April 22, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 8 10325 religious, racial or ethnic groups) and our environment. For 39 years, Earth and nays are ordered, or on which the those that are mainly antigovernment, Day has remained an annual oppor- vote incurs objection under clause 6 of rejecting Federal authority in favor of tunity to remind ourselves of our daily, rule XX. State or local authority or rejecting ongoing responsibility. Record votes on postponed questions government authority entirely. It may Our Nation has experienced an envi- will be taken later. include groups and individuals that are ronmental renaissance as of late with f dedicated to a single issue, such as op- business, popular culture and political position to abortion or immigration.’’ leadership getting ‘‘green’’ and becom- COMMENDING CAPTAIN RICHARD On Page 7, under Disgruntled Mili- ing galvanized by the challenge of cli- PHILLIPS, U.S. NAVY SEALS, tary Veterans, they’re listed as having mate change. AND THE U.S. NAVY IN SOMALI the potential to boost the capabilities The industries and communities of PIRATE HIJACKING of the extremists. my district in Colorado are on the Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I move Mr. Speaker, this is the same Cabinet front lines of a changing climate—from to suspend the rules and agree to the member who will no longer use the a shrinking ski season and fewer tour- resolution (H. Res. 339) expressing the words ‘‘terrorist’’ or ‘‘war on terror’’ ist dollars to an increased threat of sense of the United States House of and who now wants to call some of our wildfire and water resources stretched Representatives regarding the hijack- veterans and pro-life activists ‘‘terror- even thinner. My district’s economic ing of the Maersk Alabama, the kidnap- ists.’’ This is outrageous. well-being has a lot riding on a healthy ping of Captain Richard Phillips by So- President Obama, your Cabinet Sec- environment. mali pirates, the rescue of Captain retary is the real threat to our secu- Mr. Speaker, I commend all of those Phillips by United States Navy SEALs rity. who will work, volunteer, teach, and and the crews of the USS Bainbridge, f learn about the ways we can protect USS Boxer, USS Halyburton and Patrol our Earth and economy. I rise in strong Squadron (VP) 8, and for other pur- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER support of all of those who work to poses. PRO TEMPORE make Earth Day every day and who un- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- derstand the fact that our communities tion. bers are reminded to address their re- and economies are firmly rooted in a The text of the resolution is as fol- marks to the Chair. healthy environment. lows: f H. RES. 339 f BUDGET DEFICIT Whereas on April 8, 2009, a group of armed HONORING SOJOURNER TRUTH Somali pirates hijacked the Norfolk, Vir- (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given (Mr. SCHAUER asked and was given ginia-based Maersk Alabama, a U.S. flagged permission to address the House for 1 cargo ship; permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Whereas this attack represents the first minute.) Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, for the such attack on a U.S. flagged vessel in mod- Mr. SCHAUER. Mr. Speaker, first, I last 2 weeks when I was home in my ern history; rise to thank Representative JACKSON- district, I heard from many of my con- Whereas Captain Richard Phillips of LEE for her leadership of her resolution stituents who were justifiably con- Underhill, Vermont, commander of the today in honoring Sojourner Truth. Maersk Alabama, graduated from the Massa- cerned about the large amounts of defi- chusetts Maritime Academy and has over 20 As the Congressman representing cits that we face, about the borrowing Battle Creek, Michigan, I rise on behalf years of maritime experience; that we will have to do and about the Whereas Captain Phillips and the crew of of a community that is proud of its cit- spending that we are proposing to do in the Maersk Alabama were delivering a life- izen Sojourner Truth, who lived her the President’s budget that he ap- sustaining USAID shipment of over 8,000 last 26 years there. proved recently. You know, those who metric tons of food aid to Kenya, Somalia, My hometown was home to a pilgrim have sought to, maybe, take advantage and Uganda when the ship came under pirate born into slavery, unable to read or of that fear have said, ‘‘Nobody ever attack; write, who traveled the country, elo- Whereas the crew of the Maersk Alabama borrows their way to prosperity.’’ Oh, overpowered one of the pirate attackers, and quently confronting the injustices of really? slavery and the unequal treatment of Captain Phillips offered himself up in return In fact, virtually everyone who has for the safe release of his crew and ship; women. She spoke truth to power, and grown wealthy in this country—every Whereas four pirates then fled with Cap- she changed the world. Her life is testi- corporation and any individual—has tain Phillips to an 18-foot lifeboat; mony to the endurance of the human borrowed to make that possible, and Whereas the United States Fifth Fleet im- spirit. that’s exactly what we’re doing. We mediately dispatched Maritime Patrol (P–3) Every day that I come to work at my face a choice. We face a choice of hav- Aircraft to locate and positively identify and office, I sit across from a portrait of monitor the Maersk Alabama to vector the ing a dysfunctional health care system, closest U.S. Navy ship to the scene; Sojourner Truth, which hangs on my of having an energy system that makes wall. It lifts me and it grounds me, and Whereas the United States Navy destroyer us insecure and that damages our envi- USS Bainbridge, which had been patrolling I know that the memorial in Emanci- ronment, and of having an education the region due to increased pirate activities, pation Hall, along with a monument at system that relegates our citizens to a arrived on the scene; her resting place in Battle Creek, will dismal future. Whereas the USS Bainbridge, under the do the same for the millions of citizens What we are doing in the budget we command of U.S. Navy Commander Frank who will view them over the years to passed is to borrow, yes, but to invest Castellano, monitored the conditions on the come. lifeboat and prevented the pirates from es- in those very important matters that caping; f will guarantee a brighter life for our Whereas Commander Castellano served as society and for our people, and that is EARTH DAY the on-the-scene coordinator for the com- what we are committed to do. bined rescue efforts of the State Department, (Mr. POLIS asked and was given per- f Federal Bureau of Investigation hostage ne- mission to address the House for 1 gotiators, and the U.S. Navy; minute and to revise and extend his re- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Whereas U.S. Navy SEALs quickly de- marks.) PRO TEMPORE ployed to the scene; Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Whereas, while being held by pirates, Cap- tain Phillips attempted a daring escape, div- to highlight and support the many ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair ing into the ocean and trying to swim to communities, volunteers, teachers, stu- will postpone further proceedings safety before being recaptured; dents, and individuals celebrating today on motions to suspend the rules Whereas the pirates held Captain Phillips Earth Day and their efforts to protect on which a recorded vote or the yeas at gunpoint for 5 days;

VerDate Mar 15 2010 11:39 Aug 09, 2011 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H22AP9.000 H22AP9 wreier-aviles on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with BOUND RECORD 10326 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 8 April 22, 2009 Whereas the Navy SEALs once again dem- well as Captain Richard Phillips, who armed Somali pirates hijacked the onstrated their extraordinary bravery, skill, gave himself up to ensure the safety of Norfolk, Virginia-based Maersk Ala- and professionalism in rescuing Captain his crew. bama, which is a cargo ship sailing Phillips; under a U.S. flag. The Alabama was on Whereas the USS Halyburton assisted the b 1030 USS Bainbridge with the rescue operation, a mission to deliver over 8,000 metric We’re all familiar with the story by tons of vital food aid to Kenya, Soma- by skillfully ensuring that the pirates were now. On April 8, a group of armed So- blocked in their attempt to reach the Somali lia, and Uganda. This food aid had been mali pirates hijacked the Norfolk, Vir- coast; provided by U.S. taxpayers through the Whereas the USS Boxer assisted in the res- ginia-based Maersk Alabama, a U.S.- United States Agency for International cue operation by standing by to provide im- flagged cargo ship—the first such at- Development. It was highly ironic, tack on a U.S.-flagged vessel in modern mediate medical support, which was thank- then, that the Somali pirates targeted fully not needed in this operation. history. Captain Phillips and his crew a vessel destined to provide relief to Resolved, that the United States House of were delivering a life-sustaining their home country. Representatives— USAID shipment of over 8,000 metric 1. commends the crew of the Maersk Ala- tons of food aid to Kenya, Somalia, and When the Alabama came under at- bama and Captain Phillips, who selflessly tack, it was also the first such attack placed himself in harm’s way to protect his Uganda when the ship came under pi- rate attack. The crew overpowered one on a U.S.-flagged vessel in modern his- crew; tory. But the surprise that the crew of 2. recognizes the United States Navy, the of the attackers, and Captain Phillips crews of the USS Bainbridge, Boxer, offered himself up in return for the safe the Alabama must have felt did little to Halyburton, and Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 for release of his crew and ship. The four deter positive action on their part. The their role in the rescue; pirates then fled with Captain Phillips crew of the Maersk Alabama over- 3. congratulates the Navy SEALs on the on an 18-foot lifeboat. powered one of the pirate attackers, scene for their decisive action that resulted After receiving the distress call, the and the ship’s commander, Captain in the rescue of Captain Phillips; and United States Fifth Fleet immediately Richard Phillips, offered himself up in 4. joins all Americans in expressing great dispatched maritime patrol aircraft to return for the safe release of his crew relief that the crew has returned home safe- and ship. ly. locate and monitor the Maersk Alabama Captain Phillips’ courageous action The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and aid in directing the United States is a credit to him, his 20 years of mari- ant to the rule, the gentleman from and the Navy destroyer USS Bainbridge to the scene. time experience, his alma mater, the Rhode Island (Mr. LANGEVIN) and the The USS Bainbridge, under the com- Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and gentleman from Colorado (Mr. COFF- mand of Navy Commander Frank his hometown of Underhill, Vermont. MAN) each will control 20 minutes. Castellano, immediately undertook ef- The Chair recognizes the gentleman Four of the Somali pirates fled with forts to monitor conditions on the life- from Rhode Island. Captain Phillips to an 18-foot lifeboat boat, and along with the USS and set off for the Somali coast. The GENERAL LEAVE Halyburton, would prevent the pirates length of the Somali coastline is vast, Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask from escaping. At one point, Captain roughly the same length as the entire unanimous consent that all Members Phillips attempted an escape by diving eastern seaboard of the United States. have 5 legislative days within which to into the ocean but was recaptured. revise and extend their remarks on the Despite the diligent efforts of the When it appeared that the captain’s international community and the U.S.- resolution under consideration. life was in imminent danger, the Navy The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there led Combined Task Force 151 counter- SEALs did not hesitate. They drew on piracy operations, military vessels can- objection to the request of the gen- their training, and, most importantly, tleman from Rhode Island? not be every place at once. As a result, their courage and took decisive action the nearest U.S. ship at the time of the There was no objection. to end the standoff and save the life of Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield incident was more than 300 nautical Captain Phillips. myself such time as I may consume. miles away. Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us In response to the distress call from I am honored to rise this morning to today recognizes the bravery of the recognize the efforts of some true he- the Maersk Alabama, the United States captain and the crew of the Maersk Ala- Fifth Fleet immediately dispatched roes during the hijacking of the Maersk bama and congratulates the Navy Alabama and its aftermath. Like mil- maritime patrol aircraft to locate, SEALs and the crews of the USS Bain- positively identify and monitor the lions of Americans, I watched as the , , and Patrol bridge Boxer Halyburton Maersk Alabama to direct the closest ordeal unfolded from the initial attack, Squadron (VP) 8 for their decisive ac- to the crew’s quick response, to the U.S. Navy ship to the rescue. The tion in ensuring the safe return home United States Navy destroyer USS captain’s selfless sacrifice, to the of all concerned. Bainbridge, which had been patrolling Navy’s breathtaking rescue. Again, I want to thank Congressman the region due to the increase in pirate Today, I hope all of our colleagues WELCH for his work on this legislation, activity, soon arrived. The Bainbridge, will join me in congratulating and in and I ask all of our colleagues to vote under command of U.S. Navy Com- thanking the many brave Americans for its passage. who played a role in the successful res- I reserve the balance of my time. mander Frank Castellano, monitored olution of what could have been a ter- Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. the conditions on the lifeboat and pre- rible tragedy. Speaker, today I rise in support of vented the pirates from escaping. Com- First, let me thank the gentleman House Resolution 339. mander Castellano also served as the from Vermont, my friend, PETER I am pleased to join my colleagues, on-the-scene coordinator for the com- WELCH, for spearheading this effort. PETER WELCH and JIM LANGEVIN, as bined rescue efforts of the State De- I’m honored to sponsor this resolution well as the many cosponsors of this partment, Federal Bureau of Investiga- with him. I would also like to thank resolution, in expressing the pride of tion hostage negotiators, and the Chairman SKELTON and Ranking Mem- the United States House of Representa- United States Navy. ber MCHUGH for working with us to tives regarding the heroic actions of While being held by pirates, Captain bring this resolution so quickly to the Captain Richard Phillips, the crew of Phillips attempted a daring escape— floor. the Maersk Alabama, and the profes- diving into the ocean and trying to The story of the merchant vessel sionalism and skill of the crews of the swim to safety before being captured. Maersk Alabama is miraculous, not just USS Bainbridge, the USS Boxer, the Captain Phillips’ ordeal cannot be un- for the safe return of its entire U.S. USS Halyburton, Patrol Squadron (VP) derstated. The pirates held him at gun- crew but also for the incredible bravery 8 and the U.S. Navy SEALs. point for 5 days until the U.S. Navy and professionalism displayed by the On April 8, 2009, in what has now be- SEALs, who had quickly deployed to men and women of the U.S. Navy as come a well-known story, a group of the scene onboard the USS Bainbridge,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 11:39 Aug 09, 2011 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H22AP9.000 H22AP9 wreier-aviles on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with BOUND RECORD April 22, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 8 10327 rescued Captain Phillips, dem- and I thank my friends, Congressmen national coalitions operating in the re- onstrating their extraordinary valor LANGEVIN and WELCH, for introducing gion. Just this weekend we were re- and skill. this bill and their leadership on this minded of the imminence of the ongo- The captain and crew of the Bain- subject. ing problem. Hostages were freed by bridge were supported by two additional Captain Phillips’ brave leadership in Dutch forces, but the gang of pirates U.S. Navy ships. The USS Halyburton, the defense of his crew and ship, along responsible were subsequently released an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, with the outstanding service of the due to the lack of a detainment policy assisted the USS Bainbridge with the men and women of the United States within the NATO task force. rescue operation by ensuring that the Navy, allowed for the safe return of the The United States must encourage pirates were blocked in their attempts crew of the motor vessel Maersk Ala- all of our coalition partners to adopt a to reach the Somali coast. The USS bama. Both Captain Phillips and his single set of rules of engagement and Boxer, a Wasp-class amphibious assault crew’s actions clearly demonstrate the authorities. I am encouraged by Sec- ship, assisted in the rescue operation bravery that is present in our Amer- retary Clinton’s call on the inter- by standing by to provide immediate ican Merchant Marines. I commend the national community to hold these medical support, which was, thank- sailors on the USS Bainbridge and criminals accountable and agree with fully, not needed in this operation. Halyburton, as well as the Navy SEALs her comments about pursuing the pi- It is also remarkable to note that the who were involved in the lengthy rate sanctuaries along the Somalia namesake for the USS Bainbridge is standoff with the Somali pirates. coast. Denying the ability of the pi- Captain William Bainbridge, one of the On Easter Sunday, every American rates to operate ashore is the best solu- United States’ earliest naval officers could be proud and thankful for the tion for stopping these attacks in the who became the country’s most famous commitment and excellence of our short term. pirate hostage. servicemembers. The actions of our b 1045 In October 1803, Captain Bainbridge men and women in uniform highlight was in command of the USS Philadel- the dedication and professionalism Until the international community phia, a 36-gun frigate, on a mission to present in our Navy servicemembers. decides that it will no longer tolerate blockade North African pirate ships This also demonstrates the critical piracy in any way, we will continue to from Tripoli. Following an unfortunate need for the high level of training these see history repeat itself, and the mer- grounding of the Philadelphia on a shal- sailors have been given which allows chants operating in the surrounding low reef near shore, Captain Bainbridge them to successfully conduct such a waters of Somalia will continue to be and his crew of 300 were taken hostage high-risk and complicated operation. at risk. and held in captivity for nearly 2 years. I have long warned of the dangers as- Mr. Speaker, we will not forget the When Captain Bainbridge finally re- sociated with international piracy. heroic actions of our United States turned to this country, he continued to Just last month, I called for and Navy, the United States Navy SEALs, serve in the U.S. Navy and went on to chaired a full Armed Services Com- and the brave men aboard the Maersk distinguish himself in the War of 1812. mittee hearing on international piracy Alabama. Now, 200 years later, pirates continue on the high seas. The inherent danger We sent a clear signal to the pirates to operate along the coast of Africa, in allowing these types of criminal ac- that such a brazen attack on American and the U.S. Navy ship named in his tivities to go unchecked is evident people will not be tolerated. I look for- honor has played such a critical role in throughout our history. We see prime ward to working with my colleagues thwarting their efforts. examples of this when we look as far and friends in the administration to In conclusion, I urge the inter- back as the days of the Barbary pi- find a short-term solution to the ongo- national community, as well as Presi- rates, where the pirates were eventu- ing piracy problem, and I am hopeful dent Obama, to apply both private and ally defeated ashore in Algiers; or the that we can work with our inter- government means to combat piracy. recent example of the Straits of Ma- national partners to find a permanent While the U.S. military can have a sig- lacca, where it took the combined solution to this issue. nificant deterrence on piracy and can forces of Malaysia, Indonesia and I thank the gentlemen, Mr. LANGEVIN play a key role in disrupting pirate at- Singapore working together to secure and Mr. WELCH, for their foresight in tacks, a long-term solution to this their waters. offering this resolution. problem cannot be found through mili- In both of these instances, the inter- Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. tary force alone. national community was dealing with Speaker, I would like to further com- I also urge my colleagues to adopt criminals whose sole objective was ment on the issue of piracy and how we House Resolution 339 to recognize the monetary gain; and when faced with address this in that I feel that there is bravery of the crew of the Maersk Ala- superior forces, they retreated. The pi- a cost-effective solution available to bama, commend Captain Phillips who rates off the coast of Somalia are no us. selflessly placed himself in harm’s way different. However, like the pirates of Right now, in trying to patrol 1.1 to protect his crew, congratulate the the past, they will only retreat as far million square miles of ocean, we have United States Navy, the crews of the as they are pushed. deployed a carrier strike group and an USS Bainbridge, Boxer, Halyburton, Pa- Establishing a working government additional combined task force; and it trol Squadron 8 and the Navy SEALs in Somalia is a solution, but this is a is a sledgehammer going after a fly on the scene for their decisive action long-term solution. In the short term, when all we need is a flyswatter. that resulted in the rescue of Captain it is imperative that the international I would like to propose that the ad- Phillips and join all Americans in ex- coalition, already operating in the ministration consider placing a small pressing great relief that the crew has area, uses its superior force to continue detachment of United States Marines returned home safely. to pursue these pirates into the safe or sailors with cruiser weapons aboard Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of havens where they are operating. This U.S.-flagged merchant ships sailing my time. will be the only way to convince these through these waters. There is an aver- Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am criminals that the risks now outweigh age of one U.S. flagship per day sailing pleased to yield as much time as he the rewards. The authorities needed to through the Gulf of Aiden. And so the might consume to my friend and col- conduct such operations have already Department of Defense response was league, the distinguished chairman of been provided in United Nations Secu- that we are stretched in resources, and the Committee on Armed Services, the rity Council Regulations 1846 and 1851. it would be difficult to deploy a squad gentleman from Missouri (Mr. SKEL- I applaud the commitment of the of marines or the equivalent of sailors TON). international community to solve the aboard this one U.S.-flagged merchant Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise problem, but additional work must be ship going through the Gulf of Aiden today in strong support of H. Res. 339, done to advance the current inter- on a daily basis. Yet, we are deploying

VerDate Mar 15 2010 11:39 Aug 09, 2011 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H22AP9.000 H22AP9 wreier-aviles on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with BOUND RECORD 10328 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 8 April 22, 2009 over 10 ships on a daily basis in these his own words that he was able to re- to live the rest of their lives. So this waters, which require far more re- cite when he returned. ‘‘I’m not a hero, act is an extraordinary act of heroics sources than a small detachment of the military is,’’ the cargo shipper, because of how Captain Phillips made U.S. marines or sailors. Richard Phillips, told reporters. ‘‘I’m a this an ordinary day in his life. The precedent for this is certainly small part. I’m just a bit part in this All of us, of course, are thrilled about during World War II, when we did so to story. I’m a seaman doing the best I the safe return of Captain Phillips to protect our U.S.-flagged merchant can like all other seamen out there.’’ Underhill, Vermont, and the reunifica- shipping. I believe the situation exists Captain Phillips insisted on giving all tion of the family, but we are also very today where we have cause to do so. credit to everyone else—his crew, the proud of our Navy. We are proud of the And this is not simply a criminal activ- extraordinary Navy SEALs, the United Navy SEALs and all the people who ity. In 1803, when Captain Bainbridge States Navy, not taking any of the were involved in this, doing the jobs was in command of the USS Philadel- credit for his heroics upon himself. they were trained to do, doing it suc- phia, President Thomas Jefferson saw Now, why is it that he is that way? cessfully, and then going on about fit to see the actions of the Barbary pi- You know, oftentimes it is said that a their lives without request for fame or rates as an act of war, and I view the hero is a person who is ordinary but, favor. conduct of the Somalia pirates as the faced with extraordinary cir- Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am same. cumstances, does extraordinary things. pleased to yield 1 minute to my friend Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance And certainly Captain Phillips fits that and colleague, one of the newest mem- of my time. description because, when faced with bers of the Committee on Armed Serv- Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am this danger, he put himself and his life ices, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. pleased to yield such time as he may on the line to save his crew. It was an NYE). consume to my friend and colleague, extraordinary act in extraordinary cir- Mr. NYE. I thank my colleague. the original sponsor of this measure, cumstances. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to com- the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. But when you reflect on it, Captain mend the actions of all the brave WELCH). Phillips didn’t see it that way. He was Americans who brought about the safe Mr. WELCH. I thank my colleague a seaman doing his job. And maybe rescue of the captain and crew of the from Rhode Island. I thank the Armed what he is reminding us, all of us in Maersk Alabama. Services Committee and Chairman America, is that it is doing our jobs I have the distinct honor to represent SKELTON and my colleague, Mr. COFF- day in and day out, what is required of Naval Station Norfolk, the home port MAN. us, that makes us all have it within our of the USS Bainbridge, the first ship to We have heard eloquent statements reach to be heroic. respond after the Alabama was at- about the urgent problem of piracy and Captain Phillips has as his primary tacked and her captain taken hostage what the United States has to do. I responsibility, the way he defines it by pirates. would like to talk a little bit about and the way the law of the sea defines In particular, I would like to applaud Captain Phillips and about his home- it, to protect his crew. And on some the quick, decisive, and effective ac- town of Underhill, Vermont, and what days protecting his crew may be that tion taken by the men and women of is the good news behind this extraor- he has to guide his ship through trou- the Bainbridge and her commanding of- dinary rescue operation conducted by bled waters, but on another day, when ficer, Commander Frank Castellano. the United States Navy. his ship was seized by pirates, pro- Throughout his 23 years in the Navy, Mr. Speaker, Underhill is a small tecting his crew meant turning over Commander Castellano has served with town in Vermont in the shadow of our his life and his safety to the pirates in distinction and honor and has received largest mountain, Mt. Mansfield; about exchange for the safety of his crew. numerous awards and commendations. 2,800 people live there. The center of And for him, that was just an ordinary, As captain of the USS Bainbridge, he life is the Underhill Country Store matter-of-fact decision. He didn’t even skillfully managed the rescue of the where people go for their morning cof- have to think about it because that Maersk Alabama, ensured the safety of fee to have conversation about what’s was his job. It is what he signed up to her crew, and led the hostage negotia- going on. Neighbors know neighbors. do. And when the circumstances re- tions with the pirates. And on April 12, The folks who live in Underhill know quired he make that decision, he did. when Captain Phillips’ life was in dan- the Phillips family very well. And it That is what is so inspiring, I think, ger, Commander Castellano did not turned out that in that week when Cap- to so many of us about Captain Phil- hesitate; he gave the green light for tain Phillips was a hostage, all of the lips, the matter-of-fact way in which our SEALs to take action. activity, all of the conversation in he went about being a captain in the Over the 4 days of the rescue oper- Underhill, of course, was totally about Merchant Marine. And it is the same ation, as the world watched, Com- him, about his wife, Andrea, about attitude he displays as a dad when he is mander Castellano and the men and Mariah and David, their son and daugh- home, with the jealous guarding of his women of the Bainbridge made us all ter, both in college. And life in some time with his family that means so proud and reminded us why the U.S. ways went on in the ordinary course. much to him so that he can ski, play Navy is second to none. I urge my col- David went over to a neighbor’s and did basketball, do outdoor activities with leagues to join me in supporting this his morning chores; it is what he said his kids and with his friends. He is resolution. his dad would have wanted. And the known in the community as just an- Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I want neighbors did what neighbors do in other guy, and that is the person who to again commend my colleague, Mr. Underhill and do in Vermont and do in he wants to return to be. WELCH, for his sponsorship of this reso- communities all around this country The inspiring story here is all up and lution. I am proud to join with him. when one of their own is in peril; they down the line. When a captain was This truly is a story of remarkable her- helped out. They brought over food. faced with an extraordinary decision, oism and bravery. They checked in on their neighbors. he made it as though it was just an or- I again recognize the leadership of They gave privacy and respect to An- dinary decision. When one of America’s Captain Phillips and his crew and, in drea and their family while they were own ships on the high seas was in peril, particular, the Navy SEALs, and all of going through this ordeal. our Navy responded as they were our naval vessels and sailors that were It is also the story about an extraor- trained to do. And when one of the hos- involved in this entire effort. They dinary seaman, Captain Phillips, who, I tages, Captain Phillips, was in immi- truly are well-trained, and it showed in think, as much as his bravery im- nent danger of losing his life, these this. The training paid off. pressed all of us. His modesty im- Navy SEALs, who had trained quietly, On a personal note, I have great re- pressed all of us as well. He insisted relentlessly, and effectively, did what spect for all of our merchant mariners. that he was not the hero. Let me use was required of them, and they went on Both my grandfather and my great

VerDate Mar 15 2010 11:39 Aug 09, 2011 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H22AP9.000 H22AP9 wreier-aviles on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with BOUND RECORD April 22, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 8 10329 uncle were both members of the Mer- Somalia often launch one or two speed boats the superior training our SEALs receive; train- chant Marine during World War II. I with about four or five men aboard. Armed ing that begins at Naval Amphibious Base know the sacrifices that these Mer- with automatic weapons and in some cases Coronado and reinforced through multiple chant Marines give in their daily lives rocket-propelled grenades, they approach un- tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and now off day in and day out to make sure that armed ships, force them to slow down and the coast of Somalia. cargo moves safely around the world. then board them in order to gain ransom Mr. Speaker, I know I join all Americans in This is truly a good news story, but money. welcoming this crew home with both great clearly we have work to do in stopping Analysts blame Somalia’s nearly 20 years of pride and great relief and in honoring our pirate activities in the future. This is lawlessness for fueling piracy’s rise. Years brave service members for a job well done. going to be an ongoing effort. I look ago, foreign trawlers began taking advantage I hope all of my colleagues vote in favor of forward to working with my colleagues of Somalia’s civil war to fish its waters illegally this important measure. to make sure that this type situation and dump toxic waste there. Vigilante Somali Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, at this never happens again. fishermen tried to defend their shores, and time, I have no further requests for Again, my congratulations to all my later morphed into full-blown pirates. Piracy time. I yield back the balance of my colleagues involved in this resolution, has been a problem in Somali waters for at time. particularly Mr. WELCH. least 10 years—when Somali fishermen began The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, losing their livelihoods. Their traditional fishing question is on the motion offered by I stand here today with great jubilation for the methods were no match for the illegal trawlers the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. successful rescue of Captain Phillips. I urge that were raiding their waters. Piracy initially LANGEVIN) that the House suspend the my colleagues to support H. Res. 339 ‘‘Ex- started along Somalia’s southern coast but rules and agree to the resolution, H. pressing the sense of the United States House began shifting north in 2007—and as a result, Res. 339. of Represensatives regarding the hijacking of the pirate gangs in the Gulf of Aden are now The question was taken; and (two- the Maersk Alabama, the kidnapping of Cap- multi-clan operations. thirds being in the affirmative) the tain Richard Phillips by Somali pirates, the Attacks have risen markedly in recent rules were suspended and the resolu- rescue of Captain Phillips by United States weeks, and brigands hold at least 17 other tion was agreed to. Navy SEALs and the crews of the USS Bain- ships and around 300 crew. Meanwhile, So- A motion to reconsider was laid on bridge, USS Boxer, USS Halyburton and Pa- malia called for international help to rebuild its the table. trol Squadron (VP) 8, and for other purposes.’’ military to combat piracy and train security f I believe that Congressional recognition is forces to track down pirates. due to the crews of the USS Bainbridge and I urge the United States to take swift and PERMITTING DESIGNATION OF IN- other ships on the scene, and especially the immediate action against these Somali pirates. DIVIDUAL TO DISBURSE CAM- incredible skill of the Navy SEALs who res- It is unacceptable that unarmed Americans or PAIGN FUNDS UPON CAN- cued Capt. Phillips. Somali pirates boarded any persons should be attacked and taken DIDATE’S DEATH the container ship Maersk Alabama about 500 hostage on the high seas, with all the re- Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. kilometers off the coast of Somalia. The 20 sources available to us in this day and age. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules man crew regained control of the Danish- This is not an American problem, but an inter- and pass the bill (H.R. 749) to amend owned, American-operated ship. But the ship’s national problem, that must be dealt with on a the Federal Election Campaign Act of captain—Richard Phillips—was taken hostage multilateral level. We can not eradicate piracy 1971 to permit candidates for election as the pirates escaped aboard a lifeboat. alone. for Federal office to designate an indi- I would like to acknowledge the profound I am relieved that Secretary Clinton said the vidual who will be authorized to dis- bravery and selflessness that Captain Phillips United States wanted to ‘‘seek more effective burse funds of the authorized campaign displayed throughout the entire ordeal. At the ways to hold these pirates criminally respon- committees of the candidate in the time of the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama, sible for their actions, which threaten not only event of the death of the candidate. Captain Phillips placed himself in harm’s way the lives of merchant seamen, but the security The Clerk read the title of the bill. to protect his crew. Phillips offered himself as of critical maritime routes.’’ I believe the meet- The text of the bill is as follows: a hostage after the pirates stormed the U.S.- ing which will take place next month in New H.R. 749 flagged Alabama. He is a hero, he rose to the York with representatives of 24 nations, in Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- occasion and—thankfully—lived to tell about it. order to look at legal measures in the fight resentatives of the United States of America in I commend the Navy SEAL snipers on the against piracy off Somalia is a large first step Congress assembled, destroyer USS Bainbridge who killed Captain in ending this madness. SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF INDIVIDUAL AU- Phillips’s three captors. I applaud President Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise THORIZED TO MAKE CAMPAIGN Obama and his administration who gave today in support of H. Res. 339. COMMITTEE DISBURSEMENTS IN standing orders for the military to take decisive This resolution honors the incredible work of EVENT OF DEATH OF CANDIDATE. action if the Captain was in imminent danger. the United States Navy SEALs, and the crews (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 302 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 432) This is the first time in modern history that of the USS Bainbridge, USS Boxer, USS is amended by adding at the end the fol- the United States has in custody a pirate who Halyburton and Patrol Squadron (VP) 8. H. lowing new subsection: carried out an attack on a U.S. citizen. The Res. 339 also recognizes the crew of the ‘‘(j)(1) Each candidate may, with respect to events that have been taking place off the Maersk Alabama and the courage of Captain each authorized committee of the candidate, coast of Somalia are intolerable and I feel that Richard Phillips. designate an individual who shall be respon- the United States must put an end to piracy. The Maersk Alabama and her crew returned sible for disbursing funds in the accounts of I am pleased that Captain Phillips is home safely due to the remarkable service of the the committee in the event of the death of with his family: his wife, Andrea, and his two men and women of the U.S. Navy. In fact, this the candidate, and may also designate an- other individual to carry out the responsibil- children, Daniel and Mariah, in Underhill, event has shown the importance of having a ities of the designated individual under this Vermont. I wish them all the best as their lives fleet capable of maintaining a global maritime subsection in the event of the death or inca- get back to normal. presence that allows the Navy to respond to pacity of the designated individual or the un- However, this piracy has not ceased even emergencies around the world. willingness of the designated individual to after the U.S. Navy fatally shot three pirates, We must also commend the actions of our carry out the responsibilities. who were armed with AK–47 rifles. They are remarkable Navy SEAL snipers. The special ‘‘(2) In order to designate an individual continuing to hijack ships in the Gulf of Aden. operations community rarely receives the rec- under this subsection, the candidate shall More than 200 mariners still remain captives ognition they deserve, nor do they seek it. file with the Commission a signed written statement (in a standardized form developed at sea in the hands of pirates. Adm. Rick While they do not look for notoriety, this reso- by the Commission) that contains the name Gurnon has publicly said, ‘‘The pirates have a lution honors their service and recognizes their and address of the individual and the name great business model that works for them: See contributions to U.S. national security. of the authorized committee for which the ships, take ransom, make millions’’ and that is The success of the Navy SEAL snipers who designation shall apply, and that may con- exactly what they are doing. The pirates from saved Captain Phillips is a prime example of tain the candidate’s instructions regarding

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