H2392 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 26, 2003 I have one example, though, of a world knew that. But, in France, it If the gentleman would like to make company. USAID, which is a foreign seems like they were all united against any closing comments, I need to actu- aid branch, it does a lot of good things, the United States and against this war. ally make an engagement. but it is going to let some humani- Apparently, that is not a problem to Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- tarian contracts go, and French and Sedxho, because they are a French ida. Mr. Speaker, I just want to thank German companies will be eligible to company. And yet here are the Ma- the gentleman from Georgia. Again, I compete for it. That bothers me a lot, rines, the brave and the honorable Ma- had to come to the floor today once I that they will be able to profit from rines who are the ones who discovered was hearing what he was talking this war. this hospital today, allegedly a hos- about. I had to come here and thank Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART. I could pital, and yet 55 different garrisons in the gentleman, thank him for standing not agree with the gentleman more, if the United States of America, when an up for our troops, thank him for sup- the gentleman will yield, Mr. Speaker. 18-year-old Marine sits down for lunch, porting our troops, thank him for sup- This is a two-fold problem. There is, a French company is making a profit porting the President of the United first, the opposition to this effort to from that. That is unbelievable, and I States, Commander in Chief in such a free the Iraqi people and to free the call on the Department of Defense to difficult time. Our troops are going to world from this very dangerous dic- cancel that contract. prevail because of their honor, their in- tator, free the world from a dictator Listen, there are reasons sometimes tegrity, their decency and because they who is trying to get or obtain nuclear we have to buy from an enemy. There are the best people, best troops and the best human beings that this world has weapons, and who already has other are reasons that somebody has some- ever seen, and they are well led, and weapons of mass destruction. thing unique, but we are talking cater- their cause is just. b 2115 ing. I am sure there are good compa- I wanted to thank the gentleman nies in Florida and Georgia and all We are trying to free the Iraqi people again for his words. They were hum- over America that can do the catering while at the same time free the world bling, and they were touching, and I service for the U.S. Marine corps, but a from this incredible threat. wanted to come here and thank him to- French company, it is unbelievable. So we have to remember these coun- night for his words. tries that we are objecting to that, Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I ap- that even though unanimously, just a ida. If the gentleman would yield, I preciate everything the gentleman is few months before, they said, hey, think we are going to find a lot of that. doing. I think we are going to find a lot of look, we are going to give this dictator f companies that are profiting from sell- one last chance, he has to disarm, but SALUTING OUR TROOPS it is worse than that because not only ing goods to the United States, includ- are they objecting to the freeing of the ing to the United States Armed Forces The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Iraqi people, are they objecting to rid- and armed services, as the gentleman BRADLEY). Under the Speaker’s an- ding of the world of this dictator who just pointed out, who, by the way, are nounced policy of January 7, 2003, the is trying to get nuclear weapons, who probably also making a hefty profit gentleman from Maryland (Mr. has ties with terrorist organizations selling products to Iraq, even though CUMMINGS) is recognized for 60 minutes. and, by the way, including terrorist or- there are sanctions there and probably GENERAL LEAVE ganizations that have assassinated even some high-tech equipment to the Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I ask Americans, but what is even more of- tyranny in Iraq. unanimous consent that all Members fensive is that at the same time they I think it kind of explains some of may have 5 legislative days within are selling this dictator high-tech the ferocity of the argument, some of which to revise and extend their re- equipment that he can use to further the aggressiveness of some of those marks on the subject of this Special Order. exploit, hurt, oppress, kill, murder his that were objecting to the United The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there people and others because of his ties States’ noble stance to help free an op- objection to the request of the gen- with terrorism. pressed people and also help rid the world of these weapons of mass de- tleman from Maryland? One would hope that humanity has There was no objection. gone above and beyond that, and yet struction and the possible obtaining of nuclear weapons to this dictator. I Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, this there are those that would like to prof- evening, members of the Congressional think we are going to see a lot of that. it even while selling high-tech equip- Black Caucus wanted to take a mo- The thing that surprised me, and it ment that they know they should not ment to salute our troops. These are be selling because they have said it re- does not surprise me anymore because men and women who have voluntarily peatedly in U.N. resolutions. So they we are starting to see why, and my col- put on the uniform of the United know it, it is not by mistake, and yet league just mentioned it, we are start- States of America to make sure that they are doing so to earn a buck, to ing to see why but, surprisingly, the fe- we maintain our way of life, maintain earn a buck? rocity of the argument and how our constitutional rights, maintain our Mr. KINGSTON. There is another ex- France, for example, not only do they privileges; and they have put their ample. Another company called object to any resolution that was not lives on the line to keep us safe. Sedxho, S-E-D-X-H-O, it is a French of their liking in the U.N. recently and Mr. Speaker, it gives me great sad- company. It is a publicly-owned French they said so, but, also, they went lob- ness today to start off my remarks by company, but they have $1 billion bying. They actually were talking to having to pay tribute to a great Amer- worth of food service contracts with every nation possible to try to stop ican hero who died in the line of duty the United States Department of De- this movement to free the people of while serving his country in pursuing fense. Recently, they signed an $881 Iraq and to free the world from this the American dream. Originally from million contract to feed the U.S. Ma- dictator who has caused so much grief. my hometown of Baltimore, Marine rines in 55 different garrisons. We are I think we are starting to see why, Staff Sergeant Kendall Damon Waters- working on a letter to the Secretary of but it is sad, it is sad that it looks like Bey, age 29, was one of the four U.S. Defense, Mr. Rumsfeld, to say he needs one of the main reasons or at least one Marines who died when their CH–46 Sea to renegotiate this, he needs to cancel of the reasons may be because they are Knight helicopter crashed near the it, he needs to look into it. But can my making a buck off of this dictator. Iraqi-Kuwait border. colleague imagine, here is a French Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, also, I would like to start off by first ex- company, and France, I do not remem- are they not making a buck or profit, pressing my deepest condolences to the ber one division in the country of things like that, but they have had a Waters-Bey family during this very, France in terms of their stance against lucrative oil contract in Iraq they did very difficult time. I mourn their loss, America in the last 3 to 6 months. I do not want to disturb. That it is clear along with the other members of the not remember anybody moderating. France is not after some noble or high Maryland Federal delegation. In America we had division. We had a ground about peace, but it simply boils Our prayers are with Sergeant Wa- pro-war and an anti-war group, and the down to profit. ters-Bey’s 10-year old son, Kenneth; his

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:18 Mar 27, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K26MR7.127 H26PT1 March 26, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2393 wife, Belinda Waters-Bey of San Diego, Beaupre, 30, of Bloomington, Illinois; ing in Iraq come back to and what kind California; his parents, Michael and and Corporal Brian Matthew Kennedy, of America will their families be living Angela Waters-Bey; and four sisters, 25, of Houston, Texas. Our prayers go in while they are away? Mr. Speaker, Shernell Waters-Bey, Sharita Waters- out to all of them and to their families. we have to do better. We must do bet- Bey, Michelle Waters and Nakia Wa- Before I close, Mr. Speaker, I have to ter. They deserve better. We must work ters. bring up the fact that Mr. Waters-Bey’s to create an America that every Amer- This tragedy makes the war in Iraq family is asking why their son, father ican can be proud of, but most impor- more personal for all of us. I did not and brother died in a war that lacks an tantly, an America that invests in its have the privilege of knowing Staff international mandate. I agree with people. Sergeant Waters-Bey, but his story is the Waters-Bey family and also believe We still have an opportunity to do one that is familiar to many of us in that our Nation should have continued better. Over the next few days and Baltimore. to pursue diplomatic measures to dis- weeks, the Congress will have a con- Fellow Marine and Captain Ray Cole- arm Saddam Hussein’s regime before ference committee on the budget reso- man said that Sergeant Waters-Bey sending Sergeant Waters-Bey and other lutions passed by the House and the viewed the military as a path out of members of our Armed Forces to the Senate. This conference committee has the struggles and challenges of urban Middle East. the opportunity to right some of the life. I understand these challenges, Mr. I still stand behind our troops. They wrongs passed by the House. In addi- Speaker, as I live in an urban area in are our sons, our daughters, our fa- tion, the President announced yester- Baltimore City. thers, our mothers, our friends; and I day that his fiscal year 2003 supple- Not too far from the Capitol in which salute all of our men and women in mental legislation would be in the we stand tonight, many young people Iraq and pray for their safe return. amount of about $75 billion. While we are confronted with violence, oppres- b 2130 do not know all of the details, much of sion, lack of quality health care and Finally, I would like to say Sergeant the money, and rightfully so, will go to lack of equal access to the all-Amer- Kendall Waters-Bey was not only a ensuring that we win the war as quick- ican dream every day. Their terror is hero because he served this country in ly as possible. Some of the money will as real as the terror that the Iraqi peo- the Armed Forces, but also because he also go to helping rebuild Iraq and that ple are facing right now. For these climbed over barriers that were placed is understandable, too. Americans, it often takes a miracle to before him, so many barriers that However, I have a question: When are climb over the barriers. many of his neighbors were not able to we going to rebuild America? Many of Achieving the American dream is climb. I applaud Sergeant Waters-Bey our cities and rural areas need rebuild- often out of reach, but the barriers did for not only what he did in Iraq, but be- ing today. I am certain that Governors, not stop Sergeant Waters-Bey from cause of what he did right here in the mayors, city and county officials all reaching his dream. In spite of a hard United States. By his example, he was around the country can give us a laun- life, friends say that Sergeant Waters- not only on a mission to set the Iraqi dry list of infrastructure needs that Bey had a jovial spirit. He was known people free from oppression, but also the American people need right now. for making people laugh with his funny set on a mission to set himself free That is why the Congressional Black jokes and funny faces. While a student from the obstacles that keep so many Caucus will advocate for the inclusion at Baltimore’s Northern High School, Americans from achieving the Amer- in any supplemental bill monies to he refused to fall into the wrong crowd ican dream. God bless Sergeant Waters- help rebuild America. Our citizens de- and chose instead to be an athlete Bey. serve the best we can give them, and whose afternoons were filled with run- CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS SALUTES we should do our very best. ning track and swimming. TROOPS Mr. Speaker, in closing, when our Upon graduation, Sergeant Waters- Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I will men and women return home from Iraq Bey was determined to make some- now address the issues that the Con- and any Member of Congress greets thing of himself. Since he could not af- gressional Black Caucus would like to them in their State, city or neighbor- ford to go to college, he enlisted in the bring before the Congress. hood, I want us all to be able to say we Marines and worked very hard to suc- Mr. Speaker, at this very hour, this have done our very best to invest in ceed as a Marine; and he did. He en- very moment, our servicemen and their future and in their families’ fu- tered the service as a mechanic, but as women are literally fighting for their tures. a result of his determination he quick- lives. They are doing so with unbeliev- Unfortunately, the budget that we ly moved up to crew chief. able courage and determination. We passed last week does not invest in The Marines took Sergeant Waters- stand shoulder to shoulder with our their future, but we can fix that and I Bey around the Nation from Maryland military and pledge again tonight that hope that we will. to Florida and then to Camp Pendleton while they are on the battlefield, they Now, Mr. Speaker, it gives me great in California. But distance did not keep will have every resource they need to honor and privilege to yield to the gen- him from his family. Sergeant Waters- get the job done. We pray that they tlewoman from California (Ms. WAT- Bey always made time for his 10-year will return home soon to their families SON). old son Kenneth. Whenever father and and loved ones. Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, our son spent time together, they would go But, Mr. Speaker, I worry about what Armed Forces are now at war. They are on fishing trips, watch cartoons or just kind of country our servicemen and performing the duties which they have play ball, according to family mem- women will be returning to after the been preparing for their whole careers. bers. Unfortunately, that shall be no war. What signal and what message is They are the best-trained and the best- more, for he has given his life so that the Congress of the United States send- equipped military in the world. We ours might be uplifted. ing to our men and women in the mili- have no doubt that they will prevail, The evening before his father’s death, tary when we pass a budget like the but we also have no doubt that their young Kenneth was about to get a new one that the Republican majority task is perilous and difficult. All of computer so he could e-mail his dad in passed last week? A budget that cuts America supports them and we pray for the Iraqi desert. Now, young Kenneth veterans’ benefits, a budget that cuts their swift and safe return. will never have a chance to send an e- funding to address the health care Last week, Members of Congress had mail to his father. needs in America, a budget that cuts the chance to cast a vote in support of Last Thursday, tragically, the heli- loan opportunities for college students, our troops in the field. I do not refer to copter where Sergeant Waters-Bey a budget that cuts school lunch and the resolution congratulating the served as a crew chief crashed and child nutrition programs, a budget that President. Instead, I refer to the vote killed all who were aboard. cuts job training programs; and on top on the President’s budget for this fiscal The other U.S. Marines killed in of that, the budget does nothing to cre- year. In fact, a vote against the Presi- Thursday’s crash were Major Jay ate any new jobs or businesses. dent’s budget was a vote for our troops. Thomas Aubin, 36, of Waterville, Mr. Speaker, I ask what kind of I find it shameful that at a time when Maine; Captain Ryan Anthony America will our men and women serv- our dedicated men and women of the

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:18 Mar 27, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K26MR7.129 H26PT1 H2394 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 26, 2003 Armed Forces are in the field fighting, Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I sense of balance. I have often said that perhaps subjected to attacks from thank the gentlewoman for her re- it is extremely important that we pro- chemical and biological weapons, that marks. tect ourselves from outside forces and the President of the United States and I want all people to know that the that we protect ourselves from terror- the Republican leadership have not felt Congressional Black Caucus whole- ists. I think that is extremely impor- it necessary to include in their budget heartedly supports our troops. When I tant, and I know that 9/11 and those one dime to support their efforts. I can- move throughout my district and I planes flying into the Twin Towers is not think of a more stunning vote of no have an opportunity to talk to the embedded in the DNA of every cell of confidence, a bigger slap in the face of many men and women in the grocery America’s brains. But the fact still re- our troops than to send them into bat- store, the hardware store and simply mains, Mr. Speaker, that we must not tle and then refuse to pay for it. stopping at a gas station and hear only worry about outside forces and, by It is not that there have not been es- Americans talk about their sons and the way, some homegrown ones, but we timates of what this war might cost. daughters and friends that are overseas must also worry about the implosion of Those estimates have been reported in now fighting for us, my heart defi- our country from the inside. the media for several months now, and nitely goes out. So the Congressional Black Caucus we now belatedly have a request for Over the last few days we have seen a comes tonight simply saying that we this funding from the President; but few of our men and women taken as stand for our troops, but we also stand the President pointedly refused to pro- prisoners of war; and every time I see vide us with numbers last week so that for America, and we stand for balance. those pictures, I cringe because I can- Because we realize that on 9/11, that Congress could include them in the not imagine what they might be going budget and make sure the war is paid horrible day when some demented peo- through and what they might be feel- ple flew planes into the Twin Towers for. ing. So while we stand concerned about Now, I personally find it hard to be- and brutally and maliciously killed so the budget situation in our country, lieve that last week we had no idea many of our fellow Americans, we un- while we stand concerned about our what the war would cost and that this derstand that we have to make sure cities, many of which need that $1.6 week we suddenly have a full and accu- that that never happens again. But, at trillion like Iraq will need to be recon- rate accounting. Does the price of am- the same time, we also have to make structed; as we stand concerned about munition fluctuate that much? Did the sure that all the people that I just young children who are still reading White House really have no sense of talked about, that we take care of from textbooks printed when Jimmy the cost of providing 300,000 troops them, too. Carter was President; as we stand still with resources in the desert? Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleas- Or perhaps there is another more concerned about children who can ac- ure to yield to the distinguished gen- practical reason. Perhaps the President tually go through high school without tleman from Florida (Mr. MEEK), a is afraid that if the budget reflected ever looking through a microscope; as young man who has come from Florida the cost of war, Americans might ask we stand concerned about so many el- and has already made a name for him- the President to hold off on a huge tax derly people who cannot afford pre- self and who is working very, very hard cut for his wealthiest supporters, tax scription drugs; as we stand concerned to uplift his district and to uplift the cuts that by themselves cost more than about people who cannot get medical American people. 10 times what the President thinks it care because they simply do not have Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I will cost to remove Saddam Hussein the insurance; as we stand concerned want to thank the gentleman for his from power. I think it is scandalous about the National Institute of Medi- leadership and the members of the Con- that this administration will send our cine’s report on ‘‘Disparity in Health gressional Black Caucus for bringing troops into the field and risk their Care,’’ that shows if one is African voice to the real level of patriotism lives and refuse to budget for it simply American you get one type of treat- that our country is at at this par- so they can justify huge tax cuts for ment and if you are white you get an- ticular time. other type, and Hispanics gets another the wealthy. I think it is so very, very important, type, and that an African American if Mr. Speaker, the right thing for us to Mr. Speaker, that we make sure that they have the same insurance, they do now is to reconsider this budget res- all Americans understand the level of have the same level of ailment, they olution to factor in the $75 billion that integrity when we look at our military. are the same age, and if they have dia- the President estimates it will cost to When we look at our military, not only betes, for example, they have a four- remove Saddam Hussein from power. the sacrifice they are undertaking times greater chance of having an am- We owe nothing less to our troops who right now in the theaters of war in as we speak are being asked to put putation below the waist; as we stand other parts of the world but it is also their lives on the line. If Americans do concerned about the many homeless the sacrifice that their families are the numbers, they see that we cannot people in our Nation; as we stand con- paying. Their families are truly paying give a tax cut and pay for the war up to cerned about the many people who un- the ultimate price of giving a loved one this point. I understand there will be fortunately have tried their very best the opportunity to serve their country subsequent proposals given to us to after being put off of welfare and be- and many of those individuals like two continue our efforts, and I understand cause of our economy are unable to young men from Florida. just today, we are not looking for find a job; as we stand watching chil- weapons of mass destruction, we are dren who should have an opportunity I just called home, Mr. Speaker, and looking for a regime change. So what to go into Head Start but because of spoke to my wife; and she shared with will be the cost of setting a new regime budget cuts will not have that oppor- me that just today in the Miami Herald in place? Do we have a Marshall Plan? tunity; as we stand looking at so many they had a story of a letter of one of What is our policy? I think Americans people who have over and over and over our outstanding young patriots who should know what their hard-earned again begged us, begged us for the Hope gave his life on behalf of this country tax dollars must do in the future. VI program which would allow them to willingly. He was happy and thought it Mr. President, please give us the full have decent housing; as we stand where was a great opportunity for him, right story, please give us the amount that there are schools not very far from out of college, to fight on behalf of his it is going to cost us because the cost here where children sit with rain fall- country. in terms of the lives of our coalition ing on their heads; as we stand here to- I know in this Congress that many of members and Americans is just too night concerned about all those things us do not agree with the rules of en- high. and many, many others, I say we stand gagement that we used, especially in Mr. President, do the right thing. for our troops. Iraq, and we had a resolution here on ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE this very floor and many Members were The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. b 2145 draped up in the flag, rightfully so, BRADLEY of New Hampshire). The Chair It gives me great pleasure, Mr. paying praise to all of our troops that reminds Members to please direct their Speaker, to say this, that so often I are getting sand in their teeth right remarks to the Chair. think what happens is that we lose a now. We all understand here in the

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:18 Mar 27, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K26MR7.130 H26PT1 March 26, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2395 Congress that the sacrifice, the sac- when they return back, back here to cause they stood up for this country, rifice of family, of friendship, the sac- the United States, treat them with dig- they stood up for us when we could not rifice of just being an American, few of nity, the dignity that I know this Con- even stand up for ourselves so many us have the opportunity to put our gress wants to treat them with. I urge times. I really appreciate what the gen- lives on the line on behalf of this coun- my colleagues here in the Congress, tleman said. try, but we have thousands of Ameri- and I am sure the Congressional Black Mr. MEEK of Florida. I will tell the cans that are doing that. Some 43 per- Caucus would like to urge them, let us chairman, just watching some of the cent of the individuals that are in the treat our veterans and let us give the news accounts of many of these de- theater right now are what we may call dollars toward the veterans that we stroyers, our destroyers leaving to go our volunteer army, reservists, individ- should give toward their health care to the Persian Gulf, as an individual uals that have given up their weekends and making sure that they do not have that knows the sacrifice as it relates to from their families for years and now waiting lists as we have right now ex- many of my friends who I attended col- they have been called upon. isting here in the United States. lege with that were involved in ROTC, I think it is important since we have I came tonight, in closing, to be able that are officers in our military right set the stage of saying truly that we to pay respect to those that not only now, that have been shipped off, that e- are here to pay not only respect to are in the theater of war right now but mail me every now and then about those who are fighting the war now but on behalf of those patriots of the past. their experiences overseas, and they it is important that this Congress and I think it is very, very important that are very proud to be there. I think it is members of the Congressional Black we remember, Mr. Speaker, those indi- very important that as we start to look Caucus feel very strongly about this, viduals in such a time as this. On be- at those families, someone is going to that we continue to respect those that half of this Member of Congress from have to pick up the kid after school. put it on the line in the past. We know the 17th Congressional District of Flor- Someone is going to have to read a that we have a number of these individ- ida, I think it is very, very important, story. Someone has to go and minister uals that are serving our country right all Americans, that we pray for the to a wife or husband that is having not now in a time of war that are going to safe return and we respect and pray for only to take the burden on of the fam- return back to the United States and those that have provided us with the ily but to also take the burden on of they are going to need adequate health very freedom that we enjoy this having their loved one overseas serving care, veterans’ benefits. They will be evening. our country. our new veterans. Some of them will be Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I lis- When we look at this, those families as young as 19 and 20 and 21. Some will tened to the gentleman from Florida really understand that this is not a be 55 and over 65. very carefully as he talked about a per- made-for-TV movie, that this is real, It was very disheartening when the son from Florida who gave his life. Be- that the possibility exists that they budget, this Federal budget that passed fore he came on the floor tonight, I had may never see their loved ones again. by a very narrow, narrow margin, that talked about a young man, not from We all pray for that not to happen. We we would have a shortfall of some $1.9 my district but he lives very close to had a good day yesterday in Iraq with billion in the 2003 fiscal year. It is good me, within actually about 10 minutes, no U.S. casualties. for us to pay respect and cry and pray Sergeant Kendall Waters-Bey, who was But my heart goes out also to those on behalf of those that will return and one of the young men who was killed in other individuals in our world, the those that will not return. But I think the helicopter accident, I guess almost Iraqi children, the Iraqi people, that we words are inadequate to even describe in the first 24 hours of this war. are trying to provide freedom for. I am the kind of, how would I put this, I am I am so glad that you said all the glad that this country has gone trying to be a distinguished gentleman things you said. You are absolutely through great lengths in trying to pre- here, but the kind of understatement, right. Our soldiers and their families, serve life. And so I commend those for us to undercut our veterans. they do give a lot. Every time I see the family members, sons and daughters, Veterans of wars past right now, in news footage of our soldiers going off that are paying a mental and physical, my district, the Miami VA hospital, to sea and see the small children tug- emotional tax because a loved one from those that have laid it down in dif- ging on daddy’s leg or mother is crying their family and not even to mention ferent theaters of war, some of them in as she gets on the bus and has to leave the single parents, that the aunt or two different theaters of war, have to her loved ones behind and not even grandmother or grandfather has to wait a year and a half to see an eye knowing whether they are going to re- take care of the children now. doctor. What do you think after this turn, and if they do return, whether 2200 $1.9 billion shortfall that is going to be they will be disabled. Every time I see b given to the richest Americans here, that, it just reminds me that we have a So tonight it was more than an honor how is it going to affect that veteran if lot of truly, truly great Americans. for me to be a member of the Com- we allow this huge tax cut that the I just want to thank the gentleman mittee on Armed Services to come to- President is trying to pass? for what he said, because I think so night to pay tribute to those families I commend the Senate for taking half often as we watch what is going on on and to those troops and to those vet- of the responsibility and saying that in television in Iraq, that sometimes we erans that have provided the kind of a time of war, just like in the past, we have a tendency to forget about those freedom that we celebrate here today. I have never given a tax cut. Yes, times families, but the gentleman is abso- look forward to working with Members are hard, and it is important that we lutely right. Those families still have of the Congress and also members of sacrifice. to struggle here at home. They still the Black Caucus as we continue to be ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE have to do without a parent here at the conscience of the U.S. Congress and The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. home. There have been some situa- hopefully the world in the future as we BRADLEY of New Hampshire). The gen- tions, I am sure the gentleman is well start dealing with this new level of ter- tleman will refrain from casting reflec- aware, where it may have been a single rorism that we are having to work and tions on the Senate. head of household who then had to fight against every day. Mr. MEEK of Florida. The Senate did have loved ones take care of the chil- Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I an outstanding job in their light. But I dren. thank the gentleman. think it is important that we pay very, To all of them, to the families and Mr. Speaker, it was the theologian very close attention to what our prior- certainly to our troops and to all of Swindoll who said it is what you do ities are right now. Our priorities right those, as the gentleman said, who were when you are unnoticed, unknown, now should be making sure that our there, we have so many veterans who unappreciated, and unapplauded that men and women return back to the have given so much. We see them all means so much. And as I listened to States safely, making sure that the the time in our districts, at our town the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Iraqi people receive the kind of free- hall meetings, at our veterans meet- MEEK), I could not help but think dom that they yearn, and also making ings, and I always try to remind them about all of those people that he talked sure that we treat our veterans, even that we shall never forget them be- about, people getting sand in their

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:18 Mar 27, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K26MR7.132 H26PT1 H2396 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 26, 2003 teeth, like he said, and sand blowing in specter of war as the war winds are War II. In my own congressional dis- their eyes and going through very dif- raging because that is democracy. trict, as we speak today, there are vet- ficult circumstances right now, and our And I heard one of the generals com- erans who are being de-enrolled or not prayers are with them. ment just 24 hours ago, and they said enrolled. My fear is that some of these There is another thing that the gen- that the military does not oppose dis- very brave young soldiers, sailors, and tleman talked about, Mr. Speaker, and sent. The military in fact respects dis- others of all the branches will come that is balance. And one of the things sent. They just want to have it ac- home and look to the services that are that we are always concerned about in knowledged, that dissent should be necessary not only for them but for our Nation is housing. Housing is ex- thrust toward the policymakers be- their family members, some of them tremely important for all of us, and cause our brave men and women are will be veterans as they leave this ac- when we look at again that balance following orders and risking their lives tion, and out of being veterans, there that we are talking about, supporting on behalf of all of us. So I would simply may be a matter of any number of ail- our troops, but we also want that bal- say let the word go out, let a clarion ments that they may encounter. We ance when it comes to making sure call reach the ears of all who might are not far away from the Gulf War dis- that Americans and those soldiers, hear that there is not one single divide ease where there are thousands of vet- when they do come back, that they amongst us on the love, affection, and erans still suffering from an have housing. And one of the sad respect for United States troops who undiagnosed, to some, and diagnosed, things that has happened is that when have offered their lives on our behalf so to some, disease. How many of us re- we look at the President’s budget, we that our values in this Nation might be member Agent Orange, and yet we took have zeroed out under HUD the Hope promoted. There is not one single dif- so long to be able to remedy those vet- VI program, zeroed it out; and what ference in our support for those fami- erans who had suffered in the Vietnam that means to Baltimore, we have been lies in terms of our commitment, but War and now the Persian Gulf. Let me say why I am concerned able in the city of Baltimore to tear there has to be a question on our prac- about a budget that barely passed and down at least five high-rise public tices. it barely passed, Mr. Speaker, because housing projects and replace them with I think democracy is all about prac- tice as opposed to words. So I think it it should not have passed. The budget beautiful low-rise neighborhoods, and fails to have a meaningful prescription is important that personally I ac- as I said to a friend of mine the other drug plan. My seniors have been wait- knowledge that I have spoken quite day, when I ride through there, Mr. ing and waiting, and this budget only continuously on my view that war Speaker, I feel like I am on ‘‘Andy of provides $400 billion. The tax cuts, even should be the last option, that we Mayberry.’’ They are so beautiful, what my good friends in the other body right smack dab in the middle of the should have chosen or could have cho- did, and I applaud an outstanding, very seventh congressional district. sen other options other than war. But I brave Senator, but I would say that we So when we have a situation where come to the floor tonight to join the do not need any tax cuts, $726 billion we have a budget that zeroes out pro- gentleman in my concern that we not with a raging war, with the needs of grams that allow that to happen, it be silent on issues dealing with the those who are left behind in education certainly concerns the Congressional budget, issues that will have a dev- and Medicare and Medicaid. Mr. Speak- Black Caucus, and I think it should astating impact on the young men and er, it is interesting that when we are in concern all Americans. women who are now facing harm’s way, times of war, I remember it well in the Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleas- who we have lifted up in our prayers history books, of course, that Presi- ure and privilege to yield to the distin- and where we have stood steadfast to dents before us indicated that we must guished gentlewoman from the great interject our respect and our resolve rise to a mutual sacrifice. I think the State of Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE). that they come home safely. gentleman from New York (Mr. RAN- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues GEL), my good friend and colleague, Speaker, I thank the chairman of the today on the floor as a co-sponsor of H. coined that phrase, ‘‘mutual sacrifice.’’ Congressional Black Caucus very much Res. 118, the POW resolution that de- Mutual sacrifice does not pretend to for yielding, and I appreciate very manded that the Iraqi Government have $726 billion in tax cuts when we much the opportunity to share with my comply with the Geneva Conventions have a $283 billion deficit expected to colleagues what I think is a very cru- and as well demand that the Red Cross implode into $1 trillion. The tax cut is cial debate. I appreciate very much the be able to see these individuals and as expected to go to $1.3 trillion, and we leadership of the gentleman from Flor- well to hold the Iraqi Government re- are expected that the war really is ida who serves us very ably not only on sponsible for any inhumane treatment costing $100 billion right off the bat the Committee on Armed Services but of our POWs. I stand resolved that the and may even cost us $1 trillion. on the Select Committee on Homeland Iraqi Government hear us, that we will Mr. Speaker, where are we getting Security, and he has brought a great not tolerate this inhumane treatment these funds? That was not even in- insight because I know the State of that we have perceived is occurring. cluded in the budget. We know for sure Florida, similar to the State of Texas, As the chairman well knows, there that the Congress is being accused of has a large number of individuals who are a number of POWs, a number of being marginalized, but we are dis- in years past either are drafted but vol- them from Texas, a number of them respecting the concept of the three unteered. That does not leave out my from around the country. One in par- branches of government. Let me say good friend from Baltimore, Maryland, ticular happens to be a woman, hap- that what was reported in The New one of the founding colonies, and cer- pens to be a single parent. I know the York Times, the administration’s re- tainly no stranger to fighting the wars families of these individuals, the fami- quest, this recent request, places most of this Nation. lies of the missing in action, the family of the war funds in a discretionary fund I think it is important for some of us of the lost Marine corporal in my con- that would allow money to be moved to clarify where we have been on this gressional district; and when I say lost, around at will by the Department of question of war and why it is impor- who lost his life in valor, in bravery. Defense. I have made a commitment, tant to have this discussion with our We owe them something. as I review the emergency supple- colleagues because for some reason We owe them our undivided commit- mental, that I am not going to leave there has been an effort or an impres- ment, but we also owe them the respect the troops that I love and respect with- sion that the Congress has become to come to the floor and be able to out the resources that they need; but marginalized on these very crucial question our colleagues as to why they what we are doing with this discre- issues. I can assure the Members that would cast a budget that would in fact tionary fund is turning 200 years of members of the Democratic Caucus cut 28 percent from veterans services. constitutional and congressional over- who reached out to our friends on the Having a veterans hospital that I hope sight mandated by the Constitution, other side of the aisle, members of the to name after Dr. Michael DeBakey, and remember now I have argued vigor- Congressional Black Caucus, have been one of the warriors who fought in ously that only the Congress as pursu- persistent in our viewpoints that we World War II, and when I say fought, ant to the Constitution can declare war should raise our voices even in the was an outstanding physician in World under article I, section 8.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:18 Mar 27, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K26MR7.134 H26PT1 March 26, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2397 The Constitution also dictates that lenge, of course, is to ensure the safety dedication to the troops, to announce the Congress raises up armies and the of the home front. I believe it is ex- our patriotism, to announce the fact Congress, the House in particular, has tremely important that the supple- that we have lost constituents, neigh- a hold on the purse strings. How can mental is not addressing the amount of bors, that there are family members we that be done with all of this money money that we would need for grants. know that are mourning now; and we being put into discretionary funds, Already my first responders are look- do not want to make light of the very marginalizing a third branch of govern- ing for the money that they were seriousness of this and the sensitivity ment duly qualified under the Con- promised in 9/11. New Yorkers are look- of it. I hesitate. I have not called the stitution to be able to assess how these ing for the money promised after 9/11. name of the constituent that I lost. I funds are used so that we know that if And the way to get money to the local will not do so until I share with the our troops encounter nuclear activity, cities and governments is to ensure family. I have not called the name of radioactive activity that we should be that we have dollars for grants to our the young woman who is a POW on the assured that they have the highest local responders, to our HAZMAT floor of the House, out of respect for quality equipment shipped in imme- teams, those hazardous material those family members. diately, preceding that they have teams. But it is important, because they are enough battalions while we are in this Likewise, let me say that we have a risking their lives, that we come and midst even though I am one who is ad- lot of money missing out of the Coast argue for them now, so that they do vocating peace and would welcome a Guard, the Customs Service, the border not come back broken and beaten, if cease-fire right now and will be press- community, meaning the border secu- that is the case. Some will come back ing forward with my position on peace rity that is needed. We were meeting valiant and standing, God bless them, but recognizing where our troops are. today with members of the Canadian but others will need us. Does this make any sense that we put Government, and they are concerned I want to applaud the gentleman for all these moneys in discretionary funds that we are treating our neighbors dif- coming down to Houston this weekend in violation of our duty? It includes ferently. We can do better than this. to talk about an issue that has to do $150 million for the DOD to fund indige- We can have a joint partnership on se- with this country’s values, civil rights, nous forces, Mr. Speaker, throughout curity and must not be discriminatory affirmative action. Some would fault the globe without any input from Con- with our northern neighbors and our us for raising these issues now; but I gress; and while the administration southern neighbors. believe, as a general said, that our We can be secure without violating may argue that it will require such military does not want us to be si- civil liberties or requiring Canadian latitude, the fact is that during World lenced. They are not afraid of dissent. citizens, one white, one Muslim, the War II, Mr. Speaker, with D–Day about And I have said this once before today, Muslim fingerprinted, the white not Hubert Humphrey said we need critical us, with Pearl Harbor behind us, with fingerprinted. The Canadians are rais- lovers of America, the kind of patriots troops raging all over the European ing their voices. They are saying we who will work to improve America. theater, Congress passed 11 supple- are all Canadians. The same thing with Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, the in- mental requests in just 2 years, thus civil liberties in this town. teresting thing is that that is what I preserving the oversight vote. How can Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, as I we do this in this time when our troops listen to the gentlewoman, I cannot hope, and I know that they are fighting need us to eliminate the authority and help but think about the fact that we for. They are fighting for that Con- responsibility of Congress? do have to make sure that during this stitution. They are fighting for the Mr. Speaker, I think this budget also time of war and this time of terrorism, things that this country is all about. fails because it calls for at least $265 since 9/11, that we make sure that we They are trying to make sure that billion over 10 years in cuts to manda- preserve the rights that are granted to those rights that we have are pro- tory public benefits. Right now in my our citizens under the Constitution of tected, not just for us, not just for our State with a $12 to $15 billion deficit, the United States of America. children, but for generations yet un- we are looking for ways to cut people I have often said that although we born. off Medicaid, the most vulnerable peo- are facing very difficult circumstances, I think it is quite appropriate that ple. Mr. Speaker, right as I speak, we we do not want to be in a situation we stand here and make sure that they have closed doors with the mental where, when all the dust settles and are not fighting in vain. health services, hundreds of employees the war is over, that we have given up Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. The laid off, but more importantly 1,500 cli- so many rights that we, the country, gentleman is absolutely right. I have ents or patients not being able to be do not even look like a pre-9/11 coun- been among veterans and the military served or marriaged into another clinic try. personnel. Many of us had the honor, that now serves 3,000 clients. So I agree with the things the gentle- and I call it the honor, of visiting our troops on their respective bases in Ger- b 2215 woman has been talking about and bringing to bear. The gentlewoman has many, in Italy, Kosovo, Bosnia, Af- Nine thousand people calling in for been a staunch supporter of the Con- ghanistan; and I have saluted, as I have help on the help line, and 2,000 people stitution and making sure that we been instructed, and I have indicated on the waiting list in my community stick to it and that we do not allow it to them that we have the greatest re- trying to get mental health services. to be set aside in these difficult cir- spect for what they do. This budget fails to address the mu- cumstances to collect dust, and then I think there should be other words tual sacrifice that is needed, Mr. later on, for generations yet unborn, we could capture out of the dictionary Speaker. While I believe that this Con- they look back and say, what did you to express the affection we have for gress and Members should still be en- all do under your watch. these young men and women. These are gaging in ways of resolving the con- I just want to applaud the gentle- young people who have volunteered. flict, working with the administration, woman for that. I happen to be supporting the rein- talking prospectively about how we Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. statement of the draft, and I have a keep the peace; we must support our Speaker, I want to compliment the young man in my family, my son, 17 troops, and that includes ensuring that gentleman for his leadership, because years old. That is a challenge for me to they have the resources. most people would be frightened to even say it. Probably I would want to To do that, Mr. Speaker, it includes raise such a matter during this time of step away from those words. But I do their families. We do not know the raging war. When I say these matters, think we should let these volunteers magnitude of need. We do not know issues that the Nation and the Con- know that we know what a sacrifice how many will come back not able to gress should be addressing, civil lib- they are making, and that we believe work. We already know that we have erties, civil rights, the question as to in mutual sacrifice. lost young lives. We already know they whether or not homeland security has That is why, Mr. Speaker, I say to are resolved to fight on our behalf. been fully funded. the chairman, I am hoping that we can But as we do that, Mr. Speaker, we The gentleman was brave enough to fight together against this tax cut and have another challenge; and that chal- bring us to the floor to announce our that we can work to bring dollars home

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:47 Mar 27, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K26MR7.135 H26PT1 H2398 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 26, 2003 to the homeland security frontline in- Brook High School said, will there be Mr. DEFAZIO, for 5 minutes, today. dividuals. We need to be able to have a an opportunity for me to be educated? (The following Members (at the re- system where we can all communicate That is why we are here on the floor quest of Mr. PEARCE) to revise and ex- together. Just imagine in the course of today, to insist that we stand united tend their remarks and include extra- our work of securing the home front for the troops, but also united for the neous material:) that we have difficulties because we people of America, for the opportuni- Mr. MCCOTTER, for 5 minutes, today. have systems that are different. Work ties for them in the future. Mr. HEFLEY, for 5 minutes, today. needs to be done in this area, and we I thank the gentleman for allowing Mr. CRANE, for 5 minutes, March 27. cannot do it with a budget that clearly me to be here this evening. Mr. SMITH of Michigan, for 5 minutes, does not give credence to the two im- Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in today. portant responsibilities we have now: strong support of our troops. the home front juxtaposed or right Today, American men and women are put- Mr. PEARCE, for 5 minutes, today. next door to the raging winds of war, ting their lives on the line in the service of and then the domestic agenda of people their country. I deeply mourn the deaths of our f who are now suffering with, I under- troops and hope and pray for the safe return stand, some 200,000 service jobs being of all of their comrades in arms. I mourn as ADJOURNMENT cut, unemployment still at a peak, and well the deaths of innocent civilians, especially children, who have been or may be caught in Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I move people in need. that the House do now adjourn. This is an important discussion. I am the crossfire of this conflict. hoping that this budget process that Some Americans are now held as prisoners The motion was agreed to; accord- shows such enormous cuts, and allow of war and they hold a special place in our ingly (at 10 o’clock and 25 minutes me to say two others, the veterans ben- thoughts and prayers. p.m.), the House adjourned until to- efits, billions have been cut from pen- As the daughter of a career army officer, my morrow, Thursday, March 27, 2003, at 10 sions and safety net programs, such as heart goes out especially to the families of our a.m. SSI, where $62 billion over 10 years has service men and women as they anxiously been cut from the Earned Income Tax await word from their loved ones. That waiting f Credit, which is one that we have been is its own kind of torment. very supportive of. Then the environ- Thousands of National Guards and Re- EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, ment has been cut, and health care. serves are serving in the Middle East today, ETC. So I would simply say, Mr. Speaker, honoring their commitment and abandoning Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive that our voices need to be heard, be- their civilian lives to answer this call. communications were taken from the cause we need to get to work and up- We honor their service and sacrifice as well Speaker’s table and referred as follows: hold the constitutional duty of this as that of all the personnel in our armed Congress to have oversight over war forces. 1433. A letter from the Acting Principal spending and the constitutional duty It is my deepest hope that our troops will Deputy Associate Administrator, Environ- soon be home with their friends and families. mental Protection Agency, transmitting the as well to be engaged in the budgeting Agency’s final rule—Folpet; Pesticide Toler- process as we lift up monies for armies; I wish them Godspeed and hope that peace is both rapid and lasting. ance [OPP-2003-0075; FRL-7296-2] received but we need to deal with this budget to February 27, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. help the people we represent all over In closing, let me once again reiterate my 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- America. support and admiration for our troops who are culture. Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I in harm’s way. 1434. A letter from the Acting Principal thank the gentlewoman. I just wanted f Deputy Associate Administrator, Environ- to say this to the gentlewoman: I just LEAVE OF ABSENCE mental Protection Agency, transmitting the wanted to say, Mr. Speaker, the Con- Agency’s final rule—Hexythiazox; Pesticide By unanimous consent, leave of ab- gressional Black Caucus stands behind Tolerance [OPP-2003-0036; FRL-7292-8] re- sence was granted to: ceived February 27, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. our troops, but we also stand for a very Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida (at the 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- strong America. We stand for our Con- request of Ms. PELOSI) for today after culture. stitution, and we want it to be well. We 1:00 p.m. and the balance of the week 1435. A letter from the Deputy Secretary, also stand for that flag that is up there on account of official business in the Division of Market Regulation, Securities behind you. We stand for the little chil- and Exchange Commission, transmitting the district. dren that tomorrow morning will put Commission’s final rule—Customer Protec- Mr. PUTNAM (at the request of Mr. their little hands up to their little tion—Reserves and Custody of Securities DELAY) for today until 4:00 p.m. on ac- Delegation of Authority to the Director of hearts and say, ‘‘I pledge allegiance to count of accompanying the President the Flag of the United States of Amer- the Division of Market Regulations [Release of the United States to visit the troops No. 34-47480; File No. S7-20-02] (RIN: 3235- ica, and to the Republic for which it at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. AI51) received March 12, 2003, pursuant to 5 stands, one nation under God.’’ Mr. BILIRAKIS (at the request of Mr. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Fi- That is why we have come here DELAY) for today until 4:30 p.m. on ac- nancial Services. today, to just remind America, and beg count of accompanying President Bush 1436. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- America, to pray for our troops, to lift on a visit with U.S. troops at MacDill ment of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department’s final rule—Nondiscrimina- their families up in their prayers, but Air Force Base. also to be vigilant, to be vigilant for tion on the Basis of Sex in Education Pro- the rights and the privileges that we f grams or Activities Receiving Federal Fi- have as Americans. SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED nancial Assistance (RIN: 1601-AA04) received Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. February 28, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. By unanimous consent, permission to 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Education Speaker, just to close, I would simply address the House, following the legis- and the Workforce. say we were praying in our churches lative program and any special orders 1437. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- this past week. I was at the Greater St. heretofore entered, was granted to: ment of Homeland Security, transmitting Paul Missionary Baptist Church with (The following Members (at the re- the Department’s final rule—Enforcement of Pastor Willie Davis; and we prayed, quest of Mr. ISRAEL) to revise and ex- Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability and we prayed across Houston and the tend their remarks and include extra- in Department of Homeland Security Pro- Nation. I believe we have the freedom grams or Activities (RIN: 1601-AA05) received neous material:) February 28, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. to pray. No one is forced to pray. We Mr. ISRAEL, for 5 minutes, today. wanted to pray, our different faiths. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Education Mr. MCGOVERN, for 5 minutes, today. and the Workforce. And I agree with the gentleman, we Mr. PALLONE, for 5 minutes, today. 1438. A letter from the Acting Principal pledge ourselves to a united Nation, Mr. BLUMENAUER, for 5 minutes, Deputy Associate Administrator, Environ- and we pledge our resolve for our today. mental Protection Agency, transmitting the troops to come home. But we also Ms. CARSON of Indiana, for 5 minutes, Agency’s final rule—Approval and Promulga- pledge, as the youngsters at Forest today. tion of Implementation Plans and Operating

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