Medicare- after the date on which the Secretary first (HHS) to increase the cap on the num- awards grants under subsection (a), the Sec- supported physician residency training ber of Medicare-supported residency retary shall submit to Congress a report re- positions in States with a shortage of training positions at teaching hospitals garding the grant project. residents. in States where there are shortages of ‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—The report required under Over the past several years, a number resident physicians. A State is consid- paragraph (1) shall include the following: of studies have concluded that this ered to have a shortage of resident phy- ‘‘(A) A description of the programs for country is facing, or soon will face, sicians if its ratio of resident physi- which grant funds were used. physician shortages. The Council on ‘‘(B) The number of individuals served. cians per 100,000 population is below Graduate Medical Education (COGME) the national median level. Under our ‘‘(C) An evaluation of— and the Association of American Med- ‘‘(i) the effectiveness of these programs; bill, teaching hospitals in approxi- ‘‘(ii) the cost of these programs; and ical Colleges (AAMC) recently issued mately 24 States would be eligible for ‘‘(iii) the impact of the project on the reports, which concluded that our Na- increases in their resident caps. health outcomes of the community resi- tion will likely lack an adequate num- We believe this legislation is a crit- dents. ber of physicians to meet patient de- ical first step towards ensuring an ade- ‘‘(D) Recommendations for sustaining the mand by the year 2020. quate supply of physicians in our community health worker programs devel- By expanding the number of Medi- health care system. We urge all of our oped or assisted under this section. care-supported physician residency ‘‘(E) Recommendations regarding training colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, training positions in our Nation’s to join us in this effort. to enhance career opportunities for commu- teaching hospitals, we can help sta- nity health workers. I ask unanimous consent that the ‘‘(j) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: bilize America’s health care infrastruc- text of the bill be printed in the ‘‘(1) COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER.—The ture and alleviate physician shortages. RECORD. term ‘community health worker’ means an Unfortunately, in 1997, the Balanced There being no objection, the text of individual who promotes health or nutrition Budget Act (BBA) ‘‘capped’’ the num- the bill was ordered to be printed in within the community in which the indi- ber of residents that each teaching hos- vidual resides— the RECORD, as follows: pital could claim for Medicare payment S. 588 ‘‘(A) by serving as a liaison between com- purposes. In general, Medicare does not munities and health care agencies; Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ‘‘(B) by providing guidance and social as- reimburse hospitals for residents they resentatives of the United States of America in sistance to community residents; train that are above the capped number Congress assembled, ‘‘(C) by enhancing community residents’ of residency slots. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ability to effectively communicate with There are no exceptions that allow This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Resident health care providers; hospitals to permanently adjust their Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2007’’. ‘‘(D) by providing culturally and linguis- caps. For example, the cap on physi- SEC. 2. INCREASING THE MEDICARE CAPS ON tically appropriate health or nutrition edu- cian training positions does not adjust GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION cation; for population growth. In many States, POSITIONS FOR STATES WITH A ‘‘(E) by advocating for individual and com- SHORTAGE OF RESIDENTS. munity health or nutrition needs; and including Florida, populations con- (a) DIRECT GRADUATE MEDICAL EDU- ‘‘(F) by providing referral and followup tinue to grow both in size and age and CATION.—Section 1886(h)(4)(F) of the Social services. physician shortages are occurring or Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(h)(4)(F)) is ‘‘(2) COMMUNITY SETTING.—The term ‘com- soon will occur. Ten years ago, Flor- amended— munity setting’ means a home or a commu- ida’s ratio of physicians to population (1) in clause (i), by inserting ‘‘clause (iii) nity organization located in the neighbor- was above the national average. Today, and’’ after ‘‘subject to’’; and hood in which a participant resides. Florida is among the States seeing the (2) by adding at the end the following new clause: ‘‘(3) MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED COMMU- slowest growth in physician supply. A NITY.—The term ‘medically underserved ‘‘(iii) INCREASE IN CAPS ON GRADUATE MED- community’ means a community identified major reason for the slow growth in ICAL EDUCATION POSITIONS FOR STATES WITH A by a State— Florida is the lack of physician resi- SHORTAGE OF RESIDENTS.— ‘‘(A) that has a substantial number of indi- dents. ‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—For cost reporting peri- viduals who are members of a medically un- A recent study by the AAMC ranks ods beginning on or after the date that is 16 derserved population, as defined by section Florida 44th among States with feder- months after the date of enactment of the 330(b)(3); and ally funded medical residency posi- Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act ‘‘(B) a significant portion of which is a tions, with 16 residents per 100,000 peo- of 2007, the Secretary shall increase the oth- health professional shortage area as des- ple. This problem will worsen over time erwise applicable limit on the total number ignated under section 332. because Florida’s population continues of full-time equivalent residents in the field ‘‘(4) SUPPORT.—The term ‘support’ means of allopathic or osteopathic medicine deter- the provision of training, supervision, and to grow and Federal funding for grad- mined under clause (i) with respect to a materials needed to effectively deliver the uate medical education slots has been qualifying hospital in an eligible State by an services described in subsection (b), reim- capped and cannot grow to reflect the amount determined appropriate by the Sec- bursement for services, and other benefits. need. retary. Such increase shall be phased-in over

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:19 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.033 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1969 a period of 5 cost reporting periods beginning As Nevada continues to grow, so do championing and advancing the with the first cost reporting period in which our health needs. The two bills I am in- Paralympic movement. the increase is applied under the previous troducing today will help ensure com- Proponents for the disabled estimate sentence to the hospital. For each eligible munities across Nevada that they have State the aggregate number of such in- that approximately 10 percent of the creases shall be— the doctors they need and the quality more than 500-person U.S. team to the ‘‘(aa) not less than 15; and of care they deserve. Paralympics in 2012 will be comprised ‘‘(bb) not greater than the State resident of veteran’s of the global war on ter- cap increase. By Mr. ALLARD: rorism. This is a tremendous increase ‘‘(II) QUALIFYING HOSPITAL.—In this clause, S. 589. A bill to provide for the trans- considering there were no war veterans the term ‘qualifying hospital’ means a hos- fer of certain Federal property to the participating in either the 2004 or 2006 pital located in an eligible State that the United States Paralympics, Incor- games. Secretary determines should receive an in- porated, a subsidiary of the United crease under this clause in the otherwise ap- Providing for the transfer of this States Olympic Committee; to the property will give the United States plicable limit on the total number of full- Committee on Environment and Public time equivalent residents in the field of Olympic Commitee the necessary fa- allopathic or osteopathic medicine. Works. cilities to work with local and national Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I rise ‘‘(III) ELIGIBLE STATE.—In this clause, the veteran’s service organizations, the De- term ‘eligible State’ means a State for which today to introduce important legisla- partment of Defense, as well as the De- the National median medical resident ratio tion in support of America’s partment of Veterans Affairs in order exceeds the State medical resident ratio. Paralympic programs. to allow for greater opportunities for ‘‘(IV) STATE RESIDENT CAP INCREASE.—In The Paralympics are an important disabled veterans to participate in the this clause, the term ‘State resident cap in- facet of our modern Olympic tradition 1 Paralympics, particularly those re- crease’ means, with respect to a State, ⁄4 of and serve as an integral part of the returning home from war in Iraq and Af- the product of— habilitation of the mind, body, and ‘‘(aa) the difference between the National ghanistan. soul. Training programs provided by median medical resident ratio and the State I am not alone. National and local or- Paralympic organizations enable dis- medical resident ratio; and ganizations recognize the importance abled athletes to overcome obstacles ‘‘(bb) the State population (as determined of these programs and vocally support for purposes of subclause (VI)). on and off the field. Through training, my efforts, including: the Colorado ‘‘(V) NATIONAL MEDIAN MEDICAL RESIDENT performance, and competition, these American Legion, the Colorado Springs RATIO.—In this clause, the term ‘National athletes regain independence and Chamber of Commerce, the National median medical resident ratio’ means the renew their spirit. Sports Center for the Disabled, and the median of all State medical resident ratios. The roots of the Paralympic move- ‘‘(VI) STATE MEDICAL RESIDENT RATIO.—In Pikes Peak Chapter of Military Offi- ment originally stem from disabled this clause, the term ‘State medical resident cers Association of America. veteran’s returning from war. After ratio’ means, with respect to any State, the I ask my colleagues to join me in ratio of full-time equivalent residents in the World War II, British soldiers began State in approved medical residency training participating in Paralympic games. cheering on the Olympic spirit that programs as of the date of enactment of the These games provided a way for dis- lives in all of us by supporting our Na- Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act abled soldiers to compete competition’s disabled veterans and Para- of 2007 to the population of the State as of tively in athletics. This practice quick- lympic athletes. such date, as determined by the Secretary. ly spread to the United States, and this I ask unanimous consent to print the ‘‘(VII) STATE.—In this clause, the term country is now leading the way in ad- following letters in the RECORD. ‘State’ means a State and the District of Co- There being no objection, the mate- lumbia. vancing the movement. Today thou- rial was ordered to be printed in the ‘‘(VIII) CONSIDERATIONS IN DETERMINING sands of athletes with physical disabil- RESIDENT CAP INCREASES.—In determining ities compete internationally, proudly RECORD, as follows: whether a hospital is a qualifying hospital, representing their countries. THE CHAMBER, and how much of an increase in the resident Tremendous advancements in modern Colorado Springs, CO, February 14, 2007. cap a qualifying hospital shall receive under medicine and the adaptation of ath- Hon. WAYNE ALLARD, subclause (I), the Secretary shall take into letic equipment have allowed Para- U.S. Senator, Dirksen Senate Office Building, consideration the demonstrated likelihood of Washington, DC. lympic athletes to physically compete the hospital filling resident positions that DEAR SENATOR ALLARD: We are writing to would be made available as a result of such in a variety of sports and live the express our strong support of your efforts to increase within the first 3 cost reporting pe- Olympic dream. By continuing to sup- transfer the Federal Building at 1520 East riods beginning on or after the date that is 16 port the development of the Para- Willamette in Colorado Springs to the months after the date of enactment of the lympic movement at all levels, as this United State Paralympic Committee. Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act bill does, we are able to take advantage As you know, The Greater Colorado of 2007. The Secretary shall also take into of these numerous scientific and med- Springs Chamber of Commerce has an active consideration whether the new resident posi- ical advancements to truly improve and steadfast relationship with the United tions will be in primary care, preventive quality of life for our wounded vet- States Olympic Committee. In addition, our medicine, or geriatrics programs.’’. membership provides a strong support sys- erans. (b) INDIRECT MEDICAL EDUCATION.—Section tem to our military in the region. We are 1886(d)(5)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 Today I am introducing legislation to most impressed with the USOC’s U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(5)(B)) is amended by adding facilitate the transfer of unused Fed- Paralympics Organization that provides such at the end the following new clause: eral property in Colorado Springs, CO, a valuable initiative to our injured soldiers ‘‘(x) Clause (iii) of subsection (h)(4)(F) shall to the United States Olympic Com- coming back from serving and protecting our apply to clause (v) in the same manner and mittee and specifically Paralympics In- country. for the same period as such clause (iii) ap- corporated. The transfer of this prop- The stature and pride associated with The plies to clause (i) of such subsection.’’. erty allows the current United States United States Olympic Committee’s presence Mr. REID. Mr. President, I am intro- Olympic Committee complex in Colo- in the Colorado Springs area has always been ducing a bill today dealing with resi- an important part of our cultural and eco- rado Springs to expand and provides nomic significance. Combining that with the dent physician shortages. This bill will the U.S. Paralympic Team with further mission of helping our soldiers recover and expand the number of Medicare-sup- room to grow their programs. succeed in the Paralympics venue would be ported physician residency training po- To a large degree, this expansion will another critical investment in our people sitions in States all over the country afford greater opportunities to Para- and our region. which face a shortage of doctors. lympics athletes, especially our Na- We wholly and enthusiastically support This legislation is important because tion’s military veterans. your efforts to add to our nation’s viability we know that the cities where doctors Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak in the Paralympics movement and to in- are trained are often the cities where region are unique. Home to a robust crease our region’s prominence in that movement. Thank you for your vigorous dedica- they stay. For example, Nevada cur- veteran’s population, this region also tion in moving this effort forward. rently has 199 physicians in training serves as the national headquarters of Sincerely, and will be eligible for an additional 93 the Unites States Olympic Committee. WILL TEMBY, positions under this bill. This makes the area a natural fit for Chief Executive Officer.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:19 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.035 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1970 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER S. 590. A bill to amend the Internal Savings and Investment Act of 2007, a FOR THE DISABLED, Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the in- bill that would improve the food stamp January 24, 2007. vestment tax credit with respect to program which is administered by the Hon. WAYNE ALLARD, solar energy property and qualified fuel U.S. Department of Agriculture. For U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. cell property, and for other purposes; fiscal year 2005, the food stamp pro- DEAR SENATOR ALLARD: On behalf of the to the Committee on Finance. gram touched an average of over 25 National Sports Center for the Disabled of Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise million people in this country every Winter Park, Colorado, I would like to thank today to introduce legislation to spur month. you for introducing legislation to transfer investment in and deployment of fuel Our nutrition assistance programs, Federal property to the United States cells and solar energy systems. I am anchored by the food stamp program, Paralympics, Inc. and the United States play a key role in ensuring that needy Olympic Committee. This property will sig- joined today by my colleague, Senator nificantly add to the U.S. Paralympics’ on- SALAZAR, and eleven other Senators in Americans have access to the food they going efforts to provide sport programs for introducing this important bill to en- need to lead healthy, productive lives. individuals with disabilities. courage the development if these clean I know from the school teachers in my In recent years, the number of young men energy facilities. family the importance of good nutri- and women with newly acquired disabilities The Energy Policy Act of 2005 cre- tion, especially for our children’s de- from military service has increased consider- velopment. Moreover, the food for nu- ably. Learning to live with a disability is an ated new commercial and residential experience that many find difficult. Recog- investment tax credits that have trition programs comes from U.S. nizing that physical activity can play a tre- helped stimulate market growth for farmers which helps agriculture. Fi- mendous role in encouraging healthy and these innovative technologies. Those nally, food assistance programs are an independent lives, the U.S. Paralympics has tax credits, which were extended in important part of this country’s safety made remarkable efforts to provide sport 2006, are set to expire at the end of 2008. net. Not long ago, the Nation witnessed programs for such individuals. As chief exec- However, in order to drive down future the food stamp program’s effective utive officer for the National Sport Center emergency response to evacuees from for the Disabled, I have witnessed firsthand production costs and encourage the de- the benefits of physical activity on the lives velopment of these facilities, this bill hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The U.S. of the disabled. It is clear that sport pro- provides for an eight-year extension of food assistance programs are good for grams have tremendous therapeutic value the investment tax credits for solar families, good for farmers and good for and encourage healthy, independent lives. and fuel cell facilities. It also provides America. As military operations in Iraq and Afghan- for the accelerated depreciation of The food stamp program not only istan continue, the need for such programs is commercial solar and fuel cell projects. helps by providing food and emergency greater than ever. This property in Colorado aid, it helps America’s needy families Springs, Colorado will greatly enhance the The long-term extension is needed U.S. Paralympics’ ability to continue sport within these industries because these on their path to independence and self- training programs for our soldiers with emerging energy technologies have sufficiency. The goals of the 1996 wel- newly acquired disabilities as they return longer planning horizons than tradi- fare reform were spelled out in the home and begin the rehabilitation process. tional power plants. A long-term exten- title, to increase ‘‘personal responsi- I ardently support your legislation to sion will also help developers secure bility and work opportunity.’’ In es- transfer Federal property to the U.S. Olym- the financing for these facilities. sence, Congress asked our nation’s pic Committee and U.S. Paralympics for families on welfare to take personal re- sport programs for the disabled, and I thank There are numerous benefits of ex- you for recognizing this need as so many ac- tending these investment tax credits. sponsibility for themselves and join the tive duty and retired military personnel It is estimated that an eight-year ex- workforce, and many of those families begin to adjust to life with a disability. tension of the tax credits will displace did. In the ten years since welfare re- Sincerely, over 4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas form was passed by Congress and CRAIG POLLITT, PRESIDENT/CHIEF and save consumers over $32 billion. An signed by President Clinton, fewer fam- EXECUTIVE OFFICER. estimated 70,000 new jobs will be cre- ilies receive cash welfare, and more welfare families are working. Accord- PIKES PEAK CHAPTER, ated in the solar and fuel cell indus- MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOC. OF AMERICA, tries and over $50 billion in economic ing to the Congressional Research Colorado Springs, CO, January 24, 2007. investment will be made in these in- Service, from 1996 to 2005, the number U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE, dustries. In addition, distributed gen- of food stamp households with children Olympic Plaza, eration facilities can serve remote who received cash welfare payments Colorado Springs, CO. sites and help address transmission decreased by 57 percent, and the num- DEAR U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE: The mem- congestion issues. ber who reported earned income in- bers of the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Mili- creased 41 percent. Many families have tary Officers Association of America would Home-grown energy technologies and like to express our strongest support for sources help reduce our dependence on transitioned from welfare to work, and your efforts to transfer the Federal Property foreign sources of energy. Moreover, the Food Stamp program should do near the U.S. Olympic Training Center to both solar equipment and fuel cells more to encourage this continuing your Olympic Committee. Understanding provide zero emissions energy. I would transition. that U.S. Olympic Committee will use this urge my colleagues to join us in pro- States have done a great job address- property in the training of United States viding America’s entrepreneurs and ing food stamp error rates. From fiscal Paralympics, we see this as a wonderful op- households with these important tax year 2000 to fiscal year 2005, while aver- portunity to help athletes with physical dis- age monthly participation increased to abilities. As many veterans take part in this incentives. Together, we can reduce training and competition and it adds so our dependence on fossil fuels and re- a near historical high of almost 26 mil- much to their lives, we strongly urge the store our nation’s leading role in these lion people, the combined error rates of Olympic Committee to pursue the acquisi- important industries. over payments and under payments fell tion of this property for the Paralympics. 34 percent to a historical low of 5.84 Feel free to contact me at 719–590–9522 for By Mr. CHAMBLISS (for himself, percent. further details. Mr. HARKIN, Mr. ROBERTS, Mrs. In the 2002 farm bill, Congress gave Sincerely, LINCOLN, Mr. COCHRAN, and Mr. States many options to administer the THOMAS M. DASCHBACH, Colonel USAF (Ret), LEAHY): food stamp program easier. Most President, Pikes Peak Chapter. S. 591. A bill to amend the Food States have taken advantage of these Stamp Act of 1977 to adjust for infla- options and the program serves both By Mr. SMITH (for himself, Mr. tion the allowable amounts of financial taxpayers and recipients better today SALAZAR, Ms. SNOWE, Mr. resources of eligible households and to than in the past. However, there is MENENDEZ, Mr. LUGAR, Mr. exclude from countable financial re- room to improve. For many working KERRY, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. AL- sources certain retirement and edu- families with low income, there are LARD, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. cation accounts; to the Committee on some aspects of the food stamp pro- LIEBERMAN, Mr. LAUTENBERG, Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. gram that may reduce their ability to Ms. CANTWELL, and Ms. Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I escape the cycle of poverty. For exam- LANDRIEU): rise today to introduce the Food Stamp ple, food stamp asset rules conflict

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.044 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1971 with families’ ability to save for their a financial penalty, or going without By Ms. COLLINS: future. The asset limit of $2,000 for liq- needed food assistance. S. 592. A bill to amend the Internal uid assets for most food stamp recipi- It is clear that current Food Stamp Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a ents has not changed for more than 20 Program rules actually discourage peo- manufacturer’s jobs credit, and for years. When indexed for inflation, the ple from planning responsibly for their other purposes; to the Committee on asset limit would be almost $4,000 futures and deny them a helping hand Finance. today. This bill would index the asset at a time when they need it most. It Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise limit to inflation. A higher asset limit makes no sense for the government to today to introduce legislation, the should help families build up savings in force families that are suffering ‘‘Growing Our Manufacturing Employ- order to achieve financial independence through periods of unemployment to ment Act, or ‘‘GoME,’’ which is aimed and prepare for a rainy day or get an spend down the savings which rep- at reinvigorating the manufacturing education and eventually end their resent their only source of security in sector, boosting the level of domestic need to receive food stamps. times of hardship. In essence we re- manufacturing, and preventing the fur- In addition, food stamp rules discour- quire people to trade-off their minimal ther loss of manufacturing jobs. age working families from utilizing all savings for meager food stamp benefits Few issues are as important to the the financial investment tools encour- that equal an average of one dollar per American people than the availability aged by the tax code for working Amer- meal per person. of good jobs in their communities. icans. This bill would exempt savings If our true goal is to provide low-in- Manufacturing jobs have long provided plans for retirement and education come families with a hand up—to help quality employment for generations of from being counted toward the asset make a better life for themselves and Americans. But in recent years, em- when determining eligibility, provi- their children—then we must enact ployment in the manufacturing sector sions included in the Bush Administra- policies that actually encourage them has dropped, and over 3 million manu- to build the resources that are nec- tion’s farm bill proposal. facturing jobs have been lost since the The core ideas underlying this bill essary to get out of poverty and re- year 2000. Few States have been hit harder by enjoy broad support across the polit- move the barriers to saving that exist the loss of manufacturing jobs than my ical spectrum. Examples of organiza- in current law. Exempting retirement home State of Maine. According to the tions that have voiced support for re- and educational savings accounts from National Association of Manufacturers, forming asset limits in order to encour- the Food Stamp Program’s asset limits test will help do that. Maine has lost 22,000 manufacturing age savings include: The Heritage Similarly, adjusting the current jobs—nearly 28 percent of our total— Foundation; the Center on Budget and asset limit so that it rises with infla- since the beginning of this decade. Policy Priorities; the New America tion will provide a more reasonable, These jobs once provided lifelong em- Foundation; the Corporation for Enter- less-restrictive threshold that, though ployment to Mainers in towns like prise Development; and, the Center for modest, will at least prevent further Millinocket, Wilton, Waterville, Fort Law and Social Policy. erosion in the current asset limits. I’m Kent, Dexter, Westbrook, and Sanford. Reforming food stamp asset limits hopeful that we can do more than just Here is but one example of the tragic has the potential to help needy fami- indexing the current limit, which is too results of this ongoing trend, from my lies break the cycle of poverty and restrictive. I hope that we can first in- home State of Maine: For 60 years, achieve long-term financial independ- crease the asset limits and then index Moosehead Manufacturing produced ence. I urge my colleagues to support them annually to inflation. But Sen- furniture of the highest quality—beau- this bill. ator CHAMBLISS’ bill is a good start, tiful designs and quality materials Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I am and I commend him for seeking to ad- combined with expert craftsmanship. pleased today to join my friend and dress this problem. Last week, Moosehead closed its doors. colleague, the senior Senator from Taken together, these are common More than 120 skilled workers have lost Georgia, as a cosponsor of legislation sense changes that are needed through- their jobs. A traditional Maine busi- to provide some needed improvements out our federal anti-poverty programs ness, built from the ground up by a to the Food Stamp Program’s eligi- to allow low-income Americans who Maine family, is gone. bility rules. are currently discouraged from saving Why are American manufacturing Senator CHAMBLISS’ legislation, the to invest in their futures. The Com- jobs disappearing? Three years ago, the Food Stamp Personal Savings and In- mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition and National Association of Manufacturers vestment Act of 2007, would exempt re- Forestry obviously has no jurisdiction released a study showing that Amer- tirement accounts and educational sav- over other anti-poverty programs, but ican manufacturers face ‘‘structural ings accounts from the current asset we can start by removing the unreal- costs’’ that makes it 22 percent more limits test in the Food Stamp Pro- istic and damaging limits that cur- expensive to manufacture goods here gram. Additionally, this bill would rently exist within the Food Stamp than overseas. Last fall, NAM updated index the current asset limit to infla- Program. this study, and found that these costs tion. I should also make clear that this is are escalating, with American manu- For most households, the current not the only change needed to improve facturers now facing a cost differential asset limit in the Food Stamp Program upon the Food Stamp Program. We 31 percent higher than our nine leading is $2000; $3000 for households with an el- clearly must do more to help those who trading partners. derly individual or an individual with a suffer from food insecurity in this While it would surprise no one that disability. This limit has not been country, and there are a number of U.S. manufacturers face a higher cost- raised in over 20 years, making it in- other improvements that we should of-doing business than manufacturers consistent with the economic chal- make to our federal food assistance in countries like China and Mexico, it lenges faced by today’s low-income programs to help low-income families would be a mistake to assume that working families in America. put food on their tables. wage rates alone explain this dif- In addition, current Food Stamp Pro- This legislation is a good start to the ference. They do not. In fact, the program resources rules are inconsistent. larger objective of simplifying and ductivity of American workers is Many types of retirement accounts and strengthening our food assistance pro- unrivaled, allowing American workers all educational savings accounts are grams to make them more responsive to receive more value, in wages, for the counted against the asset limit, mean- and relevant to helping meet the needs goods they produce. As the original ing that a working mother who has re- of today’s low-income American fami- NAM study states, if wages were the cently become unemployed but man- lies. I commend Senator CHAMBLISS for only factor, then ‘‘U.S. manufacturers aged to save $2500 for her daughter’s introducing this bill, am happy to co- would be much more dominant . . . in college education is actually ineligible sponsor it and look forward to con- the global markets than the current for food stamps. This forces otherwise tinuing to work with him to promote trade situation suggests.’’ eligible households to have to choose economic and food security and sta- It is other ‘‘structural costs’’ that between liquidating such savings, bility for low-income Americans and make it more expensive to manufac- which in many cases are also subject to families. ture goods in the U.S. relative to the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.043 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1972 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 cost elsewhere. Indeed, the NAM study each dollar claimed goes to cover sala- velopment, but with other Federal de- shows that most of the ‘‘structural ries of employees engaged in R&D. But partments as well as with various costs’’ facing American manufacturers despite its importance, the R&D tax agencies within the Department of are higher than those facing manufac- credit is scheduled to sunset at the end Health and Human Services that pro- turers in industrialized nations like of this year. Extending this credit vide supportive services. Japan, Germany, and France. This fact would be a powerful tool that will help Mr. President, SELHA is an impor- illustrates the critical impact these manufacturers keep their operations in tant bipartisan measure designed to high ‘‘structural costs’’ have on our America, and help offset the cost dis- help improve coordination and ensure ability to compete. parity American manufacturers face. access to the range of supportive serv- In essence, these costs have the same I am hopeful that, working together ices that the growing number of chron- effect as imposing a 31 percent addi- on this and other proposals, we can ically homeless Americans need to get tional tax on making goods here rather take the important steps needed to back on their feet. Our bill brings to- than overseas. To stay in business, strengthen American manufacturers, gether permanent supportive housing American manufacturers must some- preserve our manufacturing capacity, and services, the essential tools to en- how do more with less, move oper- and most of all, help ensure that hard- able these individuals to begin to take ations overseas, or get out of manufac- working Americans have the jobs they the steps necessary to become produc- turing altogether. The end result is need and deserve. tive and active members of our com- fewer jobs, a weaker economy, and a munities again. manufacturing sector in crisis. By Mr. BURR (for himself, Mr. I look forward to working with my I believe a healthy manufacturing REED, Mr. NELSON of Florida, colleagues toward expeditious passage base is essential to our Nation’s future. Mr. MARTINEZ, Mr. DURBIN, of this legislation. Not only is manufacturing a key Mrs. DOLE, and Ms. COLLINS): source of skilled, high-paying jobs, but S. 593. A bill to amend the Public By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, also it is crucial to our economic and Health Service Act to establish a grant Mr. LEAHY, Mr. SANDERS, and national security that we have the program to provide supportive services Ms. MIKULSKI): ability to manufacture the goods we in permanent supportive housing for S. 594. A bill to limit the use, sale, need right here in this country. For all chronically homeless individuals, and and transfer of cluster munitions; to these reasons, I am proposing the for other purposes; to the Committee the Committee on Foreign Relations. ‘‘Growing Our Manufacturing Employ- on Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I ment Act.’’ sions. rise with Senator LEAHY, Senator This bill would help to lessen the 31 Mr. REED. Mr. President, I am SANDERS, and Senator MIKULSKI to in- percent cost differential that American pleased to join my colleague, Senator troduce legislation to address the con- manufacturers face by providing a vari- BURR, to introduce the Services for tinuing threat posed by cluster bombs ety of tax incentives. For example, a Ending Long-Term Homelessness Act to innocent civilians around the world. jobs tax credit would be provided to (SELHA). Our legislation places common sense manufacturers that employ displaced It is estimated that two to three mil- restrictions on the use of cluster workers who are receiving benefits lion Americans experience a period of bombs. It prevents any funds from under the Trade Adjustment Act, as homelessness in a given year. While the being spent to use, sell or transfer clus- well as those who are receiving benefits majority of these individuals find ter munitions: that have a failure rate under the Alternative TAA program. themselves homeless for a brief period of more than one percent; unless the That would help get those workers of time, a growing segment are experi- rules of engagement or the agreement back to work. In Maine alone over 4,700 encing prolonged periods of homeless- applicable to the sale or transfer of workers have been deemed eligible for ness. Roughly 200,000 to 250,000 Ameri- such cluster munitions specify that: benefits under TAA since November of cans fall under the category of chron- the cluster munitions will only be used 2002, and nationally, the number is ically homeless. against clearly defined military tar- nearly 600,000. In March 2003, former Department of gets and; will not be used where civil- The jobs credit I am proposing in this Health and Human Services Secretary ians are known to be present or in bill would only be available to manu- Tommy Thompson issued a report that areas normally inhabited by civilians. facturers that increase their employ- defined the issues and challenges fac- The bill also requires the President ment level. The availability of this ing the chronically homeless and devel- to submit a report to the appropriate credit would provide a powerful incen- oped a comprehensive approach to Congressional committees on the plan, tive to hire workers who are receiving bringing the appropriate services and including estimated costs, by either benefits because they are displaced. treatments to this population of indi- the United States Government or the This bill is designed to ensure that viduals who typically fall outside of government to which U.S. cluster only companies that are helping to mainstream support programs. bombs are sold or transferred to clean build America’s manufacturing base Similarly, the President’s New Free- up unexploded cluster bombs. obtain its benefits. It has both a carrot dom Commission on Mental Health rec- Finally, the bill includes a national and a stick approach. Companies that ommended the development of a com- security waiver that allows the Presi- move jobs offshore will see their bene- prehensive plan to facilitate access to dent to waive the prohibition on the fits under this proposal reduced, and permanent supportive housing for indi- use, sale, or transfer of cluster bombs companies that chose to ‘‘invert’’ their viduals and families who are chron- with a failure rate of more than one corporate structure to avoid U.S. taxes ically homeless. However, affordable percent, if he determines it is vital to will not be eligible for this credit at housing, alone, is not enough for many protect the security of the United all. chronically homeless to achieve sta- States. As important as it is to assist work- bility. This population also needs flexi- The human death toll and injury ers who are eligible for benefits under ble, mobile, and individualized support from these weapons are felt everyday. TAA and ATAA, however, this alone is services to sustain them in housing. Innocent children think they are pick- not enough to address the crisis facing The legislation we are introducing ing up a play toy in the field and sud- American manufacturers. That is why today is critical to the development denly their arm is blown off. my bill also includes a 5-year extension and implementation of more effective Last November, the International of the research and development tax strategies to combat chronic homeless- Committee for the Red Cross called for credit we passed last year. R&D is crit- ness through improved service delivery a ban on the use of cluster bombs in ical to our manufacturers, because it is and coordination across Federal agen- highly populated areas. They joined the basis of the breakthroughs we need cies serving this population. It directs other leading organizations who have to keep our economy on the cutting the Substance Abuse and Mental also decried the indiscriminate use of edge. The credit also creates jobs—it Health Services Administration to co- these weapons: Amnesty International, can only be claimed on R&D performed ordinate their efforts not only with the Human Rights Watch, the Friends in the United States, and 75 percent of Department of Housing and Urban De- Committee on National Legislation,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.047 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1973 Handicap International, and Landmine Falah Hassan, 13, was injured by an launched by Israel in Southern Leb- Action. unexploded ground-launched submuni- anon failed to explode. Several countries, including Bel- tion in Iraq on March 26, 2003. So far, more than 58,000 unexploded gium, Germany, and Norway have ei- The explosion severed his right hand bomblets in Lebanon have been de- ther instituted a ban or a moratorium and spread shrapnel through his body. stroyed but it will take 12 to 15 months on the use and procurement of cluster He lost his left index finger and soft to complete the effort. Source: United bombs. More than 30 countries are ac- tissue in his lower limbs. Source: Nations humanitarian coordinator for tively calling for increased inter- Bonnie Docherty/Human Rights Watch. Lebanon. national controls on the weapon. Hassan Hammade, a 13 year old Leba- Looking at these figures it is clear And next week, Norway will host an nese boy, lost four fingers and sus- that several countries are awash with international conference to explore the tained injuries to his stomach and unexploded bomblets. possibility of a international treaty to shoulder after he picked up an The number is indeed staggering and ban certain types of cluster munitions unexploded cluster bomb in front of an the consequences are real. and provide support for the victims of orange tree. Each death that results from an the weapons. He said, ‘‘I started playing with it unexploded American bomblet weakens We need to adjust our policies for and it blew up. I didn’t know it was a American diplomacy and American their use and can do so easily. cluster bomb—it just looked like a values. Every year, hundreds of civilians are burned out piece of metal.’’ Source: How are we supposed to win the killed and many more are injured due Christian Science Monitor. hearts and minds of civilians in these to unexploded cluster bombs. All the children are too scared to go countries when we leave behind such From the fields of Vietnam, Laos, out now, we just play on the main deadly weapons that indiscriminately and Cambodia, through the streets of roads or in our homes. kill boys and girls? Kosovo and Iraq, to the arid hills of Af- These unexploded cluster bombs be- How are we supposed to speed up re- ghanistan and the playgrounds of Leb- come, in essence, de facto landmines. construction efforts—building homes, anon, these lethal relics of war con- Instead of targeting troop formations schools, hospitals, clinics, and ensuring tinue to cripple life, hope, and peace. and enemy armor, unexploded bomblets electricity and water supplies—when Cluster munitions are large bombs, target innocent civilians, seriously populated areas are littered with these rockets, or artillery shells that contain maiming or killing their victims. bombs? up to hundreds of small submunitions, This runs counter to our values and Simply put, unexploded cluster or individual ‘‘bomblets.’’ counter to the laws of war. bombs fuel anger and resentment and They are intended for attacking Make no mistake, the impact of make security, stabilization, and re- enemy troop formations and armor unexploded cluster bombs on civilian construction efforts that much harder. covering over a half mile radius. populations has been devastating. And it is not just a humanitarian Yet, in practice, they pose a real In Laos alone there are between 9 and problem, it is a military problem. threat to the safety of civilians when 27 million unexploded cluster bombs, By showering targets with cluster used in populated areas because they leftovers from U.S. bombing campaigns bombs, we ensure that our troops will leave hundreds of unexploded bombs in the 1960s and 1970s. Approximately face thousands of unexploded bomblets over a very large area and they are 11,000 people, 30 percent of them chil- as they move forward. often inaccurate. dren, have been killed or injured since This will force them to change course The non-profit group Handicap Inter- the war ended. Source: International and slow the mission. national studied the effects of cluster Committee for the Red Cross. During the Iraq war, U.S. troops bombs in 24 countries and regions, in- In the first Gulf War, 61,000 cluster would fire six rockets containing 4,000 cluding Afghanistan, Chechnya, Laos, bombs were used containing 20 million bomblets to eliminate one artillery and Lebanon. bomblets. Since 1991, unexploded piece in a civilian neighborhood. With Its report found that civilians make bomblets have killed 1,600 innocent a 16 percent dud rate, approximately up 98 percent of those killed or injured men, women, and children and injured 640 duds were left behind. Source: by cluster bombs. 27 percent of the cas- more than 2,500. Human Rights Watch. ualties are children. In Afghanistan in 2001, 1,228 cluster As an August 2003 Wall Street Jour- As the report shows, cluster bombs bombs with 248,056 bomblets were used. nal article noted: ‘‘Unexploded end up in streets and cities where men Between October 2001 and November bomblets render significant swaths of and women go to work and do their 2002, 127 civilians were killed by them, battlefield off-limits to advancing U.S. shopping. 70 percent of them under the age of 18. troops.’’ They end up in groves of trees and In Iraq in 2003, 13,000 cluster bombs In fact, during the first Gulf War, fields where children play. with nearly 2 million bomblets were unexploded cluster munitions killed 22 They end up in homes where families used. Combining the first and second U.S. troops—6 percent of total U.S. fa- live. Gulf Wars, the total number of talities—and injured 58. In some cases, up to 40 percent of unexploded bomblets in the region is Former Secretary of Defense William cluster bombs fail to explode, posing a approximately 1.2 million. Cohen recognized the threat cluster particular danger to civilians long An estimated 1,220 Kuwaitis and 400 bombs posed to civilians and U.S. after the conflict has ended. Iraqi civilians have been killed since troops alike and issued a memorandum This is particularly and sadly true of 1991. Source: Human Rights Watch. which became known as the Cohen Pol- children because bomblets are no big- What gives rise, in part, to my bill icy. ger than a D battery and in some cases are recent developments in Lebanon It stated that beginning in fiscal year resemble a tennis ball. over alleged use of cluster bombs by 2005, all new cluster bomb would have a Children, outside with their friends Israel. failure rate of less than one percent. and relatives, come across these clus- It is estimated that Israel dropped 4 This was an important step forward ter bombs, pick them up because they million bomblets in southern Lebanon but we must remember that we still look a ball, and start playing with and 1 million of these bomblets failed have 5.5 million cluster bombs in our them. to explode. arsenals containing 728.5 million A terrible result often follows as As Lebanese children and families bomblets. That is, we are still prepared these stories demonstrate. have returned to their homes and begin to use an enormous amount of cluster On March 25, 2003 Abdallah Yaqoob to rebuild, they have been exposed to bombs that have significant failure was sleeping in his bed in his family’s the danger of these unexploded rates. That is unacceptable. home in Basra, Iraq when he was hit by bomblets lying in the rubble. Let me be clear. While this legisla- shrapnel from a cluster munition 22 people, including six children have tion prohibits the sale, use, or transfer strike that hit his neighborhood. been killed and 133, including 47 chil- of cluster bombs with a failure rate of He lost his arm, and his abdomen was dren, injured. more than one percent, it does include severely injured. Abdallah was hit by One United Nations official estimates a national security waiver to allow the British L20A1/M85 munition. that 40 percent of the cluster bombs President to waive the restriction.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.049 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1974 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 Instead of exercising the waiver, I SEC. 4. APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- to protect civilians and the failure rate would hope that administration would TEES DEFINED. of the cluster munitions to be used or In this Act, the term ‘‘appropriate congres- work with Congress to extend the sional committees’’ means the Committee on sold. Cohen Policy to the entire U.S. cluster Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Our bill, which is not aimed at any bomb arsenal. Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House particular country because this is a During the 1990s, a comprehensive of Representatives. global problem, would also require that pact was forged to protect civilians Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am very cluster munitions be used only against from land mines worldwide. The United pleased to cosponsor this legislation on military targets and not where civil- States and the international commu- cluster munitions with my friend from ians are known to be present or in nity have since spent millions to re- California, Senator FEINSTEIN. I com- areas normally inhabited by civilians. move mines in post-conflict regions. mend her for the determination she has This is a moral issue and it is an There is no question there should be shown to prevent future harm to inno- issue of our own self-interest. Using or a similar program for cluster bombs. cent people from these weapons. selling weapons that are so indiscrimi- Simply put, this legislation will save The problem of cluster munitions, nate in their effect without strict con- lives—civilians and soldiers alike—and which overwhelmingly maim and kill trols on their use is immoral. It is im- will help save the reputation of the civilians, has been known for many moral. United States. years. Perhaps the most egregious ex- Anyone who has seen the horrific I urge my colleagues to support this ample is Laos, where millions of these consequences of children with an arm bill. tiny explosives were dropped by United or a leg blown off, or a part of their I ask unanimous consent that the States military aircraft during the face, or their lifeless body cut to pieces text of the bill be printed in the Vietnam war. Over three decades later by shrapnel, knows that. It is also contrary to our own inter- RECORD. they continue to cause horrific casual- est to be using or selling weapons There being no objection, the text of ties among local villagers and which cause such appalling casualties the bill was ordered to be printed in unsuspecting children. of people who are not the enemy. It the RECORD, as follows: I have urged the Pentagon to address this problem for nearly a decade. fuels anger and resentment we can ill S. 594 While they have acknowledged the afford among the very people whose Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- problem, they have not yet taken suffi- support we need. resentatives of the United States of America in cient steps to solve it. We used large Again, I am pleased to join with the Congress assembled, numbers of cluster munitions in the in- Senator from California. This is a SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. vasion of Iraq, including in densely in- thoughtful, much needed response to a This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Cluster Mu- habited, urban areas, and many civil- serious humanitarian problem. nitions Civilian Protection Act of 2007’’. ians paid and continue to pay a terrible It is also timely because other gov- SEC. 2. LIMITATION ON THE USE, SALE, OR price. ernments, following the leadership of TRANSFER OF CLUSTER MUNITIONS. Israel used these weapons extensively Norway, Austria and others, are meet- No funds appropriated or otherwise avail- ing in Oslo later this month to begin able to any Federal department or agency in Lebanon, including cluster muni- may be obligated or expended to use, sell, or tions supplied by the United States, discussions on an international treaty transfer any cluster munitions unless— and again it has been civilians who to curtail the use and export of cluster (1) the submunitions of the cluster muni- have suffered disproportionately. munitions that pose unacceptable risks tions have a 99 percent or higher functioning Cluster munitions, like any weapon, to civilians. rate; have military utility. They can be ef- The United States should play a visi- (2) the policy applicable to the use, or the fective against armor or other military ble, constructive role in those negotia- agreement applicable to the sale or transfer, infrastructure. But they are, in effect, tions and it is our hope that this legis- of such cluster munitions specifies that the indiscriminate, because they are scat- lation will contribute to that process. cluster munitions will only be used against tered by the thousands over wide areas. clearly defined military targets and will not By Mr. LAUTENBERG (for him- be used where civilians are known to be Many of them—between 1 and 40 per- present or in areas normally inhabited by ci- cent depending on the type and the self, Mrs. BOXER, and Mr. vilians; and condition of the terrain—fail to ex- MENENDEZ): (3) not later than 30 days after such cluster plode on contact and remain on the S. 595. A bill to amend the Emer- munitions are used, the President submits to surface of the ground as hazardous gency Planning and Community Right- the appropriate congressional committees a duds indefinitely, no different from to-Know Act of 1986 to strike a provi- plan, including estimated costs, for cleaning landmines. sion relating to modifications in re- up any such cluster munitions and submuni- The duds are exploded by whoever porting frequency; to the Committee tions which fail to explode and continue to comes into contact with them. Often it on Environment and Public Works. pose a hazard to civilians that is prepared, as Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I applicable— is a child who thinks it is a toy. The (A) by the head of such Federal department consequences are disastrous—lifelong rise today to introduce legislation that or agency in the event such cluster muni- disfigurement and disability, or death. would preserve the public’s right to tions are to be used by the United States No one suggests that it is possible to know about toxic chemical releases Government; or completely avoid civilian casualties in and waste management where they (B) by the government of the country to war. Innocent casualties are an inevi- live. which the United States Government sold or table, tragic consequence of all wars. The legislation would overturn the transferred such cluster munitions. But this legislation should not be nec- Environmental Protection Agency’s re- SEC. 3. PRESIDENTIAL WAIVER. essary. Weapons that are so dispropor- cent action to undermine the Toxics The President may waive the requirement tionately hazardous to civilians should Release Inventory (TRI) program— under section 2(1) if, prior to the use, sale, or of course be subject to strict controls which I helped create in 1986—by allow- transfer of cluster munitions, the Presi- ing facilities that release up to 2,000 dent— on their use. (1) certifies that it is vital to protect the The Feinstein-Leahy bill does not pounds of a toxic chemical to simply security of the United States; and prohibit the use or export of cluster provide notice of a chemical’s presence (2) not later than 30 days after making munitions. Rather, it would set a at the facility, rather than disclose the such certification, submits to the appro- standard for reliability that is the actual amounts released to the land, priate congressional committees a report, in same as what the Pentagon now re- air, and water. The 2,000 pounds stand- classified form if necessary, describing in de- quires for new procurements of these ard represents a four-fold increase of tail— weapons. the current reporting threshold. EPA (A) the steps that will be taken to protect The President may waive this re- finalized another change to the TRI civilians; and (B) the failure rate of the cluster muni- quirement if he certifies that doing so program that will reduce the informa- tions that will be used, sold, or transferred is vital to protect the security of the tion available to the public regarding and whether such munitions are fitted with United States, and he submits a report the waste management of some of the self-destruct or self-neutralization devices. describing the steps that will be taken most toxic chemicals that accumulate

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.049 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1975 in the environment, including lead and the average cost savings for facilities the use of a form A certification statement mercury. no longer required to report their re- under the Toxics Release Inventory Program These changes would eliminate de- lease of toxic chemicals or waste man- established under the Emergency Planning tailed reporting for one or more chemi- agement practices would be approxi- and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 cals at thousands of facilities in com- (42 U.S.C. 11001 et seq.) at not greater than mately $2.46 per day. 500 pounds for nonpersistent bioaccumula- munities around the country, including There are constructive ways to im- tive and toxic chemicals; and hundreds of facilities in New Jersey, prove the TRI program, and lessen the (2) the use of a form A certification state- and could eliminate entirely the disclo- burdens on industry, without reducing ment described in paragraph (1), or any sure of the releases of more than a the amount of information available to equivalent successor to the statement, shall dozen potentially dangerous chemicals. the public. These include improving be prohibited with respect to any chemical According to the Government Account- the system for electronic reporting, identified by the Administrator as a chem- ability Office (GAO), citizens living in and offering technical assistance to ical of special concern under section 372.28 of 75 U.S. counties could have no numer- title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a help businesses comply with the re- successor regulation). ical TRI information about local toxic quirements. pollution under the changes made by The bill I introduce today, with Sen- By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, EPA. Furthermore, GAO estimates ator BOXER and Senator MENENDEZ as Mrs. HUTCHISON, Ms. MUR- that 3,565 facilities—including 101 in original co-sponsors, would codify the KOWSKI, Mrs. BOXER, Ms. New Jersey—would no longer have to previous requirement that facilities SNOWE, Ms. CANTWELL, Mrs. report any quantitative information with chemical releases of more than 500 CLINTON, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. about their chemical releases and pounds of any standard TRI chemical KYL, Mr. VOINOVICH, Mr. DUR- waste management practices to the must disclose the details of their re- BIN, Mr. DODD, Mr. DOMENICI, TRI. leases. Releases in amounts less than Mr. STEVENS, Mr. WARNER, Mr. The EPA had also proposed to require 500 pounds could continue to use the SALAZAR, Mr. BIDEN, Mr. FEIN- reports on chemical emissions only less detailed reporting form. Second, it GOLD, Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. BAUCUS, every other year, instead of the current would codify the current prohibition on Mr. THOMAS, Ms. MIKULSKI, Mr. annual requirement. Under that plan, using the less detailed form for the LEAHY, Mr. BURR, Mr. communities would have no knowledge most persistent chemicals, including BROWNBACK, and Mr. SUNUNU): of what chemicals have been released lead and mercury—those the EPA has S. 597. A bill to extend the special into their neighborhoods, or how those classified as ‘‘chemicals of special con- postage stamp for breast cancer re- wastes were otherwise managed every cern.’’ Finally, it would prevent EPA search for 2 years; to the Committee on other year. Additionally, companies from making the frequency of report- Homeland Security and Governmental would have an incentive to concentrate ing less than every year. Affairs. their most egregious releases of toxic I would also like to thank my Con- Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President. I chemicals into the environment in gressional colleagues in the House of rise today with Senator HUTCHISON to years which are not reported. EPA Representatives, FRANK PALLONE of introduce legislation to reauthorize the withdrew this particular part of their New Jersey, and HILDA SOLIS of Cali- extraordinarily successful Breast Can- proposal, but there is no guarantee fornia, with whom I have been pleased cer Research Stamp for two additional that they will not pursue this avenue to work on this issue. Representatives years. in the future. PALLONE and SOLIS are introducing the Without Congressional action, this I strongly oppose all of these rule companion of this bill in the House; I important stamp will expire on Decem- changes; and the legislation I am intro- now look forward to continuing to ber 31 of this year. ducing will overturn the changes EPA work with them and my colleagues in This stamp deserves to be extended has made, and prevent them from mak- the Senate to ensure its passage. as it has proven to be highly effective. ing the third change that they consid- I ask unanimous consent that the Since 1998, over 747 million breast cancer research stamps have been ered. text of the bill be printed in the sold—raising $53.76 million for breast I firmly believe that it is unaccept- RECORD. able for the EPA to reduce the amount There being no objection, the text of cancer research. California continues to be one of the of information available to the public the bill was ordered to be printed in leading contributors, purchasing over about chemicals—including mercury, the RECORD, as follows: 47 million stamps with $3.6 million lead benzene, chromium, and other car- S. 595 going to research—almost 15 percent of cinogens—stored nearby or released Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- the nationwide contribution. into their community. When Congress resentatives of the United States of America in Furthermore, in September 2005, the passed the original Emergency Plan- Congress assembled, General Accounting Office (GAO) re- ning and Community Right-to-Know SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. leased a report showing that the Breast This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Toxic Right- Act in 1986, as a response to the 1984 Cancer Research Stamp has been a suc- Union Carbide chemical disaster in to-Know Protection Act’’. SEC. 2. MODIFICATIONS IN REPORTING FRE- cess and an effective fund-raiser in the Bhopal, India, some accountability was effort to increase funds to fight the dis- finally established in the chemical in- QUENCY. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 313 of the Emer- ease. dustry. And now, the EPA has weak- gency Planning and Community Right-to- The report also indicated that ened the rules and reduced the amount Know Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 11023) is amend- ‘‘grants funded by NIH and DOD using of information available to the public ed— Breast Cancer Research Stamp pro- on these critical issues. For instance, (1) by striking subsection (i); and ceeds have produced significant find- in my home State of New Jersey, a (2) by redesignating subsections (j) through ings in breast cancer research.’’ chemical facility that released 2,000 (l) as subsections (i) through (k), respec- The National Institutes for Health pounds of arsenic via air emissions in tively. (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Sections and the Department of Defense have re- 2003 would no longer be required to dis- 322(h)(2) and 326(a)(1)(B)(iv) of the Emer- ceived approximately $36.7 million and close this pollution to the general pub- gency Planning and Community Right-to- $15.7 million, respectively, putting lic. Fourteen facilities that released a Know Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 11042(h)(2), these research dollars to good use by combined 8,600 pounds of carcinogenic 11046(a)(1)(B)(iv)) are amended by striking funding innovative advances in breast styrene would no longer have to report ‘‘313(j)’’ each place it appears and inserting cancer research. these emissions in detail. ‘‘313(i)’’. For example, a 2002 Department of While the EPA touts the benefits of SEC. 3. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO TOXICS Defense Concept Award enabled re- its proposal as ‘‘burden reduction’’ for RELEASE INVENTORY. searchers to develop Medical industry, I strongly believe that the Notwithstanding any other provision of law— Hyperspectral Imaging (MHSI) tech- benefit of annual, detailed reporting (1) the Administrator of the Environ- nology. This method of imaging helps vastly outweighs any reduction in bur- mental Protection Agency (referred to in surgeons determine if they have re- den that will be provided to industry. this section as the ‘‘Administrator’’) shall moved all cancerous tissue during In fact, according to GAO’s estimates, establish the eligibility threshold regarding breast cancer surgery.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.047 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1976 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 Thanks to breakthroughs in cancer LIEBERMAN for their efforts in bringing leading role in rebuilding these areas. research, more and more people are be- this bill together. This legislation requires the SBA to re- coming cancer survivors rather than In the months since Hurricane port to Congress the number of con- cancer victims. Every dollar we con- Katrina, Rita and Wilma, I have tracts awarded to small businesses fol- tinue to raise will help save lives. worked with other members of the lowing disaster declarations, because One cannot calculate in dollars and Committee on Small Business and En- continued assistance and government cents how the stamp has focused public trepreneurship to improve the SBA’s contracts for small businesses in these awareness on this terrible disease and disaster loan program. We have intro- areas help to empower entrepreneurs to the need for additional research fund- duced numerous drafts of this legisla- make their homes and cities vibrant ing. tion, and each time our reform pro- once again. There is still so much more to do be- posals have been blocked by the admin- This bill will improve the SBA dis- cause this disease has far reaching ef- istration. While we continue to work aster loan program in allowing better fects on our nation: breast cancer is toward passing this comprehensive re- congressional oversight to ensure the the second most commonly diagnosed forms bill, we need to address some of agency is giving entrepreneurs the cancer among women after skin cancer. the provisions that will assist Congress tools they need to make a difference in More than three million women are liv- in assessing how the SBA’s disaster their communities after a disaster. ing with breast cancer in the U.S. loan program is operating in the today, one million of who have yet to present. By Ms. SNOWE (for herself, Ms. be diagnosed. Though much less com- SBA Administrator Steve Preston LANDRIEU, and Mr. VITTER): mon, over 1,700 men were diagnosed appeared before the House Committee S. 599. A bill to improve the disaster with breast cancer last year. on Small Business this morning and loan program of the Small Business This legislations would: extend the admitted that although the SBA has Administration, and for other pur- authorization of the Breast Cancer Re- implemented widespread reforms in its poses; to the Committee on Small Busi- search stamp for two additional operational approach to processing and ness and Entrepreneurship. years—until December 31, 2009; allow disbursing disaster loans, there is no Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise the stamp to continue to have a sur- plan on paper to speak of that can be today to introduce with Senator charge of up to 25 percent above the provided to Congress. To provide dis- LANDRIEU and Senator VITTER the value of a first-class stamp with the aster victims with a quick and effec- ‘‘Private Disaster Loans Act of 2007.’’ surplus revenues going to breast cancer tive response in the aftermath of fu- This legislation streamlines the cur- research; not affect any other semi- ture disasters, we must continue to rent disaster loan program and allows postal proposals under consideration evaluate the SBA’s programs, building private banks to make loans to dis- by the U.S. Postal Service. upon successes and making improve- aster victims. I urge my colleagues to join me and ments when we identify agency flaws. As ranking member of the Com- Senator HUTCHISON in passing this im- It is imperative that the SBA review mittee on Small Business and Entre- portant legislation to extend the its disaster response plan in prepara- preneurship, I am committed to pro- Breast Cancer Research Stamp for an- tion for the 2007 hurricane season, and viding the Small Business Administra- other two years. this bill requires the SBA to do so and tion, SBA, with the tools necessary to Until a cure is found, the money from to submit its changes to our Com- help small businesses and homeowners the sale of this unique postal stamp mittee and the House Small Business recover in the wake of a disaster. With will continue to focus public awareness Committee for review. the SBA at the forefront of disaster re- on this devastating disease and provide Last February, while thousands of lief efforts, Congress must support the hope to breast cancer survivors. Gulf Coast hurricane victims sat wait- agency to ensure that this country’s 25 We ask for unanimous consent that ing for promised disaster relief to ar- million small businesses have a re- the text of the legislation directly fol- rive, the SBA nearly ran out of money source they can depend on when dis- low this statement in the RECORD. twice for its Disaster Assistance pro- aster strikes. It is essential that we There being no objection, the text of gram. It required two emergency acts create a program to utilize existing in- the bill was ordered to be printed in of Congress to keep the program run- frastructure and provide immediate, the RECORD, as follows: ning. Despite knowing about these much-needed aid to disaster victims. S. 597 funding issues well in advance, the I have made reforming and improving Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- SBA chose not to disclose the problem the disaster loan program a top pri- resentatives of the United States of America in to its authorizing Committee until just ority. The legislation I am introducing Congress assembled, before the issue came to a head. With today, the Private Disaster Loans Act SECTION 1. 2-YEAR EXTENSION OF POSTAGE greater coordination and transparency, of 2007, is designed to remedy some of STAMP FOR BREAST CANCER RE- Congress can work with the SBA to en- the problems that prevented or delayed SEARCH. sure that this essential disaster re- disaster victims from receiving imme- Section 414(h) of title 39, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘2007’’ and in- sponse program does not run the risk diate and necessary funding following serting ‘‘2009’’. of shutting down. This bill requires the the 2005 gulf coast hurricanes. Home- SBA to provide the Committee with de- owners and businesses are the bedrock By Mr. KERRY (for himself, Ms. tailed monthly and daily reports to up- of communities across this Nation, and SNOWE, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. date us on the program’s lending vol- keeping them healthy, happy, and eco- VITTER, and Mr. LIEBERMAN): umes as well as funding levels. It also nomically viable will enhance and im- S. 598. A bill to require reporting re- requires the SBA to notify its over- prove the disaster recovery process. My garding the disaster loan program of sight committees when it will be seek- bill is an important step in the right the Small Business Administration, ing supplemental funding. Making the direction. and for other purposes; to the Com- disaster loan program transparent for The creation of private disaster loan mittee on Small Business and Entre- our review is crucial in creating a sys- program will give the SBA the oppor- preneurship. tem that provides timely and valuable tunity to work with private banks to Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I rise assistance to victims of disasters, and improve the lending process in the today to introduce the ‘‘Small Business this legislation will help to do that. wake of another devastating disaster, Disaster Loan Reporting Act of 2007,’’ The SBA’s failure to act quickly and as in the case of September 11 or the which will require the Small Business effectively in response to the devasta- 2005 gulf coast hurricanes. Because Administration to update its disaster tion of the 2005 hurricanes was unac- these private disaster loans will be response plan and to submit detailed ceptable, but as we have learned from made by qualified private lenders, bor- disaster loan reports to the Small Busi- the continuing devastation in those rowers will have an efficient alter- ness and Entrepreneurship Committee. areas, long-term disaster assistance for native for accessing disaster assistance This bill is a bipartisan effort, and I our small businesses also requires at- instead of depending solely on the SBA. thank Ranking Member SNOWE as well tention to federal procurement require- Under my proposal, the maximum as Senators LANDRIEU, VITTER, and ments. Small businesses need to play a PDL loan size will be $2 million, with a

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14FE6.042 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1977 maximum SBA guaranty of 85 percent, small business concern located in a disaster (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments no matter the size of the loan. The area. made by this section shall apply to disasters maximum term will be 25 years if col- ‘‘(3) USE OF LOANS.—A loan guaranteed by declared under section 7(b)(2) of the Small the Administrator under this subsection may Business Act (631 U.S.C. 636(b)(2)) before, on, lateral is involved; otherwise, the max- be used for any purpose authorized under or after the date of enactment of this Act. imum term for uncollateralized loans subsection (b). SEC. 3. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- will be 15 years. These loans can be ‘‘(4) ONLINE APPLICATIONS.— MENTS. used for any purposes that are author- ‘‘(A) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Administrator The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et ized under the standard SBA disaster may establish, directly or through an agree- seq.) is amended— loan program. ment with another entity, an online applica- (1) in section 4(c)— There will be no SBA guaranty fee tion process for loans guaranteed under this (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘7(c)(2)’’ for PDLs. In addition, there will be a subsection. and inserting ‘‘7(d)(2)’’; and ‘‘(B) OTHER FEDERAL ASSISTANCE.—The Ad- (B) in paragraph (2)— loan origination fee paid to lenders by ministrator may coordinate with the head of (i) by striking ‘‘7(c)(2)’’ and inserting the SBA using authorized funds appro- any other appropriate Federal agency so ‘‘7(d)(2)’’; and priated for the standard disaster loan that any application submitted through an (ii) by striking ‘‘7(e),’’; and program. online application process established under (2) in section 7(b), in the undesignated mat- The size standard used to determine this paragraph may be considered for any ter following paragraph (3)— a borrower’s eligibility for the PDL other Federal assistance program for dis- (A) by striking ‘‘That the provisions of program will be the standard currently aster relief. paragraph (1) of subsection (c)’’ and inserting ‘‘(C) CONSULTATION.—In establishing an on- used in the 7(a) or 504 loan program. ‘‘That the provisions of paragraph (1) of sub- line application process under this para- section (d)’’; and This will provide greater flexibility to graph, the Administrator shall consult with (B) by striking ‘‘Notwithstanding the pro- the lenders and foster more incentive appropriate persons from the public and pri- visions of any other law the interest rate on for use of the program. vate sectors, including private lenders. the Administration’s share of any loan made For documenting each loan, lenders ‘‘(5) MAXIMUM AMOUNTS.— under subsection (b) except as provided in would be allowed to use their own doc- ‘‘(A) GUARANTEE PERCENTAGE.—The Admin- subsection (c),’’ and inserting ‘‘Notwith- uments, subject to SBA approval, and istrator may guarantee not more than 85 standing any other provision of law, and ex- would also be permitted to create an percent of a loan under this subsection. cept as provided in subsection (d), the inter- ‘‘(B) LOAN AMOUNTS.—The maximum internet, or electronic, application est rate on the Administration’s share of any amount of a loan guaranteed under this sub- loan made under subsection (b)’’. process. section shall be $2,000,000. As we learned all too well after the ‘‘(6) LOAN TERM.—The longest term of a By Mr. SMITH (for himself, Mr. 2005 gulf coast hurricanes, it is critical loan for a loan guaranteed under this sub- DODD, Ms. COLLINS, Ms. SNOWE, section shall be— for our Government agencies to be as Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. VITTER, and ‘‘(A) 15 years for any loan that is issued prepared as possible when disaster Mr. BINGAMAN): strikes. As we move forward during the without collateral; and ‘‘(B) 25 years for any loan that is issued S. 600. A bill to amend the Public 110th Congress, I look forward to work- with collateral. Health Service Act to establish the ing with my colleagues in Congress to ‘‘(7) FEES.— School-Based Health Clinic program, get this vital legislation passed, and to ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator may and for other purposes; to the Com- support the SBA in its continuing mis- not collect a guarantee fee under this sub- mittee on Health, Education, Labor, sion to assist the country’s small busi- section. and Pensions. ness community. ‘‘(B) ORIGINATION FEE.—The Administrator Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, today, I I ask unanimous consent that the may pay a qualified private lender an origi- am honored to introduce the School text of the bill be printed in the nation fee for a loan guaranteed under this subsection in an amount agreed upon in ad- Based Health Clinic Act of 2007. I devel- RECORD. vance between the qualified private lender oped this legislation in partnership There being no objection, the bill was and the Administrator. with parents and healthcare advocates, ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as ‘‘(8) DOCUMENTATION.—A qualified private all of whom are affiliated with Or- follows: lender may use its own loan documentation egon’s vibrant school based health cen- S. 599 for a loan guaranteed by the Administrator, ter network. This important legisla- to the extent authorized by the Adminis- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- tion will create a federal authorization trator. The ability of a lender to use its own resentatives of the United States of America in to support the work of school based loan documentation for a loan offered under Congress assembled, this subsection shall not be considered part health centers (SBHCs) across the Na- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. of the criteria for becoming a qualified pri- tion. I am pleased to be joined by my This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Private Dis- vate lender under the regulations promul- colleagues, Senators DODD, SNOWE, aster Loans Act of 2007’’. gated under paragraph (9). COLLINS, KENNEDY, VITTER and BINGA- SEC. 2. PRIVATE DISASTER LOANS. ‘‘(9) IMPLEMENTATION REGULATIONS.— MAN. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7 of the Small ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year Currently, there are approximately Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636) is amended— after the date of enactment of the Private 1700 SBHCs operating across the coun- (1) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) Disaster Loans Act of 2007, the Adminis- try, and Oregon is home to 44 of them. as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and trator shall issue final regulations estab- These special health clinics—with the (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol- lishing permanent criteria for qualified pri- lowing: vate lenders. input of parents, school personnel, ‘‘(c) PRIVATE DISASTER LOANS.— ‘‘(B) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than healthcare providers and other youth ‘‘(1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection— 6 months after the date of enactment of the advocate—provide vital primary and ‘‘(A) the term ‘disaster area’ means a coun- Private Disaster Loans Act of 2007, the Ad- mental healthcare services to all chil- ty, parish, or similar unit of general local ministrator shall submit a report on the dren, regardless of their income or in- government in which a disaster was declared progress of the regulations required by sub- surance status. Communities around under subsection (b); paragraph (A) to the Committee on Small the country are beginning to realize ‘‘(B) the term ‘eligible small business con- Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate the enormous benefits of SBHCs, not cern’ means a business concern that is— and the Committee on Small Business of the ‘‘(i) a small business concern, as defined in House of Representatives. only to the health of children, but to this Act; or ‘‘(10) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— the broader healthcare system. Study ‘‘(ii) a small business concern, as defined in ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Amounts necessary to after study show that SBHCs can help section 103 of the Small Business Investment carry out this subsection shall be made curtail inappropriate emergency room Act of 1958; and available from amounts appropriated to the use, reduce Medicaid expenditures and ‘‘(C) the term ‘qualified private lender’ Administration under subsection (b). prevent costly hospitalizations. Find- means any privately-owned bank or other ‘‘(B) AUTHORITY TO REDUCE INTEREST ings such as these have convinced me lending institution that the Administrator RATES.—Funds appropriated to the Adminis- that Congress should be supporting determines meets the criteria established tration to carry out this subsection, may be under paragraph (9). used by the Administrator, to the extent programs like SBHCs that provide con- ‘‘(2) AUTHORIZATION.—The Administrator available, to reduce the applicable rate of in- venient points of access to basic may guarantee timely payment of principal terest for a loan guaranteed under this sub- healthcare services. and interest, as scheduled on any loan issued section by not more than 3 percentage Along with Community Health Cen- by a qualified private lender to an eligible points.’’. ters, SBHCs serve as an invaluable

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.062 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1978 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 component of the Nation’s healthcare ment that could lead to a return many University found that SBHCs reduced safety net. Sadly, more than nine mil- times over. inappropriate emergency room use and lion children in the U.S. still lack any As Congress prepares to consider the increased primary care utilization, form of health insurance coverage. As a reauthorization of the State Children’s which resulted in fewer hospitaliza- consequence, they face enormous chal- Health Insurance Program this year, tions for those who used SBHCs. SBHCs lenges in accessing primary, preventive my colleagues and I have turned our also save money. For example, the and mental health services. Even those attention to finding innovative and ef- Emory University School of Public children who are fortunate to have con- fective ways we can support the health Health attributed a reduction in Med- sistent health coverage face access bar- and well-being of our Nation’s children. icaid expenditures related to inpatient riers, which may result in increased ab- I am hopeful that along with that im- care and emergency department reg- sences or undiagnosed health condi- portant piece of legislation, we also istration to the use of SBHCs. tions. SBHCs help tear down those bar- can generate the support to pass the In Connecticut, we have 73 school- riers so that all children—regardless of School Based Health Clinics Establish- based health clinics. The SBHCs have insurance or socioeconomic status— ment Act. I believe we must support a provided health care to many elemen- have access to a comprehensive range variety of means of healthcare access tary, middle, and high school students of health services. so that all children are able to receive who would not have access to care if What truly sets SBHCs apart is their the care they need to stay healthy and SBHCs did not exist. The Connecticut unique model of delivering care. Work- well-prepared to excel in their edu- clinics provide an array of services ing with parents, school personnel and cational pursuits. such as comprehensive physical and other community based programs, they Mr. DODD. Mr. President, today, mental health assessments, dental provide direct care in a manner that Senator SMITH and I are introducing care, asthma treatment, and conflict helps foster the development of posi- the School-Based Health Clinic Estab- resolution. tive behaviors and long-term healthy lishment Act of 2007. This legislation lifestyles. They also play an important will assist in the operation of school- The bill we are introducing today role in helping students achieve their based health clinics (SBHCs) which will help enable school-based health full academic potential. An Oregon sur- provide comprehensive and accessible clinics to continue providing these vey found that 75 percent of SBHC primary health care services to medi- much needed services. Although these users would have missed one or more cally underserved youth. clinics function totally in accordance classes if they had to seek treatment in Why is this legislation needed? Let’s with state laws and regulations, the a traditional care setting. Clearly, look at the facts. We have more than federal government needs to provide SBHCs play a vital role not only in eight million children in this country funding so these clinics can continue to keeping children healthy, but in sup- who have no health insurance. Accord- be a key component of our health care porting their long-term educational ing to recent data released by the De- delivery system. success. We cannot expect children to partment of Health and Human Serv- This year, we will be working on the excel in the classroom if they are ices, between 2003–2005, the percentage reauthorization of the State Children’s forced to miss school to seek treatment of high school students who reported Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). from a traditional healthcare provider. smoking cigarettes was around 23 per- The program was created to provide Despite the enormous value they add cent. In 2005, 30 percent of students in health care to millions of children who to our nation’s educational and grades 11–12 reported binge drinking, were previously uninsured. SCHIP is an healthcare systems, SBHCs receive lit- which is five or more alcoholic drinks outstanding program. I believe the tle to no federal support. Most of their in a row. Twenty-two percent of stu- ‘‘School-Based Health Clinic Establish- funding comes from state and local re- dents in grades 11 and 12 reported using ment Act of 2007’’ would be a good com- sources, patient revenue and private marijuana in the past month. plement to SCHIP. contributions. However, as budgets In addition, the same Department of The School-Based Health Clinic Es- tighten and deficits grow larger, Health and Human Services report tablishment Act of 2007 is an important SBHCs find themselves competing found that the United States spends step in making sure that the next time alongside other programs for limited more on health per capita than any the United Nations Children’s Fund public health dollars. Many have been other country. The report, ‘‘Health, issues their rankings on children’s forced to scale back services or close United States 2006,’’ specifically stated quality of life, that the United States altogether. that ‘‘much of this spending is for care is no longer listed in last place. I look Some SBHCs have been fortunate to that controls or reduces the impact of forward to working with Sen. Smith receive limited support through the chronic diseases and conditions affect- and my colleagues to see that this leg- Federal Community Health Center ing an aging population.’’ Fewer dol- islation is not only passed by this body (CHC) program, if they are affiliated lars are spent on preventative care for soon, but that it is signed into law. with or operated by a center. While our children. this relationship has proven beneficial, Another fact I would like to bring to By Mr. BAYH (for himself, Mr. over time it has placed an increasing your attention is one found in a docu- COBURN, Mr. OBAMA, Mr. LEVIN, demand on CHC’s source of revenue and ment released today by the United Na- Mr. KERRY, Mr. CARPER, Mr. has limited the ability of SBHCs to cul- tions Children’s Fund. The U.N. Chil- DURBIN, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. tivate the resources needed to expand dren’s Fund report found that the SCHUMER, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. into other vulnerable and underserved United States ranks last in child LIEBERMAN, Mr. BIDEN, Mr. areas. health and safety, with the highest BROWN, Ms. STABENOW, Mrs. To realize their full potential, the rates of relative child poverty and CLINTON, Mr. LEAHY, and Mr. Federal Government needs to establish teenage obesity.’’ KENNEDY): a separate authorization for SBHCs. The points I have just made should Even a small amount of Federal sup- not only shock us, but should be a S. 601. A bill to amend the Internal port can serve as much needed seed wake-up call to each member of this Revenue Code of 1986 to require broker money to attract funding from other body and to the American people that reporting of customer’s basis in securi- sources. In Oregon, centers have been we need to take action and we need to ties transactions, and for other pur- able to generate as much as $3 to $4 take it now. poses; to the Committee on Finance. dollars in funding from other public With the introduction of the School- Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, today Sen- and private sources with every $1 of Based Health Clinic Establishment Act ator TOM COBURN, Representatives State general revenue. This clearly un- of 2007, Senator SMITH and I are seek- RAHM EMANUEL and WALTER JONES and derscores the value of the SBHC-model ing to change the data I have outlined. I, in the House of Representatives, are of service delivery to the government. School-based health clinics, where re-introducing bipartisan legislation to My legislation is asking for only a $50 available, have a demonstrated record close the capital gains tax gap. The million annual appropriation to sup- of improving the health care of our na- legislation, entitled the Simplification port the work of SBHCs—an invest- tion’s youth. A study by Johns Hopkins Through Additional Reporting Tax

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In the Senate, the legislation has ital gains or losses are not paying the will fight endlessly about what tax 15 original co-sponsors: Senators right amount in taxes. rates should be, but I believe all mem- COBURN, BIDEN, BROWN, CARPER, CLIN- The problem involves people who are bers should agree on the principle that TON, DURBIN, FEINSTEIN, KENNEDY, cheating the system and underpaying all taxpayers should pay what you owe. KERRY, LEAHY, LEVIN, LIEBERMAN, the amount of capital gains taxes that We should also all agree that we need OBAMA, KLOBUCHAR, SCHUMER, and they owe, but also involves honest tax- to reduce our deficit, simplify the tax- STABENOW. The House version has payers who are simply overwhelmed by filing process, and promote a fair and seven co-sponsors. The legislation is the complexity of the tax code and equitable tax system. The START Act based upon a recommendation made by make mistakes. A principal reason for of 2007 is intended to make progress on the National Taxpayer Advocate, the the complexity involved in paying cap- all of these goals. I hope it can start a organization created as part of the 1998 ital gains taxes is the need to obtain civil conversation about ways to im- IRS Restructuring and Reform Act what is called ‘‘adjusted cost basis’’ in- prove our tax system. I look forward to whose explicit purpose is to make rec- formation, a technical term for the working with all interested parties to ommendations to Congress to simplify purchase price of an investment, plus craft a workable proposal that provides the tax code. any necessary changes. This bill closes some needed relief to our overburdened As you can see from the members the loophole that dishonest taxpayers taxpayers. that are supporting this proposal, ad- are using, but also offers a hand to tax- Mr. OBAMA. Mr. President, I rise to dressing the issue of the tax gap is not payers who spend hours simply trying speak in favor of a bill I am proud to a partisan issue. Taxpayers who pay to fill out the capital gains portion of introduce today with Senators BAYH the right amount each year should not their tax return. and COBURN to help close the tax gap be subsidizing those who don’t. Accord- The bill will also help the IRS en- by improving the reporting of capital ing to the National Taxpayer Advo- force the law and close the capital gains income. This bill requires broker- cate, Nina Olson, honest taxpayers are gains loophole. For the first time, the age firms and mutual fund companies paying an additional $2700 in taxes to IRS will have the ability to see both to track and report the adjusted cost subsidize dishonest taxpayers. sides of the picture, the purchase price basis of their clients’ stock, bond, and It is also an issue of fairness. Middle- and the sell price of a security. For mutual fund investments. class Americans cannot underpay their decades, the IRS has only had half the This bill is a simple, commonsense taxes because their employers submit picture. The IRS receives information solution to a serious problem. Many wage information reports, called W–2s, about the price of a security when it is taxpayers have a hard enough time fil- to the IRS. If a factory worker in Ko- sold, but doesn’t receive any informa- ing their taxes. One of the most com- komo, Indiana underreports his in- tion about the purchase price of the se- plex parts of an individual’s tax return come, the IRS is going to know about curity. is the schedule for capital gains in- it because his employer sent his wage This loophole has resulted in the come. And what makes capital gains report to the IRS. By contrast, tax- Federal Government being short- particularly difficult is the challenge payers who rely on stocks and bonds changed by $17 billion per year in cap- of figuring out the adjusted basis of a for their income are on the honor sys- ital gains taxes owed but not paid. security that has been sold. tem to report their income accurately With the passage of this bill, the cap- Many taxpayers lack the proper because the IRS receives virtually no ital gains reporting loophole will be records or knowledge to calculate ad- information on what taxpayers paid for eliminated. justed basis for a stock that has split their investment. A $17 billion capital I first introduced this proposal in the or been exchanged as part of a com- gains tax gap is ample proof that there 109th Congress and, unfortunately, no pany’s merger or acquisition. And right are some taxpayers that are doing action was taken on the bill. However, now, the IRS does not have the ability some Enron accounting when it comes over the course of the past year, this to monitor the accuracy of taxpayer to paying their capital gains taxes. proposal gained significant momen- calculations. As a result, there is a This is also an economic issue—we tum, in part due to work done by the clear risk of error or fraud. In some are failing to collect, at a minimum, non-partisan General Accountability cases, taxpayers may end up paying too $345 billion in taxes that are legally Office (GAO) and the Joint Committee much in taxes. More often, they report owed each year. In light of our eco- on Taxation. Both of these organiza- too little income and thus pay too lit- nomic challenges—a national debt ap- tions evaluated this proposal and made tle in taxes. proaching $9 trillion, the eve of the a recommendation to Congress that it In 2001, the IRS estimated that Baby Boomer retirement only a year be adopted. underreporting cost the Treasury $11 away—Democrats and Republicans There has also been significant activ- billion annually. Today the loss is even need to come together and address this ity in the Congress. Last year alone, greater. issue as a first step toward solving our Congress held 7 hearings on the tax gap Because the IRS fails to collect these longer-term fiscal challenges. This bill and Sen. COBURN’s Homeland Security funds, the rest of us have to pay higher is only a small part of the solution but subcommittee held one of those hear- taxes than we should. Most people pay hopefully this will pave the way for ings that specifically focused on this their taxes honestly and follow the law other practical solutions that not only proposal. During that hearing, IRS to the best of their ability. But a small close the tax gap but also simplify the Commissioner Mark Everson rec- number of tax frauds—who often owe tax code. ommended this approach. The proposal great amounts of taxes—cheat the sys- The START Act of 2007 requires bro- also has support from non-profit tax- tem. And it’s hard now for the IRS to kerage houses and mutual fund compa- payer groups, such as the Citizens for stop them. nies to track and report the purchase Tax Justice. This bill makes it easier to stop price of a security, plus any adjust- In addition to the bipartisan support these cases of fraud and it helps reduce ments, to their customers and the IRS. our bill enjoys in the House and Sen- the amount of Federal tax dollars owed This simple change will allow tax- ate, last week President Bush included that the IRS fails to collect each year. payers to have accurate information this proposal in his budget submission. Brokerage firms and mutual fund com- regarding their investments, saving With the introduction of the Presi- panies will be required to keep track of them considerable time and effort dent’s proposal, the Securities Industry a taxpayer’s cost basis and to report when they file their taxes and have to and Financial Markets Association, the that information to the IRS. This will figure out how much they owe each preeminent association representing make it easier for honest taxpayers to year in capital gains taxes. For the av- the securities and bond industry, pub- calculate their taxable capital gain, erage taxpayer with capital gains, sim- licly stated that the proposal was and harder for dishonest taxpayers to ply filling out the capital gains tax ‘‘very constructive.’’ lie about it. Based on information from

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.063 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1980 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 the Taxpayer Advocate, reporting to tinguished Flying Cross on 6 occasions, the AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO the IRS can improve compliance of Air Medal with 18 Clusters, the Asiatic-Pa- MEET capital gains reporting from an esti- cific Campaign Medal, the American Cam- COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES mated 50 percent today to 90 percent. paign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the China Service Medal, the Na- Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask Fortunately, this new reporting re- tional Defense Service Medal, and the Ko- unanimous consent that the Com- quirement will not pose an undue bur- rean Service Medal; mittee on Armed Services be author- den to the financial firms affected. Whereas John Glenn served several years ized to meet during the session of the First, the firms will have plenty of as a test pilot on Navy and Marine Corps jet Senate on Wednesday, February 14, time to put the necessary systems in fighters and attack aircraft; 2007, at 3 p.m., in closed session to replace since the reporting requirement Whereas, as a test pilot, John Glenn set a ceive a briefing on Iranian activities in will not take effect until 2009, and then transcontinental speed record in 1957 by Iraq. will only apply to securities acquired completing the first flight to average super- sonic speeds from Los Angeles to New York; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without starting in 2009. Second, technology Whereas John Glenn was a pioneer in the objection, it is so ordered. has made tracking by financial firms realm of space exploration and was selected COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN simple and efficient. More than 80 per- in 1959 as one of the original 7 astronauts in AFFAIRS cent of all retail accounts already sub- the United States space program, entering scribe to a national reporting service the National Aeronautics and Space Admin- Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask for transferring basis information at a istration’s (NASA) Project Mercury; unanimous consent that the Com- nominal cost per account. Finally, in Whereas John Glenn was assigned to the mittee on Banking, Housing, and cases where it is impossible to track NASA Space Task Group at Langley Re- Urban Affairs be authorized to meet basis, the Treasury Secretary and the search Center in Hampton, Virginia; during the session of the Senate on Whereas, in 1962, the Space Task Group IRS may develop regulations to require Wednesday, February 14, 2007, at 10 was moved to Houston, Texas, and became a.m. to conduct a hearing on ‘‘The alternative information. part of the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center; It is estimated that $345 billion of Whereas, on February 20, 1962, John Glenn Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to Federal taxes goes uncollected each piloted the Mercury-Atlas 6 ‘‘Friendship 7’’ the Congress.’’ year. This bill doesn’t solve that full spacecraft on the first manned orbital mis- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without problem, but it is a step in the right di- sion of the United States; objection, it is so ordered. rection. It reduces the Federal deficit Whereas, after launching from the Ken- COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND without raising taxes or cutting spend- nedy Space Center in Florida, John Glenn TRANSPORTATION completed a 3-orbit mission around the plan- Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask ing. It simplifies the tax filing process et, reaching an approximate maximum alti- and reduces the chance of error or tude of 162 statute miles and an approximate unanimous consent that the Com- fraud. It applies what we know about orbital velocity of 17,500 miles per hour; mittee on Commerce, Science, and the clear benefits of automatic report- Whereas John Glenn landed Friendship 7 Transportation be authorized to hold a ing to the IRS—which is required now approximately 5 hours later, 800 miles south- hearing during the session of the Sen- for wage income—to capital gains in- east of the Kennedy Space Center near Grand ate on Wednesday, February 14, 2007, at come as well. Turk Island; 10 a.m., in room 253 of the Russell Sen- This bill makes sense. It’s good pol- Whereas, with that pioneering flight, John ate Office Building. The purpose of the Glenn joined his colleagues Alan Shepard hearing is to evaluate overseas sweat- icy. And I urge my colleagues to join and Virgil Grissom in realizing the dream of me in supporting it and in helping to space exploration and engaging the minds shop abuses, their impact on U.S. improve our tax code. and imaginations of his and future genera- workers, and the need for anti-sweat- f tions in the vast potential of space explo- shop legislation. ration; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS Whereas, after retiring from the space pro- objection, it is so ordered. gram, John Glenn continued his public serv- COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND ice as a distinguished member of the Senate, TRANSPORTATION SENATE RESOLUTION 81—RECOG- in which he served for 24 years; NIZING THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY Whereas John Glenn has continued his Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask OF JOHN HERSHEL GLENN, JR.’S public service through his work at the John unanimous consent that the Com- HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT IN BE- Glenn Institute at Ohio State University, mittee on Commerce, Science, and COMING THE FIRST UNITED which was established to foster public in- Transportation be authorized to hold a volvement in the policy-making process, hearing during the session of the Sen- STATES ASTRONAUT TO ORBIT raise public awareness about key policy THE EARTH ate on Wednesday, February 14, 2007, at issues, and encourage continuous improve- 2:30 p.m., in room 253 of the Russell Mr. BROWN (for himself and Mr. ment in the management of public enter- Senate Office Building, for an over- prise; VOINOVICH) submitted the following sight hearing on the coast guard deep- resolution; which was referred to the Whereas, in March 1999, Secretary of Edu- cation Richard W. Riley appointed John water acquisition program. Committee on the Judiciary: Glenn as Chair of the newly formed National The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without S. RES. 81 Commission on Mathematics and Science objection, it is so ordered. Whereas John Herschel Glenn, Jr. was born Teaching for the 21st Century; COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, on July 18, 1921, in Cambridge, Ohio, and Whereas the Commission played a pivotal AND PENSIONS grew up in New Concord, a small college role in improving the quality of teaching in town a few miles from the larger city of mathematics and science in the United Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask Zanesville, Ohio; States; unanimous consent that the Com- Whereas John Glenn attended New Concord Whereas, in 1998, John Glenn returned to mittee on Health, Education, Labor, High School and earned a Bachelor of space after 36 years as a member of the crew and Pensions be authorized to meet in Science degree in engineering from of the space shuttle Discovery, serving as a executive session during the session of Muskingum College, which also awarded him payload specialist and as a subject for basic the Senate on Wednesday, February, an honorary Doctor of Science degree in en- research on how weightlessness affects the 14, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. in SD–430. gineering; body of an older person; and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Whereas John Glenn enlisted in the Naval Whereas, combined with his previous mis- Aviation Cadet Program shortly after the at- sions, John Glenn logged over 218 hours in objection, it is so ordered. tack on Pearl Harbor and was commissioned space: Now, therefore, be it COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY in the United States Marine Corps in 1943; Resolved, That the Senate— Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask Whereas John Glenn served in combat in (1) honors the 45th anniversary of John unanimous consent that the Com- the South Pacific and also requested combat Hershel Glenn, Jr.’s landmark mission pilot- mittee on the Judiciary be authorized duty during the Korean conflict; ing the first manned orbital mission of the to meet to conduct a hearing on ‘‘Judi- Whereas John Glenn was a dedicated mili- United States; and tary officer, flying 149 missions during 2 (2) recognizes the profound importance of cial Security and Independence’’ for wars; John Glenn’s achievement as a catalyst to Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at 10 a.m. Whereas John Glenn received many honors space exploration and scientific advance- in Hart Senate Office Building Room for his military service, among them the Dis- ment in the United States. 216.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.063 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1981 Witness List Nation, and nearly 1 in 7 Illinois teachers (aa) by striking ‘‘clause (A), (B), or (C)’’ holds a degree from Illinois State University; and inserting ‘‘clause (A), (B), (C), or (D)’’; The Honorable Anthony M. Kennedy, Whereas Milner Library at Illinois State and Associate Justice, United States Su- University contains more than 3 million (bb) by striking ‘‘clause (D), (E), or (F)’’ preme Court, Washington, DC. holdings and special collections; both places it appears and inserting ‘‘clause The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Whereas Illinois State University is ranked (E), (F), or (G)’’; and objection, it is so ordered. nationally as one of the 100 ‘‘best values’’ in (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ‘‘clause COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINISTRATION public higher education; and (1) or (4)(A)’’ and inserting ‘‘clause (1), (2), Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask Whereas Illinois State University partici- (5)(A), or (5)(B)’’; pates in the American Democracy Project, (2) in section 4(b), by inserting ‘‘the Direc- unanimous consent that the Com- an initiative that prepares students to en- tor of National Intelligence,’’ before ‘‘the Di- mittee on Rules and Administration be gage in a competitive global society: Now, rector of the Central Intelligence Agency’’; authorized to meet during the session therefore, be it (3) in section 6, by striking ‘‘the Director of the Senate on Wednesday, February Resolved, That the Senate congratulates Il- of Central Intelligence’’ both places it ap- 14, 2007, at 11:30 a.m., to conduct a linois State University as it marks its ses- pears and inserting ‘‘the Director of National hearing on Senate Committee Budget quicentennial. Intelligence’’; and (4) in section 12— requests. f The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) objection, it is so ordered. AMENDING SENATE RESOLUTION through (6) as paragraphs (3) through (7), re- 400 OF THE 94TH CONGRESS spectively; and SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask Mr. OBAMA. Madam President, I ask the following new paragraphs: unanimous consent that the Select unanimous consent that the Senate ‘‘(1) The activities of the Office of the Di- Committee on Intelligence be author- proceed to the immediate consider- rector of National Intelligence and the Di- ized to meet during the session of the ation of Calendar No. 16, S. Res. 50. rector of National Intelligence. Senate on February 14, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ‘‘(2) The activities of the Central Intel- to hold a closed hearing. ligence Agency and the Director of the Cen- clerk will report the resolution by tral Intelligence Agency.’’. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without title. SEC. 2. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO SENATE objection, it is so ordered. The legislative clerk read as follows: RESOLUTION 400 (94TH CONGRESS) f A resolution (S. Res. 50) amending Senate RELATING TO REDESIGNATION OF Resolution 400 (94th Congress) to make SELECT COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS CONGRATULATING ILLINOIS AND CONDUCT AS SELECT COM- amendments arising from the enactment of MITTEE ON ETHICS. STATE UNIVERSITY’S SESQUI- the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Pre- CENTENNIAL Senate Resolution 400, agreed to May 19, vention Act of 2004 and to make other 1976 (94th Congress), is amended— Mr. OBAMA. Madam President, I ask amendments. (1) in section 6, by striking ‘‘the Select unanimous consent that the Judiciary There being no objection, the Senate Committee on Standards and Conduct’’ and Committee be discharged from further proceeded to consider the resolution. inserting ‘‘the Select Committee on Ethics’’; consideration of S. Res. 53, and that Mr. OBAMA. Madam President, I ask and the Senate then proceed to its consid- unanimous consent that the resolution (2) in section 8— eration. (A) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘the Se- be agreed to, the motion to reconsider lect Committee on Standards and Conduct’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without be laid upon the table, and that any and inserting ‘‘the Select Committee on Eth- objection, it is so ordered. statements relating thereto be printed ics’’; and The clerk will report the resolution in the RECORD, without intervening ac- (B) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘the Se- by title. tion or debate. lect Committee on Standards and Conduct’’ The legislative clerk read as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without both places it appears and inserting ‘‘the Se- A resolution (S. Res. 53) congratulating Il- objection, it is so ordered. lect Committee on Ethics’’. linois State University as it marks its ses- The resolution (S. Res. 50) was agreed SEC. 3. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO SENATE quicentennial. RESOLUTION 400 (94TH CONGRESS) to, as follows: RELATING TO REMOVING REF- There being no objection, the Senate S. RES. 50 ERENCE TO THE INTELLIGENCE DI- VISION OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU proceeded to consider the resolution. Resolved, Mr. OBAMA. Madam President, I ask OF INVESTIGATION. SECTION 1. AMENDMENTS TO SENATE RESOLU- unanimous consent that the resolution Senate Resolution 400, agreed to May 19, TION 400 (94TH CONGRESS) ARISING 1976 (94th Congress), is amended by striking be agreed to, the preamble be agreed FROM ENACTMENT OF INTEL- ‘‘, including all activities of the Intelligence to, and the motion to reconsider be laid LIGENCE REFORM AND TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT OF 2004. Division’’ in— upon the table; that any statements re- (1) paragraph (5)(F) of section 3(a), as re- Senate Resolution 400, agreed to May 19, designated by section 1(1)(A)(i); and lating thereto be printed in the 1976 (94th Congress), is amended— (2) paragraph (7) of section 12, as redesig- RECORD, without further intervening (1) in section 3— nated by section 1(4)(A). action or debate. (A) in subsection (a)— The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (i) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and SEC. 4. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO SENATE RESOLUTION 400 (94TH CONGRESS) objection, it is so ordered. (4), as paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), respec- RELATING TO REFERENCES TO SEN- The resolution (S. Res. 53) was agreed tively; ATE RULES. to. (ii) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting Senate Resolution 400, agreed to May 19, The preamble was agreed to. the following new paragraphs: 1976 (94th Congress), is amended— The resolution, with its preamble, ‘‘(1) The Office of the Director of National (1) in section 2(b), by striking ‘‘paragraph reads as follows: Intelligence and the Director of National In- 6(f)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraph 4(e)(1)’’; and telligence. (2) in section 8(b)(5)— S. RES. 53 ‘‘(2) The Central Intelligence Agency and (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph Whereas Illinois State University marks the Director of the Central Intelligence (A), by striking ‘‘section 133(f) of the Legisla- its sesquicentennial with a year-long cele- Agency.’’; and tive Reorganization Act of 1946’’ and insert- bration, beginning with Founders Day on (iii) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated— ing ‘‘paragraph 5 of rule XVII of the Stand- February 15, 2007; (I) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) ing Rules of the Senate’’; and Whereas Illinois State University is the through (G) as subparagraphs (C) through (B) in the flush text after subparagraph oldest public university in the State of Illi- (H), respectively; (C), by striking ‘‘section 133(f) of the Legisla- nois; (II) by striking subparagraph (A) and in- tive Reorganization Act of 1946’’ and insert- Whereas Illinois State University has 34 serting the following new subparagraphs: ing ‘‘paragraph 5 of rule XVII of the Stand- academic departments and offers more than ‘‘(A) The Office of the Director of National ing Rules of the Senate’’. 160 programs of study in the College of Ap- Intelligence and the Director of National In- SEC. 5. OTHER TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO plied Science and Technology, the College of telligence. SENATE RESOLUTION 400 (94TH CON- Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, ‘‘(B) The Central Intelligence Agency and GRESS). the College of Education, the College of Fine the Director of the Central Intelligence Section 3(b)(3) of Senate Resolution 400, Arts, and the Mennonite College of Nursing; Agency.’’; and agreed to May 19, 1976 (94th Congress), is Whereas Illinois State University is 1 of (III) in subparagraph (H), as so redesig- amended by striking ‘‘the session’’ and in- the 10 largest producers of teachers in the nated— serting ‘‘in session’’.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE6.064 S14FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with SENATE S1982 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 14, 2007 ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, vided and controlled between the chair- ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10:00 A.M. FEBRUARY 15, 2007 man and ranking member of the Judi- TOMORROW Mr. OBAMA. Madam President, I ask ciary Committee or their designees; Mr. OBAMA. If there is no further unanimous consent that when the Sen- that at 10:30 a.m., the Senate proceed business to come before the Senate ate completes its business today, it to vote on Executive Calendar No. 24, today, I ask unanimous consent the stand adjourned until 10 a.m., Thurs- to be followed immediately by a vote Senate stand adjourned under the pre- day, February 15; that on Thursday, on Executive Calendar No. 26; that vious order. following the prayer and pledge, the upon conclusion of the votes, the mo- There being no objection, the Senate, Journal of proceedings be approved to tion to reconsider be laid upon the at 6:05 p.m., adjourned until Thursday, date, the morning hour be deemed ex- table and the President immediately February 15, 2007, at 10 a.m. pired, and the time for the two leaders notified of the Senate’s action; that reserved for their use later in the day; the Senate then resume legislative ses- f that there then be a period of morning sion and proceed to a period of morning business until 10:20 a.m., with Senators business, Senator LEAHY to be recog- CONFIRMATION permitted to speak therein and with nized for up to 1 hour, to be followed by the time equally divided and controlled an hour under the control of the Re- Executive nomination confirmed by between the two leaders or their des- publican leader or his designee, with the Senate Wednesday, February 14, ignees; that at 10:20 a.m., the Senate Senators permitted to speak therein 2007: proceed to executive session to consider Executive Calendar Nos. 24 and for up to 10 minutes. THE JUDICIARY The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without NORA BARRY FISCHER, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE 26, that debate run concurrently until UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE WESTERN 10:30 a.m., with the time equally di- objection, it is so ordered. DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA.

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PAYING TRIBUTE TO CHESTER cators, it will become harder to attract, and HONORING THE LIFE OF MAXWELL RICHARDSON keep, good people in the education profes- BRUNER, JR. sion. While educators’ pay is primarily a local HON. JON C. PORTER issue, Congress can, and should, help raise HON. JEFF MILLER OF NEVADA educators’ take home pay by reducing edu- OF FLORIDA cators’ taxes. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES This is why I am introducing the Teachers Wednesday, February 14, 2007 Wednesday, February 14, 2007 Tax Cut Act. This legislation provides every Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today teacher in America with a $3,000 tax credit. I behalf of the United States Congress, it is an to honor the life of Chester Richardson who am also introducing the Professional Edu- honor for me to rise today to recognize the life passed away on January 2, 2007. cators Tax Relief Act, which extends the of Northwest Florida’s beloved Maxwell Chester made a profound impact on the Las $3,000 tax credit to counselors, librarians, and Bruner, Jr. Vegas community during his lifetime. Chester all school personnel involved in any aspect of Mr. Bruner is survived by his wife, Linda, possessed a vast knowledge of the gaming in- the K–12 academic program. eight children, ten grandchildren, and sister dustry, expertise obtained while working as The Teacher Tax Cut Act and the Profes- and brother-in-law, Burt and Barbara Bruner the surveillance manager of the Luxor Hotel sional Educators Tax Relief Act increase the Godwin. To his family and friends, I would like and Casino as well as his experiences as salaries of teachers and other education pro- to offer my sincere condolences. Northwest vice-chairman of the Southern Nevada work- fessionals without raising federal expenditures. Florida has suffered a great loss. force Investment Board, chairman of the By raising the take-home pay of professional Born on July 12, 1931, in Ashford, Alabama, SNWIB Programs/Performances committee, educators, these bills encourage highly quali- Max Bruner, Jr., grew up during the Great De- and chairman of the SNWIB Youth Council. fied people to enter, and remain in, education. pression on the farms in southeast Alabama. Chester also dedicated his life to his com- These bills also let America’s professional He was the son of a farmer and local busi- munity. He was instrumental in the develop- educators know that the American people and nessman. It was not until after his graduation ment of the first drug abuse prevention com- the Congress respect their work. from Auburn University, where his interest in munity based organization in northern Nevada, I hope all my colleagues join me in sup- politics and government grew, that he made was a field investigator for the Reno/Sparks porting our nation’s teachers and other profes- his way to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, in NAACP Branch investigating labor complaints sional educators by cosponsoring the Teacher 1957—a place where his footsteps would be and served four terms as the local NACCP Tax Cut Act and the Professional Educators planted and never washed away. election chairman. Chester was very much in- Tax Relief Act. Mr. Bruner was an active member in the volved in designing a successful affirmative business, civic, and church communities, and action plan and began the elimination of the f entered into the Okaloosa County School Dis- Rule of Three in the State legislature. Chester trict as an assistant principal, quickly rising to also assisted local businesses in obtaining SACRED HEART MEDICAL CENTER principal at Fort Walton Elementary School. In over $300,000 in micro business loans. His DELIVERS HIGH QUALITY 1963, Max Bruner became principal of the other accomplishments include serving as the HEALTH CARE newly integrated Eglin School. Okaloosa Nevada General Secretary and as the first County School District became one of the first Grand Worthy Patron of the Nevada Inter- HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS districts in the South that integrated schools. national Free and Accepted Modern Masons. After two years, Mr. Bruner was elected Su- OF WASHINGTON Chester was also an associate minister for the perintendent of Schools. Voted in for five con- Second Baptist Church in Las Vegas. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES secutive terms, he made a significant impact Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the Wednesday, February 14, 2007 on the Okaloosa County School District and life and the legacy of Chester Richardson. His molded it into the success it is today. dedication to service and community was truly Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Madam His passion for change and commitment to exemplary and should serve as an example to Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sacred excellence came at a time when it was need- us all. Chester will be profoundly missed. Heart Medical Center for being rated as a top ed the most. Facilities were overcrowded, performer in the Centers for Medicare and f which forced schools to hold double sessions Medicaid Services Premier Hospital Quality In- and hold classes in churches. In a time when INTRODUCING THE TEACHER TAX centive project. schools were segregated and students not CUT ACT AND THE PROFES- Sacred Heart Medical Center has been pro- given the opportunity they deserved, Max SIONAL EDUCATORS TAX RELIEF viding quality health care to the people of Bruner ensured that they received the proper ACT Eastern Washington for more than 120 years. materials. He established a $40 million con- Their mission to provide a community of heal- struction plan and developed educational pro- HON. RON PAUL ing, collaborate with caregivers, and uphold a grams to accommodate every learning level, OF TEXAS commitment to excellence guides the kind of including the gifted and disabled. He knew the care they provide every day. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES importance of education and believed that all As a top performer, Sacred Heart Medical students must be given the opportunity to Wednesday, February 14, 2007 Center was evaluated on their performance learn. Maxwell Bruner worked tirelessly for the Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to and outcome measures in five clinical areas— advancement of the local public school system introduce two pieces of legislation that raise acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), and transformed the Okaloosa School District the pay of teachers and other educators by heart failure, coronary artery bypass graft into one of the best in the state of Florida. cutting their taxes. I am sure that all my col- (CABO), pneumonia, and hip and knee re- To some Max Bruner will be remembered leagues agree that it is long past time to begin placement. as an educator, and to others, a warrior. To treating those who have dedicated their lives Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend some he will be remembered as a loyal Au- to educating America’s children with the re- Sacred Heart Medical Center for setting the burn fan, and to others, a comrade in the spect they deserve. Compared to other profes- standard for clinical excellence, and for pro- United States Air Force. He will long be re- sionals, educators are under-appreciated and viding excellent health care to the Eastern membered by his family and friends as a lov- under-paid. This must change if America is to Washington community. I invite my colleagues ing and compassionate father, grandfather, have the finest education system in the world. to join me in congratulating the doctors and husband, and companion; and we will all re- Quality education is impossible without qual- employees of Sacred Heart Medical Center on member his energy, motivation, and gen- ity teaching. If we continue to undervalue edu- this great achievement. erosity. From his humble beginnings as a child

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

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:06 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14FE8.001 E14FEPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS E348 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 14, 2007 to a man who had such a profound impact on eral government controls the education dollar, raise awareness, mobilize resources and re- society, Mr. Bruner touched a number of lives; schools will be held accountable for their com- flect on how putting faith into action can all who knew Max Bruner are forever grateful pliance with bureaucratic paperwork require- build a more just world. As Catholics, we pray that we can embrace the hungry, the for his presence in their lives, and will forever ments and mandates that have little to do with sick and the suffering as Jesus called us to be inspired by his life. actual education. Federal rules and regula- do with compassion and love. As engaged Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United tions also divert valuable resources away from citizens who understand that foreign policy States Congress, I am proud to honor the life classroom instruction. and budgets are moral endeavors that reflect of Maxwell Bruner, Jr., and his living legacy. The only way to reform America’s education our values, we call on our leaders to do more f system is through restoring control of the edu- to help the world’s poor. cation dollar to the American people so they Our gathering will help build national mo- PAYING TRIBUTE TO HARRY can ensure schools provide their children a mentum for the Catholic Campaign Against NOONAN quality education. I therefore ask all of my col- Global Poverty, an effort led by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic leagues to help improve education by return- Relief Services, which engages citizens to ad- HON. JON C. PORTER ing education resources to the American peo- vocate for policies that increase develop- OF NEVADA ple by cosponsoring the Hope Plus Scholar- ment aid, offer debt relief to poor countries IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ship Act. and ensure that trade agreements benefit f more than the wealthy. Guided by Catholic Wednesday, February 14, 2007 social tradition that teaches us to have a Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today ARCHBISHOP GEORGE NIEDER- ‘‘preferential option for the poor,’’ we know to honor the life of Harry Noonan and recog- AUER’S EDITORIAL ON GLOBAL that upholding the dignity of all human life nize him for his exemplary service in defense POVERTY does not end at our borders. When our neigh- of freedom and posthumously award him with bors in other countries suffer, we too are diminished. What we do to the least among us, the Jubilee of Liberty Medal. HON. TOM LANTOS we do to Christ himself. On June 6, 1944, the United States and its OF CALIFORNIA In the San Francisco Bay area, the Catho- allies embarked on the largest air, land, and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lic community strives through its social sea invasion ever undertaken. This massive service agencies to relieve the suffering of effort included 5,000 ships, 10,000 airplanes, Wednesday, February 14, 2007 local poverty, and funds international anti- and over 150,000 American, British, Canadian, Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I would like poverty and development programs through Catholic Relief Services. Local Catholic Free French, and Polish Troops. During the to use this opportunity to direct the attention of 50th anniversary of this historic event, the priests, nuns and lay people are working in my colleagues to a very important opinion some of the poorest countries to ease the French Government awarded the Jubilee of piece written by the Archbishop George H. burden of extreme poverty. We also work Liberty Medal to American servicemen for their Niederauer, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic with people of other faiths in efforts to in- participation in the Battle of Normandy. Archdiocese of San Francisco and chair of the crease awareness and understanding about Harry served in the United States Army, Communications Committee of the U.S. Con- global poverty and to encourage our legisla- 194th Glider Infantry Regiment in Normandy, ference of Catholic Bishops, which last Octo- tors to make greater efforts to address this Northern France, and the Rhineland. For his ber sponsored a national conference on global crucial problem. In 2000, the United States and other nations signed the U.N. ‘‘Millen- heroism and valor, Harry was awarded the poverty. As a champion of the poor and a Purple Heart, the Bronze Service Arrowhead, nium Development Goals’’ to halve extreme well-respected constituent, I value his commit- poverty, increase development aid to 0.7 per- and the European African Middle Eastern ment to eliminating global poverty and his mis- cent of gross national income, stop the Campaign Service Medal. sion to translate faith into action. spread of HIV/AIDS and provide universal Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the I emphatically agree with the Archbishop’s primary education by 2015. The United life of Harry Noonan who passed away on position outlined in this article, that ending States still falls near the bottom of the list February 13, 2007. His service and dedication global poverty is one of the great challenges when aid by developed countries is measured to this country exemplified the sacrifices of the of our time and we have a moral obligation, as as a percent of gross national product. ‘‘Greatest Generation.’’ He was truly a great a civilized nation, to help eliminate the Some ask why we should care about star- American patriot. vation or disease in remote corners of the scourge of extreme poverty. As the Arch- globe. Along with being the right thing to f bishop points out, foreign policy is indeed a do, retreating from this cause is also not INTRODUCTION OF THE HOPE moral endeavor. The United States, in keeping practical. The forces of globalization have PLUS SCHOLARSHIP ACT with its core humanitarian values, must be a made nations, and their destinies, more model for other countries by promoting sus- interconnected than ever before. As the tainable development. While we know that world’s largest economy, the United States HON. RON PAUL poverty does not cause extremism, the United has considerable influence to galvanize re- OF TEXAS must use all of the tools at its disposal to limit sources for the poor, push to end curable diseases in Africa and be a model for other IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the breeding grounds for terrorists seeking to countries when it comes to development. Wednesday, February 14, 2007 take advantage of the millions of economically Each year, governments spend billions of deprived human beings in the world today. We Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, I rise to intro- dollars on sophisticated weapons. The tech- must work with our partners in the faith-based nological creativity and energy it takes to duce the Hope Plus Scholarship Act, which community, non-governmental organizations, build these systems should be matched by expands the Hope Education Scholarship and development activists to end suffering, the best of our minds and hearts in fighting credit to cover K–12 education expenses. hunger, and death. the enemy of poverty that kills 50,000 people Under this bill, parents could use the Hope every day, far more than even the ravages of THE MORAL SCANDAL OF GLOBAL POVERTY Scholarship to pay for private or religious war. A robust development agenda that helps school tuition or to offset the cost of home (By George H. Niederauer) uplift and support the poorest countries can schooling. In addition, under the bill, all Ameri- It’s easy to forget that more than a billion also limit the appeal of terrorists who ex- cans could use the Hope Scholarship to make people survive on a $1 a day when we live in ploit political instability, desperation and the world’s richest country. Whether in the poverty to recruit converts to extremist cash or in-kind donations to public schools. fields of Africa, the factories of Asia or the ideologies. Nothing can justify terrorism, Thus, the Hope Scholarship could help work- streets of our own cities, we often pay scant but we can also build a world in which ter- ing parents send their child to a private attention to the abject poverty that de- rorism finds fewer places to breed. school, while other patents could take advan- grades our fellow human beings. Ending As daunting as the challenge of ending tage of the Hope credit to help purchase new global poverty is one of the great challenges global poverty may seem, this is not an computers for their children’s local public of our time that requires urgent political unreachable goal. Renowned poverty expert, school. will and solidarity with our brothers and sis- Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University, who Reducing taxes so that Americans can de- ters around the world. will deliver the keynote address at our gath- Catholic leaders, economists, inter- ering, has identified practical steps such as vote more of their own resources to education national-development experts and activists increasing crop productivity and soil effi- is the best way to improve America’s schools, from several countries will meet in San ciency, providing nutritious school meals since individuals are more likely than federal Francisco tomorrow and Saturday to explore and helping poor countries reform internal bureaucrats to insist that schools be account- strategies for addressing the Moral Scandal agencies. We know that governments alone able for student performance. When the fed- that is global poverty. We come together to can’t solve this problem. Faith-based groups,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:06 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14FE8.004 E14FEPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E349 nonprofit agencies, academics and activists FEBRUARY 27 Aeronautics and Space Administration must work together with a renewed sense of 9:30 a.m. (NASA). urgency. Anything less will lead to more suf- Veterans’ Affairs SR–253 fering, hunger and death. That’s not an op- To hold joint hearings with the House tion the poor of the world should be expected Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to ex- MARCH 1 to endure any longer. amine the legislative presentation of 9:30 a.m. the Disabled American Veterans. Veterans’ Affairs f 345 CHOB Administration adjudication process. SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS 10 a.m. To hold an oversight hearing to examine Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions the Veterans Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, To hold hearings to examine the need for SR–418 agreed to by the Senate on February 4, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 10 a.m. 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- regulation of tobacco products. Commerce, Science, and Transportation tem for a computerized schedule of all SD–430 To hold hearings to examine universal meetings and hearings of Senate com- Commerce, Science, and Transportation service. mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- Surface Transportation and Merchant Ma- SR–253 tees, and committees of conference. rine Infrastructure, Safety and Secu- This title requires all such committees rity Subcommittee MARCH 6 To hold hearings to examine S. 294, to re- to notify the Office of the Senate Daily 9:30 a.m. authorize Amtrak. Veterans’ Affairs Digest—designated by the Rules Com- SR–253 To hold joint hearings with the House mittee—of the time, place, and purpose 2 p.m. Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to ex- of the meetings, when scheduled, and Judiciary amine the legislative presentation of any cancellations or changes in the To hold hearings to examine the John R. the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders In- meetings as they occur. 345 CHOB As an additional procedure along centive Act of 2007 relating to strengthening the criminal justice sys- with the computerization of this infor- MARCH 8 tem. mation, the Office of the Senate Daily 9:30 a.m. Digest will prepare this information for SD–226 2:30 p.m. Veterans’ Affairs printing in the Extensions of Remarks Appropriations To hold joint hearings with the House section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD To hold hearings to examine the Supple- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to ex- on Monday and Wednesday of each mental Request for fiscal year 2007. amine the legislative presentation of week. SD–106 the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Meetings scheduled for Thursday, Jewish War Veterans, and Blinded Vet- February 15, 2007 may be found in the FEBRUARY 28 erans Association. Daily Digest of today’s RECORD. 10 a.m. SD–106 MEETINGS SCHEDULED Small Business and Entrepreneurship To hold hearings to examine the Presi- MARCH 29 dent’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 9:30 a.m. FEBRUARY 16 2008 for the Small Business Adminis- Veterans’ Affairs 10 a.m. tration. To hold joint hearings with the House Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions SR–428A Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to ex- To hold hearings to examine paying for 2:30 p.m. amine the legislative presentation of college in the future relating to higher Commerce, Science, and Transportation AMVETS, Ex-POWs, Military Order of education, higher cost and higher stu- Science and Space Subcommittee the Purple Heart, and Fleet Reserve dent debt. To hold hearings to examine the Presi- Association. SD–430 dent’s budget request for the National SD–106

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:06 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE8.001 E14FEPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with REMARKS Wednesday, February 14, 2007 Daily Digest Senate a.m., on Thursday, February 15, 2007, Senate begin Chamber Action consideration of the nominations of Norman Randy Routine Proceedings, pages S1929–S1982 Smith, of Idaho, to be United States Circuit Judge Measures Introduced: Twenty-three bills and one for the Ninth Circuit, and Marcia Morales Howard, resolution were introduced, as follows: S. 579–601, to be United States District Judge for the Middle and S. Res. 81. Page S1958 District of Florida; that debate run concurrently until 10:30 a.m., with the time equally divided and Measures Passed: controlled between the Chairman and Ranking Continuing Appropriations: By 81 yeas to 15 Member of the Committee on the Judiciary, or their nays (Vote No. 48), Senate passed H.J. Res. 20, designees; that at 10:30 a.m., Senate vote on the making further continuing appropriations for the fis- confirmations of the nominations. Page S1982 cal year 2007, after taking action on the following Nomination Confirmed: Senate confirmed the fol- amendments proposed thereto: Pages S1933–51, S1953 Withdrawn: lowing nomination: Reid Amendment No. 237, to change an effective By unanimous vote of 96 yeas (Vote No. EX. 47), Nora Barry Fischer, of Pennsylvania, to be United date. Pages S1933, S1953 Reid Amendment No. 238 (to Amendment No. States District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Pages S1951–52, S1982 237), of a technical nature. Pages S1933, S1953 During consideration of this measure on Tuesday, Messages from the House: Page S1957 February 13, 2007, Senate also took the following Messages Referred: Page S1957 action: The following fell when Senate invoked cloture on Measures Placed on the Calendar: Page S1958 the bill: Executive Reports of Committees: Page S1958 Reid Motion to recommit (No. 239) the bill to Additional Cosponsors: Pages S1958–59 the Committee on Appropriations, with instructions to report back forthwith, with an amendment, to Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S1960–80 change an effective date. Pages S1933, S1953 Reid Amendment No. 240 (to the instructions of Additional Statements: Page S1957 the motion to recommit), of a technical nature. Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S1933, S1953 Pages S1980–81 Reid Amendment No. 241 (to Amendment No. 240), of a technical nature. Page S1953 Record Votes: Two record votes were taken today. (Total—48) Pages S1952, S1953 Illinois State University Sesquicentennial: Com- mittee on Judiciary was discharged from further con- Adjournment: Senate convened at 12 noon, and ad- sideration of S. Res. 53, congratulating Illinois State journed at 6:05 p.m., until 10 a.m., on Thursday, University as it marks its sesquicentennial, and the February 15, 2007. resolution was then agreed to. Page S1981 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Committee Meetings Act Amendments: Senate agreed to S. Res. 50, (Committees not listed did not meet) amending Senate Resolution 400 (94th Congress) to make amendments arising from the enactment of the IRANIAN ACTIVITIES Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of Committee on Armed Services: Committee met in closed 2004 and to make other amendments. Page S1981 session to receive a briefing regarding Iranian activi- Nominations—Agreement: A unanimous-consent- ties in Iraq from Eric S. Edelman, Under Secretary time agreement was reached providing that at 10:20 of Defense for Policy; Lieutenant General Douglas E. D188

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:27 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D14FE7.REC D14FEPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with DIGEST February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D189 Lute, USA, Director for Operations, J–3, The Joint Commandant, and Captain Kevin P. Jarvis, (Ret.), Staff; Lieutenant General Michael D. Maples, USA, both of the U.S. Coast Guard, and Richard L. Skin- Director, Defense Intelligence Agency; and David ner, Inspector General, all of the Department of Satterfield, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State, Homeland Security; Stephen L. Caldwell, Acting Di- Coordinator for Iraq, Department of State. rector, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, Gov- MONETARY POLICY REPORT ernment Accountability Office; Leo S. Mackay, Lock- heed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Arling- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: ton, Virginia; and Philip A. Teel, Northrop Grum- Committee concluded a hearing to examine the man Ship Systems, Pascagoula, Mississippi. semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress, after receiving testimony from Ben S. Bernanke, BUSINESS MEETING Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: System. Committee ordered favorably reported the following TAX COMPLIANCE business items: Committee on the Budget: Committee concluded a hear- S. 558, to provide parity between health insurance ing to examine the President’s fiscal year 2008 coverage of mental health benefits and benefits for budget proposals on tax compliance, after receiving medical and surgical services, with an amendment; testimony from Mark W. Everson, Commissioner, S. 556, to reauthorize the Head Start Act; and Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treas- The nomination of Leon R. Sequeira, of Virginia, ury. to be Assistant Secretary of Labor. OVERSEAS SWEATSHOP ABUSES JUDICIAL SECURITY AND INDEPENDENCE Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Sub- Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a committee on Interstate Commerce, Trade, and hearing to examine judicial security and independ- Tourism concluded a hearing to examine overseas ence, including S. 378, to amend title 18, United sweatshop abuses, focusing on their impact on U.S. States Code, to protect judges, prosecutors, wit- workers and the need for anti-sweatshop legislation, nesses, victims, and their family members, S. 197, to including S. 367, to amend the Tariff Act of 1930 authorize salary adjustments for justices and judges to prohibit the import, export, and sale of goods of the United States for fiscal year 2007, S. 344, to made with sweatshop labor, after receiving testimony permit the televising of Supreme Court proceedings, from David J. Socolow, New Jersey Department of and S. 352, to provide for media coverage of Federal Labor and Workforce Development, Trenton; Betty court proceedings, after receiving testimony from As- Fuentes, International Labor Rights Fund, and Dan- sociate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, United States iel T. Griswold, Cato Institute, both of Washington, Supreme Court. D.C.; Sheikh Nazma, and Charles Kernaghan, both COMMITTEE FUNDING RESOLUTIONS of the National Labor Committee, New York, New York; James D. English, United Steelworkers, Pitts- Committee on Rules and Administration: Committee burgh, Pennsylvania; and Steven A. Jesseph, World- concluded a hearing on proposed legislation author- wide Responsible Apparel Production, Arlington, izing expenditures by the Select Committee on Intel- Virginia. ligence, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Finance, after receiving testimony DEEPWATER PROGRAM from Senators Rockefeller, Bond, Lugar, and Grass- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Sub- ley. committee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard concluded an oversight hearing to ex- INTELLIGENCE amine recent setbacks to the Coast Guard Deepwater Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed Program, focusing on efforts to improve management hearings on intelligence matters, receiving testimony and address certain operations challenges, after re- from officials of the intelligence community. ceiving testimony from Admiral Thad W. Allen, Committee recessed subject to the call.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:27 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D14FE7.REC D14FEPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with DIGEST D190 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST February 14, 2007 House of Representatives Chamber Action Committee Meetings Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 24 pub- USDA FARM BILL PROPOSALS lic bills, H.R. 1038–1061; and 6 resolutions, H. Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the Con. Res. 65; and H. Res. 159–160, 162–164 were proposals of the USDA for the 2007 Farm bill. Testi- introduced. Pages H1667–68 mony was heard from Mike Johanns, Secretary of Agri- culture. Additional Cosponsors: Pages H1668–69 Prior to the hearing, the Committee met for orga- Report Filed: A report was filed today as follows: nizational purposes. H. Res. 161, providing for consideration of mo- The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for tions to suspend the rules (H. Rept. 110–13). the 110th Congress. Page H1667 FY 2008 NATIONAL DEFENSE BUDGET Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she REQUEST—DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY appointed Representative Capuano to act as Speaker Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fis- Pro Tempore for today. Page H1567 cal Year 2008 National Defense Budget request from the Department of the Army. Testimony was heard from the Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest following officials of the Department of the Army: Chaplain, Rev. Carl Toti, Senior Pastor, Trinity Francis J. Harvey, Secretary; and GEN Peter Schoomaker, Church, Lubbock, Texas. Page H1567 USA, Chief of Staff. Disapproving of the decision of the President SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND AND announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more THE GLOBAL TERROR THREAT than 20,000 additional United States combat Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Ter- troops to Iraq: The House continued debate on H. rorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Con. Res. 63, to disapprove of the decision of the held a hearing on the challenges for the Special Op- President announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy erations Command (SOCOM) posed by the global more than 20,000 additional United States combat terrorist threat. Testimony was heard from Jarret troops to Iraq. Further proceedings were postponed. Brachman, Director of Research, Combating Ter- Pages H1571–H1614, H1623–66 rorism Center, U.S. Military Academy, Department H. Res. 157, the rule providing for consideration of the Army; and public witnesses. of the resolution, was agreed to on Tuesday, Feb- MEMBERS DAY ruary 13. Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Members In Memory of the late Honorable Charlie Nor- Day. Testimony was heard from Representatives Pe- wood of Georgia: The House agreed to H. Res. terson of Minnesota, Goodlatte, Cardoza, Dicks, Car- 159, expressing the condolences of the House on the son, Ehlers, Holt, Boyda of Kansas, Buchanan, death of the Honorable Charlie Norwood, a Rep- Larsen of Washington, Wolf, Hayes, Higgins, Turn- resentative from the State of Georgia. Pages H1614–23 er, Christensen, Filner, Oberstar, Honda, Altmire, Whole Number of the House: The Chair an- Walz of Minnesota, Ellsworth, Boozman, Watson nounced to the House that, in light of the adoption and Bishop of Utah. of H. Res. 159, the whole number of the House is MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT adjusted to 434. Page H1623 PLAN Senate Message: Message received from the Senate Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported today appears on page H1623. the following bills: H.R. 800, Employee Free Choice Quorum Calls—Votes: There were no yea-and-nay- Act; and H.R. 493, as amended, Genetic Informa- votes, and there were no recorded votes. There were tion Nondiscrimination Act of 2007. no quorum calls. The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, February 15th, pursuant to UNINSURED CHILDREN the provisions of H. Res. 159, it stands adjourned Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on in memory of the late Honorable Charlie Norwood. Health held a hearing entitled ‘‘Covering the Unin- sured Through the Eyes of a Child.’’ Testimony was

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:27 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D14FE7.REC D14FEPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with DIGEST February 14, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D191 heard from Chris L. Peterson, Specialist in Social FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT Legislation, Domestic Social Policy Division, CRS, REQUIREMENTS Library of Congress; and public witnesses. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Sub- ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PROCESS—NEXT committee on Information Policy, Census, and Na- STEPS tional Archives held a hearing on The State of FOIA: Assessing Agency Efforts to Meet FOIA Require- Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Mid- ments. Testimony was heard from Linda Koontz, Di- dle East and South Asia held a hearing on Next rector, Information Management, GAO; Melanie Steps in Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process. Testimony Ann Pustay, Acting Director, Office of Information was heard from public witnesses. and Privacy, Department of Justice. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO DIRECTORATE—UNDERSTANDING SUSPEND THE RULES BUDGET AND STRATEGIC AGENDA Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on rule providing that the bill (H.R. 976) to amend the Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, Preparedness, and Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief Response Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and for small businesses, and for other purposes, may be Technology held a hearing entitled ‘‘Understanding considered under suspension of the rules at any time the Budget and Strategic Agenda of the Science and on the legislative day of Friday, February 16, 2007. Technology Directorate.’’ Testimony was heard from RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUDGET; the following officials of the Department of Home- OVERSIGHT PLAN land Security: ADM Jay Cohen, Under Secretary, Science and Technology; and Richard Williams, Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on Chief Financial Officer for Science and Technology. the Administration’s FY 2008 Research and Devel- opment Budget Proposal. Testimony was heard from DHS INTELLIGENCE AND TECHNOLOGY John H. Murburger, III, Director, Office of Science BUDGET—FISCAL YEAR 2008 and Technology. Committe on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on In- The Committee also approved an Oversight Plan telligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk for the 110th Congress. Assessment, hearing entitled ‘‘The President’s Pro- SBA’S RESPONSE TO 2005 GULF COAST posed FY 2008 Budget for the Department of HURRICANES Homeland Security: The Office of Intelligence and Analysis.’’ Testimony was heard from Charles E. Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled Allen, Chief Intelligence Officer, Office of Intel- ‘‘The Small Business Administration’s Response to ligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Se- the 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricanes.’’ Testimony was curity. heard from Representatives Melancon and Baker; Ste- ven Preston, Administrator, SBA; William Shear, PROPOSED IMMIGRATION FEE INCREASE Director, Financial Markets and Community Invest- Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immi- ment, GAO; Bryan McDonald, Director, Governor’s gration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and Office of Recovery and Renewal, State of Mississippi; International Law held a hearing on Proposed Immi- and public witnesses. gration Fee Increase. Testimony was heard from FAA’S BUDGET Emilio T. Gonzalez, Director, U.S. Citizenship and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Sub- Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Se- committee on Aviation held a hearing on the Presi- curity. dent’s Fiscal Year 2008 Federal Aviation Adminis- EXECUTIVE BRANCH REFORM ACT; tration’s Budget. Testimony was heard from the fol- WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION lowing officials of the Department of Transportation: ENHANCEMENT ACT; OVERSIGHT PLAN Marion C. Blakey, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration; and Calvin L. Scovel, III, Inspector Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered General; and Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 984, Infrastructure Issues, GAO. Executive Branch Reform Act of 2007; and H.R. 985, Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of AGENCY BUDGET AND PRIORITIES FISCAL 2007. YEAR 2008 The Committee also approved an Oversight Plan Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Sub- for the 110th Congress. committee on Water Resources and the Environment

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:27 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D14FE7.REC D14FEPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with DIGEST D192 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST February 14, 2007 held a hearing entitled ‘‘Agency Budgets and Prior- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: ities for FY 2008.’’ Testimony was heard from the business meeting to consider S. 4, to make the United following officials of the Department of the Army: States more secure by implementing unfinished rec- John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Civil ommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war Works; and LTG Carl A. Strock, USA, Chief of En- on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, gineers, Corps of Engineers; Collister Johnson, Jr., S. 343, to extend the District of Columbia College Access Administrator, Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Act of 1999, S. 457, to extend the date on which the Na- Corporation; Tom Kilgore, Chief Executive Officer, tional Security Personnel System will first apply to cer- TVA; and Arlen Lancaster, Chief, Natural Resources tain defense laboratories, a proposed bill to preserve existing judgeships on the Superior Court of the District of Conservation Service, USDA. Columbia, S. 550, to preserve existing judgeships on the VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH BUDGET Superior Court of the District of Columbia, S. 171, to Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on designate the facility of the United States Postal Service Health held a hearing on Department of Veterans located at 301 Commerce Street in Commerce, Okla- Affairs Fiscal Year 2008 Health Budget. Testimony homa, as the ‘‘Mickey Mantle Post Office Building’’, S. 194 and H.R. 49, bills to designate the facility of the was heard from Michael J. Kussman, M.D., Acting United States Postal Service located at 1300 North Front- Under Secretary for Health, Veterans Health Admin- age Road West in Vail, Colorado, as the ‘‘Gerald R. Ford, istration, Department of Veterans Affairs; representa- Jr. Post Office Building’’, S. 219 and H.R. 335, bills to tives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. designate the facility of the United States Postal Service U.S. TRADE AGENDA located at 152 North 5th Street in Laramie, Wyoming, as the ‘‘Gale W. McGee Post Office’’, S. 303, to des- Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the ignate the facility of the United States Postal Service lo- direction and content of U.S. Trade Agenda. Testi- cated at 324 Main Street in Grambling, Louisiana, shall mony was heard from Susan C. Schwab, U.S. Trade be known and designated as the ‘‘Coach Eddie Robinson Representative. Post Office Building’’, S. 412 and H.R. 521, bills to des- SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BACKLOGS ignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2633 11th Street in Rock Island, Illinois, as the Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on So- ‘‘Lane Evans Post Office Building’’, H.R. 433, to des- cial Security held a hearing on Social Security Ad- ignate the facility of the United States Postal Service lo- ministration (SSA) disability claims backlogs. Testi- cated at 1700 Main Street in Little Rock, Arkansas, as mony was heard from Michael J. Astrue, Commis- the ‘‘Scipio A. Jones Post Office Building’’, H.R. 514, to sioner, SSA; Sylvester J. Schieber, Chairman, Social designate the facility of the United States Postal Service Security Advisory Board; and public witnesses. located at 16150 Aviation Loop Drive in Brooksville, COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, Florida, as the ‘‘Sergeant Lea Robert Mills Brooksville FEBRUARY 15, 2007 Aviation Branch Post Office’’, and H.R. 577, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) 3903 South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, as the Senate ‘‘Sergeant Henry Ybarra III Post Office Building’’, 9 a.m., SD–342. Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine Committee on Indian Affairs: to hold an oversight hear- the current and future readiness of the Army and Marine ing to examine the President’s budget request for fiscal Corps; there is a possibility of a closed session in SR–222 year 2008 for tribal programs, 9:30 a.m., SR–485. following the open session, 9:30 a.m., SH–216. Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Sub- committee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security, the nomination of Beryl A. Howell, of the District of Co- to hold hearings to examine the Administration’s proposal lumbia, and Dabney Langhorne Friedrich, of Virginia, to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (Part both to be a Member of the United States Sentencing 1), 9:30 a.m., SR–253. Commission, S. 316, to prohibit brand name drug com- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hear- panies from compensating generic drug companies to ings to examine the President’s proposed budget request delay the entry of a generic drug into the market, S. 236, for fiscal year 2008 for the Department of the Interior, to require reports to Congress on Federal agency use of 9:30 a.m., SD–366. data mining, S. 378, to amend title 18, United States Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine the Code, to protect judges, prosecutors, witnesses, victims, Administration trade agenda for 2007, 10 a.m., SD–215. and their family members, S. 442, to provide for loan re- Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to exam- payment for prosecutors and public defenders, S. Res. 41, ine the nominations of Ryan C. Crocker, of Washington, honoring and the life and recognizing the accomplish- to be Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq, and William ments of Tom Mooney, president of the Ohio Federation B. Wood, of New York, to be Ambassador to the Islamic of Teachers, S. Res. 47, honoring the life and achieve- Republic of Afghanistan, 9:15 a.m., SD–628. ments of George C. Springer, Sr., the Northeast regional

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director and a former vice president of the American Fed- and Restructuring Act of 1998 to reauthorize the United eration of Teachers, S. Res. 49, recognizing and cele- States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy; H. brating the 50th anniversary of the entry of Alaska into Res. 107, Calling for the immediate and unconditional the Union as the 49th State, S. Res. 53, congratulating release of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and Illinois State University as it marks its sesquicentennial, Hezbollah; H. Res. 149, Supporting the goals of Inter- and S. Res. 69, recognizing the African-American spir- national Women’s Day; and H. Res. 64, Expressing the itual as a national treasure, 10 a.m., S–216, Capitol. sense of the House of Representatives that the Govern- Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold closed hearings to ment of Bangladesh should immediately drop all pending examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH–219. charges against Bangladeshi journalist Salah Uddin Special Committee on Aging: to hold hearings to examine Shoaib Choudhury, 9:45 a.m; followed by a hearing on those Americans born between 1946 and 1964 (baby Afghanistan on the Brink: Where Do We Go From boomers), focusing on the federal budget and senior citi- Here? 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. zens, 10 a.m., SD–562. Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global En- vironment, hearing on Protecting the Human Rights of House Comfort Women, 1:30 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agri- Committee on Homeland Security, Committee, hearing en- culture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administra- titled ‘‘Lessons Learned and Grading Goals: The Depart- tion, and Related Agencies, on Secretary of Agriculture, ment of Homeland Security of 2007,’’ 9 a.m., 311 Can- 10 a.m., 2362A Rayburn. non. Subcommittee on Defense, on Defense Fiscal Year Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Courts, the 2007 Supplemental Request, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn, and Internet and Intellectual Property, oversight hearing on on Fiscal Year 2007 Supplemental Requests for Iraq and American Innovation at Risk: The Case for Patent Re- Afghan Security Forces Fund, 1:30 p.m., H–140 Capitol. form, 2 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Coast Guard Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Se- Iraq Operations, Port Security and Deepwater, 10 a.m., curity, hearing entitled ‘‘Making Communities Safer: 2362B Rayburn. Youth Violence and Gang Interventions that Work,’’ 10 Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Education, and Related Agencies, (Panel) Overview on Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, hearing America’s Workers and Education for the 21st Century, entitled ‘‘Iraq Reconstruction: An Overview,’’ 10 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 2212 Rayburn, and (Panel II) Overview on 2154 Rayburn. Health Care Access and the Aging of America, 2 p.m., Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and Na- 2359 Rayburn. tional Archives, hearing entitled ‘‘The State FOIA: As- Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans’ Af- sessing Agency Efforts to Meet FOIA Requirements,’’ 2 fairs, and Related Agencies, on Long-Term Health Care p.m., 2154 Rayburn. Challenges, 10 a.m., 2358 Rayburn, and on Secretary of Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Veterans’ Affairs, 1 p.m., 2358 Rayburn. Technology and Innovation, hearing on The National In- Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Military stitute of Standards and Technology’s Role in Supporting Personnel, hearing on overview of recruiting and reten- Economic Competitiveness in the 21st Century, 10 a.m., tion, 2 p.m., 2212 Rayburn. 2318 Rayburn. Committee on the Budget, hearing on the U.S. Depart- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Sub- ment of Agriculture Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Priorities, committee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, 2 p.m., 210 Cannon. hearing entitled ‘‘The Development of Short Sea Shipping Committee on Financial Services, hearing on Monetary in the United States,’’ 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Policy and the State of the Economy, 10 a.m., 2128 Ray- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, hearing on Filipino Vet- burn. erans, 10 a.m., 334 Cannon. Committee on Foreign Affairs, to mark up the following: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, VA In- H. Res. 98, Honoring the life and achievements of the spector General—Budget and Best Practices, 3 p.m., 334 late Dr. John Garang de Mabior and reaffirming the con- Cannon. tinued commitment of the House of Representatives to a Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Trade, just and lasting peace in the Republic of Sudan; H.R. hearing on the U.S.-China trade relationship, 10 a.m., 957, To amend the Iran Sanctions Act to expand and 1100 Longworth. clarify the entities against which sanctions may be im- Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive, brief- posed; H.R. 987, NATO Freedom Consolidation Act of ing on Hot-Spots, 11:30 a.m.; and, executive, hearing on 2007; H.R. 1003, To amend the Foreign Affairs Reform Iran’s Involvement in Iraq, 2:30 p.m., H–405 Capitol.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:27 Feb 15, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D14FE7.REC D14FEPT1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with DIGEST D194 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST February 14, 2007

Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Thursday, February 15 10 a.m., Thursday, February 15

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Thursday: After the transaction of any Program for Thursday: To be announced. morning business (not to extend beyond 10:20 a.m.), Sen- ate will begin consideration of the nominations of Nor- man Randy Smith, of Idaho, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, and Marcia Morales Howard, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida, and at approximately 10:30 a.m. vote on confirmation of the nominations, respectively; following which, Senate will resume morning business.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE McMorris Rodgers, Cathy, Wash., E347 Porter, Jon C., Nev., E347, E348 Miller, Jeff, Fla., E347 Lantos, Tom, Calif., E348 Paul, Ron, Tex., E347, E348

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