E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 111 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 156 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2010 No. 34 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE did not end after her military career. called to order by the Speaker pro tem- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the Geraldine also prevailed in her second pore (Ms. SLAUGHTER). gentleman from Illinois (Mr. HARE) battle, the one to achieve full veteran status for her WASP sisters. f come forward and lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. Today, I also honor Geraldine as the DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER Mr. HARE led the Pledge of Alle- mother of nine wonderful children and PRO TEMPORE giance as follows: a community leader who advocated on behalf of several worthy causes. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the Madam Speaker, later today, Geral- fore the House the following commu- United States of America, and to the Repub- dine and other WASP pioneers will be nication from the Speaker: lic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. awarded the Congressional Gold Medal WASHINGTON, DC, for their invaluable service more than March 10, 2010. f I hereby appoint the Honorable LOUISE 60 years ago. Unfortunately, Geraldine MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE MCINTOSH SLAUGHTER to act as Speaker pro passed away in 2001 and cannot be here tempore on this day. A message from the Senate by Ms. to receive the award in person, but I NANCY PELOSI, Curtis, one of its clerks, announced am very happy that her family will Speaker of the House of Representatives. that the Senate has passed without proudly represent her at the ceremony. f amendment a bill of the House of the Madam Speaker, Geraldine is a true following title: American hero and a great source of PRAYER H.R. 3433. An act to amend the North pride for the 17th Congressional Dis- The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. American Wetlands Conservation Act to es- trict of Illinois, and I can think of no Coughlin, offered the following prayer: tablish requirements regarding payment of better recognition of her services to O God of all the living, at times You the non-Federal share of the costs of wet- this country than the Congressional lands conservation projects in Canada that Gold Medal. are silent or seem to be absent. are founded under that Act, and for other f When we are busy or fully occupied, purposes. we often do not turn to You. But when f ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER we do seek Your presence or pray ask- PRO TEMPORE ing for an answer, You may be silent. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Sometimes You may draw back from PRO TEMPORE our momentary attention just to make CUELLAR). The Chair will remind Mem- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bers to refrain from referring to occu- us pray all the more ardently and in- Chair will now entertain up to 15 re- crease our desire for Your presence or pants of the gallery. quests for 1-minute speeches on each f refine our request. side of the aisle. Hopefully, when You break Your si- AFGHANISTAN RETREAT lence and speak to us or any Member of f RESOLUTION Congress, we will be ready to respond HONORING GERALDINE JORDAN (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina to Your inspiration and be prepared to (Mr. HARE asked and was given per- asked and was given permission to ad- do Your will. mission to address the House for 1 dress the House for 1 minute.) Although we are not always faithful, minute.) Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. You are faithful both now and forever. Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise Speaker, the House is considering Amen. today to pay tribute to a member of today a dangerous resolution: the Af- f the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots, ghanistan retreat. As a father of four Geraldine Hardman-Jordan of Moline, sons in the military and as a former THE JOURNAL Illinois. And I would like to recognize member of the 218th Brigade of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The her family who is sitting in the gallery South Carolina National Guard, which Chair has examined the Journal of the with us this morning. served for a year in Afghanistan led by last day’s proceedings and announces Madam Speaker, at the young age of Major General Bob Livingston, I know to the House her approval thereof. 21, Geraldine was one of the first we should trust our military leaders Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- women in history trained to fly Amer- led by General David Petraeus and nal stands approved. ican military aircraft. Her call to serve General Stanley McChrystal with

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 Nov 24 2008 02:33 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.000 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1224 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 Major General Larry Nicholson of the ambush and murdered by those cow- I don’t know why that seems to be Marines. These leaders will fight for ards in the desert. These Americans something that they don’t want to do. victory to protect American families were set on fire, mutilated, dragged The President said at the beginning of by defeating terrorists overseas. through the streets, and hung from a the year that he was going to pivot Even liberal Newsweek highlights the bridge over the Euphrates River. from health care and focus ‘‘like a success of the surge in the March 8 edi- Abed, the terrorist, was the master- laser’’ on jobs and the economy. And tion with the title, ‘‘The Surge is mind behind the massacre of these here we are now demanding that we Working’’ with the subtitle, ‘‘All Signs Americans. But Navy SEALs McCabe, put our full attention on the govern- Point America’s Way.’’ Keefe, and Huertas captured this out- ment takeover of health care by the Though the Taliban is entrenched in law. But now for some odd reason, they end of next week. Helmand province, its grip is slipping are being put on trial—the SEALs, not You just want to remind them: It’s in the rest of Afghanistan. These devel- the terrorist. the economy, stupid. Let’s focus on it. The whiny terrorist later claimed he opments undercut the common belief f that America is doomed to fail. In fact, was punched in the stomach during his BALANCED BUDGET Afghanistan’s demography, sociology, capture on the battlefield. It hurt his CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT military situation, and politics all little terrorist feelings, it seems. Now favor Obama’s counterinsurgency the SEALs face a court martial. (Mr. BRIGHT asked and was given strategy. If the Taliban can’t gain pop- Congress should commend the val- permission to address the House for 1 ular support or silence, it can’t win. iant actions of these Navy SEALs, and minute.) In conclusion, God bless our troops, I have introduced a resolution to do Mr. BRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, last Tues- and we will never forget September the just that. These SEALs should be given day I introduced a constitutional 11th in the global war on terrorism. medals and sent out to bag another amendment bill to balance the Federal one. f budget. I am proud that 36 of my col- And that’s just the way it is. leagues have joined me in cosponsoring WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH f H.J. Res. 78, and I urge all Members of (Ms. SLAUGHTER asked and was CREATING JOBS Congress who believe that government given permission to address the House (Ms. WATSON asked and was given should live within a budget join me and for 1 minute.) permission to address the House for 1 my colleagues to pass this bill. Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I was minute.) Balancing the budget is a simple con- honored to open the House this morn- Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, during cept that Alabama families follow ing during this most important Wom- the 111th Congress, we have made great every day. Without question, there are en’s History Month. strides in creating jobs. The American many steps that must be taken to im- Our Nation’s foremothers stood up to Recovery and Reinvestment Act was prove our financial situation, but bal- injustice and, by changing the course the largest middle class tax cut in his- ancing the budget on a yearly basis is of history, opened the doors of oppor- tory. One year ago, the economy that the only way to ensure that we don’t tunity to all of America’s daughters. It was declining by 6 percent is now ex- repeat the mistakes of our past. is our duty to recognize and honor panding at about that rate because of We know we can achieve this goal be- their tireless efforts. this significant program. cause we have done so in the past. This past summer, our great Nation The Recovery Act has already From 1998 to 2001, our country achieved celebrated the 160th anniversary of the worked to save or create as many as 2 balanced budgets through adherence to 1848 Women’s Rights Convention in million jobs, according to the non- PAYGO. Forty-nine States currently Seneca Falls, New York. This partisan Congressional Budget Office. require an annual balanced budget. groundbreaking convention was dedi- In 1 year, the Recovery Act has pro- Passing a constitutional amendment is cated to the key principle in the Dec- vided $120 billion in tax cuts for 95 per- a long process but is absolutely nec- laration of Independence that we are cent of the working families as well as essary to ensure America remains all created equal. businesses across the country; loaned strong for generations to come. From securing a woman’s right to nearly $20 billion to small businesses to I urge the entire Congress to join me vote in 1920 to serving our country in expand and create jobs; and funded in this effort. I want to thank you for Iraq and Afghanistan, we have come a more than 12,500 transportation your support. long way. projects nationwide; kept teachers, po- f In this Congress alone, we have much lice officers, and firefighters on the HONORING DAVID HAMES to celebrate: Speaker PELOSI is the job; and accomplished much more. (Mr. LAMBORN asked and was given first woman to lead this esteemed f body, and Senator Clinton made ‘‘18 permission to address the House for 1 million cracks’’ in the Nation’s highest IT’S THE ECONOMY, STUPID minute.) glass ceiling as the first woman to run (Mr. ROGERS of Alabama asked and Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise a formidable Presidential campaign. was given permission to address the today in remembrance of a noble and Yet as we celebrate these important House for 1 minute.) humble man lost in the devastating milestones and look back at all we Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Many of earthquake in Haiti. David Hames of have achieved since 1948, we know our you may remember in the 1992 cam- Colorado Springs, Colorado, left an en- journey toward true gender equality is paign for the Presidency, James during legacy of selflessness and faith. not complete. We must continue to Carville made famous the phrase ‘‘It’s David lived a life completely devoted fight for equality this month. We honor the economy, stupid,’’ because they to his family and to his Savior, Jesus the women who blazed the trail for all posted that sign on the campaign war Christ. He and his beloved wife of 13 women. room to remind the candidate and the years, Renee, have been blessed with f staff that that was the number one two beautiful adopted sons, Aidan and issue the American people wanted fo- Zander, who will remember their fa- GIVE NAVY SEALS MEDALS cused on. ther’s unending love. (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was Well, you know, Mr. Carville ought He blessed the world with his talent given permission to address the House to pull that signage back out and take for filmmaking. This was embodied in for 1 minute.) it over to the White House and maybe his award-winning and innovative chil- Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, three take one down the hallway here to the dren’s educational video series, of our tenacious Navy SEALs captured Speaker’s suite to remind the majority ‘‘Cranium’s Ark.’’ one of the worst terrorists in the world: and the leadership that that is what On January 11, David arrived in Haiti Ahmed Hashim Abed. the American people want us focused for Compassion International to tell In 2004, four Blackwater security on. It is not a government takeover of the story of orphans and widows as he guards were transporting supplies in health care; they want us to focus on had throughout the world. After a day Fallujah, Iraq. They were caught in an the economy and creating jobs. of shooting footage, he was in the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:33 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.004 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1225 Hotel Montana when the earthquake ECONOMY AND JOB MARKET ON WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH AND hit. God took David home at the age of THE RISE SILVIA ICHAR 40. His life was an amazing journey (Ms. NORTON asked and was given (Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- filled with passion and faithfulness, permission to address the House for 1 fornia asked and was given permission and his legacy will endure. minute and to revise and extend her re- to address the House for 1 minute and f marks.) to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. NORTON. We’ve had to come to Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- HEALTH CARE REFORM this floor, Mr. Speaker, to speak about fornia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given the folks who drove this economy into ognize National Women’s History permission to address the House for 1 the ground and just how bad it was, but Month and to honor a small business minute.) there is good news to raise the spirits owner from Orange County, Silvia Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, just as of the American people coming from Ichar, publisher of Para Todos maga- we are about to reach the mountaintop the Labor Department and from ana- zine. of health care reform, just a few feet lysts. We know that the economy has Silvia exemplifies the principles of away, opponents of health care reform turned around, but until the job mar- this month through her magazine, say, Start over. Well, you know, there ket turned around nobody wanted to which showcases the women of the are people in this country who do have hear it; now analysts tell us so has the arts, business, community service, and to start over. The 1,800 people or 17 a job market. politics. As a small business advocate day, 700,000 a year, who go into bank- All expected unemployment numbers and entrepreneur, she has dem- ruptcy because of health care costs, to ratchet up during February because onstrated leadership in communicating they have to start over. They have to of the bad weather, including crippling the importance of women-owned and start rebuilding their lives all over snowstorms. Instead, it stood steady— minority-owned businesses, in par- again. And those 14,000 people every too high at over 9 percent, but it ticular in the growing Hispanic busi- day who lose their health insurance, showed confidence in the economy that ness sector. they have to start over as well. They so many employers stopped laying off She has received numerous business have to start the search to find out people and kept people on. The biggest awards, including the Small Business how they can protect their family with losses were where you might have ex- Administration’s award of 2009 for affordable health insurance. pected, in construction, because of all Small Business Journalist of the Year. The only people who really get to the bad weather and the snowstorms. She has also served as a board member start over are the insurance companies The best sign that employers are for various Hispanic business organiza- who, when people get very sick, say, feeling more confident is that they are tions, including the California and the We are going to start over with an- getting their feet wet with many new Orange County Hispanic Chambers of other customer because you are too ex- temporary employees brought on, Commerce, the Latin Business Associa- pensive to care for. which is always the first sign that they tion, and the National Latina Business No, we can’t start over because, if we are ready to bring on people full time Women Association. I am very proud of start over, life will be over for too and permanently, and the best sign Silvia’s achievement and her small many Americans. may be the 2.7 million job openings. business advocacy. Now we have a mismatch. Thank good- f f ness for the stimulus that went to com- LET’S PASS HEALTH CARE munity colleges to help us cure that 1015 b mismatch. (Mr. COHEN asked and was given per- MEDIA GIVES DEMOCRATS’ SIDE f mission to address the House for 1 ON RECONCILIATION minute.) CALLING ON PRESIDENT OBAMA Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, (Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was TO REVERSE STEM CELL RE- President Obama spoke about health given permission to address the House SEARCH EXECUTIVE ORDER care. He said, If not now, when? And if for 1 minute and to revise and extend (Mr. FLEMING asked and was given not us, who? President Obama was cor- his remarks.) permission to address the House for 1 rect. He knew that the duty and the ob- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, minute.) ligations of this House are to pass mo- the Senate’s reconciliation procedure Mr. FLEMING. Mr. Speaker, I rise mentous legislation to help the Amer- is designed for legislation to balance today to commemorate a solemn occa- ican people. It’s engraved above the the budget. Now the administration sion. Speaker’s rostrum in words from Dan- wants to use reconciliation to force a One year ago, President Obama iel Webster, Let us gather all resources health insurance scheme on the Amer- issued an Executive order allowing for and do something worthwhile and mo- ican people. The health care scheme taxpayer dollars to incentivize the de- mentous and great while we are here under reconciliation means decisions struction of human life through the use with the resources of this country, made by the government behind closed of embryonic stem cells. As a physi- something to be remembered. doors against the wishes of the Amer- cian, a father, and a grandfather, I Health care has been on the Amer- ican people. know that all human life is precious ican agenda for 100 years, starting with A recent New York Times article and begins at the moment of concep- Teddy Roosevelt in 1912. It went claimed that Republicans have used tion, and it is paramount that we con- through Harry Truman, through Rich- reconciliation in the past, but failed to tinue to seek better medical treat- ard Nixon, Bill Clinton, and today acknowledge that it has never been ments and cures for diseases. Yet I also Barack Obama. We are here to fulfill used before to enact a massive partisan believe that our research and decisions Ted Kennedy’s dream and the work of policy change like a $1 trillion govern- must be life affirming. many Congresses and the American ment health care mandate. And the na- Lives can be saved through tech- people. tional media have largely ignored the niques creating embryonic-like cells I have had several constituents come fact that many Democratic leaders, in- from adult cells, making it unneces- to me and tell me of serious, serious cluding the President, previously sary to destroy embryos. Over 73 dif- illnesses they’ve had, that they would voiced strong opposition to reconcili- ferent diseases so far have been treated have gone broke if they didn’t have in- ation. In fact, the nonpartisan fact with adult or cord blood stem cells, in- surance. And if they didn’t have insur- checkers at PolitiFact determined that cluding type 1 diabetes and heart dis- ance and their cancer surgeries weren’t the President’s support of reconcili- ease. covered, we would pay for it in the tax ation is a ‘‘full flop’’ from his earlier I call upon the President to reverse we pay that we don’t know about of comments opposing it. this order and acknowledge that re- $1,000 per person for uncompensated The national media should give search that is both morally controver- care. Americans the facts, not just present sial and out of date does not need to be Let’s do something worthwhile. Let’s the Democrats’ point of view. subsidized by the American taxpayer. pass health care.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:33 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.006 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1226 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 WOMEN AIR FORCE SERVICE come involved in a war. While Vietnam When the earthquake in Haiti oc- PILOTS (WASPs) was a very different war, the frustra- curred, it was that Wing that brought (Mr. MAFFEI asked and was given tion felt by the American public and immediate assistance, using rapid de- permission to address the House for 1 Members of Congress at that point in ployment. They also have hospital minute and to revise and extend his re- time is similar to that of today. services available that are imme- marks.) In overriding a presidential veto and diately deployed. And when it comes Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise passing the War Powers Resolution, time to open a new military base or a today to commend the forerunner of Congress was reclaiming a critical re- new field anywhere in the world, it’s today’s women military pilots, the sponsibility the Founding Fathers had the 60th Air Mobility Wing located at Women Airforce Service Pilots, or granted to it: that such a declaration Travis Air Force Base, Fairfield that WASPs, who served during World War would be a product of robust discourse, provides those immediate services. II. one in which our leaders would identify So I ask all the Members to recognize More than 1,100 women flew more the nature of the threat posed by our the good service, the good work this than 60 million miles and provided cru- enemy, define the objective of the mis- unit does, the extraordinary service cial aid to our Nation in a time of war. sion before us, and fully weigh the pru- provided by the men and women of the From 1943 to 1944, they delivered air- dence of sending our troops into harm’s 60th Air Mobility Wing located at craft from manufacturers in the United way. Travis Air Force Base, Fairfield, Cali- States to air bases throughout the f fornia. country. RECOVERING FROM THE GREAT f Three women from my district—Vir- RECESSION ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER ginia Meloney, Ann Elizabeth O’Con- (Mrs. MALONEY asked and was given PRO TEMPORE nor, and Aleta Johnson—are being permission to address the House for 1 awarded the Congressional Gold Medal The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- minute.) today in recognition of their service to ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, this our country as WASPs. Their fearless- will postpone further proceedings chart is a quick way to assess the di- ness led the way for future women today on motions to suspend the rules rection things have been going in our military pilots. It is long overdue that on which a recorded vote or the yeas efforts to recover from the Great Re- we recognize these incredible women. and nays are ordered, or on which the cession. While it is not success, it is Our country thrives because of the vote incurs objection under clause 6 of definitely progress. It shows the bravery and dedication of our citizens rule XX. monthly change in nonfarm payrolls like the WASPs. Record votes on postponed questions over the past 2 years. Ann O’Connor, a Syracuse resident will be taken later. Point A on this chart is when the since 1980, learned last year that this f Great Recession and the job losses medal ceremony was going to happen. began in December of 2007. Back then, AUTHORIZING COMPENSATION FOR Her family told me it meant the world we were assured the fundamentals of FURLOUGHED TRANSPORTATION to her. Her daughter told me she would the economy were sound. For over a DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES have loved to be here today, but Ann year, the economy went straight down- passed away in September of 2009. Her Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I move hill and shed jobs at an increasing rate, son and daughter and grandchildren to suspend the rules and pass the bill with no change in direction. (H.R. 4786) to provide authority to com- are here and will attend the ceremony, The last month that the former and I know she is here today in spirit pensate Federal employees for the 2- President was in office, President day period in which authority to make and through the eyes of her two lovely Bush, we lost over 700,000 jobs. Point C granddaughters. expenditures from the Highway Trust represents the jobs report from the last Fund lapsed, and for other purposes. I congratulate all of the extra- 2 months, clearly a dramatic improve- ordinary WASPs who served our coun- The Clerk read the title of the bill. ment from 1 year ago—in fact, a 96 per- The text of the bill is as follows: try. Thank you for your dedication and cent improvement, from over 750,000 service. H.R. 4786 jobs lost to 35,000 jobs; again, progress Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- f in the right direction. resentatives of the United States of America in In addition to this general trend, I WAR POWERS RESOLUTION Congress assembled, would like to point out that the tem- SECTION 1. COMPENSATION AND RATIFICATION (Mr. QUIGLEY asked and was given porary help sector continues to im- OF AUTHORITY. permission to address the House for 1 prove. More than 40,000 workers have (a) COMPENSATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOY- minute.) been added to the temporary help sec- EES.—Any Federal employees furloughed as a Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, the Con- tor, a clear indication of improvement result of the lapse in expenditure authority stitution makes clear: Only Congress in the job market. from the Highway Trust Fund after 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2010, through March 2, can declare war. While no one can dis- We still have a distance to go before pute that we are at war, Congress has 2010, shall be compensated for the period of we get every American back to work, that lapse at their standard rates of com- never been asked to make this declara- but as this chart clearly shows, we are pensation, as determined under policies es- tion. slowly and steadily moving in the right tablished by the Secretary of Transpor- I disagree with the Congressman direction. Again, this is progress. tation. from Ohio’s policy position; to leave f (b) RATIFICATION OF ESSENTIAL ACTIONS.— Afghanistan at this moment would un- All actions taken by Federal employees, con- dermine our national security and im- RECOGNIZING THE 60TH AIR MO- tractors, and grantees for the purposes of peril our troops. However, the War BILITY WING AT TRAVIS AIR maintaining the essential level of Govern- Powers Resolution is an important FORCE BASE ment operations, services, and activities to protect life and property and to bring about check on unfettered executive author- (Mr. GARAMENDI asked and was orderly termination of Government func- ity. given permission to address the House tions during the lapse in expenditure author- It is worth remembering the period for 1 minute.) ity from the Highway Trust Fund after 11:59 in our Nation’s history during which Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker and p.m. on February 28, 2010, through March 2, this act of Congress was passed. In 1973, Members, I want to bring to your at- 2010, are hereby ratified and approved if oth- during the height of the Vietnam War tention an extraordinary unit in our erwise in accord with the provisions of the and following the Gulf of Tonkin, Con- military in the Air Force located at Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2010 gress overrode a Presidential veto to Travis Air Force base in Fairfield, (division B of Public Law 111–68). (c) FUNDING.—Funds used by the Secretary pass this measure into law. It did so be- California. The 60th Air Mobility Wing to compensate employees described in sub- cause it was concerned with the ero- does an extraordinary job providing section (a) shall be derived from funds pre- sion of congressional authority to de- services to the military as well as hu- viously authorized out of the Highway Trust cide when the United States should be- manitarian efforts. Fund and made available or limited to the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:33 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.008 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1227 Department of Transportation by the Con- 1,307 employees of the Federal High- funding previously authorized and ap- solidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (Public way Administration, 434 employees of propriated to finance the lost com- Law 111–117) and shall be subject to the obli- the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad- pensation for those personnel. It is the gation limitations established in such Act. right thing to do. We need to do this. (d) EXPENDITURES FROM HIGHWAY TRUST ministration, 143 employees of the Na- FUND.—To permit expenditures from the tional Highway Traffic Safety Admin- We have got to pass it by a unanimous Highway Trust Fund to effectuate the pur- istration, and 38 employees of the Re- voice vote. poses of this section, this section shall be search and Innovative Technology Ad- I reserve the balance of my time. deemed to be a section of the Continuing Ap- ministration. Mr. COBLE. I yield myself such time propriations Resolution, 2010 (division B of Well, in a few days, on March 16 to be as I may consume. Public Law 111–68), as in effect on the date of exact, the DOT will process its payroll Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my the enactment of the last amendment to for the current March pay period. If strong support for H.R. 4786. The dis- such Resolution. Congress does not act to reinstate tinguished gentleman from Minnesota The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- those career employees, those 1,922 has pretty well covered this bill in de- ant to the rule, the gentleman from public servants, through no fault of tail. I will speak briefly to it. Minnesota (Mr. OBERSTAR) and the gen- their own and having simply been Beginning at midnight on February tleman from North Carolina (Mr. doing their jobs as they have done for 28 through March 2, all of the programs COBLE) each will control 20 minutes. decades in many cases, will suffer a 20 and the operations of the agencies The Chair recognizes the gentleman percent pay cut in their biweekly pay- funded under the Highway Trust Fund from Minnesota. checks. Now, this is not an abstraction. came to a halt because the extension of GENERAL LEAVE these programs was not passed by Con- This is not a debating point. This is not Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I ask gress, as the chairman has already something that, oh, we’ll put this off, unanimous consent that all Members pointed out. As a result, nearly 2,000 and we’ll think about it later. may have 5 legislative days in which to At the National Highway Traffic Department of Transportation employ- revise and extend their remarks on the Safety Administration, a long-term ca- ees were furloughed. This bill will en- bill, H.R. 4786, and to include extra- reer secretary of NHTSA in Seattle, sure that those employees furloughed, neous material. Washington normally would net $1,540 at no fault of their own, will receive The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there their normal compensation for that pe- per paycheck, but because of the fur- objection to the request of the gen- riod of time. lough, would be paid $1,150, a $390 cut. tleman from Minnesota? Between February 28 and March 2, A $390 cut could affect your paying There was no objection. certain surface transportation activi- your mortgage, buying your weekly b 1030 ties were classified as ‘‘essential,’’ such groceries, buying fuel for your car. as the Federal safety inspection of Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, we are Maybe it could even affect your send- trucks and buses. This bill approves here on both sides of the aisle this ing a birthday card to a child or to a these activities as essential actions morning on a mission of equity, fair- grandchild. It has a real effect, and I taken to save lives and to protect prop- ness, even mercy, on behalf of 1,922 ca- think the Senator on the other side erty, allowing the DOT employees who reer Federal employees of the U.S. De- just had no idea, no interest, and no worked on those activities during the partment of Transportation. They were care about what the effects would be of furlough to be paid. unintended victims of a standoff in the his actions. I urge my colleagues to support the other body, which resulted in a 2-day An entry-level program analyst, a passage of H.R. 4786. I support the bill. lapse in the authorization of funding GS–7 in Chicago, Illinois at NHTSA, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance for Federal highway, highway and normally would net $1,200 per paycheck of my time. motor carrier safety, and public transit in 2 weeks. Because of the furlough, he Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield programs. would be paid only $900. That’s a $300 such time as he may consume to the On February 25, the House passed by cut. If you’re taking $900 home over 2 gentleman from Northern Virginia (Mr. voice vote H.R. 4691, the Temporary weeks, $300 out of that paycheck is se- CONNOLLY). I wish to express my great Extension Act of 2010. The bill ex- rious money, a serious effect on your appreciation and admiration of his con- tended the authorization for Federal life, and it’s a serious devaluation of cern for these Federal employees. surface transportation programs which appreciation for your service to the Many Federal employees reside in his otherwise were scheduled to expire on public. district. Even some of these 1,900 likely February 28. These are career personnel. At any reside in the gentleman’s district. I ap- The Senate’s efforts to pass the bill time, that’s painful, but at this time, preciate his coming forward to cham- and to clear it for signature by the with this severe meltdown, economic pion this bill. President were stalled by the actions of recession, it’s devastating. Miss a car Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. one Senator from the other party. His payment; miss a tuition payment; miss Speaker, I rise in strong support of this repeated objections held up consider- part of your mortgage payment; miss bipartisan legislation, compensating ation past the February 28 deadline. your fuel bill; miss your electric bill. those Federal transportation employ- As a result of those objections, the All of these things are the real-world ees who were unfairly furloughed on authority to reimburse States, metro- consequences of one person’s peak over March 1 and 2 because of a lapse in the politan regions, and public transit some piece of this bill that had nothing Highway Trust Fund. agencies for federally approved High- to do with these personnel, with these I also want to thank my good friend, way Trust Fund expenditures lapsed. careerists. the chairman of the Transportation Several States, like Missouri, imme- To the great credit of Secretary of and Infrastructure Committee, Mr. diately cancelled bid openings. DOT’s Transportation Ray LaHood, a former OBERSTAR, and the ranking member, authority to pay administrative ex- colleague of ours in this body, he called Mr. MICA from Florida, for their great penses for Federal employees from the and said, I am really concerned about leadership and for their sensitivity. I Highway Trust Fund also lapsed. these career personnel. We have to want to thank Mr. COBLE from North These authorities were restored only make them whole. They didn’t do any- Carolina for his support on this on a bi- when the Senator relented on the thing wrong. The department didn’t do partisan basis. Their leadership is crit- evening of March 2, allowing the Sen- anything wrong. They were just stand- ical to resolving this problem. ate to consider the bill. The Senate by victims of this action, and we will As the chairman has indicated, H.R. passed it, and the President signed it be able to restore their pay without 4786 is a simple, commonsense bill. It that evening, but these 1,922 employees any increase in budget. We will just would compensate the 1,922 Depart- were collateral damage. They were shift dollars from one account to an- ment of Transportation employees who doing their jobs, career professionals, other. were forced out of their jobs for 2 days and they just happened to be hit by The bill that we bring before you because of political gamesmanship on this roadside bomb. It affected them in today does not require any new Federal the other side of the Capitol. These em- a very specific way. Let me toll the funding. The Secretary, as I just de- ployees were spread across four agen- numbers: scribed, will draw on administrative cies at the DOT: the Federal Highway

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:33 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.001 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1228 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 Administration, the Federal Motor rect fashion for 1,922 career profes- Whereas the courage, discipline, and sac- Carrier Safety Administration, the Na- sionals in transportation of the U.S. rifice of these marchers caused the Nation to tional Highway Traffic Safety Admin- Department of Transportation. respond quickly and positively; istration, and the Research and Inno- Again, I express admiration for Sec- Whereas eight days after Bloody Sunday, President Lyndon B. Johnson called for a vative Technology Administration. retary LaHood for taking the initiative comprehensive and effective voting rights These employees were furloughed to bring this issue forward and to find bill as a necessary response by Congress and through no fault of their own. They be- a funding solution for it as well. the President to the interference and vio- came unwitting victims of an arcane We have got to be able to pass this on lence, in violation of the 14th and 15th practice in the upper Chamber that al- a voice vote and to do good by these Amendments, encountered by African-Amer- lows one Member’s objection, irrespec- 1,922, and we need to set a good exam- ican citizens when attempting to protect and tive of merit, to grind to a halt the ple for the other body as well. exercise the right to vote; work of the American people. I yield back the balance of my time. Whereas a bipartisan Congress approved The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and on August As my colleagues will recall, an ob- 6, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed jection by one Senator from Kentucky question is on the motion offered by this landmark legislation into law; led to the lapse of authorization for the the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Whereas the Voting Rights Act of 1965 Highway Trust Fund despite the objec- OBERSTAR) that the House suspend the stands as a tribute to the heroism of count- tions of 21 of his Republican colleagues, rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4786. less people in the United States and serves as a majority of the Republican caucus, The question was taken; and (two- one of the Nation’s most important civil who supported the ultimate extension thirds being in the affirmative) the rights victories, enabling political empower- on a 78–19 vote. rules were suspended and the bill was ment and voter enfranchisement for all peo- This bill does two simple things: It passed. ple in the United States; A motion to reconsider was laid on Whereas the Voting Rights Act of 1965 ef- authorizes those workers who were fur- fectuates the permanent guarantee of the loughed to be compensated at their the table. 15th Amendment that ‘‘the right of citizens normal rate of pay for the 2 days in f of the United States to vote shall not be de- which they were laid off, and it ratifies nied or abridged by the United States or by b 1045 actions taken by DOT during those 2 any State on account of race, color, or pre- days to maintain minimum essential COMMEMORATING THE 45TH ANNI- vious condition of servitude’’; services. The Congressional Budget Of- VERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY Whereas the Voting Rights Act of 1965 has fice says this legislation has no new increased voter registration among racial, Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to ethnic, and language minorities, as well as costs associated with it, as the chair- suspend the rules and agree to the con- enhanced the ability of those citizens to par- man indicated, as the funding will current resolution (H. Con. Res. 249) ticipate in the political process and elect come from existing expenses. By tak- commemorating the 45th anniversary representatives of their choice to public of- ing action now, this Congress will pre- of Bloody Sunday and the role that it fice; and vent a 20 percent cut in the next bi- played in ensuring the passage of the Whereas the citizens of the United States weekly paycheck for these dedicated Voting Rights Act of 1965. must not only remember this historic event, public servants. The Clerk read the title of the con- but also commemorate its role in the cre- There is a clear precedent for this ation of a more just society and appreciate current resolution. the ways in which it has inspired other type of restorative action dating back The text of the concurrent resolution movements around the world: Now, there- to the much longer government shut- is as follows: fore, be it down in the late 1995-early 1996 period H. CON. RES. 249 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the during the Clinton administration. Whereas brave people in the United States, Senate concurring), That Congress— During that period, there were two known and unknown, of different races, (1) commemorates the 45th anniversary of funding gaps totaling 26 days which af- ethnicities, and religions, risked their lives Bloody Sunday; fected more than 800,000 Federal work- to stand for political equality and against (2) observes and celebrates the 45th anni- ers. As part of the final appropriations racial discrimination in a quest culminating versary of the enactment of the Voting in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of Rights Act of 1965; bill for FY 1996, the Republican-con- (3) pledges to advance the legacy of the trolled Congress restored compensation 1965; Whereas numerous people in the United Voting Rights Act of 1965 to ensure its con- for those employees. It was the right States paid the ultimate price in pursuit of tinued effectiveness in protecting the voting thing to do then, and it is the right that quest, while demanding that the Nation rights of all people in the United States; and thing to do now. live up to the guarantees enshrined in the (4) encourages all people in the United I thank Chairman OBERSTAR for his 14th and 15th Amendments to the United States to reflect upon the sacrifices of the leadership and for his collaboration States Constitution; Bloody Sunday marchers and acknowledge and generosity on this important legis- Whereas the historic struggle for equal that their sacrifice made possible the pas- lation. I urge my colleagues to vote voting rights led nonviolent civil rights sage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. ‘‘yes.’’ marchers to gather on the Edmund Pettus The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, in Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on March 7, 1965, ant to the rule, the gentleman from a day that would come to be known as Tennessee (Mr. COHEN) and the gen- closing, I wish to express my great ap- ‘‘Bloody Sunday’’, where their bravery was tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) each will preciation to Mr. MICA, the senior Re- tested by a brutal response, which in turn publican on our committee and my sent a clarion call to the Nation that the ful- control 20 minutes. partner and good friend and co-partici- fillment of democratic ideals could no longer The Chair recognizes the gentleman pant, in all of the works of our com- be denied; from Tennessee. mittee. Whereas, March 7, 2010, marks the 45th an- GENERAL LEAVE I share with him this tragic fact of niversary of Bloody Sunday, the day on Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- the loss of pay for these 1,922 employ- which some 600 civil rights marchers were imous consent that all Members have 5 ees. He immediately said, We have to demonstrating for African-American voting legislative days to extend their re- rights; fix that. We have got to make it right Whereas Congressman John Lewis and the marks and include extraneous material by them, and he volunteered to cospon- late Hosea Williams led these marchers on the concurrent resolution under sor the legislation, which he has done. across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, consideration. I am delighted he designated the gen- Alabama, where they were attacked with The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tleman from North Carolina, Mr. billy clubs and tear gas by State and local objection to the request of the gen- Speaker, who a great advocate for our lawmen; tleman from Tennessee? committee, a great participant in all of Whereas during the march on Bloody Sun- There was no objection. our work and who is also a very good, day, Congressman Lewis was beaten uncon- Mr. COHEN. I yield myself such time scious, leaving him with a concussion and as I may consume. fair and decent-minded Member. countless other injuries; Today, we will do something really Whereas footage of the events on Bloody Mr. Speaker, just this past Sunday, good and decent. We can all go home Sunday was broadcast on national television on March 7, we commemorated the 45th and feel we have accomplished some- that night and burned its way into the Na- anniversary of Bloody Sunday, one of thing useful in a very specific and di- tion’s conscience; the most significant moments in the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:33 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.012 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1229 civil rights movement. It was a day in versary of Bloody Sunday that forced Congress, when too many times we do which I was in Selma, Alabama, with this Nation to live up to its ideals of work on military solutions rather than JOHN LEWIS, one of the heroes of this justice, freedom, and equality in soci- peaceful solutions, and we worry about United States of America, one of the ety, generally, and in the realm of vot- materialism rather than spiritual great saints and heroes of this United ing rights, specifically. goods. We worry too much about people States Congress. Other Congress people The pilgrimage was one of the best who have and not people who don’t were there from both sides of the aisle. experiences I have had. I am from have enough. That is part of Dr. King’s We first went to Brown Chapel in Memphis, Tennessee, where Dr. King dream and part of the legacy that has Selma for a prayer service, where Rev. was slain on April the 3rd. There were not been fulfilled in this country, and C.T. Vivian led us with a wonderful ser- times when Mr. LEWIS and other Mem- this Congress needs to do more. That is mon. It was a civil rights pilgrimage bers came up to me and asked me to go why jobs bills are so important, to give that the Faith and Politics Institute on the pilgrimage. I thought, I was people opportunities, and job training put on. from Memphis. I had spoken at Mason bills that we are working on. The culmination of that, after going Temple. I had been to Mason Temple. I So it was fortunate that we had this to Birmingham, where we went to the had been to the Civil Rights Museum. I opportunity to participate in the pil- 16th Street Church and the Civil Rights had been to the Lorraine Hotel so grimage. This country needs to reflect Institute, and to Montgomery, where many times, and I knew about civil back on what happened 45 years ago, we saw the Rosa Parks Museum and rights history. understand that the promise is not ful- went to Rev. Ralph Abernathy’s church But nobody really knows it until filled, pay homage to those individuals at the First Baptist Church and the they go to the battleground, where this that participated and made this coun- Dexter Avenue Church, the church of country’s future and its promise was try a better country, but know that the Dr. Martin Luther King, as well as the turned around and brought to bear be- dream is not finished, the dream en- Center for Poverty Law headed up by cause of a group of students and min- dures. We need to fulfill that destiny, Morris Dees, culminated in Selma, and isters, both black and white, who came and there are opportunities to do it it was significant. together to march for civil rights and here on this floor with jobs, with tax JOHN LEWIS marched there 45 years to make this country fulfill its destiny policy, and with other issues. earlier. Alabama State troopers and and its promise. I urge my colleagues to support this Alabama police, the government, Mr. LEWIS is a man we are lucky to important resolution. stopped them with horses and sticks serve with, and I am lucky to serve I reserve the balance of my time. and gas and all other means of oppres- with, and I appreciate him getting me Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I sion to stop people who were marching to go, and for what I learned this week- yield myself such time as I may con- simply to have the right to vote and end from being with him on the Ed- sume. participate in this country’s great de- mund Pettus Bridge where the first Mr. Speaker, I support House Concur- mocracy. march ended in violence, and later rent Resolution 249. This resolution Voting is essential, and African started on the long struggle to Mont- commemorates the 45th anniversary of Americans were denied voting. After gomery and to freedom and to voting Bloody Sunday and the role it played the Civil War, they had the right to rights. Six hundred civil rights march- in ensuring the passage of the Voting vote up until about the turn of cen- ers stood strong in solidarity in the Rights Act of 1965. tury. But then Jim Crow laws came march to Montgomery 45 years ago. On Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965, into place, and the effort to protest Our democracy reflects a government JOHN LEWIS, now Congressman JOHN those, with JOHN LEWIS being a leader, of the people and by the people, a prin- LEWIS and Chairman JOHN LEWIS, and culminated in Selma, where they were ciple that had been articulated by the late Hosea Williams, led a march in beaten. After that and the retreat to Brown President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Selma, Alabama, to demand racial and Chapel, the government came to the But until Bloody Sunday and Dr. political equality in the United States. King’s participation and the successful They led 600 civil rights marchers aid of JOHN LEWIS and others and saw to it they could march, and Dr. King march and the passage of the Voting east out of Selma, Alabama, toward joined that march and Ralph David Rights Act by Congress, it wouldn’t the State’s capital in Montgomery. Abernathy joined that march. They have happened. They got as far as the Edmund Pettus marched down Highway 80 from Selma It had not been a government of the Bridge six blocks away, where State to Montgomery, culminating just people and by the people. It was a gov- and local lawmen attacked them with across from the capital, going straight ernment of the white people. It was a clubs and tear gas and forced them to the capital. Just around the corner government of the wealthy people, the back into Selma. Congressman LEWIS is the Dexter Avenue Church of Dr. propertied people. In Alabama, there was beaten unconscious, leaving him Martin Luther King. were literacy tests and there were with a concussion and many other inju- Eventually, the Voting Rights Act taxes, and these stopped people from ries. was passed, which Lyndon Johnson, in having the right to vote. There were The events on Bloody Sunday were a speech to this Congress right from intentional impediments to letting televised nationally, and the Nation re- that lectern, said was the most impor- people participate in a democracy that sponded to these actions. As a result, tant legislation that that Congress had you wouldn’t have thought would hap- within eight days, President Lyndon passed and one of the most important pen in a country with our great Con- Johnson called for a comprehensive pieces of legislation ever passed by this stitution. But the words in our Con- voting rights bill to protect African House. stitution were simply words. They Americans and other citizens’ right to It was fought by a lot of people, needed to have purpose and a spirit put vote, which is already guaranteed in fought by a lot of people from the behind them and a fulfillment, and the 15th Amendment. South. But that voting rights act was that didn’t happen until Montgomery Bipartisan majorities in both Houses so important, and it started because a and Alabama. of Congress approved the Voting Rights group of people said, We are not going Besides voting rights, that march led Act of 1965, and President Johnson to stand it anymore. We are going to to other issues. There is economic jus- signed this historic legislation into law stand up for our freedom. We are going tice as well as social justice, and we on August 6, 1965, less than 5 months to march and bring attention to this are working in those areas. Access to after Bloody Sunday. issue and participate in this democracy education, housing, health care, and I totally support this resolution’s ob- and start a change that is going to ful- more have not been available to all. Dr. servance and celebrate the 45th anni- fill America’s purpose and promise. King, in his famous speech in New versary of the Bloody Sunday march- That started in Selma. It started with York at the Riverside Church, talked ers, whose sacrifices made it possible JOHN LEWIS, and it culminated with about not only racism, but militarism for the Voting Rights Act to come into that great march. and materialism. being. I urge my colleagues to join in So it is important that this Congress There are still problems in this world supporting this resolution. take time to recognize the 45th anni- today and problems that affect this I reserve balance of my time.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:33 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.015 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1230 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 en, subjected to hate, spit upon, sub- tion 249 to commemorate the 45th anni- minute to the majority leader, the gen- jected to prejudice and division and versary of Bloody Sunday and the role tleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER), segregation and rejection. But still, that it played in ensuring the passage who joined us on this civil rights pil- Christ-like, JOHN LEWIS, following of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. grimage. I was so proud to be with him. Gandhi’s example, turned the other Today, we remember a momentous He is one of the most constant cheek and said, I seek justice, and I occasion in our history. On March 7, attendees, and it reflects on his char- will continue to seek justice for myself 1965, 600 marchers, led by my esteemed acter that he goes and participates. and for others, no matter the opposi- colleague from Georgia, Congressman Mr. HOYER. I thank my friend for tion. JOHN LEWIS, were savagely attacked by yielding, and I thank the ranking Re- b 1100 State and local police as they at- publican for his comments. I thank Mr. tempted to cross the Edmund Pettus COHEN for his leadership on this issue. I will not do so violently. I will not Bridge into Selma, Alabama. These ‘‘We hold these truths to be self-evi- do so by assaulting those who assault brave marchers used the power of non- dent, that all men are created equal, me. But I will appeal to the conscience violence to demand that most basic of that they are endowed by their Creator of the Nation. I will appeal to the democratic rights of a citizen: the promise in our declaration, in our Con- with certain unalienable Rights, that right to vote. In return, the marchers stitution, and in the principles for among these are Life, Liberty and the were met with billy clubs and tear gas. which this Nation stands. And it was a pursuit of Happiness.’’ But the marchers confronted terror powerful appeal. So spoke our Founding Fathers. Our with courage. Their dignity in the face Founding Fathers spoke, however, This weekend, I and others—Mr. CAO was with us—were privileged to walk of brutality moved this House to pass without a clear understanding of the the Voting Rights Act, which re- impact of their words. Even as great as with that giant of a man, JOHN LEWIS, across that bridge. It is a bridge across affirmed this Nation’s commitment our Founding Fathers were, they did that every citizen has the right to par- not live out the promise of those words a river, but it is also a bridge to broth- erhood; a bridge to a realization of ticipate fully in the political life of the in this land. Some were slave owners. Nation. Clearly, the contradiction between our America’s promise; a bridge to a better America; a bridge to a better country; This past weekend, my family and I words and the actions of our day-to- traveled to Selma to honor the 45th an- a bridge, as my friend and brother JOHN day lives were a contradiction from our niversary of Bloody Sunday. Kate, my LEWIS would say, to the beloved com- stated values to our practices. wife, our two daughters, Betsy and So- Martin Luther King, Jr., called munity; a bridge, then, over troubled phia, and I marched from Brown Chapel America’s attention to that paradox, waters, who have to some degree been to the top of Edmund Pettus Bridge. to that contradiction, to that schizo- stilled, but not silenced. Along the way, not only did we learn of phrenic life that we had led. Martin There is still prejudice in this land. the significance of the march, but also Luther King, Jr., had a lieutenant who There is still division in this land. was a giant of a leader in his own right, There is still not the reconciliation the love and admiration that the peo- and we are honored to serve with him; that America still strives for. And that ple still have for the historical march- in my view, the most historic figure is why I return almost every year with ers. Among those was JOHN LEWIS. I that serves among the 535 of us who my friend JOHN LEWIS to walk over commented then and firmly believe have been given the privilege to rep- that bridge, to remind myself—and I today that I owe so much of my per- resent our people and defend the Con- have taken my granddaughter to re- sonal and political success to the stitution and protect and preserve our mind her as well—that although the struggles of the African American com- democracy. JOHN LEWIS is a giant mission of Martin Luther King, Jr., munity. Because of their perseverance among us; a quiet, self-effacing, hum- was extraordinarily successful, and the and sacrifice, doors have been opened ble giant, but a giant nonetheless. mission of JOHN LEWIS, which con- permanently to every minority com- Forty-five years ago, civil rights ac- tinues to this day, has been successful, munity in America. tivists attempted to march from Selma it is not over. The mission and the Mr. Speaker, it was an honor to have to Montgomery to demand that their commitment must continue. That is been a part of this momentous com- Governor honor their right to vote and what we must remember on this anni- memoration, to work with dedicated their God-given equality. Remember versary of March 7, 1965, when a group public servants like my good friend Jefferson’s words, that our rights are of our fellow citizens peacefully walked from Georgia, and I ask my colleagues not given by the majority. They are to register to vote. Is there any more to support this important resolution. not given by Congress. They are not sacred right in a democracy than Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield even given by the Constitution. They that—the ability to express your opin- such time as he may consume to the are given to us by a power higher than ion, unbowed by government or un- gentleman who responded to Martin us. That is the glory of America, that bowed or dissuaded by threats? That Luther King when he first met him as every individual is an important being, was JOHN LEWIS’s mission then. He was a young man in Alabama, the gen- endowed by their Creator with certain so successful. But the mission is not tleman from Georgia (Mr. LEWIS). unalienable rights. over. And as we vote on this resolution, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. I want to The world knows what happened to we ought to all commit ourselves to thank my friend and colleague, the those marchers; how they were stopped walking with the wind of justice, of gentleman from Memphis, Tennessee, by State troopers at the Edmund which JOHN LEWIS spoke, of which he Mr. COHEN, for yielding. Pettus Bridge in Selma, how they were has written. But, much more impor- Mr. Speaker, 45 years ago, on March savagely beaten with nightsticks, and tantly, the life that he has led teaches 7, 1965, Hosea Williams and I led 600 how this 23-year-old giant, whose name us the power of conscience, the power peaceful, nonviolent protestors at- was then not known, this young man of peacefully standing up for the rights tempting to march from Selma, Ala- from Troy, Alabama, JOHN LEWIS, who of which Jefferson spoke: the bama, to the State capitol in Mont- was helping to lead the march from the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and gomery to dramatize to the world that front with Hosea Williams, was beaten the pursuit of happiness. people of color wanted to register to to the ground and took life-threatening God has blessed America through the vote. We left Brown Chapel AME injuries. life of JOHN LEWIS and so many others Church that afternoon on a sacred mis- Today, as a Member of Congress, whose courage and convictions have sion, prepared to defy the dictates of JOHN LEWIS still bears those scars, but made us better. Support this resolu- man to demonstrate the truth of a he does not bear resentment. What a tion. But, more than that, live out its higher law. Ordinary citizens with ex- lesson for all of us who suffer the promise for all of our citizens. traordinary vision walked shoulder-to- verbal slings and arrows almost daily Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I shoulder, two-by-two, in a silent, in this public profession which we pur- yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from peaceful protest against injustice in sue. Louisiana (Mr. CAO). the American South. But JOHN LEWIS took more than rhe- Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise We were met on the Edmund Pettus torical slings and arrows. He was beat- in support of House Concurrent Resolu- Bridge crossing the Alabama River by

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:40 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.016 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1231 a sea of blue—Alabama State troopers. mingham. We ended our time together curred, those noble 600 that walked Some were mounted on horseback, but in Selma by crossing one more time on through the streets of Alabama, and all of them were armed with guns, tear the Edmund Pettus Bridge, crossing thus, the Civil Rights Act, as we have gas, billy clubs, and beyond them were that bridge. today. deputized citizens who were waving I know at times here in this body we So I yield back the balance of my any weapons they could find on that talk, we debate, maybe sometimes in time, totally supporting this resolu- day. Some even had bullwhips. not such a nonviolent way, but on this tion. Then we heard, ‘‘I am Major John bridge we didn’t see ourselves as Demo- Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, in closing, Cloud. This is an unlawful march. You crats or as Republicans or adversaries. I want to thank each of the speakers, cannot continue. You have 3 minutes We saw ourselves as Americans on a particularly Mr. LEWIS, whom we are to go home or return to your church.’’ journey to discover not just our his- privileged to serve with and I was priv- We were preparing to kneel and pray tory but to help create a more perfect ileged to go to Montgomery with; and when the Major said, ‘‘Troopers ad- union to help move us closer to a truly Leader HOYER, who made such eloquent vance.’’ And these troopers came to- beloved community, truly closer to a remarks; and the other gentlemen and ward us, beating us, spraying tear gas, multiracial democracy. We all come ladies who were on the trip, Mr. BAR- chasing us. I was hit on the head by a away from this journey with a deeper ROW, Dr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. FILNER, Ms. State trooper with a nightstick and I appreciation of our democracy and the KIRKPATRICK, and others. fell unconscious on the bridge. On that power of people to make a difference in I want to remind, Mr. Speaker, this day, Mr. Speaker, I thought I was our society. House that this is an important event going to die. I thought I saw death. The Mr. Speaker, with this resolution we to remember. And there are people that most brutal confrontation of the mod- honor the sacrifice and courage of go to Montgomery and go to Selma and ern-day civil rights movement became those brave and courageous souls who go to Birmingham to reflect on their known as Bloody Sunday. It produced a used the power of peace, the power of history. And in Brown’s Chapel, there sense of righteous indignation in this love, the power of nonviolence to re- was a full church in Selma on Sunday, country and around the world that led deem the soul of our democracy; to re- including Ms. Ruby Wharton, a distin- this Congress to pass the Voting Rights mind ourselves that freedom is really guished attorney in my city and the Act of 1965. not free; and that we must continue to mayor’s wife of my city, AC Wharton. Eight days after Bloody Sunday, struggle every day. She goes every year. Also there was President Lyndon Johnson addressed a On this 45th anniversary of Bloody John Nixon, district court judge in joint session of the Congress and made Sunday, we must use this occasion to Middle Tennessee and then a Sixth Cir- what I believe is the greatest and most renew our pledge to protect the right cuit Court judge. He goes every year meaningful statement of speech any to vote for every American citizen. We because he was with the Civil Rights President has ever made on the impor- have come a distance. We’ve made a lot Division in 1965 when the march that tance of voting rights in America. He of progress. But there’s still a distance succeeded with Dr. King took place. began by saying, ‘‘I speak tonight for to travel. There are people that go back every the dignity of man and for the destiny year to renew their thoughts and their b 1115 of democracy.’’ President Johnson experiences because we shall overcome went on to say, ‘‘At times, history and Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I someday, and I submit that day hasn’t fate meet at a single time, in a single yield myself such time as I may con- occurred yet, Mr. Speaker. place, to shape a turning point in sume. The 110th Congress passed a resolu- man’s unending search for freedom. So I think it’s well said, as our majority tion apologizing for slavery and Jim it was at Lexington and Concord. So it leader pointed out, that in the Declara- Crow. And in that resolution, passed by was a century ago at Appomattox. So tion of Independence, the basis for who voice vote by everybody up here, we it was last week in Selma, Alabama.’’ we are, states ‘‘that all men are cre- said that we’re going to rectify the lin- In this speech, President Johnson ated equal, that they are endowed by gering effects of slavery and Jim Crow. condemned the violence in Selma, and their Creator with certain inalienable And lingering effects include seeing called on the Congress to enact the Rights.’’ In other words, we get our that life, liberty and the pursuit of Voting Rights Act. He closed his rights from the Almighty. We don’t get happiness are truly part of the Amer- speech by echoing the words of the our rights from government or from ican Dream. And you can’t have life civil rights movement, and he said over others or from the king. We get our without health care, and many of the and over again, ‘‘And we shall over- rights because we get them from the people without health care don’t have come. And we shall overcome.’’ I was Almighty. And as it states in the Dec- it because they’ve been denied the op- sitting next to Martin Luther King, laration of Independence, that govern- portunities to participate in the eco- Jr., in the home of a local family in ments are instituted to secure those nomic dream of America, to have jobs Selma, watching President Johnson on rights. And first it was the 15th that give them insurance and to afford television as he said, ‘‘And we shall Amendment, and yet there needed to that opportunity. That’s part of what overcome.’’ And tears came down Dr. be more legislation. Because of the Bloody Sunday was about. King’s face. He started crying. And we events that occurred on Bloody Sun- To pass this resolution is so impor- all cried a little to hear the President day, ironically a President from the tant, but to pass it and not to carry say, ‘‘And we shall overcome.’’ And Dr. South signed the Civil Rights Act of out what will happen someday and King said, John, we will make it from 1965, President Lyndon Baines Johnson overcoming the obstacles that have Selma to Montgomery, and the Voting from Texas. This was a bipartisan piece been placed before so many because of Rights Act will be passed. Congress did of legislation in that in this House of the horrific institution of slavery and pass the Voting Rights Act, and on Au- Representatives, the majority of the those laws that were subsequent to it gust 6, 1965, it was signed into law by Democrats, 217, and the majority of the throughout this country of Jim Crow the President. Republicans, 111, voted for this legisla- that denied people’s rights is wrong. So Mr. Speaker, this past weekend we tion with about 20 percent or less in we must commit ourselves to someday, have heard from the majority leader both parties voting against it. Bipar- and that day is now—the fierce ur- and my colleagues, Mr. COHEN and Mr. tisan legislation passed with a vast ma- gency of now that Dr. King talked to us CAO, that we went back to Selma, jority of both the Republicans and the about—and fulfill that life, which in- along with MIKE PENCE and Senator Democrats, a sign that bipartisanship cludes health care, and liberty and the BROWNBACK and several others with the on important pieces of legislation is pursuit of happiness, which gives peo- Faith and Politics Institute on the necessary, and it is effective. ple a job and an opportunity to partici- journey. During this journey, we So I totally support this resolution. I pate. So I would ask all of the Members brought our fellow Members of Con- commend those folks 45 years ago when to vote ‘‘aye,’’ to pass this resolution gress on this unbelievable trip of the you and I, Mr. Speaker, were just in— today and move passage. historic Civil Rights Act, not just in I guess you’d be in elementary school. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Selma, but Montgomery and Bir- I was in junior high. And this event oc- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:40 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.018 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1232 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 H. Con. Res. 249 to commemorate the 45th teenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. lution (H. Res. 1081) supporting the anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the role Indeed, it was because of the Voting Rights goals and ideals of National Teen Dat- that it played in ensuring the passage of the Act of 1965 that all Americans were extended ing Violence Awareness and Prevention Voting Rights Act of 1965. the right to vote guaranteed under the U.S. Month. As we commemorate this day, I am re- Constitution. The Clerk read the title of the resolu- minded of the pain and hardships that the Afri- Mr. Speaker, in the century following recon- tion. can-American community faced prior to the struction, African Americans faced tremendous The text of the resolution is as fol- enactment of the Voting Rights Act. The use obstacles to voting. Despite the Fourteenth lows: of intimidation, literacy tests, and poll taxes and Fifteenth Amendments to the U.S. Con- H. RES. 1081 throughout the South ensured the disenfran- stitution, which had enfranchised black men Whereas dating, domestic, and sexual vio- chisement of most blacks, and while we have and women, southern voter registration boards lence affect women regardless of age, and a difficult time fathoming these realities today, used poll taxes, literacy tests, and other bu- teens and young women are especially vul- these practices were very common in the pe- reaucratic impediments to deny African Ameri- nerable; riod before this historic legislation became law. cans their legal rights. Southern blacks also Whereas approximately 1 in 3 adolescent It is often regarded that the marches from risked harassment, intimidation, and physical girls in the United States is a victim of phys- ical, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dat- Selma to Montgomery in 1965 were key in violence when they tried to register or vote. As a result, African Americans had little if any po- ing partner, a figure that far exceeds victim- bringing about the Voting Rights Act, and per- ization rates for other types of violence af- haps the first march, which took place on litical power. Sunday, March 7, 1965 was cer- fecting youth; March 7, 1965, or Bloody Sunday, was the tainly a milestone for the United States. I am Whereas nationwide, 1 in 10 high school most important of these. On that day, roughly proud to say we have come a long way from students (9.9 percent) has been hit, slapped, 600 people led by Hosea Williams and JOHN that time. It is an honor to be an African Amer- or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend LEWIS were beaten and bombarded with tear ican representative from Georgia and to be a or girlfriend; gas at the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the Ala- legacy of the day on which 600 civil rights Whereas more than 1 in 4 teenagers have been in a relationship where a partner is ver- bama River. From this, two subsequent marchers were demonstrating for African- American voting rights. It is through the work bally abusive; marches took place that culminated with the of leaders like Representative LEWIS and the Whereas 20 percent of teen girls exposed to gathering of roughly 25,000 people on March late Hosea Williams—who was a DeKalb physical dating violence did not attend 25, 1965 on the steps of the Alabama capitol. school on 1 or more occasions during a 30-day County Commissioner, reverend, political ac- A few short months later, on August 6, 1965, period because they felt unsafe either at tivist, and science teacher from Georgia—that the Voting Rights Act was signed into law by school, or on the way to or from school; helped to codify civil rights in both the law and President Lyndon B. Johnson to outlaw dis- Whereas violent relationships in adoles- the heart of America that I am able to have criminatory voting practices. cence can have serious ramifications for vic- Mr. Speaker, I would also like to mention the privilege of representing the great State of tims, including higher risk for substance Georgia in the House of Representatives abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behav- briefly how privileged I am to work with an ior, suicide, and adult revictimization; American Hero and civil rights leader, Con- today. Mr. Speaker, as the 45th anniversary of Whereas teen girls who are physically and gressman JOHN LEWIS. His dedication to civil Bloody Sunday has come to pass, let us not sexually abused are up to 6 times more likely rights is unfaltering, and I am so fortunate to forget the work of the 600 men and woman to become pregnant, and more than 2 times as likely to report a sexually transmitted consider him a dear friend. who marched across the Edmund Pettus Mr. Speaker, Bloody Sunday and the march disease, than teen girls who are not abused; Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and what they did Whereas nearly 3 in 4 children, ages 11 to 14 on Selma will continue to be infamous sub- for America and the world and let us recog- jects in American history, and it is important (hereinafter referred to as ‘‘tweens’’), say nize the importance of this anniversary. that dating relationships usually begin at for us to reflect on these events with solemn I applaud Congressman LEWIS for his lead- age 14 or younger, and approximately 72 per- hearts. However, we have never been a na- ership in bringing this important legislation to cent of 8th and 9th grade students report tion to forget the future either, and as we con- the floor. Furthermore, I commend him for ‘‘dating’’; tinue to look towards tomorrow, we must not leading those brave marchers across the Ed- Whereas 1 in 5 tweens say their friends are disregard our hope for that which is to come. mund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama to victims of dating violence and nearly 1⁄2 of For this reason, I ask my fellow colleagues to stand up for political equality and fight against tweens who are in relationships know friends who are verbally abused; join me in commemorating the 45th anniver- racial discrimination. This resolution recog- sary of Bloody Sunday so that we can honor Whereas more than 3 times as many nizes the heroism of these freedom fighters tweens (20 percent) as parents of tweens (6 the civil rights leaders of yesterday and en- with respect to the events that occurred on percent) admit that parents know little or courage the generation of tomorrow to con- Bloody Sunday and their commitment to en- nothing about the dating relationships of tinue to work towards a more democratic suring equal voting rights for all Americans. tweens; America. I strongly support H. Con. Res. 249. Whereas teen dating abuse most often Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. COHEN. I yield back the balance takes place in the home of one of the teens rise today to express my strong support for H. of my time. in the dating relationship; Con. Res. 249 which honors the 45th anniver- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Whereas a majority of parents surveyed be- sary of Bloody Sunday and acknowledges the question is on the motion offered by lieve they have had a conversation with role that it played in ensuring the passage of the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. their teen about what it means to be in a healthy relationship, but the majority of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. I would also COHEN) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent reso- teens surveyed said that they have not had a like to commend Representative LEWIS, the conversation about dating abuse with a par- sponsor of this resolution, for his continued lution, H. Con. Res. 249. ent in the past year; commitment to preserving the importance of The question was taken. Whereas digital abuse and ‘‘sexting’’ are The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Bloody Sunday and to also acknowledge the becoming new frontiers for teen dating opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being unwavering courage of Congressman JOHN abuse; in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Whereas 1 in 4 teens in a relationship say LEWIS, and all of those men and women who Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, on that I suffered the brutality of Alabama State Police they have been called names, harassed, or demand the yeas and nays. put down by their dating partner through on that Sunday on March 7, 1965. Much blood The yeas and nays were ordered. cellular phones and texting; was shed when all white troopers and sheriff’s The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Whereas 3 in 10 young people have sent or deputies used tear gas, nightsticks and whips ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the received nude pictures of other young people to break up the march. I urge my colleagues Chair’s prior announcement, further on their cellular phones or online, and 61 per- to support this resolution. proceedings on this motion will be cent who have ‘‘sexted’’ report being pres- The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is pertinent postponed. sured to do so at least once; Whereas targets of digital abuse are almost today as it continues to provide much needed f protection for minorities in my District and 3 times as likely to contemplate suicide as SUPPORTING NATIONAL TEEN those who have not encountered such abuse Americans across the country. Because of (8 percent versus 3 percent), and targets of Bloody Sunday and the Voting Rights Act of DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH digital abuse are nearly 3 times more likely 1965, all of my constituents in the Fourth Dis- to have considered dropping out of school; trict of Georgia have the opportunity to exer- Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to Whereas the severity of violence among in- cise their rights under the Fourteenth and Fif- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- timate partners has been shown to be greater

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:40 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.003 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1233 in cases where the pattern of violence has olence and rape also reported increased and Prevention Month. And in doing been established in adolescence; rates of attempted suicide, compared so, these jurisdictions demonstrated Whereas primary prevention programs are to youth who had not been abused. their collective commitment to ending a key part of addressing teen dating vio- Physically abused teens are three teen dating violence and to support the lence, and many successful community ex- times more likely than teens who have amples include education, community out- numerous victims and survivors who reach, and social marketing campaigns that not been abused to experience violence live among us. account for the cultural appropriateness of during college. Teen victims also carry Research tells us that one in three programs; the patterns of violence into future re- adolescent girls in the United States is Whereas in addition to prevention pro- lationships. According to a recent re- a victim of physical, emotional or grams, skilled assessment and intervention port by the American Bar Association, verbal abuse from a dating partner. programs are necessary for youth victims dating violence is occurring with peo- These violent relationships can have and abusers; ple as young as 12 years of age. A De- serious consequences for victims, put- Whereas the alarming trend of unhealthy partment of Justice study found that ting them at higher risk for substance and abusive youth relationships exists in communities across the country, and affects girls and young women between the abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual youth of every race, culture, sex, and socio- ages of 16 and 24 experienced the high- behavior, suicide and adult revictim- economic status; and est rate of intimate partner violence at ization. In fact, teen girls who are Whereas the establishment of National a rate almost triple the national aver- physically and sexually abused are six Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Preven- age. As a result of the growing number times more likely to become pregnant tion Month in February will benefit schools, of deaths and injuries resulting from and more than two times as likely to communities, families, and youth through- teen dating violence, we must recog- report a sexually transmitted disease out the Nation: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representa- nize this type of behavior is not only a as teen girls who are not abused. Per- tives— crime but also is a serious public haps the most alarming statistic is (1) supports the goals and ideals of Na- health concern. how prevalent this violence is in our tional Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Today’s resolution should occur in country. Studies show that one in Prevention Week to raise awareness of teen families and communities around the three teens has suffered from some sort dating violence in the United States; country to educate their teenagers of violence in a dating relationship. We (2) supports and encourages communities about this problem and help in pre- also know that dating violence among to empower teens to develop healthy rela- venting it. I would like to thank the children is not limited to physical, tionships; and gentleman from Georgia (Mr. LEWIS) (3) encourages the people of the United emotional or sexual assault. It also can States, State and local officials, middle for his leadership on this issue and this take the form of harassment via com- schools and high schools, law enforcement important resolution. I urge my col- puter or cell phone text messaging or agencies, and other interested groups to ob- leagues to join me in supporting House by e-mail. serve National Teen Dating Violence Aware- Resolution 1081. National Teen Dating Violence ness and Prevention Week with appropriate I reserve the balance of my time. Awareness and Prevention Month pro- programs and activities that promote aware- Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I vides an opportunity for parents to en- ness and prevention of the crime of teen dat- yield myself as much time as I may gage their children about dating vio- ing violence. consume. lence and abusive relationships. Sur- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- I rise in support of H. Res. 1081 which veys of teens indicate that parents ant to the rule, the gentleman from supports the goals and ideals of Na- often do not know their children are in Tennessee (Mr. COHEN) and the gen- tional Teen Dating Violence Awareness a relationship that is abusive. To start tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) each will and Prevention Month. This nation- the dialogue, parents or teens can call control 20 minutes. wide effort seeks to increase public the National Teen Dating Abuse The Chair recognizes the gentleman awareness and to educate citizens Helpline at 1–866–331–9474. The helpline from Tennessee. about the prevalence of dating violence promotes awareness of healthy dating GENERAL LEAVE among American teenagers. The Teen relationships and offers tips on pre- Mr. COHEN. I ask unanimous consent Dating Violence Awareness and Pre- venting abusive relationships. I urge that all Members have 5 legislative vention Initiative was spearheaded by my colleagues to support this resolu- days to revise and extend their re- teenagers across our Nation who chose tion. marks and include extraneous material to take a stand and put a stop to teen I reserve the balance of my time. on the resolution under consideration. dating violence. The initiative began in Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there 2004 and is now supported by numerous such time as he may consume to the objection to the request of the gen- national, State and local organiza- gentleman from Georgia (Mr. LEWIS), tleman from Tennessee? tions, and in 2005, this Congress noted the sponsor of this resolution. There was no objection. the importance of addressing teen dat- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Mr. COHEN. I yield myself such time ing violence and highlighted the initia- let me begin by thanking Chairman as I may consume. tive in the reauthorization of the Vio- COHEN, Chairman CONYERS, Chairman Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 1081 lence Against Women Act. SCOTT, Ranking Member POE and all of designates the month of February 2010 The call to end dating violence was their staff for their support and work as National Teen Dating Violence formally recognized by the House in on this issue. I am proud to sponsor Awareness and Prevention Month. By 2006, and to bring more public aware- this resolution and hope that all of my designating a month to teen dating vi- ness about teen dating violence, the colleagues will support this simple but olence awareness, Congress hopes to House designated the first full week in important effort. bring more attention to the problem. February to be National Teen Dating This is an important effort. It’s an We also hope to underscore the need for Violence Awareness and Prevention important step. Youth dating violence more effective prevention and deter- Week over the last 3 years. However, is spreading all across our country. In rence efforts to help young people the Justice Department worked with my congressional district, the Center break the cycle of violence. Congress to designate the entire month for Disease Control, the Fulton County Dating violence is a serious problem of February as National Teen Dating district attorney, the Partnership in this country, and many teens do not Violence Awareness and Prevention Against Domestic Violence, colleges, report it because they’re afraid to tell Month. This designation provides par- high schools, and yes, even middle family and friends. It often starts with ity to the three other crimes—sexual schools have been seeing an increase in teasing and name calling but escalates assault, domestic violence and stalk- abusive teen relationships. Fear, stalk- to more serious violence like physical ing—each of which has a designated ing, bullying, violence and abuse are and sexual assaults. Teen victims of month for public education and aware- unacceptable and always shocking. But dating violence are at greater risk of ness activities. Across the country, it is tragic that domestic abuse is a doing poorly in school and abusing dozens of States, cities and towns join very real part of our children’s rela- drugs and alcohol. Fifty percent of Congress to designate February as Na- tionships. We see it in the headlines. young people reporting both dating vi- tional Teen Dating Violence Awareness We see it on the streets. We see it with

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:40 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.004 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1234 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 our own children. Mr. Speaker, we in 2010. This initiative increases awareness The Clerk read the title of the resolu- must break this chain. We must stop and educates others about the very real dan- tion. the cycle from being repeated over and gers of teen dating violence. This epidemic of The text of the resolution is as fol- over again. teen dating violence is perhaps one of the lows: The CDC worked with Liz Claiborne, most complex and invasive problems facing H. RES. 1087 Inc. to develop Dating Matters: Under- teenagers today. Whereas Jack Ruffin left a lasting impact standing Teen Dating Violence Preven- Technology has added an additional ubiq- on his State and the United States during his tion. This is a free online training uitous and hidden feature of teen dating vio- distinguished legal career as a civil rights course for teachers, youth leaders and lence, with the use and the availability of cell attorney and as the first African-American family members. I encourage all those phones, text and instant messaging, e-mail, chief judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals; watching this discussion and debate to and community networks. About 30 percent of Whereas Jack Ruffin was born in the rural town of Waynesboro, Georgia, in 1934, where research this issue, take the course and teenagers who have been in a dating relation- he spent his formative years and where watch for the signs. I think the time ship have been text-messaged between 10 today his portrait hangs in the Burke Coun- has come, Mr. Speaker, for us to teach and 30 times per hour by a partner seeking to ty Courthouse; our young people the way of non- find out where they are, what they are doing, Whereas Jack Ruffin graduated from More- violence, our children, our teenagers, and with whom they are with. Yet 67 percent house College in 1957 and from Howard Uni- our college-aged students. of parents are unaware that their teen is being versity School of Law in 1960; Last month, I know that many across checked up on some 30 times per day on their Whereas Jack Ruffin became, in 1961, the the country recognized Teen Dating Vi- teen’s cell phone. The warning signs of teen first African-American admitted to the Au- gusta Bar Association, against the wishes of olence Prevention Month. I hope they dating violence for young females are: his mother who feared for his safety; continue through Women’s History Apologizes for his behavior and makes ex- Whereas Jack Ruffin fought with great Month and really the entire year. We cuses for him; loses interest in activities that courage against injustices in his community used to think a week was enough time, she used to enjoy; and stops seeing her throughout his life, most notably when he but it is just not enough. Mr. Speaker, friends and family members and becomes in- filed the lawsuits that desegregated the pub- our communities must have the infor- creasingly isolated. lic school systems of Richmond County and mation and the training to stop teen Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today with of Burke County; dating violence. I urge all of my col- a zeal and vigor about the goals and ideals Whereas Jack Ruffin honorably served, from 1986 to 1994, as the first African-Amer- leagues to support this commonsense that the ‘‘National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month’’; because ican Superior Court judge in the Augusta Ju- resolution. dicial Circuit; Mr. POE of Texas. I have no further this issue, if not handled with properly, grows Whereas Jack Ruffin, having been ap- requests for time, Mr. Speaker, and I into domestic violence, the ugly older sister of pointed by Governor Zell Miller to the Geor- am prepared to close. I yield myself teen dating violence. In Houston, 9 percent of gia Court of Appeals in 1994, honorably such time as I may consume. Houston students surveyed in grades 9 to 12 served as a member of that Court until 2008; This is an important piece of legisla- reported being hit, slapped or physically hurt Whereas Jack Ruffin became the first Afri- tion to bring national awareness to by their boyfriend or girlfriend in the past year. can-American Chief Judge of the Georgia this problem. Some of the violence that This is unacceptable! Teenagers’ foremost Court of Appeals in 2005 and served honor- concern should be achieving academic excel- ably in that position until 2006; occurs among our teenagers is horrible, Whereas the new Richmond County judi- the things they are doing to each other lence, not dealing with physical and mental cial center in Augusta, Georgia, will be and those especially in a relationship abuse, from anyone! named in Jack Ruffin’s honor, a decision and dating. I think it’s important that This Congress should be committed to tack- made by the Augusta-Richmond County the country understand that teen vio- ling the roots of issues, such as teen violence Commission in 2009; lence among those who are dating is a and supporting this resolution will not only ad- Whereas Jack Ruffin retired from the tremendous problem. I have four kids, dress with the root cause of domestic vio- Georgia Court of Appeals in 2008 and spent three of them are girls, and their safe- lence, but also; (1) support teen victims of the rest of his life giving back to his commu- abuse; (2) educate pre-teens and teenagers, nity by teaching students at his alma mater, ty has always been a concern as they Morehouse College; were growing up. As all parents have both male and female, about the issue; and Whereas Jack Ruffin died the night of Jan- that concern. So I totally support this (3) give the support needed by organizations uary 29, 2010, at the age of 75, in Atlanta, resolution and urge its adoption. and groups to effectively distribute life saving Georgia, and is survived by his wife, Judith Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, information and awareness to those in need. Ruffin, his father, John Ruffin, Sr., his son, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1081, So in conclusion, I support H. Res. 1081 Brinkley Ruffin, and two grandsons; which supports the goals and ideals of ‘‘Na- and I encourage my colleagues to join me. Whereas the passing of Jack Ruffin is a tional Teen Dating Violence Awareness and great loss to the legal community and to the b 1130 State of Georgia, and his life should be hon- Prevention Month’’. Mr. POE of Texas. I yield back the ored with great praise and appreciation for Mr. Speaker, allow these alarming statistics balance of my time. the many contributions he made to the legal to speak on behalf of the importance of this Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I urge my system in the United States and to the civil resolution: colleagues to support this important rights movement; and 1 in 3 adolescent girls in the United States resolution, H. Res. 1081. Whereas it is the intent of the House of is a victim of physical, emotional, or verbal I yield back the balance of my time. Representatives to recognize and pay tribute abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far The SPEAKER pro tempore. The to the life of Jack Ruffin, his achievements exceeds victimization rates for other types of for civil rights, his zeal for justice, and his question is on the motion offered by passion for the law: Now, therefore, be it violence affecting youth. the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Resolved, That the House of Representa- 1 in 10 high school students, nationwide, COHEN) that the House suspend the tives— (9.9 percent) has been hit, slapped, or phys- rules and agree to the resolution, H. (1) recognizes Jack Ruffin as a great jurist ically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or Res. 1081. in the State of Georgia and as an important girlfriend. The question was taken; and (two- figure in the civil rights movement; and 1 in 4 teenagers have been in a relationship thirds being in the affirmative) the (2) recognizes the selfless and brave con- where a partner is verbally abusive. rules were suspended and the resolu- tributions that Jack Ruffin made to his com- munity and to the law. 20 percent of teen girls exposed to physical tion was agreed to. dating violence did not attend school on 1 or A motion to reconsider was laid on The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- more occasions during a 30-day period be- the table. ant to the rule, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. COHEN) and the gen- cause they felt unsafe either at school, or on f the way to or from school. tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) each will Since 2006, the United States has recog- HONORING JOHN H. ‘‘JACK’’ control 20 minutes. nized ‘‘National Teen Dating Violence Aware- RUFFIN, JR. The Chair recognizes the gentleman ness and Prevention Week’’ during the first Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to from Tennessee. week of February. Because of the severity of suspend the rules and agree to the reso- GENERAL LEAVE the issue, the awareness campaign was ex- lution (H. Res. 1087) honoring the life of Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- tended to include the entire month of February John H. ‘‘Jack’’ Ruffin, Jr. imous consent that all Members have 5

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:40 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.024 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1235 legislative days to extend and revise Ruffin went to law school anyway. And Judge Ruffin was appointed to the their remarks and include extraneous despite his mother’s concerns about his Georgia Court of Appeals in 1994. He be- material on the resolution as they see safety, he became a lawyer. came the first black Chief Judge of fit. After law school he moved to Au- that court in 1996. After his retirement The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there gusta, Georgia, where he became the in 2008, Judge Ruffin spent the remain- objection to the request of the gen- first African American member of the der of his life teaching students at tleman from Tennessee? Augusta Bar Association. He argued Morehouse College, giving back to the There was no objection. countless cases for civil rights. In per- college that gave so much to him. Mr. COHEN. I yield myself such time haps the most notable case, Acree v. The resolution before us today hon- as I may consume. Board of Education, he filed suit to de- oring Jack Ruffin’s life is sponsored by Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 1087 segregate the Richmond County school every single member of the Georgia honors the life of John H. ‘‘Jack’’ system, which included the City of Au- congressional delegation. That speaks Ruffin, Jr. Judge Ruffin began his dis- gusta. Litigation continued for decades not only to Jack Ruffin’s character, tinguished legal career as a civil rights before he finally obtained a Federal but also to how far we have come as a attorney, and throughout his career court order to integrate the system. State and as a Nation. Jack Ruffin did blazed a trail to advance civil rights From 1986 to 1994 he served as the as much to change the laws and atti- for all. Judge Ruffin spent most of his first African American Superior Court tudes in Georgia as anyone else of his life in the great State of Georgia. He Judge in the Augusta Judicial Circuit. generation, and as a result we are a was born in Burke County, Georgia, In 1994, he was appointed to the Geor- better and a freer people. and graduated from Waynesboro High gia Court of Appeals. And in 2005, he So today I urge my colleagues to and Industrial School. He attended became the first African American adopt this legislation to express our Morehouse College, and then moved to Chief Judge of the Georgia Court of Ap- lasting gratitude for Jack Ruffin’s Washington, D.C. to attend law school peals. In 2009, the Augusta-Richmond unyielding commitment to justice and at Howard University School of Law. County Commission decided to name equality for all. After graduating from law school, the new Richmond County judicial cen- Mr. POE of Texas. I urge the adop- Judge Ruffin returned to Georgia to ter in Augusta in Jack Ruffin’s honor. tion of this resolution and commend practice law. Judge Ruffin’s selfless and brave pur- the Georgia delegation for bringing it Only 3 years into his legal career, he suit of equal justice for everyone forward, Mr. BARROW especially. filed lawsuits to desegregate the public earned him the respect and admiration I yield back the balance of my time. school systems of Richmond County of generations to come. I urge my col- Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I join with and Burke County in Georgia. After leagues to support this resolution. the gentleman from Texas and thank several additional years of fighting for I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BARROW for bringing the resolu- civil rights, Judge Ruffin became the Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 tion. Gentlemen such as Judge Ruffin first African American member of the minutes to the distinguished gen- need to be remembered and others en- Augusta Bar Association. After 33 tleman from Georgia (Mr. BARROW). couraged to follow in their footsteps. years of practicing law, Judge Ruffin Mr. BARROW. I thank the gentleman And that is important. was administered the oath of office and for yielding. So I yield back the balance of my took the bench as the 62nd judge of the Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support time and ask all of my colleagues to Court of Appeals of the State of Geor- of H. Res. 1087, a resolution honoring join me in voting ‘‘aye’’ on House Reso- gia. the life of my good friend, Judge Jack lution 1087. He made history as the first African Ruffin of Augusta, Georgia. Judge The SPEAKER pro tempore. The American Superior Court Judge in the Ruffin passed away on January 29 at question is on the motion offered by Augusta Judicial Circuit, and later the age of 75. He had a long and distin- the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. made history again when he served as guished career of service in Georgia, COHEN) that the House suspend the the first African American Chief Judge and he will truly be missed. rules and agree to the resolution, H. of the Georgia Court of Appeals. At the Jack Ruffin was born in the middle of Res. 1087. time of his death, Judge Ruffin held a the Great Depression, and spent his The question was taken; and (two- teaching position at Morehouse Col- formative years in the town of Waynes- thirds being in the affirmative) the lege, still actively engaged in inspiring boro, Georgia. He left home to attend rules were suspended and the resolu- those to follow. Morehouse College, and graduated in tion was agreed to. To honor all of Judge Ruffin’s accom- 1957. At the time his mother wanted A motion to reconsider was laid on plishments, the new Richmond County him to be a teacher, but Jack Ruffin the table. judicial center will be named in his had other plans. He moved to Wash- f honor. We mourn his passing, but are ington, D.C., attended Howard Univer- BANKRUPTCY JUDGESHIP ACT OF pleased to honor his many civil rights sity School of Law, and got his J.D. de- 2010 and legal accomplishments today. He gree in 1960. Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to stands, as did Thurgood Marshall and Jack Ruffin could have built a suc- suspend the rules and pass the bill others, as great individuals who used cessful law practice anywhere in the (H.R. 4506) to authorize the appoint- the courts to advance civil rights. country, but he decided to return home ment of additional bankruptcy judges, I urge my colleagues to support this to the deeply segregated City of Au- and for other purposes, as amended. important resolution, and I reserve the gusta to practice law. Throughout the course of his career, Jack Ruffin fo- The Clerk read the title of the bill. balance of my time. The text of the bill is as follows: Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I cused on rooting out the racial preju- H.R. 4506 yield myself such time as I may con- dice and discrimination which still sume. held a firm grip on the political and Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- resentatives of the United States of America in I rise in support of House Resolution economic livelihood of our State. Jack Congress assembled, 1087, which honors the life of Judge Ruffin fought for his own right to prac- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Jack Ruffin. Judge Ruffin was a pio- tice his profession, and became the This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Bankruptcy neering civil rights lawyer in his com- first black lawyer admitted to the Au- Judgeship Act of 2010’’. munity, and his impact on the civil gusta Bar Association and the first SEC. 2. ADDITIONAL PERMANENT OFFICES OF rights movement affects many today. black Superior Court Judge in the Au- BANKRUPTCY JUDGES. He was born in Waynesboro, Georgia, gusta Judicial Circuit. But more im- Section 152(a)(2) of title 28, United States where his portrait today hangs in the portantly, he fought for the rights of Code, is amended— Burke County Courthouse. Growing up everyone in the community. Among (1) in the item relating to the eastern and western districts of Arkansas by striking ‘‘3’’ in the Deep South, his mother wanted other causes he took on, he was the and inserting ‘‘4’’, him to be a school teacher and not a lawyer who desegregated the Richmond (2) in the item relating to the eastern dis- lawyer because she feared for his safe- and Burke County public school sys- trict of California by striking ‘‘6’’ and insert- ty. But not to be intimidated, Judge tems. ing ‘‘8’’,

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:40 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.026 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1236 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 (3) in the item relating to the district of The temporary offices of bankruptcy judges The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Delaware by striking ‘‘1’’ and inserting ‘‘6’’, established by section 3(a) of Public Law 102– objection to the request of the gen- (4) in the item relating to the middle dis- 361 (28 U.S.C. 152 note) for the following dis- tleman from Tennessee? trict of Florida by striking ‘‘8’’ and inserting tricts are hereby converted so as to be in- There was no objection. ‘‘9’’, cluded in the permanent offices of bank- Mr. COHEN. I yield myself such time (5) in the item relating to the northern dis- ruptcy judges that are added by the amend- trict of Florida by striking ‘‘1’’ and inserting ments made by section 2 with respect to the as I may consume. ‘‘2’’, corresponding districts: Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4506, the Bank- (6) in the item relating to the southern dis- (1) The district of Delaware. ruptcy Judgeship Act of 2010, provides trict of Florida by striking ‘‘5’’ and inserting (2) The district of New Hampshire. new resources for bankruptcy courts to ‘‘7’’, (3) The eastern district of Tennessee. handle the growing number and com- (7) in the item relating to the northern dis- SEC. 4. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN TEMPORARY OF- plexity of bankruptcy cases. This econ- trict of Georgia by striking ‘‘8’’ and insert- FICES OF BANKRUPTCY JUDGES ES- omy has resulted in many people hav- ing ‘‘10’’, TABLISHED BY PUBLIC LAW 109–8. ing to seek bankruptcy who never (a) EXTENSIONS.—The temporary offices of (8) in the item relating to the southern dis- would have dreamed they would have trict of Georgia by striking ‘‘2’’ and insert- bankruptcy judges established for the east- ing ‘‘3’’, ern district of Pennsylvania and the middle before. And the complexity of the (9) in the item relating to the district of district of North Carolina by section cases, from our major automobile man- Maryland by striking ‘‘4’’ and inserting ‘‘7’’, 1223(b)(1) of Public Law 109–8 (28 U.S.C. 152 ufacturers on through other reorga- (10) in the item relating to the eastern dis- note) are extended until the 1st vacancy oc- nizations, have grown in complexity trict of Michigan by striking ‘‘4’’ and insert- curring in the office of a bankruptcy judge in for the bankruptcy judges to be in- ing ‘‘7’’, the respective district resulting from the volved in. (11) in the item relating to the northern death, retirement, resignation, or removal of The bill authorizes the creation of 13 district of Mississippi by striking ‘‘1’’ and in- a bankruptcy judge and occurring 5 years or new permanent bankruptcy judges, the more after the date of the enactment of this serting ‘‘2’’, conversion of 22 temporary judgeships (12) in the item relating to the district of Act. Nevada by striking ‘‘3’’ and inserting ‘‘5’’, (b) APPLICABILITY OF OTHER PROVISIONS.— to permanent judgeships, and the ex- (13) in the item relating to the district of Except as provided in subsection (a), all tension of two judgeships for another 5 New Hampshire by striking ‘‘1’’ and insert- other provisions of section 1223(b) of Public years. The act will help bankruptcy ing ‘‘2’’, Law 109–8 (28 U.S.C. 152 note) remain applica- courts in 25 different Federal judicial (14) in the item relating to the district of ble to the temporary offices of bankruptcy districts around this country. New Jersey by striking ‘‘8’’ and inserting judges referred to in subsection (a). Bankruptcies had been steadily on ‘‘9’’, SEC. 5. PAYGO OFFSET. the rise since October 2006. These (15) in the item relating to the northern (a) BANKRUPTCY FILING FEES.—Section events, bankruptcies rising and the fi- district of New York by striking ‘‘2’’ and in- 1930(a) of title 28, United States Code, is nancial crisis, combined with the con- amended— serting ‘‘3’’, tinuing mortgage foreclosure crisis, (16) in the item relating to the southern (1) in paragraph (1)— district of New York by striking ‘‘9’’ and in- (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ‘‘$245’’ consumer credit problems, and health serting ‘‘10’’, and inserting ‘‘$246’’, and care crises, have exacerbated this trend (17) in the item relating to the eastern dis- (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ‘‘$235’’ significantly and caused the bank- trict of North Carolina by striking ‘‘2’’ and and inserting ‘‘$236’’, and ruptcy courts much additional work. inserting ‘‘3’’, (2) in paragraph (3) by striking ‘‘$1,000’’ and According to the Administrative Of- (18) in the item relating to the western dis- inserting ‘‘$1,042’’. fice of the United States Courts, bank- trict of North Carolina by striking ‘‘2’’ and (b) UNITED STATES TRUSTEE FUND.—Sec- ruptcy filings increased by over 300,000 tion 589a(b) of title 28, United States Code, is inserting ‘‘3’’, from fiscal year 2008 to fiscal year 2009. (19) in the item relating to the middle dis- amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— That is a 34.5 percent increase in 1 trict of Pennsylvania by striking ‘‘2’’ and in- year. The previous year they had in- serting ‘‘3’’, (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ‘‘40.46’’ (20) in the item relating to the eastern dis- and inserting ‘‘40.28’’, and creased by 30.2 percent. And the Wall trict of Tennessee by striking ‘‘3’’ and insert- (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ‘‘28.33’’ Street Journal recently reported an- ing ‘‘4’’, and inserting ‘‘28.15’’, and other sharp increase in personal bank- (21) in the item relating to the western dis- (2) in paragraph (2) by striking ‘‘55’’ and in- ruptcy filings in 2009, up 32 percent trict of Tennessee by striking ‘‘4’’ and insert- serting ‘‘52.78’’. from 2008. According to the Wall Street (c) COLLECTION AND DEPOSITION OF MIS- ing ‘‘5’’, Journal, these increases were driven by CELLANEOUS BANKRUPTCY FEES.—Section (22) in the item relating to the eastern dis- high unemployment rates and the con- trict of Virginia by striking ‘‘5’’ and insert- 406(b) of the Judiciary Appropriations Act, 1990 (Public Law 101–162; 28 U.S.C. 1931 note) tinuing housing crisis, both of which ing ‘‘6’’, and have affected not only those on the (23) in the item relating to the southern is amended— district of West Virginia by striking ‘‘1’’ and (1) by striking ‘‘28.87’’ and inserting economic margins, but also a growing inserting ‘‘2’’. ‘‘28.74’’, number of middle class families who (2) by striking ‘‘35.00’’ and inserting SEC. 3. CONVERSION OF CERTAIN TEMPORARY desire to work but have had to turn to OFFICES OF BANKRUPTCY JUDGES ‘‘34.77’’, and our Nation’s bankruptcy system for TO PERMANENT OFFICES. (3) by striking ‘‘25’’ and inserting ‘‘23.99’’. help as a last resort. (a) CONVERSION OF CERTAIN TEMPORARY OF- SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATES. In addition to the growing numbers FICES ESTABLISHED BY PUBLIC LAW 109–8.— (a) GENERAL EFFECTIVE DATE.—Except as of bankruptcy cases, the cases have The temporary offices of bankruptcy judges provided in subsection (b), this Act and the established by section 1223(b)(1) of Public amendments made by this Act shall take ef- also grown more complex, particularly Law 109–8 (28 U.S.C. 152 note) for the fol- fect on the date of the enactment of this Act. in business bankruptcies. As I men- lowing districts are hereby converted so as (b) SPECIAL EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amend- tioned earlier, in 2009 two of the big to be included in the permanent offices of ments made by section 5 shall take effect 180 three, General Motors and Chrysler, bankruptcy judges that are added by the days after the date of the enactment of this two companies upon which tens of amendments made by section 2 with respect Act. thousands of workers, thousands of to the corresponding districts: The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- dealers, hundreds of suppliers, and (1) The eastern district of California. ant to the rule, the gentleman from (2) The district of Delaware. many communities across this Nation (3) The southern district of Florida. Tennessee (Mr. COHEN) and the gen- depended for their livelihoods, went (4) The southern district of Georgia. tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) each will through quick but nonetheless intense (5) The district of Maryland. control 20 minutes. bankruptcy processes. Bankruptcy (6) The district of New Jersey. The Chair recognizes the gentleman courts performed admirably but under (7) The northern district of New York. from Tennessee. strain. (8) The southern district of New York. GENERAL LEAVE Outside the automobile industry, as I (9) The eastern district of North Carolina. Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- mentioned earlier, businesses such as (10) The middle district of Pennsylvania. imous consent that all Members have 5 Delta Airlines to Lehman Brothers to (11) The western district of Tennessee. legislative days to revise and extend Circuit City have all turned to bank- (12) The eastern district of Virginia. (13) The district of Nevada. their remarks and include extraneous ruptcy for relief in recent years, with (b) CONVERSION OF CERTAIN TEMPORARY OF- material on the bill under consider- the same kind of extraordinary burden FICES ESTABLISHED BY PUBLIC LAW 102–361.— ation. imposed on the bankruptcy courts.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:40 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.007 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1237 While the workload for bankruptcy b 1145 This legislation creates 13 new perma- courts is increasing, judicial resources But I would urge in the future we nent bankruptcy judgeships and con- are in danger of decreasing. Many cur- rely on something other than bank- verts 22 of the existing temporary rent bankruptcy judgeships are author- ruptcy filing fee increases to pay for judgeships to permanent status. It also ized on a temporary basis, and some new bankruptcy judgeships. The last provides a 5-year extension for two are set to expire soon. A well-func- time Congress addressed the issue of temporary judgeships. tioning bankruptcy system is abso- bankruptcy judgeships was 5 years ago Finally, this bill will not present any lutely essential to helping individuals when it authorized 28 temporary judge- new cost for the taxpayers. The in- and businesses weather our Nation’s ships in the Bankruptcy Abuse Preven- creased cost of these judgeships are current economic difficulties. Having a tion and Consumer Protection Act of paid by an increase in chapter 7, chap- sufficient number of bankruptcy judges 2005. Those temporary judgeships are ter 11, and chapter 13 bankruptcy filing is a key to making the system work, now about to expire. fees. Those who do business in the and has never been more important Moreover, the last time Congress au- courts will be paying the extra bur- than today. thorized new permanent bankruptcy dens, not the taxpayers. H.R. 4506, the Bankruptcy Judgeship judgeships was in 1992. It is well past We need a bankruptcy system that Act of 2010, addresses these needs by the time that we address the critical has a sufficient number of judges to authorizing the creation of 13 new per- issue of bankruptcy judgeships needs, manage the system’s caseload in a just, manent bankruptcy judgeships and the and I am pleased that we are able to do economical, and timely manner. This conversion of 22 temporary judgeships so today. bill helps ensure that we have such a to permanent judgeships. Additionally, I thank the Judiciary Committee system. I urge my colleagues to adopt it extends the temporary authorization chairman, JOHN CONYERS, and Ranking this legislation. Mr. Speaker, we have no other speak- for two judgeships for another 5 years. Member LAMAR SMITH for being origi- ers, and I yield back the balance of my These new, converted, and extended nal cosponsors of this important legis- time. bankruptcy judgeships reflect the rec- lation and our Judiciary Committee Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I appre- ommendations of the Judicial Con- working in a bipartisan fashion to pass ciate the bipartisanship under which ference of the United States. Those rec- the bill. I also thank TRENT FRANKS, we have worked on this bill. I thank ommendations in turn are the culmina- the ranking member of the Judiciary Mr. POE and the minority ranking tion of an extensive and careful survey Subcommittee on Commercial and Ad- member, Mr. SMITH, and Chairman and review process that thoroughly as- ministration Law, for his support of CONYERS and the staff who worked on sessed the bankruptcy judgeship needs this bill. I guess it wasn’t an oxymoron this bill, and the Judicial Conference. I of every Federal judicial district in the but an inconsistency. hope that we pass this bill. I call on country. In essence transparent, fair, I urge my colleagues to support this Members to vote ‘‘aye’’ on H.R. 4506 methodical, rational. important legislation. I reserve the balance of my time. and pass the bill. I note that a significant part of the Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I conference’s assessment of bankruptcy in support of this legislation, and I rise today to support H.R. 4506 an act to judges’ workload depends on the use of yield myself such time as I may con- amend the federal judicial code to authorize case weights that were developed al- sume. the appointment of additional permanent bank- most two decades ago, prior to the en- Mr. Speaker, additional permanent ruptcy judges in various states. This legislation actment of the Bankruptcy Abuse Pre- bankruptcy judgeships have not been was introduced by Representative COHEN, my vention and Consumer Protection Act authorized since 1992. The Judicial colleague from Tennessee. As a member of of 2005, which we still labor under. Conference has requested more judge- the judiciary committee, I urge my colleagues BAPCPA created numerous new mo- ships several times and the House has to support this important legislation. tions that bankruptcy judges are now passed legislation to add them; how- As Chair of the Courts and Competition Pol- required to consider. ever, the Senate has not acted on these icy subcommittee of the House Judiciary Com- If anything, the Judicial Conference requests. mittee, I have long championed the increase recommendations may underestimate Since Congress last authorized addi- in federal judgeships across the United States. the need of the workload and the need tional permanent judgeships, judicial In this Congress, I introduced H.R. 3663, The of new bankruptcy judges. In short, the workloads have increased substan- Federal Judgeship Act of 2009, which would conference’s recommendations, as re- tially. The important bankruptcy re- have done exactly this: increase the number flected in the new bankruptcy judge- forms Congress passed in 2005, for ex- of federal judges. ships authorized by H.R. 4506, may ac- ample, called on judges to do more to The U.S. is also in need of more bankruptcy tually be too conservative. prevent abuse. judges. According to Michael J. Melloy, Chair Congress compensated for some of of the Judicial Conference Committee on the To pay for 13 new judgeships, the bill the court’s increasing burden in recent Administration of the Bankruptcy System, ‘‘Ad- also raises the filing fees for chapter 7 years by creating temporary bank- ditional judgeships are critical to ensure that and 13 cases by $1, and for chapter 11 ruptcy judgeships. Many of those the bankruptcy courts have sufficient judicial cases, which are business bankruptcies, judgeships are near their expiration resources to effectively and efficiently adju- by $42. While I understand that filing dates. dicate the rights and responsibilities of parties fees are needed for the successful oper- The time has come for Congress to in bankruptcy cases and proceedings’’. New ation of the bankruptcy system, I be- address bankruptcy judgeships needs bankruptcy judgeships have not been author- lieve they are already too high, par- on a permanent basis. Bankruptcy ized by Congress since 1992, yet case filings ticularly for consumer debtors seeking judges are essential to the bankruptcy have increased by 61 percent. bankruptcy relief because they are in process. They make certain that the The current recession has had an adverse dire straits. In this one instance we ul- process is fair and impartial to those effect on the Bankruptcy Court system. The timately determined that a fee in- who come before the bankruptcy courts are now faced with much more complex crease was the only practical way to courts. It is also their job to ensure and time-consuming bankruptcy cases, not to get the needed judgeships in a timely that the bankruptcy courts effectively mention an increase in volume of cases. This manner, which will allow for the effi- adjudicate parties’ rights and respon- has led to more cases per judge than they are cient functioning of the bankruptcy sibilities. able to handle. It is therefore necessary that system to the ultimate benefit of debt- This bill is based on a comprehensive we act and authorize additional bankruptcy ors. study done by the Judicial Conference. judges. So in passing a bankruptcy system, The conference has assured us that its In addition to authorizing new judges, H.R. we wanted to have funds to make it request comes only after taking steps 4506 would also convert certain temporary of- self-sufficient. To put the bankruptcy to maximize all other alternatives to fices of bankruptcy judges to permanent of- system of our country in bankruptcy reduce judicial workloads. fices, extend certain temporary offices of while saving the bankruptcy system There are currently 352 bankruptcy bankruptcy judges, reduce the amount of seemed like an oxymoron. judges, including 36 temporary judges. bankruptcy fees to be deposited as offsetting

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:55 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.029 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1238 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 collections to the United States Trustee Sys- roles in the Camarena murder, including The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tem Fund, and increase bankruptcy filing fees. former high ranking Mexican Government objection to the request of the gen- All of this would lead to a better and more effi- officials, cartel drug lords, lieutenants, and tleman from Tennessee? soldiers; cient bankruptcy judicial system. There was no objection. Whereas of the 22 individuals indicted in Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- My state of Georgia has the third highest Los Angeles, 8 have been convicted and are personal bankruptcy rate in the nation. Ac- imprisoned in the United States, 6 have been self such time as I may consume. cording to the National Bankruptcy Research incarcerated in Mexico and considered fugi- Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 1115 Center, Georgia’s federal bankruptcy courts tives as a result of outstanding warrants in expresses appreciation for the profound handled 66,925 filings during the first 11 the United States, 4 are believed deceased, 1 dedication and public service of months of 2009. This was 22 percent higher was acquitted at trial, and 3 remain fugitives Enrique ‘‘Kiki’’ Camarena on the 25th than the same period of 2008. This resolution believed to be residing in Mexico; anniversary of his passing. will give the bankruptcy judicial system the re- Whereas an additional 25 individuals were On February 7, 1985, Special Agent arrested, convicted, and imprisoned in Mex- Enrique Camarena, known to his sources necessary to review cases in a thor- ico for their involvement in the Camarena ough yet timely manner, and turn the hectic murder; friends as Kiki, left the American con- bankruptcy process into a much more man- Whereas the men and women of the DEA sulate in Guadalajara to meet his wife, ageable one. I urge my colleagues to join me will continue to seek justice for the murder Mika, for lunch. As Kiki walked to his in support of this legislation, and vote in the of Special Agent Camarena; truck, he was approached by five men affirmative for H.R. 4506, the Bankruptcy Whereas fugitives Guillermo Chavez- who kidnapped him and sped away. He Judgeship Act of 2010. Sanchez and Ricardo Chavez-Sanchez are was found dead on March 5, 1985, after Mr. COHEN. I yield back the balance still wanted as hostile material witnesses in being tortured and brutally beaten by of my time. Los Angeles, California; his captors. Kiki was 37 years of age— The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Whereas during his 11-year career with the DEA, Special Agent Camarena received 2 survived by his wife and three children, question is on the motion offered by Sustained Superior Performance Awards, a Enrique, Daniel, and Erik. the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Special Achievement Award and, post- During his 11 years with the DEA, COHEN) that the House suspend the humously, the Administrator’s Award of Kiki received two Sustained Superior rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4506, as Honor, the highest award granted by DEA; Performance Awards and a Special amended. Whereas prior to joining the DEA, Special Achievement Award as well. He also re- The question was taken. Agent Camarena served 2 years in the U.S. ceived posthumously the Administra- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Marine Corps, as well as serving as a fireman tor’s Award of Honor, the highest opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in Calexico, a police investigator, and a nar- award granted by the Drug Enforce- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. cotics investigator for the Imperial County Sheriff Coroner; ment Agency. Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, on that, I Whereas Red Ribbon Week, nationally rec- Mr. Camarena was born on July 26, demand the yeas and nays. ognized since 1988 and now the oldest and 1947, in Mexicali, Mexico. He graduated The yeas and nays were ordered. largest drug prevention program in the Na- from Calexico High School in Calexico, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tion, reaching millions of young people each California, in 1966. In 1968, he joined ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the year and celebrated annually from October the U.S. Marine Corps, and after serv- Chair’s prior announcement, further 23 to 31, was established to help preserve ing 2 years, he joined the Calexico Po- proceedings on this motion will be Special Agent Camarena’s memory and fur- lice Department as a criminal investi- postponed. ther the cause for which he gave his life, the fight against drug crime and addiction; and gator in 1970. f Whereas Special Agent Camarena will be In May 1973, he started working as a EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR remembered as an honorable public servant, narcotics investigator with the El ENRIQUE ‘‘KIKI’’ CAMARENA his sacrifice should also be a reminder every Centro Police Department. He stayed October during Red Ribbon Week of the dan- there until 1974, when he joined the Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to gers associated with drug use and traf- DEA. suspend the rules and agree to the reso- ficking: Now, therefore, be it His first assignment as a special lution (H. Res. 1115) expressing appre- Resolved, That the House of Representa- agent with DEA was in Calexico, Cali- ciation for the profound dedication and tives— fornia. In 1977, he was reassigned to the (1) expresses appreciation for the profound public service of Enrique ‘‘Kiki’’ Fresno district office in northern Cali- Camarena on the 25th anniversary of dedication and public service of Enrique ‘‘Kiki’’ Camarena on the 25th anniversary of fornia. After working in the Fresno of- his death. fice, he was later assigned to the Gua- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- his death; (2) offers its deepest sympathy and appre- dalajara, Mexico, DEA office for 41⁄2 tion. ciation to his wife, Geneva, his three chil- years and worked undercover on the The text of the resolution is as dren, Enrique, Daniel, and Erik, and to the trail of the country’s biggest mari- follows: entire family, friends, and former colleagues juana and cocaine traffickers. Before H. RES. 1115 of the Drug Enforcement Administration; being kidnapped, Kiki was extremely Whereas in March 1985, Drug Enforcement (3) encourages communities and organiza- tions throughout the United States to com- close to unlocking a multibillion-dollar Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique drug pipeline. ‘‘Kiki’’ Camarena made the ultimate sac- memorate the sacrifice of Special Agent rifice in the fight against illicit drugs; Camarena through the promotion of drug- Officer Camarena gave his life in the Whereas Special Agent Camarena, an 11- free communities and participation in drug fight against drug traffickers, and after year veteran special agent of the DEA, was prevention activities to support healthy, his death, many people wanted to do kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in the productive, and drug-free lifestyles; and something to remember the ultimate line of duty; (4) directs the Clerk of the House to trans- sacrifice he made. Soon after his death, Whereas Special Agent Camarena joined mit a copy of this resolution to the family of people everywhere started wearing red Enrique ‘‘Kiki’’ Camarena. the DEA in June 1974 as an agent with the ribbons to symbolize their commit- Calexico, California, District Office; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ment to help reduce the demand for Whereas Special Agent Camarena was as- ant to the rule, the gentleman from drugs in their communities. The act of signed to the Fresno District Office in Sep- Tennessee (Mr. COHEN) and the gen- tember 1977, and transferred to the Guadala- wearing red ribbons took on national tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) each will jara Resident Office in July 1981; significance and grew into what is now Whereas, on February 7, 1985, when leaving control 20 minutes. known as the Red Ribbon Campaign. the Guadalajara Resident Office to join his The Chair recognizes the gentleman During Red Ribbon Week, Kiki is re- wife Geneva for lunch, Special Agent from Tennessee. membered as a man who wanted to Camarena was surrounded by 5 armed men, GENERAL LEAVE make a difference in the war on drugs, forced into a vehicle and taken away; Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- and his legacy still lives on. Whereas the body of Special Agent imous consent that all Members may In honor of Kiki Camarena’s legacy Camarena was discovered on March 5, 1985, on a ranch approximately 60 miles southeast have 5 legislative days in which to re- and in recognition of the 25th anniver- of Guadalajara, Mexico; vise and extend their remarks and in- sary of his death, I urge my colleagues Whereas to date, 22 individuals have been clude extraneous material on the reso- to join me in supporting H. Res. 1115. indicted in Los Angeles, California, for their lution under consideration. I reserve the balance of my time.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:55 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.039 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1239 Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank this family for sharing with our Today, Agent Camarena is perhaps yield myself such time as I may con- country a man who truly is an Amer- the best-known hero of the war on sume. ican hero. drugs, and his story continues to in- Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart To the individuals who continue to spire millions of Americans to lead that I rise in support of H. Res. 1115, pursue those who abducted and tor- drug-free lives. In fact, shortly after honoring the legacy of Enrique ‘‘Kiki’’ tured and murdered Special Agent his death, Camarena Clubs were Camarena on the 25th anniversary of Camarena, we thank them, we support launched throughout southern Cali- his murder. them, and we have committed to those fornia. Hundreds of club members wore Words are not sufficient to express individuals that we will not rest until red ribbons and pledged to lead drug- the debt that our country owes to Spe- the perpetrators are brought to justice free lives in honor of Agent Camarena cial Agent Camarena and to his family. and tried for their evil deeds. and others who gave their lives for the His life of selfless service, courage of To our Nation’s law enforcement offi- same purpose. In 1985, club members conviction, and dedication to pro- cers, we thank them for risking their presented a proclamation to First Lady tecting the American people will be re- lives each day to protect our lives and Nancy Reagan which brought the club membered in our hearts and minds for- the lives of our loved ones. Their sac- national recognition, and ultimately ever. rifices and the sacrifices of their fami- prompted thousands of schools, com- Twenty-five years ago, Agent lies shall always be remembered. munities, and States to recognize Red Camarena gave his life in the line of Across our Nation, there are countless Ribbon Week, now celebrated during duty after he was abducted. He was tor- stories of men and women who have the last week of October. tured and eventually was murdered. given their time, their resources, and b 1200 Agent Camarena was working under- their lives to protect and defend Amer- cover as a DEA special agent gaining ica. So on this anniversary of Agent valuable intelligence and evidence Although we each have only one life Camarena’s death, let us take time to against Mexican drug cartels when he to live, Special Agent Kiki Camarena honor the contribution and profound was kidnapped in broad daylight on a has shown us the difference that one dedication and public service of street in Guadalajara, Mexico. It is be- individual can make. Although we re- Enrique ‘‘Kiki’’ Camarena on the 25th lieved that he was tortured for around member Special Agent Camarena’s anniversary of his death. 2 days, and eventually he was bludg- tragic death today, I am encouraged by I would like to offer my deepest sym- eoned to death. his life and the lives of so many who pathy and appreciation to his wife, Ge- We honor his life, we mourn his have dedicated themselves to public neva, and his three children—Enrique, death, and we renew our commitment service. Without the sacrifices of these who is a prosecutor, Daniel and Erik— to ensure that his legacy is never for- brave men and women, America would and the entire family, friends, and gotten. not be what we are today. I urge my former colleagues at the Drug Enforce- When asked why he wanted to be a colleagues to support this resolution. ment Administration. DEA agent, Special Agent Camarena I reserve the balance of my time. It is important that we focus on se- replied, ‘‘Even if I am only one person, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without curing and enforcing our southern bor- I can make a difference.’’ Thousands of objection, the gentleman from Georgia der so that these past sacrifices and fu- individuals across our Nation can at- (Mr. JOHNSON) will control the time. ture endeavors by those in the DEA are test to the difference he has made in There was no objection. not in vain. Mr. Speaker, we in San their lives. Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- Diego are honored to be home to this Every day and every night, law en- er, I reserve the balance of my time. legacy of ‘‘Kiki’’ Camarena and his forcement officers across this Nation Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I family. go to work aware of the dangers they yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- face. These brave men and brave California (Mr. HUNTER), the sponsor of er, I yield back the balance of my time. women put their lives at risk so the this legislation. Mr. POE of Texas. I yield myself such rest of us can sleep better at night and Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank time as I may consume. live safer lives. As we go about our the gentleman from Texas, a great Mr. Speaker, the special agents that daily lives, as we sleep in the safety of prosecutor and judge in his own right. work in the Drug Enforcement Admin- our homes, these individuals fight Mr. Speaker, we are all familiar with istration, the DEA, are special agents against the violence that threatens our the dangerous duties undertaken by indeed. Many times they work alone, neighborhoods, our communities, and the men and women of the Drug En- they work deep undercover, they work our loved ones. And much of that vio- forcement Administration. Oftentimes, not only in the United States, but in lence is drug related. their accomplishments go unnoticed, foreign countries, and they work for I stand before the House today with but these agents continue making sig- the sole purpose of trying to capture heartfelt gratitude for every law en- nificant contributions to the seemingly those outlaws who are in the drug busi- forcement officer who serves the com- unending effort to protect our commu- ness, who, in the name of money, try to munities throughout this country, and nities from drug crime and addiction. sell their wares and profit on that ille- especially for those who have given This is a responsibility that DEA gal enterprise. They are an inter- their lives in the line of duty for the agent Enrique ‘‘Kiki’’ Camarena took national crime cartel syndicate. Our rest of us. seriously over the course of his career DEA agents do a wonderful job. We As we take a moment to pause and in law enforcement. It was 25 years ago sometimes forget the work that they reflect on the heroic life and tragic this March that agent Camarena’s body do. This is just one of many who have death of this individual, the drug car- was discovered after he was kidnapped worked and dedicated their lives to tels continue. They continue to wage by armed men in front of the U.S. con- helping protect the rest of us. war on our borders and threaten the sulate in Guadalajara, Mexico. He had As my friend from California (Mr. safety of so many people, and they do been severely tortured by his captors. HUNTER) has pointed out, much of this so all in the name of money. Yet they More than two dozen people, including violence occurs on our borders because will soon come to learn that our pur- Mexican Government officials, cartel the drug cartels operate on inter- suit of justice will not waiver and it leaders, and associates were convicted national borders, on our border with will not weaken just because they con- for Agent Camarena’s murder. Still, his Mexico especially. Because the drug tinue their criminal enterprises north memory has not been forgotten. cartels, in the name of money, are very and south of our borders. The circumstances surrounding his violent, they are well armed, they are To the family of Special Agent death are a vivid reminder of the vio- well financed, and they will do any- Camarena, we share in their grief and lence and danger attributable to illegal thing in their relentless effort to bring we will ensure that his legacy lives on. drugs, whether it is directly along our drugs into the United States. We will relentlessly fight against the borders, in our neighborhoods, or with- We need to be aware that they have drug cartels and the border violence in the homes of families facing the committed a war against the United that they have caused. We want to struggles of addiction. States and all people who oppose their

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:55 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.041 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1240 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 activities. And so it is quite appro- Drug Enforcement Administration earning him States Marshal Richard J. ‘‘Joe’’ Gardner, priate that today we honor and com- the distinguished Administrator’s Award of and the law enforcement officers who re- memorate the life of one of those spe- Honor. sponded to the attack prevented additional cial agents who gave his life trying to In February 1985, Mr. Camarena lost his life harm to innocent bystanders: Now, there- fore, be it protect us from the drug cartels. in the line of duty. I had the opportunity to at- Resolved, That the House of Representa- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am a tend a memorial for Mr. Camarena and wit- tives— proud original cosponsor of H. Res. 1115. ness the impact his sacrifice made and hear (1) commends the brave actions and quick As my colleagues have explained, this reso- from some of the many lives he touched. I am thinking exhibited by Court Security Officer lution recognizes the life and public service of glad that twenty-five years after this tragedy, Stanley Cooper during the assault at the en- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Spe- his passion and spirit still live on. His commit- trance of the Lloyd D. George Federal Court- cial Agent Enrique ‘‘Kiki’’ Camarena. ment to fighting drugs inspired millions of peo- house; On February 7, 1985, Special Agent (2) offers its deepest condolences to the ple around the world to live drug-free lives. family and friends of Court Security Officer Camarena was on his way to meet his wife for We must continue to honor this legacy by pro- Stanley Cooper, who valiantly gave his life lunch when he was kidnapped outside the moting drug-free communities and supporting in the line of duty; U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara, Mexico by five healthy drug-free lifestyles. (3) commends Deputy United States Mar- armed men. Again, I would like to express my apprecia- shal Richard J. ‘‘Joe’’ Gardner for his ac- Almost a month later, his body was discov- tion for the outstanding service Mr. Camarena tions and bravery in responding to the as- ered on a ranch nearly 50 miles away, brutally provided for this nation and offer my support sault; murdered by the same kind of violent drug and deepest condolences to his wife, children, (4) wishes Deputy United States Marshal traffickers he had dedicated his life to fighting. and to the entire family, friends, and former Richard J. ‘‘Joe’’ Gardner a speedy recovery from the wounds he sustained in the line of This month marks 25 years since that fateful colleagues at the Drug Enforcement Adminis- duty; and day. tration. (5) applauds the Court Security Officers As an 11-year veteran of the DEA, Special Mr. POE of Texas. With that, Mr. and members of the United States Marshals Agent Camarena received two Sustained Su- Speaker, I yield back the balance of Service and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police perior Performance Awards, a Special my time. Department for their brave and courageous Achievement Award and, posthumously, the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. actions in responding to the assault at the Administrator’s Award of Honor, the highest SALAZAR). The question is on the mo- Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse. award granted by DEA. tion offered by the gentleman from The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Prior to joining the DEA, he served in the Tennessee (Mr. COHEN) that the House ant to the rule, the gentleman from U.S. Marine Corps, as a fireman, a police in- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Georgia (Mr. JOHNSON) and the gen- vestigator, and a narcotics investigator. lution, H. Res. 1115. tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) each will Special Agent Camarena was deeply com- The question was taken; and (two- control 20 minutes. mitted to public service throughout his life. thirds being in the affirmative) the The Chair recognizes the gentleman In honor of his memory, each October, thou- rules were suspended and the resolu- from Georgia. sands of schools, communities, and state and tion was agreed to. GENERAL LEAVE local drug abuse prevention organizations cel- A motion to reconsider was laid on Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- ebrate Red Ribbon Week. the table. er, I ask unanimous consent that all Further, the anniversary of Special Agent f Members have 5 legislative days to re- Camarena’s death reminds us of the impor- HONORING OFFICERS’ ACTIONS vise and extend their remarks and in- tance of continuing the close cooperation be- DURING LAS VEGAS COURT- clude extraneous material on the reso- tween the United States and Mexico in fighting HOUSE ASSAULT lution under consideration. the narcotraffickers. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there The Me´rida Initiative, a partnership between Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- objection to the request of the gen- the Government of Mexico and the United er, I move to suspend the rules and tleman from Georgia? States, has been successful in presenting new agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1061) There was no objection. opportunities for expert collaboration on these honoring the heroic actions of Court Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- fronts. Security Officer Stanley Cooper, Dep- er, I yield myself such time as I may Through operations such as Operation Fire- uty United States Marshal Richard J. consume. wall and Operation Panama Express, the DEA ‘‘Joe’’ Gardner, the law enforcement Mr. Speaker, this resolution honors and Mexican law enforcement authorities are officers of the United States Marshals the heroic actions of Court Security dismantling drug cartels and seizing tons of il- Service and Las Vegas Metropolitan Officer Stanley Cooper, Deputy United legal drugs destined for America’s streets. Police Department, and the Court Se- States Marshal Richard J. ‘‘Joe’’ Gard- I am sure that Special Agent Camarena curity Officers in responding to the ner, the law enforcement officers of the would have been pleased to see how far we armed assault at the Lloyd D. George United States Marshal Service and Las have come. Federal Courthouse on January 4, 2010. Vegas Metropolitan Police Depart- Again, I am proud to be an original cospon- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- ment, as well as the court security offi- sor of this important measure in honor of Spe- tion. cers involved in responding to the cial Agent Enrique ‘‘Kiki’’ Camarena and his The text of the resolution is as fol- armed assault at the Lloyd D. George dedication to public service. lows: Federal Courthouse in Las Vegas, Ne- My most sincere thoughts and prayers are H. RES. 1061 vada, this past January 4, 2010. with his wife, Geneva, his sons Enrique, Dan- Whereas, on January 4, 2010, during an as- On January 4, 2010, a man entered the iel, and Erik, and his entire family. sault at the entrance of the Lloyd D. George lobby of the Lloyd D. George Federal I thank Congressman HUNTER for intro- Federal Courthouse in Las Vegas, Nevada, Courthouse, pulled a shotgun from un- ducing this important measure. Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper was derneath his jacket, and began firing Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, fatally wounded and died heroically in the indiscriminately from outside the secu- line of duty while protecting the employees, I rise today in strong support of House Reso- occupants, and visitors of the courthouse; rity area where visitors pass through lution 1115, which honors the profound dedi- Whereas Deputy United States Marshal the metal detectors. Through a swift cation and public service of Enrique ‘‘Kiki’’ Richard J. ‘‘Joe’’ Gardner was wounded in response, law enforcement officers Camarena on the 25th anniversary of his un- the line of duty while protecting the employ- were able to chase the gunman from timely death. ees, occupants, and visitors of the court- the courthouse and ultimately subdue Mr. Camarena led an exemplary life of serv- house; him. ice to his community and his nation. As a Whereas the Court Security Officers and Court security officers and members member of the Marine Corps, fire fighter, po- members of the United States Marshals of the United States Marshal Service Service and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Po- and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police lice officer, and DEA special agent, he dem- lice Department acted swiftly and bravely to onstrated an extreme passion for fighting subdue the gunman and minimize risk and Department acted bravely to subdue crime and eliminating drugs to ensure the injury to the public; and the gunman and minimize risk and in- safety and well-being of our communities. He Whereas the heroic actions of Court Secu- jury to the public. Without regard for led a commendable 11-year career at the rity Officer Stanley Cooper, Deputy United their own safety, they performed their

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:55 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.043 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1241 duty and protected all who were rity Officer Cooper and Deputy United Officer Cooper had previously served present in the courthouse that day States Marshal Gardner responded im- as a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police of- from the threat of deadly harm mediately with selfless courage, plac- ficer for 26 years and had been a secu- through their swift and effective re- ing the lives of others before their own. rity officer at the courthouse for 15 sponse. Court Security Officer Cooper lived years. He was a familiar face, a friend- Court Security Officer Stanley Coo- his life protecting the lives of other ly hello when you walked in the build- per was a 26-year veteran of the Las people. After 26 years of service with ing, and a person who gave his all to Vegas Metropolitan Police Department the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police De- the job of protecting others. partment, he retired to work at the and worked as a courthouse security Deputy U.S. Marshal Richard J. Las Vegas Courthouse as a security of- officer since 1994. On January 4, 2010, ‘‘Joe’’ Gardner, a member of the U.S. ficer. It was here that Officer Cooper Officer Cooper was fatally wounded and Marshal Service for the past 24 years, died heroically in the line of duty while died valiantly defending the halls of justice. For even after being fatally was also there. He bravely chased after protecting the employees, occupants, the suspect and was shot in the arm. and visitors at the courthouse. Deputy wounded, he continued to try to subdue United States Marshal Richard J. the gunman, ultimately ensuring the The courthouse, which is home to ‘‘Joe’’ Gardner was wounded in the line safety of those that were in the court- many Federal offices and courts, in- of duty while protecting the employ- house that day. We join in the sorrow cluding the U.S. District Court of Ne- ees, occupants, and visitors of the of his family and mourn the loss of this vada, stands for justice and liberty for courthouse. great individual. His legacy of a life all Americans and fairness for all who This slaying and wounding of these dedicated to public service will not be enter. The building opened in 2002 and two officers is a sobering reminder, Mr. forgotten. was one of the first new Federal build- Speaker, that law enforcement officers In the moments that followed the ings to be constructed according to put themselves in dangerous situations fatal shooting, Deputy United States safety standards that went into effect every day in order to protect and serve Marshal Joe Gardner and six other after the tragic Oklahoma City bomb- the citizens of our country. Through members of the United States Marshal ing. Those safety standards, combined our recognition today of the exemplary Service, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police with the bravery of the courthouse se- actions of these officers, we are cele- Department, and court security offi- curity force, ensured that no citizens brating the nameless, unrecognized cers acted swiftly to subdue the gun- were injured, the shooter did not get acts of bravery and service performed man. Deputy United States Marshal past security checkpoints, the situa- every day by our brothers and sisters Joe Gardner suffered gunshot wounds tion was resolved quickly, and all of in law enforcement. to his upper arm. We are grateful his the judges and people who work in the By way of this resolution, the House life was not lost on that tragic day, and building or who were there visiting of Representatives commends the brave we honor his courageous actions as were safe. actions and quick thinking of the court well. I wish Deputy U.S. Marshal Gardner officers, the United States Marshals, The memory of that day serves as a a speedy recovery, and I offer my deep- and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police haunting reminder of the dangers that est condolences to the family of Officer Department in responding to the as- our law enforcement officers face each Stanley Cooper. Today, we honor their sault at the Lloyd D. George Federal day of their lives. In a split second, on brave service to our community. Courthouse. It also extends its deepest a quiet Monday morning, it can turn into a battle between those who seek So I would urge you to join me, as condolences to the family and friends my colleagues, in supporting this reso- of Officer Cooper, who valiantly gave to harm innocent people and those who give their lives fighting to protect lution, a companion of which has al- his life in the line of duty. And it wish- ready been passed by our Senate col- es Deputy Gardner a speedy recovery those same individuals. Today, we honor Officer Cooper, Dep- leagues. from the wounds that he sustained in uty United States Marshal Gardner, the line of duty on that day. Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I re- All of these officers are heroes. We and law enforcement officers across serve the balance of my time. hope their families will take pride, and this country. We remember the high Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- in the case of Officer Cooper, a small price they pay for answering the call of er, I now yield such time as she may duty, and they are on duty every day. measure of consolation and comfort, in The tragic events that occurred on consume to the distinguished congress- the knowledge that their actions were January 4, 2010 will be remembered by woman from Nevada, SHELLEY BERK- recognized by this body and they are all of us. We will not forget the her- LEY. celebrated today. oism and patriotism that was shown by Ms. BERKLEY. I appreciate the con- I urge all of my colleagues to support Officer Cooper, Deputy U.S. Marshal gressman’s yielding. this important resolution. Gardner, and the six other brave men I reserve the balance of my time. I particularly want to thank my col- and women. league from Nevada, DINA TITUS, for in- Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I I urge my colleagues to support this yield myself such time as I may con- troducing this resolution. I think it’s resolution. very important to honor those in Las sume. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Vegas who have given so much to their Mr. Speaker, I rise in total support of my time. House Resolution 1061, honoring the Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- country. heroic actions of Court Security Offi- er, at this time, I yield 5 minutes to Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong cer Stanley Cooper, Deputy United the distinguished representative from support of this resolution and the law States Marshal Richard J. ‘‘Joe’’ Gard- Nevada, DINA TITUS. enforcement personnel who put their ner, the law enforcement officers of the Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today lives at risk every day in order to pro- United States Marshal Service, the Las in strong support of House Resolution tect their fellow Americans. Today, we Vegas Metropolitan Police Depart- 1061. honor two Nevadan heroes, Stanley ment, and the court security officers in As you have heard, on January 4, Cooper and Joe Gardner, for their cou- responding to an armed assault at the 2010, an armed assailant with a history rageous actions while protecting the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse. of violent behavior opened fire at the staff and visitors at the Lloyd George On the morning of January 4, 2010, an Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse in Federal Courthouse in Las Vegas dur- armed gunman walked into the Las downtown Las Vegas. The brave secu- ing an armed assault earlier this year. Vegas Courthouse and opened fire, fa- rity personnel at the courthouse, U.S. Officer Cooper was downed during this tally wounding Court Security Officer marshals, and other emergency re- senseless act of violence and gave his Stanley Cooper and seriously wounding sponders acted quickly and valiantly to life while bravely serving his country. Deputy United States Marshal J. ‘‘Joe’’ ensure the safety of courthouse staff, Gardner. visitors, and other bystanders in the b 1215 The valiant actions of these two men area. Tragically, however, Officer saved the lives of many people and in- Stanley Cooper was fired upon by the We should never forget the heroic nocent civilians in the courthouse. In a gunman and later succumbed to his sacrifice he made, and my thoughts time of tragedy and crisis, Court Secu- wounds. and prayers go out to his family.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:12 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.045 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1242 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 U.S. Marshal Gardner thought quick- of having seen people disagree with SON) that the House suspend the rules ly and acted bravely in responding to what took place in the courthouse and and agree to the resolution, H. Res. the armed assault, and I wish him a of having seen them get out of control. 1061. speedy recovery from the wounds he re- Yet those security officers, those bail- The question was taken; and (two- ceived in the line of duty. iffs, those deputy sheriffs were there to thirds being in the affirmative) the I also commend the other court secu- protect the seat of justice. These are rules were suspended and the resolu- rity officers, U.S. marshals and the Las examples of two of those. One was tion was agreed to. Vegas Metropolitan Police Department killed, and one was wounded in making A motion to reconsider was laid on for their quick and courageous re- sure that justice prevails in our justice the table. sponses to this attack and for pro- system and that the law is not taken f tecting the public and preventing fur- advantage of in a violent manner. ACCELERATING TAX BENEFITS ther loss of life. So we honor those individuals, not FOR DONATIONS TO CHILE This resolution honors these public just these two but the others who EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS servants’ courageous actions and Offi- helped from the Las Vegas Metropoli- cer Cooper’s legacy of bravery and self- tan Police Department and all of those Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I move to lessness. This resolution serves as a court officers who work every day in suspend the rules and pass the bill tribute, not only to Officer Cooper and every courthouse in the United States (H.R. 4783) to accelerate the income tax to U.S. Marshal Gardner, but to all to make sure we have a secure and a benefits for charitable cash contribu- public servants who put their lives on safe justice system. tions for the relief of victims of the the line daily while serving their coun- With that, I yield back the balance of earthquake in Chile, and to extend the try. I encourage my colleagues to sup- my time. period from which such contributions port this measure. Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- for the relief of victims of the earth- If I may take an additional minute, er, January 4, 2010, was a Monday quake in Haiti may be accelerated. to those of our fellow citizens who are morning, the first Monday morning of The Clerk read the title of the bill. so frustrated with their government or the new year. This incident happened The text of the bill is as follows: who are so angry with life or with what that morning. H.R. 4783 is happening in this country or in their Monday mornings are always very lives, there has to be a better way than Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- busy, if not the busiest times, at court- resentatives of the United States of America in this to express your anger and frustra- houses throughout America. People are Congress assembled, tion. coming in to litigate their disputes, to SECTION 1. ACCELERATION OF INCOME TAX BEN- In the aftermath of these tragedies, answer calendar calls, to answer trial EFITS FOR CHARITABLE CASH CON- the government continues to function; TRIBUTIONS FOR RELIEF OF VIC- calendars. There are witnesses who Congress continues to meet; life goes TIMS OF EARTHQUAKE IN CHILE. have been subpoenaed. There are jurors on except for the lives of the perpetra- (a) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of section who have come to court, having been tors. More often than not, they are 170 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, a notified that they need to be there. brought down by those who protect and taxpayer may treat any contribution de- There are courthouse workers. scribed in subsection (b) made after Feb- defend the rest of us. Their families are Of course, you pass through security. ruary 26, 2010, and on or before April 15, 2010, destroyed, and they can’t figure out It’s just like we do here at the United as if such contribution were made on Decem- why their loved ones reacted in this States Capitol and in our legislative of- ber 31, 2009, and not in 2010. manner, and the misery they cause to fice buildings. We pass through secu- (b) CONTRIBUTION DESCRIBED.—A contribu- their innocent fellow citizens, who are tion is described in this subsection if such rity. Sometimes, when people are in a only doing their jobs, is beyond men- contribution is a cash contribution made for tion. hurry, they get a little antsy, and they the relief of victims in areas affected by the So I say to those who are angry and take that out on the security officials. earthquake in Chile on February 27, 2010, for frustrated, do not do this. It creates Though, I will tell you, despite all which a charitable contribution deduction is misery in this country that has no that was ongoing on that morning, allowable under section 170 of the Internal Judge POE, as you well know of these Revenue Code of 1986. place in the United States of America. (c) RECORDKEEPING.—In the case of a con- Again, I offer Officer Cooper’s family things that I just spoke of, on that day, a madman entered the courthouse and tribution described in subsection (b), a tele- my condolences and Officer Gardner a phone bill showing the name of the donee or- very speedy recovery. struck at a very soft part of security, ganization, the date of the contribution, and Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I which is when you walk right in the the amount of the contribution shall be spent 30 years as a prosecutor and as a door and before you go through secu- treated as meeting the recordkeeping re- judge at the courthouse in Houston, all rity. In the midst of all of that activity quirements of section 170(f)(17) of the Inter- in the criminal courts building. I am going on, he killed Officer Stanley Coo- nal Revenue Code of 1986. very familiar with the individuals who per, and he wounded Marshal Joe Gard- SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF PERIOD FROM WHICH work in the courthouse, who protect ner. Had it not been for their selfless CHARITABLE CASH CONTRIBUTIONS FOR RELIEF OF VICTIMS OF EARTH- those who come to the seat of justice, and professional conduct at the time, QUAKE IN HAITI MAY BE ACCELER- to the bar of justice to seek grievances there is no doubt that others could ATED. against our government. have lost their lives or could have been (a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) of section Throughout those years, it became wounded as well. 1 of Public Law 111–126 is amended by strik- obvious to me that, in our country, the So everywhere we have security ing ‘‘before March 1, 2010’’ and inserting ‘‘on way we settle disputes is at the court- checkpoints, the officers who man or before April 15, 2010’’. house where we have two sides, some- those checkpoints deserve our respect. (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment They deserve our cooperation. They de- made by this section shall apply to contribu- times more than two sides, who show tions made after February 28, 2010. up to argue their cases. Then there is a serve our recognition as well for the SEC. 3. BUDGETARY PROVISIONS. ruling by the judge on the law. Yet fine jobs that they do. I want to take (a) STATUTORY PAYGO.—The budgetary ef- sometimes, as in this case, people show this opportunity to let all of those fects of this Act, for the purpose of com- up at the courthouse and wish to take folks on the front lines know that we plying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go matters into their own hands in a vio- here in Congress, regardless of party Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference lent manner. affiliation, appreciate their service to to the latest statement titled ‘‘Budgetary We have folks at the courthouse who us. Effects of PAYGO Legislation’’ for this Act, protect us, not just the lawyers and Lastly, we wish the family of Officer submitted for printing in the Congressional judges, but to protect those people who Cooper, as well as U.S. Deputy Marshal Record by the Chairman of the Committee come to the courthouse to seek justice. Joe Gardner and his family, the best in on the Budget of the House of Representa- tives, provided that such statement has been Those people in our system are called the future. submitted prior to the vote on passage. the security officers, or bailiffs, as they I yield back the balance of my time. (b) EMERGENCY DESIGNATION.— are called in Texas. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The (1) STATUTORY PAYGO.—This Act is des- More than once, unfortunately, I question is on the motion offered by ignated as an emergency requirement pursu- have had the unfortunate opportunity the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. JOHN- ant to section 4(g) of the Statutory Pay-As-

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:55 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.048 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1243 You-Go Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–139; 2 for his safety. He is able to speak Cre- Government working. That is impor- U.S.C. 933(g)). ole to express his interest in Haiti. So tant, but it also takes the American (2) HOUSE PAYGO RULES.—All applicable that’s one way, in addition to my serv- public. provisions in this Act are designated as an ice in the Foreign Aid Agency, that our I had an event in my district, Mr. emergency for purposes of pay-as-you-go principles. family has had contact with the people Speaker, a couple of weeks ago, where of Haiti. we brought together folks to discuss The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Yet I think all of us have had that Haitian relief efforts. My recollection ant to the rule, the gentleman from contact with the people of Haiti since is that there was a Red Cross official Michigan (Mr. LEVIN) and the gen- the catastrophe, the worst of its kind who was there, and she said a very in- tleman from Illinois (Mr. ROSKAM) each on record in the Western Hemisphere, teresting thing. She said that the event will control 20 minutes. and I think all of us very much want to in Haiti, and I know we are talking The Chair recognizes the gentleman be sure that we can express our sup- about Chile today primarily, but she from Michigan. port, our alliance and can give our said the event in Haiti had redefined GENERAL LEAVE charitable contributions. what it means to be local. Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- As to Chile, we could see the im- I thought, Isn’t that interesting? imous consent that all Members have 5 mense devastation. That country was Here we have folks that have responded legislative days to revise and extend prepared for an earthquake of virtually incredibly generously, Americans have, their remarks and to insert extraneous any magnitude; but this magnitude, at the sight and the sounds and the material in the RECORD. one of the very worst in the history of visuals of real suffering in our part of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the country, shook up the country. It the world, and what have they done? objection to the request of the gen- shook up its foundations in many They have taken their checkbook out. tleman from Michigan? places, and it led to the loss of many, They have written a check. They have There was no objection. many lives. donated online. They have donated fa- Mr. LEVIN. I yield myself such time So I come here today on behalf of the mously on their cell phones now in as I may consume. committee and, I think, on behalf of all overwhelming numbers. But I think it Mr. Speaker, Ranking Member DAVID of us in this Congress. I believe the was really poignant when she said local CAMP is not here today because of a gentleman from Illinois and I come contributions and the definition of a death in his family. The distinguished here today on behalf of all of the Amer- local tragedy has been redefined. So gentleman from Illinois is going to be ican people, and we ask that we have here we are today, Republicans and handling the time on the minority side. unanimous consent for this legislation. Democrats together, saying that this is On behalf of my colleague and friend Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of an area where we need to move for- Mr. CAMP and the gentleman from Illi- my time to a distinguished member of ward. nois, I ask that the nonpartisan Joint the committee, my good friend and pal, I know that Mr. CAMP, the ranking Committee on Taxation be asked to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. member from Michigan, would have make available to the public a tech- BLUMENAUER), and I ask unanimous been here, but, as Chairman LEVIN nical explanation of the bill. The tech- consent that he be allowed to control mentioned, he has had a death in the nical explanation expresses the com- that time. family and he has that obligation. I mittee’s understanding and legislative The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there know I speak for an overwhelming ma- intent behind this important bill. It is objection to the request of the gen- jority of Republicans when saying this available on the joint committee’s Web tleman from Michigan? is an area that we should all come to- site at www.jct.gov, and it is listed There was no objection. gether on and move quickly to move under document No. JCX–08–10. this legislation. b 1230 Mr. Speaker, we rise today on this I reserve the balance of my time. very important bill. It would allow for Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I charitable contributions paid to vic- myself such time as I may consume. yield myself such time as I may con- tims of the Chilean earthquake on or (Mr. ROSKAM asked and was given sume. before April 15 of this year, which is permission to revise and extend his re- This has been a particularly difficult the tax return deadline, to be claimed marks.) period of time for all of us as we wit- as deductions on taxpayers’ 2009 tax re- Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I want to nessed the victims of these two enor- turns. Of course, absent this change, thank and congratulate Chairman mous tragedies attempt to repair the taxpayers would need to wait until LEVIN for his leadership on this issue, devastation that resulted from two of next year to claim deductions for these and particularly want to thank him for the largest earthquakes that we have contributions. the gesture of reaching out to the mi- seen in recent times. In addition—and this is very impor- nority on this and hope it is a glimpse As we laid witness to the victims of tant—the bill would provide taxpayers of things to come. the Haiti earthquake in January, I had with a little more time relating to the As the chairman indicated, this is a chance a couple of weeks ago to see victims of the Haitian earthquake so one of these areas that clearly all of for myself the magnitude of the devas- that they could make charitable con- America comes together on. There are tation. As somebody who was on the tributions through April 15, extending ample examples of where we have done scene shortly after the tsunami 5 years it beyond March 1. this in the past, obviously with the tsu- ago, I will say that what I saw in Haiti So let me, if I might, say just a few nami back in 2005, and most recently not only rivaled that, but was actually words. you had members of the Ways and worse than anything I had seen in I think all of us know graphically Means Committee that were on the Banda Aceh or Buket or in Sri Lanka. what is involved here. I checked, and floor together urging us to change the Then, just a few weeks later, we had an the catastrophe in Haiti is the largest Tax Code to accommodate the relief ef- earthquake even larger, an 8.8, rock of its kind on record in the Western forts in Haiti. the country of Chile. Hemisphere. We have also seen the ca- This also is really worthy of us com- But through these tragedies, one tastrophe in Chile. I think all of us ing together quickly in this tax season thing is abundantly clear, and that is want to be sure that the American peo- and allowing Americans to make con- the generosity and compassion of the ple can join together to express their tributions to Chile and, in fact, extend- American people being as strong as alliances with the people of Chile and ing the period of time that they are ever. It is hard to explain, really, the with the people of Haiti. able to make contributions to Haitian impact that we see of these dedicated Like lots of families, our family has relief efforts, all in the context of com- volunteers on the ground, moving to had a connection with both countries. pleting their 2009 tax returns. provide services that in some cases My son Andy has been to Haiti many Why is this important? It is impor- were not available at all prior to the times. He was there as a monitor for tant because in order to bring rescue tragedy. one of the elections when there was im- and recovery in times of great crisis, it Then looking at the earthquake in mense violence, and I was concerned takes more than simply the American Chile last week, the outpouring of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:55 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.018 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1244 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 American support is even more re- we are clarifying that taxpayers mak- egon mentioned, it cleans up this ambi- markable, given the fact that every- ing charitable contributions to victims guity as it relates to contributions on body put all these resources just a few of the Haiti earthquake through the cell phones. It is well thought out, it is days before into Haiti. Clearly, there is text messaging effort will be able to timely, there is an urgency to it, and I no compassion fatigue on the part of rely on their cell phone bill when urge its passage. the American public. claiming a charitable deduction. I yield back the balance of my time. We need to take a step back and real- To be clear, we all know that Ameri- Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I ize that we are talking about almost a cans are not doing this primarily for a would conclude by just saying that I do quarter million people who have died tax deduction. It is the generous spirit appreciate the rapid response of the between the two, and over 1 million of the American public and concern for committee, the bipartisan support, to people displaced, and we are still find- men and women around the world who honor the generosity of Americans in ing the definition of the problem. Par- suffer from tragedy. But providing this both these tragedies, to clean up the ticularly as it relates to Haiti, we are incentive and clarifying the law makes legislation and move it forward. But I going to find that the death toll is like- it a little easier for the families who hope, Mr. Speaker, that this is a sym- ly to grow much higher if we are not have given of themselves and others, bol of a longer-term commitment on able to deal with the problems of water and I would urge my colleagues to sup- the part of this Congress, that we and sanitation. port its passage. match the generosity of spirit of Amer- Here again, American voluntary ef- I reserve the balance of my time. icans and of our partners overseas. We forts from nongovernment organiza- Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I am have seen other countries step forward, tions are providing critical services, pleased to yield such time as he may along with charities and other non- and donations in Haiti alone have al- consume to the gentleman from Flor- governmental organizations. ready reached $1 billion. They enable ida (Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART), a great I am hopeful that we will exhibit a these charitable organizations and non- champion of freedom and hope and res- commitment to follow through after government organizations to expedite cue in the Americas. the initial dust has settled to be full the care and services needed for those Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of partners with other countries, with the who are injured and homeless, to help Florida. I thank my dear friend Mr. people in Chile and Haiti, to deal with our neighbors get to safety and begin ROSKAM for the time, and I simply rise the long and difficult recovery. Lives picking up the pieces and rebuilding to join my voice in praise and com- have been traumatized. There are still their lives. mendation for all those who have made people at risk from disease. I am hope- We must be clear that the road to re- possible that this resolution come to ful that we in Congress will have the covery will not be short in either coun- the floor. I think it speaks very highly support and the follow through to try. We know that we need to expedite of this Congress. make sure that the United States Gov- anything we can for Americans to be Mr. Speaker, there is no more gen- ernment is a full partner with these part of that process. American families erous nation in the world than the other critical areas to make sure that who have given to facilitate the recov- American Nation, the American people. we make life hopefully return to nor- ery ought to know that we are working One sees that generosity time and time mal as quickly as possible for the peo- ple who have suffered this devastation. to show appreciation of that compas- again. As Mr. BLUMENAUER mentioned, Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, as an origi- sion to incent further actions with this we just saw an extraordinary out- nal cosponsor of H.R. 4783, I rise in support adjustment. pouring of generosity toward the peo- As both my colleagues have made ple of Haiti, and then we have seen an- of this bipartisan legislation and urge its imme- clear, but we need to drive home, any other tragedy, and the American peo- diate enactment to support the ongoing recov- ery efforts in Chile and Haiti. contribution after February 26 and be- ple, with regard to Chile, are dem- This bill does two simple things. First, it al- fore April 15 to the victims of the onstrating once again that extraor- lows anybody making a cash contribution for earthquake in Chile, people can claim dinary generosity. earthquake relief in Chile before April 15, So I think it is so appropriate, and these contributions, charitable con- 2010, to receive a charitable deduction for the that is why I rise to commend all of tributions, on the tax return that they qualifying contribution on their 2009 tax return. those that have made this resolution are preparing now for the last tax year. And second, it provides the same tax benefit In addition, the adjustment being possible, to accelerate the deduction to those wishing to support relief efforts in made for Haiti, extending it to April 15, for the donations that Americans have Haiti, by extending the original March 1, 2010, is an important addition. This is in made, extend that policy with regard deadline for Haiti contributions to April 15, keeping with what we did with the tsu- to Haiti and to make it possible with 2010, as well. nami that struck in 2004. regard to the donations that are being These simple steps are consistent with our There is a special provision here that made or have been made or will be nation’s tradition of responding to those in I want to call note to, because we have made for those who have suffered in need and will provide an extra incentive for watched the innovation take place in Chile. Our hearts and our prayers go generous Americans to make timely contribu- the charitable sector. The era of the out to those who suffer in both of those tions to these crises when the assistance is cell phone and text messaging has neighbor, friendly nations. They are needed most. made it possible for hundreds of mil- wonderful people, great friends of the Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, lions of dollars of charitable contribu- United States. I rise in support of H.R. 4783—a bill that will tions to be made through cell phone Remembering the victims, I think accelerate the income tax benefits for chari- text messaging. It enabled people to do the Congress, by this action today, not table cash contributions for the relief of victims it conveniently and quickly. It speeded only takes a step that is consistent of the earthquake in Chile. the aid along and, no doubt in my with the generosity of the American As you know, on Saturday, February 27, mind, it increased the amount of people, but I think makes a very com- 2010, a massive, 8.8 magnitude earthquake, money that went to these people in mendable act. So I simply wanted to one of the largest ever recorded, struck off of need. join my voice of commendation for all the coast of Chile. An estimated 2,000,000 Under current law, obviously, tax- of those who have made this possible. people, including upwards of 1,500,000 dis- payers must receive documentation Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I placed persons, have been directly affected by from the charity or rely on bank have no further requests for time, and the earthquake, the tsunami, and its aftermath. records to claim a deduction on their I reserve the balance of my time. As the casualties continue to grow, there is a tax return, but when you are making a Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, in a nut- great deal of extensive damage to highways, contribution through a text message, shell, this bill does three things then: bridges, apartments, and infrastructure, have the only paper documentation individ- It extends the time period for contribu- led the government of Chile to declare a ‘state uals receive is from the telephone com- tions to Haiti for attribution to a 2009 of catastrophe.’ Since the initial earthquake, pany. Right now, it is unclear whether tax return; it extends the contribution there have been over 100 aftershocks, which individuals will be able to rely on a until April 15th for contributions to include 8 aftershocks registering above a 6.0 telephone bill to claim a charitable de- Chile for relief efforts for the 2009 tax magnitude. These aftershocks continue to af- duction. As a result of this legislation, return; and, as the gentleman from Or- fect the coast and the rest of the country.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:55 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.068 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1245 According to the United States Geological budgets than usual. This legislation will allow GENERAL LEAVE Survey, Concepcion, Chile’s second largest those Americans who have generously do- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I also city, was 70 miles from the earthquake’s epi- nated money to Chile to receive their tax ask unanimous consent that all Mem- center and suffered some of the worst dam- break this year instead of next year. bers be given 5 legislative days in age. Thousands of its residents initially re- In January of 2005, Congress enacted this which to revise and extend their re- mained cut-off from the remainder of the coun- type of relief for individuals that made chari- marks on House Resolution 1146. try without any basic necessities, such as run- table contributions to victims of the Indian The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ning water and electricity. The coastal town of Ocean tsunami that occurred in late December objection to the request of the gen- Dichato and its 4,000 residents were among of 2004. That bill (H.R. 241 in the 109th Con- tleman from Massachusetts? the hardest hit and is 80 percent destroyed. gress) passed the House of Representatives There was no objection. Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, House 80 percent of Talcahuano’s 180,000 residents without objection and subsequently passed the Resolution 1146 provides for the consid- living on the Chilean coast were left homeless Senate by unanimous consent. Additionally, eration of H. Con. Res. 248, directing by the earthquake. Initial estimates of dam- these same benefits were extended to people the President, pursuant to section 5(c) ages range from $15,000,000,000 to who donated to Haiti. I hope that this legisla- of the War Powers Resolution, to re- $30,000,000,000, and basic necessities across tion, like our response to the 2004 tsunami, move the United States Armed Forces the country, including electricity, clean water and January’s earthquake in Haiti will encour- from Afghanistan. The rule provides 3 access, telephone access, and communication age Americans to contribute more money to hours of general debate in the House, Chile. As Haiti starts on its long recovery, systems continue to be restored on a progres- with 90 minutes controlled by Rep- sive basis in many zones. every dollar is critically important. Once again, resentative KUCINICH and 90 minutes Chile’s stringent building codes, which one I am proud to represent such a compassionate controlled by the Committee on For- local architect called ‘our proud building stand- and generous nation. eign Affairs. The rule waives all points ards,’ as well as the Government of Chile’s Mr. BLUMENAUER. I yield back the of order against consideration of the ability to implement them greatly mitigated the balance of my time. concurrent resolution and provides impact of this catastrophic natural event both The SPEAKER pro tempore. The that the concurrent resolution shall be in terms of casualties and physical damage to question is on the motion offered by considered as read. the infrastructure of this country. The Govern- the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Mr. Speaker, this is an important ment of Chile has taken significant measures LEVIN) that the House suspend the day, and an important debate, in the to maintain order and public security in the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4783. House of representatives. Last summer, streets in order to prevent more widespread The question was taken; and (two- I had the privilege of traveling to Af- panic and chaos as damage assessments are thirds being in the affirmative) the ghanistan and meeting with our brave made and relief is delivered. rules were suspended and the bill was troops. They are an incredible group of America is again responding, and will con- passed. people, proud of their accomplish- tinue to respond with immediate humanitarian A motion to reconsider was laid on ments, thoughtful and candid about assistance to help the people of this struggling the table. the challenges that confront them. nation rebuild their livelihoods. I send my con- f They deserve to know that we are dolences to the people and government of b 1245 thinking about them and do not take Chile as they grieve once again in the after- their lives or their fate for granted. It math of a natural disaster. As Chile’s neigh- PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION has been far too long since Congress bor, I believe it is the United States’ responsi- OF HOUSE CONCURRENT RESO- had a full and open debate on the issue bility to help Chile recover, and build the ca- LUTION 248, AFGHANISTAN WAR of U.S. policy in Afghanistan. pacity to mitigate against future disasters. POWERS RESOLUTION In 2001, I voted, along with the vast Throughout my time in Congress, I have Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, by di- majority of my colleagues, to go after been highly involved in strengthening the rela- rection of the Committee on Rules, I the terrorists who attacked us on Sep- tionship between the U.S. and countries call up House Resolution 1146 and ask tember 11th. I believe we must have a abroad. I have worked to establish positive for its immediate consideration. comprehensive strategy to counter the and productive partnerships with local devel- The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- global threat posed by al Qaeda and its opment officials, nonprofit organizations, and lows: affiliates, no matter where they are in various leaders to establish a strong web of H. RES. 1146 the world—Afghanistan, Pakistan, So- support for countries abroad. In collaboration malia, Yemen, North Africa, and else- Resolved, That upon the adoption of this with the Congressional Black Caucus, I have where. But I also believe that we have been a continual advocate of providing assist- resolution it shall be in order without inter- vention of any point of order to consider in serious challenges right here at home. ance to various countries to strengthen their the House the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Millions of Americans are out of work. fragile democratic processes, continue to im- Res. 248) directing the President, pursuant to Our economy is just now beginning to prove security, and promote economic devel- section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to emerge from the worst recession in opment among other concerns such as the remove the United States Armed Forces decades. Our schools, our health care, protection of human rights, combating nar- from Afghanistan, if called up by Represent- our tax code, our infrastructure—all cotics, arms, and human trafficking, address- ative Kucinich of Ohio or his designee. The must be updated for the 21st century if ing migration, and alleviating poverty. concurrent resolution shall be considered as we are to create a better America. Once again, I am devastated by the im- read. The concurrent resolution shall be de- Mr. Speaker, the war in Afghanistan batable for three hours, with 90 minutes con- measurable tragedy that occurred in Chile. trolled by Representative Kucinich of Ohio has cost U.S. taxpayers well over $200 Along with my colleagues, I hope to visit Chile or his designee and 90 minutes equally di- billion—none of it paid for. None of it in the near future to meet with their leaders vided and controlled by the chair and rank- paid for. All of that money has been and see what the United States can do to re- ing minority member of the Committee on added on to our debt. And those costs build the shattered livelihoods. Foreign Affairs. The previous question shall will continue to rise as we fund in- America is responding to the earthquakes in be considered as ordered on the concurrent creasing troop levels and provide the Chile and will continue to respond with imme- resolution to final adoption without inter- necessary care to our veterans when diate humanitarian assistance to help the peo- vening motion. they return home. Our policy has dras- ple of Chile rebuild their livelihoods. I send my The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- tically changed in those 8 years. We are condolences to the people and government of tleman from Massachusetts is recog- no longer just going after the bad guys. Chile as they grieve once again in the after- nized for 1 hour. We are engaged in a massive ‘‘nation- math of a natural disaster. As Chile’s friend, it Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, for building’’ effort in Afghanistan. is the United States’ responsibility to help the purposes of debate only, I yield the Now, I certainly don’t believe we Chile recover, and build the capacity to miti- customary 30 minutes to the gen- should abandon the Afghan people. But gate against future disasters. tleman from Florida (Mr. LINCOLN instead of nation-building in Afghani- Financially, 2009 was not an easy year for DIAZ-BALART). All time yielded during stan, I’d like to do some more nation- many Americans. Although thousands of jobs consideration of the rule is for debate building here at home. were created and we are back on the road to only. I yield myself such time as I may Our allies in Afghanistan, the Karzai economic recovery, Americans lived on tighter consume. government, do not inspire confidence.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:55 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.044 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1246 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 The recent election there was charac- itself, and sustain itself.’’ Those elec- become U.S. policy, all the improve- terized by widespread fraud and corrup- tions would not have been possible but ments made by the Afghan people tion. Just 10 days ago, Mr. Karzai uni- for the sacrifices of our troops and would disappear. Afghans would no laterally rewrote the election law to their families. Just 4 months ago, Mr. longer be given the chance to vote in ensure that he can handpick the mem- Speaker, President Obama announced a elections. The Taliban would rule by bers of the election monitoring com- surge strategy for Afghanistan. He the edict of terror. It would mean the mission that oversees voting irregular- committed 30,000 additional forces to a return of a nightmarish tyranny to Af- ities. Talk about the fox guarding the counterinsurgency strategy that I be- ghanistan. Women would see the rights chicken coop. lieve will help to strengthen the gov- they have gained disappear as the Over 1,000 U.S. servicemen and ernment in Afghanistan’s security Taliban once again made women non- women have sacrificed their lives in forces, as the surge did in Iraq. citizens and banned young girls, who Afghanistan. Over 670 more lives have Since President Obama’s announce- for the first time are learning to read, been lost by our NATO military allies. ment, we’ve seen considerable results. from schools. Thousands more have been wounded, For example, last month, our troops Mr. Speaker, I believe that now is many severely, in ways that will affect began what is known as the Marjah of- not the time to turn our backs on the the rest of their lives. Suicide and post- fensive. The joint offensive with the Afghan people. It is not the time to traumatic stress among our troops and Afghan National Army and coalition counter the mission of our troops, espe- veterans continue to increase at alarm- partners has pushed the Taliban out of cially when they are engaged in the ing rates. Marjah and has allowed the Afghan first major offensive of President Mr. Speaker, last summer I authored government to take control of signifi- Obama’s reaffirmed counterinsurgency an amendment to require the adminis- cant areas that were previously con- strategy. Let us send a message to the tration to develop an exit strategy for trolled by the Taliban. This offensive is terrorists that the United States is our military involvement in Afghani- what General David Petraeus, the com- committed to our mission to prevent stan. While my amendment did not mander of the United States Central the return to power of the Taliban. Let carry the day, I believe it dem- Command, has described as the ‘‘initial us soundly defeat this resolution. onstrated to the administration that salvo’’ in a 12- to 18-month campaign to I reserve the balance of my time. an open-ended commitment was not defeat the Taliban. b 1300 sustainable. As we know, President Now I have had and I continue to Obama outlined such a strategy in his have, Mr. Speaker, disagreements with Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield speech at West Point. And I believe it policies of President Obama, but I have myself such time as I may consume. is essential that we in the Congress said privately, I have said publicly, and I appreciated the gentleman from work to keep the administration to its I reiterate here today, that in the case Florida’s comments. He spent a great word. We must fulfill our constitu- of Afghanistan, President Obama has deal of time trying to compare Iraq to tional responsibilities by making sure demonstrated great responsibility and Afghanistan. I would remind my col- that taxpayer funds are spent wisely a sense of the national security inter- leagues that Iraq and Afghanistan are and with complete accountability and est of the United States. He deserves very, very different countries, different transparency for every dime and every our support. cultures, different levels of education dollar. No more Halliburton and Just as our military is making tan- and a different history of centralized Blackwater scandals. No more projects gible progress, like the Marjah offen- government. In Afghanistan, there is where fat-cat middlemen walk off with sive demonstrates, just as this is occur- no tradition, there is no history of a all the money while the Afghan people ring, many of our colleagues in the ma- centralized government. Comparing go without hospitals, schools, roads, or jority party now feel that it is time to Iraq to Afghanistan is not comparing food. withdraw from Afghanistan. The reso- apples to oranges. It’s like comparing Mr. Speaker, I hope that this is just lution that we are set to debate today apples to Volkswagens. There is no the first—not the last—debate that we would require the President to with- comparison. And we could have a de- have on the House floor this year over draw our troops in 30 days. I believe bate about Iraq, but that should be on our policy in Afghanistan. The issue is that that would be precipitous. I be- a separate day, and we could talk simply too important. The future at lieve that precipitously withdrawing about whether there were any weapons stake is too grave. We have sacrificed our troops would be reckless. I believe of mass destruction; but today we’re too much—in the lives and well-being it would allow the Taliban to regain here talking about Afghanistan. of our soldiers, in the cost to our econ- control of Afghanistan and thereby I think this is important, and it’s an omy—to wait another year or 2 or 3 for provide criminal groups such as al important discussion because this Con- Congress to do its job. We must con- Qaeda with carte blanche to run ter- gress, with the exception of a few tinue to ask the hard questions and de- rorist training camps and plan ter- amendments that got very little time, mand straight answers. rorist attacks against the United has not had a debate or a discussion in I reserve the balance of my time. States and our allies. I would remind this Chamber on Afghanistan since Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of my colleagues that it was the safe har- after September 11, 2001. And our pol- Florida. I’d like to thank the gen- bor and support that the Taliban gave icy has changed in a number of dif- tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. bin Laden which allowed him to plan ferent ways over those years, and we MCGOVERN) for the time, and I yield the September 11, 2001, attacks from still have not had a debate or a discus- myself such time as I may consume. Afghanistan against this country. A re- sion on Afghanistan. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday the Iraqi constituted Taliban will undoubtedly So today, hopefully, we will. And my people went to the polls to vote in do the same and will pose a significant hope is that in this Chamber, where their latest national parliamentary and grave risk to the national security lots of Members talk all the time and elections. Millions of Iraqis voted at of the United States. very few Members listen, that this may thousands of voting stations through- I believe, Mr. Speaker, that we must be a day for Members to listen. It is out the country. The democratic proc- never allow Afghanistan to once again important that we get this right, espe- ess is succeeding in Iraq. The people fall into the hands of terrorists whose cially for the men and women who we there, despite extraordinarily difficult sole purpose is to destroy the United have deployed over there. challenges, are able to express them- States and to kill innocent civilians. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would selves in free elections. Precipitous withdrawal would not only like to yield 21⁄2 minutes to the gentle- Sunday was a good day for the future be dangerous, I believe, to our national woman from Maine (Ms. PINGREE), a of Iraq. Those elections would not have security, but would constitute a mortal member of the Rules Committee. taken place but for the decision of blow to the Afghan people, who are re- Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Thank you President Bush in 2007 to send over lying on our support. very much to my good friend from Mas- 20,000 surge troops to Iraq in order to Although they have far to go, Af- sachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN) for yield- establish, ‘‘a unified democratic federal ghanistan has made demonstrable ing me the time, for his excellent open- Iraq that can govern itself, defend progress. But if this resolution were to ing statement, and for his response to

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:55 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.058 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1247 our colleague from the Rules Com- Mr. Speaker, this Nation does face a ing troops through near the end of this mittee as well. And I thank him for very real and immediate terrorist year. Defense Secretary Gates was being here today. threat. The terrorist threat stems from more candid. He says that any with- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support al Qaeda, which is a stateless menace, drawal next year will be a ‘‘handful,’’ of this rule and the underlying concur- a menace that is not rooted in any one that there is no real Afghanistan exit rent resolution. It is a rare occurrence location or has any dominion in any strategy, and that a large military that Members of this body have the op- one particular area. presence is planned there for ‘‘a very portunity to devote 3 hours of debate In fact, the two countries that our long time.’’ to such an important issue, and it is Nation continues to occupy, namely With our unceasing commitment to even more unusual that Members are Iraq and Afghanistan, are not signifi- American blood and treasure being given a chance for a clean up-or-down cant bases of operations for al Qaeda. poured into Afghanistan, there is no vote on ending the war in Afghanistan. It’s been recently reported that there meaningful pressure on President Each time an emergency war supple- are, in fact, only around 50 al Qaeda Karzai and his drug dealer and warlord mental, a Defense appropriations bill operatives in the entire nation of Af- cohorts. They have been much less in- or a Defense authorization bill has ghanistan, and there could very well be terested in undertaking the steps nec- come to the floor, continued funding 10 times that number in nations like essary to secure peace than in clinging for the war in Afghanistan is hidden Yemen and Pakistan. to power and wealth, such as by steal- behind spending to create jobs, to pro- Yes, there is a very real threat, but ing one-third of the votes in the last vide humanitarian relief or to increase the answer is not to continue to indefi- election. I believe that the calls for re- medical benefits to our troops, all of nitely occupy countries where we only form have been greeted since that time which I support. And privileged resolu- breed more sympathy with those who by Mr. Karzai only by taking over the tions like this, which exercise the con- would do us harm. The correct and independent election commission that stitutional right of the United States more important way to leverage Amer- questioned that election and by the ap- Congress to decide whether or not to ican military might to combat this pointment of multiple drug warlord continue the use of the military force, menace is to have targeted and aggres- types to the cabinet who are part of rarely sees the light of day. sive intelligence-gathering and tar- the problem. In Afghanistan, reform is This country has spent over $250 bil- geted special operations against the a slogan, it is not a reality. lion, Mr. Speaker, on the war in Af- terrorists no matter where they are. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ghanistan. The share of my home State Some have expressed concerns that if TIERNEY). The time of the gentleman of Maine is almost $700 million. And in we leave Afghanistan precipitously, al from Texas has expired. the next few months, the administra- Qaeda could reassert itself there. The Mr. MCGOVERN. I yield the gen- tleman 1 additional minute. tion will likely ask this Congress to answer to that is to go after al Qaeda Mr. DOGGETT. We have exercised spend another $30 billion to fund a in a targeted way in Afghanistan if the minimal leverage over Karzai and his need arises again. It is not to engage in surge of troops in Afghanistan. At a cronies, who view our continuing pres- an indefinite occupation of one or two time when we cannot find $30 billion to ence there as an invitation to steal all particular countries. How many more create jobs, continue unemployment they can get when they get it. The bet- benefits or help small businesses, we countries would we need to occupy? If ter exit strategy is having fewer troops need to ask ourselves, Is the cost of they’re in Yemen, do we occupy who need to exit. I agree with General this war worth it? Is it right to spend Yemen? If they’re in Pakistan, do we Eikenberry, our former commander more money and lose more lives on a occupy Pakistan? If we weren’t already and now ambassador, who last Novem- strategy that isn’t working? Can we af- in and occupying Afghanistan, would ber questioned an escalation that ford to turn our backs on the chal- we choose to go in there today? I would would only ‘‘bring vastly increased lenges we face at home and to pursue submit that the answer is no. costs and an indefinite, large-scale U.S. failed policies abroad? We need to continue our effort to military role.’’ He wisely concluded I am an original cosponsor of this battle terrorists wherever they are and that further increases would ‘‘dig us in concurrent resolution because I firmly focus on this stateless menace through more deeply.’’ believe this war needs to end. We have intelligence-gathering, targeted special In 2001, I voted for the use of force asked our men and women in uniform operations and a refocused emphasis on against the enemies that attacked us, to return to combat again and again. homeland security, all of which a very and I continue to support that effort. They have fought with bravery and costly and expensive effort in Afghani- But unless we pursue a different ap- helped the people of Afghanistan with stan continues to reduce our ability to proach with a more narrow military compassion. They have risen to meet do by soaking up our national time and footprint and a pragmatic exit strat- every challenge and paid every price to resources as well as costing the lives of egy, we will remain embroiled in a land defend this country. But the cost of American soldiers. that has entrapped so many foreign this war is too high. The economic sit- Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of powers throughout the centuries Af- uation in the country is too dire, and Florida. I reserve the balance of my ghanistan can consume as many lives the lives of our brave men and women time. and as many dollars as we are willing in uniform are too precious for this war Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield to expend there. As in Iraq, we are on to go on and for this issue to be mud- 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas a course for a trillion-dollar war waged dled and tucked away in large spending (Mr. DOGGETT). on borrowed money. That must be bills. Mr. DOGGETT. Today, so very late, changed to save American lives and It is time to end the war in Afghani- represents the first real House debate America’s future. stan and bring our troops home. It is on Afghanistan since President Obama Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of time for this Congress to demand an announced that the path to peace could Florida. I reserve the balance of my open debate on Afghanistan and a clean only be found through wider war. I time. vote on any future bills that fund this have continually challenged that pol- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, at this war. I ask my colleagues to join me in icy. But because our security, I believe, time I yield 3 minutes to the gen- supporting this rule and the underlying will not be found in either the false tleman from Ohio (Mr. KUCINICH), the concurrent resolution. choice of ‘‘more troops in’’ or ‘‘all out author of the resolution. Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of now,’’ I cannot support the resolution, Mr. KUCINICH. We’re either in or Florida. I reserve the balance of my as I do not support our current strat- we’re out. Unless this Congress acts to time. egy in Afghanistan. claim its constitutional responsibility, Mr. MCGOVERN. At this point, Mr. This December escalation announce- we will stay in Afghanistan for a very, Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- ment by the President was counter- very long time at great cost to our tleman from Colorado (Mr. POLIS), a productive and somewhat misleading. troops and to our national priorities. member of the Rules Committee. He tried to have it both ways. He Or we can set a date, December 31, 2010, Mr. POLIS. I thank my colleague pledged to begin withdrawing troops in by which we must leave. And this is ex- from Massachusetts. July 2011, but his plan continues send- actly what the resolution seeks to do.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:55 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.060 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1248 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 Congress has to be mindful of our re- think anyone ever will. Afghanistan tion that is being brought forth. It sponsibilities under this Constitution, today is perhaps the most corrupt would be a grave mistake for us to article I, section 8, to claim responsi- country in the world, ranked next to allow the Taliban to regain power in bility for the true casualties, which are last out of 180, according to Trans- Afghanistan. now close to 1,000, to claim responsi- parency International. If you have a Sometimes the lessons of history bility for the cost, which is approach- culture of corruption, it’s hard to plant may be a little bit more difficult to ex- ing $250 billion and together with the seeds. It’s hard to rent allies and have plain. In this case, when the Taliban Iraq war close to $1 trillion. And this them remain loyal. Global economic was in power they opened the country at a great cost to our priorities here at development through roads and water up to training camps for terrorists to home for housing, for job creation, for are not esoteric, abstract issues. These attack the United States. That was in health care, for education; to claim re- are things that make a difference be- 2001. It is not ancient history. So I hope sponsibility for the casualties to inno- tween people being thugs and, in some we don’t forget the lessons of history. cent civilians, the human costs of the cases, feeding their families in any way In addition, as I said before, Mr. war. they can, having little sympathy for Speaker, our Armed Forces with our Congress must claim responsibility infidels and drug problems. coalition allies and the Afghan armed one way or another for challenging the The magnitude of spending that forces are in the midst of the first corruption that my colleagues have we’re involved with here needs to be major offensive in President Obama’s talked about that has engulfed the Af- put in perspective. Each one of these new strategy. So I think it would be a ghanistan administration. We must additional troops that we are sending grave mistake if this Congress does not claim responsibility and understand ex- over costs $1 million a year to support. clearly and emphatically reject the actly the role the Turkmenistan-Af- We are going to be spending as a Na- resolution today. ghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline has tion $7,000 for each of the 14.5 million Having said that, I yield back the in all of this. We must claim responsi- Afghanis in the workforce. balance of my time. Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, there bility for debating the wisdom of the b 1315 counterinsurgency strategies which ap- is nothing wrong with demanding our parently have failed and claim respon- Our military spending per Afghan troops come home, including forcing sibility for the logistics of withdrawal. worker is 20 times what that worker that debate by using the privileges of I brought this resolution to the floor will earn in an entire year in Afghani- the war powers resolution. There is of the House with the help of the Rules stan. At the same time, there is a dire nothing unpatriotic in demanding that Committee and the support of the lead- need for the most basic of services. In our troops and their families, their ership, which believes the debate is rural Afghanistan, 80 percent drink neighbors and their communities be merited, because after 81⁄2 years it is polluted water and only 10 percent told when they are coming home. And time that this Congress be heard from. have adequate sanitation. Mr. Speaker, there is every reason to It is time that we claim our constitu- I have profound reservations about debate how we go after al Qaeda and tional responsibility under article I, the course we are on and the ability to how we create a flexible, mobile, global section 8. generate positive long-term, funda- strategy able to track, find, counter, The War Powers Resolution of 1973 mental changes that will persist over and strike al Qaeda cells wherever they was enacted to ensure that Congress time. I think it is absolutely essential might be. And there is no reason to run has a role in the decision to send the that we have this debate. While I don’t away from a debate over whether United States Armed Forces into hos- agree with the resolution that some- 100,000 boots on the ground in Afghani- tilities or the continued use of such how we are going to be able to pull the stan is the best strategy to eliminating forces and hostilities. And my legisla- plug and be able to end this in 30 days al Qaeda once and for all. tion, if enacted, would require the or 30 weeks, I do think it is important I do not doubt that our brave mili- President to bring the Armed Forces for Congress to focus on what is here, tary men and women can and will out of Afghanistan by December 31, what is possible. achieve military successes in battle 2010. What we need to be doing is re- after battle after battle. But are Af- As the U.S. Armed Forces and our al- directing our effort. We need to start ghanistan’s tribal disputes going to be lies begin the first in a series of large reversing the course that we are on solved on the battlefield or at the po- military operations in Afghanistan, it there. We need to narrow our focus. We litical negotiating table? And if it is is up to us to have our voice and our need to make more efforts to involve going to take a political solution to re- vote felt at this important moment. the Afghans themselves with water, solve centuries of grievances, then who Regardless of your support or opposi- with sanitation, with education. And is willing to stand at the front of this tion to the war, this resolution is about we need to make sure that Congress Chamber and declare how many Amer- ensuring meaningful and open debate. has a voice and is pushing back as the ican lives that is worth? And in the 3 hours ahead, I’m confident elements come to us. Mr. Speaker, President Obama has that this House will have the oppor- I don’t agree that we are powerless said he will begin to bring our troops tunity to do that so that people, no on some of the defense appropriations, home next July, but he didn’t say when matter what their position is, can fi- for instance. We can in fact push back. the job will be complete. Representa- nally be heard from with respect to our We can be heard. And we can start re- tive KUCINICH says let’s bring them constitutional responsibilities. versing what I think is an inappro- home by New Year’s Eve, this year. We Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of priate course. must continue to debate this issue, de- Florida. I reserve the balance of my I welcome the debate today. While I bate it today, debate it on the supple- time. am not going to support the particular mental, debate it on defense bills. Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, at this resolution, I appreciate my colleagues Let’s debate it when we are begging time I yield 3 minutes to the gen- bringing it forward. I think it is impor- for resources so our kids can go to tleman from Oregon (Mr. tant to engage and for us to imagine quality schools, when we are trying to BLUMENAUER). how we can do a better job in that find the money so every American has Mr. BLUMENAUER. I thank the gen- troubled country and in that troubled a decent job and affordable health care, tleman from Massachusetts for his region. The time to begin the discus- so we can maintain our roads and our courtesy in permitting me to speak on sion is long overdue. I look forward to bridges and our waterways, so we can this. I continue to have profound res- continued progress. guard our ports and our borders, so we ervations about our troop commit- Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of can keep our cops on the beat and our ments, first in Iraq and more recently Florida. Mr. Speaker, I think this has seniors safe in their homes. Let’s de- with President Obama’s decision to es- been a good discussion today. And I bate the war in Afghanistan, how we calate our presence in Afghanistan. think it is appropriate to have it. I cer- will pay for it, how it will end, when it History suggests we will not be suc- tainly hope that the result is clear, and will end, and when our sons and daugh- cessful in stabilizing Afghanistan with that this Congress today strongly and ters, husbands and wives, friends and military force. No one has. I don’t in a bipartisan way rejects the resolu- neighbors will be able to come home.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:55 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.063 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1249 Let us continue to ask the hard ques- Roybal-Allard Shea-Porter Towns Messrs. LANGEVIN, ORTIZ, Ruppersberger Sherman Tsongas tions and demand straight answers Rush Sires Van Hollen MINNICK, TANNER, PERRIELLO, until we get it right and all our troops Ryan (OH) Slaughter Vela´ zquez CHANDLER, CUELLAR, ELLSWORTH, are safely home. Sa´ nchez, Linda Smith (WA) Visclosky CAMPBELL, RYAN of Ohio, HILL and Mr. Speaker, I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on T. Snyder Walz MARSHALL and Mrs. MCCARTHY of Sanchez, Loretta Speier Wasserman the rule and on the previous question. Sarbanes Spratt Schultz New York, Ms. MARKEY of Colorado I yield back the balance of my time, Schakowsky Stark Waters and Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN changed and I move the previous question on Schauer Stupak Watson their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Schiff Sutton Watt the resolution. Schrader Tanner Waxman So the resolution was agreed to. The previous question was ordered. Schwartz Thompson (CA) Weiner The result of the vote was announced The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Scott (GA) Thompson (MS) Welch as above recorded. question is on the resolution. Scott (VA) Tierney Wilson (OH) A motion to reconsider was laid on Serrano Titus Woolsey The question was taken; and the Sestak Tonko Yarmuth the table. Speaker pro tempore announced that NAYS—195 f the ayes appeared to have it. Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Aderholt Franks (AZ) Mitchell RECOGNIZING THE PLIGHT OF Akin Frelinghuysen Moran (KS) Speaker, on that I demand the yeas Alexander Gallegly Murphy, Tim PEOPLE WITH ALBINISM IN EAST and nays. Altmire Garrett (NJ) Myrick AFRICA The yeas and nays were ordered. Arcuri Gerlach Neugebauer Austria Giffords Nunes The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Bachmann Gingrey (GA) Nye finished business is the vote on the mo- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, this 15- Bachus Gohmert Olson tion to suspend the rules and agree to minute vote on adoption of House Res- Barrow Goodlatte Paulsen the resolution, H. Res. 1088, as amend- Bartlett Granger Pence olution 1146 will be followed by 5- Barton (TX) Graves Petri ed, on which the yeas and nays were or- minute votes on motions to suspend Biggert Griffith Pitts dered. the rules on House Resolution 1088 and Bilbray Guthrie Platts The Clerk read the title of the resolu- H.R. 4621. Bilirakis Hall (TX) Poe (TX) Bishop (UT) Halvorson Posey tion. The vote was taken by electronic de- Blackburn Harper Price (GA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The vice, and there were—yeas 225, nays Blunt Hastings (WA) Putnam question is on the motion offered by 195, not voting 10, as follows: Boccieri Heller Radanovich the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Boehner Hensarling Rehberg [Roll No. 95] Bonner Herger Reichert CONNOLLY) that the House suspend the YEAS—225 Bono Mack Himes Roe (TN) rules and agree to the resolution, H. Boozman Hunter Rogers (AL) Ackerman Engel Lowey Res. 1088, as amended. Boren Inglis Rogers (KY) Adler (NJ) Eshoo Luja´ n Boustany Issa Rogers (MI) This will be a 5-minute vote. Andrews Etheridge Lynch Brady (TX) Jenkins Rohrabacher The vote was taken by electronic de- Baca Farr Maffei Bright Johnson, Sam Rooney Baird Fattah Maloney vice, and there were—yeas 418, nays 1, Broun (GA) Jordan (OH) Ros-Lehtinen Baldwin Filner Markey (CO) not voting 11, as follows: Brown (SC) King (IA) Roskam Bean Foster Markey (MA) Brown-Waite, King (NY) Royce [Roll No. 96] Becerra Frank (MA) Marshall Ginny Kingston Ryan (WI) Berkley Fudge Matheson YEAS—418 Buchanan Kirk Salazar Berman Garamendi Matsui Burgess Kirkpatrick (AZ) Scalise Ackerman Buchanan Delahunt Berry Gonzalez McCarthy (NY) Burton (IN) Kissell Schmidt Aderholt Burgess DeLauro Bishop (GA) Gordon (TN) McCollum Buyer Kline (MN) Schock Adler (NJ) Burton (IN) Dent Bishop (NY) Grayson McDermott Calvert Kosmas Sensenbrenner Akin Butterfield Diaz-Balart, L. Blumenauer Green, Al McGovern Cantor Kratovil Sessions Alexander Buyer Diaz-Balart, M. Boswell Green, Gene McMahon Cao Lamborn Shadegg Altmire Calvert Dicks Boucher Grijalva McNerney Capito Lance Shimkus Andrews Campbell Dingell Boyd Gutierrez Meek (FL) Cardoza Latham Shuler Arcuri Cantor Doggett Brady (PA) Hall (NY) Meeks (NY) Carter LaTourette Shuster Austria Cao Donnelly (IN) Braley (IA) Hare Melancon Cassidy Latta Simpson Baca Capito Doyle Brown, Corrine Harman Michaud Castle Lee (NY) Skelton Bachmann Capuano Dreier Butterfield Hastings (FL) Miller (NC) Chaffetz Lewis (CA) Smith (NE) Bachus Cardoza Driehaus Campbell Heinrich Miller, George Childers Linder Smith (NJ) Baird Carnahan Duncan Capps Herseth Sandlin Minnick Coble LoBiondo Smith (TX) Baldwin Carney Edwards (MD) Capuano Higgins Mollohan Coffman (CO) Lucas Souder Barrow Carson (IN) Edwards (TX) Carnahan Hill Moore (KS) Cole Luetkemeyer Space Bartlett Carter Ehlers Carney Hinchey Moore (WI) Conaway Lummis Stearns Barton (TX) Cassidy Ellison Carson (IN) Hinojosa Moran (VA) Crenshaw Lungren, Daniel Sullivan Bean Castle Ellsworth Castor (FL) Hirono Murphy (CT) Culberson E. Taylor Berkley Castor (FL) Emerson Chandler Hodes Murphy (NY) Dahlkemper Mack Teague Berman Chaffetz Engel Chu Holden Murphy, Patrick Davis (KY) Manzullo Terry Berry Chandler Eshoo Clarke Holt Nadler (NY) Davis (TN) Marchant Thompson (PA) Biggert Childers Etheridge Clay Honda Napolitano Dent McCarthy (CA) Thornberry Bilbray Chu Fallin Cleaver Hoyer Neal (MA) Diaz-Balart, L. McCaul Tiahrt Bilirakis Clarke Farr Clyburn Israel Oberstar Diaz-Balart, M. McClintock Tiberi Bishop (GA) Clay Fattah Cohen Jackson (IL) Obey Donnelly (IN) McCotter Turner Bishop (NY) Cleaver Filner Connolly (VA) Jackson Lee Olver Dreier McHenry Upton Bishop (UT) Clyburn Flake Cooper (TX) Ortiz Ehlers McIntyre Walden Blackburn Coble Fleming Costa Johnson (GA) Owens Emerson McKeon Westmoreland Blumenauer Coffman (CO) Forbes Costello Johnson (IL) Pallone Fallin McMorris Whitfield Blunt Cohen Fortenberry Courtney Johnson, E. B. Pascrell Flake Rodgers Wilson (SC) Boccieri Cole Foster Crowley Jones Pastor (AZ) Fleming Mica Wittman Boehner Conaway Foxx Cuellar Kagen Paul Forbes Miller (FL) Wolf Bonner Connolly (VA) Frank (MA) Cummings Kanjorski Payne Fortenberry Miller (MI) Wu Bono Mack Cooper Franks (AZ) Davis (CA) Kaptur Perlmutter Foxx Miller, Gary Young (AK) Boozman Costa Frelinghuysen Davis (IL) Kildee Perriello Boren Costello Fudge DeFazio Kilpatrick (MI) Peters NOT VOTING—10 Boswell Courtney Gallegly DeGette Kilroy Peterson Barrett (SC) Deal (GA) Wamp Boucher Crenshaw Garamendi Delahunt Kind Pingree (ME) Camp Hoekstra Boustany Crowley Garrett (NJ) DeLauro Klein (FL) Polis (CO) Young (FL) Conyers Inslee Boyd Cuellar Gerlach Dicks Kucinich Pomeroy Davis (AL) Kennedy Brady (PA) Culberson Giffords Dingell Langevin Price (NC) Brady (TX) Cummings Gingrey (GA) Doggett Larsen (WA) Quigley Braley (IA) Dahlkemper Gohmert Doyle Larson (CT) Rahall b 1354 Bright Davis (CA) Gonzalez Driehaus Lee (CA) Rangel Broun (GA) Davis (IL) Goodlatte Duncan Levin Reyes Messrs. CARDOZA, WHITFIELD, Brown (SC) Davis (KY) Gordon (TN) Edwards (MD) Lewis (GA) Richardson KINGSTON, CHILDERS and HALL of Brown, Corrine Davis (TN) Granger Edwards (TX) Lipinski Rodriguez Brown-Waite, DeFazio Graves Ellison Loebsack Ross Texas and Ms. KOSMAS changed their Ginny DeGette Grayson Ellsworth Lofgren, Zoe Rothman (NJ) vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:12 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.066 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1250 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 Green, Al Marchant Ross NOT VOTING—11 Forbes Lipinski Rodriguez Green, Gene Markey (CO) Rothman (NJ) Fortenberry LoBiondo Roe (TN) Barrett (SC) Conyers Maffei Griffith Markey (MA) Roybal-Allard Foster Loebsack Rogers (AL) Becerra Davis (AL) Wamp Grijalva Marshall Royce Foxx Lofgren, Zoe Rogers (KY) Camp Deal (GA) Young (FL) Frank (MA) Lowey Rogers (MI) Guthrie Matheson Ruppersberger Capps Hoekstra Gutierrez Matsui Rush Franks (AZ) Lucas Rohrabacher Hall (NY) McCarthy (CA) Ryan (OH) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Frelinghuysen Luetkemeyer Rooney ´ Hall (TX) McCarthy (NY) Ryan (WI) The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Fudge Lujan Ros-Lehtinen Gallegly Lummis Ross Halvorson McCaul Salazar the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Hare McClintock Sa´ nchez, Linda Garamendi Lungren, Daniel Rothman (NJ) Harman McCollum T. ing in this vote. Garrett (NJ) E. Roybal-Allard Lynch Harper McCotter Sanchez, Loretta Gerlach Royce Giffords Mack Hastings (FL) McDermott Sarbanes b 1402 Ruppersberger Gingrey (GA) Maffei Hastings (WA) McGovern Scalise Rush So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Gohmert Maloney Heinrich McHenry Schakowsky Ryan (OH) Manzullo Heller McIntyre tive) the rules were suspended and the Gonzalez Ryan (WI) Schauer Goodlatte Marchant Hensarling McKeon resolution, as amended, was agreed to. Salazar Schiff Gordon (TN) Markey (CO) Herger McMahon Sa´ nchez, Linda Schmidt The result of the vote was announced Granger Markey (MA) Herseth Sandlin McMorris T. Schock Graves Marshall Higgins Rodgers as above recorded. Sanchez, Loretta Schrader Grayson Matheson Hill McNerney A motion to reconsider was laid on Sarbanes Schwartz Green, Al McCarthy (CA) Meek (FL) Scalise Himes Scott (GA) the table. Green, Gene McCarthy (NY) Meeks (NY) Schauer Hinchey Scott (VA) Stated for: Griffith McCaul Hinojosa Melancon Schiff Sensenbrenner Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. Grijalva McClintock Schmidt Hirono Mica Serrano Guthrie McCollum Hodes Michaud 96, H.R. 1088, had I been present, I would Schock Sessions Gutierrez McCotter Schrader Holden Miller (FL) Sestak have voted ‘‘yes.’’ Hall (NY) McDermott Holt Miller (MI) Schwartz Shadegg Hall (TX) McGovern Scott (GA) Honda Miller (NC) f Shea-Porter Halvorson McHenry Scott (VA) Hoyer Miller, Gary Sherman Hare McIntyre Sensenbrenner Hunter Miller, George PREVENT DECEPTIVE CENSUS Shimkus Harman McKeon Serrano Inglis Minnick Shuler LOOK ALIKE MAILINGS ACT Harper McMahon Sessions Inslee Mitchell Shuster Hastings (FL) McMorris Sestak Israel Mollohan The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Simpson Hastings (WA) Rodgers Shadegg Issa Moore (KS) finished business is the vote on the mo- Sires Heinrich McNerney Shea-Porter Jackson (IL) Moore (WI) Heller Meek (FL) Skelton tion to suspend the rules and pass the Sherman Jackson Lee Moran (KS) Hensarling Meeks (NY) Slaughter bill, H.R. 4621, as amended, on which Shimkus (TX) Moran (VA) Herger Melancon Smith (NE) Shuler Jenkins Murphy (CT) the yeas and nays were ordered. Herseth Sandlin Mica Smith (NJ) Shuster Johnson (GA) Murphy (NY) The Clerk read the title of the bill. Higgins Michaud Simpson Johnson (IL) Murphy, Patrick Smith (TX) Hill Miller (FL) Smith (WA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Sires Johnson, E. B. Murphy, Tim question is on the motion offered by Himes Miller (MI) Skelton Johnson, Sam Myrick Snyder Hinchey Miller (NC) Souder the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Slaughter Jones Nadler (NY) Hinojosa Miller, Gary Smith (NE) Space Jordan (OH) Napolitano CLAY) that the House suspend the rules Hirono Miller, George Smith (NJ) Speier Kagen Neal (MA) and pass the bill, H.R. 4621, as amend- Hodes Minnick Smith (TX) Spratt Kanjorski Neugebauer ed. Holden Mitchell Smith (WA) Kaptur Nunes Stark Holt Mollohan This is a 5-minute vote. Snyder Kennedy Nye Stearns Honda Moore (KS) Souder Kildee Oberstar Stupak The vote was taken by electronic de- Hoyer Moore (WI) Space Kilpatrick (MI) Obey Sullivan vice, and there were—yeas 416, nays 0, Hunter Moran (KS) Speier Inglis Moran (VA) Kilroy Olson Sutton not voting 14, as follows: Spratt Kind Olver Tanner Inslee Murphy (CT) Stark King (IA) Ortiz Taylor [Roll No. 97] Israel Murphy (NY) Stearns King (NY) Owens Teague Issa Murphy, Patrick Stupak YEAS—416 Jackson (IL) Murphy, Tim Kingston Pallone Terry Sullivan Ackerman Bright Costello Jackson Lee Myrick Kirk Pascrell Thompson (CA) Sutton Aderholt Broun (GA) Courtney (TX) Nadler (NY) Kirkpatrick (AZ) Pastor (AZ) Thompson (MS) Tanner Adler (NJ) Brown (SC) Crenshaw Jenkins Napolitano Kissell Paulsen Thompson (PA) Taylor Akin Brown, Corrine Crowley Johnson (GA) Neal (MA) Klein (FL) Payne Thornberry Teague Alexander Brown-Waite, Cuellar Johnson (IL) Neugebauer Kline (MN) Pence Terry Tiahrt Altmire Ginny Culberson Johnson, E. B. Nunes Kosmas Perlmutter Thompson (CA) Tiberi Andrews Buchanan Cummings Johnson, Sam Nye Kratovil Perriello Thompson (MS) Tierney Arcuri Burgess Dahlkemper Jones Oberstar Kucinich Peters Thompson (PA) Titus Austria Burton (IN) Davis (CA) Jordan (OH) Obey Lamborn Peterson Thornberry Tonko Baca Butterfield Davis (IL) Kagen Olson Petri Tiahrt Lance Towns Bachmann Buyer Davis (KY) Kanjorski Olver Langevin Pingree (ME) Tsongas Bachus Calvert Davis (TN) Kaptur Ortiz Tiberi Larsen (WA) Pitts Turner Baird Campbell DeFazio Kennedy Owens Tierney Titus Larson (CT) Platts Upton Baldwin Cantor DeGette Kildee Pallone Poe (TX) Tonko Latham Van Hollen Barrow Cao Delahunt Kilpatrick (MI) Pascrell LaTourette Polis (CO) Towns Vela´ zquez Barton (TX) Capito DeLauro Kilroy Pastor (AZ) Latta Pomeroy Tsongas Visclosky Bean Capps Dent Kind Paul Lee (CA) Posey Turner Walden Becerra Capuano Diaz-Balart, L. King (IA) Paulsen Lee (NY) Price (GA) Upton Walz Berkley Cardoza Diaz-Balart, M. King (NY) Payne Levin Price (NC) Van Hollen Wasserman Berman Carnahan Dicks Kingston Pence Lewis (CA) Putnam Vela´ zquez Schultz Berry Carney Dingell Kirk Perlmutter Lewis (GA) Quigley Biggert Carson (IN) Doggett Kirkpatrick (AZ) Perriello Visclosky Waters Linder Radanovich Bilbray Carter Donnelly (IN) Kissell Peters Walden Watson Lipinski Rahall Bilirakis Cassidy Doyle Klein (FL) Petri Walz LoBiondo Rangel Watt Bishop (GA) Castle Dreier Kline (MN) Pingree (ME) Wasserman Loebsack Rehberg Waxman Bishop (NY) Castor (FL) Driehaus Kosmas Pitts Schultz Lofgren, Zoe Reichert Weiner Bishop (UT) Chaffetz Duncan Kratovil Platts Waters Lowey Reyes Welch Blackburn Chandler Edwards (MD) Kucinich Poe (TX) Watson Lucas Richardson Westmoreland Blumenauer Childers Edwards (TX) Lamborn Polis (CO) Watt Luetkemeyer Rodriguez Whitfield Blunt Chu Ehlers Lance Pomeroy Waxman Luja´ n Roe (TN) Wilson (OH) Boccieri Clarke Ellison Langevin Posey Weiner Lummis Rogers (AL) Wilson (SC) Boehner Clay Ellsworth Larsen (WA) Price (GA) Welch Lungren, Daniel Rogers (KY) Wittman Bonner Cleaver Emerson Larson (CT) Price (NC) Westmoreland E. Rogers (MI) Wolf Bono Mack Clyburn Engel Latham Putnam Whitfield Lynch Rohrabacher Woolsey Boozman Coble Eshoo LaTourette Quigley Wilson (OH) Mack Rooney Wu Boren Coffman (CO) Etheridge Latta Radanovich Wilson (SC) Maloney Ros-Lehtinen Yarmuth Boucher Cohen Fallin Lee (CA) Rahall Wittman Manzullo Roskam Young (AK) Boustany Cole Farr Lee (NY) Rangel Wolf Boyd Conaway Fattah Levin Rehberg Woolsey NAYS—1 Brady (PA) Connolly (VA) Filner Lewis (CA) Reichert Wu Brady (TX) Cooper Flake Lewis (GA) Reyes Yarmuth Paul Braley (IA) Costa Fleming Linder Richardson Young (AK)

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:55 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.008 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1251 NOT VOTING—14 Authorization for Use of Military make a case for the logistics of with- Barrett (SC) Davis (AL) Roskam Force is being interpreted as carte drawal. Bartlett Deal (GA) Schakowsky blanche for circumventing Congress’ After 81⁄2 years, it is time that we Boswell Hoekstra Wamp role as a coequal branch of govern- have this debate. Camp Matsui Young (FL) Conyers Peterson ment. I reserve the balance of my time. My legislation invokes the War Pow- Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE ers Resolution of 1973. If enacted, it opposition to the resolution, and I The SPEAKER pro tempore (during would require the President to with- yield myself 4 minutes. the vote). Members have 2 minutes re- draw U.S. Armed Forces from Afghani- Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to maining in this vote. stan by December 31, 2010. say I have quite enjoyed working with b 1409 The debate today will be the first op- the gentleman from Ohio on this issue and a number of the issues we have had So (two-thirds being in the affirma- portunity we have had to revisit the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military dealings with since I have become tive) the rules were suspended and the chairman, and I fundamentally agree bill, as amended, was passed. Force, which the House supported fol- lowing the worst terrorist attack in with him and other supporters of the The result of the vote was announced resolution that it is right for the House as above recorded. our country’s history. Regardless of your support or opposition to the war to have an open, honest debate on the A motion to reconsider was laid on merits of our ongoing military oper- in Afghanistan, this is going to be the the table. ations in Afghanistan, and outside, first opportunity to evaluate critically f outside, the context of a defense spend- where the Authorization for Use of ing bill or a supplemental appropria- AFGHANISTAN WAR POWERS Military Force has taken us in the last tions bill. This is a good thing to be RESOLUTION 81⁄2 years. doing. Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, pursu- This 2001 resolution allowed military By vesting the power to declare war ant to House Resolution 1146, I call up action ‘‘to prevent any future acts of with the Congress, the Founders in- the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. international terrorism against the tended the United States would go to 248) directing the President, pursuant United States.’’ Those of us who sup- war only when absolutely necessary, to section 5(c) of the War Powers Reso- port the withdrawal from Afghanistan and it is incumbent on this body to lution, to remove the United States may or may not agree on a timeline for consider as thoroughly as possible the Armed Forces from Afghanistan, and troop withdrawal, but I think we agree purpose and ongoing necessity of com- ask for its immediate consideration. that this debate is timely. mitting U.S. forces to battle. The Clerk read the title of the con- The rest of the world is beginning to Now, as a procedural matter, I take current resolution. see the folly of trying to occupy Af- issue with the invocation of section The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ghanistan: The Dutch Government re- 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution as CAPUANO). Pursuant to House Resolu- cently came to a halt over the commit- the basis for this debate, because that tion 1146, the concurrent resolution is ment of more troops from their coun- section authorizes a privileged resolu- considered read. try. In Britain public outcry over the tion, like the one before us today, to The text of the concurrent resolution war is growing. A recent BBC poll indi- require the withdrawal of combat is as follows: cated that 63 percent of the British forces when Congress has not author- H. CON. RES. 248 public is demanding that their troops ized the use of military force. Resolved by the House of Representatives (the come home by Christmas. In Germany There really can’t be any doubt that Senate concurring), opposition to the war has risen to 69 Congress authorized U.S. military ac- SECTION 1. REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES ARMED percent. Russia has lost billions of dol- tion in Afghanistan. The authorization FORCES FROM AFGHANISTAN. lars in the 9 years it spent attempting for the use of military force passed by Pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers to control Afghanistan. Congress in late September 2001 explic- Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(c)), Congress di- Our supposed nation-building in Af- itly empowers the President to use rects the President to remove the United ghanistan has come at the destruction force against the terrorists responsible States Armed Forces from Afghanistan— (1) by no later than the end of the period of of our own. The military escalation ce- for the 9/11 attacks and those who har- 30 days beginning on the day on which this ments the path of the United States bored them. President Obama is doing concurrent resolution is adopted; or down the road of previous occupiers just that. (2) if the President determines that it is that earned Afghanistan its nickname But putting aside procedure, the no- not safe to remove the United States Armed as the ‘‘graveyard of empires.’’ tion that at this particular moment we Forces before the end of that period, by no would demand a complete withdrawal b 1415 later than December 31, 2010, or such earlier of our troops from Afghanistan by the date as the President determines that the One year ago last month, a report by end of the year, without regard to the Armed Forces can safely be removed. the Carnegie Endowment concluded consequence of our withdrawal, with- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The con- ‘‘the only meaningful way to halt the out regard to the situation on the current resolution shall be debatable insurgency’s momentum is to start ground, including efforts to promote for 3 hours, with 90 minutes controlled withdrawing troops. The presence of economic development, expand the rule by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. foreign troops is the most important of law, and without any measurement KUCINICH) or his designee and 90 min- element driving the resurgence of the of whether the ‘‘hold’’ strategy now utes equally divided and controlled by Taliban.’’ being implemented is indeed working, I the chair and ranking minority mem- So with this debate today, Mr. don’t think is the responsible thing to ber of the Committee on Foreign Af- Speaker, we will have a chance for the do. fairs. first time to reflect on our responsi- Our troops are fighting a complex The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. bility for troop casualties that are now nexus of terrorist organizations—al KUCINICH) will control 90 minutes. The reaching 1,000; to look at our responsi- Qaeda, the Taliban—all of which gentleman from California (Mr. BER- bility for the costs of the war, which threaten the stability of the Afghan MAN) and the gentlewoman from Flor- approaches $250 billion; our responsi- Government, and they have dem- ida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) each will con- bility for the civilian casualties and onstrated their ability to strike our trol 45 minutes. the human costs of the war; our respon- homeland. If we withdraw from Af- The Chair recognizes the gentleman sibility for challenging the corruption ghanistan before the government there from Ohio. that takes place in Afghanistan; our is capable of providing a basic level of Mr. KUCINICH. I yield myself such responsibility for having a real under- security for its own people, we face the time as I may consume. standing of the role of the pipeline in prospect that the Taliban once again Mr. Speaker, in 2001 I joined the this war; our responsibility for debat- will take the reins of power in Kabul House in voting for the Authorization ing the role of counterinsurgency and provide safe haven to al Qaeda. for Use of Military Force. In the past strategies, as opposed to counterterror- That would be a national security dis- 81⁄2 years, it has become clear that the ism; our responsibility for being able to aster.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:06 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.013 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1252 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 I am keenly aware that even if we re- fensive is already producing dramatic ghanistan. I also have two committee main in Afghanistan, and here I want success, including the capture of senior staffers, one in the Army Reserves and to emphasize this, there is no guar- Taliban leaders, the routing of their one in the Marine Reserves, who are on antee we will prevail in this fight. But forces, and the stabilization of key their way now to Afghanistan. This is if we don’t try, we are guaranteed to areas. not their first time in battle. Both of fail. A winning strategy should be sup- these gentlemen have served bravely in President Obama has taken a very ported, not undermined. We must not Iraq, but the prospect of entering com- deliberative approach. He has exam- give Taliban leaders and fighters a bat never becomes routine. They, like ined numerous options over the course shield against U.S. forces that they my stepson Douglas, who served as a of several months and consulted with otherwise cannot stop. No enemy was Marine fighter pilot in Iraq, have re- all relevant military leaders and allies. ever vanquished, no victory was ever counted to me how the debates in Con- He really left no stone unturned and no secured by running away. Those who gress to mandate a withdrawal of our issue unvetted as part of this review. wish to destroy us would surely follow forces in Iraq demoralizes U.S. troops. He deserves an opportunity now to im- us, convinced that we had been beaten The request of my staffers to me as plement his strategy. He has given us and eager to attack us wherever we go, they embark on their mission to Af- the timeline for when he expects to see as they would be confident that we can, ghanistan is to provide them with all results, and there will be a reassess- in fact, be beaten again. of the tools and all of the support that ment of our strategy in 18 months. Mr. Speaker, let us dispel any myths they need to defeat the enemy and to General McChrystal, the commander or illusions about the consequences of win. They ask that we strengthen our of the U.S. and international forces, in- a forced withdrawal. As General commitment, our resolve, to the mis- dicated that we have made progress Petraeus has warned, ‘‘I was in sion in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Our since the new strategy was announced Kandahar. It was in Kandahar that the enemies are redoubling their efforts. We must also. on December 1. We are witnessing the 9/11 attacks were planned. It was in the In June of last year, Osama bin training camps in eastern Afghanistan first major joint NATO-Afghanistan Laden noted that U.S. efforts had been, where the initial preparation of the military operation in the city of Marja, and I quote, ‘‘transferred to Afghani- considered a strategic fulcrum for rid- attackers was carried out before they stan and Pakistan. Thus, jihad must be ding the region of the Taliban. went to Hamburg and flight schools in directed at that region.’’ Our troops are working side by side the U.S. It is important to recall the Bin Laden later said in September, with their Afghan counterparts. They seriousness of the mission and why it is ‘‘Not much longer, and the war in Af- retook Marja in 3 weeks of hard but that we are in Afghanistan in the first ghanistan will be over. Afterwards, not well-executed efforts. They are making place and why we are still there after even a trace of the Americans will be the Afghan people their number one years and years of hard work and sac- found there. Much rather, they will re- priority, which is the basis for this rifice that have passed.’’ treat far away behind the Atlantic. counterinsurgency strategy. And to One of the principal reasons that we Then only we and you will be left.’’ that end, the State Department and have been spared a repeat of those at- We must do everything possible to USAID have been working very hard to tacks is that U.S. forces quickly top- deny bin Laden and al Qaeda such a develop a concrete governance and de- pled the Taliban regime that was pro- victory. velopment strategy. tecting the terrorists and drove it and Mr. Speaker, the Afghan people are I was here during the frenzied debate its al Qaeda allies out of their safety also listening to today’s debate. For us following 9/11 when Congress author- zone and into the remote mountains. to succeed in Afghanistan, we need ized the use of force against those re- Years of constant U.S. military pres- their support. But the Afghan people sponsible for the horrors of that day sure have forced them to turn their at- will not be giving that support if they and those who chose to provide the per- tention from planning more attacks believe that we will abandon them. petrators a safe haven. against our homeland to fighting for As Admiral Michael Mullen, the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The their own survival. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, time of the gentleman has expired. To leave Afghanistan now would pave has said, ‘‘When I am in Afghanistan, I Mr. BERMAN. I yield myself 30 addi- the way for the reestablishment of a get the same question asked as when I tional seconds. vast and secure base from which al am in Pakistan, which is, are you And I was here for the vote a year Qaeda and other deadly enemies could going to leave us again? Because they later to authorize military force strike Americans around the world. remember very well that we have in against Iraq. Please don’t conflate the Having withdrawn and abandoned our the past. And so there is a trust here. two. The fight in Afghanistan is the hard-won positions, to our allies and There is uncertainty through Afghani- fight against those who attacked us. the people of Afghanistan, U.S. credi- stan’s eyes as to whether or not we will I am not endorsing an open-ended bility would be significantly and per- stay.’’ commitment. I am not advocating that haps irrevocably damaged. This, in In cooperating with us, in trusting we remain without assessing our turn, could leave the U.S. alone and us, they know that they are risking progress. But I do believe this strategy more vulnerable than ever to the their lives and those of their families. of our President deserves support, and threats of radical Islamic extremists. Our troops are listening as well. This debate today reminds me of the I urge opposition to the resolution. Our retreat would be seen around the many times that I have come down to I reserve the balance of my time. world by friends and opponents alike as the floor to speak against a forced Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I a surrender, as a sign that America no withdrawal from Iraq and the need to yield myself such time as I may con- longer has the will to defend herself. support our mission there. sume. We might attempt to fool ourselves Mr. Speaker, it is an illusion to be- I rise in strong opposition to this res- into believing that it was merely a lieve that we can protect ourselves olution. As we are all aware, U.S. temporary setback, that we have suf- from our enemies by picking and forces at this very moment are engaged fered no long-term blow, but no one choosing easy battles and turning away in battle against heavily armed enemy else would be fooled. It would be proof from those that require patience and forces in a strategically important re- to every group that wishes to attack sacrifice. This Congress cannot, must gion of Afghanistan. Our brave men and destroy us that we can be fought not, turn away from its responsibility and women are making steady progress and we can be beaten, that eventually to defend our country and our citizens against a deadly foe, and are doing so America will just give up, regardless of simply because the task seems too dif- at great risk to their lives. the consequences. ficult. The men and women in uniform This offensive is part of a new strat- We should support our troops by sup- who willingly risk their lives to defend egy in Afghanistan focused on the im- porting their efforts to disrupt and dis- our country do not believe that. mediate goals of disrupting, disman- mantle and defeat al Qaeda and the tling, and defeating al Qaeda, denying Taliban. b 1430 al Qaeda a safe haven, and reversing As many of you know, my daughter- Mr. Speaker, as with all of my fellow the momentum of the Taliban. This of- in-law Lindsay served in Iraq and Af- Members and citizens, I hope for a

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:06 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.077 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1253 world one day without war. But in the yond our mandate to prevent terrorists field.’’ Four died, handcuffed to do world we live in, some wars are forced from attacking the United States. I be- their job for this country. That’s aw- upon us. And we have no choice but to lieve that a short and definitive time- fully sad to me. fight and to win them if we are to sur- table for withdrawing our troops is the I would like to read also from the vive. only way to minimize further loss of Marine Corps Times: ‘‘Caution killed I urge my colleagues to resoundingly life and to refocus our efforts more di- my son. Marine families blast ‘suicidal’ defeat this resolution. rectly at the terrorists themselves. tactics in Afghanistan.’’ I would like to I reserve the balance of my time. I do have one reservation, that the read the words from a father whose son Mr. KUCINICH. I yield 3 minutes to resolution before us seems to leave no died for this country. I would like to the gentleman from New York (Mr. room for a military role in Afghanistan read the words of this man because he NADLER). under any circumstances. I believe we served in the Marine Corps, a sergeant Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. must reserve the right to use our himself. His frustration about how his Chairman, I rise in support of this reso- Armed Forces to attack terrorist tar- son died because he was not helped led lution. I am not convinced that the gets wherever they may be, and that him to write to Admiral Mullen and United States and its allies can end the would include terrorist training camps also Senator COLLINS. This is his re- 35-year civil war in Afghanistan, nor is in Afghanistan, if they were reestab- sponse back to the letters from Admi- that our responsibility. We should not lished there. But those camps are not ral Mullen and his response back to use our troops to prop up a corrupt there now, and our troops should not be SUSAN COLLINS: government. It is simply not justifiable there either. Mr. KUCINICH’s resolution ‘‘Sergeant Bernard said the letter is to sacrifice more lives and more money points us in the right direction, a di- ‘smoke and mirrors’ and overlooks his on this war. We must rethink our pol- rection far better than the direction in consistent concern: A counterinsur- icy. If we do not, we are doomed to fail- which we are now headed. Accordingly, gency strategy won’t work as long as ure and further loss of American lives. I urge approval of the resolution. Afghanistan is filled with warring In late 2001, we undertook a justified Mr. BERMAN. I reserve the balance tribes that have no empathy for the military action in Afghanistan in re- of my time. United States and its way of life.’’ He further stated in his letter to Sen- sponse to the attacks of 9/11, and with Mr. KUCINICH. I yield 5 minutes to ator COLLINS, ‘‘I have already spoken moral clarity and singular focus we de- the gentleman from North Carolina to your office,’’ and he further said, stroyed the al Qaeda camps, drove the (Mr. JONES). Taliban from power, and pursued the ‘‘Don’t let him,’’ meaning Admiral Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I want to Mullen, ‘‘spin this crap.’’ perpetrators of mass terrorism. I sup- thank the gentleman from Ohio, first, ported that action. Today, however, I’m quoting him now. These are not for presenting this resolution and, sec- my words. This is what he said to Ad- our presence in Afghanistan has be- ondly, for fighting for so long to get us come counterproductive. We are miral Mullen. This is a father whose to have this debate. I want to say to son died for this country. I repeat that: bogged down amidst a longstanding Mr. BERMAN, thank you for agreeing to civil war between feuding Afghans of ‘‘Don’t let him spin this crap,’’ Ber- let this be debated. nard said. ‘‘There’s no indication that differing tribes, classes, and regions I want to start by saying that Peggy Afghanistan has changed anywhere. whose goals have little to do with our Noonan has called for this debate in ‘‘A Our mission should be very, very sim- own. Moreover, our very presence in ‘Necessary’ War?’’ I want to read this: ple: Chase and kill the enemy.’’ Afghanistan has fueled the rising in- ‘‘So far, oddly, most of the debate over Well, I just gave you two examples of surgency and emboldened those who Afghanistan has taken place among where we’re not really fighting the war oppose foreign intervention or occupa- journalists and foreign policy profes- in Afghanistan. Because why in the tion of any kind, who see us as foreign sionals.’’ All of them have been honest world would those marines have been invaders. In seeking security and sta- in their opinions about the war in Af- killed who were asking for cover, and bility in Afghanistan, we have sup- ghanistan. But when you really look at yet the Army said, No, we can’t give ported corrupt leaders with interests the facts, nobody elected these people you cover because of our policy—and out of sync with the interests of ordi- to debate the war. ‘‘Washington has to our policy is: We don’t want to kill ci- nary Afghans. By backing the Afghan get serious, and the American people vilians. But as Sergeant Bernard said, government, we have further distanced have a right to know the facts and op- and he’s right—I’ve never been to war, ourselves from the Afghan people and tions.’’ let me be honest about it, but he has empowered the insurgency. [From the Wall Street Journal, Oct. 10, 2009] been to war and knows that war is If our mission in Afghanistan is in- ugly. It’s mean. And therefore we’re deed to prevent the safe harbor of ter- A ‘NECESSARY’ WAR? THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS, DISTRACTED, HAVE LEFT A VOID saying to our troops we’re going to rorists within a weak or hospitable na- ‘‘handcuff’’ you, and we’re going to do tion, that mission is largely accom- (By Peggy Noonan) So far, oddly, most of the debate over Af- what we can to protect those in Af- plished, since we are told there are now ghanistan, but you might have to give fewer than a hundred al Qaeda in Af- ghanistan has taken place among journalists and foreign-policy professionals. All power your life and you couldn’t even fire a ghanistan. In reality, terrorist plots to them: They’ve been fighting it out on op- gun. That is not what we should be can be hatched anywhere, in any na- ed pages and in journals for months now, in doing in Afghanistan. tion, including our own. In fact, much many cases with a moral seriousness, good Last point, the book that’s called of the planning for the 9/11 attacks faith, and sense of protectiveness toward the ‘‘The Three Trillion Dollar War,’’ it is took place in Western Europe. interests of the United States that is, actu- a book written by the economist Joe This does not mean we should stop ally, moving. But nobody elected them. We Stiglitz, and he says in the book that pursuing terrorists. On the contrary. need a truly national debate. to take care of the wounded from Af- We must continue the multipronged ef- So thank you both for allowing this ghanistan and Iraq for the next 25 fort to disrupt, dismantle, and destroy debate to take place today. But I join years, a minimum cost of $2 trillion. their ability to harm the United my friends in saying that it’s time to I want to end with this story: Three States. We must continue to track and bring an end to this war. I have Camp years ago, three years ago, Congress- block terrorist financing across the Lejeune Marine Base in my district, man GENE TAYLOR and WALTER JONES, globe, increase intelligence activities Cherry Point Marine Air Station, and myself, went to Walter Reed to visit focused on terrorists, increase diplo- Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. the wounded, as many Members of Con- macy to rally our allies to our cause Brave men and women. God bless them gress in both parties do. And we go into against terrorism, and, if necessary, all. a room where a young man, 19 years use our Armed Forces to attack ter- I want to start my comments and old, had been shot in the neck, sitting rorist targets wherever they may be—a would like to share this with you from in a wheelchair, will never walk again. function quite distinct from using the the Marine Corps Times, March 1, 2010: As Gene and I speak to him and tell military to secure a nation so that it ‘‘Left to Die. They called for help. him we thank him so much for his can be rebuilt. Rebuilding Afghanistan ‘Negligent’ Army leadership refused— service, his mom comes in and she is beyond both our capability and be- and abandoned them on the battle- looks at us like a deer in headlights.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:12 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.079 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1254 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 Scared. She should be scared. She good thing this country has ever commitment.’’ Make no mistake about doesn’t know what the future is for her achieved has been hard. We don’t quit it, Mr. Speaker, the troops and their son. and run because it is difficult. We stay families are watching this debate today And then she said to GENE TAYLOR because we believe, like Jarrett, that to see what we shall do here in Con- and myself, after we introduced our- the fight against an enemy that is bent gress. They are looking for who will selves, Can you guarantee me that this on our destruction is worth it. That is support them and who will not. We government will take care of my son 40 the reason these other 27 from all races must defeat this resolution and the years from now? He is 19 years old. and both sexes fought in Iraq and Af- Taliban and the al Qaeda and support And one of us said to her, This coun- ghanistan. our military. try should take care of your son 40 Last December, I had the privilege to b 1445 years from now. But you know what I go to Afghanistan and meet Americans would tell her today? I’m not sure we like Jarrett and these others who are Last Saturday, March 6, was the can take care of your son. risking their lives for us here at home. 174th anniversary of the battle at the We need to understand we can’t po- They told me that they missed their Alamo where those people walked lice the world anymore. It’s time that families, they missed their kids, but across that line rather than give in to we protect ourselves from the enemy, also they believe the work they’re the enemy. the terrorists. But going around the doing is worth it, and they’re eager to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The world and trying to police the world finish the job and get back home. They time of the gentleman has expired. doesn’t work anymore. continue to fight, and fight hard, and Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield an addi- So I want to thank the gentleman for they want success. And we must re- tional 30 seconds to the gentleman giving me this time. And I join you in member, Mr. Speaker, they’re all vol- from Texas. this resolution and hope that these de- unteers. America’s finest. Mr. POE of Texas. I thank the gentle- bates will continue and continue so we General McChrystal’s new strategy is lady. They were led by a 27-year-old in- will meet our constitutional responsi- effective and already leading to key dividual from South Carolina by way of bility and we will be able to say one victories. It makes no sense to all of a Alabama. He said at the Alamo, ‘‘I day to that 19-year-old soldier or ma- sudden pick up and leave when we’re shall never surrender or retreat,’’ and rine: We will take care of you 40 years the ones winning this war and the they did not surrender or retreat be- from now. Because right now we can- enemy is receiving crushing blow after cause war was hard then, and it cost not do it. crushing blow. We cannot pull the rug them all their lives. But victory was Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. At this time I’d out from underneath our troops. Of obtained later, and freedom was ob- like to yield 5 minutes to an esteemed tained. member of our House Foreign Affairs course, al Qaeda and the Taliban would say, I told you so. The Americans, they War is hard. It is always hard. And Committee, as well as the Judiciary we shall not give in. We shall not sur- Committee, the gentleman from Texas just don’t have the stomach for war. They would once again, these enemies render or retreat. It is in our interest (Mr. POE). and in the interest of America to de- Mr. POE of Texas. This is about our of the world, creep back into the seats feat the enemy and let them have no troops. This is about Americans who of power and darkness and would turn doubt in their minds that we will be have been willing to protect the rest of their countries back a thousand years. victorious. us when duty calls and in time of war. Women would once again not be al- And that’s just the way it is. Army Specialist Jarrett Griemel was lowed to go to school, political dis- Mr. KUCINICH. I yield 4 minutes to one of those noble Americans. He was a sidents would be murdered, and Af- the gentleman from California (Mr. patriot. He joined the United States ghanistan would once again become a FILNER). Army right out of high school. He had safe haven for terrorists to plot and Mr. FILNER. Yes, Mr. POE, war is completed basic training before he plan their next attacks against people hard. I’ve got news for you: peace is graduated from high school in his jun- they don’t like throughout the world, harder. Talk to Dr. Martin Luther ior year at La Porte High School in including Americans. All Americans Texas. In 2008, Jarrett married his high would be in danger. King, Jr. Talk to Nelson Mandela. school sweetheart, Candice, in a small War is hard. The cut-and-run crowd Peace is harder. Peace is really hard. ceremony before the justice of the do not understand if we retreat unilat- I’ve heard Mr. POE’s words: Victory is peace. She joined him in Alaska, where erally and quit this war, the war will close. What message are we sending to he was deployed by the Army, to begin not be over, because our enemies will our troops? The Alamo as a metaphor their young married lives together. He continue the war against us whether for this? Come on, Mr. POE. And Mr. was a petroleum supply specialist as- we continue against them or not. Our POE started with, ‘‘This is about our signed to the 425th Brigade Special troops would return home with one troops.’’ That’s exactly right: this is Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat question: Why? Why would you bring about our troops. Team, 25th Infantry Division Bat- us home when victory was so close? I would like to thank the gentleman talion. Why did we fight so hard, make so from Ohio (Mr. KUCINICH) for allowing Last June, Jarrett was killed at the many sacrifices, only to have those us to have a debate. Here we have spent age of 20 years in Afghanistan. This is that believe in peace at any price say hundreds of billions of dollars, and his photograph. He is on this board— it’s time to quit? we’ve had no real debate. So I thank the board with 27 other Texans from Now is not the time to retreat. This him for bringing this resolution and al- our congressional district area. He is enemy is real. It must be defeated. This lowing us to debate. We need a debate the latest to have been killed in Iraq or is not about the politics of fear with in this democracy so that everybody Afghanistan as a volunteer to go over- some hypothetical enemy but assessing understands the costs, the costs of war, seas and protect the rest of us in time reality and supporting these men and the costs of not going to war. The ma- of war. He believed in protecting our women and others that are over there terial costs, the human costs. This is country. He believed in it so much he and protecting our home from terror- about our troops. I agree with Mr. POE. was willing to leave his wife and go ists that want nothing more than to You know, I have been to Iraq and halfway around the world to fight an destroy us wherever they find us in the Afghanistan. I have met these incred- enemy on the enemy’s own turf. And he world. Past successes don’t guarantee ible young men and women who are believed in it so much that he was will- future success. Victory is close, but we fighting this war. As Mr. POE sug- ing to give his life for the rest of us. So have not obtained it yet. Abandonment gested, they are incredible. It’s the pol- if we pass this resolution, what mes- and retreat—those are not strategies. icymakers I am worried about. We re- sage do we send to Jarrett’s family or We stay because it’s in our interest to port as killed in our two wars almost Jarrett’s young bride—that his sac- stay and secure a victory against the 1,000 in Afghanistan and a little over rifice just wasn’t enough? That it was enemies of the world. 4,000 in Iraq. We report around 40,000 all for naught? General Petraeus said, ‘‘We’ve got to casualties. Let me tell you, I am chair- We don’t quit war because war is show that we are in this; that we are man of the Veterans’ Affairs Com- hard. War has always been hard. Every going to provide sustained, substantial mittee in this Congress. We have had

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:06 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.080 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1255 almost 1 million veterans from these happened to America on 9/11? Have we for our forces. The Afghan people have wars show up at the VA for injuries re- forgotten who did it? Have we forgot- to recommit themselves to building a ceived during the war, service-related ten those who protected and gave them government that is mostly free of cor- injuries, hundreds and hundreds of a safe haven? ruption and is capable of providing jus- thousands. This is not just a mathe- Let me speak a word in favor of those tice and security, and it is unclear if matical error by the Department of De- young men and young women who wear there will be future captures in Paki- fense. This is a deliberate attempt to a uniform today that are doing some- stan. keep the cost of war from our people. thing about it. I’m so proud of them. But this counterinsurgent strategy is We’ve got hundreds of thousands of Every American should be proud of the best we have to prevent Afghani- people with post-traumatic stress dis- them and their professionalism, their stan from becoming a safe haven for al order, hundreds of thousands with trau- devotion to duty, their patriotism. Qaeda and those who wish to kill matic brain injury, all of whom were Thus, I rise in strong opposition to this Americans. If we vote to pull out now undiagnosed when they left the battle ill-timed resolution that threatens to and abandon those Afghans who have front. The military doesn’t want to undermine the recent gains by U.S. only recently been freed from the know about these injuries. They don’t forces and our Afghan and coalition Taliban, I have no doubt that the want to tell the American people about partners. Taliban would be able to reestablish these injuries. This kind of war pro- Six months ago, I wrote a letter to their hold on southern Afghanistan, if the President while he was conducting duces those injuries. I didn’t hear that not the entire country. from Mr. POE. What do we tell the a full review of our strategy in Afghan- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The istan, urging him to adopt and fully re- mom? We tell the mom that we time of the gentleman from Missouri source an effective counterinsurgency shouldn’t be sending her child there be- has expired. cause of the nature of the war. There is strategy in Afghanistan. I still main- Mr. BERMAN. I yield the gentleman no ‘‘Victory is close.’’ I would like to tain that pursuing such a policy offers an additional 30 seconds. have someone define for me what that the best chance for success in our mis- Mr. SKELTON. After 8 long years, we victory is. sion there. Afghanistan is the epicenter finally have a strategy for success in As I said, we have had almost 1 mil- of terrorism. We cannot forget that it Afghanistan, and we have a President lion veterans from these wars already was the genesis of multiple attacks who has appointed the right leaders in come to the VA. The suicide rate that killed thousands of Americans— General McChrystal and Ambassador among active duty troops in Iraq and children, parents, spouses, neighbors. Eikenberry, who’s willing to provide We must do everything we can to en- Afghanistan is higher than the rate in those leaders with the military and ci- sure that it will not happen again and Vietnam, which was the highest that vilian experts that they need. we’ve ever had as Americans. These are be used as a safe haven for those who Success is not guaranteed in this our children. These are our children. seek to do us harm. mission, but passing this resolution Last December, after 8 long years They come home with these invisible guarantees failure in Afghanistan and with no strategy in Afghanistan, Presi- wounds. They may kill themselves poses a serious risk that we will once dent Obama recommitted our Nation to from the demons that they got from again face the same situation that ex- this war. A third of those who had been defeating al Qaeda and reminded us that the success of this mission re- isted on September 11, 2001. I hope my diagnosed with PTSD—and that’s only colleagues will join me in opposition to a small fraction of those who actually quires us to work with our inter- national allies and Afghan partners, this resolution. have it—have committed felonies in Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I and we are. The President also an- this Nation, of which several hundred proudly yield 5 minutes to the gen- nounced that our military commander were homicides, usually of their own CKEON), in Afghanistan, General Stanley tleman from California (Mr. M family members. These kids did not the ranking member on the House come home to kill their spouses or McChrystal, the best we have in this type of conflict, would receive an addi- Armed Services Committee. their children, but they were so wound- Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise tional 30,000 troops to implement this ed, and they were not taken care of by with the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. counterinsurgency strategy. These ad- our people who sent them there. We SKELTON), my chairman, the chairman ditional combat troops, combined with bring them home, and we say, Okay, of the Armed Services Committee. I you’re on your own. And then what do those already in theater, would allow our troops and civilian experts to part- join with my colleagues from the For- we have? Suicides, homicides. eign Affairs Committee and my col- This war is tearing apart those who ner with their Afghan counterparts, re- verse the momentum of the Taliban leagues from the Armed Services Com- have taken part in it. It will have the mittee in opposition to this resolution. same influence that the Vietnam War and create conditions needed for gov- ernance and economic development. I am very disappointed that the House had on our civilian society. Half of the Democratic leadership would allow this homeless on the streets tonight are Even with just a fraction of these re- resolution to come to the floor at this Vietnam vets. inforcements in place, we already see time for a vote. One only has to look at The SPEAKER pro tempore. The signs of success. Last month Afghan, time of the gentleman from California allied, and U.S. forces launched an op- the headlines to know that our mili- has expired. eration to push the Taliban out of tary forces are making progress in Mr. KUCINICH. I yield the gentleman Marjah, a town of about 50,000 people in their offensive against the Taliban in- 30 seconds. central Helmand province that became surgents in Helmand province, even as Mr. FILNER. The rate of homeless- a new hub of activity for the Taliban they face snipers, mines, improvised ness amongst our troops who served in and insurgents after our marines drove explosive devices, and a skeptical Af- Iraq and Afghanistan is higher. More them out of nearby Garmsir. They suc- ghan population. Vietnam vets have died from suicide cessfully pushed the Taliban out of The Kucinich resolution does nothing than died in the original war. That is Marjah and are now beginning to rees- to advance the efforts of our military what these wars are doing to our soci- tablish government in that area, the commanders and troops as they work ety. These are our children. It’s time to second phase of that operation. A new side by side with their Afghan and coa- take care of them. It’s time to bring Afghan administrator has been put in lition partners. Representative them home. Let’s support the resolu- place, and the process of building that KUCINICH’s resolution, if enacted into tion on the floor. government has begun. Additionally, in law, would mandate the withdrawal of Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am recent days, Pakistani forces made the all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by the very pleased to yield 4 minutes to my most significant Taliban captures since end of 2010. Why consider this resolu- very good friend, the gentleman from the war began, detaining the Taliban’s tion now? Why second-guess the Com- Missouri (Mr. SKELTON), the chairman second in command, the former mander in Chief and his commander so of the House Armed Services Com- Taliban finance minister and two shad- soon after the announcement of a new mittee. ow governors of Afghan provinces. strategy? Four months ago, the Presi- Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, have we This mission will be costly. It will dent reminded us why we are in Af- forgotten? Have we forgotten what not be easy. Hard fighting lies ahead ghanistan. It was the epicenter of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:06 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.092 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1256 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 where al Qaeda planned and launched ernment that our coalition partners, Spain, and the training was done here the 9/11 attacks against innocent our military men and women, this Con- in the United States. Oh, yes, the Americans. The President recommitted gress believes in you, we support you, image is that they all conspired, a the United States to defeating al Qaeda we honor your dedication and your sac- small group of people with bin Laden, and the Taliban and authorized the de- rifice. I urge my colleagues to vote and made this decision. Right now the ployment of 30,000 additional U.S. ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. evidence is not there to prove that. But forces. A portion of those forces have Mr. KUCINICH. I just want to say certainly bin Laden was very sympa- arrived and others are readying to de- that you can talk about how the Demo- thetic, loved it, and wanted to take ploy. cratic leadership is bringing this up at credit for it. Like most Republicans, I support the the time that there is obviously a One of the reasons why he wanted to President’s decision to surge in Af- surge about to begin, but why question take credit was that it would do three ghanistan. I believe that with addi- the timeliness of the debate when in things he wanted: First, it would en- tional forces, combined with giving fact my friend in the minority, their hance his recruitment efforts for al General McChrystal the time, space party didn’t bring this up for 8 years of Qaeda and his attacks against western and resources he needs, we can win this debate? Eight years. I mean I think it’s powers who have become overly in- conflict. We do not have a choice. We timely. That is the whole point. volved in control of the Middle East must defeat al Qaeda and the Taliban. I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman and have had a plan for 20 years to re- This means taking all necessary steps from Texas (Mr. PAUL). make the Middle East. He also said to ensure al Qaeda does not have a (Mr. PAUL asked and was given per- that the consequence of 9/11 will be sanctuary in Afghanistan or Pakistan. mission to revise and extend his re- that we will bog the American people At the end of last year, I had hoped marks.) down in a no-win war and demoralize that the war debate in this country had Mr. PAUL. I thank the gentleman for the people. There is still a lot of moral ended, and we would give a chance for yielding. support, but there is a lot of people in that strategy to work, we would give a Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support this country now that the country is chance for those soldiers, marines, air- of this resolution. I thank the gen- totally bankrupt and we are spending men, sailors who have been sent there tleman from Ohio for bringing this trillions of dollars on these useless to carry out their mission, to be suc- issue up. It is late. This war started 9 wars that people will become demor- cessful. I had hoped, as a Nation, we years ago. It’s about time we talked alized, because history shows that all could move toward a place of action; about it. It was said earlier on it is empires end because they expand too we wouldn’t be in a position of second- hard to quit a war, and we shouldn’t be far and they bankrupt the country, just guessing before we even had a chance quitting. I will tell you what the real as the Soviet system came down. And to complete that mission. During the problem is, it is too easy to start a war. that is what bin Laden was hoping for. debate last year, no one said that it It is too easy to get involved. And that He also said that the dollars spent will was going to be easy. is our problem. bankrupt this country. And we are The current operation in Afghanistan The founders of this country tried bankrupt. And yet there is no hesi- has been successful but has not come very hard to prevent this kind of a di- tation to quit spending one cent over- without challenges. However, as we lemma that we are in now; getting in- seas by this Congress. stand here today, the Afghan flag is volved in no-win wars and nobody We built a huge embassy in Baghdad, flying in Marjah city center. The knowing exactly who the enemy is. The we built an embassy in Kabul, billion- Taliban flag has been removed. This war was started and justified by dollar embassies, fortresses, and it’s all lone flag sends a clear message to Af- quoting and using the war powers reso- unnecessary. Nobody is really con- ghans that the central government is lution written in 1973. That was writ- cerned. If people were concerned about committed to people there, that we’re ten after the fiasco of Vietnam to try the disastrous effect of debt on this not going to cut and run. We’re going to prevent the problem of slipping into country, we would change our foreign policy and we would be safer for it. We to be with them and help successfully war. Yet that resolution in itself was are not safer because of our foreign pol- conclude this mission so that they can unconstitutional because it literally icy. It is a policy of intervention that finally have peace. legalized war for 90 days without Con- Some have compared our efforts has been going on for a long time, and gressional approval. It did exactly the there to Russians or others in the past it will eventually end. opposite. and have talked about the defeat of This war is an illegal war. This war is So here we are, the 90-day permission other nations in this country. We’re an immoral war. This war is an uncon- for war at that time now is close to 9 not there to take over this country. stitutional war. And the least you years. I am afraid that this is too lit- We’re there to provide them freedom. could say is it is illegitimate. There is tle, hopefully not too late for us to do That’s why we’re going to be success- no real purpose in this. The Taliban did something about this. Are we going to ful. not attack us on 9/11. You know, after do it for 10 more years? How long are we went into Afghanistan, immediately b 1500 we going to stay? And the enemy is the concerns were shifted to remaking However, this debate is not being said to be the Taliban. Well, the the Middle East. We went into Iraq, conducted in a vacuum. Our troops are Taliban, they certainly don’t like us, using 9/11 as a justification. It was listening. Our allies are listening. The and we don’t like them. And the more nothing more than an excuse. Most Taliban and al Qaeda also are listening. we kill, the more Taliban we get. Americans, the majority of Americans And finally, the Afghan people are lis- But I want to quote the first line of still believe that Saddam Hussein had tening. This resolution sends the mes- the resolution passed back in 2001, ex- something to do with 9/11. And I imag- sage, ‘‘Pay no attention to the flag plaining the purpose for giving the ine most Americans believe the over Marjah. America cannot be trust- President the power, which was an ille- Taliban had something to do with 9/11. ed to uphold its own values and com- gal transfer of power to the President It is not true. mitments.’’ to pursue war at will. It said, ‘‘To au- We need to change our foreign policy I will be attending a funeral Satur- thorize the use of United States Armed and come back to our senses and defend day. Each of us I am sure here have had Forces against those responsible for this country and not pretend to be the to perform that duty. It is not one I am the recent attacks launched against policeman of the world. looking forward to. I have attended the United States.’’ The Taliban didn’t Mr. KUCINICH. Could I ask, Madam several in the past. But at this point, launch an attack against the United Speaker, how much time is remaining for me to go to that funeral and tell States. The Government of Afghani- on each side? the Geligs that their son, Sergeant stan didn’t launch it. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. LO- Gelig, lost his life over an effort that The best evidence is that of those 20 RETTA SANCHEZ of California). The gen- we are going to cut and run from is individuals who participated in the 9/11 tleman from Ohio has 681⁄2 minutes. something I cannot do. attacks, two of them might have The gentleman from California has 36 Mr. Speaker, I want to send a clear passed through Afghanistan. A lot of minutes. The gentlewoman from Flor- message to the Afghan people and gov- the planning was done in Germany and ida has 271⁄2 minutes.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:06 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.083 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1257 Mr. KUCINICH. I yield 3 minutes to cism is that there are one, two press foolish. They may regard the costs of the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. people in this gallery. We’re talking the war as bearable or not, but they are KENNEDY). about Eric Massa 24–7 on the TV. We’re plainly not entitled to argue that the Mr. KENNEDY. I thank the gen- talking about war and peace, $3 billion, hostilities were not pursuant to spe- tleman from Ohio. a thousand lives, and no press? No cific authorization by the United Let me just say at the outset while I press? You want to know why the States Congress. am speaking on behalf of the same res- American public is sick? They’re sick The 107th Congress authorized the olution the gentleman just before me because they’re not seeing their Con- use of force. The President of the spoke on behalf of, I couldn’t disagree gress do the work that they’re sent to United States signed that authoriza- more that our interests do lie in pro- do. It’s because the press, the press of tion into law. If a Member of this tecting our national security by being the United States, is not covering the House is opposed to the war, and I am in Afghanistan. My opposition is our most significant issue of national im- sympathetic to such views, then the strategy. My opposition is that some- portance, and that is the laying of lives proper remedy is to pass legislation to how we are going to control the ground down in the Nation for the service of mandate withdrawal through the Con- by maneuvering ourselves militarily to our country. It is despicable, the na- gress under regular order. control the ground as if it is a nation- tional press corps right now. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The state. Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I time of the gentleman has expired. I hear my colleagues talk about the yield 3 minutes to the chairman of the Mr. BERMAN. I yield the gentleman flag of Afghanistan as if Afghanistan is Middle East and South Asia Sub- an additional 30 seconds. a country. In case anybody has both- committee of our committee, my Mr. ACKERMAN. They can likewise ered to look at it, it is a loose collec- friend from New York (Mr. ACKERMAN). vote against the annual and supple- tion of 121 different sovereign tribes, Mr. ACKERMAN. I thank the chair- mental appropriations that fund the none of whom get along with each man. war. other, and it is a mountainous terrain Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition What Members ought not be able to of rock and gravel; and the notion that to the resolution. I am frankly aston- do is to waste 3 full hours of the our soldiers are over there laying down ished that the resolution has even House’s time debating a resolution their lives to secure ground. We ought come to the floor. I am afraid some of founded, at best, on a mistake and, at to be after the Taliban and the terror- our colleagues either misunderstand worst, a willful intention to pretend ists, anybody who is organizing to the plain text of the War Powers Act or that recent history that we did author- strike at our country. I am for that. would like the House to initiate a leg- ize this war by a 420–1 vote can be But I am not for organizing an orga- dropped into the ‘‘memory hole.’’ nized military campaign where we are islative version of the so-called ‘‘mem- ory hole’’ described by George Orwell No matter what Members believe having to go in and take in these towns about the war in Afghanistan, this res- and subject our soldiers to unnecessary in his foreboding novel 1984. The War Powers Act provides that in the event olution deserves to fail. threats where we are putting our treas- Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I ure and the lives of our men and U.S. forces are engaged in hostilities without either a declaration of war or would like to respond to my friend that women in uniform on the line unneces- the authorization for the use of mili- sarily. a specific statutory authorization, a tary force, which passed September 14, Now, someone, I can’t even believe I concurrent resolution can be consid- 2001, had in its provision this par- heard this, said, oh, I can’t go to a fu- ered to force the withdrawal of our neral and tell the parents of someone troops. An important piece of law to be ticular line: ‘‘Nothing in this resolu- who just died that they lost their child sure, but one that is wholly irrelevant tion supersedes any requirement of the in vain. Somewhere I heard that during to the actual circumstances under War Powers Resolution.’’ the Vietnam war. So what is it we have which our troops are currently fight- So the war powers resolution is prop- to do? We have to double down on a bad ing. erly the subject of a debate and prop- policy to protect the honor of those Like many others in the House, I was erly serves as a vehicle to bring this who have already died? I don’t think present on September 14, 2001, when the debate to the House of Representatives, so. There isn’t a soldier in this country House passed House Joint Resolution and we don’t need to cede our right who has laid down their lives for our 64, to authorize the use of United under article I, section 8 at any time to Nation that isn’t a hero. And no one in States Armed Forces against those re- determine whether or not we go to war. here disagrees with that. sponsible for the then-recent attacks This is clearly a constitutional issue. What is shameful is our policy that launched against the United States. And when I take an oath to defend the puts them in harm’s way when they The vote, I would remind you, was 420 Constitution, I don’t cross my fingers don’t need to be. And make no mistake in favor and one against. I would note behind my back and say, Well, I will let about it, this is not about national se- that the gentleman from Ohio, along the President make the final decision curity. Because if it is about national with myself, was present and voted regarding war. security, it is about whether we put aye, as was the gentleman from Texas, Our Founders didn’t want to do that. our treasure and our lives on the line as were 420 of us. Our Founders said in order to restrain in Afghanistan, or whether we put it in I would like to quote from that reso- the dog of war, they would put the abil- Kuwait, or whether we put it in the lution which we are seeking to deny ex- ity to declare war in the legislative Sudan, or whether we put it in some isted, which became Public Law 107–40 branch. They were very clear about other place in the world, all of which is on September 18, 2001. It says, quote, that. where we need it. ‘‘That the President is authorized to Do not disrespect this institution Where do we need it the most? That use all necessary and appropriate force when it comes to the Constitution. Re- should be the question. Because we against those nations, organizations, member, the War Powers Act specifi- don’t have the resources to put it ev- or persons he determines planned, au- cally was mentioned in the resolution erywhere. So don’t come and tell me thorized, committed, or aided the ter- that was passed on September 14, 2001. our national security requires that we rorist attacks that occurred on Sep- It was not superseded. And I might add have it in Afghanistan because that is tember 11, 2001, or harbored such orga- that while I voted for the authorization not the only place we need it. The nizations or persons, in order to pre- for the use of military force because I question is where our priorities should vent any future acts of international believe America has a right to defend be. And you take it from one place, you terrorism against the United States by herself, I didn’t give any President have to put it somewhere else. such nations, organizations, or per- carte blanche to go and carry or pros- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The sons.’’ ecute a war wherever he or she, in the time of the gentleman has expired. future, determines necessary. Mr. KUCINICH. I yield the gentleman b 1515 I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman an additional 30 seconds. Members may like or dislike the war from Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN). Mr. KENNEDY. Finally, if anybody in Afghanistan. They may think the Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I wants to know where cynicism is, cyni- President’s new strategy is wise or thank the gentleman for yielding me

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:12 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.085 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1258 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 this time, and I rise in support of this demands. This will not end well.’’ Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I resolution. Those are not my words. Those are the yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman There is nothing conservative about words of George Will. from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE). the war in Afghanistan. In fact, it goes A very small but very powerful group (Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas asked against every traditional conservative called neoconservatives, who are really and was given permission to revise and position I have ever known. It has not conservative at all, have almost to- extend her remarks.) meant massive foreign aid which we tally controlled U.S. foreign policy for Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam cannot afford and of which conserv- many years. They are supported by Speaker, I was one of those Members atives have traditionally been the big- very large companies and government who understood the horror of 9/11 and gest critics. It has meant huge deficit officials who benefit from perpetual joined with the then-President of the spending, shortly after a time when the war and the billions of spending it re- United States to respond to an attack Congress has raised our national debt quires. on the United States. Subsequently in to over $14 trillion. Conservatives have George Will wrote in that same col- the Iraq war, I voted against that war traditionally been against huge deficit umn that the neoconservatives are knowing that it had nothing to do with spending. Conservatives have been the ‘‘magnificently misnamed’’ and that the attack on the United States on 9/11. biggest critics of the U.N. and biggest they are really the ‘‘most radical peo- So I do not stand on this floor with a opponents to world government, and ple in this town.’’ heart that is not heavy-laden and an certainly the war in Afghanistan has The Pentagon now says it costs $1 understanding of the importance of gone right along with that. billion per year for each 1,000 troops we this resolution. This resolution is Fiscal conservatives should be the send there. We can’t afford this. We grounded in the Constitution and it has most horrified about the hundreds of can’t afford to keep spending hundreds merit; for the question is, when we re- billions that has been spent over there. of billions in Afghanistan. sponded to 9/11, it was a war on terror. We are not cutting and running. We This war has gone on for more than 8 Today, we find that this is a war of have been there over 8 years now. If years. At a time when the war in Iraq insurgents. There is no real docu- this resolution passes, we will be there had gone on for a far shorter time than mentation that al Qaeda still lingers in 9 years. That is too long. It is not only that, William F. Buckley, who opposed Afghanistan. But we do understand enough, it is far too long. It is time to the war in Iraq, wrote this about that that we have lost 1,000 Americans to do the best thing we can do for our war: ‘‘A respect for the power of the date—70 in 2010 and 316 in 2009—soldiers troops and bring our young men and United States is engendered by our suc- that we honor and respect. Never will women home and start putting Ameri- cess and engagements in which we take there be one soldier that we don’t call cans first once again. for an honor and respect of the United part. A point is reached when tenacity Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- States. In fact, I filed legislation to conveys not steadfastness of purpose, er, I would like to yield 2 minutes to have a day of honor for all of our re- but misapplication of pride.’’ the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. He went on to say, if this war drags turning soldiers. None of them should FORTENBERRY), a member of our Com- come home to silence. We should al- on, talking about the war in Iraq, he mittee on Foreign Affairs and the said, ‘‘Where there had been skepticism ranking member of the Agriculture ways provide great honor for them. But here is where we are as it relates about our venture, there will be con- Subcommittee on Department Oper- to the situation in Afghanistan. Today, tempt.’’ ations and Oversight. All of those words apply equally well Mr. FORTENBERRY. I thank the although he has the right to do so, to the war in Afghanistan. There is gentlewoman from Florida for her lead- President Karzai is greeting the Presi- nothing conservative about the war in ership on Foreign Affairs and for the dent of Iran. I hope they work together Afghanistan. time. for peace. But the questions are: What Georgie Ann Geyer, the conservative Madam Speaker, the situation in Af- are our soldiers doing to help impact foreign affairs columnist, she wrote ghanistan is complex, and it has been the governance of Afghanistan? The also about the war in Iraq, but it ap- difficult. And it has serious ramifica- governance that requires the fighting plies to this war as well. She said, tions for regional and global stability. of corruption; the governance to fight ‘‘Critics of the war have said since the Congress understood this in the after- for freedom and for human rights and beginning of the conflict that Ameri- math of September 11 and authorized the right to worship; governance to es- cans, still strangely complacent about the use of force in Afghanistan. The tablish schools for the girls and boys overseas wars being waged by minori- situation is no less serious today. and allow girls and boys to go. ties in their name, will inevitably We would all like to see our troops Yes, we need nation building, but not come to a point where they will see come home as quickly as possible, leav- with our soldiers out walking step by they have to have a government that ing Afghanistan a stronger and better step trying to bypass IEDs, many times provides services at home or one that place. And we all deeply care about our missing it and losing arms and legs and seeks empire across the globe.’’ troops, particularly those who are now eyes. This is the time to give the Presi- We should remember, Madam Speak- wounded, who have fought so valiantly. dent, who did do the right thing, who er, that even General Petraeus said we But, Madam Speaker, decisions re- deliberated and who took time and re- should never forget that Afghanistan garding the disposition of our forces in sponded to his generals—we salute him has been known as the ‘‘graveyard of Afghanistan should be made in concert for that. But now is the time for the empires.’’ Our Constitution does not with our commanders in the field who United States Congress and the con- give us the power or the right to run take seriously their responsibility for stitutional separation of the branches another country, and that is what we our troops and the success of that mis- of government to be able to assess have been doing. sion. I have confidence that General whether or not this particular conflict It should have come as no surprise, McChrystal, after a thorough and must continue and whether there is a Madam Speaker, that President Karzai painstaking calculus, has provided a benefit to the American people. of Afghanistan told ABC News recently clear plan to increase stability in Af- I would make the argument there is that the U.S. needs to stay there for 15 ghanistan and allow our troops to with- much to do. There is much to do in to 20 years more, spending mega- draw as quickly and as responsibly as cleaning up Afghanistan. There is billions, of course. He wants our possible. Moreover, now is not the time much to do in providing for the oppor- money, and he wants to stay in power. to leave fledgling civil society pro- tunity of governance. We can do that But listen to what columnist George grams more vulnerable to intimidation in a way that will support the State Will has said. He has now changed his and attack. Department with support staff from position and has written about Afghan- So, Madam Speaker, I respectfully the military. And if there is a need to istan, that the budget will not support submit that we cannot afford to risk defend the United States, I have no an expansion there. The military ‘‘will compromising the future of that region doubt that the brave men and women be hard-pressed to execute it, and at this most difficult time, and I urge of the United States military will America’s patience will not be com- my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on this res- stand at attention and will rise to the mensurate with Afghanistan’s limitless olution. occasion. Now we owe their families,

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:06 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.093 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1259 these young men and women, 165,000 have two years between overseas deploy- the Washington Post estimates, totals over who came home from Iraq, many of ments; yet, today, our troops have only a year one billion dollars each year. whom are suffering from posttraumatic at home between deployments. Expanding the The task of establishing legitimate governing disorder. number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan by practices remains formidable. A November 17, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The 30,000 will negatively impact troop morale and 2009 report from Transparency International time of the gentlewoman has expired. will bring us further away from the conditions listed Afghanistan as the second most corrupt Mr. KUCINICH. I yield the gentle- necessary to maintain a strong, all-volunteer country in the world, continuing its second woman an additional minute. military. This is not President Obama’s war straight year of declining in the corruption Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. When and I applaud his thoughtful leadership—the index. Such news is disparaging and provides we send them into battle, we have the Congress now needs to give counsel to have an important dynamic to how we consider our obligation of saying there is a begin- a time certain for the troops to come home. strategy with regards to Afghanistan going for- ning and an end. World War I, World I very strongly believe that our nation has a ward. In January, a U.N. survey found that an War II, wars that we may have liked or moral obligation to ensure that our veterans overwhelming 59 percent of Afghans view disliked, but we knew as they went are treated with the respect and dignity that public dishonesty as a bigger concern than in- into battle that there was an ending. they deserve. One reason that we are the security (54 percent) and unemployment (52 And how brave they were. greatest nation in the world is because of the percent). This is telling for a country with wide- As we saluted the women who par- brave young men and women fighting for us in spread violence and an unemployment rate of ticipated in the Air Army Corps for Iraq and Afghanistan. They deserve honor, 40 percent. Women, the WASPs today, some hun- they deserve dignity, and they deserve to As co-chair of the Congressional U.S.-Af- dreds of them, we know that there is no know that a grateful nation cares about them. ghanistan Caucus, I have called for policies doubt that they are brave. But I would Whether or not my colleagues agree that the that allow the United States to provide benefits say to you, end this war with Afghani- time has come to withdraw our American to the people of Afghanistan. Our effort must stan and end this partnership with forces from Afghanistan, I believe that all of us enhance our efforts at building both hard and Pakistan. There are ways to be able to in Congress should be of one accord that our soft infrastructure in Afghanistan. Change in support the structure of both govern- troops deserve our sincere thanks and con- Afghanistan is going to come through schools ments without our soldiers losing their gratulations. and roads, through health care and economic lives on and on and on. It is because I respect our troops that I am opportunity, and through increased trade and This resolution says that if the Presi- voting to bring them home from a war that has exchange. The Afghan people need our help dent finds it necessary to extend, he strayed far beyond its original mandate. The to achieve these objectives, but I am not con- can do so. But we are asking for the United States will not and should not perma- vinced that our military is the solution. If the troops to be out by the end of this year. nently prop up the Afghan government and Government of Afghanistan can demonstrate a So many of us have spoken to that over military. To date, almost $27 billion—more responsible and non-corrupt commitment to its and over again. than half of all reconstruction dollars—have people, I believe that America should respond Madam Speaker, this is not some- been apportioned to build the Afghan National with appropriate and targeted foreign assist- thing unusual. This is not a cause of Security Forces. The focus should be on ance. the fearful. This is not a cause of those strengthening the civilian government for it to I am also concerned that the United States who are nonpatriotic. This is a cause lead. And we should continue to chase the is shouldering too much of the burden in Af- for people who believe in the red, real terrorists that are now lodged in Pakistan. ghanistan. Although the terror attacks on white, and blue, who stand here today We must support governments with a diplo- American soil prompted NATO to respond with loving their country and believe that matic surge—more resources for schools, hos- collective military action, no nation is immune our soldiers are owed this respect to pitals, and government reform. from the threat of terrorism. Although the bring them home as heroes. We ask U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan will troops and resources provided by our allies that you support this resolution. come to an end, and when U.S. forces leave, have been invaluable to date, especially re- Madam Speaker, I rise in solemn opposition the responsibility for securing their nation will garding development for the people of Afghan- to a war that has cost too many American fall to the people and government of Afghani- istan, questions must be raised about how lives and too many American dollars. To date, stan. Governance is more than winning elec- long other nations will remain involved in Af- over 1,000 Americans have lost their lives in tions, it is about upholding human rights, es- ghanistan. France and Germany, for example the Afghan theatre, including 70 in 2010. In pecially the rights of women; it requires fight- have already questioned whether or not to 2009, 316 Americans lost their lives. The war ing corruption. Governance requires fighting send additional troops. NATO resources must in Afghanistan should end as safely and quick- corruption. Governance requires providing for continue to focus on improving the livelihoods ly as possible, and our troops should be the freedom to worship. Governance requires of the Afghan people, but if the support of brought home with honor and a national day establishing schools that provide education these governments wavers, American troops of celebration. I strongly believe that this can from early childhood through higher education. and Afghan citizens will suffer the con- and must be done by the end of the year. Yet, Afghanistan has largely failed to insti- sequences. This stance is borne from my deeply held tute the internal reforms necessary to justify I agree with our President that a stable Af- belief that we must commend our military for America’s continued involvement. The recent ghanistan is in the best interest of the inter- their exemplary performance and success in elections did not reflect the will of the people, national community, and I was pleased to see Afghanistan. As lawmakers continue to debate and the government has consistently failed to President Obama’s outreach to our allies for U.S. policy in Afghanistan, our heroic young gain the trust of the people of Afghanistan. additional troops. Currently, 41 NATO and men and women continue to willingly sacrifice The troubling reports about the elections that other allied countries contribute nearly 36,000 life and limb on the battlefield. Our troops in were held on August 20, 2009 were the first troops. That number is expected to increase Afghanistan did everything we asked them to in a series of very worrisome developments. by nearly 6,000 with at least 5,000 additional do. We sent them overseas to destroy the The electoral process is at the heart of de- troops coming from NATO member countries. roots of terror and protect our homeland; they mocracy, and the disdain for that process that Multilateralism is vital to ensuring that our op- are now caught in the midst of an insurgent was displayed in the Afghanistan elections erations in Afghanistan succeed. civil war and continuing political upheaval. gives me great pause. The Special Inspector Madam Speaker, today, we face difficult re- Throughout the discussion of the administra- General for Afghanistan Reconstruction re- alities on the ground. The Taliban attacks our tion’s proposed surge, I expressed my con- cently released his quarterly report which de- forces whenever and wherever they can. cern for the cost of sending additional troops, tailed our nation’s efforts to work with contrac- Agents of the Taliban seek to turn the people as well as the effect that a larger presence in tors and the Afghanistan government to pre- of Afghanistan against us as we attempt to Afghanistan will have on troop morale. The vent fraud and enhance transparency. This is provide them with help in every way we can. White House estimates that it will cost $1 mil- the 8th report by the Special Inspector Gen- This situation is unsustainable. Afghanistan’s lion per year for each additional soldier de- eral, but as a recent series in the Washington history has earned it the nickname, ‘‘The ployed, and I believe that $30 billion would be Post showed, we are unable to stem the flow Graveyard of Empires,’’ and I believe that we better spent on developing new jobs and fixing of corruption and waste within Afghanistan, should not take this grim history lightly. By in- our broken healthcare system. Many leaders despite our efforts at reforming our own con- cluding a timetable for our operations in Af- in our armed forces, including Secretary tracting procedures. This money likely comes ghanistan, we focus our mission and place it Gates, have said that it is optimal for troops to from the opium trade and U.S. assistance and, in a long-term context.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:06 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.099 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1260 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 Although development to improve the lives Congress passed, as we have heard, by sons he determines planned, authorized, of the Afghan people is important, defeating an overwhelming vote a few days after committed, or aided the terrorist attacks al-Qaeda and the threat they pose to America 9/11/2001. Most who voted for it, includ- that occurred on September 11, 2001, or har- bored such organizations or persons. . . .’’ and our allies is the most important objective ing me, thought it was limited in time The President signed this legislation into of our operations. To that end, I believe that and place, but it became the basis for law on September 18, 2001 (P.L. 107–40, 115 Pakistan, not Afghanistan, is now the key to many actions taken by the Bush ad- Stat. 224 (2001)). This report provides a legis- success and stability in the region. Over the ministration. In my view, the AUMF lative history of this statute, the ‘‘Author- past eight years, coalition forces have suc- has been overused and abused as the ization for Use of Military Force’’ (AUMF), cessfully pushed most of al-Qaeda out of Af- basis for policy. It is time for us to which, as Congress stated in its text, con- ghanistan and into Pakistan. This has not only consider whether it should sunset, and stitutes the legislative authorization for the I believe that it should. But the resolu- use of U.S. military force contemplated by put them outside the mandate of our forces, the War Powers Resolution. It also is the but has also forced Pakistan to address an tion before us is not, in my view, the statute which the President and his attor- enlarged terrorist threat. right place to address that issue. neys have subsequently cited as an authority During his State of the Union Address, After years of giving Afghanistan for him to engage in electronic surveillance President Obama spoke of the importance of short shrift, tolerating rampant gov- against possible terrorists without obtaining Pakistan when he noted ‘‘America will remain ernment corruption, and standing by as authorization of the special Court created by a strong supporter of Pakistan’s security and the Taliban reestablished itself, we the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act prosperity long after the guns have fallen si- now have a better strategy. That strat- (FISA) of 1978, as amended. This report will only be updated if events warrant. lent, so that the great potential of its people egy, developed by President Obama On September 11, 2001, terrorists linked to can be unleashed.’’ As the co-chair of the late last year, includes a promised Islamic militant Usama bin Laden hijacked Congressional Pakistan Caucus, I know, first- drawdown of our troops beginning in four U.S. commercial airliners, crashing two hand, of the great potential of the Pakistani July 2011—or possibly sooner, accord- into the twin towers of the World Trade Cen- people, and I strongly believe that the recently ing to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, ter in New York City, and another into the approved assistance package to Pakistan will who visited there earlier this week. Pentagon building in Arlington, Virginia. Let me be clear, I do not support the The fourth plane crashed in Shanksville, work to this end. U.S. foreign assistance to Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh, after pas- Pakistan will improve Pakistan’s capacity to surge of an additional 30,000 additional sengers struggled with the highjackers for address terrorist networks within its own bor- American troops in Afghanistan. I do control of the aircraft. The collective death ders, but I worry that a troop increase will support multinational, NATO-led ef- toll resulting from these incidents was near- cause even more refugees and insurgents to forts to clear, hold, build, and transfer ly 3,000. President George W. Bush character- cross into Pakistan. to a noncorrupt Afghan Government ized these attacks as more than acts of ter- Ultimately, we in Congress must decide control over parts of that country ror. ‘‘They were acts of war,’’ he said. He what is in the best interest of the American which are or could become training added that ‘‘freedom and democracy are under attack,’’ and he asserted that the people. Fighting al-Qaeda was in the best in- grounds for terrorists intent on attack- United States would use ‘‘all of our resources terest of the American people in 2001, as it ing the United States. to conquer this enemy.’’ continues to be today. Yet, we are now fight- The good news is that Pakistan is In the days immediately after the Sep- ing an insurgency—not al-Qaeda—in Afghani- making greater effort to crack down on tember 11 attacks, the President consulted stan. This should not be their mission, and we Taliban and al Qaeda terror groups on with the leaders of Congress on appropriate must bring our troops home. its soil, and those efforts are yielding steps to take to deal with the situation con- results which should help stabilize Af- fronting the United States. These discus- b 1530 sions produced the concept of a joint resolu- ghanistan. tion of the Congress authorizing the Presi- Mr. KUCINICH. I reserve the balance The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- of my time. dent to take military steps to deal with the tlewoman’s time has expired. parties responsible for the attacks on the Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, be- Mr. BERMAN. I yield the gentlelady United States. The leaders of the Senate and fore I yield to the gentlewoman from an additional 30 seconds. the House decided at the outset that the dis- California, I just want to take 15 sec- Ms. HARMAN. Like Mr. KUCINICH, I cussions and negotiations with the President onds to make a point with respect to want the U.S. military out of Afghani- and White House officials over the specific the gentleman from Ohio that, while stan at the earliest reasonable date, language of the joint resolution would be the authorization for the use of force in conducted by them, and not through the for- but accelerating the Obama adminis- mal committee legislation review process. 2001 certainly referenced the War Pow- tration’s carefully calibrated timetable ers Act, our point is that, while this Consequently, no formal reports on this leg- could take grievous risks with our na- islation were made by any committee of ei- debate makes sense and is appropriate, tional security. I share Mr. KUCINICH’s ther the House or the Senate. As a result, it it is truly not pursuant to the War sentiment, but not his schedule. is necessary to rely on the texts of the origi- Powers Act because the War Powers Mr. KUCINICH. I want to thank Mr. nal draft proposal by the President for a use Act says the direction to withdraw BERMAN for agreeing to make this de- of military force resolution, and the final comes when there has not been an au- bate possible. I do appreciate it very bill, S.J. Res. 23, as enacted, together with thorization for the use of military the public statements of those involved in much. You have been open to that, and drafting the bill, to construct the legislative force, and here there was an authoriza- I think the country should appreciate tion for the use of military force. I am history of this statute. Between September that about you. 12 and 14, 2001, draft language of a joint reso- for the debate; I am against the basis I also want to say that this CRS lution was discussed and negotiated by the on which the debate is being held. study, Congressional Research Study, White House Counsel’s Office, and the Senate I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman on the Authorization for the Use of and House leaders of both parties. Other from California (Ms. HARMAN), the Military Force makes it very clear in members of both Houses of Congress sug- chair of the Intelligence Subcommittee it that the War Powers Act is not su- gested language for consideration through of the Homeland Security Committee. their respective party leaders. perseded, and I would like to submit On Wednesday, September 12, 2001, the Ms. HARMAN. I thank the gentleman this for the RECORD. for yielding. White House gave a draft joint resolution to AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF MILITARY FORCE the leaders of the Senate and the House. This Madam Speaker, our colleague, Mr. IN RESPONSE TO THE 9/11 ATTACKS (P.L. 107– White House draft legislation, if it had been KUCINICH, should be commended for 40): LEGISLATIVE HISTORY enacted, would have authorized the Presi- causing us to debate this issue on the [From the Congressional Research Service, dent (1) to take military action against House floor. This is a good and Jan. 16, 2007] those involved in some notable way with the September 11 attacks on the U.S., but it also thoughtful debate, and I applaud espe- (By Richard F. Grimmett) cially the passionate statement of PAT- would have granted him (2) statutory au- SUMMARY RICK KENNEDY of Rhode Island. thority ‘‘to deter and pre-empt any future Madam Speaker, the war in Afghani- In response to the terrorist attacks against acts of terrorism or aggression against the the United States on September 11, 2001, the United States.’’ This language would have stan has continued for 9 years, and the Congress passed legislation, S.J. Res. 23, on seemingly authorized the President, without Obama administration continues to September 14, 2001, authorizing the President durational limitation, and at his sole discre- rely on the almost decade-old author- to ‘‘use all necessary and appropriate force tion, to take military action against any na- ization to use military force which against those nations, organizations, or per- tion, terrorist group or individuals in the

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It would have granted of the other Whereas clauses in P.L. 107–40, guage is changed through enactment of a the President open-ended authority to act are not part of the language after the Re- new statute that amends it, or its effect is against all terrorism and terrorists or poten- solving clause of the Act, and, as such, it is modified by opinions of the Federal Courts, tial aggressors against the United States not clear how a Court would treat such pro- the ‘‘Authorization for Use of Military anywhere, not just the authority to act visions in interpreting the scope of the au- Force’’ statute, P.L. 107–40, retains the legal against the terrorists involved in the Sep- thority granted in the law. force it has had since its enactment on Sep- tember 11, 2001 attacks, and those nations, Section 2(a) of the joint resolution, author- tember 18, 2001. izes the President ‘‘to use all necessary and organizations and persons who had aided or TEXT OF ORIGINAL DRAFT OF PROPOSED WHITE appropriate force against those nations, or- harbored the terrorists. As a consequence, HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION (SEPTEMBER 12, this portion of the language in the proposed ganizations, or persons he determines 2001) White House draft resolution was strongly planned, authorized, committed, or aided the JOINT RESOLUTION opposed by key legislators in Congress and terrorist attacks that occurred on Sep- was not included in the final version of the tember 11, 2001, or harbored such organiza- To authorize the use of United States legislation that was passed. tions or persons, in order to prevent any fu- Armed Forces against those responsible for The floor debates in the Senate and House ture acts of international terrorism against the recent attacks launched against the on S.J. Res. 23 make clear that the focus of the United States by such nations, organiza- United States. the military force legislation was on the ex- tions or persons.’’ The joint resolution fur- Whereas on September 11, 2001, acts of tent of the authorization that Congress ther states, in Section 2(b)(1), Congressional treacherous violence were committed would provide to the President for use of intent that it ‘‘constitute specific statutory against the United States and its citizens; U.S. military force against the international authorization within the meaning of section and terrorists who attacked the U.S. on Sep- 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution.’’ Finally, Whereas such acts render it both necessary tember 11, 2001 and those who directly and Section 2(b)(2) of the joint resolution states and appropriate that the United States exer- materially assisted them in carrying out that ‘‘[n]othing in this resolution supercedes cise its rights to self-defense and to protect their actions. The language of the enacted any requirement of the War Powers Resolu- United States citizens both at home and legislation, on its face, makes clear—espe- tion.’’ abroad; and cially in contrast to the White House’s draft A notable feature of S.J. Res. 23 is that un- Whereas in light of the threat to the na- joint resolution of September 12, 2001—the like all other major legislation authorizing tional security and foreign policy of the degree to which Congress limited the scope the use of military force by the President, United States posed by these grave acts of of the President’s authorization to use U.S. this joint resolution authorizes military violence; and military force through P.L. 107–40 to mili- force against ‘‘organizations and persons’’ Whereas such acts continue to pose an un- tary actions against only those international linked to the September 11, 2001 attacks on usual and extraordinary threat to the na- terrorists and other parties directly involved the United States. In its past authorizations tional security and foreign policy of the in aiding or materially supporting the Sep- for use of U.S. military force, Congress has United States, tember 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. permitted action against unnamed nations in Now, therefore be it The authorization was not framed in terms specific regions of the world, or against Resolved by the Senate and the House of Rep- of use of military action against terrorists named individual nations, but never against resentatives of the United States of America in generally. ‘‘organizations or persons.’’ The authoriza- Congress assembled— On Friday, September 14, 2001, after the tion of use of force against unnamed nations That the President is authorized to use all conclusion of the meetings of their respec- is consistent with some previous instances necessary and appropriate force against tive party caucuses from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 where authority was given to act against those nations, organizations or persons he a.m., where the final text of the draft bill unnamed states when they became aggres- determines planned, authorized, harbored, was discussed, S.J. Res. 23, jointly sponsored sors or took military action against the committed, or aided in the planning or com- by Senators Thomas Daschle and Trent Lott, United States or its citizens. mission of the attacks against the United the Senate Majority and Minority leaders re- President George W. Bush in signing S.J. States that occurred on September 11, 2001, spectively, was called up for quick consider- Res. 23 into law on September 18, 2001, noted and to deter and pre-empt any future acts of ation under the terms of a unanimous con- the Congress had acted ‘‘wisely, decisively, terrorism or aggression against the United sent agreement. S.J. Res. 23 was then consid- and in the finest traditions of our country.’’ States. ered and passed by the Senate by a vote of He thanked the ‘‘leadership of both Houses TEXT OF S.J. RES. 23 AS PASSED SEPTEMBER 98–0. As part of the Senate’s unanimous con- for their role in expeditiously passing this 14, 2001, AND SIGNED INTO LAW sent agreement that set the stage for the historic joint resolution.’’ He noted that he JOINT RESOLUTION rapid consideration and vote on S.J. Res. 23, had had the ‘‘benefit of meaningful consulta- the Senate agreed to adjourn and to have no tions with members of the Congress’’ since To authorize the use of United States additional votes until after the following the September 11 attacks, and that he would Armed Forces against those responsible for Wednesday. That action effectively meant ‘‘continue to consult closely with them as the recent attacks launched against the that if the House amended S.J. Res. 23, no our Nation responds to this threat to our United States. further legislative action on it would occur peace and security.’’ President Bush also as- Whereas on September 11, 2001, acts of until the middle of the following week. After serted that S.J. Res. 23 ‘‘recognized the au- treacherous violence were committed the House of Representatives received S.J. thority of the President under the Constitu- against the United States and its citizens; Res. 23 from the Senate, on Friday, Sep- tion to take action to deter and prevent acts Whereas such acts render it both necessary tember 14, 2001, the House passed it late that of terrorism against the United States.’’ He and appropriate that the United States exer- evening, after several hours of debate, by a also stated that ‘‘In signing this resolution, cise its rights to self-defense and to protect vote of 420–1, clearing it for the President. I maintain the longstanding position of the United States citizens both at home and Prior to passing S.J. Res. 23, the House con- executive branch regarding the President’s abroad; sidered, and then tabled an identically word- constitutional authority to use force, includ- Whereas in light of the threat to the na- ed joint resolution, H.J. Res. 64, and rejected ing the Armed Forces of the United States tional security and foreign policy of the a motion to recommit by Rep. John Tierney and regarding the constitutionality of the United States posed by these grave acts of (D–Mass.), that would have had the effect, if War Powers Resolution.’’ violence; passed and enacted, of requiring a report It is important to note here that Presi- Whereas such acts continue to pose an un- from the President on his actions under the dents frequently sign bills into law that con- usual and extraordinary threat to the na- joint resolution every 60 days after it en- tain provisions or language with which they tional security and foreign policy of the tered into force. disagree. Presidents sometimes draw atten- United States; and S.J. Res. 23, formally titled in Section 1 as tion to these disagreements in a formal Whereas the President has authority under the ‘‘Authorization for Use of Military statement at the time they sign a bill into the Constitution to take action to deter and Force,’’ was thus passed by Congress on Sep- law. While Presidential ‘‘signing state- prevent acts of international terrorism tember 14, 2001, and was signed into law by ments’’ may indicate that the President against the United States; Now, therefore, be the President on September 18, 2001. The en- views certain provisions to be unconstitu- it acted bill contains five ‘‘Whereas clauses’’ in tional, they do not themselves have the force Resolved by the Senate and House of Rep- its preamble, expressing opinions regarding of law, nor do they modify the language of resentatives of the United States of America in why the joint resolution is necessary. Four the enacted statute. Should the President Congress assembled, of these are identical to the ‘‘Whereas strongly object to the language of any bill SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. clauses’’ contained in the White House draft presented to him, he has the option to veto This joint resolution may be cited as the joint resolution of September 12, 2001. The it, and compel the Congress to enact it ‘‘Authorization for Use of Military Force.’’ fifth, which was not in the original White through voting to override his veto. Once a SECTION 2. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF UNITED House draft, reads as follows: ‘‘Whereas, the bill is enacted into law, however, every STATES ARMED FORCES. President has authority under the Constitu- President, in accordance with Article II, sec- (a) IN GENERAL.—That the President is au- tion to take action to deter and prevent acts tion 3 of the U.S. Constitution, is obligated thorized to use all necessary and appropriate of international terrorism against the to ‘‘take care that the laws be faithfully exe- force against those nations, organizations, or

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:11 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.023 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1262 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 persons he determines planned, authorized, to wash our hands of Afghanistan. ceremonies for the troops from my dis- committed, or aided the terrorist attacks There is too much humanitarian work trict headed overseas, and I have wel- that occurred on September 11, 2001, or har- to be done there. I propose that we re- comed them home. I have rejoiced with bored such organizations or persons, in order place our military surge with a civilian those mothers and fathers and wives to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such surge as part of a new smart security who, after months of not being with nations, organizations or persons. plan. We can protect America, fight their loved soldier, are able to spend (b) WAR POWERS RESOLUTION REQUIRE- terrorism, and stabilize Afghanistan time with him or her. I have also wept MENTS— with more compassion and good will for those who made the ultimate sac- (1) SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION— than we can with rockets and guns. So rifice. I have wept with their families. Consistent with section 8(a)(1) of the War let’s bring the troops home. Let’s re- They made the ultimate sacrifice for Powers Resolution, the Congress declares place them with more development our country, for our safety. that this section is intended to constitute Every single soldier that I have spo- specific statutory authorization within the workers, democracy promotion special- meaning of section 5(b) of the War Powers ists, and economic development ex- ken to who has been to Iraq and Af- Resolution. perts. ghanistan would say that they would (2) APPLICABILITY OF OTHER REQUIRE- It costs, as we’ve all learned, a stag- go back again. They believe in the mis- MENTS—Nothing in this resolution super- gering $1 million to deploy a single sol- sion. It is pretty sad that Congress sedes any requirement of the War Powers dier to Afghanistan for 1 year. Smart doesn’t. They believe in the work that Resolution. security would not only be more effec- they’re doing out there, and they need I would also like to say that section tive and more peaceful, it would be fis- our support, not this resolution, which 4 of the War Powers Act requires the cally responsible to do that in the first is, I believe, a demoralizing resolution President to report to Congress when- place. The money we are currently to our troops. Rather, I would encour- ever he introduces U.S. Armed Forces spending in Afghanistan desperately age my colleagues to vote against this abroad in certain situations. And of needs to be invested in our struggling resolution because by voting against key importance is section 4(A)(1) be- families right here at home. this resolution I believe you will be cause it triggers the time limit in sec- Soon, Madam Speaker, the Congres- voting for our troops. tion 5(B). Section 4(A)(1) requires re- sional Progressive Caucus, which I co- Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I porting within 48 hours, in the absence Chair with Congressman RAU´ L yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman of a declaration of war or congressional GRIJALVA, will release its 2011 budget from Wisconsin (Ms. BALDWIN). authorization, the introduction of U.S. alternative. It will call for redirecting Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I Armed Forces into hostilities or into billions of dollars in military spending rise today in support of the effort by situations where imminent involve- into domestic programs that have been my colleague from Ohio to draw our ment in hostilities is clearly indicated overlooked for far too long right here collective attention, both in this Con- by the circumstances. at home, like school construction, af- gress and throughout the Nation, to The resolution that is before us, H. fordable housing, transportation and bringing our troops home from Afghan- Con. Res 248, therefore directs the infrastructure, job training, health istan. President, pursuant to section 5(C) of care, on and on. It is nothing short of In September, 2001, following the al the War Powers Resolution, to remove appalling that during a crippling reces- Qaeda attacks on New York and Wash- the United States Armed Forces from sion we here in the United States are ington, D.C., Congress approved a reso- Afghanistan. nickel and diming the American people lution authorizing then-President Bush I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman over things like unemployment bene- to ‘‘use all necessary and appropriate from California (Ms. WOOLSEY). fits while the Pentagon gets a blank force against those nations, organiza- Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I check to continue a failed war. tions, or persons he determines read a news article in which Defense Secretary Gates warns of dark days planned, authorized, committed, or Secretary Robert Gates, during a visit ahead. Well, I appreciate his refusal to aided the terrorist attacks that oc- to Afghanistan just recently, cautioned be a Pollyanna about Afghanistan. The curred on September 11, 2001, or har- against overoptimism about how the fact is that there have been more than bored such organizations or persons, in military campaign is going over there. 3,000 dark days in Afghanistan already order to prevent any future acts of Well, no worries there, Mr. Secretary. I and the patience of the American peo- international terrorism against the can’t muster optimism for a war that’s ple is wearing thin. United States by such nations, organi- been going on for 81⁄2 years and still I encourage my colleagues to support zations or persons.’’ hasn’t achieved its objectives, nor has H.Con.Res 238, bring the troops home, I voted in favor of that resolution it defeated the enemy. In fact, it’s hard bring them home safely, and end the and to continue to support all efforts to be optimistic now that we have lost dark days once and for all. focused on achieving that limited and more than 1,000 brave Americans in Af- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- specific mission. That resolution led to ghanistan, nearly one-third of them er, I’m pleased to yield 2 minutes to our military action in Afghanistan be- since this last summer. the gentlewoman from Florida, Con- cause at the time al Qaeda was using Frankly, Mr. Speaker, I am down- gresswoman GINNY BROWN-WAITE, a Afghanistan as a safe haven for its ter- right pessimistic about the government member of the House Committee on rorist training camps, and the Taliban we are propping up in Afghanistan, Ways and Means. government in Afghanistan was sup- which seems to reach a new low for Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- porting al Qaeda’s presence within its corruption and incompetence every ida. I thank the gentlewoman for yield- borders. single day. That is why I enthusiasti- ing. As a result of the U.S. combat oper- cally support the resolution offered by You know, earlier this afternoon, our ations in Afghanistan, the Taliban was my friend, the gentleman from Ohio, to Democrat colleague, Mr. SKELTON, a driven from power, many al Qaeda bring our troops home from Afghani- decorated war hero himself, came down operatives were killed, and others fled stan by the end of the year at the lat- to the floor and he posed the question, to nearby Pakistan or other more dis- est. The fact is that our military pres- ‘‘Have we forgotten 9/11?’’ I think that tant countries. National and local ence is what is fueling the very insur- this resolution perhaps sends the democratic elections have been held, a gency we are trying to defeat. You wrong message that this Congress has constitution has been written and rati- would think we would have learned a forgotten 9/11, and also the wrong mes- fied by the people, and attempts have lesson of history by now, actually. The sage to Americans. been made to establish stability and Afghan people have always resisted oc- Just as our young men and women the rule of law in Afghanistan. Yet, cupation, whether it was Great Britain are always ready and always there for after more than 8 years at war, there is in the 19th century or the Soviet Union us in the military, we must show evidence that the democratically elect- just 30 years ago. equally steadfast loyalty to them. Over ed government has little control out- Madam Speaker, ending the war does 1.4 million men and women are bravely side the city of Kabul. Many parts of not mean ending American support. It serving our Nation in active military the country are ungoverned or lawless, would be completely irresponsible of us duty today. I have attended sendoff opium production is increasing, and

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:12 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.024 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1263 the al Qaeda terrorists whom we seek that. These people who are trying to Medicine, a report dated January 31, to kill or capture are no longer present kill us don’t care how many aircraft 2008. This report reads that 15 percent in Afghanistan. carriers we have, how many tanks we of all the troops who have served in I am deeply concerned that our brave have, how many submarines we have. Iraq return with permanent brain dam- men and women in harm’s way in Af- It doesn’t matter. age. That’s right. Permanent brain ghanistan are now expected to perform Therefore, if our military might is no damage. Here are some of the symp- functions not authorized in the Sep- longer our primary defense, what is? I toms described: a loss of consciousness, tember 2001 authorization of military would suggest that it is accurate, time- general poor health, missed workdays, force. And President Obama’s strategy ly intelligence to know who, what, medical visits, and a high number of for moving forward in Afghanistan when, where, and how they want to try somatic and postconcussive symptoms. places insufficient emphasis on polit- to attack us again so we can stop it. Later on in the report, on page 459, ical, diplomatic, and development ini- How do we maximize that defense? this report reads that, in this study, tiatives, contains no real exit strategy, We do it through allies. We do it nearly 15 percent of soldiers reported and ignores the clear fact of mission through friends of ours. The French an injury during deployment that in- creep. really have the best intelligence net- volves a loss of consciousness or al- Nobody can question the bravery of work in northern Africa. They are tered mental state. These soldiers, de- our men and women in harm’s way in helping. They are helping in NATO. fined as having what is euphemistically Afghanistan. Their service is coura- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The referred to as mild traumatic brain in- geous and admirable, bringing peace, time of the gentleman has expired. jury, were significantly more likely to Mr. BERMAN. I yield the gentleman stability, health, and well-being to a report high combat exposure in a blast an additional 30 seconds. country that has suffered throughout Mr. TANNER. If you look at all of mechanism of injury than were the 17 years of conflict and war. But we can the former Warsaw Pact countries that percent of soldiers who reported other question whether these efforts extend are now members of NATO, we are in a injuries. So, Mr. President, when you say that beyond the very limited and specific conflict that is global in nature. NATO mission articulated in the authoriza- is evolving from a static, land-based you are sending 50,000 more troops to tion of use of military force. defense force to a security force that Afghanistan, what you are really say- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- relieves our men and women to the ex- ing is that you are condemning 7,500 tlewoman’s time has expired. tent they supply troops. It relieves the young Americans to live for the rest of Mr. KUCINICH. I yield the gentle- American taxpayer to the extent they their lives with brain damage. That’s woman 1 additional minute. help us pay for these efforts toward our what you are really saying. Beyond that, we have spent over $3 b 1545 common defense. Again, were this just an American trillion on the war in Iraq. That’s over Ms. BALDWIN. I remain deeply com- expedition, perhaps this debate would $10,000 for every man, woman, and child mitted to keeping America and Amer- be more worthwhile, but it’s not. So in in this country. It’s over $70,000 for my ican interests abroad safe from acts of the strongest possible terms, I would family of seven. For what? What have terrorism, but we cannot afford to have urge my colleagues to reject this. we accomplished in 2010 that we could tens of thousands of troops remain in a Mr. KUCINICH. I yield 4 minutes to not have accomplished in 2009 or in 2008 country where al Qaeda no longer oper- the gentleman from Florida (Mr. GRAY- or in 2007 or in 2006? ates. At a time when our Nation is fac- SON). In fact, what have you heard from ing such extraordinary challenges at Mr. GRAYSON. Madam Speaker, I the other side today that they couldn’t home, I believe we should focus on re- have good news. have said back then and that they will building our own Nation and on putting The good news is this: We won the want to say next year and the year our people back to work. war in Afghanistan. Now, it happened a after that? Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I while ago; so I may be the only person Now think about this: Our total na- yield 2 minutes to a member of our who actually remembers this, but after tional wealth is only $50 trillion. We committee, to the Chair of the organi- the 9/11 attack, within 3 months, we have spent $3 trillion, 6 percent of that, zation of NATO parliamentarians, had expelled the Taliban government, on the war in Iraq. That kind of eco- known as the North Atlantic Assem- and we did so with the use of only 1,000 nomic damage is something that could bly, the gentleman from Tennessee U.S. Special Forces troops. Within 4 not have possibly been accomplished by (Mr. TANNER). months, we had expelled al Qaeda from al Qaeda itself. Osama bin Laden, on (Mr. TANNER asked and was given Afghanistan. If you don’t believe me his best day, couldn’t have done any- permission to revise and extend his re- about that, you can listen to General thing like that. He would have had to marks.) Petraeus, who said a year ago that al have vaporized all of New England to Mr. TANNER. Thank you, Mr. Chair- Qaeda wasn’t in Afghanistan anymore. have come close. man. I have more good news about Iraq. Listen, we are the most powerful na- Madam Speaker, if we were in Af- The news is: We won. We won the war tion on Earth. Nobody can force us out ghanistan by ourselves, perhaps this in Iraq years and years ago. Facing the of Iraq. Nobody can force us out of Af- debate would be worthwhile, but the fourth largest army in the entire ghanistan. We have to make that deci- fact is we are not. world, we swept through Iraq, and sion ourselves. Remember, we need not I am presently serving as the presi- within 3 weeks, we had deposed the only strength; we need wisdom. We dent of the NATO Parliamentary As- Saddam Hussein government. need to know that the worst things sembly. The Afghan effort is a NATO- We won. Now we can go home. In that happen to us as a country are the led effort. fact, we could have gone home a long things that we do to ourselves, includ- NATO, arguably, one, if not the most time ago. ing these two wars. successful military alliances in the What is happening now in Afghani- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- modern era, is not only involved with stan and what is happening now in Iraq er, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman us as allies in Afghanistan, but we you can’t even call a war. It is a for- from California (Mr. HUNTER), a mem- know that our military might is no eign occupation. You could read the ber of the Armed Services Committee, longer a deterrent like it was most of Constitution from beginning to end, who, during his service with the U.S. my life, most of our lives, during the and you would find nothing in the Con- Marine Corps, served a combat tour in Cold War. With a doctrine of mutually stitution that permits or that author- Afghanistan. We thank him for his assured destruction, even though you izes a foreign occupation, much less service. had the bipolar world of East versus one that goes on for almost a decade. Mr. HUNTER. I thank the gentle- West and even though you had the Both in the price of money and in the woman from Florida for yielding. USSR and their buddies and the United price of blood, we simply can’t afford I speak to you today, Madam Speak- States and our allies, there was this, these wars anymore. er, not just as a United States Con- not only feeling, but we were protected I would like to call your attention to gressman but as a United States ma- by our military might. 9/11 shattered a report in the New England Journal of rine. That’s what my ballot title says

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:11 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.089 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1264 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 in San Diego. It reads: ‘‘U.S. Rep- United States marine in one of the first I want to commend the gentleman resentative/Marine.’’ officer candidate classes after 9/11. I from Ohio for having the courage and I’ve served in Iraq twice. I’ve served graduated in March 2002. I deployed in the strength of his conviction to pro- in Afghanistan once. I was part of the 2003 to Iraq, in 2004 to the battle of vide the opportunity to debate this 1st Marine Division. I, for one, don’t Fallujah, and in 2007 to Afghanistan. issue. The people in my congressional appreciate being lectured to, especially My wife and three kids have lived at district unequivocally and without a from a gentleman like the one from Camp Pendleton. They’ve lived on the doubt are in agreement, and I strongly Florida who just spoke, about how I’m base. I know what families in the mili- support passage of this resolution. brain-injured, about how I might have tary live like. I know what marines on Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am PTSD, about how I’m less of a person the ground are going through right very pleased to yield 3 minutes to my because I’ve served overseas. now. friend the gentleman from Pennsyl- This is an ill-conceived resolution. It I know what victory costs. I know vania (Mr. SESTAK). is a resolution that is hurtful to our what victory takes. What it doesn’t Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, I was troops on the ground who are fighting take is a misrepresenting resolution stationed at the Pentagon when 9/11 now, and it is a resolution that is hurt- that is going to hurt our military when happened. A few months later, I was on ful to their families. If we had passed a it needs us the most. the ground in Afghanistan as head of similar resolution about Iraq, we Did I enjoy going overseas? Did I the Navy’s anti-terrorism unit for a wouldn’t have been victorious in Iraq enjoy leaving my three small kids and short mission. I watched as the Taliban now. We wouldn’t have less than 1,000 family behind? Did I enjoy leaving and al Qaeda flowed across that border marines in Iraq now. They have all steak and all the great comforts of this over to Pakistan. And then came that pulled out. Why did they pull out? Be- Nation behind? No. tragic misadventure in Iraq. We took It was worth it because I know, in my cause we’ve won. Iraq is no longer a that edifice of security of our Special heart, that what we are doing in Af- threat. Forces and others and placed them in I’ve had friends give their lives for ghanistan is going to make my chil- that country. And what we might have this great Nation in both Iraq and Af- dren not have to go over and fight the done to truly have better won this ghanistan. A vote for this resolution is same Islamofascists that we are over global war of terror with the other ele- sending a message to their families there fighting now. I know that we are ments of power, such as fix the illit- that their sacrifices and willingness to going to have a safer country because eracy rate of women in Afghanistan, stand in the gap against the forces of of me, because of people like me, and which is 98 percent, never occurred. tyranny and destruction and radical because of people who are over there I support the President’s policies not Islam were false errands. serving now. Because they are over because of Afghanistan—it has spiraled This is the wrong message to send. there, fighting, my kids aren’t going to too far downward to try to resurrect Our message should be one of support have to. what we once might have done—but be- So was it fun going to war? No. Was and encouragement. As congressional cause of Pakistan, the most dangerous it worth it? Yes. Representatives, we should be standing place in the world. I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on It should have sent chills down side by side with our troops in the this resolution. everybody’s back when General Hay- field, not abandoning our cause when Mr. KUCINICH. I just want to say to den, 3 years ago, said al Qaeda now has our military needs us the most. If we the gentleman who just spoke, to Mr. a safe haven in Pakistan where we can- were to pull out of Afghanistan, we HUNTER, that we honor his service to not go, several hundred of those crimi- would be inviting those terrorists and our country both as a Member of Con- nals there to plan safely against us. al Qaeda to attack us here again on gress and in the military, as we hon- I support the President’s policy be- American soil. We don’t need another 9/ ored your father’s service. You have cause, as General Gates said in a closed 11. served this country well. You are well- hearing in December, we need to seal This resolution could well be named spoken, and we appreciate that you are that border. So as Pakistan, once ‘‘the retreat and abandonment of our here. united now again with us, moves to military resolution.’’ I don’t believe I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman North Waziristan through the Taliban the purpose of this resolution is to pro- from Illinois (Mr. DAVIS). on its side of the border to eradicate tect our men and women serving in Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speak- the danger to us, the safe haven of al harm’s way. The point of this resolu- er, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Qaeda, that they do not flow back over tion, I think, would be to make Amer- Res. 248, and I commend the gen- into Afghanistan whence Pakistan, ica weaker. tleman, my friend from Ohio, for his who created the Taliban, might once I’ll tell you why I believe this: Unlike introduction of it. again spread its bets. any other Member of Congress, I have Madam Speaker, I yield to no man, If Pakistan becomes a failed state served both in Iraq and Afghanistan. no woman in terms of my support for and al Qaeda remains, we may get out Unfortunately, not any person who is the heroic sacrifices that our troops in the nuclear weapons. But there are in favor of this resolution has ever the military make each and every day 2,000 nuclear-trained scientists in that come and talked to me. The gentleman of their lives and each and every day of nation who have access to the radio- from Florida never came to me and our lives. They make sacrifices on the logical material and the knowledge in asked me what I thought about it. battlefield. They fight the wars. We are a failed state potentially controlled by This isn’t about the military. This is elected to be decision makers, and we the Taliban and al Qaeda that endan- about a political ideology to make can decide whether there is war or gers us. America weak and to lose our strength whether there is peace or, at the very I support this President’s policy in a as a great Nation. least, whether there is peaceful pur- limited window of opportunity to help I would appreciate it if maybe I could suit. Pakistan eradicate, yes, the danger to be listened to next time. If we are them, but to us, that al Qaeda. going to work in a bipartisan fashion b 1600 I strongly do believe that this Presi- and if this resolution is truly for the I believe, as the people do in my con- dent still needs to provide this Nation men and women of the military, I’ve gressional district, that there is a time something, however, and that is what been here for 15 months, and I’ve never and a season for everything, and after he promised us a year ago, and that talked to anybody about it. several years of war and hundreds and was an exit strategy. Every warrior We need to make sure that we sup- thousands of casualties in Iraq and Af- knows that when you go into battle, port our troops and their families and ghanistan, that the time has come for you have an exit strategy, which is that we not allow al Qaeda to become us to draw a line in the sand and say merely benchmarks by which you stronger by passing this resolution. that it is time to bring our troops measure success or failure. And if suc- Once again, I’ve raised my right hand home. It is time to have a concrete cess succeeds, exit, and if the costs of like every other Member of Congress strategy and a concrete date by which failure become greater than success, here to support and defend the U.S. we can extricate ourselves from Af- exit to an alternative strategy. I be- Constitution, but I also did that as a ghanistan. lieve that needs to be provided to this

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:11 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.096 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1265 Nation who, after 7 or 8 years of war, stan. This is the epicenter of violent and colleague from Ohio for bringing deserves to see how its national treas- extremism practiced by al Qaeda. It is this resolution before us today. ure is being used and if it is being suc- from here that we were attacked on Madam Speaker, I rise today to join cessful. 9/11, and it is from here that new at- my colleagues in speaking out against But as I end, to my colleague from tacks are being plotted as I speak.’’ the war in Afghanistan. How much Ohio, I served for 31 years with the President Barack Obama’s words. death must we bear, how much pain wonderful men and women of this Na- He goes on. ‘‘This is no idle danger. must we suffer, how much blood should tion. No hypothetical threat. In the last few we spill before we say enough is The SPEAKER pro tempore. The months alone, we have apprehended ex- enough? Can we lay down the burden of time of the gentleman has expired. tremists within our borders who were war and lift up the power of peace? Mr. BERMAN. I yield the gentleman sent here from the border region of Af- Now is the time for the elected rep- an additional 30 seconds. ghanistan and Pakistan to commit new resentatives of the people to give peace Mr. SESTAK. And I will always re- acts of terror, and this danger will only a chance. Now is the time for those of member what the former Chairman of grow if the region slides backwards and us who believe in peace, and not war, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said when al Qaeda can operate with impunity. to speak up, to speak out, and to find asked about these debates here: Our We must keep the pressure on al Qaeda, a way to get in the way. men and women in the military are and to do that we must increase the Madam Speaker, war is bloody, war wise enough to know, this is your sa- stability and capacity of our partners is messy. It tends not just to hide the cred duty here in the Halls of Congress, in the region.’’ Again, that was Presi- truth, but to sacrifice the truth, to to have a debate about the use of their dent Obama. bury the truth. It destroys the hopes, lives. When I led them into war, I He goes on in another address on the dreams, and the aspirations of a would hope my lawmakers would have March 27 of 2009, where he made an- people. that debate if we were being used wise- other statement. He says, ‘‘And if the As one great general and President of ly. Afghan Government falls to the the United States, Dwight D. Eisen- So I thank you for bringing forward Taliban or allows al Qaeda to go un- hower, once said, ‘‘Every gun that is this debate, although I oppose the reso- challenged, that country will again be made, every warship launched, every lution. a base for terrorists who want to kill rocket fired, signifies in the final sense Mr. KUCINICH. I reserve the balance as many of our people as they possibly a theft from those who hunger and are of my time. can.’’ not fed, those who are cold and not Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- Secretary Gates, a very fine Sec- clothed.’’ er, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman retary of Defense, and I am pleased As I said some time ago, I urge to from Pennsylvania (Mr. DENT), the President Obama has kept him on, said heed the words of the spiritual: ‘‘I’m ranking member of the Homeland Se- on February 5 of this year, ‘‘This is a going to lay my burden down, down by curity Subcommittee on Transpor- critical moment in Afghanistan. I am the riverside. I ain’t gonna study war tation, Security, and Infrastructure confident that we can achieve our ob- no more.’’ We should follow the wisdom Protection. jectives, but only if the coalition con- of that song. Mr. DENT. Madam Speaker, I rise in tinues to muster the resolve for this Madam Speaker, this war has gone strong opposition to this House Con- difficult and dangerous mission.’’ on long enough. Enough is enough. It is current Resolution 248 that directs the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, time to bring this war to an end. I urge President to remove U.S. Armed Forces on September 23, said, ‘‘Some people all of my colleagues to vote for this say, well, al Qaeda is no longer in Af- from Afghanistan within 30 days of resolution. ghanistan. If Afghanistan were taken Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am adoption of this resolution unless the over by the Taliban, I can’t tell you very pleased to yield 31⁄2 minutes to my President determines that it is not safe how fast al Qaeda would be back in Af- friend and colleague from Georgia (Mr. to remove U.S. forces before the end of ghanistan.’’ Secretary of State Hillary JOHNSON), a member of the Armed the 30-day timeline. But even if there is Clinton. Services Committee. an identified danger, U.S. forces would I also want to mention what General Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam still have to be removed by December Petraeus has said. Speaker, what a dubious situation I 31. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The find myself in, having to go behind the Really, here is the catch: There is a time of the gentleman has expired. Honorable John Lewis, my colleague clear and present danger in removing Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I would like to from Georgia, and to be in opposition our men and women from the field yield an additional 30 seconds to Mr. to his view. But that is the position while they are engaged in the first DENT. that I am in, and I will take on the re- major assault of President Obama’s re- Mr. DENT. And our very fine com- sponsibility. affirmed counterinsurgency strategy in mander, David Petraeus, I met with Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition Afghanistan. him in Florida a few months ago. He to the Afghan War Powers Resolution But here is another danger: damaging said, on January 25, ‘‘It was in which is before us today and give the the morale of the troops who sacrifice Kandahar that 9/11 attacks were reason why, although I do want to com- their safety and well-being to fight to planned. It was in training camps in mend Representative KUCINICH for ena- protect our homeland, our freedoms, by eastern Afghanistan where the initial bling the House to have a debate on not providing them with the support preparation of the attackers was car- such an important issue, and I thank and resources they need to complete ried out before they went to Hamburg you for that. their mission. and flight schools in the U.S. It is im- This is a very dangerous business, portant to recall the seriousness of the b 1615 moving troops out of a country. I have mission and why it is that we are in Af- But I cannot foresee any good coming sat with Secretary Gates on more than ghanistan in the first place and why we out of a situation where we enable the one occasion over the years talking are still there after years and years of Taliban to regain control over Afghani- about withdrawing troops, in this case hard work and sacrifice that have stan and to thus become a safe haven from Iraq, and how complex a situation passed.’’ for terrorist recruitment, development, this is and how dangerous it is and the Again, I strongly urge that we defeat and deployment. I’m concerned that logistical realities of moving this this resolution. We owe it to our passage of this resolution would be an many people safely. troops. They are watching this debate extraordinary usurpation of the power But don’t take my word for it. I as we speak. They want us to oppose it of the Commander in Chief in favor of think we should also listen to the too. a Congress where petty, partisan poli- words of our Commander in Chief, Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I tics have lately been trumping policy. President Barack Obama, who, on De- am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the Our strategy in Afghanistan and cember 1 in his address to the Nation, gentleman from Georgia (Mr. LEWIS). Pakistan is achieving some promising said, ‘‘I am convinced that our security Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam successes. Pakistan is increasingly co- is at stake in Afghanistan and in Paki- Speaker, I want to thank my friend operating against militants within its

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:12 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.101 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1266 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 border and our military campaigns in rise in strong opposition to this resolu- evening news, an effort by the Taliban Afghanistan are routing the Taliban tion today. I believe that it should be to reclaim that historic city. But as I from their strongholds while deci- opposed because H. Con. Res. 248, di- talked to the governor of the mating Taliban and al Qaeda leader- recting the President pursuant to the Arghandab River province, he simply ship. The President clearly stated that War Powers Resolution to remove said that the only thing the Taliban he would bring focus to our efforts in United States Armed Forces from Af- has anymore with the population is Afghanistan and he would seek to im- ghanistan, is not supported by the law, threats. They don’t have popular ap- prove conditions prior to drawing down is not supported by the facts, and it is peal, or so he told me. U.S. forces. Passage of this resolution not supportive of our troops, and it But the very idea that U.S. forces or would prevent him from implementing should be opposed. forces in the NATO coalition would that strategy and force a premature Let me speak to each of those issues. precipitously withdraw would leave a withdrawal. First, with regard to facts. The War vacuum into which the Taliban would Madam Speaker, let me be clear. My Powers Resolution requires the Presi- readily flow. And as has been discussed intent is always to oppose war. I be- dent to notify Congress within a spe- here eloquently by Congressman DUN- lieve that the President shares that in- cific time of committing forces. Its CAN HUNTER, who wore the uniform in stinct. However, I oppose this resolu- constitutionality has been questioned harm’s way, that vacuum would be tion, not because I support war, but be- over the years. This is a matter of filled not just by the Taliban but by cause this resolution is ill-timed and clear public record. The gentleman their evil twin, al Qaeda, to, no doubt, ill-conceived. Now is not the time for cites the Constitution frequently. nefarious effects. Congress to start a constitutional turf There is great constitutional debate So I think this resolution is wrong on war. I find the premise of this resolu- about the very foundation of that legis- the law. I think it’s wrong on the facts. tion to be flawed at the outset. Re- lation. But specifically, and I believe But, lastly, let me just say that I be- member, we have authorized ongoing the distinguished chairman has made lieve it’s also not supportive of our operations in Afghanistan, and we are this point several times during the de- troops. In the many trips that I have having enough trouble managing our bate, the powers that are being cited made downrange to visit soldiers in ordinary legislative duties as it is. Let here only apply in moments where Iraq and Afghanistan, it’s impossible the President execute the strategy he there has not been a declaration of war for me to meet with those soldiers said he would implement and which is or a statutory authorization for use of without being profoundly inspired. And yielding positive results. Passage of force. I will acknowledge the gentleman from this resolution would send a message I was here on September 11th. I was Ohio has spoken in glowing terms to the world that our President’s au- here for debates, Madam Speaker, over about those in uniform. I do not sug- thority to conduct foreign policy has the resolution authorizing the use of gest that he has done otherwise. But I weakened in favor of a Congress that force in Afghanistan. Therefore, I be- believe with all my heart that a resolu- bickers over arcane Senate rules when lieve this resolution is out of order. tion of this nature in the midst of a major policy decisions are left hanging And while I don’t raise a procedural moment when we are, in fact, providing in the balance. motion on that basis, I think it’s worth our soldiers with the reinforcements After too many years wasted in Iraq, noting. and the resources to be successful in an unfocused deployment of our troops Secondly, I think this resolution is Afghanistan has the potential of hav- in Afghanistan, this President has fi- not supported by the facts. I just re- ing a demoralizing effect on the very nally chosen to use the authority of turned from a bipartisan delegation men and women who, separated from Congress to provide a focus on the real trip to Kabul and Kandahar. I met with their families and in harm’s way, are threat. I’m happy to hear Republicans General McChrystal. Stanley doing freedom’s work. saying that the President is doing a McChrystal is the commander of the And so I believe this resolution, how- good job, and I urge my colleagues to ISAF forces. I met with our soldiers at ever intended, should be opposed. It’s oppose this resolution. Camp Eggers. I went out into Afghani- not supported in the law, it’s not sup- Mr. KUCINICH. I would gently re- stan. And I have strongly supported ported by the facts, and it’s not sup- mind my colleague from Georgia that President Obama’s decision to send re- article 1, section 8 of the Constitution portive of our troops. I believe it inforcements into Afghanistan. of the United States places expressly in should be rejected. The sense that we receive from our Mr. KUCINICH. I yield myself 5 min- the hands of Congress the power to de- military leaders in Afghanistan, from utes. clare war. This resolution does not Afghani military and political leaders, To my friend from Indiana, who cited seek to usurp our Commander in Chief. and, most importantly, from our sol- his disagreement based on law and It seeks to reset the balance in our diers on the ground is that we are lean- facts and the troops, I would like to re- Constitution so that we reclaim what ing into the fight. We are providing our spond categorically. the Founders rightly intended—that soldiers with the resources and the re- First of all, section 4(a)(1) of the War the war power be in the Congress and, inforcements they need to come home Powers Act requires the President to by reference, that we have the power to safe. So now is not the time for the report to Congress any introduction of determine not just when a war starts, Congress of the United States to be U.S. forces into hostilities or imminent but when a war stops. It is also telling second-guessing our commanders in the hostilities. When the President reports, that in this war, in this surge, we’re es- field and second-guessing the Com- he does so consistent with but not pur- sentially announcing to the Taliban suant to the War Powers Resolution. where we are proceeding and when. mander in Chief. And so I believe, I reserve the balance of my time. based on what I’ve seen and heard That’s nuance when we’re speaking Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I’m so pleased within the last month and a half in Af- about reporting requirements, because to yield 6 minutes to the chairman of ghanistan, that we have the right if President Obama did submit a report the House Republican Conference and a strategy, we have the right tactics, and pursuant to the War Powers Resolu- wonderful and esteemed member of our we ought to continue to proceed on the tion, it would trigger a vote on with- Committee on Foreign Affairs, the gen- course that we are proceeding on. drawal from Afghanistan. Or Congress, tleman from Indiana (Mr. PENCE). We’re talking about real lives. I can’t on the other hand, has the ability, as I (Mr. PENCE asked and was given per- help but reflect on the experience of have, to bring a privileged resolution mission to revise and extend his re- having been just north of Kandahar, forward. marks.) where we visited with the governor of Now, I have heard a lot of talk about Mr. PENCE. I thank the distin- the Arghandab River area. He spoke the troops here. I don’t take a backseat guished ranking member of the com- about the Taliban’s being on the run. to anyone in support of the troops. mittee and the chairman of the com- In Kandahar there’s an old proverb There are some that believe the way mittee for their words and efforts that says, He who controls Kandahar that we support the troops is to keep today. controls Afghanistan. The Taliban was them in Afghanistan. There are others I think the gentleman from Ohio in effect born in Kandahar, and this who believe that the way to support knows that I respect his passion, but I spring there is, as is evidenced on the the troops is to bring them home.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:11 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.104 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1267 The Washington Post this week car- I can speak from personal experience. Mr. BERMAN. I would be happy to ried one of a series of presentations of There are no Republicans or Democrats yield. what they call ‘‘Faces of the Fallen.’’ in Afghanistan. There are American Mr. KIRK. I would just say that we We owe our gratitude to each and every troops, our troops, who delivered a probably spend enough time naming person who has served this country. We stunning set of military successes just post offices in the House of Representa- support those who served. But it is our in the last 3 months. General Nicholson tives during the worst economy in our obligation to be able to question the and his marines took the narco-Taliban country—— mission at any time. We should honor stronghold of Marjah in a single week, Mr. BERMAN. To reclaim my time, those who serve and those who have sending the Taliban fleeing. This is the this is not a discussion of post offices. given their lives and made the supreme heroin heartland that has funded the This is not a discussion of suspension sacrifice. We owe it to them to contin- rerise of the Taliban. legislation, and both parties seem to ually critically analyze the cost of the In a quiet shadow war, our allies then like naming post offices and intro- war, the purpose of the war, and the captured the Taliban’s top military ducing other kinds of resolutions. This continuation of the war. commander, the equivalent of our Sec- is a discussion about the decision to I never had the opportunity to serve. retary of Defense. And when he was in- send our forces into harm’s way. It’s I had a heart murmur during the Viet- terrogated, we then followed up by cap- worthy of a serious debate. There is nam era. But my father was a World turing the Taliban governors of several nothing wrong with that debate. I don’t War II marine veteran who had his provinces and key military leaders. If believe our troops are going to get de- knee shot out in a campaign in the the Taliban military was a company, it moralized by our having that debate. I South Pacific. My brother Frank, who has lost its CEO, its vice president, and believe for the country, they are going is now deceased, served in combat in its best salesman. At this rate, the guy to say, We are proud to represent a Vietnam and came home with post- who is running the mail room will now country that is willing to undertake traumatic stress. It changed his whole be attempting to run the Taliban soon. that debate. life. My brother Gary, a Vietnam-era We all witnessed 9/11. Especially for Mr. KUCINICH. I want to thank the Marine veteran; my sister Beth Ann, those of us representing large cities, gentleman from California (Mr. BER- who recently passed, an Army veteran; the lessons that we learned on that day MAN), who, you know, we do have a dif- my nephew Gary, an Iraq combat vet- have now come to the core of our pub- ference of opinion about this resolu- eran. I come from a family which be- lic service. It’s obvious to say that tion, but we’re united in the fact that lieves in service. The American family, President Obama, Secretary of State this House should debate it, and any the large family of our Nation, believes Clinton, and Secretary of Defense Member of this House, whatever their in service to our country. Yet, it is Gates fiercely oppose this resolution. opinion is on this resolution, has the true that the death toll, as The Wash- Given our overwhelming bipartisan op- right to debate it. And to try to dimin- ington Post reports in Afghanistan, is position to the resolution, many of our ish this institution by saying, Well, at least at 1,000, and we have to have troops would ask, Don’t they know this is not a proper subject for debate— this debate to either recommit to con- that we’re winning? What are they we’re about to begin a surge. This is a tinuing the war and giving the reasons doing in Congress? And I would ask, proper subject for debate, and this is to the troops why we’re doing that or given the growing ethical cloud over why we’re here. to suggest that maybe this is the op- this House, given record unemploy- If we wait 81⁄2 years to debate this, portunity for us to take a new direc- ment in the United States, given a tril- and people say, Well, why are we debat- tion. lion-dollar flawed health care bill, why ing it now? Should we wait another 81⁄2 I reserve the balance of my time. would the Speaker choose to schedule a years to have a debate? Or should we have it now before we commit more b 1630 forum to question of one of the biggest successes of our President? and more people into combat? Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman er, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman time of the gentleman has expired. from New York (Mr. SERRANO). from Illinois (Mr. KIRK), a member of Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield an addi- (Mr. SERRANO asked and was given the Committee on Appropriations. tional 30 seconds so Mr. KIRK can finish permission to revise and extend his re- Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, I feel his thoughts. marks.) compelled to rise today as the only Mr. KIRK. I will just say that we Mr. SERRANO. It is time for us, as a Member of this body who has deployed know the resolution will be defeated. Congress, to have this long overdue dis- twice to Afghanistan, both times as a But given the opportunities that it cussion on our involvement in Afghani- Navy Reserve intelligence officer in gives Taliban propagandists on the stan. According to the War Powers Kandahar in 2008 and 2009. I’m not wor- radio, we should ask, Why did the Resolution, we have a role to play; and ried about the outcome of this debate. Speaker even schedule such a lopsided it is time that we, as a Congress, exer- My colleague from Ohio will be de- debate on this floor? cised our authority. Whether you agree feated today more decisively than dur- Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I or disagree with the escalation in Af- ing his Presidential campaign. yield myself 1 minute to deal with the ghanistan, we need to debate it. We I am worried about why the Speaker comments of my friend, the previous need to vote on it, and we need to scheduled this debate. In the face of speaker. make a decision. We must not give up record job losses, a trillion-dollar I would suggest that the decision to the powers that we were given in the health care takeover bill, and serious schedule this debate did not come out Constitution. corruption charges leveled by the bi- of a desire to make a gesture to the ex- In the wake of 9/11, I did support a partisan Ethics Committee on some of treme left or any such particular move. military response to the direct threat the most powerful Members of this It was rather some sense of fealty to that Afghanistan posed to our Nation. I House, the Speaker has thrown an irre- the institution of Congress, the institu- believed then that it was the correct sponsible bone to the far fringe of her tion vested with the war-declaring au- response, and I believe now that it was party by scheduling this debate on the thority, the oversight of how our ex- in concert with our NATO allies. Nine only unqualified success of the Obama penditures are spent. And I don’t un- years later, I believe that Congress has administration, his surge to Afghani- derstand why you and I, who both have the duty to reevaluate America’s in- stan. By setting up this pointless de- feelings about the wisdom of pursuing volvement in a war that seems to have bate, she risks undermining the Obama the current strategy of this adminis- gotten bogged down, with very few administration’s admirable combat tration on this issue, should be afraid signs of success. I believe that had we record in Afghanistan. Parts of this de- of that debate or wanting to attribute not taken our focus off Afghanistan in bate will now be replayed and mis- motivations to the willingness to have order to invade and occupy Iraq, we quoted by the Taliban and Iranian ra- that debate other than the congres- would not be in the situation we’re in dios in ways that will hurt the elected sional responsibility to have such dis- today. But pressing ahead without re- government of Afghanistan, our NATO cussions and have such debate. gard to our Nation’s best interests and allies and Americans who wear the uni- Mr. KIRK. Would the gentleman ignoring Congress’ war powers preroga- form now in the field. yield? tive is the wrong course.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:11 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.105 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1268 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 Let us be clear: We cannot tolerate My colleagues, this is clearly the And they go on to say, Here’s what the presence of terrorists seeking to wrong resolution offered at precisely that money could have been spent for harm our Nation anywhere in the the wrong time. Can you imagine being instead. It could have been used to pro- world, but we must ask ourselves if a soldier in Afghanistan hearing of this vide 209,812 people with health care for long-term occupations are the correct resolution? Instead of debating a with- 1 year. Or it could have been used to answer to this threat. We must also be drawal from Afghanistan, we should be provide 13,404 public safety officers for clear in our analysis of our situation in adopting a resolution praising the all- 1 year, or 9,063 music and arts teachers that country. We have a partnership volunteer men and women of our for 1 year, or 68,299 scholarships for with a government that seems to be in- Armed Forces and their families for university students for 1 year. Or it creasingly unstable, corrupt and al- their courage, dedicated service, and could have been spent for 106,658 stu- most completely incapable of main- their continuing sacrifice in the name dents receiving Pell grants of $5,550. Or taining control over vast stretches of of protecting Americans everywhere. it could have been spent to provide for the country. Our Nation’s Commander in Chief, 5,521 affordable housing units. It could We seem unable to eradicate the our President, made the decision to act be have been spent for providing 355,972 Taliban enemy. They scatter before our in Afghanistan, a difficult decision children with health care for 1 year, or troops into lawless regions and then re- that was supported overwhelmingly by 92,161 Head Start places for children for turn once our troops leave. Without an Congress. By the skill and bravery of 1 year, or 9,433 elementary school effective government in Afghanistan, our soldiers and marines, sailors and teachers for 1 year, or 662,950 homes it’s hard to see this pattern changing, airmen, we’ve eliminated al Qaeda’s with renewable electricity for 1 year. as the local population cannot count operations in Afghanistan. But it is b 1645 on the Taliban ever being gone for clear that we must ensure that our ef- When we spend money on wars and good. forts to prevent Afghanistan from be- we spend money expanding the budget This is a costly war without an end coming a safe haven once again do not for military spending, we may say we in sight. It’s a costly war to our brave falter, do not weaken, and do not soldiers and to their families. It is are making things safer at home, but waver. there is plenty of evidence to suggest costly because resources desperately I concurred with the administration’s that the shift in allocation of funds and needed to feed the hungry, to find a decision to support General Stanley the shift for spending towards wars, way forward on health care reform, and McChrystal’s counterinsurgency strat- which were off-budget for quite a while, to fix our failing schools are being redi- egy. That was an important step to- have put our country in a position rected to an effort whose success is wards stabilizing Afghanistan. The where we are not really able to meet questionable. President’s reinforcement of our ma- Here at home, we have had precious our needs. rines and soldiers, the so-called surge, little debate over this war. We have When you look at this, this is from helps achieve that objective and does seen our troops’ numbers rise to above the Friends Committee on National provide additional security. The rein- those in Iraq, and yet we have no real Legislation, they say for each dollar of forcements have worked. There is suc- benchmarks or goals after which we Federal income tax we paid in 2009, the cess in Afghanistan. Our troops deserve can leave. We continue to spend mas- government spent about 33 cents for support, and this resolution deserves to sive amounts of money to maintain the Pentagon spending for current and past be soundly defeated. occupation of both countries; and wars; 27 cents supporting the economy, Mr. KUCINICH. I yield myself such worst of all, we ask our brave men and which is the recovery and the bailouts; time as I may consume. 17 cents for health care; 11 cents re- women in uniform to continue to sac- One of the things that really doesn’t rifice their lives and bodies for this war sponding to poverty; 9 cents for general often get discussion here on this floor government, and of that 7 cents goes without our Nation sacrificing simi- with respect to a war is the specifics larly. The least we can do to honor for interest on the public debt; 2 cents about how it affects people back home. their service is to debate and vote for energy, science and environment; And because I come from Cleveland, I properly on this floor and to ensure and a penny of the Federal dollar for just want to share with you some that our Nation is not sending them diplomacy, development, and war pre- things just about my community. into battle without careful thought vention. Cleveland, as some of you may know, We are setting our priorities here and reflection. was the epicenter of the subprime Let me conclude by saying that I am constantly. When we remain silent mortgage meltdown. Predatory lenders from New York City, the place where 9/ about war spending, we actually have descended on neighbors in our commu- 11 took place; and so I know firsthand put ourselves in a position where we go the devastation that this caused to my nity and were able to take people into headlong. And the headlong momen- own community. Although I supported contracts that eventually led them tum that occurs from being silent the effort to confront bin Laden and into foreclosure and losing their about a war just carries us into all the perpetrators of that act, I cannot homes. these reshaped priorities, whether we Now, I don’t think that even the now, 9 years later, agree to an effort realize it or not. That is why I have which has moved in a different direc- most powerful camera would be able to asked this resolution to be brought tion with different goals. pick up the sea of red dots across our forth, so we could talk about this. To the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. metropolitan area that represents fore- I reserve the balance of my time. KUCINICH), I commend you for raising closures, but you get an idea that we Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- this painful subject and allowing our have a desperate need not only in er, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to Chamber to engage in an honest and an Cleveland but across the country for the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. KING- open debate. Your courage is beyond helping to keep people in their homes. STON), the ranking member of the Ap- anything that other Members can ever And yet more and more, our priorities propriations Subcommittee on Agri- think of. Our troops and our Nation de- are to spend money not just on these culture, Rural Development, FDA, and serve no less, and you’ve given us the wars but to increase the Pentagon Related Agencies. chance to debate this, and I thank you. budget. Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Speaker, I Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- I would like to point out that just rise in opposition to this resolution, er, I yield 21⁄2 minutes to the gentleman with respect to the amount of money but I do appreciate Mr. KUCINICH for from New Jersey (Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN), that is being spent, allocated by con- bringing it up. And I think it is proper the ranking Republican member on the gressional districts—this is the Na- to debate this. I am a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on En- tional Priorities Project that I am Appropriations Committee. And many ergy and Water Development. quoting which includes the fiscal 2010 years ago in committee we voted to (Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN asked and budget. They point out that taxpayers support the Skaggs amendment to an was given permission to revise and ex- in the 10th Congressional District that appropriations rule that would have tend his remarks.) I represent will pay $591.9 million for put the war powers in effect during Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I rise in op- total Afghanistan war spending, count- something in the Clinton administra- position to the resolution. ing all the spending since 2001. tion, but I don’t remember what the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:11 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.107 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1269 skirmish was. So I think it is appro- Mr. KINGSTON. I thank the gentle- course of this time, this war and its priate for us to debate this. However, I woman. mission and its goals have morphed think the timing is not exactly opti- Thirdly, we now have an engaged and morphed and morphed to the point mal, particularly with troops in the Pakistan. One hundred forty-seven that we find ourselves in now. field. thousand troops have closed off the I have no doubt that our well-trained I also want to point out that it does safe havens the Taliban has been run- and brave and dedicated Armed Forces appear to me that if the Democrat ning to in Pakistan itself in the mean- will continue to be victorious on the leadership was serious about this, they time. Things are happening. And while field of battle. I am humbled by their would have allowed hearings in the I support the gentleman’s concept of service. But bringing stability to Af- committee, and they should have had a making sure the War Powers Act is fol- ghanistan can only happen by rebuild- committee vote rather than just put it lowed, I think the timing is poor. So I ing a truly functioning civil society— on the House floor. But I am glad that will not support it at this time because forget that, building a truly functional you brought it up, and I know your ab- of the progress on the ground, because civil society, something that Afghani- solute sincerity in this. of the troops that are on the ground. stan has not had the privilege to enjoy. I also want to point out to you, as But again, I want to congratulate the This won’t come by military force. somebody who voted ‘‘no’’ on the lit- gentleman in his strong conviction of The question remains really as to the any I am about to give on spending, this. I do think it is something that we future capacity of Afghanistan’s mili- that if we are looking for money, per- in Congress need to look at. We need to tary and government to do what is re- haps in May of ’08 we should not have look at it carefully. I hope that the quired of them to build their country. passed a stimulus program of $168 bil- committee will have some hearings on We really have little evidence, if any, lion; in July of 2008, a $200 billion bail- this. And I hope that we might have that this outcome is likely given the out of Fannie Mae; in August ’08, $85 some regular order and have an oppor- levels of corruption in the existing billion by the Federal Reserve for AIG, tunity for the minority party to maybe Karzai government that continue as which is now up to $140 billion; and in even offer an amendment or a motion well as the intertribal violence that November of ’08, $700 billion for the to recommit or something like that also changes over time. TARP bailout; and in January of ’09, that I think would be very beneficial $787 billion for a stimulus program for us to have this national debate. I am struck, there was a Time maga- which was designed to keep us from Mr. KUCINICH. I yield myself such zine article just this past week on the getting to 8 percent unemployment, time as I may consume. Taliban, on the fighting in Marja, and and we are now pushing 10 percent un- I want to thank the gentleman from the limited success, the success that employment. That was followed by a Georgia for the collegial manner in our NATO forces are having. But as $410 billion omnibus spending bill. And which he has approached this debate, was pointed out there, the take and then we had in December of ’09, a $165 and also to suggest that I think that hold and build strategy only happens if billion jobs program. So we’re spending while this is a very emotional matter, you really can transfer. And it is the a lot of money. And there’s a lot of it that it is possible for us to talk about transfer that I am concerned about. It out there. it in terms that are clear and logical. I is the transfer that actually endangers But I would suggest if we’re looking also want to say to my friend that I our troops to the point where they may for money, what we need to do is get think I probably joined you in voting transfer at one point and then have to out of the bailout business, from Gen- against the Wall Street bailouts. That go back and start the fight over again eral Motors to the banks. And I think was the fiscal conservative in me. because that is the nature of the battle we could find a lot of money on a bipar- I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman in Afghanistan. tisan basis. And I know the gentleman from Maryland (Ms. EDWARDS). Even more troubling is that Afghani- is one of the strongest critics of cor- Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. I thank stan shouldn’t be our top national se- porate welfare, and yet that is what we the gentleman from Ohio for bringing curity priority. have spent 2 years doing, Democrats this resolution. and Republicans alike. I won’t say it The SPEAKER pro tempore. The I think it is high time that we actu- time of the gentlewoman has expired. started with President Obama. ally had this debate here in Congress. I do want to say this about the troops Mr. KUCINICH. I yield the gentle- While it may seem untimely, there is in the field. And I do respect your sup- woman an additional 1 minute. never enough time to have a debate port of troops. I just got back from Af- about war and peace that this Congress Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Our ghanistan. I was there Saturday, and I should be engaged in, and not just the military risk their lives and our Nation was in Pakistan Sunday, meeting with spends resources in a country that has General McChrystal, meeting with our actions of any President. I want to also join with my col- so little hope of future success, that leadership on the ground over there. leagues in expressing my support for international terrorism actually flour- We do have a new strategy. It is shape, the men and women who serve this Na- ishes in so many countries. Estimates clear, hold, build, and transfer. And in are that this kind of terrorism actually our first muscle movement under this, tion. And as a daughter of one who served through Korea and Vietnam and flourishes in about 70 countries. And as you know we went to Marja, we yet we are so heavily invested in Af- went to the Helmand Province, and we subsequently, you couldn’t find a stronger supporter of our servicemen ghanistan that it leaves us little time, had a military victory. But rather than opportunity, or resources to really leave it there, we have now worked on and women. So I would hope that on both sides of the aisle that we don’t fight the battle where that needs to a successful civilian transfer to make happen. By focusing our military and sure that the Afghanis are ready to confuse our debate about policy and about a resolution with support for our our energy and our treasury on Afghan- take on this new conquered territory. istan, we are really operating under Karzai was briefed from the begin- men and women in uniform. Because the inaccurate Bush era philosophy ning on the battle for Marja. One-third that would be unfortunate for them that the threat we face is both well-or- of the troops were Afghanis. They and it would be disrespectful of us. ganized, centralized, and advanced. fought shoulder to shoulder with the I believe that this Congress has an coalition forces. The governor of the obligation to send a strong message to We know that violent fundamen- Helmand province was briefed. There is the White House that the war must talism often operates with little cen- a new police force that is coming in come to an end. And as others have tralization and little organization. It is there to crack down on the corruption pointed out, we began this war effort to part of the reason that it can be so suc- in the Afghan police force, because fight al Qaeda following the tragedy of cessful. This war is a constant re- that is one of the problems. September 2001. But as National Secu- minder that our response to the quick- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The rity Adviser Jim Jones has told us, ly evolving threat of international ter- time of the gentleman has expired. there are only 100 al Qaeda left in Af- rorism is static, and we must end this Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I am pleased to ghanistan. Who are we fighting? Well, war and look for ways to more effec- yield 30 additional seconds to the gen- now we are fighting the Taliban. And tively disrupt violent plots to protect tleman from Georgia. that just shows you that over the our citizens, our national security, our

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:12 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.108 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1270 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 safety and security, and to build na- gion. That is important to me, and we toms officers at the Kabul airport—as part of tions in a way that they respect proc- must continue our pursuit of those per- a cash exodus that is confounding U.S. offi- esses and people. petrators of 9/11 in that region. cials and raising concerns about the money’s The gentleman I serve with from origin. Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, first The cash, estimated to total well over $1 I would like to yield at the end of the Ohio is a deeply honorable man, and he billion a year, flows mostly to the Persian ranking member’s time an additional 5 believes, as I do, that we need to bring Gulf emirate of Dubai, where many wealthy minutes from our time on the assump- our troops home safely, honorably, and Afghans now park their families and funds, tion that 2 of those 5 minutes will be soon. However, the only person that is according to U.S. and Afghan officials. So given to someone from California. in a position to judge the number of long as departing cash is declared at the air- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without troops needed in Afghanistan, after port here, its transfer is legal. objection, the gentlewoman from Flor- considering the advice and counsel of But at a time when the United States and its allies are spending billions of dollars to ida will control 5 additional minutes. the Secretary of Defense and the gen- prop up the fragile government of President There was no objection. erals tasked with executing our strat- Hamid Karzai, the volume of the outflow has Mr. BERMAN. Second, I would like egy, in my opinion, is the President of stirred concerns that funds have been di- to now yield 3 minutes to the gen- the United States. verted from aid. The U.S. Drug Enforcement tleman from Ohio (Mr. BOCCIERI), one Congress’s responsibility is to judge Administration, for its part, is trying to fig- of only two Members of this body who the President’s strategy, making sure ure out whether some of the money comes actually have been deployed in our uni- it meets our national defense goals, from Afghanistan’s thriving opium trade. formed services in Afghanistan. and provide him with the resources re- And officials in neighboring Pakistan think Mr. BOCCIERI. Madam Speaker, as quired for success. The war in Afghani- that at least some of the cash leaving Kabul has been smuggled overland from Pakistan. Chairman BERMAN has said, I am one of stan is a top national security priority ‘‘All this money magically appears from just a handful of Members who have for our country. Having flown dozens of nowhere,’’ said a U.S. official who monitors served in Afghanistan. I remember missions in and out of Bagram and Afghanistan’s growing role as a hub for cash serving on the ground there as I was Kandahar, I understand that success transfers to Dubai, which has six flights a deployed as a tactics officer in Oper- can only be achieved when the Afghan day to and from Kabul. ation Vigilant Sentinel. As a C–130 Government stands on its own and de- Meanwhile, the United States is stepping up efforts to stop money flow in the other di- pilot, they sent some forward-deployed fends itself against any threats, wheth- rection—into Afghanistan and Pakistan in troops there to make sure that our er those threats are physical, eco- support of al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Senior troops got the right supplies, and that nomic, or constitutional. Treasury Department officials visited Kabul the missions that we were doing were The SPEAKER pro tempore. The this month to discuss the cash flows and safe, and that our crews would come time of the gentleman has expired. other issues relating to this country’s infant, home very honorably and soon. Mr. BERMAN. I yield the gentleman often chaotic financial sector. I have to tell you that I remember an additional minute. Tracking Afghan exchanges has long been that day walking to the chow hall. I Mr. BOCCIERI. This means that the made difficult by the widespread use of tra- Afghan Government needs to be fully ditional money-moving outfits, known as had my 9-millimeter strapped to my ‘‘hawalas,’’ which keep few records. The Af- side, walking in my uniform. And there functional, standing on its own with an ghan central bank, supported by U.S. Treas- were soldiers gathered along the army and police force capable of de- ury advisers, is trying to get a grip on them streets on either side. I kind of peeked fending the country, and sealing the by licensing their operations. my head around, and then a Humvee border with Pakistan; an economy that In the meantime, the money continues to drove by with the flag on it. And every- provides its citizens with an acceptable flow. Cash declaration forms filed at Kabul body was standing at perfect attention. standard of living; and a reliable gov- International Airport and reviewed by The Washington Post show that Afghan pas- I was asking somebody what that was. ernment and judicial structure that de- livers critical services and enforces a sengers took more than $180 million to Dubai And they said, well, that was one of the during a two-month period starting in July. soldiers who had recently been killed uniform rule of law throughout the If that rate held for the entire year, the in action, and he is on his journey back country. amount of cash that left Afghanistan in 2009 to the United States. Afghanistan needs civilian invest- would have far exceeded the country’s an- I began to think about that soldier. ments, comparable if not bigger than nual tax and other domestic revenue of Who were they? What branch of service our military investment. While secur- about $875 million. were they in? How did they meet their ing Afghanistan is important to our The declaration forms highlight the promi- national security, our troops cannot do nent and often opaque role played by fate? Did they know after C–130 pilots hawalas. Asked to identify the ‘‘source of would fly in and unload them, cargo it alone. funds’’ in forms issued by the Afghan central and troops on that very geographic It has been said that we need a for- bank, cash couriers frequently put down the spot, if they knew that they were going eign policy based on realism rather name of the same Kabul hawala, an outfit to fly home that way. And I remember than idealism, and I concur with that. called New Ansari Exchange. that anonymous soldier because the That’s why I will not be supporting Early last month, Afghan police and intel- mission that we have there is very im- this resolution today. While I do sup- ligence officers raided New Ansari’s office in portant. port the gentleman’s efforts to have Kabul’s bazaar district, carting away docu- this discussion, we need to take a very ments and computers, said Afghan bankers b 1700 familiar with the operation. U.S. officials de- long-term strategy and find out how we clined to comment on what prompted the Whether we agree with this war or do bring our troops home safely, honor- raid. New Ansari Exchange, which is affili- not, we have to understand that those ably, and soon. ated with a licensed Afghan bank, closed for troops deployed in Iraq and Afghani- Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I a day or so but was soon up and running stan are there only because our coun- just would like to talk for a minute again. try asked them to go. I believe that we about the mission in the context of The total volume of departing cash is al- do need to bring our troops home safe- what is going on with the government most certainly much higher than the de- ly, honorably, and soon, but not yet. in Kabul. The Washington Post did a clared amount. A Chinese man, for instance, Discussion is good, but arbitrary dead- was arrested recently at the Kabul airport story on February 25 which talks about carrying 800,000 undeclared euros (about $1.1 lines are not. I am concerned about ‘‘Officials puzzle over millions of dol- million). walking away from Afghanistan too lars leaving Afghanistan by plane for Cash also can be moved easily through a prematurely. We must ensure some sta- Dubai,’’ and I will include that for the VIP section at the airport, from which Af- bility not only in Afghanistan, but also RECORD. ghan officials generally leave without being in Pakistan, because of their arsenal of [From the Washington Post, Feb. 25, 2010] searched. American officials said that they have repeatedly raised the issue of special nuclear weapons. It would be disas- OFFICIALS PUZZLE OVER MILLIONS OF DOL- treatment for VIPs at the Kabul airport with trous if we allowed some terrorist to LARS LEAVING AFGHANISTAN BY PLANE FOR the Afghan government but that they have DUBAI get their hands on that arsenal of made no headway. weapons. (By Andrew Higgins) One U.S. official said he had been told by So our policy in Afghanistan has a KABUL.—A blizzard of bank notes is flying a senior Dubai police officer that an Afghan direct impact on the stability of our re- out of Afghanistan—often in full view of cus- diplomat flew into the emirate’s airport last

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:11 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.109 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1271 year with more than $2 million worth of Dubai by members of President Hamid 2001, when the country had no private banks euros in undeclared cash. The Afghan consul Karzai’s family, his government and his sup- and no economy to speak of. Kabul Bank has general in Dubai, Haji Rashoudin porters. opened more than 60 branches and recently Mohammadi, said in a telephone interview The close ties between Kabul Bank and announced that it will open 250 more, and it that he was not aware of any such incident. Karzai’s circle reflect a defining feature of claims to have more than $1 billion in depos- The high volume of cash passing through the shaky post-Taliban order in which Wash- its from more than a million Afghan cus- Kabul’s airport first came to light last sum- ington has invested more than $40 billion and tomers. mer when British company Global Strategies the lives of more than 900 U.S. service mem- Kabul Bank prospers because Afghanistan, Group, which has an airport security con- bers: a crony capitalism that enriches politi- though extremely poor, is in places awash tract, started filing reports on the money cally connected insiders and dismays the Af- with cash, a result of huge infusions of for- transfers at the request of Afghanistan’s Na- ghan populace. eign aid, opium revenue and a legal economy tional Directorate of Security, the domestic ‘‘What I’m doing is not proper, not exactly that, against the odds, is growing at about 15 intelligence agency. The country’s notori- what I should do. But this is Afghanistan,’’ percent a year. The vast majority of this ously corrupt police force, however, com- Kabul Bank’s founder and chairman, money flows into the hands of a tiny minor- plained about this arrangement, and Global Sherkhan Farnood, said in an interview ity—some of it through legitimate profits, stopped its reporting in September, accord- when asked about the Dubai purchases and some of it through kickbacks and insider ing to someone familiar with the matter. why, according to data from the Persian Gulf deals that bind the country’s political, secu- Afghan bankers interviewed in Kabul said emirate’s Land Department, many of the vil- rity and business elites. that much of the money that does get de- las have been registered in his name. ‘‘These The result is that, while anchoring a free- clared belongs to traders who want to buy people don’t want to reveal their names.’’ market order as Washington had hoped, fi- Afghan laws prohibit hidden overseas lend- goods in Dubai but want to avoid the fees, nancial institutions here sometimes serve as ing and require strict accounting of all delays and paperwork that result from con- piggy banks for their owners and their polit- transactions. But those involved in the ventional wire transfers. ical friends. Kabul Bank, for example, helps Dubai loans, including Kabul Bank’s owners, The cash flown out of Kabul includes a bankroll a money-losing airline owned by said the cozy flow of cash is not unusual or wide range of foreign currencies. Most is in Farnood and fellow bank shareholders that illegal in a deeply traditional system under- U.S. dollars, euros and—to the bafflement of flies three times a day between Kabul and pinned more by relationships than laws. officials—Saudi Arabian riyals, a currency The curious role played by the bank and Dubai. Kabul Bank’s executives helped finance not widely used in Afghanistan. its unorthodox owners has not previously President Hamid Karzai’s fraud-blighted re- Last month, a well-dressed Afghan man en been reported and was documented by land election campaign last year, and the bank is route to Dubai was found carrying three registration data; public records; and inter- briefcases stuffed with $3 million in U.S. cur- views in Kabul, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Mos- partly owned by Mahmoud Karzai, the Af- rency and $2 million in Saudi currency, ac- cow. ghan president’s older brother, and by cording to an American official who was Many of those involved appear to have Haseen Fahim, the brother of Karzai’s vice present when the notes were counted. A few gone to considerable lengths to conceal the presidential running mate. days later, the same man was back at the benefits they have received from Kabul Bank Farnood, who now spends most of his time Kabul airport, en route to Dubai again, with or its owners. Karzai’s older brother and his in Dubai, said he wants to do business in a about $5 million in U.S. and Saudi bank former vice president, for example, both ‘‘normal way’’ and does not receive favors as notes. have Dubai villas registered under Farnood’s a result of his official contacts. He said that One theory is that some of the Arab na- name. Kabul Bank’s executives said their putting properties in his name means his tion’s cash might come from Saudi donations books record no loans for these or other bank’s money is safe despite a slump in the that were supposed to go to mosques and Dubai deals financed at least in part by Dubai property market: He can easily repos- other projects in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Farnood, including home purchases by sess if borrowers run short on cash. But, the American official said, ‘‘we don’t Karzai’s cousin and the brother of Moham- A review of Dubai property data and inter- really know what is going on.’’ med Qasim Fahim, his current first vice views with current and former executives of Efforts to figure out just how much money president and a much-feared warlord who Kabul Bank indicate that Farnood and his is leaving Afghanistan and why have been worked closely with U.S. forces to topple the bank partners have at least $150 million in- hampered by a lack of cooperation from Taliban in 2001. vested in Dubai real estate. Most of their Dubai, complained Afghan and U.S. officials, At a time when Washington is ramping up property is on Palm Jumeirah, a man-made who spoke on the condition of anonymity. military pressure on the Taliban, the off-bal- island in the shape of a palm tree where the Dubai’s financial problems, said a U.S. offi- ance-sheet activities of Afghan bankers raise cheapest house costs more than $2 million. cial, had left the emirate eager for foreign the risk of fmancial instability that could Mirwais Azizi, an estranged business asso- cash, and ‘‘they don’t seem to care where it offset progress on the battlefield. Fewer than ciate of Farnood and the founder of the rival comes from.’’ Dubai authorities declined to 5 percent of Afghans have bank accounts, but Azizi Bank in Kabul, has also poured money comment. among those who do are many soldiers and into Dubai real estate, with even more un- certain results. A Dubai company he heads, Previous to that, the Post did a story policemen whose salaries are paid through Kabul Bank. Azizi Investments, has invested heavily in about money funneled through a Kabul A U.S. official who monitors Afghan fi- plots of land on Palm Jebel Ali, a stalled bank and companies owned by the nances, who spoke on the condition of ano- property development. Azizi did not respond bank’s founder to individual friends, nymity because he was not authorized to to interview requests. His son, Farhad, said family, and business connections of comment publicly, said banks appear to have Mirwais was busy. Hamid Karzai. When you consider the plenty of money but noted that in a crisis, Responsibility for bank supervision in Af- amount of corruption that is going on Afghan depositors ‘‘won’t wait in line hold- ghanistan lies with the Afghan central bank, in Afghanistan, it can only be called, ing cups of latte’’ but would be ‘‘waving AK– whose duties include preventing foreign 47s.’’ property speculation. The United States has charitably, ‘‘crony capitalism.’’ In fact, Kabul Bank executives, in separate inter- spent millions of dollars trying to shore up The Washington Post printed an article views, gave different accounts of what the the central bank. But Afghan and U.S. offi- on February 22, entitled ‘‘In Afghani- bank is up to with Dubai home buyers. cials say the bank, though increasingly pro- stan, Signs of Crony Capitalism,’’ and I ‘‘They are borrowers. They have an account fessional, lacks political clout. include this for the RECORD. at Kabul Bank,’’ said the bank’s chairman, The central bank’s governor, Abdul Qadir [From the Washington Post, Feb. 22, 2010] Farnood, a boisterous 46-year-old with a gift Fitrat, said his staff had ‘‘vigorously inves- for math and money—and the winner of tigated’’ what he called ‘‘rumors’’ of Dubai IN AFGHANISTAN, SIGNS OF CRONY CAPITALISM $120,000 at the 2008 World Series of Poker Eu- property deals, but ‘‘unfortunately, up until (By Andrew Higgins) rope, held in a London casino. now they have not found anything.’’ Fitrat, KABUL.—Afghanistan’s biggest private The bank’s chief audit officer, Raja who used to live in Washington, last month bank—founded by the Islamic nation’s only Gopalakrishnan, however, insisted that the sent a team of inspectors to Kabul Bank as world-class poker player—celebrated its fifth loan money didn’t come directly from Kabul part of a regular review of the bank’s ac- year in business last summer with a lottery Bank. He said it was from affiliated but sepa- counts. He acknowledged that Afghan loans for depositors at Paris Palace, a Kabul wed- rate entities, notably a money-transfer agen- are ‘‘very difficult to verify’’ because ‘‘we ding hall. cy called Shaheen Exchange, which is owned don’t know who owns what.’’ Prizes awarded by Kabul Bank included by Farnood, is run by one of Kabul Bank’s 16 Kabul Bank’s dealings with Mahmoud nine apartments in the Afghan capital and shareholders and operates in Kabul out of Karzai, the president’s brother, help explain cash gifts totaling more than $1 million. The the bank’s headquarters. why this is so. In interviews, Karzai, who has bank trumpeted the event as the biggest The audit officer said Farnood ‘‘thinks it is an Afghan restaurant in Baltimore, initially prize drawing of its kind in Central Asia. one big pot,’’ but the entities are ‘‘legally said he rented a $5.5 million Palm Jumeirah Less publicly, Kabul Bank’s boss has been definitely separate.’’ mansion, where he now lives with his family. handing out far bigger prizes to his country’s A NEW ECONOMY But later he said he had an informal home- U.S.-backed ruling elite: multimillion-dollar In some ways, Kabul Bank is a symbol of loan agreement with Kabul Bank and pays loans for the purchase of luxury villas in how much has changed in Afghanistan since $7,000 a month in interest.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:11 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.025 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1272 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 ‘‘It is a very peculiar situation. It is hard desirable in Afghanistan because, in the ab- racy. Try building democracy in a to comprehend because this is not the usual sence of a solid legal system, business re- place which is rife with narcotraffic, way of doing business,’’ said Karzai, whose volves around trust, not formal contracts. crony capitalism, and villas in Dubai. home is in Farnood’s name. ‘‘Afghanistan is not America or Europe. Af- What is this about? Why are we there? Karzai also said he bought a 7.4 percent ghanistan is starting from zero,’’ he said. stake in the bank with $5 million he bor- Fahim’s business has boomed, thanks I mean, I am from Cleveland, Ohio. The rowed from the bank. But Gopalakrishnan, largely to subcontracting work on foreign- people I represent are very basic peo- the chief audit officer, said Kabul Bank’s funded projects, including a new U.S. Em- ple. When you tell them that the head books include no loans to the president’s bassy annex and various buildings at CIA of Afghanistan has his hands in all of brother. sites across the country, among them a re- these crooked deals, you start to won- Also in a Palm Jumeirah villa registered in mote base in Khost where seven Americans der, We are going to build a democracy Farnood’s name is the family of Ahmad Zia were killed in a December suicide attack by on this person’s shoulders? I don’t Massoud, Afghanistan’s first vice president a Jordanian jihadiist. ‘‘I have good opportu- from 2004 until last November. The house, think so. nities to get profit,’’ Fahim said. We are supporting a government bought in December 2007 for $2.3 million, was ‘‘LIKE WILD HORSES’’ first put in the name of Massoud’s wife but where corruption is epidemic. Last was later re-registered to give Farnood for- Kabul Bank also plunged into the airline year, USAID reported that corruption mal ownership, property records indicate. business, providing loans to Pamir Airways, in Afghanistan is significant, a growing an Afghan carrier now owned by Farnood, Massoud, brother of the legendary anti-So- problem, and that pervasive, systemic viet guerrilla leader Ahmad Shah Massoud, Fruzi and Fahim. Pamir spent $46 million on four used Boeing 737–400s and hired Hashim corruption was at an unprecedented said that Farnood had always been the owner scope in the country’s history. On No- but let his family use it rent-free for the past Karzai, the president’s cousin, formerly of two years because he is ‘‘my close friend.’’ Silver Spring, as a ‘‘senior adviser.’’ vember 17, Transparency International Massoud added: ‘‘We have played football to- Farnood said he also provided a ‘‘little bit’’ ranked Afghanistan as the second most gether. We have played chess together.’’ of money to help Hashim Karzai buy a house corrupt nation in the world. And to Farnood, however, said that though the on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Karzai, in brief compound the fears, in President ‘‘villa is in my name,’’ it belongs to Massoud telephone interviews, said that the property Karzai’s fraud-filled election late last was an investment and that he had borrowed ‘‘in reality.’’ year, he recently took over the coun- Haseen Fahim, the brother of Afghani- some money from Farnood. He said he couldn’t recall details and would ‘‘have to try’s election watchdog group. Is this stan’s current first vice president, has been the kind of person that we can trust to another beneficiary of Kabul Bank’s lar- check with my accountant.’’ gesse. He got money from Farnood to help Noor Delawari, governor of the central have a partnership with for democracy? buy a $6 million villa in Dubai, which, un- bank during Kabul Bank’s rise, said Farnood I don’t think so. usually, is under his own name. He borrowed and his lieutenants ‘‘were like wild horses’’ A January 2010 report by the United millions more from the bank, which he part- and ‘‘never paid attention to the rules and Nations Office on Drugs and Crime re- ly owns, to fund companies he owns in Af- regulations.’’ Delawari said he didn’t know veals that Afghan citizens were forced ghanistan. about any property deals by Kabul Bank in to pay an estimated $2.5 billion a year In an interview at Kabul Bank’s head- Dubai. He said that he, too, bought a home in the emirate, for about $200,000. in bribes. According to evidence col- quarters, Khalilullah Fruzi, who as chief ex- lected through wiretaps and bank ecutive heads the bank’s day-to-day oper- Fitrat, the current central bank governor, ations, said he didn’t know how much bank has tried to take a tougher line against records, a senior border police official money has ended up in Dubai. If Karzai’s rel- Kabul Bank and its rivals, with little luck. in Kandahar allegedly collected sala- atives and others buy homes ‘‘in Dubai, or Before last year’s presidential election, the ries of hundreds of ghost policemen and Germany or America . . . that is their own central bank sent a stern letter to bankers, stole money from a government fund affair,’’ Fruzi said, adding that the bank complaining that they squander too much intended to pay orphans and widows. Is ‘‘doesn’t give loans directly for Dubai.’’ money on ‘‘security guards and bulletproof this the kind of environment where we Fruzi, a former gem trader, said Kabul vehicles’’ and ‘‘expend large-scale monetary assistance to politicians.’’ The letter ordered can build a democracy? Bank is in robust health, makes a profit and Our troops in Afghanistan have to has about $400 million in liquid assets depos- them to remain ‘‘politically neutral.’’ ited with the Afghan central bank and other Kabul Bank did the opposite: Fruzi, its deal with corrupt officials on a daily institutions. Kabul Bank is so flush, he chief executive, joined Karzai’s campaign in basis. A commander of the Afghan bor- added, that it is building a $30 million head- Kabul while Farnood, its poker-playing der police offered to give the U.S. mili- quarters, a cluster of shimmering towers of chairman, organized fundraising events for tary prime land at a crossing with bulletproof glass. Karzai in Dubai. One of these was held at the Pakistan to build a waiting area for The bank is also spending millions to hire Palm Jumeirah house of Karzai’s brother. supply vehicles needed for President gunmen from a company called Khurasan Se- The government has returned the favor. The ministries of defense, interior and edu- Obama’s troop increase. The same man, curity Services, which, according to registra- U.S. officials believe, earns tens of mil- tion documents, used to be controlled by cation now pay many soldiers, police and Fruzi and is now run by his brother. teachers through Kabul Bank. This means lions of dollars a year trafficking The roots of Kabul Bank stretch back to that tens of millions of dollars’ worth of pub- opium and extorting cargo truck driv- the Soviet Union. Both Fruzi and Farnood lic money sloshes through the bank, an un- ers. Is this the kind of person that we got their education and their start in busi- usual arrangement, as governments gen- can create movement toward a democ- ness there after Moscow invaded Afghanistan erally don’t pump so much through a single racy with? private bank. in 1979. [From the Nation, Nov. 30, 2009] While in Moscow, Farnood set up a success- Soon after his November inauguration for ful hawala money-transfer outfit to move a second term, President Karzai spoke at an HOW THE U.S. FUNDS THE TALIBAN funds between Russia and Kabul. Russian anti-corruption conference in Kabul, criti- (By Aram Roston) court documents show that 10 of Farnood’s cizing officials who ‘‘after one or two years On October 29, 2001, while the Taliban’s employees were arrested in 1998 and later work for the government get rich and buy rule over Afghanistan was under assault, the convicted of illegal banking activity. Fearful houses in Dubai.’’ Last month, he flew to regime’s ambassador in Islamabad gave a of arrest in Russia and also in Taliban-ruled London for a conference on Afghanistan, at- chaotic press conference in front of several Afghanistan, Farnood shifted his focus to tended by Secretary of State Hillary dozen reporters sitting on the grass. On the Dubai. Rodham Clinton and other leaders, and again Taliban diplomat’s right sat his interpreter, In 2004, three years after the fall of the promised an end to the murky deals that Ahmad Rateb Popal, a man with an imposing Taliban regime, he got a license to open have so tarnished his rule. presence. Like the ambassador, Popal wore a Kabul Bank. His Dubai-registered hawala, Also in London for the conference were black turban, and he had a huge bushy beard. Shaheen Exchange, moved in upstairs and Farnood, who now has an Afghan diplomatic He had a black patch over his right eye sock- started moving cash for bank clients. It last passport, and Fruzi, who served as a finan- et, a prosthetic left arm and a deformed year shifted $250 million to $300 million to cial adviser to Karzai’s reelection campaign right hand, the result of injuries from an ex- Dubai, said the chief audit officer. and also owns a house in Dubai. ‘‘If there is plosives mishap during an old operation The bank began to take in new, politically no Kabul Bank, there will be no Karzai, no against the Soviets in Kabul. connected shareholders, among them the government,’’ Fruzi said. But Popal was more than just a former president’s brother, Mahmoud, and Fahim, As a result, U.S. taxpayers and aid mujahedeen. In 1988, a year before the Sovi- brother of the vice president, who registered ets fled Afghanistan, Popal had been charged his stake in the name of his teenage son. organizations are investing billions of in the United States with conspiring to im- Fahim said two of his companies have bor- dollars in Afghanistan, but the leaders port more than a kilo of heroin. Court rowed $70 million from Kabul Bank. Insider of the country are investing in real es- records show he was released from prison in borrowing, he said, is unavoidable and even tate in Dubai. We care about democ- 1997.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:11 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.027 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1273 Flash forward to 2009, and Afghanistan is company that has such an influential ad- firms like Blackwater, operating as de facto ruled by Popal’s cousin President Hamid viser. arms of the US government, in Afghanistan Karzai. Popal has cut his huge beard down to But the biggest deal that NCL got—the there are lots of local players as well. As a a neatly trimmed one and has become an im- contract that brought it into Afghanistan’s result, the industry in Kabul is far more dog- mensely wealthy businessman, along with major leagues—was Host Nation Trucking. eat-dog. ‘‘Every warlord has his security his brother Rashid Popal, who in a separate Earlier this year the firm, with no apparent company,’’ is the way one executive ex- case pleaded guilty to a heroin charge in 1996 trucking experience, was named one of the plained it to me. in Brooklyn. The Popal brothers control the six companies that would handle the bulk of In theory, private security companies in huge Watan Group in Afghanistan, a consor- US trucking in Afghanistan, bringing sup- Kabul are heavily regulated, although the re- tium engaged in telecommunications, logis- plies to the web of bases and remote outposts ality is different. Thirty-nine companies had tics and, most important, security. Watan scattered across the country. licenses until September, when another Risk Management, the Popals’ private mili- At first the contract was large but not gar- dozen were granted licenses. Many licensed tary arm, is one of the few dozen private se- gantuan. And then that suddenly changed, companies are politically connected: just as curity companies in Afghanistan. One of like an immense garden coming into bloom. NCL is owned by the son of the defense min- Watan’s enterprises, key to the war effort, is Over the summer, citing the coming ‘‘surge’’ ister and Watan Risk Management is run by protecting convoys of Afghan trucks heading and a new doctrine, ‘‘Money as a Weapons President Karzai’s cousins, the Asia Security from Kabul to Kandahar, carrying American System,’’ the U.S. military expanded the Group is controlled by Hashmat Karzai, an- supplies. contract 600 percent for NCL and the five other relative of the president. The company Welcome to the wartime contracting ba- other companies. The contract documenta- has blocked off an entire street in the expen- zaar in Afghanistan. It is a virtual carnival tion warns of dire consequences if more is sive Sherpur District. Another security firm of improbable characters and shady connec- not spent: ‘‘service members will not get is controlled by the parliamentary speaker’s tions, with former CIA officials and ex-mili- food, water, equipment, and ammunition son, sources say. And so on. tary officers joining hands with former they require.’’ Each of the military’s six In the same way, the Afghan trucking in- Taliban and mujahedeen to collect U.S. gov- trucking contracts was bumped up to $360 dustry, key to logistics operations, is often ernment funds in the name of the war effort. million, or a total of nearly $2.2 billion. Put tied to important figures and tribal leaders. In this grotesque carnival, the U.S. mili- it in this perspective: this single two-year ef- One major hauler in Afghanistan, Afghan tary’s contractors are forced to pay sus- fort to hire Afghan trucks and truckers was International Trucking (AIT), paid $20,000 a pected insurgents to protect American sup- worth 10 percent of the annual Afghan gross month in kickbacks to a US Army con- ply routes. It is an accepted fact of the mili- domestic product. NCL, the firm run by the tracting official, according to the official’s tary logistics operation in Afghanistan that defense minister’s well-connected son, had plea agreement in US court in August. AIT the US government funds the very forces struck pure contracting gold. is a very well-connected firm: it is run by the American troops are fighting. And it is a Host Nation Trucking does indeed keep the 25-year-old nephew of Gen. Baba Jan, a deadly irony, because these funds add up to US military efforts alive in Afghanistan. former Northern Alliance commander and a huge amount of money for the Taliban. ‘‘We supply everything the army needs to later a Kabul police chief. In an interview, ‘‘It’s a big part of their income,’’ one of the survive here,’’ one American trucking execu- Baba Jan, a cheerful and charismatic leader, top Afghan government security officials tive told me. ‘‘We bring them their toilet insisted he had nothing to do with his neph- told The Nation in an interview. In fact, US paper, their water, their fuel, their guns, ew’s corporate enterprise. But the heart of the matter is that insur- military officials in Kabul estimate that a their vehicles.’’ The epicenter is Bagram Air gents are getting paid for safe passage be- minimum of 10 percent of the Pentagon’s lo- Base, just an hour north of Kabul, from cause there are few other ways to bring gistics contracts—hundreds of millions of which virtually everything in Afghanistan is goods to the combat outposts and forward dollars—consists of payments to insurgents. trucked to the outer reaches of what the operating bases where soldiers need them. By Understanding how this situation came to Army calls ‘‘the Battlespace’’—that is, the definition, many outposts are situated in pass requires untangling two threads. The entire country. Parked near Entry Control hostile terrain, in the southern parts of Af- first is the insider dealing that determines Point 3, the trucks line up, shifting gears ghanistan. The security firms don’t really who wins and who loses in Afghan business, and sending up clouds of dust as they prepare protect convoys of American military goods and the second is the troubling mechanism for their various missions across the coun- here, because they simply can’t; they need by which ‘‘private security’’ ensures that the try. The real secret to trucking in Afghanistan the Taliban’s cooperation. US supply convoys traveling these ancient is ensuring security on the perilous roads, One of the big problems for the companies trade routes aren’t ambushed by insurgents. that ship American military supplies across A good place to pick up the first thread is controlled by warlords, tribal militias, insur- the country is that they are banned from with a small firm awarded a US military lo- gents and Taliban commanders. The Amer- arming themselves with any weapon heavier gistics contract worth hundreds of millions ican executive I talked to was fairly specific about it: ‘‘The Army is basically paying the than a rifle. That makes them ineffective for of dollars: NCL Holdings. Like the Popals’ Taliban not to shoot at them. It is Depart- battling Taliban attacks on a convoy. ‘‘They Watan Risk, NCL is a licensed security com- ment of Defense money.’’ That is something are shooting the drivers from 3,000 feet away pany in Afghanistan. with PKMs,’’ a trucking company executive What NCL Holdings is most notorious for everyone seems to agree on. Mike Hanna is the project manager for a in Kabul told me. ‘‘They are using RPGs in Kabul contracting circles, though, is the trucking company called Afghan American [rocket-propelled grenades] that will blow up identity of its chief principal, Hamed Army Services. The company, which still op- an up-armed vehicle. So the security compa- Wardak. He is the young American son of Af- erates in Afghanistan, had been trucking for nies are tied up. Because of the rules, secu- ghanistan’s current defense minister, Gen. the United States for years but lost out in rity companies can only carry AK–47s, and Abdul Rahim Wardak, who was a leader of the Host Nation Trucking contract that NCL that’s just a joke. I carry an AK—and that’s the mujahedeen against the Soviets. Hamed won. Hanna explained the security realities just to shoot myself if I have to!’’ Wardak has plunged into business as well as quite simply: ‘‘You are paying the people in The rules are there for a good reason: to policy. He was raised and schooled in the the local areas—some are warlords, some are guard against devastating collateral damage United States, graduating as valedictorian politicians in the police force—to move your by private security forces. Still, as Hanna of from Georgetown University in 1997. He trucks through.’’ Afghan American Army Services points out, earned a Rhodes scholarship and interned at Hanna explained that the prices charged ‘‘An AK–47 versus a rocket-propelled gre- the neoconservative think tank the Amer- are different, depending on the route: ‘‘We’re nade—you are going to lose!’’ That said, at ican Enterprise Institute. That internship basically being extorted. Where you don’t least one of the Host Nation Trucking com- was to play an important role in his life, for pay, you’re going to get attacked. We just panies has tried to do battle instead of pay- it was at AEI that he forged alliances with have our field guys go down there, and they ing off insurgents and warlords. It is a US- some of the premier figures in American con- pay off who they need to.’’ Sometimes, he owned firm called Four Horsemen Inter- servative foreign policy circles, such as the says, the extortion fee is high, and some- national. Instead of providing payments, it late Ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick. times it is low. ‘‘Moving ten trucks, it is has tried to fight off attackers. And it has Wardak incorporated NCL in the United probably $800 per truck to move through an paid the price in lives, with horrendous cas- States early in 2007, although the firm may area. It’s based on the number of trucks and ualties. FHI, like many other firms, refused have operated in Afghanistan before then. It what you’re carrying. If you have fuel to talk publicly; but I’ve been told by insid- made sense to set up shop in Washington, be- trucks, they are going to charge you more. If ers in the security industry that FHI’s con- cause of Wardak’s connections there. On you have dry trucks, they’re not going to voys are attacked on virtually every mis- NCL’s advisory board, for example, is Milton charge you as much. If you are carrying sion. Bearden, a well-known former CIA officer. MRAPs or Humvees, they are going to For the most part, the security firms do as Bearden is an important voice on Afghani- charge you more.’’ they must to survive. A veteran American stan issues; in October he was a witness be- Hanna says it is just a necessary evil. ‘‘If manager in Afghanistan who has worked fore the Senate Foreign Relations Com- you tell me not to pay these insurgents in there as both a soldier and a private security mittee, where Senator John Kerry, the chair, this area, the chances of my trucks getting contractor in the field told me, ‘‘What we are introduced him as ‘‘a legendary former CIA attacked increase exponentially.’’ doing is paying warlords associated with the case officer and a clearheaded thinker and Whereas in Iraq the private security indus- Taliban, because none of our security ele- writer.’’ It is not every defense contracting try has been dominated by US and global ments is able to deal with the threat.’’ He’s

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:11 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.030 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1274 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 an Army veteran with years of Special veteran familiar with the route said, ‘‘He were to take the tens of millions paid to se- Forces experience, and he’s not happy about works both sides . . . whatever is most prof- curity contractors and instead set up a dedi- what’s being done. He says that at a min- itable. He’s the main commander. He’s got to cated and professional convoy support unit imum American military forces should try be involved with the Taliban. How much, no to guard its logistics lines? The suggestion to learn more about who is getting paid off. one knows.’’ went nowhere. ‘‘Most escorting is done by the Taliban,’’ Even NCL, the company owned by Hamed The bizarre fact is that the practice of buy- an Afghan private security official told me. Wardak, pays. Two sources with direct ing the Taliban’s protection is not a secret. He’s a Pashto and former mujahedeen com- knowledge tell me that NCL sends its por- I asked Col. David Haight, who commands mander who has his finger on the pulse of tion of US logistics goods in Watan’s and the Third Brigade of the Tenth Mountain Di- the military situation and the security in- Ruhullah’s convoys. Sources say NCL is vision, about it. After all, part of Highway 1 dustry. And he works with one of the truck- billed $500,000 per month for Watan’s serv- runs through his area of operations. What ing companies carrying US supplies. ‘‘Now ices. To underline the point: NCL, operating did he think about security companies pay- the government is so weak,’’ he added, ‘‘ev- on a $360 million contract from the US mili- ing off insurgents? ‘‘The American soldier in eryone is paying the Taliban.’’ tary, and owned by the Afghan defense min- me is repulsed by it,’’ he said in an interview To Afghan trucking officials, this is barely ister’s son, is paying millions per year from in his office at FOB Shank in Logar Prov- even something to worry about. One woman those funds to a company owned by Presi- ince. ‘‘But I know that it is what it is: essen- I met was an extraordinary entrepreneur dent Karzai’s cousins, for protection. tially paying the enemy, saying, ‘Hey, don’t who had built up a trucking business in this Hamed Wardak wouldn’t return my phone hassle me.’ I don’t like it, but it is what it male-dominated field. She told me the secu- calls. Milt Bearden, the former CIA officer is.’’ rity company she had hired dealt directly affiliated with the company, wouldn’t speak As a military official in Kabul explained with Taliban leaders in the south. Paying with me either. There’s nothing wrong with contracting in Afghanistan overall, ‘‘We un- the Taliban leaders meant they would send Bearden engaging in business in Afghani- derstand that across the board 10 percent to along an escort to ensure that no other in- stan, but disclosure of his business interests 20 percent goes to the insurgents. My intel surgents would attack. In fact, she said, they might have been expected when testifying on guy would say it is closer to 10 percent. Gen- just needed two armed Taliban vehicles. US policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan. erally it is happening in logistics.’’ ‘‘Two Taliban is enough,’’ she told me. ‘‘One After all, NCL stands to make or lose hun- In a statement to The Nation about Host in the front and one in the back.’’ She dreds of millions based on the whims of US Nation Trucking, Col. Wayne Shanks, the shrugged. ‘‘You cannot work otherwise. Oth- policy-makers. chief public affairs officer for the inter- erwise it is not possible.’’ It is certainly worth asking why NCL, a national forces in Afghanistan, said that Which leads us back to the case of Watan company with no known trucking experi- military officials are ‘‘aware of allegations Risk, the firm run by Ahmad Rateb Popal ence, and little security experience to speak that procurement funds may find their way and Rashid Popal, the Karzai family rel- of, would win a contract worth $360 million. into the hands of insurgent groups, but we do atives and former drug dealers. Watan is Plenty of Afghan insiders are asking ques- not directly support or condone this activ- known to control one key stretch of road tions. ‘‘Why would the US government give ity, if it is occurring.’’ He added that, despite that all the truckers use: the strategic route him a contract if he is the son of the min- oversight, ‘‘the relationships between con- to Kandahar called Highway 1. Think of it as ister of defense?’’ That’s what Mahmoud tractors and their subcontractors, as well as the road to the war—to the south and to the Karzai asked me. He is the brother of Presi- between subcontractors and others in their west. If the Army wants to get supplies down dent Karzai, and he himself has been treated operational communities, are not entirely to Helmand, for example, the trucks must in the press as a poster boy for access to gov- transparent.’’ make their way through Kandahar. ernment officials. The New York Times even In any case, the main issue is not that the Watan Risk, according to seven different profiled him in a highly critical piece. In his US military is turning a blind eye to the security and trucking company officials, is defense, Karzai emphasized that he, at least, problem. Many officials acknowledge what is the sole provider of security along this has refrained from US government or Afghan going on while also expressing a deep dis- route. The reason is simple: Watan is allied government contracting. He pointed out, as quiet about the situation. The trouble is with the local warlord who controls the road. others have, that Hamed Wardak had little that—as with so much in Afghanistan—the Watan’s company website is quite impres- security or trucking background before his United States doesn’t seem to know how to sive, and claims its personnel ‘‘are diligently company received security and trucking con- fix it. screened to weed out all ex-militia members, tracts from the Defense Department. ‘‘That’s I reserve the balance of my time. supporters of the Taliban, or individuals a questionable business practice,’’ he said. with loyalty to warlords, drug barons, or any Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- ‘‘They shouldn’t give it to him. How come er, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to other group opposed to international support that’s not questioned?’’ of the democratic process.’’ Whatever screen- I did get the opportunity to ask General the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. KING), a ing methods it uses, Watan’s secret weapon Wardak, Hamed’s father, about it. He is member of the Agriculture and Small to protect American supplies heading quite dapper, although he is no longer the Business Committees and the ranking through Kandahar is a man named Com- debonair ‘‘Gucci commander’’ Bearden once member on the Judiciary Sub- mander Ruhullah. Said to be a handsome described. I asked Wardak about his son and committee on Immigration, Citizen- man in his 40s, Ruhullah has an oddly high- NCL. ‘‘I’ve tried to be straightforward and ship, Refugees, Border Security, and pitched voice. He wears traditional salwar correct and fight corruption all my life,’’ the International Law. kameez and a Rolex watch. He rarely, if ever, defense minister said. ‘‘This has been some- associates with Westerners. He commands a thing people have tried to use against me, so Mr. KING of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I large group of irregular fighters with no it has been painful.’’ thank the gentlewoman from Florida known government affiliation, and his name, Wardak would speak only briefly about for yielding to me. security officials tell me, inspires obedience NCL. The issue seems to have produced a rift I rise in opposition to H. Con. Res. or fear in villages along the road. with his son. ‘‘I was against it from the be- 248. It is not with disrespect for my col- It is a dangerous business, of course: until ginning, and that’s why we have not talked league from Ohio, and I am confident last spring Ruhullah had competition—a for a long time. I have never tried to support that the gentleman from Ohio is aware one-legged warlord named Commander Abdul him or to use my power or influence that he of that, but I read the resolution, and Khaliq. He was killed in an ambush. should benefit.’’ So Ruhullah is the surviving road warrior When I told Wardak that his son’s com- to me it reads as a retreat resolution. for that stretch of highway. According to pany had a US contract worth as much as I think about the times that America witnesses, he works like this: he waits until $360 million, he did a double take. ‘‘This is has been characterized as retreating. there are hundreds of trucks ready to convoy impossible,’’ he said. ‘‘I do not believe this.’’ As I look back through the history south down the highway. Then he gets his I believed the general when he said he real- that I have lived through and the his- men together, setting them up in 4x4s and ly didn’t know what his son was up to. But tory that I have studied, I think of a pickups. Witnesses say he does not limit his cleaning up what look like insider deals may little book I have in my office that I arsenal to AK–47s but uses any weapons he be easier than the next step: shutting down can get. His chief weapon is his reputation. the money pipeline going from DoD con- wish I would have brought over here. It And for that, Watan is paid royally, col- tracts to potential insurgents. is the book, ‘‘How We Won the War,’’ lecting a fee for each truck that passes Two years ago, a top Afghan security offi- by General Giap of Vietnam, North through his corridor. The American trucking cial told me, Afghanistan’s intelligence serv- Vietnam at the time. And I ran across official told me that Ruhullah ‘‘charges ice, the National Directorate of Security, that book randomly, and I began to $1,500 per truck to go to Kandahar. Just 300 had alerted the American military to the read through that, and what would be kilometers.’’ problem. The NDS delivered what I’m told going through the mind of a Viet- It’s hard to pinpoint what this is, exactly— are ‘‘very detailed’’ reports to the Americans security, extortion or a form of ‘‘insurance.’’ explaining how the Taliban are profiting namese general. Then there is the question, Does Ruhullah from protecting convoys of US supplies. First, I would make the point that have ties to the Taliban? That’s impossible The Afghan intelligence service even of- we didn’t lose the war tactically in to know. As an American private security fered a solution: what if the United States Vietnam; it was lost here in the United

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.031 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1275 States, and a lot of it exactly on the mous amount of money, and the secu- ity leader, the gentleman from Mary- floor of this Congress and in debates rity gains are dubious when there are land (Mr. HOYER). that began and flowed through similar more al Qaeda in other parts of the Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise to these debates that we have today. globe. in opposition to this resolution, which As I read that, it is on page 8, it is So long as the United States has a would urge the withdrawal of American not worth reading the book, it says major military presence in Afghani- troops from Afghanistan, in my opin- that they got the inspiration because stan, long-term stability will continue ion, at great cost to America’s security the United States had negotiated an to be a goal just out of our reach. More and, indeed, the Afghan people. But I agreement with Korea. Where did they troops are not the answer. want to rise as well to thank my get their inspiration to win the war We need to turn the corner. We must friend, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. against us in Vietnam? They saw that rebuild. We must build a governing ca- KUCINICH), with whom I work closely. we didn’t fight the Korean war through pacity among the Afghans, not mili- This issue needs to be debated. This to a final victory but negotiated a set- tary fighting capacity. As long as Af- issue needs to be raised. The American tlement. And then I would fast-forward ghanistan is able to depend exclusively people have a right to have us debate to June 11, 2004, where I was sitting on the United States for stability, the this issue. waiting to go into Iraq the next day, longer they will continue to do so. The b 1715 and on the screen of Al Jazeera TV quicker we prepare for transfer author- Their young men and young women ity to the Afghans, the sooner we will came Muqtada al-Sadr speaking in Ar- are in harm’s way. They are in harm’s be able to leave the country. abic with English closed caption. He way at our insistence, or at least at our Over a year ago, President Obama an- said, If we continue to attack Ameri- sufferance. So it is right to have this nounced his strategy to disrupt, dis- cans, they will leave Iraq the same way debate. And while I disagree with the mantle, and defeat al Qaeda in its safe they left Vietnam, the same way they gentleman from Ohio, I appreciate the havens of Afghanistan and Pakistan. I left Lebanon, the same way they left fact that he provides this opportunity Mogadishu. That is the inspiration not made clear that I would not rubber- to discuss this very, very important just for our enemies of al Qaeda in Iraq stamp his strategy for more troops. issue. and in Afghanistan and around the The only way we can solve this mess is Madam Speaker, after years in which world, it is the inspiration for all of to put in place a regional strategy with Afghanistan was a secondary concern, our enemies around the world, and it international buy-in. That strategy in my view, President Obama has set was the inspiration for Osama bin must include a strong civilian compo- our policy on a new course which is al- Laden when he ordered the attack on nent capable of achieving diplomatic ready showing significant results. I be- the United States on September 11. and development objectives, as well as lieve that this is not the time to We cannot lose our will. When we en- security goals. change that policy. gage in an operation, we have to push I was distressed to read several There is vast agreement that an in- it through to success. In fact, that leg- months ago that Special Envoy Rich- definite presence in Afghanistan or acy of Lebanon, Vietnam, and ard Holbrooke acknowledged that we Iraq is unacceptable. In Iraq we have Mogadishu has been put to rest by a had built almost no capacity in the Af- reached the transition point of handing victory in Iraq, a victory that would ghan authorities. over responsibility to the central Gov- not have been achieved if the people The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. ED- ernment to take care of its own people. who brought these debates to the floor WARDS of Maryland). The time of the We see positive signs, such as the re- 44 times in the 110th Congress, resolu- gentleman has expired. cent Iraq election in which 62 percent tions that were designed to unfund, Mr. KUCINICH. I yield the gentleman of the voters turned out in the face of underfund, or undermine our troops, we another 30 seconds. terrorist violence. Was it perfect? It fought off all of those resolutions. Now Mr. FARR. We sent our troops to war was not. Are there concerns yet about we have a victory in Iraq that is being in Afghanistan, but after more than 8 who could run and who could not? claimed by this administration who op- years of war, we are only now actively There are, appropriate concerns. But posed it back then. trying to support peace. For years, I nevertheless, we see progress. I don’t trust the judgment of people have worked to develop a Civilian Re- Given the increasing stability of the who have always been against armed sponse Corps that can bring the whole Iraq Government, President Obama is conflict. I trust the judgment of the of government approach to winning the proceeding with responsible troop with- people who fight and win wars and the peace. drawals. Today, 96,000 American troops people who lead us through those wars We have proven time and time again remain, down from 140,000 troops, and that we fight and win. that we can kick down doors, but we calculated and careful drawdowns con- This is an American destiny question have not yet proven that we can build tinue. All American combat troops are that is before us. If we walk away from peace. We are finally standing up the set to leave Iraq by the end of August. this conflict in Afghanistan for any Civilian Response Corps, and we are fi- At the same time, the President con- reason, America’s destiny will forever nally developing the capacity so that ducted a comprehensive reevaluation be diminished, and they will never take war without end is not our only option. of our Afghanistan policy, one in which us seriously again. In the recent operation in Marjah, the mili- all viewpoints were heard. Some Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I tary aspect of the operation started in Feb- thought it took too long; some of us yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from ruary 12, and by February 25 the Afghan flag believed it was a careful, thoughtful, California (Mr. FARR). was raised. This week, Afghan President and correct attention to an important Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise Karzai, together with General Stanley decision. today for this opportunity to speak as McChrystal, visited Marjah. They met with el- The Obama administration came to an original cosponsor of this bill on ders who told President Karzai they wanted the conclusion that a failed Afghani- what I believe is the foremost foreign Afghan troops, not international forces, in their stan was the launching pad for ter- policy issue facing the United States town. They expressed frustration at the gov- rorist attacks that killed thousands of today. There is perhaps no more impor- ernment’s lack of ability to provide services. It Americans as well as a source of re- tant matter on the table right now is those public services—provided by a civilian gional instability, and that a newly than Afghanistan, not least because corps supported by Afghan security—that will failed Afghan state could pose the same every dollar we spend abroad for war is win the peace. danger again. That is why we, in a bi- a dollar of investment lost to all of our The long-term solution in Afghanistan will be partisan way, authorized troops to go communities here at home. a civilian solution, and the sooner we move to to Afghanistan about a decade ago. We have spent more than $250 billion this next phase the better. For this reason, I That is why the President committed fighting and occupying Afghanistan. believe a vote for success in Afghanistan is a to a strategy of troop increases, not as President Obama is now implementing vote for this resolution to remove our military an open-ended commitment, but as his plan to send an additional 30,000 troops by year’s end. part of a limited strategy of counterin- troops to Afghanistan, which will cost Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am surgency with withdrawals set to begin another $33 billion. This is an enor- pleased to yield 1 minute to the major- in the summer of 2011.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.113 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1276 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 This is not a war we fight alone. Our Pakistan has suffered from neglect, which is exactly where our troop build- allies understand that the threat of poor planning, and minimal diplomacy, up is occurring. I will put this article terrorism affects us all and have but passing this resolution would show by Mr. Murray into the RECORD. pitched in accordingly. Since the Presi- that we’ve learned the wrong lessons OBAMA IS WRONG ON BOTH COUNTS dent’s December 1 speech announcing from those years of relative neglect. (By Craig Murray) his new policy, we have seen a sharp in- Abandoning Afghanistan just when a Obama loves his rhetoric, and his speech crease in international cooperation new strategy and new leadership has on the Afghan surge was topped by a rhetor- with our allies, pledging approximately begun to bear fruit I think would be a ical flourish: 10,000 additional troops and more mili- mistake. And although I appreciate the ‘‘Our cause is just, our resolve unshaken’’. tary trainees. gentleman’s leadership and incisive He is of course wrong on both counts. Our new Afghan strategy has already The occupation of Afghanistan by the US analysis, which bears listening to, on and its allies is there to prop up the govern- seen real success in Afghanistan and in this issue we disagree. Pakistan, which demonstrates that ment of President Karzai. Karzai’s has al- I would urge, therefore, my col- ways been an ultra-corrupt government of this resolution is especially ill-timed. leagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on the resolution vicious warlords and drugs barons. I have Among the highlights of that success before us. been pointing this out for years, http:// have been the capture of Mullah Mr. KUCINICH. I want to thank our www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-469983/ Baradar, the second-highest ranking majority leader for his participation Britain-protecting-biggest-heroin-crop- member of the Taliban and most sig- and also for his cooperation in ensuring time.html#ixzz0VS78HVR1 nificant Taliban capture since the be- that this debate could happen. You and The CIA is up to its usual tricks again sup- ginning of the war, and Mullah Abdul porting the drug running of key warlords our Speaker and Mr. BERMAN are ap- loyal to them. They are also setting up death Kabir, a senior Taliban leader. Both preciated for your willingness to pro- were captured in Pakistan, which illus- squads on the Central American model, in vide for this moment to happen so that cooperation with Blackwater. trates increased cooperation from the the House could be heard from, so Fortunately Karzai’s rigging of his re-elec- Pakistan Government, thanks in large thank you. tion was so blatant that the scales have fall- part to the administration’s careful di- I would ask, Madam Speaker, how en from the eyes of the public and even the plomacy. much time remains in the debate? I am mainstream media. Politicians no longer As The Washington Post put it on sure we’re winding down here. pretend we are promoting democracy in Af- ghanistan. February 23, ‘‘Pakistani security forces The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- have long supported or turned a blind Karzai comes directly from the Bush camp tleman from Ohio has 131⁄2 minutes re- eye to Afghan Taliban members seek- and was put in place because of his role with maining. The gentleman from Cali- ing sanctuary in Pakistan. The recent Unocal in developing the Trans Afghanistan fornia has 9 minutes remaining. And Gas Pipeline project. That remains a chief arrests seem to mark a change in that the gentlewoman from Florida has 5 strategic goal. The Asian Development Bank attitude.’’ Clearly, success in Afghani- minutes remaining. has agreed finance to start construction in stan will be posited on the success of Mr. KUCINICH. I yield myself 3 min- Spring 2011. It is of course a total coinci- those in Pakistan to act against sanc- utes. dence that 30,000 extra US troops will arrive tuaries. At the same time, the leader- One of the areas of concern that I six months before, and that the US (as op- posed to other NATO forces) deployment ship of al Qaeda and Taliban has been have about our presence in Afghanistan severely damaged through strikes in area corresponds with the pipeline route. that I haven’t seen discussed that Obama’s claim that ‘‘Our cause is just’’ ul- Pakistan. And the new counterinsur- much deals with the role of oil and gas, gency strategy has been put to work in timately rests on the extraordinary claim particularly in Afghanistan. Paul Craig that, eight years after the invasion, we are Marjah, an important district in Roberts, who was an Assistant Sec- still there in self-defence. In both the UK and Helmand province, where American, retary of Treasury under the Reagan US, governments are relying on the mantra coalition, and Afghan troops have administration, reported in November that the occupation of Afghanistan protects worked and fought successfully to- of last year on a former British ambas- us from terrorism at home. gether to strengthen the central Gov- This is utter nonsense. The large majority sador to Uzbekistan, Craig Murray, ernment against Taliban fighters. of post 9/11 terror incidents have been by Let me say, the gentleman has made who was fired from his job when he Western Muslims outraged by our invasion of some comments about the Afghan cen- spoke out about documents he saw Afghanistan and Iraq. Put bluntly, if we tral Government. All of us share the ‘‘proving that the motivation for U.S. keep invading Muslim countries, of course and U.K. military aggression in Af- we will face a violent backlash. The idea gentleman’s concerns about the central that because we occupy Afghanistan a Mus- Government. These are concerns that ghanistan had something to do with the natural gas deposits in Uzbekistan lim from Dewsbury or Detroit disenchanted are properly raised and need to be ad- with the West would not be able to manufac- dressed. However, there is no doubt and Turkmenistan.’’ He continues, and ture a bomb is patent nonsense. It would be that years of war against the Taliban these are his words, ‘‘The Americans an infinitely better strategy to make out and terrorists have imposed a heavy wanted a pipeline that bypassed Russia theoretical Muslim less disenchanted by not cost on the Afghan people. Despite and Iran and went through Afghani- attacking and killing huge numbers of his ci- those heavy costs, the Afghan people stan. To ensure this, an invasion was vilian co-religionists. necessary.’’ Our cause is unjust. support the coalition’s continued pres- We are responsible for the deaths of tens of ence in their country, perhaps because I did some additional research on that and I found an article by Craig thousands of civilians in Afghanistan and they know that reprisals from an un- Pakistan, and for the further of checked Taliban would be fierce and Murray where he claims that Mr. radicalisation of Muslim communities world- unforgiving. In fact, our failure to fol- Karzai ‘‘was put in place because of his wide. That threatens a perpetual war—which low through when the Soviets with- role with Unocal in developing the is of course just what the military-industrial drew resulted, very frankly, in the Trans-Afghanistan Gas Pipeline complex and the security industry want. Taliban’s presence. project. That remains a chief strategic They have captured Obama. According to a recent poll conducted goal. The Asian Development Bank has Fortunately, our resolve is shaken. agreed finance to start construction in The ordinary people of the UK and US have by the BBC, ABC, and German tele- begun in sufficient numbers to see through vision, 68 percent of Afghans want spring, 2011. It is, of course, a total co- this perpetual war confidence trick; they American troops to stay in their coun- incidence that 30,000 extra U.S. troops realise there is nothing in it for them but try and 56 percent of Afghans believe will arrive 6 months before, and that dead youngsters and high taxes. That is why their country is headed in the right di- the U.S. (as opposed to other NATO Obama made a very vague promise—which I rection, compared to just 30 percent forces) deployment area corresponds believe in its vagueness and caveats to be de- last spring. Just since last spring, we with the pipeline route.’’ liberate deceit—that troops will start to have seen almost a doubling of the I have a map of the pipeline. It’s leave in 2011. probably not easily visible, but it Today’s promises of 5,000 additional NATO view that Afghanistan is heading in the troops are, incidentally, empty rhetoric. I right direction on behalf of Afghan starts on the west in Turkmenistan, gather from friends in the FCO that firm citizens. goes through Afghanistan, south to pledges to date amount to 670. Madam Speaker, there is no question Pakistan and India, and it touches near A well-placed source close to the Taliban that our strategy in Afghanistan and both Helmand and Kandahar province, in Pakistan tells me that the Afghan Taliban

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:12 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.115 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1277 and their tribal allies have a plan. As the US transnational oil and construction compa- merce with Armitage, Cheney, Brezezinski seeks massively to expand the Afghan forces, nies, and the ruling elite of the West had and other ubiquitous figures), lobbied they are feeding in large numbers of volun- coveted the same oil and gas transit route Turkmenistan’s president Niyazov and prime teers. I suspect that while we may see the for years. minister Bhutto of Pakistan, offering a odd attack on their trainers, the vast major- A trans-Afghanistan pipeline was not sim- Unocal pipeline following the same route as ity will get trained, fed, paid and equipped ply a business matter, but a key component Bridas.’ and bide their time before turning en masse. of a broader geo-strategic agenda: total mili- Dazzled by the prospect of an alliance with This is nothing new; it is precisely the his- tary and economic control of Eurasia (the the US, Niyazov asked Bridas to renegotiate tory of foreign occupations in the region and Middle East and former Soviet Central Asian its past contract and blocked Bridas’ exports the purchase of tribal auxiliaries and alli- republics). Zbigniew Brezezinski describes from Keimar field. Bridas responded by filing ances. this region in his book ‘‘The Grand Chess- three cases with the International Chamber board—American Primacy and Its of Commerce against Turkmenistan for I will also have this article called Geostrategic Imperatives’’ as ‘‘the center of ‘‘Unocal and the Afghanistan Pipeline’’ breach of contract. (Bridas won.) Bridas also world power.’’ Capturing the region’s oil filed a lawsuit in Texas charging Unocal submitted in the RECORD because he wealth, and carving out territory in order to with civil conspiracy and ‘‘tortuous inter- talks about how ‘‘Unocal was not inter- build a network of transit routes, was a pri- ference with business relations.’’ While its ested in a partnership. The U.S. Gov- mary objective of US military interventions officers were negotiating with Pakistani and ernment, its affiliated transnational throughout the 1990s in the Balkans, the Turkmen oil and gas officials, Bridas oil and construction companies, and Caucasus and Caspian Sea. claimed that Unocal had stolen its idea, and As of 1992, 11 western oil companies con- the ruling elite of the West had coveted coerced the Turkmen government into trolled more than 50 percent of all oil invest- blocking Bridas from Keimir field. (The suit the same oil and gas transit route for ments in the Caspian Basin, including years. was dismissed in 1998 by Judge Brady G. El- Unocal, Amoco, Atlantic Richfield, Chevron, liott, a Republican, who claimed that any ‘‘A trans-Afghanistan pipeline was Exxon-Mobil, Pennzoil, Texaco, Phillips and dispute between Unocal and Bridas was gov- not simply a business matter, but a British Petroleum. erned by the laws of Turkmenistan and Af- key component of a broader In ‘‘Taliban: Militant Islam, Oil and Fun- ghanistan, rather than Texas law.) geostrategic agenda: total military and damentalism in Central Asia’’ (a definitive In October 1995, with neither company in a economic control of Eurasia.’’ This is work that is a primary source for this re- winning position, Bulgheroni and Imle ac- port), Ahmed Rashid wrote, ‘‘US oil compa- supposedly described in Zbigniew companied Niyazov to the opening of the UN nies who had spearheaded the first US forays General Assembly. There, Niyazov awarded Brzezinski’s book, ‘‘The Grand Chess- into the region wanted a greater say in US board: American Primacy and Its Unocal with a contract for a 918-mile natural policy making.’’ gas pipeline. Bulgheroni was shocked. At the Business and policy planning groups active Geostrategic Imperatives’’ as ‘‘the cen- announcement ceremony, Unocal consultant in Central Asia, such as the Foreign Oil ter of world power.’’ Henry Kissinger said that the deal looked Companies Group operated with the full sup- ‘‘Capturing the region’s oil wealth like ‘‘the triumph of hope over experience.’’ port of the US State Department, the Na- and carving out territory in order to Later, Unocal’s consortium, CentGas, tional Security Council, the CIA and the De- would secure another contract for a com- build a network of transit routes was a partment of Energy and Commerce. primary objective of U.S. military Among the most active operatives for US panion 1,050-mile oil pipeline from interventions throughout the 1990s in efforts: Brezezinski (a consultant to Amoco, Dauletabad through Afghanistan that would the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Caspian and architect of the Afghan-Soviet war of connect to a tanker loading port in Pakistan the 1970s), Henry Kissinger (advisor to on the coast of the Arabian Sea. Sea.’’ Although Unocal had agreements with the Unocal), and Alexander Haig (a lobbyist for [From Centre for Research on Globalisation, governments on either end of the proposed Turkmenistan), and Dick Cheney (Halli- March 2002] route, Bridas still had the contract with Af- burton, US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Com- ghanistan. UNOCAL AND THE AFGHANISTAN PIPELINE merce). (By Larry Chin) Unocal’s Central Asia envoys consisted of The problem was resolved via the CIA and Pakistani ISI-backed Taliban. Following a CRG’s Global Outlook, premiere issue on former US defense and intelligence officials. visit to Kandahar by US Assistant Secretary ‘‘Stop the War’’ provides detailed docu- Robert Oakley, the former US ambassador to of State for South Asia Robin Raphael in the mentation on the war and the ‘‘Post-Sep- Pakistan, was a ‘‘counter-terrorism’’ spe- fall of 1996, the Taliban entered Kabul and tember 11 Crisis.’’ Order/subscribe. Consult cialist for the Reagan administration who sent the Rabbani government packing. Table of Contents armed and trained the mujahadeen during the war against the Soviets in the 1980s. He Bridas’ agreement with Rabbani would PART ONE OF A TWO-PART SERIES PLAYERS ON was an Iran-Contra conspirator charged by have to be renegotiated. A RIGGED GRAND CHESSBOARD: BRIDAS, Independent Counsel Lawrence Walsh as a WOOING THE TALIBAN After the fall of the Soviet Union, Argen- key figure involved in arms shipments to According to Ahmed Rashid, ‘‘Unocal’s tine oil company Bridas, led by its ambitious Iran. real influence with the Taliban was that chairman, Carlos Bulgheroni, became the Richard Armitage, the current Deputy De- their project carried the possibility of US first company to exploit the oil fields of fense Secretary, was another Iran-Contra recognition, which the Taliban were des- Turkmenistan and propose a pipeline player in Unocal’s employ. A former Navy perately anxious to secure.’’ through neighboring Afghanistan. A power- SEAL, covert operative in Laos, director Unocal wasted no time greasing the palms ful US-backed consortium intent on building with the Carlyle Group, Armitage is alleg- of the Taliban. It offered humanitarian aid its own pipeline through the same Afghan edly deeply linked to terrorist and criminal to Afghan warlords who would form a coun- corridor would oppose Bridas’ project. networks in the Middle East, and the new cil to supervise the pipeline project. It pro- THE COVETED TRANS-AFGHAN ROUTE independent states of the former Soviet vided a new mobile phone network between Upon successfully negotiating leases to ex- Union (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kabul and Kandahar. Unocal also promised plore in Turkmenistan, Bridas was awarded Kyrgistan). to help rebuild Kandahar, and donated $9,000 exploration contracts for the Keimar block Armitage was no stranger to pipelines. As to the University of Nebraska’s Center for near the Caspian Sea, and the Yashlar block a member of the Burma/Myanmar Forum, a Afghan Studies. The US State Department, near the Afghanistan border. By March 1995, group that received major funding from through its aid organization USAID, contrib- Bulgheroni had accords with Turkmenistan Unocal, Armitage was implicated in a law- uted significant education funding for and Pakistan granting Bridas construction suit filed by Burmese villagers who suffered Taliban. In the spring of 1996, Unocal execu- rights for a pipeline into Afghanistan, pend- human rights abuses during the construction tives flew Uzbek leader General Abdul ing negotiations with the civil war-torn of a Unocal pipeline. (Halliburton, under Rashid Dostum to Dallas to discuss pipeline country. Dick Cheney, performed contract work on passage through his northern (Northern Alli- The following year, after extensive meet- the same Burmese project.) ance-controlled) territories. ings with warlords throughout Afghanistan, BRIDAS VERSUS THE NEW WORLD ORDER Bridas countered by forming an alliance Bridas had a 30–year agreement with the Much to Bridas’ dismay, Unocal went di- with Ningarcho, a Saudi company closely Rabbani regime to build and operate an 875– rectly to regional leaders with its own pro- aligned with Prince Turki el-Faisal, the mile gas pipeline across Afghanistan. posal. Unocal formed its own competing US- Saudi intelligence chief. Turki was a mentor Bulgheroni believed that his pipeline led, Washington-sponsored consortium that to Osama bin Laden, the ally of the Taliban would promote peace as well as material included Saudi Arabia’s Delta Oil, aligned who was publicly feuding with the Saudi wealth in the region. He approached other with Saudi Prince Abdullah and King Fahd. royal family. As a gesture for Bridas, Prince companies, including Unocal and its then- Other partners included Russia’s Gazprom Turki provided the Taliban with communica- CEO, Roger Beach, to join an international and Turkmenistan’s state-owned tions equipment and a fleet of pickup trucks. consortium. Turkmenrozgas. Now Bridas proposed two consortiums, one Unocal was not interested in a partnership. John Imle, president of Unocal (and mem- to build the Afghanistan portion, and an- The United States government, its affiliated ber of the US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Com- other to take care of both ends of the line.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.029 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1278 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 By November 1996, Bridas claimed that it In response to the bombing of US embas- Winning the war in Afghanistan will had an agreement signed by the Taliban and sies in Nairobi and Tanzania (attributed to also help deter a radical Islamic gov- Dostum—trumping Unocal. bin Laden), President Bill Clinton sent ernment from taking over Pakistan, a The competition between Unocal and cruise missiles into Afghanistan and Sudan. country with over 15 nuclear weapons. Bridas, as described by Rashid, ‘‘began to re- The administration broke off diplomatic flect the competition within the Saudi Royal contact with the Taliban, and UN sanctions It seems that in recent months, since family.’’ were imposed. our surge in force has begun, we have In 1997, Taliban officials traveled twice to Unocal withdrew from CentGas, and in- seen Pakistan become more willing to Washington, D.C. and Buenos Aires to be formed the State Department ‘‘the gas pipe- confront the radical elements within wined and dined by Unocal and Bridas. No line would not proceed until an internation- its own borders. And while there is agreements were signed. ally recognized government was in place in much work left to be done, there is no Afghanistan.’’ Although Unocal continued on It appeared to Unocal that the Taliban was question that our more aggressive balking. In addition to royalties, the Taliban and off negotiations on the oil pipeline (a demanded funding for infrastructure separate project), the lack of support from strategy against the enemy is having projects, including roads and power plants. Washington hampered efforts. many positive results. The Taliban also announced plans to revive Meanwhile, Bridas declared that it would In April of 2009 I participated in a the Afghan National Oil Company, which had not need to wait for resolution of political congressional delegation to visit Af- been abolished by the Soviet regime in the issues, and repeated its intention of moving ghanistan to observe our operations late 1970s. forward with the Afghan gas pipeline project firsthand. I can tell you without hesi- Osama bin Laden (who issued his fatwa on its own. Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Af- ghanistan tried to push Saudi Arabia to pro- tation that we have every reason to be against the West in 1998) advised the Taliban proud of our men and women serving in to sign with Bridas. In addition to offering ceed with CentGas (Delta of Saudi Arabia the Taliban a higher bid, Bridas proposed an was now the leader). But war and US-Taliban Afghanistan; they’re doing a great job. open pipeline accessible to warlords and tension made business impossible. What they need now is support and a For the remainder of the Clinton presi- local users. Unocal’s pipeline was closed—for clear signal from Washington that the dency, there would be no official US or UN export purposes only. Bridas’ plan also did job they are accomplishing is appre- recognition of Afghanistan. And no progress not require outside financing, while Unocal’s ciated and in our national interests. By on the pipeline. required a loan from the western financial Then George Walker Bush took the White soundly defeating this resolution institutions (the World Bank), which in turn House. today, hopefully we will send such a would leave Afghanistan vulnerable to de- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- message. And it is my hope and prayer mands from western governments. Bridas’ approach to business was more to er, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to that we never have to enter another the Taliban’s liking. Where Bulgheroni and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. war. Bridas’ engineers would take the time to ROE), the ranking member of the Vet- Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I ‘‘sip tea with Afghan tribesmen,’’ Unocal’s erans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Over- yield myself 2 minutes. American executives issued top-down edicts sight and Investigation. I would like to speak for a moment from corporate headquarters and the US Em- Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I thank the about civilian casualties in Afghani- bassy (including a demand to open talks with gentlewoman for yielding, and I rise in stan. the CIA-backed Northern Alliance). strong opposition to this resolution. According to the United Nations, air- While seemingly well received within Af- If passed, this would send a terrible ghanistan, Bridas’ problems with strikes continue to be a leading cause Turkmenistan (which they blamed on Unocal message to our troops in harm’s way of civilian casualties. Days into the and US interference) had left them cash- and only serve to boost morale among Marjah military offensive, 12 Afghans strapped and without a supply. our enemies who now have to face the died when two rockets fired by NATO In 1997, they went searching for a major reality that they are being tracked forces hit the wrong house. Ten of the partner with the clout to break the deadlock night and day. 12 Afghans killed were from the same with Turkmenistan. They found one in I served in the Army in 1973 and 1974 family. U.S. military officials initially Amoco. Bridas sold 60 percent of its Latin in the infantry in Korea. I felt aban- apologized for the death of the civil- American assets to Amoco. Carlos doned at that time by my country. I ians, but later backtracked, claiming Bulgheroni and his contingent retained the never want a soldier to feel like I felt remaining minority 40 percent. Facilitating they were insurgents. An Italian aid the merger were other icons of transnational at that time. I saw what happened in group working at a hospital just out- finance, Chase Manhattan (representing Vietnam when Washington bureaucrats side of Marjah accused allied forces of Bridas), Morgan Stanley (handling Amoco) and lawmakers micromanaged the war blocking dozens of critically wounded and Arthur Andersen (facilitator of post- and prevented commanders from hav- citizens from receiving medical atten- merger integration). Zbigniew Brezezinski ing the resources available which they tion at the hospital. A February 21 was a consultant for Amoco. thought would win. I will never support NATO airstrike conducted by U.S. Spe- (Amoco would merge with British Petro- a plan for this or any other war in cial Forces helicopters killed over 27 leum a year later. BP is represented by the which I think we are tying the hands of law firm of Baker & Botts, whose principal civilians and wounded dozens more attorney is James Baker, lifelong Bush our brave servicemembers. after minibuses were hit by helicopters friend, former secretary of state, and a mem- In my judgment, the strategy devised ‘‘patrolling the area hunting for insur- ber of the Carlyle Group.) by our military leaders and being im- gents who had escaped the NATO offen- Recognizing the significance of the merger, plemented by our Armed Forces is the sive in the Marjah area,’’ over 100 miles a Pakistani oil company executive hinted, correct one. I have always said I will outside of Marjah in the southern prov- ‘‘If these (Central Asian) countries want a support this military plan so long as ince of Uruzgan. big US company involved, Amoco is far big- we do not set arbitrary dates for with- ger than Unocal.’’ drawal from the country, which will b 1730 CLEARING THE CHESSBOARD AGAIN only set a target date for those who The Wall Street Journal cited Afghan By 1998, while the Argentine contingent would try to kill our young men and and NATO representatives, explaining made slow progress, Unocal faced a number women. that the air strike was ordered because of new problems. It is important that we do not forget it was believed that the minibus car- Gazprom pulled out of CentGas when Rus- why we are in Afghanistan. We are ried fresh Taliban fighters who were sia complained about the anti-Russian agen- da of the US. This forced Unocal to expand fighting this war because a previous sent to help those under attack. How- CentGas to include Japanese and South Ko- Afghan regime allowed al Qaeda, the ever, the source of intelligence used to rean gas companies, while maintaining the terrorist group responsible for count- determine that the minibus carried in- dominant share with Delta. Human rights less attacks around the globe, includ- surgents has not been made known. groups began protesting Unocal’s dealings ing the September 11 attacks against Admiral Mike Mullen, Chair of the with the brutal Taliban. Still riding years of the United States, to operate freely Joint Chiefs of Staff, claimed the goal Clinton bashing and scandal mongering, con- within its borders. If the coalition of the Marjah operation was to have no servative Republicans in the US attacked forces leave, the Taliban could regain civilian casualties. the Clinton administration’s Central Asia policy for its lack of clarity and ‘‘leader- control of the country and once again I submit for the RECORD a Brookings ship.’’ provide safe harbors for those who hate Institution 2009 report estimate that 10 Once again, violence would change the dy- America and want to destroy our coun- civilians die for every militant killed namic. try. in a drone strike.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.038 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1279 I submit for the RECORD an article They can also plan long-term global oper- feared and hated in Afghanistan than coali- published in The Nation, written by ations—terrorism ‘‘spectaculars’’ like the tion airstrikes. The raids and detentions, lit- journalist Anand Gopal, titled ‘‘Amer- September 11 attacks, which remain one of tle known or understood outside the Pashtun al Qaeda’s goals. villages, have been turning Afghans against ica’s Secret Afghan Prisons,’’ which re- Killing terrorist operatives is one way to the very forces many of them greeted as lib- veals the existence of secret detention dismantle these havens. Plans are disrupted erators just a few years ago. facilities at Bagram. when individuals die or are wounded, as new ONE DARK NIGHT IN NOVEMBER The daily night raids and indiscrimi- people must be recruited and less experi- November 19, 2009, 3:15 am. A loud blast nate aerial bombings must stop. The enced leaders take over day-to-day oper- woke the villagers of a leafy neighborhood alleged torture of Afghans who are ac- ations. Perhaps most importantly, organiza- outside Ghazni, a city of ancient provenance cused of supporting the Taliban who tions fearing a strike must devote increased in the country’s south. A team of US soldiers are captured in such night raids and attention to their own security because any burst through the front gate of the home of the slaughter of innocent civilians in time they communicate with other cells or Majidullah Qarar, the spokesman for Af- issue propaganda, they may be exposing drone attacks only serve to embolden ghanistan’s agriculture minister. Qarar was themselves to a targeted attack. in Kabul at the time, but his relatives were popular support against the United Given the humanitarian and political home, four of them sleeping in the family’s States. risks, each strike needs to be carefully one-room guesthouse. One of them, [From the Brookings Institution, Mar. 10, weighed, with the value of the target and the Hamidullah, who sold carrots at the local ba- 2010] potential for innocent deaths factored into zaar, ran toward the door of the guesthouse. DO TARGETED KILLINGS WORK? the equation. In addition, the broader polit- He was immediately shot but managed to ical consequences must be evaluated; the (BY DANIEL L. BYMAN) crawl back inside, leaving a trail of blood be- same death toll can have vastly different po- hind him. Then Azim, a baker, darted toward JULY 14, 2009.—Killing terrorist leaders is litical consequences depending on the con- his injured cousin. He, too, was shot and difficult, is often ineffective, and can easily text. But equally important is the risk of not crumpled to the floor. The fallen men cried backfire. Yet it is one of the United States’ striking—and inadvertently allowing al out to the two relatives—both of them chil- few options for managing the threat posed by Qaeda leaders free reign to plot terrorist dren—remaining in the room. But they re- al Qaeda from its base in tribal Pakistan. By mayhem. fused to move, glued to their beds in silent some accounts, U.S. drone activity in Paki- We must not pretend the killings are any- horror. stan has killed dozens of lower-ranking and thing but a flawed short-term expedient that The foreign soldiers, most of them at least 10 mid- and high-ranking leaders at best reduces the al Qaeda threat—but by tattooed and bearded, then went on to the from al Qaeda and the Taliban. no means eliminates it. Even as U.S. strikes main compound. They threw clothes on the Critics correctly find many problems with have increased, Pakistan has suffered stag- floor, smashed dinner plates and forced open this program, most of all the number of ci- gering levels of terrorism as groups with few closets. Finally they found the man they vilian casualties the strikes have incurred. or limited links to al Qaeda have joined the were looking for: Habib-ur-Rahman, a com- Sourcing on civilian deaths is weak and the fray. Al Qaeda itself can also still carry out puter programmer and government em- numbers are often exaggerated, but more attacks, including ones outside Pakistan in ployee. Rahman was responsible for con- than 600 civilians are likely to have died Europe and even the United States. Thanks verting Microsoft Windows from English to from the attacks. That number suggests that to the drone strikes, they are just harder to the local Pashto language so that govern- for every militant killed, 10 or so civilians pull off. The real answer to halting al ment offices could use the software. The Af- also died. Qaeda’s activity in Pakistan will be the ghan translator accompanying the soldiers To reduce casualties, superb intelligence is long-term support of Pakistan’s counter- said they were acting on a tip that Rahman necessary. Operators must know not only insurgency efforts. While this process was a member of Al Qaeda. where the terrorists are, but also who is with unfolds, targeted killings are one of Amer- They took the barefoot Rahman and a them and who might be within the blast ra- ica’s few options left. cousin to a helicopter some distance away dius. This level of surveillance may often be and transported them to a small American lacking, and terrorists’ deliberate use of [From the Nation, Feb. 15, 2010] base in a neighboring province for interroga- children and other civilians as shields make tion. After two days, US forces released AMERICA’S SECRET AFGHAN PRISONS civilian deaths even more likely. Rahman’s cousin. But Rahman has not been Beyond the humanitarian tragedy in- (By Anand Gopal) seen or heard from since. curred, civilian deaths create dangerous po- One quiet, wintry night last year in the ‘‘We’ve called his phone, but it doesn’t an- litical problems. Pakistan’s new democratic eastern Afghan town of Khost, a young gov- swer,’’ said his cousin Qarar, the agriculture government is already unpopular for its cor- ernment employee named Ismatullah simply minister’s spokesman. Using his powerful ruption, favoritism, and poor governance. vanished. He had last been seen in the town’s connections, Qarar enlisted local police, par- U.S. strikes that take a civilian toll are a bazaar with a group of friends. Family mem- liamentarians, the governor and even the ag- further blow to its legitimacy—and to U.S. bers scoured Khost’s dusty streets for days. riculture minister himself in the search for efforts to build goodwill there. As counter- Village elders contacted Taliban com- his cousin, but they turned up nothing. Gov- terrorism expert David Kilcullen put it, manders in the area who were wont to kid- ernment officials who independently inves- ‘‘When we intervene in people’s countries to nap government workers, but they had never tigated the scene in the aftermath of the chase small cells of bad guys, we end up heard of the young man. Even the governor raid and corroborated the claims of the fam- alienating the whole country and turning got involved, ordering his police to round up ily also pressed for an answer as to why two them against us.’’ nettlesome criminal gangs that sometimes of Qarar’s family members were killed. And even when they work, killings are a preyed on young bazaargoers for ransom. American forces issued a statement saying poor second to arrests. Dead men tell no But the hunt turned up nothing. Spring that the dead were ‘‘enemy militants [who] tales and thus are no help in anticipating the and summer came and went with no sign of demonstrated hostile intent.’’ next attack or informing us about broader Ismatullah. Then one day, long after the po- Weeks after the raid, the family remains terrorist activities. So in any country with a lice and village elders had abandoned their bitter. ‘‘Everyone in the area knew we were functioning government, it is better to work search, a courier delivered a neat hand- a family that worked for the government,’’ with that government to seize the terrorist written note on Red Cross stationery to the Qarar said. ‘‘Rahman couldn’t even leave the than to kill him outright. Arresting al Qaeda family. In it, Ismatullah informed them that city, because if the Taliban caught him in personnel in remote parts of Pakistan, how- he was in Bagram, an American prison more the countryside they would have killed ever, is almost impossible today; the Paki- than 200 miles away. US forces had picked him.’’ stani government does not control many of him up while he was on his way home from Beyond the question of Rahman’s guilt or the areas where al Qaeda is based, and a raid the bazaar, the terse letter stated, and he innocence, it’s how he was taken that has to seize terrorists there would probably end didn’t know when he would be freed. left such a residue of hatred among his fam- in the militants escaping and U.S. and allied In the past few years Pashtun villagers in ily. ‘‘Did they have to kill my cousins? Did casualties in the attempt. Afghanistan’s rugged heartland have begun they have to destroy our house?’’ Qarar When arrests are impossible, what results to lose faith in the American project. Many asked. ‘‘They knew where Rahman worked. is a terrorist haven of the sort present along of them can point to the precise moment of Couldn’t they have at least tried to come the Afghanistan-Pakistan border today. Free this transformation, and it usually took with a warrant in the daytime? We would from the threat of apprehension, terrorists place in the dead of night, when most of the have forced Rahman to comply.’’ have a space in which to plot, organize, country was fast asleep. In its attempt to ‘‘I used to go on TV and argue that people train, and relax—an extremely dangerous stamp out the growing Taliban insurgency should support this government and the for- prospect. In such a haven, terrorist leaders and Al Qaeda, the US military has been ar- eigners,’’ he added. ‘‘But I was wrong. Why can recruit hundreds or even thousands of resting suspects and sending them to one of should anyone do so? I don’t care if I get potential fighters and, more importantly, or- a number of secret detention areas on mili- fired for saying it, but that’s the truth.’’ ganize them into a dangerous network. They tary bases, often on the slightest suspicion THE DOGS OF WAR can transform idealistic but incompetent and without the knowledge of their families. Night raids are only the first step in the volunteers into a lethal legion of fighters. These night raids have become even more American detention process in Afghanistan.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:12 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.119 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1280 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 Suspects are usually sent to one of a series ficulties that, according to his doctor, re- Its modern life as a prison began in 2002, of prisons on US military bases around the sulted from a blow to the head. American when small numbers of detainees from country. There are officially nine such jails, forces had dropped him off at a gas station in throughout Asia were incarcerated there on called Field Detention Sites in military par- Khost after three days of interrogation. It the first leg of an odyssey that would even- lance. They are small holding areas, often took him ten more days to find his way tually bring them to the US detention facil- just a clutch of cells divided by plywood, and home. ity in Guanta´ namo, Cuba. In later years, are mainly used for prisoner interrogations. Others taken to these sites seem to have however, it became the main destination for In the early years of the war, these were disappeared entirely. In the hardscrabble vil- those caught within Afghanistan as part of but way stations for those en route to lages of the Pashtun south, where rumors the growing war there. By 2009 the inmate Bagram prison, a facility with a notorious grow more abundantly than the most bounti- population had swelled to more than 700. reputation for abusive behavior. As a spot- ful crop, locals whisper tales of people who Housed in a windowless old Soviet hangar, light of international attention fell on were captured and executed. Most have no the prison consists of two rows of serried, Bagram in recent years, wardens there evidence. But occasionally a body turns up. cagelike cells bathed continuously in light. cleaned up their act, and the mistreatment Such was the case at a detention site on a Guards walk along a platform that runs of prisoners began to shift to the little-no- US military base in Helmand Province, across the mesh tops of the pens, an easy po- ticed Field Detention Sites. where in 2003 a US military coroner wrote in sition from which to supervise the prisoners Of the twenty-four former detainees inter- the autopsy report of a detainee who died in below. viewed for this article, seventeen claim to US custody (later made available through Regular, even infamous, abuse in the style have been abused at or en route to these the Freedom of Information Act): ‘‘Death of Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison marked sites. Doctors, government officials and the caused by the multiple blunt force injuries Bagram’s early years. Abdullah Mujahid, for Afghan Independent Human Rights Commis- to the lower torso and legs complicated by example, was apprehended in the village of sion, an independent Afghan body mandated rhabdomyolysis (release of toxic byproducts Kar Marchi in the eastern province of Paktia by the Afghan Constitution to investigate into the system due to destruction of mus- in 2003. Although Mujahid was a Tajik mili- abuse allegations, corroborate twelve of cle). Manner of death is homicide.’’ tia commander who had led an armed upris- these claims. In the dust-swept province of Khost one ing against the Taliban in their waning days, One of these former detainees is Noor Agha day this past December, US forces launched US forces accused him of having ties to the Sher Khan, who used to be a police officer in a night raid on the village of Motai, killing insurgency. ‘‘In Bagram we were handcuffed, Gardez, a mud-caked town in the eastern six people and capturing nine, according to blindfolded and had our feet chained for part of the country. According to Sher Khan, nearly a dozen local government authorities days,’’ he recalled. ‘‘They didn’t allow us to American forces detained him in a night raid and witnesses. Two days later, the bodies of sleep at all for thirteen days and nights.’’ A in 2003 and brought him to a Field Detention two of those detained—plastic cuffs binding guard would strike his legs every time he their hands—were found more than a mile Site at a nearby US base. ‘‘They interro- dozed off. Daily, he could hear the screams of from the largest US base in the area. A US gated me the whole night,’’ he recalled, ‘‘but tortured inmates and the unmistakable military spokesman denies any involvement I had nothing to tell them.’’ Sher Khan sound of shackles dragging across the floor. in the deaths and declines to comment on worked for a police commander whom US Then one day a team of soldiers dragged the details of the raid. Local Afghan officials forces had detained on suspicion of having him to an aircraft but refused to tell him and tribal elders steadfastly maintain that ties to the insurgency. He had occasionally where he was going. Eventually he landed at the two were killed while in US custody. acted as a driver for this commander, which another prison, where the air felt thick and American authorities released four other vil- made him suspicious in American eyes. wet. As he walked through the row of cages, lagers in subsequent days. The fate of the The interrogators blindfolded him, taped inmates began to shout, ‘‘This is three remaining captives is unknown. Guanta´ namo! You are in Guanta´ namo!’’ He his mouth shut and chained him to the ceil- The matter could be cleared up if the US ing, he alleges. Occasionally they unleashed would learn there that he was accused of military were less secretive about its deten- leading the Pakistani Islamist group a dog, which repeatedly bit him. At one tion process. But secrecy has been the order Lashkar-e-Taiba (which in reality was led by point they removed the blindfold and forced of the day. The nine Field Detention Sites another person who had the same name and him to kneel on a long wooden bar. ‘‘They are enveloped in a blanket of official secrecy, who died in 2006). The United States eventu- tied my hands to a pulley [above] and pushed but at least the Red Cross and other humani- ally released him and returned him to Af- me back and forth as the bar rolled across tarian organizations are aware of them. ghanistan. my shins. I screamed and screamed.’’ They There may, however, be other sites whose ex- then pushed him to the ground and forced Former Bagram detainees allege that they istence on the scores of US and Afghan mili- were regularly beaten, subjected to blaring him to swallow twelve bottles of water. tary bases that dot the country have not ‘‘Two people held my mouth open, and they music twenty-four hours a day, prevented been disclosed. One example, according to from sleeping, stripped naked and forced to poured water down my throat until my stom- former detainees, is a detention facility at ach was full and I became unconscious,’’ he assume what interrogators term ‘‘stress po- Rish-Khor, an Afghan army base that sits sitions.’’ The nadir came in late 2002, when said. ‘‘It was as if someone had inflated me.’’ atop a mountain overlooking the capital, After he was roused, he vomited uncontrol- interrogators beat two inmates to death. Kabul. According to former detainees and organi- lably. One night last year US forces raided This continued for a number of days. zations that work with them, the US Special Zaiwalat, a tiny village that fits snugly into Forces also run a second secret prison some- Sometimes he was hung upside down from the mountains of Wardak Province, a few the ceiling, other times he was blindfolded where on Bagram Air Base that the Red dozen miles west of Kabul, and netted nine Cross still does not have access to. Used pri- for extended periods. Eventually he was locals. They brought the captives to Rish- moved to Bagram, where the torture ceased. marily for interrogations, it is so feared by Khor and interrogated them for three days. prisoners that they have dubbed it the Four months later he was quietly released, ‘‘They kept us in a container,’’ recalled with a letter of apology from US authorities ‘‘Black Jail.’’ Rehmatullah Muhammad, one of the nine. One day two years ago, US forces came to for wrongfully imprisoning him. ‘‘It was made of steel. We were handcuffed get Noor Muhammad outside the town of An investigation of Sher Khan’s case by for three days continuously. We barely slept Kajaki in the southern province of Helmand. the Afghan Independent Human Rights Com- those days.’’ The plain-clothed interrogators Muhammad, a physician, was running a clin- mission and an independent doctor found accused Muhammad and the others of giving ic that served all comers, including the that he had wounds consistent with the abu- food and shelter to the Taliban. The suspects Taliban. The soldiers raided his clinic and sive treatment he alleges. American forces were then sent to Bagram and released after his home, killing five people (including two have declined to comment on the specifics of four months. (A number of former detainees patients) and detaining both his father and his case, but a spokesman said that some sol- said they were interrogated by plainclothed him. The next day villagers found the hand- diers involved in detentions in this part of officials, but they did not know if these offi- cuffed body of Muhammad’s father, appar- the country had been given unspecified ‘‘ad- cials belonged to the military, the CIA or ently killed by a gunshot. ministrative punishments.’’ He added that private contractors.) The soldiers took Muhammad to the Black ‘‘all detainees are treated humanely,’’ except Afghan human rights campaigners worry Jail. ‘‘It was a tiny, narrow corridor, with for isolated cases. that US forces may be using secret detention lots of cells on both sides and a big steel gate THE DISAPPEARED sites like the one allegedly at Rish-Khor to and bright lights,’’ he said. ‘‘We didn’t know Some of those taken to the Field Deten- carry out interrogations away from prying when it was night and when it was day.’’ He tion Sites are deemed innocuous and never eyes. The US military, however, denies even was held in a windowless concrete room in sent to Bagram. Even then, some allege having knowledge of the facility. solitary confinement. Soldiers regularly abuse. Such was the case with Hajji THE BLACK JAIL dragged him by his neck and refused him Ehsanullah, snatched one winter night in Much less secret is the final stop for most food and water. They accused him of pro- 2008 from his home in the southern province captives: the Bagram Theater Internment viding medical care to the insurgents, to of Zabul. He was taken to a detention site in Facility. These days ominously dubbed which he replied, ‘‘I am a doctor. It’s my Khost Province, some 200 miles away. He re- ‘‘Obama’s Guanta´ namo,’’ Bagram nonethe- duty to provide care to every human being turned home thirteen days later, his skin less now offers the best conditions for cap- who comes to my clinic, whether they are scarred by dog bites and with memory dif- tives during the entire detention process. Taliban or from the government.’’

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.067 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1281 Eventually Muhammad was released, but are bearded and turbaned. They pray inces- after 30 years for the Afghan people, I he has since closed his clinic and left his santly. In most of the country, women are remain skeptical that adding 30,000 home village. ‘‘I am scared of the Americans barred from leaving the house. Many Af- U.S. troops and that focusing more on and the Taliban,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m happy my fa- ghans own an assault rifle. ‘‘You can’t trust local and provincial levels of govern- ther is dead, so he doesn’t have to experience anyone,’’ said Rodrigo Arias, a marine based this hell.’’ in the northeastern province of Kunar. ‘‘I’ve ment will bring lasting stability and success in Afghanistan. I do, of course, AFRAID OF THE DARK nearly been killed in ambushes, but the vil- lagers don’t tell us anything. But they usu- want our new strategy to succeed, and In the past two years American officials ally know something.’’ I know that our military and civilian have moved to reform the main prison at An officer who has worked in the Field De- Bagram, if not the Black Jail. Torture has personnel on the ground will give it a tention Sites says that it takes dozens of supreme effort. They represent the stopped, and prison officials now boast that raids to turn up a useful suspect. ‘‘Some- the typical inmate gains fifteen pounds times you’ve got to bust down doors. Some- very best this country has to offer. while in custody. In the early months of this times you’ve got to twist arms. You have to Yet Afghanistan’s history is replete year, officials plan to open a dazzling new cast a wide net, but when you get the right with the failures of outside powers, or prison that will eventually replace Bagram, person, it makes all the difference.’’ countries, in their attempting to take one with huge, airy cells, the latest medical For Arias, it’s a matter of survival. ‘‘I over or to remake the Afghan people— equipment and rooms for vocational train- want to go home in one piece. If that means from Alexander the Great, to Genghis ing. The Bagram prison itself will be handed rounding people up, then round them up.’’ To Khan, to the United Kingdom, to the over to the Afghans in the coming year, al- question this, he said, is to question whether Soviet Union, and now even to us. though the rest of the detention process will the war itself is worth fighting. ‘‘That’s not It is my understanding that by add- remain in US hands. my job. The people in Washington can figure But human rights advocates say that con- that out.’’ ing 30,000 additional troops to the 68,000 cerns about the detention process remain. If night raids and detentions are an un- troops that we now have on the ground The US Supreme Court ruled in 2008 that in- avoidable part of modern counterinsurgency in Afghanistan, we are adding approxi- mates at Guanta´ namo cannot be stripped of warfare, then so is the resentment they mately 100,000 additional troops, with their right to habeus corpus, but it stopped breed. ‘‘We were all happy when the Ameri- NATO forces, to go after some 27,000 short of making the same argument for cans first came. We thought they would Taliban and a couple of hundred al Bagram (officials say that since it is in the bring peace and stability,’’ said Rehmatullah Qaeda. midst of a war zone, US civil rights legisla- Muhammad. ‘‘But now most people in my By the way, I wanted to ask, Was it village want them to leave.’’ A year after tion does not apply). Inmates there do not the Taliban or the al Qaeda people who have access to a lawyer, as they do in Muhammad was released, his nephew was de- Guanta´ namo. Most say they have no idea tained. Two months later, some other resi- attacked us on 9/11? I believe it was al why they have been detained. They do now dents of Zaiwalat were seized. It has become Qaeda, and 15 of the 19 terrorists who appear before a review panel every six a predictable pattern in Muhammad’s vil- attacked us on 9/11 were Saudi Arabs. months, which is intended to reassess their lage: Taliban forces ambush American con- It’s interesting to note that. detention, but their ability to ask questions voys as they pass through it, and then re- Another thing is that, indeed, most about their situation is limited. ‘‘I was only treat into the thick fruit orchards nearby. objective observers believe it will take allowed to answer yes or no and not explain The Americans return at night to pick up a commitment of years, perhaps even anything at my hearing,’’ said former de- suspects. In the past two years, sixteen peo- ple have been taken and ten killed in night decades, by our troops and that it will tainee Rehmatullah Muhammad. take hundreds of billions of dollars by Nonetheless, the improvement in Bagram’s raids in this single village of about 300, ac- conditions begs the question: can the United cording to villagers. In the same period, they our taxpayers for Afghanistan to over- States fight a cleaner war? That’s what Af- say, the insurgents killed one local and did come its divisions and to develop and ghan war commander Gen. Stanley not take anyone hostage. to maintain a stable, functional gov- McChrystal promised last summer: fewer ci- The people of Zaiwalat now fear the night ernment. vilian casualties, fewer of the feared house raids more than the Taliban. There are When I weigh the likely costs in raids and a more transparent detention proc- nights when Muhammad’s children hear the terms of lives and resources against ess. distant thrum of a helicopter and rush into his room. He consoles them but admits he the potential benefits for U.S. security, The American troops that operate under I am left wondering whether we are, in NATO command have begun to enforce needs solace himself. ‘‘I know I should be too old for it,’’ he said, ‘‘but this war has made fact, on the right track. stricter rules of engagement: they may now As I am not a genius when it comes officially hold detainees for only ninety-six me afraid of the dark.’’ hours before transferring them to the Afghan Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, ini- to military strategy, here is something authorities or freeing them, and Afghan tially, I yield an additional 2 minutes that I am trying to figure out: the forces must take the lead in house searches. of my time to that of the ranking Taliban are Pashtuns, and 12 million American soldiers, when questioned, bristle member. It is to be added onto her time Pashtuns live in Afghanistan. They at these restrictions—and have ways of cir- and is to be subtracted from our time. make up almost 50 percent of Afghani- cumventing them. ‘‘Sometimes we detain Now I yield 3 minutes to the chair- stan’s population. President Karzai is people, then, when the ninety-six hours are man of the Asia, the Pacific, and the even a Pashtun. There are an addi- up, we transfer them to the Afghans,’’ said Global Environment Subcommittee, tional 27 million Pashtuns who live on one marine who spoke on the condition of the other side of the border, right on anonymity. ‘‘They rough them up a bit for us the delegate from American Samoa, and then send them back to us for another Mr. ENI FALEOMAVAEGA. the border between Pakistan and Af- ninety-six hours. This keeps going until we Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I thank the ghanistan. get what we want.’’ gentleman, the distinguished chairman The SPEAKER pro tempore. The A simpler way of dancing around the rules of our Committee on Foreign Affairs, time of the gentleman has expired. is to call in the Special Operations Forces— for allowing me to say a few words con- Mr. BERMAN. I yield the gentleman the Navy SEALS, Green Berets and others— cerning the proposed resolution. 1 additional minute. which are not under NATO command and Madam Speaker, despite my reserva- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Is it any thus not bound by the stricter rules of en- tions about our strategy in Afghani- wonder we have had such a difficult gagement. These elite troops are behind stan, I do want to say that I have the time locating Osama bin Laden? He has most of the night raids and detentions in the been moving between Pakistan and Af- search for ‘‘high-value suspects.’’ Military utmost respect for the gentleman from officials say in interviews that the new re- Ohio for bringing this resolution for- ghanistan for all of these years. strictions have not affected the number of ward for the purpose of having a public Madam Speaker, I do not believe in- raids and detentions at all. The actual debate among our colleagues. voking the 1973 War Powers Act to re- change, however, is more subtle: the deten- I also want to say that I associate quire the U.S. withdrawal from Af- tion process has shifted almost entirely to myself with the remarks made earlier ghanistan is appropriate at this time. areas and actors that can best avoid public by my colleague from Georgia (Mr. In September 2001, Congress passed a scrutiny—small field prisons and Special Op- KINGSTON) in asking, Why not, why not joint resolution, signed by the Presi- erations Forces. debate the issue? We should not deprive dent 4 days later, which granted the The shift signals a deeper reality of war, President the authority to use all nec- say American soldiers: you can’t fight guer- ourselves of understanding a little rillas without invasive raids and detentions, more about the situation that we face essary and appropriate forces against any more than you can fight them without right now in Afghanistan. those whom he determined planned, au- bullets. Seen through the eyes of a US sol- Madam Speaker, after 8 long years in thorized, committed or aided the Sep- dier, Afghanistan is a scary place. The men that country for the United States and tember 11 attacks in 2001.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:12 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.069 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1282 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 So, whether one agrees with the war rural Afghanistan, not in urban centers It is ironic that Iraq recently held parliamen- in Afghanistan or not, whether one such as Kabul, says the Brookings In- tary elections. Without the success of the agrees with the administration’s new stitution. surge and the United States’ presence for this strategy or not, there should be no Now, someone I’m not used to short amount of time, Iraq would not have had doubt that House Concurrent Resolu- quoting, conservative columnist these elections. Imagine what Iraq would look tion 248, with all due respect to my George Will, wrote in The Washington like if we had listened to the naysayers a few friend from Ohio, is not the way to Post that the counterinsurgency the- years ago. force a withdrawal of U.S. troops. ory concerning the time and level of Is it possible that this resolution means all Therefore, I urge my colleagues to vote forces required to protect the popu- the work and sacrifice that occurred would be against this proposed resolution. lation indicates that, nationwide, Af- for naught because these people today want Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I ghanistan would need hundreds of to pull out within 30 days? They opposed our would like to speak about the failure of thousands of coalition troops, perhaps, successful strategy in Iraq and oppose it in Af- the counterinsurgency strategy. for a decade or more. That is inconceiv- ghanistan. The Brookings Institution recently able. There is no logic in that they want to under- reported that, in terms of raw violence, For how long are we willing to dedi- cut their President and undercut the troops. the situation is at an historic worst cate billions of dollars and thousands They have provided no justification. While no level with early 2010 levels of various of lives before we realize that we can’t proposal guarantees success, a precipitous types of attacks much higher than win Afghanistan militarily? Our big- withdrawal of U.S. support would guarantee even last year at this time. Much of gest mistake in the Afghanistan strat- failure. that is due to the recent Marjah cam- egy is to think that we can separate Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I re- paign and, more generally, to the de- the Taliban from the rest of the popu- serve the balance of my time. ployment of additional U.S. and Af- lation. We cannot. The Taliban is a Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- ghan troops to parts of the country local resistance movement that is part er, I yield 1 minute to another Florida where they have not been present be- and parcel of an indigenous population. colleague, the gentleman from Florida fore. We lost Vietnam because we failed to (Mr. ROONEY), a member of the Armed The President has called this war a win the hearts and minds of local popu- Services and Judiciary Committees. just war. The framing of war as ‘‘just’’ lations without providing them with a Mr. ROONEY. First, I want to ac- is served to legitimize the slaughter of competent government that provided knowledge and thank Congressman innocent civilians in Iraq and Afghani- them with basic security and with a de- JOHN BOCCIERI and Congressman DUN- stan. cent living. That message can and CAN HUNTER for their service in Af- A 200-page report by the RAND Cor- should be applied to Afghanistan. ghanistan. poration is entitled, ‘‘Counterintel- The strategy for winning Afghani- Madam Speaker, as a former captain ligence in Afghanistan Deals a Huge stan is simple: Stop killing the people in the Army in the 1st Cavalry Division Blow to our Ideas of Counterinsur- and they will stop killing you. and as an instructor at West Point, I gency.’’ It reads: In many cases, a sig- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- had the distinct honor of teaching er, I yield 1 minute to my colleague, nificant direct intervention by U.S. some of the men and women who are the gentleman from Florida (Mr. military forces may undermine popular now serving in Afghanistan. I heard STEARNS), a member of the Veterans’ support and legitimacy. The United from them directly about the progress Affairs and Energy and Commerce States is also unlikely to remain for being made and about the need for the Committees. the duration of most insurgencies. This Mr. STEARNS. I thank my distin- continued support of this Congress. It study’s assessment of 90 insurgencies guished colleague. is for that reason that I will vote ‘‘no’’ indicates that it takes an average of 14 My colleagues, this debate is remi- on this resolution. years to defeat insurgents once an in- niscent of a debate we had 3 years ago, Withdrawal now would destabilize surgency develops. Occupations fuel almost to the day, on February 14, 15, that area of the world, and it would insurgencies. In other words, this as- and 16. create a vacuum for terror. Groups like sessment does not fit into the Presi- You will remember, the gentleman al Qaeda and the Taliban would in- dent’s supposed rapid increase and the from Ohio (Mr. KUCINICH), that the de- creasingly gain access to weapons that shaky plan to withdraw by the summer bate was that you tried to force us to would cause great damage to our allies of 2011. pull out of Iraq before the job was and, eventually, to us. The Brookings report continues: Sec- done. I hope you remember that. General McChrystal’s implementa- ond, the United States and other inter- From the moment we got there, tion of President Obama’s counterin- national actors need to improve the many of the folks wanted us to leave. surgency strategy is producing dra- quality of local governance, especially Most remarkable is that these same matic successes, including the capture in rural areas of Afghanistan. Field re- folks wanted us to leave just before we of key Taliban leaders and the rooting search in the east and south show that stabilized Iraq. They were not in favor out of Taliban forces. development and reconstruction did of the surge. Yet the surge worked. A withdrawal now undermines what not reach most rural areas because of Now they want us to leave Afghanistan our troops have done. It undermines the deteriorating security environ- in 30 days without giving this new the winning strategy we are pursuing ment. Even the provincial reconstruc- strategy a chance to succeed. in Afghanistan, a strategy we all know tion teams, which were specifically de- The President of the United States the United States can achieve. It is for signed to assist in the development of has indicated he wants to stay there that reason I encourage my colleagues reconstruction projects, operate inside for 18 months. Why won’t his opponents to send a message to our troops and to pockets in east and south because of just allow the President to have the op- vote ‘‘no.’’ security concerns. portunity to fulfill his own commit- Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I NGOs and State agencies, such as ment which he has made publicly? Are continue to reserve the balance of my USAID and the Canadian International they so up in arms that they would un- time. Development Agency, were also not in- dermine the President, especially in Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- volved in the reconstruction and devel- light of the fact they were wrong in er, I yield 2 minutes, the balance of my opment in many areas of the south and Iraq? time, to the gentleman from California east. We have an opportunity to let Gen- (Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN), the ranking The irony of this situation is that eral McChrystal apply the successes in member of the Committee on House rural areas which were at most risk Iraq to Afghanistan, which, I might Administration and a member of the from the Taliban, which were unhappy add, are successes my friends on the Homeland Security and Judiciary Com- with the slow pace of change, a popu- other side of the aisle opposed, and to mittees. I can think of no better person lation with the greatest unhappiness, possibly win there and to possibly sta- with whom to close the debate on our received little assistance. The counter- bilize the country. We need to let the side. insurgency in Afghanistan will be won strategy work and achieve the suc- Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- or lost in the local communities of cesses like we had in Iraq. fornia. I thank the gentlewoman.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.120 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1283 Madam Speaker, I join the chairman as we continue our military occupation I yield back the balance of my time. and ranking member of the committee of Afghanistan. Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, be- in opposing this resolution. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to cause I have no further requests for Sometimes in public debate, we ask the gentlewoman from California (Ms. time and I understand that the sponsor the wrong question or we place our- LEE). of this resolution has both the right selves in the wrong context. I am re- Ms. LEE of California. Madam and the intention of closing, I will minded of a headline that I saw not too Speaker, first let me thank the gen- yield back the balance of my time. long ago on a domestic issue. The head- tleman from Ohio for this very impor- Mr. KUCINICH. I want to thank Mr. line read simply: ‘‘Prison Population tant resolution. Today’s debate and BERMAN and my colleagues for this op- Increases Despite Drop in Crime.’’ For discussion on the path forward in Af- portunity to engage in this important those of us involved in the criminal ghanistan and the proper role of Con- debate. justice system, we thought maybe it gress in determining the United States’ At the current estimated deployment never dawned on the writer that the commitment of our country while at rate, the number of troops in Afghani- crime rate was dropping precisely be- war, this debate and discussion is long stan will increase from about 70,000 at cause we were putting the bad guys in overdue. So thank you, Congressman the end of 2009 to the stated goal of prison. KUCINICH, for bringing this to the floor. 100,000 by July of this year. My resolu- Similarly today, this resolution sets Now in our 9th year of war, this body tion calls for the withdrawal of all U.S. an arbitrary deadline for troops to has yet to conduct a full and honest ac- Armed Forces from Afghanistan no leave Afghanistan, and it is a terribly counting of the benefits, costs, afford- later than December 31 of this year. misguided reading of the facts we face ability, and strategic importance of the And it can be done. Unlike Iraq, where today. Our troops are succeeding. No United States military operations in we have significant infrastructure built one questions that. Our allies are help- Afghanistan. in and around the country to support ing us. Why then would we handicap In order to understand Afghanistan our presence there, prior to last year, the United States invested very little them today with such a terrible mes- and where we are today in terms of our in permanent infrastructure for U.S. sage from our Congress? The message commitment, I think it is really useful to point to how we got here. Of course, Armed Forces in Afghanistan. is, despite what you are doing on the President Obama has called on the ground, despite your successes, we are after the horrific events, the tragic events of 9/11 in 2001, I had to vote logisticians for the U.S. military to tri- going to pull you out with an arbitrary ple the amount of troops we have had date. What could be more demor- against the authorization to use force, this use of force authorization, because in the country since the war started. If alizing? What could be more wrong? the administration expects the U.S. Madam Speaker, this resolution, un- I knew that that authorization was a blank check to wage war anywhere, at military to figure out a way for a rapid fortunately, is the wrong question. It increase of troops on the ground, we any time, and for any length. sends the wrong message. It is being can figure out how to have a method of sent at precisely the wrong time. Almost 9 years later, in reflecting on the rush to war in Afghanistan and the rapid withdrawal. I hope that we have a strong vote Getting supplies into Afghanistan is Bush administration’s war of choice in against this resolution so that our one of the biggest obstacles to pro- Iraq, the sacrifices made by our brave, troops will have an unquestioned mes- viding adequate support for troops on young men and women in uniform and sage of support from us that we recog- the ground. Due to frequent attacks on nize what they are doing, that we fol- the cost to our economic and national U.S. convoys traveling to Afghanistan low what they are doing, that we sup- security, all of these costs are totally through Pakistan, the U.S. is forced to port what they are doing, and that we immeasurable. Countless innocent ci- deliver most of the supplies by air. rejoice in their victorious work today vilians have lost their lives in Afghani- Madam Speaker, we have, in the last and in the days ahead. stan, and just a few weeks ago the 3 hours, talked about 1,000 troop cas- number of American troops killed in b 1745 ualties; we have talked about a cost of Afghanistan rose to over 1,000. a quarter of a trillion dollars and ris- Mr. KUCINICH. I yield myself 1 Where does this end? Where does it ing; we have spoken of civilian casual- minute. end? We have already given $1 trillion ties and about the incredible amount of The more troops we send into Af- to the Pentagon for the wars in Iraq corruption that is going on in Afghani- ghanistan, the more support the and Afghanistan, and the economic im- stan; we have spoken of the role of the Taliban gains as resistors of foreign oc- pact of these wars is estimated to be as pipeline, which is sure to deserve more cupation. We say we want to negotiate much as $7 trillion in direct and indi- critical inquiry; and we have talked with the Taliban in the future while, at rect costs to the United States. about the failure of doctrines of coun- the same time, conducting air strikes It is our responsibility as Members of terinsurgency. That strategy doesn’t to take out Taliban strongholds across Congress to really develop a more ef- work, and there are logistics of with- the country. fective U.S. foreign policy for the 21st drawal that we can pursue. Just yesterday, The Washington Post century. After a decade of open-ended The question is should the United published an article about the Zabul wars, I encourage my colleagues to fi- States’ people continue to bear the province and the pouring in of Taliban nally stand firm in asserting their con- burden of this war when we have so fighters following a retreat of U.S. stitutional prerogative to determine many problems at home, with 15 mil- Armed Forces from Zabul in December. when the United States enters into lion people unemployed, with millions If we accept the premise that we can war. of people losing their homes, with so never leave Afghanistan until the Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- many people without health care, with Taliban is eradicated, we may be there er, in closing, I would like to build on so many people not being able to send for a very long time. something that our colleague from their children to good schools. The justification for our continued California (Mr. HUNTER) had said ear- We have to reset our priorities. Our military presence in Afghanistan is lier about the need to fight and defeat priorities should begin by getting out that the Taliban, in the past, has pro- the enemy in Afghanistan so that our of Afghanistan, and then we can turn vided a safe haven for al Qaeda, or children or our grandchildren don’t to getting out of Iraq. could do so in the future. General have to. Thank you very much for this de- Petraeus has already admitted that al Our men and women in uniform are bate. I urge approval of the resolution. Qaeda has little or no presence in Af- fighting for their families, for our fam- Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I rise today in ghanistan. ilies, for our Nation, for our future. support of H. Con. Res. 248 to bring our We have to careful about branding al They embrace their mission. They are troops home from Afghanistan. Qaeda and the Taliban as a single ter- honored by the opportunity to serve. Despite the wishes of the people who voted rorist movement. Al Qaeda is an inter- They volunteered for it. Let us show him into office, President Obama is escalating national organization, and, yes, they our appreciation by voting ‘‘no’’ on the War in Afghanistan. It’s now up to Con- are a threat to the United States. The this damaging resolution before us gress to end the war. This resolution would in- Taliban is only a threat to us as long today. voke the War Powers Resolution of 1973, and

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remove troops from Afghanistan no later than 11th. Afghanistan should never again be a Mr. DEFAZIO. Madam Speaker, the war in the end of the year. launching pad for terrorist activities. Afghanistan has entered its ninth year without This war has no clear objective. We have We are the United States, and it is our duty clearly defined objectives or an exit strategy. spent $258 billion on the War in Afghanistan, to fight for democracy and fight against terror. With a deteriorating security situation and no with billions more to come this year. American I urge my colleagues to vote against H. Con. comprehensive political outcome yet in sight, soldiers and their families are paying a greater Res. 248 today and give the Afghanistan mis- many experts view the war in Afghanistan as price. Over 1,000 soldiers have died, and over sion the fighting chance to succeed. open-ended. 5,000 have been wounded in action. Accord- Mr. MCDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, I rise The open-ended nature of this conflict is ing to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghani- today in support of Representative KUCINICH’s evident in the complexities of defining the stan, Human Rights Watch, and other humani- resolution to call our troops home from Af- enemy. The U.S. invaded Afghanistan shortly tarian organizations, tens of thousands of Af- ghanistan. When the President announced in after 9/11 because of the Taliban’s support ghan civilians have been killed. December that he wanted 30,000 additional and refuge of al-Qaeda. We have had to com- It is time for Congress to assert its constitu- troops sent to Afghanistan, I said that I was bat the ever changing Taliban, foreign al tional authority over matters of war and bring unconvinced his plan would work. And now Qaeda fighters, and the revolving loyalties of our troops home. I urge my colleagues to sup- that many of those troops are in place, I’m still numerous tribal war lords. Furthermore, our port this resolution, so that we can focus on not convinced. We recently watched the start close relationship with the Pakistan govern- diplomacy and infrastructure development that of Operation Mushtarak, the largest coordi- ment has been seriously challenged by the will bring a lasting peace to Afghanistan. nated offensive since 2001, which is intended jihadist threat now in Pakistan. We have no Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise as to loosen the Taliban’s grip in the Southern re- clear response to this new threat beyond a supporter of our men and women in uniform gion of the country. It was originally supposed drone attacks that also have high rates of civil- who put their lives on the line every single day to take a few weeks, but now estimates say ian casualties. to strongly oppose H. Con. Res. 248. that it may take 12 to 18 months. I think this President Bush’s disregard for the complex- Setting aside legitimate procedural objec- is a perfect example of the biggest obstacle ities of Afghanistan and the damage that came tions to H. Con. Res 248, this is the wrong we face: we are asking troops to fix problems from his disregard has severely undermined time to withdraw our troops from Afghanistan. that the military is not capable of solving. any prospect of stability and a successful con- Secretary Gates just wrapped up a visit to Af- American soldiers have been in Afghanistan clusion to this conflict. The unnecessary war in ghanistan and our troops have successfully for nearly a decade and have been doing a Iraq also diverted critical resources when we lifted the Taliban flag off of Marja, and are pre- magnificent job of what’s been asked of them. needed them the most in Afghanistan. These paring to expand security to other Afghan re- But with every passing year, I grow more failures by the Bush Administration encour- gions. doubtful that we have the ability to build a sta- aged the division of Afghanistan and allowed We are just beginning to implement General ble democracy with the military alone. And I al Qaeda to move effortlessly into Pakistan. McChrystal’s strategy to drive insurgents, ter- certainly do not believe that committing more President Obama’s surge strategy in Af- rorists and narco-traffickers out of Afghanistan, troops will bring about the change necessary ghanistan is counterproductive and sends the where they have comfortably plotted against to stabilize the country, nor do I believe that wrong message. The President sent an addi- the U.S. for years. U.S. and International Se- it will hasten the process. tional 17,000 troops in early 2009 and then But that’s the course that many continue to curity Assistance Forces are laying the another 30,000 troops late last year. Beyond advocate, including President Obama. And groundwork for the next push into the Taliban nation building, the additional troops have no while I know that the President wants to get heartland of Kandahar, as we speak. Securing clear mission and do not resolve the problems out of Afghanistan as fast as possible, I also Kandahar will allow us to secure Afghanistan. in Pakistan. believe that if we want to help the Afghani Much like President Obama’s exit strategy If we have a peaceful Kandahar, we will have people form a stable democracy and func- in Iraq, we need a clear exit strategy for Af- a peaceful Afghanistan. tioning economy, we need to help them with ghanistan. The Afghani and Pakistani people I support our Commander in Chief in his even more aid and support, not an increase in need to know our troops are not permanent. plan to send an additional 30,000 troops to Af- troops. Unfortunately, President Obama has doubled ghanistan on December 1, 2009. It is time to Over the last 30 years, Afghanistan has down in Afghanistan. give this strategy a chance. This Administra- served as a battlefield in a series of dev- Afghanistan will not become stable until a tion has made the elimination of Al-Qaeda and astating conflicts, first between the Soviet political consensus is found across ethnic, trib- the stability of Afghanistan a top priority. In ad- Union and the United States, and then be- al, religious and party affiliations. The govern- dition, many of our coalition partners tween the United States and the Taliban. We ment must be able to provide basic security particulary the United Kingdom, and Canada hear a lot about the problems with poppy for its population without the corruption that and Muslim allies like Pakistan, have also farming in the region, but we don’t hear much exists today. These same needs are just as stepped up their engagement and cooperation. about the cause. Before any of these incur- true in Pakistan. They are committed to the fight and we should sions, Afghanistan was considered the orchard H. Con. Res. 248 is flawed because it offers be as well. They know that a stable Afghani- capital of central Asia, with nearly 80 percent a blunt directive to bring all the troops home stan will bring stability and security to Pakistan of the population working on the land. But now in a short time frame. The resolution also of- and all of South Asia. it is estimated that more than 60 percent of fers an opportunity send a message to the Our troops now have the leadership and the the orchards and vineyards have been de- President that his Afghan strategy is failing. vision to complete this mission. Their success stroyed, which led many Afghanis into poppy My vote in favor of this resolution is a vote militarily is working hand in hand with Amer- production and the drug trade. This is in part against the President’s surge strategy in Af- ican and international humanitarian assistance due to the fact that the Soviets thought that ghanistan, a vote to demand an exit plan, and and NGOs which are helping to educate orchards were too good a place to hide, so a vote to demand a regional diplomatic re- women, clean drinking water and provide they cut them all down. sponse to undercut the radicalization of Paki- healthcare. The kinds of problems that Afghanistan stan. Obviously sending Americans to war is our faces are not the kinds of problems the U.S. Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, I thank the most serious obligation as Members of Con- military or NATO are equipped to solve. That gentleman from Ohio for initiating this needed gress. But equally serious is our obligation to is ultimately up to the Afghani government and debate on our policy in Afghanistan. Indeed, I care for our veterans. In my first year in Con- its people, and we need to realize that our in- opposed the war in Iraq because I felt it dis- gress, working with Members on both sides of volvement can only do so much. The sooner tracted us from finishing the job we had start- the aisle, we have already secured a record we understand that, the sooner we can make ed in Afghanistan—finding and bringing to jus- amount in mental health funding for our troops a strategically acceptable exit. tice those who attacked us on 9/11. I think we and to expand the number of mental health I rise today to voice my support for Rep- have to acknowledge that the current Adminis- professionals at the DoD. This Administration resentative KUCINICH’s resolution to invoke the tration has accomplished more in less time to and Congress is committed to making sure War Powers Act to call all of our troops home address the deteriorating situation in Afghani- that our Veterans receive the highest quality of from Afghanistan within the next 30 days—or, stan than the previous Administration did dur- care possible both in the field and at home. as the legislation outlines, by the end of the ing its eight years in power. The capture of Until then, our troops should be proud to year if 30 days is deemed too dangerous. I Mullah Baradar and the disruption of the help stabilize the region that has fanned the refuse to watch as we send soldier after sol- Quetta, Pakistan-based Taliban leadership flames of radical hostility and extreme terrorist dier into a battle I do not believe the military group headed by Mullah Omar—these signifi- ideology that led to the horrors of September can win. cant tactical successes are the direct result of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.034 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1285 President Obama’s current policies, particu- this January found that a majority of the Amer- [Roll No. 98] larly his success in pressuring the government ican people oppose the War in Afghanistan. YEAS—65 of Pakistan to live up to its obligations to help Apparently, as with many issues in Wash- Baldwin Jackson Lee Payne us root out the remaining Al Qaeda and Af- ington, those who are forced bear the costs of Campbell (TX) Pingree (ME) ghan Taliban elements at large in Pakistan. war are the first to recognize a flawed policy, Capuano Johnson (IL) Polis (CO) Chu Johnson, E. B. Quigley That’s the good news. The bad news is that while those who profit from perpetual war do Clarke Jones Rangel every time we take out one of their field com- their best to blunt any change in course. Clay Kagen Richardson manders, several more rise to take their place. As a co-founder of the Out of Iraq Caucus, Cleaver Kucinich Sa´ nchez, Linda Crowley Larson (CT) T. This is the nature of insurgency, it is the na- I remember that it took some time for official Lee (CA) Davis (IL) Sanchez, Loretta ture of the problem that confronts us, and it is Washington to comprehend the scope of the Lewis (GA) DeFazio Schakowsky Maffei not a problem that will be resolved by the con- public’s opposition to that war. Thankfully, that Doyle Serrano Maloney tinuous, endless use of military force. I came caucus eventually grew to bloc of 70 Members Duncan Markey (MA) Speier to the floor in December 2009 and posed a and we were able to successfully match the Edwards (MD) McDermott Stark series of questions about our policy in this will of the people with the priorities of the Con- Ellison McGovern Stupak war, and many of those questions remain un- gress. As a result, our troops will pull out of Farr Michaud Tierney Filner Miller, George Towns answered. However, several events over the Iraqi cities this summer and leave the country Frank (MA) Nadler (NY) Tsongas last few months have answered at least one by the end of the year. Grayson Napolitano Vela´ zquez question: Are we fighting on the wrong battle- I believe that, as with Iraq, the Administra- Grijalva Neal (MA) Waters field? tion and Congress will, and must, adopt a Gutierrez Obey Watson Hastings (FL) Olver Welch Congress must push the Administration to course in Afghanistan that will benefit both the Jackson (IL) Paul Woolsey think anew about this problem, as this conflict Afghan and American people. That is why I is not confined to Afghanistan and Pakistan. have founded the ‘‘Out of Afghanistan Cau- NAYS—356 We saw that with the Ft. Hood terrorism inci- cus,’’ which acknowledges that peace and se- Ackerman Coble Heller Aderholt Coffman (CO) Hensarling dent, and with the near-tragedy on Christmas curity in Afghanistan will only occur when the Adler (NJ) Cohen Herger Day in the skies above Detroit. The ideas that United States reorients its commitment to the Akin Cole Herseth Sandlin motivated Major Hasan and Mr. Abdulmuttalab Afghan government and people by empha- Alexander Conaway Higgins sizing indigenous reconciliation and recon- Altmire Connolly (VA) Hill are propagated around the world via the mass Andrews Cooper Himes media and the internet. Going to a training struction strategies, rigorous regional diplo- Arcuri Costa Hinchey camp in the Pakistani tribal areas is no longer macy, and swift redeployment of the US mili- Austria Costello Hinojosa a requirement for a radicalized individual who tary. Baca Courtney Hirono Bachmann Crenshaw Hodes wants to commit an act of terror. It is increasingly clear that our military pres- Bachus Cuellar Holden The extremist ideology that is used to moti- ence in Afghanistan inflames ethnic Baird Culberson Holt vate these people itself occupies a safe Pashtuns—many of whom would have nothing Barrow Cummings Honda haven—the internet and the global mass to do with the Taliban if they did not view the Bartlett Dahlkemper Hoyer Barton (TX) Davis (CA) Hunter media. Unless and until we confront that re- United States as an existential threat to their Bean Davis (KY) Inglis ality, we will not prevail in this struggle. That distinctive tribal culture and way of life. By Becerra Davis (TN) Inslee is why we must think anew about how we’re picking sides in a 35-year-old civil war, the Berkley DeGette Israel Berman Delahunt Issa approaching this problem. I encourage the United States has made the necessary rec- Berry DeLauro Jenkins President to do that, and I encourage my col- onciliation between all parties in Afghanistan Biggert Dent Johnson (GA) leagues to do that. all but impossible. Similarly, I oppose the con- Bilbray Diaz-Balart, M. Johnson, Sam Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, there are stant Predator drone strikes in both Afghani- Bilirakis Dicks Jordan (OH) Bishop (GA) Dingell Kanjorski few issues of state as weighty as those we stan and Pakistan, in which one in three cas- Bishop (NY) Doggett Kaptur discuss today. The decision to engage in mili- ualties is an innocent civilian. This violence Bishop (UT) Donnelly (IN) Kennedy tary conflict affects us all in innumerable ways. will breed enmity, when we really need to be Blackburn Dreier Kildee There are the obvious effects on our military Blumenauer Driehaus Kilpatrick (MI) bringing these warring parties together. Blunt Edwards (TX) Kilroy men and women who risk their lives abroad, I hope that the House votes today in sup- Boccieri Ehlers Kind while also giving up many of the small joys as- port of this War Powers Privileged Resolution. Boehner Ellsworth King (IA) sociated with sharing life’s meaningful mo- Regardless of the outcome, I and many others Bonner Emerson King (NY) Bono Mack Engel Kingston ments with family and friends. in the Congress will continue to organize Boozman Eshoo Kirk Similarly, each of us bears the costs associ- against additional troop funding and for Af- Boren Etheridge Kirkpatrick (AZ) ated with domestic investments sacrificed at ghan-centric development policies that will Boswell Fallin Kissell home when we decide to instead spend vast Boucher Fattah Klein (FL) speed peaceful and permanent reconciliation. Boustany Flake Kline (MN) sums of money abroad. Each dollar spent in I hope that you will join me as a Member of Boyd Fleming Kosmas Afghanistan on a Blackwater mercenary is a the Out of Afghanistan Caucus and you will Brady (PA) Forbes Kratovil dollar that could be spent keeping a teacher in support this historic resolution. Brady (TX) Fortenberry Lamborn the classroom, putting a cop on the beat, or Braley (IA) Foster Lance The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time Bright Foxx Langevin retraining a Detroit steelworker so he or she for debate has expired. Broun (GA) Franks (AZ) Larsen (WA) can compete in the emerging industries that Pursuant to House Resolution 1146, Brown (SC) Frelinghuysen Latham will underpin the global economy. the previous question is ordered. Brown, Corrine Fudge LaTourette Brown-Waite, Gallegly Latta Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, wag- The question is on agreeing to the Ginny Garamendi Lee (NY) ing war tests our values as a nation. During concurrent resolution. Buchanan Garrett (NJ) Levin these periods of conflict, the eyes of the world, The question was taken; and the Burgess Gerlach Lewis (CA) rightly, are trained on our actions abroad. The Speaker pro tempore announced that Burton (IN) Giffords Linder Butterfield Gingrey (GA) Lipinski ability to inflict violence upon large numbers of the noes appeared to have it. Buyer Gohmert LoBiondo our fellow human beings demands that the Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, on Calvert Gonzalez Loebsack American people be allowed to sit in judgment that I demand the yeas and nays. Cantor Goodlatte Lofgren, Zoe The yeas and nays were ordered. Cao Gordon (TN) Lowey about what is being done in their name—to Capito Granger Lucas determine if the potent weapons at our dis- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Capps Graves Luetkemeyer posal are wielded in a just manner. The ques- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, this 15- Cardoza Green, Al Luja´ n tion of whether or not we are living up to this minute vote on adoption of House Con- Carnahan Green, Gene Lummis Carney Griffith Lungren, Daniel highest of burdens could not be more impor- current Resolution 248 will be followed Carson (IN) Guthrie E. tant and that is why we must debate the War by 5-minute votes on the motion to Carter Hall (NY) Lynch in Afghanistan here on the House Floor today. suspend the rules on House Concurrent Cassidy Hall (TX) Mack While the number of Members who will join Resolution 249 and House Resolution Castle Halvorson Manzullo Castor (FL) Hare Marchant my good friend from Ohio and myself in sup- 1144. Chaffetz Harman Markey (CO) porting this resolution may be small, this vote The vote was taken by electronic de- Chandler Harper Marshall will not accurately represent the views of the vice, and there were—yeas 65, nays 356, Childers Hastings (WA) Matheson public at large. A poll commissioned by CNN not voting 9, as follows: Clyburn Heinrich Matsui

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:12 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.036 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1286 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 McCarthy (CA) Petri Shuler COHEN) that the House suspend the Minnick Richardson Souder McCarthy (NY) Pitts Shuster rules and agree to the concurrent reso- Mitchell Rodriguez Space McCaul Platts Simpson Mollohan Roe (TN) Speier McClintock Poe (TX) Sires lution, H. Con. Res. 249. Moore (KS) Rogers (AL) Spratt McCollum Pomeroy Skelton This will be a 5-minute vote. Moore (WI) Rogers (KY) Stark McCotter Posey Slaughter The vote was taken by electronic de- Moran (KS) Rogers (MI) Stearns McHenry Price (GA) Smith (NE) Moran (VA) Rohrabacher Stupak McIntyre Price (NC) Smith (NJ) vice, and there were—yeas 409, nays 0, Murphy (CT) Rooney Sullivan McKeon Putnam Smith (TX) not voting 21, as follows: Murphy (NY) Ros-Lehtinen Sutton McMahon Radanovich Smith (WA) Murphy, Patrick Roskam Tanner McMorris Rahall [Roll No. 99] Murphy, Tim Ross Snyder Taylor Rodgers Rehberg Myrick Rothman (NJ) Souder YEAS—409 Teague McNerney Reichert Nadler (NY) Roybal-Allard Space Terry Meek (FL) Reyes Ackerman Crowley Issa Napolitano Royce Spratt Aderholt Cuellar Jackson (IL) Thompson (CA) Meeks (NY) Rodriguez Stearns Neal (MA) Ruppersberger Melancon Roe (TN) Adler (NJ) Culberson Jackson Lee Thompson (MS) Sullivan Neugebauer Rush Mica Rogers (AL) Akin Cummings (TX) Nunes Ryan (OH) Thompson (PA) Sutton Miller (FL) Rogers (KY) Alexander Dahlkemper Jenkins Nye Ryan (WI) Thornberry Tanner Miller (MI) Rogers (MI) Altmire Davis (CA) Johnson (GA) Oberstar Salazar Tiahrt Taylor Miller (NC) Rohrabacher Andrews Davis (IL) Johnson (IL) Obey Sa´ nchez, Linda Tiberi Teague Miller, Gary Rooney Arcuri Davis (KY) Johnson, E. B. Olson T. Tierney Terry Minnick Ros-Lehtinen Austria Davis (TN) Johnson, Sam Olver Sanchez, Loretta Titus Mitchell Roskam Thompson (CA) Baca DeFazio Jones Ortiz Sarbanes Tonko Mollohan Ross Thompson (MS) Bachmann DeGette Jordan (OH) Owens Scalise Towns Moore (KS) Rothman (NJ) Thompson (PA) Bachus Delahunt Kagen Pallone Schakowsky Tsongas Moore (WI) Roybal-Allard Thornberry Baird DeLauro Kanjorski Pascrell Schauer Turner Moran (KS) Royce Tiahrt Baldwin Dent Kaptur Pastor (AZ) Schiff Upton Moran (VA) Ruppersberger Tiberi Barrow Diaz-Balart, M. Kennedy Paul Schmidt Van Hollen Titus Bartlett Dingell Kildee Murphy (CT) Rush Paulsen Schock Vela´ zquez Tonko Barton (TX) Doggett Kilpatrick (MI) Murphy (NY) Ryan (OH) Payne Schrader Visclosky Turner Bean Donnelly (IN) Kilroy Murphy, Patrick Ryan (WI) Pence Schwartz Walden Upton Becerra Doyle Kind Murphy, Tim Salazar Perlmutter Scott (GA) Walz Van Hollen Berkley Dreier King (IA) Myrick Sarbanes Perriello Scott (VA) Wamp Neugebauer Scalise Visclosky Berman Driehaus King (NY) Peters Sensenbrenner Walden Berry Duncan Kingston Wasserman Nunes Schauer Peterson Serrano Schultz Walz Biggert Edwards (MD) Kirk Nye Schiff Petri Sessions Waters Oberstar Schmidt Wamp Bilbray Ehlers Kirkpatrick (AZ) Pingree (ME) Sestak Watson Olson Schock Watt Bilirakis Ellison Kissell Pitts Shadegg Watt Ortiz Schrader Waxman Bishop (GA) Ellsworth Klein (FL) Platts Shea-Porter Waxman Owens Schwartz Weiner Bishop (NY) Emerson Kosmas Poe (TX) Sherman Pallone Scott (GA) Westmoreland Bishop (UT) Engel Kratovil Pomeroy Shimkus Weiner Pascrell Scott (VA) Whitfield Blackburn Eshoo Kucinich Posey Shuler Welch Pastor (AZ) Sensenbrenner Wilson (OH) Blumenauer Etheridge Lamborn Price (GA) Shuster Westmoreland Paulsen Sessions Wilson (SC) Boccieri Fallin Lance Price (NC) Simpson Whitfield Pence Sestak Wittman Boehner Fattah Langevin Putnam Sires Wilson (OH) Perlmutter Shadegg Wolf Bonner Filner Larsen (WA) Quigley Skelton Wilson (SC) Perriello Shea-Porter Wu Bono Mack Flake Latham Radanovich Slaughter Wittman Peters Sherman Yarmuth Boozman Fleming Latta Rahall Smith (NE) Wolf Peterson Shimkus Young (AK) Boren Forbes Lee (CA) Rangel Smith (NJ) Woolsey Boswell Fortenberry Levin Rehberg Smith (TX) Wu NOT VOTING—9 Boucher Foster Lewis (CA) Reichert Smith (WA) Yarmuth Barrett (SC) Deal (GA) Wasserman Boustany Foxx Lewis (GA) Reyes Snyder Young (AK) Boyd Frank (MA) Linder Camp Diaz-Balart, L. Schultz Brady (PA) Franks (AZ) Lipinski NOT VOTING—21 Conyers Hoekstra Young (FL) Brady (TX) Frelinghuysen LoBiondo Davis (AL) Barrett (SC) Diaz-Balart, L. Hoekstra Braley (IA) Fudge Loebsack Blunt Dicks Kline (MN) Bright Gallegly Lofgren, Zoe b 1822 Burton (IN) Edwards (TX) Larson (CT) Broun (GA) Garamendi Lowey Camp Farr LaTourette Messrs. GENE GREEN of Texas, Brown (SC) Garrett (NJ) Lucas Conyers Gordon (TN) Lee (NY) Brown, Corrine Gerlach Luetkemeyer CARSON of Indiana, Mrs. CAPPS, Davis (AL) Grijalva Polis (CO) Brown-Waite, Giffords Luja´ n Messrs. BACHUS, COSTELLO, and Deal (GA) Hodes Young (FL) Ginny Gingrey (GA) Lummis Mrs. LOWEY changed their vote from Buchanan Gohmert Lungren, Daniel ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Burgess Gonzalez E. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Mr. CROWLEY changed his vote from Butterfield Goodlatte Lynch Buyer Granger Mack HALVORSON) (during the vote). There ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Calvert Graves Maffei are 2 minutes remaining in this vote. So the concurrent resolution was not Campbell Grayson Maloney agreed to. Cantor Green, Al Manzullo The result of the vote was announced Cao Green, Gene Marchant b 1830 Capito Griffith Markey (CO) as above recorded. Capps Guthrie Markey (MA) So (two-thirds being in the affirma- A motion to reconsider was laid on Capuano Gutierrez Marshall tive) the rules were suspended and the the table. Cardoza Hall (NY) Matheson concurrent resolution was agreed to. Carnahan Hall (TX) Matsui Stated against: Carney Halvorson McCarthy (CA) The result of the vote was announced Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Carson (IN) Hare McCarthy (NY) as above recorded. Speaker, on rollcall No. 98, I was unavoidably Carter Harman McCaul A motion to reconsider was laid on Cassidy Harper McClintock detained. Had I been present, I would have Castle Hastings (FL) McCollum the table. voted ‘‘no.’’ Castor (FL) Hastings (WA) McCotter Stated for: f Chaffetz Heinrich McDermott Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Chandler Heller McGovern COMMEMORATING THE 45TH ANNI- Childers Hensarling McHenry Speaker, on rollcall No. 99, had I been VERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY Chu Herger McIntyre present, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ Clarke Herseth Sandlin McKeon Clay Higgins McMahon The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- f finished business is the vote on the mo- Cleaver Hill McMorris Clyburn Himes Rodgers tion to suspend the rules and agree to Coble Hinchey McNerney PERSONAL EXPLANATION the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. Coffman (CO) Hinojosa Meek (FL) 249, on which the yeas and nays were Cohen Hirono Meeks (NY) Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, on March Cole Holden Melancon ordered. Conaway Holt Mica 10, 2010, I was called away on personal busi- The Clerk read the title of the con- Connolly (VA) Honda Michaud ness. I regret that I was not present to vote on current resolution. Cooper Hoyer Miller (FL) H. Res. 1146, H. Res. 1088, H.R. 4621, H. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Costa Hunter Miller (MI) Con. Res. 248, and H. Con. Res. 249. Costello Inglis Miller (NC) question is on the motion offered by Courtney Inslee Miller, Gary Had I been present, I would have voted the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Crenshaw Israel Miller, George ‘‘yea’’ on all votes.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.040 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1287 EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO Jordan (OH) Minnick Schiff b 1837 CHILE EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS Kagen Mitchell Schmidt Kanjorski Mollohan Schock So (two-thirds being in the affirma- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Kennedy Moore (KS) Schrader tive) the rules were suspended and the finished business is the question on Kildee Moore (WI) Schwartz resolution was agreed to. Kilpatrick (MI) Moran (KS) Scott (GA) suspending the rules and agreeing to Kilroy Moran (VA) Scott (VA) The result of the vote was announced the resolution, H. Res. 1144. Kind Murphy (CT) Sensenbrenner as above recorded. The Clerk read the title of the resolu- King (IA) Murphy (NY) Serrano A motion to reconsider was laid on tion. King (NY) Murphy, Patrick Sessions the table. Kingston Murphy, Tim The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Sestak Kirk Myrick Shadegg f question is on the motion offered by Kirkpatrick (AZ) Napolitano Shea-Porter ELECTING A MEMBER TO A CER- the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Kissell Neal (MA) Sherman TAIN STANDING COMMITTEE OF CONNOLLY) that the House suspend the Klein (FL) Neugebauer Shimkus Kosmas Nunes THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTA- rules and agree to the resolution, H. Shuler Kratovil Nye Shuster TIVES Res. 1144. Kucinich Oberstar Simpson The question was taken. Lamborn Obey Sires Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Lance Olson Skelton Speaker, by direction of the Demo- Langevin Olver Slaughter cratic Caucus, I send to the desk a opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Larsen (WA) Ortiz Smith (NE) privileged resolution and ask for its in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Larson (CT) Owens Smith (NJ) RECORDED VOTE Latham Pallone Smith (TX) immediate consideration. LaTourette Pascrell The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I Smith (WA) Latta Pastor (AZ) Snyder lows: demand a recorded vote. Lee (CA) Paulsen Souder H. RES. 1156 A recorded vote was ordered. Levin Payne Space The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a Lewis (GA) Pence Speier Resolved, That the following named Mem- Linder Perlmutter 5-minute vote. Spratt ber be and is hereby elected to the following Lipinski Perriello Stark standing committee of the House of Rep- The vote was taken by electronic de- LoBiondo Peters Stearns resentatives: Loebsack Peterson vice, and there were—ayes 404, noes 1, Stupak OMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET Lofgren, Zoe Petri C .—Mr. Moore of not voting 25, as follows: Sullivan Lowey Pingree (ME) Kansas. Sutton [Roll No. 100] Lucas Pitts The resolution was agreed to. Tanner Luetkemeyer Platts AYES—404 Taylor A motion to reconsider was laid on Luja´ n Poe (TX) Teague the table. Ackerman Carney Forbes Lummis Polis (CO) Terry Aderholt Carson (IN) Fortenberry Lungren, Daniel Pomeroy f Thompson (CA) Adler (NJ) Carter Foster E. Posey Thompson (MS) Alexander Cassidy Foxx Lynch Price (GA) GENERAL LEAVE Thompson (PA) Altmire Castle Frank (MA) Mack Price (NC) Thornberry Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I Andrews Castor (FL) Franks (AZ) Maffei Putnam Tiahrt Arcuri Chaffetz Frelinghuysen Maloney Quigley ask unanimous consent that all Mem- Austria Chandler Fudge Manzullo Radanovich Tiberi bers may have 5 legislative days in Baca Childers Gallegly Marchant Rahall Tierney Bachmann Chu Garamendi which to revise and extend their re- Markey (CO) Rangel Titus Bachus Clarke Garrett (NJ) marks and include extraneous mate- Markey (MA) Rehberg Tonko Baird Clay Gerlach Marshall Reichert Towns rials on H. Con. Res. 248. Baldwin Cleaver Giffords Matheson Reyes Tsongas The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Barrow Clyburn Gingrey (GA) Matsui Richardson Turner Bartlett Coble Gohmert objection to the request of the gen- McCarthy (CA) Rodriguez Upton Barton (TX) Coffman (CO) Gonzalez tleman from Ohio? McCarthy (NY) Roe (TN) Van Hollen Bean Cohen Goodlatte McCaul Rogers (AL) Visclosky There was no objection. Becerra Cole Granger McClintock Rogers (KY) Walden Berkley Conaway Graves f Rogers (MI) Walz Berman Connolly (VA) Grayson McCollum McCotter Rohrabacher Wamp COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON- Berry Cooper Green, Al Wasserman Biggert Costa Green, Gene McDermott Rooney ORABLE CAROLYN C. KIL- McGovern Ros-Lehtinen Schultz Bilbray Costello Griffith Waters PATRICK, MEMBER OF CON- Bilirakis Courtney Guthrie McHenry Ross Watson GRESS Bishop (GA) Crenshaw Gutierrez McIntyre Rothman (NJ) Watt Bishop (NY) Crowley Hall (NY) McKeon Roybal-Allard Waxman The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Bishop (UT) Cuellar Hall (TX) McMahon Royce Weiner fore the House the following commu- Blackburn Culberson Halvorson McMorris Ruppersberger Welch Blumenauer Cummings Hare Rodgers Rush nication from the Honorable CAROLYN Westmoreland Boccieri Dahlkemper Harper McNerney Ryan (OH) C. KILPATRICK, Member of Congress: Boehner Davis (CA) Hastings (FL) Meek (FL) Ryan (WI) Whitfield Meeks (NY) Salazar Wilson (OH) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Bonner Davis (IL) Hastings (WA) Washington, DC, March 1, 2010. Bono Mack Davis (KY) Heinrich Mica Sa´ nchez, Linda Wilson (SC) Boozman Davis (TN) Heller Michaud T. Wittman Hon. NANCY PELOSI, Boren DeFazio Hensarling Miller (FL) Sanchez, Loretta Wolf Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, Boswell DeGette Herger Miller (MI) Sarbanes Woolsey DC. Boucher DeLauro Herseth Sandlin Miller (NC) Scalise Wu DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: This is to notify Boustany Dent Higgins Miller, Gary Schakowsky Yarmuth you formally, pursuant to Rule VIII of the Boyd Diaz-Balart, M. Hill Miller, George Schauer Young (AK) Rules of the House of Representatives, that I Brady (PA) Dingell Himes have been served with a grand jury subpoena Brady (TX) Doggett Hinchey NOES—1 Braley (IA) Donnelly (IN) Hinojosa for testimony by the United States District Paul Bright Doyle Hirono Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Broun (GA) Dreier Holden After consulting with my attorney, I will Brown (SC) Driehaus Holt NOT VOTING—25 make the determinations required by Rule Brown, Corrine Duncan Honda Akin Diaz-Balart, L. Lee (NY) VIII. Brown-Waite, Edwards (MD) Hoyer Barrett (SC) Dicks Lewis (CA) Sincerely, Ginny Edwards (TX) Hunter Blunt Gordon (TN) Melancon CAROLYN C. KILPATRICK, Buchanan Ehlers Inglis Camp Grijalva Nadler (NY) Member of Congress. Burgess Ellison Inslee Cardoza Harman Roskam Burton (IN) Ellsworth Israel Conyers Hodes Vela´ zquez f Butterfield Emerson Issa Davis (AL) Hoekstra Young (FL) Buyer Engel Jackson (IL) Deal (GA) Kaptur COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON- Calvert Eshoo Jackson Lee Delahunt Kline (MN) ORABLE JOHN D. DINGELL, MEM- Campbell Etheridge (TX) BER OF CONGRESS Cantor Fallin Jenkins ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Cao Farr Johnson (GA) The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Capito Fattah Johnson (IL) The SPEAKER pro tempore (during fore the House the following commu- Capps Filner Johnson, E. B. Capuano Flake Johnson, Sam the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- nication from the Honorable JOHN D. Carnahan Fleming Jones ing in this vote. DINGELL, Member of Congress:

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.130 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1288 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, ment Bank, the International Fund for Agri- The country, which was finally making Washington, DC, March 10, 2010. cultural Development, and other multilat- strides to more stable economic and Hon. NANCY PELOSI, eral development institutions (as defined in political growth after so many failed Speaker, House of Representatives, section 1701(c)(3)) to use the voice, vote and governments of the past, was rocked by Washington, DC. influence of the United States at each such DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: This is to notify institution to seek to achieve— a natural disaster of historic propor- you formally, pursuant to Rule VIII of the ‘‘(1) the immediate and complete cancella- tions. The images from the disaster are Rules of the House of Representatives that I tion of any and all remaining debts owed by fresh in our minds. The immediate have been served with a subpoena for testi- Haiti to such institutions; needs of the people are clear, and the mony and documents by the United States ‘‘(2) the suspension of Haiti’s debt service desire of the global community and the District Court for the Eastern District of payments to such institutions until such average American citizens to help New York. time as the debts are canceled completely; Haiti recover as fast as possible are After consultation with the Office of Gen- and clear and give us all hope. eral Counsel, I have determined that compli- ‘‘(3) the provision of emergency, humani- ance with the subpoena is inconsistent with tarian and reconstruction assistance from Earlier today, I joined with President the precedents and privileges of the House. such institutions to Haiti in the form of Obama and other members of this Sincerely, grants or other assistance such that Haiti House at the White House in restating JOHN D. DINGELL, does not accumulate debt. America’s commitment to stand by our Member of Congress. ‘‘(b) USE OF CERTAIN FUNDS FOR ASSIST- brothers and sisters in Haiti, and to ANCE TO HAITI.—The Secretary of the Treas- f lend them a hand up to get back on a ury should instruct the United States Execu- path to economic growth and social MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT tive Director of the International Monetary healing. In speaking with President Fund to advocate the use of some of the real- A message in writing from the Presi- ized windfall profits that exceed the required Preval today, I told him that Haiti dent of the United States was commu- contribution to the Poverty Reduction and debt relief was but the first of a broad- nicated to the House by Mr. Brian E. Growth Trust (as referenced in the IMF Re- er set of initiatives that we will under- Pate, one of his secretaries. forms Financial Facilities for Low-Income take to enable the people of Haiti to re- f Countries Public Information Notice (PIN) build their country, their lives, their No. 09/94) from the ongoing sale of 12,965,649 businesses, and their communities. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER ounces of gold acquired since the second PRO TEMPORE Amendment of the Fund’s Article of Agree- b 1845 ment, to provide debt stock relief, debt serv- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- As Chair of the International Mone- ice relief, and grants for Haiti. tary Policy and Trade Subcommittee, I ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair ‘‘(c) SECURING OTHER RELIEF FOR HAITI.— will postpone further proceedings The Secretary of the Treasury and the Sec- am proud to have moved this bill suc- today on the motion to suspend the retary of State should use all appropriate cessfully in a strongly bipartisan man- rules on which a recorded vote or the diplomatic influence to secure cancellation ner. I thank the woman whose name yeas and nays are ordered, or on which of any and all remaining bilateral, multilat- will appear on this bill who has worked the vote incurs objection under clause eral and private creditor debt owed by very hard to make this bill happen, the 6 of rule XX. Haiti.’’. chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Any record vote on the postponed SEC. 3. INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT. Housing, the gentlewoman from Cali- (a) TRUST FUND.—The Secretary of the question will be taken later. fornia (Ms. WATERS) who has been a Treasury should support the creation and long and strong supporter for Haiti. f utilization of a multilateral trust fund for Forgiving Haiti’s debts to the World Haiti that would leverage potential United HAITI DEBT RELIEF AND EARTH- States contributions and promote bilateral Bank, the IMF, the IDB, and IFAD is QUAKE RECOVERY ACT OF 2010 donations to such a fund for the purpose of good policy and is the right thing to Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speak- making investments in Haiti’s future, in- do. But forgiving these debts alone will er, I move to suspend the rules and cluding efforts to combat soil degradation not deliver the desperately needed pass the bill (H.R. 4573) to direct the and promote reforestation and infrastructure tents to provide shelter from the im- investments such as electric grids, roads, pending rainy season. Debt relief alone Secretary of the Treasury to instruct water and sanitation facilities, and other the United States Executive Directors will not rebuild roads, hospitals, critical infrastructure projects. churches, schools, and the physical in- at the International Monetary Fund, (b) INCREASE IN TRANSFER OF EARNINGS.— the World Bank, the Inter-American The Secretary of the Treasury should direct frastructure that Haiti needs to get Development Bank, and other multilat- the United States Executive Director of the back to work. Debt relief alone will not eral development institutions to use Inter-American Development Bank to seek heal the physical and psychological the voice, vote, and influence of the to increase the transfer of its earnings to the wounds of the injured and traumatized Fund for Special Operations and to a trust or develop the human capital the coun- United States to cancel immediately fund or grant facility for Haiti. and completely Haiti’s debts to such try needs so desperately. As our agen- institutions, and for other purposes, as The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- cies, from USAID to the Treasury De- amended. ant to the rule, the gentleman from partment, to the State Department, to The Clerk read the title of the bill. New York (Mr. MEEKS) and the gen- our Armed Forces, to average citizens The text of the bill is as follows: tleman from California (Mr. GARY G. from around the country, lend support MILLER) each will control 20 minutes. to Haiti in the immediate aftermath of H.R. 4573 The Chair recognizes the gentleman the earthquake, we must not lose sight Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- from New York. of the longer-term needs of this coun- resentatives of the United States of America in GENERAL LEAVE Congress assembled, try, its government, and its people. Indeed, we are now moving to the SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Mr. MEEKS of New York. Madam second and third phase of a long and This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Haiti Debt Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Relief and Earthquake Recovery Act of all Members may have 5 legislative arduous process; namely, moving from 2010’’. days within which to revise and extend the immediate rescue and survival con- SEC. 2. DEBT RELIEF FOR HAITI. their remarks on this legislation, and cerns, though they are still critical, to Title XVI of the International Financial to insert extraneous materials thereon. reconstruction and ultimately long- Institutions Act (22 U.S.C. 262p et seq.) is The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there term economic recovery. Doing this amended by adding at the end the following objection to the request of the gen- will require leadership of the Haitian new section: tleman from New York? people and government as they take ‘‘SEC. 1628. CANCELLATION OF HAITI’S DEBTS TO There was no objection. ownership for the future they care to INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTI- Mr. MEEKS of New York. Madam build. It will also require effective co- TUTIONS. Speaker, I yield myself 5 minutes. ordination of our aid and development ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Treasury should direct the United States Ex- Today, Madam Speaker, we consider efforts to limit waste, duplication and, ecutive Director at the International Mone- an issue that is close to all of our ultimately, loss of goodwill. tary Fund, the International Development hearts. Haiti suffered a devastating As we do all of this and as implemen- Association, the Inter-American Develop- earthquake on January 12 of this year. tation is planned, special attention

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.057 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1289 needs to be paid to the need to rebuild MARCH 8, 2010. nessed, many American volunteers and Haiti’s human capital. Several of our Hon. HOWARD BERMAN, government efforts—to ensure that all government agencies are already at Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Haiti’s remaining resources are de- work doing this, and I will keep pres- of Representatives, Washington, DC. voted to reconstruction and not to de- DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Thank you for your sure on them, as I am sure others in letter concerning H.R. 4573, the ‘‘Debt Relief velopment loans that it is unrealistic this House will, as well as the develop- for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti Act of to expect can ever be repaid, this legis- ment banks and international financial 2010.’’ This bill will be considered by the lation is a part of that step. institutions, to ensure that they invest House shortly. Haiti’s impoverished condition dates heavily in developing the people of I want to confirm our mutual under- back to its origins under French colo- Haiti and the institutions of Haiti, to standing with respect to the consideration of nial rule, to 1804, 205, 206 years ago, this bill. I acknowledge that portions of the enable them to effectively govern and bill fall within the jurisdiction of the Com- when Haiti’s citizens won their inde- set their own path to a brighter future mittee on Foreign Affairs and I appreciate pendence in a revolution similar to our with dignity and independence. your cooperation in moving the bill to the revolution from the French colonial re- Lastly, I will keep the pressure on House floor expeditiously. I further agree gime. France imposed a blockade and that your decision to not to proceed with a imposed and extracted a promise of $21 the international institutions to de- markup on this bill will not prejudice the liver the necessary resources to Haiti billion in reparations, and that is $21 Committee on Foreign Affairs with respect billion in today’s currency. That is without adding to that nation’s long- to its prerogatives on this or similar legisla- greater than the debt incurred at that term debt burden. In over 200 years of tion. I would support your request for an ap- independence, Haiti has always been propriate number of conferees in the event of time by the United States, a much big- saddled with unsustainable debts, a House-Senate conference. ger government. So Haiti, when they whether extraordinarily high debt obli- I will include a copy of this letter and your were born as a country, they were im- response in the Congressional Record. Thank mediately impoverished, and their en- gations owed to the French as a condi- you again for your cooperation. tion of independence in the early 1800s, slavement continued. I will say that. BARNEY FRANK, The amazing thing, if you look at as is often brought out by Congressman Chairman. that debt that the French imposed and GREEN of Houston, or from inter- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- you read about it, part of the debt was national institutions unscrupulously ance of my time. repayment for compensation for prop- saddling the people of Haiti with debts Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. erty, which included the slave popu- diverted by dictators in the second half Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- lation. I mean, that’s amazing. That’s of the 20th century, or over $1 billion in tleman from Alabama (Mr. BACHUS) amazing. That is something that we debts still owed today, despite the such time as he may consume. can’t go back and do anything about, country having earned $1.2 billion in Mr. BACHUS. I thank the ranking but we can certainly do something debt forgiveness from the international member for yielding, and I want to today. But when the French lost their institutions last year. commend him for his work on this leg- islation. I also want to commend ability to enslave that population, they The people of Haiti have worked far extracted, because of their navy, a Chairman WATERS and Chairman too long and far too hard to repay blockade and that debt. MEEKS for their work, and other Mem- debts they had little say in accruing With the country’s economic produc- bers who I think have worked in a bi- and which have yielded very little ben- partisan way for an excellent legisla- tivity being drained, since its incep- efit to the average citizen. This cynical tion and a very worthy legislation. I tion, to pay this enormous debt, which game of debt accrual and debt forgive- rise in complete support for the Debt has never been paid off, never paid off ness must end, and as Chair of the Relief for Earthquake Recovery Act. because there were other debts added, International Monetary Policy Sub- If you picked a country and a capital economic development stifled since committee, I will be doing my part to in a country anywhere in the world 1804. see that happens. The people of Haiti which could least deal with a dev- Sometimes we say, Why Haiti? Why deserve better than that and deserve a astating earthquake, it would be Port- is it so poor? Why has it always been so chance to invest in their own futures. au-Prince, Haiti. You could not vis- poor? It never stood a chance. MARCH 8, 2010. ualize a worse scenario. In more recent times, and one would Hon. BARNEY FRANK, The immediate legacy, other than think that things couldn’t get worse Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, which you have witnessed on the TV than that, Duvalier, under his dictator- Rayburn House Office Building, Wash- screens here in America, is that there ship, was responsible for more than 40 ington, DC. will be virtually a generation of or- percent of the additional loans to DEAR CHAIRMAN FRANK: I am writing to phans who have lost their parents. Haiti. I mean, think about loaning to a you concerning H.R. 4573, the Debt Relief for That alone would be a challenge for dictator who is suppressing his people. Earthquake Recovery in Haiti Act of 2010, in- any country. Think of New Orleans and We have seen that in Africa and other troduced by Rep. Maxine Waters on February places, and it is an absurdity that we 2, 2010. what a challenge that has been for our country. For Haiti, it is a monumental ought to address in Haiti and we ought This bill contains provisions within the undertaking. And, quite frankly, it is to address in other places because, in Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on For- hard to visualize in our lifetime seeing that way, countries that did that con- eign Affairs. In the interest of permitting tributed. The brutal regime further de- your Committee to proceed expeditiously to Haiti recover. floor consideration of this important bill, I The human tragedy following that spoiled the country by diverting funds am willing to waive this Committee’s right earthquake is overwhelming. As Haiti’s borrowed for development to their own to mark up this bill. I do so with the under- citizens seek to rebuild, I think it is personal enrichment to bank accounts standing that by waiving consideration of very important for us to stand with out of the country. the bill, the Committee on Foreign Affairs them and alongside them. And I com- With this history, it is no surprise does not waive any future jurisdictional mend the administration for their ef- that Haiti was deeply impoverished claim over the subject matters contained in forts since the earthquake. Many of since the beginning, their foundation the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdic- as a nation. And this bill by Ms. WA- tion. our agencies are there. Many of our charities are there. Many of our church TERS and others takes a very fine first Further, I request your support for the ap- groups are there. Many of our NGOs are step toward the goal of eliminating pointment of Foreign Affairs Committee there: the Jubilee Act, Melinda St. Haiti’s uncollectible debts so that the conferees during any House-Senate con- ference convened on this legislation. Louis, her organization; Tom Hart of country can begin, for the first time, the One Campaign. I think those two really, the process of becoming self- Please include a copy of this letter and organizations have done a wonderful sustaining, and they are going to need your response in the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the job of highlighting the need not only in a lot of help. House floor. Haiti, but in many of the impoverished The text to be considered says the Sincerely, countries. Treasury Secretary should direct U.S. HOWARD L. BERMAN, The first measure we can take—other representatives at international finan- Chairman. than the efforts that we have wit- cial institutions to work with their

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He reminded us that the rains are seeks suspension of debt payment serv- At this time, I would like to yield 5 coming, and perhaps hurricanes, and ices until the cancellation takes place. minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- there is still a need for emergency ade- None of these institutions realistically fornia (Ms. WATERS) who is the author quate shelter, and of course long-term expects Haiti to service its debt at a of this bill and who has been a long- housing. But today we are talking time Haiti is lying in ruins. time supporter for the people of Haiti. about one of the simplest but most im- As a former Treasury Under Sec- Ms. WATERS. First, I would like to portant things we can do to help Haiti: retary before our committee last week thank the gentleman from New York That is to cancel its debt. said, it is a ‘‘cruel hoax’’ on both the (Mr. MEEKS) for the time, and I appre- Haiti’s democratic government has people of developing countries and on ciate all of the work that he has done worked very hard in recent years to the taxpayers of donor nations to pre- on this bill. qualify for debt relief. In order to qual- tend that even without an earthquake, Indeed, I would also like to thank all ify, the Government of Haiti success- Haiti, a country whose citizens subsist of the Members who support this bill, fully developed and implemented a on a dollar or two a day, is ever going including BARNEY FRANK, the chairman comprehensive poverty-reduction to be able to pay back billions of dol- of the Financial Services Committee, strategy paper under the direction of lars in development loans. who made sure we got the bill up and the International Monetary Fund and The United States has always been a going and we could expedite it in a way the World Bank. As a result, multilat- benevolent and caring country. Even I have never seen any other bill expe- eral financial institutions provided during our current economic chal- dited. Haiti $1.2 billion in debt relief last lenges, we have not lost our compas- I thank SPENCER BACHUS, the ranking June. This was a critical step forward sion. In fact, our present travails have, member of the Financial Services Com- for Haiti. Nevertheless, Haiti still has a in some respects, I believe, given us a mittee, whom I have worked with for significant debt burden that will inter- greater appreciation for the despera- over 10 years, appreciating that he un- fere with recovery and development ef- tion and suffering of those facing chal- derstands so very thoroughly the his- forts unless the remaining debts are lenges and hardships in Haiti, although tory of Haiti and what it means to the canceled. According to the U.S. Treasury De- theirs are much greater than anything world. partment, Haiti still owes $828 million that we are undergoing. I thank GREGORY MEEKS, again, the to the multilateral development insti- The United States, and let me stress chairman of the International Mone- tutions. This includes $447 million to this, if you don’t hear anything else, if tary Policy and Trade Subcommittee, the Inter-American Development you are thinking about voting against whose manager’s amendment added so Bank, $284 million to the IMF, $39 mil- this bill, hear this: The United States much in the way of improvement to lion to the World Bank Group’s Inter- has forgiven all of its bilateral debt to this bill, and the gentlewoman from national Development Association, and Haiti. What we are asking is we are Florida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN), the rank- $58 million to the International Fund asking others to do what we have done. ing member of the Foreign Affairs for Agricultural Development. In addi- What we are doing with this is direct- Committee; ELIOT ENGEL, chairman of tion, Haiti owes approximately $400 ing the Secretary of the Treasury to the Western Hemisphere Sub- million to other individual countries. use his voice and influence to seek debt committee, and all of the other cospon- I introduced H.R. 4573, the Debt Re- cancellation from others. Among them sors of the bill, and especially the Con- lief for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti are Venezuela and Taiwan. By far, Ven- gressional Black Caucus. Act of 2010, to free Haiti from the bur- ezuela is the largest bilateral creditor. b 1900 den of these debts. The bill directs the Taiwan is a distant second. Forgiving Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the debt Haiti owes to multilateral I would also like to thank Kathleen Sengstock, my senior legislative as- the U.S. executive directors at the agencies is consistent with our prin- multilateral development institutions sistant, who worked very hard on this ciples, and we can lead by example to use the voice, vote, and influence of bill. Kathleen is an expert on debt re- while we lend a helping hand. the United States to achieve several lief and has worked for the past 10 In conclusion, Madam Speaker, this things: The immediate and complete years on debt relief for all of the poor bill before us contains some minor cancellation of all debts owed by Haiti countries of the world. changes to the bill that came out of to these institutions; the suspension of I would also like to thank Daniel the Committee on Financial Services, Haiti’s debt service payments until McGlinchey and other professional all of which I support. The changes such time as the debts are canceled; staff persons with the Financial Serv- don’t add any cost. They don’t change and the provision of emergency human- ices Committee. the intent of the bill. itarian and reconstruction assistance Ladies and gentlemen, Haiti was Added at the end of original com- to Haiti in the form of grants so that struck by a devastating earthquake on mittee text is a section very similar to Haiti does not accumulate additional the bill that the Senate passed last January 12, 2010. According to the U.S. debt. week by unanimous consent. The sec- Agency for International Development, This bill also directs the Secretary of tion says the Secretaries of State and 230,000 people were killed and 1.3 mil- the Treasury and the Secretary of Treasury should support the creation lion people were displaced from their State to use all appropriate diplomatic and use of a multinational trust fund homes. There is still a desperate need influence to secure the cancellation of that could include and leverage any fu- for clean water, food, shelter, and basic all remaining bilateral, multilateral, ture U.S. aid to Haiti, and that aid sanitation. Three million people, one- and private creditor debt owed by ought to be in the form of grants, not third of the country’s population, were Haiti. Debt cancellation will allow the loans, and that the Secretary of the affected by the earthquake. Government of Haiti to focus its mea- Treasury should seek a speed-up in Today, we are very fortunate to have ger resources on essential humani- interbank transfers at the Inter-Amer- in this country the President of Haiti, tarian relief, reconstruction, and rede- ican Development Bank so they may be President Preval. The CBC—that is, velopment. used in Haiti’s recovery. the Congressional Black Caucus—held The people of Haiti are poor, but they These are sensible steps, and I sup- a meeting with President Preval, and are physically and spiritually resilient. port the changes and I commend my he thanked us all, not only the mem- I know that with the support of the colleagues who are also here in support bers of the Congressional Black Cau- international community they will re- of this very worthy legislation. cus, but all of the Members of Congress cover from this tragedy and create a Mr. MEEKS of New York. I want to and the American people for the aid brighter future for their children. thank the ranking member of the full and support we have provided for Haiti. I urge my colleagues to support the committee as well as the ranking He thanked all of the American agen- Debt Relief for Earthquake Recovery member of the subcommittee for the cies for the lives that they have saved, in Haiti Act of 2010.

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Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- week in Financial Services to discuss Also, let me just say, as Chair of the port of this bill, the Debt Relief for many of these issues, and I look for- Congressional Black Caucus, I have to Earthquake Recovery in Haiti Act of ward to working with my colleagues on extend our thanks to Congresswoman 2010. ways that we can further leverage our MAXINE WATERS for her work on this Representatives MEEKS and WATERS Nation’s great resources. bipartisan resolution, especially also wasted no time responding with this In conclusion, I want to thank Rep- for her long-term leadership on the legislation. They have been the most resentatives WATERS and MEEKS for in- campaign for debt relief for Haiti and stalwart proponents of the Haitian peo- troducing this legislation. You have for all countries in the developing ple, and the Haitian people are very been strong advocates, and I really ap- world. Congresswoman WATERS has fortunate to have them on their side. I plaud you for the efforts. I thank you been a friend, an ally of the Haitian want to applaud them for their efforts for allowing me to participate here to- people for many years, long before this with this act. night. devastating earthquake struck. As the Members of this body know, I strongly urge support of this bill. Also, to the ranking members, your on January 12, 2010, Haiti experienced a I reserve the balance of my time. support and your sense of justice for 7.0 magnitude earthquake centered ap- Mr. MEEKS of New York. It is my Haiti is deeply appreciated. proximately 15 miles southwest of the honor to yield 1 minute to the distin- The Congressional Black Caucus has nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince. What guished Chair of the Financial Services a long history of working with the Hai- followed were 50 aftershocks with mag- Committee who has led us this far, the tian and Haitian-American commu- nitudes over 4.0, all occurring within 24 gentleman from Massachusetts, the nities, and many of us have traveled to hours. Honorable BARNEY FRANK. Haiti several times. During the current As of now, the Haitian Government Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. crisis, the Congressional Black Caucus has estimated 230,000 deaths and 300,000 Madam Speaker, I hope people will has and will continue to work closely injured. Additionally, 700,000 people take note that there is not a correla- with the Obama administration, the have been displaced in the Port-au- tion between the importance of what Government of Haiti, and the non- Prince area. Damage caused by the we do and the attention that what we governmental organizations to provide earthquake is estimated between $8 bil- do gets. This is not controversial be- whatever assistance we can on an ongo- lion and $14 billion, with reports specu- cause it is a product of genuine co- ing basis to help with the recovery and lating that reconstruction costs could operation. reconstruction efforts. approximate $14 billion. I am delighted to be on the floor with Debt relief is not a matter of charity; As the people of Haiti strive to put my friend, the gentleman from Ala- it is really a matter of economic jus- the pieces of their lives and the coun- bama (Mr. BACHUS). A few years ago, tice. Over half of Haiti’s debt was bor- try back together, Congress clearly along with him and the gentleman rowed under Haiti’s dictatorships, needs to help. This bill would have the from California and our former col- some of which were brutally repressive. Secretary of the Treasury instruct the league, the gentleman from Iowa, Mr. Thus, moneys borrowed by these re- U.S. representatives at the World Leach, we, frankly, beat the leader- gimes should not be borne by the Hai- Bank, the IMF, the Inter-American De- ships of both parties and the Clinton tian people who had no say whatsoever velopment Bank, and other multilat- administration to get debt relief on how these moneys were spent. eral institutions to use their influence through. They’ve learned, so we don’t But more to the point, I think that it at these institutions to reach an agree- have to fight so hard this time for a is obvious that Haiti is not in a posi- ment on relieving Haitian debt to these very important cause. tion to service debt—nor should it be— entities and to suspend Haiti’s debt I am very pleased to be joining in while it is struggling to meet the basic service payments until those debts are this wholly cooperative way in a mor- needs of its people like food, water, canceled. ally compelled response to the prob- health care, and shelter. It is looking Additionally, U.S. representatives at lems of the people of Haiti. And I join to rebuild from the most devastating these institutions would advocate that in thanking the gentlewoman from tragedy to strike the island nation in future aid provided to Haiti be grant- California again, the gentleman from its history. I know that the leaders of based to avoid placing the country im- New York, and my colleagues on the the international financial institutions mediately back in debt as they seek to other side from California and Ala- feel the same way, and they understand rebuild. In the shadow of a tragedy this bama for letting us bring this forward. this bill and that Haiti should not have size, this is an important first step, but Various Members and their staffs to repay its debt. The United States I think the body must consider how have been congratulated, as they Government and other donor nations much more can be done. should be. It’s not as easy to do the must work with these institutions to So often American efforts to provide right thing as it sometimes seems; you fashion a plan for it, and this bill of- aid to impoverished nations come in want to make sure you get it done fered by Congresswoman WATERS offers the form of a check, which does provide well. a legal framework and mandate to do a significant boost, but the goal here is I just want to single out Daniel just that. to mitigate the impact of the disaster McGlinchey on the staff of the Finan- Finally, I just want to say that I on the people. I hope this body can cial Services Committee, who has been hope this bill passes on a bipartisan look at areas where American re- working at this for a long time, in co- basis. sources and know-how can be invested operation with the others. This is a day Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. in Haitian society. In addition to feed- in which the House can be proud, even Madam Speaker, am I correct that we ing the people and providing shelter if, because we’re not yelling at each have 7 minutes remaining? and medical care, we can leverage other, the press won’t notice. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- American resources so that we aren’t Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. tleman is correct. simply sending a check. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Americans are the most generous Mr. MEEKS of New York. Madam Mr. MEEKS, I would be happy to yield 4 people in the world. In the aftermath of Speaker, it is my honor to yield 2 min- minutes of our time to you because I this tragedy, the citizens of this coun- utes to the chairwoman of the Congres- see you have numerous speakers, and I try have raised tens of millions of dol- sional Black Caucus, a longtime fight- think you could probably utilize that lars to help the Haitian people. We er for Haiti, the Honorable BARBARA time in additional speaking. should also be looking to send our LEE. I yield myself 1 minute at this point heavy machinery and engineering ca- Ms. LEE of California. Thank you in time. pabilities along with qualified Amer- very much, Chairman MEEKS. As I have spoken to my good friends, ican workers—many of whom have Let me just first say how much I Mr. GREEN, Mr. MEEKS and Ms. WA- been out of work themselves—to assist want to support this bill today and TERS, about introducing legislation to

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help employ American workers in area churches, businesses, and non- Mr. MEEKS of New York. I yield 11⁄2 Haiti, we are going to be giving—and profit organizations to make about 60 minutes the hardworking gentleman other groups are giving—tremendous donations of tractor-trailers filled with from the great State of Texas, the Hon- amounts of money to Haitians and to supplies for the Haitian people. orable AL GREEN. Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. I want to the Haitian Government to basically b 1915 rebuild. We all believe that it is impor- thank the team that worked on this ef- tant, with the amount of American We worked with nonprofit organiza- fort. Of course, that would be the hon- workers, especially construction indus- tions and with Food For The Poor, and orable Chair of the subcommittee, Mr. tries, that we have that are unem- it was transported by the Royal Carib- MEEKS. It would be the Honorable MAX- ployed, to utilize many of our dollars bean Cruise Line—all at no cost to the INE WATERS. It would also be Mr. MIL- to send the expertise and skills we have people of Haiti. You know, because LER, the ranking member on the sub- in contractors and workers and labor- Haiti is not on the front pages of the committee and, of course, the ranking ers from the United States to work paper, their needs are very important, member of the full committee, Mr. with the labor and the Haitian people and we need to continue to work to BACHUS. to rebuild their country. help the people of Haiti. Madam Speaker, I must tell you that I want to commend my colleagues on I want to thank all of my colleagues my comments have been revised be- the other side of the aisle for working for doing it. This is a really wonderful cause I cannot allow this moment to go with me on this. We are close to having first step. by without speaking to the comments legislation done. Ms. WATERS, I spoke Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. that were made by Mr. BACHUS. to you today, and we will be getting Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve He spoke to our hearts and he spoke that to all of you to review before I in- the balance of my time. truth. It’s not easy to stand in the well troduce it. Hopefully we can bring this Mr. MEEKS of New York. I yield 11⁄2 of the House of Representatives and up in committee within a couple of minutes to one who is called from the speak the kind of truth that we heard. weeks to start implementing American Caribbean, the gentlewoman from the A son of the South and a Representa- manpower and resources to help the great State of New York, the Honor- tive from Alabama stood in the well of Haitian people, and also, at the same able YVETTE CLARKE. the House, and he spoke the truth time, to benefit those Americans that Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, I rise about one of the greatest atrocities are out of work. in support of H.R. 4573, the Debt Relief ever imposed upon humankind and I reserve the balance of my time. for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti Act. about how one country, in an effort to Mr. MEEKS of New York. Madam I would like to acknowledge the tre- extricate and liberate itself, had to pay Speaker, how much time do we have re- mendous leadership of the gentleman for the very liberation that it accorded maining? from New York (Mr. MEEKS) and the itself. It meant something to me to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- leadership of the gentlewoman from hear this son of the South speak this tleman currently has 71⁄2 minutes re- California (Ms. WATERS), who is the au- kind of truth in the well of the Con- maining. thor of this legislation. gress of the United States of America. Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. As Representative of the second larg- So I commend you and I salute you. I would be happy to yield 4 of our min- est Haitian population in the country, Mr. MILLER, I thank you as well. utes to my good friend from New York I commend the Obama administration’s The two of you deserve to have it (Mr. MEEKS). swift response to the Haitian crisis. said that you truly spoke truth to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Without the President’s comprehensive power tonight. Thank you. objection, the gentleman from New relief campaign, which included food, Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Madam Speaker, I yield to the ranking York will control 111⁄2 minutes. water, medical, and military assist- There was no objection. ance, as well as the $100 million in aid, member of the committee, the gen- Mr. MEEKS of New York. It is my we would not be at the point we are, tleman from Alabama. Mr. BACHUS. Madam Speaker, I pleasure now to yield 11⁄2 minutes of which is ready to discuss the next step. that to the gentlelady from the great Thankfully, we are. would like unanimous consent for an State of Florida, the Honorable We must remember that the January additional minute on each side. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without CORRINE BROWN. earthquake did not create the trou- Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. bling conditions in Haiti, although it objection, each side will control 1 addi- Madam Speaker, I stand in strong sup- certainly exacerbated them. Haiti is al- tional minute. ready the poorest nation in the West- There was no objection. port of the Debt Relief for Earthquake Mr. BACHUS. Madam Speaker, I now ern Hemisphere. H.R. 4573, the Debt Re- Recovery in Haiti Act introduced by ask unanimous consent to yield our 1 lief for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti my dear friend and colleague, Rep- minute to the majority. resentative MAXINE WATERS. Act, will achieve three distinct goals The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Like so many of my colleagues here which will help to keep the focus on objection to the request of the gen- in the Congress, and particularly in the humanitarian assistance. tleman from Alabama? CBC, we have been working to improve First, the Secretary of the Treasury There was no objection. the lives of the people of Haiti for would instruct the U.S. executive di- Mr. MEEKS of New York. I yield 11⁄2 many, many years. rectors of the institutions which lent minutes to the gentlewoman from the I was in Haiti last October with money to the Haiti Government to im- great State of Texas, Ms. SHEILA JACK- Chairman OBERSTAR and Congressman mediately cancel all debts owed to SON LEE. GREGORY MEEKS, and we met with Haiti to their respective institutions. (Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas asked President Preval and members of the Next, Haiti’s debt service payments and was given permission to revise and Haitian Cabinet to discuss ways to im- would be suspended. extend her remarks.) prove the nation’s infrastructure sys- Lastly, grants would be provided for Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. This is tem, which is absolutely vital to Hai- additional assistance so that Haiti a very historic occasion. ti’s future economic development. would not accumulate additional debts. I would like to thank Congress- Haiti is an island filled with good- It is my hope that, as we continue to woman WATERS for her continued and willed, hardworking people, yet their rebuild, our rebuilding effort will not persistent leadership on debt relief for lives are extraordinarily difficult be- begin until the relief effort has con- countries around the world. cause their country has been in great cluded, and it will be dependent on all I thank the chairman of the sub- turmoil for decades, long before the allowing Haiti to focus solely on hu- committee, Mr. MEEKS of New York, terrible earthquake that hit Port-au- manitarian aid. To do this, it is imper- for his persistence and guidance on Prince. ative that we cancel the debts of the passing this bill so quickly with Mr. Being from Florida, Haiti has always Haitian Government. BACHUS and Mr. MILLER. Thank you for been very, very near and dear to my Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. your commitment and for your inter- heart. In my congressional district of Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve esting and very good idea about put- Florida, we worked with numerous the balance of my time. ting Americans to work.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:41 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.142 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1293 Madam Speaker, I rise today to sup- The earthquake on January derailed this term commitment to Haiti will live up to the port this legislation to acknowledge progress. standard that the first responders set. that we are talking about a country As this legislation states, the Government of Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. right now that has only 20 percent of Haiti cannot afford to invest in reconstruction Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the revenue that it needs to run its na- and development efforts while continuing to the balance of my time. tion. They need seed. They need fer- make payments on debts owed to multilateral Mr. MEEKS of New York. It is my tilizer. They are living some 80 percent financial institutions like the International Mon- honor to yield 2 minutes to the chair- below the poverty line, owing some $709 etary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the man of the Subcommittee on Africa million in debts to multilateral finan- Inter-American Development Bank and to and Global Health, a longtime fighter cial institutions—$447 million to the other international creditors. for Haiti, the gentleman from New Jer- Inter-American Development Bank— Prior to the earthquake, debt service pay- sey, the Honorable DONALD PAYNE. and also to countries such as Ven- ments to multilateral financial institutions and Mr. PAYNE. Let me begin by com- ezuela. This legislation will, in essence, other international creditors already were a mending Mr. MEEKS from New York help us clear the slate of all of those tremendous burden that interfered with the and Ms. WATERS from California for debts, and it will help us track what ability of the Government of Haiti to meet the this very important legislation, H.R. the United States has done. needs of its people. 4573, Debt Relief for Earthquake Recov- I would like to take this time to On June 30, 2009, the World Bank an- ery in Haiti. thank all of the first responders, nounced that Haiti qualified for and received I also would like to acknowledge Mr. USAID and so many who stood tall $1.2 billion in debt relief from the IMF, the BACHUS for his very impassioned when Haiti called. Today, in the White World Bank, and other multilateral financial in- speech. Yet I am not surprised. House, it was good to be able to ac- stitutions. In order to qualify for this debt relief, Mr. BACHUS, you may recall, when we knowledge those first responders from the Government of Haiti successfully devel- were fighting the brutal Government of around the world, from around the Na- oped and implemented a comprehensive Pov- Sudan, we tried to get capital market tion, in addition to the United States erty Reduction Strategy Paper, under the di- sanctions. You supported our legisla- military. rection of the IMF and the World Bank. tion that brought Mr. Greenspan to the Helping them with this debt relief According to the U.S. Department of the Senate to say, Defeat the Payne-Bach- over all the land will allow the Presi- Treasury, despite previous debt relief, Haiti us legislation because it would disrupt dent to focus on building and on re- still owes a total of $709 million in debts to the stock market. So I commend you building—rebuilding Port-au-Prince, multilateral financial institutions, including $447 again for the great work that you have rebuilding the suburbs in the outlying million to the Inter-American Development done. areas—and to focus on creating jobs for Bank, $165 million to the IMF, $39 million to Madam Speaker, as we have men- the Haitian people and on bringing con- the World Bank, and $58 million to the Inter- tioned, Haiti has had such a tremen- tractors there who will work with Hai- national Fund for Agricultural Development. dous history. Since we know what is in tians in a joint venture with agencies. According to the IMF, Haiti owed Venezuela the bill, I might also mention that it So the relief of this debt, I believe, is $167 million and Taiwan $92 million at the end was during the Revolutionary War that an enormous step in making a dif- of September, 2008; furthermore, the amounts Haitian soldiers fought in one of the ference in the lives of Haitians. of these debts may have grown since that key battles, the Battle of Savannah, I want to thank you and ask support time. The cancellation of Haiti’s debts to multi- where just recently a statue was com- of this legislation. lateral financial institutions and other inter- pleted in Savannah. I spoke at the Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. national creditors will allow the Government of dedication a year or so ago. It turned 4573—the Debt Relief for Earthquake Recov- Haiti to use its meager resources for essential the tide of the war. ery in Haiti Act of 2010. As, a co-sponsor of reconstruction and development efforts. Haitian soldiers fought in a number this bill, I strongly believe that it is a necessary As important as this legislation is, it is only of battles to help the original colonies step to ensure a successful recovery in Haiti. one part of a much larger American assist- of the United States become inde- Haiti’s long term development is currently ance response to the earthquake. America will pendent from Britain. So they shed hampered by its debt burden. January’s earth- continue to respond with humanitarian assist- blood for our independence. Many peo- quake struck Haiti during a time of economic ance to help the people of this struggling is- ple didn’t know that. vulnerability. Before the earthquake, Haiti was, land nation rebuild their livelihoods. I send my Then, as you know, with the defeat of by far, the poorest country in the Western condolences to the people and government of Napoleon’s army by Haiti, as was Hemisphere. Haiti as they grieve once again in the after- talked about, the reparations that had Before the earthquake, Haiti also has math of a natural disaster. As Haiti’s neighbor, to be paid back caused France to be among the world’s lowest levels of gross do- I believe it is the United States’ responsibility cash poor and land rich. It therefore mestic product per capita. An estimated 80 to help Haiti recover, and build the capacity to forced them to sell the Louisiana Ter- percent of the population lived under the pov- mitigate against future disasters. ritory to the United States because it erty line with 54 percent living in abject pov- To date the United States Government has had lost the cash that Haiti had pro- erty, according to the CIA World Factbook. Ac- contributed over $402 million in earthquake re- duced. Over 50 percent of all the com- cording to the United Nations Human Develop- sponse funding for Haiti. It has also deployed modities of tea and coffee and sugar in ment Report, more than two-thirds of the labor approximately 17,000 military personnel in Europe came from Haiti. France lost force is believed to not have formal jobs, and support of the relief effort. Subsequently, as that and therefore needed the cash just 62.1 percent of adults over age 15 are lit- part of the new Government of Haiti-led effort, from the Louisiana sale to have its erate. Additionally, 18 percent of Haitians did the U.N. World Food Program will provide treasury boosted. As a result, the not live to the age of 40. commodities, non-governmental organizations Lewis and Clark expedition began in Yet, despite the destruction wreaked by will manage distributions, and U.S. military will St. Louis, and the United States was multiple tropical storms in 2008, Haiti’s econ- provide security escorts. able then to take the rest of this Na- omy and infrastructure-building seemed to be America and her allies have already initiated tion. Once again, Haiti had a tremen- turning a corner in recent years, aided by a comprehensive, interagency response to the dous part of this. international support and debt relief programs. earthquake. The State Department, Depart- Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. In fact, according to the New York Times, ment of Defense, Department of Homeland Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve ‘‘Haiti was one of only two Caribbean coun- Security, Coast Guard, USAID—all worked the balance of my time. tries expected to grow in 2009. There were overnight to ensure critical resources were po- Mr. MEEKS of New York. I yield 2 hopes of a tourism revival, reinforced by the sitioned to support the response and recovery minutes to the Chair of the sub- announcement that a new Comfort Inn would effort, including efforts to find and assist Amer- committee for the Western Hemi- open there this May. In a sign of its growing ican citizens in Haiti. sphere, the gentleman from New York, structural sophistication, Haiti even recently Once again I stand in solidarity with the the Honorable ELIOT ENGEL. announced that it would begin collecting better people of Haiti and will do everything in my Mr. ENGEL. I thank my good friend national statistics, with the help of the Inter- power to assist them with rebuilding their and fellow New Yorker for yielding to national Monetary Fund, so that it could better country and livelihoods. I am proud of our first me. I want to commend him for the assess and calibrate its economic policies.’’ responders and pledge that America’s long work he has done.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.144 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1294 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 I want to commend my friend and this bill because she believed in this. Despite previous debt relief, Haiti still owes colleague, the gentlewoman from Cali- She believed in the people. She be- a total of $709 million in debts to multilateral fornia (Ms. WATERS) for this bill. lieved that there was a lot of good that financial institutions. Meanwhile, the IDB has Madam Speaker, like all of my col- the American people could do for peo- estimated earthquake damages to total nearly leagues, I rise in strong support of H.R. ple in this part of the world. So I am $14 billion. 4573, which pushes for the cancellation just glad to chair this side of the hear- How can we in good conscience expect of debts owed by Haiti to multilateral ing tonight. I would like to do it in Haiti to send money to foreign governments financial institutions. honor of my daughter, if you don’t and international financial institutions when I am the chairman of the Western mind. there are people sleeping in the streets, chil- Hemisphere Subcommittee, and I also I yield back the balance of my time. dren going hungry, and schools and hospitals have a large Haitian population in my b 1930 reduced to rubble? district in Spring Valley, New York. I have long fought for the people of Haiti, I am honored to say that, last Fri- Mr. MEEKS of New York. Madam both on the island and in our own Nation. On day, I traveled to Haiti. You can see Speaker, I yield myself the balance of this issue in particular, last Congress, I offered the devastation in the newspapers; you my time. an amendment which passed the House of can look at it on television, but until Let me just first thank the chairman Representatives unanimously that put Con- you are there in person, you cannot of the committee, BARNEY FRANK, gress on record encouraging the expedited imagine how horrible it is. Ranking Member BACHUS, and again cancellation of Haiti’s international debt. The other things you see are thou- my ranking member on the Inter- At a time of extreme instability and crisis, sands upon thousands upon thousands national Monetary Policy and Trade Congress and the United States government upon thousands of people in the streets Subcommittee, Mr. MILLER. We came must do all within our power to help ensure a with nothing to do and with no place to together because of the hard work and long-term sustainable recovery for Haiti. go—with no place to go to work and dedication that the gentlelady from I applaud Congresswoman WATERS for her with no place to call home. There are California put forward in writing this long-standing commitment to debt relief for rows of tents and shacks and of things bill to make sure we did the right thing Haiti and for other deserving nations and urge put up for people to seek shelter. There for the people of Haiti. This is one of my colleagues to support this bill. are people just in the streets, and they those times where you are proud of Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I rise in are friendly towards the United States. being a Member of Congress, working support of H.R. 4573. This legislation would We have a special obligation to help together for the good of human beings. direct the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the people of Haiti. Though oftentimes we say that Haiti the United States Executive Directors at the We met President Preval in Port-au- is poor, when I think of Haiti, they are Prince last Friday. Today, I had the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, rich; rich in spirit, rich in human cap- the Inter-American Development Bank to im- honor and pleasure of meeting him ital, rich in hope. These are a people again twice—once at the White House mediately cancel Haiti’s debts and urge do- suffering the most unimaginable trag- nors to disburse grants. While Haiti is rebuild- with President Obama and then, after edy, which still have the hope and de- that meeting, at a private meeting ing, we should allow them to turn a new leaf sire of moving forward, who have over- and not be burdened by overwhelming debt. with Members of Congress. I will tell come and survived all of the things everyone what I told him and what all Last month I visited Haiti and witnessed that Mr. BACHUS and others have said firsthand the destruction caused by the mas- of my colleagues are saying: today, when you think about it, from We must help Haiti. We have a re- sive earthquake of January 12, 2010. It is esti- the very beginning of their independ- sponsibility to help Haiti. It is clear mated by the Haitian government that well ence. that Haiti faces a very long road of re- over 200,000 Haitians have been killed and 3 Indeed, the people of Haiti are a rich covery from the impact of the earth- million have been affected by the natural dis- people, and we are doing the right quake, and this bill will allow the Gov- aster. It is imperative that this body help its thing today and sending the right mes- ernment of Haiti to focus its efforts neighbor in its time of need and make a sig- sage to the people of Haiti, that we will and attention on the present and fu- nificant long-term reconstruction commitment. stand by you, not just for the short ture recovery of the country and on the Haiti has had a long history of multilateral haul, but for the long haul. Haitian people. institutions distributing aid in the form of loans. We all know Haiti’s early history and Madam Speaker, I am proud to be a At its peak, Haiti had a total external debt of independence. It is tragically marked Member of Congress and proud of my $1.8 billion. In recent years the United States by the onerous debts it was forced to colleagues who have worked so hard to has advocated debt forgiveness and the inter- pay by major powers, depriving Haiti of get this bill done, and I am proud that national community recently responded last many years of needed resources and de- we are doing the right thing by the summer by forgiving $1.2 billion in debt to velopment. We shouldn’t allow Haiti’s great people of Haiti. multilateral institutions. present debts to pose similar obstacles Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I strongly support the legislation, which in the wake of this earthquake. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4573, the rightly argues that future aid to Haiti should be People say that Congress can’t agree Debt Relief for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti in the form of grants instead of loans. This on anything and that there is no bipar- Act. must be kept in mind at the Haiti donor con- tisanship here. What we are seeing now It is almost 2 months to the date since the ference scheduled for later this month at the is bipartisanship at its best. We are all already struggling nation of Haiti was rocked United Nations. working together to help the people of by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Madam Speaker, I am heartened by the Haiti. Approximately 3 million people were af- public and private support given to the victims Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. fected and 230,000 are estimated to have by millions of our generous fellow Americans. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the bal- died. Those that survived are facing unimagi- I also commend President Obama’s unwaver- ance of my time. nable conditions, with a crumbling infrastruc- ing commitment to alleviate the suffering. My daughter, Elizabeth, lived with ture that has hindered the delivery of humani- Passing today’s legislation would help free me here in Washington for about 4 tarian aid. our struggling neighbor from the shackles of years. She was one of the directors for Out of this destruction, however, the Haitian debt and offer a glimmer of hope during this a group called Witness for Peace, which people have been given the incredible oppor- time of need. is a human rights organization. tunity to right the wrongs of the past and re- Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I recall very well a trip she led of a build their nation stronger than ever before. the earthquake on January 12, 2010, was the group to Haiti. She spent a week in Though I commend our government’s gen- worst disaster to afflict Haiti in over two cen- Haiti with individuals from the United erous contributions of humanitarian assistance turies. According to recent estimates, the States, looking at the situation that and that from foreign nations, Haiti cannot be earthquake has killed 230,000 people and dis- the people were in and trying to come self-sufficient and its recovery cannot be sus- placed another 1.3 million. up with ways that we could help the tainable if a substantial amount of its re- Haiti is the poorest country in the Western people of that country. sources must go to paying debts that were Hemisphere, with a long history of exploitation My daughter passed away about 2 amounted out of desperation or by repressive, at the hands of world powers. Now, with se- years ago, and I am proud to be part of irresponsible regimes. vere damage to roads, ports, and hospitals,

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.145 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1295 and a desperate need for clean water, food, An integrated approach based on a coordi- sive sanctions against Iran to respond shelter, and basic sanitation, Haiti faces re- nated and transparent distribution of respon- to this threat. construction burdens that may exceed $14 bil- sibilities will prove essential to a successful re- BARACK OBAMA. lion. With such expenses in the future, Haiti is sponse to Haiti’s catastrophic disaster. THE WHITE HOUSE, March 10, 2010. in no position to repay the debts it owes I thank Congresswoman WATERS for intro- f wealthy international creditors. ducing this important measure. SUPPORT NASA’S CONSTELLATION Mr. MEEKS of New York. I yield Madam Speaker, with that in mind I urge my PROGRAM colleagues to support H.R. 4573, legislation I back the balance of my time. cosponsored that would promote debt relief for The SPEAKER pro tempore. The (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked our Haitian brothers and sisters. question is on the motion offered by and was given permission to address The bill urges the Secretary of the Treasury the gentleman from New York (Mr. the House for 1 minute and to revise to instruct the United States executive direc- MEEKS) that the House suspend the and extend his remarks.) Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam tors at the International Monetary Fund, IMF, rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4573, as Speaker, I rise today in strong opposi- the World Bank, the Inter-American Develop- amended. tion to the President’s proposal to can- ment Bank, and other multilateral development The question was taken; and (two- cel the NASA Constellation Program, institutions to use the ‘‘voice, vote, and influ- thirds being in the affirmative) the which covers the Orion Crew capsule, ence of the United States’’ to cancel imme- rules were suspended and the bill, as the Altair Lunar Lander, and the Ares diately and completely all debt owed by Haiti amended, was passed. I and Ares V rockets. These programs, to such institutions; suspend Haiti’s debt serv- The title was amended so as to read: which together comprise our human ice payments to these institutions until the ‘‘A bill to urge the Secretary of the spaceflight program, were authorized debts are canceled completely; and provide Treasury to instruct the United States Executive Directors at the Inter- in both 2005 and 2008 by Republican and additional assistance from these institutions to Democratic Congresses. Haiti through grants so that Haiti does not ac- national Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Inter-American Develop- It is under the Constellation Pro- cumulate additional debt. gram that NASA is currently devel- Despite significant debt relief last summer, ment Bank, and other multilateral de- velopment institutions to use the oping new launch vehicles and space- Haiti owes a total of $828 million in debt to craft capable of traveling to the Moon, multilateral financial institutions, including $447 voice, vote, and influence of the United States to cancel immediately and com- Mars, and other destinations. Not only million to the Inter-American Development does canceling the Constellation Pro- Bank, $284 million to the IMF, $39 million to pletely Haiti’s debts to such institu- tions, and for other purposes.’’. gram jeopardize America’s leadership the World Bank, and $58 million to the Inter- role in human space exploration, but it national Fund for Agricultural Development. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. will have detrimental effects on our Haiti also owes about $400 million to other in- economy. dividual countries. f The issue is it will take years for the Madam Speaker, it is abundantly clear that CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL commercial spaceflight industry to get extraordinary circumstances render impossible EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO up to speed to where the level of com- Haiti’s timely repayment of this debt. Further- IRAN—MESSAGE FROM THE petence exists in NASA today. Our gov- more, our humanity should compel us to ex- PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED ernment has already invested literally tend a compassionate hand to our neighbors STATES (H. DOC. NO. 111–97) years and billions of dollars in this pro- in need. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- gram. We should build upon these in- I urge my colleagues to support this bill. vestments and not abandon them. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I am fore the House the following message from the President of the United Our country can support the com- proud to be an original cosponsor of H.R. mercial spaceflight industry, but not 4573. States; which was read and, together with the accompanying papers, referred at the expense of our human space- As my colleagues have explained, this bill flight programs. calls on the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury to to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed: It is my hope, Madam Speaker, that take certain measures to enable Haiti’s debt this Congress will continue NASA’s relief and to provide additional assistance to To the Congress of the United States: Constellation Program. Haiti from multilateral development institutions Section 202(d) of the National Emer- f in the form of grants. gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides The United States cancelled all of Haiti’s for the automatic termination of a na- PROVIDING FOR NASA SPACE outstanding debt to the U.S. in September of tional emergency unless, prior to the EXPLORATION last year. anniversary date of its declaration, the (Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas asked Similarly, Haiti has already received hun- President publishes in the Federal Reg- and was given permission to address dreds of millions of dollars in debt relief from ister and transmits to the Congress a the House for 1 minute.) the World Bank and Inter-American Develop- notice stating that the emergency is to Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam ment Bank, IDB. continue in effect beyond the anniver- Speaker, I rise today to ask my col- However, it still retains significant debt to sary date. In accordance with this pro- leagues to join me in cosponsoring H. various bilateral donors, the IMF, and the IDB. vision, I have sent the enclosed notice Con. Res. 1150, which establishes NASA By passing this measure, we can help to to the Federal Register for publication and all of its assets as a national secu- minimize the enormous fiscal pressures facing stating that the Iran emergency de- rity interest. the Government of Haiti in the aftermath of its clared on March 15, 1995, is to continue We need to work with the President tragic earthquake so that its limited resources in effect beyond March 15, 2010. in moving forward on restoring the may be used for more immediate priorities. The crisis between the United States funds for the Constellation Program Also, by encouraging the use of grants and Iran resulting from actions and and to reemphasize and recommit our- versus loans, Haiti will have the opportunity to policies of the Government of Iran that selves to human space exploration. In take advantage of certain resources from led to the declaration of a national the current budget of the NASA pro- these institutions without increasing its future emergency on March 15, 1995, has not gram, funds have been increased, but financial burdens. been resolved. The actions and policies funds have been taken away from the This bill will help prevent Haiti from getting of the Government of Iran are contrary Constellation Program. In essence, it in over its head at a time when every penny to the interests of the United States in has been canceled. counts. the region and pose a continuing un- My request is that we have our task It also recognizes the important role that usual and extraordinary threat to the before us, and the answer is simple: to other bilateral donors play in the long-term re- national security, foreign policy, and reprogram the funds that are in the covery efforts of Haiti. economy of the United States. For NASA budget to ensure that this great By calling on other bilateral, multilateral and these reasons, I have determined that asset of NASA, NASA Johnson, the private creditors to provide debt cancellation to it is necessary to continue the national NASA centers in Alabama and Mis- Haiti, H.R. 4573 underscores the concept of emergency declared with respect to sissippi and Florida and elsewhere, are shared responsibility. Iran and maintain in force comprehen- maintained.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:41 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.073 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1296 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 The international space station has terms and did not seek reelection to have an article about four marines who been built over the last 10 years. It has the 105th Congress and resigned on Oc- were killed that asked the Army to been built with the genius, the intel- tober 8, 1996. give them cover. The Army didn’t say lect, and the research of the United Charlie was known in the Halls of ‘‘no’’; they just didn’t even respond. States. That research and genius and Congress as ‘‘Good Time Charlie,’’ but The rules of engagement are so dif- that kind of data requires protection as it was an appropriate name for him. He ferent for our troops that I think at a national security interest. The fund- was very funny, joyful, and full of life— some point in time we in the Congress, ing that needs to be restored will help and very humorous. After he retired particularly on the Armed Services create this opportunity and save jobs. from Congress, he settled down, he got Committee, I am going to ask for a Let us save jobs and provide for married, and he was at peace with him- hearing about the rules of engagement. NASA space exploration. self and looked more comfortable and I want to explain and then read a couple of comments from the father f at ease. Charlie truly enjoyed life. In 2006, we asked him to come and which was in this article, Sergeant SPECIAL ORDERS visit with us in Corpus Christi, and this Bernard, retired Marine, whose son The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under was when his book came out, ‘‘Charlie Joshua was killed. What had happened the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- Wilson’s War.’’ He gave time to the was the marines had been in a firefight. uary 6, 2009, and under a previous order people in the district and signed and Then there was an Afghan that came to of the House, the following Members autographed every book. the marines and said, Listen, there are other Taliban enemy down the road, will be recognized for 5 minutes each. I remember one of the stories—and and if you follow me, I will show you f some of the stuff that I know about Charlie we probably wouldn’t be able to where they are located. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a say here in the House, but he enjoyed 1945 previous order of the House, the gen- b life. He brought a beautiful young lady tleman from Alabama (Mr. BRIGHT) is This is where I want to pick up the from Russia to visit the United States, recognized for 5 minutes. story by the father’s writing. He said, and they asked Charlie, ‘‘Are you going (Mr. BRIGHT addressed the House. When the ambush began, the tipster to give her secrets?’’ He said, ‘‘The His remarks will appear hereafter in could not be found, and the interpreter only thing I am going to give her are the Extensions of Remarks.) took cover, raising questions in Ber- Victoria’s Secrets.’’ nard’s mind about whether they led the f That was Charlie Wilson. He was a Marines into a trap. There’s no ques- TRIBUTE TO THE LATE great guy. tion they did. I further quote Sergeant HONORABLE CHARLIE WILSON There is much I can say about Charlie—he Bernard, who’s retired now: ‘‘Call me was one-of-a-kind. I served with him diligently The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a cynical if you want, but some rogue in the House of Representatives. I will miss previous order of the House, the gen- element led them there. The bottom him dearly, as well as my colleagues from the line is both of those guys were gone. tleman from Texas (Mr. ORTIZ) is rec- Texas Delegation. We all loved and cared for It’s just another indication of how this ognized for 5 minutes. Charlie dearly, and I know we will continue to counterinsurgency strategy can’t Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, today work together in unison for the betterment of work.’’ we are here to honor the life and work our state and country. I further want to read: ‘‘In an Octo- of my good friend Representative Char- On February 10, 2010, this country lost a ber 13 letter to Collins, Mullen ad- lie Wilson, whom I had the pleasure of great person and my friend, Charlie Wilson. dressed Bernard’s concerns by saying serving with in the House of Represent- May he rest in peace. that ‘the new tactical directive did not atives for 13 years. Charlie was a I offer my condolences to Charlie’s wife, change the ROE in Afghanistan, but unique person, one of a kind, and he Barbara Alberstadt. May God bring peace to rather provided more clarification and will be missed dearly by his family, her, his family, friends and loved ones. May guidelines regarding the use of force. friends, and colleagues in the House. Charlie be with the Lord. We have refined our procedures in Charlie had a very special and unique f order to reduce civilian casualties, but side to him. He knew when to be tough, at no time have the ROE been modified The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a he knew when to laugh, he knew when to place our troops at greater risk,’ previous order of the House, the gen- to speak his thoughts, but, above all, Mullen wrote. ‘Our troops still operate tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) is recog- he knew how to serve the people of this under a set of ROE that allows them to nized for 5 minutes. great country and his district. protect themselves against enemy ac- (Mr. POE of Texas addressed the At the age of 23, after graduating tions in balance with the Afghan popu- House. His remarks will appear here- with a bachelor of science degree from lace.’ ’’ the U.S. Naval Academy, Charlie joined after in the Extensions of Remarks.) Sergeant Bernard, a retired Marine the United States Navy, where he at- f who served this Nation, said ‘‘the let- tained the rank of lieutenant. After ter is ‘smoke and mirrors’ and over- serving as a surface fleet officer for 4 AMERICAN INVOLVEMENT IN AFGHANISTAN looks his consistent concern: A coun- years, he was assigned to the Pentagon terinsurgency strategy won’t work as as part of an intelligence unit that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a long as Afghanistan is filled with war- studied the Soviet Union’s nuclear previous order of the House, the gen- ring tribes that have no empathy for forces. tleman from North Carolina (Mr. the U.S. and its way of life.’’ At the age of 27, Charlie was elected JONES) is recognized for 5 minutes. I further want to read down in his re- to the Texas Legislature, and in 1961 he Mr. JONES. Madam Speaker, today sponse in the Marine Corps Times: ‘‘I was sworn into office in the State’s during the debate about Afghanistan, I already talked to Collins’ office and capital in Austin, Texas. For more joined Mr. KUCINICH and several others said, ‘Don’t let him spin this crap.’ than 12 years, Charlie was known as in our concerns about Afghanistan, and There’s no indication that Afghanistan the tough dog in the State capitol, and I wanted to further read to the House. has changed anywhere. Our mission he was also often called the ‘‘liberal I had used a Marine Times article that should be very, very simple: Chase and from Lufkin, Texas.’’ During his time has a photograph of a marine who is re- kill the enemy.’’ in the State legislature, he fought for tired now and his son, Joshua, who was Madam Speaker, that’s exactly what Medicaid, tax exemptions for the elder- killed in Afghanistan. The article says they should be doing, instead of this ly, the Equal Rights Amendment, and a ‘‘Caution Killed My Son. Marine Fami- other type of strategy. minimum wage bill. lies Blast Suicidal Tactics in Afghani- Bernard said he is frustrated that the In 1972, while I was an elected county stan.’’ senator’s office, one of his home State commissioner in Texas, Charlie was In addition to this article about his senators and a member of the Senate elected to the House of Representatives son and the tighter rules of engage- Armed Service Committee, has handled from the Second District of Texas near ment, ‘‘families voice outrage over new his complaints as that of a single con- Houston. He served in Congress for 11 restrictions in Afghanistan,’’ they also stituent—and I’m not getting into

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:41 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.148 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1297 whether they did or didn’t, but just as a State senator he’s known as ‘‘Tim- Intelligence Agency covert operation, reading what he said—rather, seeing ber Charlie’’ because he represented under President Reagan’s administra- for what he is: representative of the the timber trees of east Texas. But a tion, by supplying military equipment, hundreds of people—hundreds of peo- great Member. He was elected in 1972, including antiaircraft weapons such as ple—he says have contacted him about like I said, to the U.S. House of Rep- Stinger antiaircraft missiles and para- this whole rules of engagement. I want resentatives from the Second District. military officers from their Special Ac- to quote, and this will be the close: He was elected 11 times. He did not run tivities Division to the Afghan Mujahe- ‘‘ ‘You can’t turn this into one lone for reelection in 1996. In fact, he re- deen during the Soviet war in Afghani- idiot in the backwoods of Maine signed in October of 1996. stan. From a few million dollars in the mourning his son,’ he said. ‘This is big- Charles Nesbitt Wilson was born in 1980s, his support for the resistance ger than that.’ ’’ Trinity, Texas, where his father was an grew to $750 million a year by the end So, Madam Speaker, I intend to ask accountant for a lumber company, on of the decade. the Armed Services Committee, which June 1, 1933, in the depths of the De- I remember Charlie Wilson telling us is chaired by a wonderful man from pression. He attended the Naval Acad- in 1996, when he was leaving, and ear- Missouri, and the ranking member emy in Annapolis and graduated in lier, that we made a mistake by aban- from California, we need to have this 1956. He served 4 years in the Navy, doning Afghanistan. And literally after debate on behalf of the families as well from 1956 to 1960, and came back to 9/11, he came and talked to the delega- as the Marines and the Army. What are Texas, where he was elected to the tion and said we made a mistake, and the rules of engagement? What can State house and the State senate. we’re paying the price for it right now they do and cannot do? When I read Charlie Wilson died on February 10, because we left Afghanistan in turmoil these articles about the number that 2010, at Lufkin Memorial Hospital in and ended up with the Taliban. We have died just because we could not Lufkin, Texas, where he had been don’t need to make that mistake again. give them cover in certain situations, taken after collapsing earlier in the That’s why tonight I’m proud to honor if that’s the way we’re supposed to day and suffered from a cardiopul- Charlie Wilson in his service to our fight a war, then that’s a poor way to monary arrest. He was pronounced country. fight the war. dead at 12:16 p.m. Central Time. Con- f Madam Speaker, with that, I’m going gressman Wilson received a graveside The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a to close as I always do. I know the gen- service with full military honors at the previous order of the House, the gen- tleman from Texas has a tribute to pay Arlington National Cemetery on Feb- tleman from Kansas (Mr. MORAN) is to a former Member who I happened to ruary 23, 2010. recognized for 5 minutes. serve one term with and thought the Now for some of the stories about (Mr. MORAN of Kansas addressed the world of him. My daddy knew him and Charlie Wilson as a friend. I’m glad my House. His remarks will appear here- thought Charlie Wilson was a great colleague from Texas, JOE BARTON, is after in the Extensions of Remarks.) here, and Congressman CHET EDWARDS guy. Let me get that on the RECORD. f My close is this: I ask God to please and AL GREEN and SHEILA JACKSON IN HONOR OF CHARLIE WILSON bless our men and women in uniform. I LEE, because Charlie had some stories ask God to please bless the families of that we couldn’t tell on the floor of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a our men and women in uniform. I ask House. But I’m going to tell you some previous order of the House, the gen- God to please bless this country and of the good ones. tleman from Texas (Mr. BARTON) is rec- bless the President, that he will do He is survived by his wife, Barbara, ognized for 5 minutes. what is right for this country. And I the former Barbara Alberstadt, and his Mr. BARTON of Texas. I rise in sup- ask God to please bless America. sister, Sharon Allison. Charlie told me port and honor of the late Congressman many times, like he told other Mem- Charlie Wilson of the Second Congres- f bers, that he credited his wife Barbara sional District of Texas. I didn’t know The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a with saving his life because it got him Congressman Wilson in his salad days. previous order of the House, the gentle- off a lot of things that he shouldn’t I didn’t get elected until 1984. By that woman from California (Ms. WOOLSEY) have been on to begin with. In having time, he had calmed down, apparently is recognized for 5 minutes. seen him many times after he left Con- quite a bit. But I can now state it, (Ms. WOOLSEY addressed the House. gress, Charlie was still Charlie. since the statute of limitations has ex- Her remarks will appear hereafter in Charlie entered politics as a teen- pired, I voted for Congressman Wilson the Extensions of Remarks.) ager. He began by running a campaign six times. I lived in east Texas, in f against his next-door neighbor, a city Crockett, Texas, in Houston County, in council member in Trinity, Texas. the Second Congressional District, and TRIBUTE TO CHARLIE WILSON When Charlie was 13, his dog entered we didn’t have a Republican primary, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a that neighbor’s yard—a city council and I don’t recall that we had a Repub- previous order of the House, the gentle- member—and he retaliated by mixing lican opponent against Congressman woman from Texas (Mr. GENE GREEN) glass in the dog’s food and causing Wilson in the time that I lived in is recognized for 5 minutes. fatal internal bleeding. Being a farm- Crockett. And so my choice was to vote Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. I’m er’s son, Charlie was able to get a driv- for him or not vote at all. I chose to proud to follow my colleague from er’s permit at age 13. And so he was vote for him. North Carolina. We share his support going to pay that council member I never went to one of his town hall and his prayers for our men and women back. So he drove 96 people to the polls meetings down at the courthouse on serving this country. That’s why it’s so on the next election at age 13—it was the square because I felt like he was important tonight to be here to honor mainly black citizens, African Amer- doing a very good job for those con- the late Member of Congress, Charlie ican citizens from the poor side of stituents in east Texas, including my- Wilson, from east Texas. town—to make sure they knew what self. He was a strong defender of the I first met Charlie Wilson in 1972, as happened to his dog. That incumbent military, very strong on what we call a young State representative. He had lost by 16 votes. So Charlie Wilson en- Texas values. He worked quite a bit on just been elected to Congress. It was a tered politics at 13 years of age by de- the Big Thicket in east Texas. He was fundraiser for him at the Interconti- feating a city council member in his an environmentalist ahead of his time. nental Airport, The Marriott, in Hous- neighborhood. When I got elected in 1984, I made it ton. I was 25-years-old and went out Charlie had so many things I could a point to get to know Congressman there, and the State senator who was tell you; wrapping his arm around us Wilson, or Charlie Wilson, because I just elected to Congress, and heard and giving us that counsel. But I think had been his constituent and I knew of Charlie tell the folks stories. And this he’s best known outside of Texas for his reputation. I just felt like he would is 1972—long before Afghanistan, long being the leader in Congress during the be a good guy to get to know. And he before Charlie Wilson became known as 1980s and known for supporting Oper- was. He was a really, really good per- ‘‘good-time Charlie.’’ In fact, in Texas, ation Cyclone, the largest-ever Central son. When his mother died, I felt as a

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He was a great patriot, Charlie—and yes, he did enjoy life—the need me to do anything. I didn’t really a great son of Texas, and somebody truth is that Charlie Wilson spent his know your mother very well, but I that those who knew him, he was very, entire adult life in the serious business know she must have been a good very loyal to. So God bless Charlie Wil- of public service to our Nation. He woman if you were her son. And he son and his family. graduated from the Naval Academy never forgot that. From then on, any- b 2000 and then served our Nation as a lieu- thing I needed from Congressman Wil- tenant and as a naval intelligence offi- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. son, if he could do it, he did it. But he cer. At the age of 27, he was elected to SCHRADER). Under a previous order of also asked you things. the Texas legislature where he was the House, the gentleman from Oregon I will never forget out on the steps of known as the liberal from Lufkin, sup- (Mr. DEFAZIO) is recognized for 5 min- the Capitol one time he came up to me porting such progressive causes as the utes. and he said, JOE I need a favor. I said, minimum wage, Medicaid, and the (Mr. DEFAZIO addressed the House. What is it, Charlie? He said, Well, I Equal Rights Amendment. need a Republican sponsor for an His remarks will appear hereafter in In 1972, he was elected to Congress amendment in the Appropriations the Extensions of Remarks.) where he became known as a champion Committee. I said, Okay. What is it? f of a strong national defense, a friend of He said, I can’t tell you. I said, Well, REMEMBERING REPRESENTATIVE average working families, and yes, how much money is it? He said, I can’t CHARLIE WILSON someone who played a key role in tell you. I said, Well, how many years bringing down the Communist Soviet is it? He said, I can’t tell you. I said, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Union. Who would have ever guessed, Well what can you tell me? He said, If previous order of the House, the gen- my friends and colleagues from Texas, you do this for me, I will do almost tleman from Texas (Mr. EDWARDS) is that Charles Hazard of Trinity, Texas, anything you want in the Appropria- recognized for 5 minutes. many years ago, killing his 13-year-old tions Committee for you. So I didn’t Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Mr. Speak- neighbor’s dog, would lead to the know. To this day, I don’t know what er, I rise tonight to pay respects to my mighty Soviet Union falling someday. that amendment was. But after reading former colleague and friend, Texas History is an interesting thing, and some of the history of that time and Congressman Charlie Wilson. Charlie Charlie Wilson certainly will always be that era, my assumption is that I was Wilson was bigger than life, and he was a part of it, as playing a key role in the Republican sponsor of an amend- as real as the Texas day is long. I con- one of the most monumental achieve- ment that got funding for the black sidered it a privilege and a joy to know ments in our Nation’s history. box programs in Afghanistan for Sting- him as a colleague and as a friend. Charlie Wilson did what every one of er missiles. Now I don’t know that, Most Americans will forever know us, Republican or Democrat, would Madam Speaker, but that’s kind of the Charlie Wilson from the movie ‘‘Char- dream to do and would dream that it be way he operated. lie Wilson’s War.’’ I have been asked by Another story I can tell you is that I people who knew that I knew and said about us at the end of our public was standing here back behind the rail served with Charlie whether he was service careers: Charlie Wilson made a one afternoon and we had a series of really as colorful as he was portrayed difference. He made a difference for his votes going on, and Charlie came up to to be in that movie. My answer is that State of Texas, for his beloved con- me and he said, What are you doing in that movie was the only time ever that stituents in east Texas. He made a dif- a month or so? I said, I don’t know. He Hollywood had to tone down reality in ference for America, and, yes, he made said, Well, I’m going to take a little order to make it believable. a difference for the world. trip. I said, Where are you going? He I have no idea whether Charlie ever To his widow, Barbara, and to his sis- said, We’ll go anywhere you want to read Shakespeare, but whether he did ter, my dear friend Sharon Allison in go. I said, Where do you want to go? He or not, the truth is, he personified my hometown of Waco, Texas, I hope said, Well, I have to go to Afghanistan, Polonius’ wise observation in Hamlet: they know that our thoughts and pray- and I have to go to Morocco. And if ‘‘This above all: To thine own self be ers are with them. I thank you and you’ll come with me, after that we’ll true, And it must follow, as the night your family for sharing with us and for go anywhere you want to go. I said, the day, Thou canst not then be false sharing with the world this great treas- Well, I’ll think about it. Well, I asked to any man.’’ It makes me wonder if ure that God brought into this world. my chief of staff and she said no. I somehow Polonius didn’t know Charlie His spirit will be with us always. May asked my wife, and she said no. So then Wilson. God bless Charlie Wilson and the great I had to tell Congressman Wilson that Charlie Wilson was not false to any land that he loved. I couldn’t go. That’s the trip that he man, any person or any constituent, Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to took the Miss World on where he ended not ever. He was the real thing, and I take a few minutes to remember a patriot, a up going to Afghanistan. think in this sometimes cynical world, great Texan, and a great friend, Charlie Wil- Another story that I can tell you is that is what all of us blessed to know son. I had the pleasure of serving with Charlie that a couple of us Congressmen were him as a friend found so very endearing in the Texas State Senate and then in the walking down the street one day, and about him. In fact, Mr. Speaker, a House for another 17 years, and though we we saw Congressman Wilson walking number of Charlie’s former colleagues didn’t see eye to eye on every issue, it was over to the Capitol, and he had this who had served with him, members of not often we disagreed. very strikingly beautiful young woman the Texas delegation, have asked that Charlie was a courageous and kind man that he was walking with. Congress- we include their remarks with respect with a strong sense of justice that compelled man DAN BURTON said, Charlie, that to Charlie, his life and his spirit. him to work for the good of others. I think that, woman is as pretty as Miss Universe. Also, Mr. Speaker, I would like to in- more than anything else, will be the enduring And he says, It is Miss Universe. And it sert into the RECORD the remarks of part of his legacy. He decided to commit his was. Ralph Hall who also served many years energy, and the efforts of this country, to help- He also loved cats—I mean the four- with Charlie, and I would only just ing the Afghani people against the Soviets, not legged cats. They ran all over his office summarize one statement made by just because it was the Cold War and it was and all over the Rayburn building on Ralph about his good friend Charlie. He us versus them, but because he saw the the floor. As far as I know, House Ad- said, He was a courageous and kind atrocities committed against the Afghani peo- ministration never chastised him. man with a strong sense of justice that ple and he knew that the United States could

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Then in 1972, the Second Congres- when he puts his mind to it, this body party, and it is true that he knew how to have sional District of Texas elected Charlie ought to always be inspired by the a good time. He was married earlier in his life to the U.S. House of Representatives. memory of the great, late Charlie Wil- before coming up here to Washington, and I And it wasn’t until 1996 that he decided son. remember once, he had been dating this Rus- not to run again. The slogan that he f sian beauty, and there were loud talks and ru- used throughout his campaign—it real- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a mors in the tabloids that wedding bells were ly pretty well summarized the man, previous order of the House, the gentle- inevitable, and then one day I woke up and ‘‘Wilson gets it done,’’ and Charlie did. woman from Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR) is rec- the headlines read that the matrimony was off. He is from what some people call the ognized for 5 minutes. So I asked him what happened, and he said Bible Belt, and what I’ve heard from (Ms. KAPTUR addressed the House. to me, ‘‘Ralph, you knew I wasn’t going to constituents many times is, Yes, we Her remarks will appear hereafter in marry that girl,’’ and I said, ‘‘Charlie, how was knew about Charlie’s issues, but the the Extensions of Remarks.) thing about Charlie, he was always I supposed to know that?’’ And he said, ‘‘You f ever see a three legged fox get near a trap honest about them. And I will never again?’’ forget when we were naming the VA REMEMBERING REPRESENTATIVE Well, he was a wise old fox indeed and clinic for the man who is the reason CHARLIE WILSON managed, himself, to trap the love of his life, it’s in Lufkin, Texas. The VA Sec- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a the beautiful Barbara Alberstadt, and she retary came and he spoke, and then I previous order of the House, the gen- blessed the last 11 years of Charlie’s life. had the honor of introducing Charlie, tleman from Texas (Mr. AL GREEN) is We’re all sad that he’s gone, but I for one am and Charlie got up and he was really recognized for 5 minutes. proud to have served in this Congress with emotional. He told the crowd there— Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- such an outstanding man, Charlie Wilson. there was a huge crowd there that as- er, I did not know Charlie Wilson, but sembled in his honor there at the civic f I know friends of Charlie Wilson, and center—and he said very emotionally, I based upon what his friends say, he was The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a love you people. Sixteen times you truly a remarkable person. I admire previous order of the House, the gen- overlooked my personal indiscretions people who march to the beat of a dif- tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) is and allowed me to represent you. ferent drummer. I admire people who recognized for 5 minutes. Now, there are not many politicians are original, who do things in a very (Mr. BURTON of Indiana addressed that would stand up and say, You over- good way, but they do the things that the House. His remarks will appear looked my personal indiscretions 16 they do in their very own way. hereafter in the Extensions of Re- times and let me represent you, but It appears that Charlie Wilson was marks.) Charlie did. That was Charlie, and he such a person. While he could easily f made no bones about who he was or have been a great Congressperson rep- what he was. REMEMBERING REPRESENTATIVE resenting the people of his district and And in fact, when Tip O’Neill had put CHARLIE WILSON not traveling abroad, he took it upon him on the Ethics Committee and a re- himself to not only help the people of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a porter said, Well, what are you doing Afghanistan but to go there and be a previous order of the House, the gen- on the Ethics Committee? He re- part of it and to actually take others tleman from Texas (Mr. GOHMERT) is sponded a famous quote: ‘‘Well, I love into Afghanistan as well to help people recognized for 5 minutes. women, and I love whiskey, and we de- with a resistance movement. He Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I do serve to be represented on that com- marched to the beat of a different rise in tribute to Charlie Wilson. He mittee too.’’ He made no bones about drummer. He did not allow the cir- was a constituent of mine. He was an it. His constituents loved him. He was cumstances of what we call ‘‘the norm’’ inspiration to me. For those that don’t always honest about things, and that to prevent him from doing unusual know, he was born in Trinity, Texas, goes so far, and everyone should take things in a most significant way. and had education at Sam Houston notice of that fact, that America loves I regret that I did not have the op- State University, but he also attended people who are honest with them. He portunity to meet him, because I be- the U.S. Naval Academy. He loved this took care of his seniors. I heard that lieve that such a person has a positive country. He was willing to lay down his over and over. You know, Charlie Wil- impact on the lives around him; and as life for this country. son took care of those who couldn’t I listen to his friends speak so highly of Between 1956 and 1960, Charlie Wilson take care of themselves. And it was one what he was able to do here in the Con- served in the United States Navy, ob- of the reasons that people loved him in gress of the United States of America, tained the rank of lieutenant, and the east Texas, and it’s one of the things I only can say, Charlie, I didn’t have an man knew about defending America. It that inspires me, having seen what he opportunity to meet you on this side, was a part of his heart and soul and did. but I know that at some point, I’ll have was something he carried with him You know, here I was a Republican, an opportunity to meet you, and I want throughout his life. His political career he was a Democrat. He always made you to share some of those many sto- began in 1960 when he was elected to time if I had questions: What do you ries with me. the Texas House of Representatives. think about Afghanistan? Because no- You have been a friend of this coun- And as my friend Mr. EDWARDS men- body knew more about Afghanistan try, and this country loves you. God tioned, the official version is that it than Charlie. He always had sage ad- bless you, Charlie. I know that wher- began in 1960 when he was elected to vice, and I really appreciated that. And ever you are, there’s a good time being the House of Representatives in Texas, I would like to also quote Jim Turner had. but actually, it did begin when his that followed Charlie in Congress. Jim f neighbor poisoned his dog, and Charlie described him as a dedicated public got so active as a young high school servant who fought hard for the people OUR FUTURE IN AFGHANISTAN kid that he started taking people to of his district. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a the polls to make sure there were And I would just like to also pay previous order of the House, the gen- enough people to defeat the man that tribute—and I know that Barbara, his tleman from Texas (Mr. CONAWAY) is poisoned his dog. That was really his widow, is still mourning his loss and recognized for 5 minutes. start in politics. But he saw what one will for a long time to come. Barbara Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, this person could do if they were deter- Wilson made a difference in Charlie’s afternoon we had a serious and earnest

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.064 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1300 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 debate about our future role in Afghan- and destruction. They will also expand (Mr. CUELLAR addressed the House. istan. I firmly believe that there are their fight to the tribal areas of Paki- His remarks will appear hereafter in respectful differences of opinion on this stan, which has the potential to desta- the Extensions of Remarks.) war, and that support for a war is not bilize a nuclear power, and inflame the f a litmus test for one’s support for simmering tension between Pakistan HONORING CHARLIE WILSON America. However, I’m grateful that and India, another nuclear power. this House has overwhelmingly re- While it is relatively easy to esti- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a jected running from America’s vital in- mate what we have spent so far and previous order of the House, the gentle- terests and the people of Afghanistan. what we will spend in the coming years woman from Texas (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE Our debate today presented a stark in Afghanistan, it is impossible to JOHNSON) is recognized for 5 minutes. choice to Members, quite literally, to know the value of the calamities that Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. stay or to go in Afghanistan. It is one have been prevented because we re- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life in which there is no middle ground, no main. There is no value that can be put and honor the accomplishments of Congress- hedging, no fudging. In the most un- on the growth of a civil society, no cost man Charlie Wilson who passed away on Feb- equivocal terms I can muster, I reso- that can be put on stabilizing Paki- ruary 10, 2010. lutely oppose our retreat from Afghani- stan, and no price that can be put on Charlie Wilson was a remarkable Congress- stan. the recent rapprochement of Pakistan man, and in his time in the U.S. House of Mr. Speaker, more times than I can and India. Failure in these develop- Representatives, he worked diligently for his count in the past few years, we have ments will hurt our national security, constituents in East Texas. During his tenure been reminded that the war in Afghani- yet a retreat will make them more in the House, he gained a seat on the House stan was the good war, that it was the likely. Appropriations Committee and through his po- war of necessity over the war of choice. I believe, as we all do, that Ameri- sition on the Subcommittee on Defense, he I stand here today to remind my col- cans want peace above all else. None of helped to fund the Afghan Mujahideen during leagues of their many statements in us desires our friends and families to be the Soviet War in Afghanistan. Additionally, his that regard. We did not seek this war. deployed overseas, battling among the support for progressive politics led him to be Our enemy sought us out. We did not rocks and caves of the foreign country- an advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment, march into Afghanistan for profit or side. However, peace will not come a minimum wage bill, and Medicaid. pleasure or plunder. We went to ensure until our enemies end their drive for All of these actions have garnered Con- that Afghani soil is never again used to our destruction. Until that day, talk of gressman Wilson a place in the history books, wage war or terrorize civilians. leaving Afghanistan means only that but it was his personality that earned him a We did not ask for this war; but now our enemies will bring the fight back place in the hearts of so many people across that it’s come, we cannot loosen the to us. Texas. When everything was said and done, There can be no peace in Afghanistan amount of responsibility that we have we all knew that his deepest concern was for without a cessation of hostilities. taken up. To be certain, our goals in the people of his district in East Texas, and as Whether we leave today, tomorrow, or Afghanistan are difficult. Continuing a fellow Texas Democrat, I am privileged to at the end of this year, this war does to forge a partnership with the have served with him. His love for life will re- not end simply because we choose not Afghanis will take military might, dip- verberate through the halls of Congress for to be engaged in it. The Taliban will lomatic finesse, and our hard-earned years to come, and he will be truly missed by return. With their return, they will ex- taxpayers to succeed. his fellow Texans, and especially me. pand their efforts to destabilize our Mr. Speaker, Texas has lost a great leader b 2015 ally Pakistan, and again provide sanc- and legislator with the passing of Congress- However, these are costs that we tuary for radical Islamic jihadists who man Wilson, and I ask my fellow colleagues to must bear and should bear. The Presi- will continue to try to murder Ameri- join me today in honoring his memory. cans in the name of their faith. dent and our military leadership under- f stand the seriousness of our task. Time Mr. Speaker, I hope and pray fer- and again in speeches and testimony vently for a day when our Armed ECONOMIC RECOVERY and interviews they have repeated that Forces do come home. However, until The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Afghanistan is the epicenter of Islamic our enemies lay down their arms and the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- extremism, and that defeating al Qaeda give up their fight to destroy our civili- uary 6, 2009, the gentlewoman from in central Asia is essential to securing zation, our military must remain out California (Ms. CHU) is recognized for 60 peace both in the region and here at there on the wall, doing their duty to minutes as the designee of the major- home. uphold America’s democracy and our ity leader. Our partners in bringing peace to Af- safety. Under the Speaker’s announced pol- ghanistan are the Afghan people them- That we have spent so much time icy of January 6, 2009, the gentleman selves. It is their homes that have been today discussing abandoning our allies from Ohio (Mr. BOCCIERI) is recognized destroyed and their children who have deeply saddens me. Halfway around the for the remainder of the hour. perished in 30 years of war. Yet these world I know that our Afghan partners Mr. BOCCIERI. Thank you, Mr. beaten and downtrodden people have were watching what was said and try- Speaker. Sorry for the confusion this stood next to our soldiers to fight for ing to divine our intent by holding this evening. their future and their country because debate. It is my firm hope that they Tonight I am joined by several of my we told them that we will help them see today’s vote for what it is, the un- colleagues from around the country bring order to the chaos of their home- qualified, overwhelming voice of the who want to talk to you about the land. House of Representatives announcing economy and how we are working hard Many of my colleagues have dis- that we will not abandon our friends in here in Congress to set the record cussed the costs of war, and they are their deepest hour of need. straight, but also, more importantly, right to consider what we have paid in f to put our people back to work. blood and treasure to fight this fight. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a If you remember when we took office, However, they have failed to weigh previous order of the House, the gen- Mr. Speaker, we were suffering from what giving up would cost us. Prac- tleman from Texas (Mr. GONZALEZ) is one of the worst recessions since the tically speaking, to retreat today recognized for 5 minutes. Great Depression. In fact, many have means the Afghan central government (Mr. GONZALEZ addressed the called this the Great Recession. And will fail. When it fails, the Taliban will House. His remarks will appear here- ironically, of all commercials, there is return to reclaim what was theirs and after in the Extensions of Remarks.) a contemporary insurance commercial again plunge the country into the des- f out on the airwaves today that says, potic darkness of blind religious zeal- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ‘‘How will we remember the time and otry. The Taliban will welcome home previous order of the House, the gen- our experience? Will we remember this radical Islamic jihadists back to their tleman from Texas (Mr. CUELLAR) is time as the great recession or the re- soil to again plan their acts of murder recognized for 5 minutes. cession that made us great?’’ I think

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.163 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1301 tonight you are going to hear from my But we have to understand the ditch debt. You know, when President Clin- colleagues who say that we are going that we are trying to climb out of. And ton left office, our country was facing to be remembered for the recession I want to say to you that while we see a $5.6 trillion surplus, a $5.6 trillion that will once again make this country manufacturing increasing, while we see surplus, and when President Bush left as great as it has been in the past by home sales increasing, we need to see office, we were facing almost a $13 tril- focusing on real things, real chal- more and more people get back to lion deficit. So it is very clear that lenges, and offering up real solutions. work. And that is what my colleagues after two tax cuts to the wealthiest When we took office, Mr. Speaker, are focusing on here today. among us, after two undeclared, un- the economy was in freefall. We didn’t Around the world over the last cen- funded wars and a prescription drug know where we were going to land. tury the typical financial crisis caused plan that left a huge doughnut hole for Record job losses were across the air- jobless rates to rise almost 5 years, ac- average working families and seniors, waves, people were standing in lines cording to the economist Carmen we have a deficit now that has put us waiting for unemployment checks, and Reinhart. Over the timeline our rate on the brink. And that’s why we had a we found out that it was the most sig- would still be rising by early 2012. And quick reaction and that is why we nificant job loss since the Great De- as Ben Bernanke and Henry Paulson, passed the American Recovery Act. pression. who were both Republicans, said, that Now I want to call on my colleague Record job losses. We didn’t know many others warned in 2008 if dramatic from California, because she is going to where the economy was going to fall. action was not taken to break back the talk about how this has impacted one Two undeclared, unfunded wars. A recession, the United States could spi- of the largest States in the country, banking system in chaos. Greed on ral into another Great Depression. and I yield to the gentlewoman from Wall Street. It was a perfect prescrip- These are experts. These are econo- California (Ms. CHU). tion for a perfect storm, and one that mists. These are people who have dis- Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to has led us to where we now have enor- tinction and recognition all around the be a member of the Democratic Con- mous challenges in front of us. The job world. It is important that we recog- gressional Jobs Working Group. To- market was losing 750,000 jobs a month, nize that we had to take swift action gether, we are proposing solutions to and unemployment was climbing just here. our job crisis. In fact, one of those pro- as fast. The economy was contracting In the fourth quarter of 2009, the posals is H.R. 4564, the Emergency Jobs at a rate of over 6 percent, the worst in economy grew by almost 6 percent. Six Program and Assistance for Families decades. Foreclosures were at record percent. Job losses for the fourth quar- Act. This bill extends an extremely levels. Home prices had plummeted by ter in 2009 were one-seventh of what successful employment program that 30 percent. The decline of home prices, they were when we took office, Mr. we call Jobs NOW. It has created over stock values, pensions and other retire- Speaker. The nonpartisan Center for 156,000 jobs over 29 States and is still ment plans had cost American house- Budget and Policy Priorities said that developing more. holds over $10 trillion in wealth. the American Recovery and Reinvest- In Palmdale, California, Jobs NOW In fact, since the Great Recession helped Jody, a single mother of two, had started, Mr. Speaker, since 2007, ment Act kept more than 6 million Americans out of poverty and reduced find a job at a local coffeehouse work- Americans’ wealth had plummeted by ing as a barista. The regular paycheck $17.5 trillion according to the Federal the severity of poverty for more than puts food on the table and is helping Reserve. Seventeen and a half trillion 33 million more. her get through a rough patch. Her dollars of loss of wealth since the re- Can you imagine what it would be boss is impressed with her work and cession started in June of 2007. It didn’t like if we didn’t enact a robust policy plans to permanently hire her and the start to pick up until the American Re- to extend unemployment benefits, to other three subsidized employees they covery and Reinvestment Act. extend coverage for health care so Now, we have heard a lot of hype folks could keep their health care dur- brought in. It is this kind of success about the American Recovery and Re- ing this time of great need? Could you story that makes Jobs NOW such a investment Act. We heard a lot about imagine if we didn’t help our people model for job creation. Without it, the the fact that this was the largest in- what kind of condition we would find coffeehouse would not have been able vestment of capital in our Nation’s his- the people that we represent? to grow its business or take on new em- tory. We have heard a lot about the Well, it is disappointing because the ployees. Jody would not have had a fact that this was the largest tax re- challenges that confront us, Mr. Speak- chance to learn new skills and support duction in our country’s history. Faced er, aren’t Democrat or Republican her family. with this economic meltdown that we challenges. They are not conservative I first learned of this innovative pro- were handed when we walked into the or liberal challenges. They are not even gram in Los Angeles County. One of door here in the 111th Congress, it re- moderate challenges. They are Amer- the supervisors, Don Knabe, created quired swift action. ican challenges. And it is so frustrating 11,000 jobs over the last year, using Mr. Speaker, I believe that Members to me that we have got to find the stimulus funds to create subsidized of Congress will be judged by two meas- courage to stand up and confront these jobs. ures: by action or inaction. And the together. That is why I am so dis- How does it work? Eligible partici- Congress took swift action to act as a appointed in my colleagues who didn’t pants are placed into subsidized jobs in backstop against further job loss, to lend their support to help America re- all sectors of the economy, from non- create some jobs along the way. That is cover in her greatest time of need. profits to government agencies to pri- vate businesses, and are matched with what the stimulus was about. And b 2030 every economic expert you speak to jobs that complement their employ- today says that this brought us back A few more facts before I ask some of ment goals. The employer must provide from the brink of a great depression. my colleagues to be recognized here. supervision equal to 20 percent of the So I want to tell those detractors According to economists polled in a wage cost and ensure that the job does today that it wasn’t until we enacted recent USA Today survey, unemploy- not displace an existing employee or the stimulus bill, the American Recov- ment would have hit 10.8 percent high- replace someone who was to be pro- ery and Reinvestment Act, that Ameri- er than December’s 10 percent rate moted. This means the county is pay- cans’ wealth started to grow again. without the Recovery Act. The dif- ing for 80 percent or more of payroll And in fact we see pensions are start- ference would have translated into an- costs in Recovery Act funds. ing to climb, we see the fact that other 1.2 million jobs lost. These prob- Some examples of these jobs include Americans’ IRAs and 401(k)s are back lems were years in the making, and park rangers, receptionists, teacher as- on the path towards prosperity, and in they are not going to be fixed over- sistants, dental assistant trainees, cus- fact we have recognized a $5 trillion re- night. In fact, I can argue it is a decade tomer service clerks, and child care covery since the American Recovery of failed economic policies that have workers. Workers get paid $10 per hour and Reinvestment Act, the stimulus. led us here. for up to 40 hours per week. Jobs NOW We are starting to create jobs, albeit A lot of our colleagues on the other allows businesses to succeed and the not at the pace that I would like to see. side like to talk about the national employee to succeed.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.167 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1302 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 I have spoken to countless people in can see that all across the country in moving towards a future. It helps busi- my district about this program, and I the dark green spots there have been nesses expand in these tough times. keep hearing about how this program successful programs. I strongly urge the House leadership is a win/win. It works for both workers In Tennessee, the State focused on and my colleagues not to forget the and businesses. Workers benefit beyond rural Perry County, which was hard hit thousands of people who need this help. the paycheck by getting hands-on expe- by a plant closure. The unemployment We must pass H.R. 4564 for Jobs NOW. rience in a setting where they earn rate had risen to 27 percent. Tennessee Mr. BOCCIERI. I thank the gentle- wages, develop new skills, and enhance brought local workforce development lady from California who made some existing skills. Businesses benefit by and human service agencies and the very compelling arguments about why getting the help they need to grow or business community together and de- California needs to have this invest- expand while temporarily reducing veloped a subsidized employment pro- ment. payroll costs. Companies may ulti- gram for over 500 individuals. While we are joined by several of my mately decide to hire these subsidized In Mississippi, the State has devel- colleagues tonight, let me just say a workers permanently as the economy oped the Steps Program, which uses little bit about what we are doing to improves. The jobs generated by this Jobs NOW money to create private sec- create jobs in Ohio. program can help businesses expand in tor jobs that transition into permanent In Ohio’s 16th Congressional District, these difficult times by reducing their employment. The State begins by fund- economic risk and need for expensive we have had some good news recently. ing all of the wages of a new employee Rolls Royce, an international com- loans. and steadily reduces its commitment California is leading the Nation in pany, has announced that they are until the business can support the em- going to move their fuel cell research creating these subsidized jobs. For in- ployee on its own. stance, V-Cube, a high-tech firm in from Singapore to Stark County, Ohio. As you can see, 29 States across the They are going to expand their fuel cell Torrance, California, hired two sub- country have implemented programs sidized employees with very little expe- research and development activities, that created subsidized jobs, and even investing $3 million in equipment, cre- rience. Very quickly, these two em- more want to jump on the bandwagon. ployees showed they were motivated ating up to 60 jobs and retaining 32, That’s why people on each side of the while offering apprenticeship and and quick to learn. Now one of the em- aisle are in strong support of this pro- ployees runs Web seminars and the training programs with the local col- posal. President Obama is a strong sup- lege. other is a project coordinator. It is porter. Besides its funding in the Re- Barbasol Shaving Cream invested $7.2 only through Jobs NOW that V-Cube covery Act, he has proposed a $2.5 bil- million to buy land and a new plant in and other businesses feel secure in tak- lion increase and a year-long extension Ashland, Ohio; a 78,000-square-foot ing on new workers in this economic for this upcoming year’s budget. environment. But it is not just the President who plant to start, 30 new employees, and You can see that across California, in thinks this is a good idea; there is deep grow up to about 75. this map here, many, many jobs were bipartisan support. The American En- Scotts Miracle-Gro is opening a man- created. In Fresno, 1,000 jobs were cre- terprise Institute’s Kevin Hassett re- ufacturing plant in Orrville, where ated. In San Francisco, over 1,500 jobs cently wrote in Business Week that they are expected to create nearly a were created. In Los Angeles, an aston- this program should be renewed and hundred jobs in the next several ishing 11,000 jobs were created by the said, ‘‘Given the state of the labor mar- months. country’s Jobs NOW program in less ket, it is hard to imagine how any sen- Shearer’s Foods, they make potato than a year. The State predicts that sible person could oppose such a chips, and they are mighty good, I 25,000 jobs will be created through the move.’’ might add. They broke ground earlier Jobs NOW program by the end of Jobs NOW allows States to be in the this summer to build a new production present funding. facility in Massillon’s Northeast Com- However, we must act quickly or the driver’s seat for this program, and that is why the National Governors Associa- mercial Park. They will hire as many job placements will stop when the pro- as a hundred employees in the first gram expires on September 30. Because tion also supports this, urging Con- gress to pass an extension because of phase of development. These are the subsidized employment programs often type of success stories that have been run for at least 6 months, many local- the outsized benefits to the States. The human cost of the recession has helped, if not augmented, by the efforts ities are planning to discontinue their of the American Recovery and Rein- jobs program between March and June been high. It is easy to think of unem- ployment in terms of numbers and sta- vestment Act. of this year in anticipation of the With that, I yield to the gentleman emergency funds expiration date. Al- tistics, but numbers cannot describe from Virginia (Mr. SCOTT). most 60,000 jobs will disappear if the the anxiety and fear a person feels Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, fund expires. when they are unemployed. Numbers In California, L.A. County will stop can’t show the hope and pride a person I want to thank the gentleman from placing participants in new jobs in feels when they find a job. Ohio for his leadership in bringing us June. San Bernardino County has to I was moved by the words of Ms. Tay- together to make sure that we can dis- stop creating new jobs in April. Sac- lor in Los Angeles about the Jobs NOW cuss the importance of creating jobs. ramento County will stop putting peo- program and its effect on her life. Ms. As we discuss jobs, I think it is impor- ple in 6-month-long jobs in March. It Taylor is a mother of two children, one tant that we put our job efforts in per- will pay people for shorter periods with autism. She has been living on her spective, because a little over a year until June 2010, and then stop the pro- aunt’s couch because she couldn’t find ago when this administration came gram altogether. work. Because of a job through Jobs into office, we were losing jobs at the But the full amount of funding has NOW, she was able to get back on her rate of over 700,000 per month, every yet to be claimed by the States. The feet and into her own apartment. She month; 700,000 jobs a month. And we re- Recovery Act authorized $5 billion for told California Social Services, ‘‘You acted to it by passing the American Jobs NOW employment subsidization guys gave me a chance when the whole Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and programs, but actually less than $1.5 world seemed like they were saying we have slowly made progress, losing billion has been accessed by the States. ‘No, not this time.’ Without this pro- fewer and fewer jobs every month. But And the program is still in the process gram, I could not have paid my rent, that is obviously not sufficient. We of expanding. That’s why I am pro- and my babies and I would be on the have to do better than that. But we posing, along with the gentleman from streets.’’ have to put this in perspective. We Washington (Mr. MCDERMOTT), a bill She is not the only one. There are were losing all of those jobs, and we that will allow more States to help millions of economically disadvantaged found ourselves not only in the ditch residents get back on their feet and people on the front lines of this econ- with the economy, but also in the ditch into a job. omy. They are struggling every day. with the Federal budget. We had a huge In fact, all across the country there The Jobs NOW emergency fund gives deficit which limited our ability to re- have been programs such as this. We them a chance to find work and start spond to this challenge.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.168 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1303 We are also shooting at a moving tar- stop spending the money. When you we need to do to create jobs and end get. Just this week, the Virginia Legis- finish building the school, you don’t the unemployment problems that we’re lature, my home State of Virginia, will have to spend any more money. It’s not having today. pass a budget that will cut approxi- like you would set up a program where Mr. BOCCIERI. Well, I thank the sen- mately $4 billion out of the budget. you would have to continue paying sal- ior gentleman from Virginia. Virginia is about 2 percent of the popu- aries on and on and on. I just want to be clear about your lation, $4 billion. California is cutting The Recovery Act, for example, put chart. It looks as if we stabilized the $20 billion out of their budget, a little money into transit systems. Through- job losses in this country and started over 10 percent of the population. If out the Nation, transit systems are to grow them again after the Recovery you extrapolate that nationally, that cutting back on employment. St. Act was passed. is about $200 billion that the States Louis, for example, eliminated 25 per- Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. The Recovery will be cutting out of their budgets this cent of its workforce and cut services Act was passed right down here, and year on top of about $300 billion to $350 by 17 percent. Chicago laid off 1,000 since then we have been making billion that they cut last year. So that workers. And so investments in the progress. But losing fewer jobs is not is $500 billion that would have been cut transit systems are areas where we can good enough. We need to continue this out of budgets in the last 2 years. So make timely and targeted investments. chart. In short order, we will be cre- the first $500 billion of job creation Across the Nation these are nec- ating hundreds of thousands of jobs, that we do will do nothing but just hire essary projects. Across the Nation, 78 putting people back to work. Those the people who have been laid off on metropolitan areas have identified over who have lost their jobs need to be re- the State level. $240 billion in needed transit invest- hired. We need to create about 100,000 So as much we are doing on the Fed- ments that need to be done. These jobs jobs a month just to keep up with the eral level, it is obvious that we are not only put people back to work, they population growth. So this chart is just shooting at a moving target. States are complete needed projects. Now, these the beginning. By the middle of this laying off people as fast as they can, investments are also very effective in year we hope to be well into the plus, and our job is to make sure that we try creating jobs. For every $1 billion the creating jobs, hiring people, and bring- to create jobs. Federal Government puts in infrastruc- ing people back from the unemploy- Part of the Federal investment will ture the economic activity is about $6 ment lines. help States retain some of their crit- billion and about 35,000 jobs are cre- Mr. BOCCIERI. Well, these are excit- ical employees, particularly the public ated. ing numbers. We have got to get people safety first responders and teachers. Now, we need these projects, and we back to work. And I concur with the The American Recovery and Reinvest- found that a lot of them are ready to gentleman from Virginia. ment Act made significant reinvest- go now. The Public Transportation As- Let me revisit for just a moment ex- ments in funding States and helping sociation identified $15 billion worth of actly what the Recovery Act and the with their health care and other crit- projects that are ready to go. As soon stimulus bill included. ical needs so that they would not have as we fund them they are ready to go. Thirty-seven percent of the package to lay off as many as they were doing. Highway associations across the coun- was tax cuts. $288 billion was given to try identified 7,000 ready-to-go highway small businesses so that they could 2045 b projects and bridge projects, almost $50 help grow and invest in our new econ- But obviously some of the major in- billion ready to go. As soon as we come omy. In my opinion, that is going to be vestments I think that are doing the up with the money, they can go. And so our investment in energy. $288 billion most good are those that were made in not only are these projects needed, was invested back so small businesses infrastructure and transportation. We they can be timely and they can put could start growing again and invest- still have a 10 percent unemployment people to work. We have found that ing back. rate, so obviously a lot has to be done. when we fund a construction project, Largest tax cut in America’s history, And it’s those investments in infra- when it’s ready to go, the contractors largest tax cut for working middle structure and transportation that can can hire the employees within a couple class families. In fact, 95 percent of be the most effective in creating jobs. of weeks, and they’re on the job right middle class families in our country When responding to a recession, we then. So we have timely projects that got some tax relief through their em- use the shorthand of three Ts: We want are ready to go. We have put money ployer. $144 billion, or 18 percent of the the response to be timely, targeted, into it. Two-thirds of the projects that Recovery Act, was allocated to State and temporary. Timely because sooner have been funded, the construction has and local fiscal relief. More than 90 or later the recession is going to be already started. percent of the State aid is going to over even if we don’t do anything, so We have more work to do. We still help folks who are finding themselves we want to make sure we take timely have a 10 percent unemployment rate on Medicaid rolls. Fighting to make action. Targeted—you want to put the because the States are still laying peo- sure that we didn’t have double-digit money where it’s most needed, people ple off, so we still have to keep cre- increases in tuition across State uni- that are out of work and people that ating jobs. I am happy to report that versities and so that our local school will actually spend the money to help today the gentleman from California districts could keep teachers hired and stimulate the economy. So it has to be (Mr. MILLER), the chairman of the Edu- we could keep custodians in the build- targeted. And it is temporary. When we cation and Labor Committee, has in- ing. This is very important, Mr. Speak- recover from the recession, we don’t troduced a bill with significant new in- er, that we understand that we help want to be stuck with ongoing pro- vestments in infrastructure and trans- bring our economy back from the brink grams and expenses that we will have portation. These will make sure that of a great recession. to continue to fund. we will have these workers on the job As that contemporary commercial Transportation and infrastructure in very short order. says today, How will we remember this projects fulfill the three Ts for a suc- The Miller jobs bill will create jobs time? How will we remember it? Will cessful stimulus plan; they are timely, quickly and efficiently. As States con- we remember it as the great recession targeted and temporary. They’re time- tinue to lay people off, we need to or the recession that made us great? I ly. We are aiming at programs that are make sure that we are creating as think with these key investments into shovel ready, ready to go, no environ- many jobs as we possibly can on the our people, into our workforce, and mental needed, nothing else needed, no Federal level. We should give the Mil- into our country, we are definitely architectural anything, ready to go. ler jobs bill quick consideration so that making our country stronger. We are targeted at industries that are jobs can be created when they are need- I want to take a moment to recognize most in need. The construction indus- ed, and that’s right now. a distinguished gentleman that I have try in many States has unemployment So I thank you. I would like to thank a lot of respect for. Not only do we rates of 25 percent or more. And it’s the gentleman from Ohio for bringing share a common heritage, but we share temporary. When you fund a project, us together, for talking about jobs and a common belief that we should invest when the project is completed, you encouraging us to continue doing what in our people, in our country, and in

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.169 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1304 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 our way of life. Congressman PASCRELL was quite a spectacle. One headline ac- sides of the aisle have signed onto this. from New Jersey is a man who I have a tually read, ‘‘Water main break forces It could put Americans in every State lot of respect for, and I would like to dramatic rescue of nine.’’ The road lit- to work within 120 days of its enact- yield him some time so that he can erally exploded. ment. It is time to focus on creating talk about exactly what we’re doing to We cannot turn a blind eye to two re- jobs and on building a strong infra- help put America back to work. Con- alities: America needs jobs, and our in- structure for future generations. Let’s gressman PASCRELL, my friend, you frastructure cannot put people to work stop talking about what needs to get have the floor. fast enough. As a former mayor of done, and let’s actually get this done. Mr. PASCRELL. I thank the gen- Paterson, New Jersey, I understand the There are huge economic benefits tleman for yielding. significance of local water and waste- that come with water and wastewater Mr. Speaker, if you look at the data, water systems. A strong water infra- infrastructure projects. In fact, a re- it is clear that since the start of the structure is essential to the commu- cent study found that every $1 billion Obama administration and the passage nity’s public health and economic vi- invested in water and wastewater in- of the Recovery Act—which you’ve tality. frastructure creates 27,000 new jobs heard depicted by the three former The Environmental Protection Agen- with average annual earnings of more speakers—we are stemming the number cy and the General Accounting Office than $50,000. Each $1 billion invested of job losses per month; there is no estimate that community water sys- generates approximately $82.4 million doubt about that. But we need to do ev- tems will require $500 billion above in State and local tax revenue at a erything we can to actually start gain- their expected rate of investment in time when States and localities need it ing jobs instead of just losing fewer. It order to meet safe drinking water most. would seem like the charts, it would standards and sanitation needs just This chart shows how construction seem by the facts that in the next sev- over the next 20 years. dollars ripple through local commu- eral months we will see, finally, for the As Congress struggles with historic nities. Right here, an estimated 20,000 first time in several years a plus in deficits, I strongly believe that we to 26,669 jobs can result from a national terms of the creation of jobs. must leverage private capital invest- investment of $1 billion in water and The U.S. jobs deficit has reached mil- ment and look at options for public- wastewater infrastructure—everything lions. Our unemployment rate is 9.7 private partnerships. That is what we from construction, to real estate, to re- percent. That is an intolerable rate. are talking about this evening. tail, to legal services, to the manage- In order to encourage this possi- The problem we are facing is how to ment of companies and enterprises, to bility, I introduced the Sustainable address the shortfall in employment private households, and to mainte- Water Infrastructure Investment Act, opportunities and articulate a new nance and repair. This chart shows how H.R. 537, which will generate signifi- strategy that targets and engages our these construction dollars ripple cant investment through the use of small businesses and American work- through our entire communities. tax-exempt bonds for water infrastruc- ers. Mr. Speaker, we simply need jobs. Let’s face it: as of this unemploy- ture, and that is water and wastewater Which brings me to what I think is ment situation that we are in today, 40 the most obvious answer. It was obvi- projects. Congress already exempts airports, percent of those jobs will never return, ous many years ago, it’s obvious now: intercity rail, and solid waste disposal and 40 percent of those jobs that have Our infrastructure. Our infrastructure sites from those bond caps. My bill been lost—get this—are by people who is in disrepair. And it’s not just our would remove water infrastructure have been out of work for more than 6 roads, and it’s not just our bridges that projects from the cap as well. to 8 months. They will not return to are falling down. Earlier this year, the By exempting water projects from those jobs. We need to invest with the American Society of Civil Engineers the bond cap, we can get people work- private community in order to do gave the Nation’s wastewater systems ing on the very projects to my right in things that must be done that commu- and water systems the lowest grade of 90 to 120 days. This isn’t hot air; this is nities cannot afford. We have found any infrastructure category, a D- real relief. This is real jobs. Standard & that every $1 billion invested in these minus. I want to have our viewers in Poor’s estimates that $180 billion in projects creates jobs in 325 other indus- the House see this. This is a rotted new money infrastructure is available tries, and they are listed. water main pipe, much like the pipes in for investment. This capital cannot be I urge all of my colleagues on both many of our districts and many of our deployed until a private activity bond sides of the aisle to take action to sup- communities. I like to call these the cap exemption is crested. port this legislation and to push its out-of-sight, out-of-mind pipes; you passage for measures that will em- don’t see them until you have a prob- b 2100 power American workers and that will lem with your water main. But as we This legislation aims to repair our provide them with opportunities. have learned over the last couple of crumbling water infrastructure while Eligible and essential public health years, just because our infrastructure leveraging private capital to create and environmental projects approved needs are not visible doesn’t mean that jobs. Every dollar invested in public for 2010 are waiting for funding. They they are not deteriorating. water and sewer infrastructure will add are waiting for private and public in- A quick look at the recent news $8.97 to the national economy. This is a vestment, which we can leverage with headlines across the country illus- win-win situation. Economists esti- a very small amount of money. The re- trates the state of our water infra- mate a $1 billion investment in water sulting jobs are important. In Cali- structure, and I can only list a few be- infrastructure will create 28,500 local fornia, 285,000 jobs can be created and, cause time does not permit: ‘‘Franklin jobs. You cannot in any manner, shape in Illinois, 133,950 jobs. In New Jersey, Water Main Break Closes Roads and or form produce any other job plan $1.8 billion will mean 51,300 jobs on Schools’’; ‘‘Boil your water,’’ says that is going to do what this can do, projects that are needed. In every Franklin, New Jersey’’; ‘‘Lancaster because these are our needs. These State we go over, this is the case. Water Main Breaks’’; ‘‘Sinkhole Swal- need to be done because things are only There are 60 different organizations lows Car in California’’; ‘‘Water Main going to get worse. which support this legislation—from Break in Manhattan Causes Evacu- That pipe, which I showed you before, engineers to waterworks associations, ations in Traffic, Subway Disruptions is not going to cleanse itself. It has led to equipment manufacturers—Cater- in New York City’’; ‘‘Water Main Break that pipe and many other pipes like it pillar, Coca Cola, Design-Build Insti- Cuts Off Water Service to the Medical to this particular situation of people tute of America. There are 60 different Center in West Virginia.’’ being airlifted, to rescue workers hav- organizations which support this bipar- Here we have an illustration of the ing to go to a particular community tisan legislation that will create jobs water main break on River Road in Be- and, of course, to vehicles that have and not hot air. We have had a lot of thesda, Maryland, watching people air- been raised in the air because of the ex- hot air in Washington. I think this leg- lifted out of their cars. We’re not mak- plosion of our water mains. islation is what we need. ing this stuff up; this is real. In metro- This would be 28,500 jobs in 1 year. My good friend, Mr. BOCCIERI, I thank politan D.C. on Christmas Eve, 2008, it This is bipartisan legislation. Both you for bringing us together tonight.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.171 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1305 America needs jobs. This is our pri- and in our future, and that we also lay ation we need to see back on Main ority. I have presented an idea which, I the groundwork for future prosperity Street. We need to shift our focus from hope, will be accepted. I hope that by investing in energy. that speculation on Wall Street to that America can get back to work again. Energy is a key component of our job creation on Main Street. These Our people need jobs—jobs that will be Nation’s economy, but it is very trou- ideas are not Republican ideas or Dem- needed and that are needed so that we bling when we import 66 percent of our ocrat ideas. These are ideas about put- don’t have to make work. Remember oil from overseas and 40 percent from ting people back to work. school? Make work. Keep the kids the Middle East. We see that the larg- You know, in Ohio and I know in Vir- busy. These are things we need. We un- est user of energy in our country is our ginia that we are right on the cusp of derstand this, but we don’t look at it Nation’s military. The Department of the summer construction season. We because these waterworks, whether Defense is the largest user of energy in have an opportunity to start building they are sewers, whether they are our country. So it is very key, not only again. Americans are ready to do it. water or whether they are watersheds, to our economic interests but to our Small businesses are ready to do it. are all mostly under the ground. It’s national security interests, that we Unfortunately, we are not going to see not a romantic or a sexy thing to talk move away from our dependence on for- the housing starts pick up which many about, but I have presented to the eign oil, that we invest and create jobs would like to see, but we know we can House a way to put people to work. here that cannot be outsourced, and still build things. We can build our in- These jobs need to be done, and the pri- that we make sure that we put our peo- frastructure, and we can retrofit our vate and public sectors must be ple back to work. That’s why it is so existing building stock. We have had a brought together. important that we make these needed tool belt recession, and it is time to see With that, I yield back. I thank you investments. growth in the tool belt sector. for allowing me to share in this impor- According to Andrew Stettner, I have These may not be the sexiest jobs to tant evening. to say—he is a deputy director of the talk about in Washington or on Wall Mr. BOCCIERI. The gentleman from National Employment Law Center— Street, but the fact is we must rebuild New Jersey has some very good ideas, 14.9 million jobless Americans have America’s competitive advantage, and which we have got to look at very seri- been out of work for an average of 30 we must rebuild it one community at a ously, about putting our country back weeks, which is the highest level since time, one commonwealth at a time, to work and about long-term invest- the government began keeping those one country, together, rebuilding our ments. records in the 1950s. It is the highest competitive advantage and putting You know, I have often said that we record. people back to work. We have a chance have got to be the producers of wealth, We have some on the other side who to do that. not just the movers of wealth, and that are suggesting that we shouldn’t have Now, most of the gentlemen on the we have got to build things here. extended unemployment benefits. I’ve other side of this building, down in the In 1950, over half the jobs in our even heard some who have had the au- Senate, may be through this recession. country were in manufacturing. Today, dacity to say that we shouldn’t be giv- The media elites may be through this one out of 10 of our jobs is in manufac- ing them government/taxpayer money recession, but working class America turing. We are actually building. Some because they don’t want to work. Are and middle class America are not of that has been because of the fact you kidding me? We have millions of through it. We have prevented the that we have gained in productivity people out of work in this country who worst from happening, but we will not and because we have gained in effi- are now just being called back to work. be satisfied until we see the kind of ro- ciency. Yet we have still outsourced In fact, some of my friends on the bust economic growth that will bring too many of our jobs. In States like other side voted against an extension us back together. We will rebuild that New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, of unemployment benefits which would competitive advantage, and we will Michigan, and Illinois, we have seen have helped 11,600 Ohioans who have need to do it in time for the summer some of those manufacturing jobs go found themselves struggling just to put construction season. overseas. bread on their tables for their families. I appreciate all that you have done to Our great trade imbalance that we To me, we have got to invest in our keep that focus on jobs, jobs, jobs in have, the trade deficit that we have people. If we can spend $1 trillion on Ohio, in Virginia, and around this every year, is very troubling to me. We war, we can spend money to invest in country. We must be deadly focused on have a trade imbalance with China— our people, in our country, and we can jobs, and we must do it with the ur- $280 billion every year. We have a trade put Americans back to work. gency that does not miss the construc- imbalance with oil-producing countries I want to yield some time before we tion season ahead. because they send $330 billion of oil close today, Mr. Speaker, to a good Mr. BOCCIERI. I agree with the gen- over to the United States. Those two friend of mine from Virginia, a gen- tleman from Virginia. We have seen al- account for some of the largest imbal- tleman who has the passion and vigor most a flip from a 6 percent job loss, ances our country has ever known in to take on the challenges of our great when we began the 111th Congress in terms of our trade policy. country, TOM PERRIELLO. January of 2009, to nearly a 6 percent We know that 95 percent of the mar- Congressman PERRIELLO, enlighten job growth in our gross domestic prod- ketplace is outside the United States, us for a few moments, sir. uct. Yet we know that this is not about and Ohio is leading the Nation. Some Mr. PERRIELLO. Grazie to my the GDP. This is about the j-o-b-s. We of our local municipalities have begun paisan from Ohio. I appreciate that, have got to put people back to work. to start exporting some of their goods and I appreciate your remarks on That’s why we are focusing on doing overseas, creating their own trade rela- where we are with this economy, both that. tionships. We need more help here from with where we have come and with There are some things that we have the American Government, from the where we have to go. done for our small businesses, to help Federal Government, so that States I think both the present statistics in struggling small businesses stay open: like Ohio, Virginia, New Jersey, and the history books will make clear that There is the net operating loss carry- Pennsylvania can help make those we have prevented a depression, which back. We have also extended tax cred- needed investments into our local com- is no small feat; but I am not satisfied its for renewable energy production be- munities. until we see robust economic growth cause, as my colleague and I know, the We have to be the producers of that reemploys America. We should be cheapest energy is the energy we never wealth. We have to build things again willing to look back and say, Here is an use. Small businesses can save a lot by in this country. It’s not only a matter opportunity, when we were going off a writing that off. They can save by of our economic security. It’s a matter cliff into a depression, where we said, weathering their businesses and by of our national security. That’s why it No, we will not allow that, not on our weathering their homes. That’s what is is so key and strategic that the Amer- watch. We will make sure that that de- going to save money in the long term. ican Recovery and Reinvestment Act pression is prevented. Yet I’m not sat- We are also going to give bonus ap- invests in our people, in our country isfied until we see the kind of job cre- preciation, which extends to businesses

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.172 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1306 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 that are buying equipment, such as ple. Again, if we can spend $1 trillion Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Well, thank computers. It speeds up the apprecia- on war, we can certainly spend money you, Mr. AKIN. You have been a stal- tion through 2009. That is helping our to make sure that we invest in our peo- wart friend in this fight to try to stop small businesses write off those losses ple and do the things that are going to the government overtaking of the so that they can get folks back to set us on the track towards prosperity. health care system. I, as a medical doc- work. We are starting to begin to see the tor, have been fighting for my patients Mr. PERRIELLO. This is an oppor- glimmers of light. We are starting to for their economic well-being for years. tunity. What we have made is the down see the glimmers of hope that people I just wanted to come tonight and payment on America’s future. We know once again are going to be on to a path bring up a few things. that jobs of the future are going to of prosperity. The Wall Street Journal yesterday, come in the energy sector and that I want to thank the gentleman from there was an editorial written, coau- they are going to come in research and Virginia, because he believes that our thored by Scott Rasmussen, the fa- development. We need the strong uni- greatest days are still yet to come. We mous pollster. The title of it is ‘‘Why versities, and we need the strong infra- will be stronger, we will be more ro- Obama Can’t Move the Health Care structure. bust, and we will be smarter on how we Numbers.’’ One of the lines in here A year ago, we made a down pay- handle these future downturns. This is right at the end is basically giving the ment, which is starting to pay off now the time that we cannot let go away bottom line. It says most voters be- in the kind of rebound that we are from us. We have got to invest in our lieve the current plan will harm the starting to see; but we cannot be satis- people, in our country, and that is why economy—they are right about that— fied, and we cannot take that foot off I am so proud of the gentleman from cost more than projected—absolutely— the gas. This is the time. Americans Virginia, who stands with me saying raise the cost of care—without any are ready to build. that we will again be the producers of shadow of a doubt—and would lead to Again, this should not be a partisan wealth, not just the movers of wealth. idea. We all have construction compa- higher middle class taxes—and that is nies in our districts. We all have roads f just undoubtedly a fact. and bridges and water and sewer sys- THE QUESTION OF HEALTH CARE The American people get it. And one tems in our districts. We all have small thing that the American people do get The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under is that it is going to cost millions of businesses that help supply that con- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- struction sector. We must see that this Americans their jobs if this is put into uary 6, 2009, the gentleman from Mis- place. can be a chance to come together and souri (Mr. AKIN) is recognized for 60 I thank you for bringing this forward to understand the urgency of this mo- minutes as the designee of the minor- tonight so we can talk about jobs and ment. ity leader. health care. I look forward to this dis- We have made that down payment. Mr. AKIN. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleas- cussion as we go along. Now it is time to start seeing that ure to join you here once again as we growth. We are going to do that, not by get a chance to take a look at Special Mr. AKIN. I really appreciate your saying ‘‘no’’ to everything but by say- Orders, and also I am joined by some of bringing that up. I am just thinking, ing ‘‘yes’’ to America’s future, by say- my distinguished colleagues. We are picture yourself instead of being a doc- ing ‘‘yes’’ to America’s competitive ad- going to be looking once again at a tor as being a salesman, and you are vantage. There are many in the top subject that has really absorbed the at- given an assignment that you are sup- echelon of this country who have tention of Americans now for almost 9 posed to go out and sell something. stopped believing that America can months, the question of health care. It Say you are the President and your manufacture, that it can grow things, is still before us. job is to go out and make this case. We that it can be strong again. Today was a little bit of a unique day have three huge entitlements that are b 2115 for me because the President came to destroying the solvency of our country. One of them is Medicare, one of them is Those include elites on the left and my district in the St. Louis area, and Medicaid, both methodical things, and elites on the right. Well, they are he wanted to deliver speeches and tell the government is running these things wrong. America’s working and middle everybody that they should vote for and they are destroying the economy class is still strong. If we invest in the health care bill. because they are out of control, they them, they will outcompete every He and I have a difference of opinion are spending so much money. So your country on Earth. on the bill. I think his opinion is that assignment is to go out and sell people We can outcompete the rest the if people just know more about this that we ought to have the government world, but only if we invest in edu- bill, they will like it. My opinion is the take over the rest of the medical part. cation and workforce development, if more we have looked at it, the more That is a little counterintuitive. You we get a 21st century infrastructure, that people have taken a look at it could be a good salesman, and it is and we understand that two out of publicly, the uglier they think it gets hard to make that case. We have it three new jobs in this country come and the more they hate it. Fortu- messed up in this and this area, so give from small businesses. Instead of bail- nately, the poll data seems to be on my us the whole thing. It takes a little bit ing out the biggest businesses, it is side, and the more you look at the bill, of courage to even try to do that. time to reward and support the small the more it seems it has problems with businesses. They are the engine of in- it. Dr. FLEMING, please. novation and growth. They are the We have, today, joining us some dis- Mr. FLEMING. I want to thank the civic leaders in our community. tinguished colleagues from all over the gentleman again, faithful virtually That is what our agenda needs to be country. We have two doctors and an every week to have this leadership about. It is what we started on. It is attorney, and just, I think, a business- hour and talk about such weighty what we must push forward, regardless man and an engineer. It almost sounds issues as health care. of party line, and get America growing like the start of some sort of a joke. But to follow up on your very point, again. But this isn’t a joke, unfortunately. and that is today, the big question is Mr. BOCCIERI. Well, Mr. Speaker, he This is a very serious subject, indeed. why all these increases in private in- is exactly right. The gentleman from So I am going to recognize Dr. BROUN surance rates. Well, there are several Virginia is exactly right that we have from Georgia, a gentleman who has reasons, but the main reason is that got to invest in our people, in our spent a lifetime practicing medicine private insurance premiums help sub- country, in our way of life. As that and then got elected to Congress, and sidize Medicare and Medicaid. Why? contemporary commercial says on the now he is trying to straighten things Medicare and Medicaid underpays the airwaves, Is this going to be remem- out. I am going to have him, followed providers, the gap is getting larger, and bered as the great recession or the re- by Dr. FLEMING as well. so providers have to make it up in cession that makes us great? So, Dr. BROUN, thank you for joining order to survive in business on the pri- I believe that we can do this if we us tonight. Let’s talks a little bit vate insurance which has to escalate in work together, if we invest in our peo- about this health care bill. relation to that.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.173 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1307 So that is something you will not ate bill that allows the government to ciples that are important in this de- hear from Speaker PELOSI or the Presi- take away taxpayer money and use it bate, let’s do what we can to make sure dent. He wants to demonize the insur- for abortions, then we may be able to that we lower the cost of health care ance companies. As a physician, I am get you an amendment to come back. for all Americans. The bill that is com- no big friend of the insurance compa- It has to be signed into law, has to be- ing at us at light speed from the Sen- nies. But fair is fair. If we are going to come law before you can amend it, but ate raises costs for most Americans. It fix this problem, we have got to start, then we may be able to amend that to doesn’t address real cost reduction. in my opinion, by looking at cost sav- then put in the Stupak language that The second principle for me is in- ings. We are going to have to be real prevents tax dollars from being used creasing access, improving quality, and about and realistic about where the for abortion. making sure that we strengthen that real costs are coming from. But the thing that our colleagues decisionmaking relationship between Again, you are right. Half of medi- have to understand is please don’t get the physician and patient. We don’t cine today is under government con- roped into that. The Speaker knows need the government or a bureaucrat trol, and that is the part that is bank- how the process works. But if it be- making those decisions. rupting the system. comes law and the bill provides for the The bill that is coming at us, in par- Mr. AKIN. That is interesting. What funding of abortion, you may or may ticular I will just talk about one as- I think I am hearing you say is, as not get the amendment passed. It may pect. I started at that last principle of much as you want to knock the insur- pass through the House, but then the strengthening the decisionmaking rela- ance companies, the fact that people Senate has to pass it, and there is no tionship between the physician and the have insurance and the insurance pays way anyone in the House can guar- patient. This bill creates a health care claims, in a way they are the ones that antee what the Senate will do. Then czar, and this czar is going to have the are helping to balance out the cost of the people who everybody, well-inten- ability to impose not just health care health care, because Medicare and tioned, no intention to deceive, but prices and controls, but that czar is Medicaid are underpaying the actual anyway, the bottom line is they end up going to dictate what kind of benefits cost of what it takes. not getting what they are promised, we should get and not get. And just as That gets to a point, and I would like not because of deception. It just my good friend from Texas was talking to ask you, I am going to go to my doesn’t happen. about, we will wind up paying for pro- good friend from Texas too, Congress- Mr. AKIN. I would like to just run cedures, such as abortions, something man GOHMERT, but sometimes we get over to our good friend from Pennsyl- that we would never use, that we cer- into the weeds a little bit too much. So vania, Congressman THOMPSON, and I tainly, based on my faith, would be let’s say you get way up on an airplane just wanted to get your perspective on very much in objection to. and take a look at the health care what you are seeing. It has been almost So that type of imposition of a czar question. 9 months, and people have been looking making decisions, inserting themselves What someone told me is, he said, more and more into the details of the between the patient and physician, is Look, look at health care in America bill. The more they see it, the more just absolutely wrong. as two parts. The front end is the med- they don’t like it. Yet the majority ical service we provide to the people seems to be determined, they have the b 2130 who are sick in America. They said pedal to the metal, they have the bat- Mr. AKIN. I appreciate your perspec- that is the best health care anywhere tleship at ramming speed, and they are tive on that. I bet you that has got to, in the world. If you are a millionaire going to just try and drive this thing even after all these months, has got to sheikh from Bahrain, you want to through. really bother those of you who are doc- come over here to get some of that What is your impression of where we tors. I mean you invested I don’t know health care. So we have the best health are? how many years in med school. I care service, in terms of providers. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. flunked fetal pig. I would never have What the problem is is how we pay Well, first of all, I want to thank my made it. Part of the reason was because for it that has gotten messed up, and I good friend from Missouri for providing you wanted to treat patients. And to think that is a little bit to your ques- the leadership for this evening. It is have some insurance person sticking tion. just so important. their nose in that relationship has got My good friend from Texas, Congress- The American people, I have to tell to really rub you the wrong way. But man GOHMERT. you, I am very proud of the American Mr. GOHMERT. Well, looking at the people on this issue. During this past 15 what happens if—at least if it’s the in- chart you have there that has the months, I think they fulfilled the re- surance company, you can get rid of quote on it about reconciliation, it sponsibility that our Founders in- the insurance company. But what hap- brings us back to what is being dis- tended. Our Founders have to be smil- pens if it’s the Federal Government? cussed. The reporters all out here in ing right now, because the American That would drive me crazy. the hall have been there for much of people have woken up and are paying Congressman BROUN, please. the night, and they are starting to go attention and engaging on this issue. Mr. BROUN of Georgia. The Federal away because apparently they think When it comes to health care, I think Government already sticks its nose in there is not going to be any agreement. the large majority of Americans share the doctor-patient relationship in But what people need to understand is the same perspective I do, and it is a Medicare-Medicaid. The insurance what is being pushed here called rec- perspective I developed as a health care company executives do in managed onciliation. What a misnomer. Rec- professional. I started out as a thera- care. But in my medical practice for oncile? That is not what happens. pist over 30 years ago, and for 28 years the last 5 years prior to being elected The Senate has passed a bill, and I was a health care manager, licensed to Congress, I saw Medicare patients, they are not going to get 60 votes to do as a nursing home administrator, Medicaid patients, managed care pa- a new bill, so they are trying to push worked in all areas of health care, in tients, but they just paid me at the the House into passing exactly what nonprofit community health care. time of service. If they couldn’t pay the Senate did. But we have got fine, The four principles I have always led me, that was all right too. I’ve given upstanding pro-lifers like BART STUPAK my professional life by have been the away hundreds of thousands of dollars and a dozen others, and they say if you same four principles that have guided worth of my services over my medical are going to have a bill that pries tax me in my role working for the people career. money out of the hands of people who as a Member of Congress, and it is the We hear from Democrats, the Presi- believe with all their heart, as I do, same principles that I see the people dent particularly, that the doctors are that it is immoral to kill unborn chil- agreeing with when it comes to health all in favor of this Obama care bill. I’ve dren, and you are going to take their care. They want to improve our health got a letter here from the Medical As- money and use it to do that, then we care system, not throw it out, not cre- sociation of Georgia that was just sent can’t vote for this bill. ate some government-run system. to me and other members of the Geor- So what we hear being discussed is, My principles that I have always led gia delegation that says, We oppose the Well, if you will just vote for the Sen- my life by, and I think they are prin- Senate-passed health care bill. They

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.174 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1308 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 list a number of things that they see as mately save money through long lines, the Federal budget, it’s going to de- problems with the bill. Among these a waiting list, and rationing. The stroy the State’s budget, but it’s going include undermining the patient-physi- other, the one I prefer, is a free market to destroy everybody’s family budget. cian relationship and empowering the where we attack the doctor patient-re- It’s going to be horrendously expen- Federal Government with even greater lationship and we empower the patient, sive, and it’s also going to destroy jobs. authority. It’s unsustainable from a fi- make him into a consumer, where he There are going to be over 5 million nancial standpoint. The Federal Gov- has clarity and transparency, where he people that are going to lose their jobs ernment will have unprecedented au- has health savings accounts, for in- if this bill ever becomes law. thority to change the Medicare pro- stance, and he can go and decide and Mr. AKIN. You know, when we’re gram through these new boards with- have patient choice as to what the running at whatever it is—and these out Congress or the courts or anybody cost, what the providers are going to numbers, I don’t really believe them, having any oversight to that. It’s de- be, and where he can get his best value because these numbers are worse—but void of proven medical liability reform. for the money. 10 percent unemployment, and you They’re concerned about many Mr. AKIN. You know, I just today dump 5 million more jobs lost on a bill things that aren’t in this bill, two of was talking to my constituents back in that is already going to cost trillions which are: it takes away the right to the State of Missouri and we were hav- of dollars that we don’t have, this make a private contract between two ing this forum. I spoke in pretty strong thing, it just seems like somebody has individuals, particularly doctor and a terms. I told my constituents that this to have some sort of blind faith to have patient or any provider and patient. bill, first of all, would destroy the qual- their foot down on the pedal of the bat- Another one is, there’s nothing to stop ity of health care in America. The sec- tleship and just try to drive the battle- the sustainable growth rate formula ond thing it was going to do was it was ship through the dock. that is killing physicians. going to destroy the Federal budget. In my district, this is a working day It goes back to what you were just And that if I were to put this bill on a today. We rented a facility at the St. saying a few minutes ago, Mr. AKIN, scale of all the legislation I’ve seen Charles Convention Center. It had seat- where doctors are being underpaid. We since I’ve been in Congress—and I’m ing for 800 people. Now where are you have this SGR, sustainable growth rate getting a little older; this is my tenth going to find 800 people that care about formula, that needs to be thrown out. year—that this bill is more than twice politics in the middle of a Wednesday? But we don’t do anything about that. as bad as the next worst bill that I’ve Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock in St. What that’s going to do to the Amer- ever seen. So this bill is altogether in Louis. When the beginning of the town hall started, we had over a thousand. ican public, and particularly Medicare another category. patients need to understand, if this bill I spoke before a group this last week- By the time it had gotten going a little is passed, it’s going to be exceedingly end, and I looked out and there were a bit, we had 2,200 people. You couldn’t difficult for a senior to find a doctor lot of other legislators I’d served with even get any more people in the room. who’s going to accept their government in the State of Missouri. I said, We’ve And their sentiment was along the insurance. It’s already a problem, but all served in the majority, we’ve served lines of what we sense here. They said, We don’t like this bill. We really don’t it’s going to be even much more of a in the minority. But I said, The last like this bill. They were begging, What problem and exceedingly difficult be- year and a half, we’ve served in the wil- can we do to stop this thing? So my cause the Federal Government is going derness. I said, The difference of the sense is that we’re not the only people to pay a lower rate, and doctors just wilderness is that I walk up as though that are thinking like this in this can’t afford to do that. I were walking up to the edge of the Mr. AKIN. So this is going to be a country. Grand Canyon and contemplated what My good friend from Texas, Congress- good deal. Everybody is going to have happens if you go over that abyss. man GOHMERT. medical insurance, but you just won’t It appears to me tonight, gentlemen, Mr. GOHMERT. Well, I think there’s have any doctor to go to see. and tell me if I’m not overstating this, actually great wisdom in what Presi- Dr. FLEMING. that we are standing on an abyss. And dent Obama said that’s on the chart Mr. FLEMING. Well, first of all, let that if we step off the edge by passing right behind you, and that is, Rec- me say something that I think is not as this bill, America will not be the same onciliation is therefore the wrong place obvious, but if you think about it, it country she’s ever been in the past, and for policy changes. In short, the rec- should be very clear. Coverage under we will not be able to recover from onciliation process appears to have lost health care does not mean access to that. its proper meaning. A vehicle designed health care. Look at Cuba. In Cuba, Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Will the gen- for deficit reduction and fiscal respon- you have universal health care, you tleman yield? sibility has been hijacked to facilitate have universal access, and it’s all free. Mr. AKIN. I do yield. reckless deficits and unsustainable The problem is there is no health care Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Absolutely. debt. The President called that exactly in Cuba. They have one colonoscope for You’re correct about that. In fact, right. the whole country. Antibiotics, medi- we’re at a tipping point where this I need to ask my friend, I can’t see cations. Nonexistent. So what good is country is either going to be totally so- the date there. Was that last week that 100 percent universal coverage? cialistic—government controls every- he said that? When was that? Now how does that apply to us? Well, thing in everybody’s life from Wash- Mr. AKIN. You know, that’s the iron- what we’re really doing in effect with ington, D.C. And that’s what this ic thing about this quote and the rea- this bill is taking two big entitlements, health care bill is designed and geared son why we put it on this chart. The which is Medicare-Medicaid. The to do. Or, we are going to walk away President has been saying a lot of States can’t afford Medicaid. The Fed- from that and start fighting for free- things. I think the most truthful thing eral Government cannot afford Medi- dom and cutting down the size of the he said was that, I’m going to bring care. Medicare will run out of money in Federal Government and let people live you change. I think he’s been fair in 8 years. On top of that, we’re taking their own lives without all the govern- doing that. Not much else that I’ve out half a trillion dollars for Medicare, ment intrusion. That’s exactly where heard that doesn’t seem to have some not knowing how we’re going to make we are. contradiction. up for it, and then we’re going to take I wanted to bring up another issue to But this quote here, Reconciliation is the money and tax people and create a throw this out then: That people therefore the wrong place for policy whole new entitlement, stacking one should understand that this bill that changes, such as the government tak- entitlement after another. we are supposedly going to vote upon— ing over one-sixth of the economy. In Bottom line here is, there’s two ways I guess we will, the Senate bill, H.R. short, this process seems to have lost to save costs, to bend the cost curve 3590—the CBO, the Congressional Budg- its proper meaning. A vehicle designed down in health care. One is to have a et Office, says that it will increase pre- for deficit reduction. That’s what it giant system like that, and create bu- miums for everybody who’s buying pri- was supposed to be for—deficit reduc- reaucrats who are going to control vate insurance today by $2,100 per fam- tion, fiscal responsibility. It’s been hi- things and micromanage, and ulti- ily. So not only is it going to destroy jacked.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.176 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1309 I’m glad you asked that question be- and we agree we need to improve access But we’re asked to do a lot of different cause the date here says December, to quality health care. I would have things, and we try to help out. 2005. So I don’t think he really wants been much happier if this whole debate, Now, my question to you is, let’s say us to remember what he said in 2005, when we started it—in fact, I came to we jump off the abyss, and now we’ve because if you were to take this today, Congress thinking that we would have got this mess, and we have people back this would mean that they aren’t going that debate—how do we improve access home calling us saying, My mom, my to pass this bill. to quality health care. No. What are we mom is sick. She got cancer. She got it Mr. GOHMERT. That’s right. debating? Health insurance. Not even bad, and she’s going to need help right Mr. AKIN. So it kind of depends the right topic. away. So I went to get some health whether its your bill or my bill, I I want to put it in the perspective of care for my mom. They said I have got guess. probably an example that I think to wait 6 months. What I’m asking you Mr. GOHMERT. And as we under- touches all the colleagues here on the is this question: How, as Congressmen, stand now, in 2005, Senator Obama was floor. I’m from a very rural district. I are we going to get through this mess moving forward, campaigning, moving have probably almost 24 different rural to try to help our constituents? And toward a Presidential run. But I tell hospitals in my congressional district. even worse, how are our constituents you, it just blessed my heart to hear Those hospitals, in addition to the eco- ever going to get from here over to get President Obama say in the summit at nomic engines, they’re incredibly im- their medical care? Does that concern the Blair House, when he said to Sen- portant to those communities. They’re you? Congressman GOHMERT, do you ator MCCAIN, We’re not campaigning the source of positions. They’re really want to take a shot at that? This any more. I said, Hallelujah. The Presi- good jobs. They purchase resources. doesn’t look friendly to me. dent’s going to stop campaigning. I tell They’re good neighbors. They purchase Mr. GOHMERT. Well, it’s because it’s you, that was such good news to me be- resources in the community. So they’re not friendly. I was privileged back in cause that means the President’s going good for the community. But beyond 1973 for the summer to be an exchange to quit campaigning and just try to that, having those in those rural com- student in the Soviet Union. I saw so- govern. If he were to going to cam- munities provides access to quality cialized medicine firsthand, and that’s paign, he would probably have gone off health care. where this is going. It’s socialized med- to who knows where—Missouri or You never want to see a hospital icine where the government controls it. somewhere today—and given another close. I don’t believe that. But if you I don’t want the insurance companies speech. The fact that we’re not cam- close one in the city, probably within between me and my doctor, and that paigning anymore means he’s back about a six-block radius you’re going means I also don’t want any of that here trying to figure out how we can to find another hospital that’s going to just massive amount of government be- reform health care without cramming be able to provide you access to life- tween me and my doctor, but that’s it down the throats of 60 to 70 percent saving care. where this takes us. of Americans that don’t want this bad And you wonder, Why would a group b 2145 medicine that’s about to be rammed risk losing the majority in Congress to down their throat. You close a hospital in my congres- pass a bill like this when they know Mr. AKIN. I appreciate your perspec- sional district, and what you wind up what’s at stake politically? And the tive and particularly calling attention with is a commute that makes the dif- answer is, it puts in place so much gov- to the fact that this reconciliation is ference between life and death. We’re ernment that once it’s in place, it hijacking the entire legislative proc- talking hours to get the same type of, won’t matter which party is in the ma- ess. He is willing to do this, to pass this or any type of, access to health care. jority. It’s kind of like the Department particular piece of legislation. So here’s the rub when it comes to this of Education or other things that are My good friend from Pennsylvania, bill that’s being proposed, $500 billion not enumerated powers in the Con- somebody said that if you’ve got a cuts to Medicare. And my good friend stitution. Once it’s there, you can’t do busted faucet or sink in your kitchen, already talked about the fact that anything about it. The school districts a smart thing to do is to fix the faucet Medicare only pays maybe 80 to 90 lose billions of dollars over the years or the sink, not to remodel the whole cents for a dollar’s worth of care that a that have been usurped by just a bu- kitchen. Does it appear to you that the hospital or a physician provides. So reaucracy in Washington. It’s going to difference between the two political Medicare is already underfunded. happen with health care. parties on this issue is that the Demo- We’ve talked about how that is one of And just quickly, let me tell you, crats have really decided they’re going the contributing factors to why com- what inspired me to get with profes- to remodel the kitchen, whether you mercial health insurance is so expen- sionals, health care professionals, want it or not, and the Republicans, we sive. Commercial health insurance na- economists to come up with a solution have a lot of different health care bills tionally pays 135 percent of costs. The was, when I saw that if you added to- as Republicans, but ours are all fix the Federal Government only pays 80 to 90 gether the amount of money we spend sink or fix the drain. We’re taking a percent of costs. So what are we going on Medicare and Medicaid and divide look at what we have, seeing what to do? What’s the solution to that obvi- that by the total number of households needs to be fixed to make it better, and ous problem? Let’s cut more Medicare. in all of the United States, it’s an aver- we’re selectively doing that, whereas it Let’s throw in $500 billion in cuts. age of over $10,000 from every house- seems the Democrats have the concept Mr. AKIN. There you go. That’s an- hold in America to fund Medicare and they’re just going to re-create every- other counterintuitive thing. This Medicaid. thing. Take one-sixth of the economy, whole bill seems to be counterintu- When I saw that, I was thinking, My have the government run it. itive, doesn’t it? goodness, all that government, all that Does that seem like it fits for you? Let me ask a question. We have two we’re paying for, we’re better off if we Mr. THOMPSON. I think that comes of you who are medical doctors here, said to every household that has people close. Actually, I believe that the one who’s a judge, one’s a former med- on Medicare or Medicaid or even health care issue is more like a leaky ical professional. I’m an engineer by SCHIP, here’s $3,500 cash from the Fed- faucet. And what my good friends on training, and now we’re Congressmen. eral Government in a health savings the Democratic side of the aisle are And one of the things that we have to account you control with a debit card, choosing to do is to burn the house do and we should pay attention to is and we will buy you private insurance down versus just— our constituents. We get calls from that’s catastrophic care to cover every- Mr. AKIN. So remodeling the kitch- people saying, Hey, I’ve got a problem thing above that. You don’t have to en— with this, Congressman. You need to buy any more supplemental coverage Mr. THOMPSON. They’re burning the help me. And they ask us to do some or wraparound coverage. entire house down and taking it from a weird stuff sometimes. Like, I remem- And I know that scares AARP be- system that has been a model for the ber the first time they asked me to get cause they made a lot of money off of world, actually. I give you one exam- them a job. And I’m thinking, Hey, I’m that supplemental insurance. But this ple. One of the issues we talk about— not a job agency. I’m a Congressman. will help seniors. You give them a

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.177 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1310 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 choice. You want to keep having Medi- this floor when there was a bill that I in this bill, things that would dev- care, you want to keep having Med- would say is probably the second worst astate medical care in this country as icaid, or do you want us to give you bill I have seen. It’s only half as bad as people know and enjoy it. We want to cash you control and get the insurance this bill, and it was a bill that was reform health care. We want to fix real company and the government out be- amended with 300 pages of amendments problems to lower costs, to address pre- tween you and your doctor? And I at 3 o’clock in the morning. I think it conditions. They don’t want to do that. think people, when you give them that was the late part of spring of this last They want a government takeover. voluntary choice, they will make the year. But there are some other things in choices that will save us from bank- I remember Mr. GOHMERT had the this bill that also show some of their ruptcy that Medicare is driving us to. I same sense of persistence, and he got real intentions. And the issue of abor- yield back. this idea that maybe if we’re going to tion funding, taxpayer funding of abor- Mr. AKIN. Now wait a minute. You vote on a bill that it ought to be here tion has been one of those at the core have got me all confused, Congressman in the Chamber because there is a rule of, you know, who do you believe and GOHMERT because my understanding is, that the bill we’re debating and voting what are the myths. And of course Republicans—from what the President on is supposed to be in the Chamber. I you’ve got Speaker PELOSI out there has said—don’t have any ideas. We remember just asking, is it north, saying, Oh, don’t worry. Abortion fund- don’t have any bills. Of course he also south, east or west? It was like a kid ing won’t be in this bill. said that he read our bills, so that was looking for a button that’s hidden in a There are two pieces of information I a little confusing too. But what you room somewhere. And he’s back and want to point out, and I think a lot of just outlined was basically getting up forth and back and forth. Finally they people have started to see all of this, at 50,000 feet, looking at the problem said, The bill is right up there in that but it really clarifies what’s going on. and saying, We really don’t need the desk. He went up and looked for it. And This first letter I want to read a few government to get into all this detail. guess what? It wasn’t there. sentences from is from the United We simply take the amount of money So I don’t know, people like to hide States Conference of Catholic Bishops. that the government’s spending right things on you, Congressman. I don’t Catholic bishops, they don’t have a now. You break it into pieces, just des- know what to tell you, but it would be vested interest in whether the Repub- ignate the number of families in our interesting if we knew what the finan- lican approach or the Democratic ap- country, and you’ve already got some- cial score on some ideas, such as what proach is moving forward. But they thing that’s going to work. you had, that are innovative. And it’s have two real concerns. One is, they Mr. GOHMERT. That’s actually a lot the fact that Republicans, of course, don’t want abortion funding, and they cheaper than what we’re doing now. It don’t have any ideas except that the want a conscience clause protection. would save money. But let me just say President did read them and all. So So I’m going to read a few quick sen- this: I know a lot of people kowtow to that makes it kind of interesting. tences. CBO. Let me tell you that in this Con- I notice we’re joined by some other First on human life: ‘‘Disappoint- gress—and the director has called me good friends of mine. Congressman ingly, the Senate-passed bill in par- and said, Oh, we are very objective. SCALISE from Louisiana is here, and I ticular does not meet our moral cri- And I know they do the best they can just wanted to let you have a chance. teria on life and conscience. Specifi- to being objective. But I’m telling you, We’re going to talk a little bit about cally, it violates the longstanding Fed- since he got woodshedded at the White this really amazing medical bill that’s eral policy against the use of Federal House, let me tell you, there have been being pushed forward. funds for elective abortions and health I believe it’s been 56 health care bills Mr. SCALISE. Well, I want to thank plans that include such abortions.’’ It that have been scored by CBO. my colleague from Missouri for hosting goes on to say: ‘‘We believe legislation We have about 70 bills from Repub- this and my other colleagues who are that fails to comply with this policy lican Study Committee members to re- expressing leadership and really trying and precedent is not true health care form health care. Seventy bills, they to make this last stand because we are reform and should be opposed until this are bills. And you know how many we at the last stand for health care, as the fundamental problem is remedied.’’ have gotten scored on the Republican President continues to try to ram down This is the United States Conference of side? Six, six bills. I have been begging the throats of the American people this Catholic Bishops. and writing all kinds of ways. I have government takeover. And here we are And then one other I’m going to read had ranking member of the committee on the House floor as Speaker PELOSI is for you is National Right to Life, a of jurisdiction, JOE BARTON, request trying in the next week, possibly, to very respected organization, a bipar- my bill be scored. I’ve had DAVE CAMP have a vote here on the House floor on tisan organization. National Right to when they said, Well, you don’t have a bill that the American people have Life also addresses the Senate language the Joint Commission ranking mem- said in every way possible that they as it relates to taxpayer funding of ber. Well, then, DAVE CAMP requested. I don’t want. abortion: ‘‘Any House Member who can’t get it scored. And I realize by You had the elections, of course, in votes for the Senate health bill is cast- making a big deal about CBO not scor- Virginia and New Jersey; and then you ing a career-defining pro-abortion ing Republican plans, that they may had the election in Massachusetts, of vote.’’ This is National Right to Life. say, Oh, GOHMERT, we’ll take your bill, all places, where SCOTT BROWN said, I’ll And the final sentence I will read: ‘‘The and we’ll score it, and you’re not going be the 41st vote against health care, Senate health bill is a 2,407-page lab- to like the way it comes out. I realize and he won. And even after that, this yrinth strewn with the legislative that’s a risk. But I’m telling you, it tone-deaf liberal leadership here in equivalents of improvised explosive de- has been so abusive that CBO has done Congress is saying that they’re going vices—disguised provisions that will re- virtually nothing. to continue to try to ram down this sult in Federal pro-abortion mandates About a tenth of the Republican bills government takeover. What you’re and Federal subsidies for abortion.’’ that they have scored are Democratic pointing out and my colleagues are That’s National Right to Life. bills. And if they want to bring some pointing out are some incredibly im- So as the American people are con- equity to this and some objectiveness, portant facts that I think the Amer- templating all of this, they’re going to it is time CBO started scoring Repub- ican people themselves have been see- have to ask themselves, who do they lican bills and not just Democratic ing as they’ve been reading the bill, believe as this information and misin- bills. I had to get that out. and this latest version is over 2,400 formation is out there? Do they believe Mr. AKIN. Well, I appreciate that, pages long. Speaker PELOSI who says, Don’t worry, Congressman GOHMERT. You know, But there’s a couple of points in taxpayer funding of abortion is not in those of us who know Congressman there, and I want to touch on one of this 2,400-page bill? Or do they believe GOHMERT—and I know my colleagues them, and I know you have touched on the United States Conference of Catho- do—know that he has a gift of persist- a few others. Clearly there is over $500 lic Bishops and National Right to Life ence. And I recall one of his more per- billion in new taxes in this bill. There who both clearly state that the Senate sistent moments. It was right here on is over $500 billion in cuts to Medicare bill does contain taxpayer funding of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.178 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1311 abortion? Yet one of just many big ence there because you would have had it is important, Mr. AKIN, that the points of opposition we have to this another 2,200 people. American people know that we have government takeover of health care. Please share their comments. tried to let their voices be heard here Mr. AKIN. I certainly appreciate the Mrs. BACHMANN. This is from Cheri in the House. We are hearing them and gentleman making that point. And it is Hamilton, who said, Stop trying to de- we are trying to speak back to the usually presented as a pro-life position stroy this country. The health care American people. We hear you. We are that we don’t want the government system can be fixed without a take- fighting. Don’t give up. We are not giv- funding abortions. It almost struck me over. Listen to the American people. ing up. as kind of two different things almost. Stop this socialist agenda. I still believe it is not inevitable. If One, Do you think it’s a good idea to Ted Mesjak: ObamaCare is a can of the people call, if the people go to their abort little children? But the second socialized medicine worms. Member’s office, we can still defeat question is a conscience question, Do Duane Anderson: My wish for signing this. I really appreciate you leading you think it’s a good idea to force peo- this petition is that it adds more fuel this Special Order tonight. ple to pay taxes and then use those to fight the government takeover of Mr. AKIN. I appreciate you, Con- taxes for something that they believe my health care. The despair is that the gresswoman. is the destruction of a human life? government so far has not listened to When we were at this last summer, You know, one of the things that has my views or the views of others who the President said, I want a vote before really encouraged me—you just talked share the same viewpoint. we go on summer break. And you were about that election in Massachusetts. Kathleen Somers: I do not want the pleading the charge last summer, say- You know, in America there’s always current health care reform bill. It will ing, No, we are going to hold the line. been a few people that say they’re ag- put this country into further debt, and Even though we are 80 votes short in nostic or an atheist. And what really Obama and his administration need to the House, we are going to talk. We are encouraged me about that election is work with Republicans. going to take this battle to the Amer- that nobody can claim they’re an athe- Herbert Rudolph: As a senior citizen, ican public. We are going to win the ist or agnostic anymore in America be- I am absolutely sick and tired of the war of ideas. cause only God could have elected a Federal Government interfering in my What we have seen is we got past the Republican in the State of Massachu- personal life. summer. We got into the fall. After we setts. I mean, it couldn’t have been Kerry Ferguson: It is our President got through the fall, it looked like if done by anybody else. So I’m glad at and his congressional bullies began re- we could just get into 2010, it will be least we won’t have too many of those specting the will of the American peo- election year, maybe people will listen kicking around. ple. Please keep up the good fight for then. We saw at Christmastime, we saw intelligent health care reform. We the situation where the 60 Democrats b 2200 must get this right. got together and they passed it and it I am joined here also by the gentle- Mike Tarbert: Stop these idiots and looked like we were really in trouble. woman from Minnesota (Mrs. have them change their meds. And what struck me, you and those BACHMANN), and you have been a voice Beverly Harper: This bill is a trav- on the floor tonight, and my friends for conservative values and so strong esty. and comrades, a band of brothers and on this bill, and I am so thankful we Mary Baptista: I do not want the in- sisters, have been discovering in our have the A-Team out here this evening efficiency of the DMV and the compas- hearts what our minds knew for a long as we are coming down to the finish sion of the IRS to be part of my health time, and that is when a group of peo- line, and that is the bill will be fin- care. Less government and more free- ple stand and do everything in their ished. I appreciate your giving us a dom to choose. power to do what is right, they can call northern perspective as well as some They have a good sense of humor in on the power of God to help them, just other perspectives as well. east Texas. as our forefathers did, and expect to Mrs. BACHMANN. Thank you so Lorrie Breed: Let the States handle see unusual results. much. Congressman AKIN, you were this. Governors can do this if the Feds When I saw Massachusetts with a Re- also involved with the Declaration of will get out of the way. publican Senator, I had to start laugh- Health Care Independence. I believe Shirley Wahl: I expect that the Con- ing. I thought, Boy, does God have a every Member here was involved with gress will vote what the American citi- sense of humor. And we saw, while we putting that document together. This zens want, and set aside their pref- didn’t have any power at all, all we weekend I was with Congressman erences in favor of their constituents. could do, as you are doing, just tell the GOHMERT, and one of his constituents Nancy York: Hear, hear. hearts of the American people. Let peo- walked up to me and handed me an- And this goes on for a thousand dif- ple understand, you are not the only other thousand signatures that she ferent comments from people across one out there who is feeling like you gathered to sign the Declaration of the country. are crazy. You are not the only one Health Care Independence. Just in her And today I heard that a lot of the who is starting to see that government sphere in east Texas, she got a thou- Blue Dogs, the so-called conservatives is not the answer; government is the sand people to sign. I thought one voice here in Congress, are starting to weak- problem. The American public is mak- that hasn’t been heard real loud in the en. Their spines are starting to go. We ing their voices heard, and they will health care debate is that of the Amer- all know this is going to break the make them heard in the elections com- ican people. She gave me not only a bank, this bill, and yet it is these dear, ing up. thousand signatures, she also took sweet people from all across America Thank you for joining us. comments from the people. I wanted, if who have been begging and fighting Congressman THOMPSON. I could, just to read one page as my their own government to get their gov- Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. contribution tonight, because I think ernment to listen to what they want. Mr. AKIN, I want to come back to the it is important here in the most impor- And no less than CNN has reported chart you have there. It is a perfect tant democratic body in the history of that three out of four Americans don’t capture of bureaucracy. Bureaucracy, the world, the United States House of want this current health care bill. one of the things that we talked about. Representatives, the American people Time magazine last week reported, We are all committed to lowering the should have their voice heard tonight not exactly a right-wing news source, health care costs for every single because they haven’t had it. that the Obama administration is lay- American. That is a principle that we So with your permission, let me read ing the foundation that within 10 all should be doing the right things to- a few of those comments. years, we will have to pay double taxes wards. And there are solutions out Mr. AKIN. That sounds like it would before this health care bill passes. there that we have worked on and in- be very interesting, because we just So the American people have been troduced. The Putting Patients First had 2,200 people come to our town hall desperately trying to get into this de- Act is just one of them that would meeting today. We should have had our bate and get the American Congress to bring the cost of health care down for Declaration of Health Care Independ- hear them, and the President. I think everyone.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.179 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1312 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 But I want to talk about the con- cause he’s bound to ride forever be- burden off of small businesses, we can sequences of that chart, of this Senate cause he doesn’t have the last nickel literally lower the cost of health care bill which is being shoved like a freight for the fare that some politician was and make it affordable for those that train through Congress and on the pushing, an increase in the rate of the don’t have the ability to buy it today. American people. Over a hundred dif- train. But we could have poor Charlie So government is the problem, and ferent mandates, well over a hundred trying to get through this mess, lost adding more government to it is going different new bureaucracies are being forever in this system trying to get his to drive the cost up. created in health care. I will just come cold medicine, or whatever it is; he’s Mr. AKIN. I think a lot of Americans back to one that was created, and the going to get lost forever in that mess. have come to the same conclusion, gov- practical impact of that, under Presi- Congressman BROUN from down in ernment is the problem, and they want dent Clinton: the Health Insurance Georgia. a whole lot less of it down here threat- Portability and Accountability Act, Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. AKIN, ening them from D.C. HIPAA. you made a very astute observation My good friend from Texas, Congress- Everyone wants privacy when it just a moment ago, and our good man GOHMERT. comes to health care. It is a very inti- friend, G.T. THOMPSON, was just talk- Mr. GOHMERT. What you’re talking mate subject. That is why we don’t ing about something that I want to about is exactly what Thomas Jeffer- want a bureaucrat involved in our come back to, back to your comment son talked about when he said the nat- health care. The portability part, I that government is the problem. ural course of things is for liberty to have to say, if that worked back in the Practicing medicine, I’ve seen the yield and government to gain. And I 1990s, we would all be better if we could cost of health care go up for everybody thought Steve Moore from the Wall take our insurance with us where we in this country because of government Street Journal made a great point this went. But it didn’t; it failed. But what regulations. And let me just tell you morning, in talking with him, when he it did do is put a layer of bureaucracy about a couple of things; one is HIPAA said, people inherently know in Amer- in our health care system that has just that G.T. was just talking about. ica that if you add 30 million people to piled tons and tons of layers and HIPAA was totally unneeded, totally the same health care coverage you’re money, money that is required to be unwarranted. It’s a law passed by Con- not going to save money. If you were to spent to implement and execute that gress. It’s a regulatory burden that’s save money by adding 30 million people bureaucracy. been placed on the health care system. to our health insurance or Medicare, And you know where that money It has cost billions of dollars and has then, as he said, we might as well say, comes from? It comes from direct care. not paid for the first aspirin to treat you know what? We’ll insure everybody That is money that goes into—and the headaches it has created. in China, and that will get us out of the when they talk about waste in health Another bill that was passed, HENRY deficit. It’s not true; it doesn’t work. care, government mandates are a tre- WAXMAN, Ted Kennedy, PETE STARK, We’ve got to be practical and stop gov- mendous waste. That is how I got in- and others, passed a bill a couple of ernment from taking over where lib- volved in public policy, actually, out of years ago called CLIA, the Clinical erty is yielding. frustration, because I saw what the Laboratory Improvement Act. I was Mr. AKIN. Now I’ve got a question: Medicare regulations, many of them, practicing medicine in a small, rural Do you think that the guy that came were doing to add cost and decrease ac- community down in southwest Geor- up with the idea that if we add people cess to cost-effective health care. gia. Prior to HIPAA, I had a fully auto- that are uninsured to the health care Mr. AKIN. So what you are talking mated lab in my office, quality con- situation it’s going to save money about isn’t exactly a surprise to us. trolled so that I knew that the results maybe was the same guy that said the You’ve been there, and what you are I got out of my lab were absolutely cor- economy will get better if you spend a saying is health care is just what you rect so I could give good, quality care whole lot more money? I thought expect. When the government does it, to my patients. Congress passed CLIA, maybe they were twins or something it is inefficient and it is a tremendous which shut my lab and every doctor’s like that. waste. And so to try and say, Now we lab down in this country. Dr. FLEMING, just got a minute. have got Medicare and Medicaid that Prior to CLIA, if a patient came in to Mr. FLEMING. We’re in the closing have gone bankrupt, and so give us the see me with a red sore throat, running moments. I just want to touch on the rest of health care to take over, there a fever, coughing, runny nose, head- process. We’ve heard about the Corn is a problem with that line of reasoning ache, I would do a CBC, a complete Husker kickback, the Louisiana Pur- somehow. blood count, to see if they had a bac- chase, the Gatorade Carve-out for the Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. terial infection which needs antibiotics Medicare Advantage in Florida. Absolutely. And what we are talking to treat it or a viral infection, which Mr. AKIN. All special deals, yeah. about today goes well beyond Medi- does not need antibiotics. They don’t Mr. FLEMING. All special deals. And care. I thought Medicare and Medicaid need to spend the money, they don’t to today we find out that yesterday or the were complex. This new proposal, this be exposed to the antibiotics. I could day before our Speaker, Speaker Senate bill that is being pushed at us, do that test in 5 minutes. It cost 12 PELOSI, made this comment, she said, HIPAA, the impact of costs on health bucks. That’s what I charged, $12. We’re going to have to pass this bill in care just from HIPAA were significant. HIPAA shut me down so I couldn’t do order to find out what’s in it. Now, If you multiply that times a hundred that anymore, and I had to send pa- we’re talking about one-sixth of the en- new Federal mandates on health care, tients over to the hospital to get the tire economy here, and our Speaker and you multiply that by 150 new bu- same test or else I just had to arbi- has the audacity to say that we need to reaucracies within the health care sys- trarily give them antibiotics so that pass this crazy 3,000-page bill just to tem, the ultimate cost of what this will they had the huge cost of going to buy find out what’s in it? And with that cost our country, our citizens, and our those antibiotics. But if they went to she’s referring to reconciliation. health is just devastating. the hospital, it took two to three hours Mr. AKIN. That’s an amazing quote, and cost $75. For one test, it went from isn’t it? We have to pass the 3,000-page b 2210 one $12, 5 minutes to $75, two to three bill just to find out what’s in it. Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Will the gen- hours for one test, for one regulatory Mr. FLEMING. Well, we learned with tleman yield? burden. Now, you can multiply that the stimulus bill that you didn’t have Mr. AKIN. I’m going to yield to my over the whole course of the health to read it to pass it, so I guess maybe good friend, Congressman BROUN, but I care system in the United States and it just correlated with that. can’t help but think that we need you will see that it drove up, mark- Mr. AKIN. Well, there does seem to somebody who’s a songwriter. Do you edly, the cost of everybody’s insurance be some parallelism here, but it seems remember there was a guy in Boston in this country. like it’s close to insane almost. that won a political race by writing Government is the problem. And get- We’ve got just a minute or so left, that song, ‘‘Charlie the MTA?’’ It was a ting the regulatory burden off of the and MICHELE, I wanted to give you the sad song about poor old Charlie be- health care system, getting the tax last minute or two here.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.181 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1313 Thanks, everybody. plauded by all of us in addition to the essary to catch up or to even surpass Mrs. BACHMANN. Thanks, I appre- successful test launch of the Are’s I–X us. ciate it. rocket back in September. Is human exploration worth the cost? I want to go back to a little sign that Madam Speaker, I am going to talk If Americans question this, then we LOUIE GOHMERT held up at the State of tonight about a couple of issues: na- should ask why other nations are des- the Union speech, or something, the tional priority; national security and perately ramping up their human space joint session, that said, ‘‘What plan?’’ how important NASA and human exploration. Remember the President, at the 7-hour spaceflight is for that; inspiration for What do China, India, Japan, and infomercial that was supposedly a sum- our youth; and our educational pur- Russia know that we don’t know? They mit on health care, he had a 12-page poses, particularly in the discipline of clearly know what America has known proposal. There was no legislative plan, STEM—science, technology, engineer- for years, which is that the direct in- there were no words on paper, and we ing, math—and the technological bene- vestment alone is worth the cost and didn’t know how much it cost. fits that every American, every person that the indirect benefits have pro- We Republicans are still in the dark, in the world, has gotten from NASA vided economic drivers and scientific and I don’t know if the American peo- and human spaceflight. discoveries that have far exceeded ex- ple know that. There is still no bill out America’s global dominance in space pectations. there that we’ve been able to see. All exploration has always been for so Think about what human spaceflight these backroom deals that my good much more than just the race to be has done for America. There is the friend, JOHN FLEMING, is talking about, first. It has signaled a commitment Hubble space telescope, one of the they’re being cut on a bill not one of us from our Nation to forge a path. Pre- greatest pieces of technological ad- has ever had a chance to read. Nobody viously unimaginable scientific and vancements in our society. Unfortu- has read the bill that these deals are technological discoveries are born both nately, when it was launched, it was being cut on. Every bit of this, every from necessity and from risk-taking. launched in a flawed vehicle. It had a word in this bill is all behind closed They are born out of unexpected con- flawed refractory mirror on it. It was doors, and these backroom deals. And sequences. It has been said many times basically a $2 billion piece of junk that no one is going to know about what all before that it is not just the destina- we put into orbit. these deals are until it goes through. tion but the journey. Yet, because we had a human But just to give the American people The journey on which our space ex- spaceflight capability and because we a chance, let me read a couple more. ploration program has taken the had men and women who were willing Judith Kaminsky: ‘‘To force unwanted, United States has given rise to our to take the risk to go into space, they expensive, unconstitutional health care global leadership on many, many went up and repaired the Hubble tele- laws on the United States is not only a fronts. Our Nation’s global dominance scope four times. They brought it back, blow to capitalism, but a dis- in human spaceflight has coincided and made it one of the most incredible membering of our way of life and our with our status as the world’s only su- pieces of technology in our society. rule of law. It’s criminal to push so perpower, which is not by accident. They brought back images from across hard for something as unhelpful, un- The national commitment to be the the solar system and the universe. It safe, unpopular, and uneconomical as best in national security and in space wouldn’t have happened without the current administration’s want list. exploration goes hand in hand. That is human spaceflight. There are better ways to achieve a de- precisely why there is always such We risk losing this with the Presi- sirable outcome for the changes that strong bipartisan support for NASA dent’s budget. The President’s decision might be necessary.’’ and for human spaceflight. of NASA’s role in human spaceflight is Mr. AKIN. Let’s elect her to Con- Abandoning the enterprise of space not only a step back for America; it is gress. That’s a good idea. exploration is a striking decision be- a calculated decision that says we I think we’re about out of time here. cause it violates something that makes aren’t up to the challenge. I just want to thank the A team for us human—the desire to know new Yes, our Nation is in a fiscal situa- coming out tonight, just a great dis- things through personal experience. As tion that should force us to examine cussion. Americans, our heritage is about explo- our spending priorities. We may dis- ration. Our nature is to seek out the agree on how our limited resources f unknown and to explore. The adminis- should be spent, but there are funda- PRESIDENT’S BUDGET ON NASA tration’s decision to kill the Constella- mental national priorities that are The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. tion is an affront to that heritage. worth the investment. Abandoning CHU). Under the Speaker’s announced America cannot escape the irref- human space exploration isn’t the policy of January 6, 2009, the gen- utable fact that to fly regularly into tough decision that America needs. tleman from Texas (Mr. OLSON) is rec- space is the most difficult techno- We need leadership that clearly ognized for 60 minutes. logical challenge that we know is pos- states we will not cede our leadership Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, to- sible under complicated and expensive in human spaceflight to any other na- night, my colleagues and I would like scenarios. Even when done success- tion on Earth. We should not hand over to share with you and the American fully, it is difficult and dangerous. In space to the Russians, to the Chinese, people our deep concern with the ef- the half century we have been putting or to India. If we stay on the path the fects of the President’s budget on human beings into space, we have lost President’s budget lays out, the United NASA. three brave crews. The support that is States faces the very real and very By overwhelming concern with the needed requires an overarching vision humiliating prospect of paying billions decision to cancel the Constellation that requires political courage. As he of dollars to Russia for years to hitch program, there are several reasons why stood on the football field at my alma rides to the international space sta- this is bad for America, about which mater, Rice University, President Ken- tion, which has been largely built by my colleagues and I will go into more nedy had that political courage when American taxpayer funds. detail over the next hour. he made the commitment to go to the We used to pay the Russians just over Moon by the end of the decade. $20 million to take one of our astro- b 2220 A person either believes that expand- nauts to the space station. They have Madam Speaker, Constellation was ing the range of human action is a learned capitalism very well; and now, and is the right path forward to main- noble undertaking, worthy of the cost this year, it is going to cost us $50 mil- tain America’s leadership in space. and the risk, or a person does not. I lion, which is more than double the Just this past week, the Constella- fundamentally believe that this goal price that it was last year. That con- tion program successfully completed represents the heart of American tract only extends through 2013. So, in its preliminary design review. This is a entrepreneurialism. It is what sets our all likelihood, we are going to have to milestone towards future development. Nation apart from the rest of the renew another contract with them in This is a major programmatic mile- world. It is why Russia, China, and the future. They have got a monopoly. stone that should be noted and ap- India are making the investments nec- They are going to charge us whatever

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.182 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1314 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 they want, and we are going to have to remains the only country in the world Some have made the argument that pay it if we want access to the space to have landed a person on the Moon the future of manned spaceflight is station, which, again, the American and to have brought him back to Earth best outsourced to the private sector, taxpayers have largely funded. safely. We have achieved what people as indicated in the budget proposal. This is unacceptable. We need to stay once thought to be impossible because But I think, though, commercial the course with the Constellation to we pushed ourselves and because we spaceflight is a promising and exciting make sure that we minimize that gap challenged our understanding of endeavor, and we need to keep those and to make sure we get our astronauts science and the universe. To this day, programs in our country, in our dis- delivering our people to the space sta- we still enjoy the countless benefits tricts, to provide those good-paying tion and beyond—to the Moon and be- reaped from the first spaceflight. jobs to our people. If we are trying to yond. Technologically, NASA is regularly preserve jobs in the United States, I Even more unsettling is knowing, commercialized, and it can be found in think it is unwise to outsource those when we finally have the ability to get countless products, like in improved good-paying jobs to other countries. In- there on our own, we may find the Chi- medical devices, in household smoke stitutional knowledge of over 40 years nese are already there and working it. detectors, in barcode scanners, and in of human spaceflight would be lost Their goal is to be to the Moon by 2023. every computer. under the current budget proposal. The United States’ goal: question Just to close, I just want to quote a b 2230 mark. We don’t know when we’re going statement given by Charlie Duke, an to be back to the Moon, if at any time So we see that the technology from Apollo 16 astronaut. He said, ‘‘We can- in the near future. Americans have spaceflight is incorporated into our ev- not afford to lose our leadership in rightly grown accustomed to serving as eryday lives. space. The Constellation Program must the global leader in human space explo- It has also allowed us to improve be continued.’’ ration. Sadly, we will be in for a huge weather forecasting, which is ex- You know what, PETE? I cannot agree shock when reality sets in that we no tremely important in Louisiana, given with him more. I am pretty sure you longer hold that title. the threats of hurricanes and tornadoes can also agree with me on that asser- NASA has long been a cradle for in- and what have you in the region. If you tion. Thank you very much for your novation. Without human spaceflight, were to listen to the former NASA Ad- hard work and dedication to this where is the incentive for future sci- ministrator, Dr. Mike Griffin, he project. entists and engineers to take up these wrote, ‘‘I believe that this budget re- Mr. OLSON. Thank you for those careers? quest advocates a strategy that is, very kind comments, and I couldn’t Human spaceflight is so much more frankly, disastrous for the U.S. human agree with you more. One of the prob- than the basis for an inspirational spaceflight program.’’ lems I have with this decision is how it movie. It is the heart of American in- Harrison Schmitt, former U.S. Sen- was sprung upon all of us. I am the ranking member on the sub- genuity; and in our pioneering nature ator and Apollo 17 astronaut, said, ‘‘It committee that has jurisdiction over as Americans, we say, Place our Nation is simply bad for the country.’’ NASA, and I found out, like probably at the forefront of technology and With the loss of our manufacturing base, many jobs have been moved to all of you, everybody here in the Cham- science. Madam Speaker, we must ber, by reading the newspaper. No one make the commitment that America other countries. The manufacturing of the space vehicle is among the very few ever gave me a heads-up that this was will always stay number one. coming. Nobody ever gave our ranking I urge my colleagues to look closely areas where we still enjoy a technical advantage, and I think it is extremely member a heads-up this was coming. I at what our Nation has achieved don’t think even the chairman of the through our leadership on human space unwise to give it up. Like you said, the Chinese are push- committee had any knowledge that exploration and to think about what is this was coming. It seemed to be a at stake if we walk away. ing to bring a person to the Moon. The Russians are continuing their space small little cabal in the White House I have some of my colleagues here to- that made this decision that has a tre- night whom I would like to recognize. program, and I am pretty sure that they are catching up with us in the mendous impact on our society. One is my good colleague from Lou- You mentioned the loss of jobs. There technical field to put a person on the isiana, Congressman CAO. are going to be thousands and thou- Moon and beyond. And we, as one of Thanks for coming tonight, ANH. I sands and thousands of good-paying, the most powerful countries in the look forward to your comments. high-tech jobs, the kind of jobs we world, the most advanced country in Mr. CAO. Thank you very much, want here in America, that are going PETE. the world, we are scaling back on our to go away. As you alluded to, once I know that the NASA program is ex- space program, one of the few areas those people walk out, they are gone. tremely important to your district, where we still have a technical advan- Mr. CAO. And I do recognize that we and I know that it is very integral in tage beyond other countries. are facing a budget problem, a budget providing good jobs to your people in The Michoud facility in my own dis- crisis in this country, and we have to your district. It is also the same with trict was slated to build components of cut costs, but I believe that we have to mine. I have a NASA facility plant in the Orion crew module and the Ares 1 do it in a responsible manner. Cutting New Orleans East, a facility that is and Ares 5 cargo rockets. Michoud one of the few areas in which we have called Michoud. faces the prospect of losing thousands an advantage over every other country Earlier this year, President Obama of high-skilled jobs. In a time in which in the world seems to me to be a very released his 2011 budget. To my sur- we are trying to preserve jobs, trying unwise decision. prise and to the surprise of many other to create jobs, this cut will destroy Mr. OLSON. Again, there is no reason Members—I’m pretty sure you’re in- jobs. With the Michoud facility facing why we should ever, ever, give up our cluded—the President recommended a reduced workforce of 1,000 employees, leadership in human spaceflight. We canceling NASA’s Constellation human that is 1,000 good-paying jobs that we have worked for it from the onset, over spaceflight program. During a time can preserve and we can retain. 50 years ago now, almost 50 years ago when our space shuttle program is We have this world-class manufac- since NASA was formed. phasing out, I am very concerned that turing facility in New Orleans which Again, you referred to President Ken- this decision will leave our Nation with has been used to build the Saturn rock- nedy’s speech. The ultimate called no means of transporting our astro- ets for the Apollo program and the shot; we are going to be on the Moon nauts to and from the international main fuel tanks for the space shuttle, by the end of this decade. And we were space station. It could set the U.S. among many other notable achieve- behind the Soviets, as you remember, space program back decades. ments, and we will lose all of the expe- at that time. We hadn’t done anything. Nearly 50 years ago, President John rience and all of the manufacturing Yet because of American ingenuity, F. Kennedy showed remarkable vision jobs, along with $9 billion of taxpayer American persistence, and American when he directed NASA to launch the money that could have been spent on innovation, on July 20, 1969, Neil Arm- Apollo program to the Moon. America the Constellation Program. strong backed down that ladder, put

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.184 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1315 that foot on the lunar surface, and ut- back home and return to their country leadership in human space exploration tered the famous words that every and we will not benefit from that and inspires generations of young American knows, ‘‘one small step for knowledge that they got here in Amer- minds like Hannah Gorse to create the man; one giant leap for mankind.’’ ica. And here at home we have some next level of American superiority. As I agree with you, we cannot give that American students graduating from we speak, China and India are dem- up. I think if you could talk to Astro- high school needing remedial math onstrating their commitment to naut Schmitt, Apollo 17, that was the courses to begin college level math. human space exploration, and they last Moon mission, and if you could b 2240 have the students graduating with the have talked to him when he got back degrees to get the job done. Again, the home and said, Well, you know, sir, we We have a shortage of teachers to in- Chinese plan to be back to the Moon are not going to be back for at least 40 spire young minds and we have deem- between 2025 and 2030. The United years, he would have taken money and phasized the pursuit of solving difficult States has no plans to go back to the said, No, we are going to go back. We problems and seem to choose the path Moon at this time. are going to be there over and over. We of least resistance. While the solutions Space exploration has always been a are going to be at Mars by 40 years to those problems may require a great primary motivator for students to pur- from now. national epiphany, we do see small but sue careers in math, science, and engi- Unfortunately, we are looking at cut- important steps taking place every day neering. Children stare up at the stars ting the program and continuing our across America. The Johnson Space or watch grainy footage of the first domination of low-Earth orbit, which Center in the district I’m fortunate to man on the Moon or watch a shuttle the Augustine Commission that the ad- represent in Houston hosts several pro- blast off at nighttime, and a future sci- ministration cites as sort of the bible grams in which employees volunteer entist, astronaut, or engineer is born. for their action also here basically their time to mentor students in math, As it stands now, the administration’s said, the front page of their summary, science, and engineering. budget is putting the U.S., the global we are done with low-Earth orbit. Just recently, just this past Monday, leader in human spaceflight explo- There are no more challenges for our I was pleased to be present when Han- ration, firmly into fourth place. With- Nation in low-Earth orbit. We have got nah Gorse, a student at Pearland High out a manned space program, again, we to fund a fantastic space station up School in the district I represent, won will be forced to pay Russia over $50 there that is delivering science and dis- a slot at the prestigious NASA High million per astronaut to give access to coveries to us every day, but we are School Aerospace Scholars Program. the international space station. not challenging ourselves from an ex- Hannah is a junior there at Pearland The United States has been a beacon ploration perspective going beyond High School. She told me that all she of cutting-edge technology when it low-Earth orbit. wants to do when she grows up is be- comes to pioneering the path in science We have to do that, and the Augus- come an astronaut or an aerospace en- and space exploration. We were the tine Commission recognized that, and gineer and work in human spaceflight first to set foot on the Moon because killing the Constellation just com- exploration. As part of this program, we made a national commitment to pletely curtails that. There is no plan she designs things. I was stunned. She being first and being the best. That’s to get beyond low-Earth orbit. And, designed a CEV—a crew exploration ve- what America does. We must continue quite frankly, that is not what our hicle. A lunar rover, for those of you that investment so our next generation country wants. That is not what we who have been following the space pro- reaps the benefits of excellence in need. As you alluded to, we are number gram. She’s designed parts to a shuttle; science, math, engineering. Human one, we have been number one through- she designed components for the inter- space exploration is part of that na- out history, and we should never give national space station, all as part of tional plan. There’s still time to cor- that up. this program. rect our national decline in both edu- Thank you for your comments. Madam Speaker, Hannah is the kind cation and space exploration. They go Very briefly, I would like to talk of student we want to get the math or hand-in-hand. about sort of the education perspec- science degree and channel her intel- Madam Speaker, a strong human tive, some of the issues involved with lect toward great achievements in space exploration program is a key promoting our youth and getting them human spaceflight. We cannot take motivator for America’s students to involved again in the STEM dis- that inspiration and opportunity away pursue careers, again, in science, math, ciplines, the science, technology, engi- from our students. And we do exactly and engineering that we desperately neering, and mathematics. that by killing the Constellation Pro- need to compete globally. It requires a When we think about the new com- gram. national commitment, both public and petitive global economy, we know that The NASA High School Aerospace private. That is America at its best— China and India don’t hesitate to en- Scholars Program allows students to and that’s what we want to keep. We do courage their top students to pursue write essays, solve math problems, de- that by maintaining the Constellation science and math careers. They know sign upgrades for the international Program. that it is this expertise that will dic- space station, like Hannah did, among If my colleague from Utah would like tate their countries’ futures. Unfortu- other projects. It’s coordinated, as I to speak to some of these issues, I yield nately, these are the careers which said, through the Johnson Space Cen- the floor to him. America is losing ground on, calling ter, and serves as a valuable tool for Mr. BISHOP of Utah. I thank my into question our own future. students like Hannah to encourage good friend from Texas for yielding me The problems with U.S. test scores them to pursue the career degrees in some time on this significant issue. I and recruiting teachers in science, math and science. These innovative have read some of the comments that math, and engineering fields are well initiatives encourage and inspire stu- have been made in the past, saying, publicized. U.S. students lag well be- dents to be the pathfinders we want You’re a conservative. NASA is saying hind their Asian and Indian counter- when we show the way forward. These in this new budget that they want to parts, and we risk losing the level of young leaders will scale greater commercialize and privatize the pro- excellence in science, research, and in- heights in their critical careers that gram. Why aren’t you supporting that? novation that is necessary to meet the will help develop new technologies in I have to admit, I think it comes down needs of our future. science, engineering, and health care. to an issue of semantics. When I think Harvard University and many others There’s another opportunity for our of privatization, I make three assump- recruit top students from China to be Nation through the government to tions: It will cost the taxpayer less educated here in America. Why? Be- have a role in this solution, but to do money, there will be a smaller govern- cause Chinese students are laser-fo- so we must fully commit to our Na- ment force in use, and there will be a cused on a top education, and their test tion’s human spaceflight program. The better product. scores reflect that. Unfortunately, Constellation Program is that pro- I think, as the gentleman from Texas after those students receive a top-tier gram. A robust national program like would agree with me, this plan that degree at an American school, they go Constellation maintains our global NASA has put forward doesn’t do any

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.187 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1316 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 of those. Indeed, it costs more for a to first have a clear goal of what their fill the agency’s purpose, to pioneer the NASA budget. It increases the cost mission is. And second, they have to future in space exploration, scientific that the taxpayer will be spending on have an ultimate emphasis on safety. discovery and aeronautics research. NASA. There are no Federal jobs that Let me talk about safety for just a Mr. OLSON. If my colleague would will be eliminated, only private-sector moment, because the Bowman report, yield for a quick question. So economic jobs, to the tune of about 30,000 jobs na- as much as we may not like it, clearly development, international global lead- tionwide of scientists, engineers, math- said the Federal Government’s super- ership and education? ematicians, those kinds of jobs that we vision in this area produces a safer Mr. BISHOP of Utah. And environ- don’t really want to lose and we’re try- project. But in that report as well ment. I think at some time, Ms. Garver ing to encourage young students to go there was a mandatory report given by needs to explain what she meant, as into, and there is not a better product. the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel this is the priority of NASA now when, As the gentleman from Texas said, it after that Columbia accident. In the re- in reality, this should have been the was ironic that the other day the Con- port in 2008, in which the current chair- priority of NASA. And once again, if stellation Program passed their man—General Bolden was a member— you have those goals, I think it makes predesign review, which means after as well as this year’s report, at no time sense to take away the program that expensive engineering and technical were they supportive of making entre- everyone who knows what they are checks, they passed everything. There preneurial commercial options the pri- talking about says is clearly the best is nothing technologically wrong with mary means of U.S. human spaceflight. innovation we have and the only way Constellation. It is ready to go for- of supplanting the space shuttle with b 2250 ward. Ironically enough, on that very safe vehicle mechanisms for the future same day, one of the alternatives that So what were they supportive of? and for manned space flight. But once the NASA administration would like us Well, Constellation. Time magazine again, if your goals are to eliminate to fund was having a test on their en- this year—actually I’m sorry, the end anything that deals with the tradi- gine, and it was a total failure. Iron- of last year—came up with their 50 tional role of NASA, then perhaps ically, NASA didn’t publicize either of Great Inventions of the Year. And what those goals aren’t significant whatso- those events—the engine failure or the was the invention they rated number ever. complete success in the predesign and one? Ares, the Ares rocket which is I have one last area, and if the gen- review of Constellation. part of the Constellation program. tleman from Texas has time, I would So let me just spend a moment and That’s what they did. like to go into that or I could wait if talk about these commercial startup In the official report to NASA, it you would like to. enterprises that NASA administrators says, The simplicity of the Ares design Mr. OLSON. Yes, sir. are telling us they want to transfer all makes the mature Ares 1 clearly supe- Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Let me try one American taxpayer moneys into going rior to all other vehicles no matter last thing. We talk a lot about the in- into this direction. These are programs what choice of qualification method. dustrial base. It’s a term that maybe like Rocketplane Kistler, which after a Even accounting for error bars on not a lot of people understand. As I de- 14-month review or alliance with method and model inputs, Ares 1 is su- fine the industrial base, I simply want NASA, was terminated because it perior to all other options with more to say that the kinds of people, the failed to meet any of its goals. Or, than a 90 percent confidence. kinds of jobs that put a man on a rock- SpaceX, which over 8 years working In short, results suggest that the et and shoot him to the Moon are the with NASA and being funded by tax- Ares 1 launch vehicle is clearly the same kinds of people and the same payer money, has had a 40 percent suc- safest launch vehicle option and the kinds of jobs that build our missile de- cess rate. The Falcon 9 was supposed to only one that can meet the goal post- fense against those who wish to attack be ready for flight in 2009. It’s not Columbia of having a launch vehicle this country. That is our industrial there yet. It is now scheduled for some- that was 100 times safer than the space base. time in 2010, but that was the engine shuttle which it was designed to re- Last year, this country engaged in failure that I talked about that hap- place. What they are doing, simply, is some significant—and I think unwise— pened this very week. They are behind. Constellation is meeting the goals. decreases in our military missile de- They have already received $158 mil- Now, once again, the goals are some- fense system, and it had the effect of lion of tax money, but obligations of what nebulous. If you don’t have a putting our industrial base in disarray. NASA run in the multibillions of dol- goal, almost anything you appropriate However, if now NASA goes through lars. can meet your goal. And I am sug- with this, I think, unwise and naive ap- Orbital, another of those companies, gesting that the NASA administrators proach of canceling Constellation, it is is 7 months late on all of their assign- right now do not have a clear goal. going to destroy that industrial base, ments, which means if you actually Deputy Administrator Garver gave a which means not only will you not look in the proposed budget, there is speech today over in Maryland in have the ability of putting a man in $312 million assigned to a category which she said that the President’s space very quickly with a program that called: Additional incentives for com- budget should be approved by Congress works. If, indeed, our projections of the mercial cargo providers. If you want to because it will enable NASA to align threat of countries like North Korea take the spin off of it, it’s a bailout for with the priorities of the Nation. And and Iran are underestimated, we will these companies who are not meeting those priorities, these key national pri- have no capacity to ramp up for a mis- their deadlines, who are not providing orities that I am referring to are: eco- sile defense future. the product. nomic development, ending poverty, Now, what that simply means is—and After $600 million to these kind of hunger and creating jobs; international the Pentagon has recognized this—last companies, NASA can clearly say they leadership in geopolitics, or world year, three different reports came to have no hardware to show for it. They peace; education; and environment. us. In April of last year, the Defense have no services that have been deliv- Now, I hate to say anything, but in Department report to Congress on the ered with it. There are no intellectual 1958 when NASA was started, their goal solid rocket motor industrial base said, property rights. And this is what cer- was to—and I will quote, Provide for If there was a delay in Constellation, it tain administrators within NASA call research into problems of flight within would have a negative impact on our the ‘‘bold new direction for this coun- and outside Earth’s atmosphere and to defense system. Next month after that, try.’’ It is ludicrous. ensure that the United States conducts there was another report. This time When the Columbia accident oc- activities in space devoted to peaceful the solid rocket motor capabilities re- curred—and was a tragic event all of us purposes for the benefit of humankind. port to Congress in June which had a mourned—there was an intense study Nearly 50 years later, NASA proudly different conclusion. This report said, to find out what went wrong and how pledges to redefine what is possible for If there was a delay in Constellation, to prevent it. And they came up with the benefit of all humankind by using there would be a significant negative two goals: that if there is an entity NASA’s unique competencies in sci- impact on the military capabilities of that’s going to be successful, they have entific and engineering systems to ful- this country.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.188 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1317 Later, the Assistant Secretary for This NASA opinion, in my esti- Mr. BISHOP of Utah. To my under- Defense for Acquisitions sent us a let- mation, is nothing more than man- standing, that has not taken place be- ter in which he simply said that the aging America’s decline in the world, cause those other commercial endeav- technological base in the world is not a and that is not the role we should be ors are not far enough along in their birthright which means several years doing. That is not the purpose of this testing and their success pattern to be ago the Air Force dropped all of its country. That’s not the purpose of this to that stage. Once again, it goes back military missile plants to build these Congress. This Congress needs to make to why we should keep Constellation. projects. We are relying on the private the clear statement that NASA is It was designed to have that factor of sector, and it’s into the birthright. It’s going on the wrong approach. It has to safety. That was the purpose for its de- about certain kinds of jobs, very rare have a proper goal for its mission. It sign. That is its simplicity. For exam- kinds of skills that are not easily rep- has to properly fund its goal for its ple, there has to be a way of escaping. licated in the commercial world. And if mission. This, the Constellation, is the That is the Orion capsule, where people we allow them to erode, it would be dif- solution to the space shuttle and be- will be kept. It has to have an escape ficult to rebuild. yond. process. None of the other commercial Mr. OLSON. Would my colleague Mr. OLSON. Yes, sir, I couldn’t agree ventures have any kind of plan or de- yield for a question? more with my colleague from Utah. sign for that component yet, and it is a Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Please. And just to reinforce some of your long, long way away. Mr. OLSON. What kind of consulta- things for my people back home, one of Mr. OLSON. Yes, sir. And there was tion went on with DOD, with NASA the things I heard being at the Johnson an issue with that as well. The admin- and this decision? I heard press reports Space Center this past Monday, numer- istration put out, as I understand it, that said there was little, if none. DOD, ous people came up to me and said, the test was supposed to be in your dis- just like you and I, woke up and read What’s our plan? I mean, what’s our trict. It was supposed to happen in the paper and saw what had happened mission? This is an organization that April, and there was a notice to cease had not had any opportunity to let the has been focused on a mission for 40 and desist, and we contacted the ad- powers that be, the administration years. And right now, they have no ministration, a bipartisan letter, say- know that you are putting our national idea what they’re working towards. ing I’m sorry, Constellation is the law security at risk by cutting the Con- Some nebulous stuff about global of the land. You don’t have the ability stellation program. I wonder if my col- warming research, climate change re- to cut and choose programs that you league has heard anything along those search, developing the private sector don’t think are going to be valuable or lines. doesn’t do anything to inspire them. project into the future, because the Mr. BISHOP of Utah. If you would Again, these are the best, most quali- President only has a voice in this. Con- yield, I will try to come up with that fied engineers, propulsion people, de- gress is the final authority. because, indeed, the deputy adminis- fense, as well, in the world. And we are I thank my colleague for coming here trator of NASA said that she did have giving them no mission and possibly late because you speak the truth. It is consultations. But one she said she letting them walk out the door. Once a battle that we can win. The Amer- consulted is the very same person who they walk, they’re gone. ican people get this. Thank you again said that if it’s allowed to erode, it b 2300 for your time tonight. would be difficult to rebuild. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. It is not wise Finally, I would like to finish up I’m on the Armed Services Com- for us to take our 30,000 best scientists with talking about some of the tech- mittee, and we had the opportunity to and engineers and give them pink slips. nology issues associated with Con- question Secretary Gates when he One thing you said as well, when stellation and its cancellation. came in. I asked if there was any con- John Kennedy gave us the challenge to The administration’s budget plan sultation. He said no. I asked the same go to the Moon, those people who start- again cancels NASA’s Constellation to thing of the Air Force chief, if they had ed to study engineering, science, and develop vehicles that will ensure Amer- had any consultation. His response was math, it skyrocketed because there ica has access to space and capabilities over this entire issue—and I added the was a challenge. There was a mission to go beyond low-Earth orbit. But what Minuteman III issue as well—We recog- there. they have done, they have eliminated nize not just the Minuteman challenge NASA is talking about all kinds of Constellation which does that in favor going forth but a broader industrial programs to encourage kids to get ex- of undefined ‘‘game-changing tech- base issue which we’re going to have to cited about space with their summer nology efforts’’ without clearly defined wrestle with this year. So we do not school programs. They instituted a new goals and metrics. right now have a long-term solution to computer simulation game so students This is exactly what my constituents that in hand, which means that the De- could pretend to go up to the space back home are saying: What is our fense Department was caught unaware. shuttle. I am contending to you, it is goal? What is our mission? There was no communication be- cruel to excite these kids about this fu- In my experience, whenever someone, tween NASA and Defense. If, indeed, ture when you give them no realistic whether it is a company or government there was, then clearly NASA was not way of exercising that dream because agency, proposes that some new radical listening to what was being told to we have stopped the mechanism of breakthrough is just around the corner them because we have had a year of doing it. and will provide the solutions to all of comment from the Defense Department Once again, as we should have our problems, I want to immediately and from the Pentagon, saying that learned out of Columbia, we have to put grab my wallet, button my back pock- this is a significant issue, that if, in- safety first. This program is not. And et, and hunker down. Spaceflight is deed, North Korea and Iran have a secondly, we have to have a clear goal. governed by the laws of chemistry and greater capacity than we think, and If we don’t do those two things, we are physics, and there are very few game- you’ve destroy the industrial base, we courting another disaster. This plan of changing technologies. do not have the capacity to react to it certain NASA administrators is court- I want to say that I am an avid sup- and defend this country. ing another national disaster. porter of NASA, and I think tech- Now, what we are simply doing in Mr. OLSON. My colleague, getting nology development is an important this program is not just dismantling into the safety issue, which is a big part of what we have gotten from our manned space mission. We’re not issue, has NASA published any safety NASA. New technology is one of the just losing the ability to go up to the regulations or requirements for the many benefits we get from human Moon and beyond. We are also destroy- commercial spaceflight operators? I spaceflight, but that technology devel- ing our defense capability at the same have had many come in my office and opment must be the result of a mis- time, and that is a consequence of this say they are working towards that, and sion-driven pursuit with clearly de- rash and naive proposal that has to be I have gotten information from other fined goals and objectives. Like my fully explored, and this Congress needs people who say, no, NASA has not pub- colleague mentioned, the difficulty of to address because it is the future of lished anything yet. Have you heard the mission is what forces the develop- this country. anything? ment of technology. The proponents

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Anything we agree to saw that the Constellation Program currently proposed have led to wasteful must be clearly defined. NASA must had been canceled. And again, if it’s al- and ultimately futile spending efforts show us how and why it is included, lowed to stand—and we’re going to do over the past 18 years. and it should be part of an as yet to be everything we can here in this Con- This is a chart of NASA’s human defined broader goal for human gress to ensure that it doesn’t stand— spaceflight development programs spaceflight exploration. but if it’s allowed to stand, it con- from 1992 to 2010. The red areas are Would my colleague like to add any- demns the United States to being an cancelled programs; blue, completed thing? average country in terms of human programs; ongoing, yellow. As you can Mr. BISHOP of Utah. I would just spaceflight, giving up the leadership see, we only have two ongoing pro- like to echo what you have said in all that we’ve had for almost 50 years now. grams out there right now, and they of these particular areas. It is impor- It will ensure that we will lose hun- are the commercial private programs. tant that we move forward. I think it is dreds of thousands of jobs here in We have got the international space common sense that we do not cede America, good paying high-tech jobs, station still rolling strong, probably space to the Russians and the Chinese. the kind of jobs we are trying to gen- going to go beyond 2015 to 2020. We The United States has been a leader in erate particularly in this economy. have completed a superlightweight this area. It has been very productive And it will take away the inspiration— tank, completed the X–43A, but then for us. We ought to ensure that our you can’t put a dollar value on this, ran into the X–43B and cancelled that goal is to be number one and to con- but the ability to inspire America’s program. And then the only other tinue to be a leader. youth to get into science, technology, thing we have was the DARPA pro- Having our astronauts standing on engineering, and math degrees. gram, which failed. This is one of the the edge of space trying to catch a Rus- The Constellation Program is the challenges of NASA. We have gone sian taxi where the meter will say $51 right program for our human through all of these programs and million as soon as they sit down is not spaceflight efforts at this time in our history. We can’t cancel it. We need to changes with different administrations, the way America becomes a leader in go forward and do everything we can to and we are looking to do that right this particular world. We have the abil- now, another change, a huge change in minimize that gap. ity to do the right thing. It is planned. To my colleague from Texas, from our human spaceflight path by shifting We need to follow through with the the 18th Congressional District of gears to the program of record, the original plan and not change courses Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE), thank you Constellation Program, and going to right now to an experiment that is for coming out tonight, Congress- some unknown, unproven technology unproven and has a history of failure. woman. from the private sector. I appreciate the gentleman for allow- Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Thank I support the private sector. I think ing me to join him tonight. This is an you very much, Congressman OLSON, they have a role in certainly some important issue for all of us, and it is and to the colleagues that have joined cargo resupply of the space station, but important for America’s future. you tonight and who recognize the im- they need to prove that they have the Mr. OLSON. You raise some great portance of this hour, albeit how late it capabilities, and they are not close. As points. Again, $51 million to put our as- might be, to really emphasize the my colleague from Utah alluded to ear- tronauts on facilities to get up to the uniqueness of America’s space program lier, they had a firing of an engine, and international space station. As I under- and the uniqueness of, if you will, the I believe some of the fire came out to- stand it, that contract has been signed human space exploration. wards the side. Everybody here knows through 2013, and it is highly unlikely As I was listening to the debate, I that rockets, it needs to come out the given the current situation, and cer- was very much convinced that we do bottom and generate propulsion up. tainly a cancellation or with the at- have an opportunity to save this valu- Coming out the side is not something tempted cancellation of the Constella- able asset. I think we know that the that you want to see. That is what we tion Program, that we will have the ca- NASA budget actually, as I understand are dealing with right now. That is pability to get our astronauts up to the it, has seen an increase in 2011. And I what the administration has chosen to station by 2013. It will probably be 2015 think all of us would admit—and thank hang our future in human spaceflight or somewhere in that window. the President—that’s a good thing that on. I think it is an incredibly poor deci- The Russians were a communist the budget itself has increased, but we sion. country when I was born. They have know that the program that deals with Congress, we have seen a number of moved over to capitalism. They have exploration to the Moon and Mars have game-changing proposals over the figured it out. They have it down. It suffered a blow. years. Again, this graph shows all of was $20 million last year. Now that we So I would say that we have an easy the different programs that have been are in the throes of this, getting rid of fix, a reprogramming of the moneys to ‘‘game changers,’’ and the blue ones the Constellation and having this gap, allow for a program that has now had a are the only ones that actually came to it is up to $50 million, and who is to say sufficient start to be able to redesign fruition. what it is going to be after 2013 when itself, to be able to focus on what’s im- What this represents are billions of the contract expires. portant about human space explo- dollars being spent without anything ration. But the main thing is to save b 2310 to show for it. Again, the Constellation it, because when we save it, we not is on track. We have had a very suc- So we’ve got ourselves in a big pick- only save jobs of today—Johnson, cessful test launch of the Ares I-X. We le, and we need to stick with the pro- Huntsville, Mississippi, Florida, and passed our PDR this week. This pro- gram of record. places around the Nation—but we save gram is the program of record. It de- Madam Speaker, I would like to the jobs for 2020, 2030, 2040, and beyond. serves to go forward. It is in America’s thank my colleagues who have joined I think it’s important for our col- best interest, and we need to stay the me here tonight, and I saw my col- leagues to know that we built the course, put Constellation, bring it up league from Houston, my fellow Texan space station. I was on the Science and put U.S. astronauts in space again, come here. Committee. That space station is bare- get rid of that gap with the space shut- It’s just stunning that this decision ly a decade old—it is a decade-plus. We tle being retired, get our astronauts up has been made, and again, the manner put it together piece by piece. And there again, going to the space station in which it was made. No one at the when our friends, the Russians, were and going to the Moon and going be- NASA centers—not the director of the delayed, they had bad economic times, yond. Johnson Space Center, he was not con- we moved on.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.192 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1319 The space station is the size of a ership, Russia, India, China, all com- While I seek the same objectives, I strongly football field. And the necessity of peting to be part of space exploration. disagree with the closing of this project and I human space exploration is to be able Let me close and yield back to you believe it will hurt America’s scientific to tend to that space station which has by saying this: I want to see business progress. the possibilities of massive research involvement in this industry, but I be- Additionally, the aerospace industry would that creates jobs. lieve it is important for NASA to, in lose as many as 20,000–30,000 jobs nation- Let me thank my friends on the essence, be part of the government and ally in either of these scenarios. floor. And Congressman OLSON, let me for the jobs we save all over this Na- Given our current economic downturn, we thank you for your leadership—we tion on behalf of the American people. cannot take the possibility of these job losses have joined you in this bipartisan ef- Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam lightly and the Johnson Space Center is just fort—for signing onto the legislation, Speaker, I rise in support of NASA programs one example of what the cancellation of this H. Res. 1150, which establishes or, if across the country and to express my con- program would do to other NASA centers na- you will, determines that NASA is a cerns about the Administration’s proposal to tionally. national security asset, and it is. Be- cancel NASA’s Constellation Program, which It will take years for the commercial cause involved in NASA is much of our includes the Orion Crew Capsule, the Altair spaceflight industry to get up to speed to military science, climatic science, and Lunar Lander, and the Ares I and Ares V rock- reach the level of competence that exists at technology not yet discussed or discov- ets. NASA today. Our government has already in- ered. These programs, which together comprise vested literally years and billions of dollars into And so I would rise today to support our human spaceflight program, were author- this program. We should build upon these in- the moving forward on the Constella- ized in both 2005 and 2008 by Republican vestments and not abandon them. Our country tion Program, but also the working and Democratic Congresses respectively. It is can support the commercial spaceflight indus- with this administration. I think we all under the Constellation program, that NASA is try, but not at the expense of our human know that we have a leader at NASA currently developing new launch vehicles and spaceflight program, which for years has in- who knows Houston, for example, but spacecraft capable of travel to the moon, Mars spired future generations and driven tech- also knows the human space explo- and other destinations. Not only does cancel- nology that enhances our quality of life. ration program. General Bolden was an ling the Constellation Program jeopardize This technology is crucial to our national se- astronaut and a marine. That’s good America’s leadership role in human space ex- curity. NASA conducts aeronautics research to news for us. And the reason why it is ploration, but it will have detrimental effects on address aviation safety, air traffic control, good news is because that is a voice our economy and national security. noise and, emissions reductions and fuel effi- that can be part of this discussion. Take, for example, the Johnson Space Cen- ciency. NASA’s contribution to our knowledge I don’t take the initial budget by the ter in Houston, Texas. The Johnson Space of air and water supports improved decision President as a statement that human Center has the lead to manage the Constella- making for natural resource management and space exploration is not good. And I tion Program and several of its major ele- emergency response, thus enabling us to bet- think it is important tonight to take a ments, including the Orion Crew Exploration ter respond to future homeland security stand for our continued effort and en- Vehicle and the Altair Lunar Lander. Without threats. ergy in working to bring about the Constellation, the Johnson Space Center Knowledge of Earth’s water cycle is a crit- right kind of response between the could lose anywhere from 4,000 to 7,000 high- ical first step in protecting our water supply; Congress and the administration, a tech jobs. If the JSC loses 4,000 direct jobs, water flows over the Earth’s surface in budget that is right there in the Presi- an additional 2,315 indirect jobs would be lost, oceans, lakes, and streams, and is particularly dent’s budget, one that can be repro- totaling 6,315; loss of income and expendi- vulnerable to attack. grammed, reformed, enhanced, if you tures locally would be over $567 million. If the NASA sensors provide a wealth of informa- will, to emphasize the importance of JSC loses 7,000 direct jobs, an additional tion about the water cycle; and contributes to saving the space exploration, this Con- 4,052 indirect jobs would be lost, totaling improving our ability to monitor water re- stellation Program. 11,052; loss of income and expenditures lo- sources and water quality from space; we Now, let me say this, Constellation is cally would total almost $1 billion. must also protect the quality and safety of the Moon and Mars. And there are sci- When speaking of the decision to cancel the air we breathe; airborne contaminants can entists who probably have different Constellation Program, Administrator Bolden pose danger to human health; and chemical, perspectives, but I don’t think anyone stated that ‘‘NASA intends to work with the nuclear, radiological, and biological attacks are can have a different perspective on the Congress to make this transition smooth and plausible threats against which we can protect. pushing of the human capacity and effective, working responsibly on behalf of the Thus, join me in my efforts to restore fund- what it brings about in terms of our Taxpayers.’’ To the contrary, I believe that the ing for the Constellation to the FY 2011 budg- own enhancement, both in terms of the best use of taxpayers’ money is to continue et for the following reasons: knowledge that we gain—and I remem- the investment in NASA to build America’s sci- (1) Elimination of the Constellation program, ber when we were trying to gain votes, entific future. That future will create jobs. Fi- will present Homeland security implications for Congressman OLSON, that we would say nally, I would like to reiterate that the present Cyberspace, critical infrastructure, and Intel- things which were really true—the Administration’s plan for the Constellation Pro- ligence community of the United States; kind of research on the space station gram would cause drastic job loss across (2) Elimination of the Constellation program had to do with heart disease, cancer, America and would place America in a behind will compromise the effectiveness of the Inter- HIV/AIDS. And discoveries today are the edge position as it relates to competitive- national Space Station as it relates to the stra- being utilized. Those discoveries are ness in scientific research. tegic importance of space station research, saving lives, but they also create jobs, NASA and the space industry are critical to and intelligence; medical jobs. Houston’s economic success in both the short (3) Continuation of NASA’s Constellation So I, one, want to continue to raise and long term. According to the Bay Area program is crucial to improving national secu- the question. I want to put in the Houston Economic Partnership, NASA ac- rity, climate, and research in science and RECORD that the potential of jobs lost counts for nearly 16,800 direct federal jobs medicine. at Johnson Space Center could be any- and serves as the engine for another 3,100 ci- It is my hope, Madam Speaker, that this where from 4,000 to 7,000 high-tech jobs. vilian jobs that together supply more than $2.5 Congress will continue to support NASA’s And each day jobs are being created billion in payroll into Houston’s regional econ- Constellation Program and to support bal- more and more. And then of course the omy. As you are aware, the Johnson Space anced energy policies that promote economic idea of the national security informa- Center is the primary location for training As- growth and will help us meet our clean energy tion—classified, climatic, as I’ve said, tronauts for spaceflights and this move; yet, goals. the weather research that’s being the proposed budget will effectively cancel CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, done—and the need I think most of America’s human spaceflight program. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, all—let me not say most of all because In his statement announcing NASA’s budg- Washington, DC, March 9, 2010. DEAR COLLEAGUE: I hope you will consider we stand on our own merit here in the et, Administrator Bolden stressed that changes joining me as a co-sponsor for the resolution United States, we are inventors, we are in the FY 2011 budget would be ‘‘good for I will introduce expressing the sense of Con- world leaders, but there are other NASA, great for the American workforce, and gress that the National Aeronautics and countries that have looked to our lead- essential for our nation’s future prosperity.’’ Space Administration (NASA) is a national

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.194 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1320 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 security interest and asset, and that the woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) We say to his lovely wife who shared elimination of funding for the NASA Con- is recognized for 5 minutes. times with him for 11 years, Thank you stellation program in the President’s pro- Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Earlier for sharing Charlie Wilson. Thank you posed FY 2011 budget presents national secu- this evening, Madam Speaker, col- for giving him the joy of his life, and rity concerns. The President’s proposed FY2011 budget leagues came to the floor of the House thank you so very much for recog- eliminates funding for the Constellation Pro- to salute our late colleague, the Honor- nizing what a special treasure he was gram which includes the Orion Crew Capsule, able Congressman Charles Wilson, who to the American people and to the the Altair Lunar Lander, and the Ares I and made the people of the world happy be- great State of Texas. Ares V rockets. These programs, which to- cause of his enthusiasm and leadership. Madam Speaker, my words, I hope, gether comprise our human spaceflight pro- Congressman Wilson was born June 1, will be a mere comfort to his family gram, were authorized in both 2005 and 2008 1933, in the small town of Trinity, and friends. by Republican and Democratic Congresses Texas. He attended public schools there To my colleagues in the Texas dele- respectively. It is under the Constellation gation, yes, we have a fallen hero; but program, that NASA is currently developing and graduated from Trinity High new launch vehicles and spacecraft capable School in 1951. we have a friend we will be able to re- of travel to the moon, Mars and other des- While attending Sam Houston State member for a lifetime. tinations. Not only does cancelling the Con- University in Huntsville, Texas, Wilson God bless you, Charlie Wilson. May stellation Program jeopardize America’s was appointed to the United States you rest in peace. leadership role in human space exploration, Naval Academy. He received his B.S. Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam but it will have detrimental effects on na- degree, graduating eighth from the bot- Speaker, I rise to recognize the contributions tional security. tom of his class in 1956. Congressman Charles Wilson made to the NASA conducts aeronautics research to ad- people of Houston, Texas, and the nation. He dress aviation safety, air traffic control, b 2320 served the people of Houston, Texas with noise and, emissions reductions and fuel effi- However, that was not a testimony to ciency. NASA’s contribution to our knowl- vigor. Congressman Wilson was born June 1, edge of air and water supports improved de- how Charlie Wilson would serve this 1933 in the small town of Trinity, Texas. He cision making for natural resource manage- Nation. attended public schools there and graduated ment and emergency response, thus enabling He served in the Navy, attaining the from Trinity High School in 1951. us to better respond to future homeland se- rank of lieutenant. He graduated as a While attending Sam Houston State Univer- curity threats. gunnery officer. He was assigned to a sity in Huntsville, Texas, Wilson was ap- Knowledge of Earth’s water cycle is a crit- destroyer to search for Soviet sub- pointed to the United States Naval Academy. ical first step in protecting our water supply; marines. He then took a top secret post Wilson received a B.S. degree. water flows over the Earth’s surface in at the Pentagon as part of an intel- From 1956 to 1960, Wilson served in the oceans, lakes, and streams, and is particu- ligence unit that evaluated the Soviet U.S. Navy, attaining the rank of lieutenant. larly vulnerable to attack. NASA sensors provide a wealth of informa- Union’s nuclear forces. Having graduated as a gunnery officer, he tion about the water cycle; and contributes Wilson came into politics by volun- was assigned to a destroyer that searched for to improving our ability to monitor water teering for John F. Kennedy’s Presi- Soviet submarines. He then took a top secret resources and water quality from space; we dential campaign in 1960. After a 30-day post at the Pentagon as part of an intelligence must also protect the quality and safety of leave from the Navy, he entered his unit that evaluated the Soviet Union’s nuclear the air we breathe; airborne contaminants name into the race for Texas Rep- forces. can pose danger to human health; and chem- resentative from his home district. Wilson stumbled into politics by volunteering ical, nuclear, radiological, and biological at- While back on duty, his mother, sister for John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign tacks are plausible threats against which we in 1960. After a 30-day leave from the Navy, can protect. and their friends went door-to-door, Thus, join me in my efforts to restore campaigning. It worked. At age 27, he he entered his name into the race for Texas funding for the Constellation to the FY 2011 was sworn into office. For the next State Representative from his home district. budget for the following reasons: dozen years, Wilson was known as ‘‘the While back on duty, his mother, sister and (1) Elimination of the Constellation pro- liberal from Lufkin.’’ their friends went door to door campaigning. It gram, will present Homeland security impli- In 1972, he came to the United States worked. And at age 27, he was sworn into of- cations for Cyberspace, critical infrastruc- Congress. He was a power. He was a fice. ture, and Intelligence community of the man who enjoyed the friendship of For the next dozen years, Wilson made a United States; name for himself as the ‘‘liberal from Lufkin.’’ (2) Elimination of the Constellation pro- many of our colleagues. He was a gram will compromise the effectiveness of staunch supporter of the elderly, of In 1972, Wilson was elected to the U.S. the International Space Station as it relates women, and of equal rights. He was House of Representatives from the Second to the strategic importance of space station unique in his time. District of Texas, taking office the following research, and intelligence; He came to this Congress in a seg- January. (3) Continuation of NASA’s Constellation regated time, coming from Houston, Though he did not speak much on the program is crucial to improving national se- House floor, he spoke through his actions. He curity, climate, and research in science and Texas, and the surrounding areas; but he knew my colleagues Congressman was a staunch supporter of the elderly, medicine. women, and equal rights. Charlie Wilson sup- (4) The United States should maintain its Mickey Leland and Congresswoman funding of the Constellation program and Barbara Jordan. ported abortion rights and the Equal Rights should begin funding commercial space in I know that he had a relationship Amendment. Wilson also battled for regulation five years and not sooner. that showed no discrimination, no bias. of utilities, Medicaid, tax exemptions for the el- To join as a co-sponsor, please call my of- I know he loved this country. He want- derly and a minimum wage bill. fice for Mona K. Floyd of my staff or email ed to do well by our allies; and, yes, he Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize (Mona.FloydPmail.house.gov). the contributions of Charlie Wilson as a rep- Very truly yours, was the star of ‘‘Charlie’s War.’’ He was the one who led quietly an opposition resentative of the people of Houston and this SHEILA JACKSON LEE, nation. Member of Congress. to the Russians’ takeover of Afghani- f Mr. OLSON. Very briefly, I would stan. That story will always be his— like to thank my colleague from Texas brave, quiet, but successful. As the LEAVE OF ABSENCE for all her support of the Johnson story is told, he didn’t do a lot of talk- By unanimous consent, leave of ab- Space Center. True hero back home. ing about it, but he got the job done. sence was granted to: And I couldn’t agree with you more We will miss Congressman Charlie Mr. YOUNG of Florida (at the request about every American has benefited Wilson. I am so honored and privileged of Mr. BOEHNER) for today and March 9 from the human spaceflight. to have had the opportunity to serve on account of illness. with him for 2 years when I first came I thank all my colleagues for coming f here tonight. to the United States Congress. He was SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED f a joy to serve with. He was a defined Member of this body, who respected By unanimous consent, permission to CHARLIE WILSON this body but who had a great time. We address the House, following the legis- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a will miss him as he has lost his life just lative program and any special orders previous order of the House, the gentle- recently. heretofore entered, was granted to:

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.086 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1321 (The following Members (at the re- Mr. JONES, for 5 minutes, March 17. ADJOURNMENT quest of Mr. ORTIZ) to revise and ex- Mr. MORAN of Kansas, for 5 minutes, Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam tend their remarks and include extra- March 17. Speaker, I move that the House do now neous material:) Mr. BARTON of Texas, for 5 minutes, adjourn. Mr. BRIGHT, for 5 minutes, today. today. The motion was agreed to; accord- Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. Mr. BISHOP of Utah, for 5 minutes, ingly (at 11 o’clock and 22 minutes Mr. DEFAZIO, for 5 minutes, today. March 11. p.m.), the House adjourned until to- Ms. KAPTUR, for 5 minutes, today. Mr. CONAWAY, for 5 minutes, today. morrow, Thursday, March 11, 2010, at 10 Mr. ORTIZ, for 5 minutes, today. Mr. GOHMERT, for 5 minutes, today. a.m. Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, for 5 min- Mr. MCCOTTER, for 5 minutes, March utes, today. 11 and 12. f Mr. EDWARDS of Texas, for 5 minutes, today. f BUDGETARY EFFECTS OF PAYGO Mr. GONZALEZ, for 5 minutes, today. LEGISLATION Mr. CUELLAR, for 5 minutes, today. ENROLLED BILL SIGNED Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, for 5 min- Pursuant to Public Law 111–139, Mr. Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the utes, today. SPRATT hereby submits, prior to the House, reported and found truly en- Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas, for 5 min- vote on passage, the attached estimate rolled a bill of the House of the fol- utes, today. of the costs of H.R. 4783, as introduced, lowing title, which was thereupon Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, a bill to accelerate the income tax ben- signed by the Speaker: for 5 minutes, today. efits for charitable cash contributions (The following Members (at the re- H.R. 3433. An act to amend the North for the relief of victims of the earth- American Wetlands Conservation Act to es- quest of Mr. JONES) to revise and ex- quake in Chile, and to extend the pe- tablish requirements regarding payment of tend their remarks and include extra- the non-Federal share of the costs of wet- riod from which such contributions for neous material:) lands conservation projects in Canada that the relief of victims of the earthquake Mr. POE of Texas, for 5 minutes, are funded under that Act, and for other pur- in Haiti may be accelerated, for print- March 17. poses. ing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. CBO ESTIMATE OF THE STATUTORY PAY-AS-YOU-GO EFFECTS FOR H.R. 4783, A BILL TO ACCELERATE THE INCOME TAX BENEFITS FOR CHARI- TABLE CASH CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE RELIEF OF VICTIMS OF THE EARTHQUAKE IN CHILE, AND TO EXTEND THE PERIOD FROM WHICH SUCH CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE RELIEF OF VICTIMS OF THE EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI MAY BE ACCELERATED AS INTRODUCED ON MARCH 9, 2010 [Millions of dollars, by fiscal year]

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2010–2015 2010–2020

Net Impact on the On-Budget Deficit Total On-Budget Changes ...... 25 ¥24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Less: Designated as Emergency Requirements 1 ...... 25 ¥24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Impact ...... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 Section 3 of the bill would designate all sections of the Act as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 4(g) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010. Notes: Positive numbers for ‘‘Net Impact on the On-Budget Deficit’’ denote an increase in the deficit; negative numbers denote a decrease in the deficit. Sources: Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, partment’s final rule — Defense Federal Ac- 6484. A letter from the Deputy to the ETC. quisition Regulation Supplement; Limita- Chairman for External Affairs, Federal De- tion on Procurements on Behalf of DoD posit Insurance Corporation, transmitting Under clause 2 of rule XXIV, execu- (DFARS Case 2008-D005) (RIN: 0750-) received the Corporation’s final rule — Community tive communications were taken from February 1, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Reinvestment Act Regulations (RIN: 3064- the Speaker’s table and referred as fol- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Armed AD54) received February 23, 2010, pursuant to lows: Services. 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Fi- 6481. A letter from the Director, Defense 6477. A letter from the Management and nancial Services. Procurement and Acquisition Policy, De- 6485. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- Program Analyst, Department of Agri- partment of Defense, transmitting the De- ment of Education, transmitting the Depart- culture, transmitting the Department’s final partment’s final rule — Defense Federal Ac- ment’s final rule — School Improvement rule — Sale and Disposal of National Forest quisition Regulation Supplement; Additional Grants; American Recovery and Reinvest- System Timber; Special Forest Products and Requirements Applicable to Multiyear Con- ments Act of 2009 (ARRA); Title I of the Forest Botanical Products (RIN: 0596-AB81) tracts (DFARS Case 2008-D023) recevied Feb- Elemenary and Secondary Education Act of received February 23, 2010, pursuant to 5 ruary 1, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 1965, as Amended (ESEA) [Docket ID: ED- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Ag- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Armed 2009-OESE-0010] (RIN: 1810-AB06) received riculture. Services. January 27, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 6478. A letter from the Director, Regu- 6482. A letter from the Director, Depart- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Education latory Management Division, Environmental ment of the Treasury, transmitting the De- and Labor. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- partment’s final rule — Financial Crimes 6486. A letter from the Director, Office of cy’s final rule — 1,2,3-Propanetriol, Enforcement Network; Expansion of Special Policy, Reports and Disclosure, Department Homopolymer Diisooctadecanoate; Exemp- Information Sharing Procedures to Deter of Labor, transmitting the Department’s tion from the Requirement of a Tolerance Money Laundering and Terrorist Activity final rule — Trust Annual Reports (RIN: [EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0213; FRL-8813-8] received (RIN: 1506-BA04) received February 22, 2010, 1215-AB75) received February 1, 2010, pursu- February 24, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- mittee on Financial Services. on Education and Labor. culture. 6483. A letter from the Legal Information 6487. A letter from the Program Manager, 6479. A letter from the Director, Regu- Assistant, Department of the Treasury, Department of Health and Human Services, latory Management Division, Environmental transmitting the Department’s final rule — transmitting the Department’s final rule — Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Risk-Based Capital Guidelines; Capital Ade- Grants for Research Projects [Docket No.: cy’s final rule — Trichoderma asperellum quacy Guidelines; Capital Maintenance: Reg- NIH-2007-0929] (RIN: 0925-AA42) received Feb- strain ICC 012; Exemption from the Require- ulatory Capital; Impact of Modifications to ruary 2, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. ment of a Tolerance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0750; Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and FRL-8800-9] received February 24, 2010, pur- Consolidation of Asset-Backed Commercial Commerce. suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- Paper Programs; and Other Related Issues 6488. A letter from the Program Manager, mittee on Agriculture. [Docket No.: OTS-2010-0020] (RIN: 1550-AD36) Department of Health and Human Services, 6480. A letter from the Director, Defense received February 3, 2010, pursuant to 5 transmitting the Department’s final rule — Procurement and Acquisition Policy, De- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Fi- National Practitioner Data Bank for Adverse partment of Defense, transmitting the De- nancial Services. Information on Physicians and Other Health

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:26 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.198 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1322 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 Care Practitioners; Reporting on Adverse cordance with Section 36(a) of the Arms Ex- Service, transmitting the Service’s final rule and Negative Actions (RIN: 0906-AA57) re- port Control Act, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. — Tier I Industry Director’s Directive on the ceived January 28, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 2776(a); to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Planning and Examination of Repairs vs. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and 6498. A letter from the Acting Deputy Di- Capitalization Change in Accounting Method Commerce. rector, Defense Security Cooperaton Agency, (CAM) #1 received February 3, 2010, pursuant 6489. A letter from the Program Analyst, transmitting Transmittal No. 10-12, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Department of Transportation, transmitting to the reporting requirements of Section Ways and Means. the Department’s final rule — Federal Motor 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as f Vehicle Safety Standard; Air Brake Systems amended, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to [Docket No.: NHTSA-2009-0038] (RIN: 2127- the Committee on Foreign Affairs. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS AK44) received January 29, 2010, pursuant to 6499. A letter from the Acting Assistant 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Af- Under clause 2 of rule XII, public Energy and Commerce. fairs, Department of State, transmitting ad- bills and resolutions of the following 6490. A letter from the Director, Regu- dendum to a certification, Transmittal Num- titles were introduced and severally re- latory Management Division, Environmental ber: DDTC 10-002; to the Committee on For- ferred, as follows: Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- eign Affairs. By Mr. STARK (for himself, Mr. MORAN cy’s final rule — Regulation of Fuels and 6500. A letter from the Acting Assistant of Virginia, and Ms. WATSON): Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Af- Fuel Additives: Federal Volatility Control H.R. 4800. A bill to amend the Immigration fairs, Department of State, transmitting ad- Program in the Denver-Boulder-Greeley-Ft. and Nationality Act to eliminate the 1-year dendum to a certification, Transmittal No.: Collins-Loveland, Colorado, 1997 8-Hour deadline for application for asylum in the DDTC 10-011; to the Committee on Foreign Ozone Nonattainment Area [EPA-HQ-OAR- United States; to the Committee on the Ju- Affairs. 2008-0924; FRL-9119-3] (RIN: 2060-AP40) re- diciary. 6501. A letter from the Senior Procurement ceived February 24, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. By Mr. BERMAN (for himself, Mr. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Executive, General Services Administration, FORTENBERRY, Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. Commerce. transmitting the Administration’s final rule BAIRD, and Mr. HOLT): 6491. A letter from the Director, Regu- — General Services Administration H.R. 4801. A bill to establish the Global latory Management Division, Environmental Aquisition Regulation; Rewrite of Part 512, Science Program for Security, Competitive- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Acquisition of Commercial Items [GSAR ness, and Diplomacy, and for other purposes; cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation Amendment 2010-01; GSAR Case 2008-G504 to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in of Operating Permits Program; State of Iowa (Change 43); Docket GSAR-2010-0001; Se- addition to the Committee on Science and [EPA-R07-OAR-2009-0860; FRL-9120-2] re- quence 1] (RIN: 3090-AI61) received February Technology, for a period to be subsequently ceived February 24, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to determined by the Speaker, in each case for 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and the Committee on Oversight and Govern- consideration of such provisions as fall with- Commerce. ment Reform. 6492. A letter from the Director, Regu- 6502. A letter from the Deputy Archivist of in the jurisdiction of the committee con- latory Management Division, Environmental the United States, National Archives & cerned. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Records Administration, transmitting the By Mr. MOORE of Kansas (for himself, cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation Administation’s Final rule—Photography in Mr. CAMPBELL, and Ms. KOSMAS): of Implementation Plans; Ohio New Source Public Exhibit Space [FDMS Docket NARA- H.R. 4802. A bill to modernize the Liability Review Rules [EPA-R05-OAR-2004-OH-0004; 09-003] (RIN: 3095-AB60) Recevied January 27, Risk Retention Act of 1986 and expand cov- FRL-9107-4] received February 24, 2010, pur- 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the erage to include commercial property insur- suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- Committee on Oversight and Government ance, and for other purposes; to the Com- mittee on Energy and Commerce. Reform. mittee on Financial Services. 6493. A letter from the Director, Regu- 6503. A letter from the Acting Director, Of- By Mr. BARTON of Texas (for himself, latory Management Division, Environmental fice of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, Na- Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. BUR- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- GESS, and Mr. STUPAK): cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation tion, transmitting the Administration’s final H.R. 4803. A bill to ensure health care con- of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Illi- rule — Fisheries of the Northeastern United sumer and provider access to certain health benefits plan information and to amend title nois; NOX Budget Trading Program [EPA- States; Spiny Dogfish Fishery; Commercial R05-OAR-2009-0964; FRL-9116-8] received Feb- Period 2 Quota Harvested [Docket No.: XIX of the Social Security Act to provide ruary 24, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 060418103-6181-02] (RIN: 0648-XT98) received transparency in hospital price and quality 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and February 23, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. information; to the Committee on Energy Commerce. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Natural and Commerce, and in addition to the Com- 6494. A letter from the Assistant Bureau Resources. mittees on Ways and Means, and Oversight Chief, WTB, Federal Communications Com- 6504. A letter from the Program Analyst, and Government Reform, for a period to be mission, transmitting the Commission’s Department of Transportation, transmitting subsequently determined by the Speaker, in final rule — Revisions to Rules Authorizing the Department’s final rule — Drug and Al- each case for consideration of such provi- the Operation of Low Power Auxiliary Sta- cohol Testing Program; Correction [Docket sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the tions in the 698-806 MHz Band, Public Inter- No.: FAA-2008-0937; Amendment No. 120-0A, committee concerned. est Spectrum Coalition, Petition for Rule- 135-117A] (RIN: 2120-AJ37) received January By Ms. KOSMAS (for herself, Mr. making Regarding Low Power Auxiliary Sta- 29, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to POSEY, Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas, tions, Including Wireless Microphones, and the Committee on Transportation and Infra- Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Mr. the Digital Television Transition, Amend- structure. LATOURETTE, Ms. CORRINE BROWN of ment of Parts 15, 74 and 90 of the Commis- 6505. A letter from the Director, Regu- Florida, Mr. GRAYSON, Ms. CASTOR of sion’s Rules Regarding Low Power Auxiliary latory Management Division, Environmental Florida, Mr. MELANCON, Mr. PUTNAM, Stations, Including Wireless Microphones Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Mr. KLEIN of Florida, Mr. MICA, Mr. [WT Docket No.: 08-166, WT Docket No. 08- cy’s final rule — Effluent Limitations Guide- COSTA, Ms. PINGREE of Maine, and 167, ET Docket No. 10-24] received February lines and Standards for the Construction and Mr. TEAGUE): 3, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to Development Point Source Category; Correc- H.R. 4804. A bill to reauthorize the Na- the Committee on Energy and Commerce. tion [EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0465; FRL-9118-7] tional Aeronautics and Space Administra- 6495. A letter from the Executive Director, (RIN: 2040-AE91) received February 24, 2010, tion Human Space Flight Activities, and for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- other purposes; to the Committee on Science transmitting the Commission’s final rule — mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- and Technology. Annual Update of Filing Fees [Docket No.: ture. By Ms. MATSUI (for herself and Mr. RM10-14-000] received February 23, 2010, pur- 6506. A letter from the Director, National EHLERS): suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- Legislative Commission, American Legion, H.R. 4805. A bill to amend the Toxic Sub- mittee on Energy and Commerce. transmitting the financial statement and stances Control Act to reduce the emissions 6496. A letter from the Legal Advisor, independent audit of The American Legion, of formaldehyde from composite wood prod- International Bureau, Federal communica- proceedings of the 91th annual National Con- ucts, and for other purposes; to the Com- tions Commission, transmitting the Com- vention of the American Legion, held in Lou- mittee on Energy and Commerce, and in ad- mission’s final rule — Elimination of Part 23 isville, Kentucky from August 21-27, 2009 and dition to the Committee on Financial Serv- of the Commission’s Rules [IB Docket No. 05- a report on the Organization’s activities for ices, for a period to be subsequently deter- 216] received January 29, 2010, pursuant to 5 the year preceding the Convention, pursuant mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on En- to 36 U.S.C. 49; (H. Doc. No. 111-93); to the sideration of such provisions as fall within ergy and Commerce. Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and ordered the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. 6497. A letter from the Acting Deputy Di- to be printed. By Mr. STARK (for himself, Mr. rector, Defense Security Cooperation Agen- 6507. A letter from the Chief, Publications GRIJALVA, Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of cy, transmitting a report submitted in ac- and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue California, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Ms.

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BERKLEY, Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jer- Energy and Commerce, and in addition to of Wisconsin, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Ms. sey, Ms. BALDWIN, Ms. CHU, and Mr. the Committees on the Judiciary, Oversight CHU, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. CONNOLLY of HASTINGS of Florida): and Government Reform, Ways and Means, Virginia, Mr. CUMMINGS, Ms. LEE of H.R. 4806. A bill to prohibit discrimination and Education and Labor, for a period to be California, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Ms. in adoption or foster care placements based subsequently determined by the Speaker, in CLARKE, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. on the sexual orientation, gender identity, or each case for consideration of such provi- HINOJOSA, Ms. KILPATRICK of Michi- marital status of any prospective adoptive or sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the gan, Mr. MEEKS of New York, Mr. foster parent, or the sexual orientation or committee concerned. CARSON of Indiana, Mr. COHEN, Mr. gender identity of the child involved; to the By Mr. FLAKE (for himself, Mr. SHAD- PAYNE, Mr. KLEIN of Florida, Mr. Committee on Ways and Means. EGG, and Mr. FRANKS of Arizona): ELLISON, Mr. RUPPERSBERGER, Ms. By Mr. KIRK (for himself, Mr. KLEIN of H.R. 4814. A bill to prohibit the further ex- WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, and Mr. GRAY- Florida, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Ms. tension or establishment of national monu- SON): BERKLEY, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. ments in Arizona except by express author- H. Res. 1157. A resolution congratulating LANCE, Mr. ROE of Tennessee, Ms. LO- ization of Congress; to the Committee on the National Urban League on its 100th year RETTA SANCHEZ of California, Mr. Natural Resources. of service to the United States; to the Com- SHERMAN, and Mr. SCHOCK): By Mr. GRAVES (for himself, Mr. BOS- mittee on Education and Labor. H.R. 4807. A bill to amend the Iran Sanc- WELL, Mr. EHLERS, and Mr. PETRI): By Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of tions Act of 1996 to require the President to H.R. 4815. A bill to amend title 49, United Texas: investigate possible violations of that Act States Code, to allow through-the-fence ac- H. Res. 1158. A resolution recognizing Cer- within a specified period, and for other pur- cess to general aviation airports, and for tified Nurses Day; to the Committee on poses; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. other purposes; to the Committee on Trans- Oversight and Government Reform. By Ms. DEGETTE (for herself, Mr. CAS- portation and Infrastructure. By Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York: TLE, Mr. LANGEVIN, Ms. BALDWIN, By Mr. HINCHEY: H. Res. 1159. A resolution supporting ef- Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. CARNAHAN, Mr. H.R. 4816. A bill to amend the Federal forts to address the crisis faced by Haitian DENT, Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for orphans following the earthquake of January KIRK, and Mr. PERLMUTTER): the deposit in the general fund of the Treas- 12, 2010; to the Committee on Foreign Af- H.R. 4808. A bill to amend the Public ury of fees that are collected from manufac- fairs. Health Service Act to provide for human turers of drugs and devices under chapter VII By Mr. MEEKS of New York (for him- stem cell research, including human embry- of such Act, to terminate the authority of self, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. TOWNS, Ms. onic stem cell research, and for other pur- the Food and Drug Administration to nego- LEE of California, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. poses; to the Committee on Energy and Com- tiate with the manufacturers on particular RANGEL, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. merce. uses of the fees, to establish a Center for BUTTERFIELD, Ms. NORTON, Mr. AL By Mr. MCNERNEY: Postmarket Drug Safety and Effectiveness, GREEN of Texas, Ms. CLARKE, Mr. H.R. 4809. A bill to provide greater tech- to establish additional authorities to ensure PAYNE, Mr. HONDA, Mr. KINGSTON, nical resources to FCC Commissioners; to the safe and effective use of drugs, and for Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Ms. KILPATRICK of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. other purposes; to the Committee on Energy Michigan, Mr. CUMMINGS, Ms. FUDGE, By Mr. FILNER (for himself, Ms. and Commerce. Ms. WATSON, Mr. CLAY, Mr. FRANK of CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Mr. By Mr. TEAGUE (for himself, Mr. Massachusetts, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA, BROWN of South Carolina, Mr. SNY- ´ LUJAN, and Mr. HEINRICH): Ms. WATERS, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, DER, Mr. ROE of Tennessee, Mr. H.R. 4817. A bill to amend the Surface Min- Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. BACHUS, Ms. ROS- MICHAUD, Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN, Mr. ing Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to LEHTINEN, and Mr. ENGEL): HALL of New York, Mrs. HALVORSON, clarify that uncertified States and Indian H. Res. 1160. A resolution calling for the es- Mr. PERRIELLO, Mr. TEAGUE, Mr. tribes have the authority to use certain pay- tablishment of a Haiti Marshall Plan Com- RODRIGUEZ, Mr. MCNERNEY, Mr. ments for certain noncoal reclamation mittee to coordinate aid and development WALZ, and Mr. ADLER of New Jersey): projects; to the Committee on Natural Re- initiatives from multilateral development H.R. 4810. A bill to amend title 38, United sources. banks, international financial institutions, States Code, to make certain improvements By Ms. RICHARDSON (for herself, Ms. United States bilateral aid programs, and in the services provided for homeless vet- BORDALLO, and Ms. JACKSON LEE of major international charities and non- erans under the laws administered by the Texas): governmental organizations in response to Secretary of Veterans Affairs; to the Com- H.R. 4818. A bill to amend the Small Busi- the earthquake that struck Haiti on January mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. ness Act to improve the program under sec- 12, 2010, and encouraging them to work in a By Mrs. CAPITO (for herself, Mr. BACH- tion 8(a), and for other purposes; to the Com- coordinated manner and to do even more to US, Mrs. BIGGERT, Mr. GARRETT of mittee on Small Business. support Haiti as it recovers and rebuilds fol- New Jersey, Mr. NEUGEBAUER, Mr. By Ms. RICHARDSON: lowing the greatest natural disaster to hit LANCE, Mr. HENSARLING, and Mr. H.R. 4819. A bill to amend the Older Ameri- this nation in over 200 years; to the Com- GARY G. MILLER of California): cans Act of 1965 to expand the Senior Com- H.R. 4811. A bill to protect the American munity Service Employment Program; to mittee on Financial Services, and in addi- taxpayers by improving the safety and the Committee on Education and Labor. tion to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined soundness of the FHA mortgage insurance By Mr. ENGEL (for himself, Mr. POE of by the Speaker, in each case for consider- programs of the Department of Housing and Texas, Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- Urban Development; to the Committee on SMITH of Washington, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. risdiction of the committee concerned. Financial Services. LEE of California, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. By Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin (for her- By Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California DOYLE, Ms. MATSUI, Mr. NADLER of self, Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. PETRI, Mr. (for himself, Mr. LARSON of Con- New York, Mrs. MALONEY, Ms. KIND, Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin, Mr. necticut, Mr. HARE, Mr. ELLISON, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, and Mr. CROWLEY): KAGEN, Ms. BALDWIN, and Mr. AUS- SUTTON, Mr. PIERLUISI, Mr. SABLAN, H. Res. 1155. A resolution commending the TRIA): Ms. CLARKE, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, progress made by anti-tuberculosis pro- H. Res. 1161. A resolution honoring the Mr. LEVIN, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. grams; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Centennial Celebration of Women at Mar- GARAMENDI, Mr. HOLT, Mr. GRIJALVA, and in addition to the Committee on Energy quette University, the first Catholic univer- Ms. ESHOO, Mr. KILDEE, Ms. MCCOL- and Commerce, for a period to be subse- sity in the world to offer co-education as LUM, Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. POLIS of Col- quently determined by the Speaker, in each part of its regular undergraduate program; orado, Mr. DINGELL, and Mr. case for consideration of such provisions as to the Committee on Education and Labor. TIERNEY): fall within the jurisdiction of the committee H.R. 4812. A bill to provide funds to States, concerned. f units of general local government, and com- By Mr. LARSON of Connecticut: munity-based organizations to save and cre- H. Res. 1156. A resolution electing a Mem- MEMORIALS ate local jobs through the retention, restora- ber to a certain standing committee of the Under clause 4 of rule XXII, memo- House of Representatives; considered and tion, or expansion of services needed by local rials were presented and referred as fol- communities, and for other purposes; to the agreed to. considered and agreed to. Committee on Education and Labor. By Mr. HASTINGS of Florida (for him- lows: By Mr. BERRY: self, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Ms. 237. The SPEAKER presented a memorial H.R. 4813. A bill to provide for insurance RICHARDSON, Ms. NORTON, Mr. TURN- of the House of Representatives of the State reform (including health insurance reform), ER, Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, of Michigan, relative to House Resolution amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. JACKSON of No. 125 memorializing the Congress to appro- to reform Medicare Advantage and reduce Illinois, Ms. FUDGE, Mr. BISHOP of priate the $475 million called for in President disparities in the Medicare Program, regu- Georgia, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. Obama’s FY 2010 budget for a Great Lakes late the importation of prescription drugs, EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. Restoration Initiative; to the Committee on and for other purposes; to the Committee on CONYERS, Mr. GARAMENDI, Ms. MOORE Appropriations.

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238. Also, a memorial of the House of Rep- H.R. 2089: Ms. KILROY. H.R. 4637: Mr. ACKERMAN. resentatives of the State of Michigan, rel- H.R. 2105: Mr. ARCURI and Mr. BILBRAY. H.R. 4650: Mr. GRAYSON and Mr. DEFAZIO. ative to House Resolution No. 175 urging the H.R. 2273: Ms. NORTON. H.R. 4667: Mr. BUYER. Congress of the United States to enact and H.R. 2296: Mr. TAYLOR. H.R. 4678: Ms. CHU. put into effect the Humphrey-Hawkins Full H.R. 2373: Mr. GRIFFITH. H.R. 4700: Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Employment Act; to the Committee on Edu- H.R. 2377: Mr. SIRES and Mr. SHERMAN. and Ms. NORTON. cation and Labor. H.R. 2378: Mr. GERLACH. H.R. 4709: Ms. GIFFORDS. 239. Also, a memorial of the House of Rep- H.R. 2381: Ms. FUDGE. H.R. 4720: Mr. SCHAUER, Mr. THOMPSON of resentatives of the State of Michigan, rel- H.R. 2472: Mr. KING of Iowa. Pennsylvania, and Mr. WITTMAN. ative to House Resolution No. 186 urging the H.R. 2492: Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. H.R. 4722: Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. SCHWARTZ, Congress and the Army Corps of Engineers to H.R. 2811: Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. STARK, take immediate actions to prevent the Asian H.R. 2849: Mr. COSTA, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, and Ms. WOOLSEY. carp from entering the Great Lakes; to the Mrs. DAVIS of California, Ms. LORETTA H.R. 4752: Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. GENE GREEN Committee on Transportation and Infra- SANCHEZ of California, Ms. TSONGAS, and Mr. of Texas, Mr. TONKO, Mr. CLEAVER, Ms. CAS- structure. WAXMAN. TOR of Florida, and Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. 240. Also, a memorial of the House of Rep- H.R. 2879: Mr. KISSELL. H.R. 4755: Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan, Mr. resentatives of the State of Michigan, rel- H.R. 3077: Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. KILDEE, and Mr. GUTIERREZ. ative to House Concurrent Resolution No. 33 H.R. 3212: Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts and H.R. 4757: Mr. COURTNEY and Mr. KILDEE. urging the Congress and the Army Corps of Mr. TOWNS. H.R. 4783: Ms. BERKLEY. Engineers to take steps to prevent the Asian H.R. 3365: Ms. BERKLEY. H.J. Res. 79: Mr. NEUGEBAUER, Mr. UPTON, carp from entering the Great Lakes; jointly H.R. 3445: Mr. HELLER. Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS, Mr. WITTMAN, Mr. to the Committees on the Judiciary and H.R. 3464: Mr. SOUDER, Mr. SPRATT, Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. WILSON of South Caro- Transportation and Infrastructure. BRIGHT, and Mr. PUTNAM. lina, Mr. TIAHRT, Mr. OLSON, Mr. BARRETT of H.R. 3516: Mr. MCCOTTER. South Carolina, Mr. HERGER, Mr. SULLIVAN, f H.R. 3560: Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. LANCE, Mr. BROUN of Georgia, Mrs. H.R. 3579: Mr. HEINRICH and Mr. TEAGUE. MYRICK, and Mr. SOUDER. ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 3580: Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. H.J. Res. 80: Mr. FILNER, Mr. PETERSON, Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 3592: Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. POE of Texas, and Mr. GARAMENDI. were added to public bills and resolu- H.R. 3668: Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, H. Con. Res. 49: Mr. DINGELL and Mr. TIM tions as follows: Ms. LEE of California, Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ- MURPHY of Pennsylvania. BALART of Florida, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. BRALEY H. Con. Res. 98: Mr. GARAMENDI. H.R. 85: Mr. FORBES. of Iowa, Mr. ALTMIRE, Mr. RUSH, Mr. ROO- H. Con. Res. 242: Mr. STARK, Mr. HINCHEY, H.R. 197: Ms. GIFFORDS. NEY, Mr. DENT, Mr. MORAN of Kansas, Mr. Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. MOORE of H.R. 208: Mr. BILIRAKIS. SESSIONS, Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. CHILDERS, Mr. Kansas, and Mr. ROSS. H.R. 273: Mr. NUNES. KING of New York, Mr. HILL, Ms. ZOE H. Con. Res. 246: Mr. RANGEL and Mrs. H.R. 275: Mr. HELLER. LOFGREN of California, Mr. FILNER, Mr. MAR- CHRISTENSEN. H.R. 336: Mr. GARAMENDI. SHALL, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. BERMAN, H. Con. Res. 248: Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland H.R. 442: Mr. ELLSWORTH, Mr. SHULER, Mrs. Mr. HIMES, Mr. REICHERT, Mr. HALL of Texas, and Mr. KAGEN. MYRICK, Mr. TAYLOR, Mr. ISSA, and Mr. and Mr. LOBIONDO. H. Res. 173: Ms. JENKINS, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, MELANCON. H.R. 3719: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mrs. MIL- Mr. GUTHRIE, and Mr. FRANK of Massachu- H.R. 537: Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- LER of Michigan, and Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. setts. fornia, and Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. H.R. 3734: Mr. DOYLE. H. Res. 213: Ms. CLARKE, Mr. PIERLUISI, Mr. H.R. 618: Mr. RUSH. H.R. 3757: Mr. PERRIELLO. GARAMENDI, Mr. SABLAN, Mr. SALAZAR, and C OLLUM H.R. 624: Ms. M C . H.R. 3764: Mr. FILNER. Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. H.R. 658: Mr. ANDREWS. H.R. 3787: Mr. KING of Iowa. H. Res. 311: Mr. ALEXANDER and Mr. OLVER. H.R. 690: Mr. MCNERNEY. H.R. 3964: Mr. CHAFFETZ. H. Res. 704: Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. DICKS, Mrs. ´ H.R. 734: Ms. Velazquez, Mr. ROGERS of Ala- H.R. 4000: Mr. BISHOP of New York. MILLER of Michigan, Mr. HARE, Mr. HODES, bama, Mr. OLVER, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. AN- H.R. 4060: Mr. MCKEON. Mr. JONES, Mr. CUMMINGS, and Mr. DREWS, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, Mr. H.R. 4129: Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. MCDERMOTT. TURNER, Mr. POSEY, Mr. HODES, Mr. H.R. 4133: Mr. COURTNEY and Mrs. CAPITO. H. Res. 767: Mr. SESTAK. LUETKEMEYER, Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of H.R. 4241: Mr. TANNER. H. Res. 874: Mr. OLSON. Pennsylvania, and Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHN- H.R. 4311: Mr. BOUCHER. H. Res. 886: Mr. SOUDER and Mr. BARTLETT. SON of Texas. H.R. 4325: Mr. WEINER. H. Res. 899: Ms. GIFFORDS, Mr. BRALEY of H.R. 775: Mr. SHULER, Mr. SABLAN, Mr. H.R. 4356: Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. FRANK of Iowa, Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas, Ms. HIRONO, DOYLE, Mr. SIMPSON, and Mr. PETERS. Massachusetts, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. JOHNSON Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. KILDEE, H.R. 795: Ms. BERKLEY. of Georgia, and Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. THOMPSON of Mis- H.R. 877: Mr. SENSENBRENNER. H.R. 4360: Mr. MORAN of Kansas, Mr. WAMP, sissippi, Ms. CLARKE, Ms. WATSON, and Mr. H.R. 919: Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky, Mr. BISHOP of Utah, CONNOLLY of Virginia. H.R. 932: Mr. RAHALL. Mr. MCGOVERN, Mrs. LUMMIS, Mr. GRIFFITH, H. Res. 947: Mr. BACA, Mr. MEEK of Florida, H.R. 1067: Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- Mr. CHAFFETZ, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. TERRY, Mr. Mr. GARAMENDI, and Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. fornia and Ms. DELAURO. CAO, and Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. H. Res. 989: Mr. POLIS and Mr. QUIGLEY. H.R. 1074: Mr. MELANCON, Mr. SHULER, and H.R. 4402: Ms. FUDGE, Mr. MICHAUD, Ms. H. Res. 996: Mr. STARK and Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. TAYLOR. ZOE LOFGREN of California, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. H. Res. 1075: Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. KIND, and H.R. 1177: Mr. ACKERMAN, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. GRIJALVA, and Mr. PALLONE. Mr. LATTA. COSTELLO, Ms. DELAURO, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. H.R. 4404: Mr. CLEAVER. H. Res. 1078: Mr. CARTER, Mr. LAMBORN, HOYER, Mr. OBERSTAR, and Ms. PELOSI. H.R. 4405: Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. FORBES, Ms. GIFFORDS, Mr. LOBIONDO, H.R. 1210: Mr. ROSS. H.R. 4429: Mr. FLEMING. Mr. KINGSTON, Mr. JONES, Mrs. BLACKBURN, H.R. 1240: Mr. PLATTS and Mr. KAGEN. H.R. 4480: Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. THOMPSON of Mr. BROWN of South Carolina, and Mr. POE of H.R. 1258: Mr. ADLER of New Jersey, Mr. Mississippi, Mr. LUJA´ N, Ms. NORTON, and Mr. Texas. BURTON of Indiana, and Mr. POLIS. MCINTYRE. H. Res. 1099: Mr. ORTIZ, Mr. LARSON of Con- H.R. 1324: Mr. LATOURETTE. H.R. 4496: Mr. HINCHEY. necticut, Mr. PAULSEN, Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. H.R. 1362: Mr. AUSTRIA, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. H.R. 4502: Mr. POLIS of Colorado. WITTMAN, Mr. MCGOVERN, and Mr. OWENS. MARKEY of Massachusetts, Mr. MICHAUD, and H.R. 4509: Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- H. Res. 1116: Mr. WITTMAN, Mr. THORN- Mr. MARSHALL. ida. BERRY, and Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. H.R. 1581: Mr. MOORE of Kansas. H.R. 4527: Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. GRAYSON, and H. Res. 1145: Mr. MITCHELL, Mrs. KIRK- H.R. 1587: Mr. LATHAM. Mr. HIMES. PATRICK of Arizona, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, H.R. 1616: Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ and Mr. H.R. 4529: Ms. FOXX. Mr. SARBANES, Mr. HODES, Mr. PASCRELL, FILNER. H.R. 4556: Ms. JENKINS. Mr. SMITH of Washington, Mr. GORDON of H.R. 1740: Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. H.R. 4564: Mr. COSTA, Mr. MCNERNEY, and Tennessee, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Ms. LINDA T. H.R. 1806: Mr. MILLER of North Carolina. Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. SA´ NCHEZ of California, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Ms. H.R. 1831: Mr. GARAMENDI. H.R. 4592: Mr. BUYER. BORDALLO, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. MURPHY of New H.R. 1879: Mr. BUYER and Mr. SULLIVAN. H.R. 4599: Mr. SESTAK. York, Mr. WU, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of H.R. 1895: Mr. SIRES. H.R. 4616: Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. Texas, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Mr. H.R. 1964: Mr. WATT and Mr. CUMMINGS. GRIJALVA, and Mr. WEINER. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. ARCURI, Mr. LIPINSKI, H.R. 1995: Mr. KISSELL. H.R. 4621: Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. COOPER, Mr. NYE, Mr. FARR, Mr. BERRY, H.R. 2000: Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. H.R. 4632: Mr. SESTAK. Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. TAYLOR, Mr. H.R. 2024: Mr. MICHAUD. H.R. 4635: Ms. NORTON, Mr. DAVIS of Illi- HOLT, Mr. CASTLE, Mr. MINNICK, Mr. SCHOCK, H.R. 2067: Ms. DELAURO. nois, and Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. REHBERG, and Mr. INGLIS.

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