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, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2007 No. 30 House of Representatives The House met at 8 a.m. and was last day’s proceedings and announces Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, at this called to order by the Speaker pro tem- to the House his approval thereof. time I yield 5 minutes to my friend and pore (Mr. MCNULTY). Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- colleague, the gentleman from Illinois f nal stands approved. (Mr. EMANUEL). f Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, we DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER gather today to consider a question PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PRO TEMPORE that is profoundly simple: Do we sup- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the port the President’s plan to further es- fore the House the following commu- gentleman from Georgia (Mr. LINDER) calate America’s involvement in Iraq, nication from the Speaker: come forward and lead the House in the or not? After 4 long, painful years in WASHINGTON, DC, Pledge of Allegiance. which we have seen so many young February 16, 2007. Mr. LINDER led the Pledge of Alle- lives lost, are we now willing to put I hereby appoint the Honorable MICHAEL R. giance as follows: even more of our brave heroes in MCNULTY to act as Speaker pro tempore on I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the harm’s way, or will we acknowledge this day. United States of America, and to the Repub- that the current course is failing, that NANCY PELOSI, lic for which it stands, one nation under God, doubling down on the status quo while Speaker, House of Representatives. indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. hoping for a better result would be f f foolish. PRAYER IRAQ WAR RESOLUTION There are those who oppose this reso- The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- lution because they say it would hurt Coughlin, offered the following prayer: ant to section 3 of House Resolution the troops’ morale. Hurt morale? Our Almighty and Eternal God, we pray 157, proceedings will now resume on the leaders promised them they would be that You bless this country we love concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res 63) greeted as liberators. Instead, we have with all our hearts. We thank You for disapproving of the decision of the put them smack in the middle of a those who founded this Republic upon President announced on January 10, shooing gallery, policing someone faith, respect for law, and constitu- 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 addi- else’s civil war, backing an Iraqi gov- tional rights of individuals and the tional United States combat troops to ernment that refuses to stand up for common good of the Nation. Iraq. itself. Fan the flame of freedom in the The Clerk read the title of the con- We have sent our soldiers back time hearts of all Americans, and especially current resolution. and again. We have sent many of them those who serve in the Armed Forces. The SPEAKER pro tempore. When without the life-saving equipment and Strengthen the resolve of all the Mem- proceedings were postponed on Thurs- armor they needed, and now they say bers of the United States House of Rep- day, February 15, 2007, 81⁄2 minutes of this resolution would hurt troop mo- resentatives, that they, attentive to debate remained on the concurrent res- rale? To suggest that more of the same Your commands, may follow their con- olution. just won’t do. sciences and always do what is right as Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, pursu- They have done their duty with cour- they wrestle with complex issues. ant to section 2 of House Resolution age and discipline. Now it is time for Grant that what they say with their 157, and as the designee of the majority Congress to do its duty. They deserve lips they believe in their hearts, and leader, I demand that the time for de- not to be sacrificed in the furtherance what they believe in their hearts they bate be enlarged by 1 hour, equally di- of a policy that failed for the last 4 may bring to practice in their lives and vided and controlled by the leaders or years. in the Nation. their designees. From the beginning, this war has May Your light so shine upon Amer- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under been a saga of miscalculations, mis- ica that the world may see in us a the rule, that will be the order. takes and misjudgments for which glimpse of Your glory both now and The gentleman from Missouri (Mr. America will pay in many ways for forever. Amen. SKELTON) now has 351⁄2 minutes remain- years to come. Let us not compound f ing, and the gentleman from California those bad judgments by ratifying an- (Mr. HUNTER) has 33 minutes remain- other. THE JOURNAL ing. The President assures us that this es- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The Chair recognizes the gentleman calation of war is the most promising Chair has examined the Journal of the from Missouri. path to a more peaceful Iraq. For the

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

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VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.000 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1794 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 past 5 years we have accepted the 10 Army divisions, which, incidentally, and walked across Europe, and in 11 President’s assurances on Iraq, only to had been cut from 14 Army divisions months Europe was free. We then spent learn that the facts on the ground when that administration went into billions of dollars to rebuild a free Eu- belied his aggressive assertions and power, none of the 10 divisions that rope. rosy rhetoric. We accepted his assur- were left, virtually none of them had After World War II, we spent 50 years ances about the presence of weapons of any bulletproof vests, any of this body in a war against an idea. It was a battle mass destruction and Saddam’s links armor that we talk about that our of the two great religions, communism to al Qaeda. We authorized a war on troops have today. and freedom. When Whittaker Cham- that basis, only to learn that much of When we went into the first oper- bers left communism for freedom, he what we were told simply wasn’t true. ation, we had much more than the told his wife that he feared that he was Against stern warnings, we accepted Clinton administration had. At that moving to the losing side. He knew his assurances and those of the Vice point we had a number of the inserts, that communism could not survive if President that a post-Saddam Iraq of the so-called Small Arms Protective its people believed in a higher faith; he would welcome our presence and over- Inserts. We had the outer tactical vests concluded that freedom could not sur- come deeply engrained sectarian dif- that incorporate those inserts with all vive if they did not. He had become a ferences. It simply wasn’t true. We ac- of our Marines, with all of the infantry believer; he was unsure if we remained cepted their assurances when they told units going in with the U.S. Army. And believers. us General Shinseki was mistaken very quickly after that, we developed a Many of those Cold War years were when he said we needed far more troops plan in which we fielded body armor for not pretty. Between 1970 and 1980, the to stabilize Iraq than the administra- not only the people on the front lines, Soviets increased their influence in tion planned, and that the cost of this the infantry, the artillery, the armor, Cuba, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Nica- war would be minimal. It simply but also everybody that is in theater. ragua, Grenada, Mozambique, Angola, wasn’t true. We accepted their assur- Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely out- Ethiopia, Afghanistan, South Yemen, ances when they told us the insurgency rageous to tell the American people Libya, Iraq and Syria. We watched and was in its last throes. It simply wasn’t that the Americans were dangerously were timid. We even had Members of true. unequipped when we went into Iraq. We this very body go to some of those na- Each of the last three troop surges went in with better equipment than we tions’ dictators to apologize for our de- has been countered with a surge in vio- have ever had in any wars that this fense of what we believed; we believed lence. It is for that reason that a bipar- country has ever fought. And today, we in freedom. tisan group of House Members and the have fielded over 40,000 pieces of new When Israel watched its athletes American public oppose the forth troop equipment that we didn’t have 4 years murdered at Munich, we urged caution. increase. More troops doing more of ago that makes our troops yet more ef- When terrorists continued to kill the same is not a policy, it is not a ficient. Israelis, we continued to urge caution. strategy, it is not a tactic, it is the sta- I would like to yield 5 minutes to the For 21 years we urged that great friend tus quo plus. gentleman from Georgia (Mr. LINDER). of ours not to respond in kind. We were The time is past for accepting this Mr. LINDER. I thank my friend for timid. After the attacks began against administration’s assurances at face yielding. America, beginning with the 1993 value. The human cost of its repeated It has been interesting to listen to bombing of the World Trade Centers, assurances is too great. this debate over several days. Two Mr. Speaker, 3 years ago I asked per- we remained timid. We chose not to en- thoughts stand out. One side says non- mission to establish a temporary me- gage all of the opportunities we had to binding resolutions achieve nothing morial to the fallen in Iraq in Statuary be bold. In the face of a declared war and insult the troops. The other side Hall. The leadership at that time re- against our government and our peo- has retired to opinion polls. The Amer- fused, so I began posting the pictures of ple, we were timid. ican people want to end this cost of the young soldiers we have lost outside And then September 11, 2001. We human and financial treasure. They my office. I have watched as that grim stood together on the Capitol steps in said so in the last election. line of photos has grown past my door- solidarity that lasted a good week, and Thank God John Adams never conway to fill the corridor. More than 3,000 then it became politics as usual. sulted public opinion polls. There was dead, more than 20,000 wounded. When I I don’t know if this fight for freedom never a time when more than a third of walk by those photos, I see the pur- can succeed when about half of our Na- our Nation was in favor of independ- pose, I see the pride, and I see the tion doesn’t know we are in it; nor do promise in their young faces. They ence and freedom. Thomas Paine said, I know whether our Nation can come were sons and daughters, husbands and ‘‘If there must be trouble, let it be in to an honest conclusion about what we wives, mothers and fathers who will my day, that my child may have are engaged in when all they see is the never see their kids grow up. peace.’’ worst side of everything. I ask you, how long must this grim World War I was not America’s war, When I was last in Iraq, a young man line of photographs grow before we ac- no one attacked us; but an attack was told me about going through a city and knowledge that this policy is not work- made on freedom, and we responded. all the residents came forth to say ing? How many corridors must these The doubters wondered why we would thank you and throw flowers. He asked memorials fill before we we say, not on spend money on a war so far from our the embedded reporter if that was my watch? How many more lives must shores which didn’t threaten us. The worth a picture; he was told, ‘‘That’s we lose? How many more hearts must doughboys at Vimmy Ridge knew why not news.’’ I don’t know how the whole be broken? they were there. story gets told. It is time for this Congress to tell Hitler didn’t attack us, he didn’t I do know this: This President knows President Bush that his assurances are even threaten us; he threatened all that he and his commanders have made not enough. This escalation does not that freedom meant to the world. And some wrong decisions, but he knows, as mean stability in Iraq, it will mean while we were engaged in Southeast we must know, that this war has al- more loss and more photographs in the Asia after Pearl Harbor, we still sent ways been about the principle, the vir- corridor. troops across the channel on D Day. tue, the idea of freedom, and to walk I urge you to vote ‘‘yes’’ on this reso- Many mistakes were made. Troops away now will have catastrophic con- lution. drowned before getting to the beach. sequences for its future. Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I want to Support aircraft bombed the wrong President Bush believes that our Na- yield myself 11⁄2 minutes to respond to areas. 9,386 Americans died in the Bat- tion, more than any other, ought to de- the first assertion just made by my col- tle of Normandy and are buried there fend the right of people to live free. league, to the effect that we sent the on that hill. That is the only victory we can ever troops in without what he called life- But the Boys of Pointe Du Hoc have over an ideology that cannot sur- saving equipment. climbed that ridge under withering ma- vive in a free society. When we finished the Clinton admin- chine gun fire. They silenced the ma- President Bush knows why Lincoln istration, virtually no one in any of the chine guns, took out the embankments said that he often found himself on his

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.004 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1795 knees because there was nowhere else ders. We must bring an end to ter- Helping establish moderate demo- to go. rorism. But not at the expense of our cratic governments in the Middle East b 0815 democracy, not at the expense of the is not just a favorite of the people very principles this Nation was founded there, but it is an imperative to our He also knows, as did Lincoln, that a upon. own prosperity and security. Our de- President must continue to fight for I want to close by asking a question pendency based friendships with oil- posterity, even when it becomes un- of old, Mr. Speaker. What does it profit rich yet dictatorial regimes has set the popular to do so. a great Nation to gain the whole world parameters for the fundamental deci- If you believe, as I do, that the idea and lose its soul? Gandhi once said, ‘‘It sions American leaders have made. It of freedom is still worth defending, you is either nonviolence or nonexistence.’’ has skewed our ability to be a force for will vote against this resolution. Martin Luther King, Jr., once said, freedom and progress. And it is free- Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 ‘‘We must learn to live together as dom and progress that shield us from minutes to the gentleman from Geor- brothers and sister or perish as fools.’’ the whims of feudalistic, corrupt des- gia (Mr. LEWIS). It is better to heal than to kill. It is pots and religious megalomaniacs. It is Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, better to reconcile than to divide. It is the onslaught of freedom that will I want to thank my friend for yielding. better to love than to hate. That is change that reality that we are now de- Mr. Speaker, I rise with deep concern why we must vote for this resolution. pendent upon. that this President has chosen to esca- We must do more. That is what we had to deal with, and late the war in Iraq instead of charting We must not place more of our young now we have come to this moment of a course towards peace. people in harm’s way. We must not decision. I wish it were not so. But it is Today, I am reminded of the words of continue to make our soldiers sitting a sad reality that what is right is usu- Martin Luther King, Jr., when he spoke ducks in a civil war. As Members of ally not easy. The right course is, in out against the war in Vietnam on Congress, we must continue to stand the long term, usually frustrating and April 4, 1967. He said, ‘‘The world now up, speak up and speak out. It is our heart-wrenching. There are stalls and demands a maturity of this Nation duty, it is our right, it is our moral ob- reverses to every historically signifi- that we may not be able to achieve. It ligation. We must find a way to get in cant event and undertaking. demands that we admit that we have the way until we bring our young men There are always those who walk been wrong from the beginning of our and women home, and not to continue away when the road gets rough, who adventure in Vietnam,’’ we could sub- to escalate this war. cannot see the end and when uncer- stitute Iraq, ‘‘and that our actions Vote for this resolution. It is the tainty looms. If one seeks certainty, have been detrimental to the people of right thing to do. We must send a pow- bold actions will never happen. Only if that Nation.’’ erful and strong message to this ad- we are bold to our enemies and stead- Mr. Speaker, war is messy. War is ministration to stop this madness. fast will we ever succeed in any inter- bloody. It tends not just to hide the Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 national endeavor. truth but to sacrifice the truth. And minutes to the gentleman from Cali- The current conflict in Iraq has sev- the truth is that this was a war of fornia (Mr. ROHRABACHER). eral dimensions; and, yes, it is between choice and not a war of necessity. It Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I the Sunnis and the radical Shiite sects was ill-fated from its inception at the rise in opposition to this resolution. of Islam, a bloody Janus, with one face highest levels of Government, and per- But, as this debate progresses, we to Tehran and the other to Riyadh. sisting in error will not fix a policy should be proud of the sincere expres- But don’t be fooled, Mr. Speaker. The that was fundamentally flawed from sions of concern by our colleagues on murderers, torturers and the haters on the very beginning. both sides of the aisle and both sides of both sides revile the United States. Thousands of our sons and daughters this resolution, for the lives and well- The sword of Sadr and the bombs of al- have been left dead on the battlefield, being of America’s defenders who are Qaeda have turned on each other, but and tens of thousands are changed for- now at risk in order to protect our they both have a dream that is close to ever, wounded physically and spir- country, our communities and our fam- their hearts, and that dream is a night- itually by the brutality of war. Our sol- ilies. mare to those who cherish freedom and diers are the best men and women in All of us have been to heartbreaking to those who stand with liberty and the world, willing to sacrifice all they wakes, funerals, burials; all of us have seek comity among the people of the have at a moment’s notice to protect gone to the bases to see off our Reserv- world. That macabre nightmare is the our freedom. They do not deserve to ists and our National Guardsmen and removal of the United States influence pay with their lives for the errors of to wish them Godspeed; and all of us from the Muslim world. this administration. have been on the tarmac to greet them You see, there is another force in Mr. Speaker, we will never find the when they return, sometimes having Iraq and throughout that part of the answer to the problem we have created lost comrades, killed or wounded. All world, where the majority of people are in Iraq down the barrel of a gun. The of us want to do what is right for our guided by the visions of the prophet lasting solution to this crisis will rise defenders and for the future of our Mohammed. Those of whom I speak are from skillful diplomacy, not military country. those Muslims who desire liberty and might. The Good Book said, ‘‘Come let So we need to be extraordinarily justice, who want government to be us reason together.’’ careful. Whatever we do today honors elected and directed by the people, who We must never, ever be afraid to their efforts and their sacrifice. We do not want to live their life in fear talk. What harm comes from sitting should not be the authors of a policy and would choose a positive relation- down with Syria, Iran and our allies in that ensures the lives of these Amer- ship with the western world. the Middle East to help bring the war- ican heroes have been lost in vain. If at They are there, as we have witnessed ring parties together? John F. Kennedy the end of this episode our country is in one of the most devout Muslim once said, ‘‘Those who make peaceful at greater risk, then indeed their lives countries of the world, Afghanistan. It revolution impossible will make vio- will have been lost in vain. was not the American soldiers but the lent revolution inevitable.’’ I am supporting this last effort, this Afghan people themselves who drove My greatest fear here is that the last chance, if you will, to see that our out the Taliban and al-Qaeda from young people growing up in the Middle commitment to Iraq will not result in their country. Similarly, moderate East will never forget this American failure. A failure now will have con- Muslims, people of good will all over invasion. My greatest fear is that they sequences that are worse than the price the Middle East, and they are there will grow up to hate our children, our that we are now paying in blood and and they tremble that America will grandchildren and generations yet un- treasure. We do not have the option of lose its resolve and retreat before a born, because of what we are doing walking away without consequences. radical form of Islam. today in Iraq. No amount of midwest corn pressed An American retreat condemns them Yes, we must maintain a strong na- into ethanol will allow us to ignore the to suppression under the heels of fa- tional defense. We must defend our bor- Middle East. natic Muslims who hate our way of life

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.005 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1796 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 and are willing to murder anyone who our fears, to withstand humanitarian impulses many experts counseled. I was serving suggests that Islam and the West can to simply disengage from conflict, not to give on the Select Intelligence Committee live in peace with one another and that in to force and pressure when applied by an when the President, senior Pentagon we can respect each other’s faith and enemy. Otherwise, we lose. The world loses. officials, and senior intelligence offi- build a better, more peaceful and, yes, The moderates of the Islamic world will never cials told us that Iraq was a threat to a freer world. prevail against this evil unless we are with our national security. At the time, we Mr. Speaker, if the sole superpower them and have courage and persevere, unless had a great deal of confusing and occa- cannot stabilize Iraq, we are not a su- we are willing to hold the line, until the mod- sionally conflicting information. perpower. If we cannot thwart such a erate forces in the Islamic world can take up We questioned them about this, and gang of bandits and savages as we face the fight with a reasonable chance of victory. their response was that the informa- in Iraq, who will stand with us any- On the flip side, only a defeat of radical tion that they had required us to act where? Who will be our ally? We must Islam will bring peace to that troubled region. and that they had a plan for the after- not lose in Iraq. A loss of faith in America’s ability to persevere math. I gave them the benefit of the But what does that mean? That in the Middle East would be a catalyst for ca- doubt then, and I believed them. means we must not leave that country tastrophe. That region in chaos would disrupt But as time passed and events undefeated and in retreat or we and our the entire world economy. Shifts of power folded, we all learned that, at best, we families will lose and in the short run would channel enormous resources into the had received unreliable information pay a horrible price. Yes, if we retreat hands of the enemies of Western civilization, and, at worst, we had been misled. from Iraq, these ghouls who kill civil- enemies of the United States. It’s a frightening b 0830 ians, who would kill civilians and are picture that doesn’t need to happen. currently killing civilians by the tens How is this different than a year ago? The Mr. Speaker, I want to focus now on of thousands, they will follow us home difference is 1,000 American lives lost in a dis- the soldiers in the Minnesota National and they will be emboldened. tant, foreign land. America is war weary. I too Guard and talk about what the Presi- The sides are chosen, the game is in am weary. Every story of another young per- dent’s plan is going to mean for them. play. We will determine, not the terror- son, blown apart, rips at my heart. Those A Minnesota Guardsman, a staff ser- ists or the radical lunatics, who stands Americans who have gone are volunteers, he- geant who is currently deployed in and who falls, who marches forward roes all. We owe it to them not to call it off Iraq, and, by the way, that is the same and who retreats. All of this will be de- and change direction in haste. To withdraw rank I held when I left the Guard, sent termined by our military capabilities, quickly, without honor, that would indeed a letter to the editor of one the news- our technological advantages, but even mean their lives were lost in vain. It would papers in my district; and I want to more so by our will, by our desire and mean the next front line battle will be the read some of it to you. by our sure grit. home front. He says, ‘‘My unit, the Second Bat- What we do today makes the future. I, then, am one who is not anxious to de- talion, 136th Infantry, Bear Cats of We choose how it will be shaped. clare defeat and retreat from Iraq. I am willing Minnesota, which are now the 34th In- I am reminded of General Petain, the to give the Iraqi people a while longer, a slot fantry Division 1, First Brigade, is on French commander who fought the of time, to step forward and meet the bloody, its second deployment since 2003. In Germans at the Battle of Verdun. Some yet historic, challenge that faces them. We 2003, we were mobilized for a 10-month attribute the phrase ‘‘they shall not can’t do it for them, but we can, as the world’s deployment to Bosnia. We returned pass’’ to him. Well, he rallied the leading free nation, give them this chance. home in April of 2004 and were mobi- French people to that German on- Otherwise, we are clearly not a leading nation lized again in October, 2005, for our cur- slaught. But, 20 years later, he at all. We are too weary to lead. That is not rent Iraq deployment. When our cur- capitulated to Nazi Germany almost the America I know. Today we define our- rent deployment is complete, the 134th without a fight, because he and the selves, to the world, and to our children. We Combat Battalion will have spent 490 people of France viewed the Second must have a commitment to our ideals and days in combat, exceeding the current World War as not worthy of the price courage. record held by the First Armored Divi- necessary to prevent a Nazi victory. America has a crucial role to play in this sion, an active duty armor unit, by 35 Well, did that defeatism and appease- world and we are America. Let us not fail in days. A great deal has been asked of us ment, what did it do? The cost was un- this our historic responsibility. and more will be asked of us in the imaginable. Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 near future. But our benefits do not re- Let us today not make this severe minutes to the gentleman from Min- flect the burden that we carry.’’ misjudgment again about the mag- nesota, the chairman of the Agri- He says that, ‘‘while the State and nitude of the downside of retreating be- culture Committee, my friend, Mr. PE- the people of Minnesota have been ex- fore an evil force that threatens the TERSON. tremely generous towards their sol- West. There will be a cost with the re- Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. I diers, the Federal Government con- treat. thank the gentleman. tinues to treat Minnesota soldiers like So let us note that what we do in Mr. Speaker, by nearly all measures, unwanted stepchildren by neglecting to Iraq will determine if the West will the situation in Iraq is a mess. And yet give them the benefits that better re- truly stand behind any ally of freedom what seems crystal clear to most flect their roles in today’s military, and any enemy of radical Islam. Let us Minnesoteans the President says that that is as full-time, front-line soldiers make sure there is hope in the Middle we still have a realistic chance to who are used on a regular basis, rather East and throughout the world. achieve his vision for a free and demo- than sparingly. However, it is not our Mr. Speaker, let us today not make this se- cratic Iraq and that all is needed is a choice to be full-time soldiers, a capac- vere misjudgment again about the magnitude short-term addition of 21,000 American ity that we essentially fill for the mili- of the down side of retreating before an evil combat troops. Does nobody seriously tary, given the frequency of deploy- force that threatens the West. There will be a think that this is true, that success is ments and the sheer numbers of Na- cost if we retreat. Many in this Chamber sup- only 21,000 more soldiers away? tional Guard and Reserve troops deported military interventions around the world Mr. Speaker, I am against the Presi- ployed across the globe at any one during the 1990s, including numerous civil dent’s plan. I have given this President time. If the military is going to use the wars, situations from which they now claim the the benefit of the doubt on more than National Guard in an active duty ca- United States should steer clear. However, the one occasion. But his plan to send in pacity, it must increase our benefits to consequences of withdrawal from Bosnia or more troops does not pass the test of go along with the responsibility or Haiti pale in comparison to withdrawal from common sense. If a short-term surge there will be no National Guard for the Iraq. was going to deliver victory and de- Federal and State governments to rely What happens in Iraq determines if the mocracy in Iraq, we would have al- upon in times of crisis.’’ West will truly stand behind democratic gov- ready done it. Mr. Speaker, I think he said it clear- ernment in the Middle East and elsewhere in This idea would have made more ly; and I couldn’t agree more. When the Islamic world. Moderate Muslims must sense at the beginning of this war. And called upon to serve our country, the have confidence in our ability to triumph over more troops at the start were what Minnesota National Guard has a proud

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.007 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1797 history of answering that call. Over What happened to the legacy of FDR, among many Republicans. Democrats 2,500 soldiers of the Minnesota National who faced down American isolationists who, when they were alive were Guard are in Iraq. Many of them were to defeat the evils of German fascism trashed by the right wing, once they already deployed overseas, as I said, in and the militarism of imperial Japan? are dead and safely no longer possibly Bosnia; and they were slated to come What happened to the legacy of candidates for office, get lionized. home in March. But, instead, they are Harry Truman, the first President to Nothing of course shows that better having their tour extended for 4 more realize the peril of the Soviets and en- than with Harry Truman, but it is months because of this administra- tered our war-weary Nation into the John Kennedy, and it is others. tion’s plan. fight against the spread of com- The assertion that the Democrats Now they are scheduled to come munism? who are supporting this resolution, and home in July and will have spent 22 The wisdom of their decisions wasn’t the unspoken Republicans who will be months away from their families. They necessarily clear to all Americans of joining with us, that we somehow op- will have been deployed a total of 36 their day, but the judgment of history pose the use of force is terrible history. months out of the last 5 years. In my validates their leadership. It is wrong. In fact, the most recent en- opinion, that is unacceptable, and I Today, our Commander in Chief sees tirely successful use of military force say, enough is enough. the danger to our Nation’s security and by the United States came from a The soldiers of the Minnesota Na- freedom posed by Islamic extremist Democratic President, Bill Clinton— tional Guard are performing their du- forces in the Middle East. Many in this he’s still alive, so don’t say good things ties admirably. They are performing Congress choose to believe that the vi- about him—and supported by Demo- well or better than the regular Army. olence in Iraq is a local problem. To crats in Congress, and it was opposed They are serious about completing some degree, it is, but it is also a prob- by many of the Republicans, including their mission; and, from my experi- lem for the United States. many of the current Republican leader- ence, they will always do more than If we were to follow the proposals of ship. what is asked of them. Democratic leaders, we would pull out Under Bill Clinton, American mili- Another group of people that I would our troops and let Iraq become a failed tary forces were used quite success- like to recognize are the Guard’s fami- State. Anarchy in Iraq would give al fully; and the result is not perfection lies. They are not in harm’s way, but Qaeda and other extremists a safe but a much better situation in the they wake up every day worrying, not haven to train and plot attacks. It was former Yugoslavia than we had before. knowing what that day will about in the failed states of the Sudan and And the Republicans brought forth, bring for their loved ones. They didn’t Afghanistan that al Qaeda was able to guess what, nonbinding resolutions. enlist for the military, but they share plan the African embassy bombings, Now, they pretend to be upset about nonbinding resolutions. Frankly, I was their daily effects of this war. the attack on the USS Cole and the Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to September 11 disasters. a little encouraged when I heard the oppose this plan. The smoke and mirrors Democratic Bush administration criticize non- Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I would Congress wants it both ways. On the binding resolutions, because, up till now, I had thought that Bush and Che- like to yield 5 minutes to Mr. WEST- one hand, they say this is a nonbinding ney thought that everything we did MORELAND, the gentleman from Geor- resolution. On the other hand, they say was nonbinding with regard to national gia. this is a first step. Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, Given how Democratic leaders have security. So they were at least implic- itly conceding that some things can be if this undemocratic, smoke-and-mir- battled to one-up each other and have binding. rors Congress had been in power allowed their rhetoric to spiral, how But the fact is that the Democrats throughout our Nation’s history, I am can this nonbinding resolution be any- strongly supported—I didn’t mean to not sure we would have much to cele- thing but a first step? make it partisan, they did—the effort brate this weekend when we commemo- How can Democrats stop with the in Yugoslavia over Republican opposi- rate Presidents Day. On Monday, we nonbinding resolution if they agree tion. honor the Presidents who guided our with Senator OBAMA that lives lost in And then let’s talk about terrorists. Nation through its toughest moments, Iraq have been ‘‘wasted?’’ We were attacked in 9/11 from Afghani- Presidents who made tough decisions This nonbinding resolution expresses stan and overwhelmingly, with only in the face of public skepticism despite disapproval of the military plan to one exception, Democrats in the House great peril and unimaginable sacrifice. strengthen our forces in Iraq and give and Senate supported the war in Af- Not all Americans supported General them the resources they need. By the ghanistan. We are continuing to sup- George Washington’s campaign against end of this week, every Member of this port that war in Afghanistan. the British, yet our Nation’s father led House will be on the record and an- I am critical of an administration a ragtag band of underfed and under- swerable to their constituents about which has diverted military resources equipped soldiers to victory over the whether they are for or against the and energy and political resources from greatest military of its day. military plan. Afghanistan. They are weakening the Not all Americans supported Presi- My colleagues who vote for this reso- number one fight against terrorism, dent Lincoln’s decision to go to war to lution are for one of two things. They which is in Afghanistan. And that is preserve the Union. It seems inevitable are either for retreat and defeat, or one of the reasons for opposing this today, but, at the time, many Ameri- stay the course. war in Iraq. cans would have preferred to save the We all agree that changes need to be Now, the war in Iraq has been, in my lives, treasure, and misery and just let made, that changes need to take us to- judgment, the greatest national secu- the Nation cleave into two. But Lin- ward a stable and peaceful Iraq. With- rity disaster in America history. And it coln decided to preserve the Union, a drawal would take us in the opposite isn’t one in which we got sucked in and Union that, in time, would become the direction. had to defend ourselves. It was an en- greatest, most powerful nation on Let’s reject this smoke-and-mirrors tirely voluntary error. This adminis- earth, even though he had to wage the resolution and continue to fight, take tration unwisely went into Iraq on in- deadliest war in U.S. history, with the fight to the terrorists. accurate grounds; and not only did 600,000 lives lost. Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield they make the wrong war, they have I wonder what the forebears of to- to my friend, the gentleman from Mas- been disastrously wrong in virtually day’s Democratic Party would think of sachusetts, the chairman of the Finan- every decision. So the question now is, their policy of retreat and defeat? cial Services Committee, Mr. FRANK. are we doing more good than harm to What would they think of the timidity Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. the causes we care about? in the face of great danger? Speaker, we have just heard a great ex- I believe, in fact, that fighting ter- What happened to the legacy of ample of an important form of political rorism, fighting extremism, fighting Woodrow Wilson, who faced down debate. The Republicans specialize in that particularly radical fundamen- American skeptics to lead us to victory this. It is kind of political necrophilia. talist form of Islam, not all Islam, ob- in World War I? There is this love of dead Democrats viously, by all means, that that is

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.009 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1798 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 weakened by our being in Iraq. It has take the words of all of the Democrat Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield clearly weakened our effort in Afghani- leadership of this country in the 1990s, the gentleman from Massachusetts 30 stan. The commanders in Afghanistan when, in their words, there was no seconds. beg for more troops, and instead they Bush administration to trick them, Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. If the go uselessly to Iraq, uselessly not be- who made that point very, very force- gentleman from California wants to cause of the lack of capacity of the fully. claim Iraq as a success, he is entitled fighting people but because they are Secondly, the invasion of Iraq and to do that. I must say that the initial condemned to fight in a very mistaken the taking of Baghdad in record time victory was a very deceptive one, be- strategy. with very low casualties has been de- cause it led to the current situation. It has emboldened radicals elsewhere. scribed by most military leaders as But the biggest difference between us, I This administration predicted that our being a remarkably efficient and effec- guess, is when he cites Lebanon as one overthrowing Saddam Hussein would tive operation. In fact, while we had of the successful ripples, as he says. In strengthen the forces of moderation. In people saying that our troops would be fact, the terrible tragedy that went on fact, it has weakened them. bogged down, the same talk shows in Lebanon that was initially some- Let’s remember that when America would be interrupted with a news flash thing that was promising, we have had invaded Afghanistan with the over- that Tommy Franks had taken yet an- that war with Hezbollah in control in whelming support of both parties and other stronghold of Saddam Hussein. Israel, I think Lebanon is a further sad the united support of this country, we b 0845 example of the extent to which this misguided and badly run operation in were popular in the world. We mobi- We took Baghdad with very low cas- Iraq has sadly strengthened the most lized the world. And since that time ualties, very, very quickly, in a very radical and anti-American forces in the came the invasion of Iraq. And because effective and efficient military oper- of the mistaken decision and the poor ation. Middle East, not weaken them. way in which it is carried out, I do not Lastly, I don’t think that the gen- Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I want to think there has been a time in recent tleman can say that there have been no yield myself 15 seconds to make a re- history when America has been less ripples, no ripples whatsoever in the sponse to that last point. My last point wasn’t that Lebanon is able to accomplish in the world the Middle East with respect to freedom California or New York or Massachu- things we want to accomplish. and democracy and people wanting to setts. My last point was that the free So then the question is, okay, but be free as a result of the elections in elections in Iraq inspired the Lebanese isn’t this escalation going to change Iraq. There clearly was action in Libya that? where they moved lots of parts of their to work to eject the Syrian influence, There is zero reason to think that. nuclear weapons program which are which I think the gentleman would First, we are told this is what the ad- now residing in the United States, I agree was not a good influence in Leb- ministration says. If ever any group of think as a result of American actions anon. It inspired people to want to be people forfeited their right to be lis- there. Clearly actions toward freedom, free. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Does tened to, it is the collection of people toward ejecting the Syrians from Leb- the gentleman consider Lebanon or who have shown an aggressive incom- anon and moving toward multiparty elections in Egypt. All imperfect to be Syria free today? petence with regard to Iraq. Can any- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- sure but nonetheless reactions from one think of a single decision from the tleman’s time has expired. invasion forward that has been correct, our operation in Iraq. Mr. HUNTER. If the gentleman gets Lastly, I would just say to my col- that has been borne out by events? more time, I will be happy to engage league let me just say to my colleague, So why do you take people who have with him. been wrong about everything, wrong there are no smooth roads. The smooth Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 4 roads not taken, that have been held about the politics, wrong about the minutes to the gentleman from South out by the armchair critics, like we military situation, wrong about the Carolina (Mr. WILSON). economy, and then you say, oh, but should have kept Saddam Hussein’s Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. army in place, that was an army with this time we think they got it right. Thank you, Mr. HUNTER, for your lead- Maybe it is the theory of random oc- 11,000 Sunni generals. What are you ership, your military service, and your currences, that people, having been going to do with an army with 11,000 son’s military service. wrong so often and so consistently, Sunni generals? Certainly not establish Mr. Speaker, complete discussion re- they are owed one. But that is not a stability in a country in which you garding the way forward in Iraq is cer- basis on which we ought to be making have a Shiite majority. tainly appropriate. In fact, it’s our a decision. The idea that we needed to have duty as elected public officials. It is This war in Iraq continues to hurt 300,000 Americans in Iraq and yet at the sad that the resolution before us offers rather than help our efforts overall. If same time put an Iraqi face, as a num- no solutions. It is contradictory to say I thought we were doing some good ber of the critics have said, on the mili- in one paragraph that we support the tary apparatus. there, then it would be a different troops and in the next paragraph op- So I think a number of the gentle- story. But the causes of the disaster, in pose reinforcements for them. As the man’s points have been strongly addition to the rampant incompetence disproven by the American operation parent of a son who served proudly in of this administration at virtually all in Iraq. We are in the second period Iraq and three others in the military, I levels, the cause of the disaster is in- right now of a three-phase operation: want to fully support the troops. ternal, it is ethnic and political and a Al Qaeda spokesman Zawahiri has stand up a free government; stand up a made it clear that Iraq is the central whole range of other things within military capable of protecting that free front in the global war on terrorism. In Iraq. It is not a lack of American fire- government; lastly, the Americans a January 22, 2007 transcript, Zawahiri power. leave. Let’s give the second phase a boasted, ‘‘The backing of the jihad in So to try to resolve this disaster by chance to work. taking the advice of people who cre- Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 4 Afghanistan and Iraq today is to back ated the disaster and have been wrong minutes to the gentleman from South the most important battlefields.’’ The about it would be a terrible error, and Carolina (Mr. WILSON). enemy know Iraq is the central front of I hope the resolution passes. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Will the global war on terrorism. Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, let me the gentleman yield to me 15 seconds We must put our trust in the com- just take 2 minutes to respond to my to respond? manders on the ground who are living colleague who has just made a number Mr. HUNTER. I like a full debate. If the situations we are merely debating. of points. the gentleman will hold on. General David Petraeus in Baghdad is First, there are a number of live The SPEAKER pro tempore. Who an accomplished general with a proven Democrats that I like to refer to. When yields time? record of success. He has expressed his somebody asks me whether or not Sad- Mr. HUNTER. Let me allow the gen- confidence that victory in Iraq can be dam Hussein was indeed a dangerous tleman from Missouri to yield to the achieved—provided he has the per- terrorist in and of himself, I like to gentleman from Massachusetts. sonnel required to do so. General

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Forces of the United States as he de- this Congress to escalate political pres- They know firsthand that the enemies termines to be necessary and appro- sure. This war is a mistake and what fighting us today in Iraq want to fight priate in Iraq. At that time, I argued we need now is a President who has the in the streets of America tomorrow. We that the United States did not have the courage to admit his mistake. We need must face them today to protect Amer- moral, legal and ethical authority to a President who will bring peace and ican families. go to war with Iraq and that our Na- stability to Iraq through diplomacy In conclusion, God bless our troops, tion would lose its moral authority to rather than military force. and we will never forget September 11. speak out against aggression through- In an earlier time, in an earlier war, Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield out the world. a young man spoke out. That young man was Bobby Kennedy and his words myself such time as I may consume. It would be very easy for me to stand have lived with me for many years. So The question is, where are we today? here and remind my constituents that We are looking at this conflict today to our service men and women, to my I voted against the war in Iraq. It is colleagues in the U.S. House of Rep- and the consequences that it has upon sufficient, however, to simply note tomorrow and tomorrow’s military resentatives, and to those whose hearts that the evidence to justify the war has are burdened by war, I leave you Bob- readiness. been repudiated. Rationale for this war I spoke about the lack of readiness by’s challenge: has been inadequate. And our Nation’s last summer. Others did as well. We ‘‘Diverse acts of courage and belief credibility has been eroded. had a hearing on it a good number of that human history is shaped each While some of us opposed the war in months ago, our committee responded, time a man stands up for an ideal or Iraq, our support for our troops has and we thank the gentleman from Cali- strikes out against injustice, he sends never wavered. Congress has appro- fornia for helping in that massive ef- forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing priated the supplies and the resources fort to re-equip our Army as was nec- each other from a million different to assure that our troops have what essary, and hopefully we will be able to centers of energy and daring those rip- they need to accomplish their mission do more in the future. ples build a current that can sweep But where are we today? Yesterday and return home safely. We know too down the mightiest wall.’’ regarding the issue of readiness of our painfully that more than 3,100 Ameri- Our vote for this resolution will not Army, the Army Chief of Staff, General cans have not returned home and more stop the war in Iraq. It will not restore Schoomaker, said that the increase of than 23,000 have been wounded. We the shattered and broken lives here in 17,500 Army combat troops in Iraq rep- have visited with the wounded and America and in Iraq. It will not bring resents only the tip of the iceberg and comforted the families of the fallen. peace and stability to Iraq. But it will will potentially require thousands of We simply cannot allow the President send a tiny ripple of hope. I still believe in that tiny ripple of additional support troops and trainers to continue to fight this war as if there were no consequences for our troops, hope. as well as equipment, further eroding I still believe in diverse acts of cour- the Army’s readiness to respond to their families and our country. By standing up against this escalation of age. other world contingencies. I still believe in the greatness of In the last 30 years, there have been the war, we are supporting the troops. Because of this war, many lives have America. 12 military engagements, some large, Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I would been shattered and broken. I speak of some small, that our country has en- like to yield to the gentleman from Il- the lives of family members who have gaged in. The Pentagon says they linois (Mr. KIRK) for 4 minutes. would only need some 2,500 support lost loved ones. I speak of the brave Mr. KIRK. I thank the distinguished troops for the 20,000-plus combat troops recovering from their wounds at chairman. troops. The Congressional Budget Of- Walter Reed Army Hospital or the re- Our uniformed men and women have fice says there is going to be a nec- cently dedicated amputee clinic in given great service to the Nation by essary 13,000 in additional support Texas. As a Nation, we are comprised ending a tyrant’s rein and fostering troops. But the issue of readiness is of a reasonable, noble, compassionate elections in a region that only knew real, it is there today because of addi- and determined people. dictatorship. In my judgment now, the tional combat troops, and that is what I believe that it is not in our Nation’s time for decisive military action led by we are debating today. That is exactly best interest to leave a shattered and American and British forces is ending the issue today. The readiness of to- broken Iraq behind. Still, we cannot and the Iraqi stage should be delivered morrow is contingent upon what hap- continue with a policy of military to new political leaders to work out pens today. might and no diplomatic foresight. In- their own differences. I will support the I yield, Mr. Speaker, 5 minutes to the stead of military escalation, our Na- House resolution that recommends gentleman from Michigan (Mr. STU- tion should embark upon a diplomatic against the troop surge because the PAK). and political escalation. The current United States should increase the re- Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, as we administration with its ‘‘military sponsibilities of the elected Iraqi gov- wind up this debate on escalating the might makes right’’ philosophy is no ernment to solve its own problems war in Iraq, I wish to thank Speaker longer applicable in Iraq. This adminis- while reducing the number of American PELOSI for allowing Members of Con- tration has not seriously focused on combat troops sent overseas. gress to express themselves on the the diplomacy and political persuasion I did not come to this conclusion most serious debate that will occur in necessary to end this war. lightly. The long-term security of our the 110th Congress. Perhaps more im- I am struck by the recent news out of country depends on the United States portantly, we should thank the Amer- Korea. It is reported that after years of not being defeated in the Middle East. ican people for voting for a new major- negotiation, the administration may To prevent the collapse of democracy, ity which has allowed a free and open have reached an agreement with North tolerance and supporters in our region, debate on the President’s plan to esca- Korea on its nuclear threat. The jour- we need a policy that relies on Amer- late the war. With their votes, the ney was long, discussions were dif- ica’s key strengths and builds addi- American people have clearly de- ficult, diplomacy was frustrating, but tional support among our citizens and manded a new direction for the war in we may have accomplished our goal allies. Iraq. Today’s debate symbolizes more without having to go to war. There is a Looking back on the last years, our than just a debate on escalating the lesson to be learned here, reflected in troops in Iraq achieved two major ob- war, the debate symbolizes a new direc- the words of an American journalist, jectives: First, they ended the dictator- tion for America’s policy in Iraq driven Anne O’Hare McCormick, who said: ship of Saddam Hussein, a leader that

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In constant b 0900 additional heavy obligation to make a dollars, that is more than we spent at decision, to bring an end to the debate, the peak of Korea or Vietnam. Iraq is no longer a military threat to and to confront the enemies of the In a few weeks we will enter the fifth her neighbors or minorities, especially United States as brothers and sisters year of our engagement in Iraq. You her Kurdish families, who no longer united by a common bond. would think after 5 years spending fear that a third genocide campaign In coming days, our troops will face would come down. But spending over will be launched by their very own gov- danger, not as Democrats, Independ- this time has not come down, it has ernment. These are major achieve- ents or Republicans, but as Americans. gone up. Three years ago, 2004, the Pen- ments, worthy of the bravery and sac- We in Congress should draw on their tagon was obligating money for Iraq at rifice of Americans in uniform. strength once our decision is made. When a the rate of $4.8 billion a month. Today But Iraq now faces new challenges course of action is set, we are not neutral in the Pentagon is obligating money for that should be solved by Iraqis, not the the contest. If Americans are engaged in com- Iraq at the rate of $8.6 billion a month, U.S. military. Iraq’s government, led bat, we are for the Americans winning. We will and considering the supplemental for by a Kurdish president and a Shia give them the tools to bring an end to the con- 07, with $170 billion, and the surge in prime minister, faces a daunting flict as rapidly as possible. The debate in Con- Baghdad, the obligation rate will prob- enemy composed of people that would gress will soon close and the course will be ably rise to $10 billion a month by the restore the old dictatorship, or worse. set. For those Americans who serve farthest end of this year. But this struggle is primarily political, from home, they should know that after a vig- To support this surge, the President not military. Foreign troops, be they orous debate, their democracy will make a de- has called for five brigades, 21,500 addi- American or British or otherwise, are cision, and we will back those charged with its tional troops. He sends a supplemental not well-suited to advance the elected implementation with everything needed to suc- of $3.2 billion to pay for these troops. government’s writ. ceed. The CBO says, how about the support In the coming months we should Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is my troops? How about the staff? This will build a longer term plan for the United pleasure to yield 5 minutes to my cost billions more. States and our allies in the Middle friend the gentleman from South Caro- CBO has also looked out 10 years and East. Man for man, Iraqi combat troops lina (Mr. SPRATT), the chairman of the tried to figure what future costs might operating under the authority of their Budget Committee and also a member be. By its estimation, future operations own elected government are better of the Armed Services Committee. in Iraq and Afghanistan together could suited for this mission than Americans Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I thank come to $824 billion between 2008 and on the front lines of Iraq. the gentleman for yielding, and rise to 2017. Mind you, this assumes that the The U.S. military can offer unique support the resolution and to talk troops deployed in these theaters will advantages to the Iraqi government in about something the President seldom be declining from a little over 200,000 our ability to provide the Iraqi army mentions, the cost of the war in Iraq. today to a steady state of 75,000 in 2013. and police with logistics, communica- In deciding what we should do, cost is If future costs are split 75–25, then tions, training and intelligence, in a not the determining factor, but it is over the next 10 years that is another way that only Americans can provide. considerable, and with costs overall ap- $600 billion in store for us. Surely, Over the coming months, Americans proaching $500 billion, it has to be a surely at this juncture, as spending should be focused on these missions, factor. surges head upwards to more than $10 making sure that our Iraqi allies are During the first Persian Gulf War we billion a month, surely we should ask more effective in extending the author- had real allies, Britain, France, the whether we want to raise our commit- ity of their government. By winding Gulf States and Saudi Arabia, and our ment of troops and thrust them into a down the combat duties of Americans, gross cost was around $80 billion in civil war with no clear exit, no time- we will dramatically lower the risk to current dollars. But Saudi Arabia and table for completion, and, worse still, our men and women stationed overseas the Gulf States contributed in kind an urban war. while providing a decisive advantage to about $16 billion, and allies like Ger- The Pentagon will say they can’t see the elected government of Iraq. This is many and Japan and Saudi Arabia con- past 2008 and they don’t know what the how to win the battle and secure a last- tributed in cash around $60 billion, so budget is for the outyears, and they ing government for the Iraqi people. the net cost to the United States was a will probably dispute this end state of Our plan should be strengthened by a mere $4 billion. 75,000 troops in the two theaters 10 diplomatic initiative among Iraq’s Because we had allies willing to years from now. And I hope they are neighbors and the World Bank to sup- share the burden, the cost of the first right. port the elected government in its Gulf War was minimal. But in this war But there are other costs, the cost of plans for reconstruction. To date, the our President was able to enlist only ‘‘reset,’’ of refurbishing or repairing World Bank has been ‘‘absent without one major ally, Great Britain, and he our equipment, which our commanders leave’’ in delivering help to this found- chose to go it alone with a motley coa- have told us could easily be $60 billion ing member of the International Bank lition. That is one reason this war is to $70 billion. And I haven’t talked For Reconstruction and Development. proving more costly than the first, in about the toll on our troops and their Our efforts, based on the key Amer- lives and in dollars. families, where some will soon be going ican advantages, while reducing the So far, over 3,100 service men and for their third tour. The dwell time be- number of American combat troops, women have been killed in action; so tween tours is now 1 year instead of 2 will improve the prospects for peace far, over 23,000 have been wounded in years. and build support for our goals here action, many of them grievously; and Whenever you go into the field to and among our allies. so far, Congress has appropriated $379 visit these troops, you have to be im- Mr. Speaker, I join with many Mem- billion for the war in Iraq. pressed with their attitude, with their bers today to say if it were up to us, we As we speak, two supplemental ap- readiness to serve and their willingness would recommend a different course of propriation bills are on deck. One is to to sacrifice. I have always come away action that involves less risk to Ameri- cover operations in Iraq for the rest of from these experiences saying thank cans. As a military man, I am fully fiscal 07, and it provides $100 billion to God there are such Americans. They aware that the Constitution does not the $70 billion provided last year. The deserve our admiration and support, place 535 Members of Congress in the other supplemental is to cover oper- but they also deserve something else. direct military chain of command, and ations in Iraq during fiscal 08, and it They deserve not to be asked to do

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Well, dead, who struggled here, have con- b 0915 118 Iraqi battalions have been stood up, secrated it, far above our poor power to and none of ours have been stood down. add or detract.’’ Then after 1945, we stayed on to wage In the Defense Authorization Act for However, we should pause to note the long twilight struggle that came to 2006, Congress enacted this policy into that our service men and women are be called the Cold War. law. We called for 2006 to be a year of fighting and sometimes dying because Then, in 1989, a miracle. We stopped transition. The resolution before us they know the terrible price that will holding our breaths. The Berlin Wall embodies that notion. The resolution be paid if our adversaries prevail. They came down and the Soviet Union dis- heeds that advice. It does not call for have seen, as I have seen when I trav- appeared. The hair trigger nightmare pulling out our troops. It does not call eled to Iraq, what a world our enemies of the nuclear world seemed to recede. for cutting off our funds. It says simply would have us live in. It is a world We came off of the figurative tip-toes but solemnly that we disagree with the filled by a grotesque and distorted vi- on which we had been standing for surge of our troops, thrust into what sion of God. It is a world of slavery and nearly 50 years. We had grown so ac- the Intelligence Estimate has called submission, where the Almighty is not customed to it that when the Cold War ‘‘self-sustaining sectarian violence,’’ a benevolent and loving creator of his ended, we scarcely realized just how especially when there are more than children, but rather is a pagan idol nerve wracking, and what a strain, it 118 Iraqi battalions trained to take on that demands blood sacrifice and glo- had all been. Now here we are again. More war, that task. ries in the murder of the innocent. It is time for them to stand up and us You need look no further than the more sacrifice, more death. It is not a to stand down, and Baghdad is a good carnage in Baghdad, or Kabul, or pleasant picture but it offers this. It of- place to start. Mogadishu, or never let us forget the fers hope. It offers an alternative to Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Twin Towers, to see the truth in that yet another in a long line of obscene yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from axiom. That is what our enemy, for all and perverted visions that seem to be his talk of God, seeks to do, and we are forever conjured in the minds of men. California (Mr. MCKEON), the ranking Mr. Speaker, I have dared to say member on the Committee on Edu- all that stands between our adversary today something that very few of us cation and Labor. and the realization of this nihilistic vi- seem to be willing to say. We could lose Mr. MCKEON. I thank the gentlelady sion. Mr. Speaker, there are those in this for yielding. this war. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposi- House who are far better versed than I There is nothing in the stars that says we tion to H. Con. Res. 63 and in support of in the strategy and military calcula- must prevail. In history, freedom is the exceptions that are the essence of this con- a just cause that is facing a critical tion, not the rule. So I say to my colleagues, flict. There are those who say that we turning point. The outcome hangs in we must press on in Iraq. We must fight wise- mistakenly entered the war in Iraq on the balance, and, Mr. Speaker, we ly, but we must not falter. the basis of flawed intelligence. This, I Churchill once said in the midst of another should not kid ourselves into believing think, underestimates the nature of terrible war, ‘‘Give us the tools and we will fin- that victory is foreordained. our adversary. ish the job.’’ Mr. Speaker, it is the duty of this Churchill once said that there would Given the expansiveness of our en- House and of this Congress and of this Nation not be war if both sides did not believe emy’s nightmare vision, I think it is to give our men and women the tools they that they could win it. The enemy we safe to say there would have been a war need to see this conflict through to the end. face in Iraq and in the broader war in Iraq no matter what we did. That, of We must send them the reinforcements they against the radical Islamists is driven course, will be for historians to decide. need to win this war—and that is why, Mr. by an apocalyptic vision of God, and But this much I do know: We stand for Speaker, I urge my colleagues to defeat this because such apocalyptic visions are hope. We fight for peace in a world that misguided resolution. rooted in faith and not facts, they are is free. We sacrifice now so that the lit- Most of all we must stand together. That very hard to dispel. We, therefore, face tle children that I met when I was in way, when our children and grandchildren look an opponent who is neither open to rea- Iraq might live in a better world to- back at this moment in history, they will say son nor to compromise, nor will he nec- morrow, and because they will have a that at the threatened nightfall the blood of essarily be defeated by calculations of better world, we Americans will live in their fathers ran strong. military strategy and prudence. a safer one. To quote DeGaulle, ‘‘Be- Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield We face the paradox of a perilous hind this terrible cloud of our blood myself such time as I may consume. time. At the opening of the 21st cen- and tears here is the sun of our gran- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- tury, we are opposed by an adversary 1 deur shining out once again.’’ tleman has 3 ⁄2 minutes remaining. who preaches the savagery and barba- Mr. Speaker, I do have one concern. I Mr. SKELTON. The gentleman my rism of the 12th century. We face in think that we in this Congress have al- friend, Mr. MCKEON, raised a very in- Iraq an enemy that will allow us abso- lowed too wide a gap to develop be- teresting issue about who is really in- lutely no quarter, and, Mr. Speaker, I tween the society we help to govern volved in this war in this country. My am bound to say that I think we in this and the war we have been compelled to opinion is those in uniform and their chamber, and, indeed, even in the coun- wage. We have to correct this, because families. try at large, have been slow to grasp we will not win this war in Iraq or be- All one has to do is to go to Walter that fact. yond unless we as a Nation come to Reed and the Bethesda hospitals, go to However, the difficulty of the fight grips with what we face and begin to visitation or a funeral, and those are should not dissuade us from waging it act accordingly. the ones, and the saying good-bye to if the cause is just, and the cause is We must never forget, to quote Lin- the National Guard and Reserve units, just. coln again, ‘‘Public sentiment is every- the active duty units, the farewells and Mr. Speaker, I have had the sad duty thing. With public sentiment, nothing the welcome homes, those and their to attend the funerals of several of the can fail; without it, nothing can suc- families are those that are involved. servicemen killed in Iraq who come ceed.’’ Right now I look around me and And I am afraid the gentleman is cor- from my district. There are those who I see a Congress and a country dis- rect, that they are the only ones that say that we should not withdraw from tracted, and nothing could be deadlier are actually involved with this war. Iraq because to do so would mean that to our security and our hopes for a bet- Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, will the they died in vain. That is not correct. ter future. gentleman yield? Nothing that we have done or will do To some extent, this is understand- Mr. SKELTON. I yield to the gen- will ever subtract one ounce from the able. America is and has every right to tleman from California.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.016 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1802 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I thank for this role, a role that puts them at ple. I did not come here to watch our the chairman for yielding. I have great extreme risk. Constitution be rewritten by presi- respect for him, and I know of his Yet, the President mistakenly con- dential arrogance and disregard. And I strong dedication to the troops and to tinues to believe we are fighting illu- did not come here to relinquish my the people serving. sionary battalions on phantom battle- sworn duty to protect and defend this I had in my office yesterday a con- fields. So, in his mind, we need more sacred document. I did not come here stituent, a young man that played troops for victory, a surge that will to ignore the American people who football for my brother at home. I in- overwhelm and destroy. want this war stopped now. troduced him to the chairman. He has Well, that is how he sees it, but he ig- Mr. Speaker, support this resolution spent the last 3 years at Walter Reed. nores the evidence and reports of our and begin a phased withdrawal. He says he is like one of those dino- generals, our troops, our Iraq Study Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I saurs that has a big mouth and two Group, our diplomats, most of our al- am pleased to yield 51⁄2 minutes to the hands that he can’t use, and he does lies, the views of the Iraqi people and gentleman from Maryland (Mr. BART- struggle, and he has a bad leg. He was anyone else who actually tries to find LETT), a member of the Armed Services a master sergeant and he protected his out the nature and state of the con- Committee. troops but he took rounds from mortar. flict. (Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland asked In talking to him he said, this debate is He rapidly and recklessly proceeds and was given permission to revise and very distracting and hard for the mo- ahead with one policy shift after an- extend his remarks.) rale of the troops. other. Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Mr. I pray that they will understand that He searches for a light at the end of Speaker, when the original resolution the tunnel, but there is no light. It was all of us have different feelings, but we that brought our military to interven- extinguished long ago. There is only do understand their devotion and their tion in Iraq came to the Congress, I in- darkness and despair. The chaos commitment to duty, and they under- terpreted it as asking the Congress to deepens daily, and the President sits in stand our commitment. We just see turn over to the President our military the Oval Office hoping that somehow, things differently, and at the end of the to use anytime he wished, anywhere he somehow it will turn out all right in day, I hope what we end up doing is wished, against any country he wished, the end. what will be best for our troops and for now and forever more. This is neither policy nor leadership. Feeling that this was patently un- our country and for the world. The administration’s policies are the Mr. SKELTON. Reclaiming my time, constitutional, I was very pleased when stuff of dreams and fantasies, not hard the International Relations Com- I thank the gentleman. He reiterates core determinations of our Nation’s in- mittee, chaired at that time by Henry what I have been saying, that it seems terests or the best course for address- Hyde, revised the resolution and nar- like the members in uniform and their ing strategic threats. families are the ones truly involved in Mr. Speaker, hope is not a strategy. rowly focused it on Iraq. That resolu- this war. The escalation of troop levels makes tion had strong encouragement for the Mr. Speaker, pursuant to section 2 of no strategic sense. We must not hesi- President to obtain a U.N. resolution House Resolution 157, and as the des- tate to describe the President’s policy so that when we went into Iraq it ignee of the majority leader, I request in words that are honest and clear. We would be a part of a U.N. coalition. The that the time for debate be enlarged by confront a policy that is wishful think- U.N. would own that war; we wouldn’t 1 hour, equally divided and controlled ing, not realistic assessment. The ad- own it. by the leaders or their designees. ministration’s policy is like a con- When the President did not get the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under juring trick of denial, delusion and de- U.N. resolution so strongly encouraged the rule, that will be the order. termined folly, which will only deepen by that original resolution that we Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 the disaster. We are given the vision of voted on, I then voted for the Spratt minutes to my friend, the gentlewoman a make-believe story instead of a re- substitute because I felt that if we from Colorado (Ms. DEGETTE). sponsible and realistic policy. were going to send our young men and Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Civil wars are solved through diplo- women into war, that it needed to be strong support of the resolution. macy, negotiation and political com- with the full support of the American I fundamentally disagree with the promise. These are the types of devel- people through their elected officials, President’s plan to add thousands of opments identified by the NIE that will and we needed to have that additional troops to the Iraqi conflict. It is time make a difference in Iraq. While the debate. That didn’t happen. I felt that for a new course in Iraq, a rational NIE warns against the rapid with- we went in with unrealistic expecta- course, a more humane course of ac- drawal of coalition troops, American tions. tion. It is long past time to start a forces can come home in a careful, safe There is no country around Iraq that phased withdrawal of our troops from and deliberate manner. has anything like the government that Iraq. As the Nation’s Representatives, it is we would like for them to have. Sev- Mr. Speaker, this debate is about pol- our constitutional duty to stop this eral of the countries have dictator- icy and direction. Surely, the facts on madness. It is our constitutional man- ships. We call them royal families. the ground cannot be used to support date to conduct oversight, and it is our Saudi Arabia, the Arab Emirates, Ku- continued or increased combat involve- constitutional imperative to act. That wait, but they are dictatorships. Sev- ment in Iraq. Iraq is in a civil war. is what the Founding Fathers wanted. eral countries, Jordan and Syria, have That is the truth, and it is time we ac- They constructed the Constitution to kings. Iran is essentially a theocracy cept the implications of that fact. Our provide checks and balances. They did ruled by the mullahs. The only country soldiers have no business acting as un- not give the President a blank check. that comes even close is the vestiges of wanted umpires or surrogate police of- The Constitution is a sacred docu- the Ottoman Empire, Turkey, where ficers. ment to this body. We swear to uphold they have a sort of democracy, but sev- The latest National Intelligence Esti- it and to defend it. We do just that eral times in the last few years the mate concludes the term ‘‘civil war’’ when we demand accountability from military has thrown out the civilian accurately describes key elements of the President. We honor our constitu- government, telling them they need to the Iraqi conflict. If this is the state of tional requirement when we scrutinize start over, hardly the kind of govern- the current conflict, what do we expect policy. We defend our constitutional ment that we have in this country and the U.S. military to do about it? Settle process when we demand that the that we envision for Iraq. centuries of theological or religious President listen to the American peo- So I thought that there were very un- disagreement? Become diplomats? ple and end unilateral actions that unrealistic expectations. That was a very Whose side do they choose and what dermine our Nation’s strength and steep hill to climb; that success was would their mission be? place our troops in an untenable, lethal unlikely, and therefore, I wanted to go I do not believe combat forces perma- and unwinnable situation. in under a U.N. resolution. nently stop such conflicts. The troops Mr. Speaker, I did not come here to What now? I hope I am wrong, but I themselves tell us they are untrained ignore my oath to the American peo- believe that there will be one of two

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.019 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1803 likely outcomes, either another strong cially want to assure our brave young less of the result of this vote today, our man, hopefully more benevolent, than men and women there that they have troops will still be in Iraq needing the Saddam Hussein, or three loosely fed- the total thanks of a grateful Nation. commitment of all government agen- erated states with an overarching enti- b 0930 cies. ty that pumps the oil and distributes The House leadership has stated that the revenues on a per capita basis. Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. this resolution today is the first step of Now, we have a resolution before us Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to my friend other legislation to come. This other and how should one vote? If you believe and colleague, the gentleman from Ar- legislation to come must address the that the President is the Commander kansas (Mr. SNYDER). issues of the shortcomings of other in Chief and has a right to pursue the Mr. SNYDER. Personally, Mr. Speak- agencies of U.S. government, the non- war in the way he chooses, then you er, I wish this resolution of disapproval military agencies of U.S. government. would vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. articulated our disapproval of the ad- Our troops deserve the help. If you believe that this resolution ministration’s failure to accomplish Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I sends the wrong message to the enemy certain chores in preparation for our am pleased to yield to the gentleman that we are losing our resolution, our fine troops undertaking this new mis- from Oregon (Mr. WALDEN) 7 minutes. resolve, then you would vote ‘‘no.’’ sion under General Petraeus. Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speak- If you believe this sends the wrong Everyone, including the President, er, since learning we would consider a message to the troops, I know the first now acknowledges mistakes over the resolution regarding troop levels in clause says we support our troops, but past 4 years, but those well-docu- Iraq, I have spent considerable time then one might argue that the right mented errors are not the mistakes I listening to veterans of this war and hand is taking away what the left hand am talking about. Now, today, mis- other wars questioning some of Amer- gave because in the second clause we takes are being made. Now, today, ica’s top national security officials, say that we do not support the surge, high-ranking officials in the adminis- reading every e-mail, literally every which some may interpret as not sup- tration fall short in their performance. letter on this most serious issue of this porting our troops; then you would Why, after 4 years of the Iraq war, is day that has come into my office from vote ‘‘no.’’ the Secretary of State unable to get my constituents. I have listened to But if you believe that the Iraqis the appropriate reconstruction, eco- voices of leaders of other nations who need to stand up so that we can stand nomic development, and other nec- surround Iraq. I have read the National down, then you would vote ‘‘yes.’’ essary personnel to Iraq? Why did the Intelligence Report. I have read the If you believe that the surge will not State Department recently have to re- Iraq Study Committee Report. I have help, which is very likely, then I think quest the Defense Department to help been given books such as ‘‘Fiasco’’ to you need to vote ‘‘yes.’’ fill in these necessary positions? Why digest, and I have reached out to the If you believe the surge might actu- have the efforts of political reconcili- parents of brave Americans who are on ally hurt by placing more of our brave ation been so ineffective? Why has the their way into this conflict, and I have young men and women in harm’s way, American diplomatic effort in the re- heard from the parents of sons who I understand that a fair percentage of gion been so ineffective? Where are the were lost in this conflict. I have heard the violence over there is directed trained police and judges who will need strong opinions on both sides of this against us, if that is true, then how do to deal with all the detainees to be ar- issue, and I have reflected upon my we reduce the violence by putting more rested in Baghdad? Why aren’t an ade- own vote to authorize the war in the of us there, then you would vote ‘‘yes.’’ quate number of property detention fa- first place. If you want to send a message to the cilities not available for these future To say the least, it has been an ago- President, the Congress and the Amer- detainees that are sure to come from nizing experience. Agonizing, because I ican people, that this war can’t go on an aggressive effort to decrease the vi- want to do what is right for America forever, then you would vote ‘‘yes.’’ olence in Baghdad? with minimal sacrifice to the brave If you want to send a message to the General Petraeus, clearly one of Americans who wear our Nation’s uni- troops that we are watching, that you America’s finest military leaders, dur- form. I want to do what is right to pro- won’t be there forever, that you have ing his recent opening statement be- tect our freedom and our security. the support of your citizens and your fore the Senate Armed Services Com- I will always remember the days and Congress, then you would vote ‘‘yes.’’ mittee, felt an obligation to plead for nights when the smoke from the burn- This is obviously a very complex the help and commitment from other ing Pentagon wafted into the apart- vote. Whether you vote ‘‘yes’’ or U.S. government agencies commensu- ment I lived in just blocks from that whether you vote ‘‘no,’’ there will be rate with what our troops give 24 hours building. I remember the images of unintended, unwanted messages that a day, day after day, week after week, that day when rescue personnel were will be sent. Being required to vote ei- month after month. trying to save lives, only to lose their ther ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no’’ on a resolution like I have had references being made to own. I remember the pledge I made to this is a little bit like requiring the Winston Churchill, but I remind those myself that I would never let that hap- husband to answer the question, ‘‘yes’’ speakers who make such comparisons pen to America again if I had my way. or ‘‘no,’’ ‘‘Have you stopped beating that we are not a parliamentary sys- So I supported implementation of the your wife?’’ tem. If we were, the Secretary of State 9/11 Commission Report. I supported ef- If that is true, then perhaps the best and other high-ranking officials would forts to improve our intelligence gath- vote on this is a ‘‘present’’ vote. be gone because of their failures. We ering and processing efforts so that It is so true here that what you see are, thankfully, the American system; America does not miss key indicators depends on where you stand. There has and in our responsibility to support our of danger or, worse, misinterpret the been a lot of quite intemperate rhet- troops, we know we must not just equip data that is gathered. oric on both sides. It is hard sometimes and train them. We know that all agen- Policymakers must be given accu- to imagine that we are debating the cies of American government, the non- rate, reliable intelligence if we are to same resolution. military agencies, must pull their load make responsible decisions. Had Con- It is so true here that he who frames if our fine troops are to be successful. gress been given an accurate intel- the question determines the answer. So we now have a situation where our ligence assessment, I doubt the vote to Mr. Speaker, we shouldn’t be here. new commander on the ground, Gen- invade Iraq would ever have come to After the debate, this vote is somewhat eral Petraeus, says he needs the addi- this floor in the first place, and I cer- irrelevant. Indeed, the listening Ameri- tional troops. On the other hand, he tainly would not have cast the vote I cans have each cast their own vote. In says he needs all the other agencies of cast because the threat was not what spite of all the divisive rhetoric, I want government to step forward with, in we were told it was, despite the horrific one thing to be certain, that all 435 of his words, ‘‘an enormous commit- brutality of Saddam Hussein and his us want only what is best for America, ment.’’ henchmen sons. what is best for our troops, a good and It is clear this commitment of other Unfortunately, though, we cannot bright future for the Iraqis and espe- agencies is not yet being made. Regard- edit history; we cannot change the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.021 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1804 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 past. Our responsibility is to the who, like many other veterans of that means ensuring their government can present and even more so to the future, conflict, urged me to vote against this stand on its own and not collapse into America’s future. resolution; and he wrote, ‘‘Our troops a sinkhole that drags other nations in In some areas of the world, America need unqualified support. They don’t the region into an abyss. has made strong diplomatic progress need to be told they are participating Given the glaring shortcomings of the non- on the most difficult issues facing our in a lost cause.’’ binding resolution we have before us today, I planet. I speak of the recent agreement Indeed, this two-sentence nonbinding will vote ‘‘no’’ for as many of those who with North Korea coming out of the resolution does send a very mixed mes- served in Vietnam have told me its message Six Party talks. I am reminded of the sage to our troops. Moreover, this reso- does undercut our troops. Moreover, it fails to willingness of Libya to give up its lution is a lost opportunity to address call for the increased diplomatic initiatives in weapons of mass destruction and come at least five major issues that a serious the region, it fails to call for Iraq to do its part, into line with the world community. Congress needs to address. it fails to define our strategic national interests And while much work remains regard- First, this resolution fails to even of stabilizing Iraq so as to prevent the creation ing Iran’s nuclear development, Amer- mention the Iraqi role. Where is the of another terrorist training haven, and it fails ica’s work with other countries and siren call for the Iraqi government to to address the very real needs of our National through the United Nations is having keep its word and perform as promised? Guard. an effect on Iran. We cannot expect for long to do for It is unfortunate that the opportunity to actu- Meanwhile, our troops and our work Iraq what it is unwilling to do for ally affect these very serious policy choices internationally in Afghanistan con- itself. was not allowed on the Floor of the House tinues to show progress, even in light Second, this resolution fails to even today. It is, indeed, a missed opportunity for of the recent resurgence of the Taliban. mention the need for this administra- America. Consider the historic role NATO is tion to embrace the Iraq Study Group ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE playing to bring peace and stability to Report’s call for aggressive diplomatic The SPEAKER pro tempore. The that far-off land. initiatives with Syria, Iran, and other Chair would remind all Members not to So if we are accomplishing good in nations in Iraq’s neighborhood. Where traffic the well while another Member Afghanistan and elsewhere, why is the is the call for enhanced diplomacy? is under recognition. situation in Iraq still such a mess? And Third, this resolution fails to even Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. what can or should America do there mention the need to replenish the Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gen- now that will hasten Iraq’s move to- equipment that our National Guard tleman from California (Mr. BECERRA). wards stability and hasten the bringing units have left behind while serving Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on Jan- home of our troops to America? our country overseas. My State’s own uary 23 of this year, the President in As my colleague from New Mexico, National Guard’s ability to conduct his State of the Union address said, HEATHER WILSON, so eloquently and training is deeply affected by lack of ‘‘This is not the fight we entered in forcefully asked this week: What are equipment. Iraq, but it is the fight we are in.’’ America’s strategic interests in Iraq, Fourth, this resolution fails to call Nearly 4 years after President Bush and how can we best achieve them? on Iran, Syria, and other nations to took us to war, 4 years, that is longer These are the serious questions of stop directly or indirectly supplying than our involvement in World War II, our day, and these are the issues trag- the weapons and explosives to those it is fair to say that this is not the de- ically missing from this nonbinding who detonate car bombs in Baghdad bate we expected to have, but it is the resolution. and elsewhere in Iraq, killing women debate we must have. We owe it to our In this new world where war is not and children as they try to buy food in troops who have fought honorably and waged by armies in uniform with codes local markets. Where is the condemna- valiantly, and we owe it to the Amer- of honor but by terrorists who blow up tion of their actions? ican people. food markets and behead journalists, Fifth, this resolution fails to define More than 3,100 American soldiers how do we respond in an effective way what our strategic national interests dead, more than 23,000 American sol- to prevent the insanity from coming are in Iraq and how we can best achieve diers injured, $500 billion in costs, again to our shores? How best do we them. 14,000 weapons that our Nation bought prevent a whole region from ripping I know that I stand alone in my for the Iraqi Army missing, $9 billion apart at the seams and perhaps taking State’s delegation by opposing this res- in reconstruction funds missing. Mr. much of the world with it? olution. I have been told by some I Speaker, stay-the-course has failed, While Congress has a clear constitu- should just vote for it. It would be easi- and sending 20,000 more troops is no tional role and responsibility when the er politically for me because then the more than stay-the-course on steroids. Nation is at war, where is the line that problem is off my back. It is someone The American people would know Congress should not cross? Are we real- else’s. They will own it. I cannot do this had the previous Republican Con- ly best equipped to decide precisely that and look at myself in the mirror. gresses exercised their oversight re- how many reinforcements are sent into I cannot ignore the counsel recently sponsibilities to tell the American peo- which battle? Isn’t that a decision best given to us by diplomats in the region ple what was going on. They would left to the commanders in the field? whose advice we ignored when America have known, for example, that we have Can Congress really give General took on this challenge in Iraq and who already tried three previous troop Petraeus a unanimous vote of support now counsel us with most seriousness surges. In each case, between 17,000 to to lead our effort in Iraq and then turn in the strongest of terms against leav- 21,000 troops. Have we seen the im- around and deny him the strategy he ing Iraq before the country is sta- provement? What are things like told us he believes is necessary to win? bilized. They have made it clear to this today? Where were the hearings to find A former colonel in the Air Force Member of Congress that failure in Iraq out how those troop surges went? wrote to me recently on this very will have grave and dangerous con- Where are the reports? Mr. Speaker, topic. She said, ‘‘Some in Congress say sequences to the entire region. In this is a debate long overdue. they support General Petraeus but short, we broke it, we need to fix it be- The truth is, Iraqis must take re- don’t want them to undertake the mis- fore we leave it. sponsibility for their own future. When sion they were confirmed to do. It But fixing Iraq does not mean ending General John Abizaid met with com- seems right out of Alice in Wonder- religious differences, differences that manders on the ground in Iraq, he was land.’’ have ripped apart that region for 1,300 asked, ‘‘If we get more troops, will we And if Congress is going to make years or more. Fixing Iraq does not succeed?’’ And here is what he told these decisions, then have we really mean installing our form of democ- them: ‘‘They all said no. And the rea- carefully analyzed where the other racy. Fixing Iraq means ensuring a new son is because we want the Iraqis to do 134,754 troops in Iraq are, what they are terrorist haven is not created or al- more. It is easy for the Iraqis to rely doing, and what they should do? lowed to be created from which they upon us to do this work. I believe that Another of the e-mails I received was can train and plan safely to carry out more American forces prevent the from a veteran of the Vietnam War attacks against the West. Fixing Iraq Iraqis from doing more, from taking

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.023 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1805 more responsibility for their own fu- their own for our mission in Iraq. In- bility of Iraq’s government. It may also ture.’’ That, General Abizaid said on deed, they are prohibiting consider- be, I believe, our last chance for vic- November 15, 2006. ation in this Chamber of any alter- tory. The President knows this, and I U.S. troops are sitting today in the native. believe the Iraqi government and its crossfire of a civil war. We have no Therefore, I will vote against this people know this, too. guarantee that an Iraqi Shi’a soldier resolution. It is in that spirit and with that unwill defend an Iraqi Sunni civilian and I believe most Americans share the derstanding that I will vote against that an Iraqi Sunni soldier will defend same goal for Iraq, a stable govern- this resolution. Our collective prayer is an Iraqi Shi’a civilian. Iraqis must de- ment that can serve its people, a for the safety of our troops, for their cide what future they want. Only Iraqis strong security force that can protect success, and that they will be reunited can save Iraq. its people, and a growing economy that with their families here at home as Mr. Speaker, we need to redeploy our can encourage prosperity for its people. soon as possible. troops responsibly, to continue train- We want the Iraqis to succeed, and Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. ing Iraqi soldiers, and to refocus our ef- we want our troops to come home. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to my friend forts on counterterrorism. And we need There is no question and no denying and colleague from Texas (Mr. AL a surge in diplomacy, not troops. that mistakes in the planning and exe- GREEN). The consequences of stay-the-course cution of the war have led us to where Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- are real. Just yesterday, President we are today. Hindsight is 20/20, and we er, I love America. America means Bush exhorted our allies to help us, not can all offer suggestions for how things something to me. No one loves the Con- in Iraq, in Afghanistan. The U.S. is should have been done differently, done stitution more than I. No one believes sending more troops and billions of dol- better, done more effectively during in the Declaration of Independence lars more. His words were telling yes- the past 4 years. more than I. No one respects the flag terday. Quote, ‘‘The Taliban and al But that is not what is going on in and the Pledge of Allegiance more than Qaeda are preparing to launch new at- this Chamber here today. Members are I. No one appreciates the American sol- tacks.’’ New attacks. ‘‘Our strategy is being cynically asked to vote on a reso- dier more than I. not to be on the defensive but to go on lution that does not address victory or So I stand here today in the well of the offensive.’’ 1,985 days since the 9/11 success. It does not offer a pathway to- the United States House of Representa- attacks, and Usama bin Laden remains ward the peace and the prosperity that tives as a proud American who under- free, and we hope to go on the offensive are vital to the region. It simply plays stands that it is not the Constitution in Afghanistan. politics with the war and, in so doing, that gives us or protects government of Americans deserve to hear the truth does our troops and their families here the people, by the people, for the peo- and the consequences, not slogans. at home a terrible disservice. ple. It is not the Declaration of Inde- ‘‘Mission accomplished’’ wasn’t true. While no one in this Chamber or any pendence that preserves the concept of ‘‘Stay the course’’ didn’t work. And general in uniform can guarantee the all persons being created equal. It is this new Congress will not be paralyzed success of this new initiative in Iraq, the soldier. by those who argue that we must stay we can safely say that not pursuing it It is not the Pledge of Allegiance the course in Iraq to support the and continuing the status quo will lead that preserves liberty and justice for troops. The troops didn’t chart this to failure. Iraq then likely would fall all. It is the soldier. It is the soldier course, the troops didn’t ask to be into further chaos and transform itself, who shields those who would make real plunged into the middle of a civil war, much as Afghanistan did a decade ago, the great American ideals. Regardless and the troops didn’t under-man and into a breeding ground for terrorists, as to how we feel about the war, we under-equip. who plot attacks not on our troops in should all thank God for the American It is time that the buck for the deba- Iraq but upon our civilians here at soldier. cle in Iraq stops where it belongs: Here home. Mr. Speaker, our soldiers have done in Washington, D.C. And if the Presi- Make no mistake, failure of the U.S. their job. More than 84,000 National dent won’t accept that reality, then mission in Iraq will not end the war. It Guard and Reservists have been de- guess what? This new Congress, this will only shift the battlefield. The ter- ployed more than once since 2001. More new Democratic leadership is prepared rorists are at war with us, whether we than 170,000 soldiers in the Army have to stop the buck here. fight back or not. served more than one tour of duty. This is a debate we must have. This The consequences of failure in Iraq More than 23,000 soldiers have been is a debate about us. Us, those of us would be as dramatic as the fruits of wounded, and more than 2,200 of these here in this Chamber. Will we lead? victory. An Iraqi government stable from Texas were from Texas alone. Will we be responsible overseers of this enough to take the lead role in pro- More than 3,100 soldiers have died, in- war? Will we heed the call of the Amer- viding for its own internal security will cluding more than 200 from Texas. ican people? allow us to achieve our collective goal, Our soldiers have liberated Iraq from Today, with this vote, Mr. Speaker, the return of U.S. troops. Rather than a ruthless, brutal dictator. Our soldiers we will tell our troops, our generals, being allied with terrorists, Iraq would have answered the clarion call for help our beloved people: We hear you loud be an ally with America and the war on for which too many will never come and clear. It is time for a new direction terror. In so doing, it would honor the home for the holidays and far too many in Iraq. more than 3,000 American men and will never see home again. women who have died fighting for its So for this I say, God bless the Amer- b 0945 freedom and countless more who have ican soldiers, their friends, their fami- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I been wounded and will bear for their lies, and their loved ones. am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the lifetimes the scars of battle. Mr. Speaker, the American people gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. FER- The status quo in Iraq is unaccept- have been that friend, indeed, in Iraq’s GUSON). able. We need a new strategy, new tac- time of need. In addition to blood, Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise tics, new commanders on the ground, sweat and tears, the American people today with mixed emotions. I am proud and a new and sustained commitment have spent more than $267 million, not of our troops and the sacrifices they from the Iraqi government that they per year, not per month not per week, have made in Iraq, their dedication, will do more of their share. but more than $267 million per day on their perseverance and the love and We know that the road ahead will be this war. support of their families here at home. difficult and that the prospects for suc- Mr. Speaker, with this money, ac- I am disappointed that the strategies cess are dwindling. But I believe a re- cording to CNN and the National Prior- employed thus far have not been more newed and amplified effort by U.S. ities Project, we could have hired 6.4 successful and that our progress in Iraq forces and Iraqi troops to retain secu- million public school teachers. We has been too slow, and I am saddened rity in Baghdad may offer the best could have built 3.3 million public that those who have drafted this reso- hope we have for the lasting success of housing units. We could have insured lution are offering no alternatives of the U.S. mission and for the future sta- 220 million children for 1 year.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.025 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1806 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 On a more lofty level, America has But when the going gets tough, it I refuse to undercut the brave work of helped the Iraqi people develop a con- does not mean that we should give in our troops by questioning their abili- stitution. We have helped the Iraqi peo- and come home. As we cannot and ties and refuse to allow terrorists to ple establish democratic elections. We must not turn back, we need a fresh ap- flourish and our enemies be have helped the Iraqis reconstitute proach to move forward. The President, emboldened and thereby let you, the their military and overhaul their con- along with his generals on the ground, American people, down. stabulary. have proposed a way forward. He has Our brave men and women risk their Mr. Speaker, after all that we have put forth a strategy to suppress the lives to provide peace and security here done, more than 23,000 wounded. After sectarian violence in Iraq and allow at home, and we are all proud to know all that we have done, 3,100 are dead. democratic reforms to take hold and such patriots. These young men and After all that we have done, more than economic institutions to flourish. women, full of promise, voluntarily de- $267 million per day. After all that we His plan is the only plan that pro- fend our Nation wherever they are have done, whenever we leave, it will vides for a way forward in Iraq. For us called. not be cut and run. We have helped the in Congress, it is not our job to become It reminds me of a young man in my Iraqi people to have the opportunity to involved in tactical decisions that will district, and I presented him with his embrace freedom and democracy. lead to success in our mission. It is our Eagle Scout awards when he was 17 It is now time for the Iraqi people to responsibility to help shape the param- years old. It was in 2003. A little less seize upon this precious, priceless op- eters of the mission and to conduct than 2 years later than that, in 2004, I portunity and have a free and inde- oversight on our progress in achieving attended the funeral for Lance Cor- pendent Iraq, something that all the the mission. poral Abraham Simpson, who made the money in the world cannot buy and not Republicans in Congress have pro- ultimate sacrifice in Fallujah. He was even the most powerful military in the posed setting verifiable benchmarks just 19 years old. universe can impose. with which we may measure our When I went to the parents of Abra- Mr. Speaker, we cannot want liberty progress in Iraq. Such benchmarks will ham and presented a flag that was and justice for all Iraqis more than all help us hold the Iraqi regime respon- flown over our great Nation after the Iraqis want liberty and justice for sible for the progress made towards de- funeral, it was honestly one of the themselves. mocracy, stability and peace in the most moving experiences I have had, If the Iraqis want government of the country. We should be discussing our not only in my congressional career people, by the people, for the people, responsibility as oversight today, but but of my life. When I looked at Abra- then their soldiers, not ours, must pro- we are not. We are left with debate on ham’s father in his car, I couldn’t talk. vide it. We can stay in Iraq forever and an empty and nonbinding resolution. All I could say to him was, ‘‘I voted to never have a free and independent Iraq, I am a proud cosponsor of Congress- send him there.’’ Abraham’s dad looked not as long as the Iraqi people engage man SAM JOHNSON’s bill to ensure that me square in the eye, with as serious a in an uncivil war with each other. You funding is not cut off or restricted for look as he could get, and he said, ‘‘Con- can debate whether it is a civil war or members of the Armed Forces deployed gressman, it was the right vote.’’ not, but there is no debating that it is in Iraq and Afghanistan. We must sup- Like so many families across our an uncivil war that they are having port every effort in our fight against country, the Simpson family has made with each other. a great sacrifice for our Nation. This Mr. Speaker, because I support our terrorists. If the majority allowed us resolution, however, says that the soldiers and oppose the President’s an opportunity, I would have gladly policies, I will vote for the resolution. supported a vote on that bill to reaf- world, that the men and women like Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I firm that the House will not abandon Lance Corporal Simpson, gave their am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the our Armed Forces under any cir- lives for, was worthless, that America gentleman from California (Mr. GARY cumstance. cannot be successful in the pursuit of G. MILLER). Whether the majority would like to which they nobly sacrificed them- Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. acknowledge it or not, the fight we are selves. I believe that we can. I know Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition engaged in against terrorists in Iraq is that if we stand firm in our principles to this resolution condemning the not a new fight. It has been waged for and remain true to our convictions, we President’s proposal for achieving suc- a decade. We have faced terrorists in can succeed. cess in Iraq and overall victory in the Beirut, we have faced terrorists in For that reason, I am going to vote global war on terror. We are not formu- Saudi Arabia, and we have faced terror- ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. lating policy today. We are not offering ists here on our own soil on September I rise today in opposition to this resolution the President an alternative. All this 11, 2001. condemning the President’s proposal for resolution is saying is that we do not We have learned it is absolutely es- achieving success in Iraq and overall victory in support our Commander in Chief, and sential to confront terrorists abroad the Global War on Terror. all it is doing is emboldening the ter- before they attack us at home. Despite FLAWED PROCESS rorist enemies we are facing today. what some of you may say, our with- I know I join many of my colleagues in la- I am the first to welcome an open drawal will not end the terrorist menting the process by which we are consid- discussion about our involvement in threat. After all, it is they who have ering this resolution. We are not formulating Iraq. But, without the opportunity to declared Iraq to be the central front in policy; we are not offering the President an al- consider an alternative, this is not the struggle. ternative. All this resolution is saying is that open discussion. Why isn’t this an open We cannot withdraw. We cannot send we do not support our Commander in Chief discussion? Because although the ma- our troops and other allies the message and all it is doing is emboldening our terrorist jority party has the authority to gov- that we will quit when the going gets enemies. ern, they have no plan to lead. tough. Instead, we must move forward While the valiant men and women of our For over a year, the majority party with the operations in Iraq, with the Armed Forces are fighting for freedom abroad, criticized the President for not making Iraqi people, to ensure that peace and the majority party has cut off democracy here changes in his strategy in Iraq. Well, stability take hold. We must change in the House of Representatives so that we the President has made changes, and our strategy as the situation in the may consider a partisan resolution. the majority party still is not satisfied. field dictates. To do otherwise would be I am the first to welcome an open discus- We can all agree that our progress foolish. sion about our involvement in Iraq, but without has not been as swift and decisive as we But by maintaining our commitment the opportunity to consider alternatives, this is once hoped. We all recognize that the in Iraq, we preserve the prospects of not an open discussion. And why is there no war in Iraq has carried on longer than peace. By withdrawing, we surrender open discussion? Because although the ma- we wanted and consumed more re- our chances of permanent stability in jority party has the authority to govern, they sources than we expected. However, we the Middle East. have no plan to lead. all knew from the beginning that it This resolution in so many words For over a year, the majority party criticized would not be easy, that the war against says that we cannot be successful, and the President for not making changes to his terror would not be a quick fight. we are bound to fail. I refuse to agree. strategy in Iraq. Well, the President has made

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.027 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1807 changes, and the majority party is still not sat- CONSEQUENCES OF WITHDRAWAL Most importantly, we must honor our troops isfied. Today, the majority party still opposes All we heard on this floor for the last year and the memory of those who have made the the President’s strategy, but they have not of- was talk about bipartisanship and cooperation. ultimate sacrifice for freedom by rejecting this fered any alternatives. They continue to criti- The talk was about the need to be more bipar- empty resolution. These brave men and cize—destructively and not constructively. tisan. Boy, we sure do have short memories. women risk their lives to provide peace and WINNING THE WAR IN IRAQ Despite the partisan atmosphere here in the security here at home and we are all proud to We can all agree that our progress has not House, the fact is that we have to be success- know such patriots. been as swift or as decisive as we once ful in Iraq because the consequences of our As members of Congress, we all understand hoped. We all recognize that the war in Iraq withdrawal would be disastrous. the responsibility we have when our nation has carried on longer than we wanted and Whether the majority would like to acknowl- calls our best and brightest to serve in harm’s consumed more resources than we first edge it or not, the fight we are engaged in way. These young men and women, full of thought. against terrorists in Iraq is not a new fight—it promise, voluntarily defend our nation wher- However, we all knew from the beginning has been waged for decades. We have faced ever they are called. that it would not be easy—that the war against terrorists in Beirut. We have faced terrorists in One such brave young man from my district terror is not something that would be a quick Saudi Arabia. And we have faced terrorists on was Marine Lance Corporal Abraham Simpson fight, but that it would take years. As history our own soil—on September 11, 2001. We from Chino, California. In early 2003, I pre- has taught us, war is not an easy prospect have learned that it is absolutely essential to sented Abraham with his Eagle Scout award and sometimes does not go according to plan. confront terrorists abroad before they may at- to recognize his achievement of the Boy But when the going gets tough, this does tack us at home. Scouts’ highest rank. A little less than two not mean that we should give in and come If we withdraw from Iraq, we give our ter- years later, in November 2004, Lance Cor- home. That is not the American way—that is rorist enemies—and they are our enemies—a poral Simpson made the ultimate sacrifice dur- not how America honors its commitments and safe haven from which to plan their attacks ing the Battle of Fallujah. He was just 19 carries out its obligations. And it is not how against us and our allies. Despite what some years old. America pays respect to those who have fall- of you may say, our withdrawal will not end When I presented his parents with a flag en in its service. the terrorist threat. After all, it is they who flown over the Capitol of this great Nation, it As we cannot—and must not—turn back, have declared Iraq to be the central front in was one of the most moving moments not we need a fresh approach to move forward. this struggle. If we withdraw, it will only en- only of my congressional career, but of my The President, along with his generals on the courage the terrorists. They will not rest until life. All I could say to Abraham’s father was, ground, has proposed a way forward. He has their agenda of violence and hatred is ad- ‘‘I voted to send him there.’’ He looked me put forth a strategy to suppress the sectarian vanced worldwide. We cannot withdraw. We square in the eyes and he said, ‘‘Congress- violence in Iraq to allow democratic reforms to cannot send our troops and our allies the man, it was the right vote.’’ take hold and economic institutions to flourish. message that we will quit when the going gets To honor his cousin’s sacrifice, Marine Ser- His plan is the only plan that provides for a tough. geant Jonathan Simpson, who had originally way forward in Iraq. While the majority party Instead, we must move forward with oper- joined the Marines as a flight navigator, asked proposes to stand still and do nothing, the ations in Iraq—with the Iraqi people—to en- to be transferred so he could fight on the front President’s plan aims to allow American forces sure that peace and stability take hold. We lines. Jonathan Simpson was killed during to stand down as the Iraqi people stand up. must change our strategy as the situation in combat operations in Iraq in October 2006. For us in Congress, it is not our job to be- the field dictates. To do otherwise would be Abraham and Jonathan Simpson, true come involved in the tactical decisions that will foolish. But by maintaining our commitment to American heroes, gave their lives in service to lead to success in our mission. It is our re- Iraq, we preserve the prospects of peace. By this Nation, and for that—and for all of our fall- sponsibility to help shape the parameters of withdrawing, we surrender our chances for en heroes—I will always be humbled and our mission and to conduct oversight on our grateful. Like so many other families across progress in achieving the mission. permanent stability in the Middle East. CONCLUSION our country, the Simpson family has made a Republicans in Congress have proposed great sacrifice for our Nation, our ideals, and setting verifiable benchmarks with which we The United States has a long and proud history of championing liberty. As a Civil War his- our freedom. may measure our progress in Iraq. These stra- This resolution, however, says to the world tegic benchmarks, concerning the transfer of tory enthusiast, I am reminded of the parallels between this generation’s fight against ter- that men and women like Lance Corporal military operations to Iraqi-led units, the devel- Simpson and Sergeant Simpson gave their opment of democratic institutions and the rule rorism and the Civil War. Both wars brought new and grave challenges to our people and lives for naught—that America cannot be suc- of law in Iraq, and increased regional coopera- cessful in the pursuit for which they nobly sac- tion and stabilization, are important in moving our way of life. Both struggles were fraught with opposition in the press and in Congress. rificed. I believe we can. I know if we stand forward in Iraq. Such benchmarks will help us firm in our principles and remain true to our hold the Iraqi regime responsible for the But imagine what would have happened to our nation if President Lincoln did not continue the convictions we can succeed. progress made toward democracy, stability, For this reason, I wholeheartedly oppose fight to preserve our union. and peace in their country. this empty resolution and strongly urge my There is, however, no attempt at oversight Just as Lincoln fought against all odds and colleagues to do the same. in this resolution. Once again, all the majority in the face of grave danger to ensure freedom party is doing is complaining without providing for all people and to preserve democracy, our b 1000 an alternative. We should be discussing our troops are doing the same today. Just as Lin- Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, may I responsibility at oversight today. But we are coln was successful by standing firm in his inquire as to the amount of debate not. We are left with debate on this empty and commitment to liberty and democracy, I time remaining. nonbinding resolution. strongly believe that we can—and will—be The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- TROOP SUPPORT AND FUNDING successful in Iraq if we are to ensure our free- tlewoman from Florida has 10 minutes No matter what, we must support funding dom for the future. remaining and the gentlewoman from for our troops that are serving in harm’s way— This resolution, in so many words, says that California has 14 minutes remaining. with no ifs, ands, or buts. I am a proud co- we cannot be successful—that we are bound Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, at sponsor of Congressman SAM JOHNSON’S bill to fail. I refuse to agree. I refuse to undercut this time I yield 5 minutes to my friend to ensure funding is not cut off or restricted for the bravel work of our troops by questioning and colleague, the gentleman from members of the Armed Forces deployed in their abilities. I refuse to abandon our Iraqi al- Texas (Mr. EDWARDS). Iraq or Afghanistan. We must support every lies when they need us the most. And I refuse Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, there effort in our fight against terrorists. to allow terrorism to flourish and our enemies are two fundamental questions we face If the majority allowed us the opportunity, I to be emboldened and thereby let you, the in voting on this resolution: First, is it would have gladly supported a vote on this bill American people, down. appropriate for Congress to express its to reaffirm to our troops, our constituents, and Instead, we must go forward. We must con- views on the escalation of U.S. troops our enemies that the House will not abandon tinue to support our troops and their important in Iraq? And second, is the escalation our Armed Forces—under any circumstances. work in Iraq. We must tell them loudly and the best use of military forces in our Unfortunately, Republican voices were shut clearly that the American people stand with war on terrorism? out of this process and we are left to consider them as they fight to bring liberty and security First let me say that it is wrong for this empty and non-binding resolution. to Iraq. anyone in this debate to question the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.006 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1808 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 patriotism of someone on the other First; I believe until the Iraqi gov- of my constituents, including Colonel side of that issue. That tactic was tried ernment creates a government that is John Saputo, who served in Iraq, and by Senator Joseph McCarthy in the respected by Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds, Colonel Lee Kitchen, who served in 1950s. It was wrong then, it is wrong no amount of U.S. forces can stop sec- Vietnam. We all agree that although now. tarian violence there in the long run. legitimate questions can be raised In our democracy, there is nothing Second; I want U.S. forces fighting about whether this surge strategy will patriotic about questioning the patri- terrorists, not standing on street cor- prove successful, the stakes are too otism of someone with an opposing ners in Baghdad as target practice for high, the threats to America too great view. We all love our country; we all Sunnis and Shiites locked into deep- to walk away without giving our support our troops; and we all want to rooted sectarian violence. troops one last chance to restore order defend America from terrorism. Third; I believe it is necessary to in Iraq. Passage of this resolution On the appropriateness of this resolu- send a blunt wake-up call to the Iraqi would deny our military leaders and tion being before the House, I believe political leaders that America has sac- our troops this one last opportunity. this debate is consistent with our rificed our sons and daughters and hun- Like all Americans, I want to bring Founding Fathers’ deep commitment dreds of billions of dollars for their na- our troops home safely, successfully to the constitutional checks and bal- tion, but we will not do so forever for and soon, but now is not the time for ances of government. They chose to an incompetent government that is rife an immediate withdrawal. Now is the make the President our Commander in with corruption and sectarian bias. time to support our troops, support the Chief of the Armed Forces. At the same This is not a test of America’s will, values they fight for, and do every- time, they chose not to give the Presi- rather, it is a test of the Iraqi govern- thing possible to give them the best dent the authority to declare war or to ment’s will to make the tough choices chance to succeed in their mission. fund a war. Those solemn responsibil- to ensure its nation’s own future. This resolution does nothing to help in ities were given to the Congress in arti- Fourth; with the increasingly serious those efforts. In fact, it does the oppo- cle I of the Constitution. situation in Afghanistan, where al site. It is for this reason that I must It is noteworthy that on the most Qaeda and the Taliban are resurging, oppose this resolution. solemn act of government, to put citi- we will definitely need additional U.S. Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, pur- zens into harm’s way, our Founding troops there to prevent the kind of suant to section 2 of House Resolution Fathers clearly chose to put in place chaos that is rampant in Iraq. 157, and as the designee of the majority constitutional checks and balances on For these reasons I believe this reso- leader, I demand that the time for de- the executive branch. This resolution lution is the appropriate and the right bate be enlarged by 1 hour, equally di- is a proper exercise of that constitu- thing to do. This resolution will send vided and controlled by the leaders or tional principle, especially given this an unequivocal message to the Iraqi their designees. war has now lasted longer than Amer- political leaders that the time to end The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under ica’s involvement in World War II, with their corruption, their incompetence, the rule, that will be the order. Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, at no end in sight. Blind allegiance to the and sectarian favoritism is over. When this time I am honored to yield 5 min- executive branch is not a constitu- that message is truly heard, then and utes to my friend and colleague, the only then will there be real hope for tional principle. gentlelady from New York (Ms. The second question before us is stable and lasting peace in Iraq. SLAUGHTER). whether the escalation in Iraq is the I urge support of this resolution. Ms. SLAUGHTER. I thank the best use of U.S. military forces in our Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I gentlelady for yielding to me. war on terrorism. am honored to yield 4 minutes to my Mr. Speaker, this week on the floor, After nearly 4 years of combat, two colleague from Florida (Mr. BU- the House will provide our Nation with facts are indisputable: First, our serv- CHANAN). a clear, unambiguous answer to the ice men and women have served our Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise most important question facing the Nation with courage and profes- today in opposition to this resolution. country: Will this body side with the sionalism. They and their families I oppose the resolution not for what it President’s approach to the war in have sacrificed above and beyond the says, but for what it does and what it Iraq, or will we demand change? call of duty, and I salute them. will lead to. Since Tuesday we have been debating Second; there have been major mis- As someone who enlisted at the age President Bush’s plan to escalate the takes made by policymakers in Wash- of 18 and spent 6 years as a member of war in Iraq. It is a debate that was long ington that have complicated at every the Air National Guard, I can tell you overdue and one which the American step the challenges our troops have firsthand that this resolution will un- people and our troops risking their faced in Iraq, dead wrong intelligence dermine our troops’ morale and dimin- lives in Iraq and Afghanistan deserve. on weapons of mass destruction and ish their ability to accomplish their The simple reality is that two-thirds Iraq’s involvement with September 11; mission. of the American public, including my- rejecting General Shinseki’s call to Passage of this resolution is also a self, do not trust the President’s judg- send an adequate amount of troops to first step towards cutting funding for ment when it comes to the war. It is a Iraq in 2003, the disbanding of the Iraqi our troops, and that is something that conflict that has been defined by mis- Army, the de-Baathification process, I absolutely cannot support. management and misinformation since inadequate armor for our troops; and Mr. Speaker, the war in Iraq is an it began, and the results have been dev- the repeated assertion that the insur- important part of the global war on astating for the Iraqi people and for gency was on its last leg, despite facts terror. Failure in Iraq will go beyond our men and women in uniform. to the contrary. being a disaster for American foreign We know that top administration of- Given mistakes made in the build-up policy. Failure would destabilize the ficials, men like Douglas Feith, abused to this war and its management, and country, destabilize the Middle East, the public trust and misused the work the enormity of this issue in terms of and make America less safe. of the intelligence community when lives at risk and our Nation’s future, it The American people are well aware making the case for the war. Since is time for Congress to give a voice to of al Qaeda’s plans to turn Iraq into a then, every piece of evidence suggests the clear majority of the American staging area to spread global ter- that the strategy employed by this ad- people who oppose escalation in Iraq. rorism. Failure in Iraq would also re- ministration has failed in Iraq. Sec- Since the President has already sult in diminished influence and credi- tarian strife in Iraq has not abated, started the escalation, I personally bility for America at a time when glob- with routine bombings that kill dozens hope and pray that he is right, and that al alliances are critical to address of civilians daily. The unemployment more U.S. troops in Iraq will lead to threats from Iran and North Korea. rate in Iraq is as high as 25 percent and long-term stability there. However, in Mr. Speaker, this week I have been 40 percent. Baghdad has only a few good conscience, I must express my briefed by the U.S. intelligence offi- hours of electricity per day. profound concerns for this policy for cers, foreign ambassadors from the re- Our troops have continued to pay the several reasons. gion, and I have reached out to many price of being caught in the middle of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.029 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1809 another nation’s civil war. 84 troops This escalation of the war is the nounced it was leaving. The prime min- were killed last month, 48 more have same failed strategy, all it will do is ister responded, in part: Thank you for been killed already this month. put more and more of our young men your offer to transport me towards At the same time, Mr. Speaker, cor- and women in harm’s way. That reality freedom. I cannot, alas, leave in such a ruption, fraud and lack of oversight has led it to be opposed by a bipartisan cowardly fashion. have haunted every aspect of our in- majority in this House. A Republican b 1015 volvement in Iraq. Stuart Bowen, the Representative recently said, ‘‘This is Special Inspector General for Iraq Re- not a fresh approach, it is just more of As for your great country, I never be- construction, has uncovered $10 billion the same.’’ lieved for a moment that you have the in reconstruction funding that simply The plan has been publicly opposed sentiment of abandoning people which disappeared once it was sent overseas. by numerous high-ranking generals, have chosen liberty. You have refused Projects critical to the rebuilding and such as General John Abizaid, General us your protection and we can do noth- stabilization of Iraq society have been Colin Powell and General James T. ing about it. You leave, and my wish is handed out to private firms, using no- Conway, the Commandant of the Ma- that you and your country will find bid contracts, firms that failed to live rine Corps. He recently said that the happiness under the sky. But mark it up to their responsibilities. Joint Chiefs ‘‘do not believe that just well, that if I shall die here on this To cite one example, the construc- adding numbers for the sake of adding spot and in my country that I love, it tion of a new Baghdad police college to numbers, just thickening the mix, is is no matter because we are all born train Iraqi security officers, a $75 mil- the necessary way to go.’’ and we must die. I have only com- lion project of vital importance to sta- We need to stop this escalation and mitted this mistake in believing in bility, was completely undermined by a change what we are doing in Iraq. We you, the Americans. private construction company. The need to promote a political solution The very next day the New York work was so shoddy that the class- and a diplomatic solution to the prob- Times reported the evacuation with rooms it built posed a health risk to lems. the following headline, ‘‘Indochina the students and had to be abandoned. I urge the passage of this resolution. Without Americans: For Most, a Better That same fraud and lack of oversight Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Life.’’ for years have posed mortal risk to our am pleased to yield 5 minutes to Mr. As for the Prime Minister, he was soldiers. FOSSELLA, who represents the families shot; and it took him 3 days to die In January of 2006, we learned that 80 of multiple victims of the 9/11 attacks without medical help. Every other gov- percent of the U.S. Marines who had on our Nation. ernment official and their families died of upper body wounds in Iraq (Mr. FOSSELLA asked and was given were executed, and one to two million would have lived if they had had the permission to revise and extend his re- Cambodians were rousted from their proper armor. A Pentagon report remarks.) homes and led to the slaughter like leased last month stated once again Mr. FOSSELLA. I thank the lady for cattle. that our troops have been sent into yielding. Is this the fate we wish to leave mil- battle time and time again without Mr. Speaker, the question before us lions of Iraqis who have tasted freedom proper armor equipment, a reality is whether the front line in the war on after decades of oppression? which still exists today. terrorism moves from Baghdad back to Is this the fate we wish for our allies This simply hasn’t been a case of America. and the leaders who are nurturing an going to war with the army you have, Although this resolution is non- infant democracy? as Mr. Rumsfeld said. We have faced binding, the message it sends to our Is this the legacy we choose for our these shortages in part because the troops on the battlefield and to our en- airmen and our soldiers and for those Pentagon contracts were given to com- emies is crystal clear. Our words have heroes who have fallen? panies who weren’t up to the job and consequences, as powerful as our ac- With an open mind I have spent couldn’t meet the demands of the con- tions. We must choose them carefully, hours this week listening to the de- flict. for they are being listened to all over bate. Like many Americans, I was will- A legitimate question might be, are the world. And the words this Congress ing to listen to new ideas and explore a we funding the troops or are we fund- speaks today will send a message to new course in Iraq. But an opportunity ing crooked contractors and Iraqi gov- both our allies and enemies about our was wasted, because all I have heard is ernment officials? Hundreds of dollars resolve. no from the other side. I have not have simply disappeared. These are It is not a contradiction to support heard a plan, nor have I heard a strat- borrowed dollars, ladies and gentlemen, our warriors in battle and also to seek egy. mainly from China. a lasting peace. That principle has And let me be clear. It is not my My friends on the other side of the guided us through tougher times than place to question one’s motivation or aisle made two arguments against the this. Indeed, it is America’s gift from patriotism. But I can question judg- resolution. They have told us that to one generation to the next that we cre- ment. This resolution is either an en- condemn the President’s surge means ate a Nation that is stronger, freer, dorsement of the status quo or a clar- that this Congress is giving up in Iraq, more prosperous, and more likely to ion call of retreat, and neither is ac- and they told us that we cannot sup- enjoy God’s world in peace. ceptable to me or to many in this port the troops without supporting To abdicate this responsibility for Chamber. their mission. political expediency is a dereliction of Some now talk about a slow bleed Our troops have done their job in duty and a sign of lost faith in the strategy to cut off funding for our Iraq and they have risked their lives promise of America. troops. I ask, if we surrender this bat- countless times, but now they are Throughout history, it has been prov- tlefield, which battlefield will our being asked to do something that no en that you cannot surrender the bat- enemy choose next? Will it be New army can do, find a military solution tlefield and still win the war. This war York? Will it be Los Angeles? Will it be to a political problem. If the mission on terrorism was thrust upon us. Amer- Washington, D.C.? Appeasement does we have given our brave soldiers is the ica and other free nations were at- not work. Just look back. The World wrong one, and the past 4 years prove tacked by evil forces. To leave these Trade Center in 1993, Somalia, the that it is, why would we help our en- forces unchecked would stoke the insa- Khobar Towers, Kenya and Tanzania, emies by refusing to change course? If tiable appetite of the beast. We know the USS Cole and, of course, September that mission is the wrong one, how is this because we have seen it before. 11, 2001. supporting the mission that is wrong Regarding the fall of Cambodia, This copy of the Staten Island Ad- supporting the troops? If the mission is Henry Kissinger wrote: vance, my local paper, shows the faces the wrong one, then how is demanding Sirik Matak, who was the prime min- of some of the victims, 240 on this a change giving up? Giving up means ister, was asked by then Ambassador sheet alone. These are the people I just the opposite, it means insisting on John Dean if he would like to be evacu- knew, and they were the people who we a continuing failing strategy. ated, as the United States had just an- promised, these 240 people who left 450

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.030 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1810 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 children without parents because they In the 19th century, Congress went so take a leading role in their own secu- perished because evil people attacked far as to require President Andrew rity, a plan to isolate violent extre- this country. We made a promise to Johnson to obtain the signature of mism and protect Iraq’s citizens, a plan them that we will never let this happen General Ulysses S. Grant to any of the to make room for political and eco- again. I ask you, do we break that cov- President’s military orders before it nomic progress. enant? Do we surrender to the beast? could become valid. The President Most importantly, though, this is a To that I simply respond, no. obeyed. plan for victory, to stabilize Iraq, to se- Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I am President Truman was forced in the cure Iraq’s democratic future, and then happy to yield 5 minutes to my friend Youngstown Steel case to recognize to bring our troops home. and colleague, the gentleman from Or- that his powers as Commander in Chief In testimony before the Senate egon (Mr. WU). were severely limited when they under- Armed Forces committee, General Mr. WU. Fanaticism, George mined congressional decisions. Even David Petraeus, the commanding offi- Santyana famously said, is ‘‘redoubling though a steel strike seriously affected cer in Iraq, described the implementa- your effort when you have forgotten our ability to fight the Korean war, the tion of the President’s plan, as ‘‘a test your aim.’’ Commander in Chief could not act of wills.’’ Let us measure our efforts against independently of Nation’s laws. General Petraeus confirmed that the our aims in Iraq. After great effort, President Bush needs to learn that congressional action against the Presi- Saddam is dead. After long effort, we we are a Nation of laws and that no one dent’s new plan would only encourage have established there are no WMD. We in America is above the law. He needs our enemies. Today, the will of the have eliminated Iraq as a threat to its to listen to the American people. He House of Representatives is being put neighbors. We have achieved the Presi- should heed our professional military, to the test. dent’s Iraq war aims. rather than shop for a convenient opin- Underpinning the resolution before Why are we sending 21,000 more ion. us today are calls to defund our mili- troops there, rather than redeploying The American people understand the tary in a time of war. This proposal all our troops out of Iraq? Because we challenges in Iraq are political and most certainly does not pass the test of have forgotten our aims. Now we ref- that no amount of military force can wills. Rather, it puts us on a path to eree a civil war between the peoples of retrieve the situation. Only the Iraqis defeat. Iraq. The President admitted as much can solve the problems of Iraq. Our The expulsion of U.S. troops from in his State of the Union, saying ‘‘This staying merely delays their day of full Iraq is critical to al Qaeda’s plan to is not the war we entered but the war responsibility, and that is why this spread their deadly jihad beyond Sep- that we are in.’’ tember 11, 2001, beyond Iraq’s borders, The use of force resolution we passed Iraqi government asked us not to esca- and into the greater Middle East and in 2002 nowhere authorizes our partici- late until, like our own generals, they the rest of the world. pation in an Iraqi civil war. It has, were browbeaten into submission by Failing to achieve victory in Iraq therefore, expired. The President must President Bush. will roll back the clock in the war on come back to Congress for reauthoriza- We must end this war with a min- terror, giving al Qaeda the opportunity tion if he wishes to war further in Iraq imum of domestic recrimination, a or to extend the war to Iran. maximum of motive and opportunity to establish a base in the heart of the The fact that we are in a civil war is for the many peoples of Iraq to solve Arab world, a place to train, rebuild re- backed up by our own national intel- their own problems without genocide, sources, and plot the demise of Amer- ligence estimate, as well as my con- one last chance to win the war in Af- ican citizens across the globe. versations with soldiers who served, ghanistan, the last known mailing ad- A rapid U.S. withdrawal would lead serve or who will serve in Iraq. dress of Osama bin Laden, and we must to chaos, sectarian genocide, and mili- I share with you a typical comment: begin the long task of rebuilding Amer- tary intervention by Iraq’s neighbors. ‘‘I joined the Army, and I will go as ica’s foreign policy on its traditional We can, as the President has pro- many times as they send me. But I will bipartisan basis. posed, pass the test of wills and imple- tell you what. These folks have been We must forsake fanaticism and ment our plan for victory. The alter- killing each other for 1,000 years. They never forget our national aims. native to the President’s plan is to re- are killing each other today and may My colleagues, this President has treat from our objectives, setting the kill each other for another thousand never had the authorization from Con- stage for regional conflict in which ter- years. I just don’t see what good we are gress to enter a civil war in Iraq. Our rorist agitators like al Qaeda, Hamas doing there.’’ mission is done. Bring the troops home. and Hezbollah will thrive. This loyal soldier deserves our sup- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Radical Islamists have declared war port and our protection. am honored to yield 4 minutes to the on the United States. This is a harsh JOHN MURTHA’s efforts to craft an gentlelady from Wyoming (Mrs. CUBIN). and striking reality. We did not choose emergency supplemental appropria- Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in to be put in the cross-hairs of terror- tions bill to protect our troops is com- opposition to House Concurrent Reso- ists, and yet we have been for decades. mendable. No soldier should be repeat- lution 63. We do have a choice, however, in edly deployed to Iraq without being This proposal sends a dangerous mes- whether or not we have the will to win rested, retrained and ready. To do so sage to the terrorists in Iraq. It in- this war. My choice is to provide for otherwise is an abuse of our citizen sol- forms them that they have succeeded the safety of our citizens and the secu- diers. It is a criminal dereliction of in dividing us, that they should con- rity of future generations. My choice is duty. It is an abuse of power. tinue training their fighters, rebuilding to oppose today’s misguided and dan- The Constitution gives Congress the their resources, and then they should gerous resolution. My choice is to vote express power to regulate the military. attack with their full force when we ‘‘no,’’ and I urge my colleagues to vote We must exercise this responsibility leave. ‘‘no.’’ and stop the abuse of our troops by There is no denying the difficulty of Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, at building thoughtful guidelines into our our current situation in Iraq. Terrible this time I am happy to yield 5 minutes defense appropriations bills. fractures exist along ethnic and reli- to my friend and colleague, the Some want us to believe that we gious fault lines. The need to stabilize gentlelady from New York (Ms. must either stand aside and let the Baghdad has never been more apparent. CLARKE). President have his way or use the blunt All these realities are reflected in the Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise axe of cutting off all funding for the President’s new way forward, which is today in unwavering support of our Iraq war. Not true. Not only does the much more than just an increase in troops. I support our troops who are Constitution give to Congress, not the troop strength. stationed around the globe and, par- President, the power and responsibility On January 10, the President changed ticularly, those stationed in harm’s to regulate the military, there is ample the strategy on how we will fight this way in places like Iraq and Afghani- precedent to support Congress’s au- war. The President has laid out in stan. That is why I wholeheartedly sup- thority in wartime. great detail a plan for the Iraqis to port H. Con. Res. 63 which disapproves

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.032 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1811 of the President’s decision to deploy As the representative of the 11th Dis- Shi’a factions of the Iraqi population. more than 20,000 additional combat trict from New York, I and my con- With the current lack of commitment troops to Iraq, because support of our stituents deeply resent the lies and de- of some Iraqi security forces and police troops means I must vote to move ceptions thrust upon us to justify this forces to deal effectively with this vio- them out of harm’s way. war by creating a distraction away lence, I am not confident of success of This 110th Congress debate marks the from homeland security we all require this surge into Baghdad. Nonetheless, I beginning of the end of the U.S. inva- as an inalienable right. The fire that I do think the strategy is correct in call- sion and occupation of Iraq and a re- witnessed that refused to die was ing for additional American troops to alignment of our strategy utilizing stamped out by the resilience of New go to Anbar Province to fight al Qaeda America’s might against the war on Yorkers, Americans who believe in our terrorists in that part of Iraq and to terror. democracy and the ultimate victory of add more troops along the Iraq-Iranian Mr. Speaker, we now know that noth- good over evil. border to interdict the flow of arms ing said in justification of this war was The question I have and the question and more terrorists. fact. It was all fiction created by this of the people from New York and the But, unfortunately, again, this reso- administration to justify the unjustifi- rest of America wants answered is: lution does not differentiate between able. When will Osama bin Laden be brought these critical elements of the Presi- Our military service men and women to justice? dent’s strategy and, therefore, on its are doing their duty. They have accom- Thanks to the failed policies of this face is weak and flawed. plished their mission. They have administration, Iraq is now in the The third reason to oppose this reso- brought Saddam Hussein to justice. Re- midst of a civil war. Due to the lies and lution is that it serves to undercut the member, ‘‘Mission Accomplished.’’ deceptions, the civil war in Iraq is now morale and the support of our fighting This administration has distracted us raging. We must redeploy our troops men and women at the very time they from the real war on terror, the war now. Thus far, there are 135,544 troops are carrying out their orders. The with al Qaeda. When are we going to deployed in Iraq today. President’s decision of January 10 is bring Osama bin Laden to justice? Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I now being implemented. Our troops are In Afghanistan, U.S. Central Com- am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the already carrying out this mission in mand General Tommy Franks, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. the field. war’s operational commander, mis- GERLACH), with whom I had the oppor- I know of no instance in our Nation’s judged the interest of our Afghan al- tunity to visit his Pennsylvania troops history when Congress has passed a lies. He ran the war from Tampa, with in Iraq and Afghanistan. resolution disapproving a mission no commander on the ground above the Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I thank while that mission is in progress in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The first the gentlewoman for yielding. field. Can any proponent of this resolu- Americans did not arrive until 3 days Mr. Speaker, the status quo in Iraq is tion come to the floor and cite a case into the fighting. unacceptable, and allowing our en- where Congress has undertaken this It is noted that Osama bin Laden emies to win is unacceptable, too. type of action while a mission is al- slipped through the cordon ostensibly Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge my col- ready under way? placed around Tora Bora as U.S. air- leagues to oppose this House Democrat Any politician, it seems to me, who craft began bombing on November 30, leadership resolution, H. Con. Res. 63, openly disapproves of an ongoing mis- 2002. More precisely, bin Laden was in for three specific reasons: sion in the field only undercuts troop Tora Bora on November 26, 2002, spoke First, the language of the resolution spirit and morale as they move for- to his fighters about the fight being a is essentially meaningless. Its passage ward, and that clearly lends support to holy war, then, as quickly as he had will place the Congress on the side of the aims and the goals of our enemies. come, bin Laden vanished in the pine the status quo. But don’t accept my view on this. Lis- forest with four of his loyalists walk- I heard the Speaker say a few days ten to Gary Kurpius, the National ing in the direction of Pakistan. ago that it is time for a ‘‘new direc- Commander of the Veterans of Foreign b 1030 tion’’ in Iraq. But where is this ‘‘new Wars, who states that this resolution Bin Laden escaped somewhere be- direction’’ in this resolution? It doesn’t debate is ‘‘a major distraction to U.S. tween November 28 and November 30, demand that all the troops return forces because it does nothing to im- 2002, in Afghanistan. home. It doesn’t advise the President prove the morale or strength of their Mr. Speaker, 5 years ago, Depart- to send more troops or even to reassign resolve.’’ ment of Defense Secretary Paul or relocate one soldier who is in the So while I cannot support this resolu- Wolfowitz said, ‘‘He,’’ meaning Osama field today. It simply states, in es- tion for these reasons, I do believe bin Laden, ‘‘doesn’t have a lot of good sence, the current plan is bad. That there is a ‘‘new direction’’ for us, as options.’’ Obviously, that was false. may be good politics for some in this Republicans and Democrats, to unite Further, it was reported that the ad- Chamber, but it is highly irresponsible behind and support. H. Con. Res. 45, in- ministration pays bin Laden no atten- and is certainly no way to fight a war. troduced by Congressman FRANK WOLF, tion, and that is evidenced by the fact If Congress wants to be a true part- would declare Congress’s support for that official reports no longer identify ner in this fight, we must offer clear the numerous recommendations of the Osama bin Laden as a threat. The ad- guidance, not mere criticism of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, a distin- ministration anticipated that they Commander in Chief. Unfortunately, guished group of Republicans and would have bin Laden erased by Sep- this resolution is irresponsibly silent Democrats that have set forth a plan of tember 11, 2002. They failed at that on what the ‘‘new direction’’ ought to action deserving of administration, mission. be. congressional, and public support. Again, the failure of this administra- The second reason to oppose this res- Included in the group’s recommendation to get the job done, to secure our olution is that it is fundamentally tion is the call to establish milestones homeland, and to get the man who vague and ambiguous. By only saying of success for military training, gov- masterminded the attacks upon us and that Congress opposes the President’s ernment stability, national reconcili- continues to recruit and train al Qaeda troop surge proposal of January 10, the ation, which would result in Iraqis tak- agents is parallel to the failures of the resolution does not differentiate being control of their country and allow- mission in Iraq. The administration did tween the positive aspects of what the ing our troops to withdraw; number not plan to fail; they failed to plan. President called for on that date and two, to create an Iraq International I support the men and women who the more controversial elements as Support Group to work with the Iraqi put their lives on the line for our lib- well. government to achieve these mile- erty. I am indebted to them, the sac- For example, I continue to have a stones; and, three, to focus U.S. assist- rifices that they have made, and that is tremendous concern over the Presi- ance on training of Iraqi police forces why I support this resolution. We must dent’s plan for increasing our military and military personnel with the goal of redeploy and make preparations to force level in Baghdad to fight the sec- completing the training by early 2008 leave Iraq today. tarian violence between the Sunni and so American troops can return home.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.033 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1812 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 Contrary to the flawed, simplistic, that they have never had, in the 4 Therefore, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of and purely political resolution before years now, enough up-armored vehicles the people of Houston’s District Seven, us, the Wolf resolution offers clear, bi- to be able to do their patrols. We have I will vote no, to tell our enemies and partisan, and nonpolitical direction for failed to provide the body armor and our friends that Americans will never Congress to support and to promote in Kevlar vests that are necessary and in quit and Americans will never sur- this very difficult time in our involve- the quantities that are needed. render in the fight to preserve, protect, ment in Iraq. Therefore, I urge my col- The embarrassment of the conduct of and defend American freedom. leagues to vote down H. Con. Res. 63 this war is only equal to the stupidity Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I am and for the Democrat leadership in the that took us to Iraq in the first place. very honored at this time to yield 5 House to immediately allow H. Con. And what we need to do is not just vote minutes to my friend and colleague Res. 45 to be voted in the full House. in support of this resolution but this from the great State of California (Mr. Because the status quo in Iraq is unac- Congress would do better if we would WAXMAN), the chairman of the Over- ceptable and victory for our enemies is understand that our young men and sight and Government Reform Com- also unacceptable. women don’t wear Democrat or Repub- mittee. Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I am lican dog tags. They are sons and b 1045 happy at this time to yield 5 minutes daughters of our country. They are pre- to my friend and colleague, the gen- cious. Their willingness to sacrifice on Mr. WAXMAN. I thank my good tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. behalf of our Nation should not be friend for yielding to me. FATTAH). taken for granted. Mr. Speaker, this administration has Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Speaker, I thank We should move to redeploy. Forget mishandled the situation in Iraq from the gentlewoman for yielding me time. the question of an additional surge. the very beginning. My colleague from Pennsylvania is Why would we want to have our young It misled the country into a war concerned about victory for our en- people in a situation where the only based on false and misleading state- emies. Well, the victory for our en- time the Sunnis and the Shiites stop ments about the threat from Iraq. emies is made possible by our pursuing killing each other is when they both It failed to plan for the aftermath of a failed policy. are willing to turn their weapons the military victory. We are creating an inevitable situa- against our young people? It assumed that we would be greeted tion in which our country continues to We are in the middle of a civil war. as liberators, the occupation would be lose prestige and support around the Clearly, in the case of a civil war, the brief, and that Iraq would pay for its world. But, much more importantly, definition suggests that we are unwel- own reconstruction. we are losing the precious lives of our come visitors. We should redeploy. It sent our troops to battle with dan- young people; and tens of thousands And if there are needs, and I think gerous shortages in body armor and de- there are, for peacekeeping and sta- have been injured. vices needed to defuse remote-con- I was over at Walter Reed. I met and bilization forces, we should ask some of trolled bombs. visited with some of the wounded sol- our friendly Arab countries in the re- It sent in too few troops to Iraq to diers. And I will never forget the day I gion to provide some of their troops. provide security, leaving the Iraqi peo- met Cassandra Bryant, 20 years old, We provide over $1 billion a year to the ple to rely on their sectarian militias Egyptian military, one of the largest in who lost both her legs to an improvised to give them some protection from the the world and the largest in the Arab explosive device in Iraq. She was in a chaos. world. They do joint training with our mechanical unit that was supposedly It disbanded the Iraqi army and, troops and have done so for decades. If nowhere near the front line, but, none- through an anti-Baathists campaign, there is a need for troops, let us get our theless, for the rest of her life, she will gave the Sunnis a sense that the U.S. young people out of the way. And since have to go without her legs. Her sac- was aiding the Shiites against them. the President said we went there in rifice on behalf of our country, if in the It refused to take on war profit- part to stabilize the region for our face of a national security threat, eering, even as auditors, investigators friendly Arab neighbors, let them step would be understandable, and she was and inspector generals unearthed mas- forward now and secure the region. sive graft, fraud and abuse by recon- prepared to even give more. But to sac- Our young people have done the hard struction contractors. rifice so much. Our young people have work. They have done the heavy lift- It alienated the Iraqi people with the done it in a place in a war that we ing. They have died on the fields of bat- shameful and criminal acts of Abu should have never fought, we should tle in Iraq, and it is time for this Con- Ghraib prison. have never been in. gress to act responsibly. Let us rise on What we now have in Iraq is a defeat. There was ample information and this day and speak not just in symbol evidence that Saddam possessed no but in substance on behalf of the fight- We cannot achieve the illusions of the weapons of mass destruction. The ing men and women of the American Bush administration that we will be international inspectors were forced military. able to create a stable, unified, liberal out of the country when, first of all, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I democracy in Iraq that is pro-Amer- they found none and they wanted to am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the ican. Instead, we have sectarian fight- continue their work. gentleman from Texas (Mr. ing, death squads and a destabilized This administration rushed to judg- CULBERSON), a member of the Appro- Middle East that threatens to be en- ment into a war in which we have priations Committee. gulfed by the nightmare that we have spent hundreds of billions of dollars Mr. CULBERSON. Mr. Speaker, the unleashed. and in which over 3,000 young people vote today is very simple: Will Amer- The administration’s mistakes have have lost their lives. And in Philadel- ica give up and walk away from the weakened our fight against al Qaeda. phia, for Mrs. Zappala and for Mrs. Jeff fight to preserve American civiliza- In fact, the war has enhanced the Coat and for other mothers and fathers tion? Are we proud of our military and group’s terrorist recruitment. The who have lost their sons and daughters will we support them and protect them planned escalation in Iraq will divert in Iraq, this war and this effort in Iraq, in time of war? more troops, resources and attention which some suggest if we would just The people of Houston’s District from the pursuit of Osama bin Laden’s prosecute it more vigorously would Seven are immensely proud of the men operation in Afghanistan; and we have somehow overnight become a success, and women of our Armed Forces. We enhanced the influence of Iran, not just we need to look at the conduct of this want our soldiers and their com- in Iraq but throughout the region. war on behalf of our Armed Forces. manders and our Commander in Chief The President proposes an escalation This administration has failed our to know that we will always support of a failed policy. The fighting now troops on the ground on so many occa- them and to know that we will do our only prolongs our losses and blocks the sions. On one occasion, there was a best to protect them, especially in way to a new strategy. We are trying shortage of bullets. On others, we have time of war; and we thank them for now to mediate a civil war, which is seen reports that they were not having keeping us safe and free from another impossible. Instead, we are being drawn access to enough long rifles. We know terrorist attack for 1,985 days. into that civil war by trying to prop up

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.034 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1813 a government that, in the final anal- If we are in support of our military in Iraq was tried in 2004, 2005 and 2006. ysis, cannot unite the country. men and women, we must support their Each time, it failed to reduce violence Politically, this administration has mission against Islamic jihadists. The and only served to inflame anti-Amer- tied the faith of American soldiers to a alternative is defeat in Iraq and a ican sentiment. Shi’a-dominated government that greater threat of attack here at home. Under the President’s plan, it is still lacks the authority, the will and the A defeat in Iraq would not just be a the American troops that do most of manpower to stop the roving gangs and defeat for the United States. It would the fighting and, regrettably, will do insurgent militias that have shattered also set back any chance for peace and most of the dying. For any decent out- Iraqi society. Instead of acknowledging stability in the Middle East. It would come in Iraq, the President has to be these failures and embarking on a new empower terrorists to unleash greater serious about setting and enforcing course of action, the President gives us sectarian violence, which would draw deadlines. The President needs to de- more of the same: Send more troops to all of Iraq’s neighbors into a Sunni mand that Prime Minister Maliki stop Iraq. versus Shi’a conflict for control of protecting the militias and make clear We need to redefine our mission and Iraq. there will be serious consequences if he our hopes for ‘‘success.’’ Our goal I am also concerned about the resolu- continues to do so. should be to try to stabilize the situation because it does not offer any alter- The problem in Iraq is the same as it tion, stop the killing, contain the vio- native whatsoever that could lead to a was when the conflict started: Amer- lence. successful outcome for the United ican war planners never provided the We cannot do it alone, and we cannot States in Iraq. All the resolution does resources to successfully create a vital do it militarily. We must seek a diplo- is to criticize the President’s plan to and secure center from which a func- matic strategy with Iraq’s neighbors augment our existing force in Iraq by tioning society could evolve. and the international community. 21,000-plus troops. The history is clear. Modern Iraq was Certainly, it will take more action The Democratic resolution offers no born out of a strong nationalist aspira- than just the resolution before us to other plan. It does not address what tion in the early 20th century. Shi’a, bring about the policy changes that we should be the right strategy or the Sunni, Christians and Jews stood need. The Congress must stand ready right tactics. In effect, and I think this united against the British and peace- to use the checks and balances nec- is the real issue, it endorses the status fully created and coexisted in a new, essary to extract ourselves from the quo in Iraq, a position that I certainly ethnically diverse Iraq. morass we face in Iraq. We can do that can’t support, and I hear lots of those Then, Iraqis prayed at each other’s through more oversight, but it is also that are supporting this say they can’t mosques. Today, Shi’a and Sunni mili- time for Congress to use the appropria- support either, but they are de facto tias bomb each other’s mosques with tions process to end this war. impunity. Last month, 70 college stu- We should pass this resolution and supporting the status quo by sup- dents were slaughtered by a car bomb make it clear to the President that we porting this resolution. I look forward to the majority offer- in Baghdad. Iraqi weddings, funerals will not stand for more of the same. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ing a comprehensive proposal that and schools are the regular targets of yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from would set forth a specific course of ac- suicide bombers. These are called ‘‘re- California (Mr. GALLEGLY), a member tion. Then we could have a real debate venge killings.’’ They are carried out of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on the pros and cons of the Democratic in the name of destiny and in the name and the ranking member of a sub- plan versus the President’s plan to se- of God. committee. cure Iraq and defeat the terrorists in Where is the outrage? Where is the Mr. GALLEGLY. I thank the that country. Unfortunately, the reso- condemnation for these atrocities in gentlelady for yielding. lution before us fails to do this, and the Arab Muslim community? Nowhere Mr. Speaker, my concern about the therefore I can’t support it. It should does the Koran talk about revenge Iraq resolution offered by my friends be rejected. killings, violence, hate or intolerance. on the other side of the aisle is what Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I am The Koran describes the Prophet Mu- impact it will have on our troops and very proud to yield 5 minutes to my hammad as the Prophet of Mercy. At our mission and its consequences on friend and colleague, the gentleman the core of Islamic belief is compas- our mission. How can you say support from New York (Mr. HIGGINS). sion, forgiveness and tolerance: To you our troops when you don’t support Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, as this your faith and to me mine. sending in the people necessary to back debate comes to a close, much has been Absent the real possibility of a func- them up to do the job that we sent said. Certainly not everything. The tioning government, a functioning so- them there to do to start with? House is considering a resolution con- ciety, a functioning economy, the Na- Let’s be clear, Mr. Speaker, about cerning the Iraq war. It expresses the tional Unity Government of Iraq can- who the real enemy is. We are at war unequivocal support of this body for not succeed because it lacks legitimacy with the Islamic jihadists. Jihadists the American troops serving in Iraq in the very eyes of those it seeks to have vowed to destroy America, the and for their families. This resolution govern. Elections and forming govern- West and all sympathizers with democ- expresses opposition to the President’s ments are the symbols of democracy. racy. We are at war for our very exist- planned surge, escalation, augmenta- Legitimacy in the eyes of the governed ence against jihadists who have vowed tion. Call it what you will. But, more is the substance of democracy and that to enslave us with a fundamentalist than anything else, this resolution op- of free and open societies throughout philosophy that rejects all human poses the administration’s deeper com- the world. rights. mitment to a fundamentally and deep- Madam Speaker, I don’t stand here as The consequences of failure in Iraq ly flawed military strategy. a partisan. I am an American, and I are not just failure in Iraq. Iraq’s sta- The fact is that Prime Minister Nuri want my country to succeed. I want my bility has direct repercussions on Iran, al-Maliki lacks the authority or the President to succeed, regardless of Saudi Arabia, Israel and all of the Mid- will to confront Shi’a militias. To do so party affiliation, regardless of who he dle East. If our efforts to bring peace would result in a major confrontation or she may be. and stability to Iraq are successful, we with the militia leader Moqtada al- The fact of the matter is, we have an will accomplish a great deal. If not, if Sadr, without whom the Iraqi govern- obligation to tell the truth to the Iraq fails, it will provide Islamic ment has little support. These dan- American people at every level, mili- jihadists with a sanctuary similar to gerous Iraqi alliances and compelling tarily and politically. This strategy, the one we removed from Afghanistan, evidence of a strong Iranian alliance advanced and sustained by this admin- only the sanctuary in Iraq would be demonstrates how weak the National istration, has been an abject failure. many times worse, as the terrorists Unity Government is and how patheti- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would have access to billions of dollars cally dependent we are on them for am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the of oil resources to carry out their evil success in Iraq. gentleman from Ohio (Mr. CHABOT), a plans. Such a sanctuary would threat- Mr. Speaker, the American people de- member of our Foreign Affairs Com- en Europe and the United States. serve much better. Surging troop levels mittee.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.036 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1814 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 Mr. CHABOT. Thank you, Madam better prepare Iraqi forces. So now it is friend and colleague, the gentleman Chair. time for the Iraqi government to dem- from New Jersey (Mr. ROTHMAN), a Mr. Speaker, I first want to express onstrate that it has the ability to con- member of the Defense appropriations our appreciation to the brave men and front the problems facing their coun- subcommittee. women of our Armed Forces. I have try, both politically and militarily. Mr. ROTHMAN. I thank the met with our troops in Iraq and in Af- That is why it is so important that we gentlelady. ghanistan and our wounded soldiers in hold the Iraqi government accountable Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hos- for what they say they are going to do expressing my deepest appreciation and pitals and the families of those who and require them to take the lead in gratitude to the men and women of our have paid the ultimate sacrifice de- securing their Nation. The Iraqi gov- Armed Forces, to the families of those fending our freedoms. We thank them ernment and the Iraqi people must rec- who have died, who have been wounded for their unwavering commitment to ognize that they, not American troops, or are presently in harm’s way. our country and believe we owe it to are responsible for the future of their My prayers and all of my efforts as a them to have an open and honest de- country. United States Congressman are debate regarding our next steps in Iraq. With that being said, we must con- voted to ensuring the well-being and Mr. Speaker, there is no question tinue to support our troops and com- support of our military, as they fight that the war in Iraq has been chal- manders on the ground by giving them to protect our Nation, to honoring lenging. We are fighting a war against the resources they need to be success- their memories, and to helping them terrorists and radical Islamic militants ful. It would be a tragic mistake to cut when they return to our country. Mr. Speaker, after we deposed Sad- who are determined to kill as many off funding or limit support for our dam Hussein and removed him from Americans as possible. They believe troops fighting against terrorists power, it became clear to most Ameri- that killing American soldiers will abroad. We also must be very careful cans and most people around the world drive us out of Iraq and out of the Mid- about the message we send to our allies that so much of what our President had dle East, allowing radical terrorists and our enemies and, most impor- told us about Iraq was not true. There free rein and a base to expand their in- tantly, to our troops in the field who were no weapons of mass destruction in fluence around the world. have performed with great courage. Iraq. Saddam had no intention of send- These are the same radical Islamic The bipartisan Iraq Study Group has ing Iraqi agents to slaughter Ameri- militants who bombed the World Trade stated that it could support a shorter cans on our shores, and Saddam had Center in 1993, the Khobar Towers in redeployment or surge of American 1996, the embassies in Kenya and Tan- precious little, if any, contact with for- combat forces to stabilize Baghdad or zania in 1998 and the USS Cole in 2000. eign terrorists or anyone else who to speed up the training and equipping We surely can’t forget the slaughter of wanted to do harm to America. mission, if the U.S. commander in Iraq 3,000 innocent American citizens on our Mr. Speaker, now after nearly 4 years determines that such steps would be ef- soil. And just last year a couple ar- and the death of more than 3,100 Amer- fective, and that is a quote from the rested in Britain planned to use their 6- ican servicemen and -women, after Iraq Study Group report. Well, General month-old baby as a human bomb to more than 23,000 American men and Petraeus says that it can be effective. destroy a civilian airliner over the At- women have been wounded, and after Clearly, the path forward must in- lantic Ocean. the United States has spent almost clude military and political strategic one-half a trillion U.S. taxpayer dollars 1100 b benchmarks so that we are in a posi- in Iraq, I believe we have met our We must recognize that we are deal- tion to measure the progress and com- moral obligation to the people of Iraq. ing with irrational, radical, maniacal mitment of the Iraqi government, but We have given the Iraqi people an op- monsters who will not respond to diplo- we must also be willing to give our portunity over nearly 4 years to decide matic niceties. troops, who have sacrificed so much for whether they will live together with Mr. Speaker, we all know that the our Nation, the opportunity and the re- themselves in peace, neighbor to neigh- vast majority of Americans do not sup- sources to be successful and provide bor, Iraqi, Sunni, Shia and Kurd. port an immediate withdrawal from the short-term support needed to The fact is, Mr. Speaker, the Iraqi Iraq, just as they do not support a achieve increased stability in Iraq. people have not yet decided they want never-ending deployment of U.S. forces There are serious consequences to to live together with one another in there. They want us, they expect us, to our national security if we fail in Iraq. Iraq in peace. work together and with the President Cutting off funding, limiting military Our having our United States brave to find a way to win the war on terror options or pushing for immediate with- young men and women standing there, while bringing our troops home as soon drawal will only make our future more being shot at, being blown up is not en- as possible. dangerous. It is time to stop the poli- couraging the Iraqis to live together in We should be past the point of polit- tics, stop the games, stop the finger peace. Not only are our troops dying ical posturing when it comes to Iraq. pointing, and do what is best for Amer- and being wounded, but 80 percent of Yet this resolution is more of the ica. Let us put partisanship aside and the Iraqi people say they want us to same, once again placing politics over discuss concrete plans on how we can leave their country immediately. policy. Instead of encouraging sub- defeat radical terrorists and protect Mr. Speaker, President Bush implies stantive discussion on options in Iraq, our Nation from those who mean us that al Qaeda will take over Iraq if we the majority has once again shut us great harm. leave. In my opinion that is nonsense. out of the process and refused to con- Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, may I Today, you have less than 1,500 al sider any alternative to their point of inquire how much time is remaining. Qaeda in Iraq. Iraq has a population of view. That is truly unfortunate be- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. 25 million people. Today, you have not cause this nonbinding resolution does ROSS). The Democratic side has 9 min- only Iraqi Shiites killing al Qaeda nothing to increase the accountability utes remaining. The gentlewoman from Sunnis, you have Iraqi Sunnis killing of the Iraqi government or provide for Florida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) has 13 min- al Qaeda Sunnis. They don’t like for- our troops or even propose a new utes remaining. eigners in Iraq, whether they be course in Iraq. Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, pur- Sunnis, and especially if they are al We all agree that this administration suant to section 2 of House Resolution Qaeda or Americans. has made mistakes in Iraq. Most harm- 157 and as the designee of the majority Mr. Speaker, the only hope that our ful, I believe, has been the slow pace of leader, I demand that the time for de- enemies have to destroy the United training Iraq troops and security forces bate be enlarged by 1 hour, equally di- States is to have us remain bogged to take responsibility for their own vided and controlled by the leaders or down in the swamp of the Iraqi civil country. Early lapses in this area are a their designees. war. Are we smart enough to pull our- principal reason why our troops remain The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under selves out of that swamp of the Iraqi in Iraq today. the rule, that will be the order. civil war? Or are we going to continue But the administration has taken ac- Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I am to allow our Nation to have our sol- tion to accelerate this training and very proud to yield 5 minutes to my diers bled, our resources taken away,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:41 Feb 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.038 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1815 our equipment destroyed, taking our and new rules of engagement on the For too long, Congress has taken a attention away from the other military ground. backseat on the President’s handling of threats and realities in this very hos- This surge of forces in Baghdad, de- this war, but this majority has held tile world? signed to quell violence in that capital more hearings on Iraq than the Repub- I believe that the United States’ vital city and enable a political solution to lican-controlled Congress did since this national interests will only be served if take hold, was part and parcel of the war began. recommendations of the Iraq Study we withdraw all of our troops out of b 1115 Iraq as quickly as possible for the safe- Group, which said, as Americans could ty of our troops being uppermost in our see for themselves on page 74 of the This debate is about not about trying minds. Then we can leave several thou- Iraq Study Group, and as Chairman to embarrass our President for polit- sand in the region just in case. We can, Lee Hamilton of Indiana said before ical purposes. We are debating the es- more importantly, encourage the re- the Foreign Affairs Committee, the calation because the American people gional players, through diplomacy, to Iraq Study Group concluded that a have demanded a change in direction. come together to help the Iraqis decide temporary surge, and they used the The President has failed to recognize the will of the people and many of the to live in peace. word ‘‘surge,’’ a temporary surge of Mr. Speaker, leaving Iraq’s civil war forces in Baghdad would be acceptable top military and foreign policy think- will serve America’s vital national in- to them to quell violence. ers around the country who view this terests by allowing us to rebuild what But while I must tell you that many escalation with little hope of success. Our constituents spoke with their is now a depleted U.S. Army and U.S. of my colleagues have no confidence in voices loudly on Election Day, and Marines, a military that is not fully up the President’s new way forward in Iraq, I say with respect, I have no con- they have been even more vocal since to its strategic requirements to deal about the dissatisfaction with the way with all the possible threats in the fidence in the ability of Congress to conduct war. It was Napoleon Bona- this war has been managed. Many in world. this country want to see a deescalation We need to refocus on Afghanistan parte who said hundreds of years ago, ‘‘I would rather face 20 brilliant gen- of America’s forces, not the increase and the resurgence of the Taliban. We the President has proposed. need to be prepared militarily for the erals than one mediocre one.’’ I would assure you today, Mr. Speak- The President and his advisors cre- potential threats from North Korea, ated this problem, and it is now on the Iran and, yes, even the People’s Repub- er, that our enemies would rather face 435 commanders in chief rather than Congress to find a way to disengage lic of China. Iraq without causing the country and It is also important that we take one. Our forefathers rejected war by com- the region to be engulfed in a further these resources that we have been mittee when they enshrined the power outbreak of violence. spending in Iraq not only to rebuild our to conduct war exclusively in Article II In the last week, we have seen some military but to spend the money here of the Constitution of the United of the most horrific bombings that cost at home. There is al Qaeda in 60 Na- States. In Article I, where this House the lives of hundreds of Iraqis and the tions in the world. They have pledged finds its home, is the power to declare downing of several U.S. helicopters. to come to America and harm us; yet war. It is the power to appropriate Over 3,000 of our young American men we have spent more money in Iraq funding and to set essentially military and women have lost their lives; tens since 9/11 than we have spent on our rules of conduct by statute. But the and thousands have been physically homeland security needs. ability and the conduct of the war of and mentally maimed; and hundreds of Believe it or not, Mr. Speaker, that is the Commander in Chief is exclusively Iraqi citizens, the vast majority of the truth and that has to change. vested in the President of the United them trying to live normal lives, have Mr. Speaker, I will be voting for this States, in that document upon which been killed or injured. resolution. Iran and Syria and Saudi we all swear our oath of allegiance. This was not how this war was to be Arabia have an interest in stabilizing So I stand with our Commander in conducted. Iraq. They will not permit the destruc- Chief, but also in a very profound Four years ago, when this President tion of that country. They are afraid of sense, Mr. Speaker, I stand with the came to the Congress for authorization refugees coming into their countries Constitution. to invade Iraq, he stated that Iraq and destabilizing their Nation. Vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolution and em- posed a clear and present danger. He We need to vote for this resolution brace our Constitution as written. talked about how invading Iraq was and withdraw from Iraq. Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I am part of the greater war on terror and Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I proud to yield 5 minutes to my friend how, if Saddam Hussein was not top- am so honored to yield 3 minutes to and colleague, the gentleman from New pled, he would attack our allies and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. York (Mr. CROWLEY), a chief deputy maybe even on our own soil. PENCE), the ranking member of the whip. After seeing the death and destruc- Subcommittee on Middle East and Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank tion al Qaeda did to my city on 9/11 and South Asia. my friend and colleague, the gentle- to our Nation, I wanted to trust our (Mr. PENCE asked and was given per- woman from California, and I rise to President and all the President’s men mission to revise and extend his re- thank our young men and women in and women. When I sat across the table marks.) our armed services and their families, in the Roosevelt Room in the White Mr. PENCE. I thank the gentlelady those who have understood the sac- House from Condoleezza Rice and then- for yielding. rifices that they have made on behalf CIA-Director George Tenet, I thought I Mr. Speaker, I have listened to this of our great Nation. could trust them. Because of them and debate all week, and I must say I ad- But Mr. Speaker, I also rise to speak the false intelligence they gave, I voted mire the seriousness and the civility of out in strong opposition to President for authorization of this war. most, if not all, of those who have Bush’s misguided escalation of troops As the only Member of this Congress come to this floor in this historic week in the Iraq War and to commend the to lose a relative on 9/11 and as some- to address the issue and express them- Democratic leadership of this House for one who has lost 125 constituents to selves on this resolution. But I rise re- holding a real debate on our involve- the attacks of the Twin Towers, I do spectfully to urge my colleagues in ment in Iraq. believe that America must always act both parties to vote ‘‘no’’ on this no- Since January 4, when Speaker to defeat threats before those threats confidence resolution. PELOSI took the gavel, the Democratic act against us. I support the President’s call for a majority has delivered on its pledge of As they say, in life, there are no do- surge of 21,500 forces in Baghdad be- oversight and accountability of this overs; and if I could turn back time, I cause the President has not just asked war in Iraq, and Democrats have am sure that most of the Members of for more troops for more troops’ sake. changed the direction of the discussion this House and most of my colleagues Despite what has been said again and and have changed this war to lead us to in this House would never have given again on this floor, Mr. Speaker, this is the ultimate goal of all Americans, this President this authority to wage a new strategy. It involves new tactics that is, to bring our troops home. this war in Iraq.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:23 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.040 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1816 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 This war has cost us a fortune from I do not support this escalation. hell bent on reducing funds for Iraq. our national treasury, a fortune in Instead of bringing our troops home Presi- Yet we didn’t hear any time before American lives lost and ruined, and a dent Bush has decided to put even more of when we increased the surge for the fortune in our ability as a Congress to our overburdened arm forces in an increas- Iraqi elections or for the ratification of trust our Commander in Chief and our ingly sectarian bloodbath. the Iraqi constitution. President. Our country has been asking for answers to You know, in a way, Bush went to Today, we have an opportunity to why our men and women of the armed forces your retreat with a willingness to lis- stand as a group and to say what our continue to die in Iraq and we have not reten to your ideas. He is showing bipar- constituents want us to say, to say ceived any answers. tisanship. In fact, he has a quote here what the Army generals want us to Until these answers are forthcoming, I will which I think illustrates what the say, to say what many of them, those not support the President’s escalation and I American people are saying. ‘‘What men and women in our Armed Services wholeheartedly support this resolution. really matters,’’ quote, ‘‘is what hap- in uniform on the front line want us to Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I pens on the ground. I can talk all day say: ‘‘Mr. President, adding more am honored to yield 3 minutes to my long, but what really matters to the troops is not the answer. Adding more Florida colleague, Mr. STEARNS, a sen- American people is to see progress.’’ troops to fight what has become a civil ior member of the Veterans’ Affairs So he realizes also that he must show war is not the answer.’’ Committee. progress. And we are asking for this The answer is we need to start to (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given new strategy to have a chance, and we begin to bring our troops home, reduc- permission to revise and extend his re- owe it to them. ing our presence in Iraq, and create the marks.) Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 conditions for the Iraqi people them- Mr. STEARNS. I thank my distin- minutes to my friend, the gentlewoman selves to stand up and secure their own guished colleague, the ranking member from New York, the chairwoman of the country. of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Small Business Committee, Ms. The Iraq Study Group set out a plan And I want to have the opportunity VELA´ ZQUEZ. that many of us support, but the Presi- to speak. I have spoken earlier on this (Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ asked and was dent continues to believe that history debate, but I thought I would bring given permission to revise and extend will judge him favorably. some simple common sense to my col- her remarks.) As the Iraqi government attempts to leagues that perhaps was best brought Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. clamp down on the Shi’a and Sunni mi- forward by David Broder in the Wash- Chairman, for yielding. litias, it has become abundantly clear ington Post. Now, David Broder obvi- Mr. Speaker, I rise today, first and these forces are not as strong as we ously is more sympathetic to the foremost, to praise the courage, per- have been led to believe, those being Democratic point of view than they are formance, and commitment of our the Iraqi government’s forces. I believe to the Republicans, but I think he troops stationed in Iraq and elsewhere. we need to look strongly on rede- makes three points which I will also We are immensely grateful for their ploying our troops in Iraq along the echo in my conversation today. sacrifices. border and in the Kurdish north, re- Basically, we are at the end of the de- Because of this war in Iraq, today the moving American citizens from harm’s bate, but we are all moving towards a lives of the 135,000 military families are way in Baghdad and Anbar Province, decision most of us already have de- disrupted, and 125,000 civilian con- and forcing the Iraqis, both politically cided, but I have some simple common tractor families are divided. Nearly and militarily, to secure these areas. sense that I would bring to the atten- 4,000 U.S. soldiers and civilian contrac- U.S. troops should only be used in an tion of my colleagues. tors have already given their lives. We advisory role, not in direct combat. When General Petraeus was unani- have lost over 140 young New York Mr. Speaker, I have more to submit mously supported by the Senate, it was military men and women in Iraq. for the RECORD, but I want to send our with the idea that he would bring his I voted against this war from day young men and women home as soon as new thoughts, his new strategy to this one. It was a mistake then, and it is a possible and an end to putting them in plan in Iraq. So don’t you think, as mistake today. This week, we have a harm’s way. members of this body, we should give chance to act. Escalation is wrong, and Only when the violence stops should the General Petraeus an opportunity to we must take it upon ourselves to U.S. in small numbers work with Iraqi and implement his plan and not imme- make things right by seeking a polit- multinational forces in keeping the peace, diately come forward with a resolution ical solution to this war. building the military infrastructure and securing that says that it is a disapproving of This administration’s flawed foreign long term stability. the decision to deploy more troops to policy has damaged our relationship Right now, with the exception of Great Brit- Iraq? with our allies. The public opposes this ain and a few other countries we are doing all When we deployed more troops for war, Iraqis oppose this war, the world the work, taking all the risk, and losing our the Iraqi elections, why didn’t you opposes this war, and this Congress best and our brightest while the Iraqis lay complain then? That happened twice should speak loudly against this war, waste to their country. before. We went up to almost 160,000. too. It is time for us to get back to our roots and When we deployed more troops to rat- Our military has been stretched to be the beacon of freedom and democracy that ify the Iraqi constitution, why didn’t the brink of breakdown. Our actions in we are. you complain back then? That went up Iraq have set back the war on terror We need to increase our conversations with to almost 160,000. and made problems in the Middle East the moderate Arab states and get them in- So now you are coming against a much worse. vested before Iraq, and possibly the whole re- simple new strategy with the best we This war has distracted us from our gion, is at war. have in America who actually has writ- responsibilities at home, too. Poverty The focus should be making sure that coun- ten the manual on how to do it. You is raging. Millions have lost their jobs tries like Iran and Saudi Arabia are not funding are not even willing to give him a and health insurance. Families strug- Sunni and Shia extremists, respectively. chance. No breathing space. This non- gle to pay for the cost of transpor- Diplomacy is not the end all fix, but it is a binding resolution shows your motives, tation, energy, and housing. Yet we start. which are to eventually reduce all choose to spend $8 billion of hard- Whether or not my colleagues want to refer funding for Iraq. earned money every month in Iraq, not to the President’s plan as a surge or esca- My third point is, you are so willing at home. lation, I see it as a target on the backs of our to do this, you are not even willing to While the cost of the war escalates, armed forces. look at what could happen with this our most important social programs This resolution clearly states that the House new strategy. Let’s say it works. Are for our kids, the elderly, and the poor does not support the escalation, but we will you still going to offer these resolu- get slashed to pay for it. We have dug not abandon the safety of our troops by cut- tions to cut off funds even though this a deep hole of debt to finance this war ting off the supplies they need for force pro- strategy works and General Petraeus is in Iraq, and we will ask the children of tection. successful? No matter what, you seem working families to pay off that debt.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:23 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.042 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1817 These priorities are misplaced. We ing too big a commitment there, and fighting in Iraq, and they will soon should be investing in our children, not we need to bring our troops home be- begin their fifth year. In 5 years, they borrowing against their future. cause some other conflict may break have done all that we have asked them. Our young men and women return out in this world.’’ But what we have asked them to do from Iraq with all sorts of health prob- Well, I say, Mr. Speaker, to my col- cannot be accomplished by the mili- lems, both physical and psychological. leagues. What is more important than tary. The trauma of this war will affect the the current war? What indeed are we We have known for some time that lives of our veterans forever. This reso- going to save our troops for? Working Iraq now requires a political solution, lution expresses our commitment to the rope lines at 4th of July parades, and it requires the Iraqi government, supporting our veterans’ needs. We helping senior citizens cross the street? the Iraqi people, the Iraqi society and must honor the sacrifices that our vet- We have got to stop this and stop it the communities to take hold of their erans have made for this Nation. We now. country and to decide whether they must provide for them from the mo- And listen to what the terrorists want a future of continued sectarian ment they get home to their families. themselves say about the message that violence or whether they want an or- I believe this war is more wrong that would send. And this is a quote, derly society. They must make that de- today than ever before. We must stand Mr. Speaker, from bin Laden himself: cision. forcefully for what is right, for our ‘‘Hostility toward America is a reli- The President has had it wrong for troops, for the victims of this war, and gious duty, and I am confident that many, many months, for many years. for the priorities we are neglecting at Muslims will be able to end the legend He has continued to say that, as the home. of the so-called superpower that is Iraqis stand up, we will stand down. Let this body send the world a power- America.’’ Mr. President, you have it wrong. As ful message that the United States is His top deputy, bin Laden’s deputy we begin to stand down, they will begin changing course in Iraq. We must end Zawahiri, says, ‘‘The Jihad in Iraq re- to stand up. this war. quires several incremental goals. The The fact that our military troops are Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, first stage: Expel the Americans from on the streets of Baghdad and Anwar Province and elsewhere enables people I yield 31⁄2 minutes to the gentleman Iraq.’’ to continue a level of violence that from Georgia (Mr. GINGREY). Make no mistake about this. What randomly and wantonly takes the lives Mr. GINGREY. I thank the gen- we are doing with this resolution is not of men, women and children, innocent tleman for yielding. a salute to GI Joe, it is a capitulation bystanders, for almost no good reason I rise for the second time during this to Jihadist Joe. 36-hour marathon to strongly oppose at all, no good reason at all. It allows 1130 this, I almost want to say, meaningless b that to continue because each knows, if resolution, Mr. Speaker. But make no Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is my it gets out of control, the American mistake about it, this is not a mean- privilege to yield 5 minutes to my troops will ride to the rescue, the heli- ingless resolution. The consequences of friend from California, the gentleman copters will come, and the missiles will failure in Iraq are drastic, and let me who is also the chairman of the Edu- fly. We are the enablers of the continu- just read to you what some of those cation and Labor Committee, Mr. MIL- ation of this violence. Once they have to take responsibility are. LER. for their actions, once we leave, this is Number one, collapse of a democratic (Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California no longer an insurgency. This is crime Iraqi government, likely, very likely asked and was given permission to re- on crime, Iraqi against Iraqi. Some- leading to mass killings and genocide vise and extend his remarks.) body has got to take the responsibility in the nation. Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. for that, and that will not be us. We Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups I thank the gentleman for yielding, and will not be able to bring it to an end. would use this defeat to boost recruit- I thank him for all of his hard work in struggling on this issue and our troops The Iraqi government will be. ment. They would use Iraq as a staging The time has come for our troops to and force strength, Mr. Speaker. ground for deadly attacks paid for with leave. The time has come for us to un- But I rise in strong support of this bi- Iraqi oil revenue. derstand that we cannot cure what is partisan resolution regarding the Iraq Iran and Syria would exert tremen- wrong in Iraq. dous influence over the region. You war. I rise in strong support to this res- But for these troops that are there think they are bad actors now, you just olution to say to the President, no and for the troops that are being sent wait until this scenario plays out. And, more. I rise in strong support of this in spite of the will of the American indeed, and they have said that Israel resolution to say to the President, people and the will of the Congress, we would be pushed into the sea. your policy is wrong. Yes, you have ought to understand that they should Mr. Speaker, the real Democratic tried the surge before, and the surge be fully equipped. We should not repeat plan is coming later. And if you don’t has not brought peace to Iraq. It has the history of this administration in believe me, I ask my colleagues on not brought an end to the insurgency. this deployment where men and women both sides of the aisle just read a re- It has not brought an end to the sec- were sent into the theater without cent article this week in Roll Call. I tarian war that is going on in that proper vehicle armor, without proper am not going to stand up here and read country every day. body armor, without proper inter- it to the Members. You can read it. Yes, this is the fourth time that the preters and without proper training. But the Progressive Caucus of the President tried this policy, and it has Many Members have come to this House Democratic Conference, the Out not worked in any of those times. floor for many hours now and said, of Iraq Caucus of the House Democratic When we pass this bipartisan resolu- what is the message you are sending to Conference, led by Ms. WOOLSEY and tion, the President should pause. Be- your troops? Ms. WATERS, basically say that this is cause, at that moment, the President What was the message the Congress just the first step. They say that in will not have the support of the United is sending? this op ed article. This resolution is States House of Representatives; and, What was the message this Congress not meaningless. It is the first step, my at that moment, the President will not sent to the troops when the President colleagues, toward cutting off funding have the superintendent of the people allowed them to go to war without for the troops and pulling the rug out of the United States. enough troops to secure the peace? from under them. The President better think long and What was the message this Congress What does this say then to our brave hard about he really believes that he sent when it allowed the troops to go fighting men and women who are try- should commit these troops, and con- to combat without proper vehicle ing to defend this country? We have tinue to commit these troops, without armor? heard over and over again from the the authority of the people, without What was the message that the Con- other side that, ‘‘Look, we can’t afford the authority of this Congress. gress sent when it allowed our troops this war anymore. It is costing too Mr. Speaker, Members of the House, to go into combat without proper pro- much in lives and money. We are mak- American men and women have been tective armor?

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:23 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.045 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1818 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 What was the message this Congress barracks in Lebanon. I remember the troops home. It doesn’t provide any sent to the troops when it allowed this hostages taken by terrorists and held safety or security for our troops. It President to continue this failed course for 444 days in Iran. doesn’t provide anything to help with with no adjustment over the past 4 I remember all of that, but what I re- the mission in the global war on terror. years? member, that I will never, ever get out If you want to do it right, bring a res- And what was the message that we of my mind, is September 11, being on olution out here to the floor that does sent to the troops when it allowed the the highway immediately next to the it right, that brings them home, that President to effectively draft American Pentagon when the airplane hit the stops whatever it is that we are doing volunteers by continuing their tours, Pentagon and killed many of our there in Iraq. shortening their time at home, short- friends and colleagues. But, if you know anything about ening their time with their families I remember going to Ground Zero what our military troops are doing, and sending them back without proper just a few days after September 11 to you know that once you get into a bat- training, shortened training and with- deliver satellite telephones to the po- tle, once you get into a fight, it is easy out proper equipment? lice and the firefighters because their to get into a war. You can almost slip We cannot do that to the troops. The existing communications didn’t work into it without recognizing you are message of this resolution is we are not due to all of the confusion, because of getting into it. But once you are in the going to do that. We are not going to the disruption to the communications fight, getting out is not easy. do that. We will make a pledge to you lines. Once you are in the battle, you have that we will not let you fight and die I remember the smoke was still ris- several options. You win or you lose or forever with no plan to get you out, ing, the dust was still flying. you surrender or you retreat or you ne- with no exit plan for you, with no I remember the American people de- gotiate. Who do we negotiate with? Ne- change in the policy that has led trag- manded that something be done. They gotiating would be nice if we could end ically to so many deaths and so many were tired of us being subjected to ter- this by negotiations. Who do you nego- wounded. rorist attacks, Americans being killed, tiate with? You can’t even find Bin That is what this resolution is about. and nothing being done about it. Laden, if, in fact, he is alive. The problem here is, once you get That is the message we must send to The American people demanded that into the fight, which we did with the the troops, and that is the message we something be done, and they demanded support of the American people and must send to the Iraqi people, that through our Congress that something with the support of this Congress, once they must take responsibility. be done. The President was under this you get into the fight, it is just not This surge is not an election-day pressure and demanded that something that easy to get out of it unless you surge. This isn’t a constitutional-day be done. Congress debated then and win or you lose. Winning is better than surge. This is a surge for the purpose, two-thirds of the Members who were losing. here at the time voted to give the this is an escalation for the purposes of Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I President legal, lawful authority to do door-to-door combat, street by street, yield 5 minutes to my friend and col- block by block, house by house. whatever had to be done. league, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Yet today we see General This Congress should be prepared to LAMPSON). Schoomaker saying in the paper that do whatever has to be done to elimi- Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, today these troops that are getting engaged nate the terrorist threat. I don’t care is, indeed, a day for thoughtfulness and in this up-close battle in the midst of whether it is in Iraq, whether it is in courage in this House. As we debate the Iraqi people will not have enough Afghanistan, whether it is in Somalia, the future of our involvement in Iraq, interpreters. They will not have civil whether it is in Mogadishu, wherever it we must not forget that our troops are affairs soldiers. They will not have is, we have got to protect Americans engaged in armed conflict a half a enough translators. So now we are put- from the threat of terrorism and from world away. It is their future and their ting them again where they are at terrorist attacks; and we need to sup- sacrifice which necessitated this de- greatest risk, and this Congress is port our troops who are out there on bate today. agreeing to go forward and repeat his- the front line making sure that we at Now is the time when this hallowed tory and put them at risk when it is home are being protected. institution must dig deeply within its not necessary. Now these soldiers have been prom- own conscience and rise above the poli- Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, ised by the Commander in Chief that tics and the platitudes which have I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman they are going to have some reinforce- plagued us for far too long. The Amer- from Florida (Mr. YOUNG). ments, that they are going to have ican people and our troops demand and Mr. YOUNG of Florida. I thank the some help to fight this fight, the ag- expect no less of us. Yet no simple so- gentleman for yielding me the time. gressive fight that is now finally tak- lutions face us. Mr. Speaker, this is a serious matter. ing place. The Maliki government was Let’s look first at the decisions we We have been discussing this now for finally pressured to allow us to attack have made. days here in the House, but I want to the targets that were real targets, to We were advised that the conflict in tell you that I am opposed to this reso- allow us to attack whether they were Iraq would require more troops, a lution, because it doesn’t do anything. politically harmful to the Maliki gov- longer engagement, and an exit strat- I want to see our troops home, and I ernment or not. egy. We did not heed that advice, and want to see our troops safe. I would What about the soldiers in the field now we face an escalating insurgency venture to say that, with the exception who were expecting that they would and civil war. of, maybe, Mr. MURTHA, I have seen get some reinforcements and that We were told the cost was $50 billion. and visited more wounded troops, sol- maybe, with those reinforcements, We were wrong. It cost more than $380 diers and Marines at our military hos- they might get an extra night’s sleep? billion and climbing fast, and we have pitals than anybody in this Chamber; What about the soldier who had not been good stewards of the taxpayer and I don’t want them to be in harm’s hoped that reinforcements would allow money, as there has been much corrup- way any longer. him or her to sit down to a hot lunch, tion and waste in our spending. The problem is, I have strong recol- rather than having to grab an MRE and We were told of eminent success in lections of September 11; and even be- eat that MRE on the run? Afghanistan, and we pulled out our fore September 11, I remember the What about the soldiers in the field troops in order to provide an earlier bombing of the USS Cole where our who hoped that reinforcements would surge in Iraq. We were wrong, and we military, our sailors were killed and allow them to find time to read their have seen a rise in violence in both wounded. I remember the bombings of mail or send a letter to their loved countries. the American embassies in Kenya and ones back home? We must break this pattern. We can Tanzania. I remember the bombings of Mr. Speaker, this is a serious issue. If ill afford any further misjudgments, the Khobar Towers, where American this House is serious about Congress because it is our obligation in this de- airmen were housed in Saudi Arabia. I bringing home our troops, then do it liberative body to consider every op- remember the bombing of the Marine right. This resolution doesn’t bring any tion available.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:23 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.046 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1819 We stand here today to engage in the Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, ing a similar ceremony. The fact is first substantive discussion of the poli- I yield 7 minutes to the distinguished that we are engaged in a global war cies we need to implement in order to gentleman from the State of Wash- with people intent on killing us, kill- succeed in Iraq and bring our troops ington (Mr. REICHERT). ing Americans. And regardless of how home. It is abundantly clear that Iraq Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I sup- we got into Iraq, Iraq is now the cen- has been and remains deeply embedded port the troops wholeheartedly and tral front of this war. in the conscience of the American peo- without reservation, but I cannot sup- I understand that there are many ple. As this world watches, we must port a resolution that simply opposes a who think we should not have entered demonstrate from the well of this new strategy without offering an alter- Iraq. We now know there was faulty in- House that democracy flourishes only native plan to win. There is too much telligence that led us into Iraq and to when honest and open debate occurs. at stake. make that decision. But the war is In this difficult decision, I believe Many of you know that I was a cop in upon us nonetheless. I am elected to this body has two primary obligations the Seattle area for 33 years. I was the deal with what is happening now. to the American people: one, to fully sheriff for 8 years. And as the sheriff I The consequences of declaring an end support our troops with resources they had an opportunity to attend a re- to the war in Iraq without victory need in order to accomplish the mis- markable ceremony. Every year a would be felt for decades. Our enemies sions they are assigned; and, two, to group of naturalized American citizens around the world would be emboldened. ensure full accountability for the vital gathered to remember the cir- Iran and al Qaeda would declare vic- resources that we have sent to Iraq. cumstances of their arrival in the tory. Our allies in Iraq would certainly This House has neglected both of these United States. face bloodshed and our allies around obligations for too long, and it is time The group is comprised of police offi- the world would question our resolve to for us to exercise our responsibilities cers from Vietnam, men that fought help protect them. on behalf of our troops, the American side by the side with our American sol- Our troops are clear about their dedi- people, and the world. diers. These Vietnamese officers as- cation to their mission; they want to I stand here today in opposition to sumed the greatest risks, risking their succeed. American soldiers dutifully the proposed troop surge. We all agree lives and endangering their families, to responded when we asked them to go to that cutting off funding for our troops join the United States in their fight for Iraq and oust a dictator, establish an currently serving in Iraq is an unten- freedom. infrastructure, and train the Iraqis so able option that will send the wrong When the United States pulled out of that they are able to protect them- message to our partners and our en- Vietnam, there were dire consequences selves. emies alike. for these brave men who risked every- Now we must do what the troops thing to fight for the United States. have asked of us. They have given us 1145 b The officers were rounded up. Some their service, and in too many cases I will never vote to leave our troops were imprisoned for 15 years or more they have given us their lives. We must stranded. But the question facing us and some were executed. give them the opportunity for victory. now is, how can we vote to put upwards Those who managed to flee and es- Our current strategy in Iraq is fail- of 20,000 additional troops in harm’s cape death made their way to the ing. And yet failure is not an option, way without adequate resources and United States. They left everything in not only for the United States’ secu- without a clear and detailed plan? Vietnam, and made new lives in the rity, but also for the security of the Because I stand in support of our United States. And they were able to Iraqi soldiers and police officers that troops, I cannot support this proposed enjoy the freedoms that they had still fight today, side by side with our surge. It is clear that the burden of our fought for, but not in the country that troops. Nation’s current struggle continues to they had hoped for. In November the American people rest with the brave men and women in Let me just take a moment to set the told us that they wanted a new strat- our armed services. stage for this ceremony. As the sheriff, egy, not because they wanted to lose, It is no longer fair to our troops to I sat down at a round table with many but because they want to win. And now rubber-stamp this war. I want them to of these Vietnamese soldiers and police we have a new strategy before us. Is know that we were deliberative in our officers. They came in their uniforms this new plan going to work? I don’t decision. I fear this surge will not by that they brought along with them, know. No one in this body that will itself be sufficient today. It is time for those that were able to escape, those vote on this resolution, this non- Members of both parties to listen to that spent 15 to 17 years in a prison binding resolution, knows whether or the experts for whose opinion we have camp where they were beaten, where not this plan will work. asked, yet have ignored: our military they were tortured, where they lost But what I do know is that we first leaders past and present, the bipartisan their freedom. They lost their dignity, must find a way to achieve victory. members of the Iraq Study Group, and but they never gave up hope. And simply saying ‘‘no’’ to a plan with- soldiers returning from Iraq. When they came here to the United out offering an alternative won’t work, It is time for a strategic change in States of America and they come to- and it sends a terrible message to our course in Iraq, one including diplomacy gether on this evening to celebrate enemies and to our soldiers. This is an and education and an honest recon- their freedom, and the American flag is historic war. America is engaged in a struction effort. These actions brought into that room, those men war for our freedom on a scale that we partnered with the actions of the mili- stand at attention and they salute. But have never experienced before. tary will show our dedication to im- you know what else they do? They cry. I understand the dissension, the ques- proving the lives of all Iraqis in mak- When the American flag is brought in, tions, and the uncertainty. I under- ing their nation one of peace, freedom, they cry because they lost their free- stand the cost is high and the way is and democracy. dom. But now they know what it is like unclear. As a cop, I have lost partners, I am not here today to criticize the to have it back. It is a dramatic scene. I have lost friends in the line of duty. President or to engage in partisan If we leave too soon in Iraq, what I know the pain that causes. I under- grandstanding. This war is not a par- happened to these Vietnamese officers stand the loss. It is sad. It is tragic, tisan issue. I have no doubt that one could certainly happen to those Iraqi and you never forget. But we must re- day the actions of our Nation will help soldiers who bravely fought side by main focused, ladies and gentlemen. bring peace and democracy to the Mid- side with our troops today. I don’t use Please don’t let those sacrifices be in dle East. However, the strategy we are this example as a way of comparing vain. here to debate today remains flawed. this conflict with Vietnam, as some Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to Too many questions remain unan- have done. I believe that the two wars vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolution and let us swered. While my loyalty to and my are very different. I use it because it send a message to our enemies and our confidence in our troops remains stead- could happen again. troops alike, we will always support fast, this Congress and this Nation I never want to attend an event our young men and women who put must today seek a new direction. where former Iraqi soldiers are attend- their lives on the line for freedom and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:23 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.048 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1820 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 that we will give them what it takes to about the wisdom or the lack of wis- tarian violence, would embolden the succeed in the missions that we have dom for the surge. The President and enemy to expand the reach of their ef- given them. the members of his party today need to forts. Retreat would result in insta- Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, listen to the experts who they have re- bility in the region, encourage radical it is my honor to yield 5 minutes to my lied upon in the past. To do otherwise, Islamic terrorists and rogue regimes to friend and colleague, the gentleman casts doubts about who the President expand into the region, and give terror- from Indiana (Mr. HILL). is listening to. ists a sanctuary from which to launch (Mr. HILL asked and was given per- Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe that attacks against the U.S. and the West. mission to revise and extend his re- this surge in the troops is the wrong The bipartisan Iraqi Study Group, a marks.) policy at the wrong time, in the wrong bipartisan group, recognized the need Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, our brave war. The actions that need to be taken of a troop surge to secure Iraq. To this men and women in Iraq have answered to help the Iraqi people and ultimately end, I submit page 27 through 29 and every call, accomplished every task, bring our brave men and women home page 73 of the Iraqi Study Group report won every battle. Our brave men and safely is not as simple as rushing more for the RECORD on this issue to high- women in Iraq have fought valiantly. troops to the front lines. light the grave humanitarian con- They have executed their mission with Mr. Speaker, a while ago I heard my sequences of a withdrawal of the U.S. quiet dignity and with honor that is good friend and colleague from Indiana forces from Iraq. worthy of our praise. speak about how the Iraq Study Group I am tired of hearing Democrats con- In looking back at all that our mili- actually said that a surge is something stantly criticize our plans for Iraq, yet tary has done, there has been no task that probably is necessary. they do not have a plan of their own. It that these brave men and women have But there is more to the story than is a shame that they have chosen to not accomplished. They have risen to just a military surge. They also rec- play politics with the men and women every occasion. However, we are not ommended that there has to be eco- in uniform in Iraq. Democrats now here today just to applaud our troops’ nomic surge, and diplomatic surges, have the responsibility to govern, but performance. We are here today to ask not just military. I talked to one of the they lack both a plan for success in if the surge direction that the Presi- Iraq study members just yesterday, Iraq and the political will to advance a dent is taking us is the right direction who told me that a military surge by bill that cuts off funds for our troops. for these brave troops. Is it the right They say that the problems in Iraq itself will not work. direction for our country, and is it the can only be solved by a political solu- The military has done all it can do, right direction for the people of Iraq? tion. While this is true to some extent, and they have done it very well. Now is The answer is unequivocally ‘‘no.’’ you cannot solve the problems in Iraq the time to move in a different direc- For the last 4 years of this conflict, diplomatically and politically without tion, Mr. Speaker. Vote for this resolu- the President has relied on the judg- first providing security to the Iraqi tion. Vote ‘‘no’’ to the surge. ment of his military to execute this people. Security must go hand in hand Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, war and to follow their advice. Now at with the political solution. this critical hour, he has chosen to ig- I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman Democrats need to understand that nore their expertise and advice. The from Oklahoma (Mr. SULLIVAN). their political choices and rhetoric Joint Chiefs have unanimously dis- Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise hurt our troops and morale and give agreed with the surge. today in strong opposition to this pre- comfort, great comfort, to our enemy. General James Conway, commander tend, fake, disingenuous, cruel-to-the- We also agree that this is a time for of the Marine Corps, is quoted as say- troops resolution. It is impossible, de- Iraqis to step forward and end sec- ing, ‘‘We do not believe that just add- spite what the Democrats have tarian violence and build a responsible ing numbers for the sake of adding claimed, to both support the troops and government. Iraqi Prime Minister numbers, just thickening the mix, is not support the increase in troops nec- Maliki has promised the American peo- necessarily the way to go.’’ essary to win the war. ple that in this new campaign Iraqi General John Abizaid has met with With this nonbinding, fake, pretend troops will be the ones knocking down every divisional commander and asked, resolution, Democrats maintain they doors, arresting insurgents and patrol- ‘‘If we were to bring more American support the troops but at the same ling streets, with U.S. troops in a sup- troops now, does it add considerably to time disapprove of their mission. This porting role. We cannot give up at a our ability to achieve success?’’ They confusing message simply lends en- critical point in Iraq’s fledgling democ- all said ‘‘no.’’ couragement to the Iraqi insurgents racy. General Colin Powell has said the and terrorists to believe that every Failure in Iraq is not an option. If we surge will not work. General Wesley roadside bomb brings them closer to do not win in Iraq, we leave it up to our Clark, Ambassador Holbrooke, Oliver their goal of a terrorist state in the future generations to tackle the prob- North, Michael Vicker, Lawrence Corb, heart of the Mideast. lems of Islamic terrorism in an unsta- Richard Haas, have all said the surge b 1200 ble region. There is no short-term solu- will not work. And the list goes on and tion in Iraq because there is not a on and on. The simple fact is the deployment of short-term problem. Why does the President, Mr. Speaker, troops to secure Baghdad has already Today, our brave men and women in choose to ignore expert after expert, begun. In fact, soldiers of the 82nd Air- Iraq are rising to the challenge to se- soldier after soldier, who say the surge borne Division, who were deployed cure Baghdad. I encourage my col- will not work? Even General Petraeus after President Bush’s call for a tem- leagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on this ill-timed has said, and I quote, ‘‘The way ahead porary increase in troops, are already resolution. in Iraq doing critical work with the will be neither quick nor easy, and un- PAGE 27 Iraqi Security Forces. doubtedly there will be tough days. We The United Kingdom has dedicated an ex- have a determined, adaptive barbaric The passage of this misguided, pre- traordinary amount of resources to Iraq and enemy. He will try to wait us out. Any tend resolution does nothing except de- has made great sacrifices. In addition to 7,200 such endeavor is a test of wills and moralize these brave men and women troops, the United Kingdom has a substan- there are no guarantees.’’ in uniform and invigorate those who tial diplomatic presence, particularly in Mr. Speaker, former Secretary of wish America great harm. Basra and the Iraqi southeast. The United State James Baker has said, ‘‘There is The consequences of failure in Iraq Kingdom has been an active and key player no magic bullet to solve the problem of could not be greater. The outcome in at every stage of Iraq’s political development. U.K. officials told us that they remain Iraq. No single answer. No quick fix.’’ Iraq will directly affect America’s ef- committed to working for stability in Iraq, From this microphone over the last 2 forts in the global war on terrorism for and will reduce their commitment of troops days, my colleagues on the other side many generations. A victory for the Is- and resources in response to the situation on of the aisle have tried to frame this de- lamic militants, such as the al Qaeda the ground. bate about success and failure in Iraq. members who are embedded in the 5. CONCLUSIONS That debate is for another day. Anbar Province in Iraq and the Ira- The United States has made a massive Today and tomorrow, the debate is nians in Iraq who are provoking sec- commitment to the future of Iraq in both

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:23 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.049 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1821 blood and treasure. As of December 2006, focus for al Qaeda: they will seek to expel posals to make a substantial increase (100,000 nearly 2,900 Americans have lost their lives the Americans and then spread ‘‘the jihad to 200,000) in the number of U.S. troops in serving in Iraq. Another 21,000 Americans wave to the secular countries neighboring Iraq. We rejected this course because we do have been wounded, many severely. Iraq.’’ A senior European official told us that not believe that the needed levels are avail- To date, the United States has spent failure in Iraq could incite terrorist attacks able for a sustained deployment. Further, roughly $400 billion on the Iraq War, and within his country. adding more American troops could conceiv- costs are running about $8 billion per month. The global standing of the United States ably worsen those aspects of the security In addition, the United States must expect could suffer if Iraq descends further into problem that are fed by the view that the significant ‘‘tail costs’’ to come. Caring for chaos. Iraq is a major test of, and strain on, U.S. presence is intended to be a long-term veterans and replacing lost equipment will U.S. military, diplomatic, and financial ca- ‘‘occupation.’’ We could, however, support a run into the hundreds of billions of dollars. pacities. Perceived failure there could dimin- short-term redeployment or surge of Amer- Estimates run as high as $2 trillion for the ish America’s credibility and influence in a ican combat forces to stabilize Baghdad, or final cost of the U.S. involvement in Iraq. region that is the center of the Islamic world to speed up the training and equipping mis- Despite a massive effort, stability in Iraq and vital to the world’s energy supply. This sion, if the U.S. commander in Iraq deter- remains elusive and the situation is deterio- loss would reduce America’s global influence mines that such steps would be effective. rating. The Iraqi government cannot now at a time when pressing issues in North We also rejected the immediate withdrawal govern, sustain, and defend itself without Korea, Iran, and elsewhere demand our full of our troops, because we believe that so the support of the United States. Iraqis have attention and strong U.S. leadership of inter- much is at stake. not been convinced that they must take re- national alliances. And the longer that U.S. We believe that our recommended actions sponsibility for their own future. Iraq’s political and military resources are tied will give the Iraqi Army the support it needs neighbors and much of the international down in Iraq, the more the chances for to have a reasonable chance to take respon- community have not been persuaded to play American failure in Afghanistan increase. sibility for Iraq’s security. Given the ongo- an active and constructive role in supporting Continued problems in Iraq could lead to ing deterioration in the security situation, it Iraq. The ability of the United States to greater polarization within the United is urgent to move as quickly as possible to shape outcomes is diminishing. Time is run- States. Sixty-six percent of Americans dis- have that security role taken over by Iraqi ning out. approve of the government’s handling of the security forces. The United States should not make an war, and more than 60 percent feel that there B. Consequences of Continued Decline in Iraq open-ended commitment to keep large num- is no clear plan for moving forward. The No- If the situation in Iraq continues to dete- bers of American troops deployed in Iraq for vember elections were largely viewed as a riorate, the consequences could be severe for three compelling reasons. Iraq, the United States, the region, and the referendum on the progress in Iraq. Argu- First, and most importantly, the United world. ments about continuing to provide security States faces other security dangers in the and assistance to Iraq will fall on deaf ears PAGE 28 world, and a continuing Iraqi commitment of if Americans become disillusioned with the American ground forces at present levels will Continuing violence could lead toward government that the United States invested greater chaos, and inflict greater suffering leave no reserve available to meet other con- so much to create. U.S. foreign policy cannot tingencies. On September . . . upon the Iraqi people. A collapse of Iraq’s be successfully sustained without the broad government and economy would further crip- support of the American people. Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, ple a country already unable to meet its peo- it is my privilege to now yield 5 min- PAGE 29 ple’s needs. Iraq’s security forces could split utes to my friend and colleague, the along sectarian lines. A humanitarian catas- Continued problems in Iraq could also lead gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. trophe could follow as more refugees are to greater Iraqi opposition to the United States. Recent polling indicates that only 36 MILLER). forced to relocate across the country and the Mr. MILLER of North Carolina. Mr. region. Ethnic cleansing could escalate. The percent of Iraqis feel their country is head- Iraqi people could be subjected to another ing in the right direction, and 79 percent of Speaker, like most Members of Con- strongman who flexes the political and mili- Iraqis have a ‘‘mostly negative’’ view of the gress, I have visited our men and tary muscle required to impose order amid influence that the United States has in their women in uniform in Iraq. I have vis- anarchy. Freedoms could be lost. country. Sixty-one percent of Iraqis approve ited our wounded in the hospital at Other countries in the region fear signifi- of attacks on U.S.-led forces. If Iraqis con- Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany cant violence crossing their borders. Chaos tinue to perceive Americans as representing and at the hospital in Balad Air Base in Iraq could lead those countries to inter- an occupying force, the United States could in Iraq; and I have offered my condo- become its own worst enemy in a land it lib- vene to protect their own interests, thereby lences to grieving families who have perhaps sparking a broader regional war. erated from tyranny. Turkey could send troops into northern Iraq These and other predictions of dire con- lost loved ones in Iraq. I respect and to prevent Kurdistan from declaring inde- sequences in Iraq and the region are by no appreciate our men and women in uni- pendence. Iran could send in troops to re- means a certainty. Iraq has taken several form in Iraq. They have served nobly, store stability in southern Iraq and perhaps positive steps since Saddam Hussein was and they deserve our prayers. gain control of oil fields. The regional influ- overthrown: Iraqis restored full sovereignty, Mr. Speaker, they have done their ence of Iran could rise at a time when that conducted open national elections, drafted a duty, and now we must do our duty. country is on a path to producing nuclear permanent constitution, ratified that con- Our duty to the Constitution, our duty weapons. stitution, and elected a new government pur- to our country, our duty to our men Ambassadors from neighboring countries suant to that constitution. Iraqis may be- and women in uniform is to look with told us that they fear the distinct possibility come so sobered by the prospect of an unfold- of Sunni-Shia clashes across the Islamic ing civil war and intervention by their re- clear eyes at the facts and to exercise world. Many expressed a fear of Shia insur- gional neighbors that they take the steps independent judgment. rections—perhaps fomented by Iran—in necessary to avert catastrophe. But at the For 4 years, this Congress has failed Sunni-ruled states. Such a broader sectarian moment, such a scenario seems implausible in that duty. For 4 years, this Congress conflict could open a Pandora’s box of prob- because the Iraqi people and their leaders has passed one resolution after an- lems—including the radicalization of popu- have been slow to demonstrate the capacity other, offering uncritical support for lations, mass movements of populations, and or will to act. the President’s policies in Iraq. regime changes—that might take decades to C. Some Alternative Courses in Iraq In June, Congress passed a resolution play out. If the instability in Iraq spreads to Because of the gravity of the situation in finding that we were well along the the other Gulf States, a drop in oil produc- Iraq and of its consequences for Iraq, the path to a sovereign, free, secure and tion and exports could lead to a sharp in- United States, the region, and the world, the united Iraq and the Iraqi Security crease in the price of oil and thus could harm Iraq Study Group has carefully considered the global economy. Forces were operating independently of the full range of alternative approaches for our forces and were increasingly lead- Terrorism could grow. As one Iraqi official moving forward. We recognize that there is told us, ‘‘Al Qaeda is now a franchise in Iraq, no perfect solution and that all that have ing the fight to secure Iraq. like McDonald’s.’’ Left unchecked, al Qaeda been suggested have flaws. The following are Mr. Speaker, that is what Repub- in Iraq could continue to incite violence be- some of the more notable possibilities that licans did when they were in the major- tween Sunnis and Shia. A chaotic Iraq could we have considered. ity. They played make believe. provide a still stronger base of operations for PAGE 73 Americans knew better then, and we terrorists who seek to act regionally or even certainly know better down. The Iraqi THE WAY FORWARD—A NEW APPROACH globally. Al Qaeda will portray any failure Study Group report, just a couple of by the United States in Iraq as a significant Deter even more destructive interference victory that will be featured prominently as in Iraq by Syria and Iran. months ago, described the situation in they recruit for their cause in the region and Because of the importance of Iraq to our Iraq as grave and deteriorating. The around the world. Ayman al-Zawahiri, dep- regional security goals and to our ongoing most recent National Intelligence Esti- uty to Osama bin Laden, has declared Iraq a fight against al Qaeda, we considered pro- mate, just a week ago, described the

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But the an- Democrats and Republicans alike, have remaining. swer then, as it has been in many wars anguished over events in Iraq and have Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, in the past, is the answer now: More given deep and prayerful thought to al- I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman troops are necessary. We need to finish ternatives, but the Bush Administra- from Texas, Judge POE. what we started. We need to do what it tion dismissed and insulted dissenters Mr. POE. I want to thank the gen- takes. and often made fierce attempts to dis- tleman from New York for yielding Now, Baghdad will be no Alamo. We credit them. time. cannot lose in Baghdad. But this body Not even General Eric Shinseki, the Mr. Speaker, the narrow issue is: has it in its power to prevent a victory Army Chief of Staff, or James Baker, More troops to the front, or not? Many in Baghdad and Iraq. Secretary of State for the first Presi- here say ‘‘no more troops,’’ but what So, Mr. Speaker, heed the warnings dent Bush, was spared; and the Bush are the consequences for the troops on of the past, heed the history, and send administration has treated criticism the ground without more aid? What aid with all dispatch. by Members of Congress as meddling, will happen in and around Baghdad And that’s just the way it is. as sticking our nose in their war. where those troops are supposed to be Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, House Democrats have offered plan sent? Their mission there will be more pursuant to section 2 of House Resolu- after plan to alter our course in Iraq, difficult without more troops. tion 157, and as the designee of the ma- Does this Congress want to tell our and House Republicans have greeted jority leader, I demand that the time troops on the ground, do your job with every plan with strident attack. for debate be enlarged by 1 hour, equal- less, even though we have it in our Let’s consider the new plan that ly divided and controlled by the leaders power to send you aid? President Bush has proposed. or their designees. The force initially committed to Iraq Mr. Speaker, 171 years ago this The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under was well short of what General month, a somewhat similar call for aid the rule, that will be the order. Shinseki said would be required to se- was made; and it, too, was refused. Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I cure the country. When I visited Iraq 3 In an old, beat-up Spanish mission in yield 5 minutes to my friend and col- years ago, the presence of our forces in central Texas, Bexar, Texas, to be league, the gentleman from Virginia Baghdad may not have been enough to exact, 187 men from every State in the (Mr. SCOTT). secure order, but it was more than United States, 13 foreign countries, in- Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, enough to remind every Iraqi every day cluding Mexico, found themselves in a before we respond to the President’s that there was a foreign army on their precarious situation. They were behind call for an additional 20,000 troops in soil. the walls facing an enemy. They need- When I visited Iraq a year and a half ed help. Iraq, we must put his call in the con- ago, our military forces in Baghdad Texas politicians, even so-called text of the history of the war, begin- were less noticeable. Our briefing offi- military experts, had it within their ning with the discussion of what the cer explained that we had deliberately power to send more troops. And for all current 130,000 troops are doing there reduced our footprint to lessen the re- the similar reasons that are mentioned now. sentment of Iraqis so that Iraqis would here, including the troops shouldn’t The original reasons we were pro- come into daily contact with Iraqi se- even be in the mission and the plan was vided with the rationale for going to curity forces, not our men and women. a bad idea from its inception, this plan war, that Iraq had weapons of mass de- But the violence only increased. is not working, your troops there struction, that Iraqi leaders were con- We tried twice last year to reduce the should even leave, similar reasons we nected with the 9/11 attacks, and that violence by increasing Iraqi and Amer- hear today, no help was sent. Iraq posed an imminent threat to the ican forces in Baghdad. The Iraqi forces The place, Mr. Speaker, was the United States, all turned out not to be didn’t show up, and twice the effort Alamo, and the time was February 24, true. Saddam Hussein was captured failed, and violence has continued to 1836. And behind the cold, damp walls and recently hanged, al-Zarqawi is increase. of the Alamo, by candlelight, a 27-year- dead, and Iraq held democratic elec- Now we are trying it again and call- old lawyer, commander by the name of tions over a year ago, and yet we are ing it a new plan: Less troops, more William Barrett Travis, wrote this let- still in Iraq. troops, less troops, more troops. House ter. I read it today: Throughout the war, the President Republicans are playing make believe ‘‘To the people of Texas and all has attempted to associate our pres- again to call that a new plan. Americans in the world, fellow citizens ence in Iraq with a so-called war on The apocalyptic violence in Iraq will and compatriots, I am besieged by a terrorism. The truth is that our pres- not be solved militarily. Congressman thousand or more of the enemy under ence in Iraq has actually increased our DAVID PRICE and I introduced a resolu- Santa Anna. I have sustained a con- risk to terrorism. tion setting forth a comprehensive plan tinual bombardment and cannon fire Furthermore, the term ‘‘war on ter- which Mr. PRICE described here the for over 24 hours, but I have not lost a rorism’’ is a rhetorical term without other day. We need to engage Iraq’s man. any relationship to reality. Terrorism neighbors through regional diplomacy ‘‘The flag still waves proudly over is not an enemy. It is a tactic. The to provide economic assistance, condi- the north wall. The enemy has de- enemy is al Qaeda. We attacked Af- tioned on a genuine attempt at na- manded surrender at its discretion. ghanistan because al Qaeda was there, tional reconciliation, and to begin a Otherwise, this fort will be put to the not in Iraq. phased withdrawal of our troops. Our sword. I have answered that demand The President is now saying he is plan includes many of the suggestions with a cannon shot. I shall never sur- laying out a new mission in Iraq, thereof the Iraq Study Group. render or retreat. by clearly acknowledging that, what- The Iraq Study Group report was ‘‘I call upon you, in the name of lib- ever the old mission was, it was not right: No path is certain of success. erty and patriotism and everything working. But there is still no clearly And after 4 years of failed policy, all of dear to the American character, to defined end goal and no clearly defined our options are grim. But the resolu- come to my aid with all dispatch. If explanation of how failure or success tion we will vote on shortly is a first this call is neglected, I am determined can be measured. step toward doing our duty by looking to sustain myself for as long as pos- If our mission now is to stabilize realistically at events in Iraq and by sible, die like a soldier who never for- Baghdad, many military experts have forcing us to consider what our options gets what is due his honor and that of already said that an additional force of really are. his country. Victory or death.’’ 20,000 troops is woefully insufficient to

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This is the is no credible evidence to believe that many more of our young men and primer, ‘‘How Do You Defeat the this surge will be any different. women must die before the administra- United States of America?’’ by General And how can we have confidence in tion acknowledges what was in the Na- Vo Nguyen Giap. How We Won the War predictions of success? Before our inva- tional Intelligence Estimate? And I is the title of it. And in the primer he sion in Iraq, Secretary Rumsfeld pre- quote, ‘‘The term ‘civil war’ accurately said, ‘‘The beginning was when the dicted that the war in Iraq would last describes key elements of the Iraqi United States failed to succeed in a ‘‘6 days, 6 weeks. I doubt 6 months.’’ conflict.’’’ complete victory in Korea, then we Vice President CHENEY predicted we Mr. Speaker, although the resolution knew the will of the United States was would be greeted as liberators. before us is technically nonbinding, it weakened. On page 18 he talks about Almost 4 years ago, the President gives the House an opportunity to call how they went after the will of the stood before a sign that said ‘‘Mission upon the President to work coopera- United States through public opinion, Accomplished’’ and proclaimed major tively with Congress to develop an ef- how they supported it and encouraged combat operations in Iraq have ended. fective strategy to bring our troops the antiwar activists because they knew they couldn’t win militarily. So b 1215 home. The American people and our courageous men and women on the their front on the war that had the A year and a half ago Vice President front lines deserve a clearly articu- greatest chance for success was with CHENEY said the Iraqis were ‘‘in the lated and sensible approach to ending the will of the American people. Here is last throes’’ of the insurgency. And yet the war. This resolution puts the House the primer. here we are discussing an increase, not on record as saying that an escalation Our enemies read this primer, Mr. a decrease, in troop levels. of military forces is a step in the wrong Speaker. They understand this. And At the outset of this war, the admin- direction. one of our enemies over there is istration predicted that the cost of the I therefore urge my colleagues to Moqtada al-Sadr, who laid it out for us war would be so minuscule that it ad- support the resolution. when he said on June 11, 2004, and I saw vised the House Committee on the Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, this on al-Jazeera TV when I was in Budget not even to include the cost of I am privileged to yield 5 minutes to Kuwait, ‘‘If we continue attacking the war in the Federal budget. The ad- the good gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Americans, they will leave Iraq the ministration official who suggested KING). same way that they left Vietnam, the that the cost of the war might exceed Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I same way that they left Lebanon, the $100 billion was fired. To date we have very much thank the senior and es- same way that they left Mogadishu.’’ Mr. Speaker, that is the message appropriated nearly $400 billion, and teemed leader, Mr. KING from New the President has already formally re- York, for yielding to me. that his people heard. That is the mes- quested another $200 billion more, with I want to start a point here, Mr. sage we should hear. I have heard it. I no end in sight. Speaker, that I would ask all Members have put it on this floor many times. A Over 3,100 courageous Americans and to focus on to understand where we couple nights ago I put Moqtada al- countless Iraqis have already lost their really sit in history, in this course of Sadr down here on the floor. In the lives. How many more will die if this history. If you would go back to the night he went off to Iran to join up strategy falls as far from the predicted most successful military known in his- with the people who have been sup- result as the original length of time tory for the longest period of time, porting him. He understands this. I will tell you this. If this resolution and cost estimates of the war? spanning centuries, it was the Roman passes and if Mr. MURTHA and the peo- Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, as part of legions. And the Romans had a state- ple who are working with him are suc- developing a mission and strategy, it is ment called ‘‘nosce hostem,’’ which, of cessful in a slow bleed of our resources, imperative that we ask where these ad- course, is Latin for ‘‘know thine then what you will see, Mr. Speaker, is ditional troops are going to come from. enemy.’’ We need to do that here in you will see Osama bin Laden say, If Many will undoubtedly come from the this Congress. We are part of this ef- we keep attacking America they will National Guard and Reserves, but they fort, of course. Know thine enemy. Von leave Afghanistan the same way they have already been in Iraq for longer- Clausewitz wrote the book on war, his left Vietnam, Lebanon, Mogadishu, and than-average deployments and many treatise on war, that everyone goes to Iraq. That is what is coming. That is have already completed multiple tours because he boiled it down to under- what is being perpetrated by the rhet- of duty. Other troops must be rede- standable principles, certainly ‘‘know oric here on this floor. That is what is ployed from other assignments; so we thine enemy,’’ but his point was the being staged in appropriations bills must ask what moving these troops object of war is to destroy the enemy’s that we will certainly see coming after will mean to our global national secu- will and ability to conduct war. this resolution. rity. Now, if you know your enemy and The destiny of America is put at risk, Last November the American people you are going to destroy their will and Mr. Speaker, and this says to all of our sent a powerful message. They want a ability to conduct war, you wouldn’t enemies it is easy to take on the change in Iraq, not more of the same. just go after their ability, you would United States if you can just get Con- They expect an honest explanation of go after their will as well. So that has gress to lose their will, if you can get why we entered Iraq in the first place, been true throughout history. And if them to lose their spine. what the present situation is, what you were charged with the task of de- So I would then simply close with the goal do we expect to achieve, and what feating the preeminent world’s Super- reiteration of a request made from a the strategy will be to accomplish it. power in, say, about the year 1963 major from Kentucky whom I met with Only then can we intelligently discuss under President Kennedy, ‘‘How do you in my last trip over there in Iraq. He the troop levels necessary to accom- defeat undefeated America?’’ was the loves his kids and his cows and he loves plish that goal. Unfortunately, all we question that was presented to the Vi- God and I know he speaks the truth. He have gotten from this administration etnamese. said, ‘‘We have everything we need. So is essentially ‘‘Don’t worry, be happy, Enter General Vo Nguyen Giap. He when you pray for us, pray for the success is around the corner; and if you was the general that orchestrated the American people. Pray they under- don’t believe that, then you are not pa- Vietnamese effort throughout the war stand the threat and pray they do not triotic and you are not supporting the in Vietnam. He certainly understood lose their resolve. We will not lose troops.’’ history. He understood the Roman le- ours.’’ For my colleagues who say that fail- gions. He understood nosce hostem. He Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ure is not an option, I ask what will also understood that you had to defeat now yield 5 minutes to my friend and

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Mr. Speaker, America Sunnis principally over oil revenues. security forces and stand on its own? will hear 435 separate ideas about Iraq, And my son is serving in Baghdad The shame of this possibility haunts but I want to note one great shining today as a security blanket because the me. light about our country. The American Iraqi politicians will not make the b 1230 people are absolutely unified, no mat- compromises necessary to form a gov- ter what they think about the policy in ernment. And how can this resolution possibly Iraq, of holding American warriors and That has to end. It is American com- help our troops on the battlefield who our sons and daughters close to our mon sense to understand the real are there already who still have to hearts. This is a unified position across enemy in Baghdad is sectarian intran- carry out their mission? this country, and it is a bright light for sigence. The real enemy in Baghdad is We, the Congress, are in effect telling America. their failure to compromise. And the our troops, we support you, but we do Now, I have heard some people have best weapon we have is a dose of re- not want you to have the reinforce- suggested that soldiers who fall in Iraq ality to the Iraqi people of all sectarian ments you need to carry out your mis- will have fallen in vain. That is wrong. faiths. You have to get a grip on your sion, and we do not trust the judgment Any American who falls in the course country because you will very shortly of your new commanding officer, Gen- of the conduct of American wars, they have your own fate in your own hands. eral David Petraeus. How destructive is do not fall in vain. They fall into our The best weapon we have in Iraq is to that? arms, and they fall into our hearts, and tell the rest of the immediate region Our troops deserve to know we have a there they will always remain. And we that they must become responsible for plan to win. If we do not have a plan to are unified on this principle. And when their own neighborhoods. That is the win, we have a plan to leave. The reso- I go to a memorial service for a young weapon of reality we should use. lution before the House neither helps man from Redmond, Washington next And, third, what is the character of us succeed nor gives us guidance on Monday, I will carry the unified Amer- American democracy? George Bush how to leave. ican prayers and hearts of the 650,000 said that he was the decider. That is It is so counterproductive for 535 people I represent. wrong. The decider is the American Members of the House of Representa- Now we are in a difficult situation in people. And the American people had a tives and the Senate to micro-manage Iraq and none of us have a silver bullet, message to George Bush that there has the war. and none of us have a magic wand. And to be a change in Iraq policy. And he is It is the responsibility of the admin- it seems to me that when we are in not listening to the generals, he is not istration to conduct the war effort. It dark times, we should go back to fun- listening to the bipartisan commission, is Congress’ responsibility to conduct damental American character to find a and he is not listening to the American tough oversight, holding the adminis- way forward. people. tration accountable for the implemen- There are three parts of the Amer- Congress has a responsibility coequal tation of the war. with the President under Article I of ican character we should think about Having chaired 14 hearings on the op- the Constitution to declare war, to here: first, the character of the Amer- erations in Iraq and been to Iraq 15 raise and support armies, to make ican mission in Iraq; second, the char- times to conduct on-the-ground over- rules for the government and regula- acter of American common sense; and, sight, I will continue to ask the admin- tion of the land and naval forces. It is third, the character of American de- istration the difficult questions and time for Congress to stand up on our mocracy. provide my observations and rec- hind legs and take away the keys from What is the character of our mission ommendations. the man who has driven our foreign in Iraq? President Bush, when he start- Regretfully, too few Members of Con- policy into a ditch. It is time to restore ed this war, said we have three mis- gress have fully considered the con- the American mission to where it be- sions: sequence of leaving Iraq prematurely. longs, to American common sense Eliminate WMD. Mission accom- The Iraq Study Group warned, ‘‘If the where it belongs, and to American de- plished. They were never there. situation in Iraq continues to deterio- mocracy where it belongs. rate, the consequence could be severe Second, eliminate any terrorist that Support this resolution. Prevent this for Iraq, the United States, the region attacked us on 9/11. Mission accom- escalation in Iraq. plished. They were never there. Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, and the world.’’ Third, eliminate Saddam Hussein as I am privileged to yield 6 minutes to The ultimate goal for me is to bring a threat. Mission accomplished. He is the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. our troops home without leaving Iraq in chaos. This is achievable if Repub- no longer a threat to anyone who walks SHAYS), who has made 15 visits to Iraq. the face of the Earth. Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the licans and Democrats, the White House Our proud men and women have ful- gentleman for yielding. And I thank and Congress, agree on a bipartisan so- filled the three mandates of missions you, Mr. Speaker, for conducting this lution as outlined by this Study Group. set forth by George Bush. And now we debate. Officially endorsing the recommenda- have one moral mission to complete, This debate has been constructive. I tions of the Iraq Study Group and act- and that is the moral responsibility to appreciate the thoughtful comments ing on them is the best way to make give the Iraqis a reasonable chance to made on both sides. Speaking for the this happen. form a government. We have done that second time, I realize it may be tempt- The only way I think we should leave after 4 years; and our investment of ing for some to support this resolution Iraq is the same way we got into Iraq, 3,000-plus lives and hundreds of billions to somehow express our strong dis- together. of dollars of American money has ful- satisfaction with how the administra- Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I filled that moral obligation in spades. tion has conducted the war and to sep- yield 5 minutes to my friend and col- Second, what is the American char- arate ourselves from an unpopular league, the gentlewoman from Indiana acter of common sense? Why did Gen- President. (Ms. CARSON). eral Abizaid, when he asked all the di- I do not believe, however, support of Ms. CARSON. I certainly appreciate visional commanders whether this es- what is truly a ‘‘stay the course,’’ ‘‘sta- very much the gentleman yielding to calation would help and every single tus quo resolution’’ will be a construc- me. one of them say no, why is that? It is tive outcome of the debate. It sends the Mr. Speaker, as you would guess, I because they have common sense. wrong message to our troops, to the am an American, a very proud Amer- I was on a walk a couple of months Iraqis, to our allies throughout the ican. If I had selected my place of ago, and I met an old high school world, and, in particular, to our en- birth, I would have chosen the United friend. His son was serving in Baghdad, emies. States of America. It is just full of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:40 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.055 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1825 promise, full of democracy, full of pa- our military presence will increase vio- military decisions are second-guessed triotism. lence there and bring on more around by opinion polls or overruled by politi- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my the world. cians.’’ voice to the chorus of those who have They have suicide bombs; we have a sui- The VFW and the American Legion said enough is enough. The President cide policy. And those who started this mad- know what happens when politicians has had the chance to plead a case for ness, not being the young Americans they play politics with war. Our veterans’ victory in Iraq, but he has never clear- sent to be slaughtered, strutted their vicarious, message to Democrats is to support the ly told us how or when we are going to which is to say artificial, heroism. surge and give our soldiers a chance to get to this turning point and when we This bloody blunder was conceived in child- win. That is really what they want. will be able to bring our soldiers home. ish computer war-game fantasy and executed They want to win. Twenty-three thousand troops in- in unconstitutionality, borrowing billions from In closing, I must echo the American jured, over 3,100 dead and not enough foreigners to borrow trouble from other for- Legion and the Veterans of Foreign armor to ensure that our healthy eigners, putting this land we love into inter- Wars with the words that ring in the troops remain that way. I did not vote national hock and its prestige into an inter- hearts of veterans everywhere: Give for the war, and I don’t bemoan the national hodge-podge. our sons and daughters in this fight the fact that I did not. But I did say then, There are a lot of bad-guy dictators in this chance to win. That, Mr. Speaker, is as I say now, that our soldiers did not world, some of whom are friends of this ad- exactly what they are asking for. have enough armor nor equipment, and ministration and one of whom was a friend of Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I they did not have enough benefits at this administration’s forbearers. That one was now yield 5 minutes to my esteemed the time, and this Congress has turned Saddam Hussein. But John Adams tells us, friend and colleague, the gentlelady some of that around. ‘‘America does not go abroad in search of from California (Ms. MILLENDER- When we have soldiers on foreign soil monsters to destroy . . .’’ MCDONALD). depending on the kindness of strangers When you realize you’re making a mistake, Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD. I for the donation of armor and helmets sanity calls for stopping it. thank the distinguished gentleman for because their President has failed to Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield yielding the time to me. provide them with the life-saving tools 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we after placing them in harm’s way, we Florida (Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE). are having this open discussion and know something is not right. We have Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- this debate on Iraq, but let me first stretched ourselves too thin and used ida. I thank the gentleman. make my position very clear: I did not the awesome power of our military Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, this vote vote on this war. After 9/11, when the might in the wrong way. and the debate that we are having is President urged military action Mr. Speaker, our priorities are not about politics and providing some po- against Osama bin Laden, I, like all straight. We have sent children into litical cover. It does nothing to help other Members, was fully supportive of harm’s way, and if the President had our soldiers win. that position and voted to send our his way, we would send more recklessly Remember, it is a nonbinding resolu- troops to Afghanistan. Despite the he- into battle in Iraq without a clear exit tion. What does that mean? It means roic efforts of our Armed Forces, plan or understanding of their roles. that we could talk, as my mother used Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of In Indiana alone, we have seen 76 to say, until the cows come home. It America’s darkest hour, has yet to be Hoosiers lost to this and 511 whose has absolutely no effect. It has no brought to justice. lives were forever altered by injuries power, no teeth and absolutely no ef- While the search for bin Laden has sustained in this war. Unfortunately, fect. not been completely abandoned, Presi- however, President Bush’s interest in To be more specific, there is not one dent Bush turned his attention away supporting our troops ends the moment single mention in the Democrat resolu- from our most deadly adversary and they become veterans. Because, as he tion of how we will send more body devoted our military resources into in- asks for more troops, he has cut the armor for the troops, not a single men- vading Iraq. The search for bin Laden funding for the Veterans Administra- tion of new tools to detect IED explo- was neglected for a search for weapons tion to help them return to civilian life sives, not one word dedicated to up-ar- that were never found and perhaps may healthy and prepare for what lies mored Humvees. have never existed. ahead. Mr. Speaker, there is not one men- One thing is very clear here, Mr. On May 1, 2003, the President an- tion of the method to fund the health Speaker: All Members of this Congress nounced, ‘‘Mission accomplished.’’ At care needs of the veterans who come support our troops. Many of us have that time, we had lost 139. Yet over home. Not one mention. And this is im- been with families who have lost a 3,000 have now died, and the mission portant to remember: It has absolutely loved one. Many of us have gone to still has not been accomplished. We no mention of sending one soldier, let visit them. And on Memorial Day I will not know the mission has been ac- alone the 20,000 additional who are give special recognition to those whom complished until we have set the goals going over there or our fine young men I have lost in my district in the State and benchmarks that allow us to place and women who are already there, of California. Also, I have a special Iraqis in a position of being self-gov- when they are going to come home one community pride, where I give the erning and allow our troops to come day sooner. names of all of those who gave the ulti- home. In my district, Floridians have seen mate sacrifice. So let it be very clear In short, I love our troops. I love through this nonbinding resolution. that the Members of this Congress sup- them dearly. I love our veterans, and I The headline of the Orlando Sentinel port our troops. love our country. It is time to begin to calls it an ‘‘empty measure.’’ It says, Now, while the war has hindered our bring our loved ones home from over- ‘‘The pointless House resolution on search for Osama bin Laden, it is seas and not send more into the hostile Iraq fails to set goals.’’ The editorial shocking and regrettable that Iraq is battlefields in downtown Baghdad. goes on to say that the resolution more of a breeding ground for ter- We often sing a song in church that ‘‘isn’t thoughtful policy; it’s political rorism than it was before we invaded in goes, we are soldiers in the army. We cover.’’ It is not just me saying it. This March of 2003. have to fight before we die. We have to is certainly not a conservative news- So many Americans, in my district hold up the bloodstained banner. We paper, the Orlando Sentinel. and throughout the Nation, have fa- have to hold it up until we die. My constituents know over the past thers, mothers, brothers and sisters Let us not beat around the bush, so few days we have debated a resolution who are being placed in harm’s way by to speak. Our military presence in Iraq with no teeth, no enforcement, deliv- being deployed two or more times to cannot diminish the violence there. It ered in a way that has no guts, no char- Iraq. Transfixed and horrified, we will only add to it. We have lost a lot acter and provides no leadership. watch an escalation in violence that of our support, a lot of our friendship Need to hear more? The Veterans of has all the characteristics of a civil with other nations because of our reck- Foreign Wars said that, ‘‘Other genera- war. We recognize that on November 7 less behavior in Iraq. So to stay there, tions have learned the hard way when the American people asked for a new

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:23 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.058 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1826 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 direction. But they also asked for the Mr. Speaker, various news organiza- number two in al Qaeda, al-Zawahiri. truth as we know it. tions have now confirmed what the ‘‘Al Qaeda has the right to kill 4 mil- We know that there is too much rhet- Democrats really have in mind with lion Americans, 2 million of them chil- oric surrounding this issue. But the this nonbinding resolution, and that is, dren.’’ As the father of a 4-year-old and truth is, first, the President’s proposal choke off funding for the troops. a 3-year-old, I find that to be a chilling for an escalation or resurgence is a Though they haven’t really said it on statement. flawed strategy that will put more this House floor, they have said it to Listen to Hassan Abbassi, Revolu- than 21,500 more Americans in harm’s their political base, moveon.org, and I tionary Guard’s intelligence adviser to way. In fact, this escalation leaves hold the transcript in my hand. Let’s the Iranian President. ‘‘We have a Americans and Iraqis in a perpetual listen to the words of our colleague, strategy drawn up for the destruction state of war, a condition that is not the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. of Anglo-Saxon civilization.’’ sustainable or supportable. MURTHA) who, as we all know, controls This is the enemy we face, and we our military spending panel. face him foremost in Iraq. If we leave b 1245 ‘‘They won’t be able to continue. Iraq before subduing him, he will fol- Secondly, Iraq’s problems are best They won’t be able to do the deploy- low us to America, make no mistake solved by Iraqis. While a number of ment. They won’t have the equipment, about it, and the consequences are im- American troops will be needed to con- they don’t have the training and they mense. Read the National Intelligence tinue training operations of Iraqi won’t be able to do the work. There’s Estimate. Read the report of the Iraq forces, it will only be successful if no question in my mind.’’ Study Group. those living in Iraq, the Sunnis, Shias He was further quoted as saying, ‘‘We Iraq has the potential to become and Kurds alike, fully embrace demo- have to be careful people don’t think what Afghanistan once was under the cratic principles and work together to this is the vote.’’ Taliban, and that is, a breeding ground make their nation secure. Last evening, CBS News noted that and a safe haven for the recruitment, Thirdly, I support the principal rec- our colleague’s proposal ‘‘is a way to training, financing and sanctuary of get at the same goal without holding a ommendations of the Iraq Study radical Islamists bent upon attacking vote to cut funding.’’ Again, Mr. Group, that we engage Iraq’s neighbors our Nation and attacking our families. Speaker, that goal is to cut funding of such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria There will be no greater event to em- the troops. The goal is to accept defeat. and others, in problem-solving. The power the radical Islamists in our de- President’s plan should emphasize di- Now, I know the author of this proposal has served his Nation with great feat in Iraq. plomacy. There is no Commander in Mr. Speaker, it doesn’t have to be Chief that I know of that does not, and courage and great honor, but I for one fail to see the courage and the honor in this way. We are Americans. We can did not, during a war engage in diplo- meet this threat. We can work to- macy. That is the answer, not military this proposal. The Politico Magazine has called this gether. Vote against this resolution. force. This type of position that the proposal the ‘‘Slow Bleed Strategy.’’ Let’s support our troops. Let’s protect President is going, this is a brute force The slow bleed strategy. I wonder who our Nation and our children from this that will not deter the insurgency. Any it is who is doing the bleeding. threat. viable solution must contain a diplo- Mr. Speaker, how does anybody look The SPEAKER pro tempore. In an at- matic element. one of our brave soldiers in the eye and tempt to try to equalize the time, I Mr. Speaker, the House has taken 4 tell them, I don’t believe in your mis- recognize the gentleman from New days to debate the war because clearly sion. I don’t believe you can succeed York. we need a sensible resolution to this and I have the power to bring you Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, quagmire. Democrats have borne much home; I have the power to bring you I will be happy to work with the criticism for bringing this resolution home today but I am not willing to do Speaker on this, and I recognize the to the floor, but it is fair to remind our it because, if I did, I would have to distinguished gentleman from Cali- Republican detractors that they also take responsibility and I am concerned fornia (Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN) for 8 brought nonbinding resolutions to the about political ramifications. minutes. floor. What it is, is to really send a Mr. Speaker, if my Democrat col- Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- message to the American people that leagues truly want to cut off funding fornia. I thank the gentleman for yield- we are moving in the wrong direction. for the troops and withdraw from Iraq, ing. Stay the course is not the course to then let them vote on it today. Let Mr. Speaker, the manner of our with- take. The resolution we are considering them show the courage of their convic- drawal from Iraq will dramatically af- today is entirely straightforward, and tions and vote on it today. We cannot fect the credibility of American foreign the premise is simple: Do you or do you accept this slow bleed strategy. policy. Our actions must not lead to not support the President’s escalation? Mr. Speaker, I know that fighting anti-Semites masquerading as the The resolution before us marks the this war is costly. It is costly in terms President of Iran with the first time this Chamber will vote of blood. It is costly in terms of money. misimpression that his thirst for nu- whether or not to disagree with the Like many other of my colleagues, I clear weapons can ever end with the re- President’s war plans. I hope that ev- have met with the mothers who have alization of his dream of nuclear holo- eryone who recognizes that this ‘‘stay lost sons in Iraq. Their plight is pro- caust, this time engulfing the Jewish the course’’ is not the issue, that we found; it is sad. But Mr. Speaker, I national homeland. In the larger geo- vote for H. Con. Res. 63. It is an impor- never, never, never want to meet with political context, like it or not, credi- tant step. the mothers whose children might per- bility is the currency of a global Super- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ish in the next 9/11 if we accept defeat power. Chair will advise of the time remain- in Iraq. The argument has been made on this ing. The gentleman from New York has Iraq must be seen in the context of floor that our engagement in Iraq has 311⁄2 minutes remaining. The gentleman this larger war we are having with rad- had the effect of diverting our atten- from California has 16 minutes remain- ical Islam. The battle lines are drawn, tion from other threats to our security ing. The Chair will try to even out the and whether we like it or not, they are interests such as a nuclear North time. drawn in Iraq. Don’t take my word for Korea or the military buildup of China Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, it. Listen to Osama bin Laden. ‘‘The or even a resurgent Russia. I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished epicenter of these wars is Baghdad. The recent glimmer of hope from the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Success in Baghdad will be success for multiparty talks with the hermit king- HENSARLING). the United States. Failure in Iraq is dom demonstrates that it is possible (Mr. HENSARLING asked and was the failure of the United States. Their for our Nation to, yes, walk and chew given permission to revise and extend defeat in Iraq will mean defeat in all gum at the same time. The war in Iraq his remarks.) their wars.’’ has not come at the cost of disengage- Mr. HENSARLING. I thank the gen- We have to soberly reflect on the ment. However, perhaps more impor- tleman for yielding. enemy that we are facing. Listen to the tantly, we cannot avoid the fact that

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.059 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1827 the manner in which we turn control of their crime. We must not reward Johns Hopkins University has pointed over their country to the Iraqis will these thugs by giving them what they out, we have given the gift of freedom send a message across the globe to want. We are in Iraq to protect the to the Iraqi people, which, by nature, friend and foe alike of whether we are Iraqi people, and the blame for the vio- entails the conclusion that their future a reliable ally and a predictable adver- lence should be placed where it be- is in their own hands. sary. longs. This new strategy, and I stress it is a It is simply not possible for us to di- As Prime Minister Blair so elo- new strategy, recognizes that our re- vorce our role in the world from our quently stated the proposition: ‘‘Here maining days in Iraq must be dedicated credibility as a Nation. The stakes are is where we have to change radically to making this transition to a new po- great for Iraq, but they are just as our mindset. At present, when we are litical order possible, not just getting great, if not greater, for those of us in shown pictures of carnage in Iraq, out, but getting out as we succeed in the United States, for those of us pres- much of our own opinion sees that as a our effort to establish a stable democ- ently in the United States and for our failure, as a reason for leaving. Sure- racy in Iraq. children and our grandchildren. ly,’’ Prime Minister Blair says, ‘‘it is a Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am de- Although everyone including the reason for persevering and succeeding. lighted to yield 5 minutes to my good President has acknowledged the fact What is the purpose of the terrorism in friend and distinguished colleague from that things have not gone as planned in Iraq? It is to destroy the prospect of Arkansas, Congressman MARION BERRY. Iraq, this should not lead us to over- democratic progress. In doing so, they Mr. BERRY. I thank the gentleman look the fact that the Iraqi people have hope to deal us a mortal blow. They from California. Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone to chosen their Nation’s leadership in know victory for them in Iraq is defeat keep in your hearts and minds, cer- democratic elections, three in a row, not just for Iraqi democracy but for tainly in your prayers, our men and with more and more people partici- democratic values everywhere.’’ women in uniform and their families, pating, larger percentages of the popu- The challenges before us relate to the especially those on the battlefield lation participating, in numbers and formulation of policy, but this should today; and to reach out to them and percentages that frankly would embar- not be considered in a vacuum. The their families, and let them know that rass our country when you look at the most important asset of the United you understand and appreciate the sac- turnout we have for elections. Some- States in Iraq is the quality of the men rifice and commitment that they make times we explain the low turnout in and women of our Armed Forces. It is out of the goodness of their heart. our elections because of bad weather. in this regard that the person in charge Our Kansans have done their part to Their bad weather was not the ques- of the responsibility of implementing protect our freedom, contributing tion. It was the threat of death if they our new policy, General David heavily to the war efforts since the participated in elections, and yet they Petraeus, is well-suited to perform conflict began. Our State alone has went forward to do so. such a task. roughly 1,500 soldiers currently over- They ratified a Constitution that In addition to his experience in the seas, we have deployed 15,000 since Sep- represents a dramatic departure from area around Mosul, he is the coauthor tember 11, 2001; 45 of our Kansans have the rule of one of the most repressive of the recently released Military Field paid the ultimate price, and 350 more regimes of the globe, and we sort of Manual on Counterinsurgency Doc- have been seriously wounded. Congress slide by that and say, well, we got rid trine. History provides us with exam- cannot forget the sacrifice of these of Saddam Hussein, but look at the ples where military commanders have men and women. We will continue to mess those people are in over there. It been brought into a theater of oper- support our Nation’s servicemembers is a difficult proposition. This Presi- ations in order to turn around what and provide them with every resource dent warned us after 9/11 it would be a seemed at the time less than prom- that they need. difficult proposition; it would take for- ising, as illustrated by the appoint- After listening to President Bush’s titude; it would take persistence; it ments of General Grant, or even Gen- recent proposal to escalate troop levels would take resolve. eral Patton, to name just two exam- in Iraq, I am even more concerned with At the same time, however, it is this ples. his failure to recognize the severity of very hope of democracy that has led If there ever was a need for such lead- this conflict and what it really means. those extremists who fear such a pros- ership in Iraq it is now. General Recent short-term troop escalation pect to lash out in a wave of violence. Petraeus is a critical component to our proposals in Iraq have not stopped the In this regard, we must not fall prey to prospects for progress. violence from getting worse. President the error of failing to hold those re- b 1300 Bush has said nothing to convince me, sponsible for violence accountable for or almost no one else, that his latest their murderous actions. And I know everybody says they sup- strategy will result in success. The idea that we are somehow report General Petraeus, they support Our military forces deserve a policy sponsible for violence in Iraq is both our troops. But it does seem odd that commensurate with the sacrifices that preposterous and the crassest form of when the other body confirmed General they have been asked to make and have moral ignorance. Those who commit Petraeus unanimously, they followed it made. Regrettably, the President has the murders, those who drill holes in up by suggesting what he was going not provided that policy or plan. Our people’s brains, screw fellow human about was a fool’s errand. And I know leaders need to think long term and beings to walls and consider decapita- everybody here supports our troops, make strong commitments to diplo- tion a form of religious expression, but listen to what you are saying. On macy with all of the other countries in they are the ones who are responsible the one hand you say, ‘‘Godspeed, Gen- the region and the world community. for the atrocities and massive human eral Petraeus,’’ and on the other hand Our credibility as a Nation must be re- rights violations concerning the people you say, ‘‘You are doomed to failure.’’ stored. of Iraq. The need to meet the challenge of As the Iraq Study Group concluded, Charles Krauthammer aptly captures stabilizing Iraq, primarily in Baghdad this is an international conflict that such moral illogic with the query of and Anbar Province, is essential to the cannot be solved by U.S. military whether the police in America are orderly withdrawal of American forces. strategies alone. Furthermore, Presi- somehow responsible and have on their Any precipitous action which fails to dent Bush’s proposals will create addi- hands the blood of the 16,000 murders accommodate this concern would like- tional strain on our military readiness, they failed to prevent last year. ly have untold consequences for inno- as well as our military personnel and The tragic irony of such logic is that cents within Iraq, the broader Middle their families. it suggests that those who murder in East, and ultimately the security of There is already a shortage of mili- order to manipulate the Western media the American people. tary equipment that jeopardizes the and public opinion by the spectacle of Again, however, it must be empha- safety of our men and women in uni- mangled bodies and blood-stained sized that the long-term success or fail- form. We cannot and should not send streets should be able to realize their ure of democracy in Iraq rests with the more troops overseas without pro- aim of driving us away from the scene Iraqis themselves. As Faoud Ajami of viding the equipment and support they

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.062 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1828 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 need to safely and effectively accom- cheap and actions have consequences. conscience about the war in Iraq and plish the mission that is charged to You cannot support the troops if you the President’s escalation proposal. I them. are undermining their mission and commend my colleagues on both sides I oppose this escalation, and I urge challenging their commander in the of the aisle for the tenor, for the most my colleagues to do the same. God field. And that is what this resolution part, and the substance of their re- bless the men and women in uniform. does. marks. Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I ask Speaker after speaker in support of There is one proposition on which we unanimous consent that the balance of the resolution has said that the new can all agree: Our troops have per- time on each side be enlarged by 36 policy in Iraq will not work. But Gen- formed excellently in Iraq. They have minutes. eral Petraeus, who is the author of this done everything asked of them. And as I think I have the authority to do policy and who has just been unani- the resolution states, Congress and the that under the rule; it has been done in mously confirmed by the Senate, has American people will continue to sup- consultation with the minority leader. said this policy can work and that his port and protect the members of the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. troops can carry it out. By opposing United States Armed Forces who are ESHOO). Is there objection to the re- this new policy, the supporters of the serving or who have served bravely and quest of the gentleman from Maryland? resolution are clearly undermining a honorably in Iraq. We owe our troops a There was no objection. new commander in Iraq at such a vital debt of gratitude for their patriotism, Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, at for their courage, and for the sacrifices this time I would like to recognize Mr. time in the conduct of this war. As the national commander of the they are willing to make. KING from New York, the ranking Veterans of Foreign Wars said earlier As a sign of our respect for them, member of Homeland Security, for 7 this week, ‘‘When military decisions particularly those who have lost their minutes. lives in the war, and for their families, Mr. KING of New York. I thank the are second-guessed by opinion polls or overruled by politicians, it is the com- I request that we observe a moment of gentleman for yielding. silence. Madam Speaker, I rise today in mon soldier and their families who pay the price. The VFW is very concerned Thank you. strong opposition to this resolution We owe our troops a course of action with the tone and timing of this de- and in strong support of our troops and in Iraq that is worthy of their sacrifice. bate. We need to send the message to their mission. Today, we set the stage for a new direc- our troops that America wants them to This resolution is wrong in every re- tion on Iraq by passing a resolution succeed in Iraq by giving the buildup a spect. It is wrong constitutionally. with fewer than 100 words which sup- chance to succeed.’’ Never before in our history has Con- ports our troops and disapproves of the Madam Speaker, what makes this gress attempted to control or restrict President’s escalation proposal. In- worse is that we know today’s resolu- battlefield decisions. It is wrong as a stead, Democrats have proposed a dif- tion is only the first step to prevent matter of policy, and it will come back ferent course of action to the Presi- General Petraeus and his troops from to haunt us for years to come. dent. Madam Speaker, wars must not be carrying out their mission. The Demo- waged according to opinion polls or ap- cratic leadership has admitted, indeed b 1315 plause meters. For instance, just look proudly acknowledged, that it is their Over and over again we have sug- at the battle of Iwo Jima, an island in goal to impose as many conditions as gested a different plan. the Pacific where in less than 6 weeks, they can to prevent General Petraeus One year ago, Senator HARRY REID more than twice as many Americans from getting the troops and the rein- and I stood with House and Senate were killed as have been killed forcements he needs to win this war. Democrats to propose our agenda for throughout the entire Iraq war, and yet Madam Speaker, never in our history real security, to project our power and Congress didn’t jump in to question the have the Speaker of the House or the our values, to protect the American policies of the President. House Appropriations Committee at- people. Consistent with our real secu- And look at the Korean War. There tempted to superimpose their policies rity agenda, Democrats have sent the was no declaration of war. The United on troop training or troop leave, and President four letters, starting in July, States and the overwhelming majority override the Commander in Chief and and the most recent one the end of of coalition troops in the field, 36,000 the commander in the field. January, urging him to adopt a strat- Americans were killed and another Madam Speaker, this is not the time egy for success, containing these ele- 8,000 were missing. More than 70 per- for sunshine soldiers or summertime ments: change of mission, redeploy- cent of the American people opposed patriots. It is time for Members of this ment of troops, building a political President Truman and his handling of body to show at least a small percent- consensus, engaging in diplomacy, re- the war. Yet today, President Truman age of the courage shown every day by form of reconstruction and a refocus in is honored as one of our greatest Presi- our troops in Iraq. the war on terror. dents, and the Korean War is looked If you want to cut off the funding for In terms of changing the mission, upon as a key turning point in our our troops who will be in the line of U.S. forces in Iraq must be transitioned struggle against communism. fire, don’t be cute, don’t try to sneak it from combat to training of Iraqi forces, Madam Speaker, Iraq cannot be through the back door. Have the guts real counterterrorism activities, force looked upon or looked at in a vacuum. to do it directly. protection and logistics. A shift in mis- This war in Iraq is an absolutely essen- Madam Speaker, this debate is not sion will allow the number of U.S. tial component of the war against Is- about this President or this Congress troops in Iraq to be reduced, dimin- lamic terrorism which must be fought or the next election. It is about our ishing their presence in the daily lives in many places throughout the world, survival as a Nation and our survival of Iraqis and minimizing the chance of including right here at home. as a civilization. Vote for our troops these troops being caught in the cross- As a Member of Congress who lost and against this misguided and dan- fire between rival Iraqi factions. End- upwards of 150 friends, neighbors, and gerous resolution. ing the emphasis on a combat mission constituents on September 11, 2001, I Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, it is will allow the phased redeployment of have seen firsthand how evil this my privilege to yield 10 minutes to my our forces from Iraq beginning within enemy can be. And al Qaeda itself has friend and colleague and neighbor from the next 4 to 6 months. said that Iraq is a major battleground California, the esteemed Speaker of the Declining troop levels will require in this war. House of Representatives (Ms. PELOSI). fewer bases, and none of them will need Madam Speaker, we cannot allow Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I to be permanent, consistent with legis- ourselves to do anything which would thank the gentleman for yielding and lation introduced and passed by this undermine our troops who are the for his exceptional leadership in the House by Congresswoman BARBARA LEE frontline soldiers in this war against national security of our country. and also introduced by Congressman Islamic terrorism. My colleagues, for 3 days and nights, DAVID PRICE. I know that the resolution expresses more than 350 Members of Congress A smaller military presence in Iraq support for the troops, but talk is have come to the floor to speak their will also relieve some of the strain on

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.065 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1829 our troops, their families, and our mili- the two should not be confused. There are committed to destroying the tary equipment. Success in Iraq re- are those who attempt to fuzz the two enemy before the enemy can destroy quires more than military force, and conflicts together as ‘the war on ter- us. This success policy is rooted in the that really is what this debate is about ror,’ but the wars are truly separate fabric of the American character, in today. and distinct,’’ Chairman SKELTON stat- our belief in the ability of our troops to General Peter Chiarelli, a three-star ed. achieve success in Iraq and Afghani- General, until recently the Commander The war in Iraq continues to detract stan and on all the fronts on this global of the Multinational Corps Iraq, ob- from our ability to fight against the war against Islamic militant jihadists. served in December, and I quote, ‘‘We war on international terrorism effec- The resolution at the center of this need to get out of thinking that this is tively. We need to finish the job start- debate, Madam Speaker, lacks hope. It solely a military conflict where we ed more than 5 years ago in Afghani- accepts defeat. It opposes reinforce- must simply apply more U.S. or coali- stan against al Qaeda and the Taliban ments for our troops on the battlefield, tion or Iraqi forces against an enemy and address other conditions around reinforcements that strengthens their that we can destroy. All our Nation’s the world in which the appeal of ter- capacity to confront the enemy and strengths—diplomatic, economic, polit- rorism breeds. succeed in their mission. ical—must be leveraged to help the The longer it takes us to resolve the General Petraeus said that he cannot Iraqis find their way through this proc- situation in Iraq, the longer resources accomplish his mission without the de- ess.’’ and attention will continue to be di- ployment of additional U.S. forces. Unfortunately, there has been no sus- verted from the war on terrorism. Our This resolution, however, announces tained and effective effort to engage ability to respond to the escalating that Congress will deny the com- Iraq’s neighbors diplomatically. Iraq’s conflict in Afghanistan and other po- mander in Iraq the means he says he neighbors have the greatest stake in tential crises in the world is con- needs to win. This resolution seeks to Iraq’s stability and the role it will play strained severely by the deterioration transform this House into 435 generals. in the region. Leaders of those coun- in military readiness to levels not seen What is the next step in the strategy, tries are best able to help Iraqi leaders since the Vietnam era. Madam Speaker, after the crippling of improve security by reducing ethnic There we have the six elements that our war effort? We know from state- tensions. To this end, an international we talked about: change of mission, re- ments and bills that have been intro- contact group should be established to deployment of troops, building of polit- duced that plans will mandate the na- support a political settlement in Iraq ical consensus, engaging in diplomacy, ture and the timing of a withdrawal by and preserve Iraq’s sovereignty. reform of reconstruction, and a refocus placing limitations on the funding of Senator REID and I also wrote to the on the war on terror. By placing so our efforts. A vote for this resolution President that an international con- much emphasis, instead, on dealing then is a vote to proceed toward ference should be convened to broaden with the problems in Iraq militarily defunding of our troops. support for the reconstruction effort and not enough emphasis on sustained Some believe that the impact of that is essential if Iraqis are going to political and diplomatic engagements, these decisions is confined to Iraq, but be put to work building their country’s the President’s escalation plan repeats Iraq is only one front in the global war future. past mistakes. against radical Islamic jihadists. This On the subject of reconstruction, The stakes in Iraq are too high to re- is a war without boundaries. This is a there has been little effective recon- cycle proposals that have little pros- war that poses the greatest challenge struction in Iraq because of mis- pect for success. The bipartisan resolu- to our generation. management and disappearances of tion today may be nonbinding, but it I will quote al-Zawahiri in his own funds. That is why we propose that, in will send a strong message to the words. He describes this fight in this order for the reconstruction of Iraq to President. We here in Congress are way: attract international support, it must committed to protecting and sup- ‘‘ . . . Afghanistan and Iraq are the be conducted according to practices porting our troops. two most important fields for con- which are honest, transparent, and ac- The passage of this legislation will fronting the contemporary Crusader countable. signal a change in direction in Iraq war. Therefore, the Muslim nation Reconstruction must be guided by that will end the fighting and bring our should support the mujahidin in these the kind of process set forth in legisla- troops home safely and soon. Our two countries with all its power.’’ tion introduced by Congressman PAT- troops are working together to secure Those are al-Zawahiri’s own words. RICK MURPHY and the Blue Dog Coali- our Nation, and we in this House must He talks about the war in Iraq as being tion. The United States should take work together to secure our Nation as central. He added that Iraq ‘‘is the the lead on accountability in recon- well and to do so in a way that honors gateway to the liberation of Palestine struction. Politically, there has been their sacrifice. and the restoration of the Islamic Ca- no sustained and effective effort to en- I urge my colleagues to support our liphate.’’ gage rival Iraqi factions. troops and a new direction in Iraq by Iran’s leader has echoed similar The U.S. must insist that Iraqi lead- voting ‘‘aye’’ on the bipartisan Skel- views. He stated, we will soon experi- ers make the political compromises ton-Lantos-Jones resolution. ence a world without the United needed for a broad-based and sustain- Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, at States; and he goes on to state, we able political settlement that will this time, I would like to yield 6 min- must prepare ourselves to rule the produce an inclusive political system utes to Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, ranking world. in Iraq. A good beginning would be to member of the Foreign Affairs Com- The enemy understands what is at press Iraqi leaders to amend the Con- mittee. stake. We must, also. stitution to achieve a fair sharing of Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the Once the retreat has started, where power and resources. That was prom- gentleman for yielding. will it stop? Afghanistan? The Persian ised at the time of the referendum over Madam Speaker, a prominent feature Gulf? The entire Middle East? Once we 1 year ago. of this debate has been two sharply have abandoned our allies in Iraq, why The resulting political consensus will contrasting visions of the future. One should anyone in the world believe allow Iraqi security forces to challenge vision sees no hope for us in Iraq and when we say that we draw a line in the the militias on behalf of the nation and counsels that we withdraw, just give sand and say that we will never aban- to disarm them. up. By contrast, the other mission fo- don them. Proponents of the President’s esca- cuses on success. We understand what Lawrence Haas, a former communica- lation are equating the war on terror accepting defeat means for Iraq. tions director for Vice President Gore, to the war in Iraq. As our esteemed We understand what accepting defeat stated recently, ‘‘ . . . our enemies an- chairman of the House Armed Services means for Iraq, the region and our Na- ticipate that Iraq will be the latest Committee, Congressman IKE SKELTON tion’s security interest. We support chapter in the book of American de- of Missouri, a great patriot, has ob- modifications and strategy to address featism. Our withdrawal will embolden served, ‘‘Two conflicts. Two wars. And the enemy’s changing tactics, and we them to push ahead, confident that we

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.069 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1830 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 lack the stomach for confrontation, ending this war, not escalating it. Con- asked of them. It is our political lead- that our commitments mean nothing, sidering this resolution is only the first ership that has failed. There is a say- that they can win simply by outlasting step of many Congress will need to ing, It takes two people to speak the us.’’ take to force a change in direction, but truth: one to speak it and one to hear A withdrawal in this generational as Thomas Jefferson once said, honesty it. I hope the administration will fight will ensure that what is to come is the first chapter of the book of wis- choose to hear the truth and I hope will be even worse. While urging a dom. Congress writes that chapter with that we pass this resolution today. withdrawal, some state that they sup- this resolution, but it is only the first Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, I port the troops. But as leaders of the chapter. yield 7 minutes to the gentleman from American Legion and the Veterans for Sadly, the burden created by the lack Michigan (Mr. HOEKSTRA), the ranking Foreign Wars have stated, you cannot of honesty and wisdom this administra- member on the Intelligence Com- separate the warrior from the war. tion has brought to this conflict is mittee. My stepson, Douglas Lehtinen, and shouldered by our brave men and Mr. HOEKSTRA. Madam Speaker, his wife, Lindsay, proudly served as women in uniform. Two years ago, I this debate is about whether or not Marine pilots in Iraq. Lindsay will soon spoke with a group of women in Sac- America is a great Nation that will leave for a tour in Afghanistan. Far ramento whose husbands were serving lead in the face of difficulty. We have from seeing their mission as hopeless, in the National Guard in Iraq. come up short. This resolution falls far from urging withdrawal, they and One woman told me she had to buy short. It is small and not worthy of their fellow service men and women her husband a Kevlar vest and a can- this House. Why small? Let me begin are committed to victory. They are so teen before he deployed to Iraq, some- with a threat that some either don’t confident in that success that they are thing all too many families were doing understand or refuse to acknowledge. willing to risk their lives to secure it. for their loved ones because the mili- This resolution does not address the fact that the current threat is not just b 1330 tary was not providing it. A short time later, the administration assured the the single front in Iraq, but rather the They would tell you that victory can public that the issue had been ad- larger threat of militant Islamic never be ensured but that we can make dressed. And yet just this week we jihadists who hate us enough to want defeat inevitable by giving our consent. heard reports that the Army lacks ar- to kill. These militant Islamic The hopelessness from which this reso- mored Humvees and other equipment jihadists are a fringe element of Islam lution springs is alien to our American necessary for the troop increase the who have very specific ideas and goals spirit and it runs contrary to our his- President is implementing; once again, about how to revive Islam, return Mus- tory. What Thomas Paine said over two a failure in vision and planning, and lims to world power, and how to deal centuries ago stands still today: These once again, our troops pay the price. with their enemies. are the times that try men’s souls. The Escalation of this conflict will fur- They are committed to a violent summer soldier and the sunshine pa- ther increase the strain on a military overthrow of existing international triot will in this crisis shrink from the that is already stretched to the break- systems and to their replacement by an service of their country. But he that ing point. Every Member of this Cham- all-encompassing Islamic state called stands by it now deserve the love and ber knows this. Earlier this month, I the caliphate. In explaining his ap- the thanks of every man and woman. spoke with a friend and reservist in proach to creating the caliphate, cen- Tyranny, like hell, is not easily con- Sacramento named Richard Beach. tered in Iraq, al-Qaeda’s number two quered. Yet we have this consolation Richard shipped out to Iraq 4 years ago leader, Zawahari, outlined a four-stage with us, that the harder the conflict, as a chaplain in the Army Reserves. He plan: the more glorious the triumph. is home now. But he still keeps in Stage 1, expel the Americans from If you like the status quo in Iraq, touch with his old unit. Richard shared Iraq in defeat. Madam Speaker, then you vote ‘‘yes’’ with me a note he sent to some of his Stage 2, create an Islamic religious on this resolution. If you favor a mis- fellow members of the 114th. government in Iraq, developing and sion of success in defeating the Islamic He wrote, ‘‘I remember 4 years ago supporting it until it achieves a level militant jihadists who are our enemies, we were getting ready for our trip to of a caliphate. then please vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolu- Fort Lewis and then on to Iraq. I hope Stage 3, extend the jihad wave to section. as the fourth anniversary of the war ular countries neighboring Iraq. Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I comes up, you are all in good health Stage 4, clash with Israel, because yield 5 minutes to my good friend and and living life to the fullest. I, too, Israel was established only to chal- our distinguished colleague from Cali- pray that soon this war will end and we lenge any new Islamic entity. fornia (Ms. MATSUI). will stop sending our soldiers off to I think you get the picture. Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I war.’’ Let me also be clear. This jihad is thank the gentleman for yielding me Four years later, he reports that about them, their God, and their reli- time. many of the same soldiers and their gion, it is not about us. These militant Madam Speaker, I am hopeful today. families are making the same sacrifice. jihadists believe that the modern world Finally, 4 years into a very controver- But that is a heartbreaking reality has forsaken the pure religious life and sial war, Congress will begin to fulfill here. Implementing the President’s that only with a caliphate can they reits constitutional responsibility as policy will mean that members of his turn to ‘‘pure life.’’ Representatives of the people. This regiment along with so many others It is this narrow ideology that poses week, every Member of the House of will have to endure more and more of the direct and real threat to us. It is Representatives has had an oppor- the back-to-back deployments to Iraq. this ideology that threatens not only tunity to express their views on the The notion of shared sacrifice is us, but also includes the belief that war in Iraq. And today, every Member something that helped make this coun- killing other Muslims is justified to will cast their vote for or against the try great. Americans are strong believ- achieve their radical goals. Here is the President’s escalation of the war. This ers in shared sacrifice. But all too true threat to America and the world, is only right. often in this war, only our troops and this militant Islamic jihad, a jihad For my part, I believe the President’s their families share the sacrifice. That that attacks around the globe, includ- proposed escalation would be a tragic is too much to ask on behalf of policies ing the United States and Iraq. The mistake. Our need for a change of di- that have not worked. resolution we debate today does not ad- rection could not be more clear. But The administration offers us scant dress this global problem, this threat rather than change direction, the reason to believe this troop increase to peace and stability. Iraq is not the President proposes that we continue will work when it has tried and failed problem, it is only one front in this down our current disastrous path, only with several previous troop increases. larger war. at a faster pace and with more human This proposal offers us nothing but The second point. This resolution life placed in harm’s way. more of the same. omits specifically all of the men and We should be bringing troops home, Our brave men and women in uniform women of the Armed forces who are de- not sending more there. We should be have done everything that has been fending our freedoms in other theaters

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.070 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1831 such as Kuwait, Afghanistan and Bos- Madam Speaker, this week during the de- the Kurd in a united Iraq; to trust that nia. It says, by not saying, that this bate on H. Con. Res. 63, I spoke of the men Iraq’s oil reserves would pay for its re- Congress may not support troops who and women of our Armed Forces and the sac- construction; to trust that Iraq would will be sent to Iraq. rifices they have made for our country. I noted serve as a beacon of democratic ideals Is this intentional? Is this part of the that I had visited them in theater, at Walter throughout the Middle East; to trust plan to choke off funding for our Reed, and with their families in New Jersey. that those early signs of a growing in- troops? I also take great umbrage that As I said, the quality of these men and surgency were nothing more than the this resolution omits and completely women, and their earnest wish to serve their ‘‘last throes of a few dead-enders.’’ slights the incredible contributions to country, makes this situation in Iraq all the And now the President asks us not to this Nation’s security of our dedicated more tragic. I am sure I was quite clear re- prejudge his plan to put another 21,000 men and women in the Intelligence garding my sentiments, but it would appear Americans in harm’s way. He asks us Community, many serving in Iraq, who that some in this House chose to to trust him yet again. With respect provide our combat troops with the in- mischaracterize my remarks. and humility, Madam Speaker, I ask formation vital to their security. The gentleman from California, Mr. HUNTER, him, how can we? And how can he even Is this the first step in cutting off said that I ‘‘referred to our wounded folks in ask it of us? Paraphrasing the Presi- their funding, too, returning to the Walter Reed as tragic.’’ I want the gentleman dent, fool me once, shame on you. Fool Clinton administration’s policies of the to know I said no such thing, and I will ask me five times, shame on me. 1990s that decimated our intelligence him to be accurate if he chooses to quote me And another criticism of this meas- capabilities? again. ure that we have heard repeated over Finally, Madam Speaker, I need to Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I am and over this week is that, as a non- address the issue of the consequences very pleased to yield 5 minutes to my binding resolution, its passage and this of failure. What happens if Iraq col- good friend and our distinguished debate is meaningless. lapses due to a sudden withdrawal of collegue from West Virginia, Congress- Madam Speaker, this resolution is U.S. troops? Our enemies have made it man MOLLOHAN. far from meaningless. If need be, Con- clear that they will fill the void. Sure- Mr. MOLLOHAN. I thank the gen- gress will end this war with binding ly America is wary of the conflict in tleman. legislation. As even the President ac- Iraq, but the difficulty of this conflict Madam Speaker, I rise in support of knowledged, we retain the power of the does not justify giving into their strat- the resolution opposing the President’s purse, and we have ample opportunity egy; yes, their strategy. They believe decision to escalate this war. My posi- to exercise that power. that they are winning by wearing tion on the Iraq war is uncomplicated. But just as wars should be started America down. Will we quit? Do we un- I voted against the initial war resolu- with a united government, so, too, derstand the consequences? should wars be ended with a united Make no mistake, this resolution is a tion back in 2002, mostly because I government. And that is the meaning- dangerous and naive first step to cut- never believed the President made a fulness of this resolution. It is the last ting funding to our troops in an unwise compelling argument that Iraq posed chance to draw this government back withdrawal from the region. Iraq is not the sort of substantive threat to the together on Iraq. It is the last call for a faraway place where the United United States that would justify war, us to work together, Democratic and States has no interest and where we and the considerable human, political, can pull our troops out of without pay- and financial costs that it would bring. Republican, legislative and executive, on ending this war. It is the last call ing a price in the global war against b 1345 for the President to come back to the militant Islam. I thought it was a bad decision at the This debate is not about Iraq, it is people. time, and I think it is a bad decision about us, us as a Nation of people who He may ignore that call. He may dis- today. will do the right thing. The funda- miss this resolution and this debate as In my limited time this afternoon, I mental question is, Do we have the re- meaningless. He may dismiss the voice would like to comment on a couple of solve that will be necessary to defeat of the people expressed through 439 refrains that we keep hearing. The first radical militant Islamic jihadists that newly elected Representatives as is the President’s repeated criticism contain bad actors such as Iran, and meaningless. But if he does, Madam that those who support this resolution will we stand and fight for the future of Speaker, he forces us to move forward are prejudging a plan that hasn’t even our kids and their kids? without him. I hope that doesn’t hap- We have faced similar threats before. been ‘‘given a chance to work.’’ He pen. In 1945 my parents were liberated by makes that charge with a tone of won- I urge my colleagues to vote for this Canadians and American troops in the derment, as though somehow it weren’t resolution, and I urge the President to Netherlands. They never forgot the our duty to anticipate the con- listen to this debate and to join with sacrifices that were made by brave sol- sequences of different courses of action us. diers and by a great Nation, a Nation and to avoid the bad ones before em- Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, at on a great mission. bracing them. If more of us had pre- this time, I would yield 5 minutes to America did it for them, but it also judged his 2002 decision, taking us to Mr. HUNTER of California, ranking did it for itself. America recognized war before it was ‘‘given a chance to member of the Armed Services Com- that the threat was a direct threat to work,’’ we wouldn’t be having this de- mittee. America and the world. We then led a bate today. Mr. HUNTER. I thank my friend for global effort to victory. Today we face The difference between today and yielding. a very different but, again, a very real 2002 is that a majority of this House This is, indeed, a sad time in our threat: radical militant Islam. The and this Congress are no longer willing country. Five years ago we came to challenge to this Congress is to rise to to give the President the benefit of the this floor united. We joined in sending the occasion, to help lead America and doubt he enjoyed 5 years ago. We are our troops off in this war against ter- to help lead the world to victory. no longer willing to suspend judgment ror. This petty resolution falls far short and trust the decider. That should sur- You know, Madam Speaker, for the of that noble and worthy calling. Vote prise precisely no one. first number of strikes that were deliv- ‘‘no.’’ We can and we must do better. For 4 years we have been asked to ered by Muslim extremists in this war, Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I trust this administration, to trust, as the terrorists chose the battlefields. yield for the purpose of making a unan- the Vice President emphatically de- They chose a battlefield as a Marine imous-consent request to my friend clared, that they knew where the weap- barracks in Beirut. And Mr. SKELTON from New Jersey (Mr. HOLT). ons of mass destruction are; to trust and I were there, he shortly after the (Mr. HOLT asked and was given per- that the Iraqis would welcome us as explosion that killed our Marines, I mission to revise and extend his re- liberators; to trust that we had a large shortly before that explosion. They marks.) enough invasion force to stabilize the chose the Khobar Towers, they chose Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, I rise in country; to trust that the Shi’a would the embassies in Africa, they chose the strong support of this resolution. find common cause with the Sunni and USS Cole, and then they chose New

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.072 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1832 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 York, Washington, DC, and Pennsyl- What are the facts, the reality, our forcing our troops, and then pray to vania. We chose the next two battle- Democrat friends say we have to be re- God we are right; one side will vote fields, Afghanistan and Iraq. alists here, is this is a tough, difficult against the President’s plan. And in Our Democrat colleagues say that road. We are on the second stage right this question rests the answer to the Iraq was the wrong battlefield, and I now. Most importantly, Madam Speak- future of our divided House. have heard resonating through the er, our troops are in the field already My friends, many of you are about to floor over the last 4 days statements on this plan that is now being retro- put yourselves in a precarious position, that they were tricked, hornswoggled, actively disavowed by the Democratic for no one knows what the future fooled about Saddam Hussein. leadership. holds. While we may feel sure of our de- From my side of the argument as to You know, it was in June, I think it cisions in the evanescent present, the whether or not Saddam Hussein was a was 2130 hours, June 6, 1944, when the unfathomable vagaries of fate have yet dangerous terrorist, I will simply offer first elements of the first aircraft of to fully play upon the stage of human all the statements by every Democrat the Pathfinder companies went out in history. As a result, many supporters leader in America during the 1990s, front of the 82nd Airborne over Nor- of this resolution made an ominous when there was no Bush administra- mandy, and they shortly were followed omission while urging its adoption: In tion to, in the words of my Democrat by hundreds of airplanes with Amer- denouncing the President’s plan, too colleagues, ‘‘trick them.’’ I will offer ican paratroopers. The 82nd Airborne few of you have openly hoped our their statements about Saddam Hus- going into Normandy had the full sup- troops’ new mission would win the day sein. port and prayers of everybody in the and prove you wrong. Madam Speaker, we have expanded in United States Congress. Being your colleague, I know you the last 60 years. We have been in the Today, you have got an 82nd Airborne share this hope in your hearts. But business of expanding freedom. We un- Second Brigade now operating under your fellow Americans in fields abroad derstood after World War II that if we this plan in Baghdad already there in and constituencies at home must now didn’t change the world, the world Baghdad. Now, is this going to be the wonder, will you cut our troops funding would change us. And that lesson was day, I would ask my colleagues, when to prove yourselves right? Sooner than you imagine, this non- relearned after 9/11. some trooper from the 82nd Airborne binding resolution will instigate bind- No one would argue that it is not in writes on the concrete wall next to his ing legislation to commence a ‘‘slow our interest to have a Japan on the position in Baghdad, ‘‘This is where I bleed’’ of funding cuts while our troops other side of the Pacific, where we stood when the United States House of battle against the enemy. Again, be- stood up a free government, where we Representatives led by the Democrat cause I serve beside you every day, I have a free nation, or that it is not in leadership rejected my mission’’? I know you abhor the thought of Amer- our interest to have a free El Salvador hope that doesn’t happen, Madam ican soldiers being harmed by such an in our own hemisphere, or that it is not Speaker. abject betrayal of their trust during in our interest to have those dozens of Vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. combat, but it is upon this crucible of nations that were behind the Berlin Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, may I conscience you will be judged by all. Wall that are now free and working for inquire how much time each side has. And when the time comes to confront freedom. Many of them are partners in The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. the consequences of today’s expedi- Iraq. We understand that. ESHOO). The gentleman from California ency, I pray you make the right deci- And now we are trying to expand has 291⁄2 minutes remaining. The gen- sion. If, however, you make the wrong freedom in a different part of the tleman from Texas has 32 minutes re- decision, you will not only betray our world, a very dangerous part of the maining. citizen soldiers’ trust, you will disas- world. And we are undertaking the Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, we re- trously unite this House in a callow same three-point strategy that we have serve the balance of our time. contentment with our own liberty and had for 60 years: Number one, you Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, at a calloused apathy to others’ enslave- stand up a free government; number this time, I would like to yield 5 min- ment. two, you stand up a military capable of utes to Mr. MCCOTTER from Michigan, Could there be any more dishonor- protecting that free government; and, the chairman of the Republican Policy able epitaph for our free Republic’s rev- number three, the Americans leave. Committee. olutionary experiment in democracy? And we can build on this Baghdad Mr. MCCOTTER. Madam Speaker, True, some allege I exaggerate the dan- plan, which is right now in the execu- President Lincoln warned, ‘‘A house di- ger, but they have turned a blind eye tion phase, this plan of having two or vided against itself cannot stand. I be- to the epitaphs of liberty etched above three Iraqi battalions out front, with lieve this government cannot endure the ruins of nations once gloried, now an American backup battalion to men- permanently half slave and half free. It dead: the Athenian city-state, the tor them, and we can rotate every one will become all one thing or all the Roman Republic, the Weimar Republic. of the 129 Iraqi battalions through this other.’’ Thus, even as we today divide in our type of a combat rotation, stand them Today, our House is divided; tomor- own House, we remain compelled to up, give them battlefield experience, row, it will become all one thing or all unite behind the cause of our free Re- and then the Americans can leave. the other. What are the possibilities? public in this dangerous age of Now, Madam Speaker, I have heard it In our divided House, one side be- globalization, wherein humanity’s des- said throughout this debate that there lieves we must win in Iraq to avoid a tiny is daily entwined across the dis- was somehow a smooth road not taken. catastrophe; another side assumes we parate reaches of Earth. And let me just say, that is not true. can lose in Iraq without consequence. Our cause is this: Our world cannot There are no smooth roads in the Mid- One side believes we must support permanently endure half slave and half dle East. There are no smooth roads to our troops in harm’s way and continue free. It will become all one thing or all standing up new governments, espe- their funding; another side claims we the other, as it has before in the dark- cially in communities and states where can support our troops in harm’s way est ages of human existence. people have been trained to live under and cut their funding. My friends, at this crossroads of our dictatorships. One side assumes we must defeat al Republic, we must heed the better an- And for those who say if we had just Qaeda in Iraq; another side asserts we gels of our nature. We must unite our kept Saddam Hussein’s army in place, can retreat from al Qaeda in Iraq. divided House behind the self-evident with it is 11,000 Sunni generals, every- And one side believes the American truth that all human beings are en- thing would have been fine and we people voted to change course in Iraq dowed by their Creator, with the in- would have had a peaceful situation in to win; another side feels the American alienable right to life, liberty and the Iraq right now, that is nonsense. And people voted to change course in Iraq pursuit of happiness. for those who said if we had had 200,000 to lose. We must extend freedom to the Iraqis or 300,000 troops, the Shiites and Shortly, we will see how divided we and, in so doing, enhance the liberty of Sunnis would have forgotten their an- are. One side will vote to support the ourselves and all free peoples and in- cient rivalries, that is also nonsense. President’s plan to win in Iraq by rein- spire our fellow human beings caged in

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Ken- Madam Speaker, we must reject this down with Congress and provide accu- nedy, who so inspired our Nation when resolution, unite behind our heroic rate data on what is really going on in he said in his inaugural address: ‘‘Let troops and, God willing, win our coun- this war, I cannot in good conscience every Nation know, whether it wishes try and humanity’s mortal struggle to support putting more men in harm’s us well or ill, that we shall pay any be free. way. price, bear any burden, meet any hard- Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I am This administration used bad intel- ship, support any friend, oppose any foe delighted to yield 5 minutes to my ligence to justify the rationale for war, in order to ensure the survival and the good friend from Mississippi, the dis- and I fear that they are using bad judg- success of liberty.’’ tinguished chairman of our Homeland ment here today in their call for send- Madam Speaker, we have come a Security Committee, Congressman ing 25,000 more troops into harm’s way. long way since our Nation’s 35th Presi- The administration keeps calling this THOMPSON. dent spoke those words 46 years ago. proposal a troop surge. Let us call it This debate arrives at an historic b 1400 what it is. The proposal is a troop in- time in our Nation’s history, not be- Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. crease. Rather than a troop surge, what cause of the resolution we are consid- Madam Speaker, 3 months ago the we need from this administration is a ering today but because the results of American people sent a resounding truth surge. The incompetence and our efforts in Iraq will have a true im- message for change. They voted for a misinformation that has gotten us into pact on the lives of our soldiers and the new direction in Congress and new di- this mess is not the competence it will security of all of us for generations to rection for the war in Iraq. take to get us out. come. The President and this administra- In solemn tribute to the sacrifices of Recently, I received a letter from one tion must remain faithful and truthful the men and women of the Armed of my constituents who expressed some to Congress and the American people Forces in Mississippi’s Second Congres- very real concerns about the Demo- by openly discussing appropriate meas- sional District who have served in Iraq crats’ view of the war in Iraq. He ures to resolve the situation in Iraq and who have paid the ultimate sac- writes: ‘‘I am a servicemember that has that is worsening daily. The President rifice, I would like to recognize some of served in Iraq, training Iraqis. I have 19 must allow Congress to do what it was Mississippi’s Second District heroes: years of service. I spent 6 years in the Staff Sergeant Kenneth Bradley. formed to do under the Constitution. His decision to continue in this direc- Virginia Army National Guard, and I Hometown: Utica, Mississippi; 39 years am entering my 13th year of active old; died May 28, 2003, in Operation tion is not democratic and, therefore, does not demonstrate the best example Federal service. Iraqi Freedom. ‘‘Pulling out of Iraq doesn’t send the of what we are fighting for in Iraq. We Larry K. Brown. Hometown: Jackson, right message to those we are fight- Mississippi; 22 years old; died April 5, must not allow the President to escalate the Iraq War without specific con- ing,’’ he said. ‘‘Not enough is being said 2003, in Operation Iraqi Freedom. about what the U.S. will do if we with- Rapheal S. Davis. Hometown: gressional approval. Madam Speaker, we must send the draw and what will happen in the midst Tutwiler, Mississippi; 24 years of age; President a message he cannot ignore. of a power vacuum . . . ’’ died December 2, 2003, in Operation We must pass the Skelton-Lantos- The soldier went on to say: ‘‘I person- Iraqi Freedom. Jones resolution. ally served in the streets of Baghdad in Captain Kermit O. Evans. Hollandale, Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, at 2006, and I would have felt better serv- Mississippi; 31 years old; died Decem- this time I would like to yield 5 mining, thinking that both houses of Con- ber 3, 2006, in Operation Iraqi Freedom. utes to the gentleman from Virginia gress gave me their full support.’’ Joshua S. Ladd. Port Gibson, Mis- (Mr. CANTOR), the deputy whip of the Madam Speaker, what we debate in sissippi; 20 years old; died May 1, 2004, minority. this House, how we conduct ourselves, in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, just 2 does have real consequences. Some of Master Sergeant Brian McAnulty. days ago, on February 14, Osama bin our country’s bravest are on the battle- Hometown: Vicksburg, Mississippi; 39 Laden’s deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, field and on the streets of Baghdad as years of age; died December 11, 2006, in posted a speech on an Islamist Web site we speak. Operation Iraqi Freedom. where he blessed jihad fighters in Iraq, We have seen throughout our history Staff Sergeant John McGee. Cary, Afghanistan, and Somalia and urged what happens when our resolve is Mississippi; age 36 years; died May 2, the mujahadeen all over world to re- weak. In 1993 this country half- 2005, in Operation Iraqi Freedom. main steadfast since complete victory heartedly supported the commitment Staff Sergeant Joe Wilson. Crystal was near. He made special mention of of troops to subdue the violent war- Springs, Mississippi; 30 years of age; those in the Islamic jihadist media and lords of Somalia. The precipitous with- November 2, 2003, in Operation Iraqi thanked them for their blessed efforts drawal in the face of casualties left a Freedom. which cause the Crusaders to lose chaotic nation to this day that harbors Madam Speaker, the Department of sleep. terrorists and is a feeding ground for Defense reports that as of February 15, There is no doubt about it, Madam instability. 2007, 3,126 U.S. military service- Speaker. We are fighting against an The lessons of history must not be members have died as a result of their enemy that uses every weapon at its forgotten as we face a determined service in Iraq. More than 25,000 have disposal to inflict casualties upon our enemy of Islamic terrorists who are been wounded. soldiers in the field. This enemy seeks waging a war upon freedom. This bipartisan resolution before us not just victory in Iraq but the rees- Madam Speaker, the American peo- today asks Members a straightforward tablishment of a greater Islamic ca- ple want us to fight and win in Iraq and question: Do you approve of the Presi- liphate that would threaten the secu- bring our troops home. Our soldiers dent’s announced proposal on January rity of America and freedom-loving seek nothing more than the support 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 ad- people throughout the world. they require to perform their mission ditional United States combat troops Today, this House will vote on a non- and the knowledge that the American to Iraq? binding resolution that disapproves of people believe that their sacrifice is There is no question that the way a surge in Iraq, a resolution that dis- necessary and noble. forward in Iraq is one of our greatest courages our troops yet fails to satisfy Contrary to some of those on the challenges. The open debate offered the antiwar movement of America’s other side of the aisle who have stood here today allows us all an opportunity left. here in this well believing and saying

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.076 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1834 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 that this debate is a breath of fresh air, and now they seek to deprive those resolution. We have spent the week dis- our enemies will be the only ones satis- same troops of the resources they need cussing the situation in Iraq and trying fied by this debate. They will have re- to succeed in their mission. According to find out what the resolution may ceived all the political rhetoric they to news reports, these groups are pre- really mean. require to convince their followers that pared to spend $8.5 million on a na- As I said at the start of this debate, complete victory is at hand. One can tional ad campaign to target law- it is hard to imagine a less qualified only imagine with horror how many Is- makers who did not adhere to their ex- group prepared to determine tactics on lamic radicals will be inspired to con- tremist, defeatist views. the ground than 535 Members of Con- tinue the fight after this House re- This resolution is not an earnest ex- gress, or 535 members of anything else; solves that it supports our troops but pression of congressional sentiment. It how many troops to deploy, where to not the mission we ask them to per- is phase one of the far left’s plan to deploy them, which car to stop. Where form. elect more of their own. And all of this does it end? To those who support this resolution is for what? To send a message or set- There is a disagreement on how we and oppose any effort to achieve vic- tle a score with our Commander in should fight this war on Islamic totali- tory in Iraq, I challenge you to be true Chief? To raise campaign cash? tarianism, but this fight is the chal- to your convictions and bring a binding It turns out our worse fears are true; lenge of our generation. resolution to the floor to cut off funds that this resolution is, in fact, a first, Madam Speaker, many of my friends for our troops, because that is really dangerous step to cutting off the funds on the other side of the aisle supported what this is all about. our troops so desperately need. The re- this mission at the beginning. Now Madam Speaker, I oppose this resolu- marks of the Defense Appropriations they are ready to give up in the middle tion and urge my colleagues to vote chairman, the remarks of the Speaker of the fight. Those who join me in opposing this ‘‘no’’ and send a message worth hearing with major national reporters lending nonbinding resolution have been saying to America, our soldiers, and our en- support to the slow-bleed doctrine; and all week, while this resolution will emies. next week senior House leaders will have no impact because it is non- Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, at convene to map out their strategy for binding, it is still the first step toward this time I would like to yield 5 min- maximizing their ability to defund the cutting funding for our troops. utes to the gentleman from Florida troops while minimizing the political Yesterday, we were told that this is (Mr. PUTNAM). fallout. the first step toward pulling the rug Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, I Before you cast your vote today, you out from under our troops in the field. thank the gentleman for yielding. should see this resolution for what it This week, one of the veterans on our While this resolution may be non- is: phase one of a political campaign to side of the aisle was accused of being binding, we will all be bound by its strip our troops of the funds they need. dishonest in her representation when consequences: the immediate and long- b 1415 she said that this resolution we will lasting consequences, those here and in vote on today did not support those Right now, in some cave in Iraq or the combat zone. who are deploying. But the gentleman Democrats continue to put forward Afghanistan, information is being lo- from Pennsylvania, Mr. MURTHA, said cated on a hard drive that talks about an inherently contradictory message just yesterday, during the unveiling of a plan for a new attack in America. with dire consequences, on one hand of- his strategy to pull the rug out from Right now, somewhere in the Middle fering rhetorical support for the troops under our troops, ‘‘They won’t be able East, teenage boys are being groomed and on the other, advancing a slow- to continue. They won’t be able to do to be human bombs to further the aims bleed strategy that methodically con- the deployment. They won’t have the of these Islamic extremists. Right now, stricts those troops’ ability to succeed. equipment. They don’t have the train- From the testimonials we have money is being transferred across a ing, and they won’t be able to do the heard, it is clear our troops believe global finance network to fund the at- work.’’ tacks here on our soil or on other al- their mission is winnable. And the mes- He also said, ‘‘I think, first of all, we lies’ soil who believe in the types of sage they are routinely delivering to us have to be careful that people don’t freedom and open society we enjoy, in could not be more clear. They want a think this is the vote. The real vote Madrid, in London, in Hamburg, in New chance to get the job done. will come on the legislation we are put- York, in Washington. Ladies and gentlemen, our troops are ting together. This nonbinding legisla- Regardless of how many Republicans not speaking off of a slickly produced tion is just an opinion.’’ focus group-tested set of talking cross the aisle and vote with the Demo- I would say this resolution says just points. They are vocalizing the over- crats or how many Democrats cross the enough not to say anything at all. We whelming sentiments that exist on the aisle and vote with the Republicans, have already heard the Democrats call- front lines. We do a disservice to the tomorrow morning the terrorists will ing the debate this week the ‘‘bark be- very troops we claim to support when still wake up with hate on their hearts, fore the bite.’’ Their so-called slow- we advance a slow-bleed strategy that plotting the next scheme to bring down bleed approach is the bite that will cuts off their lifeline of support. our economy, to bring down our system surely hurt those fighting under Amer- We don’t support them when we of government, to bring down the lives ica’s flag overseas. choke off the funding they need to suc- of innocents. This nonbinding resolution is the ceed. We don’t support them when we As recently as last August, as if we first step in an all-too-binding spiral erect political roadblocks designed to didn’t learn from the events of 9/11, as toward defeat in a fight that we cannot deny them the equipment that they recently as last August, there was still afford to lose. need to carry out their mission. We an attempt to blow up 10 more airliners I am not pleased to vote ‘‘no’’ today, don’t support them when we tie their using baby food as the means for bring- but I will vote ‘‘no,’’ knowing that the hands behind their back. And we cer- ing on the explosive device. ‘‘no’’ vote is the right vote. tainly don’t support our troops when Resolutions like this do nothing to Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, as we we attach strings to the funding needed stop that type of hate. They only send come to the end of this debate, I want to ensure that when they need help, it the wrong signals to the men and to commend every participant on both is on the way. women on the front lines for all of us. sides for conveying powerfully and elo- Yesterday the chairman of the De- Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, I quently their deeply held views. fense Appropriations Subcommittee yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from I started this debate in the firm be- unveiled this dangerous slow-bleed doc- Missouri (Mr. BLUNT), the minority lief that escalation is a flawed idea. trine on a Web site, movecongress.org, whip. After listening carefully for the past 4 that is directly affiliated with some of Mr. BLUNT. I thank the gentleman days to all of my colleagues, I am more the most extreme elements of the for the time. convinced than ever that escalation is antiwar left. This is a political ma- Madam Speaker, I rise again today, a flawed idea. chine designed to elect and defeat poli- as I did at the beginning of this debate, Escalation is not only the wrong pol- ticians by using our troops as pawns, to urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on this nonbinding icy for the United States, it is also the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.078 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1835 wrong policy for Iraq. If Iraq is to suc- spouses, their children. These children I hope to bring the Kentucky troops ceed as a stable and prosperous state, will remember parts of this debate and home, but not until the work is done. it must learn to take responsibility. It will grow up learning just how much Oppose the resolution. must learn to make difficult decisions. their country supported their parents Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, this It must amend its constitution in the during these trying times. is a bipartisan resolution, and I am interests of Iraqi reconciliation. It The talk also goes to the enemy, who pleased to yield 51⁄2 minutes to my must devise an equitable law for shar- is watching and listening to us in the friend, the gentleman from North Caro- ing its oil and gas revenues. And it caves, on the battlefield, the terrorist lina (Mr. JONES). must take primary responsibility for cells wherever they may be. They mon- Mr. JONES of North Carolina. its own security. itor what we are saying to learn of our Madam Speaker, I am grateful to Unless we de-escalate, Iraq will never resolve. So even if we just talk, we Chairman SKELTON and Chairman LAN- step up to the plate. But that is not the ought to be very careful what we say. TOS for giving me the opportunity and only reason we must de-escalate. Un- The world is watching and listening. the privilege to be part of this resolu- less we do so, our great Nation will be And since we have the power to fund tion, first of all, to thank our men and unable to fulfill its many far-flung our military, I want to talk briefly. We women in uniform for their service global responsibilities. Unless we de-es- have one Commander in Chief. The and, secondly, to question whether the sending of 20,000-plus troops to be po- calate, we will simply lack the re- President’s premise for going to war in licemen in Baghdad is the right thing sources for critical tasks here at home both Afghanistan and Iraq has always been to go on the offensive. It is hard or the wrong thing to do. and overseas. I think this has been a great debate, to prove a negative, but it is obvious All of us, Madam Speaker, are pas- no matter which side of the aisle you sionately committed to supporting and we have not had one terrorist attack in have been on or which position you defending our troops. In the coming the U.S. since 9/11. That is not all be- have had. weeks, my fellow Democrats and I will cause of our decision to go to war in Madam Speaker, I want to say again, bring forth specific proposals to en- Iraq, but it is one of the reasons. as I did 2 days ago, I know we cannot hance this Nation’s support and de- Everybody ought to know by now the live in the past, but I will tell you, my fense of our brave troops. basic mindset of the terrorist jihadists. heart has ached ever since I went to a Madam Speaker, the American peo- They are attracted to volatile parts of Marine’s funeral in April of 2003. ple are not well-served by the surge the Middle East, where broken regimes Michael Bitz died a sergeant, a ser- and our present course in Iraq. This make it okay to practice hatred and vi- geant who left a wife and three chil- omelet cannot be unscrambled. There olence. They are looking for safe sanc- dren, twins that were born 2 weeks have been far too many mistakes made tuary that provides secrecy, commu- after he was deployed. He never saw to undo the damage. nications capabilities and a basic infra- them. At the funeral, the wife read the For the sake of Iraq, for the sake of structure with which to concoct their last letter word for word. She cried, our own national interests and for the next scheme. They plan and plot and and I cried too, by God. sake of our incomparable troops, de-es- wait to pounce in various hot spots Then I started questioning. The in- calation must begin, and it must begin around the world, just as they have telligence given to the Congress and now. done in Kenya, Tanzania, the USS Cole, the American people, was it verified? I strongly support the resolution and Bali, Madrid, London. It is a low-grade Was it true? Then I started speaking urge all of my colleagues to do so. world war. out and asking for those who were on Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- If we finish this job, Iraq might be a the inside, and I am going to read this ance of my time. place where people are more concerned to you today very quickly. Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, I with getting to work and raising a fam- b 1430 yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from ily than one where terrorists can plan General Gregory Newbold, Marine Kentucky (Mr. ROGERS). attacks and sectarian violence is ramp- general, and as far as I am concerned, Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam ant. It won’t be perfect. he is a hero because he gave up a third Speaker, I rise today to support our And let’s be honest about what is star because he could not sit there and troops and our Nation. It is really that called sectarian violence. Where did see the manipulation of the intel- simple. that come from? A lot of it from ter- ligence to send our troops to Iraq, and We in Congress have an obligation rorist organizations, al Qaeda fore- I quote very quickly from an article and duty to debate the many different most. It is provoked and prodded along that he wrote for Time magazine, April issues facing the country. Our words because our enemies know it will test 9, 2006. and our actions traditionally make our resolve. Listen to the tapes of ‘‘Two senior military officers are their way to our constituents’ living Osama bin Laden and Ayman al- known to have challenged Defense Sec- rooms and the national news, but now, Zawahari. They talk about it all the retary Donald Rumsfeld on the plan- with communications being what they time. ning of the Iraq War. Army General are, to our troops in the field through What they want for themselves is for Eric Shinseki publicly dissented and the Internet. the U.S. to give up. They call us a found himself marginalized. Marine Our words are the guiding principles paper tiger, a country that gives up Lieutenant Greg Newbold, the Penta- by which the voters ultimately make when support wanes or when the going gon’s top operations officer, voiced his their decision on who they want rep- gets difficult. In their view, after we objections internally and then retired, resenting them here, and this week ob- give up, they will claim victory and in part out of opposition to the war.’’ viously is no exception. turn Iraq into a terrorist factory of I further read from his writing to Our words will carry on for many training camps, weapons making and Time magazine. ‘‘From 2000 until Octo- months to come. Our constituents are surveillance operations, all designed ber 2002, I was a Marine Corps lieuten- listening, as there is no issue more so- for the express purpose of waging the ant general and director of operations bering or more somber than this one. next attack in the U.S. or otherwise for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. After 9/11, Over the last 4 days, though, I have advancing this low-grade world war. I was a witness and therefore a party to been struck not so much by the rhet- The President knows this, and we the actions that led us to the invasion oric on display here but the effects this need to end this war. He has taken the of Iraq, an unnecessary war. Inside the debate will have on the morale of our input of others and readjusted our military family, I made no secret of troops. Our words have carried much strategy and, as we speak, is read- my view that the zealots’ rationale for further than those living rooms this justing our tactics. The Iraqis must war made no sense. And I think I was past week. This debate will inevitably take charge of their own security. outspoken enough to make those sen- make its way to our troops there in Our military is pressing for action, ior to me uncomfortable. But I now re- Iraq standing watch in some remote action from our own troops to quell the gret that I did not more openly chal- outpost, training Iraqi security forces. violence and action to get the Iraqi se- lenge those who were determined to in- This debate will inevitably make its curity forces trained, equipped and vade a country whose actions were pe- way to the parents of our troops, their ready to act. ripheral to the real threat, al Qaeda. I

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.081 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1836 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 retired from the military 4 months be- innocent victims. We face an enemy After a crippling depression in the fore the invasion, in part because of my that loves death more than it loves 1930s, we defeated Japanese impe- opposition to those who had used 9/11’s life. rialism and Hitler in Germany. We tragedy to hijack our security policy.’’ As Americans, we cherish freedom then defeated the Soviet Union and He further stated, ‘‘To be sure, the and democracy. Ours is a way of life. their communist empire in a test of Bush administration and senior mili- Theirs is a way of death, of murder, of wills that lasted for a generation. tary officials are not alone in their cul- suicide. The greatness of America is exempli- pability. Members of Congress, from The global reach of radical Islam fied in a simple short letter about duty both parties, defaulted in fulfilling stretches from North Africa, through and sacrifice. The letter was written by their constitutional responsibility for the Middle East, to South Asia, to In- Marine Staff Sergeant Daniel Clay, the oversight.’’ donesia and to the Philippines. husband of my former staffer, Lisa Bell These are not my words. They are the The other side wants Americans to Clay. words of two-star Marine General Greg- believe that the war in Iraq is different Sergeant Clay was one of 10 Marines ory Newbold who gave up the third star from the war on terror. They even say who were killed in Fallujah a little because he could not stay and see what that we are not fighting al Qaeda in over a year ago, and he left behind this was happening to our military and to Iraq, ignoring the fact that al Qaeda letter to his family in case he did not this country. has made it the central front in their come home. Madam Speaker, I am proud to be war against America. In it, he said, ‘‘What we have done in part of this resolution. Debate has According to the experts, and accord- Iraq is worth any sacrifice. Why? Be- never hurt anyone. In fact, at the ing to their own words, radical Islamic cause it was our duty.’’ He says, ‘‘That Armed Services meeting 2 weeks ago, a terrorists will never stop fighting until sounds simple. But all of us have a question was asked, either by my side much of the world is under Islamic law. duty. Duty is defined as a God-given In 2004, Osama bin Laden said the fol- or your side, Would this demoralize the task. Without duty, life is worthless.’’ lowing about the conflict in Iraq: ‘‘The troops? And General Pace and Sec- Our troops are not the only Ameri- whole world is watching this war and cans who have a God-given task. If a retary of Defense Gates said, no, it will the two adversaries; the Islamic Nation noncommissioned officer can under- not; they are smart, they understand. . . . and the United States and its al- stand his duty, then certainly Members This is what freedom is all about is de- lies on the other. It is either victory of Congress can understand theirs. bate, disagreement, and discussion. and glory or misery and humiliation.’’ Congress has a duty to protect the Madam Speaker, our troops have And our enemies are watching this American people now so that the next done a magnificent job, and they can- debate, and through the Arab media we generation can enjoy prosperity and not afford to continue to be policemen know what they are saying. freedom. in a civil war. It is not fair and makes Recently, the second-in-command of Congress also has a duty to the men no sense at all. al Qaeda issued a warning to moderate and women in uniform when we send Seventy percent of the American peo- Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan who them into harm’s way, a duty to pro- ple are opposed to this surge, and are working and dying to build peace vide them with the full support and re- Madam Speaker, I want to read Retired and security, and he said this: ‘‘These sources they need to accomplish their Army Lieutenant General J. Garner, traitors in Iraq and Afghanistan must mission and return home safely. the first U.S. official in charge of post- face their inevitable fate, and face up My friends on the other side have de- war Baghdad. Madam Speaker, he said, to the inescapable facts. America is scribed this nonbinding resolution as ‘‘I don’t know that the Iraqi Govern- about to depart and abandon them, just their first step. It is a first step. It is ment has ever demonstrated ability to as it abandoned their like in Vietnam.’’ the first step in a plan to cut off fund- lead the country, and we shouldn’t be The consequences of failure in Iraq ing and reinforcements for American surprised. You’ll never find, in my life- would be catastrophic for America and troops in harm’s way. time, one man that all the Iraqis will the world. The next step is to micromanage the coalesce around. Iraqis are too divided Last month, General Petraeus spoke war through the budget process. To among sectarian, ethnic, and tribal of the very real possibility of Iraq’s quote the gentleman from Pennsyl- loyalties, and their loyalties are re- neighbors taking sides in sectarian vio- vania (Mr. MURTHA), who said yester- gional, not national.’’ lence. day, ‘‘They won’t be able to continue. Let’s pass this resolution, and God Failing in Iraq would jeopardize They won’t be able to do the deploy- bless our men and women in uniform. Israel and greatly benefit Iran, a na- ment. They won’t have the equipment, Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, I tion governed by a fanatic and actively they don’t have the training and they yield 1 minute to the gentleman from building nuclear weapons. won’t be able to do the work.’’ Ohio (Mr. BOEHNER), the minority lead- The battle we fight in Iraq is the big- Mr. Speaker, at this very moment er. gest part of our global war, and if we American troops are fighting radical Mr. BOEHNER. Madam Speaker, I leave, the fight will, in fact, follow us Islamic terrorists thousands of miles want to thank my colleague from home. And what we will leave behind is away, and it is unthinkable that the Texas for yielding and thank him and chaos, the same kind of chaos we left United States Congress would move to all of you for, once again, to have an behind in Vietnam, the same kind of discredit their mission, cut off their re- opportunity to come and speak on the chaos we left behind in Lebanon, and inforcements and deny them the re- floor on this resolution. the same kind of chaos that we left be- sources they need to succeed and re- The resolution before us is non- hind in Somalia. turn home safely. binding, but it is the first step down a Who does not believe that we will not The American people will not support very treacherous path, a path that, if see chaos in Iraq, destabilizing the a strategy that involves pulling the rug followed, will endanger Americans for Middle East and jeopardizing the very out from under American troops in the generations to come. safety and security of the American combat zone by cutting off their rein- Iraq is the central front in a global people? forcements and forcing them to face an war between the United States of As Americans, we are fortunate in so enemy without our full support. America and radical Islamic terrorists, many ways. We have so many bless- This resolution is nonbinding, but it a war that began long before the hor- ings, including a great and proud his- is the first step toward a tragic, un- rific events of 9/11, a war the American tory to inspire us. Earlier this week, I thinkable goal. people did not seek and did not start. talked about President Lincoln and the Four years ago, this body agreed that It is mind-boggling to consider how challenges he faced during some of fighting this war was a worthy cause. fanatically committed our enemies are America’s darkest days. During the There have been setbacks where Mem- to destroying America, even at the cost Revolution, America faced down what bers on both sides of the aisle are of destroying themselves in the proc- was then the most powerful empire in rightly dissatisfied with the results. ess. Our enemies recruit young people, the world, with a rag-tag army. We sur- But this is war. We face a sophisti- fill them with hate and rage, and then vived a Civil War that would have per- cated, determined enemy who wants to send them on suicide missions to kill manently divided any other Nation. annihilate our way of life.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.082 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1837 We have a duty to stand and fight Bob, Jenny, and Beverly. My fellow We must not allow this Congress to against those who seek to destroy POWs and I clung to the hope of when, leave these troops like the Congress America and the freedom that defines not if, we returned home. We would left us. Today, let my body serve as a us. Our troops are committed to fight- spend hours tapping on the adjoining brutal reminder that we must not re- ing and winning this global war. We cement walls about what we would do peat the mistakes of the past. Instead, owe them our unfailing support. when we got home to America. We learn from them. We must not cut I urge my colleagues to stand with pledged to quit griping about the way funding for our troops. We must stick the marines, the soldiers, the sailors the government was running the war in by them. We must support them all the and the airmen and vote down this res- Vietnam and do something about it. way. And, to our troops, we must re- olution. I urge my colleagues to think We decided we would run for office and main always faithful. God bless you all. about our duty, our duty to support try to make America a better place for I salute you and this Congress. our troops, our duty to protect the all of us. Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, I American people, and our duty to leave So, little did I know back in my rat- yield back the balance of my time. for our kids and their kids a safe, free, infested 3-by-8 dark, filthy cell that, 34 Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it is and secure America. Our soldiers are years after my departure from hell on a privilege to share this body and this dying around the world to protect us, earth, I would spend the anniversary of floor with the remarkable gentleman upholding their duty. Do we have the my release pleading for a House panel from Texas. I applaud him for his patri- courage to uphold our duty? to back my measure to support and otism, his courage, and commitment to Vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. fully fund our troops in harm’s way; America. Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, it is my and, that just days later I would be on Madam Speaker, we have had a long honor and privilege to yield 7 minutes the floor of the U.S. House of Rep- debate on this resolution. I have lis- to an American hero, a hero of the resentatives, surrounded by distin- tened to critics, and I find it quite in- State of Texas, a pilot in Vietnam, one guished veterans, urging Congress to teresting that the criticism is focused of the longest serving prisoners of war support our troops to the hilt. almost exclusively on what this resolu- of the Vietnam era and a personal hero We POWs were still in Vietnam when tion doesn’t say, rather than what it Washington cut the funding for Viet- does. of mine, Mr. SAM JOHNSON. nam. I know what it does to morale Let me review, if I may. The resolu- b 1445 and mission success. Words cannot tion says two simple things: We sup- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. You fully describe the horrendous damage port the troops completely, whole- know, as he said, I flew 62 combat mis- of the anti-American efforts against heartedly, now and in the future; and sions in the Korean War and 25 in Viet- the war back home to the guys on the we disapprove of the White House’s nam before being shot down. I had the ground. Our captors would blare nasty plan to deploy more than 20,000 addi- privilege of serving in the United recordings over the loudspeaker of tional combat troops to Iraq. States Air Force for 29 years, attending Americans protesting back home, tales That is what we are voting on today, the prestigious National War College, of Americans spitting on Vietnam vet- and nothing said on this floor or in this commanding two air bases, among erans when they came home, and Chamber will change the fact that that other things. worse. I don’t think we should ever, is what is before us. I mention these stories because I ever let that happen again. The pain I oppose the President’s plan because view the debate on the floor not just as inflicted by your country’s indifference it will embroil our troops even more a U.S. Congressman elected to serve is tenfold that inflicted by your ruth- deeply in a sectarian conflict. Some the good people of the Third District in less captors. call this conflict a civil war, some call Texas, but also through the lens of a Our troops and their families want, this more complicated than a civil war, lifelong fighter pilot, student of war, a need, and deserve the full support of and, either way, it is a conflict we can- combat warrior, a leader of men, and a this country and the Congress. Moms not resolve and which ultimately can- prisoner of war. and dads watching the news need to not be resolved militarily. The President’s plan to deploy more Ironically, this week marks the anni- know that the Congress will not leave troops is simply not the answer. It can- versary that I started a new life and their sons and daughters in harm’s way not fix the three irretrievable mistakes my freedom from prison in Hanoi. I without support. Since the President announced his made in 2003 when the administration spent early 7 years as that prisoner of new plan for Iraq last month, there has insisted on de-Baathification, dis- war, more than half of that time in sol- been steady progress. He changed the solving the Iraqi army, and shutting itary confinement. I flew out of Hanoi rules of engagement, removed political down the state-run industries, throw- on February 12, 1973, with other long- protection. There are reports we ing hundreds of thousands of Iraqis out held prisoners of war, weighing just 140 wounded the number two of al Qaeda of work and creating untold numbers of pounds. And tomorrow, 34 years ago, I and killed his deputy. And, yes, al insurgents. had my homecoming to Texas, a truly Qaeda operates in Iraq. It is alleged The President’s plan hastily put to- unspeakable blessing of freedom. that top radical jihadist, al-Sadr, has gether is insufficient in a number of While in solitary confinement, my fled Iraq maybe to Iran, and Iraq has ways: captures kept me in leg stocks, like the closed its borders with Iran and Syria. It is insufficient in the requirements pilgrims, for 72 days. As you can imag- The President has changed course, for progress it places on the Iraqi polit- ine, they had to carry me out of the has offered a new plan. We are making ical system, the true center of gravity stocks because I couldn’t walk. progress. We must seize the oppor- in this whole conflict. The following day they put me in leg tunity to move forward, not stifle fu- It is insufficient in the support it irons for 21⁄2 years. That is when you ture success. Debating nonbinding res- provides to our combat forces both in have a tight metal cuff around each olutions aimed at earning political terms of equipment as well as support ankle with a foot-long bar connecting points only destroys morale, stymies forces. the legs. I still have very little feeling success, and emboldens the enemy. And it is insufficient in the amount in my right arm and right hand, and The grim reality is that this House of training time it allows for deploying my body has never been the same since measure is the first step to cutting units. my nearly 2,500 days of captivity. But I funding of the troops. Just ask JOHN As a result, under the President’s will never let my physical woes hold MURTHA about his slow-bleed plan that plan, U.S. military forces will be less me back. Instead, I try to see the silver hamstrings our troops in harm’s way. ready to go into during and after this lining. Now it is time to stand up for my troop increase; and, sadly, they could I say that because, in some ways, I friends who did not make it home and be stretched to the point of breaking. am living a dream, a hope that I had those who fought and died in Iraq al- To the point of breaking. for the future. From April 16, 1966, to ready, so I can keep my promise that Now, finally, I oppose the White February 12, 1973, I prayed that I would when we got home we would quit grip- House’s plan because it will heighten return home to the loving embrace of ing about the war and do something the already unacceptable level of stra- my wife, Shirley, and my three kids, positive about it. tegic risk currently facing our Nation,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.083 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1838 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 strategic risk that exists because our there are many factors at play. If we do not Iraq had virtually no cell phone subscribers military is overcommited in Iraq and is have the intestinal fortitude in Iraq, how will in 2003. Today, there are more than 5 million ill-equipped and ill-positioned to re- we be viewed by other countries like Iran? cell phone subscribers, and an estimated spond to emerging crises elsewhere in It is vital to our prosperity that the United 2,000 Internet cafes. the world. And this worries me, it wor- States maintains her impenetrable stance in Seventy-seven percent of Iraqi businessmen ries me deeply. the international community. If the United anticipate growth in the national economy over I have been privileged to serve here States is seen as a Paper Tiger there will be the next 2 years, in a recent nationwide poll, in Congress slightly over 30 years, and many deep, far reaching implications; one of and 69 percent are ‘‘optimistic’’ about Iraq’s over that time 12 significant military them being Iran’s nuclear missile program, future. contingencies have occurred in which which threatens the safety of the world. In conclusion, we must stand behind our our military have been involved. Each In addressing the real threat posed by Iran, troops, military commanders, and our Com- of them occurred in an unexpected Ambassador Gregory Schulte has explained mander in Chief. We need to finish the job place and at an unexpected time. It that, and secure areas in Baghdad and the Anbar will happen again. Right now, we are ‘‘The pursuit of nuclear weapons by the Province. We must secure the situation on the not prepared as we should be for an un- leadership in Tehran threatens Iran’s neigh- ground so Iraq can establish the rule of law. foreseen military threat. That worries bors and threatens the wider world commu- We must provide this secure environment so me. nity. In the Middle East, Iran’s influence is ris- social and economic development can take Unfortunately, it is the magnificent, ing. The fall of the Taliban and Saddam, in- place. wonderful, courageous men and women creased revenues from the high price of oil, Finally, we must protect the population and of our military who will pay the price the electoral victory of Hamas, and the per- critical infrastructure. These are fundamental for that failure. ceived success of Hezbollah in attacking Israel elements of counter insurgency strategy. Madam Speaker, we must send the all extend Iran’s shadow. These fundamental elements simply have not White House a message that cannot be He also stated that: been able to take hold due to the amount of ‘‘A nuclear-armed Iran could embolden its ignored; and that is why we are here insurgents in the area and their ability to over- leaders to advance their ambitions even more today. I urge that we pass the Skelton- turn our previous work. aggressively across the Middle East. Even Lantos-Jones resolution. I beg of my colleagues to refuse to allow without detonating a single nuclear weapon, Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- our troops to become a casualty of partisan the mere possession of an atomic arsenal ance of my time. rhetoric. If we want to win the war, then we could encourage Iran’s leaders to employ their Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, have one option. Support them. Support the conventional forces and step up terrorism to despite my belief in the inadequacies of the mission. Support the military intelligence offi- advance their regional ambitions. Iran, with President’s new strategy, to vote for the reso- cers focused on this victory. Refuse to quit, Syria, is allowing terrorists and insurgents to lution with the troops already deployed is a refuse to weaken, and allow the counter insur- use its territory to move in and out of Iraq and step I cannot take. I am unwilling to—after the gency this chance to succeed. fact—say to them, I oppose your mission. is helping to train and arm militants who are Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, today is My vote should not be interpreted as ap- killing coalition forces and innocent civilians.’’ a day that we will look back on and know that In today’s news, it was reported that Iraq proval of the administration’s conduct of this fundamental decisions regarding our Nation’s had to shut down its border with Syria and war. I have had the opportunity to meet Gen- history were made. Iran. U.S. officials have long suspected Syria eral David Petraeus, the new commander of The discussions that we are engaged in will of allowing foreign fighters to cross its long, the U.S. forces in Iraq. I believe he is one of go a long way in determining our future in the porous border into Iraq, and this past weekend the most capable military commanders Amer- ongoing global war on terror and Iraq’s role in evidence was presented of Iranian-manufac- ica has available for this mission. General that fight. When this vote is cast on the non- tured weapons being smuggled into Iraq. We Petraeus has indicated there is a chance for binding, Democratic resolution, we will be will be paving the way for Iran and Syria to be success and that he will report to the Amer- sending a message to the world. The only the victors if we do not allow our troops the ican people in 6 months as to whether or not question remaining is what message will we full force of our assistance in Congress. the President’s plan is working. I would like to be the bearer of a positive send? Let us give the new leaders and the new Will we say that America remains steadfast aspect of our work in Iraq, highlighting some strategy this short period of time to see if sta- against the rising tide of hate and intolerance major accomplishments achieved by our lead- bility can be achieved—an investment nec- offered by militant Islamists? Will we say that ers and troops. Here is the positive side of the essary to ensure the lives lost and families we don’t have the stomach to finish the fight story that is rarely brought to light or reported damaged thus far have not sacrificed in vain. against terrorists who actively seek to kill us on in the mainstream media: Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, Free Elections are transforming Iraq. In and destroy our way of life? given my tensure in the House of Representa- 2005, Iraq held two parliamentary elections The war in Iraq has become such a tives, I have seen more than my fair share of and a constitutional referendum, with turnout flashpoint that we struggle to separate the pol- good and bad legislation come to the House increasing each time cumulating in 76 percent itics of the situation from the reality. The poli- floor. In addressing the nonbinding House of registered voters participating in the De- tics attacks the intelligence that led us to war, Continuing Resolution 63, I would like to take cember 2005 elections. questions our Nation’s elected leadership, and a step back and call this bill what it is, it is a Economic recovery is picking up. The Inter- condemns the decisions made along the way. fac¸ade, and a political maneuver. If we are national Monetary Fund estimates GDP grew It leads to the resolution that we now have be- going to spend four days discussing a piece of by 2.6 percent in 2005, and is expected to fore us. The reality recognizes that we are at legislation, if we are going to vote on some- grow by 10.4 percent in 2006, adjusted for in- war now and our troops are putting their lives thing, we should vote on funding. Our power flation. on the line each and every day. It says that if in Congress is the power of the purse. If the A stable currency, introduced in October this is a fight that we believe in, a fight against Democrats have an action item, we should get 2003, has allowed the Central Bank of Iraq to global terrorism, we must do everything pos- to the point; let us vote on funding the war in manage inflation; the IMF estimates inflation sible to support the men and women who are Iraq, and stop making pointless partisan polit- was 32 percent in 2004 and remained stable carrying it out on our behalf and never giving ical arguments. at this level in 2005. a hint to the contrary. However, all of my colleagues are aware Iraq is rejoining the international community. Unfortunately we are at a point today where that a vote to stop funding for the war will not It is on the road to WTO accession, and re- some have forgotten exactly who and what we pass, as the Republicans will not support it ceived both an IMF credit facility and its first are fighting. and many Democrats would oppose such leg- World Bank loan in 30 years. Prior to 9/11, we failed to understand the islation as well. This is true because we all Debt relief agreements are helping Iraq with hate of people like Osama bin Laden and have American resolve, meaning we will work its economic outlook; Iraq has secured an what could result from it despite all evidence together as a country to finish what we began. agreement to forgive at least 80 percent of its to the contrary. In 1979, 66 American dip- American resolve does not quit when a situ- Saddam-era debt. lomats were held hostage in Iran for 444 days; ation gets messy, we do not tuck our tail be- Foreign and domestic banks are opening in 1983, 241 Marines were killed in Beirut tween our legs and run away scared. My col- new offices. when their barracks was attacked; militant Is- leagues and I are also aware that our legisla- The stock market established in April 2004 lamic terrorists bombed the World Trade Cen- tive agenda does not exist in a bubble; that currently lists nearly 90 companies. ter in 1993; 225 people were killed in attacks

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:40 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.086 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1839 on U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya in Phase 3. We’re united in imploring the Iraqi Because they are capable, our military must 1998; and, in 2000, 17 American sailors were people to choose order over chaos; pluralism provide strength for the first steps on the path. killed when al-Qaeda attacked the U.S.S. over theocracy; and freedom over The quality of that strength and the capabili- Cole. authoritarianism. As we had the help of the ties with which it is delivered will rightly be Today we are at a historic crossroads: we French, the Iraqis have had the help the evaluated. either boldly tackle the issue of militant Islam United States. Having well supplied those inputs, the that exists on the Iraqi front and is part of this But just as it was only American patriots American military will leave Iraq successful— world-wide struggle, applying the lessons we who could decide the future of our country, in Phase 1, 2 and 3. If the Iraqi people follow have learned from the years leading up to 9/ only Iraqi patriots can decide the future of their the path to progress to a peaceful, pluralist 11, or we approach the issue as we naively country. It is a neo-con mistake to charge our and unified Iraq, they will have been success- demonstrated before 9/11 and expect more at- war fighters with building an Iraqi national con- ful. The path may lead to something less. tacks and more American deaths. sensus. Iraqis must decide for themselves if Any lesser outcome is the responsibility of The war in Iraq has gone on longer than they want to live in a unified, peaceful and plu- the Iraqi people. So we want a path to any of us would have wished. We’ve seen too ralistic Iraq. No amount of American military progress, and we hope for the blessings of lib- many funerals for too many sons and daugh- might can compel that result. erty for Iraq. ters, husbands and wives. To all those who So where are we? Thankful for success in Now. how do we get there? The President have lost a friend or loved one, our hearts go the outcomes that we could control; aware of has ordered an increase in troop strength in out to you. the outcomes that we cannot control. Iraq. He thinks a surge in troops will give It should be noted that mistakes have been Where do we want to be? We want the breathing room for the development of a path made, of that there can be no doubt. We must Iraqis to take responsibility for their own coun- to progress. know without question what led us to this try. The President is wisely pressing them to I’m concerned that a surge will have the op- point, and that time will come. But now is not do so. We want the Iraqi leadership to make posite effect—that it will give breathing room that time. Not while we still have American some key political decisions that could bring to the death squads, that our service men and service men and women in harm’s way. His- reconciliation. We want them to divide up the women will be caught in the crossfire and that tory will play its part, teaching us our mistakes oil fairly, to allow banned Baathists back into the surge will end right where it began. In fact, and urging us not to repeat them. But we don’t positions of public trust and to develop a work- that’s what happened in Baghdad in August have the luxury of waiting on history to pass ing model of pluralism. and September of 2006. We want the Iraqi leadership to know that its judgment. I’m concerned that a surge sends a con- they don’t have forever, that they should settle Without resolve, it is certain we will fail in flicting message. On the one hand we’re tell- these reconciliation questions quickly. We Iraq and there will be far-reaching con- ing them, ‘‘You don’t have forever; you’ve got want them to know that we are not content to sequences for our Nation, the region and ulti- to make progress in solving these political provide an overall security umbrella for their mately the world. Since September 11, there questions; you’ve got to stop legging up on country while they dispatch death squads to have been major terrorist attacks in Karachi, your enemies; it’s your country.’’ By surging, kill their enemies and improve their sectarian Bali, Moscow, Casablanca, Riyadh, Istanbul, we may be saying, ‘‘Not to worry, we’re in- positions. We want them to know that we’re Madrid, London and Amman. If we allow the creasing the size of that American security reaching for the button that would lower that terrorists present in Iraq to win, we can expect umbrella; there’s no urgency; we’re here to umbrella. And we want to avoid the error of more of the same. We can expect to see an- stay; in fact, more of us are coming.’’ nation building. other Afghanistan—a puppet government es- The job of the U.S. military is to crush, kill I want all Iraqi factions and leaders of fac- tablished to support and back the aims of their and destroy the enemies of the United States. tions to worry. I want them to see us reaching terrorist masters. This is totally unacceptable. They are not nation builders; they are war- for the button that would bring that umbrella Victory in Iraq is our only option. It is the riors. And they do their jobs very, very well. As down. I want them to imagine the click of that only path through which we can hope for commanded, our military entered Iraq to de- button and the feel of the wind from the de- peace. Without victory, our terrorist enemies stroy what we understandably believed were scending umbrella. gain confidence in their opposition to the threats to our national security. The resolution before us isn’t written the United States and their ability to defeat us We were successful in destroying those way I would have written it, but it’s the resolu- militarily. We embolden them and offer them threats and thereafter in interrupting terrorist tion before us. Resolutions are the way that the opportunity to further their attacks against networks. Those were outcomes that we could Congress discharges its constitutional respon- American men, women and children. control. sibility to communicate with the President. The resolution that we are debating will Now we are rightly asked for inputs that we This resolution says, ‘‘We disapprove of the send a message to the world. What will that can control but we are faced with outcomes surge.’’ message be? My fervent hope and prayer is that only the Iraqi people can control. It is right Parties on both sides have added additional that it will be a message of resolve, a mes- to evaluate the quality of our forces’ inputs, and conflicting meaning to those words. In the sage of strength, a message of victory. but wrong to hold them accountable for out- end, I just have to vote on the basis of the Now is the time to support our troops in the comes beyond their control. Diplomats, states- words. That’s why I’m going to vote in favor of field unequivocally and vote against this non- men, peacemakers and everyday Iraqis must the resolution and express my concern about binding resolution. We don’t want anyone to work with us to develop a path to progress— the effectiveness of the surge. construe our action here today as not fully a path that has milestones along the way and Unlike many others who will vote for this supporting our men and women who serve us which has rewards for meeting those mile- resolution, I will not follow it with a vote to cut in Iraq. stones and consequences for failure. Our mili- off funding. Nor will I follow it with a vote to Mr. INGLIS of South Carolina. Madam tary must help plan the path because they are withdraw immediately. Both of those actions Speaker, I wish to address three questions the most stable and trustworthy institution on would be mistaken. here on the floor today: Where are we? Where the ground in Iraq and because they are ex- Some will say that I am too impatient and do we want to be? How do we get there? perts at planning and logistics. insistent for decisions from the Iraqi leader- First, where are we? We’re in phase 3 of a Since our military is in control of the ‘‘plan- ship. It’s true that it took us nearly 100 years conflict in Iraq. In Phase 1 we overran Iraq in ning’’ input, they will rightly be evaluated on to figure out that slavery was antithetical to response to an American national security the basis of the quality of that planning. Be- freedom. It took us even longer to figure out threat. We won. cause they are the most trained and capable that women should have the right to vote. Then came Phase 2. We were forwardly de- force in the world, our military must also con- But as I had the opportunity to say to one ployed; the terrorists brought the fight to us; tinue to provide protection for the decision- of Prime Minister Maliki’s advisors in Baghdad we busted up terrorist networks; America was makers as they plan the path to progress. The in August, it is our right as Iraq’s protector and protected from further attacks. We won. quality of that protection is an input that will our obligation to our servicemen and women Now comes Phase 3. At best, Iraq is en- rightly be evaluated. to insist on a timetable for these decisions. gulfed in a sectarian killing spree. At worst, Because they are experts at discipline and I’ve only been to Iraq twice. Both times I found Iraq has descended into a civil war. structure, our military must help define the that the hardest thing was leaving. So where are we? We’re thankful for the in- agreed-upon milestones, the rewards for While there, surrounded by America’s best, credible work of our military in winning Phase meeting those milestones and the con- I had the sense that I was at ground zero of 1 and 2. We’re aware—and I think all of us sequences for missing them. The quality of mission and purpose. The Americans serving are aware—that only the Iraqi people can win those inputs will rightly be evaluated. in Iraq are the most impressive people in the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:40 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.023 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1840 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 world. Everyone of them is a volunteer. Every- brought up over the more than forty hours of Al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein, the evidence one of them, everyone of their predecessors discussion. of an immediate threat from Iraqi weapons of and everyone of their non-deployed comrades No doubt about it, there have been setbacks mass destruction, or even compelling evi- has offered his or her life in preservation of in Iraq. And mistakes have been made on the dence of the existence of WMD. But, we went our lives. ground and here in Washington. It’s safe to in anyway. We rushed off, unprepared, into a America’s best deserve our best—our clear- say that all of us—the President, the Con- needless war that has killed thousands and est thinking, our freshest analysis, our stead- gress, and the American people wish we could scarred 10’s of thousands of Americans and fast devotion. Forget the political con- have achieved stability in the region sooner. hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqis. sequences; protect no one’s ‘‘legacy;’’ don’t However, I believe it’s necessary to sepa- Now, here we go again. It is time for this worry about ‘‘saving face;’’ make sound deci- rate the resolution being debated in the House administration to end its policy of ready, fire, sions; take decisive action. Tell them what from the real issue. The real issue is that a aim. It is time to begin a policy of ready, aim, their mission is. Discharge the Constitutional failed state in Iraq would present a serious fire. I urge all of my colleagues to listen to the responsibility of the Congress. Give them a threat to the United States’ national security American public, to our troops and to our clear description of the inputs we expect from interests, could allow terrorists to further es- friends around the world. Vote yes on this res- them. Evaluate them on the quality of those tablish safe-havens in Iraq, and could create olution. regional and global unrest for many years to inputs but don’t hold them accountable for out- Mrs. BONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in come. This is a threat we must not pass on to comes they cannot control. opposition to House Concurrent Resolution 63, Ask them to do accomplishable things. Don’t our children and grandchildren. September the non-binding Iraq War Policy resolution. ask them to do the impossible. 11th showed us that terrorists can reach our No amount of force can cause someone to soil and kill innocent Americans. We must fight We are being asked today to vote on a non- choose freedom, and freedom cannot be this war on our terms, but on their turf. binding resolution that stands as nothing more given—it must be earned. We have provided This non-binding resolution, H. Con. Res. than a political statement on an issue that the conditions under which freedom can take 63, is nothing more than an opinion about a greatly transcends the politics of the Nation’s root. Iraqis must nurture the seed and water it strategy. capital. The importance of ensuring our troops with their own sweat and blood. While opinions are interesting, solutions are have the supplies and equipment they require If they do so, Iraq will enjoy the blessings of necessary. for battle is clear. Unfortunately, we haven’t liberty. If they don’t, our military will neverthe- So I say to those who want to support this been able to use valuable time during this leg- less have been successful. non-binding resolution: If you disagree with the islative week to address true tangible needs Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker. I rise today to strategy—put forward a plan; if you disagree that exist for those with enough courage to express my strong support for our country’s with the tactics—put forward an alternative; if stand up for the freedoms our country affords. troops as they defend our freedoms and pro- you disagree with the mission—put forward a The importance of a stable and secure Iraq tect our national security. solution.’’ should not be underestimated, given the re- Today we are debating a non-binding reso- A non-binding resolution means non-leader- sponsibility to assist the Iraqi people to further lution that threatens to undermine the morale ship; a non-binding resolution means non-ac- their personal freedoms. Sadaam Hussein’s of the very troops who are at the tip of the countability. A non-binding resolution is not a brutal dictatorship is one that cannot be soon spear defending our shores. This resolution plan for victory. forgotten. Those who share his world view of does a disservice to the very troops some in This week, Congress has spent a lot of time oppressing fundamental human rights must this body are pledging to support by voting for debating one of the most important issues fac- know that we Americans will continue to sup- this today. ing this body. Unfortunately, this legislation port policies that will protect all citizens from President George W. Bush has proposed limited a true debate on the alternatives and these radical and militant Islamic terrorist cells. sending additional troops to Iraq to give those direction we can take. This battle is only one front on the larger war currently in the field the necessary manpower A real resolution on Iraq needs to include on terror, and today’s non-binding resolution and resources to win the war. In addition, the real benchmarks and real guidelines, not sim- does nothing to achieve more stability in the President has put in place a new leadership ply a vote of no confidence. international community. There are those of us who are willing to dis- team and a new strategy in Iraq. To me, supporting this resolution only agree with the President at the strategic, tac- While we all know that mistakes have been serves the purely political purpose of second- tical or project level, and a true solution would made in the war in Iraq, I am inclined to sup- guessing a decision already made to move be for Congress to debate the McCain- port the President’s new plan. But make no forward by the Commander in Chief. Those lieberman proposal. This bipartisan alternative mistake: there must be new benchmarks, voting in favor of this resolution appear only to not only reaffirms Congressional support for clearly defined goals, and we need to see real have a hunger to score meaningless political our troops, but provides military, political, and results soon. points, while lacking an appetite for pursuing Some in this body are using this resolution social benchmarks for the Iraqi government. the larger goals of keeping our brave soldiers today as a first step to defund the troops in This approach lays the groundwork for not equipped as they strive to ensure the safety of the field. Madam Speaker, choking off the only victory, but also brings our troops home our country and citizens abroad. funding for American troops serving in harm’s as soon as possible. way will do nothing more than embolden our We owe it to our troops and their families to I would like to make clear that I have grave enemies and ensure defeat. provide the necessary oversight to ensure any reservations regarding the current situation in Throughout our nation’s history, millions of new strategy is successful, while at the same Iraq. For too long, circumstances have limited men and women have served the United time giving our troops confidence that Con- our ability to reduce the sectarian violence States in times of crisis and need in the armed gress will not cut off their funding to settle pol- plaguing this region, especially in Baghdad. It services. These men and women—and the icy disputes while they are separated from is critical that we see a greater commitment soldiers currently in the theater of combat— their families by distance and danger. I con- from the Iraqi government and the citizens of have made sacrifices that must not ever be tinue to stand, ready, willing and able to con- Iraq to help quell the insurgency. I question forgotten. tribute to that oversight. whether or not this increased level of force will Madam Speaker, instead of debating non- Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam accomplish the desired goal but I also respect binding resolutions that threaten to undermine Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution, the need to explore all options to stabilize the morale and embolden our enemies, we should and I am in complete opposition to President’s situation in this troubled country. My hope is be helping our troops by making sure they plan to send an additional 21,000 Americans that General Petraeus, given his extensive di- have the support and resources they need to into Iraq. rect experience in training our troops on the defend our country by fighting our enemies This ill conceived plan will only make a war ground, will have a strong sense of what can overseas. Madam Speaker, I encourage my that never should have started much, much be achieved on the ground given the chal- colleagues to reject this political gimmick and worse. The generals don’t want this surge. lenges of the future. vote against this resolution. Our allies oppose it. 60 percent of the Amer- My vote today is not an open-ended en- Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, as an ican people think it is a terrible idea and, the dorsement of the policy in Iraq. Rather, I will elected representative of our brave men and enemy is using it to boost recruitment. There continue to monitor closely the situation and women serving in harm’s way, every vote re- is no conceivable reason for this surge. Yet, encourage continued Congressional oversight garding war is a solemn matter. President Bush is pushing ahead with it. of the war. Today’s debate displays the dif- Debate about the war in Iraq is necessary, I opposed the original Iraq war resolution ferent views that we hold on this matter, but required, and many important points were because I didn’t see the connection between we should be unified in our support of those

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.025 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1841 who are moving forward to complete the mis- Congress should not tell our soldiers how to undermined the important war against al- sion at hand. Recognizing that continued dif- conduct a war any more than Congress Qaeda. The administration’s blunders mean ficulties lie ahead, we should again not be vot- should tell a lawyer how to argue a case or a the U.S. is at risk of losing two wars at once: ing on a resolution that will achieve a political doctor how to perform a surgery. Congress’s Afghanistan and Iraq. The war in Afghanistan end, rather we should be looking for ways to place is to support our troops by providing the is salvageable and winnable. The war in Iraq help those soldiers who continue to carry out funding they need to finish the mission that will not be won by military means alone. Vig- this mission or have returned from battle. was started. If my colleagues are so strongly orous diplomatic efforts within the Gulf region, Our vote today is one that will be remem- opposed to the mission in Iraq, they can vote in addition to a political realignment within Iraq bered as either for or against a decision al- to cut the funding of our soldiers in harm’s will be necessary . ready made by the Commander in Chief. In way. U.S. intelligence agencies, including military the short term, though, we should remember We must recognize the War on Terror re- intelligence agencies, have refuted the claim this nonbinding resolution serves no practical quires perseverance and patience. American that the conflict in Iraq is driven by al-Qaeda. purpose in our larger fight against the war on patience, however, is not infinite. The lack of It is not. The violence is driven by a civil war, terror. visible progress in Iraq is deeply troubling. The primarily between Iraqi Sunnis and Shias. The Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I Iraqi conflict has a crucial role in the war recent National Intelligence Estimate should rise today in opposition to this two-sentence against al Qaeda. American troops are stem- definitively put that issue to rest. non-binding resolution which demoralizes our ming the tide of a worsening situation. Failure Even the President has recognized that al troops in the field while providing aid to our in Iraq is simply not an option. It is important Qaeda is not the driving force for violence in enemy during a time of on-going conflict. we in Congress demonstrate quickly our ability Iraq. In a speech on December 12, 2005, the These brave men and women deserve the full to win in Iraq before the situation gets worse. President made important distinctions between support of their government, not second- This may well represent the Administration’s the insurgent elements in Iraq. He mentioned guessing from politicians in Washington, DC. last chance to demonstrate sustainable ‘‘rejectionists,’’ which are mostly Sunnis who Instead of discussions regarding appropriate progress is securing the country. It is equally miss the privileged status they enjoyed under funding levels to support our troops, the important; however, that Iraqis take ownership Saddam Hussein. He mentioned Democratic majority has chosen to rebuke the for their own country. Our troops, in whatever ‘‘Saddamists’’, who are former regime ele- conduct of the war while it is still occurring. number, are not there permanently. The Iraqis ments who want to return to power. Again, This is reckless and ill-advised. must take an active role in shaping their coun- they are Sunni. And, he mentioned foreign ter- This resolution encourages our enemies to try’s future. Americans took control of America rorists affiliated with or inspired by al Qaeda, continue provoking our fighting men and after the American Revolution; the Iraqis must which even the President acknowledged was women. America’s enemies around the world do the same. The Iraqis must be made to rec- the ‘‘smallest’’ element of the insurgency. The are closely watching what we say and do ognize the need for Iraqis to control the future one huge element he left out was nationalist today. By passing this non-binding resolution, of their nation. Iraq’s future should not be de- Shias, such as those influenced by radical Members of Congress are sending a vote of termined by Americans, only the Iraqis can cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. no confidence to our troops in the field and a and should do that. The President and his allies justify the con- message of surrender to our enemies. In closing, I believe in and support our tinuing U.S. presence in Iraq by claiming that I strongly believe it is not the place of politi- American troops. They have made tremen- if we don’t fight there, we’ll have to fight here cians in Washington to devise military tactics dous progress in Iraq and should be com- at home. However, the Iraqi Sunni and strategy. Congress must not tie the hands mended for the actions towards making Iraq a rejectionists, Saddamists, and nationalist of our military commanders in the field. You country for the Iraqis. Since the declaration of Shias, who combined make up the vast bulk cannot fight a war by committee, thousands of the Global War on Terror, our brave men and of the insurgents and militias committing vio- miles away. The responsibility of conducting women have worked hard to stem the tide of lence in Iraq, have no interest and no capa- America’s military strategy and the tactics of a worsening situation. Because of them, elec- bility to attack the U.S. homeland. They just our armed forces should be left to our military tions have been held in both Afghanistan and want U.S. military forces out of their own commanders on the ground. Iraq; the terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has country. U.S. forces are a target of conven- The plan to increase the number of addi- been killed, former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hus- ience in their escalating civil conflict. It is de- tional troops to the mission in Iraq should be sein was captured, tried and executed, and ceitful to argue that if we don’t fight there, we given a chance to succeed. These 20,000 ad- more than three-quarters of al Qaeda’s known will fight them in the streets of the United ditional soldiers will assist the Iraqi govern- leaders and associates have been detained or States. ment in its new, Iraqi-inspired security plan. As killed. The war in Iraq is not a part of the war Prime Minister Maliki said, ‘‘This is 100 per- At the same time, Iraqis must assume re- against al Qaeda. And, in fact the war in Iraq cent an Iraqi plan under an Iraqi Command.’’ sponsibility for their country. Americans will is undermining our fight against al Qaeda. The majority of U.S. forces will be deployed not stay in Iraq forever; Iraqis must assume Some in this debate have made the ridicu- to Baghdad to assist in maintaining control of control of their country. We must recognize lous argument that if the U.S. leaves Iraq that areas cleared of terrorists and insurgents. As the War on Terror requires perseverance and somehow Osama bin Laden will take control our military commanders in the field have re- patience. American patience, however, is not and establish a safe haven for terrorists to at- peatedly told us, part of the problem in secur- infinite. The Iraqi conflict has a crucial role in tack the U.S. There is no chance that the ing Baghdad comes from the fact that many of the war against al Qaeda and American troops Shias and Kurds, who represent around 80 the insurgents lie in wait until American troops are stemming the tide of a worsening situa- percent of the population in Iraq, will allow move to another area only to emerge and re- tion. However, I believe the Iraqi people must Sunni foreign terrorist elements like al-Qaeda take precious territory gained by hard battle. take an active role in shaping their country’s to take over the country. Even many Sunnis By having additional troops in the field, the future. Iraq’s future should not be determined have grown tired of foreign terrorists operating Iraqis will have a better chance to capture all by Americans, only the Iraqis can and should in Iraq, with several Sunni tribes fighting al of the insurgents, including those who stay do that. Qaeda operatives. hidden, waiting to attack again. Mr. DEFAZIO. Madam Speaker, I have lis- Iran and al Qaeda are the primary bene- Our commanders on the ground have given tened to some of the debate on this resolution. ficiaries of the U.S. invasion of Iraq and the this plan a green light, and I will defer to them I have been disappointed by the misleading two entities that most want the U.S. to stay to make military decisions. We should keep in talking points and faulty analysis that have there. With respect to Iran, the U.S. removed mind our top commander in Iraq, Lt. Gen. been repeatedly used by those who support a threatening neighbor of Iran’s and helped David Petraeus, has warned against passing the President’s escalation of the war in Iraq. put in power a fellow Shiite regime, in addition this very type of resolution. Our troops have Many speakers have tied Iraq to the broader to tying down the U.S. military and sowing said they want the chance to finish the mis- war against al-Qaeda. These are two distinct international discord that has limited our op- sion that has been started. wars. Iraq had not declared war on the U.S. tions in confronting Iran’s nuclear program. Our troops do not want Congress to conduct Al-Qaeda had. Iraq did not attack the U.S. Al- With respect to al Qaeda, U.S. intelligence this war. As one soldier posted to a blog on Qaeda did. Iraq did not harbor al-Qaeda lead- agencies have noted that Iraq is serving as a February 5, 2007, ‘‘Proposing to legislate the ers. The Taliban in Afghanistan did. By shifting training ground for terrorists and a recruiting conduct of this long war looks worse than cut military and intelligence resources out of Af- poster that is swelling the ranks of terrorist or- and run. It feels like the betrayal of the fami- ghanistan before the Taliban and al-Qaeda ganizations and inspiring attacks around the lies who bear the burdens.’’ were wiped out the administration has actually world.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.029 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1842 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 It is past time to end the open-ended com- and power bases in Iraq. They purged the positions in Iraqi cities and towns, turning over mitment the President has made in Iraq. As Iraqi government of the bureaucratic experi- daily security patrols, interactions with citizens, long as the U.S. military remains stuck with ence necessary to have a functioning govern- and any offensive security actions to the Iraqis the President’s pledge of open-ended support, ment, among others. themselves. Iraqi politicians and security forces will use the I do not believe there is any level of U.S. The training and equipping of Iraqi security U.S. presence as a crutch. They will continue troops that could stabilize Iraq at this point forces should be accelerated and the sec- to fail to take the necessary steps to solve and resolve the underlying ages old sectarian tarian balance must be improved. their differences, establish an effective and in- conflicts. The time when more troops might The U.S. must renounce any U.S. interest in clusive government, end sectarian violence, have made a lasting difference has come and constructing permanent U.S. military bases in and create the foundation for a secure and gone. There might be a small, temporary re- Iraq. prosperous society. duction in the chaos in Iraq, but the escalation It is also important to accelerate reconstruc- Democracy and stability cannot be imposed will not solve the deep and underlying political tion spending and grant the bulk of reconstruc- on unwilling parties. As New York Times col- conflicts that are preventing a long-term reso- tion contracts to local companies employing umnist Thomas Friedman said on Meet the lution to the violence. Iraqis rather than multinational corporations, Press, a stable, pluralistic democracy in Iraq is The administration already increased the whom have proven inefficient, inflexible, some- everyone’s second choice except ours. The number of U.S. troops in Baghdad last sum- times fraudulent and have even imported Shias want power for themselves. The Sunnis mer in Operation Together Forward and has workers rather than employing Iraqis. want power. And the Kurds want power and increased the number of troops throughout The U.S. embassy in Baghdad should also independence. What they don’t want to do is Iraq at other times as well, yet the violence be reduced to normal size and authority rather share that power. The President’s stay-the- against our troops and Iraqi security forces than establishing one of the largest embassies course, more-of-the-same, status quo policy and civilians continues to increase. Short-term in the world. provides no incentive for the parties to reach improvements in security in the wake of U.S. And, the U.S. must engage in robust diplo- the political compromises that are necessary. troop increases have always given way to the macy with all factions in Iraq, except the for- Negotiating a timeline for bringing home long-term trend of increased violence and a eign terrorists and domestic al Qaeda ele- U.S. troops with responsible parties in the growing civil war. ments, and work with Iraq’s neighbors in an Iraqi government would also boost the Iraqi Based on historical analysis, effort to bring about political reconciliation government’s legitimacy and claim to self-rule, counterinsurgency experts, including General among Sunnis, Shias, and Kurds. and force the Iraqi government to take respon- Petraeus, who is now the top U.S. General in Our troops have done all that has been sibility for itself and its citizens. Negotiating a Iraq but also recently rewrote the Army’s asked of them in Iraq. Saddam Hussein is withdrawal time line and strategy with the Iraqi counterinsurgency manual, estimate it takes dead. His allies are on the run or in prison. government could, more than possibly any- around 20 U.S. troops per 1,000 inhabitants to The threat from WMDs in Iraq is nonexistent. thing else, improve the standing of the Iraqi successfully fight a counterinsurgency. To Arguably, the war that Congress authorized government in the eyes of its own people, a achieve that ratio in Baghdad alone would re- has been won. Our troops should come home. significant achievement in a region in which quire 120,000 troops. Even with the increase Congress did not authorize U.S. troops to ref- the standing of rulers and governments is gen- proposed by the President, the U.S. would eree a civil war in Iraq. erally low. only have a third of that at best. For all of Iraq, Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I would As the Iraqi National Security Advisor, it would require 500,000 troops. General like to submit for the RECORD an Editorial from Mowaffak al-Rabaie wrote in the Washington Shinseki’s original estimate that it would take the Wall Street Journal regarding the Iraq Post on June 20, 2006, the removal of U.S. several hundred thousands troops to invade Resolution, H. Con. Res. 63. troops from Iraq, ‘‘will help the Iraqis who now and stabilize Iraq was based on this [From the Wall Street Journal, Feb. 15, 2007] see foreign troops as occupiers rather than counterinsurgency literature. After the esca- AWAITING THE DISHONOR ROLL the liberators they were meant to be. It will relation we’ll only have around 160,000. Congress has rarely been distinguished by move psychological barriers and the reason The bottom line is that a proposal to in- its moral courage. But even grading on a that many Iraqis joined the so-called resist- crease U.S. troop levels in Baghdad or Iraq curve, we can only describe this week’s ance in the first place.’’ He went on to write, more generally by more than 20,000 is not a House debate on a vote of no-confidence in ‘‘Moreover, the removal of foreign troops will serious effort to restore stability to Iraq. As the mission in Iraq as one of the most legitimize Iraq’s government in the eyes of its General John Abizaid, then the head of all shameful moments in the institution’s his- people . . . the drawdown of foreign troops U.S. forces in the Middle East, testified before tory. the Senate Armed Services Committee hear- On present course, the Members will vote will strengthen our fledgling government to last on Friday to approve a resolution that does the full four years it is supposed to.’’ ing on November 15, 2006, ‘‘I met with every nothing to remove American troops from Being confronted with the reality of a U.S. divisional commander, General Casey, the harm’s way in Iraq but that will do substan- withdrawal should force the Iraqi factions to corps commander, General Dempsey, we all tial damage to their morale and that of their reach the political compromises necessary to talked together. And I said, in your profes- Iraqi allies while emboldening the enemy. move their country forward. If not, there is no sional opinion, if we were to bring in more The only real question is how many Repub- reason to prolong the U.S. involvement in Iraq American Troops now, does it add consider- licans will also participate in this disgrace if we want a stable country more than the Iraqi ably to our ability to achieve success in Iraq? in the mistaken belief that their votes will people and their elected leaders do. The U.S. And they all said no. And the reason is be- put some distance between themselves and the war most of them voted to authorize in cannot force Sunnis, Shias, and Kurds to cause we want the Iraqis to do more. It is 2002. make peace or to act for the common good. easy for the Iraqis to rely upon us to do this The motion at issue is plainly dishonest, in They have been in conflict for 1,400 years. work. I believe that more American forces pre- that exquisitely Congressional way of trying Nor should the U.S. military be forced to re- vent the Iraqis from doing more, from taking to have it both ways. (We reprint the text main in Iraq essentially as an army for one more responsibility for their own future.’’ Es- nearby.) The resolution purports to ‘‘sup- side of a civil war. Supporters of escalating sentially, the President is proposing to put port’’ the troops even as it disapproves of the war may pretend that they’re doing it for more lives at risk with virtually no chance of their mission. It praises their ‘‘bravery,’’ while opposing the additional forces that the Iraqis, but large majorities of both Sunnis changing the dynamic in Iraq. both President Bush and General David and Shias approve of attacks against U.S. A better strategy for Iraq is to announce a Petreaus, the new commanding general in troops and want us to bring them home. timeline negotiated with the Iraqi government Iraq, say are vital to accomplishing that The President believes that the U.S. needs for bringing our troops home over the next 6 mission. And it claims to want to ‘‘protect’’ to escalate the war in Iraq by sending more months to a year. The administration has al- the troops even as its practical impact will than 20,000 additional troops to Iraq. I think ways set timelines for political developments be to encourage Iraqi insurgents to believe that is a mistake. It will not bring stability to in Iraq—for elections, for the drafting of the that every roadside bomb brings them closer Iraq, and I oppose it. That is why I will vote constitution etc. The administration argued to their goal. for the resolution on the floor this week. such timelines were necessary to focus the As for how ‘‘the troops’’ themselves feel, we refer readers to Richard Engel’s recent The administration blunders in Iraq are well- energy of Iraq’s leaders and to force com- story on NBC News quoting Specialist Tyler known. They went in with too few troops promises. We need to do the same on the Johnson in Iraq: ‘‘People are dying here. You against the advice of military leaders like Gen- military side. know what I’m saying. . . You may [say] ‘oh eral Shinseki. They disbanded the Iraqi army. In the interim, I have also proposed that we support the troops.’ So you’re not sup- They failed to understand the ethnic tensions U.S. troops be removed from front line combat porting what they do. What they’s [sic] here

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to sweat for, what we bleed for and we die Today we are taking the first step towards Senator FEINGOLD and many other Demo- for.’’ Added another soldier: ‘‘If they don’t defeat. No one likes where we are today, but crats can’t wait to pull out of Iraq and have in- think we’re doing a good job, everything our goal should be success, not to accept the troduced legislation to that effect. While I we’ve done here is all in vain.’’ In other words, the troops themselves realize that the defeat the Democrats are leading us towards. would like nothing more than to see our men first part of the resolution is empty pos- I am very disappointed that the new Demo- and women home safely, I know that pulling turing, while the second is deeply immoral. crat leadership will not allow a true debate on out now would be a disaster for U.S. security All the more so because if Congress feels so what should be our focus today: what can we and would only mean that those men and strongly about the troops, it arguably has do to help achieve success in Iraq, and what women would have to go back to the Middle the power to start removing them from metrics should we use to measure that suc- East to fight a stronger, recharged enemy. Be- harm’s way by voting to cut off the funds cess. That is the debate we should be having cause the enemy knows that all he has to do they need to operate in Iraq. But that would make Congress responsible for what fol- on the floor this week. Our military, our chil- is make life difficult for a couple of years and lowed—whether those consequences are dren, our fellow citizens, and the people of the United States will back down in retreat. Americans killed in retreat, or ethnic Iraq deserve nothing less. In this resolution, where is the Democrat cleansing in Baghdad, or the toppling of the Instead, this Democrat leadership is telling plan for success, where is their plan to fight elected Maliki government by radical Shiite the brave men and women who serve in our terrorism? What is the Democrat plan to stop or military forces. The one result Congress military that their efforts have not been good al Qaeda from turning Iraq into a base of op- fears above all is being accountable. enough and that they do not think they de- erations for worldwide terrorism if we leave? We aren’t prone to quoting the young John Kerry, but this week’s vote reminds us of the serve the tools to fight this war. What is the plan to deal with Iran, who has al- comment the antiwar veteran told another We’ve been safe in the United States since ready targeted the Shia majority, when they cut-and-run Congress in the early 1970s: September 11, 2001. But that is only because fund allies against Israel, America, you and ‘‘How do you ask a man to be the last man the Bush Administration and Congress and me? These are the questions the American to die for a mistake?’’ The difference this our brave troops took the fight to the terrorists. people need answers to. time is that Speaker Nancy Pelosi and John But it is by no means over. The United States Unfortunately, we have seen how the Murtha expect men and women to keep remains a Nation at war. It’s hard for Ameri- Democrats respond to terrorism, to those dying for something they say is a mistake but also don’t have the poiitical courage to cans who do not have loved ones in the mili- whose stated goal is to kill Americans and de- help end. tary to remember that sometimes. stroy our Nation. Their response is to ignore Instead, they’ll pass this ‘‘non-binding res- We are not safe simply because we have the problem and hope it goes away. Sep- olution,’’ to be followed soon by attempts at not seen an attack on U.S. soil since Sep- tember 11, 2001 was not the first time this micromanagement that would make the war tember 11, 2001. We are safer today because enemy attacked us—there were numerous at- all but impossible to prosecute—and once of the professionals of the worldwide network tacks preceding that horrible day—the first again without taking responsibility. Mr. of intelligence, military and law enforcement World Trade Center bombing in 1993, the Murtha is already broadcasting his strategy, which the new Politico Web site described officials who continue to pressure and strike 1998 bombing of our embassies in Tanzania yesterday as ‘‘a slow-bleed strategy designed al-Qaeda and its followers. and Kenya, and the bombing of the USS Cole to gradually limit the administration’s op- September 11, 2001 showed us the danger in 2000. Our enemies are looking for signs tions.’’ of Islamic terrorism. It also taught us that we that we will resume that attitude of ignorance. In concert with antiwar groups, the story can’t wait for them to come to us. We have to Today my colleagues on the other side of the reported, Mr. Murtha’s ‘‘goal is crafted to go to the root cause of terrorism and sever the aisle are telling our enemies that the United circumvent the biggest political vulner- root. ability of the antiwar movement—the accu- States does not have the wherewithal to fight sation that it is willing to abandon troops in We are blessed with an outstanding military the Global War on Terror. In fact, today’s res- the field.’’ So instead of cutting off funds, that has taken the battle to the enemy. It is olution will carry no weight—except with our Mr. Murtha will ‘‘slow-bleed’’ the troops very important that we take the fight to them enemies. with ‘‘readiness’’ restrictions or limits on in places where fortunately every American Let me put this war in perspective. On June National Guard forces that will make them carries a gun—rather than on the streets of 6th, 1944, General Dwight David Eisenhower all but impossible to deploy. These will be New York, Washington or Wichita, KS. And sent 156,000 allied troops ashore in Nor- attached to appropriations bills that will make no mistake, Iraq is where the terrorists mandy in the D-Day invasion. That is about also purport to ‘‘support the troops.’’ ‘‘There’s a D-Day coming in here, and it’s have to come to fight. 7,000 more troops than we will have in Iraq going to start with the supplemental and fin- Our most important duty as Members of after the surge. ish with the ’08 [defense] budget,’’ Congress- Congress is to protect our Nation from ever Now, Eisenhower was coming off of three man Neil Abercrombie (D., Hawaii) told the experiencing the lesson of 9/11 again. For that pretty rough years in North Africa. The cam- Web site. He must mean D-Day as in Dun- reason, we must continue to focus on improv- paign there displayed the serious short- kirk. ing our national security, our homeland secu- comings in the Allies’ ability to diplomatically All of this is something that House Repub- licans should keep in mind as they consider rity and our intelligence systems. Today’s res- engage the Vichy French, establish and main- whether to follow this retreat. The GOP olution does the opposite and sends the exact tain lines of communication and hold terrain in leadership has been stalwart, even eloquent, message the enemy wants to hear. key locations. The Allied Forces were forced this week in opposing the resolution. But Our enemy is not going away. The war in to retreat from engagements with the Ger- some Republicans figure they can use this Iraq is a tough one, as is the overall Global mans in battles like the Kasserine Pass. vote to distance themselves from Mr. Bush War on Terror, GWOT. That is what the ter- What if Congress, after assessing the dif- and the war while not doing any real harm. rorist have promised in their letter, written by ficulties in the North Africa Campaign, called They should understand that the Democratic Ayman al-Zawahiri. on President Roosevelt to tie Eisenhower’s willingness to follow the Murtha ‘‘slow- bleed’’ strategy will depend in part on how Just because it is tough does not mean that hands? What if they asked Ike to pare back many Republicans follow them in this vote. it is not worthwhile. The Democrat approach is the D-Day landing party because it was just The Democrats are themselves divided on dangerous and naive. We cannot put our too risky? how to proceed, and they want a big GOP heads back in the sands. Our enemies are We didn’t have that problem because in vote to give them political cover. However ready to strike. Leaving Iraq will not mean the 1944 Congress, like President Roosevelt, ‘‘non-binding,’’ this is a vote that Repub- end to our troubles or to our enemy’s plans. knew that we were fighting to secure the fu- lican partisans will long remember. Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s ture of the world. After reading this resolution, History is likely to remember the roll as well. A newly confirmed commander is about chief deputy, has stated again and again that I am convinced that the Democrats have yet to lead 20,000 American soldiers on a dan- Iraq is the centerpiece of Al Qaeda’s strategy to grasp the importance of today’s struggle. gerous and difficult mission to secure Bagh- to establish dominance in the Middle East and What will happen if we pull out now? What dad, risking their lives for their country. beyond. A July 9, 2005 letter from al-Zawahiri will the Middle East look like? And the message their elected Representa- listed al Qaeda’s objectives in Iraq. Let me re- Iraq will become utter chaos, violence will tives will send them off to battle with is a mind my colleagues on the other side of the only increase and terrorists will have an un- vote declaring their inevitable defeat. aisle what those objectives are: challenged base of operations. It is likely that Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, I rise today 1. Expel Americans from Iraq. Shia extremists would dominate Iraq. Iran is in strong support of the brave men and 2. Establish an al Qaeda ‘‘emirate’’ in Iraq. eager for this to happen so that it can control women in our military. Thank you, and thank 3. Extend a jihad from Iraq to secular states Iraq. This is extremely worrisome. President you to the families who have made so many neighboring Iraq. Bush was correct when he labeled Iran one of sacrifices. 4. Clash with Israel. the axes of evil. We know that Iran is gaining

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:40 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.015 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1844 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 the capabilities to become a nuclear power. soldiers; some of whom have bravely given to protect your nation from terrorism. But if Iran is also collaborating with many radical their lives for the chance an Iraqi citizen would Congressional Democrats have their way Islamist groups, including Hezbollah and be able to vote and live free from fear. today, they will take away from our soldiers Hamas. With Iraq also under its thumb if the The establishment of a democracy in the the support of their Congress and of their U.S. pulls out, this could cause a regional war Middle East is fundamental to winning the country. What a terrible message to send to that threatens Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Israel. Global War on Terror. The United States is in these brave soldiers. It is hard to see how the U.S. could avoid our 231st year of a democratic government, For just a moment, put yourself in the shoes being drawn into such a conflict. This would and as I am sure many of my colleagues will of the terrorists. What would you think when put our troops in an even graver situation than agree—we haven’t exactly perfected it yet. you heard the U.S. Congress is voting against they are today, with less hope for success. It The Iraqi people are barely in their second the war? You would think you were winning. also will reverberate through our economy at year of a democratic government. The Iraqi You would be encouraged by the news. You home, with skyrocketing oil prices. government needs time to grow their citizens’ would think that everything Osama Bin Laden The Democrats need to understand the re- confidence in the institution of democracy and had said about Americans had been true all verberations of defeat. become a stabilizing force in the region. We along. You would think that Americans cannot House Republicans take our role in Iraq se- must help them achieve this. stand bloodshed and will cower from the fight. riously, and we want to see success. Our We are fighting an enemy who does not be- You would think that they don’t have the stom- leadership has called on the Speaker to ap- lieve in democracy, freedom, or the inherent ach for a long-term battle and if the terrorists point a bipartisan select oversight committee value of human life. These radical Islamic ter- just hold on, the United States will eventually to monitor and implement the effectiveness of rorists see a democratic Iraqi government as leave with its tails between its legs. What a the President’s new strategy. Instead of taking a direct threat to the mayhem and havoc they terrible message to send at the exact moment this responsible suggestion, what is their re- seek to impose on the free world. To retreat that we are preparing to send more troops into sponse? Spending a week on a do-nothing from Iraq—to wave a white flag in submission battle. resolution to embarrass the President and en- to these terrorists, would only worsen the in- At some point, my colleagues across the courage our enemies. Even in the majority, stability we now see in the region, and em- aisle have to let go of the fact that their new- they are still more comfortable with being the bolden terrorists around the world. found opposition to the War in Iraq is popular party of ‘‘no’’ rather than the party that gov- When the United Sates ridded Iraq of Sad- in their districts and act in the best interests erns. dam Hussein, we committed ourselves to as- for the future of our Nation. This resolution Republicans on the other hand have a plan, sisting the new Iraqi government become self- isn’t a diversion, a side-show, or even a shot because we know that success in Iraq means sustainable. The President has consulted his across the bow. It is a dangerous message to a safer, more secure America. We have pro- commanders in Iraq, who have heard from the send. posed strategic benchmarks to measure our soldiers on the ground. The result of these I don’t say any of this lightly and I don’t say effectiveness. We are prepared to work with hours of consultation has led the President to it for political reasons. I say it because I mean the Democrats to construct a plan for success ask for an increase in troops so we may finish it. In 2006, I was the only Republican to vote in Iraq. The Democrat leadership will not allow the job we set out to do. I ask my colleagues against the rule when my party tried to embar- us to present our plan this week because they to trust the military commanders, and allow rass Mr. MURTHA. Then, I thought that my do not wish to see success in Iraq, they want our courageous military do their job. I ask my party was playing games with the war and I to pull out despite its effects on Iraq and the colleagues to not support this resolution. refused to support that effort. Today, I think United States. We need to support our mili- Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today that the other party is playing games with the tary, our new Secretary of Defense, and our not because I want to take part in this debate, war and I refuse to have any part of this. Commander-in-Chief as they work to achieve but because I am ashamed that this Congress I would rather we consider a motion to pull success in Iraq and the Global War on Terror. is engaging in it at all. all of our troops out of Iraq immediately than I leave you with a question a constituent I’ve heard a lot of posturing so far this vote on this Democrat resolution that under- asked me recently: If the Democrats get their week. I’ve heard a lot of hyperbole and a lot mines our troops while at the same time puts wish and we pull out of Iraq without attempting of revisionist history. I’ve also heard some them in harm’s way. This resolution is the to achieve victory, what happens the next things that just don’t mesh with reality. I don’t worst of all worlds. day? Unfortunately, we know that answer be- think that everything my colleagues say is My final thought today is that it is clear to cause our enemies have made it clear: they completely honest. So for a moment, let’s be many of us that this resolution is simply a bring the fight to the United States. honest—because that is the least we owe to Democratic attempt to embarrass President Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I our constituents and to the men and women Bush. My friends across the aisle know they thank you for the time to debate the very im- who are fighting this war. can not impeach him. They know they can not portant issue of the war in Iraq. The resolution I am willing to admit that if Congress knew change the fact that many of them voted for we are debating today is technically non-bind- in 2002 what it knows today it might not have the War in Iraq. And most of them recognize ing—however, we must not discount the influ- voted to authorize the war. Knowing that Sad- the dangers of voting to defund the war. So in- ence of the words of this body. I am here dam Hussein apparently did not have weap- stead, they are trying to embarrass the Presi- today to reiterate to the American people that ons of mass destruction, Congress might have dent. the war in Iraq, as a part of the larger Global preferred to contain him, perhaps bomb him, I say fine, embarrass the President. Send War on Terror, is absolutely vital to the secu- strengthen international sanctions, and work him a message that you are now in charge. rity of our great nation as well as the rest of with our allies in the region to undermine his Remind him that voters demanded change last the free world. regime. November. Do whatever you need to do, but It is true, we were led into this war with poor But we can’t go back to 2002 and redo that don’t undermine our troops in the process. intelligence; yet intelligence that every major vote. We have to deal with the situation that Leave them out of your plans for payback be- fact-finding and data-gathering agency in the is currently before us. And what is before us cause they did nothing to attract your anger or world believed to be true. Nevertheless, right now is a Congressional resolution that frustration. spreading freedom to the Muslim world is our undermines our troops while they are in the Madam Speaker, what we are doing today best long-term strategy in the Global War on middle of fighting a war that Congress sent is wrong. We’re better than this. We’re smarter Terror. them to fight. I do not understand why my col- than this. We’re above using the war, and our Four years after the invasion of Iraq, our leagues on the other side of the aisle don’t troops, for political gain. What the Democrats brave military men and women are still ac- see that. are doing with this resolution is not just intel- tively engaged in combat, and their actions For just a moment, I want to ask my col- lectually dishonest, it is morally bankrupt. have not gone without great achievement—the leagues to put themselves in the positions of Mr. DOOLITTLE. Madam Speaker, five and Iraqi people participated in their first true the thousands of soldiers on the ground in a half years ago, our Nation was attacked by democratic election, they have established a Iraq. What would you think if you learned that terrorists opposed to freedom and individual representative government, elected a par- the very people who sent you to fight this war liberty. Our President vowed to keep Ameri- liament and written an Iraqi constitution. These are now saying that they don’t support what cans safe by taking the fight to the terrorists, great accomplishments should not be brushed you are doing? On the ground in Iraq, there and holding the regimes that support them ac- off as mere side notes, because to do so are two things that keep you going: the countable. We are currently engaged in that would diminish the achievements of the Iraqi thought of returning home to your family and fight. Like any war this size, mistakes have people and the tremendous courage of our the knowledge that you are doing something been made, but we must continue to progress.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.018 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1845 The consequences of failure in Iraq would or help solve the issues that we are facing in And because of their incompetence, we be dire. Allowing al-Qaeda the opportunity to Iraq. The resolution offers no solutions or rec- were told that future oil revenues would more gain a safe hold would be dangerous to Amer- ommendations, but instead criticizes an action than cover the cost of the reconstruction. icans. Leaving before the Iraqi government that is already underway. As ranking member They could not have been more wrong. The can defend itself would only lead to further de- of the Subcommittee on Military Readiness in cost of the war continues to grow at an out- stabilization, and open the door to outside in- the House Armed Services Committee, I am rageous rate. To date, we have spent approxi- fluence from countries such as Iran, which has open to supporting legislation that actually pre- mately $379 billion on this war, with estimates called for the downfall of our society and for sents solutions to stabilizing Iraq. Unfortu- from some experts saying that the total long- the destruction of Israel, our ally in the Middle nately, this resolution does not provide any- term cost could exceed $1 trillion. East. thing other than criticism, and I would have Think about that for a minute: $379 billion With violence headlining the nation’s nightly opposed this resolution if I had been in Wash- spent, more than $8 billion a month. That is news, at times we forget that successes have ington, DC for the vote. enough to fully fund Head Start—100 times been achieved. Through successful elections Mr. GUTIERREZ. Madam Speaker, I rise over. To give virtually every student in Amer- which achieved a 70 percent turnout, we know today in strong support of this resolution. ica a computer. Pay for prescription drug cov- that the citizens of Iraq have rejected the bru- Four years ago, President Bush plunged our erage for virtually every senior in our Nation. tal rule of Saddam Hussein, and strive for Nation into a misguided, pre-emptive war with Offer summer jobs to every teen in our coun- peace and prosperity. But violence supported Iraq. I voted against authorizing it then—and I try. Put hundreds of thousands of additional by al-Qaeda, the remnants of Saddam Hus- have come to the floor today to affirm my police officers on the streets. Provide millions sein’s government, and armed militias, have strong opposition to this irresponsible war. of scholarships to public universities for de- created difficult conditions for diplomacy. Unfortunately, after 4 years of failed strate- serving students. And pay the salaries of mil- Our President, working with a wide range of gies by this administration, the President is lions of public school teachers. involved professionals, has created a new now poised to confound his tragic blunder, But what do we have to show for that $379 strategy to ensure progress in Iraq. James and ignore the will of the American people, by billion—a country plagued with hardened reli- Baker and Lee Hamilton, the leaders of the attempting to increase our presence in Iraq. gious sectarian violence. Iraq Study Group, have called for support of And that is why this resolution is so important. Madam Speaker, it is time to stop this cha- the President’s plan. General Petraeus sup- Because it sends a strong statement. A state- rade. It is time for the truth. It is time for the ports the President’s plan. But Democrat lead- ment that the vast majority of the country sup- administration to really level with the American ers are bringing a non-binding resolution to ports. And that is: escalating our presence in people. the floor, denouncing the President’s objec- Iraq will not lead to success in the region, and Resurrecting and rehashing failed policies of tives. more blank checks will not make America the past is not the answer. Real action is needed. Leadership is need- This resolution, without any power of law or more secure. policy objective, is merely political gamesman- ed. Courage is needed. And that is why we Madam Speaker, our brave men and ship, and it is dangerous to Americans and are engaged in this debate—to stand up to the women in the military have done all that is our troops in harm’s way. We are in the midst deception and the dishonesty. asked of them over the course of the last 4 of an ongoing military operation; our soldiers We are here today to begin to set our strat- years. They are heroes who represent the fin- are engaging al-Qaeda and violent insurgents. egy back on the right course. To protect our est our country has to offer—and they should We have set objectives, but Democrat leaders soldiers. And to ensure that we can win the be treated accordingly. But, from day one, this want us to vote on a resolution that sets us up real war on terror. administration has spent more time planning for failure and attempts to retroactively impede Madam Speaker, we are here today as pa- its attacks on those who offered legitimate a military operation that is currently underway. triots because we love our country. We are criticisms of the war and its tactics, than it has General Petraeus has stated this will only em- here because we support our troops. And we on planning for a stable and peaceful recon- bolden the enemy, and I agree. are here because we want our troops to be struction of the region. And the results have Many Democrats have stated this is only the able to come home to their families and loved been devastating and unworthy of our brave first step toward cutting the funding for our ones. men and women serving in harm’s way. troops in Iraq, and forcing a withdrawal before Thank you, Madam Speaker, I urge a ‘‘yes’’ stability has been achieved. But the majority Enough is enough. Troop surges have not vote on this important resolution. offers no plan to achieve stability. Without any worked in the past, and there is no evidence Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I stand other alternative, withdrawal can only lead to that the same failed policies will work today. In before you today, offering a candid reflection defeat. fact, former Secretary of State Colin Powell of the tasks before us. As someone entrusted Our troops should have every confidence said in December, ‘‘I am not persuaded that to be a leader in this great nation, I find myself their government will ensure they have the another surge of troops into Baghdad for the humbled by the decisions we make and the necessary supplies and funding to achieve purposes of suppressing this communitarian traditions of this institution. In times of hard- their mission. Military leaders should be able violence, this civil war, will work.’’ Yet, this ad- ship, America has often looked to the House to move forward with their directives without ministration continues to ignore the guidance of Representatives, the ‘‘people’s house,’’ as a fear that Congress is working to tie their of military experts, the Iraq Study Group, dip- place for deliberation and decision. Many hands. Yet this objective has been the stated lomats, decorated war heroes and former sen- great leaders have preceded our place in this one of the majority: to precipitate a withdrawal ior White House officials of both parties. Chamber, and many more will undoubtedly fol- by slowly cutting off funding to our soldiers. I And rather than being open to debate and low. By design we find ourselves here again believe this is the wrong approach to sup- discussion with these experts, this Administra- today, in the footprints of those who stood so porting our troops currently involved in the tion has routinely attacked their character and firm against the winds of adversity. It was in military operation. questioned their patriotism. Many of these in- this very room that President Franklin Roo- This resolution does nothing to win the war, dividuals have bled on the battlefield. But to sevelt so famously addressed the Nation after and by not allowing amendments or other this administration, and its swift boat strate- the tragic events surrounding Pearl Harbor measures to be considered, true debate is gists, they are treated merely as political had unfolded; and Members of Congress were being restricted. It is my hope, for the safety pawns. It is truly shameful. faced with the daunting effort of placing our of our troops and for the good of the Nation, Because of this Administration’s hubris, we nation in a second world war. that all members of the House may reject this have seen troops without proper equipment, America was forged long ago as a beacon political maneuver and truly stand behind without basic body armor, without vehicles of democracy, shining bright onto the shores those men and women called to duty by our equipped to deal with roadside bombs and of the world. Ever since our bold proclamation Commander in Chief. without the appropriate veteran’s services to others that we would shelter ‘‘your tired, Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Madam when they return home. your poor, your huddled masses yearning to Speaker, due to my recovery from a medical Because of their ignorance, we have seen breath free,’’ we have called on this body to procedure, I regret that I am unable to partici- giant banners saying, Mission Accomplished, answer the question: How tired, how poor, pate in the debate on the resolution that is be- when today Iraq has spiraled into a bloody, re- how yearning must the oppressed be to war- fore the House of Representatives today. The ligious civil war. rant our assistance? And so we find ourselves Iraq War Resolution offered by the Democratic Because of their arrogance, we were told here today, paused at an intersection on the majority is nothing more than a political exer- that we were going to be treated as liberators, road of democracy. Will we turn back and em- cise, and does nothing to support our troops not as occupiers. bolden those that oppress the free and murder

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:40 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.021 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1846 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 the innocent? After careful consideration, I And I concur with his observation. But his be greeted as liberators. That Iraq would pay must vote against this resolution and choose conclusion should come as no surprise. After for its own reconstruction. And that peace and instead to follow the path blazed by those who all, this administration’s Iraq policy has been a democracy would flourish. pledged our commitment to freedom. series of mistakes and bad choices from the None of that was true. The American people On September 11, we were forced to wit- beginning. were sold a bill of goods. But those of us who ness the consequences of a decade of inac- The Bush/Cheney team was obsessed with raised doubts were ignored. Some even question against a determined enemy. Osama bin Iraq. In fact, according to former Secretary of tioned our patriotism. Laden and other radical Islamists, have de- the Treasury Paul O’Neill, their very first Na- But the responsibility for this mess is not the clared war on every American, for no other tional Security Council meeting focused on President’s alone. It is shared by the pre- reason than we practice freedom and democ- Saddam and Iraq. Just days after President ceding two Congresses, which abdicated their racy. Beginning in the 1970s, radical Islamists Bush was inaugurated. And a map, noting constitutional responsibility to oversee and re- began targeting America with a steady cam- Iraqi oilfields and potential bidders for oil con- view the conduct of the war and the occupa- paign of terror. Although the images of that tracts, was presented for review. That was in tion. We will never know if serious oversight tragic September day remain seared in our February 2001. Months before 9/11. and insisting on answers over the past 4 years minds, it forced us to awaken from our long We all remember that awful day in Sep- would have made a difference. period of denial and realize the true deter- tember 2001. When America was attacked by But we do know that thousands of Ameri- mination of our enemy. The war in Afghani- al Qaeda. Not Iraq. But by al Qaeda. Never- cans and Iraqis have died. Billions of Amer- stan and subsequent invasion of Iraq have theless, almost immediately, plans for attack- ican and Iraqi taxpayer dollars have been discouraged any major terrorist attack from oc- ing Iraq were initiated. With the Vice President wasted. The Middle East is on the verge of a curring on our soil in the last 5 years. Our as its most vigorous advocate. Secretary Pow- war that could devastate the region and the enemy is patient, calculating, and determined. ell is reported to have observed that the Vice global economy. And terrorist groups are mul- However, by supporting Iraq’s efforts to be- President had ‘‘the fever’’—war fever. tiplying because of Iraq. Some confuse the come a free and Democratic society, we have Former counterterrorism czar Dick Clarke war on Iraq with the war on terror. But that forced the terrorists to focus their resources in has described how, even as the smoke was could not be further from reality. the Middle East and away from American soil. still rising from 9/11, the administration began The fact is that the war in Iraq has severely The only impact this resolution will have: is looking for ways to use it to attack Iraq. damaged our efforts to fight al Qaeda and ter- embolden our enemy and convince them of The American people were told that Sad- rorism. That’s not just my judgment: that’s the our weakness. The overall commanding officer dam Hussein possessed weapons of mass de- consensus judgment of U.S. intelligence agen- in Iraq, General David Petraeus, recently struction. That he was a clear and imminent cies. In April 2006, they prepared a National agreed that a resolution such as this would threat. That he was an ally of al Qaeda. That Intelligence Estimate. It represents the con- only ‘‘give the enemy some encouragement.’’ if we did not invade Iraq, there could be mush- sensus judgment of the entire U.S. intelligence Although I will continue to be an advocate of room clouds over American cities. community. Here’s what it said: free speech, we must remain aware of our None of that was true. To the contrary, The Iraq conflict has become the ‘‘cause speech’s impact. One can only imagine the re- there was plenty evidence that the secular celebre’’ for jihadists, breeding a deep result here at home if we formalize a resolution Baathists of Saddam Hussein’s regime and sentment of U.S. involvement in the Muslim of no confidence in this body. the religious fanatics of Osama bin Laden’s al world and cultivating supporters for the As a member of this body, I have made Qaeda were rivals. In fact bin Laden had pub- global jihadist movement. clear my support for the war in Iraq and our licly condemned Saddam as an apostate who Meanwhile, the war in Iraq has done nothing fighting men and women. I stand behind our had corrupted Islam and repressed Muslims. to stop al Qaeda and its affiliates from launch- military and appreciate the importance of our There was little evidence that Saddam’s re- ing attacks around the world. I refer you to a mission, but am also aware that some mis- gime possessed nuclear or biological weap- Dear Colleague letter sent by two of our Re- takes have been made along the way. War is ons, or—even if it did—that it would share publican colleagues which clearly describes unpredictable and we can do no better than by such materials with an uncontrollable group of that reality. It includes a list of attacks that putting our armed forces in the capable hands apocalyptic terrorists like al Qaeda. plainly demonstrates that terrorism is global in of our military leaders. We owe it to the gen- But the administration did not listen to those nature. While we are stuck in the sands of erations of Iraqi’s murdered under the reign of who knew what they were talking about. Pro- Iraq, radical Islamists are launching major as- Saddam, and our brave country men and fessionals like Greg Thielmann, the Director of saults everywhere. Because this Administra- women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, the strategic, proliferation and military issues tion, as a result of its bungled misadventure in to move forward with our mission. The decision to commit our military to office in the State Department’s Bureau of In- Iraq, has hurt our efforts against terrorism. harm’s way, is the toughest made of any lead- telligence and Research. He told me person- Remember, we were attacked on Sep- er. Some of my colleagues in Congress will ally that in his professional opinion, after years tember 11, not by Iraq, but by al Qaeda. argue that we cannot afford to vote in ap- of studying the issue, Saddam did not have a Which was based in Afghanistan. And we re- proval of the job our military men and women nuclear weapons program. sponded, with worldwide support, by going to have done in Iraq. After looking at the facts, Instead, the administration relied on the war against al Qaeda and liberating Afghani- I say we can’t afford not to. This non-binding likes of Ahmed Chalabi. An embezzler who stan from al Qaeda’s allies, the Taliban. But resolution being offered by Democrats, is little had been convicted in Jordan of bank fraud. then what happened? The administration took more than a political sound bite. Although I Who is alleged to have provided Iran with in- its eye off the ball. And invaded Iraq. It’s as have respect for many of my colleagues formation about U.S. troop movements. And if we had responded to the Japanese attack across the aisle, I urge them to consider the who is presumably still under investigation by on Pearl Harbor by invading Mexico. Even negative effect this resolution will have. the FBI. though we had not yet defeated al Qaeda, the It should be clear to all that have listened to Chalabi provided so-called ‘‘defectors’’ from administration pulled intelligence and Special this debate, that this resolution is the first step Iraq who—surprise, surprise—said exactly Forces assets from Afghanistan in order to by the majority party in their quest to cut off what the Administration wanted to hear. The prepare for the invasion of Iraq. Now we are funding for our troops in Iraq. This is not fair most notorious was codenamed ‘‘Curveball’’— in danger of losing Afghanistan to al Qaeda to our soldiers on the ground and it dishonors how appropriate—and was the source of the and their Taliban allies. the fallen and injured heroes that have so now-discredited claim about a mobile bio- Enough. As Senator HAGEL said, this is bravely served this Nation. weapons program. The German intelligence ‘‘Alice in Wonderland . . . it is folly.’’ And the Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, ‘‘this is a agency warned that the man did not live in American people know it. It’s time to get back dangerously wrong-headed strategy that will Iraq and described him as an ‘‘out of control’’ to fighting the terrorists. It’s time to con- drive America deeper into an unwinnable and mentally unstable alcoholic. It later turned centrate on victory in the war on terror. swamp at a great cost. And if it’s carried out out that he was the brother of one of Chalabi’s Oppose the escalation. Support the resolu- it represents the most dangerous foreign pol- top aides. But he was one of the primary tion. icy blunder in this country since Vietnam.’’ sources for Secretary Powell’s statement at Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Madam Speaker, This assessment the Bush escalation policy the United Nations that convinced many to I rise today to address the President’s plan to was made by the Republican Senator from support the war. deploy an additional 21,500 American troops Nebraska, CHUCK HAGEL—a decorated Viet- Furthermore, in the lead-up to the invasion in Iraq. I oppose this course of action and feel nam veteran who originally supported the in- of Iraq, the administration told the American that contributing more troops to this war is not vasion of Iraq. people that it would be easy. That we would in the best interest of our country.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:40 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.043 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1847 One only needs to look back on the timeline Gordon Lynch Ryan (OH) Musgrave Rogers (KY) Sullivan of events in Iraq to realize how much we have Green, Al Mahoney (FL) Salazar Myrick Rogers (MI) Tancredo Green, Gene Maloney (NY) Sa´ nchez, Linda Neugebauer Rohrabacher Taylor given that country. From the deposing of Sad- Grijalva Markey T. Nunes Ros-Lehtinen Terry dam Hussein and his ruthless heirs, to the Gutierrez Matheson Sanchez, Loretta Pearce Roskam Thornberry drafting of a constitution and free elections, Hall (NY) Matsui Sarbanes Pence Royce Tiahrt Hare McCarthy (NY) Peterson (PA) Ryan (WI) the United States has fulfilled its role in liber- Schakowsky Tiberi Harman McCollum (MN) Schiff Pickering Sali Turner Pitts Saxton ating Iraq. However, the sacrifices our country Hastings (FL) McDermott Schwartz Walberg Herseth McGovern Platts Schmidt has made must be met by an even stronger Scott (GA) Walden (OR) Higgins McIntyre Scott (VA) Poe Sensenbrenner commitment by Iraq’s leaders to face the chal- Porter Sessions Wamp Hill McNerney Serrano lenges of a fledgling democracy and ensure Price (GA) Shadegg Weldon (FL) Hinchey McNulty Sestak Hinojosa Meehan Pryce (OH) Shays Weller the safety and freedom of its own people. Shea-Porter Hirono Meek (FL) Putnam Shimkus Westmoreland Our troops have served with tremendous Sherman Hodes Meeks (NY) Radanovich Shuster Whitfield Shuler bravery during this nearly 4 year endeavor. Holden Melancon Regula Simpson Wicker The resolution we are discussing today con- Holt Michaud Sires Rehberg Smith (NE) Wilson (NM) tains a pledge that Congress will ‘‘continue to Honda Millender- Skelton Reichert Smith (NJ) Wilson (SC) Hooley McDonald Slaughter Renzi Smith (TX) Wolf support and protect’’ our courageous men and Hoyer Miller (NC) Smith (WA) Reynolds Souder Young (AK) women who are serving or who have served Inglis (SC) Miller, George Snyder Rogers (AL) Stearns Young (FL) Inslee Mitchell Solis in Iraq. This is a promise we must keep and NOT VOTING—6 I will work with like-minded colleagues to en- Israel Mollohan Space Jackson (IL) Moore (KS) Spratt Baird Davis, Jo Ann LoBiondo sure that the members of the United States Jackson-Lee Moore (WI) Stark Boustany Hastert Nadler Armed Forces continue to have the resources (TX) Moran (VA) Stupak they need while they are in harms way and Jefferson Murphy (CT) Sutton b 1522 after they return home. Johnson (GA) Murphy, Patrick Tanner So the concurrent resolution was Johnson (IL) Murtha Tauscher However, I am in disagreement with the Johnson, E. B. Napolitano Thompson (CA) agreed to. President on sending 21,500 more troops to Jones (NC) Neal (MA) Thompson (MS) The result of the vote was announced Iraq because the time has passed for the Jones (OH) Oberstar Tierney as above recorded. Kagen Obey leaders and citizens of Iraq to ascend and de- Towns A motion to reconsider was laid on Kanjorski Olver Udall (CO) fend their country. The people of this country Kaptur Ortiz Udall (NM) the table. sent a message to the Congress a few Keller Pallone Upton Stated against: Kennedy Pascrell Van Hollen months ago and my constituents have made it Kildee Pastor Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Vela´ zquez increasingly clear to me that they do not sup- Kilpatrick Paul Speaker, on rollcall No. 99, H. Con. Res. 63, Visclosky Kind Payne port the escalation of U.S. troop involvement Walsh (NY) I was unable to vote due to medical reasons. amidst the seemingly endless sectarian strife Kirk Pelosi Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘nay.’’ Klein (FL) Perlmutter Walz (MN) inside Iraq. Kucinich Peterson (MN) Wasserman f Therefore, I rise in support of this resolution. Lampson Petri Schultz Langevin Pomeroy Waters MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE Watson b 1500 Lantos Price (NC) A message from the Senate by Ms. Larsen (WA) Rahall Watt The SPEAKER. All time for debate Larson (CT) Ramstad Waxman Curtis, one of its clerks, announced has expired. LaTourette Rangel Weiner that the Senate has passed bills and a Pursuant to House Resolution 157, Lee Reyes Welch (VT) concurrent resolution of the following Levin Rodriguez Wexler the concurrent resolution is considered Lewis (GA) Ross Wilson (OH) titles in which the concurrence of the read and the previous question is or- Lipinski Rothman Woolsey House is requested: dered. Loebsack Roybal-Allard Wu S. 188. An act to revise the short title of The question is on the concurrent Lofgren, Zoe Ruppersberger Wynn the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Lowey Rush Yarmuth resolution. Coretta Scott King voting Rights Act Reau- The question was taken; and the NAYS—182 thorization and Amendments Act of 2006. Speaker announced that the ayes ap- S. 487. An act to amend the National Organ Aderholt Davis (KY) Hulshof Transplant Act to clarify that kidney paired peared to have it. Akin Davis, David Hunter donations shall not be considered to involve Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, on Alexander Deal (GA) Issa Bachmann Dent Jindal the transfer of a human organ for valuable that I demand the yeas and nays. Bachus Diaz-Balart, L. Johnson, Sam consideration. The yeas and nays were ordered. Baker Diaz-Balart, M. Jordan S. Con. Res. 12. Concurrent resolution sup- The vote was taken by electronic de- Barrett (SC) Doolittle King (IA) porting the goals and ideals of a National vice, and there were—yeas 246, nays Bartlett (MD) Drake King (NY) Medal of Honor Day to mark the significance Barton (TX) Dreier Kingston 182, not voting 6, as follows: and importance of the Medal of Honor and to Biggert Ehlers Kline (MN) celebrate and honor the recipients of the [Roll No. 99] Bilbray Emerson Knollenberg Bilirakis Everett Kuhl (NY) Medal of Honor on the anniversary of the YEAS—246 Bishop (UT) Fallin LaHood first award of that medal in 1863. Abercrombie Capuano Davis, Tom Blackburn Feeney Lamborn f Ackerman Cardoza DeFazio Blunt Ferguson Latham Allen Carnahan DeGette Boehner Flake Lewis (CA) PROVIDING FOR AN ADJOURN- Altmire Carney Delahunt Bonner Forbes Lewis (KY) MENT OR RECESS OF THE TWO Andrews Carson DeLauro Bono Fortenberry Linder Arcuri Castle Dicks Boozman Fossella Lucas HOUSES Baca Castor Dingell Brady (TX) Foxx Lungren, Daniel Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I offer a Baldwin Chandler Doggett Brown (SC) Franks (AZ) E. Barrow Clarke Donnelly Brown-Waite, Frelinghuysen Mack privileged concurrent resolution (H. Bean Clay Doyle Ginny Gallegly Manzullo Con. Res. 67) and ask for its immediate Becerra Cleaver Duncan Buchanan Garrett (NJ) Marchant consideration. Berkley Clyburn Edwards Burgess Gerlach Marshall Berman Coble Ellison Burton (IN) Gillmor McCarthy (CA) The Clerk read the concurrent reso- Berry Cohen Ellsworth Buyer Gingrey McCaul (TX) lution, as follows: Bishop (GA) Conyers Emanuel Calvert Gohmert McCotter H. CON. RES. 67 Bishop (NY) Cooper Engel Camp (MI) Goode McCrery Blumenauer Costa English (PA) Campbell (CA) Goodlatte McHenry Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Boren Costello Eshoo Cannon Granger McHugh Senate concurring), That when the House ad- Boswell Courtney Etheridge Cantor Graves McKeon journs on the legislative day of Friday, Feb- Boucher Cramer Farr Capito Hall (TX) McMorris ruary 16, 2007, or Saturday, February 17, 2007, Boyd (FL) Crowley Fattah Carter Hastings (WA) Rodgers on a motion offered pursuant to this concur- Boyda (KS) Cuellar Filner Chabot Hayes Mica rent resolution by its Majority Leader or his Brady (PA) Cummings Frank (MA) Cole (OK) Heller Miller (FL) Braley (IA) Davis (AL) Giffords Conaway Hensarling Miller (MI) designee, it stand adjourned until 2 p.m. on Brown, Corrine Davis (CA) Gilchrest Crenshaw Herger Miller, Gary Tuesday, February 27, 2007, or until the time Butterfield Davis (IL) Gillibrand Cubin Hobson Moran (KS) of any reassembly pursuant to section 2 of Capps Davis, Lincoln Gonzalez Culberson Hoekstra Murphy, Tim this concurrent resolution, whichever occurs

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.045 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1848 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 first; and that when the Senate recesses or (Mr. ARCURI asked and was given words, it helps those who need jobs by adjourns on any day from Saturday, Feb- permission to revise and extend his re- giving employers tax credits for cre- ruary 17, 2007, through Saturday, February marks.) ating jobs. 24, 2007, on a motion offered pursuant to this Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, House It would enhance the current tip concurrent resolution by its Majority Leader credit for small businesses by main- or his designee, it stand recessed or ad- Resolution 161 is a rule to provide for journed until noon on Monday, February 26, consideration of H.R. 976, the Small taining the current tip credit that 2007, or such other time on that day as may Business Tax Relief Act, under suspen- small businesses take for the Social be specified by its Majority Leader or his sion of rules at any time on the legisla- Security taxes they pay on their em- designee in the motion to recess or adjourn, tive day of Friday, February 16, 2007. ployees’ tips, instead of allowing it to or until the time of any reassembly pursuant This rule is necessary because under drop with the long-overdue increase in to section 2 of this concurrent resolution, clause 1(a) of rule XV, the Speaker may the minimum wage this legislation will whichever occurs first. entertain motions to suspend the rules help achieve. Sec. 2. The Speaker of the House and the The bill also contains a provision Majority Leader of the Senate, or their re- only on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednes- day of each week. In order for suspen- that would simplify tax-filing require- spective designees, acting jointly after con- ments for businesses owned jointly by sultation with the Minority Leader of the sions to be considered on other days, House and the Minority Leader of the Sen- the Rules Committee must provide for a husband and wife, providing much- ate, shall notify the Members of the House consideration of these motions. needed relief for the many small firms and the Senate, respectively, to reassemble Mr. Speaker, let me begin by saying throughout this country. at such place and time as they may des- how honored I am as a member of the Right now, there is a glitch in the ignate if, in their opinion, the public interest distinguished Rules Committee to Social Security tax law which only al- shall warrant it. manage the rule for consideration of lows one spouse, most often the hus- The concurrent resolution was agreed such an important piece of legislation band, to get credit for paying into So- to. that will provide $1.3 billion of tax re- cial Security. This leaves women who A motion to reconsider was laid on lief for our Nation’s small business. work as equal partners in an unfair sit- the table. This legislation, the Small Business uation. The Small Business Tax Relief f Tax Relief Act, is strongly supported Act fixes this glaring inequality by en- by a host of business organizations, in- suring that both partners, equal mem- PERMISSION FOR COMMITTEE ON bers of the team, receive their justly cluding the U.S. Chamber of Com- FINANCIAL SERVICES TO HAVE deserved entitlement benefits. merce, the NFIB, the National Associa- UNTIL MIDNIGHT, FRIDAY, FEB- Moreover, this legislation does not RUARY 23, 2007, TO FILE REPORT tion of Manufacturers and the National only help small businesses. It is a win- ON H.R. 556, NATIONAL SECURITY Restaurant Association. win, because passage of the Small Busi- FOREIGN INVESTMENT REFORM Small businesses are the backbone of ness Tax Relief Act is also a critical AND STRENGTHENED TRANS- this Nation’s economy. Every day we step in finalizing an increase in the PARENCY ACT OF 2007 as Americans utilize the services of Federal minimum wage for 13 million small business owners, whether it is Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. hardworking Americans. dropping off our dry cleaning, grabbing I made a promise to my constituents Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that a bite to eat at a local diner or piz- that I would go to Washington to fight the Committee on Financial Services zeria, or waiting in line to pick up a for a long-overdue increase in the Fed- have until midnight on Friday, Feb- prescription at a local pharmacy. We eral minimum wage. Passage of this ruary 23, 2007 to file a report on H.R. depend on our small businesses. measure takes us one step closer to ful- 556. b 1530 filling that promise. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. I want to be clear. I support a stand- It is a constant struggle for most TIERNEY). Is there objection to the re- alone increase in the minimum wage, small businesses just to keep the lights quest of the gentleman from Massachu- like the legislation we passed a few setts? on. Utility costs continue to sky- weeks ago with overwhelming bipar- There was no objection. rocket, and larger companies continue tisan support. However, 10 years is too to expand services, pushing out the f long for any hardworking Americans to mom-and-pop stores in cities and towns wait for a wage increase. Let’s not PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION across the country. My constituents in force them to wait any longer. The OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE Upstate New York have experienced time to act is now. RULES this loss of economic activity first- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, by direc- hand, but that trend has continued. my time. tion of the Committee on Rules, I call The Small Business Tax Relief Act Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of up House Resolution 161 and ask for its would help small businesses grow and Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to immediate consideration. hire new workers by extending and ex- thank my friend from New York for the The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- panding tax provisions that encourage time, and I yield myself such time as I lows: investment in new equipment and pro- may consume. mote the hiring of disadvantaged work- H. RES. 161 Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 161 ers, and it does so in a fiscally respon- provides that it will be in order at any Resolved, That it shall be in order at any sible way that meets the pay-as-you-go time on the legislative day of Friday, Feb- time on the legislative day of today to ruary 16, 2007, for the Speaker to entertain requirements. Small business owners consider H.R. 976, the Small Business motions that the House suspend the rules re- have to balance the books and stay on Tax Relief Act of 2007, under a suspen- lating to the bill (H.R. 976) to amend the In- budget each month. It is only fitting sion of the rules. ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax that we do as well. The passage of these tax cuts for relief for small businesses, and for other pur- Specifically, the bill would help small businesses across the country is poses. small businesses invest in new equip- very important. Small business, Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- ment by extending and expanding ex- Speaker, is the engine that drives our tleman from New York (Mr. ARCURI) is pensing options for 1 year and increase economy. Small businesses employ recognized for 1 hour. both the amount small businesses can over half of all private-sector workers Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, for the deduct from their taxes and the num- and pay approximately 45 percent of all purpose of debate only, I yield the cus- ber of small businesses that can take United States private payroll. tomary 30 minutes to the gentleman these deductions. Over the last decade, small busi- from Florida (Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ- The bill would extend the work op- nesses have generated 60 to 80 percent BALART). All time yielded during con- portunity tax credit, which provides in- of net new jobs each year. Hispanic sideration of the rule is for debate pur- centives to employers to hire individ- small businesses now number over 2 poses only. uals that frequently experience bar- million, Mr. Speaker, and their number I yield myself such time as I may riers to work for 1 year, and expand it has been growing at three times the av- consume. to cover disabled veterans. In other erage of non-Hispanic businesses.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.036 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1849 But we must not take the extraor- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support State and local sales tax on your Fed- dinary performance of small businesses of H.R. 976, the Small Business Tax Re- eral income tax or at the State income for granted. They still face consider- lief Act. tax, whichever was higher. So you had able hurdles, so it is appropriate that America’s small and medium busi- that opportunity. steps be taken to ensure that small nesses are our Nation’s stimulative en- It certainly doesn’t put my colleague businesses are able to continue to grow gine, employing roughly 80 percent of from New York and those people who and employ more and more Americans. our domestic workforce. Too often, our are still left in New York at a dis- The Small Business Tax Relief Act Tax Code is weighted in support of our advantage because they can still de- will provide extraordinary savings to large lobbying interests, without conduct the State income tax. States that small businesses in the United States sideration of those small businesses don’t have a State income tax have through targeted tax cuts. The bill in- who are the backbone of our commu- been put at a disadvantage. creases the amount that small busi- nities and have vital economic impact I know that the good gentleman from nesses will be able to deduct for equip- there. Florida did try to put this amendment ment purchases and extends the deduc- I am proud to join Chairwoman on, and it would make a lot of sense. It tion to the year 2010. It also extends VELA´ ZQUEZ, Chairman RANGEL and expires this year. We need to continue the work opportunities tax credit for other colleagues in support of the to have the deductibility of the State another year and expands three cat- Small Business Tax Relief Act, which and local sales tax for residents of egories of the eligible workers to en- provides needed tax relief to our Na- States that do not have an income tax. courage employers to hire disabled vet- tion’s small businesses in support of Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 erans, high-risk youth, and individuals their growth and profitability. In par- minutes to my good friend, the distin- with disabilities. ticular, the Small Business Tax Relief guished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Under this legislation, Mr. Speaker, Act will provide incentives to busi- MAHONEY). businesses will be able to use their nesses in my district and around our Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. FICA tax tip credit against their reg- country to continue to invest in the in- Speaker, I rise in strong support of ular and AMT liability, saving small frastructure important to their House Resolution 161 and the under- businesses over $500 million over 10 growth. lying bill, H.R. 976, the Small Business In addition to extending deductions years. Tax Relief Act of 2007, which I am in plant material investments, this bill The Small Business Tax Relief Act proud to have cosponsored. also extends the Work Opportunity Tax also allows spouses who operate a busi- This important piece of legislation is Credit. This credit has been successful ness together to file as a sole propri- much more than a tax cut for Amer- in helping people move from welfare to etorship, without penalty. It allows ica’s small businesses. It is an invest- work and gain on-the-job experience by both spouses to claim Medicare and So- ment in our Nation’s workers, espe- incentivizing employers to hire dis- cial Security taxes. This is an impor- cially those from economically dis- tant piece of legislation, Mr. Speaker. advantaged workers, including returning veterans and the disabled. advantaged areas, as well as our vet- It will help our small businesses con- As Chair of the Small Business Tax erans. tinue their admirable growth and job and Finance Subcommittee, I will con- Specifically, the underlying bill ex- creation. tinue to champion initiatives that help tends the Work Opportunity Tax Credit I would like to commend the chair- our Nation’s small businesses prosper. for 1 year. This important tax credit, man of the Ways and Means Com- I urge my colleagues to support the originally enacted in 1996, has been an mittee, Mr. RANGEL, and the ranking Small Business Tax Relief Act as part important component in an effort to member, Mr. MCCRERY, and all of those of that effort. As our small businesses move people from welfare to work, who, in a bipartisan manner, have grow stronger, so do the communities while gaining on-the-job experience. worked to quickly bring this important in which they reside and the workers H.R. 976 also fosters entrepreneurship bill to the floor for debate. they employ. in our communities, an important vari- I look forward to the debate on H.R. Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of able in keeping Americans competitive 976. However, Mr. Speaker, we could Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I in a global economy by making it more have done more. On Wednesday, at the yield 4 minutes to my distinguished affordable to own and operate a small hearing of the Rules Committee and colleague from Florida, who has business. This Congress and the indi- the markup of this rule, Mr. SESSIONS, worked so hard to make the sales tax a viduals who have brought this bill to my dear colleague from Texas, the gen- deductible and who is obviously ex- passage today bring their ideas, ambi- tleman from Texas, offered an amend- tremely concerned about the fact that tions and knowledge and support of en- ment to the rule that would have al- we cannot vote on it today, Ms. BROWN- trepreneurs and small business. lowed us to consider H.R. 60 under sus- WAITE. Finally, I applaud Chairman RANGEL pension of the rules today. Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- and the members of the Ways and H.R. 60, authored by our colleague, ida. I thank the gentleman. Means Committee for working within Mr. BAIRD, a Democrat, would make Mr. Speaker, the deductibility of the House PAYGO rules to produce a the local and State sales tax deduction sales tax is so important to so many revenue-neutral tax bill. H.R. 976 is a permanent. This sales tax deduction is people. It makes a big difference. bipartisan example of a fiscally respon- set to expire at the end of this year. There are those of us, long of tooth, sible tax measure that takes into ac- Without passage of this bipartisan leg- who remember when you used to be count America’s values and priorities. islation to extend the deduction, mil- able to deduct both State and local I urge my colleagues to adopt the lions of individuals and States without sales tax on your Federal income tax. I rule and the underlying bill. an income tax, such as Texas, Wash- remember when I lived in the chair- 1545 ington, Nevada, Tennessee, South Da- man’s State, in New York, and we b kota, Wyoming and Florida, will face could do that, where I would save up Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of an unnecessary and unfortunate tax in- all those receipts. And I was darn sure Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the bal- crease. However, the majority in the that I spent more money on purchases ance of my time. Committee on Rules voted against al- than what the maximum amount de- Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 lowing us to debate and pass this wide- ductible was. minutes to the gentleman from Indiana ly supported bipartisan piece of legisla- But in the mid 1980s, they eliminated (Mr. ELLSWORTH). tion. the deductibility of sales tax on your Mr. ELLSWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Federal income tax. What did this do? thank the gentleman for yielding. my time. What it meant was that States that did The Small Business Tax Relief Act of Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 not have an income tax were at a very 2007 provides long overdue tax relief for minutes to the gentlewoman from Illi- distinct disadvantage, citizens who small businesses and their employees. nois (Ms. BEAN). lived in those States. Small businesses form the backbone Ms. BEAN. I thank the gentleman So a few years ago we remedied that of the American economy. They create from New York for yielding. by saying you could deduct either the hundreds of millions of new jobs each

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:51 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.092 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1850 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 year, and they drive the innovation to the rest of the world in terms of pur- South Dakota, Tennessee, Nevada, Wy- that makes America great. The men suing job creation. oming, New Hampshire, and Alaska. and women whose blood, sweat, and And I really want to applaud the The 1986 Tax Reform Act eliminated sometimes tears go into building their leadership of our caucus for moving the sales tax deduction from the Fed- small businesses are living examples of ahead this early in this Congress with eral Tax Code but maintained the the American dream, and they deserve the small business tax relief package. I State income tax deduction. That our support. think that is a real important state- change has a disproportionate impact There is no doubt that this bill is a ment. I hope everyone is paying atten- on States that do not use a State in- win-win for Indiana. It is a win for tion to that. It is certainly something come tax. Hoosier small business owners who that a lot of us in this caucus have ad- A 2-year sales tax deductibility pro- work hard, play by the rules, and pro- vocated for, and I think it is a great vision was signed into law as part of vide good jobs for thousands of hard- step to be taking today. the American Jobs Creation Act. This working people in south and west Indi- I also want to acknowledge the fact law restored fairness to those in States ana. that this is a bipartisan piece of legis- with no State income tax for the first It is also a win for Hoosier workers. lation. I want to thank Chairman RAN- time in nearly 20 years and kept an es- Small businesses employ 1.2 million GEL for doing such an excellent job in timated $3.6 billion in the hands of tax- workers in Indiana. And that is why we the Ways and Means Committee in payers that choose to deduct State must make every effort to ensure that working in this bipartisan fashion to sales tax in all nine affected States. small businesses prosper in a come up with this very well-crafted This critical tax relief is said to expire progrowth economy. As Congress bill. I think this is a great moment for at the end of this year and must be ex- works towards increasing the min- this Congress to work in a bipartisan tended, or my constituents in Texas imum wage for the American workers, way to help our economy move for- and taxpayers from eight other States legislation like this is necessary to ward. I encourage all of us to vote for will see a massive, unavoidable tax in- help small businesses across the coun- this legislation. crease. try stay competitive. Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of H.R. 60 would permanently restore Mr. Speaker, the Small Business Tax Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have the pleas- fairness to taxpayers in the nine af- Relief Act enjoys wide bipartisan sup- ure of yielding 5 minutes to my col- fected States. I am disappointed that port for a reason. We know it is the league, who, in the Rules Committee, the amendments did not include this right thing to do for America’s small made the motion for us to debate today one and it was defeated by the Rules businesses and for its workers. I am the sales tax deduction to allow us to Committee Democrats along a party- proud to be a cosponsor of this impor- consider legislation by Mr. BAIRD, a line vote. tant legislation, and I urge my col- Democrat. Unfortunately, the majority While I support the legislation for leagues to give it their full support. of the Rules Committee did not allow continued tax fairness for small busi- Let us come together and show that that motion to go forward, voted it nesses that we are about to consider, I the path toward fiscal responsibility down, that amendment. am sorry that we were not allowed to can be both probusiness and proworker. But it is my pleasure to recognize for have this amendment on the House Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of 5 minutes not only a distinguished floor today as a golden opportunity for Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the bal- member of the Rules Committee, but a taxpayers to finally find this tax dis- ance of my time. great leader in this House whom I am parity and this loophole closed for Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 honored to serve with, Mr. SESSIONS. good. minutes to my friend from North Caro- Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I appre- I appreciate the gentleman’s extend- lina (Mr. SHULER). ciate the gentleman from the Rules ing the time to me. He also is from the Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Committee from Miami, Florida (Mr. State of Florida, which is hugely af- the gentleman for yielding. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART). fected by this unwelcomed tax. Mr. Speaker, as an entrepreneur my- Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday evening Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 self, I am proud to stand strong in sup- at the Rules Committee, we met to by- minutes to the hardworking gentleman port of our Nation’s small business pass regular order once again, which from Indiana (Mr. DONNELLY). owners. Western North Carolina is seems to be a new regular order for the Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise blessed with thousands of small manu- 10th time under the new Democrat today in support of H.R. 976, the Small facturers, technology entrepreneurs, leadership. I brought forth the ability Business Tax Relief Act of 2007, be- shopkeepers, and restaurant owners. to discuss a small tax item with the cause small businesses play such a Small businesses are the backbone of germaneness to the tax bill that we are vital role in Indiana’s economy and in our Nation’s economy. debating here today. I wish that we our country’s economy. Small busi- Today’s legislation will cut taxes and were considering this rule under reg- nesses are the engine and account for increase opportunities for our small ular order that the Democrat can- half of all jobs in my State’s economy. business communities. This is what didates, out on the campaign trails, I want to thank Chairman RANGEL happens when Democrats and Repub- promised voters this last election for his leadership in introducing this licans work together. cycle. I believe that the tax bill will fiscally responsible tax relief for Amer- I would like to thank the chairman end up enjoying bipartisan support on ica’s small businesses. and ranking member of the Committee the House floor today. So since we are Mr. Speaker, I understand the chal- on Ways and Means for their efforts on already bypassing regular order to con- lenges our entrepreneurs and small this bill. I look forward to working sider this legislation, I offered an business owners face while training to with them in further addressing the amendment to bring another tax bill to remain competitive and profitable in needs of small businesses and increas- the floor that would enjoy also broad today’s global economy. I have seen ing opportunities for all Americans. bipartisan support, making the State firsthand the impact that rising costs Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 and local sales tax deduction perma- of health care and new technologies minutes to the gentleman from Utah nent for residents of non-income-tax and growing competitions from over- (Mr. MATHESON). States. seas can have on our local businesses. Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, I rise This issue is a matter of fairness. It Today’s legislation provides crucial, in support of this legislation. is quite simple in its honesty. It enjoys bipartisan tax relief so that our local One of the great successes for our support from a huge number of Demo- small businesses can invest in the country’s economy, and we all say it crats and Republicans and would allow equipment and technology they need to here as Members of Congress as we talk taxpayers a deduction for sales tax in remain successful. Perhaps more im- about the value of small business, but lieu of income tax for taxpayers in portantly, these tax cuts allow our it is important for us in Congress to States that do not have a State income local business leaders to reinvest in In- look at effecting public policy in a way tax. diana’s economy, creating new jobs and that assists small business in making Nine States currently have no in- sharing today and tomorrow’s pros- success, in being competitive relative come tax: Texas, Florida, Washington, perity.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.095 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1851 Mr. Speaker, I would also like to today being able to finally move for- Third, and not least important, passage of take this opportunity to commend this ward not only tax relief for small busi- H.R. 976 is necessary to win the support of Congress for passing important com- nesses but getting a vote for the min- the Senate and signature of the President on monsense tax relief without contrib- imum wage. Thank you very much. the legislation passed earlier by this House to uting to our mounting national debt. And I thank you for working it out raise the minimum wage for millions of hard- This bill proves that we can provide with the ranking members. Finally we working, low-wage workers by $2.10 per hour tax relief to our business community will be able to move in the other body to $7.25. It has been more than nine years without increasing the burden on our that would not give us an up-or-down since the minimum wage was last increased, children and grandchildren. vote on the minimum wage. But we the longest period in the history of the law. In I urge all my colleagues to pass H.R. have good news because we extend the contrast, during this time period Indeed, Mr. 976 and reduce the tax burden for our Work Opportunity Tax Credit. We help Speaker, that it removes the last major hurdle small business owners. small businesses invest in new equip- between low-wage workers and the long-over- Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of ment, which is so very important. And, due pay raise they desperately need, is rea- Florida. I reserve the balance of my third, and what is certainly not least, son enough for me to support the bill before time. we win the support, as I said, of the us. Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 Senate to move forward on the min- But evaluated on its merits, the Work Op- minutes to my colleague from New imum wage. portunity Tax Credit included in the bill before York (Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ), the chairwoman But it is important to note that this us is a good and useful measure. The Work of the Committee on Small Business. WOTC will help veterans, ex-felons, Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a success- (Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ asked and was high-risk youth, and welfare recipients, ful federal tax credit that encourages employ- given permission to revise and extend individuals who create the engine of ers to hire eight persons belonging to one or her remarks.) our economy who are trying for a sec- more of eight targeted groups of job seekers Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise ond chance. So this is the right kind of by reducing employers’ federal tax liability. today in support of this bipartisan leg- mixture, giving relief to small busi- The credit limit is $2,400, and the targeted islation that will provide tax relief and nesses, which I have always said, are groups include veterans, ex-felons, high-risk simplification for this Nation’s entre- the backbone of the economy of Amer- youth, and welfare recipients. preneurs. ica. I am grateful to say that the small Mr. Speaker, government data show that 7 As the Chair of the House Small businesses in the 18th Congressional out of 10 welfare recipients who obtain jobs in Business Committee, I believe eco- District, which have created an eco- the private sector are using WOTC, and that nomic policies in Washington must ad- nomic engine in our community, will placing workers in private employment is high- dress the needs of our small businesses. now have the right kind of tax relief to ly cost-effective compared to State-funded Today’s bill will not only provide tax create opportunities for them to rein- public service jobs. Under the WOTC, employ- relief but will also provide simplicity vest in their own businesses to buy ers pay the bulk of job costs, so the average more equipment, because every one of to the Tax Code for entrepreneurs. cost to the Government is about $900 per job us go home to the churning of small One of the most critical portions of per quarter (with a ceiling of $1,560 annually) businesses. Every day small businesses this bill is the extension of section 179, while the cost of a State-funded public service open their doors and create jobs for one expensing. This is a provision that en- job at $7 per hour averages $3,700 per quar- and two and three and four and five courages investment while simplifying ter with no ceiling. Thus, WOTC enables and six and seven and eight and nine recordkeeping requirements. This leg- States to economize their welfare and training and ten employees. So this will be the islation will also make more entre- block grants and saves money that can be preneurs eligible to use section 179 ex- right message that we will send. Then, of course, we will give the op- used for child care and transportation. pensing. And what are the benefits to the less-skilled portunity for training for our welfare- For small businesses it can often be to-work mothers. We will give training and disabled workers WOTC is intended to difficult to make expensive invest- for our veterans. We will give training help? Virtually every study of jobs credits by ments or purchases because of the up- for high-risk youth. And, yes, we will the Government Accountability Office and front costs. Expensing helps them de- help those who are trying to reenter to independent evaluations funded by the De- fray some of these costs while also re- be able to create an opportunity for partment of Labor have shown that employ- ducing paperwork burdens associated their families. ment and skills of these workers are in- with depreciation schedules. This pro- Finally, of course, I am gratified that creased. In fact, in one study, GAO reported posal is a win for small businesses, the we will have the opportunity now in 10 that WOTC workers achieve gains in real job creators, and our economy. After years to provide the opportunity for wages as a result of their jobs. all, they are the ones who create 80 those on minimum wage. And in the Mr. Speaker, the WOTC provides a market percent of all new jobs in this econ- State of Texas this will create a $4,000 incentlve to employers to hire and train less- omy. And it is a win-win for our Na- increase for our working families with skilled and disabled workers. To continue this tion’s economy. a minimum wage increase. human capital investment in workers who There are many other good elements Let me thank the proponents of this might otherwise be left out of the job market— of this bill that will help small busi- bill. I ask for a vote in support of H.R. some 20 million high school dropouts, less- nesses, and I want to thank the chair- 976. skilled high school graduates, single parents man of the Ways and Means and the Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 976, on welfare, disabled workers, and returning ranking member’s efforts in moving the ‘‘Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2007.’’ combat veterans—we need to extend the this quickly. I support the bill for several reasons. First, WOTC. By extending the WOTC, many more I urge my colleagues to support the H.R. 976 extends the Work Opportunity Tax employers, especially small businesses, will rule and the underlying bill. Credit (WOTC)—which provides incentives to have an incentive to look for and offer jobs to Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of employers to hire individuals from targeted people who at first glance may not appear to Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the bal- groups that frequently experience barriers to be good job prospects. ance of my time. work—for one year and expands it to cover Mr. Speaker, the job site is the place where Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 disabled veterans. the most effective learning occurs for a young minutes to the gentlewoman from Second, H.R. 976 helps small businesses worker or slow-starter. Because the growth of Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE). invest in new equipment and more easily af- the nation’s labor force is slowing, future eco- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. ford large capital expenses. It extends small nomic growth will depend on raising produc- Speaker, I thank the distinguished business expensing (Section 179) for one tivity by upgrading skills and making every member of the Rules Committee for year—increasing both the amount small busi- worker count. Extending the authorization for yielding. nesses can deduct from their taxes (from WOTC will advance this goal. That is why the I rise to finally say we have relief. I $112,000 to $125,000) and the number of legislation before us, H.R. 976 is worthy of our thank the chairman of the Ways and small businesses that can take these deduc- support. Means Committee and the chairwoman tions (by increasing the income limits for busi- Finally, Mr. Speaker, let us also remember of the Small Business Committee be- nesses taking the deduction from $450,000 to how important that the minimum wage be in- cause without you, we wouldn’t be here $500,000). creased. Today’s minimum wage of $5.15

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.097 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1852 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 today is the equivalent of only $4.23 in 1995, Over the last 2 years, the sales tax small business owners need some relief which is even lower than the $4.25 minimum deduction has resulted in billions of and American workers deserve a raise. wage level before the 1996–97 increase. It is dollars in tax savings to millions of The material previously referred to scandalous, Mr. Speaker, that a person can hardworking taxpayers throughout the by Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida work full-time, 40 hours per week, for 52 United States. These tax savings have is as follows: weeks, earning the minimum wage and would meant a boost to the economy of seven AMENDMENT TO H. RES. 161 OFFERED BY REP. gross just $10,700, which is $5,888 below the important States affected by the de- LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART OF FLORIDA $16,000 needed to lift a family of three out of duction: Washington, Texas, Florida, On page 1, line 6, strike the period and in- poverty. Nevada, Tennessee, South Dakota and sert ‘‘, and the bill (H.R. 60) to amend the In- Mr. Speaker, since 2000 the cost of college Wyoming. However, that important tax ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to make perma- tuition has risen 57 percent, which is only deduction will expire at the end of this nent the deduction of State and local general slightly less than the increase in the cost of year. Failure to extend the sales tax sales taxes.’’. gasoline. Health insurance premiums have deduction will mean that our constitu- (The information contained herein was skyrocketed by 73 percent and inflation is up ents may face an unfortunate tax in- provided by Democratic Minority on mul- 13.4 percent. But during that time, the min- crease. tiple occasions throughout the 109th Con- imum wage has not increased one cent. That By defeating the previous question, gress.) is unconscionable and downright un-American. we will give Members the ability to THE VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION: WHAT IT Mr. Speaker, today more than ever Amer- vote on H.R. 60. Without passage of this REALLY MEANS ica’s hard-working families are feeling important legislation that extends the This vote, the vote on whether to order the squeezed, living paycheck to paycheck. I can sales tax deduction, millions in States previous question on a special rule, is not tell you Mr. Speaker that record prices at the without an income tax, Washington, merely a procedural vote. A vote against or- pump, skyrocketing health care costs and the Texas, Florida, Nevada, Tennessee, dering the previous question is a vote rising cost of college in the face of falling or South Dakota and Wyoming, will face against the Democratic majority agenda and flat wages, are squeezing hard-working Tex- a tax increase. a vote to allow the opposition, at least for ans in my Houston-based Congressional Dis- Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- the moment, to offer an alternative plan. It trict as they struggle to make ends meet. That sent to insert the text of the amend- is a vote about what the House should be debating. is why ensuring that the minimum wage is in- ment and extraneous materials imme- Mr. Clarence Cannon’s Precedents of the creased to $7.25 per hour is one of the na- diately prior to the vote on the pre- House of Representatives, (VI, 308–311) de- tion’s highest priorities. vious question. scribes the vote on the previous question on For Texas workers the basic cost of living is The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the rule as ‘‘a motion to direct or control the rising; it is only fair that the pay for hard-work- objection to the request of the gen- consideration of the subject before the House ing Texans does too. Nearly 890,000 hard- tleman from Florida? being made by the Member in charge.’’ To working Texans would directly benefit from There was no objection. defeat the previous question is to give the raising the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of opposition a chance to decide the subject be- hour, and 1,774,000 more Texans would likely Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the fore the House. Cannon cites the Speaker’s benefit from the raise. balance of my time. ruling of January 13, 1920, to the effect that ‘‘the refusal of the House to sustain the de- Raising the minimum wage is vital for Texas Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I first of all would like to thank my fellow New mand for the previous question passes the families. At $5.15 an hour, a full-time minimum control of the resolution to the opposition’’ wage worker in Texas brings home $10,712 a Yorker and the dean of our delegation, in order to offer an amendment. On March year—nearly $6,000 below the poverty level Chairman RANGEL, for his very hard 15, 1909, a member of the majority party of- for a family of three. An increase of $2.10 an work in bringing this very important fered a rule resolution. The House defeated hour would give these families a much needed bipartisan bill to the floor. I think it the previous question and a member of the additional $4,400 a year to meet critical needs shows the depth of his knowledge and opposition rose to a parliamentary inquiry, such as rent, health care, food and child care. understanding of the issues, and I asking who was entitled to recognition. The increase in the minimum wage before us think it is very critical that we address Speaker Joseph G. Cannon (R–Illinois) said: this bill today. ‘‘The previous question having been refused, today will not allow workers to live as large as the gentleman from New York, Mr. Fitz- the typical CEO, who now earns 821 times Mr. Speaker, $1.3 billion in tax relief for our small business owners is the gerald, who had asked the gentleman to more than a minimum wage worker, but at yield to him for an amendment, is entitled to least it will allow these low-wage workers to kind of sensible, responsible tax relief I the first recognition.’’ make a little better life for themselves and am proud to support. Let’s help small Because the vote today may look bad for their families. businesses do what they do best, and the Democratic majority they will say ‘‘the Mr. Speaker, 89 percent of Americans favor that is create jobs and strengthen our vote on the previous question is simply a raising the minimum wage. Americans know economy. vote on whether to proceed to an immediate that the minimum wage must be increased. During the debate at the Rules hear- vote on adopting the resolution . . . [and] ing, some of my colleagues were asking has no substantive legislative or policy im- They know low-wage workers, many of whom plications whatsoever.’’ But that is not what live in your district and mine, badly need the the question why we had to move so quickly on this bill, why we couldn’t they have always said. Listen to the defini- money and have been waiting for it for too tion of the previous question used in the long. That is why I urge all members to sup- wait until Congress came back in ses- Floor Procedures Manual published by the port H.R. 976, which is inextricably linked to sion. Rules Committee in the 109th Congress, the minimum wage increase. I couldn’t help but think of the old (page 56). Here’s how the Rules Committee adage, why put off until tomorrow described the rule using information from b 1600 what you can do today. People who Congressional Quarterly’s American Con- Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of earn $5.15 who want the minimum wage gressional Dictionary: ‘‘If the previous ques- Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to raised have been waiting for 10 years. tion is defeated, control of debate shifts to thank everybody who participated in People in small business who pay more the leading opposition member (usually the this debate and all of those who worked than they need to want tax breaks. It minority Floor Manager) who then manages an hour of debate and may offer a germane so hard to bring forth this legislation is the sensible thing to do, and it is the amendment to the pending business.’’ in a bipartisan fashion. sensible thing to do right now. Deschler’s Procedure in the U.S. House of I will be asking for a ‘‘no’’ vote, Mr. As I said earlier, this is a win-win Representatives, the subchapter titled Speaker, on the previous question, so scenario, because passage of this bipar- Amending Special Rules states: ‘‘a refusal to that we can amend this rule and allow tisan fiscally responsible legislation order the previous question on such a rule [a the House to consider H.R. 60, a bill by will also clear the way for a much- special rule reported from the Committee on our colleague, Mr. BAIRD, under suspen- needed and well-deserved increase in Rules] opens the resolution to amendment sion of the rules. the minimum wage. America’s workers and further debate.’’ (Chapter 21, section As I stated before, Mr. Speaker, Con- 21.2) Section 21.3 continues: Upon rejection have been waiting far too long for a of the motion for the previous question on a gress passed last year the Tax Relief pay raise. Let’s not make them wait resolution reported from the Committee on and Health Care Act of 2006, which in- any longer. Rules, control shifts to the Member leading cluded State and local sales tax deduc- I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on this rule and the opposition to the previous question, who tions. on the previous question, because our may offer a proper amendment or motion

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.047 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1853 and who controls the time for debate there- Salazar Slaughter Vela´ zquez Tennessee, EDWARDS, ENGLISH of ´ on.’’ Sanchez, Linda Smith (WA) Visclosky Pennsylvania, TANNER and SHAYS Clearly, the vote on the previous question T. Snyder Walz (MN) Sanchez, Loretta Solis Wasserman changed their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to on a rule does have substantive policy impli- Sarbanes Space Schultz ‘‘nay.’’ cations. It is one of the only available tools Schakowsky Spratt Waters Mr. WYNN changed his vote from for those who oppose the Democratic major- Schiff Stupak Watson ity’s agenda and allows those with alter- Schwartz Sutton Watt ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ native views the opportunity to offer an al- Scott (GA) Tauscher Waxman So the previous question was ordered. ternative plan. Scott (VA) Taylor Weiner The result of the vote was announced Serrano Thompson (CA) Welch (VT) Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I yield Sestak Thompson (MS) Wexler as above recorded. back the balance of my time, and I Shea-Porter Tierney Wilson (OH) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The move the previous question on the res- Sherman Towns Woolsey question is on the resolution. Shuler Udall (CO) Wu The question was taken; and the olution. Sires Udall (NM) Wynn The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Skelton Van Hollen Yarmuth Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it. question is on ordering the previous NAYS—188 RECORDED VOTE question. Aderholt Franks (AZ) Pearce The question was taken; and the Akin Frelinghuysen Pence Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Speaker pro tempore announced that Alexander Garrett (NJ) Peterson (PA) Florida. Mr. Speaker, I demand a re- the ayes appeared to have it. Bachmann Gerlach Petri corded vote. Bachus Gilchrest Pickering Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Baker Gillmor Pitts A recorded vote was ordered. Florida. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand Barrett (SC) Gingrey Platts The SPEAKER pro tempore. This the yeas and nays. Bartlett (MD) Goodlatte Poe will be a 5-minute vote. Barton (TX) Gordon Porter The vote was taken by electronic de- The yeas and nays were ordered. Biggert Granger Price (GA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Bilbray Graves Pryce (OH) vice, and there were—ayes 220, noes 184, ant to clause 9 of rule XX, the Chair Bilirakis Hall (TX) Putnam not voting 29, as follows: Bishop (UT) Hastings (WA) will reduce to 5 minutes the minimum Radanovich [Roll No. 101] Blackburn Hayes Ramstad time for any electronic vote on the Blunt Heller Regula AYES—220 question of adopting the resolution. Boehner Hensarling Rehberg Abercrombie Farr McIntyre Bonner Herger The vote was taken by electronic de- Reichert Ackerman Fattah McNerney Bono Hobson Renzi Allen Filner McNulty vice, and there were—yeas 218, nays Boozman Hoekstra Reynolds Altmire Frank (MA) Meehan 188, not voting 28, as follows: Brady (TX) Hunter Rogers (AL) Andrews Giffords Meek (FL) Brown (SC) Inglis (SC) [Roll No. 100] Rogers (KY) Arcuri Gillibrand Meeks (NY) Brown-Waite, Issa Rogers (MI) Baca Gonzalez Melancon Ginny Jindal YEAS—218 Rohrabacher Baldwin Gordon Michaud Buchanan Johnson (IL) Ros-Lehtinen Barrow Green, Al Millender- Abercrombie Ellison Loebsack Burgess Johnson, Sam Roskam Bean Grijalva McDonald Ackerman Ellsworth Lofgren, Zoe Burton (IN) Jordan Royce Becerra Hall (NY) Miller (NC) Allen Emanuel Lynch Buyer Keller Ryan (WI) Berkley Hare Miller, George Altmire Engel Maloney (NY) Camp (MI) King (IA) Sali Berry Hastings (FL) Mitchell Andrews Eshoo Markey Campbell (CA) King (NY) Saxton Bishop (GA) Herseth Mollohan Arcuri Etheridge Marshall Cannon Kingston Schmidt Bishop (NY) Higgins Moore (KS) Baca Farr Matheson Cantor Kirk Sensenbrenner Blumenauer Hill Moore (WI) Baldwin Fattah Matsui Capito Kline (MN) Barrow Filner McCarthy (NY) Sessions Boren Hinchey Moran (VA) Carter Knollenberg Boswell Hinojosa Murphy (CT) Bean Frank (MA) McCollum (MN) Castle Kuhl (NY) Shadegg Becerra Giffords McDermott Shays Boucher Hirono Murphy, Patrick Chabot Lamborn Boyd (FL) Hodes Murtha Berkley Gillibrand McGovern Coble LaTourette Shimkus Berry Gonzalez McIntyre Shuster Boyda (KS) Holden Napolitano Cole (OK) Lewis (CA) Brady (PA) Holt Neal (MA) Bishop (GA) Green, Al McNerney Conaway Lewis (KY) Simpson Bishop (NY) Grijalva McNulty Smith (NE) Braley (IA) Honda Oberstar Cooper Linder Brown, Corrine Hooley Obey Blumenauer Hall (NY) Meehan Crenshaw Lucas Smith (NJ) Boren Hare Meek (FL) Souder Butterfield Hoyer Olver Cubin Lungren, Daniel Capps Inslee Ortiz Boswell Hastings (FL) Meeks (NY) Culberson E. Stearns Boucher Herseth Melancon Sullivan Capuano Israel Pallone Davis (KY) Mack Cardoza Jackson (IL) Pascrell Boyd (FL) Higgins Michaud Davis, David Mahoney (FL) Tancredo Boyda (KS) Hill Millender- Tanner Carnahan Jackson-Lee Pastor Davis, Tom Manzullo Carney (TX) Payne Brady (PA) Hinchey McDonald Deal (GA) Marchant Terry Braley (IA) Hinojosa Miller (NC) Thornberry Carson Jefferson Perlmutter Dent McCarthy (CA) Castor Johnson (GA) Peterson (MN) Brown, Corrine Hirono Miller, George Diaz-Balart, L. McCaul (TX) Tiahrt Butterfield Hodes Mitchell Tiberi Chandler Johnson, E. B. Pomeroy Diaz-Balart, M. McCotter Clarke Jones (OH) Price (NC) Capps Holden Mollohan Doolittle McCrery Turner Capuano Holt Moore (KS) Upton Clay Kagen Rahall Drake McHenry Cleaver Cardoza Honda Moore (WI) Walberg Kanjorski Rangel Dreier McHugh Clyburn Kaptur Reyes Carnahan Hooley Moran (VA) Walden (OR) Duncan McKeon Cohen Kennedy Rodriguez Carney Hoyer Murphy (CT) Walsh (NY) Edwards McMorris Conyers Kildee Ross Carson Inslee Murphy, Patrick Wamp Ehlers Rodgers Cooper Kilpatrick Rothman Castor Israel Murtha Weldon (FL) Emerson Mica Costa Kind Ruppersberger Chandler Jackson (IL) Napolitano Weller English (PA) Miller (FL) Courtney Klein (FL) Rush Clarke Jackson-Lee Neal (MA) Westmoreland Fallin Miller (MI) Cramer Kucinich Ryan (OH) Clay (TX) Oberstar Whitfield Feeney Moran (KS) Crowley Lampson Salazar Cleaver Jefferson Obey Wilson (NM) Ferguson Musgrave Cuellar Langevin Sa´ nchez, Linda Clyburn Johnson (GA) Olver Wilson (SC) Forbes Myrick Cummings Lantos T. Cohen Johnson, E. B. Ortiz Fortenberry Neugebauer Wolf Conyers Jones (NC) Pallone Davis (AL) Larsen (WA) Sanchez, Loretta Fossella Nunes Young (AK) Davis (CA) Larson (CT) Sarbanes Costa Jones (OH) Pascrell Foxx Paul Young (FL) Courtney Kagen Pastor Davis (IL) Lee Schakowsky Cramer Kanjorski Payne NOT VOTING—28 Davis, Lincoln Levin Schiff Crowley Kennedy Pelosi DeGette Lewis (GA) Schwartz Baird Gohmert LoBiondo Delahunt Lipinski Scott (GA) Cuellar Kildee Perlmutter Berman Goode Lowey Cummings Kilpatrick Peterson (MN) DeLauro Loebsack Scott (VA) Boustany Green, Gene Miller, Gary Davis (AL) Kind Pomeroy Dicks Lofgren, Zoe Serrano Calvert Gutierrez Murphy, Tim Davis (CA) Klein (FL) Price (NC) Dingell Lynch Sestak Costello Harman Nadler Doggett Mahoney (FL) Shea-Porter Davis (IL) Kucinich Rahall Davis, Jo Ann Hastert Davis, Lincoln Lampson Rangel Smith (TX) Donnelly Maloney (NY) Sherman DeFazio Hulshof Stark Doyle Markey Shuler DeGette Langevin Reyes Everett Kaptur Delahunt Lantos Rodriguez Wicker Edwards Marshall Sires Flake LaHood Ellison Matheson Skelton DeLauro Larsen (WA) Ross Gallegly Latham Dicks Larson (CT) Rothman Ellsworth Matsui Slaughter Dingell Lee Roybal-Allard b 1628 Emanuel McCarthy (NY) Smith (WA) Doggett Levin Ruppersberger Engel McCollum (MN) Snyder Donnelly Lewis (GA) Rush Messrs. THORNBERRY, BILBRAY, Eshoo McDermott Solis Doyle Lipinski Ryan (OH) HALL of Texas, COOPER, GORDON of Etheridge McGovern Space

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:51 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.038 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1854 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 Spratt Udall (NM) Waxman A motion to reconsider was laid on ‘‘(D) a designated community resident,’’. Stupak Van Hollen Weiner the table. (c) CLARIFICATION OF TREATMENT OF INDIVID- Sutton Vela´ zquez Welch (VT) Stated against: UALS UNDER INDIVIDUAL WORK PLANS.—Sub- Tanner Visclosky Wexler paragraph (B) of section 51(d)(6) (relating to vo- Tauscher Walz (MN) Wilson (OH) Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, on cational rehabilitation referral) is amended by Taylor Wasserman Woolsey rollcall No. 101 I was unavoidably detained. Thompson (CA) Schultz striking ‘‘or’’ at the end of clause (i), by striking Wu Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ the period at the end of clause (ii) and inserting Thompson (MS) Waters Wynn Tierney Watson ‘‘, or’’, and by adding at the end the following Yarmuth f Udall (CO) Watt new clause: ‘‘(iii) an individual work plan developed and NOES—184 SMALL BUSINESS TAX RELIEF ACT OF 2007 implemented by an employment network pursu- Aderholt Frelinghuysen Pearce ant to subsection (g) of section 1148 of the Social Akin Garrett (NJ) Peterson (PA) Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to Security Act with respect to which the require- Alexander Gerlach Petri suspend the rules and pass the bill ments of such subsection are met.’’. Bachmann Gilchrest Pickering (d) TREATMENT OF DISABLED VETERANS Bachus Gillmor Pitts (H.R. 976) to amend the Internal Rev- UNDER THE WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT.— Baker Gingrey Platts enue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief (1) DISABLED VETERANS TREATED AS MEMBERS Barrett (SC) Gohmert Poe for small businesses, and for other pur- OF TARGETED GROUP.— Bartlett (MD) Goode Porter Barton (TX) Goodlatte poses, as amended. (A) IN GENERAL.—Subparagraph (A) of section Price (GA) The Clerk read as follows: Biggert Granger Pryce (OH) 51(d)(3) (relating to qualified veteran) is amend- Bilbray Graves Putnam H.R. 976 ed by striking ‘‘agency as being a member of a Bilirakis Hall (TX) Radanovich family’’ and all that follows and inserting Bishop (UT) Hastings (WA) Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Ramstad ‘‘agency as— Blackburn Hayes resentatives of the United States of America in Regula ‘‘(i) being a member of a family receiving as- Blunt Heller Congress assembled, sistance under a food stamp program under the Boehner Hensarling Rehberg Reichert SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; AMENDMENT OF 1986 Food Stamp Act of 1977 for at least a 3-month Bonner Herger CODE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. Bono Hobson Renzi period ending during the 12-month period end- Boozman Hoekstra Reynolds (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as ing on the hiring date, or Brady (TX) Hunter Rogers (AL) the ‘‘Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2007’’. ‘‘(ii) entitled to compensation for a service- Brown (SC) Inglis (SC) Rogers (KY) (b) AMENDMENT OF 1986 CODE.—Except as oth- connected disability, and— Brown-Waite, Issa Rogers (MI) erwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act ‘‘(I) having a hiring date which is not more Ginny Jindal Rohrabacher an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of that 1 year after having been discharged or re- Buchanan Johnson (IL) Ros-Lehtinen an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or leased from active duty in the Armed Forces of Burgess Johnson, Sam Roskam other provision, the reference shall be consid- Burton (IN) Jones (NC) Royce the United States, or Buyer Jordan Ryan (WI) ered to be made to a section or other provision ‘‘(II) having aggregate periods of unemploy- Camp (MI) Keller Sali of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. ment during the 1-year period ending on the hir- Campbell (CA) King (IA) Saxton (c) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- ing date which equal or exceed 6 months.’’. Cannon King (NY) Schmidt tents of this Act is as follows: (B) DEFINITIONS.—Paragraph (3) of section Cantor Kingston Sensenbrenner Sec. 1. Short title; amendment of 1986 Code; 51(d) is amended by adding at the end the fol- Capito Kirk Sessions lowing new subparagraph: Carter Kline (MN) table of contents. Shadegg Sec. 2. Extension and modification of work op- ‘‘(C) OTHER DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of Castle Knollenberg Shays portunity tax credit. subparagraph (A), the terms ‘compensation’ and Chabot Lamborn Shimkus ‘service-connected’ have the meanings given Coble LaTourette Shuster Sec. 3. Extension and increase of expensing for Cole (OK) Lewis (CA) small business. such terms under section 101 of title 38, United Simpson States Code.’’. Conaway Lewis (KY) Smith (NE) Sec. 4. Determination of credit for certain taxes (2) INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF WAGES TAKEN INTO Crenshaw Linder Smith (NJ) paid with respect to employee Cubin Lucas ACCOUNT FOR DISABLED VETERANS.—Paragraph Souder cash tips. Culberson Lungren, Daniel Stearns (3) of section 51(b) is amended— Davis (KY) E. Sec. 5. Waiver of individual and corporate al- Sullivan (A) by inserting ‘‘($12,000 per year in the case Davis, David Mack ternative minimum tax limits on Tancredo of any individual who is a qualified veteran by Davis, Tom Manzullo work opportunity credit and cred- Terry reason of subsection (d)(3)(A)(ii))’’ before the Deal (GA) Marchant Thornberry it for taxes paid with respect to Dent McCarthy (CA) period at the end, and Tiahrt employee cash tips. (B) by striking ‘‘ONLY FIRST $6,000 OF’’ in the Diaz-Balart, L. McCaul (TX) Sec. 6. Family business tax simplification. Diaz-Balart, M. McCotter Tiberi heading and inserting ‘‘LIMITATION ON’’. Doolittle McCrery Turner Sec. 7. Denial of lowest capital gains rate for (e) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made Drake McHenry Upton certain dependents. by this section shall apply to individuals who Dreier McHugh Walberg Sec. 8. Suspension of certain penalties and in- begin work for the employer after the date of the Duncan McKeon Walden (OR) terest. enactment of this Act. Ehlers McMorris Walsh (NY) Sec. 9. Time for payment of corporate estimated SEC. 3. EXTENSION AND INCREASE OF EXPENS- Emerson Rodgers Wamp taxes. ING FOR SMALL BUSINESS. English (PA) Mica Weldon (FL) Fallin Miller (FL) Weller SEC. 2. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF WORK (a) EXTENSION.—Subsections (b)(1), (b)(2), Feeney Miller (MI) Westmoreland OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT. (b)(5), (c)(2), and (d)(1)(A)(ii) of section 179 (re- Ferguson Moran (KS) Whitfield (a) EXTENSION.—Section 51(c)(4)(B) (relating lating to election to expense certain depreciable Forbes Musgrave Wilson (NM) to termination) is amended by striking ‘‘2007’’ business assets) are each amended by striking Fortenberry Myrick Wilson (SC) and inserting ‘‘2008’’. ‘‘2010’’ and inserting ‘‘2011’’. Fossella Neugebauer Wolf (b) INCREASE IN MAXIMUM AGE FOR DES- (b) INCREASE IN LIMITATIONS.—Subsection (b) Foxx Nunes Young (AK) IGNATED COMMUNITY RESIDENTS.— of section 179 is amended— Franks (AZ) Paul Young (FL) (1) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (5) of section (1) by striking ‘‘$100,000 in the case of taxable NOT VOTING—29 51(d) is amended to read as follows: years beginning after 2002’’ in paragraph (1) and inserting ‘‘$125,000 in the case of taxable Baird Green, Gene Miller, Gary ‘‘(5) DESIGNATED COMMUNITY RESIDENTS.— Berman Gutierrez Murphy, Tim ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘designated com- years beginning after 2006’’, and (2) by striking ‘‘$400,000 in the case of taxable Boustany Harman Nadler munity resident’ means any individual who is Calvert Hastert Pence certified by the designated local agency— years beginning after 2002’’ in paragraph (2) Costello Hulshof Roybal-Allard ‘‘(i) as having attained age 18 but not age 40 and inserting ‘‘$500,000 in the case of taxable Davis, Jo Ann Kuhl (NY) Smith (TX) on the hiring date, and years beginning after 2006’’. DeFazio LaHood Stark ‘‘(ii) as having his principal place of abode (c) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT.—Subparagraph Everett Latham Towns (A) of section 179(b)(5) is amended— Flake LoBiondo within an empowerment zone, enterprise com- Wicker (1) by striking ‘‘2003’’ and inserting ‘‘2007’’, Gallegly Lowey munity, or renewal community. (2) by striking ‘‘$100,000 and $400,000’’ and in- ‘‘(B) INDIVIDUAL MUST CONTINUE TO RESIDE IN ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE serting ‘‘$125,000 and $500,000’’, and ZONE OR COMMUNITY.—In the case of a des- (3) by striking ‘‘2002’’ in clause (ii) and insert- The SPEAKER pro tempore (during ignated community resident, the term ‘qualified ing ‘‘2006’’. the vote). Members are advised 2 min- wages’ shall not include wages paid or incurred (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made utes remain in this vote. for services performed while the individual’s by this section shall apply to taxable years be- principal place of abode is outside an empower- ginning after December 31, 2006. b 1636 ment zone, enterprise community, or renewal SEC. 4. DETERMINATION OF CREDIT FOR CER- community.’’. TAIN TAXES PAID WITH RESPECT TO So the resolution was agreed to. (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Subparagraph EMPLOYEE CASH TIPS. The result of the vote was announced (D) of section 51(d)(1) is amended to read as fol- (a) IN GENERAL.—Subparagraph (B) of section as above recorded. lows: 45B(b)(1) is amended by inserting ‘‘as in effect

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:13 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.039 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1855 on January 1, 2007, and’’ before ‘‘determined SEC. 7. DENIAL OF LOWEST CAPITAL GAINS RATE gate, after the date which is 6 months after the without regard to’’. FOR CERTAIN DEPENDENTS. date of the enactment of this Act. (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made (a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (h) of section 1 is SEC. 9. TIME FOR PAYMENT OF CORPORATE ESTI- by this section shall apply to tips received for amended by adding at the end the following MATED TAXES. services performed after December 31, 2006. new paragraph: Subparagraph (B) of section 401(1) of the Tax SEC. 5. WAIVER OF INDIVIDUAL AND CORPORATE ‘‘(12) CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX LIMITS LOWEST RATE.— 2005 is amended by striking ‘‘106.25 percent’’ ON WORK OPPORTUNITY CREDIT ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In the case of an indi- and inserting ‘‘112.75 percent’’. AND CREDIT FOR TAXES PAID WITH vidual described in subparagraph (B)— The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- RESPECT TO EMPLOYEE CASH TIPS. ‘‘(i) the amount determined under paragraph ant to the rule, the gentleman from (a) ALLOWANCE AGAINST ALTERNATIVE MIN- (1)(A)(ii)(II) shall not be less than the amount IMUM TAX.—Subparagraph (B) of section of taxable income which would (without regard New York (Mr. RANGEL) and the gen- 38(c)(4) is amended by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end to this subsection) be taxed at a rate below 15 tleman from Louisiana (Mr. MCCRERY) of clause (i), by inserting a comma at the end of percent, and each will control 20 minutes. clause (ii), and by adding at the end the fol- ‘‘(ii) the sum of the amounts determined under The Chair recognizes the gentleman lowing new clauses: subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (1) from New York. ‘‘(iii) the credit determined under section 45B, shall be an amount equal to the rate of tax spec- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, as our and ified in paragraph (1)(C) multiplied by so much colleagues know, we passed overwhelm- ‘‘(iv) the credit determined under section 51.’’. of the adjusted net capital gain (or, if less, tax- (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made ingly the minimum wage bill. But it able income) as exceeds the excess (if any) of— got into trouble in the Senate as they by this section shall apply to credits determined ‘‘(I) the amount of taxable income which under sections 45B and 51 of the Internal Rev- would (without regard to this subsection) be attempted to attach an $8.2 billion tax enue Code of 1986 in taxable years beginning taxed at a rate below 15 percent, over cut. after December 31, 2006, and to carrybacks of ‘‘(II) the taxable income reduced by the ad- I shared the problem that we faced such credits. justed net capital gain. with Mr. MCCRERY, and we thought SEC. 6. FAMILY BUSINESS TAX SIMPLIFICATION. ‘‘(B) INDIVIDUALS TO WHOM PARAGRAPH AP- that small business certainly did de- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 761 (defining terms PLIES.— serve some assistance, with or without for purposes of partnerships) is amended by re- ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of this para- the minimum wage bill. And we talked, designating subsection (f) as subsection (g) and graph, an individual is described in this sub- and Mr. MCCRERY said, well, if we are by inserting after subsection (e) the following paragraph if— new subsection: ‘‘(I) such individual meets the age require- going to have a bill, are we going to ‘‘(f) QUALIFIED JOINT VENTURE.— ments of section 152(c)(3) (determined without pay for it? And let’s select what we ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In the case of a qualified regard to subparagraph (B) thereof), and thought would be the best interests of joint venture conducted by a husband and wife ‘‘(II) such individual’s earned income (as de- small businesses in view of this dia- who file a joint return for the taxable year, for fined in section 911(d)(2)) for the taxable year logue that we had with the Senate. purposes of this title— does not exceed one-half of such individual’s Our staffs got together, gave us sev- ‘‘(A) such joint venture shall not be treated as support (within the meaning of section 152) for a partnership, eral options, and we agreed that we such taxable year. would increase and extend the small ‘‘(B) all items of income, gain, loss, deduction, ‘‘(ii) SPECIAL RULES FOR JOINT RETURNS.—In and credit shall be divided between the spouses the case of a joint return— business expense, increase the work opin accordance with their respective interests in ‘‘(I) the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s spouse portunity tax credit to include vet- the venture, and shall be treated as a single individual for pur- erans and disabled veterans, protect ‘‘(C) each spouse shall take into account such poses of applying subclause (II) of clause (i), the current benefit of the FICA tip spouse’s respective share of such items as if they and were attributable to a trade or business con- credit, allow small businesses to use ‘‘(II) the taxpayer shall be treated as an indi- the work opportunity tax credit, and to ducted by such spouse as a sole proprietor. vidual described in this subparagraph only if ‘‘(2) QUALIFIED JOINT VENTURE.—For purposes enjoy the alternative, to exclude alter- the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s spouse are de- of paragraph (1), the term ‘qualified joint ven- scribed in clause (i) (determined after applica- native minimum tax, and to simplify ture’ means any joint venture involving the con- tion of subclause (I)).’’. the tax filing system for businesses duct of a trade or business if— (b) ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX.—Section 55 is that are owned jointly by husband and ‘‘(A) the only members of such joint venture amended by adding at the end the following wife. are a husband and wife, ‘‘(B) both spouses materially participate new subsection: We then tried to figure a way to pay ‘‘(f) CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR (within the meaning of section 469(h) without for it. And what we agreed to is to LOWEST RATE.—In the case of an individual de- regard to paragraph (5) thereof) in such trade or make certain that the capital gains tax scribed in section 1(h)(12)(B), no amount shall business, and cut that was dramatically made lower ‘‘(C) both spouses elect the application of this be determined under subsection (b)(3)(B).’’. (c) COORDINATION WITH SUNSET OF PROVI- for people in low income, that we subsection.’’. would prevent people from transferring (b) NET EARNINGS FROM SELF-EMPLOYMENT.— SIONS OF THE JOBS AND GROWTH TAX RELIEF (1) Subsection (a) of section 1402 (defining net RECONCILIATION ACT OF 2003.—Subparagraph the capital stock to their kids who earnings from self-employment) is amended by (A) of section 1(h)(12), as added by this section, have little or no income and enjoy a striking ‘‘, and’’ at the end of paragraph (15) is amended by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of benefit that was designed to assist low- and inserting a semicolon, by striking the period clause (i), by striking the period at the end of income people. at the end of paragraph (16) and inserting ‘‘; clause (ii) and inserting ‘‘, and’’, and by adding Letters commending our efforts were and’’, and by inserting after paragraph (16) the at the end the following new clause: received, it was supported by the following new paragraph: ‘‘(iii) no amount of qualified 5-year gain shall be taken into account under subparagraph (A) Chamber of Commerce which says that ‘‘(17) notwithstanding the preceding provi- it is going to have a key vote; but since sions of this subsection, each spouse’s share of of paragraph (2) (as in effect after the applica- income or loss from a qualified joint venture tion of section 303 of the Jobs and Growth Tax I don’t follow them that closely, I don’t shall be taken into account as provided in sec- Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003).’’. know what it means; the National As- tion 761(f) in determining net earnings from self- (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.— sociation of Manufacturers, the Na- employment of such spouse.’’. (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para- tional Restaurant Association, Equip- (2) Subsection (a) of section 211 of the Social graph (2), the amendments made by this section ment Leasing and Finance Association, Security Act (defining net earnings from self- shall apply to taxable years beginning after De- American Bankers Association, the cember 31, 2006. employment) is amended by striking ‘‘and’’ at American Farm Bureau, Federation to the end of paragraph (14), by striking the period (2) SUNSET OF JGTRRA.—The amendment made at the end of paragraph (15) and inserting ‘‘; by subsection (c) shall apply to taxable years be- Secure the Industry and Financial and’’, and by inserting after paragraph (15) the ginning after the date specified in section 303 of Markets Association, the National Fed- following new paragraph: the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation eration of Independent Business, and ‘‘(16) Notwithstanding the preceding provi- Act of 2003. the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Coa- sions of this subsection, each spouse’s share of SEC. 8. SUSPENSION OF CERTAIN PENALTIES lition. income or loss from a qualified joint venture AND INTEREST. I urge you to join with me and the shall be taken into account as provided in sec- (a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraphs (1)(A) and ranking minority member in sup- tion 761(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (3)(A) of section 6404(g) are each amended by porting this legislation, which is sup- in determining net earnings from self-employ- striking ‘‘18-month period’’ and inserting ‘‘22- ment of such spouse.’’. month period’’. ported as well by the Small Business (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made Association. by this section shall apply to taxable years be- by this section shall apply to notices provided Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of ginning after December 31, 2006. by the Secretary of the Treasury, or his dele- my time.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:13 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.049 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1856 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 Mr. MCCRERY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in nesses. We increase that to $125,000, we b 1645 support of this bipartisan bill that has increase the phaseout from $400,000 to Mr. MCCRERY. Mr. Speaker, I yield been crafted in the Ways and Means $500,000. That is going to help small to the gentleman from Wisconsin, a Committee, and I want to commend businesses immediately, because some member of the Ways and Means Com- the chairman and his staff for working of those have reached the cap for their mittee, for as much time as he may with me and our staff on the minority expensing. But when this passes, they consume. side of the committee to craft a bill will get an expansion of that amount. Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, that really does effectively target tax So they will get an immediate tax ben- this was the product of a bipartisan relief to those businesses who will be efit this year. compromise in the Ways and Means most impacted by an increase in the In addition, we for the first time Committee. That is a good thing. I am minimum wage. allow taxpayers to claim these credits not here to talk about the merits of This bill I think does a much better against the AMT, so that the AMT the bill. job of focusing that relief on those doesn’t take back what we are giving I am here to talk about the fact that businesses than the other body came them in this legislation. this is a suspension of the rules. up with in their version of this legisla- So all in all, Mr. Speaker, these are Among the things that this rules sus- tion. very effectively crafted provisions to pends is the Budget Act, and this bill It is apparent to me, Mr. Speaker, help small businesses who are going to has two budget points of order that lie that the Congress will increase the be negatively impacted by an increase against it, section 303 and 311. So we minimum wage sometime this year. in the minimum wage. are, in the early days of this majority, And with that in mind, I did my best to Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of bringing a bill to the floor that vio- work with Chairman RANGEL and his my time. staff to create a soft landing for those lates the Budget Act. We haven’t writ- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, in view ten the new budget, and we are vio- businesses that are going to be im- of the fact that so many Members have pacted by that increase in the min- lating the current one we have. travel engagements, I will reserve the As to the new PAYGO system, if the imum wage immediately. Mainly, we balance of my time. PAYGO rule were in place that we had are talking about restaurant owners, Mr. MCCRERY. Mr. Speaker, I yield before, or the PAYGO rule that was ad- small businesses, those people who to the gentleman from California for a vocated by the Democrat minority last have more minimum wage workers on unanimous consent request. the premises than other businesses. So year would be in place, this would vio- (Mr. MCKEON asked and was given late their PAYGO rule. It is convenient the provisions in this bill get right to permission to revise and extend his re- those particular businesses, these pro- that this new, more-watered-down marks.) PAYGO doesn’t apply to this, but I visions do. Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in The tip credit, for example. The FICA think the facts should be known that support of the H.R. 976, the Small Busi- this bill does violate the Budget Act in tip credit, Mr. Speaker, provision in ness Tax Relief Act. this bill is very important for a couple two important ways. Last month, after the new Majority rushed Mr. MCCRERY. Mr. Speaker, I recog- reasons. Number one, if we don’t pass a an unbalanced minimum wage bill to the floor provision like that and the minimum nize the gentleman from New Jersey without following regular order and without op- (Mr. GARRETT) for as much time as he wage is increased, these employers will portunity for amendment, I spoke from here automatically be mandated to pay an may consume. and explained to my colleagues that I believed Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Thank increase in wages. That will be number it was a colossal missed opportunity. Now, one. That will hit them right away. you, and I shall be brief. about six weeks later, it’s clear that a colossal Mr. Speaker, as I sit here and read But, number two, they will lose a tip missed opportunity is exactly what it was. credit for FICA taxes paid on the the bill, I consider it a riddle: When is From the outset, I joined many of my col- a tax cut not a tax cut? When it really amount between the current minimum leagues in insisting on protections for small wage and the new minimum wage from raises your taxes in the end? businesses and their workers as part of a This legislation, as many tax bills, is $5.15 to $7.25. So it will be a double comprehensive minimum wage bill. I thank whammy on these small businesses masquerading as a tax cut, when at the one of these colleagues, Mr. McCRERY, for his that have these employees that depend end of the day citizens of this country work on the legislation before us. He joined on tips for part of their income. will see their taxes rise. And that is why, Mr. Speaker, if you me prior to our debate last month in intro- The tax cuts in this bill are tem- look at the joint tax scoring sheet on ducing comprehensive minimum wage legisla- porary. The tax increases in this bill this, it says no revenue effect; because, tion that provides small business protections are permanent. There are good parts in taken in isolation, this provision has similar to those found in this bill. As a result the bill. Section 179, expensing, is a no impact. But if you join the min- of our action here today, when we finally send good part; the tip credit, which was imum wage increase with this bill, a final measure to the President, I am con- mentioned earlier, a good part. which we all know is going to be done, fident that it will look a lot more like our bill Portions were left out, as we dis- then this ‘‘no revenue effect’’ becomes than it will the Majority’s initial, unbalanced cussed during the rule, such as deduc- approximately a $500 million tax cut. proposal. tions for State and local tax deductions So the effect of this bill would be a net Small businesses create two-thirds of our should have been in here. But even be- tax reduction for businesses. Nation’s new jobs, and they represent 98 per- yond that, even if they were, it is a bad Now, when we go to conference, if we cent of our new businesses. Since they are re- bill, because it raises your taxes. Busi- get to conference and we get a bill, and sponsible for so much of our Nation’s recent ness lobby may be out there protecting we know that this impact is going to economic growth. they and their workers are the tax businesses, who is protecting be there, then under the rules of the counting on Congress to consider how any the individual taxpayer? House we will have come up with a way minimum wage proposal would impact them. Earlier today, we received a flier to pay for that tax cut. But as it is And this legislation will help us do just that. from NTU, National Taxpayer Union, right now, the net effect of this bill More than ever, Mr. Speaker, momentum which said, according to the CBO, H.R. would be a $500 million tax cut. remains squarely on the side of those who 976 would increase net taxes by pro- The other provisions, the work op- want to act in a comprehensive way so small viding only temporary tax cuts in ex- portunity tax credit is not only ex- businesses and their workers are not left to change for permanent tax hikes. tended but it is also expanded to apply fend for themselves in the face of a hike in the Furthermore, a memo from RSE indi- to veterans. We think that is a very minimum wage mandate. And today, we’re cates similarly. H.R. 976 would perma- good expansion of what is already a one step closer to sending President Bush a nently increase taxes on some tax- good provision in the Tax Code to en- final product that doesn’t saddle them with un- payers, while others would see them go courage people to hire people who have necessary burdens at the same time that they down. been on welfare, who have been dis- are creating most of the new jobs in our in our This bill was also scored by the Joint abled, and now veterans. growing economy. This bill was crafted with Committee on Taxation. So it is not And the other provisions, Mr. Speak- that goal in mind, and because of that, I urge just my word on it. It is not the word er, extended expensing for small busi- my colleagues to join me in support of it. of NTU or RSE. The Joint Committee

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:13 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.106 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1857 on Taxation also concludes this bill years would benefit 13 million Americans in- Simply stated, this bill is good for taxpayers, would yield a net tax increase over 6 cluding 7.7 million women and 3.4 million par- good for business, good for people, and is just years. ents. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons I support good policy. How does this bill hurt the American this legislation and urge my colleagues to do Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to taxpayer? It hurts the young, and it the same. thank Chairman RANGEL and Ranking Member hurts the small business. It hurts the Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong MCCRERY for proving that the Ways and young who are between the age of 19 support of H.R. 976. Means Committee can work in a bipartisan and 24, those individuals who are just This is a smart bill that is good for workers way to extend needed relief to our nation’s getting out in the world, starting their and their employers. small businesses. own businesses. It hurts the young and Representing Queens and the Bronx, I I am particularly pleased that this bill—the the college student, who may not have serve a large number of people who work full first to be acted upon by the committee since lobbyists down here in Washington. It time jobs for the minimum wage, and they de- I became a member—includes a provision that hurts them. Small businesses, it hurts serve a raise. closely mirrors the Veterans Employment and them as well because they now have an But their employers, like the small res- Respect Act, which was the first legislative acceleration in their taxes. taurants that dot 74th Street in Jackson proposal I introduced upon being elected to In conclusion, so you can get your Heights should not be hit with a new tax. Congress in 2005. flights and what have you to go back This bill will allow congress to start in mo- Section 2 of the bill before us today extends to your taxpayers and explain to them tion the process of increasing the minimum the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to include why you raised their taxes, since 2003, wage, while protecting important employer tax veterans who have developed a service-re- the gentleman, the ranking member, benefits like enhancing the tip credit and ex- lated disability and who have been discharged could probably explain better than I, panding and increasing expensing deductions. or released since September 11, 2001. the tax cuts we have put in place have This bill also extends and expands the Work Our military service men and women de- spurred on the economy, have spurred Opportunity Tax Credit to encourage busi- serve our utmost respect during their active on the revenue. nesses to hire people who were formerly on service, and our support and assistance dur- Since October of last year to this welfare. ing the sometimes difficult transition back into Today, we are showing the American peo- year, you have seen a 9.7 percent in- civilian life. One key component of a success- crease in revenue because of true tax ple that the Congress works. This bill is good for workers and business ful transition is the opportunity to gain mean- cuts. What America’s taxpayers need is and I urge everyone to support it. ingful employment in the private sector. Incen- permanent tax cuts. We do not need Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tives designed to encourage employers to hire permanent tax increases, which this strong support of this rule and the underlying some of the newest veterans—many of whom bill will provide. bill, H.R. 976, The Small Business Tax Relief are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan—will I encourage a ‘‘no’’ vote on the tax Act of 2007. better enable these men and women to make increase bill. This bill provides $1.3 billion in tax breaks a smooth return to civilian life. Mr. MCCRERY. Mr. Speaker, the for small business owners and is one of the I offer my appreciation to the Chairman and FICA tip credit provision in this bill is final steps toward raising the federal minimum Ranking Member for including this important permanent. It is not temporary. It is wage from $5.15 per hour to $7.25 per hour. provision and for making additional changes to extremely important, as I explained be- 1 It has been 9 ⁄2 years since the last min- the Work Opportunity Tax Credit that will en- fore, to restaurant owners and the like. imum wage increase despite widespread sup- sure more businesses are able to take advan- So that is one provision, a very impor- port across the country and within the U.S. tage of it. This will positively impact the lives tant provision, that is made permanent Congress. And why? Because of partisan poli- of our disabled veterans and citizens seeking in this legislation. It is not temporary. tics, and special interests coming before the gainful employment after a period of unem- Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in people’s interests. ployment, welfare assistance, or disability. strong support of H.R. 976, the Small Busi- The Democratic Congress promised a Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I sup- ness Tax Credit Act of 2007. This tax relief will change in priorities. And as one of our first port this legislation, which includes an array of help small businesses continue to grow and measures of business, Democrats brought a tax cuts and other provisions that will help the hire new workers to improve our economy. I minimum wage increase to the House floor, small businesses that provide jobs for Ameri- firmly believe small businesses are the back- which received overwhelming bipartisan sup- cans in all sectors of the economy. bone of our economy and tax incentives are port. The other body has followed suit and we The bill will make it easier for small busi- an important tool in helping maintain a com- must work to resolve our differences, which is nesses to invest in new equipment by extend- petitive edge in today’s business world. By why we bring this bill before the House today. ing their ability to count such investments as passing this legislation, we are one step closer A recent poll showed that 89 percent of a business expense, increasing from $112,000 to implementation of a higher minimum wage. Americans favor raising the minimum wage. to $125,000 the amount that can be deducted H.R. 976 would help small businesses in- The American public deserves—and has de- from their taxes and expanding the number of vest in new equipment and more easily afford manded—that raise. With our immediate con- small businesses that can take these deduc- large capital expenses. It extends small busi- sideration of this bill, we will heed that call. tions. ness expensing for one year—increasing both Hard-working Americans have waited far too In addition, the bill extends the Work Oppor- the amount small businesses can deduct from long to receive an honest day’s pay for an tunity Tax Credit, WOTC—which provides in- their taxes and the number of small busi- honest day’s work. centives for hiring—and expands it to cover nesses that can take these deductions. Quali- The people’s time has come. We have disabled veterans. fied property includes farm machinery equip- pledged to act in the public’s best interests It also will enhance the current tip credit for ment and attached farm property, such as and we must do so without further delay. Pas- small businesses, by maintaining the current automatic feeders, barn cleaners, single pur- sage of this rule and H.R. 976 will speed en- tip credit that small businesses take for the pose agricultural structures and livestock, to actment of the long overdue increase in the Social Security taxes that they pay on their name just a few. The ability to deduct ex- minimum wage. employees’ tips, instead of allowing it to drop penses immediately instead of having to de- The Democratic Congress also pledged to with the increase in the minimum wage. This preciate them over time improves cash flow reach across the aisle in a bipartisan manner is particularly important for many restaurants and allows small businesses and farmers to and address the priorities of all Americans. in Colorado and across the country. better match income and expenses. Our bipartisan effort resulted in the carefully And it will simplify tax-filing requirements for In addition, the bill would simplify tax filing constructed compromise that we have before businesses owned jointly by married couples requirements for businesses owned jointly by us today. This bill isn’t about partisan politics, and ensure that small businesses are fully husbands and wives, and ensure that small it’s just good policy. able to claim the WOTC and tip credit against businesses are fully able to claim the Work H.R. 976 will help give hard-working families Alternative Minimum Tax liability. Opportunity Tax Credit and tip credit against the pay increase they so richly deserve, and Mr. Speaker, I think this bill is an excellent AMT liability. ensure small business owners have every op- example of the good results that can be Again, passing this legislation is critically im- portunity to succeed and prosper. And it will achieved when we work together on a bipar- portant to getting the increase in the minimum do so in a fiscally responsible manner that will tisan basis. It has the support of the Adminis- wage enacted into law. Raising the minimum avoid adding to the legacy of debt being left tration and has also been endorsed by the na- wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour over two to our children and grandchildren. tional Chamber of Commerce, the National

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:13 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.108 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1858 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 Association of Manufacturers, the National this responsible tax package so we can move our most important economic driver, the small Federation of Independent Businesses, the onto conference and providing millions of business. National Restaurant Association. Americans with the raise they deserve. Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise I have also received a letter of support from Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sup- today in support of the Small Business Tax the American Farm Bureau Federation—which port of H.R. 976, the Small Business Tax Re- Relief Act of 2007. I commend my colleagues I will insert in the RECORD—noting that pas- lief Act of 2007. This bill creates immediate on the Ways and Means Committee for work- sage of the bill will directly benefit many farm opportunities for small businesses around the ing in a bipartisan way to reach an agreement and ranch businesses. This means it is par- country and in western Wisconsin. Small busi- on provisions that will not only help small busi- ticularly important for our rural communities in nesses are the engine of America’s economy, nesses grow and thrive, but will provide small Colorado. representing more than 95 percent of all em- businesses with incentives to hire disadvan- This is a good bill, and I think it deserves ployers, creating half of our gross domestic taged workers. Not only that, it will not pass the approval of the House. product, and creating three out of four new any costs onto our children. The most important thing that will come out FEBRUARY 15, 2007. jobs nationwide. If the United States is going of passing this piece of legislation today, is Hon. MARK UDALL, to continue to have a strong economy, we House of Representatives, must give small businesses every opportunity that it will ensure that we finally pass a min- Washington, DC. to succeed; H.R. 976 provides the right tax imum wage increase. As I have said before, DEAR REPRESENTATIVE UDALL: The Amer- opportunities for positive growth for small busi- we have waited far too long—10 long years— ican Farm Bureau Federation supports pas- nesses. to give our working poor a pay raise. We sage of H.R. 976, the Small Business Tax Re- Additionally, I would like to thank Chairman should be ashamed of that delay, but I am lief Act of 2007. proud that we are taking that important step to H.R. 976 extends the enhanced provisions of RANGEL and Ranking Member MCCRERY for presenting a bipartisan bill to the Committee restoring dignity and fairness for our minimum section 179 small business expensing for one wage earners. This minimum wage increase on Ways and Means and to the House of year. Beginning in 2007, it increases the max- will help millions of our brothers and sisters, imum amount that can be expensed from Representatives. With their combined leader- $112,000 to $125,000 and the total dollar limit mothers and fathers. ship, I know my first term on the Committee My fight in Congress is the fight against from $450,000 to $500,000. on Ways and Means will be eventful and suc- Section 179 allows small businesses to ex- poverty. We must do more for working fami- cessful. lies, for families who are playing by the rules pense the cost of qualified property in the Since coming to Congress, I have consist- year that it is purchased in lieu of deprecia- and still cannot get ahead. I just don’t under- tion. Qualified property includes farm ma- ently supported a range of proposals to help stand how people survive under these cir- chinery equipment and attached farm prop- small firms, including giving help to small man- cumstances. We cannot stand by and watch erty, such as milk tanks, automatic feeders, ufacturers through tax relief and the Manufac- millions of people continue to fall into poverty. barn cleaners, single purpose agricultural turing Extension Partnership; creating a new This minimum wage increase is not the end, structures and livestock. small business health care tax credit; and put- but the beginning of our fight against poverty The ability to deduct expenses imme- ting the government on a ‘‘pay as you go’’ in this nation. diately instead of having to depreciate them basis to restrain deficit spending that raises in- Passing this legislation today will smooth over time improve cash flow and allows farm terest rates and restricts small firms’ access to and ranch businesses to better match income the path to the passage of the minimum wage and expenses. Extending and expanding capital. increase. This bill is also a symbol of how small business expensing will offer addi- H.R. 976 follows this tradition by providing much we can accomplish to help hard working tional benefits to farm and ranch businesses. $1.3 billion in tax cuts targeted to small busi- families when we work together, across the Farm Bureau urges you to vote for passage ness over the next 10 years. This cost, how- aisle—Democrats and Republicans. And I look of H.R. 976, the Small Business Tax Relief ever, is entirely offset by provisions that pay forward to continued progress in the fight Act of 2007. for it. The bill’s tax cuts include a one-year ex- against poverty in the 110th Congress. Sincerely, tension for deductions on small business ex- Mr. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong BOB STALLMAN, penses, and it increases the amount of such support of the Small Business Tax Relief Act. President. expenses these businesses could deduct. It Small businesses are the backbone of our Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of also extends for one year the tax credit for nation’s economy, and I am pleased that H.R. 976, the Small Business Tax Relief Act. employers who hire certain disadvantaged today we are considering a few common- This tax package provides limited, targeted workers, and ensures that an increase in the sense provisions that will lessen the tax bur- tax relief for small businesses in a fiscally re- minimum wage would not reduce the current den our small businesses face. sponsible manner. At a little over $1.3 billion ‘‘tip credit’’ for restaurant employers. Most im- I am especially supportive of the language it provides a meaningful level of relief, offset portantly, this bill accomplishes these savings that will have a direct impact on the res- by closing a loophole that would allow some for small businesses within the framework of taurants in my district. The bill will allow res- upper income tax payers to take advantage of pay-as-you-go rules. taurants in Las Vegas and across the country a reduced capital gains tax that was intended Most significantly, H.R. 976 includes a provi- to continue claiming the full tip credit despite to benefit low income Americans. sion to help simplify taxes for family farmers. any increase in the federal minimum wage. In addition to being fiscally responsible, it’s Right now, if a farm owned by a married cou- I strongly support increasing the minimum fully bipartisan. Both Democratic and Repub- ple files as a sole proprietorship (instead of a wage and was proud to vote in favor of legislation this House passed as part of the Demo- lican Members had a chance to provide their partnership), only one spouse receives credit cratic majority’s first 100 hours. I am hopeful input. It was introduced jointly by Chairman for paying Social Security and Medicare taxes. that passing this bill will help move the proc- RANGEL and Mr. MCCRERY, and it has been This bill allows both spouses to receive credit ess along in order to achieve this important co-sponsored by an overwhelming bipartisan for the Social Security and Medicare taxes majority of the Ways and Means Committee. goal. they pay while under a sole proprietorship. Fil- Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in I am particularly supportive of extending the ing for a partnership can be a costly and time strong support of this rule and the underlying Work Opportunity Tax Credit, and expanding consuming process, and this bill allows both bill H.R. 976, The Small Business Tax Relief the Credit to include veterans who have been spouses the security that comes with Social Act of 2007. disabled since September 11th, which this bill Security and Medicare benefits, without the This bill provides $1.3 billion in tax breaks does. extra burden. for small business owners and is one of the But mostly, I am supportive of going to con- Specifically, I know this provision will greatly final steps toward raising the federal minimum ference with the other body to pass a min- benefit family farmers in western Wisconsin wage from $5.15 per hour to $7.25 per hour. imum wage increase. This legislation will ac- and around the country. This simplification will It has been 91⁄2 years since the last minimum complish that. Thirteen million Americans have allow both spouses running a farm to receive wage increase despite widespread support not had a raise—not even a cost of living ad- credit for the taxes they pay, and ensures that across the country and within the U.S. Con- justment—in 9 years. In a word, a minimum in the event of a tragedy, or simply in old age, gress. And why? Because of partisan politics wage increase is overdue. both of them are taken care of. and special interests coming before the peo- The current minimum wage is so low that an Small business is critical to economic ple’s interests. individual working full time at the minimum strength, building America’s future, and help- The Democratic Congress promised a wage would make only $10,712—that’s 35% ing the United States compete in today’s glob- change in priorities. And as one of our first below the federal poverty line for a family of al marketplace. I urge my colleagues to vote measures of business, Democrats brought a three. I urge all of my colleagues to support for this common sense bill so we can support minimum wage increase to the House floor,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:51 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.063 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1859 which received overwhelming bipartisan sup- co-owned businesses that was taken from a Both workers and employers come out win- port. The other body has followed suit and we bill that I co-introduced with the now Small ners. And because the bill is revenue neutral, must work to resolve our differences, which is Business Committee Chairwoman in the last the taxpayer also wins. why we bring this bill before the House today. Congress and reintroduced this Congress. My The bill provides a few billion dollars of tax A recent poll showed that 89 percent of simplification provision has repeatedly been in- relief in the first few years while businesses Americans favor raising the minimum wage. cluded in the Taxpayer Advocate’s annual rec- are absorbing the minimum wage increase. The American public deserves—and has de- ommendations to Congress. Now it will hope- These tax benefits include a 1-year exten- manded—that raise. With our immediate con- fully become a reality. An additional benefit of sion of the WOTC, Work Opportunity Tax sideration of this bill, we will heed that call. this provision is to ensure equity for wives in Credit, which is a credit for employers who Hard-working Americans have waited far too these situations by giving both the husband hire the hard-to-employ. long to receive an honest day’s pay for an and the wife credit for paying Medicare and Eligible workers include those from low-in- honest day’s work. Social Security taxes. come communities, or those on public assist- The people’s time has come. We have I also support the extension and increase of ance, or veterans who simply need a boost in pledged to act in the public’s best interests small business expensing, which allows small getting back into the workforce. and we must do so without further delay. Pas- businesses to make significant capital invest- Our bipartisan bill also doubles the WOTC sage of this rule and H.R. 976 will speed en- ments—such as acquiring computer software credit for hiring veterans with service-con- actment of the long overdue increase in the or farm equipment—and deduct the total cost nected disabilities. minimum wage. from income immediately, rather than depre- The bill also increases and extends the The Democratic Congress also pledged to ciating them over extended periods of time. By reach across the aisle in a bipartisan manner small business expensing allowance so that reflecting the increasing costs of doing busi- small business owners can write-off capital ex- and address the priorities of all Americans. ness, this provision will allow small business Our bipartisan effort resulted in the carefully penditures. owners to build upon their all-American A small business owner buying equipment constructed compromise that we have before dreams. us today. This bill isn’t about partisan politics, or new computers can immediately recoup the As a result of this bill, many of the small cost, rather than depreciating the asset over it’s just good policy. Mom- and Pop-owned farms, ranches, and H.R. 976 will help give hard-working families several years. businesses that I represent in Texas will find the pay increase they so richly deserve, and And the bill allows businesses to continue to tax season a little less taxing and a lot fairer. ensure small business owners have every op- take a full ‘‘tip credit’’ for their tipped workers. The Committee has shown restraint in drafting portunity to succeed and prosper. And it will Otherwise, with the increase in the minimum this bill. With the purchasing power of the min- do so in a fiscally responsible manner that will wage, these business owners would lose a imum wage at its lowest level in 50 years, nei- avoid adding to the legacy of debt being left significant amount of the tip credit right away. ther it nor these modest reforms to help small to our children and grandchildren. I applaud the work of Chairman RANGEL and businesses should be held hostage to the Simply stated, this bill is good for taxpayers, Mr. MCCRERY who drafted this bipartisan bill. endless appetite of some for another $8 billion good for business, good for people, and is just I urge my colleagues to support the bill. plus in additional tax breaks. good policy. Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I stand Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in in strong support of H.R. 976, which will pro- thank Chairman RANGEL and Ranking Member strong support of H.R. 976, the Small Busi- vide tax relief to small businesses, the back- MCCRERY for proving that the Ways and ness Tax Relief Act of 2007. My family has bone of our economy. owned small businesses in Tennessee for Means Committee can work in a bipartisan way to extend needed relief to our Nation’s It is my hope that this revenue-neutral tax generations, and I understand the unique chal- bill will be coupled with the $7.25 minimum lenges these family-operated businesses face small businesses. I am particularly pleased that this bill—the wage increase this House of Representatives in remaining successful and meeting the passed in its First 100 hours. We owe it to needs of their communities. We also under- first to be acted upon by the committee since I became a member—includes a provision that hard-working Americans to give them a living stand their importance in helping fuel the local wage, as well as provide tax relief to small and national economies. I am proud of the closely mirrors the Veterans Employment and Respect Act. which was the first legislative businesses that would allow them to continue work we are doing here to support small busi- to grow and play a vital role in our local nesses as they continue to thrive and give proposal I introduced upon being elected to Congress in 2005. economies across the country. them the assistance they need to help raise In my hometown of Cleveland, OH, over 95 their workers’ wages. Section 2 of the bill before us today extends percent of the businesses are considered It is fitting that this is the first major tax the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to include small businesses, employing about 58,000 package to adhere to the new PAYGO rules veterans who have developed a service-re- this House has re-implemented to curb deficit lated disability and who have been discharged Clevelanders. In the State of Ohio, over spending, because ‘‘pay as you go’’ is a basic or released since September 11, 2001. 490,000 people are employed by small busi- principle that every small business owner we Our military service men and women de- nesses. These workers and businesses will are helping here today already follows every serve our utmost respect during their active benefit from the tax benefits in this bill, allow- day. I am glad that we are following their lead service, and our support and assistance during them to thrive and reinvest in our commu- and operating under responsible business val- ing the sometimes difficult transition back into nities. ues such as PAYGO. civilian life. One key component of a success- Let me praise two key provisions in this bill. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chair- ful transition is the opportunity to gain mean- H.R. 976: man RANGEL and Ranking Member MCCRERY ingful employment in the private sector. Incen- 1. Extends and expands the Work Oppor- for the way they have worked together on this tives designed to encourage employers to hire tunity Tax Credit. The WOTC provides em- bill. I have been a part of the Ways and some of the newest veterans—many of whom ployers with a tax credit for employing ex-of- Means Committee for 10 years, and this is the are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan—will fenders, qualified veterans, TANF recipients, first major tax bill I know of during that time better enable these men and women to make high-risk youth, food stamp recipients, and that has been reported out of our committee a smooth return to civilian life. other targeted groups. The credit helps break by a unanimous, bipartisan vote. I am encour- I offer my appreciation to the Chairman and down many of the barriers preventing these aged by that and hope the bipartisanship will Ranking Member for including this important Americans from getting work. H.R. 976 ex- continue as we look forward to the other legis- provision and for making additional changes to tends the WOTC, and expands the credit for lative priorities facing us on the Committee. the Work Opportunity Tax Credit that will en- the benefit of disabled veterans and residents Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, surely the sure more businesses are able to take advan- living in empowerment zones, enterprise com- smaller and less complex your business struc- tage of it and, as a result, positively impact the munities, and renewal communities. ture, the less complex your tax filings should lives of our disabled veterans and citizens 2. Extends the Section 179 small business be. But the tax code is so full of complexity seeking gainful employment after a period of expensing, and increases from $112,000 to that there is barely any room left for simplicity unemployment, welfare assistance, or dis- $125,000 (indexed for inflation) the total for even the truly Mom- and Pop-owned busi- ability. amount of expensing allowed. The bill also ex- ness or the couple who is trying to hold on to Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I pands the number of small businesses that the family farm or ranch. think we’ve done a good job of balancing can qualify for the maximum benefit by in- I am particularly pleased that this bill in- small business tax incentives with an increase creasing the phaseout threshold amount from cludes a provision to help husband and wife in the minimum wage. $450,000 to $500,000.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:51 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.073 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1860 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 Let me also discuss another important provi- Hare McCaul (TX) Ryan (WI) NOT VOTING—28 Hastings (FL) McCollum (MN) Salazar sion in this tax bill, and that is the enhance- Baird Green, Gene Miller, Gary Hastings (WA) McCrery Sa´ nchez, Linda Berman Gutierrez Nadler ment of the tip credit. I was recently ap- Hayes McDermott T. Boustany Harman Pence proached about this issue by a chef and res- Heller McGovern Sanchez, Loretta Calvert Hastert Smith (TX) Herger McHugh Sarbanes taurant owner in my Congressional District, Costello Hulshof Stark Herseth McIntyre Saxton Sergio Abramof. Sergio owns two excellent Davis, Jo Ann LaHood Udall (NM) Higgins McKeon Schakowsky DeFazio Latham Waters restaurants: Sergio’s in University Circle, and Hill McMorris Schiff Everett LoBiondo Wicker Sergio’s Sarava at Shaker Square. Hinchey Rodgers Schmidt Flake Lowey Fortunately, H.R. 976 will allow businesses Hinojosa McNerney Schwartz Gallegly Miller (NC) to continue claiming the full tip credit despite Hirono McNulty Scott (GA) Hobson Meehan b 1710 an increase in the Federal minimum wage. Scott (VA) Hodes Meek (FL) Sensenbrenner Mr. CRENSHAW and Mr. SHUSTER That provision will assist workers and res- Holden Meeks (NY) Serrano changed their vote from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ taurants like those owned by Sergio, so I am Holt Melancon Sessions So (two-thirds being in the affirma- very pleased that we are including it in this Honda Mica Sestak Hooley Michaud tive) the rules were suspended and the legislation. Shays Hoyer Millender- Shea-Porter bill, as amended, was passed. H.R. 976 is fair, bipartisan legislation that McDonald Hunter Sherman The result of the vote was announced will allow small businesses to continue to be Inglis (SC) Miller (MI) Shimkus as above recorded. an economic engine. I urge my colleagues to Inslee Miller, George Shuler Mitchell A motion to reconsider was laid on vote ‘‘yes.’’ Israel Shuster Issa Mollohan Simpson the table. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Moore (KS) Jackson (IL) Sires Stated for: Moore (WI) of my time. Jackson-Lee Skelton Moran (KS) Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, due to a per- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield (TX) Slaughter Jefferson Moran (VA) sonal leave of absence, I was unable to vote Smith (NE) back the balance of my time. Jindal Murphy (CT) Smith (NJ) on passage of the Small Business Tax Relief The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Johnson (GA) Murphy, Patrick Smith (WA) Act, H.R. 976, rollcall vote No. 102. Had I Johnson (IL) Murphy, Tim question is on the motion offered by Snyder Johnson, E. B. Murtha been present, I would have voted ‘‘aye’’ on the the gentleman from New York (Mr. Solis Johnson, Sam Myrick bill. Souder RANGEL) that the House suspend the Jones (NC) Napolitano Space f rules and pass the bill, H.R. 976, as Jones (OH) Neal (MA) Spratt Kagen Nunes PERSONAL EXPLANATION amended. Stearns Kanjorski Oberstar The question was taken. Stupak Mr. LOBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I was not Kaptur Obey Sutton The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Keller Olver present in the House Chamber for votes on Tanner opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Kennedy Ortiz February 16, 2007, as I was attending the fu- Tauscher in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Kildee Pallone neral services of my wife’s father, who suc- Kilpatrick Pascrell Taylor RECORDED VOTE cumbed to his long battle with cancer. If I Kind Pastor Terry Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I demand King (NY) Paul Thompson (CA) were present for votes on this day, I would a recorded vote. Kirk Payne Thompson (MS) have voted ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. 99, ‘‘nay’’ on Klein (FL) Perlmutter Tiahrt rollcall No. 100, ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. 101, and A recorded vote was ordered. Tiberi Kline (MN) Peterson (MN) ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 102. The vote was taken by electronic de- Knollenberg Peterson (PA) Tierney vice, and there were—ayes 360, noes 45, Kucinich Petri Towns f Turner not voting 28, as follows: Kuhl (NY) Pickering PERSONAL EXPLANATION Lampson Pitts Udall (CO) [Roll No. 102] Langevin Platts Upton Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, due to a family AYES—360 Lantos Pomeroy Van Hollen medical emergency, I regrettably missed roll- Larsen (WA) Porter Vela´ zquez Abercrombie Camp (MI) Dicks Larson (CT) Price (NC) Visclosky call votes. Had I been present I would have Ackerman Cantor Dingell Pryce (OH) Walberg voted in the following manner: Aderholt Capito Doggett LaTourette Walden (OR) Alexander Capps Donnelly Lee Putnam Rollcall No. 100: ‘‘yea.’’ Walsh (NY) Allen Capuano Doolittle Levin Rahall Rollcall No. 101: ‘‘aye.’’ Walz (MN) Altmire Cardoza Doyle Lewis (CA) Ramstad Rollcall No. 102: ‘‘aye.’’ Andrews Carnahan Drake Lewis (GA) Rangel Wasserman Arcuri Carney Dreier Lewis (KY) Regula Schultz f Baca Carson Duncan Linder Rehberg Watson PERSONAL EXPLANATION Bachus Carter Edwards Lipinski Reichert Watt Baker Castle Ehlers Loebsack Renzi Waxman Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, due Baldwin Castor Ellison Lofgren, Zoe Reyes Weiner to the funeral of a family member, I was un- Barrow Chabot Ellsworth Lucas Reynolds Welch (VT) Barton (TX) Chandler Emanuel Lungren, Daniel Rodriguez Weller able to be present today for votes. I take my Bean Clarke Emerson E. Rogers (AL) Wexler voting responsibility very seriously. Had I been Becerra Clay Engel Lynch Rogers (KY) Whitfield present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on final Berkley Cleaver English (PA) Mahoney (FL) Rogers (MI) Wilson (NM) passage of H. Con. Res. 63, disapproving of Berry Clyburn Eshoo Maloney (NY) Rohrabacher Wilson (OH) the decision of the President announced on Biggert Coble Etheridge Manzullo Ros-Lehtinen Wolf Bilbray Cohen Fallin Marchant Roskam Woolsey January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 Bilirakis Cole (OK) Farr Markey Ross Wu additional United States combat troops to Iraq Bishop (GA) Conyers Fattah Marshall Rothman Wynn Bishop (NY) Cooper Ferguson (Rollcall vote 99). Had I been present, I also Matheson Roybal-Allard Yarmuth Blumenauer Costa Filner Matsui Ruppersberger would have voted ‘‘aye’’ on H.R. 976, to Blunt Courtney Forbes Young (AK) McCarthy (CA) Rush Young (FL) amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to Boehner Cramer Fortenberry McCarthy (NY) Ryan (OH) provide tax relief for small businesses, and for Bonner Crenshaw Frank (MA) other purposes (Rollcall vote 102). Bono Crowley Frelinghuysen NOES—45 Boozman Cubin Gerlach f Boren Cuellar Giffords Akin Foxx Neugebauer Boswell Cummings Gilchrest Bachmann Franks (AZ) Pearce PERSONAL EXPLANATION Boucher Davis (AL) Gillibrand Barrett (SC) Garrett (NJ) Poe Boyd (FL) Davis (CA) Gillmor Bartlett (MD) Gingrey Price (GA) Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Boyda (KS) Davis (IL) Gohmert Bishop (UT) Hensarling Radanovich on rollcalls No. 100, Previous Question the Brady (PA) Davis (KY) Gonzalez Blackburn Hoekstra Royce Rule on H.R. 976, No. 101, the Rule on H.R. Brady (TX) Davis, David Goode Burgess Jordan Sali Braley (IA) Davis, Lincoln Goodlatte Buyer King (IA) Shadegg 976, and No. 102, Final passage of H.R. 976, Brown (SC) Davis, Tom Gordon Campbell (CA) Kingston Sullivan had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Brown, Corrine DeGette Granger Cannon Lamborn Tancredo f Brown-Waite, Delahunt Graves Conaway Mack Thornberry Ginny DeLauro Green, Al Culberson McCotter Wamp GENERAL LEAVE Buchanan Dent Grijalva Deal (GA) McHenry Weldon (FL) Burton (IN) Diaz-Balart, L. Hall (NY) Feeney Miller (FL) Westmoreland Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask Butterfield Diaz-Balart, M. Hall (TX) Fossella Musgrave Wilson (SC) unanimous consent that all Members

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:51 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.069 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1861 have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- Thank you for your attention to this mat- troops arriving at VA hospitals from Iraq tend their remarks and insert extra- ter. and Afghanistan. neous material on H.R. 976. Sincerely, The VA physicians handle troops with seri- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LOIS CAPPS, ous brain injuries and other major health Member of Congress. problems. They rely on digital medical KLEIN of Florida). Is there objection to records that track the care given wounded the request of the gentleman from New The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without troops from the moment of their arrival at a York? objection, the resignation is accepted. field hospital through their evacuation to There was no objection. There was no objection. the United States. f f About 30 VA doctors in four trauma centers around the country have treated about CONDITIONAL ADJOURNMENT TO APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO 200 severely wounded soldiers and Marines. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2007 BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE The docs had been receiving the complete Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Speaker, I JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR digital records from the Pentagon until the THE PERFORMING ARTS end of January, using the Pentagon’s Joint ask unanimous consent that when the Patient Tracking Application. House adjourns today pursuant to this The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- But on Jan. 25, when Shane McNamee, a order, it adjourn to meet at 4 p.m. on ant to Section 2(a) of the National Cul- physician in the Richmond VA Medical Cen- Tuesday, February 20, 2007, unless it tural Center Act (20 U.S.C. 76h(a)), ter, tried to get the full records, he couldn’t. sooner has received a message from the amended by Public Law 107–117, and He sent an urgent e-mail to VA chief liaison Senate transmitting its concurrence in officer Edward Huycke. the order of the House of January 4, ‘‘My JPTA account has been disabled with- House Concurrent Resolution 67, in 2007, the Chair announces the Speak- in last few days,’’ McNamee wrote. ‘‘I called which case the House shall stand ad- er’s appointment of the following Mem- the hotline and was told that all VA ac- journed pursuant to that concurrent bers of the House to the Board of counts have been locked. Could not get a resolution. Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Cen- good answer why. Anyhow—I have 4 [Iraq/Af- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ter for the Performing Arts: ghanistan] service members to arrive within objection to the request of the gentle- the next 2 days. This information is terribly Mr. KENNEDY, Rhode Island woman from New York? important,’’ the doctor wrote. Ms. DELAURO, Connecticut There was no objection. Thirty-four minutes later Huycke e-mailed Ms. PRYCE, Ohio. back: ‘‘Ok, Shane. Will get on it. Not sure f f what’s up.’’ DISPENSING WITH CALENDAR An hour or so later, a senior VA official PENTAGON RED TAPE KEEPS MED- forwarded McNamee’s e-mail to Lt. Col. WEDNESDAY BUSINESS ON David Parramore at the Pentagon, saying WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007 ICAL RECORDS FROM DOCTORS OF THE WOUNDED that McNamee ‘‘needs his access back to Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Speaker, I JPTA to provide the best possible treatment ask unanimous consent that the busi- (Mr. MCDERMOTT asked and was for soldiers injured in [Iraq/Afghanistan] ar- ness in order under the Calendar given permission to address the House riving there in a few days. Can you help?’’ Tommy Morris, director of Deployment Wednesday rule be dispensed with on for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Health Systems, responded the next morning Wednesday, February 28, 2007. to Parramore’s inquiry, after contacting The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, Ellen Embry, deputy assistant secretary of objection to the request of the gen- today a story appeared in the Wash- defense for force health protection. ‘‘I spoke tleman from New York? ington Post entitled ‘‘Pentagon Red with Embry and no agreements, no data There was no objection. Tape Keeps Medical Records From Doc- sharing via access to JPTA.’’ The access cutoff came after Morris, in a f tors of the Wounded.’’ The Defense Department is refusing Jan. 23 e-mail, instructed a colleague: ‘‘If the APPOINTMENT OF HON. STENY H. to give the records of people wounded VA currently has access I need a list of per- HOYER AND HON. CHRIS VAN sons and I need their accounts shut off in Iraq and Afghanistan to physicians ASAP. It is illegal for them to have access HOLLEN TO ACT AS SPEAKER who are taking care of them in the PRO TEMPORE TO SIGN EN- without data use agreements and access con- Veterans Department. It is absolutely trols in place by federal regulations and pub- ROLLED BILLS AND JOINT RESO- unbelievable that there could be that lic law.’’ LUTIONS THROUGH FEBRUARY kind of bureaucratic snafu. There have been meetings between VA and 27, 2007 Now the Defense Department says, Pentagon officials. The Pentagon declined to The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- We don’t have the authority to give the comment yesterday. VA officials apparently fore the House the following commu- thought it might have been resolved Mon- records on the wounded that are leav- day. But an e-mail Monday from Morris to a nication from the Speaker: ing us and going to the Veterans De- co-worker said: ‘‘The leadership has not au- FEBRUARY 16, 2007. partment. thorized the VA accounts to be turned back I hereby appoint the Honorable STENY H. Absolute bureaucratic nonsense. I on, in case someone approaches you about HOYER and the Honorable CHRIS VAN HOLLEN have introduced H.R. 1128 with Mr. FIL- this.’’ to act as Speaker pro tempore to sign en- Last week, Sens. Daniel K. Akaka (D–Ha- NER, which gives that authority to the rolled bills and joint resolutions through waii) and Larry E. Craig (Idaho)—the chair- February 27, 2007. Defense Department. I hope that other man and ranking Republican on the Vet- NANCY PELOSI, Members will sign this bill, and that erans’ Affairs Committee—wrote David S.C. Speaker of the House of Representatives. we will pass it by unanimous consent Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without when we return to the House after the of their ‘‘deep concern’’ about VA trauma objection, the appointments are ap- Presidents’ Day break. center doctors not having access to complete proved. In the next week, there are going to records. be people who are injured and trans- ‘‘For those servicemembers suffering from There was no objection. a traumatic brain injury,’’ they wrote, ‘‘VA’s f ferred to the veterans hospitals who access to in-theater imaging is an important can’t get their records transferred. RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF and valuable tool for tracking their patient’s How can a doctor take care of some- progress since being wounded or injured.’’ COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET body if they don’t know what happened They suggested the VA doctor be given tem- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- to them on the battlefield? This is the porary access to JPTA while the data-shar- fore the House the following resigna- kind of thing we have to stop if we sup- ing questions are worked out. They’re still awaiting an appropriate re- tion as a member of the Committee on port the troops. the Budget: sponse. McNamee is still waiting for the [From the Washington Post, Feb. 16, 2007] records. COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET, PENTAGON RED TAPE KEEPS MEDICAL Washington, DC, February 15, 2007. f RECORDS FROM DOCTORS OF THE WOUNDED The Hon. NANCY PELOSI, THE BERT BRADY HOMECOMING (By Al Kamen) Speaker of the House, COMMITTEE Washington, DC. Department of Veterans Affairs doctors are DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: I am writing to no- furious over a recent decision by the Pen- (Mr. POE asked and was given per- tify you of my resignation from the Com- tagon to block their access to medical infor- mission to address the House for 1 mittee on the Budget, effective today. mation needed to treat severely injured minute.)

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:13 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.111 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1862 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, ABC Nightly up for them. We must take back the Despite all of this, Mr. Paisley has News named Bert Brady Citizen of the authority to regulate commerce with refused to enter into government with Week. Here is why. Bert Brady is a 69- foreign nations and start creating good Sinn Fein and put the needs of his con- year-old veteran. He gets up nearly jobs in our country again. It is time to stituency and that of the citizens of every day for the last year and heads stop fast track. Northern Ireland above those of his over to the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. f own petty hatred and extremist allies. He is there to do something that was Mr. Paisley cannot continue to stand SPECIAL ORDERS not done for him. He is there to wel- in the way of peace and justice for the come soldiers coming home. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. people of Northern Ireland. The people Bert organizes folks to go down with KLEIN of Florida). Under the Speaker’s of the North have waited far too long him to the airport and greet the sol- announced policy of January 18, 2007, and sacrificed far too much for him to diers coming home from the war. and under a previous order of the continue to be a roadblock to peace. Sometimes these greeters number in House, the following Members will be Responsible leadership is needed on the the hundreds. Most of the citizens are recognized for 5 minutes each. unionist side of the North to show that veterans of Korea or Vietnam, but they f extremism, bigotry and hatred will not be tolerated. also include Boy Scouts and Girl NORTHERN IRELAND Scouts, all to say ‘‘thank you’’ to the Mr. Speaker, I have taken to this troops. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a floor many times in the last few years As Bert pointed out, there was no one previous order of the House, the gen- to talk about the situation in Northern there when our soldiers came home tleman from New Jersey (Mr. PALLONE) Ireland. The progress which has been from Korea or from Vietnam. These is recognized for 5 minutes. made is nothing short of remarkable, dedicated individuals are making sure Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise considering the violence that has no soldier feels they are forgotten this evening in amazement at what can plagued this area literally for cen- when they are returning from this war. only be described as the utter inflexi- turies. But the one constant that those People line up along the paths. They bility of the Reverend Ian Paisley. Mr. of us who care about a just and lasting cheer the soldiers as they come Paisley’s dislike of the Catholic popu- peace have seen is Mr. Paisley, increas- through the path, shaking their hands, lation in the north of Ireland is well ingly out of touch, afraid of losing his giving them hugs, telling them thank documented and needs no repeating on grip on power, and more interested in you, and waving American flags. For the floor of this body. Suffice it to say living with the past than embracing our troops that moment is powerful. that John Hume’s observation ‘‘if the the promise of tomorrow. When asked why he is so driven, Bert word ‘no’ was removed from the It is well past time that Reverend Ian spoke of one soldier who shook his English language, Ian Paisley would be Paisley move along and let the people hand and said, ‘‘Mister, I will never for- speechless’’ is an accurate description of Northern Ireland get on with their get you. It’s the greatest thing that of Mr. Paisley’s ability for thoughtful lives. ever happened to me, this homecoming negotiation and compromise. f reception.’’ What does deserve recounting here, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a So we Americans thank you, Bert however, are the remarkable strides previous order of the House, the gen- Brady. that have been taken by Sinn Fein in tleman from Georgia (Mr. GINGREY) is And that’s just the way it is. the quest for a just and lasting peace recognized for 5 minutes. for all the people of Northern Ireland, (Mr. GINGREY addressed the House. f as well as the hard work and dedication His remarks will appear hereafter in b 1715 shown by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahearn the Extensions of Remarks.) and Prime Minister Tony Blair in this STOP FAST TRACK f endeavor. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given Prime Minister Blair has not always previous order of the House, the gentle- permission to address the House for 1 used the full force of his office to se- woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE) minute.) cure peace on the island of Ireland. is recognized for 5 minutes. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, for gen- However, he has shown himself to be a (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas ad- erations Hershey’s chocolate has been true friend to the Irish people and a dressed the House. Her remarks will an American symbol. Soldiers abroad strident negotiator for peace, and I am appear hereafter in the Extensions of distributed it to smiling children. proud to commend him for that. His Remarks.) Across our country people everywhere diligence and the pursuit of peace f recognize the distinctive shape of Her- stands in stark contrast, however, to shey kisses. Now Hershey’s, too, is that of Mr. Paisley. IRAQ WAR RESOLUTION being outsourced to Mexico, as the Mr. Speaker, heroic efforts have been The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under great sucking sound of outsourced jobs put forth by all parties, republican, na- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- accelerate in our country. tionalist and unionists alike, to ad- uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from Iowa Yesterday, the Hershey Company an- dress this situation. It began with the (Mr. KING) is recognized for 60 minutes nounced it was moving 1,500 more man- signing of the Good Friday Accords in as the designee of the minority leader. ufacturing jobs to Mexico, terminating 1998 and the commitment of the IRA to Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I ap- 1,500 U.S. workers and all the dairy end its armed campaign and commit to preciate this profound honor to have farmers that supply work and product the development of purely political and the opportunity to address you here on into that company. exclusively peaceful means. The IRA the floor of the United States House of Hershey now joins the ranks of Hoo- then went on to put their arms com- Representatives, the People’s House. ver, Stanley, Champion, Ford, Chrys- pletely and verifiably beyond use, I would reflect that all week long, ler, Huffy, Zebco, Levi’s and Maytag, which was confirmed by the Inde- starting really on Tuesday morning, we who have shipped thousands more U.S. pendent International Commission on have had a series of marathon debates jobs to countries where workers toil for Decommissioning. taking place here, Mr. Speaker, mara- starvation wages. Then, most recently, Sinn Fein voted thon debates that ranged in the area of Now President Bush wants to renew in its extraordinary Ard Fheis, or po- 12 hours a day, Tuesday, Wednesday, more of the same fast-track trade au- litical convention, to support the polic- Thursday until after 1 a.m. this morn- thority, to ship more of these jobs to ing institutions. This includes a police ing, taking up again this morning Mexico and other trade rivals. He service that has been shown by the shortly after 8 o’clock, and then mov- wants to sell our economy to the high- independent Police Ombudsman to ing on until mid-afternoon, when we fi- est bidders in foreign countries. have engaged in collusion with loyalist nally had a vote on the resolution, the NAFTA, CAFTA, PNTR and its cous- paramilitaries, resulting in the death resolution that was offered by the main agreements have broken the middle of at least 10 people, both Catholic and jority, the resolution that in one voice class. Congress is long overdue to stand Protestant. said, we honor the troops, and the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:51 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.114 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1863 other voice said, but we are opposed to But, shortly after that, we had an- slaves of all they could take as pris- the reinforcements and opposed to the other conflict, and one of those con- oners and that every Muslim who surge that the President had ordered, flicts, Mr. Speaker, was one that start- should be slain in battle was sure to go the surge that is already in motion, the ed out over in the Mediterranean. The to paradise. troops, many of them have already hostilities between the United States That is from the negotiations that been deployed, and it is not possible to and the British concluded in 1783. That took place in 1786, and that is from Jef- back out of this. was when the military victory was won ferson’s report to John Jay. So the voice that came, Mr. Speaker, by George Washington, and that was Now, here we are, 2006. We are going to the people across this world was an- when, also, the protection of the Union through this debate, Mr. Speaker, and I swered and was heard in a lot of dif- Jack that flew over the seas and the am hearing over and over again there ferent ways. oceans was removed from the protec- is a reason why they hate us. We On one side of it, the antiwar move- tion of our Merchant Marine. should understand why they hate us. If ment within the United States, the ac- So 1783, our Merchant Marine, our we could figure that out, maybe we tivists, liberal left, the protesters that ship sailing on the high seas, lost the could change our ways and we could are, at least if not the people that were Union Jack protection, the intimida- find a way to accommodate our dis- in the streets during Vietnam, were de- tion of the British Royal Navy, 1783. agreements, because surely there are scendants of the people that were in 1784, American ships were attacked and two sides to every argument. the streets during Vietnam, philosophi- boarded and pirated, and our sailors Well, Mr. Speaker, I am here to sub- cally, if not literally, and in many were forced into slavery, and the car- mit that Thomas Jefferson understood cases it was both. They heard a mes- gos were sold, and the ships were put this thing clearly. He understood a sage, which is, at every cost, the back into the fleets of the Barbary pi- principle that I laid out this afternoon Speaker’s leadership is going to drag rates, the Barbary pirates being the in debate called nosce hostem, which is our military and pull our Commander predecessors of the enemy that we have a Latin term. It comes from the Roman in Chief back of their commitment to today. legions, and that is Latin for ‘‘know the Iraqi people in the Middle East. And it is an interesting study in his- thine enemy’’. And the other voice, a voice was tory, Mr. Speaker, to see what unfolded The Romans understood, and they heard by a number of American people, were the most successful long-term here in the history of the United States stalwart patriots, people who believe in military legions in history all the time when we sent our best diplomats over the destiny of America and understand up to that point and maybe in all of to the Mediterranean to negotiate with that there is a price to be paid by each history. They had to know their the Barbary pirates. Those were Thom- succeeding generation because of the enemy, and they had to persevere, and as Jefferson and John Adams. decisions that are made by the pre- Now, I have here a copy, Mr. Speak- that is where that term came, nosce ceding generations. We are the recipi- er, this is of the papers of Thomas Jef- hostem, know thine enemy. ents of the sacrifice of our Founders Thomas Jefferson understood the ferson, right here, volume nine. This is and of every generation’s sacrifice, same thing. dated 1785, November 1, 1785 to 1786. starting with the shaping of the Dec- This is the report that Thomas Jeffer- b 1730 laration of Independence, the Constitu- son returned upon his conclusion of his tion, those veterans of the Revolu- And, in fact, his curiosity and his diplomat mission to the Tripoli pi- tionary War, those who supported the compulsion to understand and know rates. effort in the Revolutionary War, those the enemy caused him to go out and In a paragraph that he has written to who shaped the Constitution, Mr. buy a Koran, and that Koran was part the American commissioners and John Speaker, those that built the economy, of his opposition research, if you will. Jay he says, soon after the arrival of those that built the churches, those And Jefferson’s being one of the most Mr. Jay in London, we had a con- that built the schools, those that built curious individuals as a figure in our ference with the ambassador of Tripoli the communities that link together, history and maybe the most learned at his house. This ambassador of Trip- which is this greater American civili- man of his time, he studied Greek so oli was a representative of the Islamic zation, we are the beneficiaries. that he could read the Greek Bible and The decisions that they made July 4, Caliphate. And he says, he writes, ‘‘We do the translation himself. He wasn’t 1776, to pick a point we all understand, took the liberty to make some inquir- quite satisfied with just King James. we benefitted from that decision. And ies concerning the grounds of their pre- He wanted to do that comparison be- it was a hard decision. And it wasn’t a tensions to make war upon nations cause he was that much of an intellec- decision that was made without great who had done them no injury,’’ mean- tual and he had that level of curiosity. concern or without great debate. There ing the United States of America, ‘‘and He had the same level of intellectual was. And there was dissension on both observed that we consider all mankind curiosity in understanding our enemy sides. as our friends, who had done us no the Barbary pirates; so his study of the Some of the people that were opposed wrong, nor had given us any provo- Koran, I am confident, concurred with to freedom, a free nation, were identi- cation.’’ his report back to John Jay that was fied as the Tories, the people that In other words, the statement that handed over to Congress, that report aligned with the British. They didn’t came from Thomas Jefferson and John that says they believe their path to think it was worth the price. They Adams was, to the ambassador from salvation is in killing us. didn’t want to risk the blood. They Tripoli, we consider you friends. We So Jefferson persevered in his en- didn’t want to risk the treasure. They have had no hostilities toward you. We deavor to understand our enemy. He thought that they could suffer the in- have not provoked you in any way. We studied Koran, understood our enemy, dignities and the injustices that were are simply sailing our ships on the high put the report in place, and in that one being poured upon them from the seas and providing open commerce and simple paragraph is an explanation of crown, and that was more tolerable trade like any country would do. Why our enemy today. And there is quote than the price that would have to be do you attack us? Why do you kill us? after quote after quote that have been paid for freedom. Why do you press our sailors into slav- brought forward here by my colleagues But freedom won out. Freedom was ery? on this side of the aisle in the last sev- established. And they pledged their Jefferson answered, The ambassador eral days that support that statement. lives, their fortunes and their sacred from Tripoli answered us that it was Statements made by Osama bin Laden, honor, and they did so knowing that founded on the laws of their prophet, statements made by Zawahiri, state- they might very well lose their lives that it was written in their Koran that ments made by other leaders of al and their fortunes, but they would all nations who should not have ac- Qaeda where they say their religious never lose their sacred honor. That was knowledged their authority were sin- duty, their responsibility, is to keep the creed that came from the Founding ners, the authority of the Koran. I con- attacking infidels; infidels, being de- Fathers, and that was just the Revolu- tinue quoting, that it was their right fined as unbelievers in their Koran; un- tionary War. Of course, it was the big- and duty to make war upon them wher- believers, being those who have not gest and most significant. ever they could be found and to make sworn allegiance to Islam.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:51 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.118 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1864 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 And you saw that in that quote began to pour into those Islamic states are killed in greater numbers than anywhere he said that they continued to in the 1970s. And if you remember the body else historically over the last 30 attack us wherever we might be found oil cartels of that era, the gas lines or so years because the destabilization until we either converted to Islam or here, Jimmy Carter’s legacy, the 444 that takes place is where they thrive. pay homage or are beheaded. And his- days of 52 American hostages paraded This parasite called jihad, the jihadist, torically looking back, most of us rec- in front of the television, and the only lives and it grows and it thrives in an ognize when we say ‘‘leathernecks,’’ way they were going to be released was anarchy. that means the Marine Corps today. to elect a President that they were So they are seeking to create anar- That nickname came from the Barbary afraid of. So that is why you saw the chy. They are attacking the host called pirate wars when they went to the split screen of Ronald Reagan taking Islam, but a host will always provide shores of Tripoli, and our Marine Corps the oath of office and those 52 hostages that food. It will provide the transpor- wore heavy thick leather collars, Mr. being released at the same time. But tation. It provides a home for the para- Speaker. Those collars were worn to re- that became the beginning of this con- site. The parasite jihadist, radical duce the number of marines that would stant battle that we have now with the Islam, lives within Islam. And so rad- be beheaded by the swinging swords of jihadists of today. And they have been ical Islam goes to the mosques where the Barbary pirates. empowered by oil wealth, families that they preach their hatred and they help The beheadings of today are not any- are wealthy, by the religious network sort out those that are truly convicted thing new. These are beheadings that of radical Islam. on the jihad side. The most radical of go back throughout time, throughout Now, to help explain this a little bit, those are identified by their response, the Crusades, clear back to a thousand Mr. Speaker, I use an analogy here their reaction, and they are connected years ago, Mr. Speaker. And our enemy that is something that I have not heard to and recruited out of the mosques. believes they are fighting that same from anywhere else. I look around and Many people who go to the mosques are war. They carry that same grudge. But I think how do I compare what is going peaceful people. They all aren’t. And furthermore, it is a religious convic- on? How am I to stand up and say I am that is a center where the communication on their part. It is not something opposed to the radical Islam, these tion comes through. that can be negotiated away. And to jihadists, without directly attacking The language itself is another tool believe that we could resolve this con- Islam itself? Many times the President that helps this parasite called jihadists flict by negotiations is a myopic and has made the statement that Islam is a communicate. So the Arabic language naive position. We cannot. If that were ‘‘religion of peace.’’ I am looking for itself is a conduit, Mr. Speaker; a com- the case, I am going to trust Jefferson more evidence of that before I am mon conduit through the language, a would have found a way, Adams would going to step up and resoundingly en- common conduit through the mosque have found a way, all of our nego- dorse that statement, but I am not system, a common conduit because of tiators in the past would have found a willing to indict them at this point, common nationalities and identifica- way. Some of them would have found a Mr. Speaker. I would rather compare it tion with each other. You tie that all way at least. this way: I am going to say the radical together and then you pick the radicals But we fought the Barbary pirates, Islam, the jihadists, are a parasite that out, and that is how you sort out the and it was a herky-jerky, hit-and-miss, lives on and within the host called species of the parasite jihadists. not always successful effort. But we did Islam. But the host hasn’t done much to occupy some land there, and we did Now, Mr. Speaker, when you think eradicate the parasite from its midst. I force them into submission, and we did about what that means, a parasite liv- haven’t seen Islam step up and decide get a kind of an agreement to resolve ing on and within a host, a parasite that they are going to eradicate radical the disputes. But the battles between will ride on a host, feed off a host, re- Islam from their midst. No. For a num- Western civilization and the Barbary produce off a host, drop off and attack ber of reasons. One, they are afraid to pirates and the radical world of Islam other species, but also attack the host confront them. They don’t know what of that era really didn’t end until 1830, species. This goes on over and over the price will be. Another one is they and I am going to go on record here in again. And I could take you down are not quite sure they really want to the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Mr. Speak- through some different species of side with the people that are on our er, when the French culminated a mili- parasites to make my case, but it reside of this argument. Some of them tary operation and occupied Algiers. mains a biological fact that that is are also dancing in the streets with When they did that in 1830, that was es- what a parasite does. their radical jihadists when something sentially, at least for modern times, A parasite doesn’t respect its host to goes bad for the people on our side, this the end of the violence. Scattered inci- the point where it will refrain from Western civilization, which I think en- dents to be sure, but for the majority killing the host. Sometimes the para- compasses the world that the jihadists the end of the violence between the site will kill the host. Think in terms are opposed to. Western civilization in- radical Islamists who were the Barbary of a tapeworm that will draw all of the cluding Christians, Jews, the Judeo pirates of that era up until 1830 and nutrients out of the host until the host Christian ethic, the free market ethic, then move us forward to about 1979 becomes so scrawny and so disheveled the liberal democracies that we have when these hostilities started again. and so weak that the host actually ex- that provide freedom for people and They lay dormant. They were essen- pires. That will happen. There are give us this flexibility to define our tially in submission. They didn’t have other parasites that will do the same own future. They hate freedom, as the many tools to work with. Some of thing, but there are many parasites President has said many times, and them had been colonized. And during that will attack more than one species. they attack freedom. that period of time, they didn’t get This parasite called radical Islam, So, Mr. Speaker, this is a difficult ahold of governments. They didn’t have these jihadists, attack many species. nut to crack. And I would like to a place to start. They didn’t have an They attack every species of Homo charge Islam with eradicating that ability transportation-wise to come sapien, for that matter. They attack parasite in their midst. I do think it is out here and attack the rest of the Jews as their preferred target. They at- part their responsibility, but I am not world. tack Christians as a preferred target. hearing them step up to this task. So I But things happened and we moved They attack capitalists as a preferred am looking forward to the day that into the modern world. And when the target. And when they can do a two-fer, that happens, Mr. Speaker, but until it Cold War was over and there was no a Jewish capitalist, a Christian capi- does, we have a war to fight. longer this titanic struggle between talist, a Western civilization represent- We have a task ahead of us, and this the world’s two Superpowers and that ative, secular capitalist, they are all task that is ahead of us is a great big, power vacuum, in came al Qaeda. In for doing that because they know that difficult task. And it is far more dif- came the Taliban. In came the radicals that destabilizes the civilization that ficult today, Mr. Speaker, than it was to fill that void. And the philosophical they abhor. a week ago because of the message that support became there. The funding was This parasite called jihadists also at- came out of this Chamber all week there from oil. The real oil wealth tacks Islam itself. Moderate Muslims long, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:13 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.119 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1865 and this morning up until mid-after- ment in there that caught my eye first the United States’ will to conduct war? noon, and especially because of the was ‘‘It all began when the United And the North Vietnamese, General vote; the vote that passed a resolution States failed to win a clear victory in Giap in particular, recognized that that said we support our troops and op- Korea,’’ Mr. Speaker. their best ally in that war wasn’t an pose their mission. I mean a third grad- If you remember, Korea was resolved AK–47 or a ChiCom grenade. What it er can figure out that that logic in the early 1950s, I think 1952, but was was the anti-war movement in the doesn’t fit. You have got to do one or when it was resolved, it ended up being United States. the other, and they are tied together. on the 38th parallel. We had pushed the So they encouraged that movement, You don’t send your military off and Chinese back north of the 38th parallel. and nurtured it and negotiated with it. ask them to put their lives on the line We had gone north to the 38th parallel And they brought Jane Fonda over for a mission that you don’t believe in. with U.N. troops as well, and pushed there and put her in a gun emplace- And to say to them, ‘‘I am all for you, back to the 38th. The resolution came, ment in Hanoi, and that encouraged buddy, but if you get shot over there, if and we shut down the fight on that the anti-war movement here in the you give your life over there, I can’t 38th parallel line, which is pretty much United States. They sent the photo-op say that you did it for a good cause be- back to the same line before the inva- back. There were a number of photo- cause it is a bad cause.’’ That is what sion came from the North Koreans. ops like that. got said over here. b 1745 You heard from the great SAM JOHN- This is a good cause. This is a just SON at this very microphone earlier So it was fought essentially to a cause, Mr. Speaker. And our troops this afternoon, Mr. Speaker, when he draw, and the line was the same line talked about how the voices of the have been undermined today and yes- that the war began on. My father and anti-war leaders in America were terday and the day before and the day their generation didn’t acknowledge before that. And now they have got to that we failed to win that war. They transmitted across loud speakers in the carry out a mission, and it is a lot neither acknowledged or said or even Hanoi Hilton where Sam spent far too harder than it has ever been over there. implied that we lost it. I think we many days, 2,500 days in captivity, and And our enemy has been encouraged, fought it to a draw. how those voices demoralized our Mr. Speaker. They have got the words But when General Giap took over in POWs in Vietnam. that have been said over here, these Vietnam, Dien Bien Phu came along in But General Giap understood, we are quotes put up. They have got to be all the mid-fifties and the French had lost, destroying the United States’ will to over al-Jazeera, over the Islamic and President Kennedy ordered our conduct war. The frontal assault on the blogosphere. There have got to be peo- troops into Vietnam in 1963, by my will of the American people was going ple dancing in the streets all over the recollection, and the Vietnamese had on relentlessly and persistently, and it land where they recruit our enemies to look at what was coming at them. says in his book, their best ally was because they know what this means. This big industrial Nation, this sleep- the anti-war movement here in the They know what it means because they ing giant, formerly sleeping giant, United States. study history. there was only about not even two dec- So here we are today, Mr. Speaker, And, Mr. Speaker, I have studied his- ades after World War II, a huge, power- and the enemy has been encouraged. tory as well. And part of that history ful industrial, military and economic There is nothing that came out of that is, first of all, the United States of force in the world, was coming into side of the aisle that discouraged the America is a Nation that, up until the South Vietnam to help support the enemy. I can’t think of a single word, conclusion of the Korean War, had freedom fighting people in South Viet- maybe one speaker, and that would never lost a war. We had been success- nam. He had to come to a conclusion have been a little bit qualified, that ful in every conflict that we had en- on how they were going to fight so would have discouraged the enemy. gaged in. And I grew up under that. I great a nation. Over on this side, just hearing SAM grew up with a military father and He had seen the French lose their re- JOHNSON, if I were the enemy, my feet military uncles on both sides of the solve at Dien Bien Phu. They lost their would tremble in my sandals. family. They sat around a lot and resolve along the way. And he knew We have to understand that there are talked. The United States of America, something Clausewitz had written two parts to this war, the ability to of all the Nations in the world, has about in his book on war years before, conduct war and the will to do so. And never lost a war. And the reason we when Clausewitz said the object of war we don’t conduct wars here in the haven’t lost a war is because we believe is to destroy the enemy’s will and abil- United States any longer looking at in freedom. ity to conduct war. Will and ability, that as two different things we need to And you are a lucky young man, two factors that are the targets of war. assault. We are trying to fight a nicy- STEVE KING, for being born in the Now, you can destroy the enemy’s nice war with limited targets and rules United States of America. You could ability to conduct war. You can wipe of engagement that keep our military have been born anywhere else, but you out all their tanks and take all their from doing the job that they could do. were born here. You are a recipient of guns. You can take their swords, There isn’t a strategy to destroy the that freedom that they fought for and knives and hatchets. They can be to- enemy’s will to conduct war. It is just each preceding generation had fought tally devoid of arms. But if they still a strategy to destroy the enemy’s abil- for. And I was extraordinarily blessed. have the will to fight, they are going to ity, I should say limit their ability, try I am, Mr. Speaker, but I was raised come at with you with sticks and clubs to shrink down the arms and funding with a reverence for that freedom and and fists and boots, if they still have they have coming in, and try to limit the understanding of the price that was the will. That is what Clausewitz un- the transportation routes of the insur- paid for it. And up until that time we derstood. It is a two-section effort gents as they infiltrate into Iraq. had been successful in every conflict. when you go to fight a war. You are That is not enough, Mr. Speaker, but They didn’t quite define the Korean going after the ability to conduct war, at least we are in a position where we War except to say, well, we won that, the enemy’s ability to conduct war, can go forward and win this war if the but nobody talked about that very and you are trying to destroy their will will of the President and the will of our much. to conduct war. military can overcome the encouraged I bring this up, Mr. Speaker, because So as Giap analyzed that, he realized and supported will of our enemy, which I picked up a book a little while back. he could never destroy our ability to has been encouraged and supported by I had to do a little searching to find it. conduct war. We could always pour many, many voices here on the floor of And the title of the book is How We more and more munitions into the this Congress. Won the War. By General Vo Nguyen fight. We could send our ships and Mr. Speaker, I point out also the leg- Giap. He was a Vietnamese general who planes over and we could always pour acy of Korea and Vietnam. That legacy commanded their troops throughout more bombs in there and always could has already been reflected by one of the the entire period of time that they bring more soldiers in. leaders of our enemy within Iraq, and were in conflict with the United States So the strategy was how do you then this is Muqtada al-Sadr. He is the lead- of America in Vietnam. And his com- attack, damage, weaken and destroy er of the Madi militia, and he has been

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:13 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.120 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1866 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 a thorn in the side of the United States they know that there is a legacy of us your freedom of speech doesn’t extend for a long time. I identified him as losing our will, us losing our nerve, a to the right to yell fire in a crowded somebody that had to go a long time legacy of Members of Congress dem- theater? Verbatim and specifically the ago, at least as far back as early 2004. onstrating a lack of spine, a lack of un- answer to that, Mr. Speaker, is yes. I have to say in memory of Charlie derstanding of history, a lack of com- So how can we give a pass to people Norwood, this man needs a dentist, and mitment to the legacy that has been whose words cost more lives? And be- wherever he is going to go, Charlie is handed to them and handed to all of us yond the lives, people’s whose words going to have no chance at him. by our founders, Mr. Speaker. alter our national destiny and make us But this individual, Muqtada al-Sadr, So, I would reiterate, nosce hostem, poorer for it and diminish our potential said over Al-Jazeera TV on the evening know thy enemy. War, according and affect our future and burden our of June 11, 2004—I was in Kuwait City Clausewitz, the object of war is to de- children and put them at risk, Mr. waiting to go into Iraq the next day— stroy the enemy’s will and ability to Speaker? I can’t tolerate that. Sadr came on Al-Jazeera TV and said conduct war. No one can destroy our As I travel over to the Middle East in Arabic, with the English crawler un- ability, but we don’t have the will to and settle in and talk to the soldiers derneath, he said, ‘‘If we keep attack- match our ability. And that was proven there on the ground, and I like to do ing Americans, they will leave Iraq the here today, Mr. Speaker. that more than anything else over same way they left Vietnam, the same And one of the members of the Demo- there, Mr. Speaker. I will walk into a way they left Lebanon, the same way crat party said, and I applaud him for room, maybe a mess hall, climb aboard they left Mogadishu.’’ Muqtada al- saying so, it does our military no good a C–130. I will say, anybody over here Sadr, June 11, 2004, and that was Al- for the people on our side to sit in the from Iowa? There have been a couple of Jazeera TV. corner and boo when they have been or- times there hasn’t been. Most of the That voice out of that man. And dered into battle. We need to be on time there is somebody there from when I heard that, I concluded, he has their side. Iowa. read General Giap’s book. He under- Who would go into the bleachers and I will sit down, and it is our imme- stands maybe not what happened in boo their home team and think some- diate bond, and I will ask them what is Korea, but he understands what hap- how the home team was going to per- going on here on the ground? What do pened in Vietnam. He understands that form better? Who would believe, when I need to know? What do you want me he has got to continue to fight, to you hear the voices that came out of to know? And please rest assured I will break the will of the American people here for the last 4 days, Mr. Speaker, not identify you or take that informa- here, here in the United States of or I go back to the presidential cam- tion to your officers. This is something America, Mr. Speaker, because the last paign as it went through for 2004, where for me, because it is my duty to do this battle in this war, if the United States we heard continually ‘‘wrong war, kind of oversight. doesn’t ultimately prevail, will be wrong place, wrong time.’’ All we heard And I hear continually, I am proud to fought right on this blue carpet, right from another Senator in Massachu- fight for freedom, I am proud to serve in this place right here. It won’t be setts, it was all a war cooked up by oil my country, Congressman, but why do fought over there in Iraq, it won’t be people in Texas. we have to fight the United States fought in the Middle East anywhere. It Voice after voice after voice of quasi- news media too? Why is there a con- is here. leaders of the United States have spo- flicting message coming out of Con- Here is where our vulnerability is, ken, and it has undermined our troops gress? Why do we have to take on that Mr. Speaker. Here is where the battle and it has weakened their resolve, and part of this battle? We are fighting the needs to be fought, and here is where it has empowered and emboldened our enemy over here. We need to know that the battle needs to be won, for our pos- enemies. And when they are sitting in Congress is behind us. terity and for the liberty and freedom a hovel in Iraq making an IED and b 1800 we have been passed from our Founding watching their Al-Jazeera TV, Mr. One of the lieutenant colonels that I Fathers. Sadr knows it. Speaker, and they hear the voices that travelled over there with made a state- I will submit this, Mr. Speaker: If we came out from C–SPAN from the floor ment to me in one of those late eve- don’t prevail in Iraq, and I believe that of this Congress, do you think that nings as we were talking this over tactically we have every opportunity they make more bombs or less? Do you deeply and profoundly. I will not use to do that, if we don’t prevail in Iraq think they have more or less courage his name either because I have not and Jack Murtha gets his way and to plant them, more or less courage to asked him that I could do so, but I will troops come out of Iraq before there is attack Americans, more or less resolve use the quote. a clear victory, then this man comes to continue the fight, more or less per- And he said, Do not save me, paci- back into power. He is probably done severance because of the voices that fists; do not save me. I volunteered for talking about how to get Americans to came collectively from this side of the this. I want to be over here fighting for leave Iraq. aisle and this Congress, Mr. Speaker? freedom and liberty because I know the But I can tell you Osama bin Laden We all know the answer to that. The world will be a safer place. I want to will surface, or Zawahri will surface, answer is they have more resolve, more take this battle on for my children so and I will bring their picture down here persistence; they will make more they do not have to live in fear and to the floor, Mr. Speaker, and I will bombs, they will attack more Ameri- they do not have to carry on this fight. make a statement then. But I make cans, and more Americans will die be- They are all volunteers, and they say the prediction now, you will see a pic- cause the booing from this section has do not save me. I will take my chances. ture of either Osama bin Laden or encouraged our enemy, and I got to I volunteered for this war. I want to Zawahri or whoever the leader of al bury some of those soldiers in my dis- save my children from this burden. Qaeda is, and underneath it I will put trict, as do most of us. And that breaks Who are we? Who are we to micro- the quote from them which will go my heart, because I understand it manage a war and try to pull our something like this: If we keep attack- doesn’t have to be. It doesn’t have to troops out after all that blood and ing Americans, they will leave Afghan- be, Mr. Speaker. It didn’t have to be treasure has been invested in freeing istan the same way they left Vietnam, and it doesn’t have to be. And others Iraq and giving them an opportunity the same way they left Lebanon, the will say, but it is. It is the price of a for freedom? Who are we? same way they left Mogadishu, the democratic system and a democratic I had gold star parents, Mr. Speaker, same way they left Iraq. process. And they say it is patriotic to come into my office a week before I And every time we lose our resolve speak about our disagreements. last went to the Middle East. So this and the legacy becomes the legacy that So, if one yells fire in a crowded the- would have been the third week in No- has been stipulated to us by Muqtada ater and 50 people are trampled to vember, and several families had lost a al-Sadr, it gets harder and harder to death on the way out and there was no son or a daughter in combat over in win the next war, harder and harder to fire, did they abuse their freedom of Iraq or Afghanistan. have the will to conduct war, harder speech? And don’t we know that there We had a lot of profound discussions and harder to destroy their will, when is a Supreme Court decision that says in there, and I listened to them. They

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:13 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.121 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1867 had travelled over to Iraq themselves All of us are tired of the war. All of keeping order all that they can. They and taken on the risk to go there. They us are tired of the casualties that have march forward in uniform. They stay had met with Iraqis. They had been been inflicted. What we have to do is together, and that is one thing that welcomed into the homes of the Iraqis, keep our eye on the ultimate goal, says it is not a civil war. and the Iraqi people showered them what it is. Is it to quell a disturbance, Another one seems to me to be the with gratitude for the measure of free- a dispute that has arisen between dif- most obvious and that has not been dom they have today, even with the in- ferent Islamic groups? No, it is not. It brought up here, and that is, I know of securities that are part of that, the can never be. no entity of the five to eight competing gratitude for the sacrifice that Ameri- It has to be the security of the factions within Baghdad that is trying cans have given, their lives for Iraqi United States. For those folks who to unseat the elected government of freedom and American safety and have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, for Iraq. It is accepted. The people went to world safety. their lives to have meaning, we have to the polls and voted in greater numbers And of all the things that were said, consider what that goal is. percentage-wise than we do here in the one that struck me the most, Mr. The national security of every person United States, and they elected their Speaker, was a father who had lost his in this country, those interests have to leaders. They ratified their Constitu- son from California. His name is John. be paramount to everything else that tion. They elected their leaders, seated I have forgotten his last name, if I ac- we consider. They have to be para- their prime minister. tually ever heard it, and he said, It is mount to our distaste for the fighting So Iraq is a country that is a sov- different now. You cannot pull out of that has gone on. They have to be para- ereign country. No one is trying to un- Iraq. Our sons died there. They gave mount to every life that has been lost. seat the government. It is not a civil their lives for the freedom of the Iraqi Mr. Speaker, for those lives that war. Yes, there is sectarian strife, but people, and we are going to have more have been lost to have meaning, it has it is not so much to do with religion as safety in America because of it? You to be that we will save more lives by it is so much the power vacuum that is cannot pull out of there. It is different. their efforts that have been there than going on. It is not a civil war. That soil is sanctified with the blood of if we just pull up stakes and quit. If we We cannot constitutionally micro- our children. do not get that job done, if those rad- manage a war. The precedents for that Mr. Speaker, I challenge anyone to ical Islamists are allowed to declare a are utterly weak throughout history, look that man or a father in the eye State, if they have a home, a base from even though there was some struggle and say I think I know better, I think which to operate, we will repeat the with that a number of times. But the we ought to concede, I think we ought events that happened when the Taliban precedent that remains was here in to admit and pull out and declare de- had a home base in Afghanistan. 1973, after Richard Nixon finished the feat like somebody said this war can- The recipe is before us. We have seen Vietnamization process, moved our not be won, cannot be won, cannot be it before. We will have a repeat of troops out of Vietnam, then a wounded won. If I put a word search on there, something like 9/11. President during the Watergate era ‘‘cannot be won’’ over and over again, The only choice that we have as a was forced into a situation where this hundreds of times it got said here in Nation is to continue that job over Congress shut off all funds from going the last 4 to 5 days. there, to get it finished as best we can. to Vietnam, and that was on the land Mr. Speaker, I point out that Iraq, 80 Is there a perfect prescription for that? percent of the violence is confined of Vietnam, in the skies over Vietnam No, there is not. Is it going to be easy? within 30 miles of Baghdad. You just and the seas offshore Vietnam. The bill, and I just looked at it again look at the area that is there, Baghdad No, it is not. Will we have more casual- yesterday and I read it a number of standing kind of alone in the middle. I ties? Unfortunately, we will, and yet times, the bill said none of these funds checked this all out in the World we must continue this fight so we will or any funds heretofore appropriated Factbook just because that is where we not dishonor those who have paid the go for information. Baghdad represents ultimate sacrifice to this point in the shall be used on Vietnam, over Viet- 1/2500th of the land area of Iraq, and we conflict. nam or offshore in Vietnam, which are saying we cannot prevail because 1/ I thank the good gentleman. kept all of our military from sup- 2500th of the land area has some people Mr. KING of Iowa. I thank the gen- porting the South Vietnamese Army in there that are battling us? 1/2500th, tleman from Idaho, and I appreciate which was defending itself after the him coming down here and adding to Treaty of Paris and the resolution of one day of the life of SAM JOHNSON when he was in the Hanoi Hilton, one this dialogue. that issue. out of his 25 days, 1/2500th of the land I had a chance to collect my Now the North Vietnamese broke the area of Iraq, and we want to say we do thoughts a little bit during that, too, treaty. The South Vietnamese did not not have the will. Every ability in the and a number of points that I did not have support. They did not have muni- world, but we want to say we do not make here. tions, which we promised them. They have the will to persevere, even though First, I would like to say the argu- did not have air cover, which we prom- that soil is sanctified with the blood of ment is it is a civil war and we should ised them. We could not even do a our sons and daughters. not be involved in a civil war. We have naval bombardment to support them It will be a disgrace here on the floor been involved in a number of civil from the seas because this Congress of this Congress, Mr. Speaker, and I wars, and we will be involved in more jerked the rug out from underneath would be happy to yield to the gen- civil wars. The same people who say we that. And the disgrace lies yet in our tleman from Idaho (Mr. SALI) who I am cannot be involved in a civil war say go history books. sure came down here with his heart full into Darfur. Well, that is a civil war. SAM JOHNSON also went back to Sai- and look forward to whatever he might The same people said we should have gon here just not too long ago, within have to say. gone to Rwanda. I am one of them that the last number of weeks, and laid a Mr. SALI. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I thought we should have gone to Rwan- wreath at the U.S. embassy where we would like to tip my hat to the good da. It was horrible. We could have done lost 10 to 12 Marines as you saw them gentleman for his efforts on the floor something about it, but it was a civil being air lifted off the top of the U.S. and for the compelling argument that war. embassy. Ten to 12 marines does not he has made here. And that list goes on and on, but let sound like much. That was the cry and The idea that our young people, me define a civil war so it is a little the agony of a Nation, but those 10 to young men and women, have gone to more clear, Mr. Speaker, to the people 12 Marines, think in terms of the mil- Iraq, gone to Afghanistan, they have that care, and that is, that you will be lions of skulls that are piled in south- spilled their blood there for a purpose able to identify a civil war in Iraq east Asia that came in the aftermath that would become meaningless if we when you see the Iraqi military and of the Vietnam War, the human trag- withdraw without finishing the job the Iraqi police force line up and edy. over there, that is something that choose up sides and decide they are I would say, Mr. Speaker, that none makes the discussion I think a little going to start shooting at each other. of us could pick up one of those skulls different. They are not doing that. They are in The Killing Fields, and say this was

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.123 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1868 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 a Cambodian skull or a Vietnamese I will put one more point in here, and destroyed really in World War II. Paris skull or an American skull. And I can hopefully I can get this done within the certainly held together pretty good, tell you, God does not draw the distinc- time that I have, and that is the strad- and I am glad it did. tion, but he understands what goes on dle that is taking place with this reso- But if the Nazis had won and pre- in a conscience of humanity and the lution, Mr. Speaker. The straddle that vailed, the Vichy French would have conscience of a Nation. gives the majority side of this thing an emerged to the top. And then the One would think that this Congress, argument that they are right, no mat- French would have said, see, we got on Mr. Speaker, would have learned from ter what the results are in Iraq. And the right side of this war, we avoided a that colossal error and be able to stand that is, the way the resolution reads, lot of conflict, and Marshall Petain and have enough resolve when we are they support the troops but oppose the now is our president who is cutting a in a situation where Baghdad is sur- mission. deal with Hitler. Or, as it turned out, it rounded, and by the way, Baghdad is Then they go on and say, we are turned out to be Charles de Gaulle in- not a stronghold. I asked a com- going to do a slow bleed. JACK MURTHA stead. manding general at the time of our says we are going to do a slow bleed Straddle the issue, go right down the ground forces within Baghdad, and I and we are going to eliminate the middle, prepare yourself to be on the said, What is this about a stronghold? President’s ability to conduct these op- victorious or at least be right, no mat- Are there places you cannot go? He erations in Iraq. ter what the results. said we go everywhere we want to go. Well, all right. So if the President’s That is what this resolution does, Mr. We go when we want to go there. Some- plan succeeds and Baghdad is pacified Speaker. It allows the majority party times we do not want to squabble. and the government of Iraq grows and those that voted for this resolution Sometimes we go in there because we stronger and more stable, you will hear to make the claim that they are right, want to pick a fight, but there is no from over this side of the aisle, Mr. no matter what happens. And they such thing as a stronghold. So that re- Speaker, over and over again, ‘‘See,’’ brought not one word of strategic plan solves that. they are going to say, ‘‘we were right. to resolve this issue in Iraq. Not one. I wrote an editorial a while back, Mr. It took us to encourage the Iraqi gov- In 4 days of debates, not a single plan Speaker, and released about December ernment and the Iraqi military to step came out of that side of the aisle, not 20 because December 22 was the anni- up to the plate and do the job. If we one. versary of General McAuliff’s retort to hadn’t done that, the Americans would None came out in the campaigns, ei- the Nazis at the battle of Bastone. His- have held their hand and been their ther. They never stepped up and said, tory will record, and you will remem- training wheels forever. They never ‘‘This is what I would do.’’ Except some ber, Mr. Speaker, the 101st Airborne in would have learned to defend their said, ‘‘I would cut and run. I just World War II was surrounded in country.’’ That will come out of that wouldn’t call it that.’’ Some of that Bastone. Bastone, a city that had seven side if history makes it clear that we went on. But, beyond that, there was highways coming to it, it was the con- are successful in Iraq. nothing, except they said we need a fluence of the transportation and a And if we deploy out of there and strategic plan, we need a better plan. critical area that had to be held and Iraq turns into what I believe will be a And one of them came here to the controlled for whichever side was going disastrous chaos and cede the Shi’a re- floor and said, ‘‘I used to command a to be successful in the Battle of the gion of the Iraq to the Iranians, who carrier task force offshore of Afghani- Bulge. essentially have significant influence stan,’’ which would be by my look of When the Nazis surrounded the 101st in there now, that would be 70 to 80 the map the Arabian Sea. And he says, at Bastone and were mercilessly shell- percent of Iraq’s oil as well. It would ‘‘My job now is to come here and plan ing them, they sent a message in that give Iran control of the global export a strategy to resolve the issue in Iraq.’’ demanded our surrender. General quantity of the oil. Iran would then And I reflected, Judge Louie McAuliff’s response was, ‘‘Nuts.’’ Nuts, have control of 42.6 percent of the oil Gohmert found himself wanting to leg- Mr. Speaker. Nuts, Nazis. They had to that would go on the market, which is islate from the bench in Texas, so he go all kinds of linguists and ask what absolutely enough to control the mar- ran for Congress because he knew con- does this mean? How do you translate ket and enrich them fantastically and stitutionally this was the place to leg- this into German? It did not translate let them buy their nuclear capability islate. very well into German because that and intimidate everyone in the Middle But that Member, Mr. Speaker, if he was the American spirit that echoed East and everyone in Europe and in- wanted to micromanage a war, should through that word, ‘‘nuts.’’ Nuts, we timidate the United States as well. have kept command of his task force have got you right where we want you. They would not be limited. and the Arabian Sea. This is no place, We are going to stay and hold our That is what happens if we pull out Mr. Speaker, to micromanage a war. ground. and the catastrophe, not to mention Our job constitutionally is to fund it, They did so, and to this day, the 101st the human catastrophe, not to mention and the Commander in Chief’s job is to will tell you, they did not really need all the skulls that will be stacked up in run it, and we have endorsed his au- Patton to relieve them, they would Iraq like they were stacked up in thority to do that. have won anyway. But Patton did Southeast Asia to the numbers of 3 As these amendments come and these come, history shows. They held their million. That is the catastrophe there, appropriations bills come, one after an- ground. Bastone was held. The Battle Mr. Speaker. other in this slow bleed that has been of the Bulge was turned back and the But I am going to compare this. promised, we will know that the con- Nazi regime was destroyed forever be- There was only one country that was stitutional authority doesn’t exist to cause of American courage and Amer- guaranteed to be on the winning side in do that. The President has the author- ican guts and an America that said World War II, and that was France, be- ity to take the money that has been ‘‘nuts’’ when they were surrounded in cause they were on both sides, Mr. appropriated and to do Bastone. Speaker. They were on both sides be- intradepartmental transfers and I will Mr. Speaker, today, 2,499 parts of cause you had Charles de Gaulle’s free- say interdepartmental transfers as well 2,500 parts of Iraq are essentially paci- dom fighters, and they had gone into to fund the military however he sees fit fied, and are there under our control. exile into Great Britain and continued to protect this Nation. Parts of Baghdad essentially are all their ‘‘Free France’’ battle going on. And if this party sees fit to starve that is left. That was part of the effort, and we sup- our military and put them at risk, then ported and helped them. woe are we. But they have also taken b 1815 But you also remember there was the responsibility for the results of this Baghdad surrounded, it is not a Vichy French. The Vichy French war by this. stronghold. And if we pull out of there, jumped right into bed with the Nazis So I will say, Mr. Speaker, this reso- history will rule us as nuts. Nuts, a and they staked their claim there, and lution that passed here on the floor weak nation, a weak nation that didn’t that was Marshall Petain. And the today, it assists our enemy. It assists have the resolve, Mr. Speaker. French, not much of their country was our enemy. It assuages our enemy. It

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:13 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.124 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1869 encourages our adversaries. It provides BILL PRESENTED TO THE 7. Artur Davis. benefit for our enemies. It encourages PRESIDENT ALASKA the bad guys. It provides comfort and Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the At Large charity to the criminals. It encourages House, reports that on February 15, Don Young. and exhilarates our enemy. It provides 2007, she presented to the President of AMERICAN SAMOA favor and gifts to the enemy, our foe. It the United States, for his approval, the Delegate is a handout. It is help to the insur- following bill. Eni F. H. Faleomavaega. gents. It is relief and reward for the op- H.J. Res. 20. Making further continuing ap- ARIZONA position. It is salvation and succor for propriations for the fiscal year 2007, and for terrorists. It emboldens and encour- 1. Rick Renzi. other purposes. 2. Trent Franks. ages. f 3. John B. Shadegg. This day on this floor of the United 4. Ed Pastor. States Congress will live in infamy, ADJOURNMENT 5. Harry E. Mitchell. and I pray it may not be a precedent 6. Jeff Flake. Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, pur- 7. Rau´ l M. Grijalva. for the future of America and for our suant to the order of the House of national destiny. 8. Gabrielle Giffords. today, I move that the House do now ARKANSAS Mr. Speaker, I would make another adjourn. point, and that is I have decided I will 1. Marion Berry. The motion was agreed to. 2. Vic Snyder. follow General Petraeus, and you have The SPEAKER pro tempore. Accord- decided you will follow General Pelosi. 3. John Boozman. ingly, pursuant to the previous order of 4. Mike Ross. f the House of today, the House stands CALIFORNIA adjourned until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 1. Mike Thompson. LEAVE OF ABSENCE February 20, 2007, unless it sooner has 2. Wally Herger. received a message from the Senate 3. Daniel E. Lungren. By unanimous consent, leave of ab- 4. John T. Doolittle. sence was granted to: transmitting its adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 67, in which 5. Doris O. Matsui. Mr. BAIRD (at the request of Speaker 6. Lynn C. Woolsey. case the House shall stand adjourned PELOSI) for today on account of attend- 7. George Miller. ing a funeral. pursuant to that concurrent resolution. 8. Nancy Pelosi. Thereupon (at 6 o’clock and 21 min- Mr. DEFAZIO (at the request of 9. Barbara Lee. utes p.m.), pursuant to the previous 10. Ellen O. Tauscher. Speaker PELOSI) for today after 3 p.m. order of the House of today, the House 11. Jerry McNerney. Mr. NADLER (at the request of Speak- adjourned until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 12. Tom Lantos. er PELOSI) for February 14, February 15 February 20, 2007, unless it sooner has 13. Fortney Pete Stark. and February 16 on account of family 14. Anna G. Eshoo. medical emergency. received a message from the Senate 15. Michael M. Honda. transmitting its adoption of House Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California (at 16. Zoe Lofgren. Concurrent Resolution 67, in which the request of Mr. BOEHNER) for today 17. Sam Farr. after 4 p.m. on account of illness. case the House shall stand adjourned 18. Dennis A. Cardoza. pursuant to that concurrent resolution. 19. George Radanovich. 20. Jim Costa. f f 21. Devin Nunes. 22. Kevin McCarthy. SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED OATH OF OFFICE MEMBERS, RESI- 23. Lois Capps. By unanimous consent, permission to DENT COMMISSIONER, AND DEL- 24. Elton Gallegly. address the House, following the legis- EGATES 25. Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon. lative program and any special orders The oath of office required by the 26. David Dreier. 27. Brad Sherman. heretofore entered, was granted to: sixth article of the Constitution of the 28. Howard L. Berman. (The following Members (at the re- United States, and as provided by sec- 29. Adam B. Schiff. quest of Mr. PALLONE) to revise and ex- tion 2 of the act of May 13, 1884 (23 30. Henry A. Waxman. tend their remarks and include extra- Stat. 22), to be administered to Mem- 31. Xavier Becerra. neous material:) bers, Resident Commissioner, and Dele- 32. Hilda L. Solis. Mr. PALLONE, for 5 minutes, today. gates of the House of Representatives, 33. Diane E. Watson. 34. Lucille Roybal-Allard. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, for 5 min- the text of which is carried in 5 U.S.C. 35. Maxine Waters. utes, today. 3331: 36. Jane Harman. ‘‘I, AB, do solemnly swear (or af- 37. Juanita Millender-McDonald. f firm) that I will support and defend 38. Grace F. Napolitano. 39. Linda T. Sa´ nchez. SENATE BILLS REFERRED the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign 40. Edward R. Royce. Bills and a concurrent resolution of and domestic; that I will bear true 41. Jerry Lewis. the Senate of the following titles were faith and allegiance to the same; 42. Gary G. Miller. 43. Joe Baca. taken from the Speaker’s table and, that I take this obligation freely, under the rule, referred as follows: 44. Ken Calvert. without any mental reservation or 45. Mary Bono. S. 188. An act to revise the short title of purpose of evasion; and that I will 46. Dana Rohrabacher. the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and well faithfully discharge the duties 47. Loretta Sanchez. Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reau- of the office on which I am about to 48. John Campbell. thorization and Amendments Act of 2006; to enter. So help me God.’’ 49. Darrell E. Issa. the Committee on the Judiciary. 50. Brian P. Bilbray. S. 487. An act to amend the National Organ has been subscribed to in person and 51. Bob Filner. Transplant Act to clarify that kidney paired filed in duplicate with the Clerk of the 52. Duncan Hunter. donations shall not be considered to involve House of Representatives by the fol- 53. Susan A. Davis. the transfer of a human organ for valuable lowing Members of the 110th Congress, COLORADO consideration; to the Committee on Energy pursuant to the provisions of 2 U.S.C. 1. Diana DeGette. and Commerce. 25: S. Con. Res. 12. Concurrent Resolution sup- 2. Mark Udall. porting the goals and ideals of a National ALABAMA 3. John T. Salazar. 4. Marilyn N. Musgrave. Medal of Honor Day to mark the significance 1. Jo Bonner. 5. Doug Lamborn. and importance of the Medal of Honor and to 2. Terry Everett. 6. Thomas G. Tancredo. celebrate and honor the recipients of the 3. Mike Rogers. 7. Ed Perlmutter. Medal of Honor on the anniversary of the 4. Robert B. Aderholt. first award of that medal in 1863; to the Com- 5. Robert E. (Bud) Cramer, Jr. CONNECTICUT mittee on Armed Services. 6. Spencer Bachus. 1. John B. Larson

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:36 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16FE7.125 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1870 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 2. Joe Courtney. 3. Mark E. Souder. 2. Bennie G. Thompson. 3. Rosa L. DeLauro. 4. Steve Buyer. 3. Charles W. ‘‘Chip’’ Pickering. 4. Christopher Shays. 5. Dan Burton. 4. Gene Taylor. 5. Christopher S. Murphy. 6. Mike Pence. MISSOURI 7. Julia Carson. DELAWARE 1. Wm. Lacy Clay. 8. Brad Ellsworth. 2. W. Todd Akin. At Large 9. Baron P. Hill. Michael N. Castle. 3. Russ Carnahan. IOWA 4. Ike Skelton. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 1. Bruce L. Braley. 5. Emanuel Cleaver. Delegate 2. David Loebsack. 6. Sam Graves. Eleanor Holmes Norton. 3. Leonard L. Boswell. 7. Roy Blunt. 4. Tom Latham. 8. Jo Ann Emerson. FLORIDA 5. Steve King. 9. Kenny C. Hulshof. 1. Jeff Miller. 2. Allen Boyd. KANSAS MONTANA 3. Corrine Brown. 1. Jerry Moran. At Large Dennis R. Rehberg. 4. Ander Crenshaw. 2. Nancy E. Boyda. NEBRASKA 3. Dennis Moore. 5. Ginny Brown-Waite. 1. Jeff Fortenberry. 4. Todd Tiahrt. 6. Cliff Stearns. 2. Lee Terry. 7. John L. Mica. KENTUCKY 3. Adrian Smith. 8. Ric Keller. 1. Ed Whitfield. NEVADA 9. Gus M. Bilirakis. 2. Ron Lewis. 1. Shelley Berkley. 10. C. W. Bill Young. 3. John A. Yarmuth. 2. Dean Heller. 11. Kathy Castor. 4. Geoff Davis. 3. Jon C. Porter. 12. Adam H. Putnam. 5. Harold Rogers. 13. Vern Buchanan. 6. Ben Chandler. NEW HAMPSHIRE 14. Connie Mack. LOUISIANA 1. Carol Shea-Porter. 15. Dave Weldon. 2. Paul W. Hodes. 16. Tim Mahoney. 1. Bobby Jindal. NEW JERSEY 17. Kendrick B. Meek. 2. William J. Jefferson. 18. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. 3. Charlie Melancon. 1. Robert E. Andrews. 19. Robert Wexler. 4. Jim McCrery. 2. Frank A. LoBiondo. 20. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. 5. Rodney Alexander. 3. Jim Saxton. 21. Lincoln Diaz-Balart. 6. Richard H. Baker. 4. Christopher H. Smith. 22. Ron Klein. 7. Charles W. Boustany Jr. 5. Scott Garrett. 23. Alcee L. Hastings. MAINE 6. Frank Pallone Jr. 24. Tom Feeney. 1. Thomas H. Allen. 7. Mike Ferguson. 25. Mario Diaz-Balart. 2. Michael H. Michaud. 8. Bill Pascrell Jr. 9. Steven R. Rothman. GEORGIA MARYLAND 10. Donald M. Payne. 1. Jack Kingston. 1. Wayne T. Gilchrest. 11. Rodney P. Frelinghuysen. 2. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. 2. C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger. 12. Rush D. Holt. 3. Lynn A. Westmoreland. 3. John P. Sarbanes. 13. Albio Sires. 4. Henry C. ‘‘Hank’’ Johnson, Jr. 4. Albert Russell Wynn. NEW MEXICO 5. John Lewis. 5. Steny H. Hoyer. 6. Tom Price. 6. Roscoe G. Bartlett. 1. Heather Wilson. 7. John Linder. 7. Elijah E. Cummings. 2. Stevan Pearce. 8. Jim Marshall. 8. Chris Van Hollen. 3. Tom Udall. 9. Nathan Deal. MASSACHUSETTS NEW YORK 10. Charlie Norwood. 1. John W. Olver. 1. Timothy H. Bishop. 11. Phil Gingrey. 2. Richard E. Neal. 2. Steve Israel. 12. John Barrow. 3. James P. McGovern. 3. Peter T. King. 13. David Scott. 4. Barney Frank. 4. Carolyn McCarthy. GUAM 5. Martin T. Meehan. 5. Gary L. Ackerman. Delegate 6. John F. Tierney. 6. Gregory W. Meeks. 7. Joseph Crowley. Madeleine Z. Bordallo. 7. Edward J. Markey. 8. Michael E. Capuano. 8. Jerrold Nadler. HAWAII 9. Stephen F. Lynch. 9. Anthony D. Weiner. 1. Neil Abercrombie. 10. William D. Delahunt. 10. Edolphus Towns. 2. Mazie K. Hirono. MICHIGAN 11. Yvette D. Clarke. 12. Nydia M. Vela´ zquez. IDAHO 1. Bart Stupak. 13. Vito Fossella. 1. Bill Sali. 2. Peter Hoekstra. 14. Carolyn B. Maloney. 2. Michael K. Simpson. 3. Vernon J. Ehlers. 15. Charles B. Rangel. 4. Dave Camp. ILLINOIS 16. Jose´ E. Serrano. 5. Dale E. Kildee. 1. Bobby L. Rush. 17. Eliot L. Engel. 6. Fred Upton. 2. Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. 18. Nita M. Lowey. 7. Timothy Walberg. 3. Daniel Lipinski. 19. John J. Hall. 8. Mike Rogers. 4. Luis V. Gutierrez. 20. Kirsten E. Gillibrand. 9. Joe Knollenberg. 5. Rahm Emanuel. 21. Michael R. McNulty. 10. Candice S. Miller. 6. Peter J. Roskam. 22. Maurice D. Hinchey. 11. Thaddeus G. McCotter. 7. Danny K. Davis. 23. John M. McHugh. 12. Sander M. Levin. 8. Melissa L. Bean. 24. Michael A. Arcuri. 13. Carolyn C. Kilpatrick. 9. Janice D. Schakowsky. 25. James T. Walsh. 14. John Conyers Jr. 10. Mark Steven Kirk. 26. Thomas M. Reynolds. 15. John D. Dingell. 11. Jerry Weller. 27. Brian Higgins. 12. Jerry F. Costello. MINNESOTA 28. Louise McIntosh Slaughter. 13. Judy Biggert. 1. Timothy J. Walz. 29. John R. ‘‘Randy’’ Kuhl Jr. 14. J. Dennis Hastert. 2. John Kline. NORTH CAROLINA 15. Timothy V. Johnson. 3. Jim Ramstad. 1. G. K. Butterfield. 16. Donald A. Manzullo. 4. Betty McCollum. 2. Bob Etheridge. 17. Phil Hare. 5. Keith Ellison. 3. Walter B. Jones. 18. Ray LaHood. 6. Michele Bachmann. 4. David E. Price. 19. John Shimkus. 7. Collin C. Peterson. 5. Virginia Foxx. 8. James L. Oberstar. INDIANA 6. Howard Coble. 1. Peter J. Visclosky. MISSISSIPPI 7. Mike McIntyre. 2. Joe Donnelly. 1. Roger F. Wicker. 8. Robin Hayes.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:24 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.074 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1871 9. Sue Wilkins Myrick. 8. John S. Tanner. Neil Abercrombie, Gary L. Ackerman, Rob- 10. Patrick T. McHenry. 9. Steve Cohen. ert B. Aderholt, W. Todd Akin, Rodney Alex- 11. Heath Shuler. TEXAS ander, Thomas H. Allen, Jason Altmire, Rob- 12. Melvin L. Watt. 1. Louie Gohmert. ert E. Andrews, Michael A. Arcuri, Joe Baca, 13. Brad Miller. 2. Ted Poe. Michele Bachmann, Spencer Bachus, Brian NORTH DAKOTA 3. Sam Johnson. Baird, Richard H. Baker, Tammy Baldwin, J. 4. Ralph M. Hall. Gresham Barrett, John Barrow, Roscoe G. At Large Earl Pomeroy 5. Jeb Hensarling. Bartlett, Joe Barton, Melissa L. Bean, Xa- OHIO 6. Joe Barton. vier Becerra, Shelley Berkley, Howard L. 1. Steve Chabot. 7. John Abney Culberson. Berman, Marion Berry, Judy Biggert, Brian 2. Jean Schmidt. 8. Kevin Brady. P. Bilbray, Gus M. Bilirakis, Rob Bishop, 9. Al Green. 3. Michael R. Turner. 10. Michael T. McCaul. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., Timothy H. Bishop, 4. Jim Jordan. 11. K. Michael Conaway. Marsha Blackburn, Earl Blumenauer, Roy 5. Paul E. Gillmor. 12. Kay Granger. Blunt, John A. Boehner, Jo Bonner, Mary 6. Charles A. Wilson. 13. Mac Thornberry. Bono, John Boozman, Madeleine Z. Bordallo, 7. David L. Hobson. 14. Ron Paul. Dan Boren, Leonard L. Boswell, Rick Bou- 8. John A. Boehner. 15. Rube´n Hinojosa. cher, Charles W. Boustany, Jr., Allen Boyd, 9. Marcy Kaptur. 16. Silvestre Reyes. Nancy E. Boyda, Kevin Brady, Robert A. 10. Dennis J. Kucinich. 17. Chet Edwards. Brady, Bruce L. Braley, Corrine Brown, 11. Stephanie Tubbs Jones. 18. Sheila Jackson-Lee. Henry E. Brown, Jr., Ginny Brown-Waite, 12. Patrick J. Tiberi. 19. Randy Neugebauer. Vern Buchanan, Michael C. Burgess, Dan 20. Charles A. Gonzalez. 13. Betty Sutton. Burton, G. K. Butterfield, Steve Buyer, Ken 21. Lamar S. Smith. 14. Steven C. LaTourette. 22. Nick Lampson. Calvert, Dave Camp, John Campbell, Chris 15. Deborah Pryce. 23. Ciro D. Rodriguez. Cannon, Eric Cantor, Shelley Moore Capito, 16. Ralph Regula. 24. Kenny Marchant. Lois Capps, Michael E. Capuano, Dennis A. 17. Tim Ryan. 25. Lloyd Doggett. Cardoza, Russ Carnahan, Christopher P. Car- 18. Zachary T. Space. 26. Michael C. Burgess. ney, Julia Carson, John R. Carter, Michael OKLAHOMA 27. Solomon P. Ortiz. N. Castle, Kathy Castor, Steve Chabot, Ben 28. Henry Cuellar. Chandler, Donna M. Christensen, Yvette D. 1. John Sullivan. 29. Gene Green. Clarke, Wm. Lacy Clay, Emanuel Cleaver, 2. Dan Boren. 30. Eddie Bernice Johnson. James E. Clyburn, Howard Coble, Steve 3. Frank D. Lucas. 31. John R. Carter. Cohen, Tom Cole, K. Michael Conaway, John 4. Tom Cole. 32. Pete Sessions. Conyers, Jr., Jim Cooper, Jim Costa, Jerry 5. Mary Fallin. UTAH F. Costello, Joe Courtney, Robert E. (Bud) OREGON 1. Rob Bishop. Cramer, Jr., Ander Crenshaw, Joseph Crow- 1. David Wu. 2. Jim Matheson. ley, Barbara Cubin, Henry Cuellar, John 2. Greg Walden. 3. Chris Cannon. Abney Culberson, Elijah E. Cummings, Artur 3. Earl Blumenauer. VERMONT Davis, Danny K. Davis, David Davis, Geoff 4. Peter A. DeFazio. At Large Davis, Jo Ann Davis, Lincoln Davis, Susan 5. Darlene Hooley. Peter Welch. A. Davis, Tom Davis, Nathan Deal, Peter A. DeFazio, Diana DeGette, William D. PENNSYLVANIA VIRGIN ISLANDS Delahunt, Rosa L. DeLauro, Charles W. Dent, 1. Robert A. Brady. Delegate Donna M. Christensen. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Mario Diaz-Balart, Nor- 2. Chaka Fattah. VIRGINIA man D. Dicks, John D. Dingell, Lloyd 3. Phil English. 1. Jo Ann Davis. Doggett, Joe Donnelly, John T. Doolittle, 4. Jason Altmire. 2. Thelma D. Drake. Michael F. Doyle, Thelma D. Drake, David 5. John E. Peterson. 3. Robert C. ‘‘Bobby’’ Scott. Dreier, John J. Duncan, Jr., Chet Edwards, 6. Jim Gerlach. 4. J. Randy Forbes. Vernon J. Ehlers, Keith Ellison, Brad Ells- 7. Joe Sestak. 5. Virgil H. Goode Jr. worth, Rahm Emanuel, Jo Ann Emerson, 8. Patrick J. Murphy. 6. Bob Goodlatte. Eliot L. Engel, Phil English, Anna G. Eshoo, 9. Bill Shuster. 7. Eric Cantor. Bob Etheridge, Terry Everett, Eni F. H. 8. James P. Moran. 10. Christopher P. Carney. Faleomavaega, Mary Fallin, Sam Farr, 9. Rick Boucher. 11. Paul E. Kanjorski. 10. Frank R. Wolf. Chaka Fattah, Tom Feeney, Mike Ferguson, 12. John P. Murtha. 11. Tom Davis. Bob Filner, Jeff Flake, J. Randy Forbes, Jeff 13. Allyson Y. Schwartz. Fortenberry, Luis G. Fortun˜ o, Vito Fossella, WASHINGTON 14. Michael F. Doyle. Virginia Foxx, Barney Frank, Trent Franks, 15. Charles W. Dent. 1. Jay Inslee. Rodney P. Frelinghuysen, Elton Gallegly, 16. Joseph R. Pitts. 2. Rick Larsen. Scott Garrett, Jim Gerlach, Gabrielle Gif- 3. Brian Baird. 17. Tim Holden. 4. Doc Hastings. fords, Wayne T. Gilchrest, Kirsten E. 18. Tim Murphy. 5. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Gillibrand, Paul E. Gillmor, Phil Gingrey, 19. Todd Russell Platts. 6. Norman D. Dicks Louie Gohmert, Charles A. Gonzalez, Virgil PUERTO RICO 7. Jim McDermott. H. Goode, Jr., Bob Goodlatte, Bart Gordon, Kay Granger, Sam Graves, Al Green, Gene Resident 8. David G. Reichert. 9. Adam Smith. Green, Rau´ l M. Grijalva, Luis V. Gutierrez, Commissioner Luis G. Fortun˜ o. WEST VIRGINIA John J. Hall, Ralph M. Hall, Phil Hare, Jane RHODE ISLAND 1. Alan B. Mollohan. Harman, J. Dennis Hastert, Alcee L. 1. Patrick J. Kennedy. 2. Shelley Moore Capito. Hastings, Doc Hastings, Robin Hayes, Dean 2. James R. Langevin. 3. Nick J. Rahall II. Heller, Jeb Hensarling, Wally Herger, Steph- anie Herseth, Brian Higgins, Baron P. Hill, SOUTH CAROLINA WISCONSIN Maurice D. Hinchey, Ruben Hinojosa, Mazie 1. Henry E. Brown Jr. 1. Paul Ryan. 2. Tammy Baldwin. K. Hirono, David L. Hobson, Paul W. Hodes, 2. Joe Wilson. Peter Hoekstra, Tim Holden, Rush D. Holt, 3. J. Gresham Barrett. 3. Ron Kind. 4. Gwen Moore. Michael M. Honda, Darlene Hooley, Steny H. 4. Bob Inglis. 5. F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. Hoyer, Kenny C. Hulshof, Duncan Hunter, 5. John M. Spratt Jr. 6. Thomas E. Petri. Bob Inglis, Jay Inslee, Steve Israel, Darrell 6. James E. Clyburn. 7. David R. Obey. E. Issa, Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., Sheila Jack- SOUTH DAKOTA 8. Steve Kagen. son-Lee, William J. Jefferson, Bobby Jindal, At Large WYOMING Eddie Bernice Johnson, Henry C. ‘‘Hank’’ Johnson, Jr., Sam Johnson, Timothy V. Stephanie Herseth. At Large Barbara Cubin. Johnson, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Walter B. TENNESSEE Jones, Jim Jordan, Steve Kagen, Paul E. 1. David Davis. f Kanjorski, Marcy Kaptur, Ric Keller, Pat- 2. John J. Duncan Jr. OATH FOR ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED rick J. Kennedy, Dale E. Kildee, Carolyn C. 3. Zach Wamp. INFORMATION Kilpatrick, Ron Kind, Peter T. King, Steve 4. Lincoln Davis. King, Jack Kingston, Mark Steven Kirk, Ron 5. Jim Cooper. Under clause 13 of rule XXIII, the fol- Klein, John Kline, Joe Knollenberg, John R. 6. Bart Gordon. lowing Members executed the oath for ‘‘Randy’’ Kuhl, Jr., Ray LaHood, Doug 7. Marsha Blackburn. access to classified information: Lamborn, Nick Lampson, James R.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:04 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.075 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1872 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 Langevin, Tom Lantos, Rick Larsen, John B. Holmes Norton, Charlie Norwood, Devin Shea-Porter, Brad Sherman, John Shimkus, Larson, Tom Latham, Steven C. LaTourette, Nunes, James L. Oberstar, David R. Obey, Heath Shuler, Bill Shuster, Michael K. Simp- Barbara Lee, Sander M. Levin, Jerry Lewis, John W. Olver, Solomon P. Ortiz, Frank son, Albio Sires, Ike Skelton, Louise John Lewis, Ron Lewis, John Linder, Daniel Pallone, Jr., Bill Pascrell, Jr., Ed Pastor, McIntosh Slaughter, Adam Smith, Adrian Lipinski, Frank A. LoBiondo, David Ron Paul, Donald M. Payne, Stevan Pearce, Smith, Christopher H. Smith, Lamar Smith, Loebsack, Zoe Lofgren, Nita M. Lowey, Nancy Pelosi, Mike Pence, Ed Perlmutter, Vic Snyder, Hilda L. Solis, Mark E. Souder, Frank D. Lucas, Daniel E. Lungren, Stephen Collin C. Peterson, John E. Peterson, Thom- Zachary T. Space, John M. Spratt, Jr., Cliff F. Lynch, Carolyn McCarthy, Kevin McCar- as E. Petri, Charles W. ‘‘Chip’’ Pickering, Jo- thy, Michael T. McCaul, Betty McCollum, seph R. Pitts, Todd Russell Platts, Ted Poe, Stearns, Bart Stupak, John Sullivan, Betty Thaddeus G. McCotter, Jim McCrery, James Earl Pomeroy, Jon C. Porter, David E. Price, Sutton, Thomas G. Tancredo, John S. Tan- P. McGovern, Patrick T. McHenry, John M. Tom Price, Deborah Pryce, Adam H. Put- ner, Ellen O. Tauscher, Gene Taylor, Lee McHugh, Mike McIntyre, Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ nam, George Radanovich, Nick J. Rahall II, Terry, Bennie G. Thompson, Mike Thomp- McKeon, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Jerry Jim Ramstad, Charles B. Rangel, Ralph Reg- son, Mac Thornberry, Todd Tiahrt, Patrick McNerney, Michael R. McNulty, Connie ula, Dennis R. Rehberg, David G. Reichert, J. Tiberi, John F. Tierney, Edolphus Towns, Mack, Tim Mahoney, Carolyn B. Maloney, Rick Renzi, Silvestre Reyes, Thomas M. Rey- Michael R. Turner, Mark Udall, Tom Udall, Donald A. Manzullo, Kenny Marchant, Ed- nolds, Ciro D. Rodriguez, Harold Rogers, Fred Upton, Chris Van Hollen, Nydia M. ward J. Markey, Jim Marshall, Jim Mathe- Mike Rogers, Mike Rogers, Dana Rohr- Vela´ zquez, Peter J. Visclosky, Tim Walberg, son, Doris O. Matsui, Martin T. Meehan, abacher, Peter J. Roskam, Ileana Ros- Greg Walden, James T. Walsh, Timothy J. Kendrick B. Meek, Gregory W. Meeks, Char- Lehtinen, Mike Ross, Steven R. Rothman, Walz, Zach Wamp, Debbie Wasserman lie Melancon, John L. Mica, Michael H. Lucille Roybal-Allard, Edward R. Royce, C. Schultz, Maxine Waters, Diane E. Watson, Michaud, Juanita Millender-McDonald, Brad A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Bobby L. Rush, Melvin L. Watt, Henry A. Waxman, Anthony Miller, Candice S. Miller, Gary G. Miller, Paul Ryan, Tim Ryan, John T. Salazar, Bill Jeff Miller, Harry E. Mitchell, Alan B. Mol- Sali, Linda T. Sa´ nchez, Loretta Sanchez, D. Weiner, Peter Welch, Dave Weldon, Jerry lohan, Dennis Moore, Gwen Moore, James P. John P. Sarbanes, Jim Saxton, Janice D. Weller, Lynn A. Westmoreland, Robert Moran, Jerry Moran, Christopher S. Murphy, Schakowsky, Adam B. Schiff, Jean Schmidt, Wexler, Ed Whitfield, Roger F. Wicker, Patrick J. Murphy, Tim Murphy, John P. Allyson Y. Schwartz, David Scott, Robert C. Charles A. Wilson, Heather Wilson, Joe Wil- Murtha, Marilyn N. Musgrave, Sue Wilkins ‘‘Bobby’’ Scott, F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., son, Frank R. Wolf, Lynn C. Woolsey, David Myrick, Jerrold Nadler, Grace F. Napolitano, Jose´ E. Serrano, Pete Sessions, Joe Sestak, Wu, Albert Russell Wynn, John A. Yarmuth, Richard E. Neal, Randy Neugebauer,h Eleanor John B. Shadegg, Christopher Shays, Carol C. W. Bill Young, Don Young EXPENDITURE REPORTS CONCERNING OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL Reports concerning the foreign currencies and U.S. dollars utilized for Speaker-Authorized Official Travel during the second, third and fourth quarters of 2006, pursuant to Public Law 95–384 are as follows: REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, FATHER DANIEL P. COUGHLIN, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 25 AND OCT. 30, 2006

Father Daniel P. Coughlin ...... 10/25 10/30 Italy ...... 987.00 ...... (3) ...... 987.00 Committee total ...... 987.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. FATHER DANIEL P. COUGHLIN, Nov. 10, 2006. REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, MARY ELIZABETH WOODWORTH, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN NOV. 17 AND DEC. 1, 2006

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 Mary Elizabeth Woodworth ...... 11/17 12 /1 Australia ...... 477.00 ...... 10,702.28 ...... 11,179.28 Committee total ...... 477.00 ...... 10,702.28 ...... 11,179.28 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. MARY ELIZABETH WOODWORTH, Dec. 29, 2006. REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, DELEGATION TO NATO PARLIAMENTARIAN ASSEMBLY FALL MEETING IN QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN NOV. 11 AND NOV. 18, 2006

Hon. Paul Gillmor ...... 11 /11 11/15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Hon. John Boozman ...... 11/11 11/15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Hon. Ben Chandler ...... 11/11 11/15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Hon. John Shimkus ...... 11 /11 11/15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Hon. Thomas Tancredo ...... 11/11 11/15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Hon. John Tanner ...... 11 /11 11 /15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Hon. Thomas Udall ...... 11 /11 11/15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Kathy Becker ...... 11 /11 11 /15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Dr. Paul Gallis ...... 11/11 11/18 Canada ...... 3,156.11 ...... 3 799.81 ...... 3,955.92 Susan Olson ...... 11/11 11/18 Canada ...... 3,156.11 ...... 3 799.81 ...... 3,955.92 Marilyn Owen ...... 11/11 11 /18 Canada ...... 3,156.11 ...... 3 799.81 ...... 3,955.92 Patrick Prisco ...... 11/11 11/18 Canada ...... 3,156.11 ...... 3 793.00 ...... 3,949.11 Mark Wellman ...... 11 /11 11/18 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Delegation Expenses: Representational Functions ...... 6,377.62 ...... 6,377.62 Miscellaneous ...... 675.96 ...... 675.96 Committee total ...... 28,855.85 ...... 3,192.43 ...... 7,053.58 ...... 39,101.86 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. PAUL E. GILLMOR, Chairman, Dec. 13, 2006.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 8634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.070 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1873 (AMENDED) REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, DELEGATION TO NATO PARLIAMENTARIAN ASSEMBLY FALL MEETING IN QUEBEC CITY, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN NOV. 11 AND NOV. 18, 2006

Hon. Paul Gillmor ...... 11 /11 11/15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Hon. John Boozman ...... 11/11 11/15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Hon. Ben Chandler ...... 11/11 11/15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 (3) ...... 1,803.49 Hon. John Shimkus ...... 11 /11 11/15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Hon. Thomas Tancredo ...... 11/11 11/15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Hon. John Tanner ...... 11 /11 11 /15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Hon. Thomas Udall ...... 11 /11 11/15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Hon. John Tanner ...... 11 /11 11 /15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Hon. Thomas Udall ...... 11 /11 11/15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Kathy Becker ...... 11 /11 11 /15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Dr. Paul Gallis ...... 11/11 11/18 Canada ...... 3,156.11 ...... 3 799.81 ...... 3,955.92 Susan Olson ...... 11/11 11/18 Canada ...... 3,156.11 ...... 3 799.81 ...... 3,955.92 Marilyn Owen ...... 11/11 11 /18 Canada ...... 3,156.11 ...... 3 799.81 ...... 3,955.92 Patrick Prisco ...... 11/11 11/18 Canada ...... 3,156.11 ...... 3 793.00 ...... 3,949.11 Mark Wellman ...... 11 /11 11/15 Canada ...... 1,803.49 ...... (3) ...... 1,803.49 Delegation Expenses: Representational Functions ...... 6,439.12 ...... 6,439.12 Miscellaneous ...... 675.96 ...... 675.96

Committee total ...... 28,855.85 ...... 3,192.43 ...... 7,115.08 ...... 39,164.36 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. PAUL E. GILLMOR, Chairman, DEC. 29, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, DELEGATION TO URKRAINE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 16 AND OCT. 20, 2006

Rachael Leman ...... 10/16 10/20 Ukraine ...... 1,264.00 ...... 5,127.50 ...... 6,391.50 Thomas Ross ...... 10/16 10/20 Ukraine ...... 1,264.00 ...... 5,127.50 ...... 6,391.50

Committee total ...... 12,783.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. J. DENNIS HASTERT, Chairman, Nov. 9, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, DELEGATION TO MALTA, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN NOV. 17 AND NOV. 21, 2006

Hon. Alcee L. Hastings ...... 11/17 11 /21 Malta ...... 323.96 964.19 ...... 323.96 964.19

Fred L. Turner ...... 11/17 11/21 Malta ...... 323.96 964.19 ...... 323.96 964.19

Committee total ...... 647.92 1,928.38 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. ALCEE L. HASTINGS, Chairman, Nov. 30, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, DELEGATION TO MACEDONIA, KYRGYZSTAN, AFGHANISTAN AND FINLAND, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN NOV. 19 AND NOV. 27

Hon. David Dreier ...... 11/19 11/24 Macedonia ...... 1,158.34 ...... (3) ...... 1,158.34 Hon. David Price ...... 11/19 11/24 Macedonia ...... 1,158.34 ...... (3) ...... 1,158.34 Hon. Earl Pomeroy ...... 11 /19 11/24 Macedonia ...... 1,158.34 ...... (3) ...... 1,158.34 Hon. Lois Capps ...... 11 /19 11 /24 Macedonia ...... 1,158.34 ...... (3) ...... 1,158.34 John Lis ...... 11/19 11/24 Macedonia ...... 992.02 ...... (3) ...... 992.02 Rachael Leman ...... 11/19 11/24 Macedonia ...... 992.02 ...... (3) ...... 992.02 Brad Smith ...... 11 /19 11/24 Macedonia ...... 992.02 ...... (3) ...... 992.02 Thomas Ross ...... 11/19 11/24 Macedonia ...... 999.02 ...... (3) ...... 992.02 Hon. David Dreier ...... 11/24 11/25 Kyrgyzstan ...... 282.75 ...... (3) ...... 282.75 Hon. David Price ...... 11/24 11/25 Kyrgyzstan ...... 282.75 ...... (3) ...... 282.75 Hon. Earl Pomeroy ...... 11 /24 11/25 Kyrgyzstan ...... 282.75 ...... (3) ...... 282.75 Hon. Lois Capps ...... 11 /24 11 /25 Kyrgyzstan ...... 282.75 ...... (3) ...... 282.75 John Lis ...... 11/24 11/25 Kyrgyzstan ...... 282.75 ...... (3) ...... 282.75 Rachael Leman ...... 11/24 11/25 Kyrgyzstan ...... 282.75 ...... (3) ...... 282.75 Brad Smith ...... 11 /24 11/25 Kyrgyzstan ...... 282.75 ...... (3) ...... 282.75 Thomas Ross ...... 11/24 11/25 Kyrgyzstan ...... 282.75 ...... (3) ...... 282.75 Hon. David Dreier ...... 11/25 11/26 Afghanistan ...... 75.00 ...... (3) ...... 75.00 Hon. David Price ...... 11/25 11/26 Afghanistan ...... 75.00 ...... (3) ...... 75.00 Hon. Earl Pomeroy ...... 11 /25 11/26 Afghanistan ...... 75.00 ...... (3) ...... 75.00 Hon. Lois Capps ...... 11 /25 11 /26 Afghanistan ...... 75.00 ...... (3) ...... 75.00 John Lis ...... 11/25 11/26 Afghanistan ...... 75.00 ...... (3) ...... 75.00 Rachael Leman ...... 11/25 11/26 Afghanistan ...... 75.00 ...... (3) ...... 75.00 Brad Smith ...... 11 /25 11/26 Afghanistan ...... 75.00 ...... (3) ...... 75.00 Thomas Ross ...... 11/25 11/26 Afghanistan ...... 75.00 ...... (3) ...... 75.00

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 8634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.088 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1874 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, DELEGATION TO MACEDONIA, KYRGYZSTAN, AFGHANISTAN AND FINLAND, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN NOV. 19 AND NOV. 27—Continued

Hon. David Dreier ...... 11/26 11/27 Finland ...... 511.54 ...... (3) ...... 511.54 Hon. David Price ...... 11/26 11/27 Finland ...... 511.54 ...... (3) ...... 511.54 Hon. Earl Pomeroy ...... 11 /26 11/27 Finland ...... 511.54 ...... (3) ...... 511.54 Hon. Lois Capps ...... 11 /26 11 /27 Finland ...... 511.54 ...... (3) ...... 511.54 John Lis ...... 11/26 11/27 Finland ...... 453.85 ...... (3) ...... 453.85 Rachael Leman ...... 11/26 11/27 Finland ...... 453.85 ...... (3) ...... 453.85 Brad Smith ...... 11 /26 11/27 Finland ...... 453.85 ...... (3) ...... 453.85 Thomas Ross ...... 11/26 11/27 Finland ...... 453.85 ...... (3) ...... 453.85 Committee total ...... 15,325.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. (3) Military air transportation. J. DENNIS HASTERT, Chairman, Dec. 18, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, DELEGATION TO PORTUGAL, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN DEC. 9 AND DEC. 12, 2006

Hon. Devin Nunes ...... 12 /N 12/12 Portugal ...... 953.07 (3) ...... 722.55 euro 953.07 Hon. Jim Costa ...... 12 /9 12 /12 Portugal ...... 953.07 (3) ...... 722.55 euro 953.07 Hon. Dennis Cardoza ...... 12 /9 12 /12 Portugal ...... 953.07 (3) ...... 722.55 euro 953.07 Hon. Maryam Sabbaghian ...... 12/09 12/12 Portugal ...... 953.07 (3) ...... 722.55 euro 953.07 Committee total ...... 3,812.28 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. DEVIN NUNES, Chairman, Jan. 3, 2007.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Janice Helwig ...... 7/1 7/2 Austria ...... Euro 287.00 ...... 287.00 7 /8 8 /14 Austria ...... Euro 10,906.00 ...... 10,906.00 8/14 8/27 United States ...... Dollar ...... 5,820.08 ...... 8/28 9/30 Austria ...... Euro 9,471.00 ...... 9,471.00

Committee total ...... 20,664.00 ...... 20,664.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, Chairman, Oct. 24, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

Janice Helwig ...... 10/15 12/1 Austria ...... Euro 13,489.00 ...... 13,489.00 12/2 12/5 Belgium ...... Euro 738.00 ...... 738.00 ...... Euro 92.00 ...... 92.00 12/6 12/31 Austria ...... Euro 7,221.00 ...... 7,221.00

Committee total ...... 21,448.00 ...... 92.00 ...... 21,540.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, Chairman, Jan. 18, 2007.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total

Name of Member or employee Country U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Arrival Departure Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

Hon. John R. Kuhl ...... 7/30 7/31 Iraq ...... (3) ...... 7/31 8/1 Jordan ...... 289.00 (3) ...... 289.00 8 /1 8 /2 Italy ...... 560.00 (3) ...... 560.00

Committee total ...... 849.00 ...... 849.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. BOB GOODLATTE, Chairman, Oct. 18, 2006.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 8634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.088 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1875 REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

Hon. Mike Conaway ...... 12/15 12/17 Cuba ...... 280.00 (3) ...... 280.00 Dr. John Goldberg ...... 10 /28 11 /3 India ...... 1,269.82 ...... 7,048.70 ...... 8,318.52 Hon. Bob Goodlatte ...... 11/26 11 /28 Brazil ...... 246.00 (3) ...... 246.00 11/28 11/29 Uruguay ...... 116.00 (3) ...... 116.00 11/29 12/3 Argentina ...... 408.00 (3) ...... 408.00 Hon. Collin Peterson ...... 11/26 11 /28 Brazil ...... 246.00 (3) ...... 246.00 11/28 11/29 Uruguay ...... 116.00 (3) ...... 11/29 12/2 Argentina ...... 318.00 ...... 4,178.00 ...... 4,496.00 Hon. Bob Etheridge ...... 11/26 11/28 Brazil ...... 246.00 (3) ...... 246.00 11/28 11/29 Uruguay ...... 116.00 (3) ...... 116.00 11/29 12/3 Argentina ...... 408.00 (3) ...... 408.00 Hon. Frank Lucas ...... 11/26 11 /28 Brazil ...... 246.00 (3) ...... 246.00 11/28 11/29 Uruguay ...... 116.00 (3) ...... 116.00 11/29 12/3 Argentina ...... 408.00 (3) ...... 408.00 Hon. Jerry Moran ...... 11/26 11/28 Brazil ...... 246.00 (3) ...... 246.00 11/28 11/29 Uruguay ...... 116.00 (3) ...... 116.00 11/29 12/3 Argentina ...... 408.00 (3) ...... 408.00 Hon. Mike McIntyre ...... 11/26 11/28 Brazil ...... 246.00 (3) ...... 246.00 11/28 11/29 Uruguay ...... 116.00 (3) ...... 116.00 11/29 12/3 Argentina ...... 408.00 (3) ...... 408.00 Hon. Leonard Boswell ...... 11 /26 11/28 Brazil ...... 246.00 (3) ...... 246.00 11/28 11/29 Uruguay ...... 116.00 (3) ...... 116.00 11/29 12/3 Argentina ...... 408.00 (3) ...... 408.00 Hon. David Scott ...... 11 /26 11/28 Brazil ...... 246.00 (3) ...... 246.00 11/28 11/29 Uruguay ...... 116.00 (3) ...... 116.00 11/29 12/3 Argentina ...... 408.00 (3) ...... 408.00 Hon. Stephanie Herseth ...... 11/26 11/28 Brazil ...... 246.00 (3) ...... 246.00 11/28 11/29 Uruguay ...... 116.00 (3) ...... 116.00 11/29 12/3 Argentina ...... 408.00 (3) ...... 408.00 Kevin Kramp ...... 11/26 11/28 Brazil ...... 246.00 (3) ...... 246.00 11/28 11/29 Uruguay ...... 116.00 (3) ...... 116.00 11/29 12/3 Argentina ...... 408.00 (3) ...... 408.00 Rob Laren ...... 11 /26 11 /28 Brazil ...... 246.00 (3) ...... 246.00 11/28 11/29 Uruguay ...... 116.00 (3) ...... 116.00 11/29 12/3 Argentina ...... 408.00 (3) ...... 408.00 Pam Miller ...... 11/26 11/28 Brazil ...... 246.00 (3) ...... 246.00 11/28 11/29 Uruguay ...... 116.00 (3) ...... 116.00 11/29 12/3 Argentina ...... 408.00 (3) ...... 408.00 Bryan Dierlam ...... 11 /26 11/28 Brazil ...... 246.00 (3) ...... 246.00 11/28 11/29 Uruguay ...... 116.00 (3) ...... 116.00 11/29 12/3 Argentina ...... 408.00 (3) ...... 408.00 Mike Dunlap ...... 11/26 11/28 Brazil ...... 246.00 (3) ...... 246.00 11/28 11/29 Uruguay ...... 116.00 (3) ...... 116.00 11/29 12/3 Argentina ...... 408.00 (3) ...... 408.00 Committee total ...... 12,239.82 ...... 11,226.70 ...... 23,466.52 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. BOB GOODLATTE, Chairman, Jan. 31, 2007.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Frank M. Cushing ...... 7/9 7/13 Italy ...... 1,350.00 ...... 1,350.00 Commercial airfare ...... 6,231.17 ...... 6,231.17 Elizabeth C. Dawson ...... 7/9 7/13 Italy ...... 1,350.00 ...... 1,350.00 Commercial airfare ...... 6,256.17 ...... 6,256.17 Elizabeth A. Phillips ...... 7/10 7/13 Italy ...... 1,083.00 ...... 1,083.00 7/13 7/14 Morocco ...... 239.00 ...... 239.00 7/14 7/18 Egypt ...... 929.00 ...... 929.00 7/18 7/22 Jordan ...... 956.00 ...... 956.00 Commercial airfare ...... 8,700.40 ...... 8,700.40 Carol Murphy ...... 7/9 7/13 Italy ...... 1,286.00 ...... 1,286.00 7/13 7/14 Morocco ...... 239.00 ...... 239.00 7/14 7/18 Egypt ...... 929.00 ...... 929.00 Commercial airfare ...... 7,806.02 ...... 7,806.02 Hon. C.W. Bill Young ...... 7/13 7/15 United Kingdom ...... 669.00 ...... 669.00 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 7/15 7/15 Luxembourg ...... 198.00 ...... 198.00 7/15 7/17 United Kingdom ...... (3) ...... Hon. Henry Bonilla ...... 7 /13 7 /15 United Kingdom ...... 669.00 ...... 669.00 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 7/15 7/15 Luxembourg ...... 198.00 ...... 198.00 7/15 7/17 United Kingdom ...... (3) ...... Hon. John Sweeney ...... 7/13 7/15 United Kingdom ...... 669.00 ...... 669.00 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 7/15 7/15 Luxembourg ...... 198.00 ...... 198.00 7/15 7/17 United Kingdom ...... Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 7/16 7/16 France ...... 283.33 ...... 283.33 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Robert E. ‘‘Bud’’ Cramer ...... 7/13 7/15 United Kingdom ...... 669.00 ...... 669.00 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 7/15 7/15 Luxembourg ...... 198.00 ...... 198.00 7/15 7/17 United Kingdom ...... (3) ...... John Shank ...... 7/13 7/15 United Kingdom ...... 669.00 ...... 669.00 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 7/15 7/15 Luxembourg ...... 198.00 ...... 198.00 7/15 7/17 United Kingdom ...... Douglas Gregory ...... 7/13 7/17 United Kingdom ...... 669.00 ...... 669.00 ...... (3) ...... Gregory Lankler ...... 7/13 7/15 United Kingdom ...... 669.00 ...... 669.00 7/15 7/15 Luxembourg ...... 198.00 ...... 198.00 7/15 7/17 United Kingdom ...... Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 7/16 7/16 France ...... 283.33 ...... 283.33 ...... (3) ...... David Morrison ...... 7/13 7/17 United Kingdom ...... 669.00 ...... 669.00 ...... (3) ...... Delia Scott ...... 7/24 7/27 Colombia ...... 828.00 ...... 828.00 7/27 7/29 Ecuador ...... 412.00 ...... 412.00 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 1,847.42 ...... 1,847.42

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 8634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.088 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1876 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006—Continued

Commercial airfare ...... 1,834.00 ...... 1,834.000 Hon. Harold Rogers ...... 8/12 8/15 Norway ...... 1,300.57 ...... 1,300.57 8/15 8/18 Russia ...... 1,536.00 ...... 1,536.00 8/18 8/21 Sweden ...... 2,122.72 ...... 2,122.72 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 7,359.83 ...... 7,359.83 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Martin Sabo ...... 8/12 8/15 Norway ...... 1,300.57 ...... 1,300.57 8/15 8/18 Russia ...... 1,536.00 ...... 1,536.00 8/18 8/21 Sweden ...... 2,122.72 ...... 2,122.72 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 7,359.83 ...... 7,359.83 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Lucille Roybal-Allard ...... 8/12 8/15 Norway ...... 1,004.53 ...... 1,004.53 8/15 8/18 Russia ...... 1,536.00 ...... 1,536.00 8/18 8/21 Sweden ...... 2,122.72 ...... 2,122.72 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 7,359.83 ...... 7,359.83 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Michael Simpson ...... 8/12 8/15 Norway ...... 1,004.53 ...... 1,004.53 8/15 8/18 Russia ...... 1,536.00 ...... 1,536.00 8/18 8/21 Sweden ...... 2,122.72 ...... 2,122.72 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 7,359.83 ...... 7,359.83 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Ed Pastor ...... 8/12 8/15 Norway ...... 1,004.53 ...... 1,004.53 8/15 8/18 Russia ...... 1,536.00 ...... 1,536.00 8/18 8/21 Sweden ...... 2,122.72 ...... 2,122.72 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 7,359.83 ...... 7,359.83 ...... (3) ...... Hon. John Carter ...... 8/12 8/15 Norway ...... 1,004.53 ...... 1,004.53 8/15 8/18 Russia ...... 1,536.00 ...... 1,536.00 8/18 8/21 Sweden ...... 2,122.72 ...... 2,122.72 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 7,359.83 ...... 7,359.83 ...... (3) ...... Tad Gallion ...... 8/12 8/15 Norway ...... 861.29 ...... 861.29 8/15 8/18 Russia ...... 1,386.00 ...... 1,386.00 8/18 8/21 Sweden ...... 1,863.07 ...... 7,359.83 ...... 7,350.83 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 7,359.83 7,359.83 Ben Nicholson ...... 8 /12 8 /15 Norway ...... 861.29 ...... 861.29 8/15 8/18 Russia ...... 1,386.00 ...... 1,386.00 8/18 8/21 Sweden ...... 1,863.07 ...... 1,863.07 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 7,359.83 ...... 7,359.83 Hon. Maurice D. Hinchey ...... 8/21 8/24 Canada ...... Misc. Expenses ...... 434.11 ...... 434.11 Misc. Travel Expenses ...... 589.56 ...... 589.56 Greg E. Knadle ...... 8/14 8/16 Germany ...... 656.00 ...... 656.00 8/16 8/19 Italy ...... 1,212.00 ...... 1,212.00 Commercial airfare ...... 7,690.00 ...... 7,690.00 Douglas Gregory ...... 8/1 8/20 Hawaii ...... 171.67 ...... 171.67 8 /2 8 /5 Thailand ...... 364.00 ...... 364.00 8 /5 8 /8 Philippines ...... 741.00 ...... 741.00 8 /8 8 /10 Japan ...... 348.00 ...... 348.00 Commercial airfare ...... 8,420.00 ...... 8,420.00 Hon. Don Sherwood ...... 8/6 8/7 Kuwait ...... 812.00 ...... 812.00 8 /8 8 /10 Israel ...... 791.00 ...... 791.00 8/10 8/11 Belgium ...... 400.00 ...... 400.00 Hon. Jim Kolbe ...... 8/24 8/25 Estonia ...... 150.00 ...... 150.00 8/25 8/28 Nepal ...... 300.00 ...... 300.00 8/28 8/30 Bhutan ...... 507.78 ...... 507.78 8/30 8/31 India ...... 276.41 ...... 276.41 9 /1 9 /4 Mongolia ...... 677.67 ...... 677.67 9 /4 9 /4 Finland ...... 422.00 ...... 422.00 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 5,323.19 ...... 5,323.19 Hon. Ander Crenshaw ...... 8/24 8/25 Estonia ...... 150.00 ...... 150.00 8/25 8/28 Nepal ...... 300.00 ...... 300.00 8/28 8/30 Bhutan ...... 531.84 ...... 531.84 8/30 8/31 India ...... 276.41 ...... 276.41 9 /1 9 /4 Mongolia ...... 677.67 ...... 677.67 9 /4 9 /4 Finland ...... 422.00 ...... 422.00 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... 5,323.19 ...... 5,323.19 Craig Higgins ...... 8/24 8/28 Nepal ...... 400.00 ...... 400.00 8/28 8/30 Bhutan ...... 507.77 ...... 507.77 8/30 8/31 India ...... 276.41 ...... 276.41 9 /1 9 /4 Mongolia ...... 677.67 ...... 677.67 9 /4 9 /4 Finland ...... 422.00 ...... 422.00 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... (3) ...... 4,475.63 ...... 4,475.63 Nisha Desai ...... 8/24 8/25 Estonia ...... 150.00 ...... 150.00 8/25 8/28 Nepal ...... 300.00 ...... 300.00 8/28 8/30 Bhutan ...... 507.78 ...... 507.78 8/30 8/31 India ...... 276.41 ...... 276.41 9 /1 9 /4 Mongolia ...... 677.67 ...... 677.67 9 /4 9 /4 Finland ...... 422.00 ...... 422.00 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... (3) ...... 5,323.19 ...... 5,323.19 Rob Blair ...... 8/24 8/25 Estonia ...... 150.00 ...... 150.00 8/25 8/28 Nepal ...... 300.00 ...... 300.00 8/28 8/30 Bhutan ...... 507.77 ...... 507.77 8/30 8/31 India ...... 276.41 ...... 276.41 9 /1 9 /4 Mongolia ...... 677.67 ...... 677.67 9 /4 9 /4 Finland ...... 422.00 ...... 422.00 Misc. Embassy Costs ...... (3) ...... 5,323.19 ...... 5,323.19 Committee total ...... 68,884.31 ...... 47,527.32 ...... 88,683.22 ...... 205,094.85 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. JERRY LEWIS, Chairman, Oct. 31, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

Terry Tyborowski ...... 10/16 10/20 France ...... 1,538.00 ...... 1,538.00

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Commercial airfare & rail transportation ...... 8,505.64 ...... 8,505.64 Paul Terry ...... 10 /15 10/21 Germany ...... 1,600.00 ...... 1,600.00 Commercial airfare ...... 7,084.05 ...... 7,084.05 Kevin Jones ...... 10 /24 10 /26 Qatar ...... 555.32 ...... 555.32 10/26 10/27 Afghanistan ...... 277.66 ...... 277.66 10/27 10/29 Kuwait ...... 1,086.00 ...... 1,086.00 Commercial airfare ...... 8,778.53 ...... 8,778.53 Misc. Transportation Costs ...... 102.00 ...... 102.00 Douglas Disrud ...... 10/24 10/26 Qatar ...... 555.32 ...... 553.32 10/26 10/27 Afghanistan ...... 277.66 ...... 277.66 10/27 10/29 Kuwait ...... 1,086.00 ...... 1,086.00 Commercial airfare ...... 8,778.53 ...... 8.778.53 Misc. Transportation Costs ...... 132.00 ...... 132.00 Joshua Hartman ...... 10/24 10 /26 Qatar ...... 555.32 ...... 555.32 10/26 10/27 Afghanistan ...... 277.66 ...... 277.66 10/27 10/29 Kuwait ...... 1,086.00 ...... 1,086.00 Commercial airfare ...... 8,778.53 ...... 8.778.53 Christine Ryan Kojac ...... 10 /23 10 /25 Austria ...... 674.00 ...... 674.00 10/25 10/29 Belgium ...... 1,600.00 ...... 1,600.00 Commercial airfare ...... 7,207.31 ...... 7,207.31 Misc. Transportation Costs ...... 115.00 ...... 115.00 Elizabeth C. Dawson ...... 10/25 11 /1 Belgium ...... 2,800.00 ...... 2,800.00 Commercial airfare ...... 6,890.12 ...... 6,890.12 Jennifer Miller ...... 10/23 10 /25 Austria ...... 674.00 ...... 674.00 10/25 11/1 Belgium ...... 2,800.00 ...... 2,800.00 Commercial airfare ...... 7,207.31 ...... 7,207.31 Carol Murphy ...... 10 /28 10 /31 Belgium ...... 1,140.96 ...... 1,140.96 10/31 11/4 United Kingdom ...... 900.00 ...... 900.00 Commercial airfare ...... 7,754.28 ...... 7,754.28 Walter Hearne ...... 10/29 10 /31 Belgium ...... 760.44 ...... 760.44 10/31 11/4 United Kingdom ...... 900.00 ...... 900.00 Commercial airfare ...... 7,754.28 ...... 7,754.28 Frank Cushing ...... 10 /28 10/31 Belgium ...... 1,140.96 ...... 1,140.96 10/31 11/4 United Kingdom ...... 900.00 ...... 900.00 Commercial airfare ...... 7,754.28 ...... 7,754.28 Hon. C.W. Bill Young ...... 11/28 12/1 Italy ...... 1,668.82 ...... 1,668.82 12/1 12/3 Austria ...... 1,177.10 ...... 1,177.10 Hon. Kay Granger ...... 11/28 12/1 Italy ...... 1,668.82 ...... (3) ...... 1,668.82 12/1 12/3 Austria ...... 1,177.10 ...... (3) ...... 1,177.10 Douglas Gregory ...... 11/28 12 /1 Italy ...... 1,668.82 ...... 1,668.82 12/1 12/3 Austria ...... 1,177.10 ...... 1,177.10 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Roger F. Wicker ...... 11/26 11/28 Brazil ...... 246.00 ...... 246.00 11/29 11/29 Uruguay ...... 116.00 ...... 116.00 11/29 12/3 Argentina ...... 1,250.00 ...... 1,250.00 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Jo Ann Emerson ...... 12/15 12/17 Cuba ...... 450.00 ...... 450.00 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Mark Steven Kirk ...... 12 /12 12 /15 Kuwait ...... 309.00 ...... 309.00 12/15 12/16 Afghanistan ...... 12/16 12/19 Pakistan ...... 35.00 ...... 35.00 ...... (3) ...... 12/17 12/19 Israel ...... 107.00 ...... 107.00

Committee total ...... 34,236.06 86,841.86 ...... 121,077.92

1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. DAVID R. OBEY, Chairman, Jan. 25, 2007.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS (SURVEYS AND INVESTIGATIONS STAFF), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

HOUSE COMMITTEES Please Note: If there were no expenditures during the calendar quarter noted above, please check the box at right to so indicate and return. ◊

1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. JERRY LEWIS, Chairman.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS (SURVEYS AND INVESTIGATIONS STAFF), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

HOUSE COMMITTEES Please Note: If there were no expenditures during the calendar quarter noted above, please check the box at right to so indicate and return. ◊

1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. JERRY LEWIS, Chairman.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 8634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.088 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1878 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Visit to United Kingdom With CODEL Young, July 13–17, 2006: Hon. Ken Calvert ...... 7 /13 7 /17 United Kingdom ...... 669.00 ...... 669.00 Hon. Neil Abercrombie ...... 7/13 7/17 United Kingdom ...... 669.00 ...... 669.00 Hon. Robin Hayes ...... 7 /13 7 /17 United Kingdom ...... 669.00 ...... 669.00 Visit to Iraq, Kuwait, Belgium, Israel, August 6– 11, 2006: Hon. Jeff Miller ...... 8 /6 8/8 Kuwait ...... 812.00 ...... 812.00 8 /6 8 /7 Iraq ...... 0.00 ...... 8 /8 8 /10 Israel ...... 791.00 ...... 791.00 8/10 8/11 Belgium ...... 400.00 ...... 400.00 Douglas Roach ...... 8/6 8 /8 Kuwait ...... 812.00 ...... 812.00 8 /6 8 /7 Iraq ...... 8 /8 8 /10 Israel ...... 791.00 ...... 791.00 8/10 8/11 Belgium ...... 400.00 ...... 400.00 Visit to Thailand, Japan, August 7–17, 2006: Jeannette James ...... 8/11 8/13 Thailand ...... 464.00 ...... 464.00 8/13 8/14 Guam ...... 8/15 8/17 Japan ...... 800.00 ...... 800.00 Commercial Transportation ...... 9,028.61 ...... 9,028.61 Jenness Simler ...... 8 /11 8 /13 Thailand ...... 464.00 ...... 464.00 8/13 8/14 Guam ...... 8/15 8/17 Japan ...... 800.00 ...... 800.00 Commercial Transportation ...... 9,028.61 ...... 9,028.61 Debra Wada ...... 8/11 8/13 Thailand ...... 464.00 ...... 464.00 8/13 8/14 Guam ...... 8/15 8/17 Japan ...... 800.00 ...... 800.00 Commercial Transportation ...... 9,028.61 ...... 9,028.61 Delegation Expenses ...... 8/11 8/13 Thailand ...... 188.91 ...... 188.91 Visit to Sweden, Denmark, Greece, The Nether- lands With CODEL Duncan, August 16–27, 2006: Hon. Solomon Ortiz ...... 8/17 8/19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... 904.00 8/19 8/22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... 1,149.00 8/22 8/24 Greece ...... 728.00 ...... 728.00 8/24 8/27 The Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... 1,173.00 Visit to United Kingdom, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, August 21–27, 2007: Stephanie Sanok ...... 8/21 8/22 United Kingdom ...... 530.00 ...... 530.00 8/23 8/24 Pakistan ...... 309.00 ...... 309.00 8/24 8/24 Afghanistan ...... 8/24 8/25 Tajikistan ...... Commercial Transportation. 8/25 8/27 Pakistan ...... 618.00 ...... 618.00 ...... 9,469.43 ...... 9,469.43 Regina Burgess ...... 8/21 8/22 United Kingdom ...... 530.00 ...... 530.00 8/23 8/24 Pakistan ...... 309.00 ...... 309.00 8/24 8/24 Afghanistan ...... 8/24 8/25 Tajikistan ...... 8/25 8/27 Pakistan ...... 618.00 ...... 618.00 Commercial Transportation...... 9,469.43 ...... 9,469.43 Delegation Expenses ...... 8/23 8/27 Pakistan ...... 573.74 ...... 573.74 8/24 8/24 Afghanistan ...... Committee total ...... 17,435.65 ...... 46,024.69 ...... 63,460.34 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 3 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. DUNCAN HUNTER, Chairman, Oct. 30, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

Visit to Israel and Jordan, October 8–10, 2006: Roger Zakheim ...... 10/8 10/10 Israel ...... 351.00 ...... 351.00 10/9 10/9 Jordan ...... Visit to Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, the United Kingdom, October 18–28, 2006: Lynn Williams ...... 10/19 10/20 Germany ...... 117.00 ...... 117.00 10/20 10/21 Romania ...... 152.00 ...... 152.00 10/21 10/21 Bulgaria ...... 10/21 10/24 Italy ...... 1,121.00 ...... 1,121.00 10/24 10/26 Germany ...... 334.00 ...... 334.00 10/26 10/28 The United Kingdom ...... 226.00 ...... 226.00 Commercial Transportation ...... 6,666.66 ...... 6,666.66 B. Ryan Vaart ...... 10/19 10 /20 Germany ...... 117.00 ...... 117.00 10/20 10/21 Romania ...... 152.00 ...... 152.00 10/21 10/21 Bulgaria ...... 10/21 10/24 Italy ...... 1,121.00 ...... 1,121.00 10/24 10/26 Germany ...... 334.00 ...... 334.00 10/26 10/28 The United Kingdom ...... 226.00 ...... 226.00 Commercial Transportation ...... 6,666.66 ...... 6,666.66 Visit to Qatar, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq, October 24–30, 2006: Kevin Coughlin ...... 10 /24 10 /26 Qatar ...... 833.00 ...... 883.00 10/26 10/26 Afghanistan ...... 10/27 10/29 Kuwait ...... 1,068.00 ...... 1,068.00 Commercial Transportation ...... 8,778.53 ...... 8,778.53 John Kruse ...... 10/24 10/26 Qatar ...... 833.00 ...... 833.00 10/26 10/26 Afghanistan ...... 10/27 10/29 Kuwait ...... 1,068.00 ...... 1,068.00 Commercial Transportation ...... 8,778.53 ...... 8,778.53 Visit to Italy, Codel Hyde, October 21–28, 2006: Hon. Joel Hefley ...... 10/25 10 /28 Italy ...... 775.00 ...... 775.00 Hon. Madeleine Z. Bordallo ...... 10 /25 10 /28 Italy ...... 775.00 ...... 775.00 Visit to Djibouti, Yemen, Kenya, United Kingdom, October 29–November 4, 2006: Stephanie Sanok ...... 10/30 10/30 United Kingdom ...... 10/31 11/2 Djibouti ...... 782.00 ...... 782.00

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 8634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.088 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1879 REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006— Continued

11/1 11/1 Yemen ...... 11/2 11/3 Kenya ...... 288.00 ...... 288.00 Commercial Transportation ...... 15,085.32 ...... William Natter ...... 10 /30 10 /30 United Kingdom ...... 10/31 11/2 Djibouti ...... 782.00 ...... 782.00 11/1 11/1 Yemen ...... 11/2 11/3 Kenya ...... 288.00 ...... 288.00 Commercial Transportation ...... 11,756.32 ...... 11,756.32 Mark Lewis ...... 10 /30 10 /30 United Kingdom ...... 10/31 11/2 Djibouti ...... 782.00 ...... 782.00 11/1 11/1 Yemen ...... 11/2 11/3 Kenya ...... 288.00 ...... 288.00 Commercial Transportation ...... 12,487.32 ...... 12,487.32 Alexander Kugajevsky ...... 10 /30 10/30 United Kingdom ...... 10/31 11/2 Djibouti ...... 782.00 ...... 782.00 11/1 11/1 Yemen ...... 11/2 11/3 Kenya ...... 288.00 ...... 288.00 Commercial Transportation ...... 12,487.32 ...... 12,487.32 Roger Zakheim ...... 10/30 10/30 United Kingdom ...... 10/31 11/2 Djibouti ...... 782.00 ...... 782.00 11/1 11/1 Yemen ...... 11/2 11/3 Kenya ...... 288.00 ...... 288.00 Commercial Transportation ...... 12,467.32 ...... 12,467.32 Visit to Italy, Austria, Codel Young, November 27– December 3, 2006: Loretta Sanchez ...... 11/28 12/1 Italy ...... 1,668.82 ...... 1,668.82 12/1 12/3 Austria ...... 1,177.10 ...... 1,177.10 Visit to Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, With General Schoomaker, December 21–27, 2006: Hon. Jim Marshall ...... Commercial Transportation ...... 4,211.82 ...... 4,211.82 Visit to Kuwait, Iraq, United Kingdom, December 23–27, 2006: Hon. Michael K. Conaway ...... 12/24 12 /25 Kuwait ...... 406.00 ...... 406.00 12/25 12/26 Iraq ...... 12/26 12/27 United Kingdom ...... 530.00 ...... 530.00 Hon. Ike Skelton ...... 12/24 12/25 Kuwait ...... 406.00 ...... 406.00 12/25 12/26 Iraq ...... 12/26 12/27 United Kingdom ...... 530.00 ...... 530.00 Hon. Robert W. Degrasse ...... 12/24 12/25 Kuwait ...... 406.00 ...... 406.00 12/25 12/26 Iraq ...... 12/26 12/27 United Kingdom ...... 530.00 ...... 530.00 Committee total ...... 20,607.92 ...... 99,385.80 ...... 104,908.40 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. DUNCAN HUNTER, Chairman, Jan. 31, 2007.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Hon. Jo Bonner ...... 7/31 8/1 Jordan ...... 289.00 ...... 289.00 8 /1 8 /2 Italy ...... 560.00 ...... 560.00 Committee total ...... 849.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. JIM NUSSLE, chairman, Oct. 27, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. AND DEC. 31, 2006

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Arrival Departure Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

HOUSE COMMITTEES Please Note: If there were no expenditures during the calendar quarter noted above, please check the box at right to so indicate and return. ◊ 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. JOHN M. SPRATT, Jr., Chairman, Jan. 11, 2007.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Bob Inglis 3 ...... 8/16 8/26 Israel ...... (4) ...... 8/16 8/26 Jordan ...... (4) ...... 8/16 8/26 Iraq ...... (4) ...... 8/16 8/26 Sudan ...... (4) ...... 8/16 8/26 Italy ...... (4) ...... 8/16 8/26 Lebanon ...... (4) ...... 8/16 8/26 Cypress ...... (4) ...... Hon. Ruben Hinojosa 3 ...... 8/16 8/27 Sweden ...... (4) ...... 8/16 8/27 Denmark ...... (4) ......

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8/16 8/27 Greece ...... (4) ...... 8/16 8/27 Albania ...... (4) ...... 8/16 8/27 The Netherlands ...... (4) ...... Susan Ross ...... 7/25 8/06 China ...... 9,270.75 ...... Richard Stombres ...... 7/25 8/06 China ...... 9,270.75 ...... Committee total ...... 18,541.50 ...... 18,541.50 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Waiting for the Department of State to provide detailed expenditure and itinerary reports for each of the countries visited. 4 Military air transportation. HOWARD P. ″BUCK″ McKEON, Chairman, Oct. 31, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Hon. Bob Inglis ...... 8/16 8/26 Israel ...... 492.86 ...... 445.69 ...... Sudan ...... 1,127.09 ...... 1,322.61 ...... 503.02 ...... Italy ...... 902.14 ...... Hon. Ruben Hinojosa ...... 8/16 8/27 Denmark ...... 1,522.33 ...... 558.74 ...... 606.19 ...... Athens ...... 1,066.45 ...... 448.89 ...... The Netherlands ...... 2,097.11 ...... 630.17 ...... 3,032.16 ...... Dublin. Committee total ...... 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

FOR HOUSE COMMITTEES Please Note: If there were no expenditures during the calendar quarter noted above, please check the box at right to so indicate and return. ◊ 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. LIZ HOLLIS, Jan. 22, 2007.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

Kurt Bilas ...... 11 /11 11/17 Kenya ...... 1,728.00 ...... 7,480.57 ...... 9,28.57 Committee total ...... 9,208.57 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. JOE BARTON, Chairman.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Thomas Duncan ...... 7/29 8/6 China ...... 1,955.13 ...... 9,270.75 ...... 11,225.88 Hon. Melvin L. Watt ...... 8/9 8 /11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... (4) ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Phillippines ...... 244.00 ...... (4) ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... (4) ...... 306.00 8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (4) ...... 214.00 Hon. Al Green 3 ...... 8/17 8/19 Israel ...... (4) ...... 8/19 8/20 Jordan ...... (4) ...... 8/20 8/20 Iraq ...... (4) ...... 8/21 8/23 Sudan ...... (4) ...... 8/23 8/24 Cyprus ...... (4) ...... 8/23 8/23 Lebanon ...... (4) ...... 8/24 8/24 Rome ...... (4) ...... 8/24 8/25 London ...... (4) ...... Committee total ...... 12,315.88 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Reimbursed the U.S. Treasury for all per diem.

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REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 25 AND OCT. 30, 2006

Hon. Michael G. Oxley ...... 10/25 10/30 Italy ...... 775.50 ...... (3) ...... 775.50 Committee total ...... 775.50 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. MICHAEL G. OXLEY, Chairman, Dec. 12, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

Hon. Michael G. Oxley ...... 10/25 10/30 Italy ...... 775.50 ...... (3) ...... 775.50 Hon. Maxine Waters ...... 12/09 12/10 Dominican Republic ...... 280.00 ...... (3) ...... 280.00 12/10 12/11 Haiti ...... 285.00 ...... (3) ...... 285.00 Committee total ...... 1,340.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. ———Jan. 30, 2007.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

Hon. Christopher Shays ...... 11/27 11 /29 Turkey ...... 304.00 ...... 7,263.33 ...... 7,567.33 11/29 12/1 Egypt ...... 266.00 ...... 266.00 12/1 12/2 Jordan ...... 289.00 ...... 289.00 Margaret Daum ...... 11 /27 11/29 Turkey ...... 304.00 ...... 6,988.33 ...... 7,292.88 11/29 12/1 Egypt ...... 266.00 ...... 266.00 12/1 12/2 Jordan ...... 289.00 ...... 289.00 Nick Palarino ...... 11 /27 11 /29 Turkey ...... 304.00 ...... 6,988.33 ...... 7,292.33 11/29 12/1 Egypt ...... 266.00 ...... 266.00 12/1 12/2 Jordan ...... 289.00 ...... 289.00 Robert Kelley ...... 11 /27 11 /29 Turkey ...... 304.00 ...... 6,988.33 ...... 7,292.33 11/29 12/1 Egypt ...... 266.00 ...... 266.00 12/1 12/2 Jordan ...... 289.00 ...... 289.00 Committee total ...... 3,436.00 ...... 28,228.32 ...... 31,664.32 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. HENRY A. WAXMAN, Chairman, Jan. 25, 2007.

(AMENDED) REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

Nick Palarino ...... 11 /27 11 /29 Turkey ...... 304.00 ...... 8,331.09 ...... 8,635.09 11/29 12/1 Egypt ...... 266.00 ...... 266.00 12/1 12/2 Jordan ...... 289.00 ...... 289.00 Margaret Daum ...... 11 /27 11/29 Turkey ...... 304.00 ...... 6,988.33 ...... 7,292.33 11/29 12/1 Egypt ...... 266.00 ...... 266.00 12/1 12/2 Jordan ...... 289.00 ...... 289.00 Hon. Christopher Shays ...... 11/27 11 /29 Turkey ...... 304.00 ...... 7,263.33 ...... 7,567.33 11/29 12/1 Egypt ...... 266.00 ...... 266.00 12/1 12/2 Jordan ...... 289.00 ...... 289.00 Robert Kelley ...... 11 /27 11 /29 Turkey ...... 304.00 ...... 6,988.33 ...... 7,292.33 11/29 12/1 Egypt ...... 266.00 ...... 266.00 12/1 12/2 Jordan ...... 289.00 ...... 289.00 Hon. Jon Porter ...... 12 /24 12/25 Kuwait ...... 406.00 ...... 406.00 12/26 12/27 United Kingdom ...... 530.00 ...... 530.00 Committee total ...... 4,372.00 ...... 29,571.08 ...... 33,943.08 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. HENRY A. WAXMAN, Chairman, Jan. 31, 2007.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Hon. Jim Gibbons ...... 7/15 7/16 Canada ...... 311.00 ...... (3) ...... 311.00 Hon. Zoe Lofgren ...... 7/15 7/16 Canada ...... 311.00 ...... 1,408.23

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Commercial airfare ...... 1,097.23 Hon. Donna Christiansen ...... 7 /15 7 /16 Canada ...... 311.00 ...... (3) ...... 311.00 Hon. Rob Simmons ...... 7/15 7/16 Canada ...... 311.00 ...... (3) ...... 311.00 Deron McElroy ...... 7/15 7/16 Canada ...... 311.00 ...... (3) ...... 311.00 Mark Hogsett ...... 7/15 7/16 Canada ...... 311.00 ...... (3) ...... 311.00 Thomas Finan ...... 7/15 7/16 Canada ...... 311.00 ...... (3) ...... 311.00 Committee total ...... 2,177.00 ...... 1,097.23 ...... 3,274.23 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. PETER T. KING, Chairman, Oct. 23, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Lara Almeh ...... 7 /5 7/10 Israel ...... 1,735.00 ...... 8,321.09 ...... 10,056.09 Douglas Anderson ...... 8/9 8/11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 244.00 ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (3) ...... 214.00 Michael Beard ...... 7/2 7/10 Hungary ...... 2,168.00 ...... 5,343.94 ...... 7,511.94 8/21 8/22 United Kingdom ...... 530.00 ...... 530.00 8/22 8/24 Libya ...... 3,550.00 ...... 3,550.00 8/24 8/27 Israel ...... 1,191.00 ...... 1,191.00 8/27 8/31 Hungary ...... 2,168.00 ...... 2,168.00 8/31 9/1 Romania ...... 608.00 ...... 608.00 9 /1 9 /6 Hungary ...... 271.00 ...... 271.00 8/22 9/6 ...... 9,107.89 ...... 4 9,107.89 Carol S. Bevan ...... 9/2 9/4 Netherlands ...... 690.98 ...... 690.98 9 /4 9 /5 Belgium ...... 400.00 ...... 400.00 9 /5 9 /6 Germany ...... 428.00 ...... 428.00 9 /2 9 /6 ...... 7,065.92 ...... 4 7,065.92 Melanie Bixby ...... 8/21 8/22 China ...... 215.13 ...... 215.13 8/22 8/26 Mongolia ...... 382.00 ...... 382.00 8/26 8/31 Morocco ...... 1,020.00 ...... 1,020.00 8/21 8/31 ...... 9,842.10 ...... 4 9,842.10 Ted Brennan ...... 8/5 8 /8 Colombia ...... 660.00 ...... (3) ...... 660.00 8/28 8/30 Spain ...... 740.00 ...... 740.00 8/30 9/2 Portugal ...... 311.22 ...... 311.22 8/28 9/2 ...... 4,017.28 ...... 4 4,017.28 Candace Bryan Abby ...... 8/30 9/2 Portugal ...... 324.00 ...... 6,344.82 ...... 6,668.82 Edward Burrier ...... 8/8 8/14 Israel ...... 2,370.00 ...... 4,629.02 ...... 6,999.02 Hon. Dan Burton ...... 9/22 9/24 Nicaragua ...... 463.00 ...... 1,926.00 ...... 2,389.00 Nicolas Cook ...... 7/7 7/16 Liberia ...... 2,718.00 ...... 9,158.59 ...... 11,876.59 Frank Cotter ...... 8/9 8/11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 244.00 ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (3) ...... 214.00 Janice Cotter ...... 8/9 8 /11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 244.00 ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (3) ...... 214.00 Ted Dagne ...... 7/28 7/29 Kenya ...... 288.00 ...... 288.00 7/29 7/31 Sudan ...... 536.00 ...... 536.00 7/31 8/2 Kenya ...... 576.00 ...... 576.00 8/2 8 /5 Democratic Republic of Congo ...... 1,059.00 ...... 1,059.00 8 /5 8 /9 Ethiopia ...... 1,132.00 ...... 4 9,606.62 7/28 8/9 ...... 9,606.62 ...... Phaedra Dugan ...... 8/8 8/13 Philippines ...... 1,359.00 ...... 6,787.00 ...... 8,146.00 Hon. Eni Faleomavaega ...... 7 /29 8 /4 French Polynesia ...... 1,000.00 ...... 5,200.31 ...... 6,200.31 8 /9 8 /11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 244.00 ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (3) ...... 214.00 9/18 9/19 Tonga ...... 125.00 ...... 125.00 9/19 9/20 Western Samoa ...... 260.75 ...... 260.75 9/18 9/20 ...... 5,212.69 ...... 4 5,212.69 Jim Farr ...... 8/9 8/11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 244.00 ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (3) ...... 214.00 9/26 9/27 Italy ...... 464.00 ...... 6,368.82 ...... 6,832.82 Hon. Jeff Flake ...... 8/9 8/11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 244.00 ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (3) ...... 214.00 Barton Forsyth ...... 8/5 8/6 United Arab Emirates ...... 594.10 ...... 594.10 8 /6 8 /9 Afghanistan ...... 0 ...... 0 8 /9 8 /11 Saudi Arabia ...... 266.75 ...... 266.75 8 /5 8 /11 ...... 7,378.03 ...... 4 7,378.03 8/19 8/20 Thailand ...... 119.50 ...... 119.50 8/20 8/23 Bhutan ...... 438.00 ...... 438.00 8/23 8/26 Nepal ...... 471.00 ...... 471.00 8/19 8/26 ...... 7,378.03 ...... 4 7,378.03 Hon. Elton Gallegly ...... 8/13 8/16 Ireland ...... 1,446.00 ...... 1,446.00 8/16 8/18 United Kingdom ...... 807.99 ...... 807.99 8/18 8/23 Ireland ...... 1,356.00 ...... 1,356.00 8/13 8/23 ...... 6,586.55 ...... 4 6,586.55 Kristen Gilley ...... 8/25 8/26 Cyprus ...... 327.00 ...... 327.00 8/26 8/28 Israel ...... 694.00 ...... 694.00 8/25 8/28 ...... 5,791.20 ...... 4 5,791.20 Dennis Halpin ...... 7 /28 7 /30 South Korea ...... 620.00 ...... 4,963.30 ...... 5,583.30 8 /9 8 /11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 244.00 ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00

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8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (3) ...... 214.00 Hon. Henry Hyde ...... 8/9 8/11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 244.00 ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (3) ...... 214.00 Jonathan Katz ...... 7 /25 7 /27 Israel ...... 788.00 ...... 4,628.25 ...... 5,416.25 David Killion ...... 8 /19 8 /20 Thailand ...... 182.00 ...... 182.00 8/20 8/23 Bhutan ...... 438.00 ...... 438.00 8/23 8/26 Nepal ...... 471.00 ...... 471.00 8/19 8/26 ...... 8,552.37 ...... 4 8,552.37 Kay King ...... 8/9 8 /11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 81.00 ...... 81.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (3) ...... 214.00 Robert King ...... 8/9 8/11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 244.00 ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (3) ...... 214.00 Sheila Klein ...... 8/9 8/11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 244.00 ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (3) ...... 214.00 Hon. Thomas Lantos ...... 7/2 7/10 Hungary ...... 2,168.00 ...... 5,343.94 ...... 7,511.94 8/21 8/22 United Kingdom ...... 530.00 ...... 530.00 8/22 8/24 Libya ...... 3,550.00 ...... 3,550.00 8/24 8/27 Israel ...... 1,191.00 ...... 1,191.00 8/27 8/31 Hungary ...... 2,168.00 ...... 5 753.22 ...... 2,921.22 8/31 9/1 Romania ...... 608.00 ...... 608.00 9 /1 9 /6 Hungary ...... 217.00 ...... 217.00 8/21 9/6 ...... 9,107.89 ...... 4 9,107.89 Robert Lawrence ...... 7/8 7/12 Liberia ...... 1,208.00 ...... 6,162.70 ...... 7,370.70 8/14 8/18 Colombia ...... 904.00 ...... 1,785.00 ...... 2,689.00 9/11 9/15 Haiti ...... 1,140.00 ...... 1,173.00 ...... 2,313.00 Hon. Barbara Lee ...... 8/13 8/15 Canada ...... 358.39 ...... 361.17 ...... 5 995.00 ...... 1,714.56 John Lis ...... 7/8 7 /12 Liberia ...... 1,208.00 ...... 6,162.70 ...... 7,370.70 8/14 8/18 Colombia ...... 904.00 ...... 1,785.00 ...... 2,689.00 9/11 9/13 Haiti ...... 570.00 ...... 1,173.00 ...... 1,743.00 Noelle Lusane ...... 7/28 7/29 Kenya ...... 288.00 ...... 288.00 7/29 7/31 Sudan ...... 536.00 ...... 536.00 7/31 8/2 Kenya ...... 576.00 ...... 576.00 8/2 8 /3 Democratic Republic of Congo ...... 353.00 ...... 353.00 7/28 8/3 ...... 8,884.62 ...... 4 8,884.62 Pearl-Alice Marsh ...... 8/20 8/22 South Africa ...... 409.00 ...... 409.00 8/22 8/25 Zimbabwe ...... 775.00 ...... 775.00 8/20 8/25 ...... 10,454.44 ...... 4 10,454.44 Greg McCarthy ...... 8/8 8 /13 Philippines ...... 762.00 ...... 762.00 8/13 8/14 Japan ...... 696.00 ...... 696.00 8 /8 8 /14 ...... 8,230.55 ...... 4 8,230.55 Ryan McCarthy ...... 8/5 8 /6 United Arab Emirates ...... 617.25 ...... 617.25 8 /6 8 /9 Afghanistan ...... 8 /9 8 /11 Saudi Arabia ...... 266.75 ...... 266.75 8 /5 8 /11 ...... 7,378.03 ...... 4 7,378.03 John Mackey ...... 7/3 7/8 Colombia ...... 1,380.00 ...... 2,074.00 ...... 3,454.00 8 /5 8 /10 Colombia ...... 2,421.65 ...... 980.42 ...... 3,402.07 8/28 8/30 Spain ...... 790.00 ...... 790.00 8/30 9/2 Portugal ...... 423.00 ...... 423.00 8/28 9/2 ...... 5,513.28 ...... 4 5,513.28 Alan Makovsky ...... 8/21 8/24 Libya ...... 3,050.00 ...... 3,050.00 8/24 8/30 Israel ...... 2,382.00 ...... 2,382.00 8/30 9/2 Egypt ...... 3,415.12 ...... 3,415.12 8/21 9/2 ...... 8,171.08 ...... 4 8,171.08 Hon. Gregory Meeks ...... 8/5 8 /8 Colombia ...... 960.00 ...... (3) ...... 960.00 Richard Mereu ...... 7/3 7/6 Serbia ...... 1,020.00 ...... 5,762.01 ...... 6,782.01 Francis Miko ...... 8/14 8/18 Colombia ...... 904.00 ...... 1,949.00 ...... 2,853.00 9/11 9/15 Haiti ...... 1,140.00 ...... 1,173.00 ...... 2,313.00 Thomas Mooney ...... 8/9 8/11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 244.00 ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (3) ...... 214.00 Carol Mitchell ...... 7/2 7/4 Lebanon ...... 417.50 ...... 457.45 ...... 874.95 Paul Oostburg-Sanz ...... 8/21 8/22 China ...... 210.00 ...... 210.00 8/22 8/26 Mongolia ...... 395.00 ...... 395.00 8/26 8/31 Morocco ...... 1,018.00 ...... 1,018.00 8/21 8/22 ...... 9,842.10 ...... 4 9,842.10 Hon. Donald Payne ...... 7 /28 7 /29 Kenya ...... 288.00 ...... 5 174.78 ...... 462.78 7/29 7/31 Sudan ...... 536.00 ...... 536.00 7/31 8/2 Kenya ...... 576.00 ...... 576.00 8/2 8 /5 Democratic Republic of Congo ...... 1,059.00 ...... 1,059.00 8 /5 8 /9 Ethiopia ...... 1,132.00 ...... 1,132.00 7/28 8/9 ...... 10.009.62 ...... 4 10,009.62 Hon. Ted Poe ...... 9 /2 9/4 Netherlands ...... 690.98 ...... 690.98 9 /4 9 /5 Belgium ...... 400.00 ...... 400.00 9 /5 9 /6 Germany ...... 428.00 ...... 428.00 9 /2 9 /6 ...... 7,334.42 ...... 4 7,334.42 Patrick Prisco ...... 9/26 9/27 Italy ...... 464.00 ...... 6,368.82 ...... 6,832.82 Nuzhat Rahman ...... 9/17 9/20 Afghanistan ...... 138.50 ...... 400.00 ...... 538.50 Robin Roizman ...... 8/14 8/18 Colombia ...... 753.00 ...... 1,321.00 ...... 2,074.00 Hon. Edward Royce ...... 8/8 8/14 Israel ...... 2,370.00 ...... 4,628.25 ...... 6,998.25 Sue Schiesser ...... 8/9 8/11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 244.00 ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (3) ...... 214.00 Doug Seay ...... 8/9 8/11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 244.00 ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (3) ...... 214.00 Gregory Simpkins ...... 8/22 8/22 United Kingdom ...... 310.38 ...... 310.38 8/23 8/25 Zimbabwe ...... 462.00 ...... 462.00 8/22 8/25 ...... 9,936.10 ...... 4 9,936.10 9/22 9/24 Kuwait ...... 792.00 ...... 6,420.19 ...... 7,212.19 Thomas Sheehy ...... 8/8 8 /14 Israel ...... 2,370.00 ...... 4,629.02 ...... 6,999.02 Paula Sheil ...... 8/13 8/16 Ireland ...... 883.51 ...... 883.51 8/16 8/18 United Kingdom ...... 986.00 ...... 986.00 8/18 8/23 Ireland ...... 1,356.00 ...... 1,356.00 8/13 8/23 ...... 6,586.55 ...... 4 6,586.55

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Hon. Christopher Smith ...... 9/22 9/24 Kuwait ...... 792.00 ...... 6,420.19 ...... 7,212.19 Ismail Soliman ...... 7/2 7 /4 Lebanon ...... 562.25 ...... 501.40 ...... 1,063.65 Theodore Van Der Meid ...... 8/9 8/11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 244.00 ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 3,532.12 ...... 3,838.12 Connie Veillette ...... 8 /14 8 /18 Colombia ...... 904.00 ...... 1,785.00 ...... 2,689.00 9/11 9/15 Haiti ...... 1,140.00 ...... 1,173.00 ...... 2,313.00 Mark Walker ...... 8/5 8 /8 Colombia ...... 960.00 ...... (3) ...... 960.00 9/22 9/24 Nicaragua ...... 463.00 ...... 1,462.00 ...... 1,925.00 Brian Wanko ...... 8/5 8 /8 Colombia ...... 960.00 ...... (3) ...... 960.00 9/22 9/24 Nicaragua ...... 462.00 ...... 1,462.00 ...... 1,924.00 Todd Washam ...... 8/19 8/20 Thailand ...... 119.50 ...... 119.50 8/20 8/23 Bhutan ...... 438.00 ...... 438.00 8/23 8/26 Nepal ...... 471.00 ...... 471.00 8/19 8/26 ...... 8,572.37 ...... 4 8,572.37 Lynne Weil ...... 8/21 8/22 China ...... 208.00 ...... 208.00 8/22 8/26 Mongolia ...... 392.00 ...... 392.00 8/26 8/31 Morocco ...... 1,028.00 ...... 1,028.00 8/21 8/31 ...... 9,698.26 ...... 4 9,698.26 Hillel Weinberg ...... 7/30 8/6 China ...... 2,032.37 ...... 9,250.79 ...... 11,283.16 Hon. Robert Wexler ...... 7/25 7/27 Israel ...... 788.00 ...... 4,628.25 ...... 5,416.25 8 /1 8 /2 Singapore ...... 482.55 ...... 482.55 8 /2 8 /6 Indonesia ...... 979.00 ...... 4 4,046.52 ...... 5,025.52 8 /1 8 /6 ...... 6,743.06 ...... 6,743.06 Judy Wolverton ...... 8/9 8 /11 South Korea ...... 326.00 ...... 326.00 8/11 8/13 Philippines ...... 244.00 ...... 244.00 8/13 8/14 Singapore ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 8/15 8/17 Fiji ...... 214.00 ...... (3) ...... 214.00 Peter Yeo ...... 8/20 8/21 Thailand ...... 182.00 ...... 182.00 8/21 8/23 Bhutan ...... 292.00 ...... 292.00 8/23 8/26 Nepal ...... 471.00 ...... 471.00 8/20 8/26 ...... 8,652.37 ...... 4 8,652.37 Committee total ...... 137,719.22 ...... 359,806.88 ...... 5 5,969.52 ...... 503,495.62 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. 4 Round trip airfare. 5 Delegation costs. HENRY HYDE, Chairman, Oct. 31, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN SEPT. 30 AND DEC. 31, 2006

Lara Alameh ...... 11/24 11/25 United Arab Emirates ...... 432.50 ...... 432.50 11/25 11/28 Afghanistan ...... 225.00 ...... 225.00 11/28 11/29 United Arab Emirates ...... 432.50 ...... 432.50 11/24 11/29 ...... 8,145.94 ...... 4 8,145.94 Douglas Anderson ...... 10/17 10 /19 Thailand ...... 436.00 ...... 436.00 10/19 10/20 Laos ...... 64.00 ...... 64.00 10/20 10/22 Thailand ...... 436.00 ...... 436.00 10/17 10/22 ...... 6,448.00 ...... 4 6,448.00 Michael Beard ...... 11/30 12 /3 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... 1,149.00 12/3 12/4 The Netherlands ...... 402.00 ...... 402.00 ...... 6,766.49 ...... 4 6,766.49 Frank Cotter ...... 10/25 10 /30 Italy ...... 775.50 ...... (3) ...... 775.50 Janice Cotter ...... 10/25 10/30 Italy ...... 775.50 ...... (3) ...... 775.50 Hon. William D. Delahunt ...... 12/15 12 /17 Cuba ...... 450.00 ...... (3) ...... 450.00 Hon. Eliot L. Engel ...... 12/9 12/10 Dominican Republic ...... 280.00 ...... (3) ...... 280.00 12/10 12/11 Haiti ...... 285.00 ...... (3) ...... 5 5,427.63 ...... 5,712.63 James Farr ...... 10/25 10 /30 Italy ...... 775.50 ...... (3) ...... 775.50 Hon. Jeff Flake ...... 12/15 12 /17 Cuba ...... 450.00 ...... (3) ...... 450.00 Bart Forsyth ...... 11 /27 12 /1 Switzerland ...... 1,476.00 ...... 6,370.34 ...... 7,846.34 Hon. Jeff Fortenberry ...... 11/9 11/13 France ...... 1,036.57 ...... 1,637.84 ...... 2,674.41 Kirsti Garlock ...... 12 /15 12/17 Cuba ...... 450.00 ...... (3) ...... 450.00 Kirsten Gilley ...... 10/17 10/19 Thailand ...... 436.00 ...... 5 329.35 ...... 765.35 10/19 10/20 Laos ...... 64.00 ...... 64.00 10/20 10/22 Cambodia ...... 411.00 ...... 411.00 10/22 10/23 Thailand ...... 218.00 ...... 218.00 10/17 10/23 ...... 6,824.66 ...... 4 6,824.66 Yevgeny Gurevich ...... 11 /10 11 /11 Kazakhstan ...... 265.00 ...... 265.00 11/12 11/14 Kyrgyzstan ...... 649.00 ...... 649.00 11/14 11/16 Kazakhstan ...... 1,332.00 ...... 1,332.00 11/10 11/16 ...... 9,131.05 ...... 4 9,131.05 Hon. Henry Hyde ...... 10 /25 10 /30 Italy ...... 775.50 ...... (3) ...... 775.50 Jonathan Katz ...... 11 /29 12/1 Italy ...... 1,447.00 ...... 5,838.56 ...... 7,285.56 David Killion ...... 11 /27 12/1 Switzerland ...... 1,476.00 ...... 7,083.80 ...... 8,559.80 Julie Kim ...... 11/20 11/23 Macedonia ...... 225.00 ...... 225.00 11/23 11/24 Kosovo ...... 107.00 ...... 107.00 11/20 11/24 ...... 6,234.16 ...... 4 6,234.16 Sheila Klein ...... 10/25 10 /30 Italy ...... 775.50 ...... (3) ...... 775.50 Hon. Tom Lantos ...... 11/30 12/3 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... 5 2,063.41 ...... 3,212.41 12/3 12/4 The Netherlands ...... 402.00 ...... 402.00 11/30 12/4 ...... 6,766.49 ...... 6,766.49 Robert Lawrence ...... 10/16 10 /20 Ukraine ...... 2,043.72 ...... 5,147.50 ...... 7,191.22 Hon. Barbara Lee ...... 12/9 12/10 Dominican Republic ...... 280.00 ...... (3) ...... 280.00 12/10 12/11 Haiti ...... 285.00 ...... (3) ...... 285.00 John Lis ...... 10/16 10/20 Ukraine ...... 2,043.72 ...... 5,147.50 ...... 7,191.22 Greg McCarthy ...... 11/7 11/8 Germany ...... 374.00 ...... 374.00 11/8 11/11 France ...... 542.00 ...... 542.00 11/7 11/11 ...... 8,119.76 ...... 4 8,119.76 James McCormick ...... 10 /17 10/19 Thailand ...... 436.00 ...... 436.00 10/19 10/20 Laos ...... 64.00 ...... 64.00 10/20 10/22 Cambodia ...... 411.00 ...... 411.00 10/22 10/23 Thailand ...... 218.00 ...... 218.00 10/17 10/23 ...... 6,872.66 ...... 4 6,872.66

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John Mackey ...... 10 /26 10 /29 Russia ...... 1,284.67 ...... 1,284.67 10/29 11/3 United Kingdom ...... 865.00 ...... 865.00 10/26 11/3 Round Trip Airfare ...... 7,700.12 ...... 7,700.12 12/15 12/19 Paraguay, Brazil ...... 485.00 ...... 485.00 12/19 12/20 Argentina ...... 220.00 ...... 220.00 12/20 12/21 Uruguay ...... 171.00 ...... 171.00 12/15 12/21 ...... 7,895.31 ...... 4 7,895.31 Alan Makovsky ...... 11 /18 11 /19 Switzerland ...... 369.00 ...... 7,295.53 ...... 7,664.53 Hon. Betty McCollum ...... 12/21 12/29 Laos ...... 1,141.00 ...... 1,141.00 12/29 12/30 Thailand ...... 268.00 ...... 268.00 12/21 12/30 ...... 4,513.00 ...... 4 4,513.00 Hon. Gregory W. Meeks ...... 12 /15 12 /17 Cuba ...... 450.00 ...... (3) ...... 450.00 Paul Oostburg Sanz ...... 12 /15 12 /17 Cuba ...... 350.00 ...... (3) ...... 350.00 Hon. Donald M. Payne ...... 12/9 12/10 Dominican Republic ...... 280.00 ...... (3) ...... 280.00 12/10 12/11 Haiti ...... 285.00 ...... 285.00 Hon. Ted Poe ...... 12 /18 12/19 Belgium ...... 556.00 ...... 556.00 12/19 12/20 Denmark ...... 1,253.00 ...... 1,253.00 12/20 12/22 The Netherlands ...... 775.00 ...... 775.00 12/18 12/22 ...... 6,374.74 ...... 4 6,374.74 Patrick Prisco ...... 10/25 10/28 Italy ...... 775.50 ...... (3) ...... 775.50 James Ritchette ...... 10 /25 10/28 China ...... 996.00 ...... 10,831.38 ...... 11,827.38 Sue Schiesser ...... 10 /25 10 /30 Italy ...... 775.50 ...... (3) ...... 775.50 Doug Seay ...... 10 /25 10 /30 Italy ...... 775.50 ...... (3) ...... 775.50 Hon. Adam Smith ...... 10 /1 10 /5 Peru ...... 1,152.00 ...... 3,816.00 ...... 4,968.00 Cliff Stammerman ...... 12/15 12/17 Cuba ...... 450.00 ...... (3) ...... 450.00 12/9 12/10 Dominican Republic ...... 280.00 ...... (3) ...... 280.00 12/10 12/11 Haiti ...... 285.00 ...... (3) ...... 285.00 Jason Steinbaum ...... 12 /9 12 /10 Dominican Republic ...... 280.00 ...... (3) ...... 280.00 12/10 12/11 Haiti ...... 285.00 ...... (3) ...... 285.00 Mark Walker ...... 12/15 12/19 Paraguay, Brazil ...... 485.00 ...... 5 4,894.00 ...... 5,379.00 12/19 12/20 Argentina ...... 220.00 ...... 220.00 12/20 12/21 Uruguay ...... 171.00 ...... 171.00 12/15 12/21 ...... 7,895.31 ...... 4 7,895.31 Brian Wanko ...... 12/9 12/10 Dominican Republic ...... 280.00 ...... (3) ...... 280.00 12/10 12/11 Haiti ...... 285.00 ...... (3) ...... 285.00 12/15 12/19 Paraguay, Brazil ...... 485.00 ...... 485.00 12/19 12/20 Argentina ...... 220.00 ...... 220.00 12/20 12/21 Uruguay ...... 171.00 ...... 171.00 12/15 12/21 ...... 7,895.31 ...... 4 7,895.31 Hon. Diane E. Watson ...... 10/25 10/30 Italy ...... 775.50 ...... (3) ...... 775.50 11/26 11/28 Egypt ...... 556.00 ...... 556.00 11/28 12/29 South Africa ...... 1,346.63 ...... 1,346.63 11/26 12/9 ...... 9,520.78 ...... 4 9,520.78 Hillel Weinberg ...... 10/10 10/14 China ...... 1,088.00 ...... 1,088.00 10/14 10/19 India ...... 1,680.00 ...... 1,680.00 10/10 10/19 ...... 9,780.56 ...... 4 9,780.56 10/24 10/26 Germany ...... 556.00 ...... 4,653.45 ...... 5 1,350.00 ...... 6,559.45 10/26 10/30 Italy ...... 465.00 ...... (3) ...... 465.00 11/17 11/19 Switzerland ...... 538.00 ...... 6,358.30 ...... 6,896.30 Hon. Robert Wexler ...... 11 /29 11 /30 Italy ...... 887.00 ...... 5,838.78 ...... 6,725.78 Judy Wolverton ...... 10/25 10/30 Italy ...... 775.50 ...... (3) ...... 775.50

Committee total ...... 52,552.31 ...... 196,903.32 ...... 14,064.39 ...... 263,520.02

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total

U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

Caroline G. Lynch ...... 8 /28 8 /30 Spain ...... 790.00 ...... 4,017.28 ...... 4,807.28 8/30 9/2 Portugal ...... 399.00 ...... 399.00 Returned currency ...... –418.24

Committee total ...... 4,788.04

1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, Jr., Chairman, Sept. 30, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND JAN. 1, 2007

HOUSE COMMITTEES Please Note: If there were no expenditures during the calendar quarter noted above, please check the box at right to so indicate and return.◊

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REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Todd Willens ...... 07/3 07/12 Peru ...... 1,040.00 ...... 8,918.00 ...... 9,958.00 Committee total ...... 1,040.00 ...... 8,918.00 ...... 9,958.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. RICHARD POMBO, Chairman, Oct. 23, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total

Name of Member or employee Country U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

HOUSE COMMITTEES Please Note: If there were no expenditures during the calendar quarter noted above, please check the box at right to so indicate and return. G7x 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. NICK J. RAHALL, Chairman, Jan. 26, 2007.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON RULES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Hon. Phil Gingrey ...... 8/12 8/15 Norway ...... 1,004.53 ...... (3) ...... 2,629.38 ...... 3,633.91 8/15 8/18 Russia ...... 1,536.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,865.44 ...... 3,401.44 8/18 8/21 Sweden ...... 2,122.72 ...... (3) ...... 2,865.01 ...... 4,987.73 Hon. Tom Cole ...... 7/31 08/1 Jordan ...... 289.00 ...... (3) ...... 289.00 08/1 8/2 Italy ...... 560.00 ...... (3) ...... 560.00 Christopher Caron ...... 7/31 8/1 Jordan ...... 289.00 ...... (3) ...... 289.00 8 /1 8 /2 Italy ...... 560.00 ...... (3) ...... 560.00 Eileen Harley ...... 7/31 8/1 Jordan ...... 289.00 ...... (3) ...... 289.00 8 /1 8 /2 Italy ...... 560.00 ...... (3) ...... 560.00 Committee total ...... 7,210.25 ...... 7,359.83 ...... 14,570.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. DAVID DREIER, Chairman, Oct. 26, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON RULES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Arrival Departure Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

Hon. James P. McGovern ...... 12 /15 12/17 Cuba ...... 450.00 ...... (3) ...... 450.00 Committee total ...... 450.00 ...... 450.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. DAVID DREIER, Chairman, Jan. 31, 2007.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Hon. Daniel Lipinski ...... 8/17 8/19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... (3) ...... 904.00 8/19 8/22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,149.00 8/22 8/24 Greece ...... 728.00 ...... (3) ...... 728.00 8/24 8/26 Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,173.00 Hon. Brian Baird ...... 8/24 8/25 Estonia ...... 150.00 ...... (3) ...... 150.00 8/25 8/28 Nepal ...... 300.00 ...... (3) ...... 300.00 8/28 8/30 Bhutan ...... 200.00 ...... (3) ...... 200.00 8/30 8/31 India ...... 100.00 ...... (3) ...... 100.00 9 /1 9 /4 Mongolia ...... 300.00 ...... (3) ...... 300.00

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 8634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.088 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1887 REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006—Continued

9 /4 9 /4 Finland ...... 200.00 ...... (3) ...... 200.00

Committee total ...... 5,204.00 ...... 5,204.00

1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Furnished by Department of Defense. BRIAN BAIRD, Chairman, Oct. 19, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

Hon. Sherwood Boehler ...... 10 /25 10/31 Italy ...... 775.50 (3) ...... 775.50 Hon. Lincoln Davis ...... Cuba ...... 400.00 (3) ...... 400.00 Hon. Lynn Woolsey ...... 12/8 12/10 Dominican Republic ...... 337.74 (3) ...... 12/10 12/11 Haiti ...... (3) ...... 337.74

Committee total ...... 1,513.24 ...... 1,513.24

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN API. 1 AND JUNE 30, 2006

Matthew Szymanski ...... 4/9 4 /21 China ...... 3,066.00 ...... 10,154.63 ...... 3 370.67 ...... 13,591.30 Sean Deverey ...... 4/9 4 /15 China ...... 1,492.000 ...... 7,248.70 ...... 8,740.70 Rich Beutel ...... 4/9 4/15 China ...... 1,492.00 ...... 7,228.70 ...... 8,720.70 Matthew Szymanski ...... 5/27 6/1 Egypt ...... 1,445.00 ...... 3,280.55 ...... 3 371.00 ...... 4,725.50 6 /1 6 /4 Jordan ...... 819.00 ...... 819.00 Sean Deverey ...... 5/27 6/1 Egypt ...... 1,445.00 ...... 3,280.55 ...... 3 371.00 ...... 4,725.00 6 /1 6 /4 Jordan ...... 819.00 ...... 819.00 Rich Beutel ...... 5/29 6/3 China ...... 1,773.00 ...... 7,233.74 ...... 9,006.70

Committee total ...... 51,148.54

1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Amount returned. DONALD A. MANZULLO, Chairman, Oct. 11, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

J. Matthew Szymanski ...... 8/7 8/7 Kenya ...... 245.00 ...... 245.00 8 /7 8 /10 Tanzania ...... 847.60 ...... 847.60 8/10 8/14 South Africa ...... 1,066.00 ...... 1,066.00 8/15 8/16 Morocco ...... 577.50 ...... 577.50 Brian Jaskot ...... 8/7 8 /7 Kenya ...... 245.00 ...... 245.00 8 /7 8 /10 Tanzania ...... 847.60 ...... 847.60 8/10 8/14 South Africa ...... 1,066.00 ...... 1,066.00 8/15 8/16 Morocco ...... 577.50 ...... 577.50 Sean Deverey ...... 8/7 8 /7 Kenya ...... 245.00 ...... 245.00 8 /7 8 /10 Tanzania ...... 847.60 ...... 847.60 8/10 8/15 South Africa ...... 1,332.00 ...... 1,332.00 Per diem return for group ...... 8 /15 Morocco ...... 1,569.75 J. Matthew Szymanski (Airfare Total) ...... 19,794.17 ...... 19,794.17 Brian Jaskot (Airfare Total) ...... 19,794.17 ...... 19,794.17 Sean Deverey (Airfare Total) ...... 17,663.76 ...... 17,663.76 Richard Beutel ...... 7/30 8/5 China ...... 929.00 ...... 9,270.75 ...... 10,199.75 Sean Deverey ...... 7/30 8/5 China ...... 1,092.00 ...... 9,270.75 ...... 10,362.75 Brian Jaskot ...... 7/30 8/5 China ...... 1,092.00 ...... 9,270.75 ...... 10,362.75 Chris Szymanski ...... 7/30 8/5 China ...... 1,092.00 ...... 9,270.75 ...... 10,362.75 Matthew Szymanski ...... 7/30 8/5 China ...... 1,092.00 ...... 9,270.75 ...... 10,362.75 Per diem returned for group ...... 1,285.59 ...... 1,285.59 Hon. Nydia Velazquez ...... 8/17 8/19 Sweden ...... 904.00 (4) ...... 904.00 8/19 8/22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 (4) ...... 1,149.00 8/22 8/24 Greece ...... 728.00 (4) ...... 728.00 8/24 8/27 Netherlands 3 ...... 1,173.00 (4) ...... 1,173.00

Committee total ...... 117,898.31

1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 One night in The Hague/second in Amsterdam. 4 Military air transportation. DONALD A. MANZULLA, Chairman, Oct. 26, 2006.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 8634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.088 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1888 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

Rich Beutel ...... 11 /11 11 /15 China ...... 6,908.42 ...... 1,152.00 ...... 8,060.42 Brian Jaskot ...... 11/11 11/15 China ...... 6,908.42 ...... 1,152.00 ...... 8,060.42 Chris Szymanski ...... 11/11 11/14 China ...... 6,908.42 ...... 865.00 ...... 7,773.42 Matthew Szymanski ...... 11/11 11/14 China ...... 8,825.42 ...... 865.00 ...... 9,690.42 Total return per diem $1,176.24. Hon. Steve King ...... 7,737.03 ...... 9,027.03 Sean Deverey ...... 7,737.03 ...... 9,027.03 11/23 11/24 Germany ...... 848.00 ...... 11/24 11/24 Kuwait ...... 812.00 ...... 11/25 11/25 Iraq ...... 11/26 11/26 Qatar ...... 11/27 11/27 Afghanistan ...... 150 ...... 11/28 11/28 United Arab Emirates ...... 770 ...... Returned 630.00 ...... Committee total ...... 51,638.74 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. DONALD A. MANZULLO, Chairman, Jan. 2, 2007.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS OF OFFICIAL CONDUCT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS OF OFFICIAL CONDUCT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Hon. John Kuhl ...... 8/1 8/2 Iraq ...... 165.00 ...... (3) ...... 165.00 8 /2 8 /3 Jordan ...... 289.00 ...... (3) ...... 289.00 8 /3 8 /4 Italy ...... 560.00 ...... (3) ...... 560.00 Hon. John Duncan ...... 8/17 8/19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... (3) ...... 904.00 Hon. Jerry Costello ...... 8 /17 8 /19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... (3) ...... 904.00 Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson ...... 8/17 8/19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... (3) ...... 904.00 Hon. Spencer Bachus ...... 8 /17 8 /19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... (3) ...... 904.00 Hon. Bob Filner ...... 8 /17 8 /19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... (3) ...... 904.00 Hon. Henry Brown ...... 8/17 8/19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... (3) ...... 904.00 Hon. Bill Shuster ...... 8/17 8/19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... (3) ...... 904.00 Fraser Verrusio ...... 8/17 8/19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... (3) ...... 904.00 Jimmy Miller ...... 8 /17 8 /19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... (3) ...... 904.00 John Anderson ...... 8/17 8/19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... (3) ...... 904.00 Jim Coon ...... 8/17 8/19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... (3) ...... 904.00 Stacie Soumbeniotis ...... 8/17 8/19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... (3) ...... 904.00 Jennifer Esposito ...... 8/17 8/19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... (3) ...... 904.00 Hon. John Duncan ...... 8/19 8/22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,149.00 Hon. Jerry Costello ...... 8 /19 8 /22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,149.00 Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson ...... 8/19 8/22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,149.00 Hon. Spencer Bachus ...... 8 /19 8 /22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,149.00 Hon. Bob Filner ...... 8 /19 8 /22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,149.00 Hon. Henry Brown ...... 8/19 8/22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,149.00 Hon. Bill Shuster ...... 8/19 8/22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,149.00 Fraser Verrusio ...... 8/19 8/22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,149.00 Jimmy Miller ...... 8 /19 8 /22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,149.00 John Anderson ...... 8/19 8/22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,149.00 Jim Coon ...... 8/19 8/22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,149.00 Stacie Soumbeniotis ...... 8/19 8/22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,149.00 Jennifer Esposito ...... 8/19 8/22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,149.00 Hon. John Duncan ...... 8/17 8/19 Denmark ...... 728.00 ...... (3) ...... 728.00 Hon. Jerry Costello ...... 8 /17 8 /19 Greece ...... 728.00 ...... (3) ...... 728.00 Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson ...... 8/17 8/19 Greece ...... 728.00 ...... (3) ...... 728.00 Hon. Spencer Bachus ...... 8 /17 8 /19 Greece ...... 728.00 ...... (3) ...... 728.00 Hon. Bob Filner ...... 8 /17 8 /19 Greece ...... 728.00 ...... (3) ...... 728.00 Hon. Henry Brown ...... 8/17 8/19 Greece ...... 728.00 ...... (3) ...... 728.00 Hon. Bill Shuster ...... 8/17 8/19 Greece ...... 728.00 ...... (3) ...... 728.00 Fraser Verrusio ...... 8/17 8/19 Greece ...... 728.00 ...... (3) ...... 728.00 Jimmy Miller ...... 8 /17 8 /19 Greece ...... 728.00 ...... (3) ...... 728.00

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:24 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 8634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.088 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1889 REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006—Continued

John Anderson ...... 8/17 8/19 Greece ...... 728.00 ...... (3) ...... 728.00 Jim Coon ...... 8/17 8/19 Greece ...... 728.00 ...... (3) ...... 728.00 Stacie Soumbeniotis ...... 8/17 8/19 Greece ...... 728.00 ...... (3) ...... 728.00 Jennifer Esposito ...... 8/17 8/19 Greece ...... 728.00 ...... (3) ...... 728.00 Hon. John Duncan ...... 8/19 8/22 Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,173.00 Hon. Jerry Costello ...... 8 /19 8 /22 Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,173.00 Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson ...... 8/19 8/22 Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,173.00 Hon. Spencer Bachus ...... 8 /19 8 /22 Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,173.00 Hon. Bob Filner ...... 8 /19 8 /22 Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,173.00 Hon. Henry Brown ...... 8/19 8/22 Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,173.00 Hon. Bill Shuster ...... 8/19 8/22 Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,173.00 Fraser Verrusio ...... 8/19 8/22 Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,173.00 Jimmy Miller ...... 8 /19 8 /22 Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,173.00 John Anderson ...... 8/19 8/22 Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,173.00 Jim Coon ...... 8/19 8/22 Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,173.00 Stacie Soumbeniotis ...... 8/19 8/22 Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,173.00 Jennifer Esposito ...... 8/19 8/22 Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... (3) ...... 1,173.00 Hon. Charles Boustany ...... 9 /1 9/3 Cyprus ...... 640.00 ...... 640.00 9 /3 9 /4 Israel ...... 397.00 ...... 397.00 9 /4 9 /5 Germany ...... 328.00 ...... 328.00 Committee total ...... 53,781.00 ...... 53,781.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. DON YOUNG, Chairman, Oct. 20, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

Hon. Jerry Moran ...... 12/15 12/17 Cuba ...... 450.00 ...... (3) ...... 450.00 Committee total ...... 450.00 ...... 450.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. DON YOUNG, Chairman, Jan. 31, 2007.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Devon Siebert ...... 8/15 8/19 Germany & Luxembourg ...... 984.00 ...... 984.00 Mike Brinck ...... 8/15 8/19 Germany & Luxembourg ...... 984.00 ...... 984.00 Geoffrey Collver ...... 8/15 8/19 Germany & Luxembourg ...... 984.00 ...... 984.00 Hon. Cliff Stearns ...... 8/17 8/19 Sweden ...... 904.00 ...... 904.00 8/19 8/22 Denmark ...... 1,149.00 ...... 1,149.00 8/22 8/24 Greece ...... 728.00 ...... 728.00 8/24 8/27 Netherlands ...... 1,173.00 ...... 1,173.00 Hon. Steve Buyer ...... 8/14 United States ...... 4.80 ...... 4.80 8/15 8/16 Kuwait ...... 265.39 ...... 265.39 8/16 8/16 Iraq ...... 8/16 8/17 Kuwait ...... 265.39 ...... 265.39 8/17 8/17 Iraq ...... 8/17 8/19 Germany ...... 138.93 ...... 138.93 8/19 ...... United States ...... 4.80 ...... 4.80 Hon. John Boozman ...... 8/14 United States ...... 4.80 ...... 4.80 8/15 8/16 Kuwait ...... 265.39 ...... 265.39 8/16 8/16 Iraq ...... 8/16 8/17 Kuwait ...... 265.39 ...... 265.39 8/17 8/17 Iraq ...... 8/17 8/19 Germany ...... 138.93 ...... 138.93 8/19 ...... United States ...... 4.80 ...... 4.80 Hon. John Salazar ...... 8 /14 United States ...... 4.80 ...... 4.80 8/15 8/16 Kuwait ...... 265.39 ...... 265.39 8/16 8/16 Iraq ...... 8/16 8/17 Kuwait ...... 265.39 ...... 265.39 8/17 8/17 Iraq ...... 8/17 8/19 Germany ...... 138.93 ...... 138.93 8/19 ...... United States ...... 4.80 ...... 4.80 Kelly Craven ...... 8 /14 United States ...... 4.80 ...... 4.80 8/15 8/16 Kuwait ...... 265.39 ...... 265.39 8/16 8/16 Iraq ...... 8/16 8/17 Kuwait ...... 265.39 ...... 265.39 8/17 8/17 Iraq ...... 8/17 8/19 Germany ...... 138.93 ...... 138.93 8/19 ...... United States ...... 4.80 ...... 4.80 Jeffrey Phillips ...... 8/14 United States ...... 4.80 ...... 4.80 8/15 8/16 Kuwait ...... 265.39 ...... 265.39 8/16 8/16 Iraq ...... 8/16 8/17 Kuwait ...... 265.39 ...... 10.32 ...... 275.71 8/17 8/17 Iraq ...... 8/17 8/19 Germany ...... 149.15 ...... 149.15 8/19 ...... United States ...... 4.80 ...... 4.80 Jeffery Weekly ...... 8/14 United States ...... 4.80 ...... 4.80 8/15 8/16 Kuwait ...... 265.39 ...... 265.39 8/16 8/16 Iraq ...... 8/16 8/17 Kuwait ...... 265.39 ...... 265.39 8/17 8/17 Iraq ......

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8/17 8/19 Germany ...... 136.35 ...... 136.35 8/19 ...... United States ...... 4.80 ...... 4.80 Committee total ...... 10,989.50 ...... 10.32 ...... 10,999.82 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. STEVE BUYER, Chairman, Oct. 25, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 13 AND AUG. 11, 2006

Hon. Earl Pomeroy ...... 7 /14 7 /15 Kuwait ...... 406.00 ...... 406.00 7/15 7/16 Baghdad 7/16 7/17 Bosnia ...... 220.00 ...... 220.00 Hon. Nancy Johnson ...... 8 /6 8/8 Kuwait ...... 812.00 ...... 812.00 8 /7 8 /7 Qatar 8 /8 8 /10 Israel ...... 791.00 ...... 791.00 8/10 8/11 Belgium ...... 400.00 ...... 400.00 Hon. Clay Shaw ...... 8 /6 8/8 Kuwait ...... 812.00 ...... 812.00 8 /7 8 /7 Qatar 8 /8 8 /10 Israel ...... 791.00 ...... 791.00 8/10 8/11 Belgium ...... 400.00 ...... 400.00 Committee total ...... 4,632.00 ...... 4,632.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. BILL THOMAS, Chairman, Oct. 20, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006

Frederick Flietz ...... 7/3 7/5 Europe ...... 1,060.00 ...... 7 /5 7 /8 Europe ...... 1,011.00 ...... 9,350.00 ...... Commercial arcraft ...... 7,688.06 ...... Larry Hanauer ...... 7/3 7 /5 Europe ...... 1,060.00 ...... 7 /5 7 /8 Europe ...... 1,011.00 ...... Commercial arcraft ...... 7,688.06 ...... Riley Perdue ...... 7 /4 7/6 Middle East ...... 578.00 ...... 7 /6 7 /8 Europe ...... 329.16 ...... Commercial arcraft ...... 7,600.42 ...... Donald Stone ...... 7/4 7/6 Middle East ...... 578.00 ...... 7 /6 7 /8 Europe ...... 329.16 ...... Commercial arcraft ...... 7,620.42 ...... Brian Morrison ...... 7/4 7 /6 Middle East ...... 578.00 ...... 7 /6 7 /8 Europe ...... 329.16 ...... Commercial arcraft ...... 7,620.42 ...... Michael Meermans ...... 8/5 8/12 Australia ...... 1,376.25 ...... Commercial arcraft ...... 10,917.06 ...... Christopher Donesa ...... 8/5 8/12 Australia ...... 1,376.25 ...... Commercial arcraft ...... 10,917.06 ...... Hon. Darrell Issa ...... 8 /8 8/9 Africa ...... 556.00 ...... 8/10 8/11 Middle East ...... 234.00 ...... 8/11 8/12 Europe ...... 938.00 ...... Commercial arcraft ...... 7,452.09 ...... James Lewis ...... 8/8 8/9 Africa ...... 556.00 ...... 8/10 8/11 Middle East ...... 234.00 ...... 8/11 8/12 Europe ...... 938.00 ...... Commercial arcraft ...... 7,452.09 ...... George Pappas ...... 8/20 8/21 Middle East ...... 950.00 ...... 8/25 8/26 Middle East ...... 8/22 8/23 Middle East ...... 909.20 ...... 8/24 8/25 Middle East ...... 283.00 ...... Commercial Aircraft ...... 8,726.65 ...... David Abruzzino ...... 8/20 8/21 Middle East ...... 950.00 ...... 8/25 8/26 Middle East ...... 8/22 8/23 Middle East ...... 909.20 ...... 8/24 8/25 Middle East ...... 283.00 ...... Commercial Aircraft ...... 8,726.65 ...... Hon. Michael Rogers ...... 9/1 9/3 Middle East ...... 618.00 ...... Commercial Aircraft ...... 8,459.84 ...... Hon. Michael Ennis ...... 9 /1 9/3 Middle East ...... 618.00 ......

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 8634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.088 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1891 REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 2006—Continued

Commercial Aircraft ...... 8,689.14 ...... Hon. Peter Hockstra ...... 7 /22 7 /24 Middle East ...... 772.00 ...... 7/24 7/25 Europe ...... 223.00 ...... (3) ...... James Lewis ...... 7/22 7/24 Middle East ...... 772.00 ...... 7/24 7/25 Europe ...... 223.00 ...... (3) ...... Committee total ...... 128,576.28 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. PETER HOEKSTRA, Chairman, Oct. 26, 2006.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 2006

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON Federal Building and United States Court- ETC. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS house’’ (Rept. 110–19). Referred to the House Calendar. Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of committees were delivered to the Clerk Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- communications were taken from the tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 399. A bill to Speaker’s table and referred as follows: for printing and reference to the proper calendar, as follows: designate the United States Courthouse to 612. A letter from the Chief, Publications Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- be constructed in Jackson, Mississippi, as and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 700. A bill to the ‘‘R. Jess Brown United States Court- Service, transmitting the Service’s final rule amend the Federal Water Pollution Control house’’ (Rept. 110–20). Referred to the House — Examination of returns and claims for re- Act to extend the pilot program for alter- Calendar. fund, credit, or abatement; determination of native water source projects (Rept. 110–15). Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- correct tax liability (Rev. Proc. 2007-13) — re- Referred to the Committee of the Whole ceived December 21,2006, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 430. A bill to House on the State of the Union. designate the United States bankruptcy 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Ways and Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- courthouse located at 271 Cadman Plaza Means. tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 569. A bill to East, Brooklyn, New York, as the ‘‘Conrad 613. A letter from the Chief, Publications amend the Federal Water Pollution Control and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Act to authorize appropriations for sewer Duberstein United States Bankruptcy Court- Service, transmitting the Service’s final rule overflow control grants; with an amendment house’’; with amendments (Rept. 110–21). Re- — In-Service Benefits Permitted to be Pro- (Rept. 110–16). Referred to the Committee of ferred to the House Calendar. vided at Age 62 by a Pension Plan [Notice the Whole House on the State of the Union. Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- 2007-8] — received December 27, 2006, pursu- Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 429. A bill to tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 584. A bill to ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee designate the United States courthouse lo- on Ways and Means. designate the headquarters building of the Department of Education in Washington, DC, cated at 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, 614. A letter from the Chief, Publications as the Lyndon Baines Johnson Federal New York, as the ‘‘Hugh L. Carey United and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Building; with amendments (Rept. 110–17). States Courthouse’’ (Rept. 110–22). Referred Service, transmitting the Service’s final rule Referred to the House Calendar. to the House Calendar. — Weighted Average Interest Rates Update Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California: Com- [Notice 2006-111] received January 3, 2007, tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 544. A bill to pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- mittee on Education and Labor. H.R. 800. A designate the United States courthouse at bill to amend the National Labor Relations mittee on Ways and Means. South Federal Place in Santa Fe, New Mex- Act to establish an efficient system to en- 615. A letter from the Chief, Publications ico, as the ‘‘Santiago E. Campos United able employees to form, join, or assist labor and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue States Courthouse’’ (Rept. 110–18). Referred Service, transmitting the Service’s final rule to the House Calendar. organizations, to provide for mandatory in- — Cash Balance and Other Hybrid Defined Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transpor- junctions for unfair labor practices during Benefit Pension Plans [Notice 2007-6] re- tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 478. A bill to organizing efforts, and for other purposes; ceived January 3, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. designate the Federal building and United with an amendment (Rept. 110–23). Referred 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Ways and States courthouse located at 101 Barr Street to the Committee of the Whole House on the Means. in Lexington, Kentucky, as the ‘‘Scott Reed State of the Union.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:24 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE7.088 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1892 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive cipient of the Purple Heart medal; to the Under clause 2 of rule XII, public and Kidney Diseases and the Centers for Dis- Committee on the Judiciary. ease Control and Prevention with respect to By Mr. KIRK (for himself, Mr. MATHE- bills and resolutions were introduced inflammatory bowel disease, and for other SON, Mrs. BIGGERT, Ms. GRANGER, Mr. and severally referred, as follows: purposes; to the Committee on Energy and ROGERS of Michigan, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. By Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia (for Commerce. FOSSELLA, Mr. KUHL of New York, himself, Mr. HOYER, Mr. PORTER, Mr. By Mr. YOUNG of Alaska: Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. WOLF, Mr. DAVIS of Illi- H.R. 1114. A bill to require the Secretary of MARCHANT, Mr. MCKEON, Mr. GER- nois, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mrs. JO ANN the Interior, acting through the Bureau of LACH, and Mr. ROSKAM): DAVIS of Virginia, Mr. MORAN of Vir- Reclamation and the United States Geologi- H.R. 1120. A bill to amend the Communica- ginia, Mr. COBLE, Ms. NORTON, Mr. cal Survey, to conduct a study on ground- tions Act of 1934 to require recipients of uni- WYNN, Mr. CANTOR, Mr. CAMP of water resources in the State of Alaska, and versal service support for schools and librar- Michigan, Mr. STARK, Mr. RAMSTAD, for other purposes; to the Committee on Nat- ies to protect minors from commercial social Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. SAM JOHN- ural Resources. networking websites and chat rooms; to the SON of Texas, Mr. BECERRA, Mr. By Mr. LATHAM (for himself, Mr. KING Committee on Energy and Commerce. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Mrs. JONES of Iowa, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. BRALEY of By Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina: of Ohio, Mr. WELLER, Mr. THOMPSON Iowa, Mr. LOEBSACK, and Mr. H.R. 1121. A bill to amend the Balanced of California, Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky, SAXTON): Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act Mr. EMANUEL, Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin, H.R. 1115. A bill to amend section 1477 of of 1985 to extend the discretionary spending Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. MEEK of Florida, title 10, United States Code, to provide addi- limits through fiscal year 2012, to extend and Ms. SCHWARTZ): tional options regarding the designation of paygo for direct spending, and for other pur- H.R. 1110. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- the person to receive the death gratuity paid poses; to the Committee on the Budget, and enue Code of 1986 to allow Federal civilian with respect to a member of the Armed in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a and military retirees to pay health insurance Forces who dies without a surviving spouse, period to be subsequently determined by the premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a but who is survived by a minor child; to the Speaker, in each case for consideration of deduction for TRICARE supplemental pre- Committee on Armed Services. such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- miums; to the Committee on Ways and By Mrs. MUSGRAVE: tion of the committee concerned. Means, and in addition to the Committees on H.R. 1116. A bill to require that the pay- By Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina: Oversight and Government Reform, and ment rate used to make any direct payments H.R. 1122. A bill to amend the Congres- Armed Services, for a period to be subse- with respect to wheat for the 2008 through sional Budget Act of 1974 to simplify annual quently determined by the Speaker, in each 2012 crop years be $1.20 per bushel; to the concurrent resolutions on the budget and to case for consideration of such provisions as Committee on Agriculture. budget for emergencies; to the Committee on fall within the jurisdiction of the committee By Mr. ALLEN (for himself, Mr. COHEN, the Budget, and in addition to the Com- concerned. Mr. HONDA, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. mittee on Rules, for a period to be subse- By Mr. WAXMAN (for himself, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. STARK, Ms. BERKLEY, quently determined by the Speaker, in each ABERCROMBIE, Mr. ALLEN, Mrs. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Ms. case for consideration of such provisions as CAPPS, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Mr. CLAY, CORRINE BROWN of Florida, and Mr. fall within the jurisdiction of the committee Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, WELCH of Vermont): Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Mr. H.R. 1117. A bill to repeal title II of the concerned. GRIJALVA, Ms. HARMAN, Mr. HIGGINS, REAL ID Act of 2005, to reinstitute section By Mr. RAHALL (for himself and Mr. Mr. HINCHEY, Ms. MATSUI, Ms. 7212 of the Intelligence Reform and Ter- BOUCHER): MCCOLLUM of Minnesota, Mr. rorism Prevention Act of 2004, which pro- H.R. 1123. A bill to amend the Black Lung MCDERMOTT, Mr. MCNULTY, Mr. MEEK vides States additional regulatory flexibility Benefits Act, and for other purposes; to the of Florida, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. OLVER, and funding authorization to more rapidly Committee on Education and Labor. Mr. ORTIZ, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. RANGEL, produce tamper- and counterfeit-resistant By Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia (for Mr. REYES, Mr. ROTHMAN, Ms. ROY- driver’s licenses and to protect privacy and himself, Ms. NORTON, and Mr. DAVIS BAL-ALLARD, Mr. RUSH, Ms. civil liberties by providing interested stake- of Illinois): SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. SERRANO, Ms. holders on a negotiated rulemaking with H.R. 1124. A bill to extend the District of SOLIS, Mr. STARK, Mr. THOMPSON of guidance to achieve improved 21st century Columbia College Access Act of 1999; to the Mississippi, Mr. TIERNEY, Mr. TOWNS, licenses to improve national security; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Ms. WOOLSEY, and Mr. WYNN): Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H.R. 1111. A bill to amend titles XIX and Reform, and in addition to the Committee on By Mr. HAYES (for himself, Mr. MICA, XXI of the Social Security Act to ensure the Judiciary, for a period to be subse- Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Mr. that every uninsured child in America has quently determined by the Speaker, in each CRAMER, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. health insurance coverage, and for other pur- case for consideration of such provisions as MCCOTTER, Mr. CUELLAR, Mr. MCIN- poses; to the Committee on Energy and Com- fall within the jurisdiction of the committee TYRE, Mr. MCCAUL of Texas, Ms. CAR- merce, and in addition to the Committees on concerned. SON, and Mr. WATT): Ways and Means, and Education and Labor, By Mr. KELLER (for himself, Mr. H.R. 1125. A bill to modify the age-60 re- for a period to be subsequently determined tirement standard for certain pilots and, for by the Speaker, in each case for consider- SMITH of Texas, and Mr. FORBES): H.R. 1118. A bill to amend the Controlled other purposes; to the Committee on Trans- ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- Substances Act to enhance criminal pen- portation and Infrastructure. risdiction of the committee concerned. alties for drug trafficking offenses relating By Mr. LIPINSKI (for himself and Mr. By Mr. REYNOLDS (for himself, Mr. to distribution of heroin, marihuana, and EHLERS): HERGER, Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas, methamphetamine and distribution to and H.R. 1126. A bill to reauthorize the Steel Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Mr. use of children, and for other purposes; to and Aluminum Energy Conservation and WELLER, Mr. CANTOR, Mr. LINDER, the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addi- Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988; to Mr. TIBERI, Mr. KING of New York, tion to the Committee on Energy and Com- the Committee on Science and Technology. Mr. WALSH of New York, Mr. merce, for a period to be subsequently deter- By Mr. KNOLLENBERG: MCHUGH, Mr. FOSSELLA, Mr. KUHL of H.R. 1127. A bill to amend the Tariff Act of New York, Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. ROYCE, mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- 1930 to allow United States manufacturers Mr. HUNTER, Mr. WESTMORELAND, Mr. sideration of such provisions as fall within that use products subject to countervailing LOBIONDO, Mr. CULBERSON, Mrs. the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. or antidumping duty proceedings or use do- BLACKBURN, Mr. TERRY, Mr. LINCOLN By Mrs. DAVIS of California (for her- mestic like products to participate in those DIAZ-BALART of Florida, Mr. WALDEN self, Ms. FOXX, Mr. BLUNT, Mrs. proceedings as interested parties, and for of Oregon, Mrs. CAPITO, Mrs. DRAKE, JONES of Ohio, Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. other purposes; to the Committee on Ways Mrs. BONO, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. CROWLEY, Ms. CORRINE BROWN of and Means. GOHMERT, Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN, Mr. Florida, Mr. TANCREDO, Ms. KAPTUR, By Mr. MCDERMOTT (for himself and NEUGEBAUER, Mr. GARRETT of New Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. BER- Mr. FILNER): Jersey, Mr. WALBERG, Mrs. BIGGERT, MAN, Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, and Mr. FORTENBERRY, Mr. BUYER, Mr. H.R. 1128. A bill to direct the Secretary of Mr. BILIRAKIS): SMITH of Nebraska, Mrs. MALONEY of Defense to provide medical personnel of the H.R. 1112. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- New York, Mr. HARE, Mr. SALAZAR, Department of Veterans Affairs with access enue Code of 1986 to provide individuals re- Mr. CAPUANO, and Mr. HONDA): to information provided in the joint patient lief from the alternative minimum tax; to H.R. 1119. A bill to amend title 36, United tracking application for the treatment of in- the Committee on Ways and Means. States Code, to revise the congressional dividuals at medical facilities of the Depart- By Mr. JACKSON of Illinois (for him- charter of the Military Order of the Purple ment of Veterans Affairs for injuries sus- self and Mr. CASTLE): Heart of the United States of America, In- tained while serving in Operation Iraqi Free- H.R. 1113. A bill to expand the research, corporated, to authorize associate member- dom or Operation Enduring Freedom; to the prevention, and awareness activities of the ship in the corporation for the spouse of a re- Committee on Armed Services.

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By Mr. CARNAHAN: House of Representatives, establish an Inde- Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Mr. H.R. 1129. A bill to provide for the con- pendent Ethics Commission, and provide for BUTTERFIELD, Ms. CARSON, Mrs. struction, operation, and maintenance of an the transfer of the duties and functions of CHRISTENSEN, Ms. CLARKE, Mr. CLAY, arterial road in St. Louis County, Missouri; the committee to the Commission; to the Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. to the Committee on Transportation and In- Committee on House Administration, and in CROWLEY, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. DAVIS frastructure. addition to the Committees on Rules, and of Alabama, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. By Mr. CONYERS (for himself, Mr. the Judiciary, for a period to be subse- ELLISON, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. AL GREEN SMITH of Texas, Ms. LINDA T. quently determined by the Speaker, in each of Texas, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. SA´ NCHEZ of California, Mr. CANNON, case for consideration of such provisions as HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. JACKSON of Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. FORBES, fall within the jurisdiction of the committee Illinois, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, and Mr. GOODLATTE): concerned. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, H.R. 1130. A bill to amend the Ethics in By Mr. BROWN of South Carolina (for Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms. KIL- Government Act of 1978 to extend the au- himself, Mr. MICHAUD, and Mr. MIL- PATRICK, Ms. LEE, Mr. LEWIS of Geor- thority to withhold from public availability LER of Florida): gia, Mrs. MALONEY of New York, Mr. a financial disclosure report filed by an indi- H.R. 1137. A bill to amend title 38, United MEEK of Florida, Mr. MEEKS of New vidual who is a judicial officer or judicial States Code, to increase to $2,000 the amount York, Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD, employee, to the extent necessary to protect of the Medal of Honor special pension under Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, Mr. the safety of that individual or a family that title and to provide for payment of that MCDERMOTT, Mr. MICHAUD, Ms. member of that individual, and for other pur- pension to the surviving spouse of a deceased MOORE of Wisconsin, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. poses; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Medal of Honor recipient; to the Committee PRICE of North Carolina, Mr. RANGEL, By Mr. BAKER (for himself, Mr. on Veterans’ Affairs. Mr. ROSS, Mr. RUSH, Mr. SCOTT of MCCRERY, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. By Mr. BUTTERFIELD (for himself, Georgia, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Ms. MELANCON, Mr. JINDAL, Mr. Mr. COBLE, Mr. PRICE of North Caro- SUTTON, Mr. TOWNS, Mrs. JONES of BOUSTANY, Mr. WOLF, and Mr. lina, Mr. JONES of North Carolina, Ohio, Ms. WATERS, Mr. WATT, Ms. PLATTS): Mr. ETHERIDGE, Mr. WATT, Mrs. WATSON, Ms. WOOLSEY, and Mr. H.R. 1131. A bill to establish a commission MYRICK, Mr. HAYES, Mr. MCINTYRE, WYNN): to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Mr. MILLER of North Carolina, Ms. H.R. 1144. A bill to waive the non-Federal American Civil War; to the Committee on FOXX, Mr. MCHENRY, and Mr. share of the cost of certain disaster assist- Oversight and Government Reform. SHULER): ance provided in connection with Hurricanes By Ms. BALDWIN (for herself, Mrs. H.R. 1138. A bill to designate the Federal Katrina and Rita, and for other purposes; to MYRICK, Mr. WAXMAN, Mrs. building and United States courthouse lo- the Committee on Transportation and Infra- BLACKBURN, and Mrs. CAPPS): cated at 306 East Main Street in Elizabeth structure. H.R. 1132. A bill to amend the Public City, North Carolina, as the ‘‘J. Herbert W. By Mr. CRAMER (for himself and Mr. Health Service Act to provide waivers relat- Small Federal Building and United States ADERHOLT): ing to grants for preventive health measures Courthouse‘‘; to the Committee on Transpor- H.R. 1145. A bill to establish the Muscle with respect to breast and cervical cancers; tation and Infrastructure. Shoals National Heritage Area in the State to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. By Mr. CALVERT: of Alabama, and for other purposes; to the By Ms. BERKLEY: H.R. 1139. A bill to authorize the Secretary Committee on Natural Resources. H.R. 1133. A bill to provide for the energy of the Interior to plan, design and construct By Mr. PAUL: independence of the United States; to the facilities to provide water for irrigation, mu- H.R. 1146. A bill to end membership of the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addi- nicipal, domestic, and other uses from the United States in the United Nations; to the tion to the Committees on Natural Re- Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin, Santa Ana Committee on Foreign Affairs. sources, Energy and Commerce, and Science River, California, and for other purposes; to By Mr. CROWLEY (for himself, Mr. and Technology, for a period to be subse- the Committee on Natural Resources. CANTOR, Mr. POMEROY, and Mr. REY- quently determined by the Speaker, in each By Mr. CALVERT (for himself, Mr. NOLDS): case for consideration of such provisions as CAMPBELL of California, and Mr. H.R. 1147. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- fall within the jurisdiction of the committee GARY G. MILLER of California): concerned. H.R. 1140. A bill to authorize the Secretary, enue Code of 1986 to simplify certain provi- By Mr. BERRY (for himself, Mrs. in cooperation with the City of San Juan sions applicable to real estate investment trusts, and for other purposes; to the Com- EMERSON, Mr. CASTLE, Mr. WYNN, Mr. Capistrano, California, to participate in the mittee on Ways and Means. TANNER, Mr. HINCHEY, Ms. design, planning, and construction of an ad- By Ms. DELAURO (for herself, Ms. KAP- SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. GER- vanced water treatment plant facility and TUR, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. GEORGE LACH, Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. ETHERIDGE, recycled water system, and for other pur- MILLER of California, Ms. MATSUI, Mr. MARSHALL, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. poses; to the Committee on Natural Re- Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. HULSHOF, Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. ROSS, Mr. sources. WOOLSEY, and Ms. MCCOLLUM of Min- RAMSTAD, Mr. GRAVES, Mr. By Mr. CANNON: MCCOTTER, Mr. GARY G. MILLER of H.R. 1141. A bill to provide an amnesty pe- nesota): California, Mr. PRICE of North Caro- riod during which veterans and their family H.R. 1148. A bill to establish the Food Safe- lina, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. members can register certain firearms in the ty Administration to protect the public SOUDER, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. JONES of National Firearms Registration and Transfer health by preventing food-borne illness, en- North Carolina, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. Record, and for other purposes; to the Com- suring the safety of food, improving research CONYERS, Mr. FRANK of Massachu- mittee on the Judiciary, and in addition to on contaminants leading to food-borne ill- setts, Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. MORAN of the Committee on Ways and Means, for a pe- ness, and improving security of food from in- Kansas, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. riod to be subsequently determined by the tentional contamination, and for other pur- OBERSTAR, and Mr. BOREN): Speaker, in each case for consideration of poses; to the Committee on Energy and Com- H.R. 1134. A bill to amend the Public such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- merce, and in addition to the Committee on Health Service Act to provide for the partici- tion of the committee concerned. Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently pation of physical therapists in the National By Mrs. CAPPS (for herself and Mrs. JO determined by the Speaker, in each case for Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Pro- ANN DAVIS of Virginia): consideration of such provisions as fall with- gram, and for other purposes; to the Com- H.R. 1142. A bill to amend title 5, United in the jurisdiction of the committee con- mittee on Energy and Commerce. States Code, to create a presumption that cerned. By Mr. BISHOP of New York (for him- disability of a Federal employee in fire pro- By Mr. DREIER (for himself, Mr. self, Mr. KUHL of New York, Mr. tection activities caused by certain condi- SCHIFF, Mr. CALVERT, Mr. MCKEON, ISRAEL, Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. HINCHEY, tions is presumed to result from the perform- Mr. HERGER, Mr. ISSA, Mrs. BONO, Mr. and Mr. WALSH of New York): ance of such employee’s duty; to the Com- ROHRABACHER, Mr. GALLEGLY, and H.R. 1135. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- mittee on Education and Labor. Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California): enue Code of 1986 to clarify that installment By Mrs. CHRISTENSEN: H.R. 1149. A bill to amend title 18, United sales treatment shall not fail to apply to H.R. 1143. A bill to authorize the Secretary States Code, to protect federally funded pub- property acquired for conservation purposes of the Interior to lease certain lands in Vir- lic safety officers; to the Committee on the by a State or local government or certain gin Islands National Park, and for other pur- Judiciary. tax-exempt organizations merely because poses; to the Committee on Natural Re- By Mr. EMANUEL (for himself, Mr. purchase funds are held in a sinking or simi- sources. DREIER, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Ms. KIL- lar fund pursuant to State law; to the Com- By Mr. CLYBURN (for himself, Mr. PATRICK, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, mittee on Ways and Means. HOYER, Ms. NORTON, Mr. MELANCON, Mr. SHULER, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, By Mr. BLUMENAUER (for himself and Mr. JEFFERSON, Mr. TAYLOR, Mr. Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. WALDEN of Oregon): THOMPSON of Mississippi, Mr. BAR- and Ms. MATSUI): H.R. 1136. A bill to abolish the Committee ROW, Mr. BERRY, Mr. BISHOP of Geor- H.R. 1150. A bill to establish the Commis- on Standards of Official Conduct in the gia, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Ms. BORDALLO, sion on Economic Indicators to conduct a

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:56 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L16FE7.100 H16FEPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with HOUSE H1894 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 16, 2007 study and submit a report containing rec- for disabled widows and widowers without re- expanded use of qualified money market ommendations concerning the appropriate- gard to age; to the Committee on Ways and funds for broker-dealer financing; to the ness and accuracy of the methodology, cal- Means. Committee on Financial Services. culations, and reporting used by the Govern- By Mrs. LOWEY: By Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD: ment relating to certain economic indica- H.R. 1160. A bill to amend title II of the So- H.R. 1172. A bill to require the Secretary of tors; to the Committee on Oversight and cial Security Act to provide for increases in Defense to report to Congress regarding the Government Reform. widow’s and widower’s insurance benefits by requirements applicable to the inscription of By Mr. FORTENBERRY (for himself reason of delayed retirement; to the Com- veterans’ names on the memorial wall of the and Mr. BERMAN): mittee on Ways and Means. Vietnam Veterans Memorial; to the Com- H.R. 1151. A bill to provide for a temporary By Mrs. LOWEY: mittee on Armed Services. increase in the number of Iraqi and Afghan H.R. 1161. A bill to amend title II of the So- By Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD: translators in the United States Armed cial Security Act to credit prospectively in- H.R. 1173. A bill to authorize the Consumer Forces who may be provided status as special dividuals serving as caregivers of dependent Product Safety Commission to issue a con- immigrants; to the Committee on the Judici- relatives with deemed wages for up to five sumer product safety rule to prevent injuries ary. years of such service; to the Committee on to users of vending machines and entrap- By Mr. GERLACH (for himself, Mrs. Ways and Means. ment by small children; to the Committee on BIGGERT, Mr. KIRK, Mr. WALSH of By Mrs. LOWEY: Energy and Commerce. New York, Mr. PLATTS, Mr. PITTS, H.R. 1162. A bill to amend title II of the So- By Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania and Mr. CARNEY): cial Security Act to repeal the 7-year restric- (for himself, Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. BOS- H.R. 1152. A bill to reserve a small percent- tion on eligibility for widow’s and widower’s WELL, and Ms. CORRINE BROWN of age of the amounts made available to the insurance benefits based on disability; to the Florida): Secretary of Agriculture for the farmland Committee on Ways and Means. H.R. 1174. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require public report- protection program to fund challenge grants By Mrs. LOWEY: to encourage the purchase of conservation H.R. 1163. A bill to reduce childhood obe- ing of health care-associated infections data easements and other interests in land to be sity, and for other purposes; to the Com- by hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers and to permit the Secretary of Health and held by a State agency, county, or other eli- mittee on Energy and Commerce, and in ad- Human Services to establish a pilot program gible entity, and for other purposes; to the dition to the Committee on Education and to provide incentives to hospitals and ambu- Committee on Agriculture. Labor, for a period to be subsequently deter- latory surgical centers to eliminate the rate By Mr. GINGREY (for himself, Mr. mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- of occurrence of such infections; to the Com- PITTS, Mr. CARTER, Mr. GOODE, Mrs. sideration of such provisions as fall within mittee on Ways and Means, and in addition MYRICK, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. GARRETT the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, of New Jersey, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mr. By Mrs. MALONEY of New York (for WELDON of Florida, Mr. KINGSTON, for a period to be subsequently determined herself, Ms. LEE, Mr. CUMMINGS, Ms. Mr. ADERHOLT, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. by the Speaker, in each case for consider- ZOE LOFGREN of California, Ms. BARRETT of South Carolina, Mr. ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- WOOLSEY, and Mr. GEORGE MILLER of risdiction of the committee concerned. PEARCE, Mr. HOEKSTRA, Mr. PAUL, California): By Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- Mr. AKIN, Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas, H.R. 1164. A bill to amend the Hate Crime fornia (for herself, Mr. CALVERT, Mr. Mr. SOUDER, Mr. MCCOTTER, Mrs. Statistics Act to require the Attorney Gen- GARY G. MILLER of California, Mr. MUSGRAVE, Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. eral to acquire data about crimes that mani- ROHRABACHER, Mr. ROYCE, and Mr. PENCE, Mr. SALI, Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. fest evidence of prejudice based on gender; to WESTMORELAND, Mr. FORTENBERRY, CAMPBELL of California): the Committee on the Judiciary. H.R. 1175. A bill to amend the Reclamation and Mr. JORDAN): By Mr. MARKEY: H.R. 1153. A bill to prohibit Federal fund- Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Fa- H.R. 1165. A bill to amend the Federal cilities Act to increase the ceiling on the ing or other assistance for mandatory human Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs; Federal share of the costs of phase I of the additional authorities to ensure the safe and to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Orange County, California, Regional Water effective use of drugs, to establish whistle- By Mr. AL GREEN of Texas (for him- Reclamation Project; to the Committee on blower protections for certain individuals, self, Mr. BURGESS, Mr. CULBERSON, Natural Resources. and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, By Mr. SERRANO (for himself, Mr. Energy and Commerce. Mr. ORTIZ, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, ACKERMAN, Mr. TOWNS, and Mr. NAD- By Mr. MARSHALL: LER): Mr. MCCAUL of Texas, Mr. SESSIONS, H.R. 1166. A bill to direct the Secretary of Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. RODRIGUEZ, and H.R. 1176. A bill to provide discretionary Education to extend the same level of in- authority to an immigration judge to deter- Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas): creased flexibility to all rural local edu- H.R. 1154. A bill to award a congressional mine that an alien parent of a United States cational agencies under part A of title I of gold medal to Michael Ellis DeBakey, M.D; citizen child should not be ordered removed, the Elementary and Secondary Education to the Committee on Financial Services. deported, or excluded from the United Act of 1965; to the Committee on Education By Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of States; to the Committee on the Judiciary. and Labor. Texas: By Mr. TANNER (for himself and Mr. H.R. 1155. A bill to amend title XIX of the By Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York: GRAVES): Social Security Act to remove the exclusion H.R. 1167. A bill to increase public safety H.R. 1177. A bill to amend title XVIII of the from medical assistance under the Medicaid and reduce the threat to domestic security Social Security Act to extend and improve Program of items and services for patients in by including persons who may be prevented protections for sole community hospitals an institution for mental diseases; to the from boarding an aircraft in the National In- under the Medicare Program; to the Com- Committee on Energy and Commerce. stant Criminal Background Check System, mittee on Ways and Means, and in addition By Mrs. LOWEY: and for other purposes; to the Committee on to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, H.R. 1156. A bill to provide grants to eligi- the Judiciary. for a period to be subsequently determined ble consortia to provide professional develop- By Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York: by the Speaker, in each case for consider- ment to superintendents, principals, and pro- H.R. 1168. A bill to amend chapter 44 of ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- spective superintendents and principals; to title 18, United States Code, to extend the risdiction of the committee concerned. the Committee on Education and Labor. firearm and ammunition prohibitions appli- By Mr. TOWNS (for himself and Mr. By Mrs. LOWEY (for herself, Mrs. cable to convicted felons to those convicted ENGLISH of Pennsylvania): MYRICK, and Mrs. CAPPS): in a foreign court; to the Committee on the H.R. 1178. A bill to amend title XVIII of the H.R. 1157. A bill to amend the Public Judiciary. Social Security Act to permit a physician as- Health Service Act to authorize the Director By Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota (for sistant, when delegated by a physician, to of the National Institute of Environmental herself, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. GENE order or provide post-hospital extended care Health Sciences to make grants for the de- GREEN of Texas, and Mr. OBERSTAR): services, home health services, and hospice velopment and operation of research centers H.R. 1169. A bill to amend the Elementary care under the Medicare Program; to the regarding environmental factors that may be and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to clar- Committee on Ways and Means, and in addi- related to the etiology of breast cancer; to ify Federal requirements under such Act; to tion to the Committee on Energy and Com- the Committee on Energy and Commerce. the Committee on Education and Labor. merce, for a period to be subsequently deter- By Mrs. LOWEY: By Mr. MEEHAN: mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- H.R. 1158. A bill to amend title II of the So- H.R. 1170. A bill to address problem gam- sideration of such provisions as fall within cial Security Act to eliminate the two-year bling; to the Committee on Energy and Com- the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. waiting period for divorced spouse’s benefits merce. By Mr. UDALL of Colorado: following the divorce; to the Committee on By Mr. MEEKS of New York (for him- H.R. 1179. A bill to clarify the authority of Ways and Means. self and Mr. TIBERI): the Secretary of the Interior with regard to By Mrs. LOWEY: H.R. 1171. A bill to direct the Securities management of elk in Rocky Mountain Na- H.R. 1159. A bill to amend title II of the So- and Exchange Commission to revise rules to tional Park; to the Committee on Natural cial Security Act to provide for full benefits provide for the comparable treatment and Resources.

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By Mr. UDALL of Colorado: By Mr. WU (for himself, Mr. JONES of H. Con. Res. 72. Concurrent resolution rec- H.R. 1180. A bill to assure that develop- North Carolina, Mr. LARSON of Con- ognizing and honoring America’s labor movement of certain Federal oil and gas resources necticut, Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. ment, supporting the designation of a Na- will occur in ways that protect water re- GILCHREST, Mr. BARTLETT of Mary- tional Labor History Month, and for other sources and respect the rights of the surface land, and Mr. DEFAZIO): purposes; to the Committee on Education owners, and for other purposes; to the Com- H.R. 1189. A bill to preserve the right to ha- and Labor. mittee on Natural Resources. beas corpus; to the Committee on Armed By Mr. TANCREDO (for himself, Mr. By Mr. UDALL of Colorado (for him- Services, and in addition to the Committees TOWNS, Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. self, Mr. WALZ of Minnesota, Mr. on the Judiciary, and Foreign Affairs, for a SOUDER, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mrs. FLAKE, Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota, period to be subsequently determined by the MUSGRAVE, and Mr. CHABOT): Mrs. MALONEY of New York, Mrs. Speaker, in each case for consideration of H. Con. Res. 73. Concurrent resolution ex- BACHMANN, Mr. GARRETT of New Jer- such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- pressing the sense of Congress that the sey, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. MILLER of tion of the committee concerned. United States should resume normal diplo- Florida, Mr. KLINE of Minnesota, and By Mr. ISRAEL (for himself, Mr. ACK- matic relations with Taiwan (the Republic of Mrs. MUSGRAVE): ERMAN, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. BERMAN, China), and for other purposes; to the Com- H.R. 1181. A bill to amend title 49, United Mr. CHABOT, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. mittee on Foreign Affairs. States Code, to require congressional ap- FOSSELLA, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, By Mr. THOMPSON of California (for proval of certain loans by the Department of Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Ms. JACK- himself, Mr. MCHUGH, Ms. WOOLSEY, Transportation; to the Committee on Trans- SON-LEE of Texas, Mr. KIRK, Mrs. Mr. JEFFERSON, Mr. MCCOTTER, Mr. portation and Infrastructure. MCCARTHY of New York, Mr. NADLER, HOLT, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. MCNUL- By Mr. UDALL of Colorado (for him- Mr. SCHIFF, Ms. SCHWARTZ, Mr. TY, Mr. GOODE, Mr. FRANK of Massa- self, Mr. SALAZAR, Mrs. MUSGRAVE, WEINER, Mr. WEXLER, and Mr. WOLF): chusetts, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Mr. H.J. Res. 37. A joint resolution conferring and Mr. LAMBORN): WEXLER, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, honorary citizenship of the United States on H.R. 1182. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Mr. WOLF, Ms. NORTON, Mr. TIBERI, Anne Frank; to the Committee on the Judi- enue Code of 1986 to allow section 1031 treat- Mr. ALLEN, Mr. FILNER, Mr. DAVID ciary. ment for exchanges involving certain mutual DAVIS of Tennessee, Mrs. BIGGERT, ditch, reservoir, or irrigation company By Mr. CLYBURN: H. Con. Res. 67. Concurrent resolution pro- Mr. TIERNEY, Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. stock; to the Committee on Ways and Means. viding for a conditional adjournment of the PAUL, and Mr. WALBERG): By Mr. UDALL of Colorado: H. Con. Res. 74. Concurrent resolution ex- H.R. 1183. A bill to require the President to House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate; consid- pressing the sense of the Congress regarding transmit to Congress a report on contin- ered and agreed to. the need for additional research into the gency plans regarding possible developments By Mr. BROWN of South Carolina (for chronic neurological condition hydro- in Iraq; to the Committee on Armed Serv- himself, Mr. CLYBURN, Mr. WILSON of cephalus, and for other purposes; to the Com- ices, and in addition to the Committee on South Carolina, Mr. INGLIS of South mittee on Energy and Commerce. Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subse- Carolina, Mr. BARRETT of South By Mr. OBERSTAR (for himself and quently determined by the Speaker, in each Carolina, and Mr. SPRATT): Mr. MICA): case for consideration of such provisions as H. Con. Res. 68. Concurrent resolution hon- H. Res. 172. A resolution providing fall within the jurisdiction of the committee oring the life and accomplishments of Gian amounts for the expenses of the Committee concerned. Carlo Menotti and recognizing the success of on Transportation and Infrastructure in the By Ms. WATSON: the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, One Hundred Tenth Congress; to the Com- H.R. 1184. A bill to increase community South Carolina, which he founded; to the mittee on House Administration. service by students at risk of education fail- Committee on Education and Labor. By Mr. LANTOS (for himself and Ms. ure and thereby reduce youth and gang vio- By Mr. FORTUN˜ O: ROS-LEHTINEN): lence; to the Committee on Ways and Means, H. Con. Res. 69. Concurrent resolution ex- H. Res. 173. A resolution providing and in addition to the Committee on Edu- pressing the sense of Congress that a com- amounts for the expenses of the Committee cation and Labor, for a period to be subse- memorative postage stamp should be issued on Foreign Affairs in the One Hundred Tenth quently determined by the Speaker, in each in honor of Luis A. Ferre; to the Committee Congress; to the Committee on House Ad- case for consideration of such provisions as on Oversight and Government Reform. ministration. fall within the jurisdiction of the committee By Mrs. LOWEY: By Mr. SKELTON (for himself and Mr. concerned. H. Con. Res. 70. Concurrent resolution sup- HUNTER): By Mr. WEXLER (for himself, Ms. porting the goals and ideals of National Ce- H. Res. 174. A resolution providing BORDALLO, Mr. HONDA, and Mr. liac Awareness Month, and for other pur- amounts for the expenses of the Committee BECERRA): poses; to the Committee on Energy and Com- on Armed Services in the One Hundred Tenth H.R. 1185. A bill to establish commissions merce. Congress; to the Committee on House Ad- to review the facts and circumstances sur- By Mrs. MALONEY of New York (for ministration. rounding injustices suffered by European herself, Mr. BILIRAKIS, Ms. WATSON, By Ms. BORDALLO (for herself, Ms. Americans, European Latin Americans, and Mr. SPACE, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. MCNUL- DELAURO, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA, and Jewish refugees during World War II; to the TY, Mr. SARBANES, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. OBERSTAR): Committee on the Judiciary. Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey, Mr. H. Res. 175. A resolution honoring the In- By Mr. WILSON of South Carolina (for BROWN of South Carolina, Mr. stitute of the Sisters of Mercy for 175 years himself and Mr. ISRAEL): PALLONE, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. PAYNE, of ministry, service, and efforts toward help- H.R. 1186. A bill to promote global energy Mr. RUPPERSBERGER, Mrs. DRAKE, Mr. ing individuals, especially women and chil- security through increased cooperation be- WILSON of South Carolina, Mr. LIN- dren, overcome challenges that keep them tween the United States and India in diversi- COLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida, Mr. from living full and dignified lives; to the fying sources of energy, stimulating develop- CAPUANO, Mr. HOLT, and Mr. MORAN Committee on Foreign Affairs. ment of alternative fuels, developing and de- of Virginia): By Mr. CONYERS (for himself and Mr. ploying technologies that promote the clean H. Con. Res. 71. Concurrent resolution SMITH of Texas): and efficient use of coal, and improving en- commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the H. Res. 176. A resolution providing ergy efficiency; to the Committee on Foreign founding of the American Hellenic Edu- amounts for the expenses of the Committee Affairs. cational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a on the Judiciary in the One Hundred Tenth By Ms. WOOLSEY (for herself and Mr. leading association for the Nation’s 1.3 mil- Congress; to the Committee on House Ad- GILCHREST): lion American citizens of Greek ancestry, ministration. H.R. 1187. A bill to expand the boundaries and Philhellenes; to the Committee on Over- By Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts (for of the Gulf of the Farallones National Ma- sight and Government Reform. himself and Mr. BACHUS): rine Sanctuary and the Cordell Bank Na- By Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- H. Res. 177. A resolution providing tional Marine Sanctuary; to the Committee fornia (for herself, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. amounts for the expenses of the Committee on Natural Resources. LYNCH, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. on Financial Services in the One Hundred By Mr. WU (for himself, Mr. GERLACH, HINOJOSA, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. Tenth Congress; to the Committee on House Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, and Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. HARE, Mr. BERMAN, Administration. LYNCH): Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Mr. By Mr. BISHOP of Georgia: H.R. 1188. A bill to strengthen the Nation’s BUTTERFIELD, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Ms. H. Res. 178. A resolution commending the research efforts to identify the causes and DELAURO, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. AL GREEN Consortia of Administrators for Native cure of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, ex- of Texas, Mr. HONDA, Ms. JACKSON- American Rehabilitation for the many con- pand psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis data LEE of Texas, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. tributions it has made in Indian country collection, study access to and quality of MCDERMOTT, Ms. MOORE of Wis- through collaborative working relationships, care for people with psoriasis and psoriatic consin, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. State rehabilitation agencies, tribal health arthritis, and for other purposes; to the Com- RODRIGUEZ, and Mr. LARSON of Con- and social service programs, Capacity Build- mittee on Energy and Commerce. necticut): ing Projects, Federal service agencies, the

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United States Department of Education, and By Mr. NADLER (for himself, Ms. ROS- H.R. 22: Mr. PUTNAM, Mr. POE, and Mr. the United States Department of Labor; to LEHTINEN, Mr. CROWLEY, and Mr. GONZALEZ. the Committee on Natural Resources. FERGUSON): H.R. 23: Mr. ALTMIRE, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. By Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas (for herself, H. Res. 185. A resolution expressing the PAUL, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. GILCHREST, Mr. MOORE of Kansas, sense of the House of Representatives regard- Mr. ROHRABACHER, and Mr. HARE. Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD, Ms. ing the creation of refugee populations in the H.R. 35: Mr. LIPINSKI. DELAURO, Mr. CARDOZA, Mr. Middle East, North Africa, and the Persian H.R. 37: Ms. GIFFORDS. MCDERMOTT, Mr. KIRK, and Mr. COO- Gulf region as a result of human rights viola- H.R. 39: Ms. SLAUGHTER and Mr. HODES. PER): tions; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. H.R. 42: Mr. JEFFERSON, Mr. LEWIS of Geor- H. Res. 179. A resolution expressing support By Mr. PALLONE (for himself, Mr. gia, and Mr. HARE. for a National Foster Parents Day; to the BROWN of South Carolina, Mrs. H.R. 44: Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Committee on Oversight and Government CAPPS, and Mr. JONES of North Caro- H.R. 65: Mr. EVERETT and Mr. KING of Iowa. Reform. lina): H.R. 66: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. By Ms. ESHOO (for herself, Ms. PELOSI, H. Res. 186. A resolution supporting the H.R. 82: Mr. ALTMIRE, Mrs. BOYDA of Kan- Mr. EMANUEL, Mr. LARSON of Con- goals and ideals of National Clean Beaches sas, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Mr. necticut, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of Cali- Week and recognizing the considerable value CRAMER, Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee, Mr. fornia, Mr. DREIER, Mr. BACA, Mr. of American beaches and their role in Amer- FORTUN˜ O, Mr. HARE, Mr. HAYES, Mr. JINDAL, BECERRA, Mr. BERMAN, Mrs. BONO, ican culture; to the Committee on Natural Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. KIRK, Mr. Mr. CALVERT, Mr. CAMPBELL of Cali- Resources. LATOURETTE, Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. MCCAUL of fornia, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. CARDOZA, Mr. By Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota: Texas, Mr. MCINTYRE, Mr. PATRICK MURPHY COSTA, Mr. COURTNEY, Mrs. DAVIS of H. Res. 187. A resolution providing of Pennsylvania, Mr. MURTHA, Mr. REGULA, California, Mr. DOOLITTLE, Mr. FARR, amounts for the expenses of the Committee Mr. RODRIGUEZ, Mr. ROGERS of Alabama, Mr. Mr. FILNER, Ms. HARMAN, Mr. on Agriculture in the One Hundred Tenth WAMP, Mr. WESTMORELAND, and Mr. HERGER, Mr. HONDA, Mr. ISSA, Mr. Congress; to the Committee on House Ad- WHITFIELD. LANTOS, Ms. LEE, Mr. LEWIS of Cali- ministration. H.R. 89: Mr. GORDON, Mr. CARTER, and Mr. fornia, Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of By Mr. RANGEL (for himself and Mr. MOLLOHAN. California, Ms. MATSUI, Mr. MCCAR- MCCRERY): H.R. 99: Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. THY of California, Mr. MCNERNEY, Ms. H. Res. 188. A resolution providing H.R. 111: Mr. REHBERG, Mr. JORDAN, Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD, Mr. GEORGE amounts for the expenses of the Committee HARMAN, Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD, Mr. MILLER of California, Mrs. on Ways and Means in the One Hundred MCHENRY, and Mr. NUNES. NAPOLITANO, Mr. NUNES, Mr. RADANO- Tenth Congress; to the Committee on House H.R. 119: Mr. FORTENBERRY. VICH, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. Administration. H.R. 137: Mr. PATRICK MURPHY of Pennsyl- ROYCE, Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- By Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- vania. fornia, Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- H.R. 146: Mr. POE. fornia (for herself, Mr. FILNER, Ms. fornia, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. SHERMAN, Ms. H.R. 147: Mr. LATOURETTE and Mr. WOLF. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Mr. SOLIS, Mr. STARK, Mrs. TAUSCHER, H.R. 197: Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. GRIJALVA, MORAN of Kansas, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. THOMPSON of California, Ms. WA- and Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. CARDOZA, Ms. TERS, Ms. WATSON, Mr. WAXMAN, Ms. H.R. 243: Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. CARSON, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Mr. DAVIS WOOLSEY, Mr. FRANK of Massachu- H.R. 260: Mr. MCHUGH and Mr. ALLEN. of Illinois, Mr. EMANUEL, Mr. setts, Mr. HOLT, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. H.R. 271: Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. FALEOMAVAEGA, Mr. HOBSON, Ms. KIND, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. MCGOVERN, H.R. 289: Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. ALEXANDER, JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Ms. EDDIE Mr. MURTHA, Mr. REYES, Mr. ROGERS Mr. SALI, and Mr. MILLER of Florida. BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Ms. KAP- of Michigan, Ms. SLAUGHTER, and Mr. H.R. 303: Mr. MARCHANT, Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. TUR, Mr. MOORE of Kansas, Mr. PAT- WOLF): CARTER, Mr. MOLLOHAN, and Mr. MANZULLO. RICK MURPHY of Pennsylvania, Mr. H. Res. 180. A resolution honoring the life H.R. 315: Mr. LATHAM and Mrs. MCMORRIS NEAL of Massachusetts, Mr. and achievements of Leo T. McCarthy and RODGERS. PASCRELL, Mr. PETERSON of Min- expressing profound sorrow on his death; to H.R. 321: Mr. GOHMERT. nesota, Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- the Committee on Oversight and Govern- H.R. 325: Ms. GIFFORDS and Mr. HARE. fornia, and Mr. WYNN): ment Reform. H.R. 332: Mr. GOODE, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. H. Res. 189. A resolution expressing the By Mr. FILNER: WELDON of Florida, Mr. GARRETT of New Jer- H. Res. 181. A resolution providing sense of the House of Representatives that a sey, Mr. KINGSTON, Mr. FEENEY, Mr. amounts for the expenses of the Committee ‘‘Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day’’ GINGREY, Mr. PITTS, Mr. SHADEGG, Mr. on Veterans’ Affairs in the One Hundred should be established; to the Committee on FORBES, and Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Tenth Congress; to the Committee on House Oversight and Government Reform. H.R. 346: Mr. PUTNAM. Administration. By Mr. SPRATT: H.R. 353: Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. By Mr. FORBES (for himself, Mr. H. Res. 190. A resolution providing H.R. 369: Mr. ELLISON. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. BOUCHER, Mr. amounts for the expenses of the Committee H.R. 380: Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms. TOM DAVIS of Virginia, Mrs. DRAKE, on the Budget in the One Hundred Tenth HIRONO, Ms. SUTTON, Ms. BERKLEY, and Mr. Mr. GOODLATTE, Mr. GOODE, Mrs. JO Congress; to the Committee on House Ad- HARE. ANN DAVIS of Virginia, Mr. MORAN of ministration. H.R. 410: Mr. SALAZAR. Virginia, Mr. WOLF, Mr. CANTOR, and By Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi (for H.R. 418: Mr. CARNEY, Mr. PEARCE, Mr. Mr. PUTNAM): himself and Mr. KING of New York): H. Res. 182. A resolution commending and BUTTERFIELD, Mr. PUTNAM, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. H. Res. 191. A resolution providing CALVERT, Mr. BILIRAKIS, and Mr. congratulating Virginia State University on amounts for the expenses of the Committee the occasion of its 125th anniversary; to the FORTENBERRY. on Homeland Security in the One Hundred H.R. 423: Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. PUTNAM, and Committee on Education and Labor. Tenth Congress; to the Committee on House By Mr. HASTINGS of Florida (for him- Mr. HAYES. Administration. H.R. 446: Mr. MEEKS of New York. self, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. SCOTT By Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ: of Virginia, Ms. KILPATRICK, Mr. LIN- H.R. 486: Mrs. MYRICK and Mr. BOOZMAN. H. Res. 192. A resolution providing ATRICK URPHY COLN DAVIS of Tennessee, Mr. DUN- H.R. 503: Mr. P M of Pennsyl- amounts for the expenses of the Committee ARMUTH ONZALEZ CAN, Mr. WATT, Ms. CARSON, Mrs. vania, Mr. Y , Mr. G , Mr. on Small Business in the One Hundred Tenth DALL ILPATRICK CHRISTENSEN, Mr. WYNN, Mr. GORDON, U of New Mexico, Ms. K , Mrs. Congress; to the Committee on House Ad- AUSCHER ODES Mr. JACKSON of Illinois, Mr. FATTAH, T , and Mr. H . ministration. H.R. 507: Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. TIERNEY, and Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, By Mr. WAXMAN (for himself and Mr. Mr. MCCOTTER. Mr. COOPER, Mr. COHEN, Ms. CLARKE, TOM DAVIS of Virginia): H.R. 508: Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Ms. CLARKE, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, and Mr. H. Res. 193. A resolution providing Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. HARE, Ms. AL GREEN of Texas): amounts for the expenses of the Committee KILPATRICK, Mr. PASTOR, Ms. SOLIS, Ms. H. Res. 183. A resolution expressing the on Oversight and Government Reform in the sense of the House of Representatives that VELA´ ZQUEZ, and Mrs. MALONEY of New York. One Hundred Tenth Congress; to the Com- the United States Postal Service should H.R. 510: Ms. FALLIN, Mr. WALBERG, and mittee on House Administration. issue a postage stamp commemorating the Mr. WESTMORELAND. Fisk Jubilee Singers; to the Committee on f H.R. 524: Ms. SUTTON, Mr. SIRES, Mr. KIND, Oversight and Government Reform. Ms. GIFFORDS, Mr. EHLERS, Mr. REYES, Mr. By Mrs. JONES of Ohio: ADDITIONAL SPONSORS PASTOR, Mr. CUELLAR, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. H. Res. 184. A resolution providing Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors SALAZAR, Mr. ORTIZ, Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. amounts for the expenses of the Committee GRIJALVA, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, and Mr. were added to public bills and resolu- on Standards of Official Conduct in the One HOLT. Hundred Tenth Congress; to the Committee tions as follows: H.R. 539: Mr. HARE, Mr. TIERNEY, and Mr. on House Administration. H.R. 17: Mr. EVERETT. HODES.

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H.R. 543: Mr. MOORE of Kansas, Mr. TAY- H.R. 821: Mr. REICHERT and Mr. COSTA. H.R. 1043: Mr. BONNER, Mr. SOUDER, Mr. LOR, Mr. BOYD of Florida, Mr. COSTA, Mr. H.R. 841: Mrs. DRAKE. KIRK, and Mr. PLATTS. MATHESON, Mr. SHULER, Mr. CHANDLER, Mr. H.R. 857: Mr. ENGEL. H.R. 1051: Mr. HARE. CRAMER, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. LINCOLN H.R. 861: Mr. BUCHANAn, Mr. GINGREY, Mr. H.R. 1071: Mr. GRIJALVA. DAVIS of Tennessee, Ms. HARMAN, Mr. GOODE, Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky, and Mr. H.R. 1090: Mr. WELLER and Mr. BARTLETT of CUELLAR, Mr. MARSHALL, and Mr. MELANCON. WESTMORELAND. Maryland. H.R. 549: Mr. BACHUS. H.R. 871: Mr. KUCINICH. H.R. 1097: Mr. SCOTT of Georgia and Mr. H.R. 550: Mr. TERRY, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Mr. H.R. 872: Mr. LIPINSKI. HARE. COHEN, Ms. GIFFORDS, and Mr. LEWIS of Geor- H.R. 876: Mrs. LOWEY and Mr. POE. H.R. 1099: Mr. WEXLER and Mr. BRADY of gia. H.R. 884: Mr. TOWNS. Pennsylvania. H.R. 894: Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. SHULER, H.R. 551: Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- H.R. 1105: Mr. BOUCHER. Mr. TAYLOR, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. fornia. H.J. Res. 3: Mr. DUNCAN. H.R. 556: Mr. PASCRELL and Mrs. MCMORRIS MCGOVERN, Mr. ETHERIDGE, Mr. MEEHAN, Mr. H.J. Res. 11: Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. RODGERS. FILNER, Mr. REYES, Mr. PETRI, and Mr. H.J. Res. 14: Mr. WYNN, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, H.R. 563: Mr. HALL of Texas, Mr. HOLDEN, MOORE of Kansas. Mr. HOLT, and Mr. LANGEVIN. and Mr. CRAMER. H.R. 896: Mr. SENSENBRENNER. H.J. Res. 18: Ms. DEGETTE. H.R. 567: Mr. KIND. H.R. 898: Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. H. Con. Res. 25: Mr. BARROW and Mr. H.R. 579: Mr. COSTELLO and Mr. HARE. TOWNS, Mr. MCGOVERN, and Mr. CAPUANO. WELLER. H.R. 584: Mr. HARE and Mr. MARKEY. H.R. 900: Mr. ARCURI, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. H.R. 589: Mr. HARE. CRAMER, Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. MEEK of Florida, H. Con. Res. 28: Mr. BUTTERFIELD. H.R. 608: Mr. RADANOVICH, Mr. GILLMOR, Mr. MEEKs of New York, Mr. WALDEN of Or- H. Con. Res. 33: Mr. TIERNEY. and Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. egon, Mr. PENCE, Mr. PETERSON of Pennsyl- H. Con. Res. 40: Mrs. CUBIN and Mr. H.R. 618: Mr. MICA, Mrs. MILLER of Michi- vania, Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. CONAWAY, and Mr. TANCREDO. gan, and Mr. GOHMERT. BILIRAKIS. H. Con. Res. 45: Mrs. BIGGERT. H.R. 635: Mr. GILLMOR and Mr. KIND. H.R. 909: Mr. CALVERT. H. Con. Res. 48: Mr. BRADY of Pennsyl- H.R. 638: Mr. BAKER, Mr. MCCRERY, Mr. AL- H.R. 912: Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. RADANOVICH, and vania. EXANDER, and Mr. BOUSTANY. Mrs. MUSGRAVE. H. Con. Res. 49: Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. H.R. 643: Mr. COHEN, Mr. DOYLE, and Mr. H.R. 916: Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS of Tennessee, BUTTERFIELD, Mr. PUTNAM, Mr. FOSSELLA, PAUL. Mr. COOPER, Mr. CHANDLER, Mr. UDALL of Mr. ROYCE, Mr. PATRICK MURPHY of Pennsyl- H.R. 644: Mr. GILLMOR. Colorado, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ- vania, Mr. FORTENBERRY, Mr. BISHOP of H.R. 649: Mr. KUHL of New York. BALART of Florida, Ms. HIRONO, and Ms. Georgia, Mr. CARTER, Mr. MOLLOHAN, and H.R. 657: Mr. PEARCE, Mr. RAHALL, Mrs. DEGETTE. Mr. MCCOTTER. BOYDA of Kansas, and Ms. HIRONO. H.R. 917: Mr. INGLIS of South Carolina, Mr. H. Con. Res. 50: Mr. WELLER. H.R. 661: Mr. BUTTERFIELD. DUNCAN, Mr. MILLER of Florida, Mrs. H. Con. Res. 53: Ms. WATSON. H.R. 662: Mr. MCCOTTER. MYRICK, Ms. SCHWARTZ, and Mr. BROWN of H. Con. Res. 65: Mr. LOBIONDO. H.R. 667: Mr. CUELLAR and Mr. MARSHALL. South Carolina. H. Res. 18: Mr. BOOZMAN. H.R. 670: Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. H.R. 920: Mr. CUELLAR. H. Res. 41: Mr. HALL of New York. H.R. 676: Ms. CLARKE and Mr. OLVER. H.R. 923: Ms. CLARKE. H. Res. 42: Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California, H.R. 678: Mr. SCOTT of Georgia and Mr. H.R. 926: Mr. HILL, Mr. TAYLOR, Mr. Mr. DINGELL, Mr. HARE, and Mr. NADLER. NADLER. SHULER, Mr. BARROW, Mr. MCINTYRE, and Mr. H. Res. 53: Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. GUTIERREZ, H.R. 684: Mr. CRAMER. BERRY. Ms. NORTON, Mr. ANDREWS, and Mr. KING- H.R. 936: Mrs. CUBIN. H.R. 687: Mr. BUTTERFIELD. STON. H.R. 939: Mr. JONES of North Carolina, Mrs. H.R. 688: Mr. HOLT and Ms. BERKLEY. H. Res. 101: Ms. HIRONO, Mr. MEEHAN, and ARE ACKSON EE BLACKBURN, and Mr. CULBERSON. H.R. 692: Mr. H , Ms. J -L of Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Texas, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, and Mr. H.R. 947: Ms. HIRONO. H. Res. 105: Mr. REICHERT, Mr. EHLERS, Ms. MCGOVERN. H.R. 948: Mr. UPTON and Mrs. CUBIN. FALLIN, Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky, Mr. BOS- H.R. 694: Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. H.R. 958: Mr. UPTON and Mrs. CUBIN. WELL, Mr. SHUSTER, Mr. MILLER of Florida, H.R. 695: Mr. SHIMKUS and Mr. H.R. 964: Mr. UPTON and Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. BISHOP of Utah, Mr. GORDON, Mr. WOLF, BLUMENAUER. H.R. 969: Ms. SCHWARTZ, Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. and Mr. WYNN. H.R. 698: Mr. DOGGETT. HOLT, Mr. ELLISON, Ms. HARMAN, Mr. MCNUL- H. Res. 111: Mrs. CUBIN, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. H.R. 711: Mr. HARE and Mr. CARTER. TY, and Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. PAUL, Mr. RAMSTAD, and Mr. WOLF. H.R. 715: Mr. BUTTERFIELD. H.R. 971: Mr. CRAMER. H. Res. 118: Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York H.R. 723: Mrs. MILLER of Michigan, Mr. H.R. 980: Mr. MOORE of Kansas, Mr. and Mr. BUTTERFIELD. HIGGINS, Mr. KLEIN of Florida, Mr. CALVERT, LATOURETTE, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. LI- H. Res. 119: Mr. CONYERS, Mr. PATRICK Mr. WEINER, Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. MCCOTTER, PINSKI, Mr. MELANCON, Mr. JOHNSON of Geor- MURPHY of Pennsylvania, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. BROWN of South Caro- gia, Mr. RAMSTAD, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of CUELLAR, and Mr. CONAWAY. lina, and Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York. Texas, Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. HARE, and Mr. COTT H.R. 727: Mr. TOWNS, Mr. LEWIS of Ken- BRADY of Pennsylvania. H. Res. 135: Mr. S of Georgia. tucky, and Mr. JEFFERSON. H.R. 981: Mr. CUMMINGS. H. Res. 136: Mr. PATRICK MURPHY of Penn- H.R. 731: Mr. BOREN and Mr. BILIRAKIS. H.R. 995: Mr. WEXLER, Mr. PETERSON of sylvania and Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. H.R. 748: Mr. ALLEN, Mr. LATHAM, Mr. Minnesota, Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas, Mr. H. Res. 138: Mr. STUPAK, Mr. COHEN, and BONNER, and Mr. KANJORSKI. SHULER, Ms. HIRONO, and Mr. KIND. Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. H.R. 752: Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. KILPATRICK, H.R. 997: Mr. RAMSTAD, Mrs. DRAKE, and H. Res. 143: Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, Mr. YOUNG of Mr. SIMPSON. H. Res. 146: Mrs. DAVIS of California, and Alaska, Mr. STARK, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. H.R. 998: Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. BACA, Ms. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. CAPUANO, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. JOHNSON of CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. H. Res. 147: Ms. FOXX. Georgia, Mr. CUELLAR, Mr. BISHOP of Geor- DOYLE, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. H. Res. 149: Mr. SNYDER, Mr. BURTON of In- gia, Mr. JEFFERSON, Mr. SHULER, Mr. LEWIS GRIJALVA, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. diana, and Ms. BERKLEY. of Georgia, and Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms. KILPATRICK, Ms. H. Res. 158: Mr. MCHENRY, Mr. CARTER, Mr. of Texas. LEE, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mrs. SHADEGG, Mr. ADERHOLT, Mr. MORAN of Kan- H.R. 760: Mr. BECERRA and Mr. HARE. MALONEY of New York, Ms. MATSUI, Mr. sas, Mr. NEUGEBAUER, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. H.R. 776: Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. MOORE of Kansas, Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, JORDAN, Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. H.R. 782: Mr. LYNCH, Ms. KILPATRICK, and Mr. SERRANO, Mr. SNYDER, Mr. SKELTON, and CHABOT, Mr. DOOLITTLE, Mr. GARRETT of New MR. KAGEN. Mr. WATT. Jersey, Mr. CAMPBELL of California, Mr. H.R. 787: Mr. JEFFERSON. H.R. 1004: Mr. CHABOT. KINGSTON, Mr. FEENEY, and Mr. GINGREY. H.R. 790: Mrs. CHRISTENSEN and Mr. BACA. H.R. 1014: Mr. GORDON, Mr. ROSS, Mr. H. Res. 162: Mr. CLEAVER, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. H.R. 797: Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin and Mr. OLVER, Mr. MCNULTY, Mr. BISHOP of New LEWIS of Georgia, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. ACKER- KIND. York, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mrs. MCCARTHY of MAN, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Ms. EDDIE BER- H.R. 801: Mr. LEVIN, Mr. DINGELL, and Mr. New York, Mr. DELAHUNT, Ms. SLAUGHTER, NICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. HARE. and Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. FILNER, Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts, Ms. H.R. 806: Mr. MOLLOHAN. H.R. 1017: Mr. DOGGETT, Ms. BALDWIN, and MOORE of Wisconsin, Mr. CONYERS, Mrs. H.R. 808: Mr. FATTAH. Ms. WATSON. CAPPS, Mr. CLAY, Mr. WYNN, Mr. LATHAM, H.R. 811: Mr. ISRAEL. H.R. 1038: Mr. STARK and Ms. KILPATRICK. and Mr. DUNCAN.

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Vol. 153 WASHINGTON, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2007 No. 30 Senate The Senate met at 12 noon and was U.S. SENATE, The assistant legislative clerk read called to order by the Honorable JON PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, as follows: Washington, DC, February 16, 2007. TESTER, a Senator from the State of A bill (S. 641) to express the sense of Con- To the Senate: Montana. Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, gress that no funds should be cut off or re- of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby duced for American troops in the field which PRAYER would result in undermining their safety or appoint the Honorable JON TESTER, a Sen- The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- ator from the State of Montana, to perform their ability to complete their assigned mis- fered the following prayer: the duties of the Chair. sions. Let us pray. ROBERT C. BYRD, Mr. REID. I object to any further Eternal spirit, who taught us it is President pro tempore. proceedings with respect to this bill at more blessed to give than receive, as Mr. TESTER thereupon assumed the this time. we prepare to celebrate President’s chair as Acting President pro tempore. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Day, thank You for the great gift of f pore. Objection is heard. The bill will leadership. Make this wonderful ability be placed on the calendar. RECOGNITION OF MAJORITY to mobilize people toward shared objec- f tives become the strength of our legis- LEADER lative branch. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ORDER OF BUSINESS May our Senators find the correct pore. The majority leader is recog- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- balance that leads to true influence. nized. pore. Under the previous order, the Give them the wisdom to prefer listen- f time until 12:30 shall be equally divided ing to speaking and learning to teach- SCHEDULE and controlled by the two leaders. ing, as they seek to make bipartisan Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, if I un- Mr. REID. Mr. President, today the progress. Remind them that in leader- derstand the order of business, it is time until 12:30 will be divided equally ship what they do speaks more pro- that Members may speak until 12:30, between me and the Republican leader. foundly than what they say. with equally divided time for the re- Then at 12:30 the Senate will proceed to As they strive to represent You and maining 25 minutes; is that correct? a period of morning business with Sen- country, empower them to make pleas- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ators allowed to speak for up to—well, ing You and faithfully serving others pore. That is correct. they will be in 30-minute blocks of their top priorities. Infuse them with Mr. DURBIN. Thank you very much. the serenity to accept the things they time. We will alternate back and forth f cannot change, the courage to change between the respective sides, the ma- the things they can, and the wisdom to jority controlling the first 30 minutes IRAQ beginning at 12:30. know the difference. We pray in Your Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, as we strong Name. Amen. Yesterday a cloture motion was filed to proceed. That cloture vote will gather in the Senate for this session f occur tomorrow at 1:45. There will be today, there will be no recorded votes, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE no rollcall votes during today’s session but an important vote is scheduled to take place across the Rotunda. We The Honorable JON ESTER of the Senate. T led the know what that vote is about. It is Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: I would say, for the information of Senators who are watching this, that I about a war that is now in its fourth I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the year, a war that has lasted longer than United States of America and to the Repub- am not going to use my 15 minutes, so lic for which it stands, one nation under God, if a Democrat wants to come and World War II. indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. speak, they can have my 15 minutes. We were told recently that advisers to the President told him that at this f f stage of the war, there would be as few APPOINTMENT OF ACTING MEASURE PLACED ON THE as 5,000 American troops in Iraq main- PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE CALENDAR—S. 641 taining the limited interests that will The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mr. REID. Mr. President, I under- remain for the United States. The re- clerk will please read a communication stand that S. 641 is at the desk and due ality is so much different. Over 130,000 to the Senate from the President pro for a second reading. Americans troops are still there for the tempore (Mr. BYRD). The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- fourth year of this war. We are acti- The assistant legislative clerk read pore. The clerk will report the bill by vating Guard units, Reserve units, and the following letter: title for a second time. redeploying those in active military

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

S2119

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2120 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 with a frequency we have not seen a chance, through their elected Sen- session, and flying back, many of them since the great wars we faced in our ators, to speak on this issue, this life all-night flights, to be here. They un- past. We are asking sacrifices from and death issue. derstand the importance and gravity of these men and women in uniform and I am hoping we will have a better re- this vote. I certainly hope the Members their families far beyond what was an- sult than we did 2 weeks ago. We on the other side feel the same way. ticipated when the President 4 years brought this matter up before the Sen- This is an important vote. It is not just ago convinced a majority of the House ate. We asked to have a debate. In fact, another procedural vote. America will and Senate to vote to go to war. we said: We will take—on the Demo- notice who is here tomorrow and who The cost of this war, in human terms, cratic majority side, we will allow two votes, and America will notice, after is devastating: 3,132 of America’s best Republican amendments to be offered, this historic debate in the House of and bravest soldiers have died. Over one from Senator WARNER of Virginia, Representatives, whether we meet our 23,000 have returned seriously injured. which questions the President’s poli- important constitutional responsi- Many will come back and need help in cies; the other from Senator MCCAIN of bility. reconstructing their lives, their fami- Arizona, who believes that the esca- A lot of people argue they have given lies, their homes, their businesses. lation is a good policy—a sharp con- up on Government. Government They have paid a sacrifice, all of them, trast, a real choice, an honest, doesn’t mean much to them anymore, and we owe them all a great debt of straightforward debate leading to a yes and they don’t have a great high regard gratitude for their service to our coun- or no—and that was rejected because, for the people who are in Government. try. you see, the other side does not want Some of these folks have stopped vot- The President has decided the next us to come down to that basic, funda- ing. They don’t get involved. They go stage of the war is to increase the num- mental question. They want us to go about their normal lives and say: ber of American troops who will be cast into a debate about so many other Those politicians, you know, they talk into the midst of this civil war. It has issues, albeit important issues but not a lot and they don’t do much. been characterized as a civil war now directly related to this policy. Well, this is a time when I think we by our national intelligence agencies. Yesterday, the majority leader in the can dispel some of this feeling across In fact, they say it is far worse than Senate, HARRY REID of the State of Ne- America that we are irrelevant and not civil war. The report they have given vada, offered again to the Republican part of things. If we can’t take the to Congress, the National Intelligence side the basic choice, a straightforward time to spend on the floor of the Sen- Estimate called the situation: choice. We will bring to the floor the ate, as people are across America, de- Worse than a civil war because it is com- resolution that is presently being debating this war, then we have lost our pounded by a domestic insurgency, foreign bated in the House of Representatives way. We have to bring this matter be- terrorism, and rampant crime. which objects to the escalation of fore the American people in the right Through hearings before the Senate forces, and we will allow Senator way. We are fighting for a democracy Judiciary Committee, we have learned MCCAIN, who has an opposite view, who in the Middle East. We are fighting for that the fundamentals of a civil society wants to send more troops into Iraq, we a democracy in Iraq. Democracy is the do not exist in Iraq today. The basics— will allow those two to be considered open debate of public issues. Will we police protection, enforcement of the and Members to make a choice. I don’t have that same debate on the Senate law, prosecution of criminals, incarcer- think you could ask for anything fair- floor? That question is in the hands of ation of those who have been found er. But unfortunately, the minority, the Republican minority. They will de- guilty—all of these things are at issue the Republican minority insisted they cide tomorrow whether we move for- in this country. Yet the President be- wanted to add two or three more ward on this debate. lieves we should invest more and more amendments into the mix. Now, there is one group in this town American lives in that war. I believe Well, clearly, that takes the focus off who does not want this debate to move that is a tragic error. That is my opin- the most important issue; that is, forward; let’s be very honest about it: ion. It is being debated in the House of should we send more American soldiers the President and the White House. It Representatives, and they will reach a into this wretched civil war in Iraq is an embarrassment to have your pol- conclusion this afternoon, likely the today. I think we need to face that re- icy rejected and repudiated by bipar- same conclusion I have, that this is a sponsibility and face that vote. Now, tisan votes in the House and Senate, wrong strategy. some will step back and say: Wait. If and it is rare. It hardly ever happens. It has been an interesting and his- the Democrats are in the majority, So to spare the embarrassment to the toric debate in the House. Members why don’t they debate this issue? White House—the political embarrass- have been allowed the time to stand Well, the rules of the Senate are in- ment—some are trying to stop this de- and speak their minds and speak from teresting. They are designed to protect bate in the Senate. But I have to say I the heart about this grave challenge we a minority. They give the minority in think this issue goes far beyond which face in America. What we are asking America and the minority in the Sen- politician ends up with bragging rights. for on the floor of the Senate is the ate a voice which it may not have in That has nothing to do with it. This same opportunity as the House of Rep- other places. So under the rules of the has to do with the lives and fortunes of resentatives. We believe that this, Senate, it takes 60 Members to vote to our servicemen and their families and characterized as America’s greatest de- move forward to debate an issue—60. this great Nation and our foreign pol- liberative body, should not avoid the We have 50, with Senator JOHNSON icy. responsibility of debate. We believe recuperating; they have 49. So in order At a time when we need to gather al- this policy of the President, which is to move to a debate, we need 10 Sen- lies around the world to fight this war being discussed and debated across ators to cross this aisle and join us, coon terrorism, when we need to bring America in towns large and small, operate with us, on a bipartisan basis, nations together to join us as they did should be discussed and debated on the so we can move forward on this debate. after September 11 to stop the spread floor of the Senate. Tomorrow will be the test. of terrorism, we need to understand The press made note this morning Now, I have heard some Senators on this debate on Iraq is right on point. It that the Senate is going to meet in a the other side say: We are not even is a debate which affects hundreds of rare Saturday session. Well, we may be going to show up tomorrow. We are not thousands of soldiers and their fami- coming together on Saturday to do our going to be here. I hope that is idle lies, and it affects all of us as Ameri- job, but people across America are chatter and doesn’t reflect their inten- cans. coming together on Saturdays to do tions. I sincerely hope the Republican mi- their jobs, and our soldiers are going to I believe the vote tomorrow is criti- nority will have a change of heart, will war on Saturday to do their job. We cally important. We are summoning join us in supporting this debate to- will have a chance tomorrow, early in Democratic Senators from all across morrow. I believe we will find tomor- the afternoon, to decide whether the the United States, literally. Some are row, with this vote, that a bipartisan Senate will take up this same debate; making personal sacrifices, having majority of the Senate wants to move whether the American people will have flown home, believing we had ended the forward with a debate. If it doesn’t

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2121 reach the number of 60, then tech- supporting our troops and opposing the tempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss nically this debate cannot move for- escalation of the war. It will be a his- so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from ward. I use the word ‘‘technically’’ be- toric vote and a clear response to the tendering to you the consolation that may cause in honesty, that will not be the American people’s clarion call for be found in the thanks of the Republic they end if we do not muster 60 votes. This change. The Senate will have a chance died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father matter is going to come before the Sen- to do so soon as well. The voices of the may assuage the anguish of your bereave- ate again and again and again. American people are growing louder ment, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and the lost, and the For 4 years in this war, Congress, and louder, and the need for us to act solemn pride that must be yours to have laid controlled by the other party, has been could not be clearer. so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of free- virtually silent on the issue of this war Under the President’s current policy, dom. and the wisdom of our policy. Those the war continues to impose an enor- days are over. In the last few weeks we mous human toll on our soldiers, their The consequences of the decisions we have been in session, we have had over families, and their loved ones. Our men make here in Congress profoundly af- 30 hearings by committees that have and women in uniform have served fect our military, their families, and asked the hard questions about this with great courage and honor for near- the communities they have left. We policy, about protecting our troops, ly 4 years—longer than it took to win have an obligation to our soldiers to and about where we are going to go for- World War II. More than 3,000 of our make sensible decisions that will not ward in the future. Those questions forces have been killed and more than place them needlessly in harm’s way. will continue to be asked by commit- 23,000 wounded. The casualties keep tees. They will continue to be ad- mounting. Last fall was the deadliest We in Massachusetts feel especially dressed in the Senate. When we move period since the war began. Mr. Presi- deeply the loss of the 65 soldiers who to the next item of legislation, we will dent, 287 American soldiers were killed have died in Iraq: SGT Justin W. Gar- undoubtedly have amendments relative in October, November, and December. vey; PFC John D. Hart; SPC Chris- to this war in Iraq. This debate will not Already, 118 have been killed since the topher J. Holland; SGT Pierre A. Ray- end. President announced the surge, and the mond; CPL Brian Oliveira; LCpl Travis I sincerely hope those on the other numbers keep rising. Reid Desiato; LCpl Dimitrios Gavriel; side of the aisle will join us. I hope The toll in Massachusetts has been SGT Andrew Farrar; 1LT Brian they understand what is at stake. It is heavy. Just last week, CPT Jennifer McPhillips; SSG Joseph P. Belavia; not just 21,000 more soldiers putting Harris of Swampscott, MA, was killed LCpl John J. Vangyzen IV; SGT Kurt their lives on the line for America; it is when her helicopter went down north D. Schamberg; CPT John W. Maloney; a question of our foreign policy and of Baghdad. She was the first woman SPC Ray M. Fuhrmann II; 1SG Alan N. protecting this Nation and making from our State to make the ultimate Grifford; PVT Michael E. Bouthot; SPC sure we keep our commitment to our sacrifice in Iraq, and our hearts and Daniel R. Gionet; SGT Gregory A. country to keep it safe. prayers go out to her family and loved Belanger; PFC Kerry D. Scott; SGT I yield the floor and suggest the ab- ones. sence of a quorum. So far, 65 Massachusetts members of Daniel J. Londono; CPL David Marques The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- our forces have given the last full Vincente; LCpl Jeffrey Charles Bur- pore. The clerk will call the roll. measure of devotion to our country. gess; LCpl Alexander Scott Arrendodo; The assistant legislative clerk pro- The youngest was 19, the oldest was 46. 1LT Travis John Fuller; CPT Benjamin ceeded to call the roll. They died far from their homes in Bed- Sammis; CWO2 Stephen M. Wells; SPC Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask ford and Bristol, Lawrence and Lowell, Matthew Boule; CWO Kyran E. Ken- unanimous consent that the order for Plymouth and Pittsfield, Weymouth nedy; CPT Christopher J. Sullivan; the quorum call be rescinded. and Woburn, and other towns and cities LCpl Shayne Cabino; LTC Leon G. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- across the State. They were fathers, James, II; CPT Joel E. Cahill; LCpl Mi- pore. Without objection, it is so or- sons, a daughter, brothers, and friends. chael Ford; CPL Scott Procopio; LCpl dered. Each of them represents a life cut Patrick Gallagher; CPL Donald E. f short in service to our country. Fisher II; SPC Gabriel T. Palacios; More than 3,000 families across Amer- SGT Benjamin E. Mejia; SGT Glenn R. MORNING BUSINESS ica share in such heartbreak. Their Allison; GySgt Elia Paietta The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- loved ones have died in Iraq, and we Fontecchio; LCpl Andrew Zabierek; pore. Under the previous order, the mourn their loss. We honor their serv- LCpl Nickolas David Schiavoni; SPC hour of 12:30 p.m. having arrived, there ice, and we pray that God’s grace and Daniel F. Cunningham; LCpl Gregory will now be a period for the transaction mercy may ease the anguish of those E. MacDonald; SPC Peter G. Enos; PFC of morning business, with Senators they have left behind. Norman Darling; PVT Cory R. Depew; permitted to speak for up to 30 minutes Citizens of Massachusetts have an- SSG Joseph Camara; SGT Charles each and the time to be alternated be- swered their country’s call from the tween the two sides, with the majority first days of the Republic, and those we Caldwell; PFC Markus J. Johnson; SPC controlling the first 30 minutes. honor today are members of that noble David J. Babineau; CPL Paul N. King; The Senator from Massachusetts. company. Each knew they were going LCpl Geoffrey R. Cayer; SGT Mark R. Vecchione; SSG Clint J. Storey; SPC f into harm’s way. They faced dangers in Iraq that vast numbers of our troops Edgardo Zayas; LCpl Eric P. HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES had never seen before, such as suicide Valdepenas; SPC Jared J. Raymond; Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, the bombers and improvised explosive de- LCpl Edward Garvin; LT Joshua Booth; war in Iraq is the most important issue vices. SPC Matthew J. Stanley; SGT Gregory of our time. The American people know We mourn the loss of these heroes. Wright; SFC Keith Callahan; SGT that our soldiers are serving nobly We honor their sacrifice and extend our Alexander H. Fuller; and CPT Jennifer under extraordinarily difficult cir- deepest condolences to their families. Harris. cumstances and that far too many of Words cannot ease the grief of losing a Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- them are making the ultimate sacrifice loved one, but I hope the families may sent that the chart I have be printed in for our country. Citizens are calling on find comfort in the words of Abraham the RECORD. It is a chart of their home- us—begging us—to address this issue Lincoln in the famous letter he sent to towns and where they died in Iraq. with the seriousness and the urgency it a bereaved mother during the Civil deserves. War. He wrote: There being no objection, the mate- The House of Representatives will Dear Madam, I feel how weak and fruitless rial was ordered to be printed in the vote later today on a major resolution must be any words of mine which should at- RECORD, as follows:

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Name Location of death Relationship to MA

Sergeant Justin W. Garvey ...... Tel Afar, Iraq ...... Mother from Townsend. Private First Class John D. Hart ...... Taza, Iraq ...... Lived in Bedford. Specialist Christopher J. Holland ...... Baghdad, Iraq ...... Mother in Lunenburg. Sergeant Pierre A. Raymond ...... Ar Ramadi, Iraq ...... Lived in Lawrence. Corporal Brian Oliveira ...... Al Anbar, Iraq ...... Lived in Bristol. Lance Corporal Travis Reid Desiato ...... Fallujah, Iraq ...... Lived in Bedford. Lance Corporal Dimitrios Gavriel ...... Fallujah, Iraq ...... Parents in Haverhill. Sergeant Andrew Farrar ...... Al Anbar Province, Iraq ...... Lived in Weymoth. First Lieutenant Brian McPhillips ...... Baghdad, Iraq ...... Lived in Pembroke. Staff Sergeant Joesph P. Belavia ...... Karbala, Iraq ...... Lived in Wakefield. Lcpl John J. Vangyzen IV ...... Al Anbar Province, Iraq ...... Lived in Bristol. Sergeant Kurt D. Schamberg ...... Iraq ...... Father in Melrose. Captain John W. Maloney ...... Ar Ramadi, Iraq ...... Lived in Chicopee. Specialist Ray M. Fuhrmann II ...... Samarra, Iraq ...... Lived in Attleboro. First Sergeant Alan N. Grifford ...... Baghdad, Iraq ...... Parents in West Wareham. Pvt. Michael E. Bouthot ...... Baghdad, Iraq ...... Lived in Fall River. Specialist Daniel R. Gionet ...... Baghdad, Iraq ...... Father in Lowell. Sgt. Gregory A. Belanger ...... Al Hallia, Iraq ...... Parents from MA. Private First Class Kerry D. Scott ...... Iskandirayh, Iraq ...... Mother in Worcester. Sergeant Daniel J. Londono ...... Baghdad, Iraq ...... Parents in Dorchester. Corporal David Marques Vicente ...... Hit, Iraq ...... Lived in Methuen. Lance Corporal Jeffrey Charles Burgess ...... Al Fallujah, Iraq ...... Lived in Plymouth. Lance Corporal Alexander Scott Arrendodo ...... Najaf, Iraq ...... Lived in Randolph. First Lieutenant Travis John Fuller ...... Korean Village, Iraq ...... Lived in Granville. Captain Benjamin Sammis ...... Central Iraq ...... Raised in Rehoboth. Chief Warrant Officer Two Stephen M. Wells ...... Habbinayah, Iraq ...... Parents in North Egremont. Specialist Matthew Boule ...... Iraq ...... Raised in Dracut. Chief Warrant Officer Kyran E. Kennedy ...... Tikrit, Iraq ...... Parents in Boston. Captain Christopher J. Sullivan ...... Baghdad, Iraq ...... Lived in Princeton. Lance Corporal Shayne Cabino ...... Al Karmah, Iraq ...... Lived in Canton. Lt. Col. Leon G. James II ...... Ar Rustamiyah, Iraq ...... Mother in Longmeadow. Capt. Joel E. Cahill ...... Dawr, Iraq ...... Lived in Norwood. Lance Corporal Michael Ford ...... Al Anbar, Iraq ...... From New Bedford. Cpl. Scott Procopio ...... Al Anbar, Iraq ...... Lived in Saugus. Lance Cpl. Patrick Gallagher ...... Al Anbar, Iraq ...... Mother and father live in MA. Corporal Donald E. Fisher II ...... Kirkuk, Iraq ...... Lived in Brockton. Specialist Gabriel T. Palacios ...... Ba’qubah, Iraq ...... Father from Lynn. Sergeant Benjamin E. Mejia ...... Marez, Iraq ...... Lived in Salem. Sergeant Glenn R. Allison ...... Baghdad, Iraq ...... Mother in Pittsfield. Gunnery Sergeant Elia Paietta Fontecchio ...... Al Anbar Province, Iraq ...... Lived in Milford. Lance Corporal Andrew Zabierek ...... Al Anbar Province, Iraq ...... Lived in Chelmsford. Lance Corporal Nickolas David Schiavoni ...... Al Karmah, Iraq ...... From Haverhill. Specialist Daniel F. Cunningham ...... Iraq ...... Lived in Revere. Lance Corporal Gregory E. MacDonald ...... Iraq ...... Parents from MA. Specialist Peter G. Enos ...... Bayji, Iraq ...... Lived in Plymouth. Pfc. Norman Darling ...... Iraq ...... Lived in Watertown. Private Cory R. Depew ...... Mosul, Iraq ...... Father in Haverhill. Staff Sergeant Joseph Camara ...... Baghdad, Iraq ...... Lived in New Bedford. Sgt. Charles Caldwell ...... Iraq ...... Lived in Attleboro. Pfc. Markus J. Johnson ...... AI Anbar Province, Iraq ...... Lived in Springfield. Spc. David J. Babineau ...... Baghdad, Iraq ...... Parents in Springfield. Cpl. Paul N. King ...... Al Anbar Province, Iraq ...... Tyngsboro, Mass. LC. Geoffrey R. Cayer ...... Habbinayah, Iraq ...... Fitchburg, MA. Sgt. Mark R. Vecchione ...... Ar Ramadi, Iraq ...... Eastham, MA. Staff Sergeant Clint J. Storey ...... Ar Ramadi, Iraq ...... Wife/daughter in Palmer, MA. Spc. Edgardo Zayas ...... Baghdad, Iraq ...... Parents in Dorchester, MA. Lance Corporal Eric P. Valdepenas ...... AI Anbar Province, Iraq ...... Seekonk, MA. Specialist Jared J. Raymond ...... Taji, Iraq ...... Swampscott, MA (mother). LCPL Edward Garvin ...... Al Anbar Province, Iraq ...... Malden, MA. Lt. Joshua Booth ...... Fallujah, Iraq ...... Fiskdale, MA. Specialist Matthew J. Stanley ...... Taji, Iraq ...... Father and Wife in MA. Sgt. Gregory Wright ...... Muadadivah, Iraq ...... Father in Boston. MA. Sgt. 1st Class Keith Callahan ...... South of Baghdad ...... Mother in Woburn. Sgt. Alexander H. Fuller ...... Baghdad, Iraq ...... Wife in Centerville. Captian Jennifer Harris ...... Al Anbar Province, Iraq ...... Lived in Swampscott, MA.

The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- of my colleagues agree that it makes ally support—our brave troops and pore. The Senator from Wisconsin. no sense. their families. f So the question becomes, with a We must end our involvement in this tragic and misguided war. The Presi- IRAQ President unable or unwilling to fix a flawed policy that is jeopardizing our dent will not do so; therefore, Congress Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, first national security and our military must act. So far, Congress has not let me thank the Senator from Massa- readiness, what should we in Congress lived up to that responsibility. Instead chusetts for his moving and sobering do about our country’s involvement in of taking strong action in the Senate, words but even more importantly for this disastrous war? Do we do nothing instead of considering binding legisla- his leadership and tremendous clarity and hope the President will put things tion that fixes the President’s flawed on this issue over these last few crit- right, when he has shown time and Iraq strategy, we tied ourselves into ical years. time again that he is incapable of knots last week in a convoluted and Mr. President, we are approaching misguided effort to achieve a consensus doing so? Do we simply tell the Presi- the 4-year anniversary of one of the that would have essentially reaffirmed dent that we are unhappy with the way greatest foreign policy mistakes in our congressional authorization for con- the war is going and that we hope he country’s history. In March 2003, with tinuing our military involvement in will change course or do we take the prior authorization of Congress, Iraq. Of course, here I am referring to the President took this country to war strong, decisive action to fix the Presi- the resolution proposed by the senior in Iraq. Almost 4 years later, virtually dent’s mistaken, self-defeating poli- Senator from Virginia. This resolution every objective observer and, more im- cies? was portrayed, at least at first, by portantly, the American people as a It is pretty clear which course of ac- members of both parties as an impor- whole agree that the President’s policy tion I support. I think it is a course of tant symbolic rebuke of the President’s has failed. Even the President acknowl- action the American people called for Iraq policy. In fact, it really was not a edges that his plan has not worked, in the November elections. It is the rebuke at all. In parts, it reads like a though his solution is not a new plan course of action our national security reauthorization of the war, rejecting but a troop escalation. Of course, send- needs, so we do not continue to neglect troop redeployment and specifically ing more troops to implement what is global threats and challenges while we authorizing ‘‘vigorous operations’’ in a essentially the same flawed strategy focus so much of our resources and our critical region in Iraq. makes no sense. The American people efforts on Iraq. It is the course of ac- Now, when debate on the Warner res- agree that it makes no sense, and most tion that will support—that will actu- olution was blocked, we had a chance

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2123 to get things right. And I am glad our makes no sense, either, if we just stop the constitutionality of Congress’s au- majority leader, Senator REID, has cho- there. So we need to go further, and we thority to end the war. sen to bring up the resolution being de- need to do it soon. Lou Fisher of the Library of Congress bated in the House today expressing Let me remind my colleagues, when is acclaimed as one of the foremost ex- support for the troops and, simply, op- the voters rejected the President’s Iraq perts on the President’s war powers. In position to the so-called surge. Now, policy in November, they weren’t re- fact, he literally wrote the book on this body—the Senate—should go on jecting an escalation. That option this topic. He testified that Congress record in opposition to, or support of, wasn’t even on the table then. Who was does not simply have the power, he said the President’s plan. talking about an escalation during it has the responsibility to exercise it, I will vote to allow the debate on the that campaign? Certainly, the Pre- when needed. resolution to take place. And I hope I siding Officer knows well what was He said: will have the opportunity to actually being discussed. They were rejecting . . . is the continued use of military force vote for the resolution. the President’s policy of trying to and a military commitment in the Nation’s I have yet to hear any convincing ar- achieve a political solution in Iraq interest? That is the core question. Once you decide that, if you decide it is not in the na- gument that sending 21,500 more troops with a massive and unlimited military tional interest, you certainly do not want to to Iraq will bring about the political presence. After delaying action for a continue putting U.S. troops in harm’s way. solution that is needed to end violence couple of months, the President just The argument that cutting off fund- in that country. plain ignored overwhelming public sen- ing for a flawed policy would hurt the The President’s decision to send timent, the advice of Members of both troops and that continuing to put U.S. more troops is based on two flawed as- parties, and the views of the military troops in harm’s way supports the sumptions. It assumes, first, that the and foreign policy experts when he pro- troops makes no sense. By ending fund- presence of even more of our service- posed an escalation. The administra- ing for the war, we can bring our troops members will help Iraqi troops improve tion turned its back on the American safely out of Iraq. security in Baghdad and, second, that people. Walter Dellinger of Duke Law School with improved security, Iraqi politi- We in Congress should not follow made this point when he testified cians can then achieve national rec- suit. We have a responsibility to our about my proposal. He said: onciliation. The recent declassified constituents and to our men and There would not be one penny less for the NIE, or National Intelligence Estimate, women in uniform. If no one will listen salary of the troops. There would not be one shot holes in both of those assump- to and act on the will of the American penny less for the benefit of the troops. tions. It said that Iraqi security forces people, then there is something seri- There would not be one penny less for weap- ‘‘will be hard pressed in the next 12–18 ously wrong with our political system. ons or ammunition. There would not be one months to execute significantly in- After almost 4 years of a disastrous penny less for supplies or support. Those troops would simply be redeployed to other creased security responsibilities’’ and policy, we must bring our troops out of areas where the armed forces are utilized. ‘‘even if violence is diminished, given Iraq. To do otherwise is to ignore pub- Instead of allowing the President’s the current winner-take-all attitude lic outrage over the war and to ignore failed policy to continue, Congress can and sectarian animosities infecting the the many other pressing national secu- and should use its power of the purse to political scene, Iraqi leaders will be rity priorities we are neglecting in end our involvement in the Iraq war, hard pressed to achieve sustained polit- favor of a myopic focus on Iraq. The safely redeploying the troops while en- ical reconciliation in the time frame of American people recognize there is no suring, as do I in my bill, that impor- this Estimate.’’ U.S. military solution to Iraq’s civil tant counterterrorism and training Obviously, those were direct quotes, war. And as long as we focus dispropor- missions are still carried out. We not me characterizing the NIE. In tionate attention and resources on should be coming up with a strategy other words, in the best case scenario, Iraq, we will not be able to counter the for a postredeployment Iraq and the re- U.S. forces provide a little security full range of threats we face in places gion that is squarely within the con- that Iraqi forces can’t sustain on their such as Afghanistan and Somalia and text of the global fight against al- own and that Iraqi politicians won’t many other places around the world. Qaida. That means replacing a massive use to settle their entrenched dif- So Congress must use its power. It and unsustainable and unlimited mili- ferences. That doesn’t sound to me like must use its power of the purse to safe- tary mission with a long-term strategy a plan for success. ly redeploy our troops from Iraq. for mitigating the mess left behind by Some of my colleagues, even those Let’s not be intimidated by the in- this war. With such a strategy, we can who don’t support sending more troops tentionally misleading rhetoric of the redirect substantially more resources to Baghdad, have spoken in favor of White House and its allies when they and attention to the fight against al- continued and even increased U.S. try to prevent any discussion at all of Qaida and other affiliated or sympa- military operations in Al Anbar Prov- real action by the Congress to end the thetic international terrorist organiza- ince. Some of them even suggest that war. This isn’t about cutting off funds tions. our troops should be directly com- for troops; it is about cutting off funds As long as this President goes un- bating an insurgency there. This, apart for the war. Every Member of Congress checked by Congress, our troops will from everything else, is a recipe for agrees that we must continue to sup- remain needlessly at risk and our na- disaster. Al Anbar Province is where a port our troops and give them the re- tional security will be compromised. majority of U.S. troops have been sources and the support they need. By Let me tell my colleagues, regardless killed in Iraq. The insurgency there, as setting a date after which funding for of what happens with this resolution, well as general opposition to the U.S. the war will be terminated, as I have this is just a first step—worthwhile but presence and to the Shiite-dominated proposed, Congress can safely bring our just a first step. And the first step Government in Baghdad, is fueled by troops out of harm’s way. That is how must be followed by stronger steps, and the Sunnis’ political and economic you get them out of harm’s way, by it must be done quickly. I intend to grievances. Conducting targeted mis- getting them out of there. keep pushing until the Senate votes to sions to take out terrorists makes There is plenty of precedent for Con- end our involvement in the Iraq war, sense, but using U.S. troops to put gress exercising its constitutional au- and eventually this will happen be- down an insurgency doesn’t. Maintain- thority to stop U.S. involvement in cause this is what a strong majority of ing or, worse yet, increasing a substan- armed conflict. Last month, I chaired a the American people want. Congress tial U.S. presence in a primarily Sunni Judiciary Committee hearing entitled may be able to put off its day of reck- area without a political solution means ‘‘Exercising Congress’s Constitutional oning temporarily, the administration nothing less than a continuation of Power to End the War.’’ Without excep- can continue down the same failed path unending and self-defeating policies in tion, every witness, those called by the a while longer, but all of us ignore the Iraq. Clearly, the President’s decision majority and the minority, those who will of the American people at our to send more troops makes no sense. have had a career more focused on the peril. So let’s have this debate. Let’s do But I have to say that simply passing a executive branch than the legislative it openly and honestly. Let’s not pre- nonbinding resolution criticizing it branch—all of them did not challenge tend anyone wants to deny our troops

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2124 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 the equipment and resources they need. pressed nonbinding resolutions of dis- Where previously there were not Let’s not suggest that opposing the approval before a plan of military ac- enough troops to hold the neighbor- President’s strategy is unpatriotic and tion has been carried out. hoods cleared of insurgents, now more that it would give aid and comfort to Congress has obviously taken much troops are either in place or on the the enemy, that it would somehow more direct steps, authorized to do so way. Where previously American sol- weaken the resolve of our troops. by the Constitution, to cut off funds diers were based on the outskirts of Those claims are outrageous. They are for a military action or a war in Baghdad unable to secure the city, now offensive, and they are untrue. Do my progress. But never before has the Con- they are living and working side by colleagues believe the American people gress of the United States passed a side with their Iraqi counterparts on gave aid and comfort to the enemy nonbinding resolution of disapproval of small bases that are being set up right when they rejected the President’s Iraq a military plan that is already being now throughout the Iraqi capital. policy in November? Are the over- carried out by American military per- At least six of these new joint bases whelming majority of our constituents sonnel. I believe it is a bad precedent, have already been established in the who oppose this war trying to under- and that is why I will do everything I Sunni neighborhoods in west Baghdad, mine our troops? Of course not. So how can to oppose it. In the immediate con- the same neighborhoods where a few could anyone suggest that Congress ac- text, that means I will vote against weeks ago jihadists and death squads tually acting on the will of the Amer- cloture. held sway. In the Shiite neighborhoods ican people undermines the troops or Mr. President, more broadly, we are of east Baghdad, American troops are emboldens the enemy? approaching an important moment in also moving in with their Iraqi coun- Our troops are undermined by a pol- the history of this institution and of terparts, and Moqtada al-Sadr and his icy that places them in harm’s way un- our Republic, a moment I fear future Mahdi Army are moving out. necessarily. And our enemy, our true historians will look back to and see the We do not know if this new strategy enemy, al-Qaida and its allies, is beginning of a cycle that not only dam- for success in Iraq will work over the emboldened by a U.S. strategy that ne- aged the remaining possibilities for long term, and we probably will not glects global challenges and instead fo- success America has in Iraq but, more know for some time. The Mahdi Army cuses on a single country. It is unfortu- broadly, established political prece- may be in retreat for the moment, but nate that those who wish to defend this dents that weaken the power of the they are not defeated. They have gone strategy would resort to these kinds of Presidency to protect the American to ground, and they are watching. Our people over the long term. charges. hope, of course, is that our determina- The nonbinding resolution before us Let’s do the job of the Senate and tion and that of the Iraqi Government today, we all know, is only a prologue. have full, open debate and votes on fix- will lead them now to devote them- That is why the fight over it, proce- ing our Iraq policy. Let’s not pretend selves to politics instead of death dural and substantive, over these past that such a debate would harm our na- squads, but only time will tell. weeks has been so intense. It is the tional security. Let’s not tell ourselves The fact is any realistic assessment first skirmish in an escalating battle that it is up to just the President to fix of the situation in Iraq tells us we that threatens to consume our Govern- the horrible situation his failed poli- must expect there will be more attacks ment over many months ahead, a bat- and there will be more casualties in the cies have created. It is our responsi- tle that will neither solve the sprawl- bility to act, too. Congress made the months ahead as the enemies of a free ing challenges we face in Iraq nor and independent Iraq see the progress tragic mistake of authorizing this war strengthen our Nation to defeat the over 4 years ago. Now Congress also has we are making and adapt to try to de- challenges to our security throughout stroy it with more violence. the job of bringing it to a close so we the world from Islamist extremists— can refocus on the terrorists and other The question they will pose to us, that is to say, in our war against the which is the question that is posed global threats that have been neglected terrorists who attacked us. way too much over the past 4 years. every time a fanatic suicide bomb goes We still have a choice not to go down off and that person expresses their ha- I yield the floor and suggest the ab- this path. It is a choice that goes be- sence of a quorum. tred of everyone else more than love of yond the immediate resolution that their own life by ending their own life, The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- will be before the Senate, a chance to is: Will we yield Baghdad, Iraq, the pore. The clerk will call the roll. step back from the brink and find bet- Middle East, our own future to those The bill clerk proceeded to call the ter ways to express and arbitrate our fanatical suicide bombers? roll. differences of opinion. I hope we will Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I We must also recognize we are in a seize the moment and take those steps. different place in Iraq from where we ask unanimous consent that the order Mr. President, as we meet in this were a month ago because of the imple- for the quorum call be rescinded. Chamber today, the battle for Baghdad mentation of this new strategy. We are The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- has already begun. One of our most in a stronger position today to provide pore. Without objection, it is so or- decorated generals, David Petraeus, basic security in Baghdad, and with dered. whom this Senate confirmed 81 to 0 a that, we are in a stronger position to Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, few weeks ago, has now taken com- when the roll is called tomorrow on the mand in Baghdad. marginalize the extremists and motion for cloture with regard to the Thousands of American soldiers have strengthen the moderates, a stronger resolution the House is expected to moved out across the Iraqi capital put- position to foster the economic activ- pass tonight on Iraq, I will vote no. I ting their lives on the line as they put ity that will drain the insurgency and will vote against cloture. I will do so a new strategy into effect. We can now the militias of their public support, a not because I wish to stifle debate. The see for ourselves on the ground in Iraq, stronger position to press the Iraqi fact is that debate has occurred, it is in Baghdad, where it matters what this leaders to make the political com- occurring now, and it will continue to new strategy looks like. And we can promises that everyone acknowledges occur on our policy in Iraq. see why it is different from all that are necessary. I will vote against cloture because I preceded it. John Maynard Keynes famously said: feel so strongly against the resolution. For the first time in Baghdad, our When the facts change, I change my mind. It condemns the new plan for success in primary focus is no longer on training In the real world, in the past month, Iraq. I support that plan. It does some- Iraqi forces or chasing down insurgents the facts in Iraq have changed, and thing that, from all of the research my or providing for our own force protec- they are changing still. I ask my col- staff and I have done, including asking tion, though those remain objectives. leagues to allow themselves to wait the Library of Congress, we have found Our primary focus is on ensuring basic and consider changing their minds as no case in American history where security for the Iraqi people working further facts unfold in Iraq. The non- Congress has done what this resolution side by side with Iraqi security forces, binding resolution before us is not does, which is, in a nonbinding resolu- exactly what classic counterinsurgency about stopping a hypothetical plan. It tion, oppose a plan our military is im- doctrine tells us must be our first goal is about disapproving a plan that is plementing right now. Congress has ex- now. being carried out now by our fellow

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2125 Americans in uniform in the field. In branches of Government over war pow- that a Congress should take at this that sense, as I have said, it is unprece- ers. The potential for a constitutional time in our Nation’s history. And he dented in congressional history, in crisis here and now is real, with con- has said it well. It is not one of micro- American history. gressional interventions, Presidential management. It is not one of 535 gen- This resolution is about shouting vetoes, and Supreme Court decisions. erals all thinking we can act and think into the wind. It is about ignoring the If there was ever a moment for non- strategically about the engagement realities of what is happening on the partisan cooperation to agree on a currently underway in Baghdad. ground in Baghdad. It proposes noth- process that will respect both our per- It is our job, I would hope, to stand ing. It contains no plan for victory or sonal opinions about this war and our united in behalf of the men and women retreat. It is a strategy of ‘‘no,’’ while Nation’s interests over the long term, we send there in uniform to accomplish our soldiers are saying ‘‘yes, sir,’’ to this is it. what we so hope and wish they will be their commanding officers as they go We need to step back from the brink able to accomplish, and that is the sta- forward into battle. And that is why I and reason together, as Scripture urges bility of Iraq, the allowing of the Iraqi will vote against the resolution by vot- us to do, about how we will proceed to people to once again lead their country ing against cloture. express our disagreements about this and to take from it the kind of radical I understand the frustration, the war. We must recognize that while the Islamic fascism that is well underway anger, and the exhaustion that so decisions we are making today and we and dominating the region. many Americans, so many Members of are about to make seem irretrievably Let me make a few comments this this Congress feel about Iraq, the de- bound up in the immediacy of this mo- afternoon that clearly coincide with sire to throw up one’s hands and simply ment, and the particular people now what Senator LIEBERMAN has spoken say ‘‘enough.’’ And I am painfully holding positions of power in our Gov- to. This is not, nor should it ever be- aware of the enormous toll of this war ernment, these decisions will set con- come, a partisan issue. I think his pres- in human life and of the mistakes that stitutional precedents that will go far ence on the floor this afternoon speaks have been made in the war’s conduct. beyond the moment and these people. volumes to that. This is not a partisan But let us now not make another mis- President Bush has less than 2 years issue. This is a phenomenally impor- take. In the midst of a fluid and uncer- left in office, and a Democrat may well tant national and international issue tain situation in Iraq, we should not be succeed him. If we do not act thought- for our country to be engaged in that, so bound up in our own arguments and fully in the weeks and months ahead, frankly, few countries can engage in disagreements, so committed to the po- we will establish precedents that fu- the way we have and with the kind of sitions we have staked out that the po- ture Congresses, future Presidents, and energy and strength we have brought litical battle over here takes prece- future generations of Americans will to it. dence over the real battle over there. regret. The majority leader has put us in a Whatever the passions of the mo- Right now, as the battle for Baghdad very precarious situation, one that is ment, the point of reference for our de- begins, this institution is obviously clearly divisive. Frankly, I can say cisionmaking should be military move- deeply divided. However, we should not things as a Republican that maybe my ments on the battlefields of Iraq, not allow our divisions to lead us to a con- colleague cannot say. political maneuverings in the Halls of stitutional crisis in which no one wins f Congress. and our national security is greatly ORDER OF PROCEDURE Even as our troops have begun to damaged. take Baghdad back step by step, there We are engaged, as all my colleagues Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, par- are many in this Congress who have, know, in a larger war against a totali- liamentary inquiry: At the hour of 1:30, nevertheless, already reached a conclu- tarian enemy, Islamist extremism, and is there an order for another Senator sion about the futility of America’s terrorism that seeks to vanquish all to be recognized? cause there and declared their inten- the democratic values that is our na- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- tion to put an end to this mission, not tional purpose to protect and defend. pore. That is correct. with one direct attempt to cut off Whatever our differences in this Mr. WARNER. And who is that Sen- funds but step by political step. Chamber about this war, let us never ator? No matter what the rhetoric of this forget those great values of freedom The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- resolution, that is the reality of this and democracy that unite us and for pore. That would the Senator from Vir- moment. This nonbinding measure be- which our troops have given, and today ginia. Mr. WARNER. Can my colleague fin- fore us is a first step toward a constitu- give, the last full measure of their de- ish up in 1 minute? I want to try to ac- tional crisis that we can and must votion. avoid. Let me explain what I mean by Yes, we should vigorously debate and commodate my colleague. Mr. CRAIG. I will be relatively brief. ‘‘a constitutional crisis.’’ Let us be deliberate. That is not only our right, I was instructed to be here at 1:15, but clear about the likely consequences if it is our responsibility. But at this dif- I think we have had a runover of time; we go down this path beyond this non- ficult junction, at this moment when a is that not correct? binding resolution. real battle, a critical battle is being Mr. WARNER. I was not here. Congress has been given constitu- waged in Baghdad, as we face a brutal Mr. CRAIG. Can we inquire of the tional responsibilities, but the micro- enemy who attacked us on 9/11 and Chair? management of wars is not one of wants to do it again, let us not shout The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- them. The appropriation of funds for at one another but let us reach out to pore. The minority has 30 seconds re- war is. I appreciate that each of us has one another to find that measure of maining, and then time reverts to the our own ideas about the best way for- unity that can look beyond today’s dis- majority. The majority has granted the ward in Iraq. I respect those who take agreements and secure the Nation’s fu- Senator from Virginia the time. a different position than I. I under- ture and the future of all who will fol- Mr. CRAIG. His time is? stand many feel strongly that the low us as Americans. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- President’s strategy is the wrong one, I thank the Chair, and I yield the pore. The Senator from Virginia has 30 but the Constitution, which has served floor. minutes, until 2 p.m. us now for more than two great cen- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Mr. CRAIG. May I ask the Senator turies of our history, creates not 535 pore. The Senator from Idaho. how much time he planned to con- Commanders in Chief but 1, the Presi- Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I am so sume? dent of the United States, who is au- honored to be on the floor with Senator Mr. WARNER. Well, I have to jump a thorized to lead the day-to-day conduct JOE LIEBERMAN today and to listen to plane, but how much time does my col- of war. his remarks, frankly, to stand in the league wish? Whatever our preponderance of this shadow of his leadership on this issue Mr. CRAIG. I will take no more than war or its conduct, it is in no one’s in- because he has been that, a bipartisan 5 minutes. terest to stumble into a debilitating leader, recognizing, as he so appro- Mr. WARNER. If my colleague can confrontation between our two great priately has spoken, the leadership role make it 3 minutes, then I think my

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2126 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 colleague from Missouri is anxious to Idaho, but also to our great Nation and signs of success. The Iraqi government catch his plane also. the world. The majority claims that is closing down their borders with Mr. BOND. Mr. President, if I could they want full and fair debate on this Syria and Iran, a critical decision that impose and ask for 2 minutes, so that issue, yet they refuse to allow us to will limit the number of foreign fight- Senator CRAIG and myself will consume bring our own voice to this issue, and ers and enemy weapons from entering a total of 5 minutes on this side. our own resolutions. How can we have Iraq, weapons that are being used to The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- a full and fair debate and vote on the kill American soldiers. pore. Is there objection? floor of the Senate if we are being held Lastly, I would say that our presence Hearing no objection, it is so ordered. hostage by the majority leader? in Iraq does not just affect Iraq. The Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I am so No State goes untouched by what we greater Middle East and the security of honored to be on the floor with Senator do here today and no man or woman in world are at stake. Are we going to JOE LIEBERMAN today and listen to his uniform goes untouched. Twenty Ida- turn a blind eye to Iraq and allow it to remarks, and frankly, to stand in the hoans have given their lives in Iraq, become a safe haven for terrorists the shadow of his leadership on this issue. and each of their sacrifices is sacred way that Afghanistan was under the Because he has been that, a bipartisan and honored, not just by their families Taliban regime? I certainly will do all leader recognizing, as he so appro- and friend but by all. Most recently, that I can as a U.S. Senator to prevent priately has spoke, the leadership role SPC Ross Clevenger and PVT Raymond that from happening because it is in that a Congress should take at this Werner of Boise, and SGT James our national interests to defeat our en- time in our Nation’s history. And he Holtom of Rexberg were killed in Iraq emies abroad before they can strike us has said it well, it is not one of micro- in an IED attack. They, like all those again here at home. management, it is not 1 of 535 generals who have fallen to enemy hands, served f all thinking we can act strategically in a heroic and gallant way for a cause and tactically about the engagement they believed in and a cause that we RURAL SCHOOL FUNDING currently underway in Baghdad and believe in. That is the cause of free- Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, let me elsewhere across Iraq. dom. speak to you briefly regarding another It is our job, I would hope, to stand Senator LIEBERMAN said it well, for critical issue and that is the Secure united in behalf of the men and women us to send one of our top generals and Rural Schools and Communities Self- we send there in uniform to accomplish top military minds in GEN David Determination Reauthorization Act. what we so hope and wish they will be Petraeus to Iraq and say by a unani- When we return after our Presidents able to accomplish and that is the sta- mous vote that we support him and be- Day recess, it is vital we re-engage in a bility of Iraq and the greater Middle lieve in his abilities, but at the same critical issue for timber dependent East and allowing the Iraqi people to time we do not support his mission, school districts in Idaho and across our lead their country and remove from it what are we saying as a Congress? country. This bill once referred to as the kind of radical Islamic fascism What kind of message are we sending Craig/Wyden, helped many rural school that is well underway and dominating to our men and women in uniform districts move through a difficult time the region. when we speak in that manner? I think in their history and school children Let me make a few comments this it is wrong to send this message and I now find themselves in a very difficult afternoon that clearly coincide with will vigorously oppose that message. situation. As you may know, many what Senator LIEBERMAN spoke to. If the majority leader and his Demo- rural schools in this country have This is not, nor should it ever become, cratic colleagues believe so strongly funding tied directly to timber harvest a partisan issue and I think Senator that our mission in Iraq is so flawed, from our public lands. For several rea- LIEBERMAN’s presence on the floor this then why do we not see them bringing sons, we haven’t harvested timber at afternoon speaks volumes to just that, to the floor a bill to cut off funding for our historical rate and our rural that this is not a partisan issue. This is our troops on the ground in Iraq? As I schools in those particular counties a phenomenally important national mentioned earlier, the answer to that have suffered. and international issue for our country is a political answer, not a substance I am working in a bipartisan way to be engaged in. Frankly, few coun- issue. Many Democrats have already with my colleagues from Montana, Or- tries can engage in this struggle in called for cutting off funding and de- egon, Washington, California, New that way we have, and with the kind of manding an immediate withdrawal Mexico and of course Idaho. We all see energy and strength that we have from Iraq, yet we have not seen those the importance of continuing this fund- brought to it. bills being taken up on the floor of ei- ing to some extent. I am committed, as The majority leader has put us in a ther chamber. However, there are ru- is Senator WYDEN, to ensuring the suc- very precarious situation, one that is mors that Members will choose to use cess of the bill that bears our name. clearly divisive. Frankly, I can say the upcoming Iraq supplemental fund- It is my intent, as well as others, to things as a Republican that maybe my ing bill to force the President to take redefine the formula. Our key dates to colleague cannot say. I believe that the the advice of these congressional gen- shape this critical issue are the Energy majority leader is playing politics on erals, rather than using the advice of and Natural Resources hearing sched- the issue of calling up a nonbinding our military experts and commanders uled for March 1; as well as the emer- resolution, while blocking the minority to execute our mission and secure Iraq. gency appropriations supplemental de- from calling up a different resolution. The reason I do not support such an bate tentatively scheduled for the mid- My good friend Senator GREGG has in- immediate withdrawal of our troops, or dle of March. troduced a bill, a bill that I have co- cutting funding off for our troops in The timing is at a critical point. Our sponsored, that would express our full gun fights right now in the streets of timber-dependent county officials and support for our soldiers in harms way Baghdad, is simple. I believe in our school districts are wrestling with and give them a much needed guar- mission and I believe that our soldiers budgets that are tied to this funding. I antee that they will continue to re- are the most capable in the world. The say today, clearly, failure is not an op- ceive the funding they need to continue only enemy that can defeat American tion. to function in their critical mission. As soldiers on the battlefield is the low I yield the floor. I said, the majority leader refuses to morale of the American people. A reso- f allow us a vote on this bill, and I think lution condemning their actions and that is plain wrong. their mission in Iraq is just the kind of IRANIAN WEAPONS AND IRAQ Let me make it very clear, it is not defeat that could embolden our en- RESOLUTIONS the Republicans stalling or shutting emies and harm our soldiers. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- down debate on the issue of Iraq. In As every one of my colleagues knows, pore. Senator BOND. fact, it is just the opposite. I have spo- the reinforcements we are debating are Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I thank my ken twice in the last 2 weeks about already in motion. In fact, the Presi- colleague from Virginia, truly a Vir- this issue because I believe it is very dent’s plan to stabilize Baghdad and ginia gentlemen and a good friend and critical, both to my constituency in Anbar Province are already showing a leader. I am most grateful.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2127 I join with my colleague from Idaho the observations that I had made, said Our leaders, the RECORD will reflect, in saying Senator LIEBERMAN’s state- yes. I commend the President for im- have tried to reconcile the differences ment is one of a true statesman, one mediately swinging into full gear his between our two sides. The last time I we all ought to take to heart. I com- whole administration to study inten- didn’t support cloture. I did that to mend it and I will make that required sively the matters with regard to the support the institution of the Senate, reading for anybody who asks about current strategy. It included work by because this Senate stands apart from this issue. the Baker-Hamilton group, which I the House, and stands apart from legis- Three quick points. I was asked yes- think played a very constructive role. latures all over the world because of terday by the media why the drumbeat In the resolution which I prepared, the right and the freedom to debate on Iran. Simple answer: Iran is pro- with the assistance of Senator BEN and for all to bring forth their ideas. viding the EFPs, the explosively NELSON and Senator COLLINS, we make We are behind that now. So far as I formed penetrators that are killing direct reference to that. I bring up that know, the leaders have done their best more and more Americans. We have background because the President and we were not able to achieve agree- tried, by diplomatic pressure, to get then, on January 10, announced his in- ment, and now, procedurally, we are Iran to stop. Now we have even caught tention to go forward with a changed faced with the situation of a House res- a leader of the Quds Force, the Iranian strategy. The President, in that olution, which will be voted on in an elite special forces unit, that reports speech, specifically said: hour or more, and will then be consid- directly to the ayatollah. They are If Members have improvements that can be ered by the Senate. For that purpose, I made—I repeat—if Members have improve- there. The Iranians’ special forces are ments that can be made, we will make them. will vote cloture. there. If circumstances change, we will adjust. We supported the President in our Some say, well, maybe the top lead- Now, that was an open invitation to resolution. As I read the House resolu- ers don’t know. But how many folks Members of Congress and others to ad- tion, it does not reject the President’s believe your special forces are going to dress this very important plan laid initiative to have a diplomatic compo- go someplace, have the devices that down by the President. Our group, my nent to his plan. The House resolution only Iran can make, and the top lead- 2 colleagues who worked with me, Sen- does not reject the economic aspect of ers not know anything about it? That ator LEVIN joining us later, and a half what the President puts in his plan. So is why the drumbeat on Iran. We ought dozen others, some 8 or 10, up almost to I say to my colleagues that what comes to take out the Iranian fighters and 12, joined in an honest forthright way before us does not reject outright the stop the weapons coming in. in accepting the President’s offer. That President’s program. It directs itself to Secondly, on this resolution, it not is how this started. In drawing up our that military operation, much as we only downgrades General Petraeus and resolution, we were careful to say, yes, did in S. Con. Res. 7, and says respect- says that although we confirmed you we had different views, but we urged fully that we urge the President to unanimously, we don’t believe in your the President to consider all options— consider all options, options that were mission, but it also says to our allies, I repeat all options—other than the set forth in testimony before the the neighboring countries that have utilization of 21,500 individuals to go Armed Services Committee by General been brought in on this new strategy— into that situation. Abizaid, when he said we don’t need a new strategy that General Petraeus Specifically, our resolution charges any more troops; by General Casey, is implementing—that they shouldn’t the Iraqi military with taking the lead, when he was up for confirmation and bother to come in and help us stop the with taking the brunt. I reiterate, the he said he thought we only needed two deterioration in Iraq, which could lead Iraqis should be taking the full meas- brigades, not five brigades. to chaos and a takeover, and it also ure of responsibility for this Baghdad So it is against that background that says to the enemy we are not going to campaign. Therein rests this Senator’s I think our group has come forth in re- be there. primary concern with the President’s sponse to the President’s invitation I am taking an intel trip and will not plan. I say that because our American and stated our case in a very respectful be here for the vote. I am strongly op- GIs have fought bravely, courageously, way. This matter we will address, the posed to cloture on this. So by being and we have had sacrifice and loss of House resolution, I do not believe re- absent, I will deny those seeking the 60 life and limb, and in no way have they jects the entire plan of the President. votes my vote, and I strongly urge my failed in the attempt to try to help the The components of diplomacy and the colleagues who are here to vote no. Iraqi people achieve their freedom, components of economics are there. It achieve their Government through f is only the question of how we employ elections, and to become a sovereign our forces. I say the burden falls on the IRAQ Nation. Now it should fall upon the Iraqi security forces. Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise over 300,000 Iraqi troops, police, and to address the issue of the Iraq resolu- other security officials to bring about I will submit for the RECORD a New tions. the cessation of this violence in Bagh- York Times story which appeared this Tomorrow at 1:45, I will vote for clo- dad. week outlining an operation in which ture, and I do that for reasons that I The Iraqis are far better qualified by we had 2,500 Americans and less than will set forth. I, like many of us, have virtue of their understanding of the 100 Iraqi forces turned up to partici- to leave early this afternoon. I have language. They have a far better under- pate. I asked about this yesterday consolidated all my State obligations standing of what is it that is bringing when questioning the Chief of Staff of and speeches between now and late to- about this sectarian violence. These the United States Army and the Com- night so I may return for the vote. are the very people we liberated and mandant of the Marine Corps, as to I want to go back and retrace the his- gave them back their sovereign land what their idea of the plan had been, tory of this debate. When I returned and who are now fighting themselves, and it was represented to us that there from Iraq, with several other Senators, Sunni upon Shia, Shia upon Sunni, were to be joint forces, a joint com- and Senator LEVIN with me, at that with wanton murder and criminal ac- mand. time I was chairman of the Armed tivity. Our forces do not understand Certainly this is an early report, and Services Committee and he was rank- the language. It is hard for those here I cannot speak to the authenticity of ing. I indicated to the Nation by way of in this Chamber to go back and look at the article, but I have invited the De- a press conference that I felt the situa- the origins of the difference between partment of Defense to comment on it. tion was going sideways; that our the Sunni and Shia, which go back It indicates to me that the Americans strategy was not working. some 1,400 years. Our troops shouldn’t are bearing the brunt, not the Iraqi Initially, in the days following that, be in there trying to decide do we shoot forces. I was highly criticized for those re- at a Sunni or do we shoot at a Shia. I ask unanimous consent that the ar- marks. Eventually, however, others That should be the responsibility of the ticle be printed in the RECORD. began to recognize the situation as I Iraqi forces. That is the principal rea- There being no objection, the mate- had, and, indeed, the President, when son I found differences with the Presi- rial was ordered to be printed in the he was asked publicly if he supported dent. RECORD, as follows:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2128 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 [From the Daily Press, Feb. 16, 2007] as promised could shape public attitudes on son; and a former Secretary of Defense, WARNER QUESTIONS CREDIBILITY OF BUSH Iraq far more profoundly than any vote in Bill Perry—just to name a group of PLAN Congress. those who were on the Iraq Study At the Pentagon late Thursday, Pace de- (By David Lerman) fended the progress of Iraqi forces in pro- Group—that their efforts were just cast The Democratic chairman and former Re- viding more security. He cited an operation aside. Every recommendation they publican chairman of the Senate Armed about three weeks ago on Baghdad’s Haifa made was left on the sidelines. Services Committee questioned the credi- Street, in which the Iraqi army faced down Today we find the President adopting bility of President Bush’s new security plan Sunni insurgents, and another in Najaf in a policy which runs counter even to the for Baghdad Thursday, citing news reports of which Iraqi forces battled against a Shia advice of his own generals. Rather than an overwhelmingly American-led operation stronghold. listen to the advice, they change the despite administration promises to let Iraqi ‘‘To date, in the operations that have forces take the lead. generals and they put people in who taken place since the prime minister has an- would pursue a different policy. Gen- Virginia Sen. John Warner, a senior Re- nounced that he wants to have a very bal- publican, used a committee hearing to call anced approach to the problem, his armed eral Casey comes back, General attention to a New York Times report that forces have done just that,’’ Pace said. Abizaid departs, and the policy goes on. the first major sweep of the Iraqi capital Of the three Iraqi brigades scheduled to be This institution has a solemn obliga- under the new security plan used only 200 moving into Baghdad, he said, two have tion to vote on this issue. It should not Iraqi police and soldiers, but 2,500 Ameri- moved in and the third is moving this be procedurally delayed, and it should cans. month. not be played around with. The fact is, Warner, who has warned against sending more Americans to combat a low-grade civil Mr. WARNER. I yield the floor. the American people asked us to accept war, expressed surprise that the first major The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- responsibility for something for which security sweep of Baghdad under the new pore. The Senator from Massachusetts. we already have some responsibility plan would be conducted by so few Iraqi Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I ask because we voted as an institution to forces. Defense officials had stressed in re- unanimous consent that the remaining empower the President to be able to cent weeks that U.S. troops would be de- time between now and 2:05 be divided send troops to Iraq, though many of us ployed in phases over coming months—with equally between myself and the Sen- who voted for that resolution never time allowed to measure the commitment of ator from Montana. voted for the President to abuse the the Iraqi government to beef up its own secu- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- rity. power he was given by ignoring diplo- ‘‘I was led to believe that as we moved out pore. Without objection, it is so or- macy, rushing to war, and forgetting to in phases, that things would be in place,’’ dered. do the planning that they had promised Warner said. ‘‘This is astonishing.’’ Mr. KERRY. I ask that I be given they would do. Warner, who sponsored a resolution oppos- sort of a 2-minute notice before the di- Our troops have done their duty. Our ing Bush’s planned surge of 21,500 more vision. troops have served with remarkable American troops, added, ‘‘That falls far short The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- courage under the most difficult cir- of the public representation made by the ad- pore. The Senator will be notified. cumstances. They have a right, to- ministration that this would be a joint oper- Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I thank ation and that Iraqis would take the lead gether with the American people, to and we would be in a support role.’’ the Senator from Virginia whom I expect that this Congress does its duty. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., the committee think has been unbelievably thought- That does not mean avoiding a simple chairman, said he was dismayed at the re- ful, unbelievably patient and coura- vote. If you are in favor of sending the ported reliance on U.S. forces, saying it geous in this effort. I had the privilege troops, you have an opportunity to- ‘‘runs counter to what we were told the surge of traveling with him to Iraq, together morrow to register that vote, say you would be and how it would be handled.’’ with Senator STEVENS. I could see the are in favor, stand up and be counted; Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint thought that he was giving then to the if you are opposed you should vote no— Chiefs of Staff, described the new security ways in which he was visually per- plan as an Iraqi-led operation during an ap- as the House will do in a short period pearance before Levin’s committee earlier ceiving that it wasn’t working the way of time. this month. it was promised. There is no stronger Whatever procedural games are ‘‘We will not be out front by plan,’’ Pace advocate for our Armed Forces. There played on the floor of the Senate will said of U.S. forces. ‘‘The Iraqis would be the is nobody who understands the mili- never erase the perception by the ones going door-to-door, knocking on doors, tary better, having just finished a tour American people of the responsibility doing the census work, doing the kinds of as the chair of the Armed Services that we ought to be exercising. They work that would put them out in front for Committee. I really think the adminis- understand that this is the time and the first part of the—if it develops—firefight. tration should bend over backwards to Our troops would be available to backstop this is the place and they expect us them and to bring in the kind of fire support listen to this Senator who speaks with now to execute our responsibility. We we bring in. But it would not be one Iraqi a voice of great reasonableness. He is owe it to the troops. For all those who and one U.S. soldier.’’ greatly respected in the Senate. I come to the Senate floor and talk Instead, the security sweep that unfolded thank him for his courage, for being about supporting the troops, responsi- Wednesday in three mostly Shiite neighbor- willing to stand up on this issue. bility for the troops, what would be hoods of northeastern Baghdad was largely The Congress, all of us, come here fair for the troops, don’t demoralize an American operation, the New York Times with a new responsibility in a sense. the troops—there is nothing more de- reported from the Iraqi capital. Gen. Peter Schoomaker, chief of staff of The last election could not have been moralizing, I will tell you, as a former the Army, and Gen. James T. Conway, the more clear. People all across the coun- troop myself, than having a policy that Marine Corps commandant, told Warner try registered their disapproval of the doesn’t work; sending you out on mis- Thursday they were not familiar with the de- policy that was being executed in Iraq. sions which don’t have the kind of pur- tails of the described security sweep. But In fact, the Iraq Study Group report pose that you believe can succeed. You Conway added, ‘‘It is counter to what I un- was awaited with enormous anticipa- send these guys out in these vehicles, derstand to be the plan as well.’’ tion by everybody as an opportunity to waiting to be blown up by an IED, The public criticism of White House war bring everybody together and think strategy by two of the Senate’s leading knowing as they hold their breath that voices on defense policy came as the House this through anew and find a way to they don’t have an adequately armored prepared to vote today on a non-binding res- get a legitimate, across-the-aisle, Re- vehicle to be able to withstand it, and olution opposing Bush’s troop surge. Senate publican/Democrat, joint effort in the they go out and come back and turn to Democratic leaders, meanwhile, announced best interests of our country. I regret each other and say: What did we ac- plans to hold a rare Saturday session to vote to say that the best efforts of former complish? What did we do? Did we se- on whether to consider the same measure Secretary of State Jim Baker; the cure a territory? Did we change minds? after weeks of procedural wrangling. former Attorney General, Chief of Staff Did we actually hold onto some advan- While the largely symbolic resolution is of the President, Ed Meese; another virtually guaranteed to pass the Democrat- tage gained by driving through a city controlled House, the surge in troops is al- former Secretary of State, Larry in that kind of a dangerous situation? ready under way. Eagleburger; a former leader in the Sending an additional 20,000 of our Whether it succeeds in quelling the mix of United States Senate and moderate troops in the middle of a raging civil sectarian and insurgent violence in Baghdad from the State of Wyoming, Al Simp- war is not a sensible policy on any

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2129 number of levels. I believe, as a matter set a target date which gives the Presi- strategy for achieving a political solu- of larger strategy, raising the stakes dent the discretion to keep troops tion and bringing our troops home by sending 20,000 additional troops and there to complete the training. What within 1 year. We have to find a way to saying at the same time, publicly, other purpose is there to be there? We end this misguided war, and I believe ‘‘This is it, this is our big move, if this give the President that discretion. We this legislation is the best and most re- doesn’t work we don’t know what,’’ is give him the discretion to leave troops sponsible way forward. an unbelievable invitation to those necessary to chase al-Qaida. We give Let me emphasize that this strategy who make mischief to make more mis- him the discretion to be able to leave does not mean abandoning Iraq in 1 chief. And what’s more, the very people troops necessary to protect American year: in fact, it gives the President the who keep saying, ‘‘Don’t set a date, forces and facilities. What other pur- discretion to leave the minimum num- don’t set a timeline,’’ set a timeline on pose would there be, after 4 years, to ber of U.S. troops necessary to com- this very deployment because they have us there but to finish the training plete the training of Iraqi security have come to us and said this is only of the Iraqis and to provide an emer- forces, go after terrorists, and protect going to be for a few months. So they gency buffer against Iran and others? U.S. facilities and personnel. announce a timeline on the very esca- But you don’t need to be on patrol in This 1-year deadline is not arbitrary. It is consistent with the Iraq Study lation that they say is supposed to Baghdad, carrying the brunt of a civil Group’s goal of withdrawing U.S. com- make the difference and advertise: If war on a daily basis in order to provide bat forces from Iraq by the first quar- you are one of the bad guys, just wait that. You can be over the horizon. You ter of 2008—it’s consistent with the those 3 months. That is what they can can be deployed in garrison. You can be rear deployed. There are any number of timeframe for transferring control to do, knowing it is only 3 months. the Iraqis set forth by General Casey, I think there is a smarter strategy. I ways to protect American interests in and the schedule agreed upon by the think there is a better way to be suc- the region, and I am tired of our col- Iraqi government itself. Even the cessful in Iraq, and it involves holding leagues on the other side suggesting President has said that, under his new Iraqis accountable and setting legiti- that a policy that clearly advantages strategy, responsibility for security mate benchmarks for what they ought America’s position in the region, would be transferred to Iraqis before to be doing. It is incredible to me that changes the dynamics, shifts responsi- the end of this year. It is the opposite some people on the other side would bility to the Iraqis, and ultimately proof arbitrary. The President has said it, obstruct a debate on the most funda- tects our troops is somehow a policy of our generals have said it, the Iraq mental issue confronting our country abandonment. It is not. It is a policy for success. And it is to be measured Study Group has said it. today. We are sent here to be a great Some say those of us who oppose the deliberative body, and they don’t want against the current policy, which is an invitation to more jihadists. President’s failed policy in Iraq do not to deliberate. They don’t want to make offer an alternative—nothing could be a decision. They think somehow they Our own intelligence agencies are telling us we are building the numbers further from the truth. This legislation can just walk away and avoid responsi- offers a comprehensive military and bility for voting on the question of this of jihadists. We are inviting more ter- diplomatic strategy that incorporates escalation. ror. The world is more dangerous. Iraq key recommendations of the Iraq The majority leader has said they is less united. Iran is stronger. will have every opportunity to vote on Hezbollah is stronger. Hamas is strong- Study Group—including many that that in a short period of time. Every er. This is a failed policy, and when a some of us here have long been advo- amendment they want to bring they policy is failing, day after day, leaders cating—to provide us with the best will have an opportunity to bring. We have an obligation to stop and get it chance to succeed: holding a summit can have, in the meantime, a real vote right. with all of Iraq’s neighbors, including on Iraq. I believe that requires us to have a Iran and Syria—creating an inter- Since the end of last month when we summit, bring the nations together to national contact group—enforcing a se- started talking about talking about solve the issues between the stake- ries of benchmarks for meeting key po- Iraq, 60 American troops have died in holders and ultimately resolve what litical objectives—shifting the military Iraq. There is a fellow by the name of our troops are powerless to resolve. A mission to training Iraqi security Kevin Landeck, whom I just learned civil war is a struggle for power. We forces and conducting targeted yesterday was killed on February 2 by have to resolve that at the diplomatic counterterrorism operations—and an IED. Kevin Landeck comes from and negotiating table. maintaining an over-the-horizon pres- Wheaton, IL. He was a member of a So I strongly believe it is not enough ence to protect our interests through- Ranger unit over there. I have a won- for Congress simply to go on record op- out the region. derful photograph, a digital photograph posing the President’s reckless plan. It is time for Iraqis to assume re- on my computer of Kevin and a bunch Congress has an obligation to provide a sponsibility for their country. We need of his other troops standing on a stair- responsible exit strategy that preserves a timetable which forces Iraqi politi- well celebrating Christmas. The Christ- our interests in the region, retains our cians to confront reality and start mas stockings are all hanging from the ability to protect the security of the making the hard compromises they stairwell. I am proud that our office— United States, and honors the sacrifice have resisted thus far. Instead, they Mary Tarr in our office particularly— our troops have made. are using America’s presence as a secu- has led an effort to help send packages Eight months ago in the Senate, 13 of rity blanket. Americans should not be to those troops regularly. Our office us stood up against appeals to politics dying to buy time for Iraqi politicians sends them boxes full of goodies, at and pride and demanded a date to bring hoping to cut a better deal. We should Christmastime particularly—the our troops home, to make Iraqis stand be working to bring about the com- stockings. up for Iraq and fight a more effective promise that is ultimately the only so- Sadly, Kevin has given his life in the war on terror. But while we lost that lution to what is happening today in ultimate act of patriotism, a coura- roll call, I still believe it was the right Iraq. And Iraqi politicians have repeat- geous young man, admired by his fel- policy to put in place, to demand ac- edly shown they only respond to dead- low soldiers. That happened during the countability, and to leverage action. lines—a deadline to transfer authority, time that we couldn’t even debate this Now, I am more convinced than ever deadlines to hold two elections and a issue on the floor of the Senate, during that a combination of serious, sus- referendum, and a deadline to form a a time that the Senate avoided its retained diplomacy and the enforcement government. sponsibility. of benchmarks for progress by the Iraqi Without hard deadlines, our best We have every right to expect that government, leveraged by a 1-year hopes for progress in Iraq have been re- the people who were elected to protect deadline for redeployment of U.S. peatedly dashed. When Prime Minister Kevin Landeck and the rest of those troops, is the best way to achieve our Maliki took power in May, General troops get this policy right—for their goal of stability in Iraq and security in Casey and Ambassador Khalilzad said parents, for them, and for all of us. the region. the new government had 6 months to I believe the only way we are going That is why I will again introduce make the political compromises nec- to do that is, ultimately, to be able to legislation that offers a comprehensive essary to win public confidence and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2130 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 unify the country. They were right, but morrow that 60 Senators, more than 60 of the situation. There are so many re- with no real deadline to force the new Senators vote in favor of cloture so the ports that the Iraqi Army is unfit and government’s hand, that period passed Senate can address one of the most that they are not doing the job. There without meaningful action—and we are fundamental issues that I think is on are questions about how well it is now seeing the disastrous results. Americans’ minds. trained or is being trained. Clearly the In fact, for 4 years now, we have been I was going to go to Iraq tonight be- answer is, it is not being trained. They hearing from this administration that cause I wanted to see firsthand what is are not doing a good job. progress is right around the corner. We going on. I wanted to talk to troops, My view is it doesn’t make much have been hearing the Iraqis are near a talk to commanders. I wanted to talk sense to throw more troops, a modest deal on oil revenues, that they are to not only the American personnel but number of more troops, at a failed pol- making progress towards reconcili- also the Iraqis. I wanted to determine, icy. That is what it comes down to. ation—but we still haven’t seen any re- the best I could, the degree to which The Iraqis aren’t taking care of them- sults. Prime Minister Maliki and the Iraqis selves, and if they aren’t taking care of That is why we must give teeth to are able to stand on their own two feet themselves, why should we take care of the benchmarks agreed upon by the and do what they are supposed to do; them? We have lost so many American Iraqi government for national rec- that is, govern and run their own coun- lives, so many Montanans, young men onciliation, security and governance. try. I am not going to go over tonight, and women who have been killed over Meeting these benchmarks is crucial, obviously. I want to be here tomorrow there, and it makes no sense, in my but without any enforcement mecha- and cast my vote so we can start debat- judgment, to keep doing this. nism, they are little more than a wish ing. That is the right thing to do. That is why I think we should vote list. That is why this legislation sup- Based upon what I see in the news- on this resolution on Monday and, sec- ports the Iraq Study Group proposal to papers, what I see on television, based ondly, why I think the resolution make U.S. political, military, or eco- upon the comments of my colleagues should pass. We should not continue a nomic assistance conditional on who have recently been to Iraq, I am failed policy. I don’t know very many Iraqis’s meeting these benchmarks. very disturbed. To put it simply, Iraq people who think the policy is working. A deadline is also essential to getting is a mess. It is a mess because the Most think it has failed. So let’s, as Iraq’s neighbors to face up to the reali- United States, to some degree, started the U.S. Senate, make that statement. ties of the security needs of the region. it by invading the country and opened What do we do now? If it has failed, None of them want to see Iraq fall up Pandora’s box and got the Shias and what do we do? I don’t think anybody apart. That should be the basis for co- the Sunnis and the Kurds all stirred up. has a simple answer. There is no real operation in stabilizing Iraq, and yet a Now they are fighting each other. silver bullet here. But I do think we sense of urgency has been lacking. This We did a good thing by toppling Sad- need to give the Iraqis a set date and deadline will make clear the stakes dam Hussein. That was the right thing say to them: We are going to get out of and hopefully focus their minds on to do. But we did not think through the here on this set date, and you need to helping the Iraqis reach a political so- consequences. We did not understand know that. My fear is, if we don’t do lution. what we were doing as a country. We that, they are just going to keep think- We cannot turn back the clock and did not have an exit strategy. We did ing the United States is going to keep reverse the decisions that brought us not know what the consequences of oc- sending more troops and keep taking to this pass in Iraq and the Middle cupation would be. East. We cannot achieve the kind of Certainly, the United States, with its care of them. It is human nature for clear and simple victory the adminis- very superior Armed Forces, can very them to do so, to think that. That is tration promised the American people easily occupy Iraq—Baghdad. In fact, why I believe we should give them a again and again even as Iraq went up in the occupation was probably a little definite date we will start bringing our flames. But we can avoid an outright easier than many people anticipated. troops home. defeat. We can avoid creating the chaos But when you go back and talk to gen- I also think we have to engage other we all say we want to avoid. We can erals, talk to defense personnel, talk to countries in the region. We are not avoid a victory for our adversaries by analysts, they all—many of them, doing a good job of doing that. This ad- taking a clear-eyed approach to identi- many of them are very clear in saying ministration says: Well, we can’t talk fying specifically what we can and can- that they advised the Pentagon not to to Iran; we shouldn’t do that. We can’t not accomplish in Iraq. go ahead and do this until we knew talk to Syria; we shouldn’t do that. I With a new Congress comes a new re- what we were doing once we got there. don’t understand that. It seems to me, sponsibility: to get this policy right. It would be a big mistake, many said, if you want a solution, you have to That starts with preventing the Presi- to proceed unless we knew what we talk to people. You have to talk to peo- dent from going forward with this were doing. ple who are involved. We are talking to senseless escalation. And it has to end Put simply, there was just no exit the Saudis, we are talking to the Jor- with an exit strategy that preserves strategy. There was none whatsoever. I danians, the Israelis, and others in the our core interests in Iraq, in the re- have read so many reports and quotes region. That is good. But two very key gion, and throughout the world. Only of so many generals advising us to not players are Iran and Syria. then will we have honored the sac- go into Iraq until we knew what we In life, we talk to our friends, but we rifices of our troops and the wishes of were doing that I am appalled, frankly, should also talk to our enemies. We those who sent us here. Only then will at how unprepared the United States don’t have to agree with our enemies, we have done our duty. was when it went in. but we should talk to them. When you The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- All Americans, if they have any sec- start talking to people with whom you pore. The senior Senator from Mon- ond thoughts about that statement I have disagreements, after a while you tana. just made, they, too, would be appalled learn there may be a common assump- Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I think if they would read those same state- tion or two. After a while you might it is clear that the American people ments. They are all in the record. They learn something that indicates there is want the Senate to have a debate on are all in the public domain. I strongly progress. There might be a little bit of this issue. There is no doubt about urge people to read them and look at daylight once you start talking to that. I very much hope that enough them. somebody. You certainly aren’t going Senators, when we vote tomorrow, will The key here, as has been stated by to learn anything unless you talk to vote to invoke cloture so we can do the Senator from Virginia, the senior them. The stakes are so high and the just that, have a debate. I think for the Senator from Virginia, is: Can the consequences are so great, I strongly Senate to not vote to invoke cloture Iraqis stand up on their own two feet? urge the administration to start talk- would be very irresponsible. I cannot It is my belief that they are not standing to people. So what if the public pol- for the life of me imagine why the Sen- ing up on their own two feet. Clearly, icy was that we were not going to do ate would not conduct that vote. I very the continued civil war’s death toll in- that in the past. Don’t be stubborn. much hope when we have that vote to- dicates that Iraq is not taking control Don’t be too proud. Do what is right.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2131 Just try to talk to the people in the re- gress, I do not think I have seen Mem- Fort Benning, GA, are preparing to gion so we can find some common solu- bers of Congress express any higher head overseas, some for their third tions. confidence or support for a nominee for tour of duty in Iraq, as we speak today. I know it is not going to be easy. It any position than they have for GEN The President’s decision to send addi- will be very difficult. But I know of no David Petraeus. I have not heard any- tional combat brigades to Baghdad and other alternative—no other alter- one criticize him, and rightly so. Anbar Province in western Iraq is native—but to give them a date and In his nomination hearing, when aimed at defeating the insurgency in say: we are out of here; by this certain asked about his opinion of the Presi- those areas and increasing stability for date we are going to start repo- dent’s plan for Iraq that he now has the the Iraqi people. However, we must sitioning troops elsewhere in the re- responsibility of executing, General also see an increased commitment gion. We should tell them that so they Petraeus said: from the Iraqis. This is also part of the sober up more—not just Prime Min- I believe this plan can succeed if, in fact, new strategy, and I am committed to ister Maliki but the other principals in all of those enablers and all the rest of the holding the administration and the the country—and realize they have to assistance is in fact provided. Iraqis accountable in this area. Those start getting their act together. As I General Petraeus supports this plan. of us in Congress have a responsibility said, we need to have some very serious Now, the same Senate that voted to ask questions and seek answers on negotiations with groups in the region unanimously to confirm General behalf of the American people when our and also with countries in the region so Petraeus is going to vote on whether strategy and tactics are not getting we can manage the situation as best we they agree with the plan he supports the job done. possibly can. and that they confirmed him to exe- I have expressed my concern and This is one of the most serious issues cute. That vote has not been taken yet, frustration with progress on the part of I have confronted since I have been in so obviously we don’t know the out- the Iraqis not only to the President the Senate in the last several years, come. and the White House advisers but to and I commend my colleagues for ad- Some people would like to mislead our military leadership testifying be- dressing it so seriously. It is the right the American people into thinking that fore the Senate Armed Services Com- thing to do. But it is also the right Republicans are opposed to debating mittee as well. In my conversations thing to do to start debating this issue Iraq and the various resolutions in with the White House and with the De- in the Senate. I think we will be doing Iraq. In fact, Republicans welcome that partment of Defense leadership, I have the country a great service if we do. debate, and that is why many of us are made it clear that my support of any Mr. President, I yield the floor. here today. However, Republicans increase in troops is conditioned upon The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. rightfully oppose the Democrats’ dic- those troops being sent on a specific WEBB). The Senator from Georgia is tating what resolutions can be consid- mission and upon the completion of recognized. ered. that mission that they should be rede- If Senators truly disapprove of this ployed. f decision, they should be willing to vote I firmly believe that just a large in- ORDER OF PROCEDURE for or against a resolution that clearly crease in troops without having a spe- Mr. CHAMBLISS. I ask unanimous expresses their convictions, and that is cific mission will only increase insur- consent that for the next 30 minutes, I exactly what Senator GREGG’s resolu- gent opposition and that a withdrawal be allowed to speak for up to 10 min- tion does. However, Democrats are not of U.S. forces at this time would be utes and that Senator KYL be allowed willing to do that. Senator GREGG’s detrimental to Iraq’s security and ex- to speak for up to 10 minutes and Sen- resolution expresses the sense of the tremely dangerous for American sol- ator THOMAS be allowed to speak for up Congress that: diers. That particular issue has been to 10 minutes. No funds should be cut off or reduced from affirmed by every single individual in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without American troops in the field which would re- the U.S. military testifying before the objection, it is so ordered. sult in undermining their safety or ability to Senate Armed Services Committee. complete their assigned missions. Failure in Iraq will result in expanded f If Senators truly do not support the and intensified conflict in the Middle IRAQ mission we are sending General East, and that kind of instability is Petraeus and our men and women in Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I clearly not in the best interests of uniform to carry out, then they should rise today to oppose the resolution, S. America or the international commu- be willing to have an up-or-down vote 574, the Senate will vote in relation to nity. on the Gregg resolution. Now that the President has taken se- tomorrow. This resolution states sim- For the record, let me restate my po- rious steps to admit his mistakes, take ply that: sition on the proposed troop increase. responsibility, and revise the strategy, No. 1, Congress and the American people Several weeks ago, President Bush ad- Americans do seek positive results. It will continue to support and protect the members of the United States Armed Forces dressed the situation in Iraq before the has been said by many of my col- who are serving or who have served bravely American people, and everyone was leagues, as well as many of my own and honorably in Iraq; and No. 2, Congress anxious to hear his plans for a new constituents, that the situation in Iraq disapproves of the decision of President strategy. It is clear that Americans requires a political and not a military George W. Bush announced on January 10, want a victory in Iraq; however, they solution. I strongly agree with that po- 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional do not want our presence there to be sition. However, it is not possible, in U.S. combat troops to Iraq. open-ended. I agree, and most impor- my opinion, to have a political solution Mr. President, the first paragraph of tantly, I believe it is time for the Iraqi or to make political progress if citizens that resolution is a commendable one Government to step up and take re- are afraid to leave their homes for fear and one every Member of this body sponsibility. They need to take control of being shot or kidnaped or if they are should support, and will. However, the of their country, both militarily and afraid to let their children go to school second paragraph is simply incon- politically. I believe the Iraqis must because it is unsafe to do so. Some sistent with a vote every Member has deliver on their promises. level of order and stability must be in already made and should be opposed by I come from a strong and proud mili- place before a political solution can every Member of this body. Therefore, tary State, home to 13 military instal- take hold. the resolution as a whole should be op- lations, and our service men and In America, we take order and sta- posed. women have answered the call of duty bility for granted because we are Exactly 3 weeks ago, on January 26, and performed courageously. No one blessed to live in a country that is ex- the Senate unanimously approved GEN questions our troops’ performance and tremely safe, secure, and stable. How- David Petraeus for his fourth star and unwavering commitment, and we will ever, Iraq is not the same as the United to be commander of multinational continue to support them. Many of our States. They do not live in a secure and forces in Iraq. No Senator opposed his troops, including the 3rd Infantry Divi- stable society, and order and stability nomination. In my 12 years in the Con- sion based at Fort Stewart, GA, and must be in place before there can be

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2132 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 any hope for a long-term political solu- for as long as the American people be- in Iran away from the danger that tion. The additional troops we are lieve it is productive. We welcome de- might await him if he stayed in Bagh- sending are meant to create that order bate. We also welcome something else: dad. and stability, particularly in Baghdad. The opportunity to express ourselves in In Al Anbar Province in the west, the Unfortunately, the Iraqi military and a meaningful way, not simply on a non- tribal sheiks have now significantly Government is not yet mature enough binding resolution. We have no objec- begun to align themselves with the to do that job themselves, so we are tion to voting on this nonbinding reso- United States, as a result of which we partnering with them to help them suc- lution as long as we can also vote on have been able to recruit hundreds ceed. something that is actually more mean- more police officers who were not pos- There is nothing easy or pretty about ingful than that, and that is a resolu- sible to recruit in the past. war, and this war is no exception. This tion that demonstrates we will not A real sign is the fact that Sunni and war has not gone as well as any of us withdraw support for our troops. We Shiite Arab lawmakers have announced had hoped. Additionally, the Presi- aim to support them in their mission. plans to form two new political blocs in dent’s new plan, which is already being Having been precluded, blocked, for Iraq. The Iraqi military is taking a sig- carried out in Iraq, is not guaranteed being able to have a vote on that reso- nificantly, more robust role, now or- to work. However, it is my firm convic- lution, what we are saying is that we dering tens of thousands of residents to tion that the President’s plan deserves should move forward with the debate, leave homes—these are the so-called a chance to succeed, and we in the Con- but until the majority leader is willing squatters—that they are occupying il- gress should do all we can to help it to provide Members a vote on the reso- legally, and, instead, saying they will succeed. The Reid resolution does not lution for support of the troops, we have the original owners of those do that. That is why I urge my col- should not be voting on other resolu- homes come back. This is important leagues to vote against cloture on the tions. because the people who have been dis- motion to proceed to the Reid resolu- I think this is time for Democrats to placed or dispossessed primarily are tion tomorrow. The resolution opposes take a stand. Either you support the Sunnis. The Shiite militias came in the President’s plan without offering troops in the battlefield or you don’t, and kicked them out and allowed any alternative. It opposes the mission none of this sort of slow bleed and non- squatters in their home. which the Senate has unanimously binding resolution debate. The non- It is highly significant the Iraqi Gov- confirmed General Petraeus to carry binding resolution obscures your true ernment has said, through a LTG out. position. It seems to me, if you merely Aboud Qanbar, who is leading this new I urge a vote against the implemen- seem to tell the President you don’t crackdown, that they are going to tation of cloture tomorrow. like what he is doing, you have plenty close the borders with Iran and Syria, Mr. President, I yield the floor. of opportunities to do that, but a reso- they are going to extend the curfew in The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- lution can have a very deleterious ef- Baghdad, set up new checkpoints and ator from Arizona is recognized. fect on the morale of our troops, on our reoccupy the houses that have been oc- Mr. KYL. Mr. President, speaking to enemies who see it as a sign of weak- cupied by the illegal Shiites. this resolution, I wish to be clear that ness, and perhaps on our allies who Another significant change, they ac- it had been my intention to cast a wonder if we see the mission through. tually raided a Shiite mosque which ‘‘no’’ vote to proceeding to this non- If you are serious about stopping this was a center of illegally armed mili- binding resolution. The majority, of effort because you believe it has failed tias, kidnapping, torture and murder course, has to muster 60 votes in order or cannot succeed, obviously you need activities and a place where a good deal to proceed on that particular resolu- to do what Congress has the ability to of weapons had been stored. This, in tion. do and that is vote no on the funding of the past, had not been done. But it is I believe my time will be more pro- the troops. now being done, all as a part of Instead, what we have been told is ductive fulfilling a commitment I have Maliki’s commitment to change the that in the House of Representatives, made to lead a trip to Iraq. Without rules of engagement and to commit after this first step of the nonbinding disclosing when or precisely where we himself to support politically the vic- resolution, there will be a second step, will be in the Middle East, I will tell tories that had been occurring on the this slow-bleed strategy, a concept that my colleagues that I will be able to ground militarily but which were fleet- says Congress will begin to micro- personally deliver a message not only ing because when you capture people manage how troops are deployed in the to our troops of support of the Amer- field and around the world and equip- and put them in jail, if the politicians ican people for their mission but also ment provided to them, and that will get them out of jail the next day, you hopefully to deliver a message directly determine whether any will receive have gained nothing. We need to give it to the Prime Minister of Iraq that we Congress’s continued support. a chance. expect him to continue to fulfill the We cannot condition our support for I referred to former Representative commitments he has made to carry out the troops. They need to know that Hamilton of the Hamilton-Baker Com- this new strategy, which has signs of when we send them into harm’s way, mission, who said in testimony: success already, and to learn directly, they will have everything they need So I guess my bottom line on the surge is, firsthand from our commanders and from reinforcements to equipment. look, the president’s plan ought to be given a chance. Give it a chance, because we heard troops on the ground, their assessment This sort of slow-bleed strategy that of how this new mission is proceeding. all of this. This that you confirmed . . . the has been announced over in the House day before yesterday, this is his idea. He’s What the Congress needs to do is to of Representatives is extraordinarily the supporter of it. Give it a chance. provide assistance and to be able to dangerous and deleterious to our mis- Second, we need to support this mis- bring home a report unfiltered through sion. sion and oppose the nonbinding resolu- the media of precisely where the condi- First of all, it seems to me there are tion opposed to it because it would tions stand right now. some signs of success. This is the first While I would have voted no, in ef- send a horrible message not only to our reason I would have voted no on the troops and military leaders but to our fect, I will be voting no by my presence resolution. We do need to give the new allies and to our enemies. in Iraq. strategy the President has announced a There are three reasons I oppose the General Petraeus, whom I mentioned chance to succeed. a moment ago, at his confirmation resolution to move forward with this There are plenty of stories, and I will hearing got this question from Senator particular nonbinding resolution. First have them printed in the RECORD at the LIEBERMAN. of all, we have been debating almost conclusion of my remarks, about some nonstop this subject of Iraq, now, for initial successes—the Shiite militia Senator LIEBERMAN: You also said in response to a question from Senator McCain several weeks—both in the House of leaders appearing to leave their strong- that adoption of a resolution of disapproval Representatives and in the Senate. So holds in Baghdad in anticipation of our . . . would not . . . have a beneficial effect there has been no lack of debate. plan to increase our activities there. on our troops in Iraq. But I want to ask you, Rest assured that Republicans are The powerful Shiite cleric, Moqtada what effect would Senate passage of a resolu- committed to continuing this debate al-Sadr has left Iraq, spending his time tion of disapproval of this new way ahead

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2133 that you embrace—what effect would it have would vote on another resolution that the Baghdad security plan is being ap- on our enemies in Iraq? which would explicitly express our supplied evenly against all sides of the country’s Lieutenant General PETRAEUS: Sir, as I port for our troops and their mission. sectarian divide. In a statement released said in the opening statement, this is a test To expound in further detail, I oppose Thursday, the U.S. military said the mosque of wills, at the end of the day. And in that was raided ‘‘during operations targeting ille- regard . . . a commander of such an endeavor this resolution and would vote ‘‘no’’ on gally armed militia kidnapping, torture and would obviously like the enemy to feel that taking it up without considering other murder activities.’’ It said the mosque had there’s no hope. resolutions first, because it would put been used ‘‘to conduct sectarian violence Senator LIEBERMAN: And a resolution—a a halt to the progress which has begun against Iraqi civilians as well as a safe haven Senate passed resolution of disapproval for to occur in Iraq since the President an- and weapons storage area for illegal militia this new strategy in Iraq would give the nounced new strategy. Some examples: groups.’’ Sunni Muslims have reported being enemy some encouragement, some feeling held and beaten in the mosque, but little had SHIITE MILITIAS LEAVE SADR CITY that—well, some clear expression that the been done about it before. The Supreme American people are divided. Shiite militia leaders already appear to be Council’s armed wing, the Badr Organiza- Lieutenant General PETRAEUS: That’s cor- leaving their strongholds in Baghdad in an- tion, has been accused of kidnapping and tor- rect, sir. ticipation of the U.S. and Iraqi plan to in- turing Sunnis. The statement said U.S. Soldiers believe the same thing. crease the troop presence in the Iraqi cap- forces guarded the area around the mosque From ABC News, on February 13, they ital, according to the top U.S. commander in while Iraqi soldiers entered it with the co- the country. ‘‘We have seen numerous indi- operation of its security guards. asked Army 1SG Louis Barnum what cations Shia militia leaders will leave, or al- BAKER AND HAMILTON HAVE URGED THE SENATE they thought of the resolution. They ready have left, Sadr City to avoid capture TO CAPITALIZE ON THIS PROGRESS had strong words. Here is what one by Iraqi and coalition security forces,’’ Army said: Gen. George W. Casey, Jr. said in a written Hamilton: So I guess my bottom line on Makes me sick. I’m a born and raised Dem- statement submitted to the Senate Armed the surge is, look, the president’s plan ought ocrat—it makes me sad. Services Committee as part of his confirma- to be given a chance. Give it a chance, be- tion hearing today to be Army chief of staff. cause we heard all of this. The general that On the NBC nightly news, January you confirmed 80–to-nothing the day before MOQTADA AL-SADR LIVING IN IRAN 26, interview of three of our soldiers. yesterday, this is his idea. He’s the supporter SPC Tyler Johnson said: The powerful Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr of it. Give it a chance. Those people are dying. You know what I has left Iraq and has been living in Iran for Baker: And let me . . . read from the re- am saying? You may support—’oh, we sup- the past several weeks . . . With fresh Amer- port with respect to this issue of the surge, port the troops’ but you’re not supporting ican forces arriving in Baghdad as part of the because there are only two conditions upon what they do, what they share and sweat for, White House plan to stabilize the capital, of- our support for a surge. One is that it be what they believe for, what we die for. It just ficials in Washington suggested that Mr. short-term and the other is that it be called don’t make sense to me. Sadr might have fled Iraq to avoid being cap- for by the commander in Iraq. President tured or killed during the crackdown. SSG Manuel Sahagun: Bush said this is not an open-ended commit- SUNNIS BATTLE AL QAEDA IN AL ANBAR ment. Secretary Gates said this is a tem- One thing I don’t like is when people back porary surge and . . . General Petraeus is the home say they support the troops but they Before tribal sheiks aligned themselves with U.S. forces in the violent deserts of guy that’s to carry it out and he was the per- don’t support the war. If they’re going to son that originally recommended it. support us, support us all the way. western Iraq, the number of people willing to become police officers in the city of I also oppose this resolution because There was in the Fort Worth Star- Ramadi—the epicenter of the fight against I believe it would send a horrible mes- Telegram, February 15, a poignant the insurgent group known as al-Qaeda in sage to our troops and our military communication from an Army sergeant Iraq—might not have filled a single police leaders, our allies and our enemies. whose name is Daniel Dobson. He said: pickup. ‘‘Last March was zero,’’ said Maj. The majority leader has said that he The question has been posed to me re- Gen. Richard C. Zilmer, the Marine com- doesn’t think the resolution ‘‘matters’’ mander in western Iraq, referring to the cently what congressional resolution hurts substantively, and that the politics are troops morale the most. No doubt we would number of men recruited that month. With be happy to come home tomorrow. But the the help of a confederation of about 50 Sunni all that is important. He said: thought is bittersweet. Most servicemembers Muslim tribal sheiks, the U.S. military re- Well, it doesn’t matter what resolution we will tell you the same thing: There is no cruited more than 800 police officers in De- move forward to. You know, I can count. I honor in retreat . . . and there is no honor in cember and is on track to do the same this don’t know if we’ll get 60 votes. But I’ll tell what the Democrats have proposed. It stings month. Officers credit the sheiks’ coopera- you one thing: There are 21 Republicans up me to the core to think that Americans tion for the diminishing violence in Ramadi, for reelection this time. would rather sell their honor than fight for the capital of Anbar province. I believe, contrary to the opinion of a cause. Those of us who fight [for peace] SUNNIS AND SHIITES MOVE AWAY FROM SECT- the Majority Leader, that the non- know all too well that peace has a very ARIANISM binding words in this resolution do bloody price tag. Sunni and Shiite Arab lawmakers an- matter. Here’s why. The American people believe this as nounced plans [January 31] to form two new General Petraeus Believes the resolu- well. FOX News, according to an opin- blocs in Iraq’s parliament they hope will tion hurts his Mission. ion dynamics poll in the last couple of break away from the ethnic and religious mold of current alliances and ease sectarian This is from Petraeus’ confirmation days, 47 percent of the American people hearing: say it is more likely to encourage the strife. But though both blocs said they hoped to eventually draw in members of all ethnic Senator LIEBERMAN. You also said in re- enemy and hurt troop morale compared and religious groups, one initially will be sponse to a question from Senator McCain with 24 percent who think it would made up entirely of Shiite Muslim politi- that adoption of a resolution of disapproval, make a positive difference to the pol- cians and the other of Sunni Muslims. . . . would not . . . have a beneficial effect icy of the United States toward Iraq. IRAQ MILITARY TAKING A LEADING ROLE on our troops in Iraq. But I want to ask you, what effect would Senate passage of a resolu- So we better be careful what kind of The Iraqi government on Tuesday ordered tion of disapproval of this new way ahead message is sent through a so-called tens of thousands of Baghdad residents to that you embrace—what effect would it have nonbinding resolution. It would not leave homes they are occupying illegally, in on our enemies in Iraq? change the course of what we are doing a surprising and highly challenging effort to Lieutenant General PETRAEUS. Sir, as I reverse the tide of sectarian cleansing that on the ground in Iraq, but it can cer- stated in the opening statement, this is a has left the capital bloodied and balkanized. tainly affect our enemy and the morale test of wills, at the end of the day. And in In a televised speech, Lt. Gen. Aboud of our troops and our allies. that regard . . . a commander in such an en- Qanbar, who is leading the new crackdown, I conclude by saying it seems to me deavor would obviously like the enemy to also announced the closing of Iraq’s borders it would be a huge mistake to proceed feel that there’s no hope. with Iran and Syria, an extension of the cur- Senator LIEBERMAN. And a resolution—a to vote only on a resolution which is few in Baghdad by an hour, and the setup of Senate-passed resolution of disapproval for acknowledged by its proponents as new checkpoints run by the Defense and In- this new strategy in Iraq would give the being merely a first step toward a sec- terior Ministries, both of which General enemy some encouragement, some feeling ond step of reducing and ultimately re- Qanbar said he now controlled. that—well, some clear expression that the moving support for the troops whom IRAQI SECURITY FORCES RAID SHIITE MOSQUE American people were divided. we have sent into harm’s way. Far bet- A U.S. military spokesman on Thursday Lieutenant General PETRAEUS: That’s cor- ter it would be for us to continue this hailed a joint American-Iraqi raid on Bagh- rect, sir. Soldiers believe the resolution un- debate at the conclusion of which we dad’s leading Shiite Muslim mosque as proof dermines them.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2134 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 ABC News, Feb. 13: last word on the ‘‘surge’’ from this same thing. We have new leadership ABC News recently asked Army sergeants body, then why did Senator FEINGOLD there, we have some new strategies in Ramadi what they thought of the resolu- say on the floor just this morning that there, we have some ideas as to what tion, and they had strong words. the Warner resolution is a ‘‘first step’’? might be done. ‘‘Makes me sick,’’ said First Sgt. Louis Please listen to these additional quotes Our troops continue to do an incred- Barnum. [I’m] born and raised a Democrat— it makes me sad.’’ from some of my Democratic col- ible job, but it has not gone as well as ‘‘I don’t want to bad mouth the president leagues: we would like. Therefore, it is appro- at all. To me[,] that is treason,’’ said SGT. This is from the Foreign Relations priate that we make some changes. In Brian Orzechowski. Committee, January 24, 2007: order to make some changes, it is prob- From NBC Nightly News, January 26: Senator BIDEN: But there’s also one other ably necessary to change the arrange- thing, and I commit to everyone today, and ment we have, change the numbers so Specialist Tyler Johnson: I will end with this: that unless the Presi- we can do something and to begin Those people are dying. You know what dent demonstrates very quickly that he is again to devise a movement that will I’m saying? You may support—‘‘Oh, we sup- unlikely to continue down the road he’s on, get us out of there in a relatively short port the troops,’’ but you’re not supporting this will be only the first step in this com- what they do, what they share and sweat for, mittee. I will be introducing—I know Sen- time. what they believe for, what we die for. It just ator DODD may today introduce and another Our military leaders know that. They don’t make sense to me. may—I know Senator OBAMA, Senator accept that. Their plans embrace that SSG Manuel Sahagun: KERRY, probably all of you have binding, idea that we have to do something dif- One thing I don’t like is when people back constitutionally legitimate, binding pieces ferent, that we have to start coming to home say they support the troops but they of legislation. We will bring them up. some transition and conclusion. The don’t support the war. If they’re going to On ‘‘Meet The Press,’’ January 28, President also has acknowledged this. support us, support us all the way. 2007: It is not simple. None of us like war. SPC Peter Manna: Mr. Russert: Do you believe that it’s inevi- None of us like to have our troops at If they don’t think we’re doing a good job, table Democrats will cut funding for the war risk, there is no question about that. everything that we’ve done here is all in off? But the fact is there exists a terrorism vain. Senator SCHUMER: Well, we’ll certainly threat to the United States, somewhat From Fort-Worth Star Telegram, ratchet up the pressure against President centered in this area. The fact is, we February 15, 2007: Bush. The bottom line is that this esca- need to complete the task and to be lation, for instance, is so poorly received, Army SGT Daniel Dobson: not just by Democrats, but by all of the able to turn some stability over to a The question has been posed to me re- American people. Our first step will be this government in Iraq that can move for- cently what congressional resolution hurts sense of the Senate resolution. But it’s only ward. troop morale the most. No doubt we would the first step. The United States cannot complete be happy to come home tomorrow. But the From Speaker PELOSI, February 13, this mission alone. And the Iraqis, of thought is bittersweet. Most service mem- course, must keep their commitment bers would tell you the same thing: There is 2007: A vote of disapproval will set the stage for to do more than they have. Fortu- no honor in retreat . . . and there is no additional Iraq legislation which will be honor in what the Democrats have proposed. nately, we are seeing some movement coming to the House floor. It stings me to the core to think that Ameri- in that direction. We are seeing the cans would rather sell their honor than fight If our Democratic colleagues don’t support building, and we need to con- for a cause. Those of us who fight for [peace] intend to make this resolution the tinue to press for that with the sur- know all too well that peace has a very ‘‘first step’’ in a campaign to cut off rounding countries. bloody price tag. funding for our operations in Iraq, then The President has made it very clear THE AMERICAN PUBLIC BELIEVES THAT THE why won’t they allow a vote on the to the Iraqi President that our support RESOLUTION UNDERMINES THE TROOPS Gregg resolution? is not open-ended. I hope we continue From FOX NEWS quoting an opinion In summary, debate? Yes. But votes to do that. dynamics poll: that are meaningful—not just on a The administration has installed new 47 percent say it is more likely to encour- critical non-binding resolution but on a leadership. We have had good perform- age the enemy and hurt troop morale, com- commitment of support for our troops ance there, but we need to be moving pared with 24 percent who think it would and their mission as well. in a somewhat different direction, a make a positive difference to U.S. policy to- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- change from what we are doing. That is ward Iraq. ator from Wyoming has 10 minutes. the plan. That is what it is all about. Finally, this resolution is but the Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I thank I am a little discouraged that we act first step in a ‘‘slow bleed’’ strategy, the Senator for his remarks. I cer- as if we have not talked about it, we and should be rejected for that reason tainly agree it would be a mistake to act as if we have not made a move upon as well. send any message that we are not in it, and now we have a nonbinding reso- Democrats claim that they just want support of our troops and, indeed, that lution. But as the previous speaker an up or down vote on this resolution is what voting on one message would said, we also need to offer more than to send a message to the President, but do. Certainly, there are different views one amendment. There are different I fear that the real plan is much more in the Senate and legitimately so. We options. We have to recognize the Sen- expansive. If this resolution passes, recognize that. That is the way it is in ate is close in numbers, and we have votes to cut off support for our troops Congress. some differences. We have to have an and micromanaging the war won’t be I resist a little bit the idea that has opportunity to talk about different far behind. come up on the other side of the aisle things. Hopefully, that is what this is In the other Chamber, Representa- that we have not talked about this, we all about. tive MURTHA has made it clear that he have not debated it. I say we have It is peculiar political posturing to intends to bleed our troops of support talked about it, we have talked about sound off with sense-of-the-Senate res- for their mission in Iraq. Speaking it for several months. We have debated olutions on the heels of having unani- about his resolution, MURTHA said: it. There is clearly a difference of view. mously confirmed the general who is ‘‘They won’t be able to continue. They Most everyone has the same idea that going over there to take over. He has a won’t be able to do the deployment. the situation must be changed and plan. It would be discouraging to him, They won’t have the equipment, they must be improved there. No one argues I am sure, to learn we are sending him don’t have the training and they won’t with that. over there, but we are not going to do be able to do the work. There’s no The issue is that we can back off and the things he needs to do. It is impor- question in my mind.’’ deny the support we have for what we tant for folks to understand this plan Speaker PELOSI essentially endorsed have accomplished or we can move for- does not involve just sending troops this slow-bleed strategy, according to ward with the President, who has a and put a bandaid on the problem. We reports in The Poltico this morning. change in plan. That is something we have commitments from the Iraqi Gov- Those who believe that this vote is a need to remember. We are not talking ernment to step up security and rec- simple gesture, and that it will be the about simply continuing to do the onciliation efforts. We need to make

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2135 decisions from where we are now at very simple. In its simplest terms, it the minority party will keep us from this point in the fight to move in a says, firsts and foremost, we support actually debating that particular reso- somewhat different direction. our troops. We support our troops. Who lution and having a debate and a vote One thing is for sure. We are not in this body would disagree with that on that resolution. moving the ball by just talking from statement? I believe the ultimate goal we all the sidelines. Here we have an oppor- Secondly, it makes another state- have in this Chamber is we want to tunity to do that—not a never-ending ment, another important but very sim- have peace in Iraq, and we want to commitment but one to make some ple statement, and that is that we dis- have a peaceful Middle East. But I also changes, complete this task. However, agree with the President’s plan to add believe that unless we are able to find of course, it is a little premature to be an additional 21,500 troops into Iraq. some way of working together in a bi- debating a nonbinding resolution but, We disagree with the President’s plan. partisan manner, that key ingredient nevertheless, we have different views That is a simple resolution. We of how we find a peaceful avenue in and that is where we are, and that is should be able to bring that resolution Iraq and in the Middle East is going to fine. But I think, in fairness, politi- to this floor. We should be able to have elude us. cally, we do need to have the oppor- it debated. And we should be able to For sure, today is simply one of the tunity to act on more than just a sin- have an up-or-down vote on that reso- opening chapters of the great debate gle amendment so we can have some lution. we will have in this Chamber in the chance to talk about other items that I wish it were otherwise. I wish that, weeks and months, perhaps even in the have an impact on Iraq. in fact, we were debating the various years, ahead with respect to how we The resolution will only serve to resolutions that have been suggested move forward in Iraq and how we move score political points and undermines that we debate on this floor by the ma- forward in the Middle East. Without a our efforts to achieve a positive result jority leader in the last week, where he sense of bipartisanship, we will not be in what we are seeking to do. So I am has offered the minority leader on the able to find that unity which is an es- concerned today with respect to this Republican side the opportunity to sential ingredient for us to be able to process, but we can make it work. And come in and debate the Warner resolu- move forward. we need to make it work. Here we are. tion, the McCain-Lieberman resolu- It dismays me we have not been able Let’s make sure we have an oppor- tion, as well as this resolution, and a to find the bipartisanship to get us to tunity to make it balanced, we have an number of different configurations the 60-vote threshold so we can move opportunity to talk about both sides, which have been offered to the minor- forward and have a robust debate on we have an opportunity to talk about ity party. this issue that will be before the body some of the other kinds of opportuni- But the reality today is this Cham- tomorrow, as well as other issues and ties. ber, through the minority party, wants resolutions that would be brought for- The majority will not let the minor- to stop a vote on any resolution relat- ward by my colleagues. ity offer amendments, and they should. ing to Iraq. They simply want to stop a As I speak at this time, the House of This is not a one-sided debate, and vote. What we need to do as a Chamber, Representatives—just right down the there are certain items we need to dis- in my view, is to move forward with hallway from where I stand right now— cuss. the deliberation of the great Senators is about ready to begin a vote—a vote— Leader MCCONNELL has made more who are a part of this Senate and have on this very simple resolution. And than one good-faith effort to meet the a robust debate on Iraq that sets forth again, its simplicity defies any logic as majority in the middle of the aisle, and the different alternatives that have to why we would not want to vote on it we, I hope, will continue to do that. We been presented and come to some kind in the Senate. It is very simple: We must do that. We have proposed to give of conclusion that gives direction to support our troops, and we disagree the majority the votes they want if America and to this country on how we with the President’s proposed esca- they will simply give us the votes we ought to move forward in Iraq. lation of troops by 21,500. would like to have. That seems to I wish we were here in part debating It is right that we are here this after- make a great deal of sense. the Warner-Levin resolution because noon and into Saturday debating the So we are in sort of a procedural tie- when you think about the content of vote on that simple resolution. That up on something for which we know the Warner-Levin resolution, in that resolution addresses the most critical there are differences on the policy, resolution you also find what I believe and important issue before our Nation clearly, and we will simply have to is the best of what we have to offer. today. I deeply regret the Senate has work on that. And we have to recognize You have a thoughtful proposal that been prevented from voting on a simi- the responsibility and the commitment says, yes, we disagree with the Presi- lar resolution, and that is why I will the President has made and the plan he dent, but we also have a new direction vote for cloture on this resolution to- has to change things there so we can go in which we believe we ought to march morrow. I believe the Senate has an ob- forward. So we need to give the troops forward in Iraq. That bipartisan resolu- ligation—it has an obligation—to de- and the Iraqis the opportunity to work tion, that was largely drafted by Sen- bate and to vote on the issue that is more to change the situation there. ator WARNER and Senator NELSON and most important to America today. So the purpose of this whole exercise, Senator COLLINS, of which I am a co- For me, my constituents in Colorado of course, is to put a government in sponsor, is a way forward. It is a way know where I stand. I am a cosponsor place in Iraq so they can take care of to describe a new direction for us as we of the bipartisan resolution which Sen- themselves, for us to be able to remove move forward in Iraq. ator WARNER and Senator NELSON and our being there and our commitment I also wish we were here today and Senator COLLINS and others have there. I think we have a chance to do tomorrow, and even into next week, de- worked on for some time. That resolu- this. So I hope if we are going to move, bating the resolution which has been tion states in clear terms that the Sen- we have a chance to move on more brought forward by my dear friends, ate disagrees with the President’s plan than one opportunity and one resolu- Senator LIEBERMAN and Senator to send more troops to Iraq. And, at tion. And I think that will be the case. MCCAIN. They have a different point of the same time, that resolution truly Mr. President, I yield the floor. view than other Members of this body. offers a new way for us to move for- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- They have a different point of view ward with this seemingly intractable ator from Colorado. than Senator WARNER and I do with re- problem we face in that part of the Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, I come spect to how we ought to move forward world. before the body today to let my colin Iraq. But, nonetheless, they are peo- I have referred to the Warner resolu- leagues know I intend to vote for clo- ple of good faith who have a point of tion as a new way forward, a new plan, ture on the single and simple resolu- view that ought to be debated in this a plan C, if you will, because it finds a tion that will be before this body to- body, and we ought to have a vote on middle ground between the President’s morrow afternoon. it. plan A, which is to escalate the mili- When one looks at the content of Unfortunately, the procedural mech- tary effort in Iraq, and plan B, which is what is included in this resolution, it is anisms which have been put forward by pushed by some American citizens in

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2136 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 each one of our offices every day who sensus, the United States should embark on The United States should engage directly say we should immediately leave Iraq— a robust diplomatic effort to establish an with Iran and Syria in order to try to obtain we should immediately leave Iraq. international support structure intended to the commitment to constructive policies to- From my point of view, the bipartisan stabilize Iraq and ease tensions in other ward Iraq and other regional issues. In en- countries in the region. gaging Syria and Iran, the United States resolution we came up with offers a In addition, the public portion of the should consider incentives, as well as dis- new direction forward. incentives, in seeking constructive results. Our bipartisan group believes what National Intelligence Estimate—which was a consensus document produced by This does not mean direct talks will we need to do is to have a new strategy necessarily succeed quickly or even in Iraq, one based on demanding long- the 16 agencies comprising the national intelligence community—mentioned succeed at all. But it does mean the overdue compromises from the Iraqi United States should use every avail- Government, vigorous counterterror- three things which could ‘‘help to reverse the negative trends driving Iraq’s able carrot and stick, every diplomatic ism activity, continued support of our tool we have to try to stabilize the re- troops in the field, protecting the terri- current trajectory.’’ It is important to note that each of these three strategies gion. torial integrity of Iraq, and a very ro- Second, the United States and those proposed by the NIE are fundamentally bust and enhanced diplomatic effort in who share a vision of a peaceful Middle diplomatic and political, as opposed to that region and in Iraq itself. East should organize an international military. The new way forward reflected in the conference to help the Iraqis promote They are, first of all, a recommenda- Warner resolution is based on a number national reconciliation and stronger tion that the broader Sunni acceptance of key principles, as follows: relations with their neighbors. First, the central goal of the Amer- of the current political structure and Third, we should heed the advice of ican mission in Iraq should be to en- federalism be brought about; secondly, the Iraq Study Group and promote the courage the Iraqi Government to make that significant concessions by Shia creation of an Iraq international sup- the political compromises that are nec- and Kurds are required to create space port group which would include each essary to foster reconciliation and to for Sunni acceptance of federalism; country that borders Iraq and other improve the deteriorating security sit- and, third, a bottom-up approach is key countries in the region. That sup- uation in Iraq. needed to help mend the frayed rela- port group would work to strengthen Second, the American military strat- tionships between the tribal and reli- Iraq’s territorial and sovereign integ- egy should be focused on maintaining gious groups. rity and would provide a diplomatic the territorial integrity of Iraq, deny- The two most important documents forum for Iraq’s neighbors, many of ing terrorists a safe haven, promoting produced on the Iraq war over the past whom have competing and conflicting regional stability, bringing security to 6 months, the Iraq Study Group report interests to negotiate. Baghdad, and training—and training— and the public portions of the NIE, rec- We may very well engage Iraq’s and equipping the Iraqi forces. ommend a renewed diplomatic and po- neighbors and find we cannot achieve These are important principles, and litical effort as a keystone for security common ground. But I believe that re- they continue. inside Iraq and in the region. fusing to talk to our adversaries on Third, we say what we would like to This is no surprise when you consider principle simply because they are our see happen in Iraq is that the United the situation along the borders of Iraq. adversaries has done us no good. In- States should engage the nations in To the east, we know of the damage deed, in our history, Presidents from that region to develop a regional peace Iran can potentially cause by crossing both parties and of different ideolog- and reconciliation process. the relatively porous border in order to ical stripes, from Franklin Roosevelt Fourth, we believe the United States promote the Shia cause. Not only that, to Ronald Reagan, have actively en- should continue to engage in a strong but Iran has steadfastly ignored the gaged countries and leaders with whom counterterrorism activity, chasing U.N.’s demand to halt their nuclear ac- they strongly disagreed, and they did down al-Qaida wherever al-Qaida might tivities. To the south and west, Saudi so because it was in the American na- be. Arabia might eventually decide to in- tional interest. In fact, even this ad- Fifth, the American mission in Iraq tervene on the side of the Sunnis, ministration diplomatically engaged a should be conditioned upon the Iraqi should the situation further deterio- member of the so-called ‘‘axis of evil,’’ Government meeting certain bench- rate. To the north and west, of course, North Korea. And while this process marks, including ensuring an equitable is Syria, which has a largely uncon- was long and laborious, it appears to distribution of oil revenues in that trolled border with Iraq, across which have borne fruit. I believe we are at a country. foreign fighters and arms and terror- similar moment in Iraq, when a strong And sixth, Congress should not elimi- ists cross even today as I speak. To the and tough diplomatic effort may offer nate or reduce funds for troops in the north is Turkey, which is watching the our last best chance to achieve a meas- field because the brave men and women situation in Iraq and might decide to ure of peace and stability for Iraq and fighting this war need our support intervene in order to prevent an inde- for the region. while they are in harm’s way. pendent Kurdistan. Finally, Jordan, to For that reason, I believe we should I believe plan C offers us the right the west, is feeling the strain of the follow the advice of the Iraq Study way forward. It is my hope that resolu- massive influx of Iraqi refugees into Group, the authors of the National In- tion ultimately would be adopted by a their country, which could have a de- telligence Estimate, and the advice of large bipartisan group of Senators in stabilizing effect on a country which is Senators from both sides of the aisle in this body. such an important ally of the United pursuing a new direction in Iraq. There I would like to discuss in further de- States. are no guarantees of success, but we tail a couple of the key elements, at Given the potential crisis on Iraq’s must make every effort to succeed be- least in terms of how I see it, on how east, west, north, and south borders, fore it is too late. we move forward, on how we improve given the complex and conflicting in- I want to make a statement relative the security situation along Iraq’s bor- terests the parties in the region face, to why I think it is such an important ders, and the need for an enhanced and and given the difficulty of imposing a time for us to be involved in this de- much more robust diplomatic effort. military solution on this expanding, bate. It was not that long ago when I I believe the territorial integrity of deteriorating puzzle, it is imperative to went with two of the most distin- Iraq, security along Iraq’s borders, and, embark on a renewed and robust diplo- guished Senators in this body to Iraq for that matter, security in the region matic and political effort in the man- and Afghanistan and spent time in is linked with the need for a renewed ner outlined in the Warner resolution. both countries with both Senator WAR- and vigorous diplomatic push. That effort, in my view, must include NER and Senator LEVIN. For all of us The bipartisan Iraq Study Group the following: who are Members of this body, there stated in very simple terms: First, it must include talks with each are no two Senators whom we hold in The United States must build a new inter- of the key players in the region. I agree higher esteem. They truly are Senators national consensus for stability in Iraq and with the Iraq Study Group report whom I would call ‘‘a Senator’s Sen- the region. In order to foster such a con- which stated that: ator’’ because they have the respect of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2137 their colleagues. They have the wisdom The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- mately, reconciliation will make the they have accumulated through their ator from Georgia. difference in whether our hopes and service to our country over decades, Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I rise dreams for the Iraqi people and the and they are always attempting to do to speak on the cloture vote on the mo- hopes and dreams they have for them- what is best for the American interest. tion to proceed to S. 574. I will vote in selves will, in fact, take place. I remember in Baghdad having con- opposition to moving forward on that I serve on the Foreign Relations versations with both Senator WARNER resolution because I don’t believe it of- Committee. I sat through 28 hours of and Senator LEVIN and how they de- fers me the opportunity to express testimony from countless experts, one scribed how things had changed from what I believe this body should be after another. Most of them had mixed the initial invasion to the time we doing on the war on terror and the war feelings on the surge. Some were unal- were there in the heavily fortified in Iraq and for our men and women in terably opposed. Some said it may Green Zone in Baghdad and as we trav- harm’s way. I want to take a minute to work. Some said it would work. They eled around the country. explain as well as I can why I believe so had differences of opinion, as we do. Since that time, Senator WARNER strongly and so passionately in that re- But in 28 hours of testimony, from ex- and others have been back there. As we gard. pert after expert, from Madeleine have heard in this Chamber, the distin- Ironically, 30 minutes before I came Albright to Henry Kissinger, from guished Senator from Virginia talked to the Chamber, I got a press release think tank after think tank, from JACK about how 3 or 4 months ago, he de- from the Department of Defense an- MURTHA and Newt Gingrich—Newt a scribed the situation in Iraq as drifting nouncing that deployment of over 1,000 former Speaker of the House; JACK cer- sideways. Today that situation is not members of the 3rd ID stationed at tainly outspoken on this issue in the only drifting sideways but it continues Fort Stewart, GA has been accelerated House—every one of them agreed on to deteriorate. So no matter how much from June to March of 2007. Those sol- one fact: A redeployment of our troops our troops have done, the sacrifice they diers will shortly be leaving our great or a withdrawal would lead, at the very have made, the sacrifices their families State on their way to be deployed in least, to thousands of deaths and more have made, things have not only drift- Baghdad, specifically as a part of the likely the slaughter of tens of thou- ed sideways, they continue to deterio- President’s mission to secure and hold sands and maybe even millions of peo- rate. The President’s proposal, which is and to build. ple in Iraq and possibly beyond in the at the heart of this debate, has to do I can’t be certain of this, but I imag- Middle East. with whether we should send 21,500 ine some of those soldiers are probably Withdrawing, repositioning, turning more troops into harm’s way. We watching television today in our back is a recipe for disaster. And should all ask the question whether Hinesville, GA. They might even be the world knows how important our that is something we shouldn’t sup- watching C–SPAN. They might even success is. I spent last weekend in Mu- port, and we should have an oppor- hear these remarks. So I make them in nich, Germany, at the World Security tunity to vote on that concept in this the belief and with the hope that they Conference, where Vladimir Putin and Chamber. We should have an oppor- are listening, as well as those soldiers the Iranian Foreign Secretary and tunity to vote on that concept in this in Baghdad and Balad and Tallil who Prime Minister spoke. We met with Chamber before the President moves are watching their monitors in the Chancellor Merkel of Germany and rep- forward with the escalation effort. mess hall or the command post, as well resentatives from Bulgaria, Estonia, In my view, and part of the reason I as those who are our enemies, those and Japan. Do you know what is so eye joined Senator WARNER and Senator who would do us harm, those who are opening to me? With rare exception, NELSON and others in their resolution, the reason we are in Iraq and Afghani- each one expressed their appreciation I don’t believe it will work. I believe stan today. for what the United States of America when we look at Operation Going For- It is not right to send a mixed mes- and our allies are doing, and their hope ward Together in June and Operation sage in a nonbinding resolution while and prayer is we will succeed. They Going Forward Together 2 in August, our men and women are deploying in know what we know: We are in the ul- they demonstrate that a surge of this defense of this country and at the order timate war between good and evil. Iraq kind will, in fact, not work. Indeed, the of the President, our Commander in is but a battle in the war on terror that Iraq Study Group found that between Chief. The result of that is to send a will move to other places. If we ever the months of June and the time they message of doubt to our men and give comfort or hope to our enemy that issued their report, violence had esca- women and a message of hope to our we may turn and come home, leave the lated in Baghdad by 43 percent. So we enemy. We can have our differences— battlefield, leave them to their own vo- have tried a surge twice, and it has and anybody who watches the debate lition, then we know it is the beginning failed. Now the President is saying we on this floor knows, we certainly have of the end for the peaceful societies ought to go ahead and do yet another our differences—but there should be no and the democracies of this world. surge. I believe a simple resolution we difference or equivocation in the sup- Chancellor Merkel of Germany—a can vote on that makes a simple state- port of our men and women in harm’s country where popular opinion is very ment that we support our troops and way and our men and women now on much against the war—announced her we oppose the escalation of the mili- the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan. commitment of more Tornadoes to be tary effort in Iraq in the way the Presi- For a minute I want to talk about deployed to Afghanistan. We have dent has proposed is the right thing for how deeply I believe in our options, be- 46,000 troops there—23,000 Americans us to vote on. It is the most important cause we only have two. The first is an and 23,000 from countries around the question of our time. It is appropriate opportunity for success. That is what world—pursuing to keep that fledgling for us to be spending this Friday and the President has chosen. This surge, democracy secure as the Taliban Saturday, and, if it so takes, all of next criticized by some, is even a part of the makes one last effort. week, instead of going back to our re- Hamilton-Baker report where they ad- The enthusiasm of the world is in spective States and working during the dressed a potential surge in their re- support of the United States and our Presidents holiday to debate this issue, port. The President, after listening to men and women in harm’s way. I think which is such a defining issue of our many of us and to his commanders and, that enthusiasm should take place on time. This is a defining issue for the certainly to General Petraeus, has de- the Senate floor in the United States of 21st century, not only for Iraq but for cided to deploy these troops to go into America as well. My vote tomorrow of the Middle East, for the war on terror Baghdad, to go into Anbar, to secure it; ‘‘no’’ on the motion to proceed will not which we wage around the globe; this is and then, with the help of the Iraqi sol- be a desire to cut off debate. It will, in the defining issue, and it is appropriate diers, to hold; and then, with the help fact, be a desire to elevate the debate. for us to be having this discussion on of USAID, the State Department, and I think every side that is represented the floor today. Hopefully, we will have the world community, to build and to on this Senate floor ought to be a side an opportunity to move forward into have a platform and a foundation upon that is spoken. I personally prefer the the debate on this resolution. which political reconciliation will take Gregg amendment and do not prefer I yield the floor. place. Every one of us knows that, ulti- and would not vote for the resolution

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 of the Senator from Nevada, which is Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I ask pertinent to the issue we face in this the same resolution now being debated unanimous consent that the order for debate. on the floor of the Senate. I think I the quorum call be rescinded. Before I express my views, I want to ought to have an opportunity to ex- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without stress that I regret we are at a stale- press to the thousand members of 3rd objection, it is so ordered. mate in this body. Obviously, they are ID leaving to go to Iraq, to the men Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, par- not in the other body, in terms of a and women in Iraq who are listening, liamentary inquiry: I understand I vote at least, on this issue of vital na- and to the constituents I have in the have 15 minutes within which to make tional security. I think most in the State, regardless of which side of the my remarks; is that correct? Senate wish we could debate this issue issue they are on—the Senate deserves The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mi- with comity, with cooperation, and, a right to debate all of the valid points nority has 8 minutes remaining at this yes, in a bipartisan fashion. And I of the questions that confront us in time. It would take consent to extend think the American people who are Iraq. that time. concerned, obviously frustrated and I know earlier in a speech given on Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I ask angry about the war, would certainly the floor the content was primarily a unanimous consent that I may proceed appreciate that, but that is not the recitation of the names of those who and make my remarks in 15 minutes. case. This issue, very unfortunately, is have died in uniform in Iraq from the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without wrapped around a partisan and polit- United States of America. I don’t take objection, it is so ordered. ical axle. the position I take lightly, nor do I not Mr. ROBERTS. I thank the Presiding Our good friends across the aisle in- think for a moment about the sacrifice Officer. sist that we debate and vote on one of that has already been made by men and Mr. President, some weeks ago—and I three nonbinding resolutions—there women from my State—from PFC mentioned this in my remarks during may have been an agreement on maybe Diego Rincon, the first Georgian to the debate we were having on the reso- one more vote—in regard to the war in lose his life fighting in Iraq—Diego, by lutions with regard to Iraq and the Iraq, and that is all. They wish to de- the way, was not a United States cit- war—I said several weeks ago I had the bate and vote on the House resolution izen when he died, and we gave him privilege of attending and speaking at which is now being debated in the citizenship posthumously because of a farewell dinner in honor of LTG other body and about to come to a con- the commitment he made to this coun- David Petraeus and his wife Holly at clusion, or the Warner resolution, try—to LT Noah Harris, from Elijay, the Command and General Staff Col- which I think are very similar, and then call it a day because both resolu- GA, who was a cheerleader at the Uni- lege of the United States Army at Fort tions support the troops but not the versity of Georgia on 9/11. He was so Leavenworth, KS. And, of course, now mission. moved by what happened that he General Petraeus is in Iraq and involved in the new mission as prescribed This is the rub for many of my col- jumped into ROTC in his junior year leagues and myself, and it is about as and pursued a commission in the by the President and the subject of great debate not only here but in the far as the majority wishes to wade in United States Army, received it, and the waters of withdrawal at this time. went to Iraq. He died fighting for what House of Representatives, which is voting as I speak on their resolution in re- I realize if we were to consider other he believed this country was all about: votes, it would be more pertinent to to stand up to the agents of terror and gard to this matter. It was quite an evening of tribute in the issue, especially the amendment by those who would use it to pursue their Senator FEINGOLD, and that would be cause. Also, there was SGT Mike behalf of the general who has become admired and beloved serving as com- wading in the water a little deeper Stokely, a brave American who died in than they would want to at this par- pursuit of freedom and peace in Iraq, manding general of the Army’s Intel- lectual Center in Leavenworth, KS. ticular time. and the hundreds of other Georgians Others of us wish to debate and vote who have been wounded or sacrificed Throughout the evening I had the opportunity to again visit with David on the McCain resolution—I hope we their lives. They should not die in vain. can do that—and the Gregg resolution Petraeus, his feelings about his new They went for the reason that they be- and, as far as I am concerned, the Fein- mission, his impressive knowledge with lieved volunteers are important to gold resolution. I oppose the Feingold regard to this most difficult war in them and their country. They volun- resolution, but I admire his forthright- Iraq, the history of the region, his un- teered and made that commitment ness and his courage. But we are being derstanding with regard to the nature knowingly and willingly. They deserve denied that opportunity. the chance to pursue this effort for suc- of past wars, his understanding of in- Most perplexing to me is that those cess in Baghdad and Anbar with enthu- surgency in past wars and the insur- who are covering this debate within siasm from our Senate and our Govern- gency we now face in Iraq. the media—and it is never a good idea ment. From me, they have that. While at the Command and General to say anything that could be possibly When we read a list of those who lost Staff College, he wrote the Army’s new defined as critical of the media. I note their lives, we have to remember how manual on counterterrorism. Let me there are none or there may be two, long the list is of those who live today say, as a former marine, as the Pre- but, obviously, everybody is watching because our men and women in the siding Officer is as well, I helped write the vote on the House side. Armed Forces, in wars past and in war a similar manual years ago for the U.S. Having said that, how on Earth can today, fight for security and peace and Marine Corps. So I find this man we describe this situation by writing fight for us to live. unique in his knowledge and his com- headlines and 15-second news sound We saw on 9/11 the manifest horror mand ability. But when I was asked to bites saying Republicans, like myself, tyranny and terror can bring, and we make remarks after the dinner—they have voted to stifle debate? I want to will see it again if we lose our resolve would always invite a Senator to make debate. Let’s have a debate. Let’s have to pursue it wherever it takes us—Af- some remarks and, unfortunately, a full debate and vote on the House res- ghanistan, Iraq, or places yet known to sometimes that turns into a speech—I olution and/or the Warner resolution— us. was glad I said what I said, and vir- vote on both of them—but let us also Mr. President, I yield the floor, with tually everybody in that room told me debate and vote on resolutions offered the confidence and pride in the men I had said what they cannot say. Those by Senators MCCAIN, GREGG, and FEIN- and women who serve in the Armed who wear their officer rank on their GOLD. I will vote for Senator MCCAIN’s Forces and my willingness to fully sup- shoulders or their enlisted stripes on resolution. I will vote along with Sen- port an opportunity for success rather their sleeves in most cases do not com- ator GREGG. I would not vote for Sen- than a recipe for disaster. ment on policy decisions or politics, no ator FEINGOLD’s resolution but, again, I I suggest the absence of a quorum. matter how strongly they feel. They think his resolution is probably the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The follow orders, and they serve their most determining in terms of effect, clerk will call the roll. country. But I believe my remarks to and he should get a vote. The bill clerk proceeded to call the the general and his officer corps and We are not stifling or shutting down roll. the veterans of many previous wars are debate; our colleagues in the majority

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2139 are. Either we are not capable of ex- now. That to me is unprecedented for of progress that General Petraeus has plaining what I believe is a very simple the Senate. I think it is remarkable, told Senator MCCAIN and me would be proposition or some in the media can- and I have said many times that these useful in his discussions with Prime not discern what is obvious. This is resolutions—and it has been said many Minister Maliki, and certainly the like playing baseball, although it isn’t times—are nonbinding. They have no Gregg resolution that supports spend- like playing baseball—that is a poor al- legislative impact. They are so-called ing for our troops in harm’s way. I legory, but it is the one I have chosen— sense-of-the-Senate resolutions. For think that is the precedent we have to playing baseball with one strike and those who do not pay attention to the set. That is the killer in this debate, then you are out. You say: Wait a parliamentary procedure around here, along with the Feingold resolution, be- minute, usually in a baseball game you that means they are meaningless ex- cause my colleagues across the aisle do get three strikes. What happened to cept for the message you want to send, not want to vote on the Gregg resolu- the three strikes? Where are my other and that can be important to the Exec- tion, let alone the Feingold resolution. two strikes? Where are my other reso- utive, i.e., to President Bush and the Senator FEINGOLD has a resolution lutions that I want to debate, that I folks back home. which certainly does something. I don’t want to support because they are perti- With all due respect, we have long agree with his resolution, but he is at nent to this, certainly as much as the crossed the message Rubicon with re- least very forthright and sends a clear others? They are nonbinding as well. gard to sending mixed messages to our message, and he is a good Senator. And the umpire—in this particular case allies, our troops, the American people, As the former chairman of the Intel- the distinguished majority leader— the media and, yes, our adversaries. ligence Committee in the Senate, let says: Back to the dugout, Senator ROB- Words have consequences and, rest as- me again stress what is not happening in the Congress or the media, and has ERTS, I am sorry. We run this ball sured, our adversaries will read to try game. You don’t have any further and figure out, analyze every word of received very little public attention re- strikes. the resolution just passed in the House garding this challenge we face in Iraq. I have information that the House and perhaps the one, maybe two resolu- No one is talking about the con- has just passed the House resolution tions we can pass in this body, hope- sequences of what will happen if we 246 to 182. That is a pretty solid vote. fully three or four, and try to figure it simply withdraw or redeploy. And we So, obviously, we will be getting to out. I suspect they will be absolutely may just do that, because I do not be- vote on that resolution, and I hope we flummoxed in trying to discern the lieve this war can or should be sus- will get to vote on these other resolu- sense in reading a resolution that tained if we do not see progress in the tions. states support for the troops and our next 6 months. If General Petraeus In my remarks at the Command and new commander, with new rules of en- doesn’t come back and tell us there has General Staff College, I told General gagement, with a limited timeframe been measurable progress, where we Petraeus we had not been personally for achieving and reporting bench- can see it, feel it, and touch it, we have acquainted over a long period of years, marks of progress, but that opposes the some serious policy decisions to make. We need to be thinking about a policy but in our short span of time, I cer- mission. That is a mixed message, and of containment as opposed to interven- tainly came to know him well. I have it should cause quite a bit of head tion if this latest mission does not had several stimulating and enjoyable scratching among the 31 different ter- conversations with him over a wide work. rorist organizations that are planning I would also point out that most of range of issues, most especially the various attacks around the world and the time deadlines for withdrawal are British experience in Iraq from 1921 to even on the United States. My real either in the nonbinding resolutions or 1931, the example of Lawrence of Ara- concern is that the Senate is not con- they mirror exactly the time period bia. Lawrence of Arabia wrote ‘‘The sidering or even talking about the General Petraeus has told the Armed Small Warfare Manual,’’ and he wrote probable consequences of these actions, Services Committee he would follow in ‘‘The Pillars of Wisdom.’’ As I indi- let alone our responsibilities should reporting whether this new effort is cated, the U.S. Marine Corps had simi- they happen. making any progress, pretty much lar manuals, one called a ‘‘Manual on I want to make it very clear I do not along the lines of the benchmarks that Antiguerrilla Operations,’’ which I par- question the intent or purpose or patri- are in the McCain resolution. So the ticipated in, and now the manual the otism of any Senator, regardless of obvious question is: Who can better general has written. whatever resolution they are proposing make that judgment, General Petraeus It seems we cannot get it right with voting for. I do question the judgment in theater or Senators here on the regard to insurgencies. The same and the law of unintended effects. floor? things we write in these manuals we Bluntly put, with all this debate with We have not discussed the difficult have to be careful about and pretty regard to nonbinding resolutions, we policy decisions that may confront us well play out the problems, to say the appear like lemmings splashing in a if it becomes necessary to redeploy, least, that make it very difficult. sea of public concern, frustration, and what that mission might be if we rede- Anyway, with regard to General expressing anger over the war in Iraq. ploy, where are we going, what is the Petraeus, he is exactly the right man In this regard, I don’t know of any- mission going to be, or even how to for the right job at the right time. He body in this body or anybody in Amer- withdraw. knows this. He has been to Iraq. He was ica who does not want our troops home The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- successful in his second tour. He is at the earliest possible date, and sta- ator’s time has expired. going back. I hope and pray he will be bility in Iraq, if possible. If possible— Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I have successful in his third effort. Our brave and that is a real question here. That about 4 minutes left. If I could ask young men and women in uniform deis not the issue. unanimous consent that Senator DOR- serve nothing but the very best leader- When all of this confetti settles, the GAN allow me that privilege, I would ship, and they are getting it. end result of all this frenzy will be: greatly appreciate it. But I think it is a paradox of enor- ‘‘General, you and the troops have our Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I have mous irony that the Senate confirmed solid support—but we don’t support no objection to that, provided that the David Petraeus without a dissenting your mission. However, press on and 30 minutes which was to have started vote—not one, not one Senator—a vote good luck.’’ for our side at 3:30 will be extended for of confidence that is unique, certainly I think that message is remarkable. the full 30 minutes following the com- given today’s controversy and turmoil This is not a profile in courage. This is pletion of the presentation. and the times. Yet at the same time, not the Senate’s finest hour. If we are Mr. ROBERTS. I will try to finish as the same Senators who gave their vote going to debate and vote on nonbinding fast as I can. I apologize. I arrived late. of confidence are now in the business of resolutions, let us at least consider res- I asked for 15 minutes, and I thought I what I call—I don’t mean to perjure olutions that will send a clear message could get it done in 15 minutes. Obvi- them—‘‘confetti’’ resolutions sup- or which can be of useful purpose. In ously, ‘‘Roberts-ese’’ is expanding that porting the general and the troops but that regard, we should consider the time period. I will try to finish as fast not the mission they are undertaking McCain resolution. It lists benchmarks as I can.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2140 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I ask nich in Germany at the NATO security The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- unanimous consent that the 30 minutes conference. Kim Jong Il. We are mak- jority whip. begin following the presentation of ing some progress with North Korea f Senator ROBERTS. right now, but he does have a penchant The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there for missile launches on the 4th of July. ORDER OF PROCEDURE objection? Read Hugo Chavez—31 countries in Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, it is my Without objection, it is so ordered. the southern command. He is the new understanding we were speaking in 30- Mr. ROBERTS. As I indicated, Mr. Castro, nationalizing his oil production minute segments and that the Senator President, we have not discussed the and directly involved in five different from Kansas was allowed a little extra difficult policy decisions that will con- countries. What do we do? time to finish his remarks, which by front us if it becomes necessary to The point is that globally and over my reckoning was about an additional withdraw or redeploy, what that mis- the long term this is not a Bush issue 10 minutes. I want to clarify, and if a sion would be, or even how to with- or a Democratic or a Republican issue, unanimous consent request is nec- draw. The reality is what we will do or even how you feel about Iraq or the essary, I will make that request, that when certain consequences would take war. Even as we argue about whether the Senator from North Dakota be al- place. These are the possible, if not we debate and vote on one resolution lowed to speak until 10 after the hour; probable, consequences we should be or three or four, I hope, there are ter- and then, at 4:30, the next Democratic confronting and debating and explain- rorist organizations and their second- speaker would be recognized. So I ing to the American people and our- generation affiliates—guided and in- think we would be back on the sched- selves and in the media, even if some spired—are plotting attacks against ule that was spoken to earlier. may have a deaf ear. the United States and throughout the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there First. A dramatic increase in sec- world. It is obvious we can’t sustain tarian violence quickly escalating to a objection? the status quo in Iraq, but while we de- Without objection, it is so ordered. civil war—and I mean a real civil war— bate on how to proceed, these folks are and a humanitarian disaster far more Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, thank not giving up. you very much, and if the Senator from devastating than what is happening The irony is that should the Presi- now. Shia versus Shia, Shia versus North Dakota will yield for a few min- dent wake up in the morning and say, utes. Sunni. What do we do? Thousands of well, the House has voted for this reso- Iraqis have already become refugees Mr. DORGAN. I yield to Senator lution, they are not for this new mis- DURBIN. and left the country. sion, and the Senate is about to, and Second. Given a civil war and strug- Mr. DURBIN. I thank my colleague they may or may not do that, so I am gle for control, we can expect an incur- for yielding. going to terminate it, I am going to sion of Sunni troops from other Mid- f east countries—I want to make it very end it, then we are back to square one, IRAQ clear about that: other Mideast coun- back to a stalemate, back to the status tries—to prevent an Iranian takeover quo. That, to me, doesn’t make sense. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, an his- Given the fact there were at least of Iraq and the very real possibility of toric vote was announced in the House five successful attacks that killed an Iraq led by Muqtada al-Sadr, whose Chamber moments ago. By a vote of 246 Americans—and others that, thank street appeal could endanger their own to 182, the House of Representatives, in Governments. I am talking about other goodness, were not successful—before a bipartisan rollcall vote, has approved Mideast countries. When that happens, President Bush came to office and be- the resolution relative to the Presi- the war becomes regional. What do we fore military action in Iraq—given the dent’s call for escalation of the number do? fact this threat will face the next of troops serving in Iraq. That resolu- Third. We can expect an Iraq cer- President and future world leaders, tion is fewer than 60 words in length, tainly dominated by Iran, thus com- surely we can figure out it makes no and I believe it should be read into the sense to fight each other when the ter- pleting a Shia crescent with Iran, Iraq, RECORD. This is a resolution which we Syria, and Lebanon. Today, countries rorists then and now and in the future are hoping to bring to the Senate floor such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and do not kill according to party affili- tomorrow so that the debate can begin Egypt are talking about building their ation, nationality, race, age, or gender. in this Chamber. It reads: own nuclear programs, given Iran’s nu- We do not need a Republican approach to national security and the Congress and the American people will clear ambitions and progress. Iran has continue to support and protect the members just refused inspectors from the IAEA. war. We do not need a Democratic ap- of the United States Armed Forces who are With the possibility of Shia Muslims proach to national security and the serving or who have served bravely and hon- and Sunni Muslims each working to war. We need, however, an American orably in Iraq; Congress disapproves of the achieve nuclear capability and weap- approach to our national security and decision of President George W. Bush an- ons, what does Israel do? What do we the war and to our individual freedoms. nounced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more This is a time to engage in honest dia- than 20,000 additional United States combat do? troops to Iraq. Fourth. Iraq will become a safe haven log, to work together and think for terrorists. This time it is for real. through and agree on the strategy that It is unembellished, it is straight- What do we do? will defeat our enemies and make the forward, and it states a position. Those Fifth. In their eyes, with the defeat American people safe. And yes, bring who agree with this resolution, as I do, of the ‘‘Great Satan’’ only months our troops home but in a way that we should be heard. Those who disagree away, as expected—a clear signal by don’t have to send them back. and believe we should escalate the this body and perhaps inevitable—ter- So I say to the leadership, with all number of troops in this war have a rorists around the world are already due respect, let us end this nonbinding right to be heard as well. That is the emboldened, waiting us out and plan- business and get these confetti resolu- nature of this institution. It is the na- ning more attacks; that is, if you be- tions behind us. We have all had a ture of our democracy. lieve what they say. chance now to discuss the war and we For the Republicans to continue to Read Afghanistan and the Taliban need to vote on I think at least four threaten a filibuster to stop the debate and the spring offensive. Will we soon resolutions, and then come together in the Senate so that Members of the be in the business of passing non- with a bipartisan commitment—a dif- Senate cannot come forward and ex- binding resolutions about Afghanistan? ficult and perhaps impossible task but, press themselves and vote on this issue Sixth. We can expect a perceived, if I believe, a task that must be under- is wrong. It is unfair. It is inconsistent not real, lack of American resolve in taken for the sake of our national secu- with the reason we ran for office. We the eyes of adversaries and potential rity. were asked by the people kind enough adversaries around the world resulting Mr. President, I yield back the bal- to entrust us with this responsibility in additional national security threats. ance of my time and I thank my col- to face the issues of our times, to ad- Read Putin and Belarus and Iran, and leagues across the aisle for permitting dress those issues in a responsible man- his recent remarkable speech at Mu- me to finish my remarks. ner, to have a civilized debate on the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2141 floor of the Senate, and to take a vote I hope those who believe it is impor- Would you get him his medals, she and take a stand. We are expected to do tant for the Senate to engage in this asked? that. debate will contact their Members of I said, Of course I will. We are not expected to waffle and the Senate as quickly as possible and So I achieved getting the medals he weave and avoid the obvious. This is let them know the vote tomorrow at earned but never received from the the issue of the moment. It is the issue 1:45 in the afternoon here on the Sen- Pentagon, and I went to the VA hos- of our time. With over 130,000 American ate floor is a historic vote, a vote of pital on a Sunday morning to present soldiers’ lives on the line, it is unac- great importance. Every Member medals to Edmund Young Eagle, a Na- ceptable that the minority would stop should be here. Every Member should tive American, one of those first Amer- us from debating this issue. It is unac- vote. Every Member should understand icans who served this country and then ceptable to our troops and to their the nature of this institution. The rea- went home and lived quietly. families who wait anxiously to know son we serve is to give voice to the peo- When I went to his room that morn- what their fate will be. It is unaccept- ple we represent on the issues of our ing, Edmund Young Eagle was very able to the rest of the Nation, which time. There is no more compelling and sick. I didn’t know it at the time, but expects the Senate to be a full partner timely issue than this war in Iraq. he would die within a week or so. We in congressional debate. I yield the floor. cranked up the hospital bed for Ed- It takes 60 votes to bring a measure The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- mund Young Eagle so he was in a sit- to the floor in the Senate. On the ator from North Dakota. ting position, and I pinned his World Democratic side, with one absence by Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I appre- War II medals on his pajama tops and illness, we have 50. We need the co- ciate the words of my colleague from told him that his country was grateful operation of the Republicans to even Illinois. This debate we are trying to for his serving our country in the Sec- debate the issue. They have made it have is actually a debate about a de- ond World War. clear in pronouncements on the floor bate. This must be the only place, the This man, very sick, looked up at me and in press conferences they are going only real estate in the United States of and said: This is one of the proudest to stop this debate at any cost. They America in which, rather than having a days of my life. are prepared to filibuster this measure debate about the war and strategy, we This man who lived in a spartan way, so we cannot have a debate and a vote are having a debate about whether we never having very much but served this on this critical issue. That is wrong. It should debate it. It is pretty unbeliev- country with honor, felt great grati- is inconsistent with the reason we ran able. tude at the end of his life for a country for office and the reason this institu- This is called the greatest delibera- recognizing what he had done for us. tion exists. tive body in the world. It is an unbe- That is the life of a soldier, someone We have to face the obvious. Since lievable privilege for me to be here. I who commits himself or herself to an- the decision was made by the United came from a very small town of about swer their country’s call without ques- States of America to give President 300 people, a high school class of 9. I am tion. So many have done it. Bush this authorization of force, we here in the greatest deliberative body I will attend a funeral this week of a have seen horrible results. in the world. I am enormously proud to young man killed in Iraq. I received a Mr. President, 3,132 of our best and be here. But I came here not to avoid call this morning from a mother, the bravest soldiers have given their lives, debate but to engage in debate, to talk mother of a soldier who spent a year in thousands have been seriously injured, about this country and its future. Iraq and returned with very difficult hundreds of billions of dollars of tax- There is an old saying: When every- circumstances—post-traumatic stress, payers’ money have been spent in pur- one is thinking the same thing, no one all kinds of difficult emotional prob- suit of this war, with no end in sight. is thinking very much. There is a de- lems—who just this week received the Our soldiers did their job and did it sire in this Chamber by some who have alert notice that his reserve unit will well—deposed a dictator and gave the spoken that we all be thinking the likely be called up again. Iraqis an opportunity for the first time same thing about these issues, that we This is about war. It is about com- in their history to stand and govern all support President Bush and what- mitment. It is about our soldiers. It is themselves and guide their nation into ever his strategies might be and wher- about our country and our future. the future. ever he might take us. This Congress Some say we should not talk about Instead, we have seen this situation has a constitutional role to play, and that, we should not debate it. If that is disintegrate into a civil war, and we the constitutional role is not to decide the case, this is the only real estate, have watched our soldiers caught in to come to the floor from Monday this is the only room in America where the crossfire of a battle that started through Friday to support the Presi- it is not being discussed and debated. It 1,400 years ago among followers of the dent of the United States, it is to come is being debated in the homes, in the Islamic faith. That is not what Amer- to the floor of the Senate to support restaurants, in the gymnasiums, in the ica bargained for. That is why the ma- this country and its interests as best schools, in the office. It ought to be de- jority of the American people believe we see those interests. bated here as well. This has a profound we need to change course, we need a Some long while ago, I went to a vet- impact on our country and its future. new direction, and we need to bring our erans hospital on a Sunday morning Make no mistake about it, our mili- troops home. We need to tell the Presi- and I presented medals to a veteran. tary has won every battle it has dent that the escalation of this war His name was Edmund Young Eagle. He fought. Our military will win the bat- and the escalation of the troops is the was an American Indian. He had fought tles they fight. But winning military wrong policy at this moment in his- in the Second World War, had gone all battles does not win the war in Iraq. tory. around the world, had fought in north- We disapprove of President Bush’s plan For this Senate to speak, we need to ern Africa, fought at Normandy, fought to deepen our escalation in Iraq be- engage in a debate, a debate which across Europe, and came back to live cause it is a military response to a leads to a vote. There are choices be- on the Indian reservation. He never problem that must be resolved through fore us. This choice, which I support, married, never had very much. He diplomacy and through negotiation. tells the President we disagree with his loved to play baseball. But he had kind The civil war and the violence in Iraq policy. It joins with the House of Rep- of a tough life. At the end of Edmund is only going to stop when there is gen- resentatives, which made the same de- Young Eagle’s life, this man who uine reconciliation between groups in cision on a bipartisan basis. We have served his country, at the end of his Iraq. offered to Senator MCCAIN, a Repub- life he was dying of lung cancer. He Let’s think through what we have lican from Arizona, an opportunity to was in the veterans hospital in Fargo, done in Iraq. Through our soldiers’ bring his position forward in support of ND, and his sister called and said her blood and our Treasury, we sent troops adding more troops in Iraq. That is the brother Edmund Young Eagle had to Iraq. The Iraqi leader, Saddam Hus- fair parameter of a good debate. But proudly served his country and had sein, is dead. Good riddance, I say. We sadly the Republican minority has said never received the medals for his serv- have unearthed mass graves in Iraq they will deny us that opportunity. ice in the Second World War. showing that hundreds of thousands of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2142 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 Iraqis were murdered by a dictator. best thinkers in our country, having about Iraq, a Shiite was recently driv- But Saddam Hussein was executed. The worked months on this problem. The en from his home and farm by the country of Iraq was able to vote for its President chose to ignore that report. Sunnis who killed his brother and own new Constitution. The country of The President says he is the decider. nephew, and he was so bitter and Iraq voted for its own Government. You know, the Constitution says angry, he said, ‘‘A volcano of revenge That is very substantial progress. something about that as well. I agree has built up inside. I want to rip them But the next step has not shown with my colleagues that we can’t have up with my teeth.’’ It is this hatred much progress. The next step is this: 100 or 535 commanders in chief. I under- which fuels a civil war and the atroc- Do the Iraqi people have the will to stand that. But I also understand that ities that occur nearly every day. provide for their own security? This is the Constitution has a role for the Con- Saturday, February 3, saw the dead- their country, not ours. Iraq belongs to gress. Only the Congress can declare liest single suicide bombing since the them, not us. The question is, Do the war—only the Congress. Yes, the Presi- war began nearly 4 years ago, with 130 Iraqi people have the will to provide for dent is Commander in Chief, but only people killed and more than 300 wound- their security? If they do not, this the Congress can declare war. Only the ed. It was the fourth major attack country cannot and will not be able to Congress has the power of the purse. against a densely populated Shia area do that for any length of time. That is The question is, What do we do about in less than 3 weeks. On the Thursday the question. Do they have the will to what is now happening in Iraq? No before, twin suicide bombers struck a take back their country? other country that I am aware of, in market jammed with people—60 killed, Iraqi leaders are going to have to what the President has called the coa- 150 wounded. Again, 60 killed, 150 make very difficult decisions, political lition of the willing, has decided they wounded; spraying body parts so far decisions in some cases which may un- are going to deepen their involvement that police were scouring rooftops late dermine their own power and their own or expand their troops to Iraq. No in the night for body parts. A few days base of support. But it is the only way other country. Even Great Britain, the before that, 75 people killed in Bagh- this is going to be resolved. The sec- strongest supporter of President Bush’s dad’s Shia neighborhoods in multiple tarian violence that exists in Iraq Iraq policy, has refused to increase bombings; 160 wounded. The day before today can trace its roots in some cases their troop strength in Iraq. In fact, that, 3 car bombs detonated within back to the year 700 A.D. This violence the British news reports say that Brit- minutes of each other at the vegetable is not going to dissipate soon unless ain intends to have all or most of its market. More than 1,000 Iraqis were there is reconciliation between the fac- troops withdrawn by the end of 2007. killed in the last week of January. We tions. This requires Iraqi troops to None of our allies, old or new, of which are told there were 3,000 killed in the fight their ethnic and religious allies I am aware, have decided the proper ap- last 3 weeks. Unbelievably, it seems to who are part of the insurgency as well proach at this point, given the sec- me, they pick up bodies in the middle as fight their opponents. It requires tarian involvement in Iraq, is to deep- of the morning in Baghdad from the Iraqi security, Iraqi police, and Iraqi en their involvement and increase their night’s carnage with holes drilled in troops to provide for the security of troop strength in Iraq. their kneecaps, holes drilled in their the whole country of Iraq. The President is saying we should skulls. These are unbelievable signs of The resolution we want to debate is a surge some additional troops to Iraq. torture. These are acts of unimaginable resolution which does not say we don’t We have done that before. In early 2004, violence committed against others. No support our troops. Clearly we support we surged 20,000 additional troops. A one is safe, nowhere is safe, and this vi- our troops. We support our troops with similar one happened in the fall of 2005. olence pervades nearly every aspect of everything we believe is necessary for Most recently, last summer the Presi- daily life. their safety and security and for them dent announced that thousands of addi- The question I think the President to do their jobs the way we expect tional troops would be surged into proposes with his suggestion of a surge them to do their jobs. This Congress, Baghdad. What happened as a result of of an additional 20,000 or 21,000 troops every man and every woman, supports in Baghdad poses is: Will additional America’s troops and prays for their that was the violence increased, and troops in Baghdad on street corners, safe return. deaths and injuries to American troops This resolution says we support our went up. So we have seen some exam- going door to door, embedded with the troops but we do not agree with Presi- ples of a surge, and the examples have troops, with the security of the Iraqi dent Bush in his desire to deepen our not been very helpful. In fact, it has Government, stem the violence? The involvement in Iraq. Some come to the been counterproductive. answer is likely no. We have seen this floor of the Senate and say: Your posi- This map is a map of the city of attempted previously and it did not tion on this emboldens the enemy. It is Baghdad—about 4 million to 6 million stem the violence; the violence in- a message to embolden the enemy. It people, about 250 square miles. We have creased. sends the wrong message to our troops. people in this city who have grievances Let me make another point I think is It is neither of those. It is a message that go back 1,300 and 1,400 years. The important. No one has made, I think, from the Congress of the United States Shia and the Sunni religious split oc- the point that this troop escalation, to the President, and that message is curred in the seventh century, and whatever it is, is temporary. The we do not support his proposal to deep- they have clashed frequently since United States troops are leaving Iraq. en our involvement in the war in Iraq. then. The question is when, not if. At some A blue ribbon commission was put to- This country is not put together by point, United States troops will leave gether, of some of the best thinkers, natural borders. This country was put Iraq. The question is: Will we leave in foreign policy and military thinkers in together by a pen and paper, by a deci- a time that gives us the opportunity to our country, headed by James Baker sion 90 years ago of how to draw the turn the country of Iraq back to the and Lee Hamilton, very distinguished borders of this country. This was a dip- Iraqi people and say, this is your job to Americans. That group included former lomatic decision, that this should be provide for your security. Secretaries of State and military lead- the country of Iraq. Let me talk about the National Intel- ers and some outstanding thinkers. Let me describe what is happening ligence Estimate. The National Intel- They worked for months, many now in this city. We have areas that ligence Estimate was done with 16 in- months, to develop a plan. We all un- are Shia areas and Sunni areas, and telligence agencies. They spent the last derstand the alternatives are not good now we have areas that are turning 5 months analyzing the situation in in Iraq. We understand that. If there Shia and turning Sunni. In many ways, Iraq, reviewed by the head of the CIA, were an easy way to deal with this, be- you will see from this map the dra- the head of the intelligence units at lieve me, it would have been dealt matic evidence of violence in this cap- the Pentagon, State Department, Jus- with. In many ways, we found a box ital city of Iraq. It is getting worse, tice Department, and the Director of canyon in Iraq, and it is hard to get out not better. National Intelligence, our most senior of a box canyon. I mentioned that some of the hatred intelligence official. Some of it is top The Baker-Hamilton report rep- goes back 1,400 years. But a more re- secret, but some was released publicly. resented a consensus of some of the cent example, in a story I was reading Let me read something:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2143 Even if violence is diminished, given the country? I do not understand the prior- Mr. President, I yield the floor. current winner-take-all attitude and sec- ities coming from the administration. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tarian animosities affecting the political There has to be a change. We all under- ator from Alaska is recognized. scene, Iraqi leaders will be hard-pressed to stand that. We know Iraq is a different Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, how achieve sustained political reconciliation in much time was I allocated? this time frame. place. The various sects, tribes, religions, in some cases do not speak to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Continuing to quote: each other, and in many cases don’t ator has until 4:30. Iraq’s neighbors are influenced by the trust each other. In other cases, they Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, this events within Iraq, but the involvement of morning I got up and I went to get on these outside actors is not likely to be a hate each other, and in too many cases, they kill each other. an airplane and the plane was delayed major driver of violence or the prospect for because of mechanical issues. Then I stability because of the self-sustaining char- That is what must change. It is why acter of Iraq’s internal sectarian dynamics. reconciliation is the key. It is why got the word that the leader said we should come vote on questions being That is a fancy way to describe the more U.S. troops are not going to make a difference. discussed, just as I heard now. civil war. I am here to participate in a charade. I might say the last National Intel- Does anyone believe that if we go back 4 years and the President brought This is nothing but a charade. It is a ligence Estimate was done was in 2004 nonbinding resolution. We are coming and it detailed 3 possible outcomes for a proposition to the floor of the Senate and said: Look, we have a civil war in back to vote on Saturday on a non- Iraq over the next 18 months, which at binding resolution that the American the time would put us in the fall or Iraq. What we ought to do is send more American troops to the middle of that public doesn’t support. As a matter of winter of 2006. The worst-case scenario fact, as I read in The Hill newspaper for the previous NIE was a civil war. civil war, or at least begin sending American troops to the middle of that and as I see on the front page, there is Well, that is what the 2007 National In- the majority leader’s photograph and a telligence Estimate says has now hap- civil war because we don’t believe after 3 years of training that the Iraqi people story about how the majority is trying pened. That is right; what is going on to embarrass the 21 of us who are up for in Iraq now is the worst-case scenario are prepared to provide for their security, does anybody believe we would election in 2008. I think the majority— of the previous National Intelligence current majority, former minority— Estimate. think it a good strategy to send additional troops to the middle of a civil ought to look at that paper. Inside it, Let me make a couple of other after giving the majority leader credit points, if I might. General Abizaid just war? I don’t believe so. I understand there are very different for this charade, is a poll. It is an on- over 2 months ago came to the Con- line poll, and this was a question: Does gress and here is what he said: opinions here in this Chamber, and I respect them. I wouldn’t diminish any- debate on a nonbinding Iraq resolution I met with every divisional commander, help or harm Americans? Harm: 57 per- General Casey, the Corps Commander, Gen- one in this Chamber for holding any views on this subject. I understand cent; help, 43 percent. eral Dempsey, and I said, ‘‘In your profes- Nothing at all will be accomplished sional opinion, if we were to bring in more their passions. I share their passions. tomorrow, even if we got cloture. We American troops now, does it add consider- But I don’t understand this: I don’t un- would vote on a nonbinding resolution ably to our ability to achieve success in derstand how it is that this great body that is an embarrassment to the troops Iraq? And they said no.’’ has to spend days debating whether we that are wearing our uniforms in Iraq. This is our top military commander will have a debate. This is, after all, a What we should be doing is voting on testifying to the Senate just over 2 debate about the motion to proceed. cloture on a series of votes which months ago: They said no. This isn’t a debate about Iraq or Iraq would include Senator GREGG’s resolu- Now, here is why General Abizaid strategy; it is about whether we can tion or amendment that declares our said the commanders did not believe proceed to a motion on that subject. It they should have additional troops support for our troops. is a debate about whether we can de- The reason we face this situation brought into Iraq: bate. If there is any space left in this The reason is because we want the Iraqis to today is the new majority, with one country in which this debate should vote—a majority of one vote—went do more. It is easy for the Iraqis to rely upon take place, it ought to be this space on us to do this work. I believe that more Amer- over to the House and negotiated a res- ican forces prevent the Iraqis from doing this floor, this real estate. This is the olution—a nonbinding, nothing resolu- more, from taking more responsibility for great deliberative body. I do not for the tion—and brought it over here and their own future. The only way Iraq works in life of me understand a vote against said: You are going to vote on this res- the future is for the Iraqis to take more re- cloture that says: No, we believe the olution and nothing else. If we do this, sponsibility for that future. That is what United States should not debate this we become a lower body of the House. General Abizaid said. He was right then; he issue. This is an issue the American is right now. This is the testimony heard by The House, in responding to the Rules people care a great deal about, and it is Committee, had no chance to offer any the Senate just over 2 months ago. Interest- long past the time, in my judgment, for ingly enough, as a side note, just 2 weeks amendments to that bill. Over here, ago—3 weeks ago, John Negroponte, the head us to have this debate. the majority leader says: You cannot We are all united, I think, in loving of the intelligence in this country at that offer any amendments to this because I this country. We want what is best for time said this in open testimony to the Sen- am the leader. ate: this country. We want to protect the Well, it is time we showed this leader The greatest terrorist threat to America is American troops. We want our country the processes of the Senate are here for al-Qaida and its network around the world. to succeed. All of us want all of those the purpose of allowing debate. The The greatest terrorist threat to our things. I don’t believe anybody who House represents the population of a country is al-Qaida and its network says we are undermining this or that or whole series of congressional districts. around the world, and he said they op- anything of that sort. All that is non- We represent our States. The national erate from a ‘‘secure hideaway’’ in sense. This country deserves from this viewpoint is settled in the Senate. This Pakistan. If that is the case, if the Senate a thoughtful, serious, real deis the place where debate is supposed to greatest terrorist threat to our country bate about what is happening that af- take place and it should not be limited. is al-Qaida operating from a ‘‘secure fects every part of American life, and If we voted for cloture on this resolu- hideaway’’ in Pakistan, and that comes that is the struggle we are involved in tion tomorrow, we would not be al- from the head of our intelligence serv- with respect to Iraq. The American lowed to vote on the Gregg amend- ice in this country in open testimony people deserve this debate, and I hope ment. The Gregg amendment: to the Senate, if there are 21,000 addi- that tomorrow when we have a vote on Expressing the sense of Congress that no tional American troops available to the motion to proceed, we will have the funds should be cut off or reduced for Amer- surge somewhere, why on Earth would opportunity to proceed from that mo- ican troops in the field which would result in we not choose to move those troops tion to a debate on the underlying peti- undermining their safety or their ability to through Afghanistan near to Pakistan tion that is on the floor of the Senate complete their assigned missions. to eliminate the leadership of al-Qaida, with respect to the subject of the war What is wrong with that? Why won’t the greatest terrorist threat to our in Iraq. the leader let us vote on that? You

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2144 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 know why? Because it would carry. It onstrates where it is. The white areas In my opinion, this is the common would carry. Because Senators on that are occupied by American forces and defense of our country. We have taken other side of the aisle know they must coalition forces. We want to give them on the task of trying to stop a move- support the forces in the field. a chance now to move them into those ment that could very well destroy the Senator GREGG’s amendment goes on areas. As such, forces will be moving world. I do believe we should stop these to say: all over this country. In that period of incessant debates on resolutions that Whereas under Article II, section 2, of the time, these additional surge forces are mean nothing. Why would we spend all Constitution of the United States, the Presi- necessary in order to provide the safety this time and come back on Saturday dent is the ‘‘commander in chief of the Army for the people whom they are going to in order to vote on a nonbinding reso- and Navy of the United States’’, and in such be moving. They are our forces, they lution that would not do a thing? It capacity the President has the command of are their forces. Secretary Gates has would not do a thing at all for anyone the Armed Forces, including the authority said he does not think they will be in that conflict, not one thing. It is to deploy troops and direct military cam- nothing but a charade, a charade. It paigns during wartime. there too long. He made a point to Whereas under Article I, Section 8, of the make that statement. They will come embarrasses me to have to say that. Constitution of the United States, Congress out as soon as they are no longer need- The whole reason for it, pick up The has the power of the purse specifically as it ed. Safety is a problem. Hill newspaper, back to where I start- relates to the Armed Forces, and in such ca- To those people who say: Let’s get ed, to provide a challenge to the 21 pacity Congress has the responsibility to ready to withdraw, if we try to with- Members, Republicans, up for election fully and adequately provide funding for the draw right now, there would be mass in 2008, 3 on that side of the aisle. The United States military forces, especially murder in this country. Think of what whole idea is to try to see if we cannot when they are at war and are defending our force them to come back on Saturday Nation; and happened to the Russians and the Sovi- Whereas the United States military forces ets when they tried to get out of Af- in order to say to our State constitu- are in harm’s way and are protecting our ghanistan—and multiply it by factors ents: They were not here to vote. I am country, Congress and the Nation should of 10 to 20. We are spread out all over here to vote. I happened to get off the give them all the support they need in order this place and so are the Iraqis because airplane because I was pretty irritated to maintain their safety and to accomplish that was the problem, we were pro- when I read that story. I am still irri- their assigned missions, including the equip- viding for the defense until they were tated. ment, logistics, and funding necessary to en- I remember Steve Syms in 1986, when sure their safety and effectiveness, and such ready to move in and take care of their defense. everyone was trying to embarrass peo- support is the responsibility of both the Ex- ple up for election, he said: I am going ecutive Branch and the Legislative Branch of This is a chart that shows the cur- Government. rent position of forces in Iraqi Free- home and I am going to talk to my constituents, and he did not get sucked Senator GREGG goes on to say this: dom. We can see various operations, back into the debates such as this. He Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- Japanese and coalition forces, includ- resentatives concurring)— ing the British, around the periphery. was reelected. What these people do not know is, we And they have to concur if we send it We are there, in Baghdad, on the major highways. We are in the white spaces are going to stand up and speak up. We back to them— are going to call a spade a spade. This That it is the sense of Congress that Con- on the chart. To get the Iraqi forces in there, we have a new scheme where we is a charade. I have not been home gress should not take any action that will since January. And I got off that plane will have Iraqi brigades—not divisions endanger United States military forces in to come back and complain about this. but brigades—with an embedded bat- the field, including elimination or reduction I have a right to go home once in a of funds for troops in the field, as such ac- talion in each brigade move in. Our while. I live 4,500 miles from here. As a tion with respect to funding would under- people will be along with them to make mine their safety or harm their effectiveness matter of fact, I am stopping off on my sure their training is carried out and way home to see a very sick relative in pursuing their assigned missions. they do the job of defending them- It is nothing but a charade to say an before I get to Alaska on Monday. selves. Leadership is leadership, and I have amendment that does nothing should As a practical matter, in order to do been in leadership in this Senate. I was not have a resolution such as this at- that, we need the increased safety of not elected leader, but that is another tached to it. That is our purpose. That movement in this country. I fully sup- story. As a practical matter, I have is our job. It is our constitutional report the plan. It was an Iraqi plan im- seen leaders come and I have seen lead- sponsibility to support the forces in proved on by Secretary Gates, the ers go. My friend from Nevada has been the field. President, and his staff. Very clearly, my friend for a long time. I am saying I am ashamed the Senate is taking the whole program is so they can pro- I am not going to be embarrassed to action to prevent the voting on a reso- vide the basic defense for themselves in come out and say this is nothing but a lution, once again, establishing the areas where there is key opposition. charade. We should not come back to- principle. Our duty is to support our Assume the other side, the side who morrow to vote on a nonbinding resolu- forces in the field. wants to withdraw, would get approval tion to see if we would vote on a reso- I have a chart to show, but it is dif- of the Congress and had some way to lution that doesn’t tell the story that ficult for many to understand why we mandate the President to withdraw America wants us to tell, and that need surge forces. This whole concept forces. The first thing that would have story is we support our forces in the we are talking about is safety. Senator to be done would be to move the Iraqi field, we support what they are doing. GREGG’s resolution deals with safety of forces in there where they can defend We want them to do what we said we our forces. This is a chart that shows themselves and hold back the insur- would do, move the forces in that are the Iraqi Army and national police gents currently combatting our forces. now trained in Iraq. Let them show with lead responsibility for counterin- I am not a general, I am not even an how they can defend themselves and we surgency operations in their areas. armchair general, but I have been then pull out our embedded battalions In May of 2006 this was their deploy- around wars for almost all my life now and we will be in a position to figure ment, fairly small. By February of 2007, starting out when I was 19. I have seen out what is the long-term plan now for this is their deployment. We are now in a great many wars, and I have seen a this new democracy we have helped es- the process of going forward on the new great many problems with war. Coming tablish. plan to deal with the fact that we have back from overseas, I talked to some of What does this nonbinding resolution trained a great many of these forces my friends and I decided I was going to do to people in the field? What does it now, but they have not been moved become an aeronautical engineer to try do to the Iraqis? What is it selling into the areas of real combat, and to find out what caused wars. I hate them? People are telling me now we those are the white spaces on this wars. But I know my duty is to support should find some way to take the chart. The whole idea now is to start the military and to support those peo- money the President has asked for, the moving these forces into those areas. ple carrying out our constitutional supplemental, and to use it for some- By the way, the hot spots are also on mandate to provide for the common de- thing else—not to use it to support the arterial highways in Iraq. This dem- fense of this country. people in the field.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2145 There is what is called the Food and This recess was announced a month What has happened in the Senate? Forage Act of the United States. I hope ago. Those who live a long distance Well, first of all, I commend our major- the Senate understands that act. I have from here rely on that. The Senate has ity leader, Senator HARRY REID, for his been involved in defense appropriations to start keeping its commitments to perseverance, for his continuing effort now for over 25 years. The President of our Members whether they are up for to reach across the aisle with the mi- the United States has the authority to election or not. nority leader to find a way to do the take money from wherever it is to sup- This is political posturing at its same thing the House has done. He has port forces in the field. We will never worse. I will be here to vote tomorrow put forward numerous proposals, and, abandon our people in the field. We will to represent some of those people who as late as yesterday, very simply and support them in every way possible. could not get back. I stayed to vote so in a straightforward way, offerred us That is why the current majority does I could come and say this: Political the opportunity to vote on a resolution not want to vote on the resolution of posturing has no place in the Senate of opposing the escalation and one that Senator GREGG. They do not want to be the United States. supports the President’s escalation. put in a position of saying no to Sen- I yield the floor and suggest the ab- What could be more fair? What could ator GREGG because if they vote, if sence of a quorum. be simpler? Yet we continue to see the they support that resolution, they are The PRESIDING OFFICER. The minority block the efforts to bring us continuing the concepts that have been clerk will call the roll. to a vote. embodied in my life and in the Senate’s The assistant legislative clerk pro- For over 2 weeks now, I have watched life as long as I have known it. That is, ceeded to call the roll. the Republican leadership engage in we support our forces in the field. We Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask legislative games and political pos- are not going to divert money they unanimous consent that the order for turing to avoid taking a vote on the need for their support, and we are not the quorum call be rescinded. most pressing issue of our time, the going to waste our time on nonbinding The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without war in Iraq. They say they support it, resolutions that do not do anything to objection, it is so ordered. but they will not vote on a resolution, help anybody. Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, on up or down, whether or not to support We have a lot of things we could be December 23, 1783, George Washington, the President’s escalation. I believe it working on, immigration, energy, glob- having successfully led the Continental is because they do not like what they al climate change. What are we doing? Army to victory in the Revolutionary know the outcome will be if we are able We are spending our time coming back War, appeared before the Continental to have that vote. They have turned on Saturday to debate whether we Congress and resigned his commission their backs on their responsibility to should vote on a bill that was started as commander of the Armed Forces. the people who elected them and to our in the House of Representatives, with It was a quietly pivotal action in the troops because they may lose a vote. not one amendment, and brought over history of our young country, an event Four years ago, 23 of us stood on the here, not one amendment, and ex- so important in shaping the Nation floor of the Senate and lost a vote. It presses a point of view that the Amer- that it is one of only eight moments in was a vote to go to war. It was a vote ican public does not approve of. our history deemed worthy enough of to give the President the authority to I hope we can get to a debate one of gracing the walls of the Capitol ro- go to war in Iraq. It was a tough vote. these days, and people will stay around tunda. We knew we were not going to win that after they make comments such as I A painting of Washington’s historic vote, but we all—those for and heard before I came in. I guarantee, in act hangs not far from this Chamber against—made a determination and my heart and in my mind, I know what alongside more well known moments in voted because we are elected officials, it means to be in uniform, what it American history such as the signing charged with overseeing the U.S. means to be in a position to feel it is of the Declaration of Independence and Armed Forces, and we had a responsi- necessary to have support at home. the Battle of Bunker Hill. bility to voice our opinions for the I spent some time last night talking The precedent that Washington set record on the question of war. to Colin Powell, one of the famous gen- on that December day was as revolu- I have stood on the floor of the Sen- erals of this country, and reminded tionary as it was clear: In the United ate time and time again to voice my him once when we were talking years States of America, the power to make opposition to this President’s proposals ago, he told me about the time when he and execute war will be held not by the of escalation—more of the same, call- was sent into Laos as a young captain military but instead by peacefully ing it a different strategy, and yet with about 12 days’ rations and how elected leaders sitting in a legislative doing the same thing over and over when you get up on the morning of the body. again. Sending more Americans into 12th day and realize a drop mission is Washington understood that the will combat without a strategy for success coming to give you your rations for the of the people—the will of the American will not improve the situation on the next 12 days, how you realize what it people—shall be the guiding hand of ground in Iraq. And it will not bring means to rely on people, to understand government, even on questions of war our men and women in uniform home that people in the United States are be- and peace. any sooner. hind their military, to know you can I wonder how President Washington Only the Iraqis can secure Iraq. Only eat those rations because the supplies would feel, I wonder what he would say the Iraqis can secure Iraq. We have are going to come in when they are to each of us today. First, I think he heard that from generals and military supposed to come in. That is support to would be very proud of what has hap- experts and the Iraq Study Group and people in the field. pened this afternoon in the House of learned colleagues on both sides of the Another concept I speak of is our Representatives, where they came to- aisle. The American troops cannot be people have a doctrine that hardly any gether, after lengthy debate, to state seen as a substitute for Iraqi resolve. armies or military in the world has their opinions about the most pressing Why would we go further down the had—we never abandon our forces in issue of war, the war in Iraq. I am very path that has led us to this point? Why the field. What these people are doing proud that we saw the House of Rep- would we repeat our previous mistakes now if you listen to them on this other resentatives vote 246 to 182 to say, and call it a new strategy? resolution, they are saying, we are first, that they support the troops and, Unlike the President, all of us and going to take and divert this money secondly, that they do not support the our counterparts in the House will go and put it somewhere else. Not this escalation of the war in Iraq. home over recess and on weekends and Senator. If they need that money over Regardless of how each person voted face our constituents, our neighbors. there to carry out the commands of the today in the House, they took that We see them and talk to them at Commander in Chief, I am going to vote. They were willing to stand up and church, in the line at the bank, at our support it. The Senate should support be counted and give their opinion. I be- kids’ schools, in the grocery store, and it. We should stop this business of try- lieve the majority of the American at countless events and meetings as we ing to embarrass people who are up for people—and their will, their belief— travel throughout our States. election and demanding they come was represented in this vote today of And we are here because they elected back and vote on Saturday. 246 to 182. us to be their voice.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2146 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 This is not Washington, DC’s, war. The second bomb a couple of weeks later brance of this war through lost limbs We may set policy here, we may make blew out the front tires and took out the and other health conditions. They de- speeches here, and we may take votes transmission but, again, spared Earl serious serve a vote on whether we believe this here, this is America’s war. injury. strategy for them and their colleagues The men and women putting their The third one, on Oct. 17, was his last. With the headlights out for security and is the right strategy. They deserve lives on the line in Iraq every day are wearing night-vision goggles, the 20-year-old this. They expect us to stand up and from our smallest neighborhoods and Marine lance corporal from Cedar Springs speak out and work as hard as we can our biggest cities, from farm commu- was driving the lead Humvee returning from to get it right. nities and factory towns, from places a night patrol in Iraq’s Al Anbar province Too often on the floor of this Cham- many of us have never heard of and few near the border with Syria. He and a Marine ber and too often in politics, we use of us will ever go. Flint, Howell, West manning the Humvee’s machine gun saw it words such as ‘‘bravery’’ and ‘‘tough- Branch, Hemlock, La Salle, Port at the same time: a hump in the road ahead, ness’’ and resolve.’’ We describe votes Huron, Ypsilanti, Muskegon, Ann a sure sign of a buried improvised explosive device (IED). as ‘‘tough.’’ We describe speeches as Arbor, Byron, Flushing, Bay City, Can- Earl instantly made the calculation: If he ‘‘brave.’’ The men and women serving ton, Paw Paw, Lake Orion, Saginaw, swerved, the trailing Humvee carrying the in combat know the real meaning of Sand Creek—these are only some of the company commander would hit the IED, so these words. They go about their dan- dozens of communities in my home ‘‘I drove right into it, knowing it was prob- gerous duty with the pride of profes- State of Michigan that have given up a ably going to kill me,’’ he said. sionals. They live and work under the son or a daughter to this war. He ran over the hump, igniting three 155- shadow of violence, never knowing We sit in this historic Capitol and mm artillery shells and five propane tanks. what might be facing them around the argue over whether we should dignify The flash, amplified by the night-vision goggles, was brighter than anything he’d ever next corner, and they do it with stoic this war with a simple vote, while resolve that reflects their character these and other communities across seen. A fireball shot through the cab, and shrapnel pierced his right leg, arm and face. and their training. They do not have the country bury their loved ones, The shock wave felt like someone had placed the luxury of picking and choosing while high schools hold vigils for alum- him inside a plastic bag and sucked out all when and where to fight. They go ni laid to rest too young, while church- the air. where their country sends them and es comfort parishioners who have lost Still, he remained conscious, as the stand shoulder to shoulder with their sons and daughters and husbands and Humvee rolled off the road and came to a stop. Blood streamed from his eyes, ears and brothers and sisters in arms and face wives and fathers and mothers. whatever is thrown at them. What we We are the voice of these commu- nose. He reached for his 9 mm handgun, but consider heroic, they consider doing nities, of these towns and cities and noticed something about the size of his palm their job. counties. We were elected with their on it. He picked it up and examined it, un- aware it was a chunk of his flesh, ripped Their sacrifices deserve and demand sacred trust to come here, to Wash- from his right forearm. leadership, our leadership, collectively. ington, and to speak out for them, to He smelled something burning and realized We owe to it them and to every person make our mark for them on the issues he and the Humvee were on fire. He rolled we were elected to represent to vote on that face this country. There can be out onto the ground as his fellow Marines this resolution, to take a stand about nothing more important than the issue kicked him to extinguish the flames. how this war will proceed. It is our job. of war. We are here because of that lance By continuing to stonewall a vote on It is time to stop stalling and face our corporal. He and his comrades, the men responsibility, a responsibility that this resolution, the Republican minor- and women serving, deserve our best— ity has stripped all of America of their pales in comparison to that which is our best judgment, our best decisions, taken every day by our troops in Iraq. voice in this debate. They have said to our best funding, our best strategy for the people who elected us that this I thank the Chair. them. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- issue—the issue of an escalation of On November 16, 2006, the Detroit war—is not important enough for their ator from Virginia. Free Press gave us this insight into life Mr. WEBB. Mr. President, I ask elected representatives to consider. on the ground in Iraq: Too often in the white noise of poli- unanimous consent to speak for up to tics we lose sight of the responsibility ‘‘A few days ago, from out of a crowd of 10 minutes. kids, one of them threw a grenade and it we bear. We get bogged down in the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without went off under the vehicle, and my executive objection, it is so ordered. politics of partisanship and lose sight officer’s door was peppered,’’ said Lance Cpl. of why we were elected. We owe it to Mr. WEBB. Mr. President, I would Michael Rossi, a 28-year-old student major- like to state my support of the vote we the American people to take this vote. ing in urban planning at Wayne State Uni- This is the most serious issue of our versity who lives in Detroit. ‘‘A crowd of will take tomorrow. Last week, I ex- time. There is nothing more important kids, and one of them threw a grenade.’’ pressed my support for the bipartisan or more pressing than our Nation being ‘‘Out here,’’ he said, ‘‘nobody is safe.’’ Levin-Warner resolution which was de- at war. It is the responsibility of the On January 5, the editorial page of nied a vote by the full Senate due to Congress to engage in shaping policy the Flint Journal paid its respects to procedural motions. Ten days later, we concerning the war on behalf of the one of Flint’s fallen sons: find ourselves in a similar situation. Our colleagues in the House have American people. It’s touching and laudable that the father Let me take a few moments to re- of Marine Cpl Christopher Esckelson would spent the last 4 days debating the cur- mind everyone what is really at stake. want the family of a fellow Marine to under- rent course of action in Iraq, and they While some posture and jockey for leg- stand the full heroics these men displayed in have completed a vote on final passage islative position, lives are on the line Iraq combat that claimed both their lives. today. At the same time, the Senate They are among more than a dozen local this moment and every moment the has continued to engage in partisan military men whom the Iraq war has bickering and political gamesmanship. war goes forward. It doesn’t matter if claimed, with each succeeding loss being no you support or oppose the war. Anyone The House found a way, it found a bill, less painful to an area that has supplied an and it took a vote. We have a bill, and involved in slowing a vote on this reso- ample measure of these patriots. lution should be ashamed. Our military Of course, the grief is much greater for the we need to debate it. has not failed us at any turn in this en- families who knew the men in so many other At bottom, this debate is not about deavor. But we are failing them as a wonderful ways. Those memories undoubt- whether one is a Republican or Demo- body by failing to lead. What is at edly will be recalled during services for Mil- crat; it is about the legislative branch ler and Esckelson Saturday and Sunday, re- exerting its proper constitutional over- stake? spectively. On January 21, the Grand Rapids sight by deliberating on the most vital Press published the following account All of us have stories of the men and and challenging issue of our day. I on the war in Iraq: women who have served heroically and would urge my colleagues to think The first roadside bomb four months ago lost their lives, men and women who about the vote that took place in 2002 knocked a front tire off Kyle Earl’s Humvee, have come home and need our assist- authorizing the use of force in Iraq and rang his head like a bell and made his ears ance now as veterans while in our hos- about what happened afterward. This bleed. pitals and will forever carry a remem- was not a party-line vote. I was not a

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2147 Member of this body, and I do person- fact that the Baker-Hamilton group said they should leave in the next six ally believe it was an erroneous vote, supported a temporary military surge months. Another 21 percent said troops at least in its outcome, but at the same in its report, it did so only in con- should be out between six and 12 months, time, most importantly, we should sonance with a robust regional diplo- while 23 percent said they should stay ‘‘as long as they are needed.’’ look at the lack of respect shown by matic surge which was supposed to Different branches had quite different sen- the administration after the vote. This begin more than 2 months ago. timents on the question, the poll shows. lack of respect was a clear signal that Many Republicans seem to be imply- While 89 percent of reserves and 82 percent of the true issues dividing us in this Gov- ing that we must support all of this ad- those in the National Guard said the U.S. ernment are more related to the rela- ministration’s actions or, by inference, should leave Iraq within a year, 58 percent of tions between the executive and legis- we don’t support the troops. The issue Marines think so. Seven in ten of those in lative branches than between our re- is not whether we support the troops; it the regular Army thought the U.S. should spective parties. is whether we agree on the political leave Iraq in the next year. Moreover, about The administration has failed the three-quarters of those in National Guard issues to which they are being put. and Reserve units favor withdrawal within country again and again in the conduct This effort demands clear direction six months, just 15 percent of Marines felt of this war. At the same time, it re- from the top. It depends on the extent that way. About half of those in the regular peatedly claims that it holds the to which this Government is capable of Army favored withdrawal from Iraq in the power, regardless of the input of the forging a regional consensus regarding next six months. Congress, to continue to push our mili- Iraq’s future. This administration has The troops have drawn different conclu- tary people to the limits of their en- refused to do so. It is not in the inter- sions about fellow citizens back home. Asked durance, while avoiding the diplomatic est of our troops to continue sending why they think some Americans favor rapid options crucial to resolving the situa- them in harm’s way without a clear U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq, 37 percent of troops serving there said those Americans tion in Iraq which inevitably evolved strategy that will bring closure to this are unpatriotic, while 20 percent believe peo- from our invasion and occupation. endeavor. ple back home don’t believe a continued oc- I have heard discussion today about I believe very strongly that our polit- cupation will work. Another 16 percent said the consequences of withdrawal. No ical representatives should be careful they believe those favoring a quick with- one on this side is advocating a precipi- in claiming to speak politically for our drawal do so because they oppose the use of tous withdrawal, but the consequences troops. Our military is a mirror of our the military in a pre-emptive war, while 15 that are being described—increased ter- society, and so are its political views. percent said they do not believe those Amer- rorism, the empowerment of Iran, the We have heard a lot of anecdotal evi- icans understand the need for the U.S. troops in Iraq. loss of prestige of the United States dence today—TV clips, newspaper around the world, and economic dis- The wide-ranging poll also shows that 58 interviews with individuals. But anec- percent of those serving in country say the tress in our country—are, quite frank- dotal evidence notwithstanding, poll U.S. mission in Iraq is clear in their minds, ly, the exact conditions many of us after poll shows that our troops are while 42 percent said it is either somewhat or were warning about if we invaded in just as concerned about this policy as very unclear to them, that they have no un- the first place. The question is not how is the public at large. derstanding of it at all, or are unsure. While we withdraw or should we withdraw. I have one poll from a year ago, a 85 percent said the U.S. mission is mainly Some day, we are going to withdraw. Zogby poll, that says that 72 percent of ‘‘to retaliate for Saddam’s role in the 9-11 attacks,’’ 77 percent said they also believe the Inevitably, we are going to withdraw. the people then stationed in Iraq be- The question is the conditions we leave main or a major reason for the war was ‘‘to lieved the war should have ended by stop Saddam from protecting al Qaeda in behind when we do so. the end of 2006. This includes 7 out of 10 Iraq.’’ I have long advocated that an inte- of our Regular Army soldiers and a ‘‘Ninety-three percent said that removing gral part of our strategy in Iraq must vast majority—nearly 60 percent—of weapons of mass destruction is not a reason include engagement with all of Iraq’s our marines. These are people who for U.S. troops being there,’’ said Pollster neighbors, including Iran and Syria. As have done their job. They know what John Zogby, President and CEO of Zogby Iraq’s neighbors, they are stakeholders their military job is, but they have the International. ‘‘Instead, that initial ration- in both the future of Iraq and the need ale went by the wayside and, in the minds of same questions about the political 68 percent of the troops, the real mission be- for stability in the region. As we seek policies as do the rest of Americans. to decrease our presence in Iraq and in- came to remove Saddam Hussein.’’ Just 24 I ask unanimous consent to print the percent said that ‘‘establishing a democracy crease our ability to fight terrorism Zogby poll in the RECORD. that can be a model for the Arab World’’ was and address strategic challenges else- There being no objection, the mate- the main or a major reason for the war. Only where in the world, we must bring rial was ordered to be printed in the small percentages see the mission there as those two countries to the table. An RECORD, as follows: securing oil supplies (11 percent) or to provide long-term bases for US troops in the re- overwhelming majority of those who [February 28, 2006] recently testified before hearings at gion (6 percent). U.S. TROOPS IN IRAQ: 72 PERCENT SAY END the Senate Foreign Relations Com- The continuing insurgent attacks have not WAR IN 2006 mittee agree with that assessment. turned U.S. troops against the Iraqi popu- I have heard today the name of Gen- Le Moyne College/Zogby Poll shows just lation, the survey shows. More than 80 per- one in five troops want to heed Bush call to cent said they did not hold a negative view eral Petraeus invoked several times as stay ‘‘as long as they are needed,’’ While 58 of Iraqis because of those attacks. About two evidence of this body’s support for the percent say mission is clear, 42 percent say in five see the insurgency as being comprised administration’s current policy. I U.S. role is hazy, Plurality believes Iraqi in- of discontented Sunnis with very few non- voted for General Petraeus. A vote for surgents are mostly homegrown, Almost 90 Iraqi helpers. ‘‘There appears to be confusion General Petraeus is not a vote for this percent think war is retaliation for on this,’’ Zogby said. But, he noted, less than administration’s policy or its strategy Saddam’s role in 9/11, most don’t blame Iraqi a third think that if non-Iraqi terrorists or its, quite frankly, lack of strategy. public for insurgent attacks, Majority of could be prevented from crossing the border That vote was to support the qualifica- troops oppose use of harsh prisoner interro- into Iraq, the insurgency would end. A ma- gation, and Plurality of troops pleased with jority of troops (53 percent) said the U.S. tions of an individual to command their armor and equipment. should double both the number of troops and troops in Iraq. That was a military An overwhelming majority of 72 percent of bombing missions in order to control the in- vote, not a political vote. If the strat- American troops serving in Iraq think the surgency. egy were to change, as I hope it will, I U.S. should exit the country within the next The survey shows that most U.S. military have full confidence that General year, and more than one in four say the personnel in-country have a clear sense of Petraeus is capable of overseeing that troops should leave immediately, a new Le right and wrong when it comes to using policy as well. We must see evidence of Moyne College/Zogby International survey banned weapons against the enemy, and in a new diplomatic effort from this ad- shows. interrogation of prisoners. Four in five said The poll, conducted in conjunction with Le they oppose the use of such internationally ministration before we, as a Congress, Moyne College’s Center for Peace and Global banned weapons as napalm and white phos- not as Democrats and Republicans, rat- Studies, showed that 29 percent of the re- phorous. And, even as more photos of pris- ify the expanded use of our military. spondents, serving in various branches of the oner abuse in Iraq surface around the world, On that note, it should be emphasized armed forces, said the U.S. should leave Iraq 55 percent said it is not appropriate or stand- that despite comments today about the ‘‘immediately,’’ while another 22 percent ard military conduct to use harsh and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2148 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 threatening methods against insurgent pris- the University of Maryland, was not sur- ents overwhelmingly said civilians have a fa- oners in order to gain information of mili- prised by the changing attitude within the vorable impression of the military (86 per- tary value. military. cent). They even thought politicians look fa- Three quarters of the troops had served ‘‘They’re seeing more casualties and fatali- vorably on the military (57 percent). But multiple tours and had a longer exposure to ties and less progress,’’ Segal said. they are convinced the media hate them— the conflict: 26 percent were on their first He added, ‘‘Part of what we’re seeing is a only 39 percent of military respondents said tour of duty, 45 percent were on their second recognition that the intelligence that led to they think the media have a favorable view tour, and 29 percent were in Iraq for a third the war was wrong.’’ of the troops. time or more. Whatever war plan the president comes up The poll also asked if the senior military A majority of the troops serving in Iraq with later this month, it likely will have the leadership, President Bush, civilian military said they were satisfied with the war provi- replacement of American troops with Iraqis leadership and Congress have their best in- sions from Washington. Just 30 percent of as its ultimate goal. The military is not op- terests at heart. troops said they think the Department of timistic that will happen soon. Only about Almost two-thirds (63 percent) of those Defense has failed to provide adequate troop one in five service members said that large surveyed said the senior military leadership protections, such as body armor, munitions, numbers of American troops can be replaced has the best interests of the troops at heart. and armor plating for vehicles like Hum within the next two years. More than one- And though they don’t think much of the Vees. Only 35 percent said basic civil infra- third think it will take more than five years. way he’s handling the war, 48 percent said structure in Iraq, including roads, elec- And more than half think the U.S. will have the same about President Bush. But they tricity, water service, and health care, has to stay in Iraq more than five years to take a dim view of civilian military leader- not improved over the past year. Three of achieve its goals. ship—only 32 percent said they think it has every four were male respondents, with 63 Almost half of those responding think we their best interests at heart. And only 23 per- percent under the age of 30. need more troops in Iraq than we have there cent think Congress is looking out for them. The survey included 944 military respond- now. A surprising 13 percent said we should Despite concerns early in the war about ents interviewed at several undisclosed loca- have no troops there. As for Afghanistan equipment shortages, 58 percent said they tions throughout Iraq. The names of the spe- force levels, 39 percent think we need more believe they are supplied with the best pos- cific locations and specific personnel who troops there. But while they want more sible weapons and equipment. conducted the survey are being withheld for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, nearly three- While President Bush always portrays the security purposes. Surveys were conducted quarters of the respondents think today’s war in Iraq as part of the larger war on ter- face-to-face using random sampling tech- military is stretched too thin to be effective. rorism, many in the military are not con- niques. The margin of error for the survey, The mail survey, conducted Nov. 13 vinced. The respondents were split evenly— conducted Jan. 18 through Feb. 14, 2006, is +/ through Dec. 22, is the fourth annual gauge 47 percent both ways—on whether the Iraq ¥ 3.3 percentage points. of active-duty military subscribers to the war is part of the war on terrorism. The rest Mr. WEBB. Another poll, of Decem- Military Times newspapers. The results had no opinion. ber 29, 2006, by the Military Times, the should not be read as representative of the On many questions in the poll, some re- military as a whole; the survey’s respondents spondents said they didn’t have an opinion most credible military newspaper in or declined to answer. That number was America, indicates that barely one- are on average older, more experienced, more likely to be officers and more career-ori- typically in the 10 percent range. third of our service members approve ented than the overall military population. But on questions about the president and of the way the President is handling Among the respondents, 66 percent have on war strategy, that number reached 20 per- the war. In fact, only 41 percent of our deployed at least once to Iraq or Afghani- cent and higher. Segal said he was surprised military now believes the United stan. In the overall active-duty force, ac- the percentage refusing to offer an opinion States should have gone to war in Iraq cording to the Department of Defense, that wasn’t larger. number is 72 percent. ‘‘There is a strong strain in military cul- in the first place. ture not to criticize the commander in I ask unanimous consent that this The poll has come to be viewed by some as a barometer of the professional career mili- chief,’’ he said. poll be printed in the RECORD. tary. It is the only independent poll done on One contentious area of military life in the There being no objection, the mate- an annual basis. The margin of error on this past year has been the role religion should rial was ordered to be printed in the year’s poll is plus or minus 3 percentage play. Some troops have complained that RECORD, as follows: points. they feel pressure to attend religious serv- [From the Military Times Poll, Dec. 29, 2006] While approval of Bush’s handling of the ices. Others have complained that chaplains and superior officers have tried to convert DOWN ON THE WAR war has plunged, approval for his overall per- them. Half of the poll respondents said that (By Robert Hodierne) formance as president remains high at 52 percent. While that is down from his high of at least once a month, they attend official The American military—once a staunch 71 percent in 2004, it is still far above the ap- military gatherings, other than meals and supporter of President Bush and the Iraq proval ratings of the general population, chapel services, that began with a prayer. war—has grown increasingly pessimistic where that number has fallen into the 30s. But 80 percent said they feel free to practice about chances for victory. While Bush fared well overall, his political and express their religion within the mili- For the first time, more troops disapprove party didn’t. In the three previous polls, tary. of the president’s handling of the war than nearly 60 percent of the respondents identi- approve of it. Barely one-third of service Mr. WEBB. I believe very strongly fied themselves as Republicans, which is members approve of the way the president is that we should leave our military peo- about double the population as a whole. But handling the war, according to the 2006 Mili- ple out of these political debates. I am in this year’s poll, only 46 percent of the tary Times Poll. not using these figures to advance the military respondents said they were Repub- When the military was feeling most opti- licans. However, there was not a big gain in Democratic Party’s point. I believe it mistic about the war—in 2004—83 percent of those identifying themselves as Democrats— is inappropriate for the other party to poll respondents thought success in Iraq was a figure that consistently hovers around 16 use our military people in a way that likely. This year, that number has shrunk to percent. The big gain came among people might insulate them from criticism 50 percent. Only 35 percent of the military members who said they were independents. over the woeful failures of this admin- polled this year said they approve of the way Similarly, when asked to describe their po- istration’s policy. The American peo- President Bush is handling the war, while 42 litical views on a scale from very conserv- ple’s confidence in this administration ative to very liberal, there was a slight shift percent said they disapproved. The presi- is at rock bottom. Many rightly believe dent’s approval rating among the military is from the conservative end of the spectrum to the middle or moderate range. Liberals with- they were misled on the reasons for only slightly higher than for the population going to war. as a whole. In 2004, when his popularity in the military are still a rare breed, with less than 10 percent of respondents describ- The administration’s credibility has peaked, 63 percent of the military approved suffered—rightly so—also with respect of Bush’s handling of the war. While ap- ing themselves that way. proval of the president’s war leadership has SEEING MEDIA BIAS to its intentions for dealing with Iran. slumped, his overall approval remains high Segal was not surprised that the military I do not believe one can speak of our among the military. support for the war and the president’s han- responsibility on these immediate Just as telling, in this year’s poll only 41 dling of it had slumped. He said he believes issues without stating clearly our con- percent of the military said the U.S. should that military opinion often mirrors that of cerns about the entire region, and espe- have gone to war in Iraq in the first place, the civilian population, even though it might cially the administration’s position re- down from 65 percent in 2003. That closely re- lag in time. He added, ‘‘[The military] will garding its constitutional authority to flects the beliefs of the general population always be more pro-military and pro-war today—45 percent agreed in a recent USA than the civilians. That’s why they are in use military force outside of Iraq. Today/Gallup poll. this line of work.’’ The administration’s view of its Professor David Segal, director of the Cen- The poll asked, ‘‘How do you think each of Presidential authority to conduct uni- ter for Research on Military Organization at these groups view the military?’’ Respond- lateral military action against other

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2149 countries, and particularly with Iran, tion and some honesty—that he had and he worked with them and with was documented in President Bush’s won the 1991 gulf war? He said he won most of the Iraqi leadership. He said he signing statement accompanying the the war. He never complied with the didn’t know Prime Minister Maliki, original authorization for the use of agreements that he entered into and, but he knows most of them. force against Iraq in October 2002. I as a result, we entered this conflict. After some 15 months at that, well urge my colleagues to examine this The initial invasion went far better over 2 years in Iraq, he came back language. In part, it states: than most of us believed possible, than home and he was placed in charge of My signing this resolution does not con- many predicted—those who supported writing the doctrine for the U.S. De- stitute any change in the long-standing posi- the war and those who did not. The partment of Defense on how to con- tions of the executive branch on either the aftermath has been much more trou- front and defeat an insurgency oper- President’s constitutional authority to use bling and difficult. I have been one of ation, the so-called Counterinsurgency force to deter, prevent, or respond to aggres- those who shared General Abizaid’s Manual. It is a real serious document. sion or other threats to U.S. interests. view of let’s keep the number of our A lot of people don’t know this, but In other words, if one were to read troops as low as we can, let’s push as there are ways—proven ways—to con- that carefully, this administration is hard as we can to train and bring on front and defeat insurgency operations. stating that it has the authority to use the Iraqi forces, and let’s let their gov- In fact, one military historian recently force to respond to threats to our in- ernment be responsible for its own ac- pointed out that very few insurgency terests. What is an ‘‘interest’’? tivities as soon as possible. But I have operations ultimately become success- I have raised this language with the to be honest, it has been more difficult ful. They can cause great distress for Secretary of State, as well as with the than most of us would have thought. substantial periods of time, but they Deputy Secretary. My question was We now have many soldiers there in usually fail. There is a fairly signifi- whether this administration believes dangerous circumstances. So I am con- cant number—70, 80, 90 percent—that that it possesses the authority to concerned about that. I respect anybody fail, according to this report. So this duct unilateral military activity who is concerned about that. manual that he painstakingly put to- against Iran in the absence of a direct I am not here to say I know you are gether had incredible subtleties in it threat and without the approval of the wrong, that I know this is the only way about how to handle various situations Congress. I have not received a clear and the only right policy, and I guar- because every situation is different. answer from either of them on that antee you it will be successful. I want What might be true in the Kurdish point. That is troubling. to say that in the beginning. We have north may not be true in Bosra, the This administration and its sup- some difficult choices to make, and I Shia south, or in the Sunni west. Every porters must understand the realities respect people who don’t agree. part of the Sunni and Shia and Kurdish that are causing us, as a Congress, to I am not able, however, to justify a areas are different themselves. Their finally say enough is enough. After 5 resolution that appears to be designed tribes and their heritage and their reli- years of misguided policy, ineffective to embarrass the President, appears to gious sects are different. You have to leadership, and diminished U.S. stature be contradictory to our Nation’s pol- handle them all differently. around the world, the Congress must icy, that would indicate to our adver- President Bush asked General show the way to reclaiming the moral saries and enemies that we are divided. Petraeus to help formulate a plan to be high ground and exert its proper over- I cannot see that as a positive step for successful in Iraq. He committed to sight role more forcefully. us. I am inclined to agree with the view him five additional brigades, over 20,000 For these reasons, I support the of General Petraeus. He finished at the soldiers. That is a bitter pill to me. I pending Iraq resolution before us, and I top of his class at West Point. He was was very pleased—and I spoke out will vote for cloture. I urge my fellow No. 1 in his class at the Command and when some were critical—and in favor Senators to do the same. General Staff College. He got his Ph.D. of General Casey over a year ago say- I yield the floor. at Princeton. He was in Mosul, right ing he hoped to be able to bring troops The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. after the initial invasion, commanding home. He brought some home. He SALAZAR). The Senator from Alabama the 101st Airborne Division. He was a asked for more at different times. What is recognized. Ranger, a soldier, a fabulous leader. I happened? Well, violence began to pick Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I was saw him in operation when some of the up substantially in Baghdad. The a Member of the Senate when we voted Alabama National Guard members had Sunni and al-Qaida terrorists saw the to authorize the use of force against felt they were not being fully utilized country beginning to come together, Iraq. It was not just a rapid, quickly right after they got to Mosul. I told and they decided to make a devilish de- done deal, we talked about it for General Petraeus, and he said: cision, and that decision was to delib- months. We talked about primarily the Let’s go over and meet them. erately provoke a sectarian conflict. 16 or 17 resolutions that Saddam Hus- He told them: They began to attack the Shia in the sein had failed to comply with that he You are part of our effort. I will be bring- marketplaces and they attacked their agreed to with the United States and ing you right away the Screaming Eagle holy mosque at Samarra. They blew up the United Nations; that he was setting patch and you are going to put it on and be that mosque and killed people. It began about systematically to break out of one of ours. There won’t be any difference in to work. Shia militias began to grow the box of the embargo placed on him the Guard and Reserve. and strengthen and develop, feeling because he failed to comply with those That was such an example of leader- they were not being protected by the resolutions. ship, I thought. Later, he showed how government. They began to kill We were flying, if you remember, air- they captured Uday and Qusay under Sunnis, and people would find bodies craft over Iraq on a regular basis, and his command. He showed how they that had been killed execution style. It they were shooting missiles at us, try- formed the government. He had a was a very grim thing to happen. It ing to bring down our aircraft. We were Sunni, Shia, Christian, and a Kurd on still is going on to a substantial de- dropping bombs on them on a weekly the city council. He formed a court sys- gree. basis. This was the context of the de- tem. He was a fabulous leader and ev- But I believe that this can be re- bate that we entered into. erybody recognized that. He finished versed. I cannot guarantee that, but I At the end, a great deal of emphasis his tour and came back. believe it can be reversed with the was placed on the question of weapons We realized that we needed to spend leadership of the United States, with of mass destruction by the President more effort and be more effective in increased effort on behalf of the Iraqi and others. But for most of us, I think training the Iraqi Army. So we sent military and the country of Iraq, that it was a strategic American decision him over there. We asked him to go they can begin to reverse this trend. I based on the fundamental questions: back. He went back to specifically be will just cite that recently General Were we going to give up? Were we in charge of training the Iraqi security Conway testified at a hearing. He com- going to let the embargo elapse? And forces. During that time, he got to manded the Marines in the western would Saddam Hussein be able to con- know virtually every major Iraqi mili- part of Fallujah and during some of the tinue to say—actually say with convic- tary leader. He knows them personally toughest fighting. Now commandant of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2150 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 the Marine Corps, he testified a few there trying to steal Iraqi oil. But that structive, in my opinion. People have days ago. I told him about the visit crowd is out there. They want a resolu- to pull together once a decision is Senators LEVIN, WARNER, PRYOR, and I tion that is critical of the President reached. We only have one Commander made to Iraq last fall. The briefing that and this policy. in Chief. We have the absolute power to we had gotten by the Marines in the Our leader, the Republican leader, shut off every dime going to Iraq and Ramadi area really concerned me. said: You can have that vote, that will bring our troops home immediately. Some of the information they gave— be all right, let’s have that vote, but That is the constitutional power this and the Presiding Officer and I traveled Senator MCCAIN has a different view. Congress has. But while we are exe- over there, and I know he cares about Senator MCCAIN’s view is we need to cuting this effort in Iraq, we only have these issues. That briefing was one of set some benchmarks for the Iraqis and one Commander in Chief. And for the the more troubling things I had heard we need to support the President. Sen- life of me, I can see no advantage to in visiting there five times, as I have. ator GREGG said it is most important our Nation, to our foreign policy or to He pointed out how, in just a matter of when troops are in harm’s way, when our soldiers in a resolution that dis- weeks, that made a dramatic change; they are placing their lives at risk for agrees with the President’s plan, a plan that 12 out of 16 tribal leaders in that us, that we tell them we are going to to which we have our soldiers commit- area have gotten fed up with al-Qaida support them financially. Oh, no, we ting their lives this very moment. and their murdering ways, their para- can’t vote on those amendments. We Congress should either support it or sitic ways, and their domination. And are only going to vote on the one we stop it. But, of course, we all know the they have made agreements with the want. awesome responsibility that voting for U.S. military. We are helping them cre- This resolution, by the way, should a precipitous withdrawal out of Iraq ate their own law enforcement entities, have come, by historical tradition and would entail because stopping the fund- hiring their young people, and they are rules of the Senate, out of the Armed ing for Iraq is real, just like funding resisting al-Qaida. There has been a Services Committee, but it didn’t come Iraq is real, just like voting for General dramatic change in the toughest area, out of the Armed Services Committee. Petraeus is real. It is not positioning, the Sunni area, the area where most of Why didn’t it come out of the Armed it is not an expression of concern or an al-Qaida has been. So that is good. Services Committee, of which I am a effort to distance oneself from a war I say to my colleagues that can hap- member? Because it doesn’t have the that over three-fourths of us in this pen in Baghdad. Don’t think that be- votes. It wouldn’t have passed out of Senate voted for but has now become cause things have been very difficult in the Armed Services Committee. So very difficult. the last year they cannot begin to get what Senator REID did is, he filed it as The President studied the Baker- better. General Petraeus has stepped a bill instead of a resolution. He filed it Hamilton report, he met with his com- up. We are going to increase our forces. and, under rule XIV, brought it to the manders in Iraq and in the United The Iraqis are going to increase their floor and determined that no other States, and he met with retired offi- forces. I think the Iraqis know this amendments could be accepted or even cers, elder statesmen. The Chairman of may be their last chance to save this voted on, only his view should be voted the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter country as a decent and progressive on. And they carefully calculated, I am Pace, started a bottom-up review of country that treats people fairly and sure, to make sure they had over 50 our Iraq policy in August. I called him equally. I think they are beginning to votes, so they would be able to pass one about that time to raise some ques- wake up to that fact—I hope so. They resolution that was deemed an attack tions and urge that he do that. He said: are moving substantial numbers of on the President and a rejection of the Senator, I have started that already. troops in there. They are not as good as policy we are now funding and is being After all of this evaluation and receipt the American troops in many ways. executed by our soldiers who are far of ideas for improvement, both public They have a lot of difficulties. We more worthy, in my view, of maturity and private, our President, the one know that. But they have taken more and respect than a Congress that gets given the power to decide such issues casualties than we have, and they con- itself tied up in this kind of mess. in our system, made his call. He tinue to sign up. We have an oppor- I think most of us on this side—even changed his policy. Perhaps he should tunity, I believe, to make a difference. some Republicans and some Democrats If this effort does not succeed and we who supported the resolution—have re- have done it earlier. I think this kind do not begin to notice that more fused to vote for cloture to bring it up of review would have been more appro- progress has been made, that the Iraqis for a vote because they think Senator priate earlier. do not meet certain benchmarks we MCCAIN’s and Senator GREGG’s resolu- The President has gone through a de- have called on them to make, then we tions deserve a vote too. Senator liberative process, though, and made do need to review our policy. I have to MCCAIN said: I would just be satisfied if his decision, and I have decided the say it. What we will do then, I am not you vote on Gregg if you don’t vote on right response for me, as a Member of sure. But we need to be smart about it. mine. this Senate trying to serve the na- We don’t need to be aberrational or I would like to vote on both of them, tional interest, is to support that pol- spasmodic in how we face those chal- and I am not afraid to vote on the icy, at least for the immediate future, lenges. Democratic resolution. I would vote on and to support those who will execute What happened on the floor of the all three of them. I am not afraid to it—our military personnel. Senate is not something that I think talk about this war or to talk about Others may disagree. An official ex- has brought credit to this body. After the resolutions. But somehow the pression of disagreement, though, approving General Petraeus to go to media has adopted the Democrat’s about a policy we authorized and we Iraq 94 to 0, after making clear we in- talking points and suggests Repub- are now funding and our soldiers are tend to fund the policy the President, licans don’t want to debate and vote on executing does not meet, I believe, as Commander in Chief, is executing, the issue. That is not true. How many high standards of responsibility to our soldiers are executing, and soldiers times do we have to say that? I don’t which a great Senate should adhere. have been sent over there as part of think what I said is inaccurate. If it is, Please remember also that what we do this surge—some have already gotten I would like to be corrected on the fun- is not contained just in these Halls. I there as part of this surge—it became a damental debate in which we find our- am not persuaded there can be any ef- goal of the majority leader, Senator selves. fect, other than a pernicious one, on REID, and the Democratic leadership, But what I wish to say to my col- those allies and other nations that are apparently, to vote on a resolution leagues is we are, at this very moment, assisting us in our efforts. Nor do I see that disapproved it, that criticized the in reality, financially supporting the how the threat of an imminent with- President, I guess to make happy some policy with which they disagree. Ad- drawal could cause the Iraqi Govern- of the people out there who oppose this vice and suggestions from business, ment and the leaders of the various war so deeply, some with great passion athletics, church, and families needs to sects and groups to be more willing to and legitimate concerns and some with be welcome, but naysaying after a deci- reach an accord than would be achieved fevered brow who believe we are over sion is reached is nearly always de- if we continue assistance in restoring

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2151 order, particularly in the nation’s cap- We are waging a war against violent to vote on the Gregg resolution and we ital. I don’t know. I don’t think so my- extremists who bomb markets, who be- ought to vote on the McCain resolu- self. If it was so, I would be persuaded. head people who disagree with them, tion. Because only together will that If that would be the result of a rapid who murder, who kill, who destroy convey to the world, our allies, and our withdrawal, that they would all get to- teachers because they teach young soldiers the real feelings and insights gether and reach an accord, then I girls how to read and write. So this is of this Congress. As I have said from would support it because I don’t think a complex effort. It is an important ef- the beginning, I don’t favor any resolu- we need to be an occupying force in fort that to date has protected our tion. We have done what we have to do. Iraq. But this is not what our generals homeland from further attack. We sent General Petraeus and we sent tell us. It is not what we have heard We didn’t choose this duty. It has money to execute the policy. I don’t from the intelligence community. fallen to us. By working together, I be- know why we have to have a resolution Some people said: I talked to a relieve we can achieve more in Iraq than at all. tired general; that is what he said. many people think. Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I Maybe that is what he said. Maybe And I will say this, while we are suggest the absence of a quorum. that retired general is right. The peo- being very serious about the challenges The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ple we are hearing about are not saying we face. I have had personal meetings clerk will call the roll. this is any kind of panacea, to pull out, with Secretary Gates, the new Sec- The legislative clerk proceeded to and there is going to be harmony and retary of Defense, and an extended call the roll. compromise reached all at once. meeting with GEN Peter Pace, the Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask In fact, many are saying the violence Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and I had unanimous consent that the order for in Baghdad is so significant that if we a good long conversation with General the quorum call be rescinded. allow it to continue to grow, it makes Petraeus, the new commander in Iraq, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without it harder for the warring factions to and Admiral Fallon, who is going to be objection, it is so ordered. get together and reach an accord. the Central Command, commander. I Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I rise Still, despite the difficulties, our ex- have asked them, and each one of them today to voice my strong support for perts in public and private conversa- stated to me that they fully under- the motion to invoke cloture to pro- tions believe there is hope for stability stand their responsibility to give us ceed to S. 574 so the Senate can under- with this new policy in Iraq, this new their best military advice, and if at take a full, vigorous, and honest debate surge. They give that evaluation with any time this conflict in Iraq becomes on the future course of American pol- full and realistic evaluations of all the untenable, if at any time they conclude icy for the war in Iraq. challenges we face. The new Iraqi per- that putting more soldiers into harm’s As we speak about and debate the manent Government has only been way will not be successful and will not war, let us never forget our troops in formed for 8 months, maybe 9 months achieve the aims which we are seeking battle, those troops in battle on the now. That Government has only been there, they will tell us. streets in Baghdad, in Anbar Province, up for 8 or 9 months. The forces of vio- I asked Peter Pace that in an open or other areas of Iraq. We also remem- lence, oppression, and extremism have hearing, and he said: ‘‘Yes, sir, Sen- ber, as we debate this issue, their fami- attacked it full force. They are deter- ator, I understand that.’’ Secretary lies and their sacrifice. Finally, today, mined to bring it down. But it still Gates cut in and said: ‘‘Senator, I fully and in all the days we debate this criti- stands, and it has made new commit- understand that, and I feel like that is cally important issue to our country, ments to taking the necessary steps to- my number one responsibility.’’ I asked we honor the sacrifice of those soldiers ward security and progress. General Petraeus that, and he said the and marines who gave, as President This is a test for them, no doubt. same. And I asked him if he believed he Lincoln said at Gettysburg, ‘‘the last Maybe they will fail. Maybe they would full measure of devotion to their coun- not meet the commitments they have could be successful. Remember, this is try.’’ We pray for them today and al- made. But perhaps not. Perhaps this the man who spent over 2 years in Iraq. ways, and we pray for ourselves that fragile Government and the Iraqi Army He is the best of the best. He has writ- we may be worthy of their valor. working in new and better ways with ten a manual on how to confront and At this time in the Senate we are General Petraeus and our forces to- defeat an insurgency. His answer to confronted with two simple questions: gether can be successful, as our experts whether he can be successful, in sum, First, does the Senate agree with tell us is possible and realistic. was: ‘‘Senator, I do, and I wouldn’t be I, thus, have concluded this Congress going over there if I didn’t think I President Bush’s plan to escalate our should fund this new strategy, not could be.’’ military involvement in Iraq by de- adopt a resolution that has any tend- I know people are worried about this ploying some 21,000 more troops? Sec- ency whatsoever to lessen the chance conflict. I am worried about it. I talked ond, will the Senate vote tomorrow to of that strategy being successful. to a widow yesterday, whose fabulous allow debate to go forward? Finally, I do not see how a congres- husband was killed in Iraq, and I don’t Just those two questions confront us sional resolution that disagrees with, take it lightly at all. But we are a na- today and tomorrow. There will be fur- or one that rejects the President’s new tion that has been attacked and we ther debate about our policy in Iraq in policy will have any other effect than have a responsibility to defend our just the weeks and months ahead, but for to reduce the morale of our soldiers. national interest, and our just national the next few days it is those two ques- Right out here a couple of days ago, interest would be greatly served by a tions. I talked with a group from Hartsville, prosperous, free, democratic Iraq, As I have stated before, I oppose this AL. The man pulled me aside and said where terrorists do not find haven and escalation, but I also support debating his son was an infantry officer at Fort which is not subverted by hostile it. The grave question of war must al- Benning. He said: Senator, I want you forces. We have a national interest in ways be—always be—the subject of vig- to know one thing. When you make that, as well as a humanitarian inter- orous debate, especially in the Senate. your decisions, don’t think they don’t est. As a Senator from the Commonwealth know what is going on. He said: ‘‘They I think we need to give General of Pennsylvania, a State that has lost are watching you like a hawk.’’ Petraeus a chance. I think we may find 150 young men and women in combat, I We have a responsibility to them. that progress in Baghdad can occur, have a solemn obligation to speak out Yes, we have a responsibility to say even when it is dark, as it did in Al about the escalation. pull out if we have to pull out, if that Anbar Province a few months ago. I Many of these brave Americans from is the thing to do—and I don’t think it was feeling pretty discouraged about Pennsylvania come from small towns is yet; I think we have a chance for what was happening there, but great such as Rockport and Connellsville and success. If that is our decision, so be it. progress has been made in the last few Beaver Falls, and from cities such as But when we send them over there, weeks there. It is time for us to stick Bethlehem and Pittsburgh and Phila- they should be supported. They should together. delphia. I have an obligation to speak have no doubt that we are going to be I don’t think this resolution is good. out against those policies that only in- with them. If we are going to vote on it, we ought crease the likelihood that even more of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2152 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 Pennsylvania’s sons and daughters will in the coming months. The National among sectarian groups—only they can die or be grievously wounded on behalf Intelligence Estimate clarifies that provide the type of permanent security of a flawed strategy. Iraq’s violence today is primarily driv- that will enable the Iraqi political and I had hoped, like many in this Cham- en by ‘‘the self-sustaining character of civilian life to emerge and the nation ber, we could have moved forward with Iraq’s internal sectarian dynamics.’’ to embark on a path to reconciliation. the debate on Iraq 2 weeks ago. The Reading the key judgments of the We heard from former Congressman American people don’t understand why NIE, I can only conclude that political Lee Hamilton during our Foreign Rela- the Senate isn’t debating this war reconciliation between the respective tions Committee hearings. He noted in when all of America expects us to do leaders of Iraq’s varied populations is his testimony before that committee so. Perhaps a rare Saturday vote will the best way and probably the only that the money, time, and attention we help this body realize the importance way to reduce the violence and to begin are devoting to escalating the level of as this debate moves forward. to create a stable state that is not a U.S. forces in Iraq must not detract We owe it to the troops, their fami- threat to its neighbors. Escalating from what should be a primary mission lies, and to those who have loved and military conflict by inserting addi- for the United States: training Iraqi se- lost someone dear to them in this war tional U.S. troops in Iraq is not the an- curity forces to enhance their capa- to debate our Iraq policy and to clearly swer. bility to take the lead and allow U.S. express our opposition to the Presi- As Chairman BIDEN remarked during forces to redeploy out of that country. dent’s escalation. The American people the Foreign Relations Committee’s de- Congressman Hamilton and so many have clearly voiced their strong sup- liberations on a related resolution, this others have placed the primacy on the port and their desire for their elected effort is not inspired by a desire to em- question of training. Instead, by adopt- representatives to address this issue. barrass or isolate President Bush. ing the President’s strategy, I fear we The elections last November turned in Rather, it is an attempt to dem- are sending an additional 21,000 troops large part on the failure of the previous onstrate to the President that his ap- without a more focused mission and Congress to engage in adequate over- proach is flawed and will not result in lacking a solid plan to accomplish it. sight of the administration and ask the the outcome he seeks. The President is I fear we are still investing too much tough questions when it came to the still searching for a military solution trust in the Maliki government, a re- execution of the war. Debating is es- when, in fact, it is time for a political gime that has failed to demonstrate it sential to good oversight. solution led by the Iraqis themselves. is acting on behalf of all Iraqis and We know that recent polls conducted Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki may be focused only on one sectarian across America reveal Americans con- himself declared last November, ‘‘The group. I fear American forces will consider the war as one of the two most crisis is political, and the ones who can tinue to serve as a bull’s-eye target for important problems facing our Nation. stop the cycle of aggravation and those resentful of a prolonged U.S. oc- An overwhelming 63 percent of re- bloodletting of innocents are the poli- cupation in Iraq. In short, I fear, and spondents in a recent national poll ex- ticians.’’ many in this Senate fear, we are send- pressed concern that the Senate had What we need is not just a political ing more American men and women been unsuccessful to date in attempts strategy; we need sustained and vig- into Iraq without a new blueprint for to hold a debate on the war in Iraq. We orous diplomatic engagement that I victory and without the essential polit- have an obligation to act, and that be- would argue has been lacking. The ical, diplomatic, and international gins with a full debate. President and his senior officials have groundwork required to succeed. S. 574 is short but eloquent. It re- failed to make the case that the so- The President has based his troop es- spects and honors our troops who are called new way forward in Iraq is, in calation on the hope—the risky hope, I serving or who have served with dis- fact, new or promises significant would argue—that this time the Maliki tinction in Iraq, and it communicates changes needed to achieve real victory. regime will carry through on its com- our disapproval of the President’s esca- Instead, the President’s escalation mitments and deliver the required lation of the war. It mandates—man- strategy risks repeating mistakes al- Iraqi forces to help U.S. forces secure dates—additional reporting require- ready made. It inserts more American neighborhoods throughout Baghdad ments so there is transparency with re- troops into the crossfire of growing and, more important, then remain to gard to military, political, and diplo- sectarian conflict, and it ignores the allow reconstruction to proceed and matic operations in Iraq. This resolu- urgent need to reorient the mission of normal life to return. Yet the record is tion deserves our support because it U.S. forces in Iraq toward those objec- not encouraging. In Operation To- sends the right message to the Presi- tives which offer our best chance to gether Forward, Prime Minister Maliki dent to change course in Iraq. leave behind a secure and stable Iraq. had pledged six battalions, but only In the first 5 weeks of this new Con- In spite of all the rhetoric from the two were sent. Some of those Iraqi gress, as a member of the Foreign Rela- White House in recent weeks, I believe, units suffered subsequent serious attri- tions Committee, I have listened care- and many in this Senate believe, that tion rates. Many of those forces have fully to more than 25 witnesses over the President’s policy is more or less been infiltrated by the very sectarian the course of a dozen hearings, some 50 more of the same: Stay the course. The militias they are now being asked to hours of testimony from generals and United States today has approximately disarm. other military experts, diplomats and 137,000 troops in Iraq, growing by the We are already seeing troubling signs foreign policy experts, the cochairmen day and by the week. Sending an addi- in the initial stages of this latest esca- of the Iraq Study Group, and so many tional 21,000 troops will not fundamen- lation. The New York Times, January others. I have asked tough questions, tally change the current dynamic in 22, the Washington Post, USA Today, and I have listened to statements and Iraq. and so many other news articles which questions from my colleagues, some of The reality is that more American I will not repeat here today have whom have had decades of experience troops is not the answer in Iraq. Gen- talked about the problems with Iraqi in foreign affairs and the oversight of eral Abizaid, the outgoing U.S. Central security forces showing up late or not military operations. After all these Command commander, testified in No- showing up at all, not serious about hearings, I am even more certain that vember that the unanimous opinion of their mission, not trained, not focused, this escalation is the wrong strategy. his top subordinates was that more and frankly not helping enough in The National Intelligence Estimate— American troops would only perpetuate terms of helping American forces. we know it by the acronym NIE—re- the dependence of Iraqi troops and Americans are dying because of that leased in January on Iraq’s prospects would not offer a positive solution. No incompetence. The fact remains that it for near-term stability paints a dire matter how many troops we send, they is very difficult to rely on Iraqi forces picture. The unclassified version de- cannot provide lasting security on the when you have to ask them to deploy scribes a growing sectarian-based po- streets of Baghdad or other Iraqi cities. outside of their normal areas of oper- larization, ineffective security forces Only fully equipped, trained, and dedi- ation and their ethnic strongholds. with questionable loyalties, and an all- cated Iraqi military and police forces— I also retain real doubts when the but-certain rise in communal violence those who do not pick and choose sides President insists that this time, this

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2153 time it will be different, that Mr. only further deteriorate the readiness phasize a new direction, encouraging Maliki now means it when he says of our overall ground forces, making it Iraqi leaders to make political com- Iraqi forces will truly crack down on more difficult to respond quickly and promises that will foster reconciliation all troublemakers, whether they are decisively in the event of other mili- and strengthen the unity of the Gov- Shia or Sunni. The Government of Iraq tary contingencies, and raise the like- ernment, laying the groundwork for an has promised repeatedly to assume a lihood of greater U.S. casualties. improved security situation, and rede- greater share of security responsibil- Our Nation’s military is facing a gen- ploying our military forces in Iraq so ities, disband militias, consider con- uine crisis. The war in Iraq has exacted they can focus on maintaining that na- stitutional amendments, and enact a heavy toll—in casualties, first and tion’s territorial integrity. We also laws to reconcile sectarian differences foremost, but also in terms of combat must deny al-Qaida and other terror- and improve the quality of essential equipment that undergirds our fighting ists a safe haven, conduct counterter- services for the Iraqi people. Yet, de- men and women. Our National Guard rorism operations, promote regional spite those promises, little has been and Reserve troops in particular are stability, and, most important, train achieved by the Iraqis. paying a heavy price. Army data shows and equip Iraqi forces to take the lead Moreover, I am skeptical of this esca- that the Army National Guard units in security and combat operations. The lation of U.S. troops because we have today only have, on average, 40 percent President’s escalation strategy of seen it before. We have seen it before, of their required equipment—40 per- throwing more U.S. troops into Iraq’s tried over and over again. Operation cent. National Guard combat brigades burgeoning civil war undercuts and de- Together Forward in 2006 represented a are being involuntarily mobilized, and tracts from each of these objectives: A similar escalation; 12,000 additional reservists are being sent back to the campaign of escalation is incompatible U.S. troops were introduced into the command theater on a repeated basis. with securing a new and better direc- city of Baghdad, only to see U.S. and Representative JOHN MURTHA, a deco- tion in Iraq. For those who argue that Iraqi casualties spike considerably rated marine from my home State of supporting this resolution only offers without a sustained reduction in sec- Pennsylvania, painted a distressing criticism but does not offer specific al- tarian violence. We have seen similar picture of our military’s readiness—or ternatives, I urge you to listen to what efforts to ‘‘flood the zone’’ with addi- I should say lack thereof—during re- I and others have said in these days tional U.S. troops in places such as cent testimony before the Senate For- and what we will say in the next couple Fallujah and Ramadi, only resulting in eign Relations Committee. As he of days especially. temporary gains. If more troops have noted: We have heard from the opponents not worked in the recent past, why At the beginning of the Iraq war, 80 per- about what this all means. I will not go should we have any reason to believe it cent of all Army units and almost 100 per- into their opinions today. But I will will work this time? cent of active combat units were rated at the say this: Every Member of this Cham- I am concerned, as are so many oth- highest state of readiness. Today, virtually ber in both parties honors our troops, ers, about the dual-chain-of-command all of our active duty combat units at home no matter which way we stand on esca- concept that is being introduced as and all of our guard units are at the lowest lation. We honor their sacrifices—the state of readiness, primarily due to equip- part of this escalation. Recently, ment shortages resulting from repeated and sacrifices they and their families make Prime Minister al-Maliki’s commander extended deployments in Iraq. on a daily basis. But we must examine—we have an obligation to examine in the region and the capital itself has Chairman MURTHA then went on to our national policies which we are been trying to carry out part of this cite recent House testimony from a asked to carry out and to be supportive strategy. At the same time, there will senior Pentagon official that our coun- of or in opposition to. If we disagree be a separate or parallel U.S. command try was threatened because we lacked with the broad strategic direction in headed by MG Joseph Fil, Jr. Both readiness at home. commanders will have ultimate control I welcome, as so many do, the Presi- which the President is taking our Na- over their own national troops, but dent’s intention to expand our mili- tion, it is our duty to speak out. To re- this ‘‘partnered’’ command could cre- tary—permanently elevating the Army main silent or passive in the face of an ate serious complications if there are and Marine Corps’ Active-Duty ranks approach we believe is misguided and disputes between U.S. and Iraqi mili- over the next 5 years. But that is only not in the national interests is an abdi- tary forces over specific operations. A a long-term solution. Our current cation of the responsibilities of our of- unified chain of command is one of the forces are badly overextended, and an fices. Our military forces and their loved hallmark principles that have long escalation in strategy in Iraq will only ones have paid a heavy price for this governed deployment of U.S. forces worsen that condition. Our Nation mission in Iraq. As I have noted before, abroad. faces growing challenges around the at least 150 Pennsylvanians have given Finally, I oppose this escalation world. We must ensure that our mili- their lives, with hundreds more suf- strategy because I fear it will only ex- tary forces receive adequate training, fering from serious and lifelong inju- acerbate the longstanding strains on are fully equipped, and retain the nec- ries. PFC Ross A. McGinnis of Knox, our Nation’s military overall. Seven essary flexibility to quickly respond to PA, was one of those killed in action. years ago, President Bush declared contingencies wherever they may arise. He was 19 years old. He died of injuries that his predecessor was leaving office Pouring more troops into Iraq does not on December 4, 2006, after a grenade with a military in decline. He alleged make those requirements any easier to was thrown into his vehicle in Bagh- that the previous administration had meet. not adequately funded our Armed Just listen to the bipartisan Iraq dad. Private McGinnis has been nomi- Forces while simultaneously deploying Study Group on this matter: nated by his commanders for the Medal of Honor. He was manning the gunner’s those forces in excessive engagements America’s military capacity is stretched around the world. It is one of the most thin; we do not have the troops or equipment hatch when a grenade was thrown into tragic ironies that this President is to make a substantial sustained increase in his humvee. He could have jumped out himself now stretching our military to our troops presence. to save himself, but he threw himself a genuine breaking point, as he pursues The Iraq Study Group goes on to say: on the grenade to save the lives of his a misguided strategy in Iraq. Increased deployments to Iraq would also crew members. We must always re- The Washington Post recently pub- necessarily hamper our ability to provide member this debate we must have must lished an important article docu- adequate resources for our efforts in Afghan- not have a focus on abstract policy menting the impacts of this proposed istan or respond to crises around the world. matters. This has real implications for troop escalation. According to the So says the Iraq Study Group. our men and women in the Armed Post, the Army and Marine Corps al- For all these reasons, I am proud to Forces. We cannot forget the lessons ready lack thousands of necessary ve- stand here today in support of a bipar- and the life of Private McGinnis or any hicles, armor kits, and other equip- tisan effort to send the President a of the more than 3,000 Americans who ment needed to supply the extra forces. message that the troop escalation in have died during this conflict. Our Diverting 21,000 troops from other es- Iraq is the wrong choice for our Nation. troops are deserving of our support and sential missions around the world will Instead, our Iraq strategy should em- the support of all the American people.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2154 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 Mr. President, I conclude with this: A situation in Iraq. I wish to stress that I recently met with a young man troop increase will only endanger more had we received better, more com- from Ohio out of Bethesda who had young Americans in Iraq without any prehensive prewar intelligence and completed three tours of duty in Iraq clear hope of success. For that reason, done our homework about what would and who was wounded by an IED. I I support honest and open debate on be needed after the military offensive, asked him what he did. He said: My the merits of the President’s plan and we could have entered Iraq adequately main goal, Senator, every day was to an opportunity for the Senate to de- prepared to win the war and secure the keep my men alive and keep peace in clare its views. I will vote to allow this peace. We would have been more ade- the neighborhood. important debate to proceed, and I will quately prepared. Both the administra- We have to ask ourselves: How long vote in favor of S. 574. tion and Congress should have recog- can we continue to do this? Even if the I yield the floor. nized that by removing Saddam Hus- surge is successful, how long will we The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- sein from office, we would shift the bal- have to stay before the Iraqis can han- ator from Ohio is recognized. ance of power within the country from dle the situation themselves? Even Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I Sunni to Shiite and change the contour when I talked with General Petraeus, must say I am disappointed the Demo- of the region. Our intelligence errors, he did a good job in Mosul—they se- cratic leadership continues to preclude our lack of troop preparation, and the cured the neighborhoods—but when the the Senate from debating and amend- bungling of the initial efforts on the Iraqis came in and they left, they lost ing the insufficient resolution sent ground, specifically disbanding the it. How many American lives will be over from the House of Representa- Army and isolating former Baathists— lost in what is best described as a civil tives. This denies the Senate from in spite of advice from people such as war between Sunni and Shiite that has robustly debating other alternatives, GEN Jake Garner and others—is unac- 1,400 years of Sunni domination over including the bipartisan Warner resolu- ceptable. And today, we are paying the Shiite at its root? More of our Mem- tion. price for that, which means all of us bers of the Senate should read about The strategy is to avoid controver- have to pay a lot more attention to the history of Iraq and the people who sial procedures that split the Demo- every decision and plan we endorse are there. cratic caucus regarding cutting off from here on out. After many closed-session briefings funding for the troops and capping the I cannot support the proposed troop with the National Security Council, deployment of troops in Iraq. We have surge. In spite of meetings at the White four meetings at the White House, in- the same kind of split to a degree in House, two with the President, private- cluding two with the President, and as the Republican caucus. The Warner session briefings as a member of the I mentioned, 40 minutes with General resolution represents a negotiated Foreign Relations Committee, and a Petraeus, and after hearing hours of agreement that reflects a bipartisan meeting with General Petraeus for over witnesses testifying before the Senate approach to the war and deserves to be 40 minutes, I am not convinced the ad- Foreign Relations Committee, I can debated and voted upon. ditional troops who are proposed is the This is the second piece of legislation feel confident saying it is time for the best means toward success in Baghdad. Iraqi people and their leadership to this week that Democratic leaders That is why I have decided to support have brought to the Senate floor stand up to the sectarian violence be- the Warner resolution. tween Sunni and Shiite. They need to straight from the House with no A military solution is not sufficient amendments for debate allowed, and I recognize that all Iraqis and the future to win the peace in Iraq. As I will get of the Nation of Iraq is threatened by think this is setting a dangerous prece- into it, Iraq faces political problems, a dent and frustrates the role the Con- this constant bloodshed, and their fu- power struggle, and primal hate be- ture is in their hands, not our hands. stitution envisions for the Senate. tween the fighting sects. More troops I will continue to back the minori- U.S. Central Commander GEN John alone cannot solve these problems. Abizaid, who the President relied upon ty’s right to bring up amendments and That being said, I continue to have the participate in real debate, even if I to lead the ground campaign in Iraq, highest praise for the generals and, testified to Congress on November 15: don’t agree with those ideas. I tried to more importantly, for their troops who support that when we were in the ma- I met with every divisional commander, have remained steadfast in their efforts General Casey, the Corps commander and jority. The American people want Con- to secure Iraq. I am grateful to those gress to play a role in the way this war General Dempsey. We all talked together. who have served and continue to serve And I said, ‘‘In your professional opinion, if is being handled. The first step is to de- our Nation in a time of need. I am espe- we were to bring in more American troops mand a better plan, and we owe the cially indebted to those who made the now, does it add considerably to our ability people more than 10 lines in the House ultimate sacrifice and whose families to achieve success in Iraq?’’ They all said no. Resolution. You can’t even begin to ad- have suffered and who will grieve and The reason is because we want the Iraqis to dress a real solution to a complex situ- those whose lives have been changed do more. It is easy for the Iraqis to rely upon ation in 10 lines. forever, as well as some 25,000 men and us to do this work. I believe that more Amer- I wish to emphasize to my colleagues ican forces prevent the Iraqis from doing women who have been wounded over more, from taking more responsibility for that there are 15 cosponsors of the there, 13,000 of them not able to go Warner resolution, 6 of whom are Re- their own future. back into the service. That is General Abizaid. If we don’t publicans and 9 are Democrats. The Winning this war, securing peace in follow the advice of our generals and resolution has the support of the Iraq and stability in the region re- other military people I have talked to, Democratic chairman of the Foreign quires a comprehensive approach and we run the risk of helping one side at Relations Committee, JOSEPH BIDEN, the use of different tools, the most im- the expense of another, and the Sunnis who has been here for many years—a portant of which is the will of the could interpret our offensive as part of very wise individual. It has the support Iraqis. At this point, I am afraid we a larger effort to do the dirty work of of the Democratic chairman of the have focused disproportionately on the the Shiite. And don’t you think the Armed Services Committee, CARL military component of this war, and we Sunnis would not spin it that way. LEVIN. It also has the support of the have not adequately stressed the non- The reality we face today is that an No. 2 ranking Republican on the Sen- military arm of our strategy. ate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen- Moving forward in Iraq, we must overwhelming majority of the Muslim ator CHUCK HAGEL. I mention this be- focus on strengthening our nonmilitary population in Iraq, be they Shiite or cause I wish to stress that the Warner or political tactics. That is why now, Sunni, look upon us as infidels and oc- resolution is believed to be a fair and more than ever before, I am concerned cupiers. They do. And our presence reasonable resolution that is broadly about Iraq’s willingness to bring an end there is exploited every day by our en- supported by both Republicans and to the violence. As the Warner resolu- emies. In fact, one poll claimed 60 per- Democrats. I believe, if given the option states: cent of the people in Iraq said it is OK portunity, that resolution will attract The responsibility for Iraq’s internal secu- to kill Americans. While we cannot over 60 votes of the Senate. rity in halting sectarian violence must rest even begin to capture what is hap- That is why tonight I wish to share primarily with the government of Iraq and pening in the hearts and minds of the some of my thoughts about our current Iraq security forces. Iraqis with one poll, it sends a striking

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2155 message about what additional troops tias and other fighters to resist the East and we were involved in the re- might face there. Shia government. So a major political gion long before we decided to chal- We have to consider the reliable in- priority must be to develop a plan to lenge Saddam Hussein for his defiance formation we have that suggests the reintegrate the former Baathists and it of the U.N. Security Council. But surge could ignite an even more aggres- needs to happen now. It is essential today, with conflicts brewing in Iraq, sive countersurge, in which every mar- that the Iraqi Government work to- Iran, Lebanon, between Israel and the tyr—every martyr—in the country is ward provincial elections so there is Palestinian territories, it is even more drawn to Baghdad to defeat the more equal representation of the dif- critical we remain steadfast in our infidels, as the Sunnis were drawn to ferent sects. commitment. Despite what one might Mecca on Ramadan. We could see a ter- The third vital component of our believe about the President’s strategy rible situation there, and I don’t nonmilitary strategy must be greater in Iraq, we cannot confuse debate over want—I wish to make clear I am not regional diplomacy. We must work to tactics with the nonnegotiable need to analogizing the Sunnis going to Mecca encourage Iraq’s neighbors to get in- remain engaged in the Middle East. on Ramadan. I am saying it would volved in containing the violence. Spe- Currently, the greatest threat to the bring lots of people into Baghdad. cifically, these neighboring countries stability in the Middle East is the pos- The fact of the matter is we cannot have the ability to put pressure on the sibility of failure in Iraq which threat- stop the sectarian violence with com- different sects and local leaders to help ens to destabilize the region and poses bat brigades and more forces alone. Im- unite the Iraqi Government. They have a critical national security risk to the plementing martial law in Iraq would the ability to pass debt relief, partici- United States. A premature withdrawal be impossible because of the sheer pate in border control, and help avoid a from Iraq will signify in essence that number of Iraqi citizens and our com- potential refugee problem. I don’t we are abandoning the region in its en- mitments elsewhere around the globe. think people realize that there have tirety. Our departure could greatly At this point, we wouldn’t begin to been over 3.5 million refugees who have damage, if not sever, relationships with have enough forces. come out of Iraq. key allies, resulting in dire political Mr. President, the only way to bring In December 2006, the bipartisan Iraq and social consequences throughout stability to Iraq is by addressing a Study Group issued their recommenda- the world. number of serious political problems tions for a successful United States The long-term security interests of that lie at the root of this violence. Be- strategy in Iraq. A core component of the United States will be best served fore the war, Iraq was united by their proposal was that the United by a peaceful Iraq that can sustain, Saddam’s reign of terror, as Slobadan States act immediately to undertake a govern, and defend itself. That is why Milosevic kept everybody under his ‘‘diplomatic offensive’’ consisting of we must figure a way forward and why control or, before him, Marshal Tito in ‘‘new and enhanced diplomatic and po- we cannot withdraw from Iraq. Yugoslavia. When he was removed from litical efforts in Iraq and the region.’’ The National Intelligence Estimate office, the major power struggle en- The recommendation called on the ad- which was just released underscores sued, and it is not surprising. In fact, it ministration to engage the inter- the danger of withdrawal, stating suc- should have been expected. In fact, as national community, the Arab League, cinctly: we later found out, many academics traditional United States allies in the If coalition forces were withdrawn rapidly and intelligence officers did predict during the term of this estimate, we judge Middle East, and all Iraq’s bordering that this almost certainly would lead to sig- this. In the aftermath of Saddam’s re- neighbors in order to address regional nificant increase in the scale and scope of gime, many different sects and local conflicts and jointly bring stability to sectarian conflict in Iraq, intensify Sunni re- leaders realized a power shift was tak- Iraq. They advised the administration sistance to the Iraq government, and have ing place, and they wanted to come out to work quickly to convene a regional adverse consequences for national reconcili- on top. They knew the greatest source conference—it has not happened— ation. of potential power is in oil. That is why which would complement the Iraq They conclude that the immediate the critical component of the political Compact undertaken by the United Na- withdrawal of United States troops solution must be to reach a decision on tions. We need to embrace the study likely would lead the Iraq security how the oil can be distributed to all group’s recommendations on this issue forces to unravel, encourage neigh- sects and communities in Iraq. It is ab- and act now to increase diplomatic en- boring countries to engage openly in solutely critical that Prime Minister gagement with the international com- the conflict, and lead to massive civil- Maliki moves quickly—tomorrow—to munity. ian casualties and population displace- pass the legislation that guarantees Without a broad political strategy, ment. It is also very likely, were the that all Iraqis will benefit from oil. If our military objectives, no matter United States to pull out of Iraq pre- he can do this, it will show the sects what the tactic, will be pursued in maturely, al-Qaida would use Iraq as a how the power in Iraq will be dispersed vain. These political elements must be training ground to plan future attacks, in the future. the focus of our plan in Iraq. And that and this escalation of violence could Recently, I met with the Foreign said, I agree there is a military compo- ultimately prompt Turkey to launch a Minister, Deputy Prime Minister of nent here, as well. I want to be very military incursion of its own. These Turkey. The Foreign Minister agreed clear that I do not support a military are outcomes we cannot afford to risk. that the oil situation is the most im- withdrawal from Iraq nor do I support I will refer to a few of the experts portant issue today and the one that disengagement from the Middle East. whom I have met or who have testified will have profound impact on the long- As we debate this issue, we must con- before the Senate Foreign Relations term stability of Iraq. This must be a sider our broader national security in- Committee in recent weeks. component of the overall national rec- terests in the Middle East. We are only Former Secretary of State Henry onciliation plan to unite Iraqis and focusing on Iraq. We have to start Kissinger testified that ‘‘withdrawal is give them confidence in their Govern- thinking about the whole greater Mid- not an option’’ and continued that: ment. dle East area. Despite one’s views An abrupt American departure would A second key political priority must about the current situation in Iraq, it greatly complicate efforts to stem the ter- be the reintegration of the Sunni rorist tide far beyond Iraq: Fragile govern- is in our country’s vital security inter- ments from Lebanon to the Persian Gulf Baathists into society. When we went est to pursue a strategy of diplomacy would be tempted into preemptive conces- into Iraq, we cut the Baathists out of and military action in the region. To sions. It might drive the sectarian conflict in the military and security forces. The put it simply, the stakes are too high Iraq to genocidal dimensions, beyond levels result of the policy was they had no- for us to sit on the sidelines. We must that impelled U.S. interventions in the Bal- where to go. They were frightened remain active players in the Middle kans. about their futures. They could not East to maintain regional stability, to Think of that. It might drive sec- feed their families. They were angry. protect vital energy supplies, and to tarian conflict in Iraq to genocidal di- They were resentful. So they went to guarantee peace and security at home. mensions beyond levels that impelled the streets. Before long, they became We have had long-standing economic United States intervention in the Bal- part of the problem, joining with mili- and military interests in the Middle kans.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 The new Ambassador from Jordan sat what they need when they need it. And itchy fingers that like to exact mis- next to me at the prayer breakfast, and the Gregg amendment underscores the chief on the rest of the world. You put we started talking about Iraq and the point further. The best exit strategy a nuclear weapon in those itchy fin- Middle East. He told me that if you do for United States troops is a multi- gers, and we have a whole new kind of not handle this right, we could see a faceted and comprehensive strategy fo- threat to the stability of the civilized schism between the Sunni and Shiite cused on creating an Iraq for the world. that extends from Malaysia to Indo- Iraqis. We must focus on training the But there are other reasons—the rea- nesia. Iraqi security forces so the Iraqis can sons of countries that have been in Another reason I back the Warner defend and protect themselves. The enormous strife, countries that have resolution is it does not in any way Iraqi people must understand they will been very favorable to the United threaten to reduce or jeopardize crit- be given the full responsibility of de- States, as the country of Jordan and ical funding for United States troops fending and rebuilding their country. all of the internal turmoil they have. I serving in Iraq. In fact, the resolution We must remove any ambiguity in the could go on and on, but there are so states explicitly: minds of Iraqis about our intention and many reasons why it is very necessary Congress should not take any action that desire to lead and make it clear we do that the United States have success in will endanger the United States military not want to be there. In fact, they need that part of the world. forces in the field, including the elimination to understand we want to bring our But what we are coming down to is a or reduction of funds for troops in the field, momentous decision tomorrow, at 1:45 as such an action with respect to funding troops home and we want to help them will undermine their safety or their effec- develop the political and military tools p.m., on whether we are going to con- tiveness in pursuing their assigned missions. necessary to carry on this mission tinue a policy of this administration of A decision to cut funding would be a without us. stay-the-course or whether we are serious, irreversible mistake. Bringing stability to Iraq will require going to change that course. This Sen- Last month, this Senate confirmed our best minds, our resources, and our ator believes we should change that General Petraeus as the commanding bipartisan cooperation. We need a mas- course and that the President’s deci- general of the multinational force in sive improvement in interagency co- sion to put additional troops into Iraq without a dissenting vote. He is ordination, better communication, bet- Baghdad is not changing the course, it carrying out the orders of the Presi- ter reporting to Congress, and the help is more of the course. It is putting dent. It is critical that General of our allies and friends throughout the more American lives into a sectarian Petraeus get the resources and equip- region. violence caldron where the tempera- ment he believes are necessary to com- This is my responsibility as a Mem- ture is so high that we see the reports plete the mission and keep his forces ber of Congress, to exercise oversight every day of more and more killings. safe in the field. I spoke to General and to contribute to our national secu- Now, this violence did not just start. Petraeus and I told him to make sure rity. That is why I support the bipar- This violence started 1,327 years ago, to ask for what he needs to be success- tisan Warner resolution. Again, I am when, after the death of Mohammed, ful. He is concerned about receiving the confident that given the opportunity, the prophet, there was a power play, equipment and other nonmilitary re- over 60 Members of this Senate will and his grandson was eliminated as one sources he will need to be successful, support it. of the natural heirs to the Prophet Mo- such as contributions of the State De- Last but not least, all of us who rep- hammed, and the power was controlled partment and other agencies. We can- resent the people of this country within the clerics who had succeeded not send our forces into the field with- should get down on our knees and ask Mohammed. It was in that grandson’s out the necessary equipment. We did the Holy Spirit to enlighten the Presi- clan that they then started a resist- this at the beginning of the war. Our dent and us in our decisionmaking be- ance born out of revenge, and that then soldiers were underequipped. It was cause the impact of Iraq will not only started the separation of the Shiites despicable. It cannot happen again. We affect Iraq, the Middle East, and world from what are today the Sunnis. And have the resources in this country to peace, but it will impact dramatically that has happened for 1,327 years. In ensure that our men and women have the national security of the United the midst of that full-scale civil war- everything they need in combat. States of America. fare, this Senator does not believe it is We also must provide the funding to I yield the floor. in the interest of our country to put in reset the equipment when it comes The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- an additional 17,500 American lives. home and to keep the Armed Forces ator from Florida. This Senator believes we ought to force from breaking under the strain of the Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. Presi- the Iraqis to stop killing each other war. We must ensure that soldiers have dent, from the gravity of the terms and to start working out their dif- the proper training before they leave with which the senior Senator from ferences. and we must fund the mobilization cen- Ohio has spoken, I know the Senator Now, at the same time, as rec- ters and other military facilities at speaks from his heart. This Senator ommended by the Iraq study commis- home so we can undergo the necessary certainly concurs it is of the utmost sion, it is clearly important that we training. importance of the interests of the have a vigorous international diplo- In my State of Ohio, I met this week United States that we are successful in matic initiative to engage all the coun- with the head of the Ohio National Iraq because of the threat to the secu- tries in the region to help bear upon Guard who is now being told he is rity interests to our country in that re- Iraq and that sectarian warfare to get going to have to train the troops in gion of the world. them to try to come to their senses, to Ohio because they do not want to send If someone will look at a map, we try to start striking peace instead of them someplace else because they want have the Persian Gulf, and on the east- warfare, because all of the countries in them trained fast so they can get them ern portion of the Persian Gulf is the the region clearly understand that is in to Iraq and Afghanistan. The fact is, he Strait of Hormuz, which is only 19 their interest. You take a country such said: miles wide, through which most of the as Saudi Arabia. One of the worst I don’t have the additional funds or equip- super oil tankers of the world have to things in the world would be if Iraq was ment to do this. flow out of the Persian Gulf, or if you just completely enveloped in chaos; the We have lost 150 Ohioans, 150 in Iraq. are from an Arab country, the Arabian same with Jordan—two of our friends In terms of the States, we are probably Gulf into the great oceans of the world in the region. two or three in the United States in to an oil-thirsty world. That is clearly It is in the interests of the United the number of members lost. We lost one interest. States to conduct this diplomatic ini- two because humvees rolled over and Another interest is clearly the fact tiative in a way that it has not been they were not trained to drive those that Iran wants to build a nuclear done in the last 4 years: engaging peo- humvees. Now they are much heavier weapon. What an enormously desta- ple whom we have refused to engage, than they were before. bilizing situation that would be to put listening and learning in the process, The Warner resolution makes it clear in a rogue nation’s hands that is not instead of always imposing or giving that we must guarantee the troops unaccustomed to peddling things to the perception of imposing ourselves on

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2157 everybody else, and at the same time From Johnston, Rhode Island: tion we want to debate is not a ques- letting the forces that are there sta- My son . . . is presently serving in Iraq and tion selected by Democrats for polit- bilize instead of putting more Amer- on his second tour of duty there. . . . The ical reasons. It is possible here to ican lives at risk. President’s plan ignores the American people choose self-serving questions and to So we come to a momentous decision who voted for change in November, and who force a debate on those questions just that will come tomorrow afternoon: Do continue to demand we bring our troops to make a political point. But we have we keep the same course or do we start home. . . . The people made their voice heard, and if the President isn’t going to lis- not done that. changing the course with new and fresh ten, the Democratic Congress will. The This question, whether to escalate ideas, with ideas that have clearly been President’s policies have failed! the war in Iraq, is not an invention of laid out in the Iraq study commission? From Portsmouth, Rhode Island: the Democratic Party. It is not an invention of the Senate. It is President It is the conclusion of this Senator President Bush has ignored the advice of that we ought to send a very strong experience, lied to us all, lacked any plan Bush, who proposed to send tens of message to the White House that the and seems to be expecting his successor to thousands more troops into harm’s way time for changing the stay-the-course solve the problems. It is our only hope that and to escalate this conflict, who has policy is now. you, as a member of Congress, can work to- presented this question. This question TRIBUTE TO DAN SHAPIRO ward bringing our troops home soon. is what was presented to us by Presi- Mr. President, I want to make note, From Kingston: dent George W. Bush, and by him in the presence of my longtime, very I am appalled at the loss of life—today it alone, and it is the pressing question of faithful staff member, Dan Shapiro, was reported 20 more service people were today. who has served me so ably for over 6 killed. The Kurds are deserting rather than For weeks, we on this side of the years as legislative director, that the fight in Baghdad. . . . We are not just losing aisle have emphasized and reempha- people, we are losing big money. We have needs of providing for his little family sized our strong commitment to having seven grandchildren. What kind of debt are a real debate—a debate to a vote—to have called upon him to leave the pub- we placing on those future generations? telling the American people where we lic sector, where he has been engaged From Warwick: for years, to enter into the private sec- stand and to casting our votes on the We never should have begun this war, let’s tor. I want to say on behalf of the peo- precise question the President of the now have the sense to end it, not prolong it. United States has presented to Amer- ple of Florida and the people of the Please do whatever you can to stop the presi- Nelson office that we are grateful for dent’s initiative to increase our military ica. But we have been impeded, ob- his public service. presence in Iraq. ..., to spend even more structed, maneuvered away from this Mr. President, I yield the floor. money waging a war that your constituents critical question. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- have indicated they no longer support. The other side argues that to dispute ator from Rhode Island is recognized. From North Kingstown: this President’s judgment is to fail to Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Thank you, Mr. We are looking to you to do whatever is in support the troops—even though that President. your power to stop the U.S. escalation of judgment has failed the troops and has Mr. President, I rise today to speak troops in Iraq. I and many in our nation feel failed our country and has left us with on behalf of thousands of Rhode Island- this will only make a bad situation worse, few good options. ers who have talked with me about the widen what is essentially a civil war and lead But that is a false choice, Mr. Presi- need for a new direction in Iraq and the to further casualties and costs without con- dent. And this hour demands better of tributing towards a political solution. . . . need to bring our troops home. this institution. We are counting on you and your colleagues There are ways to accomplish the I speak on behalf of the veterans’ on both sides of the aisle to stand up and be families who traveled here to Wash- counted and forge a bipartisan solution to change America demands, and that rea- ington to speak to me about their end this war. son and good conscience dictate. For memories of war and the need for this And finally, a woman from Cum- instance, I believe that rather than one to end. berland forwarded me a message she send a single additional American sol- I speak on behalf of the brave men sent to President Bush: dier into the sands and marshes of Iraq, this President can announce clearly and women serving in Iraq who have My nephew . . . is in the 82nd Airborne sacrificed so much and whose families serving our country in Iraq. He is the bravest and unequivocally that our troops will anxiously await their return. person I have ever known, along with all the be redeployed from Iraq and will soon I speak on behalf of mothers I met other men and women serving this country. come home. who felt they had to buy body armor I am proud to be an American! Please, The most powerful motivating force for their sons and daughters headed for please, on behalf of my family and the fami- at our country’s disposal today is the Iraq because they could not trust this lies of all U.S. troops—bring them home now! prospect of our redeployment out of administration to provide what was Mr. President, these voices will not Iraq. Let me repeat that. The most needed. be unfamiliar to anyone in this body. powerful motivating force at our coun- The Senate may have been muzzled In every State, we have heard similar try’s disposal today is the prospect of in recent days, but Rhode Islanders voices. You have heard them in Colo- redeployment out of Iraq. Using this certainly have not been. More than rado, Mr. President. My friend, Senator power wisely, deftly, and thoughtfully 2,000 of them have reached out to my SANDERS, has heard them in Vermont. would accomplish three critical objec- office in frustration, in anger, and in People all across America are speaking tives that, as I have said, would make concern—and in the hope that this new to all of us, and it is time for us to lis- great strides toward security in Iraq Democratic Senate will listen to them ten and to show that we have heard and and stability in the region. and hear them, as this administration to start to bring our soldiers home. First, a clear statement of our intent will not. The President has not heard these to redeploy our troops from Iraq would I want to share some of what they voices. He wants to send tens of thou- eliminate the sense there that we are have written me: sands more troops to Iraq. He calls this an Army of occupation. This in turn I was at Michael Weidemann’s funeral. a surge. We consider it a grave mis- would quiet the nationalist sentiment take. of the Iraqi people, now aroused Mr. President, Michael was a 23-year- Tomorrow, our vote can stop the par- against us. Many Iraqis are now so op- old Army sergeant from Newport, liamentary maneuvers that have posed to our presence they think kill- killed in an IED blast in Anbar Prov- stalled us, and this great deliberative ing American soldiers is acceptable. ince last November. body can begin to debate the most Second, without America’s inter- The letter continues: pressing question of this day. vening presence, the world community Please, if nothing else, take care of things, Let’s talk for a moment about that would have to face directly the con- so that we do not have to go through what question. The other side wishes to de- sequences of the situation in Iraq. The we went through at that funeral. Michael and my son . . . were in the JROTC together. bate every question, any question—any prospect of our departure would compel . . . He is on his second tour of Iraq. Please, question but the escalation by this the world to take a more active role to don’t make yesterday a dress rehearsal for President of our troops in Iraq by over work together with America to bring me. I want my son to come home, safely. 21,000 men and women. But this ques- peace and stability to the region. We

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2158 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 cannot continue as we are now, in tional authority to start a war against insurgency was ‘‘in its last throes’’ just every meaningful way completely Iran without the express authority of before some of the bloodiest months of alone. the Congress. There are many people in the war. Who will forget those Bush ad- Third, Iraq’s neighbors will be my State of Vermont—and there are visors who predicted the war would be obliged to assume greater responsi- people all over this country—who are a cakewalk, nothing to worry about, bility for averting the risk of a Sunni- deeply worried that the President may and that we would be greeted in Iraq as Shiite conflict igniting in Iraq and take us into a war in Iran and that he liberators. spreading beyond Iraq’s borders. With- is currently laying the groundwork for This war in Iraq has come at a very out us in Iraq as a police force for a that war in exactly the same way he high price in so many ways. This is a civil war, neighboring nations will led us into the war in Iraq. war that has cost us terribly in Amer- have an enlivened incentive to avert a So let me be very clear: If President ican blood. As of today, we have lost wider war. Bush were to start a war in Iran with- over 3,100 brave American soldiers. In Finally, the Bush administration’s out receiving the authority to do so my own small State of Vermont, we preoccupation with Iraq leaves us from Congress, he would not only be have lost 25. Twenty-three thousand weakened in our capability to address creating, in my view, an international more Americans have been wounded, other obligations around the world, disaster, he would also be creating a and tens of thousands will be coming from the changing situation in North major constitutional crisis. I hope very home with posttraumatic stress dis- Korea, to the ongoing battle for Af- much he does not do that. order which will impact their lives for- ghanistan, to the serious threat posed President Bush fails to understand ever. This is a war which, with the by Iran’s nuclear program. the power to declare war under the President’s proposed increase in fund- Mr. President, these are serious mat- Constitution is given to the Congress, ing, will cost us some $500 billion, with ters, and they deserve the serious and not the President. My resolution, S. the price tag going up by $8 billion sustained attention of the Senate. I Con. Res. 13, is very simple. It states every month. This cost is going to add hope tomorrow’s vote will allow us to clearly that it is ‘‘the sense of Congress to the huge national debt we are leav- bring this question that attention. that the President should not initiate ing to our children and our grand- Mr. President, I will support that military action against Iran without children and it is going to make it that vote tomorrow. I ask other Senators, first obtaining authorization from Con- much more difficult for us to fund who hear our fellow Americans’ gen- gress.’’ I hope my colleagues will give health care, education, environmental uine and sincere concern about our na- strong support to this resolution. protection, affordable housing, tional interest, will do the same. Mr. President, in my State of childcare, and the pressing needs of the I will support not only the resolution Vermont and all across this Nation, middle class and working families of disapproving of the President’s esca- the American people are increasingly our country which have been so long lation plan and supporting our troops, concerned about the war in Iraq. As neglected. Yes, for more military but also other, stronger measures that others have stated more eloquently spending; no, for the needs of ordinary will follow, and that will continue to than I, the American people want real Americans who are struggling so hard put pressure on this administration to debate in Washington, in the Senate, to keep their heads above water. finally bring our troops home. on this issue that is worrying people This increased expense for the war Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the all across our Nation. More impor- will make it that much harder for us to floor. tantly, not only do they want debate, fund the needs of our veterans whose I yield the floor. they want action, and they want action numbers are increasing as a result of The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. now. this war. This is a war which has CASEY). The Senator from Vermont is Frankly, I have a hard time under- caused unimaginable horror for the recognized. standing why some of my colleagues people of Iraq. People who suffered so f would try, through parliamentary ma- long under the brutality of the Saddam neuvers, to prevent a vote on what is at Hussein dictatorship are suffering even IRAN best a very modest proposal. This issue more today. There are estimates that Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, before is not complicated in terms of what hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have I begin discussing the war in Iraq, I will be taking place tomorrow on this been killed or wounded and almost 2 wish to say a few words about another floor. It seems to me that if you sup- million have been forced to flee their issue that is perhaps even more impor- port President Bush’s escalation of the own country, some 8 percent of their tant and that is the constitutional war in Iraq—and there are many who entire population. While civil war tears issues at the very heart of this entire do—then vote against the resolution. neighborhoods apart, children are with- debate. That is your right. On the other hand, out schools, people are without elec- Let me be very frank: I am not a if you don’t believe that an escalation tricity, health care, and other basic ne- great fan of the Bush administration. of this war is a sensible idea—and I cer- cessities of life. The doctors and And of the many grave concerns I have tainly do not—then vote for the Reid nurses, teachers and administrators about President Bush and his actions, resolution. But at the very least, there who have provided the professional in- at the top of that list is that the Presi- should be a vote. Let the American frastructure for the people of Iraq are dent seems not to understand what the people know how we stand. now long gone. Constitution of the United States is all Let me be clear in giving you my per- This is a war which has lowered our about. Whether it is the consistent at- spective on this war: In my view, Presi- standing in the international commu- tack on our constitutional rights dent Bush’s war in Iraq has been a dis- nity to an all-time low in our lifetimes, which his administration has pursued aster. It is a war we were misled into with leaders in democratic countries for a number of years or his ‘‘signing and a war many of us believe we never hesitant to work with us because of the statements’’ which attempt to cir- should have gotten into in the first lack of respect their citizens have for cumvent legislation passed by Con- place, a war I voted against as a Mem- our President. Long-time friends and gress, the President appears to believe ber of the House. This is a war the ad- allies are simply wondering: What is he can do whatever he wants, whenever ministration was unprepared to fight. going on in the United States of Amer- he wants to. That, in my view, is not The administration has shown little ica, that great country? This is a war what the United States of America is understanding of the enemy or the his- which has stretched both our Active- all about, and it is not what our Con- torical context in which we found our- Duty military to the breaking point as stitution provides for. selves. well as our National Guard and Reserve In that regard, I wish to inform my Who will ever forget President Bush forces. colleagues in the Senate that I have declaring ‘‘mission accomplished’’ Morale in the military is low, and submitted a resolution, similar to one aboard the aircraft carrier Abraham this war will have a lasting impact on introduced by Congressman DEFAZIO in Lincoln when, in fact, the mission had the future recruitment, retention, and the House, that makes it very clear the barely begun. Who will forget Vice readiness of our Nation’s Armed President does not have the constitu- President CHENEY telling us that the Forces.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2159 This is a war which has, in many re- March of 2002, he told us Iraq had weap- rean war or the Vietnam war. Our spects, lowered our capability to effec- ons of mass destruction and that they standing in the international commu- tively fight the very serious threats of were poised to use them against us. nity has declined and our ability to international terrorism and Islamic ex- That was not true and certainly has no combat international terrorism has tremism. Five years after the horrific relevance to the war today. In 2002, he been seriously compromised. attacks of 9/11, Osama bin Laden re- told us Iraq was somehow linked to al- It is time to say no to this ill-con- mains free. Using the presence of U.S. Qaida and had some responsibility for ceived escalation. It is time to deploy troops in Iraq as their rallying cry, al- the 9/11 attack against our country. our troops out of harm’s way. It is time Qaida’s strength around the world con- That also turned out not to be true and to end this war and to bring our troops tinues to grow. And currently the situ- certainly has no relevance today to the home as soon as we possibly can. ation in Afghanistan is becoming more situation in which we find ourselves. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- and more difficult. In the 2006 elections, the American ator from Illinois is recognized. Tragically, this administration has people, in a loud and unmistakable Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I thank refused to listen to the American peo- voice, told us they no longer had con- my colleagues. I have listened care- ple who, in this last election, made it fidence in the Bush administration’s fully to the remarks of the Senator from Vermont, Mr. SANDERS. I know of very clear they want a new direction in handling of the war in Iraq. In my his passion and his knowledge on the Iraq and they want this war wound view, they told us they wanted Con- subject. That was demonstrated by his down. This administration has refused gress to begin asserting its constitu- words this evening. He speaks from the to listen to the thoughtful suggestions tional authority over this war and that heart on many issues. I know he spoke of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, they wanted us to rein in this adminis- from his heart this evening about this which included two former Secretaries tration. Most importantly, they told us war in Iraq. Before him, Senator of State, including President Bush’s they wanted us to begin the process of WHITEHOUSE, a new colleague from own father’s Secretary of State, as well bringing our troops home as soon as Rhode Island, read letters he received as a former Presidential Chief Of Staff possible. And as a Vermont Senator, from constituents asking the same and a former Secretary of Defense, that that is exactly the effort I intend to questions we are hearing across Illinois it was time for a change of direction. make. and across the country—questions The President didn’t listen to them. In my view, the Reid resolution be- about why we are in this war and how This administration has refused to lis- fore us is but a small first step at mov- we will start to bring our troops home. ten to the advice of our military leading us forward. If it is passed—and I Today, in the House of Representa- ers in Iraq who told us increasing hope it will be—it must be followed tives, in a historic vote, by a margin of troops from the United States would with much stronger legislation that 246 to 182, the House of Representatives make it easier for the Iraqi Govern- has real teeth in it. That is what the made it clear they do not approve of ment and military to avoid their polit- American people want. I have cospon- President Bush’s new policy to escalate ical and military responsibilities. The sored legislation, introduced by Sen- this war in Iraq. more troops that come in, the easier it ator KENNEDY, that would prohibit the I think you have to step back for a is for the Iraqi Government to avoid use of funds for an escalation of U.S. moment and reflect on what happened making the political compromises and military forces without a specific, new today. Four years into a war—which the tough choices they have to make. authorization from the Congress—a Senator SANDERS has reminded us has This administration has refused to prohibition also included in the legisla- lasted longer than World War I or II— listen to the Iraqi people, who, accord- tion introduced by Senator OBAMA, we are now engaged in the first meaning to a number of polls, tell us very whose bill I also support. ingful debate about the course of that strongly that they believe in the midst Instead of just voicing our dis- war since the invasion; and 3,132 Amer- of all of the chaos and horror taking approval of President Bush’s escalation ican soldiers have died, thousands have place in Iraq today, the Iraqi people of the war in a nonbinding manner, we been injured, billions have been spent, say they would be safer and more se- should now be considering legislation and for years the Congress, in the cure if our troops left their country. In that provides for the safe and orderly thrall of another party, didn’t have a fact, this administration has tragically redeployment of virtually all of our hearing, didn’t have a debate, and refused to listen to anybody, except troops out of Iraq within the next year, didn’t question the policy of this war. that same shrinking inner circle, led even as we continue to give support to It is no surprise that the American by Vice President CHENEY, who has the Iraq Government and their mili- people reached the limit of their toler- been consistently wrong from day one. tary for the purpose of helping them ance and, in the last election, made it Those are the people the President con- accept their political and military re- clear they want a change—not just a tinues to listen to. sponsibilities. That is the legislation change in Congress but a change in the As most everybody understands, and we should be passing. policy when it came to this war in Iraq. as the recent National Intelligence Es- Senator FEINGOLD has introduced leg- I was heartened after the election, par- timate has recently confirmed, the sit- islation requiring that our troops be ticularly when President Bush asked uation in Iraq today is extremely dire. redeployed from Iraq within 6 months for the resignation of Secretary of De- The sad truth is that now there are no of passage of the bill. Senator OBAMA fense Rumsfeld. I thought that finally good options before us; there are sim- has introduced similar legislation re- we were going to see a breakaway from ply less bad options. In Iraq today, acquiring that our troops be redeployed this so-called neocon theory that cording to Secretary of Defense Bob starting this May. dragged us into this terrible conflict. Gates, there are now at least four sepa- In my view, while I will vote for the Unfortunately, what I hoped for wasn’t rate wars being fought—four separate Reid resolution tomorrow, and while I realized. Even though I think Robert wars that our soldiers, who have fought think it is terribly important that we Gates, the successor of Rumsfeld, is a with incredible bravery and skill, now bring together a bipartisan effort to good man and will be a good Secretary find themselves in the middle of. tell the President this escalation is of Defense, when it came time for the Let me quote Secretary Gates, who wrong, the bottom line is we must go President to talk about the policies of has recently stated: forward well beyond that, and we must the war and what we would do, he dug I believe there are essentially four do that in the near future. We must ex- the hole deeper. wars going on in Iraq: One is Shia on ercise the constitutional responsibility I am not a military strategist and Shia, principally in the south; second we have over the power of the purse. don’t profess to be. There are people in is sectarian conflict, principally in We are mired in a war that has now our caucus with military experience Baghdad, but not solely; third is the in- gone on longer than any American in- who can speak to a wise strategy and surgency; and fourth is al-Qaida. volvement—longer than American in- an unwise strategy. I am not nec- The reality today, as described by volvement in either the First World essarily one of those, nor do I profess the Secretary of Defense, has nothing War or the Second World War. We will to be. But I have been to Iraq twice— to do with why President Bush got us spend more money on this war in real first, in the early stage, when we vis- into this war in the first place. In dollars than we spent on either the Ko- ited the Green Zone in Baghdad and it

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2160 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 was so dangerous that we could not deployed. The Army is scrambling to We don’t have the [armor] kits, and we even stay overnight. In October, we find the gear and personnel for units don’t have the trucks. were allowed to stay the night and that are being sent to Iraq and Afghan- He said it will take the Army visit with troops in the field and talk istan, pulling both people and equip- months, probably until the summer, to to some of the people who were work- ment out of other units, scavenging for supply and outfit additional trucks. In ing in Iraq. I will share some of those pieces of equipment that are necessary, the meantime, units are sharing vehi- recollections in a moment. to get them ready in some fashion for cles, many of which are not properly First, let me tell you that my high- battle. General Schoomaker testified protected so that these soldiers will be est priority was to sit across the table before the Senate Armed Services Com- safe. from our soldiers, to break bread with mittee that—pay special attention to The Washington Post interviewed them and talk about home and try to this—‘‘I am not satisfied with the read- commanders in Iraq about the equip- take their minds away from the danger iness of our nondeployed forces.’’ ment situation. These commanders of their daily lives. These men and We ask a lot of our men and women doubted that the new units would re- women are the best. These are the best in uniform. We ask for their commit- ceive the full complement of humvees and bravest among us. They are volun- ment to our country. We ask them to that they need. teers to a person. They have enlisted in be trained and to be brave. But we One senior Army official was quoted the services and they risk their lives should never ask them to go into battle as saying shortfalls would be inevitable every single day. without the equipment they need in ‘‘unless five brigades of uparmored Unfortunately, many want to drag order to come home safely. humvees fall out of the sky.’’ This offi- this debate into a referendum about What this general says, the outgoing cial predicted some units would have to whether we respect, admire, and honor Army Chief of Staff, is that that is ex- rely more heavily on Bradley fighting these troops. Any honest person would actly what is going to happen with this vehicles and tanks. tell you that you should concede the escalation. Men and women will be sent The good news is that these vehicles obvious: We all respect, admire, and into dangerous situations without the are very highly armored, but they may not be the best vehicles for the mis- honor these troops. Many of us believe protection they need. sion. the best way to honor them is to start On January 25, the Department of Our troops are the best. Shouldn’t bringing them safely home. When I Defense inspector general released a summary report that stated that their equipment be the best? If you be- think about what they have faced, and lieve that an escalation of this war and continue to face, and I think about American forces in Iraq and Afghani- stan experienced ‘‘shortages of force- more soldiers thrown into the crossfire these young men and women getting of the civil war is in the best interest into these humvees or walking the protection equipment, such as uparmored vehicles, electronic coun- of America, shouldn’t those same Sen- streets of Baghdad and other cities, termeasure devices, crew-served weap- ators step forward and demand that risking their lives every day, I want ons, and communications equipment.’’ these soldiers be given the equipment this to end and end soon. they need? What those on the other side argue is January 25, just a few days ago. The report went on to say: These equipment shortfalls are more the opposite. They argue that the As a result, servicemembers were not al- acute on the battlefield, of course, but President is right, that sending more ways equipped to effectively complete their they are echoed throughout our mili- troops into harm’s way is the best way missions. tary, including the Guard and Reserve. to end the war. I could not disagree We have a special responsibility— I recently met with Lieutenant Gen- more. But the point of that disagree- those who make the policy in this town eral Blum, Chief of the National Guard ment is the reason the debate is nec- and those who vote for it—to keep our Bureau at the Pentagon. He reports essary. It happened in the House. It promise to these soldiers and their that National Guard equipment readi- should happen in the Senate. families that we will give them the ness levels are at 34 percent. Guard Tomorrow, we will have a chance, at training and equipment they need so units have about one-third of the 1:45 p.m. eastern time, to vote as to they can perform their missions effec- equipment they need to be ready for whether we will have a real debate on tively. battle. That is 34 percent of the equip- this war in Iraq. I am not hopeful. We The same report I referred to stated ment they need for missions at home need the cooperation of Republican that when servicemembers were asked and abroad. That is another direct cost Senators to even debate the issue. to perform tasks outside their usual of the war in Iraq. Many have already announced they are duties, they often did not receive the I asked the general what the Penta- opposed to this debate; they don’t want equipment necessary to perform their gon’s plans were to address this situa- it to occur. I think they are wrong. I wartime mission. tion. He said there was a 5-year budget think they are walking away from our These were tasks such as training plan to bring the Guard up to a readi- basic responsibility as Members of the Iraqi forces, one of our most important ness level of 60 percent, which inciden- Senate. missions, or disposing of explosives, a tally is below the level of readiness I think those who want an escalation highly dangerous undertaking. when this war began. of the war need to answer some funda- Today’s Washington Post states that In the world we live in, 60 percent is mental questions. I think they should approximately 40 percent of Army and not good enough if it is your son, your answer the question: How many troops Marine Corps equipment is now in Iraq daughter, your brother, your sister, will be involved here? Will it be 21,000, or Afghanistan or undergoing repair or your husband, or your wife. It will cost as the President says or, as the CBO maintenance. another $40 billion to bring the Guard tells us, a number much larger than It is inexcusable that 4 years and al- up to the readiness level that we really 21,000, which represents combat troops; most $400 billion into this war, we need. I think that is an investment we they may need an equal or larger num- should be sending our troops into ac- ought to make. ber to support those combat troops, en- tion without the equipment they need. That is one of the real costs of this dangering the lives of 40,000 more sol- Those who support the escalation and war—to make sure our troops, our diers, not 20,000. say they are supporting the troops Guard, have the equipment they need. Outgoing Army Chief of Staff Peter need to be asked, and answer, the basic These issues demand our attention, our Schoomaker said yesterday that an in- question: How can you support a sol- debate, and our vote. crease of 17,500 Army combat troops in dier if you don’t give them the equip- Tomorrow, if the Republicans refuse Iraq represents, in his words, ‘‘only the ment they need to be safe, perform to cross the aisle to cooperate, to start tip of the iceberg.’’ It worries me that their mission, and come home? this debate, these questions will not be this is the beginning of a spiraling es- Army Deputy Chief of Staff of Force addressed as part of this debate over calation, endangering even more Development, LTG Stephen Speakes, the escalation of this war. That is not troops. recently said the Army would need fair to these soldiers. That is not fair Army officials have also stated that 1,500 up-armored trucks for the new to their families. It certainly is not virtually all of the U.S.-based Army forces that were being sent to Iraq. But fair to the States and the people we combat brigades are not prepared to be he went on to say: represent.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2161 We should have an up-or-down vote, a would launch a forceful ‘‘plan B,’’ as he William Proxmire of Wisconsin, lit- basic exercise of Congress’s responsi- called it, if Sudan did not accept the erally came to the floor of the Senate bility. We have offered to the Repub- joint United Nations-African Union every day it was in session for years to licans an opportunity to vote not only peacekeeping mission that is des- convince the Senate to ratify this trea- on the measure that passed the House perately needed in Darfur. As described ty. Finally, it happened. We focused on today but on an alternative offered by in the Washington Post, plan B was to that treaty and the rule of law. Senator MCCAIN, who is asking we in- include aggressive economic measures Given the ongoing crisis in Darfur crease the troops who will be involved. against Sudan. and our own ineffectual attempts to I have read many things about this Today is February 16. There are only halt the killing, I felt that should be war. Some of them I think are ex- a handful of U.N. peacekeepers in the first topic of this new sub- tremely insightful; some of them are Darfur. Still no sign of plan B, other committee. troubling. Yesterday in the Wash- than four U.S. Army colonels who have The witnesses who came before us in- ington Post, there was an article which been stationed along the Chad-Sudan cluded the Canadian general, former laid out what was expected to happen border. U.N. general, and now Senator in Can- in Iraq and never occurred. Last week, according to a student ada, Romeo Dallaire. When GEN Tommy Franks and his publication at Georgetown University In 1994, General Dallaire commanded top officers got together in August 2002 and other news sources, Ambassador a small U.N. force in Rwanda. When to review the invasion plan for Iraq, Andrew Natsios told a student audi- the first wave of murders began, Gen- they reflected on what would likely ence that genocide was no longer tak- eral Dallaire called for 5,000 troops— occur. By their estimate today, we ing place in Darfur. He was quoted as 5,000 troops—to halt the killing. would have 5,000 American soldiers left saying: My predecessor, my mentor, Senator in that theater. Instead, we have over The term genocide is counter to the facts Paul Simon of Illinois, along with Sen- 130,000 and a President wanting to in- of what is really occurring in Darfur. ator Jim Jeffords from Vermont, of the crease that number by 20,000 or 40,000 I understand it is possible to get en- opposite party, both came together and more. It shows that the planning and tangled in words and semantics in the called on President Clinton to help. vision of the people who scheduled this definition of ‘‘genocide,’’ but I was Sadly, the Clinton administration did invasion was seriously flawed. truly surprised to read this statement not. In fairness, they have acknowl- I joined 22 others on the floor of the from Ambassador Natsios. edged it was the most serious foreign Senate voting against the authoriza- On December 10, not that long ago, policy mistake of their years in Wash- tion for this war. I felt at the time that the White House released a statement ington. the American people had been de- headlined in part, ‘‘President Bush Ap- General Dallaire did not receive the ceived—deceived about weapons of palled by Genocide in Darfur.’’ reinforcements. Instead, this tiny force mass destruction that did not exist, de- The President’s statement continued: of 2,500 was reduced. His country start- ceived about connections with al-Qaida Our Nation is appalled by the genocide in ed withdrawing their soldiers from the terrorists and 9/11, which did not exist, Darfur, which has led to the spread of fight- U.N. force until there were only 450 left deceived about nuclear weapons and ing and hostility in the Republic of Chad and on the ground. They couldn’t deal with mushroom clouds when there was no the Central African Republic. the slaughter that followed. It is esti- threat. Nothing that I have seen or been told That deception that occurred in the convinces me that conditions in Darfur mated that over 800,000 people were fear and panic that still followed 9/11 are significantly better today than murdered in a very short period of led many of my colleagues to vote for they were on December 10 when Presi- time. this war. I was not one of them. But dent Bush reconfirmed the ongoing In Darfur, the African Union has then came the time when I was chal- horror of genocide. I can only assume tried to stop the killing, but after 4 lenged, and others, as to whether we the President was troubled by the Spe- years, U.N. peacekeeping forces have would vote for the money to wage the cial Envoy’s statement as well. not even reached the level of 450. In his war. I stopped and reflected and said if The State Department has since statement for the subcommittee hear- my son or my daughter was in uniform, sought to clarify these remarks and ing on genocide, General Dallaire said I would want them to have everything stated that it remains the administra- this of Darfur: they need to come home safely, even if tion’s position that the situation in I have on occasion considered bringing a I think this policy is wrong. Darfur is genocide. The State Depart- flak jacket I wore during the Rwandan geno- These soldiers, sailors, marines, and ment explained that the Special Envoy cide—a jacket that was blood-soaked from airmen didn’t write this policy. It was was referring to the fact that death carrying a 12-year-old girl who had been mu- tilated and repeatedly raped—into the [Cana- written in the Pentagon and the White rates are lower now, but the conditions dian] Senate chamber and throwing it in the House. They were sent into battle with could escalate. middle of the room. Maybe this would finally the battle plans that were handed to I would argue that they are already capture the attention of the political elite in them, not battle plans that they wrote. escalating. People continue to be mur- a way words fail to do. Maybe it would fi- They deserve a lot better. They deserve dered and villages have been attacked nally bring home the point that human to come home. If they are going to war, by air. Humanitarian aid workers have rights are not only for those who have the they deserve the equipment they need. come under special assault recently. money to buy and sustain [them]; they are They deserve leadership in the White These brave men and women, unarmed, the privilege and the right of every human being. House and in Congress that is sensitive working for the poorest people on to their bravery and responds with real Earth, have been subjected to beatings, Mr. President, we must do more in caring for their future. rape, and arrests. Darfur. The United States must work through the United Nations and with f These concentrated attacks threaten the people of Darfur who depend on other countries of influence to compel DARFUR thin relief lines for survival. If the re- the Khartoum Government to accept a Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise lief workers are forced to withdraw and peacekeeping mission, and we must today to come to the floor, as I have these lines are severed, hundreds of help provide the resources to make done many times before, to speak on thousands of lives will be in jeopardy. that possible. the crisis in Darfur, Sudan. I keep com- Recently, along with Senator Here at home we can do more as well. ing because at the very least, I want to COBURN, I held the first hearing of the I am a strong supporter of divestment. do that, to keep speaking out. But this Judiciary Subcommittee on Human I served in the House of Representa- Senator, this Congress, this country, Rights and the Law. The focus of the tives during apartheid in South Africa and the world must all do more. None hearing was genocide and the rule of when we tried everything in our power of us have done enough. law. Before this hearing, we noted that to stop the racist government. We sug- Last fall, U.S. Special Envoy to the United States was a late signatory gested divestment. Many said it would Darfur Andrew Natsios declared that to the treaty on genocide. One of our be worthless; it wouldn’t have an im- on January 1, 2007, the United States predecessors in the Senate, Senator pact. But I think it was a positive

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2162 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 thing, and I am glad that we moved cover crimes committed outside the VOTING RIGHTS ACT forward. United States, including torture, pi- REAUTHORIZATION We need to do the same in Sudan racy, material support to terrorists, Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, it today. Millions of Americans are un- terrorism financing, and the taking of gives me great pleasure to come before knowingly investing in companies that hostages. Genocide should be subject to the Senate today to speak on legisla- do business in support of the Khartoum the same basic penalties. tion that the Senate passed last night, Government. I know because I was one I hope these initiatives will be bipar- S. 188. of them. I discovered that fact when a tisan, as much of the Congresses work Just last month, I introduced S. 188 reporter, who researched my publicly on Darfur has been. These steps I have with Senators REID, LEAHY, FEINSTEIN, disclosed investments—not a massive mentioned will not stop the killing in BOXER, and MENENDEZ. This straight- portfolio, I might add—told me one of Darfur, but they will add to our arsenal forward measure would incorporate the mutual funds I owned included the of weapons against genocide. We should Ce´sar E. Cha´ vez—a truly remarkable stock of a company doing business in do far more to deal with these dan- civil rights leader and American—into Sudan. I immediately sold it. But that gerous situations, more to prevent the title of the reauthorization of the reporter’s question was a powerful mass atrocities from occurring, more Voting Rights Act passed last year. wake-up call for me. to stop crimes against humanity once Ce´sar Cha´ vez is an American hero. A growing number of States, led by they begin, and more to help those who Like the venerable American leaders my home State of Illinois and State have been victimized, punishing the who are now associated with this ef- Senator Jacqueline Collins, a real lead- perpetrators. fort, he sacrificed his life to empower er on this issue, and a growing number Eleanor Roosevelt once asked: the most vulnerable in America. For of colleges and universities, including ‘‘Where do universal human rights this reason, he continues to be an im- Northwestern University—and I par- begin?’’ And she answered: ‘‘They begin portant part of our country’s journey ticularly salute President Henry in small places, close to home. So close on the path to a more inclusive Amer- Bienen—have taken steps to address and so small that they cannot be seen ica. Ce´sar Cha´ vez believed strongly in this issue of investing in Sudan. Some on any maps of the world. Yet they are our American democracy and saw the have sought to fully divest pension the world of the individual person; the right to vote as a fundamental corner- funds and endowments, others have neighborhood he lives in; the school or stone of our freedom. I believe it is fit- adopted more targeted measures to re- college he attends; the factory, the ting that his name be a part of the restrict investments in the largest com- farm, or office where he works.’’ authorization of the Voting Rights panies operating in Sudan. I believe the means to stopping geno- Act. I salute these efforts, and I plan to cide in Darfur begins with each of us, I would like to thank Senator LEAHY, introduce legislation to help provide and so does the responsibility. chairman of the Senate Judiciary Com- I will close with one observation. As Federal support for these efforts as mittee, for his support. I sincerely ap- a student at Georgetown University preciate his efforts to quickly steer S. well. Our subcommittee’s genocide hearing many years ago, I had an outstanding 188 through his committee. I enthu- also identified a serious loophole in government professor named Jan siastically supported last year’s Voting Karski. Professor Karski had been in- Rights Act reauthorization. I firmly Federal antigenocide law that Congress volved in the Polish underground dur- believe that this landmark civil rights needs to close. Genocide is a Federal ing World War II. He was a brave man legislation has opened the door for mil- crime, but under the law, as currently who risked his life fighting the Nazis. lions of Hispanic Americans to fully ex- written, only genocide that takes place He learned of the Holocaust, came to ercise their right to participate in our in the United States or is committed the United States, barely speaking democracy. by a U.S. national can be punished by English, trying to find people in Wash- Adding Ce´sar E. Cha´ vez’s name sends our courts. Federal investigators have ington who would listen and who could an important message to Hispanic identified war criminals who were in- understand that hundreds of thousands Americans. It signals to the Nation’s 40 volved in the Rwandan genocide and of innocent people were being killed. million Hispanics that the Voting the Srebrenica massacres who have He couldn’t find an audience with those Rights Act has been reauthorized with found safe haven in our country. These who could make a difference. their interest and constitutional rights are people perpetrating genocide in I thought about that course, and I in mind. During the Judiciary Commit- other places on Earth now safely thought about the course of history, tee’s consideration of S. 188, Senator ensconced in the United States. But be- how the Holocaust unfolded during LEAHY offered an amendment that in- cause they are not U.S. nationals, be- World War II and at least 6 million corporated another important Amer- cause the genocide didn’t occur within died, maybe many more, and nothing ican leader. His amendment to add Wil- our borders, we cannot, under our cur- happened. And I wondered, despite all liam C. Vela´ squez to the title of the rent law, prosecute them. that time and all that notice, why Voting Rights Act reauthorization bill The Justice Department has been un- couldn’t they do something? has my strong and unequivocal sup- able to prosecute these individuals, and Now I know. port. we need to take another look at it. Let It has been 4 years since we declared In 1974, Mr. Vela´ squez founded the me give an example: Salah Abdallah a genocide in Darfur. People continue Southwest Voter Registration Edu- Gosh is the head of security of the Su- to be murdered on our watch. I hope cation Project, SVREP. Using his pow- danese government. He reportedly has my colleagues in the Senate on both erful slogan—Su Voto es Su Voz or played a key role in the government’s sides of the aisle will join me not only your vote is your voice—he energized genocidal campaign in Darfur. In the in these efforts but efforts they believe the Hispanic community and registered year 2005, Mr. Gosh came to Wash- will move us toward a day when there many to vote. Mr. Vela´ squez envi- ington to meet with senior administra- is peace in this region of the world. We sioned a time when Latinos would play tion officials. Under current law, the have a responsibility to do that to an important role in the American Justice Department could not arrest these people and to the cause of hu- democratic process. When SVREP was him for the crime of genocide. manity. established, there were only 1,566 I am developing legislation that Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I Latino elected officials. Today, there closes this loophole, giving Federal suggest the absence of a quorum. are over 6,000 Hispanics elected to prosecutors the tools they need to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The local, State, and Federal office, includ- prosecute individuals who have com- clerk will call the roll. ing 3 U.S. Senators and 23 U.S. Rep- mitted genocide that are found in the The legislative clerk proceeded to resentatives. Like Ce´sar E. Cha´ vez, Mr. United States. No one guilty of geno- call the roll. Vela´ squez did not live to see the re- cide should ever view the United States Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask markable progress our country has as a safe haven. unanimous consent that the order for made. He passed away in 1988 from kid- This change in the law would simply the quorum call be rescinded. ney cancer. However, I am sure he is bring the antigenocide statute into line The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without looking down on this body with joy and with a lot of other Federal laws that objection, it is so ordered. pride.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2163 In addition, Senator CORNYN sought in the war on terror. In Kansas, it is no component/option,com—csis—pubs/ to include the name of former Con- different. However, these men and task,view /id,3729/typ, is not a political gresswoman Barbara Jordan, who also women continually rise to the chal- document. It reflects the views of the played an integral part in the history lenge, saving lives and defending de- study group members only. Neverthe- of the Voting Rights Act, and Dr. Hec- mocracy at home and abroad. less, it represents a serious attempt to tor Garcia, founder of the American GI Next week, we commemorate the outline a vision that would achieve a Forum. 50th Anniversary of the 190th Air Re- balance of power in Asia through 2020 Congresswoman Jordan was certainly fueling Wing in Kansas. The enormous that favors American interests and val- a remarkable civil rights and social sacrifice and dedication of the men and ues and promotes regional stability. justice leader and I support her inclu- women serving in 190th brings great I encourage all Senators and their sion in my legislation. In addition, Dr. credit to their unit and to the State of staffs to examine this serious and sig- Garcia fought for half a century for Kansas. nificant new report. This outstanding organization began civil and education rights for Mexican f Americans. as the 117th Fighter-Interceptor Squad- ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS Former President Bill Clinton, who ron in Hutchinson, KS. The unit was first met Dr. Garcia while registering federally recognized on February 23, voters in the Rio Grande Valley in 1972, 1957. Next week they will celebrate 50 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE called him a ‘‘national hero.’’ In the BRIGHT STAR RESTAURANT coming months, I will work with Sen- years of flying aircraft—from the F–80 to the B–57 to the KC–135 tankers they ∑ Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I am ator CORNYN to find another appro- maintain today. priate manner to honor Dr. Garcia’s pleased to have the opportunity to rec- Since 1967, the 190th has been based ognize the 100th Anniversary of the work with the American G.I. Forum. in our State capital of Topeka, KS. The American G.I. Forum was estab- Bright Star Restaurant in Bessemer, They continue to be leaders in the AL. Since 1907, the Bright Star has lished in the wake of World War II State and in the Air National Guard, when Hispanic veterans returned home been providing the citizens of our State which is evident through their most re- and its visitors with delicious food and and were categorically denied their G.I. cent awards—the Spaatz trophy for Bill of Rights benefits. Dr. Garcia was superior service. Today, this family- outstanding Air National Guard Flying owned business, led by Jimmy and propelled into the national spotlight Wing and the Air Force Outstanding when he fought to have Army PVT Nick Koikos, continues to build on this Unit Award. tradition. While America is famous for Longoria buried alongside others in the As we continue to debate the difficult local cemetery in his hometown of its chain restaurants, there remain topic of our presence in Iraq, I hope my many of the old ones which have at- Three Rivers, TX. Dr. Garcia called colleagues will take a moment to rec- Members of Congress and alerted the mosphere, friendship, and good food. ognize, with me, the outstanding con- They are a valuable part of our com- press to this injustice. tributions of our Nation’s troops. Not Within 24 hours, he received a tele- munities and unite us in many ways. only has our volunteer force proven The Bright Star is a classic. gram from then Senator Lyndon B. themselves the best in the world, our Johnson that stated: Known for fresh gulf seafood, quality citizen soldiers have proven themselves steaks, and fresh vegetables, the Bright I deeply regret to learn that the prejudice second to none. Star is certain to satisfy every palate. of some individuals extends even beyond this I hope we will remember the personal The restaurant’s Greek style special- life. I have no authority over civilian funeral sacrifices of these men and women as ties are my personal favorites. In fact, homes. Nor does the federal government. we debate our support for them and I don’t believe the broiled snapper, However, I have made arrangements to have their mission. Felix Longoria buried with full military hon- along with the Greek salad, can be ors in Arlington National Cemetery ... where f topped. Although, admittedly, the the honored dead of our nation’s war rest. ARMITAGE II daily meat and three-vegetable specials As our Nation moves forward toward Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I would certainly give them a run for their the next chapter of civic equality and like to draw my colleagues’ attention money. inclusion, starting, last year, with the to a report released today by a bipar- Famous faces, like legendary coach reauthorization of the Voting Rights tisan panel of Asia specialists co- Paul ‘‘Bear’’ Bryant and former Sen- Act, it is fitting that we honor civil chaired by Richard L. Armitage and ator Howell Heflin, frequented the rights leaders whose contributions and Joseph Nye. The report, ‘‘The U.S.- Bright Star. I am certain that vir- courage helped pave the way for to- Japan Alliance: Getting Asia Right tually all of our congressional delega- day’s more inclusive democracy. Through 2020,’’ highlights major trends tion have eaten there including my col- With the Senate’s passage of S. 188, in Asia and provides the panel’s com- league, Senator SHELBY, on many occa- my attention and efforts will now focus prehensive analysis with security and sions. It is the place for good friends, on the U.S. House of Representatives. I economic policy recommendations, good food, and even a small taste of am hopeful that they will approve this with specific reference to our bilateral politics. Today, you will still see Ala- measure so that this landmark law can relations with Japan. bama coaches and fans filing through now be known as the Fannie Lou Many Senators will recall that Am- the dining room on their way to and Hamer, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott bassador Armitage and Dr. Nye issued from seeing the Crimson Tide play. King, Ce´sar E. Cha´ vez, Barbara Jordan, a report in October 2000 titled ‘‘The Not so long ago, I brought John William C. Vela´ squez, and Hector P. United States and Japan: Advancing Ashcroft by for dinner. This was his Garcia Voting Rights Act Reauthoriza- Toward a Mature Partnership.’’ This first visit to Alabama after becoming tion and Amendments Act of 2006. landmark document, which subse- the U.S. Attorney General, and I will Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, today quently became known as the never forget the wonderful reception I wish to speak about the accomplish- Armitage Report, aimed at strength- Jimmy and the staff gave us. I wanted ments of the Kansas Air National ening the U.S.-Japan relationship in to show off the best of Birmingham, so Guard, and specifically of the 190th Air the areas of politics, security, Oki- dinner at this fine restaurant was a no- Refueling Wing. nawa, intelligence, economics and di- brainer. Jimmy gave us a mouth-wa- I have made several statements on plomacy. This new report, which is al- tering overview of the menu, empha- the floor recently regarding my feel- ready being called ‘‘Armitage II,’’ con- sizing as I had hoped that he would, the ings on these resolutions. And today, tinues to emphasize the importance of renown seafood dishes. Everything instead of repeating my feelings on the the alliance but goes a step further, by sounded delicious, however it turned subject, I would like to acknowledge addressing the ways in which the alli- out that the Attorney General was al- some of our country’s brave men and ance can work to positively influence lergic to seafood and shellfish. I seem women. future affairs in Asia. to recall he had a steak that he en- As we all know, our Nation has been The report, which is available on the joyed, but he certainly missed out on relying heavily on our National Guard CSIS Web site at: http://www.csis.org/ those fresh gulf delicacies.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2164 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 Located just outside of Birmingham duced for American troops in the field which MURRAY, Mr. HATCH, Mr. BROWN, Mrs. in the quaint downtown area of Bes- would result in undermining their safety or CLINTON, Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. BINGAMAN, semer, the Bright Star is easily acces- their ability to complete their assigned mis- Ms. COLLINS, and Mr. BIDEN): sible and certainly a destination at- sions. S. 657. A bill to amend the Public Health traction. Moreover, you can always ex- f Service Act to add requirements regarding REPORTS OF COMMITTEES trauma care, and for other purposes; to the pect a good crowd of folks dining there Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and on any day of the week. Luckily, ex- The following reports of committees Pensions. pansions to the building over the years, were submitted: By Mr. THOMAS (for himself, Mr. ENZI, including ample banquet space, enable By Mr. BINGAMAN, from the Committee Mr. ALLARD, Mr. CRAIG, and Mr. diners to be comfortably accommo- on Energy and Natural Resources, without HAGEL): dated. I look forward to the lunch I amendment: S. 658. A bill to amend the Endangered Spe- have scheduled there for next week, S. 200. A bill to require the Secretary of cies Act of 1973 to improve the process for and I highly recommend a visit to all.∑ the Interior, acting through the Bureau of listing, recovery planning, and delisting, and Reclamation and the United States Geologi- for other purposes; to the Committee on En- f cal Survey, to conduct a study on ground- vironment and Public Works. MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT water resources in the State of Alaska, and By Mr. HAGEL: for other purposes (Rept. No. 110–20). S. 659. A bill to amend section 1477 of title Messages from the President of the S. 235. A bill to authorize the Secretary of 10, United States Code, to provide for the United States were communicated to the Interior to convey certain buildings and payment of the death gratuity with respect the Senate by Ms. Evans, one of his lands of the Yakima Project, Washington, to to members of the Armed Forces without a the Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District (Rept. secretaries. surviving spouse who are survived by a f No. 110–21). S. 263. A bill to amend the Oregon Re- minor child; to the Committee on Armed EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED source Conservation Act of 1996 to reauthor- Services. As in executive session the Presiding ize the participation of the Bureau of Rec- By Mr. DODD: lamation in the Deschutes River Conser- S. 660. A bill for the relief of Majan Jean; Officer laid before the Senate messages to the Committee on the Judiciary. from the President of the United vancy, and for other purposes (Rept. No. 110– 22). By Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON (for States submitting sundry nominations By Mr. BINGAMAN, from the Committee herself, Ms. SNOWE, and Mr. COCH- and a treaty which were referred to the on Energy and Natural Resources, with an RAN)): appropriate committees. amendment in the nature of a substitute: S. 661. A bill to establish kinship navigator (The nominations received today are S. 264. A bill to authorize the Bureau of programs, to establish guardianship assist- printed at the end of the Senate pro- Reclamation to participate in the rehabilita- ance payments for children, and for other ceedings.) tion of the Wallowa Lake Dam in Oregon, purposes; to the Committee on Finance. and for other purposes (Rept. No. 110–23). f By Ms. SNOWE: By Mr. BINGAMAN, from the Committee S. 662. A bill to authorize the Secretary of MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE on Energy and Natural Resources, without the Interior to conduct a special resource At 4:27 p.m., a message from the amendment: study to evaluate resources at the Harriet S. 265. A bill to authorize the Secretary of House of Representatives, delivered by Beecher Stowe House in Brunswick, Maine, the Interior, acting through the Bureau of to determine the suitability and feasibility Ms. Niland, one of its reading clerks, Reclamation, to conduct a water resource announced that the House has agreed of establishing the site as a unit of the Na- feasibility study for the Little Butte/Bear tional Park System, and for other purposes; to the following concurrent resolu- Creek Subbasins in Oregon (Rept. No. 110–24). to the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- S. 266. A bill to provide for the modifications, in which it requests the concur- sources. tion of an amendatory repayment contract rence of the Senate: By Mr. MCCAIN: between the Secretary of the Interior and H. Con. Res. 63. Concurrent resolution dis- the North Unit Irrigation District, and for S. 663. A bill to amend title 10, United approving of the decision of the President other purposes (Rept. No. 110–25). States Code, to repeal the statutory designa- announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy S. 220. A bill to authorize early repayment tion of beneficiaries of the $100,000 death gra- more than 20,000 additional United States of obligations to the Bureau of Reclamation tuity under section 1477 of title 10, United combat troops to Iraq. within the A & B Irrigation District in the States Code, and to permit members of the H. Con. Res. 67. Concurrent resolution pro- State of Idaho (Rept. No. 110–26). Armed Forces to designate in writing their viding for a conditional adjournment of the By Mr. BINGAMAN, from the Committee beneficiaries of choice in the event of their House of Representatives and a conditional on Energy and Natural Resources, with death while serving on active duty; to the recess or adjournment of the Senate. amendments: Committee on Armed Services. The message also announced that S. 275. A bill to establish the Prehistoric By Ms. LANDRIEU (for herself, Mr. pursuant to section 2(a) of the National Trackways National Monument in the State LIEBERMAN, Mr. REID, and Mr. STE- Cultural Center Act (20 U.S.C. 76h(a)), of New Mexico (Rept. No. 110–27). VENS): amended by Public Law 107–117, and f S. 664. A bill to provide adequate funding the order of the House of January 4, INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND for local governments harmed by Hurricane JOINT RESOLUTIONS Katrina of 2005 or Hurricane Rita of 2005; to 2007, the Speaker appoints the fol- the Committee on Homeland Security and lowing Members of the House of Rep- The following bills and joint resolu- Governmental Affairs. resentatives to the Board of Trustees tions were introduced, read the first By Mr. COLEMAN (for himself and Ms. of the John F. Kennedy Center for the and second times by unanimous con- KLOBUCHAR): Performing Arts: Mr. KENNEDY of sent, and referred as indicated: S. 665. A bill to require congressional ap- Rhode Island, Ms. DELAURO of Con- By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Mr. proval of loans made by the Secretary of Transportation in excess of $1,000,000,000; to necticut, and Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. KENNEDY, Mr. ENZI, Mr. MARTINEZ, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Mr. AKAKA, Mrs. DOLE, Mr. BROWN, At 5:51 p.m., a message from the Transportation. Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. By Mr. SCHUMER: House of Representatives, delivered by NELSON of Florida, and Ms. Mr. Hays, one of its reading clerks, an- LANDRIEU): S. 666. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- nounced that the House has passed the S. 655. A bill to amend the Congressional enue Code of 1986 to terminate certain incen- following bill, in which it requests the Charter of The American National Red Cross tives for oil and gas; to the Committee on Fi- concurrence of the Senate: to modernize its governance structure, to en- nance. hance the ability of the board of governors of By Mr. BOND (for himself and Mrs. H.R. 976. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- The American National Red Cross to support CLINTON): enue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief for the critical mission of The American Red S. 667. A bill to expand programs of early small businesses, and for other purposes. Cross in the 21st century, and for other pur- childhood home visitation that increase f poses; to the Committee on the Judiciary. school readiness, child abuse and neglect MEASURES PLACED ON THE By Mr. REED: prevention, and early identification of devel- CALENDAR S. 656. A bill to provide for the adjustment opmental and health delays, including poten- of status of certain nationals of Liberia to tial mental health concerns, and for other The following bill was read the sec- that of lawful permanent residence; to the purposes; to the Committee on Health, Edu- ond time, and placed on the calendar: Committee on the Judiciary. cation, Labor, and Pensions. S. 641. A bill to express the sense of Con- By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. ROB- By Mr. REED (for himself and Mr. gress that no funds should be cut off or re- ERTS, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. BURR, Mrs. ISAKSON):

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:29 Apr 26, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD07\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 pwalker on PROD1PC69 with CONG-REC-ONLINE February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2165 S. 668. A bill to require the Food and Drug LEVIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3, S. 561 Administration to conduct consumer testing a bill to amend part D of title XVIII of At the request of Mr. BUNNING, the to determine the appropriateness of the cur- the Social Security Act to provide for name of the Senator from Wyoming rent labeling requirements for indoor tanning devices and determine whether such re- fair prescription drug prices for Medi- (Mr. ENZI) was added as a cosponsor of quirements provide sufficient information to care beneficiaries. S. 561, a bill to repeal the sunset of the consumers regarding the risks that the use S. 21 Economic Growth and Tax Relief Rec- of such devices pose for the development of At the request of Mr. REID, the name onciliation Act of 2001 with respect to irreversible damage to the skin, including of the Senator from Missouri (Mrs. the expansion of the adoption credit skin cancer, and for other purposes; to the MCCASKILL) was added as a cosponsor and adoption assistance programs. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. of S. 21, a bill to expand access to pre- S. 563 By Ms. CANTWELL (for herself, Mr. ventive health care services that help At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the WYDEN, and Mrs. MURRAY): reduce unintended pregnancy, reduce name of the Senator from Maine (Ms. S. 669. A bill to amend the Low-Income abortions, and improve access to wom- SNOWE) was added as a cosponsor of S. Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to pro- en’s health care. 563, a bill to extend the deadline by vide procedures for the release of Low-In- S. 22 come Home Energy Assistance Program con- which State identification documents tingency funds; to the Committee on Health, At the request of Mr. WEBB, the shall comply with certain minimum Education, Labor, and Pensions. names of the Senator from Maryland standards and for other purposes. By Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON): (Ms. MIKULSKI) and the Senator from S. 579 S. 670. A bill to set forth limitations on the Vermont (Mr. SANDERS) were added as At the request of Mr. HATCH, the United States military presence in Iraq and cosponsors of S. 22, a bill to amend name of the Senator from Nebraska on United States aid to Iraq for security and title 38, United States Code, to estab- reconstruction, and for other purposes; to (Mr. HAGEL) was added as a cosponsor the Committee on Foreign Relations. lish a program of educational assist- of S. 579, a bill to amend the Public By Mr. AKAKA (for himself, Mr. REID, ance for members of the Armed Forces Health Service Act to authorize the Di- Mr. INOUYE, Mrs. BOXER, Ms. CANT- who serve in the Armed Forces after rector of the National Institute of En- WELL, and Mr. KENNEDY): September 11, 2001, and for other pur- vironmental Health Sciences to make S. 671. A bill to exempt children of certain poses. Filipino World War II veterans from the nu- grants for the development and oper- S. 435 merical limitations on immigrant visas; to ation of research centers regarding en- the Committee on the Judiciary. At the request of Mr. BINGAMAN, the vironmental factors that may be re- By Mr. SALAZAR (for himself and Mr. name of the Senator from Arkansas lated to the etiology of breast cancer. (Mrs. LINCOLN) was added as a cospon- SMITH): S. 583 S. 672. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- sor of S. 435, a bill to amend title 49, At the request of Mr. SALAZAR, the enue Code of 1986 to provide tax-exempt fi- United States Code, to preserve the es- names of the Senator from Arkansas nancing for qualified renewable energy fa- sential air service program. cilities, and for other purposes; to the Com- (Mrs. LINCOLN) and the Senator from S. 469 mittee on Finance. Hawaii (Mr. AKAKA) were added as co- By Mr. SALAZAR (for himself, Mr. At the request of Mr. BAUCUS, the sponsors of S. 583, a bill to create a SMITH, Mr. DORGAN, and Mr. CRAIG): names of the Senator from Colorado competitive grant program for States S. 673. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- (Mr. SALAZAR) and the Senator from enue Code of 1986 to provide credits for the to enable the States to award salary Virginia (Mr. WARNER) were added as bonuses to highly qualified elementary installation of wind energy property, includ- cosponsors of S. 469, a bill to amend the ing by rural homeowners, farmers, ranchers, school or secondary school teachers and small businesses, and for other purposes; Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make who teach, or commit to teach, for at to the Committee on Finance. permanent the special rule for con- least 3 academic years in a school By Mr. OBAMA: tributions of qualified conservation served by a rural local educational S. 674. A bill to require accountability and contributions. agency. enhanced congressional oversight for per- S. 479 sonnel performing private security functions S. 585 At the request of Mr. HARKIN, the under Federal contracts, and for other pur- At the request of Mr. DORGAN, the name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. poses; to the Committee on Armed Services. name of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. By Mr. HARKIN (for himself, Mr. VOINOVICH) was added as a cosponsor of INOUYE) was added as a cosponsor of S. GRASSLEY, Mr. COCHRAN, Mr. DODD, S. 479, a bill to reduce the incidence of 585, a bill to require the Secretary of Mr. DURBIN, Mr. KERRY, Mr. KOHL, suicide among veterans. the Treasury to mint and issue coins in Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. ROCKEFELLER, Ms. S. 487 SNOWE, and Ms. STABENOW): commemoration of Native Americans At the request of Mr. CHAMBLISS, his S. 675. A bill to provide competitive grants and the important contributions made name was added as a cosponsor of S. for training court reporters and closed by Indian tribes and individual Native 487, a bill to amend the National Organ captioners to meet requirements for Americans to the development of the Transplant Act to clarify that kidney realtime writers under the Telecommuni- United States and the history of the cations Act of 1996, and for other purposes; to paired donations shall not be consid- United States, and for other purposes. the Committee on Commerce, Science, and ered to involve the transfer of a human Transportation. organ for valuable consideration. S. 593 URR f S. 519 At the request of Mr. B , the name of the Senator from Minnesota (Mr. SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND At the request of Mr. MCCAIN, the COLEMAN) was added as a cosponsor of SENATE RESOLUTIONS name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. SMITH) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 593, a bill to amend the Public The following concurrent resolutions Health Service Act to establish a grant and Senate resolutions were read, and 519, a bill to modernize and expand the reporting requirements relating to program to provide supportive services referred (or acted upon), as indicated: in permanent supportive housing for By Mr. LAUTENBERG (for himself, child pornography, to expand cooperation in combating child pornography, chronically homeless individuals, and Mr. LOTT, Mr. DURBIN, and Mr. COLE- for other purposes. MAN): and for other purposes. S. Res. 85. A resolution expressing the S. 535 S. 597 sense of the Senate regarding the creation of At the request of Mr. DODD, the name At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the refugee populations in the Middle East, of the Senator from Louisiana (Ms. names of the Senator from Connecticut North Africa, and the Persian Gulf region as (Mr. LIEBERMAN) and the Senator from a result of human rights violations; to the LANDRIEU) was added as a cosponsor of Oklahoma (Mr. COBURN) were added as Committee on Foreign Relations. S. 535, a bill to establish an Unsolved cosponsors of S. 597, a bill to extend f Crimes Section in the Civil Rights Di- vision of the Department of Justice, the special postage stamp for breast ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS and an Unsolved Civil Rights Crime In- cancer research for 2 years. S. 3 vestigative Office in the Civil Rights S. 634 At the request of Mr. REID, the name Unit of the Federal Bureau of Inves- At the request of Mr. DODD, the of the Senator from Michigan (Mr. tigation, and for other purposes. names of the Senator from Ohio (Mr.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2166 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 BROWN) and the Senator from Vermont symptoms, and 300,000 children live SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (Mr. SANDERS) were added as cospon- with the pain, disability and emotional This Act may be cited as the ‘‘The Amer- sors of S. 634, a bill to amend the Pub- trauma caused by juvenile arthritis. ican National Red Cross Governance Mod- lic Health Service Act to establish As the leading cause of disability in ernization Act of 2007’’. grant programs to provide for edu- the United States, arthritis is a painful SEC. 2. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS. cation and outreach on newborn and debilitating chronic disease affect- (a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: screening and coordinated followup ing men, women and children alike. (1) Substantive changes to the Congres- care once newborn screening has been This is why the Federal Government sional Charter of The American National conducted, to reauthorize programs must make a stronger investment in Red Cross have not been made since 1947. under part A of title XI of such Act, research, treatment and prevention of (2) In February 2006, the board of governors and for other purposes. arthritis. of The American National Red Cross (the ‘‘Board of Governors’’) commissioned an S. 637 We know that early diagnosis, treat- independent review and analysis of the Board At the request of Mr. SESSIONS, the ment, and appropriate management of arthritis can control symptoms and of Governors’ role, composition, size, rela- name of the Senator from Alabama tionship with management, governance rela- (Mr. SHELBY) was added as a cosponsor improve quality of life. The Arthritis tionship with chartered units of The Amer- of S. 637, a bill to direct the Secretary Prevention, Control and Cure Act will ican National Red Cross, and whistleblower of the Interior to study the suitability expand the Federal Government’s ef- and audit functions. and feasibility of establishing the forts to find new ways to prevent, (3) In an October 2006 report of the Board of Chattahoochee Trace National Herit- treat, and care for patients with arthri- Governors, entitled ‘‘American Red Cross age Corridor in Alabama and Georgia, tis and related rheumatic diseases by: Governance for the 21st Century’’ (the ‘‘Gov- ernance Report’’), the Board of Governors and for other purposes. (1) improving coordination among Fed- eral agencies and the public with re- recommended changes to the Congressional S. 641 Charter, bylaws, and other governing docu- gard to the Federal investment in ar- At the request of Mr. GREGG, the ments of The American National Red Cross thritis research and public health ac- names of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. to modernize and enhance the effectiveness tivities through a National Arthritis CRAIG), the Senator from Colorado (Mr. of the Board of Governors and governance and Rheumatic Diseases Summit; (2) structure of The American National Red ALLARD), the Senator from Oklahoma accelerating research that will lead to Cross. (Mr. COBURN), the Senator from South improved treatments and a cure for ju- (4) It is in the national interest to create a Carolina (Mr. GRAHAM), the Senator venile arthritis; (3) investing in a na- more efficient governance structure of The from Alabama (Mr. SHELBY), the Sen- tionwide public health initiative de- American National Red Cross and to enhance ator from Texas (Mr. CORNYN), the Sen- the Board of Governors’ ability to support signed to reduce the pain and disability ator from Alaska (Mr. STEVENS), the the critical mission of The American Na- of arthritis through early diagnosis Senator from Kansas (Mr. ROBERTS), tional Red Cross in the 21st century. and effective treatment of the disease; the Senator from Arizona (Mr. (5) It is in the national interest to clarify and (4) ensuring kids with arthritis the role of the Board of Governors as a gov- MCCAIN), the Senator from Kentucky have access to specialty care by ad- ernance and strategic oversight board and (Mr. MCCONNELL), the Senator from dressing the nationwide shortage of pe- for The American National Red Cross to Florida (Mr. MARTINEZ), the Senator diatric rheumatologists. amend its bylaws, consistent with the rec- from Arizona (Mr. KYL), the Senator We have a responsibility to look for ommendations described in the Governance from Alabama (Mr. SESSIONS), the Sen- Report, to clarify the role of the Board of solutions to this issue in a comprehen- ator from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) and Governors and to outline the areas of its re- sive manner. I look forward to working the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. sponsibility, including— with Senator KENNEDY on this impor- DEMINT) were added as cosponsors of S. (A) reviewing and approving the mission 641, a bill to express the sense of Con- tant legislation which will make a real statement for The American National Red difference in the lives of the millions of Cross; gress that no funds should be cut off or (B) approving and overseeing the corpora- reduced for American troops in the Americans, both young and old, who suffer from this debilitating disease. tion’s strategic plan and maintaining stra- field which would result in under- tegic oversight of operational matters; mining their safety or their ability to f (C) selecting, evaluating, and determining complete their assigned missions. the level of compensation of the corporation’s chief executive officer; S. CON. RES. 7 STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS (D) evaluating the performance and estab- At the request of Mr. WARNER, the lishing the compensation of the senior lead- name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, ership team and providing for management VOINOVICH) was added as a cosponsor of Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. ENZI, Mr. succession; S. Con. Res. 7, a concurrent resolution MARTINEZ, Mr. AKAKA, Mrs. (E) overseeing the financial reporting and expressing the sense of Congress on DOLE, Mr. BROWN, Mr. LIEBER- audit process, internal controls, and legal Iraq. MAN, Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. NELSON compliance; (F) holding management accountable for f of Florida, and Ms. LANDRIEU): S. 655. A bill to amend the Congres- performance; STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED sional Charter of The American Na- (G) providing oversight of the financial BILLS AND JOINT RESOLU- stability of the corporation; tional Red Cross to modernize its gov- (H) ensuring the inclusiveness and diver- TIONS—THURSDAY, FEBRUARY ernance structure, to enhance the abil- 15, 2007 sity of the corporation; ity of the board of governors of The (I) providing oversight of the protection of By Mr. KENNEDY (for himself, American National Red Cross to sup- the brand of the corporation; and Mr. BOND, Mr. AKAKA, Mr. port the critical mission of The Amer- (J) assisting with fundraising on behalf of LEAHY, Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. ican Red Cross in the 21st century, and the corporation. CRAIG, and Mr. SHELBY): for other purposes; to the Committee (6)(A) The selection of members of the S. 626. A bill to amend the Public on the Judiciary. Board of Governors is a critical component of effective governance for The American Health Service Act to provide for ar- Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask National Red Cross, and, as such, it is in the thritis research and public health, and unanimous consent that the text of national interest that The American Na- for other purposes; to the Committee The American National Red Cross Gov- tional Red Cross amend its bylaws to provide on Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- ernance Modernization Act of 2007 be a method of selection consistent with that sions. printed in the RECORD. described in the Governance Report. Mr. BOND. Mr. President, with more There being no objection, the text of (B) The new method of selection should re- than 100 different forms, arthritis is the bill was ordered to be printed in place the current process by which— (i) 30 chartered unit-elected members of one of the most widespread and dev- the RECORD, as follows: the Board of Governors are selected by a astating health conditions in the S. 655 non-Board committee which includes 2 mem- United States. Nearly 46 million, or Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- bers of the Board of Governors and other in- one in every five, American adults suf- resentatives of the United States of America in dividuals elected by the chartered units fer from arthritis or chronic joint Congress assembled, themselves;

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(ii) 12 at-large members of the Board of States and’’ before ‘‘a body corporate and ‘‘(ii) VACANCIES.—Vacancies in any such Governors are nominated by a Board com- politic’’; and elected board position and in any newly cre- mittee and elected by the Board of Gov- (2) in subsection (b), by inserting at the ated board position may be filled by a vote of ernors; and end the following new sentence: ‘‘The cor- the remaining members of the board of gov- (iii) 8 members of the Board of Governors poration may conduct its business and af- ernors in accordance with such procedures as are appointed by the President of the United fairs, and otherwise hold itself out, as the may be provided in the bylaws. States. ‘American Red Cross’ in any jurisdiction.’’. ‘‘(b) TERMS OF OFFICE.— (C) The new method of selection described SEC. 4. PURPOSES. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The term of office of in the Governance Report reflects the single Section 300102 of title 36, United States each member of the board of governors shall category of members of the Board of Gov- Code, is amended— be 3 years, except that— ernors that will result from the implementa- (1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of para- ‘‘(A) the board of governors may provide tion of this Act: graph (3); under the bylaws that the terms of office of (i) All Board members (except for the (2) by striking the period at the end of members of the board of governors elected to chairman of the Board of Governors) would paragraph (4) and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and the board of governors before March 31, 2012, be nominated by a single committee of the (3) by adding at the end the following para- may be less than 3 years in order to implement the provisions of subparagraphs (A) Board of Governors taking into account the graph: and (B) of subsection (a)(2); and criteria outlined in the Governance Report ‘‘(5) to conduct other activities consistent ‘‘(B) any member of the board of governors to assure the expertise, skills, and experi- with the foregoing purposes.’’. ence of a governing board. elected by the board to fill a vacancy in a SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP AND CHAPTERS. board position arising before the expiration (ii) The nominated members would be con- Section 300103 of title 36, United States sidered for approval by the full Board of Gov- of its term may, as determined by the board, Code, is amended— serve for the remainder of that term or until ernors and then submitted to The American (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘, or as National Red Cross annual meeting of dele- the next annual meeting of the corporation. otherwise provided,’’ before ‘‘in the bylaws’’; ‘‘(2) STAGGERED TERMS.—The terms of of- gates for election, in keeping with the stand- (2) in subsection (b)(1)— ard corporate practice whereby shareholders fice of members of the board of governors (A) by striking ‘‘board of governors’’ and (other than the chairman) shall be staggered of a corporation elect members of a board of inserting ‘‘corporation’’; and directors at its annual meeting. such that, by March 31, 2012, and thereafter, (B) by inserting ‘‘policies and’’ before ‘‘reg- 1 1 (7) The United States Supreme Court held ⁄3 of the entire board (or as near to ⁄3 as ulations related’’; and practicable) shall be elected at each succes- The American National Red Cross to be an (3) in subsection (b)(2)— instrumentality of the United States, and it sive annual meeting of the corporation with (A) by inserting ‘‘policies and’’ before ‘‘reg- the term of office of each member of the is in the national interest that the Congres- ulations shall require’’; and sional Charter confirm that status and that board of governors elected at an annual (B) by striking ‘‘national convention’’ and meeting expiring at the third annual meet- any changes to the Congressional Charter do inserting ‘‘annual meeting’’. not affect the rights and obligations of The ing following the annual meeting at which SEC. 6. BOARD OF GOVERNORS. American National Red Cross to carry out such member was elected. Section 300104 of title 36, United States its purposes. ‘‘(3) TERM LIMITS.—No person may serve as Code, is amended to read as follows: (8) Given the role of The American Na- a member of the board of governors for more tional Red Cross in carrying out its services, ‘‘§ 300104. Board of governors than such number of terms of office or years programs, and activities, and meeting its ‘‘(a) BOARD OF GOVERNORS.— as may be provided in the bylaws. ‘‘(c) COMMITTEES AND OFFICERS.—The various obligations, the effectiveness of The ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The board of governors is board— American National Red Cross will be pro- the governing body of the corporation with ‘‘(1) may appoint, from its own members, moted by the creation of an organizational all powers of governing and directing, and of an executive committee to exercise such ombudsman who— overseeing the management of the business powers of the board when the board is not in (A) will be a neutral or impartial dispute and affairs of, the corporation. session as may be provided in the bylaws; resolution practitioner whose major function ‘‘(2) NUMBER.—The board of governors shall ‘‘(2) may appoint such other committees or will be to provide confidential and informal fix by resolution, from time to time, the advisory councils with such powers as may assistance to the many internal and external number of members constituting the entire be provided in the bylaws or a resolution of stakeholders of The American National Red board of governors, provided that— the board of governors; Cross; ‘‘(A) as of March 31, 2009, and thereafter, ‘‘(3) shall appoint such officers of the cor- (B) will report to the chief executive offi- there shall be no fewer than 12 and no more poration, including a chief executive officer, cer and the audit committee of the Board of than 25 members; and with such duties, responsibilities, and terms Governors; and ‘‘(B) as of March 31, 2012, and thereafter, of office as may be provided in the bylaws or (C) will have access to anyone and any doc- there shall be no fewer than 12 and no more a resolution of the board of governors; and uments in The American National Red Cross. than 20 members constituting the entire ‘‘(4) may remove members of the board of (b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of board. governors (other than the chairman), offi- Congress that— Procedures to implement the preceding sen- cers, and employees under such procedures (1) charitable organizations are an indis- tence shall be provided in the bylaws. as may be provided in the bylaws or a resolu- pensable part of American society, but these ‘‘(3) APPOINTMENT.—The governors shall be tion of the board of governors. organizations can only fulfill their impor- appointed or elected in the following man- ‘‘(d) ADVISORY COUNCIL.— tant roles by maintaining the trust of the ner: ‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—There shall be an ad- American public; ‘‘(A) CHAIRMAN.— visory council to the board of governors. (2) trust is fostered by effective governance ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The board of governors, ‘‘(2) MEMBERSHIP; APPOINTMENT BY PRESI- and transparency, which are the principal in accordance with procedures provided in DENT.— goals of the recommendations of the Board the bylaws, shall recommend to the Presi- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The advisory council of Governors in the Governance Report and dent an individual to serve as chairman of shall be composed of no fewer than 8 and no this Act; the board of governors. If such recommenda- more than 10 members, each of whom shall (3) Federal and State action play an impor- tion is approved by the President, the Presi- be appointed by the President from principal tant role in ensuring effective governance dent shall appoint such individual to serve as officers of the executive departments and and transparency by setting standards, root- chairman of the board of governors. senior officers of the Armed Forces whose ing out violations, and informing the public; ‘‘(ii) VACANCIES.—Vacancies in the office of positions and interests qualify them to con- and the chairman, including vacancies resulting tribute to carrying out the programs and (4) while The American National Red Cross from the resignation, death, or removal by purposes of the corporation. is and will remain a Federally chartered in- the President of the chairman, shall be filled ‘‘(B) MEMBERS FROM THE ARMED FORCES.— strumentality of the United States, and it in the same manner described in clause (i). At least 1, but not more than 3, of the mem- has the rights and obligations consistent ‘‘(iii) DUTIES.—The chairman shall be a bers of the advisory council shall be selected with that status, The American National member of the board of governors and, when from the Armed Forces. Red Cross nevertheless should maintain ap- present, shall preside at meetings of the ‘‘(3) DUTIES.—The advisory council shall propriate communications with State regu- board of governors and shall have such other advise, report directly to, and meet, at least lators of charitable organizations and should duties and responsibilities as may be pro- 1 time per year with the board of governors, cooperate with them as appropriate in spe- vided in the bylaws or a resolution of the and shall have such name, functions and be cific matters as they arise from time to board of governors. subject to such procedures as may be pro- time. ‘‘(B) OTHER MEMBERS.— vided in the bylaws. SEC. 3. ORGANIZATION. ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Members of the board of ‘‘(e) ACTION WITHOUT MEETING.—Any ac- Section 300101 of title 36, United States governors other than the chairman shall be tion required or permitted to be taken at Code, is amended— elected at the annual meeting of the corpora- any meeting of the board of governors or of (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘a Feder- tion in accordance with such procedures as any committee thereof may be taken with- ally chartered instrumentality of the United may be provided in the bylaws. out a meeting if all members of the board or

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2168 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 committee, as the case may be, consent (1) by striking ‘‘nine’’ from the first sen- This past October the American Red thereto in writing, or by electronic trans- tence thereof; and Cross Board of Governors announced mission and the writing or writings or elec- (2) by striking the second sentence and in- its unanimous support for a series of tronic transmission or transmissions are serting the following: ‘‘The corporation shall important changes to its charter and filed with the minutes of proceedings of the prescribe policies and regulations on terms board or committee. Such filing shall be in and tenure of office, accountability, and ex- business practice. The American Na- paper form if the minutes are maintained in penses of the board of trustees.’’. tional Red Cross Governance Mod- paper form and shall be in electronic form if SEC. 10. ANNUAL REPORT AND AUDIT. ernization Act of 2007 enables a number the minutes are maintained in electronic Subsection (a) of section 300110 of title 36, of those changes, including clarifying form. United States Code, is amended to read as the role of the Board of Governors as ‘‘(f) VOTING BY PROXY.— follows: one of governance and strategic over- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Voting by proxy is not ‘‘(a) SUBMISSION OF REPORT.—As soon as sight. As this bill facilitates these gov- allowed at any meeting of the board, at the practicable after the end of the corporation’s annual meeting, or at any meeting of a chap- fiscal year, which may be changed from time ernance reforms, the American Red ter. to time by the board of governors, the cor- Cross is expected to continue to imple- ‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—The board may allow the poration shall submit a report to the Sec- ment amendments to its bylaws con- election of governors by proxy during any retary of Defense on the activities of the cor- sistent with those described in the emergency. poration during such fiscal year, including a Governance Report to clarify further ‘‘(g) BYLAWS.— complete, itemized report of all receipts and the role of the Board of Governors and ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The board of governors expenditures.’’. to outline areas of its responsibility. may— SEC. 11. COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE This bill ensures that the American ‘‘(A) at any time adopt bylaws; and UNITED STATES AND OFFICE OF THE ‘‘(B) at any time adopt bylaws to be effec- OMBUDSMAN. Red Cross will remain a federally char- tive only in an emergency. (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 3001 of title 36, tered instrumentality of the United ‘‘(2) EMERGENCY BYLAWS.—Any bylaws United States Code, is amended by redesig- States, and it has the rights and obli- adopted pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) may nating section 300111 as section 300113 and by gations consistent with that status. provide special procedures necessary for inserting after section 300110 the following Consistent with that status Congress managing the corporation during the emer- new sections: expects that the American Red Cross gency. All provisions of the regular bylaws ‘‘§ 300111. Authority of the Comptroller Gen- will maintain appropriate communica- eral of the United States consistent with the emergency bylaws re- tions with State regulators of chari- main effective during the emergency. ‘‘The Comptroller General of the United ‘‘(h) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this sec- States is authorized to review the corpora- table organizations and to cooperate tion— tion’s involvement in any Federal program with them as appropriate in specific ‘‘(1) the term ‘entire board’ means the or activity the Government carries out matters as they arise from time to total number of members of the board of gov- under law. time. ernors that the corporation would have if ‘‘§ 300112. Office of the Ombudsman Finally, we believe the effectiveness there were no vacancies; and ‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The corporation of the American Red Cross will be pro- ‘‘(2) the term ‘emergency’ shall have such shall establish an Office of the Ombudsman moted by the creation of a Red Cross meaning as may be provided in the bylaws.’’. with such duties and responsibilities as may ombudsman to be a dispute resolution SEC. 7. POWERS. be provided in the bylaws or a resolution of practitioner to provide confidential Paragraph (a)(1) of section 300105 of title the board of governors. and informal assistance to the many 36, United States Code, is amended by strik- ‘‘(b) REPORT.—The Office of the Ombuds- ing ‘‘bylaws’’ and inserting ‘‘policies’’. man shall submit a report annually to Con- internal and external stakeholders of SEC. 8. ANNUAL MEETING. gress concerning any trends and systemic the American Red Cross. The American Section 300107 of title 36, United States matters that the Office of the Ombudsman Red Cross ombudsman will report to Code, is amended to read as follows: has identified as confronting the corpora- Congress, the American Red Cross chief ‘‘§ 300107. Annual meeting tion.’’. executive officer, and the audit com- (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The annual meeting of mittee of the Board of Governors. The sections for chapter 3001 of title 36, United the corporation is the annual meeting of del- Red Cross ombudsman will have access States Code, is amended by striking the item egates of the chapters. relating to section 300111 and inserting the to anyone and any documents in the ‘‘(b) TIME OF MEETING.—The annual meet- following: American Red Cross. This is an impor- ing shall be held as determined by the board tant tool for improving processes and of governors. ‘‘300111. Authority of the Comptroller Gen- ‘‘(c) PLACE OF MEETING.—The board of gov- eral of the United States. protections for those inside the Amer- ernors is authorized to determine that the ‘‘300112. Office of the Ombudsman. ican Red Cross who wish to express annual meeting shall not be held at any ‘‘300113. Reservation of right to amend or re- concerns about the organizations prac- place, but may instead be held solely by peal.’’. tices and procedures, and an important means of remote communication subject to Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I rise today tool for Congress in providing over- such procedures as are provided in the by- to co-sponsor the American National sight of the activities of the American laws. Red Cross Governance Modernization Red Cross. ‘‘(d) VOTING.— Act of 2007. This legislation, a product I urge my colleagues to vote for the ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In matters requiring a of close cooperation with my col- vote at the annual meeting, each chapter is American National Red Cross Govern- entitled to at least 1 vote, and voting on all leagues Senator GRASSLEY and Senator ance Modernization Act of 2007. matters may be conducted by mail, tele- KENNEDY, seeks to create a more effi- phone, telegram, cablegram, electronic mail, cient governance structure of the By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. or any other means of electronic or tele- American Red Cross, and to enhance ROBERTS, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. phone transmission, provided that the person the Board of Governors’ ability to sup- BURR, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. HATCH, voting shall state, or submit information port the critical mission of the Amer- Mr. BROWN, Mrs. CLINTON, Mr. from which it can be determined, that the ican Red Cross in the 21st Century. ISAKSON, Mr. BINGAMAN, Ms. method of voting chosen was authorized by Charitable organizations are an in- COLLINS, and Mr. BIDEN): such person. dispensable part of American society, S. 657. A bill to amend the Public ‘‘(2) ESTABLISHMENT OF NUMBER OF VOTES.— ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The board of governors but these organizations can only fulfill Health Service Act to add require- shall determine on an equitable basis the their important roles by maintaining ments regarding trauma care, and for number of votes that each chapter is entitled the trust of the American public. This other purposes; to the Committee on to cast, taking into consideration the size of trust is fostered by effective govern- Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- the membership of the chapters, the popu- ance and transparency, which are the sions. lations served by the chapters, and such principal goals of this legislation. The Mr. REED. Mr. President, I am other factors as may be determined by the role of the American Red Cross is one pleased to join my colleague, Senator board. of vital significance to the American ROBERTS, along with Senators KEN- ‘‘(B) PERIODIC REVIEW.—The board of governors shall review the allocation of votes at people. The ability of the American NEDY, BURR, MURRAY, CLINTON, BROWN, least every 5 years.’’. Red Cross to meet its responsibilities BINGAMAN, COLLINS, ISAKSON, and SEC. 9. ENDOWMENT FUND. requires a governance structure that BIDEN in introducing the Trauma Care Section 300109 of title 36, United States reflects a need for clear mission and a Systems Planning and Development Code is amended— culture of accountability. Act.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2169 Our Nation’s emergency medical sys- SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT. ‘‘(4) by developing innovative protocols and tem is a system on the brink. We need Section 1201 of the Public Health Service agreements to increase access to prehospital to support and strengthen this essen- Act (42 U.S.C. 300d) is amended to read as fol- care and equipment necessary for the trans- lows: tial component of our health care sys- portation of seriously injured patients to the ‘‘SEC. 1201. ESTABLISHMENT. appropriate facilities; tem. The Trauma Care Systems Plan- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall, ‘‘(5) by evaluating the effectiveness of pro- ning and Development Act is an impor- with respect to trauma care— tocols with respect to emergency medical tant building block to achieving an im- ‘‘(1) conduct and support research, train- services and systems; and proved national network of care across ing, evaluations, and demonstration ‘‘(6) by increasing communication and co- the country. projects; ordination with State trauma systems. ‘‘(b) SPECIAL CONSIDERATION FOR CERTAIN Unintentional injury is the leading ‘‘(2) foster the development of appropriate, modern systems of such care through the RURAL AREAS.—In making grants under sub- cause of death among people between sharing of information among agencies and section (a), the Secretary shall give special the ages of 1 to 44 and in 2002, injuries individuals involved in the study and provi- consideration to any applicant for the grant were responsible for 161,000 deaths. In sion of such care; that will provide services under the grant in 2004, about 29.6 million people were ‘‘(3) collect, compile, and disseminate in- any rural area identified by a State under treated for an injury in U.S. hospital formation on the achievements of, and prob- section 1214(d)(1). lems experienced by, State and local agen- ‘‘(c) REQUIREMENT OF APPLICATION.—The emergency departments, of which near- Secretary may not make a grant under sub- ly 2 million injuries were severe cies and private entities in providing trauma care and emergency medical services and, in section (a) unless an application for the enough to require hospitalization. Yet, grant is submitted to the Secretary and the so doing, give special consideration to the application is in such form, is made in such between 20,000 and 25,000 trauma deaths unique needs of rural areas; manner, and contains such agreements, as- are preventable each year. ‘‘(4) provide to State and local agencies surances, and information as the Secretary A trauma system is an organized, co- technical assistance to enhance each State’s determines to be necessary to carry out this ordinated effort in a specific area that capability to develop, implement, and sus- section.’’. tain the trauma care component of each delivers the full range of care to all in- SEC. 5. COMPETITIVE GRANTS. State’s plan for the provision of emergency jured patients. It provides resources, Part A of title XII of the Public Health medical services; supporting equipment, and personnel Service Act, as amended by section 3, is along a continuum of care including ‘‘(5) sponsor workshops and conferences; amended by adding at the end the following: and ‘‘SEC. 1203. COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR THE IM- pre-hospital, hospital, and rehabilita- ‘‘(6) promote the collection and categoriza- tion services. Trauma systems have PROVEMENT OF TRAUMA CARE. tion of trauma data in a consistent and ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, acting been proven to reduce mortality rates standardized manner. through the Administrator of the Health Re- and provide efficient, cost-effective, ‘‘(b) GRANTS, COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS, sources and Services Administration, may and timely care. Since 1990, the Federal AND CONTRACTS.—The Secretary may make make grants to States, political subdivi- Government, through Title XII of the grants, and enter into cooperative agree- sions, or consortia of States or political sub- Public Health Service Act, has helped ments and contracts, for the purpose of car- divisions for the purpose of improving access rying out subsection (a).’’. to and enhancing the development of trauma States and territories develop and im- SEC. 3. CLEARINGHOUSE ON TRAUMA CARE AND plement regional and statewide trauma care systems. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES. ‘‘(b) USE OF FUNDS.—The Secretary may care systems. The Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. make a grant under this section only if the The legislation I am introducing 201 et seq.) is amended— applicant agrees to use the grant— today along with my colleagues will re- (1) by striking section 1202; and ‘‘(1) to integrate and broaden the reach of authorize and reaffirm the Federal (2) by redesignating section 1203 as section a trauma care system, such as by developing 1202. Government’s commitment to trauma innovative protocols to increase access to SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAMS FOR IM- care systems. It will also authorize ad- prehospital care; PROVING TRAUMA CARE IN RURAL ‘‘(2) to strengthen, develop, and improve an ditional resources for systems planning AREAS. existing trauma care system; and development, as well as improved Section 1202 of the Public Health Service ‘‘(3) to expand communications between Act, as redesignated by section 3(2), is data collection and analysis and the in- the trauma care system and emergency med- amended to read as follows: clusion of an Institute of Medicine ical services through improved equipment or ‘‘SEC. 1202. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAMS FOR a telemedicine system; study on the state of trauma care and IMPROVING TRAUMA CARE IN trauma research. RURAL AREAS. ‘‘(4) to improve data collection and retention; or Trauma care is not only critical to ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may ‘‘(5) to increase education, training, and providing timely access to lifesaving make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for the purpose of carrying out re- technical assistance opportunities, such as interventions for persons suffering training and continuing education in the from serious unintentional injuries, it search and demonstration projects with respect to improving the availability and qual- management of emergency medical services is central to our national security and ity of emergency medical services in rural accessible to emergency medical personnel disaster preparedness. The tragic areas— in rural areas through telehealth, home events of September 11, 2001 and Hurri- ‘‘(1) by developing innovative uses of com- studies, and other methods. ‘‘(c) PREFERENCE.—In selecting among canes Rita and Katrina serve as stark munications technologies and the use of new States, political subdivisions, and consortia communications technology; reminders of the potential intentional of States or political subdivisions for pur- ‘‘(2) by developing model curricula, such as and natural disasters that threaten our poses of making grants under this section, advanced trauma life support, for training Nation. Trauma care systems are an the Secretary shall give preference to appli- important element of our security and emergency medical services personnel, in- cants that— cluding first responders, emergency medical response efforts. ‘‘(1) have developed a process, using na- technicians, emergency nurses and physi- tional standards, for designating trauma I look forward to working with my cians, and paramedics— colleagues toward expeditious passage centers; ‘‘(A) in the assessment, stabilization, ‘‘(2) recognize protocols for the delivery of of this legislation. I ask unanimous treatment, preparation for transport, and re- seriously injured patients to trauma centers; consent that the text of the Trauma suscitation of seriously injured patients, ‘‘(3) implement a process for evaluating Care Systems Planning and Develop- with special attention to problems that arise the performance of the trauma system; and during long transports and to methods of ment Act be printed in the RECORD. ‘‘(4) agree to participate in information minimizing delays in transport to the appro- systems described in section 1202 by col- There being no objection, the text of priate facility; and the bill was ordered to be printed in lecting, providing, and sharing information. ‘‘(B) in the management of the operation of ‘‘(d) PRIORITY.—In making grants under the RECORD, as follows: the emergency medical services system; this section, the Secretary shall give pri- S. 657 ‘‘(3) by making training for original cer- ority to applicants that will use the grants tification, and continuing education, in the to focus on improving access to trauma care Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- provision and management of emergency resentatives of the United States of America in systems. medical services more accessible to emer- ‘‘(e) SPECIAL CONSIDERATION.—In awarding Congress assembled, gency medical personnel in rural areas grants under this section, the Secretary SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. through telecommunications, home studies, shall give special consideration to projects This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Trauma providing teachers and training at locations that demonstrate strong State or local sup- Care Systems Planning and Development accessible to such personnel, and other port, including availability of non-Federal Act of 2007’’. methods; contributions.’’.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2170 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 SEC. 6. REQUIREMENT OF MATCHING FUNDS FOR of rural areas level III trauma centers (in- ‘‘(11) coordinates planning for trauma sys- FISCAL YEARS SUBSEQUENT TO cluding trauma centers with specified capa- tems with State disaster emergency plan- FIRST FISCAL YEAR OF PAYMENTS. bilities and expertise in the care of pediatric ning and bioterrorism hospital preparedness Section 1212 of the Public Health Service trauma patient), by such entity, including planning; and Act (42 U.S.C. 300d–12) is amended to read as standards and requirements for— ‘‘(12) with respect to the requirements es- follows: ‘‘(A) the number and types of trauma pa- tablished in this subsection, provides for co- ‘‘SEC. 1212. REQUIREMENT OF MATCHING FUNDS tients for whom such centers must provide ordination and cooperation between the FOR FISCAL YEARS SUBSEQUENT TO care in order to ensure that such centers will State and any other State with which the FIRST FISCAL YEAR OF PAYMENTS. have sufficient experience and expertise to State shares any standard metropolitan sta- ‘‘(a) NON-FEDERAL CONTRIBUTIONS.— be able to provide quality care for victims of tistical area. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may not injury; ‘‘(b) CERTAIN STANDARDS WITH RESPECT TO make payments under section 1211(a) unless ‘‘(B) the resources and equipment needed TRAUMA CARE CENTERS AND SYSTEMS.— the State involved agrees, with respect to by such centers; and ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may not the costs described in paragraph (2), to make ‘‘(C) the availability of rehabilitation serv- make payments under section 1211(a) for a available non-Federal contributions (in cash ices for trauma patients; fiscal year unless the State involved agrees or in kind under subsection (b)(1)) toward ‘‘(4) contains standards and requirements that, in carrying out paragraphs (3) through such costs in an amount that— for the implementation of regional trauma (5) of subsection (a), the State will adopt ‘‘(A) for the second and third fiscal years of care systems, including standards and guide- standards for the designation of trauma cen- such payments to the State, is not less than lines (consistent with the provisions of sec- ters, and for triage, transfer, and transpor- $1 for each $1 of Federal funds provided in tion 1867 of the Social Security Act) for tation policies, and that the State will, in such payments for such fiscal years; and medically directed triage and transportation adopting such standards— ‘‘(B) for the fourth and subsequent fiscal of trauma patients (including patients in- ‘‘(A) take into account national standards years of such payments to the State, is not jured in rural areas) prior to care in des- concerning that outline resources for opti- less than $2 for each $1 of Federal funds pro- ignated trauma centers; mal care of the injured patient; vided in such payments for such fiscal years. ‘‘(5) subject to subsection (b), contains na- ‘‘(B) consult with medical, surgical, and ‘‘(2) PROGRAM COSTS.—The costs referred to tional standards and requirements, including nursing speciality groups, hospital associa- in paragraph (1) are— those of the American Academy of Pediatrics tions, emergency medical services State and ‘‘(A) the costs to be incurred by the State and the American College of Emergency local directors, concerned advocates and in carrying out the purpose described in sec- Physicians, for medically directed triage and other interested parties; tion 1211(b); or transport of severely injured children to des- ‘‘(C) conduct hearings on the proposed ‘‘(B) the costs of improving the quality and ignated trauma centers with specified capa- standards after providing adequate notice to availability of emergency medical services in bilities and expertise in the care of the pedi- the public concerning such hearing; and rural areas of the State. atric trauma patient; ‘‘(D) beginning in fiscal year 2008, take into ‘‘(3) INITIAL YEAR OF PAYMENTS.—The Sec- ‘‘(6) utilizes a program with procedures for account the model plan described in sub- retary may not require a State to make non- the evaluation of designated trauma centers section (c). Federal contributions as a condition of re- (including trauma centers described in para- ‘‘(2) QUALITY OF TRAUMA CARE.—The high- ceiving payments under section 1211(a) for graph (5)) and trauma care systems; est quality of trauma care shall be the pri- the first fiscal year of such payments to the ‘‘(7) provides for the establishment and col- mary goal of State standards adopted under State. lection of data in accordance with data col- this subsection. ‘‘(b) DETERMINATION OF AMOUNT OF NON- lection requirements developed in consulta- ‘‘(3) APPROVAL BY THE SECRETARY.—The FEDERAL CONTRIBUTION.—With respect to tion with surgical, medical, and nursing spe- Secretary may not make payments under compliance with subsection (a) as a condi- cialty groups, State and local emergency section 1211(a) to a State if the Secretary de- tion of receiving payments under section medical services directors, and other trained termines that— 1211(a)— professionals in trauma care, from each des- ‘‘(A) in the case of payments for fiscal year ‘‘(1) a State may make the non-Federal ignated trauma center in the State of a cen- 2008 and subsequent fiscal years, the State contributions required in such subsection in tral data reporting and analysis system— has not taken into account national stand- cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including ‘‘(A) to identify the number of severely in- ards, including those of the American Col- plant, equipment, or services; and jured trauma patients and the number of lege of Surgeons, the American College of ‘‘(2) the Secretary may not, in making a deaths from trauma within trauma care sys- Emergency Physicians, and the American determination of the amount of non-Federal tems in the State; Academy of Pediatrics, in adopting stand- contributions, include amounts provided by ‘‘(B) to identify the cause of the injury and ards under this subsection; or the Federal Government or services assisted any factors contributing to the injury; ‘‘(B) in the case of payments for fiscal year or subsidized to any significant extent by the ‘‘(C) to identify the nature and severity of 2008 and subsequent fiscal years, the State Federal Government.’’. the injury; has not, in adopting such standards, taken SEC. 7. REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO CAR- ‘‘(D) to monitor trauma patient care (in- into account the model plan developed under RYING OUT PURPOSE OF ALLOT- cluding prehospital care) in each designated subsection (c) . MENTS. trauma center within regional trauma care ‘‘(c) MODEL TRAUMA CARE PLAN.— Section 1213 of the Public Health Service systems in the State (including relevant ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year Act (42 U.S.C. 300d–13) is amended to read as emergency-department discharges and reha- after the date of the enactment of the Trau- follows: bilitation information) for the purpose of ma Care Systems Planning and Development ‘‘SEC. 1213. REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO evaluating the diagnosis, treatment, and Act of 2007, the Secretary shall update the CARRYING OUT PURPOSE OF ALLOT- treatment outcome of such trauma patients; model plan for the designation of trauma MENTS. ‘‘(E) to identify the total amount of un- centers and for triage, transfer, and trans- ‘‘(a) TRAUMA CARE MODIFICATIONS TO STATE compensated trauma care expenditures for portation policies that may be adopted for PLAN FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.— each fiscal year by each designated trauma guidance by the State. Such plan shall— With respect to the trauma care component center in the State; and ‘‘(A) take into account national standards, of a State plan for the provision of emer- ‘‘(F) to identify patients transferred within including those of the American College of gency medical services, the modifications re- a regional trauma system, including reasons Surgeons, American College of Emergency ferred to in section 1211(b) are such modifica- for such transfer and the outcomes of such Physicians, and the American Academy of tions to the State plan as may be necessary patients; Pediatrics; for the State involved to ensure that the ‘‘(8) provides for the use of procedures by ‘‘(B) take into account existing State plan provides for access to the highest pos- paramedics and emergency medical techni- plans; sible quality of trauma care, and that the cians to assess the severity of the injuries in- ‘‘(C) be developed in consultation with plan— curred by trauma patients; medical, surgical, and nursing speciality ‘‘(1) specifies that the modifications re- ‘‘(9) provides for appropriate transpor- groups, hospital associations, emergency quired pursuant to paragraphs (2) through tation and transfer policies to ensure the de- medical services State directors and associa- (11) will be implemented by the principal livery of patients to designated trauma cen- tions, and other interested parties; and State agency with respect to emergency ters and other facilities within and outside ‘‘(D) include standards for the designation medical services or by the designee of such of the jurisdiction of such system, including of rural health facilities and hospitals best agency; policies to ensure that only individuals ap- able to receive, stabilize, and transfer trau- ‘‘(2) specifies a public or private entity propriately identified as trauma patients are ma patients to the nearest appropriate des- that will designate trauma care regions and transferred to designated trauma centers, ignated trauma center, and for triage, trans- trauma centers in the State; and to provide periodic reviews of the transfer, and transportation policies as they re- ‘‘(3) subject to subsection (b), contains na- fers and the auditing of such transfers that late to rural areas. tional standards and requirements of the are determined to be appropriate; ‘‘(2) APPLICABILITY.—Standards described American College of Surgeons or another ap- ‘‘(10) conducts public education activities in paragraph (1)(D) shall be applicable to all propriate entity for the designation of level concerning injury prevention and obtaining rural areas in the State, including both non- I and level II trauma centers, and in the case access to trauma care; metropolitan areas and frontier areas that

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have populations of less than 6,000 per square ‘‘(b) WAIVER.—The Secretary may waive a ‘‘(3) examine and evaluate trauma systems mile. restriction under subsection (a) only if the development and identify obstacles that pre- ‘‘(d) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION WITH RESPECT Secretary determines that the activities out- vent or hinder the effectiveness of trauma TO NUMBER OF DESIGNATED TRAUMA CEN- lined by the State plan submitted under sec- systems and trauma systems development; TERS.—With respect to compliance with sub- tion 1214(a)(1) by the State involved cannot ‘‘(4) examine and evaluate alternative section (a) as a condition of the receipt of a otherwise be carried out.’’. strategies for the organization, financing, grant under section 1211(a), such subsection SEC. 10. REQUIREMENTS OF REPORTS BY and delivery of trauma care within an over- may not be construed to specify the number STATES. all systems approach; and of trauma care centers designated pursuant The Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. ‘‘(5) examine and evaluate the role of trau- to such subsection.’’. 201 et seq.) is amended by striking section ma systems and trauma centers in prepared- SEC. 8. REQUIREMENT OF SUBMISSION TO SEC- 1216. ness for mass casualties. RETARY OF TRAUMA PLAN AND CER- SEC. 11. REPORT BY SECRETARY. ‘‘(c) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after TAIN INFORMATION. Section 1222 of the Public Health Service the date of enactment of this section, the Section 1214 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300d–22) is amended to read as Secretary shall submit to the appropriate Act (42 U.S.C. 300d–14) is amended to read as committees of Congress a report containing follows: follows: ‘‘SEC. 1222. REPORT BY SECRETARY. the results of the study conducted under this ‘‘SEC. 1214. REQUIREMENT OF SUBMISSION TO section. SECRETARY OF TRAUMA PLAN AND ‘‘Not later than October 1, 2008, the Sec- CERTAIN INFORMATION. retary shall report to the appropriate com- ‘‘(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—For each fiscal year, the mittees of Congress on the activities of the There is authorized to be appropriated to Secretary may not make payments to a States carried out pursuant to section 1211. carry out this section $750,000 for fiscal year State under section 1211(a) unless, subject to Such report shall include an assessment of 2008.’’. subsection (b), the State submits to the Sec- the extent to which Federal and State efforts SEC. 14. RESIDENCY TRAINING PROGRAMS IN retary the trauma care component of the to develop systems of trauma care and to EMERGENCY MEDICINE. State plan for the provision of emergency designate trauma centers have reduced the Section 1251 of the Public Health Service medical services, including any changes to incidence of mortality, and the incidence of Act (42 U.S.C. 300d–51) is amended to read as the trauma care component and any plans to permanent disability, resulting from trau- follows: address deficiencies in the trauma care comma. Such report may include any rec- ‘‘SEC. 1251. RESIDENCY TRAINING PROGRAMS IN ponent. ommendations of the Secretary for appro- EMERGENCY MEDICINE. ‘‘(b) INTERIM PLAN OR DESCRIPTION OF EF- priate administrative and legislative initia- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may FORTS.—For each fiscal year, if a State has tives with respect to trauma care.’’. make grants to public and nonprofit private not completed the trauma care component of SEC. 12. FUNDING. entities for the purpose of planning and de- the State plan described in subsection (a), Section 1232 of the Public Health Service veloping approved residency training pro- the State may provide, in lieu of such com- Act (42 U.S.C. 300d–32) is amended to read as grams in emergency medicine. pleted component, an interim component or follows: ‘‘(b) IDENTIFICATION AND REFERRAL OF DO- a description of efforts made toward the ‘‘SEC. 1232. FUNDING. MESTIC VIOLENCE.—The Secretary may make completion of the component. ‘‘(a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— a grant under subsection (a) only in the ap- ‘‘(c) INFORMATION RECEIVED BY STATE RE- plicant involved agrees that the training PORTING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM.—The Sec- For the purpose of carrying out parts A and retary may not make payments to a State B, there are authorized to be appropriated programs under subsection (a) will provide under section 1211(a) unless the State agrees $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, $10,000,000 for education and training in identifying and re- that the State will, not less than once each fiscal year 2009, and $8,000,000 for each of the ferring cases of domestic violence. year, provide to the Secretary the informa- fiscal years 2010 through 2012. ‘‘(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— tion received by the State pursuant to sec- ‘‘(b) RESERVATION OF FUNDS.—If the For the purpose of carrying out this section, tion 1213(a)(7). amount appropriated under subsection (a) for there is authorized to be appropriated ‘‘(d) AVAILABILITY OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL a fiscal year is equal to or less than $400,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 SERVICES IN RURAL AREAS.—The Secretary $1,000,000, such appropriation is available though 2012.’’. may not make payments to a State under only for making grants under part A. If the SEC. 15. STATE GRANTS FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS. section 1211(a) unless— amount so appropriated is greater than Section 1252 of the Public Health Service ‘‘(1) the State identifies any rural area in $1,000,000, 50 percent of such appropriation Act (42 U.S.C. 300d–52) is amended in the sec- the State for which— shall be made available for grants under part tion heading by striking ‘‘DEMONSTRATION’’ ‘‘(A) there is no system of access to emer- A and 50 percent shall be made available for . gency medical services through the tele- grants under part B. phone number 911; ‘‘(c) ALLOCATION OF FUNDS BY SECRETARY.— By Mrs. CLINTON (for herself, ‘‘(1) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—For the purpose ‘‘(B) there is no basic life-support system; Ms. SNOWE, and Mr. COCHRAN): or of carrying out part A, the Secretary shall S. 661. A bill to establish kinship nav- make available 10 percent of the amounts ap- ‘‘(C) there is no advanced life-support sys- igator programs, to establish guardian- tem; and propriated for a fiscal year under subsection ‘‘(2) the State submits to the Secretary a (a). ship assistance payments for children, list of rural areas identified pursuant to sub- ‘‘(2) RURAL GRANTS.—For the purpose of and for other purposes; to the Com- paragraph (A) or, if there are no such areas, carrying out section 1202, the Secretary shall mittee on Finance. a statement that there are no such areas.’’. make available 10 percent of the amounts ap- Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, I am SEC. 9. RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF PAYMENTS. propriated for a fiscal year under subsection pleased to re-introduce the Kinship Section 1215 of the Public Health Service (a).’’. Caregiver Support Act today with my Act (42 U.S.C. 300d–15) is amended to read as SEC. 13. INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE STUDY. friend and colleague, Senator OLYMPIA follows: Part E of title XII of the Public Health SNOWE. The growth of kinship care is a Service Act (20 U.S.C. 300d–51 et seq.) is ‘‘SEC. 1215. RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF PAYMENTS. phenomenon that is quietly changing ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may not, amended by adding at the end the following: except as provided in subsection (b), make ‘‘SEC. 1254. INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE STUDY. the face of the American family and payments under section 1211(a) for a fiscal ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall creating new challenges for our Na- year unless the State involved agrees that enter into a contract with the Institute of tion’s child welfare system. This bill the payments will not be expended— Medicine of the National Academy of would be a huge help to kinship care- ‘‘(1) for any purpose other than developing, Sciences, or another appropriate entity, to givers in New York and across the implementing, and monitoring the modifica- conduct a study on the state of trauma care country. tions required by section 1211(b) to be made and trauma research. Nationwide, now more than ever chil- to the State plan for the provision of emer- ‘‘(b) CONTENT.—The study conducted under gency medical services; subsection (a) shall— dren are living in households headed by ‘‘(2) to make cash payments to intended re- ‘‘(1) examine and evaluate the state of grandparents and other relatives. In cipients of services provided pursuant to this trauma care and trauma systems research New York City alone, there are over section; (including the role of Federal entities in 245,000 adolescents already living in ‘‘(3) to purchase or improve real property trauma research) on the date of enactment grandparent households. Nationwide, (other than minor remodeling of existing im- of this section, and identify trauma research an estimated 20,000 children living in provements to real property); priorities; foster care could leave the system if ‘‘(4) to satisfy any requirement for the ex- ‘‘(2) examine and evaluate the clinical ef- Congress made subsidized guardianship penditure of non-Federal funds as a condi- fectiveness of trauma care and the impact of tion for the receipt of Federal funds; or trauma care on patient outcomes, with spe- available to their families. ‘‘(5) to provide financial assistance to any cial attention to high-risk groups, such as As caregivers who often become par- entity other than a public or nonprofit pri- children, the elderly, and individuals in rural ents unexpectedly, these generous fam- vate entity. areas; ily members face unique challenges to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2172 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 successfully raising children. These whom a death gratuity benefit is S. 633 challenges are physical, emotional and awarded. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- of course, financial. Grandparents and Today’s Washington Post includes an resentatives of the United States of America in other relatives raising children often informative yet troubling article de- Congress assembled, encounter a variety of unnecessary SECTION 1. MODIFICATION OF SCHEME FOR PAY- scribing the plight of the mother of MENT OF DEATH GRATUITY PAY- barriers, including difficulties enroll- Petty Officer Second Class Jaime S. ABLE WITH RESPECT TO MEMBERS ing children in school, authorizing Jaenke, U. S. Navy, who died in Iraq in OF THE ARMED FORCES. medical treatment, maintaining their June 2006 as a result of an IED attack. (a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the fol- public housing leases, obtaining afford- Petty Officer Jaenke was a member of lowing findings: able legal services, and accessing a va- (1) The death gratuity authorized under the Navy Reserve and a medic assigned sections 1475 to 1480 of title 10, United States riety of Federal benefits and services. to a Seabee Construction Battalion. Code, was intended, when originally enacted Almost one-fifth of grandparents re- She left behind a young daughter, to provide an immediate cash payment to as- sponsible for their grandchildren live Kayla, who is in the care of Kayla’s sist survivors of deceased members of the in poverty. grandmother, Susan Jaenke. Armed Forces to meet their financial needs The Kinship Caregiver Support Act Regrettably, because of the manner during the period immediately following a attempts to address the full range of in which death benefits are adminis- member’s death and before other survivor benefits become available. difficulties facing kinship caregivers, tered, a hardship situation has been by allowing relatives to become formal (2) The death gratuity, when first imple- created for Mrs. Jaenke. The article mented in 1908, amounted to six months of a guardians while receiving some finan- spells out that while the insurance pro- service member’s pay and, until 1991, could cial assistance. This bill will provide ceeds have been set aside by the State not exceed $3,000. relative caregivers with the informa- court for the benefit of Kayla, they (3) However, following the attacks of Sep- tion and assistance they need to thrive have not yet been made available. So tember 11, 2001, and the initiation of Oper- as non-traditional families. in the meantime her grandmother is ation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi First, the Act contains a ‘‘subsidized left trying to make ends meet because Freedom, Congress determined that the death benefits available to survivors of mem- guardianship provision’’, which will she is not allowed to receive the gra- give States the option to use their bers of the Armed Forces should be substan- tuity benefit that her daughter tially increased. Title IV–E funds to provide payments thought she would be providing, should (4) The National Defense Authorization to grandparents and other relatives the service member’s unfortunate Act for Fiscal Year 2006, which was enacted who have assumed legal guardianship death occur. on January 6, 2006, as Public Law 109-163, in- of children they have cared for as fos- The article describes a very difficult creased the amount of the death gratuity to ter parents. situation for the person on who Petty $100,000, effective retroactively to October 7, The Act also establishes the Kinship Officer Jaenke depended. The financial 2001. Navigator Program, which will provide (5) Under section 1477 of title 10, United difficulties Mrs. Jaenke is experiencing States Code, the law authorizing the death families with the guidance they need to is due in part by confusion about how learn how to obtain health care cov- gratuity, those living relatives of deceased the death gratuity benefit—a sum of members of the Armed Forces who shall re- erage for the children in their care, $100,000—is being administered under ceive the death gratuity are specifically des- apply for housing assistance, locate law. ignated. Service members are not provided childcare, enroll children in school, Under current law, the recipient of with the opportunity to make an election and gain access to other services. the $100,000 is dictated by the statute. choosing a beneficiary other than those set forth in section 1477 of title 10, United States Finally, this legislation will require It provides that a benefit is first States to notify grandparents and Code. awarded to an existing spouse. If there (6) The increased death gratuity, in com- other close relatives when children is no spouse, it then is provided to the enter the foster care system. Unfortu- bination with benefits available under the children, and so on. It’s a scheme that Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance pro- nately, grandparents and other rel- was set up to permit speedy resolution gram, the Survivor Benefit Plan, and De- atives often do not know when their of what used to be a very modest ben- pendency and Indemnity Compensation pro- grandchildren or nieces and nephews efit. In today’s world, however, with vide significant support and compensation to come under the care of the State. Noti- the complex needs of service members, the next of kin of deceased members of the Armed Forces. Individual members are best fying grandparents and other relatives it does not comport with the realities when children enter the foster care sys- qualified to determine who the beneficiaries of many of our service members and for death benefits should be and should be af- tem will make it easier for families to their families. It needs to be changed. stay together. forded the opportunity to make these selec- The legislation I am introducing tions at appropriate times throughout mili- So many grandparents and other rel- would replace the statutory order of tary service and particularly prior to mobili- atives are making great personal sac- beneficiaries with provisions identical zation or deployment to a combat zone. rifices to provide safe and loving homes to that used to select beneficiaries (7) Under the current system, many mem- for the children in their care. It is my under the Servicemembers’ Group Life bers of the Armed Forces have designated in- hope that my colleagues will join Sen- dividuals as beneficiaries for the death gra- Insurance—SGLI. The bill would give ator SNOWE and me as we continue this tuity in a manner not provided for by law. In service members the power to select fight for children and families. these cases, the wishes of these members re- precisely who will receive the $100,00 garding the disposition of the death gratuity By Mr. MCCAIN: death gratuity. It would require the has in many cases not been implemented, to S. 663. A bill to amend title 10, Secretary of Defense to, no later than the detriment of their children and other United States Code, to repeal the stat- April 1, 2007, to prepare regulations and loved ones. create election forms that will enable (b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of utory designation of beneficiaries of Congress that all members of the Armed the $100,000 death gratuity under sec- service members to designate who will Forces should be given the opportunity to af- tion 1477 of title 10, United States receive this benefit. firmatively select who shall receive the Code, and to permit members of the I hope we can move this legislation death gratuity and that the Secretary of De- Armed Forces to designate in writing quickly and ensure that the intentions fense and the Secretaries of the military de- their beneficiaries of choice in the of our service members regarding the partments should take prompt action to af- well being of their children and fami- ford members the opportunity to make an event of their death while serving on election in writing about the disposition of active duty; to the Committee on lies can be carried out. We owe at least the death gratuity proceeds and to provide Armed Services. that much to those who are giving appropriate and timely counseling about the Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, today I their lives for our nation. manner in which the proceeds of the death am introducing legislation to fix a seri- I ask unanimous consent that the gratuity and other forms of insurance will be ous problem that has recently come to text of the bill be printed in the administered. (c) MODIFICATION.— RECORD. light with respect to the administra- (1) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) of section tion of the so-called Death Gratuity. There being no objection, the text of 1477 of title 10, United States Code, is amend- The legislation is designed to ensure the bill was ordered to be printed in ed by striking all that follows ‘‘on the fol- that a service member can designate to the RECORD, as follows: lowing list:’’ and inserting the following:

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‘‘(1) To any individual designated by the S. 667 (3) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘‘Indian tribe’’ person in writing. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- has the meaning given such term in section ‘‘(2) If there is no person so designated, to resentatives of the United States of America in 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and the surviving spouse of the person. Congress assembled, Education Assistance Act (52 U.S.C. ‘‘(3) If there is none of the above, to the SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 450(b)(e)). children (as prescribed by subsection (b)) of This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Education (4) SECRETARY.—Except as provided in sec- the person and the descendants of any de- Begins at Home Act’’. tion 7, the term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Sec- ceased children by representation. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. retary of Health and Human Services. ‘‘(4) If there is none of the above, to the (a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— (5) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means each parents (as prescribed by subsection (c)) of (1) the home is the first and most impor- of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the person or the survivor of them. tant learning environment for children, and and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. ‘‘(5) If there is none of the above, to the parents are their children’s first and most (6) TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS.—The duly appointed executor or administrator of influential teacher; term ‘‘territories and possessions’’ means the estate of the person. (2) through parent education and family American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the ‘‘(6) If there is none of the above, to other support, we can promote parents’ ability to Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the next of kin of the person entitled under the enhance their children’s development from United States Virgin Islands. laws of domicile of the person at the time of birth until entry into kindergarten thereby (7) TRIBAL ORGANIZATION.—The term ‘‘trib- the person’s death.’’. helping parents to prepare their children for al organization’’ has the meaning given such (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Such sec- success in school; term in section 4(l) of the Indian Self-Deter- tion is further amended— (3) undiagnosed and unaddressed develop- mination and Education Assistance Act (25 (A) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘Sub- mental and health problems can impede U.S.C. 450b(l)). section (a)(2)’’ in the matter preceding para- overall child development and school readi- graph (1) and inserting ‘‘Subsection (a)(3)’’; SEC. 4. STATE GRANTS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD ness; HOME VISITATION. (B) by striking (c) and inserting the fol- (4) all parents deserve and can benefit lowing new subsection (c): from— (a) AUTHORIZATION.—The Secretary, in col- ‘‘(c) For purposes of subsection (a)(4), par- (A) research-based information regarding laboration with the Secretary of Education, ents include fathers and mothers through child development; shall make grants to States to enable such adoption. However, only one father and one (B) enrichment opportunities with their States to establish or expand quality pro- mother may be recognized in any case, and children; and grams of early childhood home visitation, as preference shall be given to those who exer- (C) early opportunities to become involved specified under subsection (f). Each grant cised a parental relationship on the date, or with their community and schools; and shall consist of the allotment determined for most nearly before the date, on which the de- (5) early childhood home visitation leads a State under subsection (b). cedent entered a status described in section to positive outcomes for children and fami- 1475 or 1476 of this title.’’; and lies, including readiness for school, improved (b) DETERMINATION OF RESERVATIONS; (C) by striking subsection (d). child health and development, positive par- AMOUNT OF ALLOTMENTS; AUTHORIZATION OF (3) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments enting practices, and reductions in child APPROPRIATIONS.— made by this subsection shall take effect on maltreatment. (1) RESERVATIONS FROM APPROPRIATIONS.— the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) PURPOSES.—The purposes of this Act From the total amount made available to (4) APPLICABILITY.—Notwithstanding para- are as follows: carry out this section for a fiscal year, the graph (3), the provisions of section 1477 of (1) To enable States to deliver services Secretary shall reserve— title 10, United States Code, as in effect on under early childhood home visitation pro- (A) 3 percent for an independent evaluation the day before the date of the enactment of grams to pregnant women and parents of of the activities carried out under this Act, this Act, shall continue to apply to each children from birth until entry into kinder- as specified in section 8; member of the Armed Forces covered by garten in order to promote parents’ ability (B) not more than 3 percent for Federal ad- such section until the earlier of the fol- to support their children’s optimal cog- ministrative costs; lowing— nitive, language, social-emotional, and phys- (C) 2 percent for training and technical as- (A) the date on which such member makes ical development. sistance for States; the designation contemplated by paragraph (2) To improve Early Head Start programs (D) not more than 2 percent for payments (1) of section 1477(a) of such title (as amend- carried out under section 645A of the Head to Indian tribes and tribal organizations ed by paragraph (1) of this subsection); or Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840a). with applications approved under this sec- (B) January 1, 2008. (3) To expand early childhood home visitation; and (d) REGULATIONS.— tion programs so as to more effectively reach (E) not more than 0.5 percent for payments (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than April 1, and serve families with English language to territories and possessions with applica- 2007, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe learners. tions approved under this section. regulations to implement the amendments (4) To expand early childhood visitation (2) STATE ALLOTMENTS FOR EARLY CHILD- to section 1477 of title 10, United States programs so as to more effectively reach and HOOD HOME VISITATION.— Code, made by subsection (c). serve families serving in the military. (A) IN GENERAL.—In accordance with sub- (2) ELEMENTS.—The regulations required (5) To establish a public education and paragraph (B), the Secretary shall allot by paragraph (1) shall include forms for the awareness campaign concerning the impor- among each of the eligible States the total making of the designation contemplated by tance of the proper care of infants and young amount made available to carry out this sec- paragraph (1) of section 1477(a) of title 10, children. tion for any fiscal year and not reserved United States Code (as amended by sub- (6) To make available for parents of new- under paragraph (1), to carry out early child- section (c)), and instructions for members of born children parenting classes that convey hood home visitation in accordance with this the Armed Forces in the filling out of such information about the importance of proper section. forms. care for newborns, including information (B) DETERMINATION OF STATE ALLOT- about symptoms of abusive head and other MENTS.— By Mr. BOND (for himself and injuries. (i) IN GENERAL.—Subject to clause (ii), the Mrs. CLINTON): SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. Secretary shall allot the amount made avail- S. 667. A bill to expand programs of In this Act: able under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year early childhood home visitation that (1) ELIGIBLE FAMILY.—The term ‘‘eligible among the States in proportion to the num- increase school readiness, child abuse family’’ means— ber of children, aged from birth to 5 years, and neglect prevention, and early iden- (A) a woman who is pregnant, and the fa- who reside within the State, compared to the tification of developmental and health ther of the child if the father is available; or number of such individuals who reside in all (B) a parent or primary caregiver of a such States for that fiscal year. delays, including potential mental child, including grandparents or other rel- (ii) EXCEPTION.—No State receiving an al- health concerns, and for other pur- atives of the child, and foster parents, who lotment under clause (i) may receive more poses; to the Committee on Health, are serving as the primary caregiver from than $20,000,000. Education, Labor, and Pensions. birth until entry into kindergarten, includ- (3) INDIAN TRIBES, TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS, Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I ask unan- ing a noncustodial parent during periods in TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS.— imous consent, on behalf of myself and which such noncustodial parent is physically (A) INDIAN TRIBES AND TRIBAL ORGANIZA- Senator HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, caring for such child. TIONS.—From amounts reserved for each fis- that the text of the Education Begins (2) HOME VISITATION.—The term ‘‘home vis- cal year under paragraph (1)(D), the Sec- itation’’ means services provided in the per- retary shall make payments to each Indian at Home Act be printed in the RECORD. manent or temporary residence, or in a mu- tribe or tribal organizations with an applica- There being no objection, the text of tually agreed upon location in the commu- tion approved under this section in an the bill was ordered to be printed in nity, of the individual receiving such serv- amount determined in accordance with the the RECORD, as follows: ices. respective needs described in the application.

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(B) TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS.—From and attitudes toward formal support serv- (E) 1 individual with experience in admin- amounts reserved for each fiscal year under ices. istering public or private (including commu- paragraph (1)(E), the Secretary shall make (viii) How the lead State agency will evalu- nity-based) child maltreatment prevention payments to each territory and possession ate the activities supported under this sec- programs. with an application approved under this section in order to demonstrate outcomes re- (e) DURATION OF GRANTS.—Grants made tion in an amount determined in accordance lated to the enhancement of— with the respective needs described in the (I) parent knowledge of early learning and under this section shall be for a period of no application. development; more than 3 years. (4) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— (II) child health, cognitive, language, so- (f) STATE USES OF FUNDS.—Each State that There is authorized to be appropriated to cial-emotional, and physical development in- receives a grant under this section shall— carry out this section $400,000,000 for the pe- dicators; and (1) provide to as many eligible families in riod of fiscal years 2008 through 2010. (III) child maltreatment indicators for the State as practicable, voluntary early (c) GRANT APPLICATIONS.— child abuse and neglect prevention. childhood home visitation, on not less fre- (1) STATE APPLICATIONS.—A State that de- (IV) School readiness indicators. quently than a monthly basis with greater sires to receive a grant under this section (V) Links to community services. frequency of services for those eligible fami- shall submit an application to the Secretary (ix) A description of how the lead State lies identified with additional needs, through at such time, in such manner, and con- agency will ensure that the home visitation the implementation of quality programs of taining such information as the Secretary programs will conduct outreach activities to early childhood home visitation that— may require. The application shall contain target both mothers and fathers, and in- (A) adopts a clear, consistent model that is the following information: crease father involvement where appro- grounded in empirically-based knowledge re- (A) An assurance that the Governor of the priate. lated to home visiting and linked to pro- State has designated a lead State agency, (x) A description of how the lead State gram-determined outcomes; such as the State educational agency or the agency will increase home visitation pro- (B) employs well-trained and competent State health and human services agency, to grams participation rates for fathers. staff, as demonstrated by education or train- carry out the activities under this section. (xi) A description of how the lead State ing, and the provision of ongoing and specific (B) An assurance that the State will re- agency will ensure that services are made serve 3 percent of such grant for evaluation available under the program to grand- training on the model being delivered; and will participate in the independent eval- parents, other relatives or foster parents, of (C) maintains high quality supervision to uation under section 8. a child from birth through age 5 who serve as establish home visitor competencies; (C) An assurance that the State will re- the primary caregiver of the child. (D) demonstrates strong organizational ca- serve 10 percent of the grant funds for train- (G) Such other information as the Sec- pacity to implement the program involved; ing and technical assistance of staff of pro- retary may require. (E) establishes appropriate linkages and grams of early childhood home visitation. (2) INDIAN TRIBES, TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS, referral networks to other community re- (D) An assurance that the State will au- TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS.— sources and supports; thorize child care resource and referral agen- (A) IN GENERAL.—An Indian tribe, tribal or- (F) monitors fidelity of program imple- cies to refer parents seeking home visitation ganization, territory, or possession that de- mentation to ensure that services are deliv- services. sires to receive a grant under this section ered pursuant to the specified model; (E) The results of a statewide needs assess- shall submit an application to the Secretary (G) are research-based, that provide par- ment that describes— at such time, in such manner, and con- ents with— (i) the quality and capacity of existing pro- taining such information as the Secretary (i) knowledge of age appropriate child de- grams of early childhood home visitation in may require. The application shall contain velopment in cognitive, language, social- the State; the information described in paragraph (1) emotional, and motor domains; (ii) the number and types of eligible fami- with respect to the applicant entity. (ii) knowledge of realistic expectations of lies who are receiving services under such (B) APPROVAL.—The Secretary may ap- age-appropriate child behaviors; programs; and prove an application submitted under sub- (iii) knowledge of health and wellness (iii) the gaps in early childhood home visi- paragraph (A) based on the quality of the in- issues for children and parents; tation in the State. formation contained in the application. (iv) modeling and consulting services re- (F) A State plan containing the following: (C) EXEMPTIONS.—The Secretary may ex- lated to parenting; (i) A description of the State’s strategy to empt an applicant under subparagraph (A) (v) skills to interact with their child to en- establish or expand quality programs of from any requirement of this section if the hance age-appropriate development; early childhood home visitation to serve all Secretary determines that the application of (vi) skills to recognize and seek help for eligible families in the State. such requirements would be inappropriate health issues and developmental delays, and (ii) A description of the quality programs taking into consideration the resources, social, emotional, and behavioral skills; of early childhood home visitation that will needs, and other circumstances of the appli- (vii) activities designed to help parents be- be supported by a grant under this section. cant entity. This subparagraph shall not come full partners in the education of their (iii) A description of how the proposed pro- apply to the requirements described in sub- children; and gram of early childhood home visitation will sections (f)(1) and (h). (viii) relevant information, consistent with promote positive parenting skills and chil- (d) APPROVAL OF APPLICATIONS.— State child welfare agency training, con- dren’s early learning and development. (1) RECOMMENDATION OF PANEL.— cerning child welfare and protective services (iv) A description of how the proposed pro- (A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall ap- resources if appropriate; gram of early childhood home visitation will prove an application under this section based (H) ascertain which developmental services incorporate the authorized activities de- on the recommendations of a peer review the family receives and work with service scribed in subsection (f). panel, as described in paragraph (2). providers to eliminate gaps in services by of- (v) How the lead State agency will build on (B) SELECTION CRITERIA.—A peer review fering annual health, vision, hearing, and de- and promote coordination among existing panel shall determine which applicants to velopmental screening for children from programs of early childhood home visitation recommend for approval, for purposes of sub- birth until entry into kindergarten, when in an effort to promote an array of home vis- paragraph (A), based on the quality of the not otherwise provided; itation that ensures more eligible families application submitted. Consideration shall (I) provide referrals for eligible families, as are being served and are getting the most ap- be given by the panel to the inclusion of ap- needed, to additional resources available in propriate services to meet their needs. plicants, to the extent practicable, that have the community, such as center-based early (vi) How the lead State agency will pro- the ability to incorporate comparison or con- education programs, child care services, mote channels of communication between trol groups in their service deliver model, health or mental health services, family lit- staff of programs of early childhood home recognizing that universal access to home eracy programs, employment agencies, so- visitation and staff of other early childhood visitation services, among other factors, cial services, and child care resource and re- education programs, such as Head Start pro- may prevent some quality programs from ferral agencies; grams carried out under the Head Start Act conducting such evaluation. (J) offer group meetings (at the discretion (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.) and Early Head Start (2) PEER REVIEW PANEL.—The peer review of the program involved) for eligible families programs carried out under section 645A of panel shall include not less than— that— such Act, preschool programs, and child care (A) 3 individuals who are experts in the (i) further enhance the information, activi- programs, to facilitate the coordination of field of home visitation; ties, and skill-building addressed during services for eligible families. (B) 2 individuals who are experts in early home visitation; and (vii) How the lead State agency will pro- childhood development; (ii) offer opportunities for parents to meet vide training and technical assistance to (C) 1 individual with experience imple- with and support each other; staff of programs of early childhood home menting a statewide program of early child- (K) reserve 10 percent of the grant funds to visitation involved in activities under this hood home visitation; provide training and technical assistance, di- section to more effectively meet the needs of (D) 1 individual who is a board certified pe- rectly or through contract, to early child- the eligible families served with sensitivity diatrician or a developmental pediatrician; hood home visitation and early childhood to cultural variations in parenting norms and care and education staff relating to—

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(i) effective methods of conducting parent (C) the characteristics of the recipient of ‘‘(B) CONTENTS.—The standards for train- education, home visiting, and promoting services under the program, including the ing, qualifications, and the conduct of home quality early childhood development; number of recipients, their demographic visits shall include content related to— (ii) the relationship of health and well- characteristics, and family retention; ‘‘(i) structured child-focused home visiting being of pregnant women to prenatal and (2) recipient outcomes that are consistent that promotes parents’ ability to support the early childhood development; with program goals, including, where appro- child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and (iii) early childhood development with re- priate based on the outcomes being evalu- physical development; spect to children from birth until entry into ated a description of— ‘‘(ii) effective strengths-based parent edu- kindergarten; (A) affected parental practices; cation, including methods to encourage par- (iv) methods to help parents promote (B) child health, cognitive, language, so- ents as their child’s first teachers; emergent literacy in their children from cial-emotional, and physical developmental ‘‘(iii) early childhood development with re- birth until entry into kindergarten; indicators; spect to children from birth through age 3; (v) health, vision, hearing, and develop- (C) child maltreatment indicators, includ- ‘‘(iv) methods to help parents promote mental screenings; ing prevention strategies; emergent literacy in their children from (vi) strategies for helping eligible families (D) school readiness indicators; and birth through age 3; with special needs or those eligible families (E) links to community services; ‘‘(v) ascertaining what health and develop- coping with crisis; (3) the research-based instruction, mate- mental services the family involved receives (vii) recruiting, supervising, and retaining rials, and activities being used in the activi- and working with the service providers to qualified staff; ties funded under the grant; eliminate gaps in services by offering annual (viii) increasing services for underserved (4) the effectiveness of the training and on- health, vision, hearing, and developmental populations; going professional development provided— screenings for children from birth through (ix) methods to help parents effectively re- (A) to staff supported under the grant; and entry into kindergarten, when needed; spond to their children’s needs and behav- (B) to the broader early childhood commu- ‘‘(vi) strategies for helping families coping iors; and nity; with crisis; and (x) implementation of ongoing program (5) beginning at the end of the second year ‘‘(vii) the relationship of health and well- quality improvement and evaluation of ac- of the grant, the results of evaluations de- being of pregnant women to prenatal and tivities and outcomes; scribed in subsection (c)(4)(G); and early child development.’’. (L) ensure coordination of programs of (6) the annual program implementation SEC. 6. TARGETED GRANTS FOR EARLY CHILD- early childhood home visitation, early child- costs, including the cost for each family HOOD HOME VISITATION FOR FAMI- hood education and care, and early interven- served under the program. LIES WITH ENGLISH LANGUAGE tion, through an existing or created State- LEARNERS. level early childhood coordinating body that SEC. 5. STRENGTHENING EARLY HEAD START (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in col- HOME VISITATION. includes— laboration with the Secretary of Education, (i) representatives from relevant State Section 645A of the Head Start Act (42 shall make grants, on a competitive basis, to agencies, including the State agency respon- U.S.C. 9840a) is amended— eligible applicants to enable such applicants sible for carrying out the plan under section (1) in subsection (b)— to support and expand local efforts to deliver services under quality programs of early 106 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treat- (A) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘provide childhood home visitation, to eligible fami- ment Act; services to parents to support their role as lies with English language learners. (ii) representatives from State Head Start parents’’ and inserting ‘‘provide additional (b) ELIGIBLE APPLICANT.—In this section, services to parents to support their role as Associations; the term ‘‘eligible applicant’’ means— parents (including training in parenting (iii) the State official with responsibility (1) 1 or more local educational agencies (as skills, basic child development, and sensi- for carrying out activities under part C of defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and tivity to cultural variations in parenting the Individuals with Disabilities Education Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. norms and attitudes toward formal sup- Act (20 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.); 7801)); and ports)’’; (iv) the State official with responsibility (2) 1 or more public or private community- (B) in paragraph (5)— for carrying out activities under section 619 based organizations or agencies that serve (i) by inserting ‘‘(including home-based of the Individuals with Disabilities Edu- eligible families and are capable of estab- services)’’ after ‘‘with services’’; and cation Act (20 U.S.C. 1419); lishing and implementing programs of early (ii) by inserting ‘‘, and family support serv- (v) representatives from child care re- childhood home visitation. ices’’ after ‘‘health services’’; source and referral State offices; (c) APPLICATIONS.—An eligible applicant (vi) representatives from quality programs (C) by redesignating paragraphs (7), (8), and that desires to receive a grant under this of early childhood home visitation; and (9) as paragraphs (9), (10), and (11), respec- section shall submit an application to the (vii) a board certified pediatrician or a de- tively; and Secretary at such time, in such manner, and velopmental pediatrician; and (D) by inserting after paragraph (6) the fol- containing such information as the Sec- (M) not expend more than 5 percent of the lowing: retary may require. The application shall in- amount of grant funds received under this ‘‘(7) develop and implement a systematic clude a description of— section for the administration of the grant, procedure for transitioning children and par- (1) the results of a community wide needs including planning, administration, evalua- ents from an Early Head Start program into assessment that describes— tion, and annual reporting. a Head Start program or another local early (A) community demographics dem- (g) MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT.—A State is childhood education program; onstrating the need for outreach and services entitled to receive its full allotment of funds ‘‘(8) establish channels of communication to eligible families with English language under this section for any fiscal year if the between staff of Early Head Start programs learners; Secretary finds that the aggregate expendi- and staff of Head Start programs or other (B) the quality, capacity, and existing pro- tures within the State for quality programs local early childhood education programs, to grams of early childhood home visitation for of early childhood home visitation, for the facilitate the coordination of programs;’’; eligible families with English language fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for (2) in subsection (g)(2)(B), by striking learners; which the determination is made was not clause (iv) and inserting the following: (C) the gaps in programs of early childhood less than 100 percent of such aggregate ex- ‘‘(iv) providing professional development home visitation for eligible families with penditures for the second fiscal year pre- and personnel enhancement activities, in- English language learners; and ceding the fiscal year for which the deter- cluding the provision of funds to recipients (D) the type of program of early childhood mination is made. of grants under subsection (a), relating to ef- home visitation necessary to address the fective methods of conducting parent edu- (h) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—Each State gaps identified; that receives a grant under this section shall cation, home visiting, and promoting quality (2) the program of early childhood home submit an annual report to the Secretary re- early childhood development.’’; and visitation that will be supported by the garding the State’s progress in addressing (3) by adding at the end the following: grant under this section; the purposes of this Act. Such report shall ‘‘(h) STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND DEVELOP- (3) how the proposed program of early include, at a minimum, a description of— MENT.— childhood home visitation will promote posi- (1) the actual services delivered under the ‘‘(1) HOME VISITOR STAFF.— tive parenting skills and children’s early grant, including— ‘‘(A) STANDARDS.—In order to further en- learning and development; (A) the program characteristics, including hance the quality of home visiting services (4) how the proposed program of early descriptive information on the service mod- provided to families of children participating childhood home visitation will incorporate els used and the actual program perform- in home-based, center-based, or combination the authorized activities described in sub- ance; program options under this subchapter, the section (f); (B) the characteristics of the providers in- Secretary shall establish standards for train- (5) how services provided through a grant volved, including staff qualifications, work ing, qualifications, and the conduct of home under this section will use materials that are experience, and demographic characteristics; visits for home visitor staff in Early Head geared toward eligible families with English and Start programs. language learners;

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Each such report shall, most appropriate services to meet their (C) knowledge of health and wellness issues at a minimum, include a description of— needs; for children and parents; (1) the actual service delivery provided for (7) how the program will ensure that— (D) modeling, consulting, and coaching on under the grant, including— (A) eligible families with English language parenting practices; (A) program characteristics that include descriptive information on the service model learners are linked to schools; and (E) skills to interact with their child to en- used under the program and actual program (B) the activities under this section will hance age-appropriate development; performance; support the preparation of children for (F) skills to recognize and seek help for (B) the characteristics of service providers school; health issues and developmental delays, and (8) how channels of communication will be under the program that include staff quali- social, emotional, and behavioral skills; and fications, work experience, and demographic established between staff of programs of (G) activities designed to help parents be- early childhood home visitation and staff of characteristics; come full partners in the education of their other early childhood education programs, (C) the characteristics of recipients of children. such as Head Start programs carried out services under the program that include the (2) Activities to ascertain what health and under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et number, demographic characteristics, and developmental services families receive and seq.) and Early Head Start programs carried family retention under the program; and working with service providers to eliminate out under section 645A of such Act, preschool (D) an estimate of the annual program im- gaps in service by offering an annual health, programs, and child care programs, to facili- plementation costs; vision, hearing, and developmental screening tate the coordination of services for eligible (2) with respect to recipients of services families with English language learners; for children from birth through their entry under the program, whether such services (9) how eligible families with English lan- into kindergarten. were provided in a manner consistent with guage learners will be recruited and retained (3) Providing referrals for participating eli- program goals including, where appro- to receive services under this section; gible families with English language learn- priate— (10) how training and technical assistance ers, as needed, to additional resources avail- (A) parental practices; will help the staff of programs of early child- able in the community, such as center-based (B) child health and development indica- hood home visitation involved in activities early education programs, child care serv- tors; under this section to more effectively serve ices, health or mental health services, fam- (C) child maltreatment indicators; eligible families with English language ily literacy programs, employment agencies, (D) school readiness indicators; and learners; social services, and child care resource and (E) links to community services; (11) how the eligible applicant will evalu- referral agencies. (3) the research-based instruction, mate- ate the activities supported under this sec- (4) Offering group meetings (at program rials, and activities being used in the activi- tion in order to demonstrate outcomes re- discretion), on not less frequently than a ties conducted under the program; and lated to the— monthly basis, for eligible families with (4) the effectiveness of the training and on- (A) increase in number of eligible families English language learners that— going professional development provided— with English language learners served by (A) further enhance the information, ac- (A) to the staff supported under the pro- programs of early childhood home visitation; tivities, and skill-building addressed during gram; and (B) enhancement of participating parents’ home visitation; (B) to the affected early childhood commu- knowledge of early learning and develop- (B) offer opportunities for parents to meet nity. ment; with and support each other; and (h) SUPPLEMENT NOT SUPPLANT.—Grant (C) enhancement of positive parenting (C) address challenges facing eligible fami- funds provided under this section shall be practices related to early learning and devel- lies with English language learners. used to supplement, and not supplant, Fed- opment; and (5) Providing training and technical assist- eral and non-Federal funds available for car- (D) enhancement of children’s cognitive, ance to early childhood home visitation and rying out the activities described in this section. language, social-emotional, and physical de- early childhood care and education staff relating to— (i) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— velopment; and There is authorized to be appropriated to (12) such other information as the Sec- (A) effective service to eligible families with English language learners, including carry out this section $50,000,000 for the pe- retary may require. riod of fiscal years 2008 through 2010. (d) APPROVAL OF APPLICATIONS.— skills to address challenges facing English SEC. 7. TARGETED GRANTS FOR EARLY CHILD- (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall select language learners; HOOD HOME VISITATION FOR MILI- applicants for funding under this section (B) effective methods of implementing parent education, conducting home visitation, TARY FAMILIES. based on the quality of the applications and (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, the recommendations of a peer review panel, and promoting quality early childhood development, with sensitivity to cultural vari- in collaboration with the Secretary of Edu- as described in paragraph (2). cation, shall make grants, on a competitive ations in parenting norms and attitudes to- (2) PEER REVIEW PANEL.—The peer review basis, to eligible applicants to enable such ward formal support services; panel shall include not less than— applicants to support and expand efforts to (C) the relationship of health and well- (A) 2 individuals who are experts in the deliver services under quality programs of being of pregnant women to prenatal and field of home visitation; early childhood home visitation, to eligible (B) 2 individuals who are experts in early early child development; families with a family member in the Armed childhood development; (D) early childhood development with re- Forces. (C) 2 individuals who are experts in serving spect to children from birth until entry into (b) ELIGIBLE APPLICANT.—In this section, eligible families with English language kindergarten; the term ‘‘eligible applicant’’ means any of learners; (E) methods to help parents promote emer- the following: (D) 1 individual who is a board certified pe- gent literacy in their children from birth (1) A local educational agency that re- diatrician or a developmental pediatrician; until entry into kindergarten; ceives payments under title VIII of the Ele- and (F) implementing strategies for helping el- mentary and Secondary Education Act of (E) 1 individual with experience in admin- igible families with English language learn- 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.). istering public or private (including commu- ers coping with a crisis; (2) A school of the defense dependents’ edu- nity-based) child maltreatment prevention (G) recruiting, supervising, and retaining cation system under the Defense Dependents’ programs. qualified staff; Education Act of 1978 (20 U.S.C. 921 et seq.). (e) DURATION OF GRANTS.—Grants made (H) increasing services for underserved eli- (3) A school established under section 2164 under this section shall be for a period of no gible families with English language learn- of title 10, United States Code. more than 3 years. ers; (4) A community-based organization serv- (f) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.—Each eligible (I) methods to help parents effectively re- ing families with a family member in the applicant that receives a grant under this spond to their children’s needs and behav- Armed Forces. section shall carry out the following activi- iors; and (c) APPLICATIONS.—An eligible applicant ties: (J) implementation of ongoing program that desires to receive a grant under this (1) Providing to as many eligible families quality improvement and evaluation of ac- section shall submit an application to the with English language learners as prac- tivities and outcomes. Secretary of Defense at such time, in such ticable, voluntary early childhood home visi- (6) Coordinating existing programs of early manner, and containing such information as tation, on not less frequently than a month- childhood home visitation in order to effec- the Secretary of Defense may require. The ly basis, through the implementation of tively and efficiently meet the needs of more application shall include a description of—

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2177 (1) the results of a community wide needs (12) such other information as the Sec- (B) effective methods of conducting parent assessment that describes— retary of Defense may require. education, home visiting, and promoting (A) community demographics dem- (d) APPROVAL OF LOCAL APPLICATIONS.— quality early childhood development, with onstrating the need for outreach and services (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense sensitivity to cultural variations in par- to eligible families with a family member in shall select applicants for funding under this enting norms and attitudes toward formal the Armed Forces; section based on the quality of the applica- support services; (B) the quality, capacity, and existing pro- tions and the recommendations of a peer re- (C) the relationship of health and well- grams of early childhood home visitation for view panel, as described in paragraph (2). being of pregnant women to prenatal and eligible families with a family member in (2) PEER REVIEW PANEL.—The peer review early child development; the Armed Forces; panel shall include not less than— (D) early childhood development with re- (C) the gaps in programs of early childhood (A) 2 individuals who are experts in the spect to children from birth until entry into home visitation for eligible families with a field of home visitation; kindergarten; family member in the Armed Forces; and (B) 2 individuals who are experts in early (E) methods to help parents promote emer- (D) the type of program of early childhood childhood development; gent literacy in their children from birth home visitation necessary to address the (C) 2 individuals who are experts in family until entry into kindergarten; support for military families; gaps identified; (F) implementing strategies for helping el- (D) 1 individual who is a board certified pe- (2) the program of early childhood home igible families with a family member in the diatrician; and visitation that will be supported by the Armed Forces coping with crisis; (E) 1 individual with expertise in admin- grant under this section; (G) recruiting, supervising, and retaining istering public or private (including commu- qualified staff; (3) how the proposed program of early nity-based) child maltreatment prevention childhood home visitation will promote posi- (H) increasing services for underserved eli- programs; and gible families with a family member in the tive parenting skills and children’s early (e) DURATION OF GRANTS.—Grants made Armed Forces; learning and development; under this section shall be for a period of no (I) methods to help parents effectively re- (4) how the proposed program of early more than 3 years. spond to their children’s needs and behav- childhood home visitation will incorporate (f) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.—Each eligible the authorized activities described in sub- applicant that receives a grant under this iors; and section (f); section shall carry out the following activi- (J) implementation of ongoing program (5) how services provided through a grant ties: quality improvement and evaluation of ac- under this section will use materials that are (1) Providing to as many eligible families tivities and outcomes. geared toward eligible families with a family with a family member in the Armed Forces (6) Coordinating existing programs of early member in the Armed Forces; as practicable, voluntary early childhood childhood home visitation in order to effec- (6) how the activities under this section home visitation, on not less frequently than tively and efficiently meet the needs of more will build on and promote coordination with a monthly basis, through the implementa- eligible families with a family member in existing programs of early childhood home tion of quality programs of early childhood the Armed Forces. visitation, if such programs exist in the com- home visitation that are research-based, (g) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—The recipi- munity, in an effort to promote an array of that provide parents with— ent of a grant under this section shall sub- home visitation that ensures more eligible (A) knowledge of age appropriate child de- mit to the Secretary an annual report con- families with a family member in the Armed velopment in cognitive, language, social- cerning the progress of the program con- Forces are being served and are getting the emotional, and motor domains; ducted by the recipient in addressing the most appropriate services to meet their (B) knowledge of realistic expectations of purposes of this Act. Each such report shall, needs; age-appropriate child behaviors; at a minimum, include a description of— (7) how the program will ensure that— (C) knowledge of health and wellness issues (1) the actual service delivery provided for (A) eligible families with a family member for children and parents; under the grant, including— in the Armed Forces are linked to schools; (D) modeling, consulting, and coaching on (A) program characteristics that include and parenting practices; descriptive information on the service model (B) the activities under this section will (E) skills to interact with their child to en- used under the program and actual program support the preparation of children for hance age-appropriate development; performance; school; (F) skills to recognize and seek help for (B) the characteristics of service providers (8) how channels of communication will be health issues and developmental delays, and under the program that include staff quali- established between staff of programs of social, emotional, and behavioral skills; and fications, work experience, and demographic early childhood home visitation and staff of (G) activities designed to help parents be- characteristics; other early childhood education programs, come full partners in the education of their (C) the characteristics of recipients of such as Head State programs carried out children. services under the program that include the under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et (2) Ascertaining what health and develop- number, demographic characteristics, and seq.) and Early Health State programs car- ment services the family receives under the family retention under the program; and ried out under section 645A of such Act, pre- program and working with service providers (D) an estimate of the annual program im- school programs, family support programs, to eliminate gaps in service by offering an- plementation costs; and child care programs, to facilitate the co- nual health, vision, hearing, and develop- (2) with respect to recipients of services ordination of services for eligible families mental screening for participating children. under the program, whether such services with a family member in the Armed Forces; (3) Providing referrals for participating eli- were provided in a manner consistent with (9) how eligible families with a family gible families with a family member in the program goals including, where appro- member in the Armed Forces will be re- Armed Forces, as needed, to additional re- priate— cruited and retained to receive services sources available in the community, such as (A) parental practices; under this section; center-based early education programs, child (B) child health and development indica- (10) how training and technical assistance care services, health or mental health serv- tors; will help staff of programs of early childhood ices, family literacy programs, employment (C) child maltreatment indicators; home visitation involved in activities under agencies, social services, and child care re- (D) school readiness indicators; and this section to more effectively serve eligible source and referral agencies. (E) links to community services; families with a family member in the Armed (4) Offering group meetings (at the discre- (3) the research-based instruction, mate- Forces; tion of the program), on not less frequently rials, and activities being used in the activi- (11) how the eligible applicant will evalu- than a monthly basis, for eligible families ties conducted under the program; and ate the activities supported under this sec- with a family member in the Armed Forces (4) the effectiveness of the training and on- tion in order to demonstrate outcomes re- that— going professional development provided— lated to the— (A) further enhance the information, ac- (A) to the staff supported under the pro- (A) increase in number of eligible families tivities, and skill-building addressed during gram; and with a family member in the Armed Forces home visitation; (B) to the affected early childhood commu- served by programs of early childhood home (B) offer opportunities for parents to meet nity. visitation; with and support each other; and (h) SUPPLEMENT NOT SUPPLANT.—Grant (B) enhancement of participating parents’ (C) address challenges facing eligible fami- funds provided under this section shall be knowledge of early learning and develop- lies with a family member in the Armed used to supplement, and not supplant, Fed- ment; Forces. eral and non-Federal funds available for car- (C) enhancement of positive parenting (5) Providing training and technical assist- rying out the activities described in this sec- practices related to early learning and devel- ance to early childhood home visitation and tion. opment; and early childhood care and education staff re- (i) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— (D) enhancement of children’s cognitive, lating to— There is authorized to be appropriated to language, social-emotional, and physical de- (A) effective service to eligible families carry out this section $50,000,000 for the pe- velopment; and with a family member in the Armed Forces; riod of fiscal years 2008 through 2010.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2178 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 SEC. 8. EVALUATION. nurseries, and patent support networks, to cent years efforts have been under- (a) IN GENERAL.—From funds reserved parents, caregivers, maternity hospitals, taken by various organizations to bet- under section 6(b)(1)(A), the Secretary shall children’s hospitals, pediatricians, child care ter inform the public about the risk of conduct an independent evaluation of the ef- centers, organizations providing prenatal sun exposure and ways to decrease the fectiveness of this Act. and postnatal care, and organizations pro- (b) REPORTS.— viding parenting education and support serv- chance of developing skin cancer. One (1) INTERIM REPORT.—Not later than 2 years ices. area, however, where better informa- after the date of enactment of this Act, the (D) Connection to existing parental in- tion is sorely needed is on the use of in- Secretary shall submit an interim report on volvement programs. door tanning salons. the evaluation conducted pursuant to sub- (2) PREVENTION PRACTICES.—In carrying out Every day approximately 1 million section (a) to the Committee on Health, Edu- paragraph (1)(C) through the campaign under people visit a tanning salon. It is a cation, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure and the Committee on Education and Labor practice particularly popular among that every hospital, military hospital, and teens, the group that seems most at of the House of Representatives. birth center receiving these materials re- (2) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than 3 years quests that each maternity patient and fa- risk from the effects of indoor tanning. after the date of enactment of this Act, the ther of a newborn child, if available, partici- The American Academy of Derma- Secretary shall submit a final report on the pate in a single session parenting class, that tology, the Food and Drug Administra- evaluation conducted pursuant to subsection is approved by the Secretary, on the tion, FDA, the National Institutes of (a) to the committees described in paragraph vulnerabilities of their infant to abusive Health, NIH, the Centers for Disease (1). practices, as well as the importance of prop- Control and Prevention, CDC, and the (c) CONTENTS.—The reports submitted er care for infants and young children, and under subsection (b) shall include informa- World Health Organization, WHO, all the symptoms of abusive head and other in- discourage the use of indoor tanning tion on the following: juries, and strategies for caring for infants’ (1) How the grant funds have expanded ac- social, emotional, and physical needs. After equipment. cess to early childhood home visitation in a participating in the class, the hospital or This message and the current infor- manner that demonstrates that programs birth center shall request that such patient mation about the risks of indoor tan- under this Act reflect the quality indicators or father sign a form stating that they have ning I fear are not being adequately under this Act. participated or refused to participate in the passed on to consumers. The FDA has (2) How the States are documenting com- parenting class. not updated its warnings on tanning pliance with the service delivery indicators (3) EXISTING PROGRAMS.—The implementa- beds since 1979. Regular users of indoor under this Act across all entities carrying tion and execution of the public information out programs under this Act with emphasis tanning beds deserve to be fully in- and educational campaign under this section formed. on the number of families served and the should seek collaboration with and referrals level of service received. to existing parental involvement programs The TAN Act calls upon the FDA to (3) How the services provided under State that specialize in strengthening children’s revisit the current label on indoor tan- programs affect outcomes consistent with cognitive skills, early literacy skills, social ning beds and determine through a programs goals, including, where appropriate or emotional and physical development and process of public hearings and con- based on the program being evaluated, par- existing prenatal and early childhood home sumer testing what kind of labeling re- enting practices, child health and develop- visit programs. ment, child maltreatment, school readiness, quirements would convey important in- (4) EXISTING STATE REQUIREMENTS.—The and links to community services. formation on the risks of indoor tan- implementation and execution of the public ning. (4) The effectiveness of early childhood information and educational campaign under home visitation on different populations, in- this section should encourage the Secretary This legislation is not about intro- cluding the extent to which variability ex- to work with pre-existing State require- ducing new regulations but ensuring ists in program ability to improve outcomes ments to ensure that no unnecessary burdens that the current FDA regulations re- across programs and populations, such as are placed on hospitals, military hospitals, main effective in communicating accu- families with English language learners and and birth centers receiving educational ma- rate, current, and clear information to families with a family member in the Armed terials. consumers about indoor tanning sa- Forces. (c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— (5) The effectiveness of the training and lons. There is authorized to be appropriated such I look forward to working with my technical assistance activities funded under sums as may be necessary to carry out this this Act, including the effects of training section for fiscal year 2008. colleagues toward passage of this bi- and technical assistance activities on pro- partisan legislation. I ask unanimous gram performance and agency-level collabo- By Mr. REED (for himself and consent that the text of the bill be ration. Mr. ISAKSON): printed in the RECORD. (6) Recommendations on strengthening or S. 668. A bill to require the Food and There being no objection, the text of modifying this Act. Drug Administration to conduct con- the bill was ordered to be printed in SEC. 9. SUPPORTING NEW PARENTS THROUGH HOSPITAL EDUCATION. sumer testing to determine the appro- the RECORD, as follows: (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Health priateness of the current labeling re- S. 668 and Human Services (referred to in this sec- quirements for indoor tanning devices Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- tion as the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall develop and and determine whether such require- resentatives of the United States of America in implement a public information and edu- ments provide sufficient information Congress assembled, cational campaign to inform the public and to consumers regarding the risks that SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. new parents about the importance of proper the use of such devices pose for the de- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Tanning Ac- care for infants and children under 5 years of countability and Notification Act of 2007’’. age, including healthy parent-child relation- velopment of irreversible damage to the skin, including skin cancer, and for SEC. 2. REPORT BY FOOD AND DRUG ADMINIS- ships, the demands and stress associated TRATION REGARDING LABELING IN- with caring for infants, positive responses to other purposes; to the Committee on FORMATION ON RELATIONSHIP BE- infants’ challenging behaviors including Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- TWEEN USE OF INDOOR TANNING awareness of their social, emotional, and sions. DEVICES AND DEVELOPMENT OF physical needs, awareness of the vulner- Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I SKIN CANCER OR OTHER SKIN DAM- ability of young children to abusive prac- AGE. join Senator ISAKSON in introducing tices, and the signs and treatment of post- (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Health partum depression . the Tanning Accountability and Notifi- and Human Services (referred to in this sec- (b) ELEMENTS.— cation (TAN) Act. tion as the ‘‘Secretary’’), acting through the (1) IN GENERAL.—The campaign developed Approximately 1 in 5 Americans will Commissioner of Food and Drugs, shall de- under subsection (a) shall include the fol- develop skin cancer in their lifetime. termine— lowing elements: While the decline in cancer deaths re- (1) whether the labeling requirements for (A) The dissemination of educational and ported earlier this year is an indication indoor tanning devices, including the posi- informational materials in print, audio, that we are starting to turn the corner tioning requirements, provide sufficient in- video, electronic, and other media on our fight against cancer, approxi- formation to consumers regarding the risks (B) The use of public service announce- that the use of such devices pose for the de- ments and advertisements mately 1 million people will be diag- velopment of irreversible damage to the eyes (C) The dissemination of effective child nosed with skin cancer and 10,850 are and skin, including skin cancer; and abuse prevention practices and techniques, expected to die in 2007 alone. (2)(A) whether adding the warning sug- including information about research-based There are many factors that con- gested by the American Academy of Derma- home visiting programs, respite care, crisis tribute to these startling figures. In re- tology to the current warning label, or any

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2179 other additional warning, would commu- By Mr. SALAZAR (for himself, access to tax-exempt bond markets for nicate the risks of indoor tanning more ef- Mr. SMITH, Mr. DORGAN, and wind and other renewable energy fectively; or Mr. CRAIG): projects. Private developers, who are (B) whether there is no warning that would S. 673. A bill to amend the Internal more likely to invest in smaller be capable of adequately communicating such risks. Revenue Code of 1986 to provide credits projects and who are currently respon- (b) CONSUMER TESTING.—In making the de- for the installation of wind energy sible for nearly 75 percent of current terminations under subsection (a), the Sec- property, including by rural home- renewable energy development, are not retary shall conduct appropriate consumer owners, farmers, ranchers, and small eligible to use these federally tax-ex- testing, using the best available methods for businesses, and for other purposes; to empt bonds. determining consumer understanding of the Committee on Finance. This is unfortunate because these are label warnings. Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, today the same small developers who don’t (c) PUBLIC HEARINGS; PUBLIC COMMENT.— The Secretary shall hold public hearings and I am introducing two bills that will benefit much from the production tax solicit comments from the public in making help drive the renewable energy revolu- credit, as their Federal tax liabilities the determinations under subsection (a). tion that is currently underway in our usually aren’t big enough to reap the (d) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after rural communities. The Rural Commu- tax credit’s benefits. the date of the enactment of this Act, the nity Renewable Energy Bonds Act, Renewable energy bonds make sense Secretary shall submit to the Congress a re- which I am introducing with Senator for these small developers and, because port that provides the determinations under SMITH, and the Rural Wind Energy De- they cost the Federal Government less subsection (a). In addition, the Secretary than the production tax credit, they shall include in the report the measures velopment Act, which I am introducing being implemented by the Secretary to sig- with Senators SMITH, DORGAN and also make sense from a fiscal perspec- nificantly reduce the risks associated with CRAIG, will help spur much needed pri- tive. This bill may actually save the indoor tanning devices. vate investment in renewable energy Government money. infrastructure in rural areas. The second bill I am introducing, the By Mr. AKAKA (for himself, Mr. I have spoken countless times about Rural Wind Energy Development Act, REID, Mr. INOUYE, Mrs. BOXER, the great possibilities that rural Amer- would extend the production tax credit Ms. CANTWELL, and Mr. KEN- ica holds for our Nation’s energy fu- to include small wind systems. We have NEDY): ture. I have also expressed my alarm at made great strides in wind develop- S. 671. A bill to exempt children of how our rising dependence on foreign ment over the last few years, as evi- certain Filipino World War II veterans oil is undermining our security and our denced by wind energy’s growing avail- from the numerical limitations on im- interests around the world. ability to Colorado consumers. migrant visas; to the Committee on the How do we build a more energy se- The trouble is that the existing pro- Judiciary. cure economy—one that is less vulner- duction tax credit only benefits larger Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President. I rise producers that want to build wind able to wild swings in oil prices, polit- today with my distinguished colleagues farms with million-dollar turbines. ical instability, and supply disrup- Senators HARRY REID, DANIEL INOUYE, Small businesses, towns, farms, and tions? Unfortunately, we don’t have BARBARA BOXER, MARIA CANTWELL, and families aren’t given the same incen- the resources in this country to drill EDWARD KENNEDY to introduce a bill tive to produce their own renewable our way to energy independence. We which will award special immigrant power from smaller, more affordable do, however, have the most productive status to the children of naturalized turbines. Filipino veterans who fought in World lands in the world, and the most pro- This is unfortunate because the Na- War II thereby allowing these veterans ductive farmers, ranchers, engineers tional Renewable Energy Lab in Gold- to become reunited with their families. and entrepreneurs in the world. If we en, Colorado, and others are making With the passage of the Immigration give them the right tools, they can great strides in the development of Act of 1990, the courage of many Fili- build a new, clean energy economy small wind systems that can be in- pino soldiers who fought alongside our that will rely heavily on biofuels, wind stalled on homes and businesses. The troops during World War II was finally power, solar energy, and alternative system now available costs around honored and acknowledged by our gov- sources. $50,000 for 10kW of capacity. ernment and they were offered the op- If you spend time in places like That’s a steep investment for any portunity to obtain U.S. citizenship. Prowers County or Alamosa County, family or any business. But our bill, by However, the Act did not extend this you see that a clean energy revolution providing a tax incentive for their pur- opportunity to the sons and daughters is already underway in our heartland. chase, would not only reduce the cost, of these veterans. As a result, many of In these rural communities, like so but it would create more market cer- the brave men who defended this Na- many across the country, people are tainty for manufacturers of small wind tion may spend the last years of their banding together to build small systems. With more systems in produc- lives without the comfort and care of biofuels plants, solar farms, and wind tion, costs will fall further and small their families. turbines. These projects are already wind will be a real option for more peo- For over twenty years, many of the underway, and they are the seeds for a ple. sons and daughters of these soldiers full-blown clean energy revolution in The bill is simple: it creates a five have been waiting to obtain immigrant rural America. year tax credit of $1500 per half-kW. visas. While some have been fortunate The farmers, ranchers, and entre- There is no cap for the purchase and in- enough to have their visas approved, preneurs who are behind these projects stallation of small wind systems, so other are still waiting because of a want to be a part of the solution to our long as they are smaller than 100kW. It backlog. This is unacceptable. My leg- Nation’s energy challenges. They also will put more small wind systems on islation will finally allow them to re- understand that home-grown energy the market and it will give consumers unite with their elderly parents. can revitalize the Main Streets that more choices of how to power their I urge my Senate colleagues to honor have been boarded up in the last few homes and businesses. the sacrifices of these brave men by years. I’m proud to introduce these bills supporting this bill and allowing those The bills I am introducing today pro- with my colleagues because they rep- who have served our country so val- vide tools that rural communities can resent two more building blocks for a iantly to have their families by their use to build a renewable energy econ- new, clean energy economy and beside for the remainder of their years. omy. cause they will help revitalize a rural The first bill, the Renewable Energy America that has been forgotten for By Mr. SALAZAR (for himself Bonds Act, provides incentives for in- too long. and Mr. SMITH): vestment in wind and other renewable I hope we can move these straight- S. 672. A bill to amend the Internal energy projects by giving private de- forward, bipartisan solutions through Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax-ex- velopers access to tax-exempt bond as quickly as possible. empt financing for qualified renewable markets. energy facilities, and for other pur- Currently, the Federal tax code only By Mr. HARKIN (for himself, Mr. poses; to the Committee on Finance. allows municipal and public entities GRASSLEY, Mr. COCHRAN, Mr.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:06 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S16FE7.REC S16FE7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S2180 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 16, 2007 DODD, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. KERRY, I see people using closed captioning flict in the Middle East and continues to pro- Mr. KOHL, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. to stay informed everywhere—from the mote a peace that will benefit all the peoples ROCKEFELLER, Ms. SNOWE, and gym to the airport. Here in the Senate, of the region; Whereas a comprehensive peace in the Mid- Ms. STABENOW): I would wager that many individuals S. 675. A bill to provide competitive dle East region will require the resolution of on our staff have the captioning turned all outstanding issues through bilateral and grants for training court reporters and on right now to follow what is hap- multilateral negotiations involving all con- closed captioners to meet requirements pening on the Senate floor while they cerned parties; for realtime writers under the Tele- go about conducting the meetings and Whereas the United States has dem- communications Act of 1996, and for phone calls that advance legislation. onstrated interest and concern about the other purposes; to the Committee on Captioning helps people educate them- mistreatment, violation of rights, forced ex- Commerce, Science, and Transpor- selves and helps all of us stay informed pulsion, and expropriation of assets of mi- tation. and entertained when audio isn’t the nority populations in general, and in par- Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, today I ticular, former Jewish refugees displaced most appropriate medium. from Arab countries, as evidenced by— am introducing legislation, the Train- Although the 2006 deadline has (1) a statement made by President William ing for Realtime Writers Act of 2007, on passed, our nation is facing a serious J. Clinton in an interview after Camp David behalf of myself and my colleagues, shortage of captioners. The rate of job II in July 2000, at which the issue of Jewish Senators GRASSLEY, COCHRAN, DODD, placement upon graduation nears 100 refugees displaced from Arab lands was dis- DURBIN, KERRY, KOHL, MURRAY, ROCKE- percent. In addition, the majority of cussed, where he said that ‘‘[t]here will have FELLER, SNOWE and STABENOW. closed captioners are independent con- to be some sort of international fund set up The 1996 Telecom Act required that tractors. They are the small businesses for the refugees. There is, I think, some interest, interestingly enough, on both sides, all television broadcasts were to be that run the American economy and we captioned by 2006 and all Spanish lan- in also having a fund which compensates the should do everything we can to pro- Israelis who were made refugees by the war, guage programming was to be cap- mote the creation and support of those which occurred after the birth of the State of tioned by 2010. This was a much needed businesses. Israel. Israel is full of people, Jewish people, reform that has helped millions of deaf That is why my colleagues and I are who lived in predominantly Arab countries and hard-of-hearing Americans to be re-introducing this vital piece of legis- who came to Israel because they were made able to take full advantage of tele- lation. The Training for Realtime Writ- refugees in their own land.’’; vision programming. And now the first ers Act of 2007 would establish competi- (2) a statement made by President Carter after negotiating the Camp David Accords, deadline has passed. On January 1, the tive grants to be used toward training Federal Communications Commission the Framework for Peace in the Middle East, real time captioners. This is necessary where he stated in a press conference on Oc- (FCC) began fining stations for not cap- to ensure that we meet the promises tober 27, 1977, that ‘‘Palestinians have rights tioning. we made in the 1996 Telecom Act. . . . obviously there are Jewish refugees . . . Unfortunately, the United States has The Senate Commerce Committee re- they have the same rights as others do’’; fallen behind in training captioners. ported this bill unanimously in the last (3) section 620 of H.R. 3100, 100th Congress, We must jump start training programs two sessions, the full Senate has passed which states that Congress finds that ‘‘with to supply captioning for the many this Act without objection three times the notable exceptions of Morocco and Tuni- broadcasters just realizing their obli- sia, those Jews remaining in Arab countries now, and we stand here today, once continue to suffer deprivations, degrada- gation now. And looking forward, we again at the beginning of the process. I need to get students in the pipeline tions, and hardships, and continue to live in am hopeful that this will be the Con- peril’’ and that Congress calls upon the gov- now to begin to address the need for gress moves our country forward on ernments of those Arab countries where Spanish language broadcasting. this accessibility issue. I ask my col- Jews still maintain a presence to guarantee This is an issue that I feel very leagues to join us once again in support their Jewish citizens full civil and human strongly about because my late broth- of this legislation and join us in our ef- rights, including the right to lead full Jewish er, Frank, was deaf. I know personally fort to win its passage into law. lives, free of fear, with freedom to emigrate that access to culture, news, and other if they so choose; and media was important to him and to f (4) Senate Resolution 76, 85th Congress, in- others in achieving a better quality of troduced by Senator William E. Jenner on SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS January 29, 1957, which— life. More than 30 million Americans (A) noted that individuals in Egypt who are considered deaf or hard of hearing are tied by race, religion, or national origin and many require captioning services SENATE RESOLUTION 85—EX- with Israel, France, or the United Kingdom to participate in mainstream activi- PRESSING THE SENSE OF THE have been subjected to arrest, denial or rev- ties. In 1990, I authored legislation that SENATE REGARDING THE CRE- ocation of Egyptian citizenship, expulsions, required all television sets to be ATION OF REFUGEE POPU- forced exile, sequestration and confiscation equipped with a computer chip to de- LATIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST, of assets and property, and other punish- code closed captioning. This bill com- NORTH AFRICA, AND THE PER- ments without being charged with a crime; SIAN GULF REGION AS A RE- and pletes the promise of that technology, (B) requested the President to instruct the affording deaf and hard of hearing SULT OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLA- chief delegate to the United Nations to urge Americans the same equality and ac- TIONS the prompt dispatch of a United Nations ob- cess that captioning provides. Mr. LAUTENBERG (for himself, Mr. server team to Egypt with the objective of With baby boomers aging, the per- LOTT, Mr. DURBIN, and Mr. COLEMAN) obtaining a full factual report concerning centage of the population with hearing submitted the following resolution; the violation of rights; loss is increasing dramatically and will which was referred to the Committee Whereas the international definition of a continue to outpace population growth on Foreign Relations: refugee clearly applies to Jews who fled the for the next decade. But let me empha- persecution of Arab regimes, where a refugee S. RES. 85 size that the deaf and hard of hearing is a person who ‘‘owing to a well-founded population is only one of a number of Whereas armed conflicts in the Middle fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, East have created refugee populations num- religion, nationality, membership of a par- groups that will benefit from the legis- bering in the hundreds of thousands and ticular social group, or political opinion, is lation. The audience for captioning comprised of peoples from many ethnic, reli- outside the country of his nationality, and is also includes individuals seeking to ac- gious, and national backgrounds; unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling quire or improve literacy skills, includ- Whereas Jews and other ethnic groups to avail himself of the protection of that ing approximately functionally illit- have lived mostly as minorities in the Mid- country’’ (Convention relating to the Status erate adults, immigrants learning dle East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf of Refugees, done at Geneva July 28, 1951, English as a second language, and chil- region for more than 2,500 years; and entered into force April 22, 1954 (189 dren learning to read. Empirical re- Whereas the United States has long voiced UNTS 150)); its concern about the mistreatment of mi- Whereas the United Nations High Commis- search studies have been conducted re- norities and the violation of human rights in sioner for Refugees (UNHCR) determined peatedly since 1988 to demonstrate that the Middle East and elsewhere; that Jews fleeing from Arab countries were captions improve the performance of Whereas the United States continues to refugees that fell within the mandate of the individuals learning to read English. play a pivotal role in seeking an end to con- UNHCR, namely—

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And Resolution 242, which applied equally to (A) relevant text refers to the fact that there is no doubt in my mind that those of Arab and Jewish peoples; multiple refugee populations have been cre- those refugee who are not able or not willing Whereas Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestin- ated by the Arab-Israeli conflict; and to avail themselves of the protection of the ians have affirmed that a comprehensive so- (B) any explicit reference to the required Government of their nationality, they might lution to the Middle East conflict will re- resolution of the Palestinian refugee issue is have no nationality or they may have lost quire a just solution to the plight of all ‘‘ref- matched by a similar explicit reference to this nationality, or, for reasons of prosecu- ugees’’, as evidenced by— the resolution of the issue of Jewish, Chris- tion may not be willing to avail themselves (1) the 1978 Camp David Accords, the tian, and other refugees from Arab and Mus- of this protection, fall under the mandate of Framework for Peace in the Middle East, lim countries throughout the Middle East, the High Commissioner.’’ (United Nations which includes a commitment by Egypt and North Africa, and the Persian Gulf region; High Commissioner for Refugees, Report of Israel to ‘‘work with each other and with and the UNREF Executive Committee, Fourth other interested parties to establish agreed (2) make clear that the United States Gov- Session–Geneva 29 January to 4 February, procedures for a prompt, just and permanent ernment supports the position that, as an in- 1957); and resolution of the implementation of the ref- tegral part of any comprehensive peace, the (2) Dr. E. Jahn, on behalf of the United Na- ugee problem’’; issue of refugees and the mass violations of tions High Commissioner for Refugees, wrote (2) the Treaty of Peace between Israel and human rights of minorities in Arab and Mus- to Daniel Lack, Legal Adviser to the Amer- Egypt, signed at Washington March 26, 1979, lim countries throughout the Middle East, ican Joint Distribution Committee, stating, which provides in Article 8 that the ‘‘Parties North Africa, and the Persian Gulf must be ‘‘I refer to our recent discussion concerning agree to establish a claims commission for resolved in a manner that includes— Jews from Middle Eastern and North African the mutual settlement of all financial (A) consideration of the legitimate rights countries in consequence of recent events. I claims’’ and makes general references to of all refugees displaced from Arab and Mus- am now able to inform you that such persons United Nations Security Council Resolution lim countries throughout the Middle East, may be considered prima facie within the 242 as the basis for comprehensive peace in North Africa, and the Persian Gulf; and mandate of this Office.’’ (United Nations the region; and (B) recognition of the losses incurred by High Commissioner for Refugees Document (3) Article 8 of the Treaty of Peace Be- Jews, Christians, and other minority groups No. 7/2/3/Libya); tween the State of Israel and the Hashemite as a result of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Whereas the seminal United Nations reso- Kingdom of Jordan, done at Arava/Araba f lution on the Arab-Israeli conflict and other Crossing Point October 26, 1994, entitled international initiatives refer generally to ‘‘Refugees and Displaced Persons’’, refers to NOTICES OF HEARINGS/MEETINGS ‘‘the massive human problems caused to the plight of ‘‘refugees’’ and do not make COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL both Parties by the conflict in the Middle any distinction between Palestinian and RESOURCES East’’; Jewish refugees, such as— Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I (1) United Nations Security Council Reso- Whereas the call to secure rights and re- lution 242 of November 22, 1967, which calls dress for Jewish and other minorities who would like to announce for the infor- for a ‘‘just settlement of the refugee prob- were forced to flee Arab countries is not a mation of the Senate and the public lem’’ without distinction between Pales- campaign against Palestinian refugees; that an oversight hearing has been tinian and Jewish refugees, and this is evi- Whereas the international community scheduled before the Committee on En- denced by— should be aware of the plight of Jews and ergy and Natural Resources. (A) a failed attempt by the United Nations other minority groups displaced from the The hearing will be held on Wednes- delegation of the Soviet Union to restrict Middle East, North Africa, and the Persian day, February 28, 2007, at 9:45 a.m., in the ‘‘just settlement’’ mentioned in Resolu- Gulf; room SD–366 of the Dirksen Senate Of- tion 242 solely to Palestinian refugees (S/ Whereas the history and legacy of Jewish 8236, discussed by the Security Council at its refugees from Arab countries must be pre- fice Building. 1382nd meeting on November 22, 1967, notably served; The purpose of the hearing is to con- at paragraph 117, in the words of Ambassador Whereas no just and comprehensive Middle sider the President’s fiscal year 2008 Kouznetsov of the Soviet Union), which sig- East peace can be reached without recogni- budget request for the USDA Forest nified the international community’s intention of, and redress for, the uprooting of cen- Service. tion of having the resolution address the turies-old Jewish communities in the Middle Because of the limited time available rights of all Middle East refugees; and East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf; and for the hearing, witnesses may testify (B) a statement by Justice Arthur Gold- Whereas it would be appropriate and just by invitation only. However, those berg, the Chief Delegate of the United States for the United States, while recognizing to the United Nations at that time, who was rights for Palestinian refugees, to recognize wishing to submit written testimony instrumental in drafting the unanimously equal rights for former Jewish, Christian, for the hearing record should send two adopted United Nations Resolution 242, and other refugees from Arab countries: copies of their testimony to the Com- where he observed, ‘‘The resolution addresses Now, therefore, be it mittee on Energy and Natural Re- the objective of ‘achieving a just settlement Resolved, sources, United States Senate, Wash- of the refugee problem’. This language pre- SECTION 1. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON HUMAN ington, DC 20510–6150.. sumably refers both to Arab and Jewish refu- RIGHTS AND REFUGEES. For further information, please con- gees, for about an equal number of each It is the sense of the Senate that— tact Scott Miller at 202–224–5488 or Ra- abandoned their homes as a result of the sev- (1) the United States deplores the past and eral wars.’’; present ongoing violation of the human chel Pasternack at 202–224–0883. (2) the Madrid Conference, which was first rights and religious freedoms of minority COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL convened in October 1991 and was co-chaired populations in Arab and Muslim countries RESOURCES by President of the United States, George throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I H.W. Bush, and President of the Soviet and the Persian Gulf; and would like to announce for the infor- Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, and included del- (2) with respect to Jews, Christians, and mation of the Senate and the public egations from Spain, the European commu- other populations displaced from countries that an oversight hearing has been nity, the Netherlands, Egypt, Syria, and in the region, for any comprehensive Arab- Lebanon, as well as a joint Jordanian-Pales- Israeli peace agreement to be credible, dura- scheduled before the Committee on En- tinian delegation, where in his opening re- ble, enduring, and constitute an end to con- ergy and Natural Resources. marks before the January 28, 1992, organiza- flict in the Middle East, North Africa, and The hearing will be held on Thurs- tional meeting for multilateral negotiations the Persian Gulf, the agreement must ad- day, March 1, 2007, at 9:30 a.m., in room on the Middle East in Moscow, United States dress and resolve all outstanding issues, in- SD–366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Secretary of State James Baker made no dis- cluding the legitimate rights of all refugees Building. tinction between Palestinian refugees and of the Middle East, North Africa, and the The purpose of the hearing is to re- Jewish refugees in articulating the mission Persian Gulf. ceive testimony on the Energy Infor- of the Refugee Working Group, stating that SEC. 2. UNITED STATES POLICY ON REFUGEES OF ‘‘[t]he refugee group will consider practical THE MIDDLE EAST. mation Administration’s Annual En- ways of improving the lot of people through- The Senate urges the President to— ergy Outlook. out the region who have been displaced from (1) instruct the United States Permanent Because of the limited time available their homes’’; and Representative to the United Nations and all for the hearing, witnesses may testify

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For further information, please con- tiated under the auspices of the Re- GEORGE W. BUSH. tact Tara Billingsley at 202–224–4756 or gional Seas Program of the United Na- THE WHITE HOUSE, February 15, 2007. Britni Rillera at 202–224–1219. tions Environment Program (UNEP). It f sets out general legal obligations to f protect the marine environment of the APPOINTMENTS AUTHORITY FOR COMMlTTEES TO Gulf of Mexico, Straits of Florida, Car- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The MEET ibbean Sea, and immediately adjacent Chair announces, on behalf of the mi- areas of the Atlantic Ocean—collec- nority leader, pursuant to Public Law COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, tively known as the Wider Caribbean AND PENSIONS 105–83, the reappointment of the fol- Region. The United States became a Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, I ask lowing Senator to serve as a member of Party to the Cartagena Convention in unanimous consent that the Com- the National Council on the Arts for a 1984. The Cartagena Convention envi- term of 2 years: The Senator from Utah mittee on Health, Education, Labor, sions the development of protocols to and Pensions be authorized to hold a (Mr. BENNETT). further elaborate certain of its general The Chair, on behalf of the Vice hearing during the session of the Sen- obligations and to facilitate its effec- President, pursuant to Public Law 94– ate on Friday, February 16, 2007, at 10 tive implementation. 304, as amended by Public Law 99–7, ap- a.m., in SD–430. Negotiated with the active participa- points the following Senators as mem- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tion and leadership of the United bers of the Commission on Security objection, it is so ordered. States, the Protocol addresses one of and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki) f the most serious sources of marine pol- during the 110th Congress: the Senator lution in the Wider Caribbean Region. PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR from Oregon (Mr. SMITH), the Senator It is estimated that 70 to 90 percent of from Georgia (Mr. CHAMBLISS), the Sen- Mr. SALAZAR. I ask unanimous con- pollution entering the marine environ- ator from North Carolina (Mr. BURR), sent that Avril Haines, a detailee from ment emanates from land-based and the Senator from Kansas (Mr. the Department of State for the Com- sources and activities. Among the prin- BROWNBACK). mittee on Foreign Relations, be grant- cipal land-based sources of marine pol- f ed the privileges of the floor for the du- lution in the Caribbean are domestic ration of the debate on S. 574 and any wastewater and agricultural nonpoint ORDERS FOR SATURDAY, motions related thereto. source runoff. Such pollution contrib- FEBRUARY 17, 2007 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without utes to the degradation of coral reefs Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask objection, it is so ordered. and commercial fisheries, negatively unanimous consent that when the Sen- f affects regional economies, and endan- ate completes its business today, it gers public health, recreation, and stand adjourned until 12 noon, Satur- REMOVAL OF INJUNCTION OF SE- tourism throughout the region. day, February 17; that on Saturday, CRECY—TREATY DOCUMENT NO. The Protocol and its Annexes list pri- following the prayer and pledge, the 110–1 ority source categories, activities, and Journal of proceedings be approved to Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, as in ex- associated contaminants that affect date, the morning hour be deemed executive session, I ask unanimous con- the Wider Caribbean Region, and set pired, and the Senate then resume consent that the injunction of secrecy be forth factors that Parties will be re- sideration of the motion to proceed to removed from the following treaty quired to apply in determining preven- S. 574, with the time until 1:45 p.m. transmitted to the Senate on February tion, reduction, and control strategies equally divided between the two lead- 16, 2007, by the President of the United to manage land-based sources of pollu- ers or their designees with the Repub- States: tion. In particular, the Parties are re- lican leader in control of the time be- Land-Based Sources Protocol to quired to ensure that domestic waste- tween 1:25 to 1:35 p.m. and the majority Cartagena Convention (Treaty Docu- water discharges meet specific effluent leader in control of the time between ment No. 110–1). limitations, and to develop plans for 1:35 and 1:45 p.m., and at 1:45 p.m. the I further ask unanimous consent that the prevention and reduction of agri- Senate proceed to the cloture vote on the treaty be considered as having been cultural nonpoint source pollution. The the motion to proceed to S. 574. read the first time; that it be referred, Protocol is expected to raise standards The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without with accompanying papers, to the Com- for treating domestic wastewater objection, it is so ordered. throughout the region to levels close to mittee on Foreign Relations and or- f dered to be printed; and that the Presi- those already in place in the United ADJOURNMENT UNTIL TOMORROW dent’s message be printed in the States. The United States would be able to RECORD. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, if there implement its obligations under the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without is no further business to come before Protocol under existing statutory and objection, it is so ordered. the Senate, I ask unanimous consent regulatory authority. that the Senate stand adjourned under The message of the President is as The Protocol is the first regional follows: the previous order. agreement to establish effluent stand- There being no objection, the Senate, To the Senate of the United States: ards to protect one of our most valu- at 7:36 p.m., adjourned until Saturday, I transmit herewith, for the advice able resources, the marine environ- February 17, 2007, at 12 noon. and consent of the Senate to ratifica- ment. It differs markedly from other, tion, the Protocol Concerning Pollu- similar regional agreements in its con- f tion from Land-Based Sources and Ac- ceptual approach and the specificity of NOMINATIONS tivities (the ‘‘Protocol’’) to the Con- its obligations. As such, the Protocol is Executive nominations received by vention for the Protection and Devel- expected to set a new standard for re- the Senate February 16, 2007: opment of the Marine Environment of gional agreements on this subject. INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION the Wider Caribbean Region, with An- Early ratification will demonstrate our AND DEVELOPMENT nexes, done at Oranjestad, Aruba, on continued commitment to global lead- ELI WHITNEY DEBEVOISE II, OF MARYLAND, TO BE October 6, 1999, and signed by the ership and to the protection of the ma- UNITED STATES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE INTER- United States on that same date. The NATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOP- rine environment of the Wider Carib- MENT FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS, VICE ROBERT B. HOL- report of the Secretary of State is en- bean Region. LAND, III, RESIGNED.

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EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES JANE L. HOLTZCLAW, 0000 THE FOLLOWING NAMED LIMITED DUTY OFFICERS FOR STEPHEN E. POST, 0000 APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE BIJAN RAFIEKIAN, OF CALIFORNIA, TO BE A MEMBER SALVADOR P. RENTERIZ, 0000 UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE EXPORT-IMPORT SECTION 624: BANK OF THE UNITED STATES FOR A TERM EXPIRING To be major JANUARY 20, 2011. (REAPPOINTMENT) To be major MING JIANG, 0000 IN THE ARMY SAMSON P. AVENETTI, 0000 IN THE MARINE CORPS DANIEL M. CLARK, 0000 THE FOLLOWING NAMED INDIVIDUAL FOR REGULAR BRYAN DELGADO, 0000 THE FOLLOWING NAMED LIMITED DUTY OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE MARK R. DOEHRMANN, 0000 APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY DENTAL CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, LEIGH A. DUBIE, 0000 UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., U.S.C., SECTIONS 531 AND 3064: DELMAR J. LAKE, JR., 0000 SECTION 624: To be lieutenant colonel JUAN M. ORTIZ, JR., 0000 To be major RODOLFO D. QUISPE, 0000 SUSAN M. OSOVITZOIEN, 0000 FRANCISCO C. RAGSAC, 0000 CHARLES E. DANIELS, 0000 THE FOLLOWING NAMED INDIVIDUAL FOR REGULAR TIMOTHY O. EVANS, 0000 THE FOLLOWING NAMED LIMITED DUTY OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY MEDICAL SPECIALIST CORPS THE FOLLOWING NAMED LIMITED DUTY OFFICER FOR UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 531 AND 3064: APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE SECTION 624: UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., To be major SECTION 624: To be major TOM K. STATON, 0000 To be major JASON B. DAVIS, 0000 STEVEN C. FREDERICK, 0000 THE FOLLOWING NAMED INDIVIDUAL FOR REGULAR BRIAN T. THOMPSON, 0000 RICHARD A. JAYROE, 0000 APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE TIMOTHY T. RYBINSKI, 0000 THE FOLLOWING NAMED LIMITED DUTY OFFICER FOR UNITED STATES ARMY MEDICAL SERVICE CORPS UNDER RICHARD F. SCHOFIELD, 0000 APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 531 AND 3064: KELLY S. SILARD, 0000 UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., PETER M. TAVARES, 0000 To be major SECTION 624: EVAN F. TILLMAN, 0000 THE FOLLOWING NAMED LIMITED DUTY OFFICERS FOR To be major APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE THE FOLLOWING NAMED INDIVIDUALS FOR REGULAR MICHAEL R. CIRILLO, 0000 UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE SECTION 624: UNITED STATES ARMY NURSE CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, THE FOLLOWING NAMED LIMITED DUTY OFFICERS FOR U.S.C., SECTIONS 531 AND 3064: APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE To be major UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., DARREN L. DUCOING, 0000 To be major SECTION 624: JEFFREY S. FORBES, 0000 MICHAEL A. CLARK, 0000 To be major SCOTT A. FORTENBERRY, 0000 BELINDA J. COAKLEY, 0000 PRISCILLA A. GUNN, 0000 JANET L. NORMAN, 0000 VERNON L. DARISO, 0000 NATHAN J. TOWNSEND, 0000 RICHARD W. FIORVANTI, JR., 0000 KENNETH L. VANZANDT, 0000 THE FOLLOWING NAMED INDIVIDUALS FOR REGULAR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADES INDICATED IN THE THE FOLLOWING NAMED LIMITED DUTY OFFICERS FOR THE FOLLOWING NAMED LIMITED DUTY OFFICERS FOR UNITED STATES ARMY MEDICAL CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE U.S.C., SECTIONS 531 AND 3064: UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., To be colonel SECTION 624: SECTION 624: EDWARD W. TRUDO, 0000 To be major To be major To be lieutenant colonel LEONARD R. DOMITROVITS, 0000 ROBERT T. CHARLTON, 0000 JASON A. HIGGINS, 0000 SEAN J. COLLINS, 0000 CARLOS R. ESQUIVEL, 0000 WILLIAM E. ROSCHE, 0000 JOHN L. MYRKA, 0000 STANLEY F. GOULD, 0000 ROBERT W. SAJEWSKI, 0000 BRIAN A. TOBLER, 0000

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RECOGNIZING TRAVIS WAYNE tant to recognize the importance of other re- water to the water users. And this section also CASH FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK sources particularly water—and other uses of specifies that water produced under a mineral OF EAGLE SCOUT the lands involved—and this bill responds to lease must be dealt with in ways that comply this need. with all Federal and State requirements. HON. SAM GRAVES Its primary purposes: (1) to assure that the Further, because water is so important, the OF MISSOURI development of those energy resources in the bill requires oil and gas operators to make the West will not mean destruction of precious protection of water part of their plans from the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES water resources; (2) to reduce potential con- very beginning, requiring applications for oil or Friday, February 16, 2007 flicts between development of energy re- gas leases to include details of ways in which Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly sources and the interests and concerns of operators will protect water quality and quan- pause to recognize Travis Cash, a very spe- those who own the surface estate in affected tity and the rights of water users. cial young man who has exemplified the finest lands; and (3) to provide for appropriate rec- These are not onerous requirements, but qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- lamation of affected lands. they are very important—particularly with the ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- WATER QUALITY PROTECTION great increase in drilling for coalbed methane ica, Troop 314, and in earning the most pres- One new energy resource is receiving great and other energy resources in Colorado, Wyo- tigious award of Eagle Scout. attention—gas associated with coal deposits, ming, Montana, and other western states. Travis has been very active with his troop, often referred to as coalbed methane. An Oc- SURFACE OWNER PROTECTION participating in many Scout activities. Over the tober 2000 United States Geological Survey In many parts of the country, the owner of years Travis has been involved with Scouting, report estimated that the U.S. may contain some land’s surface does not necessarily own he has not only earned numerous merit more than 700 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of coal- the underlying minerals. And in Colorado and badges, but also the respect of his family, bed methane and that more than 100 tcf of other Western States, those mineral estates peers, and community. this may be recoverable using existing tech- often belong to the Federal Government while Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join nology. In part because of the availability of the surface estates are owned by others, in- me in commending Travis Cash for his accom- these reserves and because of tax incentives cluding farmers and ranchers. plishments with the Boy Scouts of America to exploit them, the West has seen a signifi- This split-estate situation can lead to con- and for his efforts put forth in achieving the cant increase in its development. flicts. And while I support development of en- highest distinction of Eagle Scout. Development of coalbed methane usually in- ergy resources where appropriate, I also be- f volves the extraction of water from under- lieve that this must be done responsibly and in ground strata. Some of this extracted water is a way that demonstrates respect for the envi- REINTRODUCTION OF THE WEST- reinjected into the ground, while some is re- ronment and overlying landowners. ERN WATERS AND FARM LANDS tained in surface holding ponds or released The second part of the bill (Title II) is in- PROTECTION ACT and allowed to flow into streams or other tended to promote that approach, by estab- water bodies, including irrigation ditches. lishing a system for development of federal oil HON. MARK UDALL The quality of the extracted waters varies and gas in split-estate situations that resem- OF COLORADO from one location to another. Some are of bles—but is not identical to—the system for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES good quality, but often they contain dissolved development of federally owned coal in similar Friday, February 16, 2007 minerals (such as sodium, magnesium, ar- situations. senic, or selenium) that can contaminate other Under Federal law, the leasing of federally Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I waters—something that can happen because owned coal resources on lands where the sur- am today again introducing the Western Wa- of leaks or leaching from holding ponds or be- face estate is not owned by the United States ters and Farm Lands Protection Act—a bill in- cause the extracted waters are simply dis- is subject to the consent of the surface estate tended to make it more likely that the energy charged into a stream or other body of water. owners. But neither this consent requirement resources in our Western States will be devel- In addition, extracted waters often have other nor the operating and bonding requirements oped in ways that are protective of vital water characteristics, such as high acidity and tem- applicable to development of federally owned supplies and respectful of the rights and inter- perature, which can adversely affect agricul- locatable minerals applies to the leasing or de- ests of the agricultural community. tural uses of land or the quality of the environ- velopment of oil or gas in similar split-estate Based on my previous legislation that was ment. situations. endorsed by the Colorado Farm Bureau and In Colorado and other States in the arid I believe that there should be similar respect the American Farm Bureau Federation, it West, water is scarce and precious—and use for the rights and interests of surface estate would do three things: of extracted water has the potential to aug- owners affected by development of oil and gas First, it would establish clear requirements ment the supplies for irrigation and other pur- and that this should be done by providing for proper management of ground water that is poses. Because I want to explore how that po- clear and adequate standards and increasing extracted in the course of oil and gas develop- tential might be realized without reducing the involvement of surface owners. ment. Second, it would provide for greater in- water quality or harming the environment, I Accordingly, the bill requires the Interior De- volvement of surface owners in plans for oil have introduced a bill (H.R. 902) that would partment to give surface owners advance no- and gas development and requires the Interior authorize research and demonstration efforts tice of lease sales that would affect their lands Department to give surface owners advance toward that end. and to notify them of subsequent events re- notice of lease sales that would affect their But, at the same time, it is vital that devel- lated to proposed or ongoing developments lands and to notify them of subsequent events opment of energy resources be accompanied related to such leases. related to proposed or ongoing energy devel- by appropriate safeguards. In addition, the bill requires that anyone pro- opment. And, finally, it would require devel- That is the purpose of the first part of the posing to drill for federal minerals in a split-es- opers to draft reclamation plans and post bill (Title I). That part would require those who tate situation must first try to reach an agree- bonds top assure restoration of lands affected develop federal oil or gas—including coalbed ment with the surface owner that spells out by drilling for federal oil and gas. methane—under the Mineral Leasing Act to what will be done to minimize interference with PURPOSES OF THE LEGISLATION take steps to make sure their activities do not the surface owner’s use and enjoyment and to Madam Speaker, the western United States harm water resources. provide for reclamation of affected lands and is blessed with significant energy resources. In Specifically, under section 101, oil or gas compensation for any damages. appropriate places, and under appropriate operators who damage a water resource—by I am convinced that most energy companies conditions, they can and should be developed contaminating it, reducing it, or interrupting it— want to avoid harming the surface owners, so for the benefit of our country. But it is impor- would be required to provide replacement I expect that it will usually be possible for

∑ 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 05:52 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE8.001 E16FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with REMARKS E374 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 16, 2007 them to reach such agreements. However, I OUTLINE OF BILL doned oil or gas wells on non-federal and In- recognize that this may not always be the Section One—This section provides a short dian lands. It authorizes appropriations of $5 case—and the bill includes two provisions that title (‘‘Western Waters and Farm Lands Pro- million in fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010. address this possibility: (1) if no agreement is tection Act’’), makes several findings about f reached within 90 days, the bill requires that the need for the legislation, and states the bill’s purpose. ACKNOWLEDGING THE ACHIEVE- the matter be referred to neutral arbitration; MENTS OF THE 761ST TANK BAT- and (2) the bill provides that if even arbitration TITLE 1.—PROTECTION OF WATER RESOURCES Section 101 amends current law to make TALION, IN CELEBRATION OF fails to resolve differences, the energy devel- BLACK HISTORY MONTH opment can go forward, subject to Interior De- clear that extraction of water in connection with development of oil or gas (including partment regulations that will balance the en- coalbed methane) is subject to an appro- HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL ergy development with the interests of the sur- priate permit and the requirement to mini- OF NEW YORK face owner or owners. mize adverse effects on affected lands or wa- As I mentioned, these provisions are pat- ters. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES terned on the current law dealing with devel- Section 102 provides that nothing in the Friday, February 16, 2007 opment of federally owned coal in split-estate bill will—(1) affect any State’s right or juris- Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today situations. However, it is important to note one diction with respect to water; or (2) limit, in recognition of the service, courage and major difference—namely, while current law alter, modify, or amend any interstate compact or judicial rulings that apportion water commitment to the United States displayed by allows a surface owner to effectively veto de- among and between different States. the men who fought in the 761st Tank Bat- velopment of coal resources, under the bill a TITLE II.—PROTECTION OF SURF ACE OWNERS talion in World War II. The 761st Tank Bat- surface owner ultimately could not block de- talion, also known as the Black Panthers, velopment of oil or gas underlying his or her Section 201 provides definitions for several terms used in Title II. made history as the first all black tank unit to lands. This difference reflects the fact that ap- Section 202 requires a party seeking to de- see combat. propriate development of oil and natural gas is velop federal oil or gas in a split-estate situ- Like the pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group, needed. ation to first seek to reach an agreement more affectionately known as Tuskegee Air- with the surface owner or owners that spells RECLAMATION REQUIREMENTS men, the men of 761st enlisted for service The bill’s third part (Titles III and IV) ad- out how the energy development will be carried out, how the affected lands will be re- during a period in United States history char- dresses reclamation of affected lands. claimed, and that compensation will be made acterized by strict segregation and barbaric Title III would amend the Mineral Leasing for damages. If no such agreement is reached acts of violence perpetrated against people of Act by adding an explicit requirement that par- within 90 days, the matter is to be referred color. At home and in the military, these men ties that produced oil or gas (including coalbed to arbitration by a neutral party identified experienced discrimination, were relegated to methane) under a federal lease must restore by the Interior Department. menial service positions and were called to the affected land so it will be able to support Section 203 provides that if no agreement duty only in times of intense crisis. Federal the uses it could support before the energy under section 202 is reached within 90 days after going to arbitration, the Interior De- law prohibited black soldiers from serving development. Toward that end, this part of the partment can permit energy development to alongside white troops and although all black bill requires development of reclamation plans proceed under an approved plan of operations regimens were formed few expected to see and posting of reclamation bonds. In addition, and posting of an adequate bond. This sec- combat. so Congress can consider whether changes tion also requires the Interior Department to Following the efforts of Louisiana General are needed, the bill requires the General Ac- provide surface owners with an opportunity Leslie J. McNair, the commander of the Army counting Office to review how these require- to comment on proposed plans of operations, Ground Forces and the Black Press, who suc- ments are being implemented and how well participate in decisions regarding the cessfully argued that ‘‘colored’’ units should be they are working. amount of the bonds that will be required, and to participate in on-site inspections if employed in combat, the U.S. Army began to And, finally, Title IV would require the Inte- the surface owners have reason to believe experiment with segregated combat units. On rior Department to—(1) establish, in coopera- that plans of operations are not being fol- October 10, 1944, the 761st landed in France tion with the Agriculture Department, a pro- lowed. In addition, this section allows sur- on the Normandy Peninsula. They were the gram for reclamation and closure of aban- face owners to petition the Interior Depart- first battalion deployed. Thirty black officers doned oil or gas wells located on lands man- ment for payments under bonds to com- and 676 black enlisted men were assigned to aged by an Interior Department agency or the pensate for damages and authorizes the Inte- General Patton’s U.S. Third Army. Despite Forest Service or drilled for development of rior Department to release bonds after the Patton’s vocalization of doubts surrounding the federal oil or gas in split-estate situations; and energy development is completed and any damages have been compensated. use of black soldiers, the soldiers of the 761st (2) establish, in consultation with the Energy Section 204 requires the Interior Depart- committed themselves to fighting for their Department, a program to provide technical ment to notify surface owners about lease country on behalf of their race; an action some assistance to State and tribal governments sales and subsequent decisions involving fed- undoubtedly hoped would change perceptions that are working to correct environmental eral oil or gas resources in their lands. of black people as inferior and subhuman. The problems caused by abandoned wells on other TITLE III.—RECLAMATION battalion first saw combat on November 7, lands. The bill would authorize annual appro- This title amends current law to require 1944. For 183 days, these men engaged and priations of $5 million in fiscal 2005 and 2006 parties producing oil or gas under a federal defeated the German Army in towns through- for the federal program and annual appropria- lease to restore affected lands and to post out France and Germany. tions of $5 million in fiscal 2005, 2006, and bonds to cover reclamation costs. It also re- Although it would take years for historical 2007 for the program of assistance to the quires the GAO to review Interior Depart- records to be amended and rightfully reflect states and tribes. ment implementation of this part of the bill the courage and skill employed by the 761st and to report to Congress about the results Madam Speaker, our country is overly de- of that review and any recommendations for we know now just how integral they were to pendent on fossil fuels, to the detriment of our legislative or administrative changes to im- achieving victory in WWII. Throughout their environment, our national security, and our prove matters. tour in combat the battalion helped to liberate economy. We need to diversify our energy TITLE IV.—ABANDONED OIL OR GAS WELLS more than 30 towns under Nazi control. Col- portfolio and make more use of alternatives. Section 401 defines the wells that would be lectively, the men of the 761st were awarded But in the interim, petroleum and natural gas covered by the title. 11 Silver Stars, 70 Bronze Stars, 250 Purple (including coalbed methane) will remain impor- Section 402 requires the Interior Depart- Hearts and a Medal of Honor. In 1945 a rec- tant parts of our energy portfolio—and I sup- ment, in cooperation with the Department of ommendation for a Presidential Unit Citation port their development in appropriate and re- Agriculture, to establish a program for rec- was submitted. President Jimmy Carter award- sponsible ways. I believe this legislation can lamation and closure of abandoned wells on ed it in 1978. contribute to that by establishing some clear, federal lands or that were drilled for develop- The men of the 761st fought for the right to reasonable rules that will provide greater as- ment offederally-owned minerals in split-es- represent this country during the Second tate situations. It authorizes appropriations surance and certainty for all concerned, in- of $5 million in fiscal years 2005 and 2006. World War. Before leaving and upon returning cluding the energy industry and the residents Section 403 requires the Interior Depart- they continued to fight the bigotry, hatred and of Colorado, New Mexico, and other Western ment, in consultation with DOE, to establish racism that served to thwart the great prom- states. Following is a brief outline of its major a program to assist states and tribes to rem- ises of this Nation. At all times they acted with provisions. edy environmental problems caused by aban- dignity, conducting themselves admirably and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:52 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE8.004 E16FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with REMARKS February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E375 always with grace. Because of their efforts, RECOGNIZING AUSTIN CONNOR Federal tax law (Section 1031 of the Internal and the efforts of other Black soldiers in seg- CADE FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK Revenue Code of 1986) allows a tax-free ex- regated units, black soldiers now fight along- OF EAGLE SCOUT change of like-kind property held for produc- side white soldiers today. tive use in a trade or business. Generally this I rise today in recognition of the efforts of HON. SAM GRAVES does not apply to exchanges of stock. How- the 761st battalion and in honor of Black His- OF MISSOURI ever, shares of Colorado mutual ditch compa- tory Month. I commend them for their resolve IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nies are different from normal stock shares, and the Colorado Supreme Court has held and hope that their courage, conviction and Friday, February 16, 2007 commitment forever be remembered by all. that because a mutual-ditch shareholder is en- Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly titled to apply water to a beneficial use, mu- pause to recognize Austin Cade, a very spe- f tual-ditch shares are real property (like real cial young man who has exemplified the finest estate), not personal property (like normal TRIBUTE TO AHEPA qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- stocks or bonds). ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- The mutual ditch companies say—and I ica, Troop 314, and in earning the most pres- think they are right—this means exchanges of HON. SCOTT GARRETT tigious award of Eagle Scout. their shares should be covered by the like-kind OF NEW JERSEY Austin has been very active with his troop, exchange exemption. Unfortunately, in 1986, participating in many Scout activities. Over the the IRS’s General Counsel ruled otherwise. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES years Austin has been involved with Scouting, Since that ruling, however, the Colorado Su- Friday, February 16, 2007 he has not only earned numerous merit preme Court, in a 1997 decision, made it clear badges, but also the respect of his family, that under Colorado law mutual ditch company Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam peers, and community. shares are real property. Speaker, as AHEPA celebrates 85 years of Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join The bill would remove any doubt on this service in the community, it gives me great me in commending Austin Cade for his ac- point and make clear that Section 1031 of the pleasure to offer my heartfelt congratulations complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- Internal Revenue Code will apply to ex- on your reaching this milestone. ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the changes of shares in a Colorado mutual ditch, Since its inception in 1922 as a voice highest distinction of Eagle Scout. reservoir, or irrigation company covered by against prejudice and hate, AHEPA has grown f section 501(c)(12)(A) of the Code. into a multinational organization that continues f to spread the universal truths of Hellenism— INTRODUCTION OF BILL ON TAX CELEBRATING THE SCHOMBURG humanity, freedom, and democracy—across TREATMENT OF EXCHANGES OF CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN the United States and around the world. MUTUAL DITCH COMPANY SHARES BLACK CULTURE Many organizations begin with noble causes but waver in purpose as time and obstacles HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL dampen their ambitions. Yet, in the face of de- HON. MARK UDALL OF COLORADO OF NEW YORK pression, war, and the unavoidable hardships IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of growth and development, AHEPA has continued steadfastly to advocate for the prin- Friday, February 16, 2007 Friday, February 16, 2007 ciples of education, philanthropy, civic respon- Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today sibility, and family and individual excellence— am today introducing a bill dealing with the tax to recognize the incredible work happening at principles that are common to us all as Ameri- treatment of exchanges of mutual ditch com- the Schomburg Center for Research in Black cans. From helping young people achieve pany stock, a subject of special importance to Culture. This year marks the 80th anniversary their dreams of education to supporting philan- Coloradans who hold such stock in order to of the Schomburg Center, a milestone worthy thropy and public service to addressing the make beneficial use of water transported of celebration. Over the past 80 years the deepest needs of families, AHEPA’s suc- through the companies’ ditches and associ- Schomburg has organized many firsts in Afri- cesses have been remarkable. ated structures. can-American history including the first or- Today, while we would hope that prejudice The bill is cosponsored by my Colorado col- chestra of classically trained black musicians no longer dwells on any streets or in any leagues, Representatives SALAZAR, MUS- (1971); established a scholar in residence pro- hearts of America, we live in an imperfect GRAVE, and LAMBORN. I appreciate their assist- gram attracting many of the world’s most re- world and the original mission of AHEPA is ance and support. nowned scholars and intellectual leaders; col- still vital. Today, we need to keep the dreams Madam Speaker, mutual ditch companies lected and exhibited hundreds of thousands of of education alive. Today, we need to continue are unique to Colorado. They are not orga- items for collections and galleries organized to foster the spirit of giving and volunteerism nized for profit, but for the mutual benefit of around important themes from the history and in our communities. And today, we need to the shareholders and operate on the premise lived legacies of African-Americans and the persevere in spreading the hopeful message that the company owns the water rights and African Diaspora. It is with great pride that I of freedom and democracy. other property and the shareholders have the recognize the accomplishments of the right to use the water. The Colorado Supreme Schomburg over the past 80 years. As a Member of Congress, I am proud to Court has held that shares of stock in a mu- This past summer, from June 19th through serve on the Congressional Caucus on Hel- tual ditch company represent a definite and July 18th, the Schomburg held its second lenic Affairs. In this capacity, I work with fellow specific water right, as well as a cor- Schomburg-Mellon Humanities Summer Insti- caucus members to enhance and strengthen responding interest in the structures by which tute. A joint venture between the Schomburg the United States’ relationship with Greece the water right is beneficially used. Center and the Mellon-Mays Foundation, the and the Republic of Cyprus. The friendship One such company, based in Windsor, in Humanities Summer initiative is designed to between our nations has a long and rich his- northeastern Colorado, is working to raise increase the number of minority students inter- tory, and by continuing to further this important funds to improve the efficiency of its delivery ested in pursuing graduate degrees in the hu- bond, we can stand together to advance the system. To do so, it has contracted to give the manities in fields related to African-American causes of liberty and democracy. In this wor- City of Greeley and two local water districts and African Diaspora Studies. The Summer thy endeavor, I look forward to continuing to part of its water in exchange for $30 million, Institute identifies carefully selected prospec- stand with you. part in cash and part in the stock of a reorga- tive scholars and develops and nurtures their This 85th year is a time to reflect upon nized corporation. As part of this plan, the interest over the course of 3 years. Providing AHEPA’s past successes and upon the many Windsor company’s shareholders will ex- students with requisite intellectual skills and ways in which Greek-Americans have en- change their stock for shares in the new cor- presenting them with challenges and orienta- riched the fabric of America. Equally impor- poration. tions helpful in the pursuit of humanities ca- tant, it is a time to look forward with hope and Other similar exchanges have occurred or reers, the summer institute fills a much need- anticipation to a future of continuing to build will occur in the future. But there is concern ed role in attracting, retaining, and supporting the vision that is AHEPA. that shareholders making such an exchange the next generation of scholars and research- Congratulations on 85 years of success and might be called upon to pay taxes in connec- ers concerned with issues relating to African best wishes for many more years ahead. tion with such exchanges. Americans and the African Diaspora.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:52 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE8.007 E16FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with REMARKS E376 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 16, 2007 The students, culled from schools through- IN RECOGNITION OF THE PUBLIC badges, but also the respect of his family, out New York City as well as from Historically SERVICE OF JOHN NALLIN peers, and community. Black Colleges and Universities throughout the Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join country, spent the summer exploring the HON. SCOTT GARRETT me in commending Isaac Zeilinger for his ac- theme ‘‘Africana Age.’’ They engaged in dis- OF NEW JERSEY complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the cussions, visits, and projects that compelled IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES highest distinction of Eagle Scout. them to explore the dominant political, eco- Friday, February 16, 2007 f nomic, and cultural periods of the 20th cen- Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam tury; black achievements in social, artistic, and Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremen- INTRODUCTION OF BILL REGARD- cultural realms that challenged the myth of dous public service of John Nallin as he pre- ING MANAGEMENT OF ELK IN white supremacy; efforts to forge political and pares his retirement after 20 years with UPS. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL cultural relationships among African peoples During his proud career at UPS, he has PARK across boundaries; and commonalities and dif- served in a number of capacities, starting as ferences across time and geography. More a Systems Manager in Delivery Information HON. MARK UDALL than 25 distinguished scholars from around Systems in 1987 and retiring now as Vice OF COLORADO the country conducted seminars, facilitated President and Information Services Corporate IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES conversations around works of art, tours of Repository & Architecture Portfolio Manager. Friday, February 16, 2007 Throughout his years with UPS, John Nallin significant African-American landmarks, and has helped to make this company a high-tech Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I aided in conducting research related to the leader, implementing cutting edge tech- am today introducing a bill to clarify the au- aforementioned themes and subjects. Partici- nologies and a progressive business strategy. thority of the Secretary of the Interior with re- pating scholars created a research prospectus Prior to coming to UPS, at a time when the gard to managing elk in Rocky Mountain Na- to aid them in fulfilling academic requirements field of information technology was still in its tional Park. during their senior year. They also worked infancy, John helped to execute a similar tech- Elk are a major attraction for visitors to both independently and collectively on re- nological vision at AT&T, Asbach Consulting, Rocky Mountain National Park and nearby search projects. American Cyanamid, and Tenneco Chemicals. Estes Park, attracting thousands of people The Schomburg-Mellon Summer Institute He truly is one of the pioneers that helped to who come to enjoy viewing them and listening to the bulls bugle in late summer and early continues to provide minority students with op- propel some of America’s leading companies into a brave new world of high-tech advances. fall. portunities that are instrumental in becoming But while the elk are a true asset, their personally and professionally ready to com- John will surely be missed by his colleagues at UPS; but this corporate loss is without numbers are a concern, Property damage and pete in the ever expanding global market- doubt the community’s gain. John’s public human safety concerns in Estes Park have in- place. By providing minority students with service dates back to his years as a United creased as elk increasingly use parks, golf mentors; providing them with requisite skills States Marine. And, he remains a community courses, and yards in close proximity to peo- such as conducting research and writing re- leader as a member of the Board of Directors ple and they are also causing adverse effects search papers; creating rigorous academic of New Jersey Mental Health Association and on the other resources of the park itself. This programs rooted in historical truths about the the Board of Advisors for the American Can- has led the National Park Service to consider contributions made by people of color; and cer Society. His business acumen has been possible steps to address this by reducing the championing them to fulfill their full potential, tapped for the Governor’s Economic Growth number of elk within the park. My bill is intended to resolve a question that has arisen the Schomburg-Mellon Summer Institute its Council and his generosity of heart has been enlisted as an active participant in a wide vari- about how this might be done. part to continue the legacy of producing com- Some historical perspective is useful in un- passionate and capable intellectual leaders. ety of United Way activities. John plays a strong role in helping prepare derstanding the situation. The Schomburg-Mellon Summer Institute is tomorrow’s leaders as well as a member of Elk, or wapiti, are native to the area that in- but one of many initiatives aimed at uncover- the New Jersey Institute of Technology Board cludes Rocky Mountain National Park, but ing and preserving truths in black culture. of Overseers and as a founding member of hunters had all but eliminated them by the There is the annual book fair, a plethora of the Berkeley Heights Education Foundation. 1870s—and by early in the Twentieth Century, wolves, their only significant predator in the programs commemorating significant events And, he serves on the Ramapo College Board area, had disappeared as well. and themes throughout African American his- of Governors; a board on which I also proudly They were reintroduced in 1913 and 1914, tory, and symposiums on important matters sit. On the eve of his retirement from the cor- shortly before Rocky Mountain National Park such as the African Burial Ground. This fall porate world, the community looks forward to was established in 1915. Since then, because marks the sixth year of the Junior Scholars continuing to work with John Nallin to make of the lack of any significant predation—by program. A program similar to the Summer In- North Jersey an even better place in which to wolves, other animals, or people—the park’s stitute teaches history and culture while using work, live, and raise a family. elk population has flourished. By the early 1930s, it had increased so much that the Na- insights gained to devise solutions to improv- f ing quality of life, for African Americans in par- tional Park Service became concerned about ticular, today. Another program dedicated to RECOGNIZING ISAAC DAVID resulting deteriorating vegetation conditions on connecting youth with living legends, authors, ZEILINGER FOR ACHIEVING THE their winter range. RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT Starting in 1944, the elk population was lim- scholars, artists, and business people in ways ited, primarily by having rangers cull the herd that show them they can choose to be any- HON. SAM GRAVES by shooting some of the elk but also by some thing they apply themselves to becoming while trapping and transplanting. For the next 25 providing them with tools that will prove nec- OF MISSOURI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES years, the number of elk using Rocky Moun- essary along the way, the Junior Scholar’s tain National Park was maintained between program epitomizes the Schomburg’s commit- Friday, February 16, 2007 350 and 800 animals. ment to preserving the legacy of descendants Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly This ended in 1969, when a ‘‘natural regula- of Africa. pause to recognize Isaac Zeilinger, a very tion’’ policy—meaning no active management While celebrating the Schomburg and its special young man who has exemplified the within the park—was instituted. In part, this finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by was because the National Park Service achievements over the course of 80 years it is taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of thought hunting in adjacent areas would con- important to continue to invest in the produc- America, Troop 314, and in earning the most trol the elk population in and near the park. tion of even more scholars, thinkers, and lead- prestigious award of Eagle Scout. But since then, the park’s elk numbers have ers committed to the same goal. Isaac has been very active with his troop, continued to increase and vegetation changes participating in many Scout activities. Over the have been observed, particularly a decline in years Isaac has been involved with Scouting, willow and aspen on the elk’s primary winter he has not only earned numerous merit range.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:52 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE8.011 E16FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with REMARKS February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E377 As a result, the National Park Service has doing the shooting, between 3 and 10 FTEs, viduals’’ means people with Colorado resident been reconsidering the appropriate size for the with a smaller amount for administration (1.5 big-game hunting licenses who have whatever park’s elk population and ways to address the FTEs). other qualifications the National Park Service problem of chronic wasting disease, CWD, a As I indicated in my letter, I think the Na- may set after consulting with the Colorado Di- fatal brain disease known to affect deer and tional Park Service should explore the possi- vision of Wildlife. This section would not re- elk, which has been detected in elk within the bility that those costs could be substantially require the National Park Service to use the park. Research begun in 1994 was aimed at duced by offering qualified Coloradans an op- services of qualified Coloradans, but it would gathering critical information needed to pro- portunity to take part—under the strict guid- make clear that there is no legal obstacle to vide a scientific basis for a new management ance and direction of the National Park Serv- their doing so. plan. ice—either without compensation or for less Section 3 would require the National Park I have been following this matter with inter- compensation than the amounts on which the Service to consult with the Colorado Division est, and last year I wrote the National Park DEIS estimates were based. of Wildlife regarding that state agency’s pos- Service about the four alternatives discussed Having reviewed my letter and other public sible participation in implementing the new in their draft environmental impact statement, comments on the DEIS, the National Park plan to manage elk in the park. This would not DEIS, on the subject. Service is now moving toward a decision on require such participation, but it would require As I said in that letter, while I am not a wild- how to go about reducing the number of elk in the National Park Service to consider it. life biologist, my own observations and discus- Rocky Mountain National Park. That is what Section 4 states that nothing in the bill is to sions of the matter with both nearby residents they should be doing. be construed as applying to the taking of wild- and people with some professional expertise But I am concerned that some of their state- life within the park for any purpose other than led me to conclude that the document cor- ments in a recent meeting with Colorado wild- implementation of the new elk management plan. rectly identified adverse consequences for life officials suggest they have mistakenly con- aspen trees and other vegetation that would cluded that they do not have the legal author- f result from continued high elk densities in the ity to act along the lines I suggested. My bill IN RECOGNITION OF SISTER park. Accordingly, as my letter said, I support is intended to make it clear that they do have BARBARA SUESSMAN action to reduce the numbers of elk in the that authority. park to something like the numbers that would At the meeting, the National Park Service HON. NYDIA M. VELA´ ZQUEZ be expected under natural conditions. distributed a paper entitled ‘‘Legal Analysis of OF NEW YORK One option discussed in the DEIS would be Hunting within Rocky Mountain National Park.’’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES release of a limited number of gray wolves, in I am not a lawyer, and I do not dispute the ac- Friday, February 16, 2007 order to return a natural predator that could curacy of that paper. But I do dispute its rel- control elk numbers. However, the DEIS notes evance—because what is involved here is not Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise that this would involve ‘‘numerous uncertain- ‘‘hunting,’’ as that term is generally used, but today on the floor of the U.S. House of Rep- ties,’’ including ‘‘whether park managers could instead a plan to reduce elk numbers by hav- resentatives to recognize the life and work of effectively control wolf behavior and move- ing people selected by the National Park Serv- a tremendous role model, advocate, and long- ments and keep wolves in the park,’’ which I ice and acting in accordance with its instruc- time resident of Brooklyn, Sister Barbara think is a source of valid concern for ranchers tions shoot specified numbers of animals over Suessman. who operate on nearby lands and for other specified periods of time. Born on February 26, 1937 in Brooklyn, Bar- park neighbors. And, in any case, the DEIS in- So, the question is not whether the National bara attended St. Agnes High School in Rock- dicates that it would still be necessary for Park Service plans to have elk shot—it does. ville Center before joining the ‘‘Dominican Sis- there to be ‘‘lethal reduction’’—meaning shoot- The question is whether the National Park ters’’ in 1956. It was through her involvement with the Dominican Sisters that led Sister Bar- ing of elk—at least for some time because the Service has the authority to consider allowing bara to hear her calling and two years later, small number of wolves would not be enough qualified Coloradans—specifically, those who she pronounced her religious vows and em- to accomplish the desired reduction in the have hunting licenses and who meet whatever barked on a life dedicated to serving the un- number of elk in the park. qualifications the National Park Service may derprivileged. So, as I noted in my letter, I readily under- set—do the shooting. Sister Barbara held a strong belief that stand why this has not been identified as the My bill would resolve that question by mak- through active involvement with New York preferred alternative. ing it clear that the laws applicable to Rocky City’s youth she would be most effective in Instead, the DEIS said it would be pref- Mountain National Park do not prevent the Na- serving the community. It was this conviction erable to have people cull the elk herd by ‘‘le- tional Park Service from doing that. that led her to commit her life to working with thal reduction’’—meaning the shooting of se- It also would require the National Park Serv- various community organizations, schools, and lected animals to reduce the overall numbers ice to consult with the Colorado Division of ministries. to a more appropriate level. Wildlife regarding the possible participation of She spent the next twelve years teaching in The DEIS identified two ‘‘lethal reduction’’ that state agency in implementing the new several schools in Brooklyn and Queens. scenarios, differing mainly in the number of elk plan for managing elk in the park. I have in- While she valued her years teaching the com- to be shot: 100 to 200 annually over 20 years cluded that provision because, while manage- munity’s children, Sister Barbara wanted to or 200 to 700 elk annually for four years and ment of the park is and should remain the sole take on more of an active role training peers after that 25 to 150 elk annually for 15 years. responsibility of the National Park Service, I how to mentor each other. In 1970, she ac- The DEIS says ‘‘adaptive use of wolves’’ could think the Service should at least discuss the cepted the position of supervisor at the Brook- eventually become part of the second sce- matter to see whether the Division of Wildlife lyn Diocese sponsored ‘‘New School,’’ offering nario, and it identified it as the preferred alter- can be helpful in addressing this matter of special leadership training. After four years, native. concern to both agencies and the public. she left to take over as Program director of I think the DEIS did a good job of providing I think my bill can help the National Park the Brooklyn group home, Martin de Porres, reasons for that choice. However, as I said in Service to move forward to resolve a real where she remained until 1979. my letter, I think serious consideration should management problem in a cost-effective man- Sister Barbara’s dedication to the commu- be given to some changes in its implementa- ner. nity’s youth was undying—she always sought tion—particularly by exploring ways to in- For the benefit of our colleagues, here is an out additional ways to serve. She was instru- crease participation by Colorado sportsmen outline of the legislation: mental in founding ‘‘Project Bridge,’’ a pro- and sportswomen. Section 1 provides definitions of terms used gram under the auspices of Christian Charities There are several reasons I think this in the bill aimed at addressing the teen pregnancy prob- should be explored, especially the potential for Section 2 states that nothing in the laws ap- lem in New York City. Over time, this modest significant savings to the taxpayers. plicable to management of Rocky Mountain program grew into a full-service organization The DEIS estimates that implementing the National Park is to be construed as prohibiting with numerous locations around the city, pro- preferred alternative would cost between the Interior Department from using the serv- viding services to teenage boys, as well as about $16.55 million and $18.26 million over ices of qualified individuals, as volunteers or girls, who are pregnant, parenting, or at-risk of the next 20 years, with ‘‘labor’’ accounting for under contract, from assisting in implementa- becoming parents. between $6.55 million and $7.37 million of tion of the new elk and vegetation manage- In 1995, Sister Barbara began yet another those totals. Evidently, these ‘‘labor’’ costs ment plan by using lethal means to reduce the endeavor, taking the position of Director of Fi- would be mostly for compensating the people park’s elk population. The term ‘‘qualified indi- nance with her Dominican Congregation, and

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upon completion of her term, devoted the rest partment of Transportation funds can be used CHARLIE served his country proudly in Viet- of her time with us to consulting for various re- to make a loan in an amount greater than $1 nam and was a decorated veteran. Upon his ligious congregations. billion. This notice would have to include infor- return to the states, he practiced dentistry and Sister Barbara dedicated her entire life to mation about the purpose, the authority and helped countless Georgians. In 1994, he serving others. She used the power of her be- the terms and conditions of the loan. brought his compassion and conservative val- liefs and commitment to instill hope and inspi- And the bill would require that after receiv- ues to Washington. I soon learned that CHAR- ration in all who knew her. ing the notice, Congress would have to pass LIE NORWOOD was a man of impressive char- Therefore, Madam Speaker, I rise with my legislation approving the loan before the acter and conviction, with a Southern charm colleagues in the House of Representatives to Transportation Department could go forward and heart of gold. honor the life and contributions of Sister Bar- and lend the money. CHARLIE NORWOOD was a fervent believer in bara Suessman. This is not just a theoretical matter—one tackling the problem of illegal immigration, and f such mega-loan is now being processed within I enjoyed working with him to pass immigra- the Administration. And that fact illustrates the tion reform. CHARLIE made a valuable con- RECOGNIZING JAMES EDWARD need to broaden the focus in the debate about tribution to the House’s immigration bill in the LEACH FOR ACHIEVING THE ‘‘earmarks’’ and special tax breaks. We in 109th Congress by including parts of his RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT Congress need to take a harder look not just CLEAR Act in the legislation. I shared his beat direct spending and the indirect spending lief that we should direct local law enforce- HON. SAM GRAVES through the tax code, but also at backdoor ment to help us apprehend the illegal immi- OF MISSOURI spending through the lending of taxpayer dol- grants in this country who are criminals. lars. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CHARLIE courageously battled cancer for a In all these areas, there is a need for great- Friday, February 16, 2007 number of years, and he was an inspiration to er transparency and accountability. That’s why many, including his colleagues on both sides Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly I have introduced H.R. 595, the ‘‘Stimulating of the aisle. I am pleased that I had the oppor- Leadership in Controlling Expenditures’’—or pause to recognize James Leach, a very spe- tunity to work with CHARLIE, and my wife cial young man who has exemplified the finest ‘‘SLICE’’—Act, to enact a constitutionally Cheryl and I extend our deepest sympathies qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- sound version of a line-item veto for individual to Gloria Norwood and their entire family. spending items. ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- f ica, Troop 314, and in earning the most pres- It’s also why I have introduced H.R. 905, the tigious award of Eagle Scout. Commission on Unfair Tax Breaks and Sub- RECOGNIZING RYAN DANIEL HAR- James has been very active with his troop, sidies—or ‘‘CUTS’’—Act, which would provide RIS FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK participating in many scout activities. Over the another way to require action to increase eq- OF EAGLE SCOUT years James has been involved with scouting, uity and accountability in the federal budget. he has not only earned numerous merit And that is why I am introducing this bill HON. SAM GRAVES badges, but also the respect of his family, today—not because I am convinced that the pending loan, or some similar loans in the fu- OF MISSOURI peers, and community. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Madam, Speaker, I proudly ask you to join ture, would not be appropriate, but because I me in commending James Leach for his ac- think it’s essential that a decision to approve Friday, February 16, 2007 complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- such a mega-loan should be made in a care- Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the ful, deliberate way with full discussion of the pause to recognize Ryan Harris, a very spe- highest distinction of Eagle Scout. merits and potential risks and a separate vote cial young man who has exemplified the finest here in the Congress. At the end of the day, f qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- I might vote to approve the pending loan or ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- CONGRESS MUST CO-SIGN ACT some other loan of that type, or I might con- ica, Troop 314, and in earning the most pres- clude that the potential costs outweigh the tigious award of Eagle Scout. HON. MARK UDALL likely benefits. My purpose is not to prejudge Ryan has been very active with his troop, the result, but to require a better, more open OF COLORADO participating in many scout activities. Over the way of making a decision. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES years Ryan has been involved with scouting, The federal budget remains awash in a sea he has not only earned numerous merit Friday, February 16, 2007 of red ink and we are continuing to add to the badges, but also the respect of his family, Nation’s towering pile of debt. People in Colo- Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I peers, and community. rado and across the country expect greater am today introducing a bill to require focused, Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join transparency and accountability from their careful consideration and separate Congres- me in commending Ryan Harris for his accom- elected officials and our decisions on spend- sional approval of a form of back-door spend- plishments with the Boy Scouts of America ing. This bill would take an important step in ing that could leave the taxpayers exposed to and for his efforts put forth in achieving the that direction and I think it deserves the sup- serious financial liability. highest distinction of Eagle Scout. port of all our colleagues. It is cosponsored by our colleagues Mr. f WALZ, Mr. FLAKE, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Ms. f INTRODUCING THE IRAQ MALONEY, Ms. BACHMANN, Mr. GARRETT, Mr. EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE CONTINGENCY PLANNING ACT LAMBORN, Mr. KLINE, Ms. MUSGRAVE and Mr. HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE MILLER of Florida. I greatly appreciate their as- HONORABLE CHARLIE NORWOOD, sistance and support. MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM HON. MARK UDALL The bill, entitled the ‘‘Congress Must Co- THE STATE OF GEORGIA OF COLORADO Sign Act’’ deals with proposals to have the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Department of Transportation lend a billion SPEECH OF dollars—or more—for any one purpose. Friday, February 16, 2007 It would require greater transparency re- HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR. Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, OF WISCONSIN garding such loans and a separate Congres- this week the House has considered a resolu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sional vote to approve each such loan, even tion focused on the President’s plan to esca- if it had received preliminary approval either Wednesday, February 14, 2007 late the war in Iraq by committing more troops. on its own or as part of a larger measure. Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, it is That certainly deserves the debate it has re- The purpose is to increase Congressional with deep sadness that I mourn the loss of my ceived. accountability and to reduce the chance the friend and colleague, Congressman CHARLIE I voted for the resolution disapproving of the taxpayers will find themselves stuck with the NORWOOD. CHARLIE was a tenacious fighter in escalation plan because I think that plan is bill if the lender should default on one of these Congress who would not back down from his misguided and will not be effective in the con- loans. beliefs. More important than his work in the text of the civil war that has emerged in Iraq. The bill would require the Secretary of House of Representatives, he was a dedicated Of course, I’m not under any illusion that the Transportation to provide Congress advance husband, loving father of two sons and a president will listen to the resolution’s mes- written notice at least 60 days before any De- grandfather of four. sage. He has made clear his intention to move

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That is why I am today introducing legisla- As a member of the Armed Services Com- [From the Daily Times—Call, Feb. 9, 2007] tion to require that Congress be informed mittee, I want assurances that this Administra- LONGMONT LOSES ‘THE COLONEL’ about the extent to which the Administration is tion is thinking about and planning for trou- (By Trevor Hughes) doing the planning that is needed if we are to bling possibilities they themselves have de- LONGMONT.—Dan E. Straight, a retired Air be prepared to respond to what our intel- picted. No one wants chaos or increased vio- Force colonel and tireless advocate of re- ligence agencies tell us may be further cata- lence in Iraq, but it would be irresponsible not opening Rollins Pass Road over the Conti- strophic developments in Iraq and the region. to plan for those possibilities. While looking at nental Divide to Winter Park, died suddenly You’d think it wouldn’t be necessary for Iraq through rose-colored glasses may make Wednesday. He was 84. Congress to legislate to make sure the Pen- us feel better, we will only do right by our men A longtime local resident, Straight volun- tagon plans for contingencies. And when, at a and women in uniform if we plan for likely con- teered with groups ranging from the Amer- recent Armed Services Committee hearing, I tingencies, however unpalatable. ican Red Cross to the Boy Scouts. He helped launch the Twin Peaks Rotary. asked Secretary Gates whether they were Of course, this legislation isn’t intended to Originally from Greeley, Straight and his doing that, his answer, while vague, was reas- solve the larger problem of Iraq. To do that, family settled in Longmont around 1976 after suring. we need a policy aimed at escalating diplo- he retired from the Air Force, for which he But vague reassurances aren’t enough, and matic and political efforts and lightening the had flown more than 29 types of aircraft. The I am following up with this bill because I don’t U.S. footprint in Iraq. But so far the President front fuselage of one of them, a B–26B Ma- want a repeat of the performance that led the instead is continuing to embrace the idea that rauder nicknamed ‘‘Flack Bait,’’ is displayed Administration to launch a war in Iraq without the solution is more troop. at the Smithsonian. a plan for what would come after initial military Defense Secretary Gates has said that we’ll Straight, known locally to many as ‘‘The Colonel,’’ was one of many pilots of the sto- success. know within months whether or not that esca- ried World War II bomber. He flew one mis- The Bush Administration was warned—by lation has been successful. So it isn’t too soon sion in the bomber, on Valentine’s Day 1945, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Penta- to begin planning now for what may come carrying his young daughter’s shoe in his gon’s Joint Staff, the State Department’s Bu- next. And it is high time for Congress to insist pocket so she’d always be near. reau of intelligence and Research, and the that the Administration is responding to that Straight often regaled high school students CIA’s National Intelligence Council, among essential. with stories from his service during World War II, Korea and Vietnam, according to his others—that U.S. troops could face significant f postwar resistance. family. And in February, 2003 an Army War Col- TRIBUTE TO DAN E. STRAIGHT He and Juanita also were Red Cross volunteers who helped Special Transit transport lege report warned that without an ‘‘over- people in Longmont and Boulder County to whelming’’ effort to prepare for the U.S. occu- HON. MARK UDALL medical appointments. pation of Iraq, ‘‘The United States may find OF COLORADO But it was perhaps his 25-year presidency itself in a radically different world over the next IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of the Rollins Pass Restoration Association few years, a world in which the threat of Sad- that brought Straight the most local atten- Friday, February 16, 2007 dam Hussein seems like a pale shadow of tion. The pass, along an old railroad grade new problems of America’s own making.’’ Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I and through the Needle’s Eye Tunnel, offers But despite these warnings, the Bush Ad- rise today to note the passing of Dan E. a shortcut between Boulder and Grand counties. ministration rushed ahead without a com- Straight. Although Mr. Straight did not reside The 23-mile route fell out of use by trains prehensive plan in place to secure and rebuild in my district, he worked on an issue within in 1928, when the 6.2-mile Moffat Tunnel was the country once our military had achieved its my district that was dear to his heart—the completed. With the tracks removed in the initial objectives. preservation and reopening of the Rollins late 1920s, trains gave way to cars, and for We all know where that has led us—to the Pass road over the Continental Divide near decades the pass and tunnel drew sightseers point where, according to the just-released Winter Park, Colorado. and travelers from across the Front Range. National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iraq, Mr. Straight passed away last week. He led Part of the Needle’s Eye Tunnel collapsed we’re faced with a deteriorating situation in a full life that included patriotic service to our in 1979, but it was re-opened to cars in 1987 before another partial collapse that injured a Iraq in which ‘‘Iraqi society’s growing polariza- country. He served in the U.S. Air Force for sightseer closed it again in 1990. tion, the persistent weakness of the security years and saw action in World War II, Korea ‘‘I’m just amazed at the people who built forces and the state in general, and all sides’ and Vietnam. He also served his community it,’’ Straight said in 2003. ready recourse to violence are collectively through work with the Boy Scouts, the Amer- Technically difficult to pull off at 11,000 driving an increase in communal and insurgent ican Red Cross and his local Rotary. feet, the tunnel-stabilization project en- violence and political extremist.’’ And because he loved history and the out- tailed drilling eight-foot holes into the tun- And now we are being warned that things doors, he was a champion for the reopening nel walls and roof, then gluing in inch-thick of the Rollins Pass road. Also known as the steel rods. well may get even worse. The 1990 collapse injured an area fire- Specifically, the NIE states that as Iraq’s se- Moffat Road due to its proximity to the Moffat fighter who was hit by falling rocks from the curity environment worsens, three prospective railroad tunnel, this road was used as a stage roof of the tunnel’s southern entrance. security paths could emerge—chaos leading and narrow gauge railroad corridor taking pas- The cause: a single missing rock bolt. Iron- to partition, the emergency of a Shia sengers from Colorado’s east slope commu- ically, the space where the missing bolt strongman, or anarchic fragementation of nities to the homesteads, resources and rec- should be is clearly visible in the commemo- power. reational activities on the western slope. Rollin rative photos given to association members. Madam Speaker, the NIE is the Administra- Pass contains historic railroad features such Straight took that photo, a signed copy of tion’s own document, and the most as dramatic trestles that span creek valleys which hangs in the Times-Call newsroom. Despite the setback, Straight remained authoritiative written judgment of the Director and a feature aptly called the Needle Eye committed to reopening the tunnel, and ne- of National Intelligence with respect to Iraq. I Tunnel near the top. Due to age, rock fall has gotiations among local officials about fixing think it must be taken seriously, and I think we occurred in the tunnel and it has remained it continue to this day. in Congress must demand to be told—specifi- closed. ‘‘That was his favorite mission in life,’’ cally and in detail—just how the Administration Due to Mr. Straight’s efforts, I included lan- said his daughter Su Eckhardt. is preparing to respond should any one of guage in the James Peak Wilderness and Pro- She added that Straight was involved in those contingencies occur. tection Area Act to allow for the reopening of many other endeavors, including the That is what my legislation calls for. It would the Rollins Pass road to two-wheel drive vehi- Longmont Rotary Club, Westview Pres- byterian Church, the Masons, the Shriners, require that by June 30th of this year the Ad- cles. Conversations are occurring between the the St. Vrain Photographic Society and the ministration inform the House and Senate acted countries and the U.S. Forest Service in Salvation Army. Armed Services Committees just how the De- this regard. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. ‘‘He made a commitment beyond simply partment of Defense and other agencies Straight as we were working on this legisla- joining and paying dues,’’ she said.

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We, as a na- OF MISSOURI tion, owe them a debt of gratitude, and I hope ‘‘He was a really decent guy, a straight IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES shooter, no pun intended,’’ Misner said. ‘‘He that Americans all over the world will take a was direct about what he thought should moment this week to remember what our sol- Friday, February 16, 2007 happen. He was honest and just a good guy.’’ diers put on the line for our liberty here at Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. home. pause to recognize two outstanding constitu- Saturday, Feb. 10, at Westview Presbyterian ents of Missouri’s Sixth Congressional District: Church, with the Rev. Bruce McQueen offici- The National Salute Chairman for this year ating. Military honors will be presented by is none other than famous singer and actor Garland and Mildred King of Harrison County, the Mile High Honor Guard, USAF. Jerry Reed. I have great confidence that Mr. MO. Garland and Mildred celebrated their 74th In lieu of flowers, the family suggests me- Reed’s memorable face, humor, and famous wedding anniversary on December 3, 2006. morial donations to the American Red Cross, singing and songwriting will draw increased at- Garland and Mildred King were married on the Boy Scouts, the Rollins Pass Restoration tention to Salute to Hospitalized Veterans December 3, 1932 in Trenton, MO. They have Association, Shrine Children’s Hospitals or Week, and I applaud his dedication to such a 6 children, 14 grandchildren, 24 great grand- Westview Presbyterian Church in care of noteworthy cause. His leadership will be vital children, and 1 great-great grandchild on the Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, 326 Terry St., way. They have owned a family farm in Har- Longmont 80501. to informing others about our hospitalized veterans. rison County for 64 years. f Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United Garland and Mildred King have been out- RECOGNIZING HAYDEN OSWALD States Congress, it is a great honor for me to standing citizens of Harrison County and FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF personally salute those who have borne the northwest Missouri. They are dedicated and EAGLE SCOUT battle while we recognize the 2007 Salute to active members of Melbourne Baptist Church Hospitalized Veterans Week. where Garland is a deacon. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join HON. SAM GRAVES me in recognizing Garland and Mildred King. f OF MISSOURI Their marriage of 74 years is inspirational, and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE I am honored to represent them in the United Friday, February 16, 2007 HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE States Congress. Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly HONORABLE CHARLIE NORWOOD, f MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM pause to recognize Hayden Oswald, a very FORGETTING THE LESSONS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA special young man who has exemplified the HISTORY finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of SPEECH OF HON. NEIL ABERCROMBIE America, Troop 59, and in earning the most OF HAWAII prestigious award of Eagle Scout. HON. PETE SESSIONS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Hayden has been very active with his troop, OF TEXAS participating in many Scout activities. Over the Friday, February 16, 2007 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES many years Hayden has been involved with Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Madam Speaker, the Scouting, he has not only earned numerous Wednesday, February 14, 2007 following 1984 speech by former Secretary of merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- Defense Caspar Weinberger provides an im- ily, peers, and community. Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my fellow colleagues in mourning the portant perspective on the use of military force Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join in Iraq. me in commending Hayden Oswald for his ac- passing of Congressman CHARLIE NORWOOD. THE USES OF MILITARY POWER’’ complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- My friend and the honorable representative for (By Caspar W. Weinberger) ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the the people of the Ninth District of Georgia highest distinction of Eagle Scout. passed away on Tuesday after his long battle Thank you for inviting me to be here today with lung disease and cancer. This Chamber, with the members of the National Press f and the State of Georgia has lost a friend and Club, a group most important to our na- one of our most capable and dedicated Mem- tional security. I say that because a major ON OBSERVING THE 2007 NATIONAL point I intend to make in my remarks today bers. Even before CHARLIE came to Congress SALUTE TO HOSPITALIZED VET- is that the single most critical element of a ERANS WEEK in the election of 1994, he was a courageous successful democracy is a strong consensus individual and public servant. The former Army of support and agreement for our basic pur- dentist was a decorated officer serving in Viet- poses. Policies formed without a clear under- HON. JEFF MILLER nam, having been awarded the Combat Med- standing of what we hope to achieve will OF FLORIDA ical Badge and two Bronze Stars for his serv- never work. And you help to build that un- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ice. derstanding among our citizens. Friday, February 16, 2007 Of all the many policies our citizens de- Words cannot fully express the sorrow that serve and need to understand, none is so im- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I is felt by those who have known and loved portant as those related to our topic today rise today to honor our nation’s veterans as CHARLIE. My heart goes out to CHARLIE’s wife, the uses of military power. Deterrence will we observe the National Salute to Hospitalized Gloria, their two sons, Charles and Carlton, work only if the Soviets understand our firm Veterans Week. and their four grandchildren. I also will be commitment to keeping the peace, . . . and Each year, during the month of February, keeping CHARLIE’s staff in my thoughts and only from a well-informed public can we ex- prayers, as I had the pleasure of working with pect to have that national will and commit- our nation’s hospitalized veterans are recog- ment. Dr. NORWOOD on a variety of issues, and his nized for their brave service to this nation. So today, I want to discuss with you per- However, each day I am thankful for their self- staff was always a delight to work with. I can haps the most important question con- less service as they put their lives on the line only imagine how tough it is for them, and all cerning keeping the peace. Under what cir- to defend our freedom at home. Many gave of CHARLIE’s family and friends right now dur- cumstances, and by what means, does a great the ultimate sacrifice, and many returned ing this difficult time. I will be keeping CHAR- democracy such as ours reach the painful de- home injured. Over 98,000 veterans currently LIE’s memory in my thoughts and prayers. He cision that the use of military force is nec- receive daily care in a Department of Veterans was always a dear friend of mine, someone essary to protect our interests or to carry who I looked to for his opinion and judgment. out our national policy? Affairs medical center, clinic, or nursing home. National power has many components, It is to these brave and women we extend our CHARLIE is now leaving us for a better place, some tangible, like economic wealth, tech- deepest gratitude. but he leaves behind a lasting legacy, and nical pre-eminence. Other components are The price of freedom can be high, but sol- shoes that can never be filled. We have lost intangible such as moral force, or strong na- diers fighting for our country believe freedom a hero and a champion, God bless. tional will. Military forces, when they are

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:52 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE8.028 E16FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with REMARKS February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E381 strong and ready and modern, are a credible branch has been compromised by the Legis- cruitment would fall off and I fear an end to and tangible addition to a nation’s power. lative branch to an extent that actively the all-volunteer system would be upon us, When both the intangible national will and interferes with that process. At the same requiring a return to a draft, sowing the those forces are forged into one instrument, time, there has not been a corresponding ac- seeds of riot and discontent that so wracked national power becomes effective. ceptance of responsibility by Congress for the country in the ’60s. In today’s world, the line between peace the outcome of decisions concerning the em- We have now restored high morale and and war is less clearly drawn than at any ployment of military forces. pride in the uniform throughout the services. time in our history. When George Wash- Yet the outcome of decisions on whether The all-volunteer system is working spec- ington, in his farewell address, warned us, as and when and to what degree to use combat tacularly well. Are we willing to forfeit what a new democracy, to avoid foreign entangle- forces abroad has never been more important we have fought so hard to regain? ments, Europe then lay 2–3 months by sea than it is today. While we do not seek to In maintaining our progress in strength- over the horizon. The United States was pro- deter or settle all the world’s conflicts, we ening America’s military deterrent, we face tected by the width of the oceans. Now in must recognize that, as a major power, our difficult challenges. For we have entered an this nuclear age, we measure time in min- responsibilities and interests are now of such era where the dividing lines between peace utes rather than months. scope that there are few troubled areas we and war are less clearly drawn, the identity Aware of the consequences of any misstep, can afford to ignore. So we must be prepared of the foe is much less clear. In World Wars yet convinced of the precious worth of the to deal with a range of possibilities, a spec- I and II, we not only knew who our enemies freedom we enjoy, we seek to avoid conflict, trum of crises, from local insurgency to glob- were, but we shared a clear sense of why the while maintaining strong defenses. Our pol- al conflict. We prefer, of course, to limit any principles espoused by our enemies were un- icy has always been to work hard for peace, conflict in its early stages, to contain and worthy. but to be prepared if war comes. Yet, so control it but to do that our military forces Since these two wars threatened our very blurred have the lines become between open must be deployed in a timely manner, and be survival as a free nation and the survival of conflict and half-hidden hostile acts that we fully supported and prepared before they are our allies, they were total wars, involving cannot confidently predict where, or when, engaged, because many of those difficult de- every aspect of our society. All our means of or how, or from what direction aggression cisions must be made extremely quickly. production, all our resources were devoted to may arrive. We must be prepared, at any mo- Some on the national scene think they can winning. Our policies had the unqualified ment, to meet threats ranging in intensity always avoid making tough decisions. Some support of the great majority of our people. from isolated terrorist acts, to guerrilla ac- reject entirely the question of whether any Indeed, World Wars I and II ended with the tion, to full-scale military confrontation. force can ever be used abroad. They want to unconditional surrender of our enemies. . . . Alexander Hamilton, writing in the Fed- avoid grappling with a complex issue be- The only acceptable ending when the alter- eralist Papers, said that it is impossible to cause, despite clever rhetoric disguising native was the loss of our freedom. foresee or define the extent and variety of their purpose, these people are in fact advo- But in the aftermath of the Second World national exigencies, or the correspondent ex- cating a return to post-World War I isola- War, we encountered a more subtle form of tent and variety of the means, which may be tionism. While they may maintain in prin- warfare warfare in which, more often than necessary to satisfy them. If it was true ciple that military force has a role in foreign not, the face of the enemy was masked. Ter- then, how much more true it is today, when policy, they are never willing to name the ritorial expansionism could be carried out we must remain ready to consider the means circumstance or the place where it would indirectly by proxy powers, using surrogate to meet such serious indirect challenges to apply. forces aided and advised from afar. Some the peace as proxy wars and individual ter- On the other side, some theorists argue conflicts occurred under the name of ‘‘na- rorist action. And how much more important that military force can be brought to bear in tional liberation,’’ but far more frequently is it now, considering the consequences of any crisis. Some of these proponents of force ideology or religion provided the spark to failing to deter conflict at the lowest level are eager to advocate its use even in limited the tinder. possible. While the use of military force to amounts simply because they believe that if Our adversaries can also take advantage of defend territory has never been questioned there are American forces of any size present our open society, and our freedom of speech when a democracy has been attacked and its they will somehow solve the problem. and opinion to use alarming rhetoric and very survival threatened, most democracies Neither of these two extremes offers us any disinformation to divide and disrupt our have rejected the unilateral aggressive use of lasting or satisfactory solutions. The first unity of purpose. While they would never force to invade, conquer or subjugate other undue reserve would lead us ultimately to dare to allow such freedoms to their own nations. The extent to which the use of force withdraw from international events that re- people, they are quick to exploit ours by con- is acceptable remains unresolved for the host quire free nations to defend their interests ducting simultaneous military and propa- of other situations which fall between these from the aggressive use of force. We would be ganda campaigns to achieve their ends. extremes of defensive and aggressive use of abdicating our responsibilities as the leader They realize that if they can divide our na- force. of the free world responsibilities more or less tional will at home, it will not be necessary We find ourselves, then, face to face with a thrust upon us in the aftermath of World to defeat our forces abroad. So by presenting modern paradox: The most likely challenge War II war incidentally that isolationism did issues in bellicose terms, they aim to intimi- to the peace—the gray area conflicts—are nothing to deter. These are responsibilities date western leaders and citizens, encour- precisely the most difficult challenges to we must fulfill unless we desire the Soviet aging us to adopt conciliatory positions to which a democracy must respond. Yet, while Union to keep expanding its influence un- their advantage. Meanwhile they remain the source and nature of today’s challenges checked throughout the world. In an inter- sheltered from the force of public opinion in are uncertain, our response must be clear national system based on mutual inter- their countries, because public opinion there and understandable. Unless we are certain dependence among nations, and alliances be- is simply prohibited and does not exist. that force is essential, we run the risk of in- tween friends, stark isolationism quickly Our freedom presents both a challenge and adequate national will to apply the resources would lead to a far more dangerous situation an opportunity. It is true that until demo- needed. for the United States: we would be without cratic nations have the support of the peo- Because we face a spectrum of threats from allies and faced by many hostile or indif- ple, they are inevitably at a disadvantage in covert aggression, terrorism, and subversion, ferent nations. a conflict. But when they do have that sup- to overt intimidation, to use of brute force, The second alternative employing our port they cannot be defeated. For democ- choosing the appropriate level of our re- forces almost indiscriminately and as a reg- racies have the power to send a compelling sponse is difficult. Flexible response does not ular and customary part of our diplomatic message to friend and foe alike by the vote mean just any response is appropriate. But efforts would surely plunge us headlong into of their citizens. And the American people once a decision to employ some degree of the sort of domestic turmoil we experienced have sent such a signal by re-electing a force has been made, and the purpose clari- during the Vietnam war, without accom- strong Chief Executive. They know that fied, our government must have the clear plishing the goal for which we committed President Reagan is willing to accept the re- mandate to carry out, and continue to carry our forces. Such policies might very well sponsibility for his actions and is able to out, that decision until the purpose has been tear at the fabric of our society, endangering lead us through these complex times by in- achieved. That, too, has been difficult to ac- the single most critical element of a success- sisting that we regain both our military and complish. ful democracy: a strong consensus of support our economic strength. The issue of which branch of government and agreement for our basic purposes. In today’s world where minutes count, has authority to define that mandate and Policies formed without a clear under- such decisive leadership is more important make decisions on using force is now being standing of what we hope to achieve would than ever before. Regardless of whether con- strongly contended. Beginning in the 1970s also earn us the scorn of our troops, who flicts are limited, or threats are ill defined, Congress demanded, and assumed, a far more would have an understandable opposition to we must be capable of quickly determining active role in the making of foreign policy being used in every sense of the word cas- that the threats and conflicts either do or do and in the decision-making process for the ually and without intent to support them not affect the vital interests of the United employment of military forces abroad than fully. Ultimately this course would reduce States and our allies. . . . And then respond- had been thought appropriate and practical their morale and their effectiveness for ening appropriately. before. As a result, the centrality of deci- gagements we must win. And if the military Those threats may not entail an imme- sion-making authority in the Executive were to distrust its civilian leadership, re- diate, direct attack on our territory, and our

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:52 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE8.034 E16FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with REMARKS E382 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 16, 2007 response may not necessarily require the im- should do so wholeheartedly, and with the These tests I have just mentioned have mediate or direct defense of our homeland. clear intention of winning. If we are unwill- been phrased negatively for a purpose they But when our vital national interests and ing to commit the forces or resources nec- are intended to sound a note of caution that those of our allies are at stake, we cannot ig- essary to achieve our objectives, we should we must observe prior to committing forces nore our safety, or forsake our allies. not commit them at all. Of course if the par- to combat overseas. When we ask our mili- At the same time, recent history has prov- ticular situation requires only limited force tary forces to risk their very lives in such en that we cannot assume unilaterally the to win our objectives, then we should not situations, a note of caution is not only pru- role of the world’s defender. We have learned hesitate to commit forces sized accordingly. dent, it is morally required. that there are limits to how much of our When Hitler broke treaties and remilitarized In many situations we may apply these spirit and blood and treasure we can afford the Rhineland, small combat forces then tests and conclude that a combatant role is to forfeit in meeting our responsibility to could perhaps have prevented the holocaust not appropriate. Yet no one should interpret keep peace and freedom. So while we may of World War II. what I am saying here today as an abdica- and should offer substantial amounts of eco- Third, if we do decide to commit forces to tion of America’s responsibilities either to nomic and military assistance to our allies combat overseas, we should have clearly de- its own citizens or to its allies. Nor should in their time of need, and help them main- fined political and military objectives. And these remarks be misread as a signal that tain forces to deter attacks against them we should know precisely how our forces can this country, or this Administration, is unusually we cannot substitute our troops or accomplish those clearly defined objectives. willing to commit forces to combat overseas. And we should have and send the forces need- our will for theirs. We have demonstrated in the past that, ed to do just that. As Clausewitz wrote, ‘‘no We should only engage our troops if we when our vital interests or those of our allies one starts a war or rather, no one in his must do so as a matter of our own vital na- are threatened, we are ready to use force, senses ought to do so without first being tional interest. We cannot assume for other and use it decisively, to protect those inter- clear in his mind what he intends to achieve sovereign nations the responsibility to de- ests. Let no one entertain any illusions if by that war, and how he intends to conduct fend their territory without their strong in- our vital interests are involved, we are pre- vitation when our freedom is not threatened. it.’’ War may be different today than in pared to fight. And we are resolved that if we On the other hand, there have been recent must fight, we must win. cases where the United States has seen the Clausewitz’s time, but the need for well-defined objectives and a consistent strategy is So, while these tests are drawn from les- need to join forces with other nations to try sons we have learned from the past, they to preserve the peace by helping with nego- still essential. If we determine that a combat mission has become necessary for our vital also can and should be applied to the future. tiations, and by separating warring parties, For example, the problems confronting us in and thus enabling those warring nations to national interests, then we must send forces capable to do the job and not assign a com- Central America today are difficult. The pos- withdraw from hostilities safely. In the Mid- bat mission to a force configured for peace- sibility of more extensive Soviet and Soviet- dle East, which has been torn by conflict for keeping. proxy penetration into this hemisphere in millennia, we have sent our troops in recent Fourth, the relationship between our ob- months ahead is something we should recog- years both to the Sinai and to Lebanon, for jectives and the forces we have committed nize. If this happens we will clearly need just such a peacekeeping mission. But we did their size, composition and disposition must more economic and military assistance and not configure or equip those forces for com- be continually reassessed and adjusted if training to help those who want democracy. bat they were armed only for their self-de- necessary. Conditions and objectives invari- The President will not allow our military fense. Their mission required them to be and ably change during the course of a conflict. forces to creep or be drawn gradually into a to be recognized as peacekeepers. We knew When they do change, then so must our com- combat role in Central America or any other that if conditions deteriorated so they were bat requirements. We must continuously place in the world. And indeed our policy is in danger, or if because of the actions of the keep as a beacon light before us the basic designed to prevent the need for direct warring nations, their peacekeeping mission questions: ‘‘Is this conflict in our national American involvement. This means we will could not be realized, then it would be nec- interest?’’ ‘‘Does our national interest re- need sustained Congressional support to essary either to add sufficiently to the num- quire us to fight, to use force of arms?’’ If back and give confidence to our friends in ber and arms of our troops in short to equip the answers are ‘‘yes,’’ then we must win. If the region. them for combat, . . . or to withdraw them. the answers are ‘‘no,’’ then we should not be And so in Lebanon, when we faced just such I believe that the tests I have enunciated in combat. here today can, if applied carefully, avoid a choice, because the warring nations did not Fifth, before the U.S. commits combat enter into withdrawal or peace agreements, the danger of this gradualist incremental ap- forces abroad, there must be some reasonable proach, which almost always means the use the President properly withdrew forces assurance we will have the support of the equipped only for peacekeeping. of insufficient force. These tests can help us American people and their elected represent- to avoid being drawn inexorably into an end- In those cases where our national interests atives in Congress. This support cannot be require us to commit combat force we must less morass, where it is not vital to our na- achieved unless we are candid in making tional interest to fight. never let there be doubt of our resolution. clear the threats we face; the support cannot But policies and principles such as these When it is necessary for our troops to be be sustained without continuing and close require decisive leadership in both the Exec- committed to combat, we must commit consultation. We cannot fight a battle with utive and Legislative branches of govern- them, in sufficient numbers and we must the Congress at home while asking our ment and they also require strong and sus- support them, as effectively and resolutely troops to win a war overseas or, as in the tained public support. Most of all, these poli- as our strength permits. When we commit case of Vietnam, in effect asking our troops cies require national unity of purpose. I be- our troops to combat we must do so with the not to win, but just to be there. sole object of winning. Finally, the commitment of U.S. forces to lieve the United States now possesses the Once it is clear our troops are required, be- combat should be a last resort. policies and leadership to gain that public cause our vital interests are at stake, then I believe that these tests can be helpful in support and unity. And I believe that the fu- we must have the firm national resolve to deciding whether or not we should commit ture will show we have the strength of char- commit every ounce of strength necessary to our troops to combat in the months and acter to protect peace with freedom. win the fight to achieve our objectives. In years ahead. The point we must all keep up- In summary, we should all remember these Grenada we did just that. permost in our minds is that if we ever de- are the policies indeed the only policies that Just as clearly, there are other situations cide to commit forces to combat, we must can preserve for ourselves, our friends, and where United States combat forces should support those forces to the fullest extent of our posterity, peace with freedom. not be used. I believe the postwar period has our national will for as long as it takes to I believe we can continue to deter the So- taught us several lessons, and from them I win. So we must have in mind objectives viet Union and other potential adversaries have developed six major tests to be applied that are clearly defined and understood and from pursuing their designs around the when we are weighing the use of U.S. combat supported by the widest possible number of world. We can enable our friends in Central forces abroad. Let me now share them with our citizens. And those objectives must be America to defeat aggression and gain the you: vital to our survival as a free nation and to breathing room to nurture democratic re- First, the United States should not com- the fulfillment of our responsibilities as a forms. We can meet the challenge posed by mit forces to combat overseas unless the par- world power. We must also be farsighted the unfolding complexity of the 1980s. ticular engagement or occasion is deemed enough to sense when immediate and strong We will then be poised to begin the last vital to our national interest or that of our reactions to apparently small events can pre- decade of this century amid a peace tem- allies. That emphatically does not mean that vent lion-like responses that may be re- pered by realism, and secured by firmness we should declare beforehand, as we did with quired later. We must never forget those iso- and strength. And it will be a peace that will Korea in 1950, that a particular area is out- lationists in Europe who shrugged that enable all of us ourselves at home, and our side our strategic perimeter. ‘‘Danzig is not worth a war,’’ and ‘‘why friends abroad to achieve a quality of life, Second, if we decide it is necessary to put should we fight to keep the Rhineland de- both spiritually and materially, far higher combat troops into a given situation, we militarized?’’ than man has even dared to dream.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:52 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE8.037 E16FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with REMARKS February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E383 EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE ferent story. It is clear evidence that he has lit- ment rates would result in their inability to HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE tle interest in making the hard choices facing treat Medicare patients. My State’s 16 hos- HONORABLE CHARLIE NORWOOD, our Nation and that he continues to favor tax pitals would not be able to meet the needs of MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM cuts for the wealthy at the expense of working the community, and our senior citizens would THE STATE OF GEORGIA Americans. suffer as a result. While I agree that we need One of the most notable changes in this to address the long-term solvency of Medi- SPEECH OF budget as compared with those of previous care, any reforms should be implemented in a HON. HENRY E. BROWN, JR. years is the inclusion of supplemental spend- way that benefits, not damages, our Nation’s ing requests for military operations in Iraq and health care system. OF SOUTH CAROLINA Afghanistan. I do appreciate this development, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The budget would also threaten to repeal as it will enhance Congressional oversight, health insurance for Rhode Island children. Wednesday, February 14, 2007 which has been sorely lacking in the past. Rhode Island is one of 18 States that have im- Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speak- However, this improvement does not alter my plemented the State Children’s Health Insur- er, I join my colleagues in mourning the pass- deep opposition to the President’s plan to aug- ance Program to exceed minimum federal ing of CHARLIE NORWOOD. As a Member of ment existing force levels in Iraq by 21,500 standards. Rhode Island’s program, Rite Care, Congress from the neighboring state of South troops, a number that could increase signifi- has leveraged SCHIP funding to provide Carolina, I was fortunate enough to serve with cantly once additional support forces are con- health insurance to children in families up to CHARLIE and see firsthand his dedication to sidered. It has become evident that the prob- 250 percent of the poverty level, as well as to public service. Coming to Congress with a lem in Iraq cannot be solved by more U.S. additional populations such as pregnant medical background, CHARLIE championed troops. As the Iraq Study Group and other ex- women and parents. We have worked hard to issues regarding a patients’ bill of rights which perts have concluded, it requires a diplomatic bring our insurance coverage rate for children was designed to give people better access to and economic solution, as well as a renewed to 94 percent—above the national average of healthcare. As a decorated Vietnam Veteran, commitment by the Iraqi government to take 88 percent. The President’s budget would pe- CHARLIE was a fighter. He fought for 12 years greater control of its own security situation. nalize States that are succeeding under as a member of Congress on behalf of his Consequently, Congress will carefully scruti- SCHIP and increase the uninsured rate constituents. I worked with CHARLIE on a num- nize the supplemental funding request so that among children when we should be going in ber of issues including education, military, and we continue to provide our men and women in the opposite direction. uniform with the resources they need to re- veterans’ issues. As Subcommittee Chairman As chairman of the Homeland Security Sub- main safe and effective while moving toward a of Health on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, committee on Emerging Threats, swift conclusion of our military operations in I had the pleasure of participating in a Town Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I Iraq. The American people have asked us to Hall meeting with the veterans from his dis- am concerned that the budget proposal does trict. act, and we will do so in the coming months. Sadly, the remainder of the budget dem- not invest appropriately in important homeland Diagnosed with cancer in 2006, CHARLIE security initiatives. Despite tragedies experi- continued to serve the people of Georgia onstrates the President’s misplaced priorities and inability to operate within realistic expecta- enced in Madrid and London, we continue to bravely and honorably in the HOUSE OF REP- ignore the importance of rail security; the RESENTATIVES despite his ill health. He fought tions. Once again, the President claims he can have it both ways by making permanent tax Transportation Security Administration budget to the end, and in his final days, he returned contains only $41 million for surface transpor- home to be with his family. cuts for the wealthiest while reaching a balanced budget by 2012. However, the numbers tation security. The Bush Administration has CHARLIE will be sorely missed, but his leg- also proposed cutting biodefense-related pro- acy will never be forgotten. My thoughts and just don’t add up. The President doesn’t balance his budget through responsible decision- grams and the Department of Homeland Se- prayers are with his wife Gloria and his two curity’s Science and Technology Directorate, children during this sad time. making; he does it by hoping for economic growth that may or may not occur. In fact, the both of which will help protect our Nation from f non-partisan Congressional Budget Office esti- emerging threats. Additionally, the budget RECOGNIZING RUTH ELVIRA mates that the President has overestimated would reduce funding for programs important DOBBINS revenue projections in 2012 by more than to State and local law enforcement in Rhode $150 billion, and that his budget would actu- Island, including the State Homeland Security HON. SAM GRAVES ally result in yet another deficit. One hundred Grant Program, which awarded $45.2 million and fifty billion dollars is more than a rounding to Rhode Island from 2003 to 2006, and the OF MISSOURI Law Enforcement Terrorist Prevention Pro- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES error; it is wishful thinking. What does the average Rhode Islander get gram, LETPP, from which Rhode Island re- Friday, February 16, 2007 from all of that deficit spending? Unfortunately, ceived $11.5 million in funding from 2004 to Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly it’s not much. The President’s decision to ex- 2006. Despite their proven effectiveness in re- ask you to join me in recognizing Ruth Elvira tend tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans ducing crime in our communities, the Commu- Dobbins of Sibley, Missouri. Ruth celebrated would cost hundreds of billions of dollars in nity Oriented Policing Service, COPS, and her 80th Birthday on January 17th and it is my lost revenue, necessitating drastic cuts to im- Justice Assistance Grants, JAGs, would also privilege to offer her my warmest regards on portant services and resulting in a massive experience cuts in this budget proposal. The achieving this important milestone. Ruth is a middle-class tax increase. By choosing to ex- COPS program helps Rhode Island’s law en- fine citizen of Missouri and the Sibley commu- tend certain tax cuts expiring in 2010 instead forcement agencies hire police officers, en- nity. It is an honor to represent Ruth in the of fixing the Alternative Minimum Tax, the hance crime fighting technology, and support United States Congress, and I wish her all the President has made clear that his priorities are crime prevention initiatives, while JAG sup- best on this birthday and many more in the fu- with the richest Americans and not the middle ports State and local drug task forces, com- ture. class. munity crime prevention programs and prosecution initiatives. In 2006 alone, Rhode Island f Our Nation’s most vulnerable populations would also be harmed by the proposed budg- received $1.6 million in JAG funding and THE PRESIDENT’S FY 2008 BUDGET et. The President has called for $78 billion in $790,000 in COPS funding that helped keep cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, venerable pro- Rhode Island families safe. An important com- HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN grams that provide vital health care services to ponent of homeland security includes providing our state and local law enforcement OF RHODE ISLAND the elderly, the disabled and the poor. Part of with the resources they need to be effective, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES those cuts would come from an 8 percent reduction in Medicare reimbursement rates to and I will fight to block these proposed cuts. Friday, February 16, 2007 physicians. Congress has blocked such cuts in A budget is more than a simple ledger of Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise the past because we know how devastating revenue and spending. It is a demonstration of today to express my disappointment with the they would be to our health care system, yet priorities. In this case, the President’s priorities President’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year the President appears oblivious to how dan- are out of touch with what the American peo- 2008. The President has said repeatedly that gerous they would be. When I am in Rhode ple want. The new leadership in Congress is he wants to work with the new leadership in Island, I hear constantly from doctors about ready to craft a budget that will support Congress, but his budget request tells a dif- how proposed cuts to Medicare reimburse- strengthening our national defense and will

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:52 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE8.040 E16FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with REMARKS E384 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 16, 2007 carefully examine our ongoing commitment in REITs are subject to a number of rules to Title I also would provide the IRS with au- Iraq while not losing sight of those priorities ensure their primary focus is commercial real thority to determine whether certain types of that need to be met here at home. Our budget estate activities. At least 75 percent of a foreign currency gains were qualifying income, will reflect the values and needs of working REIT’s assets must be comprised of rental as well as to provide that certain items of in- Rhode Islanders. I will fight to properly fund real estate, mortgages, cash items and gov- come not specifically listed in the REIT gross SCHIP so that Rite Care can continue to sup- ernment securities. A REIT also must satisfy income provisions should not be taken into ac- port our state’s most vulnerable patients, and two income tests. First, at least 75 percent of count in computing a REIT’s gross income. I will fight the drastic proposed physician pay- a REIT’s annual gross income must consist of Under current law, even if a REIT were to ment cuts under Medicare so that we do not real property rents, mortgage interest, gain earn a substantial amount of certain types of jeopardize the health and well-being of our from the sale of a real estate asset and cer- income that are not specified in the gross in- Nation’s seniors. tain other real estate-related sources. Second, Working to put our Nation back on solid fi- at least 95 percent of a REIT’s annual gross come baskets, the REIT could jeopardize its nancial footing will take time and dedication, income must be derived from the income REIT status—even though these types of in- and I am up to the challenge. I will fight for a items from the above 75 percent test plus come may be directly attributable to the fair budget that benefits all Americans. I look other ‘‘passive income’’ sources such as divi- REIT’s business of owning and operating com- forward to advocating for all Rhode Islanders dends and any type of interest. mercial real estate. Examples include amounts in the coming months. For over three decades, the IRS has recog- attributable to recoveries in settlement of litiga- f nized that real estate investments abroad tion and ‘‘break up fees’’ attributable to a fail- qualify as ‘‘good assets’’ and generate ‘‘good ure to consummate a merger. The IRS has INTRODUCTION OF THE REIT IN- income’’ under the REIT tax rules. With that issued private letter rulings to taxpayers hold- VESTMENT DIVERSIFICATION said, the treatment of foreign currency gains ing that the particular type of income should AND EMPOWERMENT ACT directly attributable to overseas real estate in- be considered either qualifying income or vestment is not altogether clear, but its correct should be ignored for purposes of the REIT HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY characterization is becoming increasingly im- rules. OF NEW YORK portant as REITs continue investing in the Under this provision, I would expect that the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES most attractive marketplaces for their share- IRS would conclude, for example, that divi- Friday, February 16, 2007 holders. Similarly, as more and more countries dend-like items of income such as Subpart F Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, along with begin to authorize REIT-like approaches to income and income produced by holding stock my good friends and colleagues, Representa- real estate investment, it is important that U.S. of a passive foreign investment company ei- tax rules allow U.S. REITs to invest in these tives CANTOR, POMEROY and REYNOLDS, I in- ther are considered qualified income for pur- businesses without negatively affecting their troduce the REIT Investment Diversification poses of the REIT income tests are not taken and Empowerment Act, RIDEA. This legisla- own REIT status. I do not believe this bill is controversial. The into account for purposes of these tests. tion will continue the tradition of Congress to three previous changes to the REIT rules Furthermore, Title I would conform the cur- periodically review and amend the tax rules made over the past decade have been spon- rent REIT hedging rule to also apply to foreign governing REITs to ensure that they are able sored by many Members on both sides of the currency gains, apply those rules for purposes to operate within the competitive norms of the aisle, and we expect that RIDEA will follow in of both REIT gross income tests and would marketplace. In an effort to keep REITs com- these bipartisan footsteps. It is also important make conforming changes to other REIT pro- petitive, this bill addresses several issues tied to note that this bill is endorsed by the Na- to REIT investment diversification and em- visions reflecting foreign currency gains. tional Association of Real Estate Investment powerment. The legislation would make sev- Title II would increase the limit on taxable Trusts and the Real Estate Roundtable. REIT subsidiaries, TRS, securities from 20 eral minor, but important, changes in the REIT Madam Speaker, this is an opportunity for percent to 25 percent, as originally con- tax rules to permit REITs on behalf of their us to provide REITs the flexibility needed to shareholders to continue to compete with remain competitive and to make other minor, templated in the REIT Modernization Act of other real estate companies in international but important, changes to the REIT rules. I 1999. The rationale for a 25 percent limit on and domestic markets. urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle TRSs remains the same today. The dividing In 1960, Congress created the REIT rules to to join me in supporting these changes. line for testing a concentration on commercial allow average investors to obtain the benefits Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent real estate in the REIT rules has long been of owning large-scale, income producing real that the text of the bill and a detailed summary set at 25 percent, and even the mutual fund estate such as shopping malls, apartment of its provisions be printed in the RECORD. rule uses a 25 percent test. It is not too often communities and office buildings. REITs are The REIT Investment Diversification and that an industry requests Congress to increase typically publicly traded companies that pass Empowerment Act (‘‘RIDEA’’) includes five ti- the amount of income it can earn to a double through their earnings to individual share- tles: Title I—Foreign Currency and Other level of taxation. holders. The vision of Congress has come to Qualified Activities, Title II—Taxable REIT Title III updates the rules that require a fruition: The equity market capitalization of Subsidiaries, Title III—Dealer Sales, Title IV— REIT to be a long-term investor in real estate. REITs as of December 31, 2006 was $438 bil- Health Care REITs, and Title V—Foreign A REIT is subject to a 100 percent tax on net lion—up from only $1.4 billion at the end of REITs. income from sales of property in the ordinary 1971. Investment professionals such as Bur- As the REIT market develops and as REITs course of business—‘‘prohibited transactions’’ ton Malkiel of Princeton University, Jeremy continue to expand their overseas invest- or ‘‘dealer sales’’. In 1976, Congress recog- Siegel of the Wharton School at the University ments, the issue of the correct characteriza- nized the need for a bright line safe harbor for of Pennsylvania and David Swensen, the tion of foreign currency gains, and other types determining whether a REIT’s property sale manager of the Yale Endowment, have rec- of non-specified income and assets, has be- constituted a prohibited transaction. Congress ommended that individual investors should come even more important. Title I would in ef- further liberalized these rules in 1978 and maintain a discrete allocation of REITs as part fect codify existing law concerning the income 1986 to better comport with industry practice of a diversified portfolio to maximize perform- derived, and assets held, by REITs in connec- and to simplify a REIT’s ability to sell long- ance while lowering investment risk. tion with their REIT-permissible activities out- Commercial real estate plays an essential term investment property without fear of being side of the U.S. taxed at a 100 percent rate. The current safe part in the national economy, producing about Specifically, Title I would treat as qualified harbor exceptions for rental property and tim- 6 percent of the gross domestic product ac- REIT income foreign currency gains derived ber provide that a sale may avoid being classi- cording to the Federal Reserve Board. REITs with respect to its business of investing in have grown to be an essential component of ‘‘real estate assets’’ outside of the U.S. Today fied as a prohibited transaction if it meets sev- the real estate marketplace and provided in- REITs can achieve approximately the same eral requirements, including that the REIT own vestment opportunities for everyone to invest results by establishing a ‘‘subsidiary REIT’’ in the property for at least 4 years and that each in where we work, live and shop. REITs own each currency zone in which it operates and year it sell either less than seven properties or all types of income producing real estate, from securing a private letter ruling from the IRS. 10 percent of its portfolio, as measured by tax community shopping centers to landmarks RIDEA would allow a REIT to obtain the same basis. such as Roosevelt Field on Long Island, result by operating a qualified business unit Largely because commercial real estate is Tyson’s Comer in Virginia, and Queens Plaza, that satisfies the 75 percent income and asset increasingly recognized as a separate asset in my home borough of Queens, NY. tests. class that provides substantial diversification

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:52 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE8.044 E16FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with REMARKS February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E385 and performance benefits for retirement sav- Governments around the world have recog- employer sanctions for those knowingly hiring ings, the real estate market has achieved nized the success of REITs in the United illegal immigrants and a guest worker pro- greater levels of liquidity than ever before. States as creating ‘‘liquid real estate’’ for the gram. Most importantly, we need fair com- This increased liquidity has provided real es- first time in history. More than 20 countries pensation for border communities struggling tate owners who have invested for the long have adopted REIT legislation, with the United with the costs of illegal immigration. term with more and more opportunities to Kingdom making the leap on January 1 and I applaud the President for reaching out to maximize value by selling assets sooner than Germany expected to follow suit later this Congress on this issue, and I look forward to originally expected. REITs that rely on the year. Although the Tax Code treats stock in a working with the administration and Repub- safe harbor have been precluded from selling U.S. REIT as a qualified asset that generates licans and Democrats in Congress to pass some of their investment assets because of qualifying income, current law does not afford comprehensive immigration reform. the current 4-year requirement. the same treatment to the stock of non-U.S. The safe harbor is intended to provide a REITs. f clear dividing line between a REIT acting as Instead of investing abroad either directly or an investor rather than a dealer. However, the in a joint venture, a U.S. REIT might want to 4-year requirement is arbitrary and not con- HONORING ALAMEDA COUNTY invest through a REIT organized in that coun- LIBRARY PROGRAM sistent with other Code provisions that define try. However, a company could lose its status whether property is held for long term invest- as a U.S. REIT if it owns more than 10 per- ments, e.g., the 1-year holding period to deter- cent of a foreign REIT’s securities, even HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK mine long-term capital gains treatment for indi- though the foreign company is the equivalent viduals, and the 2-year holding period to dis- of a U.S. REIT. A U.S. REIT should have the OF CALIFORNIA tinguish whether the sale of a home is taxable flexibility in deciding what form its overseas IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES because it is held for investment purposes. A real estate investment should take. 2-year holding period better reflects current Title V would allow a U.S. REIT to acquire Friday, February 16, 2007 economic realities. securities in a foreign REIT so long as that In addition, the 10 percent limit that is now Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to REIT has the same core attributes as a U.S. based on tax basis negatively impacts compa- pay tribute to the Alameda County Library. REIT. The Treasury Department would have nies that are the least likely to have engaged The Library’s Write to Read Youth Literacy the responsibility to analyze the foreign laws in ‘‘dealer’’ activity. The most established program at Juvenile Hall in San Leandro, CA, and rules to determine if the REITs organized REITs have typically held their properties the was honored on January 22, 2007 at a White in a particular country meet this test, much as longest, resulting in low adjusted bases due to House Ceremony in conjunction with the 2006 it does in determining whether entities orga- depreciation or amortization deductions. Thus, Coming Up Taller Awards. The Library’s 8- nized abroad are ‘‘per se’’ corporations under the aggregate bases of all the REITs prop- year effort to help incarcerated youths read the ‘‘check the box’’ entity classification rules. erties will be relatively much lower for pur- and write won a $10,000 Federal grant, the In making these determinations, the Secretary poses of the safe harbor exception than for a Coming Up Taller award, and plaudits at the should take into account whether the laws, REIT that routinely turns over its properties White House Ceremony. every 4 years. Accordingly, the REIT that stock market requirements, or market pref- The Coming Up Taller Awards recognize holds its properties for the longer term is pe- erences in a country imbue listed foreign and support outstanding community arts and nalized. REITs with these characteristics: (1) At least In 1999, Congress adopted a provision that 75 percent of the company’s assets must be humanities programs that celebrate the cre- utilizes fair market value rules for purposes of invested in real estate assets; (2) the foreign ativity of America’s young people, and provide calculating personal property rents associated REIT either receives a dividends paid deduc- them with new learning opportunities and a with the rental of real property. The measure- tion or is exempt from corporate level tax; and chance to contribute to their communities. The ment change in Title III to the 10 percent test (3) the foreign REIT is required to distribute at awards also highlight the contributions that from tax basis to fair value is fully consistent least 85 percent of its taxable income to historians, scholars, librarians, and visual and with this 1999 provision. shareholders on an annual basis. performing arts make to families and commu- Title IV parallels the treatment under the Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce nities by mentoring children. REIT rules of health care facilities to lodging this bipartisan legislation. The Alameda County Library’s Write to facilities. Payments made from a subsidiary f Read Youth Literacy program at Juvenile Hall owned by a REIT to that REIT usually are not SUPPORT COMPREHENSIVE has introduced the joy of reading to more than considered qualified income for REIT pur- IMMIGRATION REFORM 4,000 incarcerated youths. Founded in 1999, poses. Congress in 1999 carved out an ex- Write to Read motivates and inspires young ception under which a REIT may establish a people housed in the Alameda County Juve- TRS that can lease lodging facilities from a HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS nile Hall to strengthen their reading skills and REIT holding a controlling interest, with the OF ARIZONA make meaningful connections to authors and payments to the REIT considered good IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES books that can positively influence the choices ‘‘rents’’ under the REIT rules. Under these Friday, February 16, 2007 they make in their own lives. rules, a TRS is not allowed to operate or manage lodging or health care facilities; instead an Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise Offered 3 days a week, the Write to Read independent contractor must do so. today to express my support for some provi- program enables youths to take books to their When this change was made in 1999, sions of President Bush’s FY08 budget re- rooms, meet with authors, and engage in tu- health care operators did not object to bearing quest regarding illegal immigration. toring and book discussions. the risks associated with being liable as a His plan includes hiring 3,000 new Border Alameda County Librarian Jean Hofacket long-term lessee. Recently, many operators of Patrol agents, improving technology and infra- was present at the White House ceremony to health care assets such as assisted living fa- structure along the border, and helping end receive the library award along with Amy Che- cilities have indicated that they would rather the failed ‘‘catch and release’’ policy. The ney, juvenile hall librarian, and Hannah Kefala be independent operators of the facilities and President’s proposal also offers assistance to of Alameda, a former juvenile hall resident instead rely on a REIT to bear all real estate- State and local law enforcement agencies. who now attends Chabot College in Hayward. related financial risks. Most health care REITs My district in Southern Arizona continues to Ms. Kefala said meeting authors through the now believe that the TRS restriction is inter- bear the burden of our Nation’s failed immigra- program helped her learn ‘‘my human rights’’ fering with their ability to manage their oper- tion policy, especially in our schools, hospitals, and gave her pointers ‘‘on how to improve my ations in the most efficient manner. and law enforcement agencies. The Presi- Title IV would allow a REIT’s TRS to lease dent’s ideas will, to some degree, help allevi- future.’’ Her comments are a testament to the health care facilities from its controlling REIT ate this crisis. success of the Alameda County Library’s so long as the facilities are operated and man- However, these policies must be a part of a Write to Read Youth Literacy program at Juve- aged by an independent contractor. It also comprehensive immigration reform plan to ef- nile Hall. clarifies that a TRS’s mere possession of a li- fectively secure the border and stop illegal im- I join the community in applauding the Ala- cense which, for example, is sometimes re- migration. meda County Library’s success and contribu- quired for State purposes, is not considered We not only need better border security and tions to make a positive difference in the lives the operation or management of the facilities. more support for border patrol agents, but also of youth incarcerated at the Juvenile Hall.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:52 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16FE8.047 E16FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with REMARKS E386 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 16, 2007 DELETING ONLINE PREDATORS teachers who are accused of soliciting and ar- TRIBUTE TO A LIFETIME OF ranging to molest underage students at the SERVICE BY MR. LESTER FOX HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK school where they taught. Jason Glick and OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA OF ILLINOIS James Lobitz didn’t just molest two underage IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES students, they arranged to do so using school- HON. JOE DONNELLY Friday, February 16, 2007 owned computer equipment and resources during school hours. OF INDIANA Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, today I am in- The cases against Jason Glick and James IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES troducing the Deleting Online Predators Act of Lobitz are still pending, but by passing this bill, Friday, February 16, 2007 2007, H.R. 1120. This legislation is a critical we can send a message to parents that just step to empower parents to exercise more as we wouldn’t allow sexual predators to roam Mr. DONNELLY. Madam Speaker, today I control over what their children do on the the halls of a school, we will not allow them pay tribute to an outstanding citizen of South Internet and to protect them from Internet to infiltrate our schools over the Internet. Bend, Indiana, Lester J. Fox, who devoted his predators. f life to the service of his community. During the In Lake County, IL, we have seen what can 1940’s he served as a union leader at the Stu- happen when Internet predators are able to RECOGNIZING UWCHLAN TOWN- debaker Corporation which led him to a new make contact with children. In October 2005, SHIP POLICE CHIEF PATRICK career as advocate for the unemployed, the Joseph Caprigno molested a 14 year-old boy DAVIS UPON HIS RETIREMENT elderly and the underserved. he met on the Internet. Caprigno, a 40 year- He became director of Project ABLE in 1963 old man, arranged to meet the boy in a 7–11 HON. JIM GERLACH after the closing of the Studebaker plant, the parking lot in an Internet chat room. In Janu- OF PENNSYLVANIA largest employer in South Bend at the time. ary a 20 year-old man, Michael Zbonski, mo- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The experimental project developed and im- lested a 16 year-old girl he met on Friday, February 16, 2007 plemented a network of services for the many MySpace.com. Frighteningly, not only did he unemployed older workers left in the wake of communicate with this girl for 2 years on the Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise this economic disaster. today to recognize and congratulate Uwchlan Internet, he admitted to having a sexual rela- With the newly created ‘‘War on Poverty’’ in Township Police Chief Patrick Davis upon his tionship with one of the victim’s underage 1965, Fox established the Regional Office of retirement after more than 30 years of dedi- friends. Economic Opportunity in Atlanta, Georgia, im- The Deleting Online Predators Act is a com- cated service to the people of Chester County plementing the Economic Opportunity Act in monsense piece of legislation designed to em- and southeastern Pennsylvania. six southeastern states over a two year pe- power parents to play a more active role in Chief Davis has been one of the most riod. their children’s activities online. The bill calls prominent and important law enforcement offi- on the Federal Trade Commission to issue cials in the 6th Congressional District, a trust- Fox returned to South Bend to become consumer alerts and establish a unique Web worthy member of our public safety community President and CEO of REAL Services, Inc., an site to better educate parents as to the dan- and shining example of a selfless public serv- organization that assesses the status and gers posed by Internet predators. Parents are ice. needs of the older adult population in Saint the first and most important line of defense Chief Davis’ broad range of experience and Joseph County. The agency’s role was broad- against these predators, and it is imperative to knowledge about the community was forged ened twice, once to include the area Agency arm them with timely and accurate information during more than three decades fighting crime on Aging in five North Central Indiana coun- to protect their children. in southeastern Pennsylvania. His distin- ties, administering the Older American’s Act This bill also requires schools to prevent guished career began in 1976 as a patrol offi- and legislation related to the aged and dis- children from accessing social networking cer with the Thornbury Township Police De- abled, and again in 1990, to manage the Web sites and chat rooms unless they are partment. A year later, he joined the Uwchlan Community Action Agency serving low-income doing so for a legitimate educational purpose Township Police Department, the start of an families. and are under adult supervision. It also re- outstanding career that saw him rise through Lester Fox has been awarded the Saga- quires public libraries to prevent children from the ranks before eventually becoming chief of more of the Wabash, the highest honor be- accessing these Web sites unless they have police in 1994. stowed by governors of Indiana, on four sepa- the permission of a parent. I believe this is an As police chief in Uwchlan Township, he rate occasions by four different governors. In entirely appropriate action to help parents de- oversaw the actions of 26 full-time employees 1996, Les was inducted into the South Bend termine what their children can and cannot do and helped keep our neighborhoods, streets Community Hall of Fame. online. It seems foolish for the taxpayer to and schools safe from crime and violence. I’m Fox has served on numerous boards, has subsidize what amounts to a loophole by sure his son Andrew and wife Kathy are as been a member of the White House Con- which children can circumvent their parent’s proud of him as we are. ference on Aging, and was a Consultant to the wishes and unwittingly expose themselves to So I ask, Madam Speaker, that my col- U.S. Senate Committee on Aging. Internet predators. leagues join me in celebrating the exemplary So, today, on behalf of the citizens of north- Madam Speaker, Lake County also offers career of Uwchlan Township Police Chief Pat- ern Indiana, I thank Les Fox for his years of one more case that plainly demonstrates the rick Davis. I’d like to personally thank him for unselfish dedication. As he retires from 40 need for this legislation. The Lake County his years of distinguished service to the com- years as President of REAL Services, I pay State’s Attorney recently filed Aggravated munity and congratulate him on a well-de- special tribute to a man who exemplifies self Criminal Sexual Abuse charges against two served retirement. sacrifice and serves as a role model for us all.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:52 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16FE8.052 E16FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with REMARKS Friday, February 16, 2007 Daily Digest Senate gress on Iraq; that the time until 1:45 p.m. be Chamber Action equally divided between the Majority and Repub- Routine Proceedings, pages S2119–S2183 lican Leaders, or their designees; that the Republican Measures Introduced: Twenty-one bills and one Leader be in control of the time between 1:25–1:35 resolution were introduced, as follows: S. 655–675, p.m., and the Majority Leader be in control of the and S. Res. 85. Pages S2164–65 time between 1:35 p.m.–1:45 p.m.; provided fur- Measures Reported: ther, that at 1:45 p.m., Senate vote on the motion S. 200, to require the Secretary of the Interior, to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to con- acting through the Bureau of Reclamation and the sideration of the bill. Page S2182 United States Geological Survey, to conduct a study Removal of Injunction of Secrecy: The injunction on groundwater resources in the State of Alaska. (S. of secrecy was removed from the following treaty: Rept. No. 110–20) Land-Based Sources Protocol to Cartegena Conven- S. 235, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior tion (Treaty Doc. No. 110–1). to convey certain buildings and lands of the Yakima The treaty was transmitted to the Senate today, Project, Washington, to the Yakima Tieton Irriga- considered as having been read for the first time, and tion District. (S. Rept. No. 110–21) referred, with accompanying papers, to the Com- S. 263, to amend the Oregon Resource Conserva- mittee on Foreign Relations and ordered to be print- tion Act of 1996 to reauthorize the participation of ed. Page S2182 the Bureau of Reclamation in the Deschutes River Conservancy. (S. Rept. No. 110–22) Appointments: S. 264, to authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to National Council on the Arts: The Chair an- participate in the rehabilitation of the Wallowa Lake nounced, on behalf of the Minority Leader, pursuant Dam in Oregon, with an amendment in the nature to Public Law 105–83, the reappointment of the fol- of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 110–23) lowing Senator to serve as a member of the National S. 265, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, Council on the Arts for a term of two years: Senator acting through the Bureau of Reclamation, to con- Bennett. Page S2182 duct a water resource feasibility study for the Little Commission on Security and Cooperation in Eu- Butte/Bear Creek Subbasins in Oregon. (S. Rept. No. rope (Helsinki): The Chair, on behalf of the Vice 110–24) S. 266, to provide for the modification of an President, pursuant to Public Law 94–304, as amendatory repayment contract between the Sec- amended by Public Law 99–7, appointed the fol- retary of the Interior and the North Unit Irrigation lowing Senators as members of the Commission on District. (S. Rept. No. 110–25) Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki) dur- S. 220, to authorize early repayment of obligations ing the 110th Congress: Senators Smith, Chambliss, to the Bureau of Reclamation within the A & B Irri- Burr, and Brownback. Page S2182 gation District in the State of Idaho. (S. Rept. No. Nominations Received: Senate received the fol- 110–26) lowing nominations: S. 275, to establish the Prehistoric Trackways Na- Eli Whitney Debevoise II, of Maryland, to be tional Monument in the State of New Mexico, with United States Executive Director of the International amendments. (S. Rept. No. 110–27) Page S2164 Bank for Reconstruction and Development for a Iraq Sense of Congress—Agreement: A unani- term of two years. mous-consent agreement was reached providing that Bijan Rafiekian, of California, to be a Member of at 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 17, 2007, Sen- the Board of Directors of the Export Import Bank ate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to of the United States for a term expiring January 20, consideration of S. 574, to express the sense of Con- 2011. D204

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:47 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D16FE7.REC D16FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with DIGEST February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D205 Routine lists in the Army, Marine Corps. Pages S2182–83 Committee Meetings Messages from the House: Page S2164 (Committees not listed did not meet) Measures Placed on the Calendar: Page S2164 Additional Cosponsors: Page S2165 PAYING FOR COLLEGE Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Pages S2166–81 Committee concluded a hearing to examine college affordability, focusing on higher education, higher Additional Statements: Pages S2163–64 costs and higher student debt, and the Higher Edu- Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Pages S2181–82 cation Act and its amendments, after receiving testi- Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S2182 mony from Jon H. Oberg, former researcher, Depart- ment of Education, Rockville, Maryland; Suze Privileges of the Floor: Page S2182 Orman, CNBC, and Tamara Draut, Demos Institute, Adjournment: Senate convened at 12 noon, and ad- both of New York, New York; and Sandy Baum, journed at 7:36 p.m., until 12 noon, on Saturday, Skidmore College, Washington, D.C., on behalf of February 17, 2007. the College Board. h House of Representatives H.R. 430, to designate the United States bank- Chamber Action ruptcy courthouse located at 271 Cadman Plaza East, Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 80 pub- Brooklyn, New York, as the ‘‘Conrad Duberstein lic bills, H.R. 1110–1189; and 31 resolutions, H.J. United States Bankruptcy Courthouse,’’ with amend- Res. 37; H. Con. Res. 67–74; and H. Res. 172–193 ments (H. Rept. 110–21); and were introduced. Pages H1891–96 H.R. 429, to designate the United States court- Additional Cosponsors: Pages H1896–97 house located at 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: New York, as the ‘‘Hugh L. Carey United States H.R. 700, to amend the Federal Water Pollution Courthouse’’ (H. Rept. 110–22); and Control Act to extend the pilot program for alter- H.R. 800, to amend the National Labor Relations native water source projects (H. Rept. 110–15); Act to establish an efficient system to enable em- H.R. 569, to amend the Federal Water Pollution ployees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, Control Act to authorize appropriations for sewer and to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair overflow control grants, with an amendment (H. labor practices during organizing efforts, with an Rept. 110–16); amendment (H. Rept. 110–23). Page H1891 H.R. 584, to designate the headquarters building Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she of the Department of Education in Washington, DC, as the Lyndon Baines Johnson Federal Building, with appointed Representative McNulty to act as Speaker amendments (H. Rept. 110–17); Pro Tempore for today. Page H1793 H.R. 544, to designate the United States court- Disapproving of the decision of the President house at South Federal Place in Santa Fe, New Mex- announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more ico, as the ‘‘Santiago E. Campos United States than 20,000 additional United States combat Courthouse’’ (H. Rept. 110–18); troops to Iraq: The House agreed to H. Con. Res. H.R. 478, to designate the Federal building and 63, to disapprove of the decision of the President an- United States courthouse located at 101 Barr Street nounced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than in Lexington, Kentucky, as the ‘‘Scott Reed Federal 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Building and United States Courthouse’’ (H. Rept. Iraq, by a yea-and-nay vote of 246 yeas to 182 nays, 110–19); Roll No. 99. Pages H1793–1847 H.R. 399, to designate the United States Court- H. Res. 157, the rule providing for consideration house to be constructed in Jackson, Mississippi, as of the resolution, was agreed to on Tuesday, Feb- the ‘‘R. Jess Brown United States Courthouse’’ (H. ruary 13. Rept. 110–20);

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:24 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D16FE7.REC D16FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with DIGEST D206 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST February 16, 2007 Adjournment Resolution: The House agreed by Quorum Calls—Votes: Two yea-and-nay votes and unanimous consent to H. Con. Res. 67, providing two recorded votes developed during the proceedings for an adjournment or recess of the two Houses. of today and appear on pages H1847, H1853, Pages H1847–48 H1853–54, and H1860. There were no quorum Late Report: Agreed that the Committee on Finan- calls. cial Services have until midnight on Friday, February Adjournment: The House met at 8 a.m. on Friday, 23, 2007 to file a report on H.R. 556, to ensure na- February 16 and at 6:21 p.m., the House stands ad- tional security while promoting foreign investment journed until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, and the creation and maintenance of jobs, to reform unless it sooner has received a message from the Sen- the process by which such investments are examined ate transmitting its adoption of H. Con. Res. 67, in for any effect they may have on national security, which case the House shall stand adjourned pursuant and to establish the Committee on Foreign Invest- to that concurrent resolution until 2 p.m. on Tues- ment in the United States. Page H1848 day, February 27, 2007. Consideration of Motions to Suspend the Rules: The House agreed to H. Res. 161, to provide for Committee Meetings consideration of motions to suspend the rules, by a DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Recorded vote of 220 ayes to 184 noes, Roll No. 101, after agreeing to order the previous question by Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense a yea-and-nay vote of 218 yeas to 188 nays, Roll met in executive session to hold a hearing on Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization. No. 100. Pages H1848–54 Testimony was heard from a public witness. Suspension: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measure: ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2007: H.R. APPROPRIATIONS 976, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief for small businesses, by a 2/3 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy Recorded vote of 360 ayes to 45 noes, Roll No. 102. and Water Development, and Related Agencies held Pages H1854–60 a hearing on the Future of the Nation’s Navigation Infrastructure. Testimony was heard from public wit- Calendar Wednesday: Agreed by unanimous con- nesses. sent to dispense with the Calendar Wednesday business of Wednesday, February 28. Page H1861 HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Speaker Pro Tempore: Read a letter from the Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Home- Speaker wherein she appointed Representative Hoyer land Security held a hearing on Implementation of and Representative Van Hollen to act as Speaker pro U.S. VISIT Entry/Exit Program. Testimony was tempore to sign enrolled bills and joint resolutions heard from Bob Mochny, Acting Director, U.S. through February 27, 2007. Page H1861 VISIT, Department of Homeland Security. Committee Resignation: Read a letter from Rep- INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED resentative Capps wherein she resigned from the AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on the Budget. Page H1861 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Inte- Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Cen- rior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a ter for the Performing Arts: The Chair announced hearing on the Forest Service: State and Private For- the Speaker’s appointment of the following Members estry and Research. Testimony was heard from the of the House of Representatives to the Board of following officials of the USDA, Forest Service: Abi- Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Per- gail R. Kimball, Chief; James E. Hubbard, Deputy forming Arts: Representatives Kennedy, DeLauro, Chief; and Ann M. Bartuska, Deputy Chief, Research and Pryce (OH). Page H1861 and Development. Senate Message: Message received from the Senate LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS today appears on page H1847. Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legisla- Senate Referrals: S. Con. Res. 12 was referred to tive Branch held a hearing on the Capitol Visitor the Committee on Armed Services; S. 188 was re- Center. Testimony was heard from Stephen Ayers, ferred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and S. Acting Architect of the Capitol; Robert Hixon, Cap- 487 was referred to the Committee on Energy and itol Visitor Center Project Executive; and Terrel Commerce. Page H1869 Dorn, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:47 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D16FE7.REC D16FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with DIGEST February 16, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D207 STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND OVERSIGHT—INTERIOR DEPARTMENT RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, hearing entitled ‘‘Reports, Audits and Investigations Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, on Fiscal by the General Accountability Office (GAO) and the Year 2007 held a hearing on Emergency Supple- Office of Inspector General (OIG) Regarding the De- mental Request. Testimony was heard from partment of the Interior.’’ Testimony was heard from Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State. Earl E. Devaney, Inspector General, Department of the Interior; and Robin M. Nazzaro, Director, Nat- IRS AND THE TAX GAP ural Resources and Environment, GAO. Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on IRS and f the Tax Gap. Testimony was heard from the fol- NEW PUBLIC LAWS lowing officials of the Department of the Treasury: Mark W. Everson, Commissioner; and Nina E. (For last listing of Public Laws, see DAILY DIGEST, p. D175) Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate, both with the H.R. 434, to provide for an additional temporary IRS; and J. Russell George, Inspector General, Tax extension of programs under the Small Business Act Administration; Michael Brostek, Director, Tax and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 Issues, Strategic Issues Team, GAO; and a public through July 31, 2007. Signed on February 15, witness. 2007 (Public Law 110–4) H.J. Res. 20, making further continuing appro- MONETARY POLICY AND THE STATE OF priations for the fiscal year 2007. Signed on February THE ECONOMY 15, 2007 (Public Law 110–5) Committee on Financial Services: Concluded hearings on f Monetary Policy and the State of the Economy. Tes- COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR SATURDAY, timony was heard from public witnesses. FEBRUARY 17, 2007 TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) SECURITY CLEARANCES Senate Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on No meetings/hearings scheduled. Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled ‘‘Impact of Background and House Security Clearances on the Transportation Work- No committee meetings are scheduled. force.’’ Testimony was heard from Robert D. f Jamison, Deputy Administrator, Transportation Se- curity Administration, Department of Homeland Se- CONGRESSIONAL PROGRAM AHEAD curity. Week of February 19 through February 24, 2007 COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT Senate Committees PLAN (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Committee on House Administration: Met for organiza- No meetings/hearings scheduled. tional purposes. The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for House Committees the 110th Congress. No committee meetings are scheduled.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:47 Feb 17, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D16FE7.REC D16FEPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC60 with DIGEST D208 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST February 16, 2007

Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 12 noon, Saturday, February 17 4 p.m., Tuesday, February 20

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Saturday: Senate will resume consideration Program for Tuesday: To be announced. of the motion to proceed to consideration of S. 574, Iraq Sense of Congress and vote on the motion to invoke cloture thereon at approximately 1:45 p.m.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Gerlach, Jim, Pa., E386 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E374, E375 Giffords, Gabrielle, Ariz., E385 Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr., Wisc., E378 Abercrombie, Neil, Hawaii, E380 Graves, Sam, Mo., E373, E375, E376, E378, E378, E380, Sessions, Pete, Tex., E380 Brown, Henry E., Jr., S.C., E383 E380, E383 Stark, Fortney Pete, Calif., E385 Crowley, Joseph, N.Y., E384 Kirk, Mark Steven, Ill., E386 Udall, Mark, Colo., E373, E375, E376, E378, E378, E379 Donnelly, Joe, Ind., E386 Langevin, James R., R.I., E383 Vela´ zquez, Nydia M., N.Y., E377 Garrett, Scott, N.J., E375, E376 Miller, Jeff, Fla., E380

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