E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 108 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 150 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2004 No. 65 House of Representatives The House met at 12:30 p.m. and was Ghraib Prison from the Congress of the ary 20, 2004, the gentleman from Texas called to order by the Speaker pro tem- United States when he had full knowl- (Mr. DELAY) is recognized during morn- pore (Mr. PENCE). edge about it, but it is also his incom- ing hour debates. Mr. DELAY. Mr. Speaker, this week, f petency to appreciate and understand the political firestorm that would be the House will make history, taking up DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO set off across the Islamic and Arab the first of eight components of the TEMPORE world by the humiliation that was tak- most ambitious and forward-looking The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- ing place, or even the suffering and the economic agenda in a generation. For fore the House the following commu- humiliation that Americans would feel the next 8 weeks, the House will debate nication from the Speaker: when they saw these out-of-control sol- and pass legislation that will begin the diers engaging in that conduct. process of remaking our economy for WASHINGTON, DC, But it is also because he is reigning May 11, 2004. the new century. I hereby appoint the Honorable MIKE over the most incompetent and mis- Rather than treating individual pol- PENCE to act as Speaker pro tempore on this managed occupation of the country of icy initiatives in a vacuum, the Amer- day. , because his arrogance would not ican Careers Initiative takes a com- J. DENNIS HASTERT, allow him to pay attention to those prehensive approach, treating health Speaker of the House of Representatives. prestigious institutions and people who care, energy, education, taxes, regula- f had actual experience in peacekeeping tion and lawsuit abuse reform as parts and restoring democracy to countries, of a broader economic agenda. MORNING HOUR DEBATES who had done it without taking casual- For the next 2 months, the House will The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ties of American soldiers. They pushed focus on one of the eight components of ant to the order of the House of Janu- ahead with an inadequate number of the Careers Initiative each week, start- ary 20, 2004, the Chair will now recog- resources in terms of soldiers and ing tomorrow with Health Care Secu- nize Members from lists submitted by equipment; they pushed ahead with in- rity. the majority and minority leaders for adequate resources in terms of paying First, we will pass legislation to re- morning hour debates. The Chair will for this, and for the force protection, form medical malpractice liability alternate recognition between the par- his number one responsibility, the laws to protect good doctors, nurses, ties, with each party limited to not to force protection of our soldiers. and hospitals from predatory trial law- exceed 30 minutes, and each Member, Because of his actions and because of yers and their abusive lawsuits, low- his rush to war, as the Pentagon Joint except the majority leader, the minor- ering the cost of health care. Chiefs of Staff study tells us in Lessons ity leader, or the minority whip, lim- Second, we will pass the Small Busi- Learned, they failed to provide for the ited to not to exceed 5 minutes. ness Health Fairness Act, which will protection of these soldiers. More re- allow small businesses to enjoy the The Chair recognizes the gentleman cently, that failure has been translated same economies of scale now used by from California (Mr. GEORGE MILLER) by the Pentagon to say because of im- large corporations, organizations, and for 5 minutes. proper equipment for the personal pro- labor unions in their health plans. f tection of soldiers, because of the im- Third, we will make Flexible Spend- CALLING FOR THE RESIGNATION proper kind of mix of equipment in ing Accounts even more flexible, by al- OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE terms of non-armored Humvees, one lowing account owners to hold on to out of four of the casualties was unnec- some of their unspent health savings Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. essary, had we been properly prepared year to year or even roll some of that Mr. Speaker, Vice President CHENEY with the proper equipment, the train- money into a new health savings ac- has told the Nation that people ought ing, for our soldiers. One out of four of count. to get off Secretary Rumsfeld’s case the casualties was unnecessary, accord- We will do all of these things not and let him do his job. President Bush ing to the Pentagon, another reason simply because they are good health has called him ‘‘really good’’ and ‘‘su- why Secretary Rumsfeld should resign. care policies, but because they make perb’’ in the last week alone. f for greater economic policies. There are many reasons why Mr. By reducing the threat of abusive Rumsfeld should resign from his posi- HEALTH CARE AND AMERICAN lawsuits, more doctors will continue to tion as Secretary of Defense. It is not PROSPERITY see patients and thereby help to reduce just because he engaged in a cover-up The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the crisis in health care access. By al- in keeping the atrocities at the Abu ant to the order of the House of Janu- lowing small businesses to reduce the

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

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VerDate May 04 2004 04:24 May 12, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11MY7.000 H11PT1 H2736 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 11, 2004 cost of employee health insurance, The Republican bill to make the 10 Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, the infa- those businesses will in turn use their percent income tax bracket permanent mous Iraqi prison photographs with savings to invest in new products and could win overwhelming, perhaps unan- which we are so familiar portray de- hire new employees. And by expanding imous, support if it were paid for. In- plorable scenes for which we will apolo- the utility of Flexible Spending Ac- stead, it would add an estimated $218 gize. I am concerned that these inap- counts, we will promote more health billion to the national debt. Our chil- propriate practices occurred, but I am care competition and help Americans dren and grandchildren will pay that further concerned regarding the double save money on their insurance costs. debt. standards that many countries apply All of these new policies will help The Democratic substitute, in con- regarding terrorism, and I will discuss break down the barriers between the trast, is paid for. Unfortunately, Re- that in detail herewith. American people and the affordable publican leaders believe that tax cuts Much attention has been directed, quality health care that they demand. are a freebie. In fact, the chairman of Mr. Speaker, against America regard- And they will also break down the bar- the House Committee on the Budget, ing the Iraqi prison matter; but com- riers between them and the thriving the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. NUSSLE), paratively speaking, little has been ex- competitive and prosperous 21st-cen- said in March, and I quote, ‘‘We don’t pressed against the terrorists. tury economy that they deserve. believe that you should have to pay for Who will apologize or express concern f tax cuts.’’ for the 9/11 attack and the 3,000 inno- It is that mathematically challenged cent lives lost? FULFILLING OUR DUTY philosophy, that denial of reality that Who will apologize for the first at- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- continues to stall negotiations on the tack to the World Trade Center and ant to the order of the House of Janu- 2005 budget. House Republicans refuse subsequent attacks upon our embassies ary 20, 2004, the gentleman from Mary- to pay for tax cuts. House Democrats, a and the U.S.S. Cole? land (Mr. HOYER) is recognized during bipartisan majority of the Senate and Who will apologize for the recent morning hour debates for 5 minutes. the chairman of the Federal Reserve, deadly explosion in Spain? Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, before I Mr. Greenspan, fully support pay-as- Who will apologize regarding hos- discuss the legislation that will be con- you-go budget rules. In fact, if my Re- tages who were mutilated and hanged sidered on the floor this week, I want publican friends missed the comment from a bridge while onlookers gleefully to comment briefly on the continuing of Chairman Greenspan last week, let applauded and laughed obscenely? revelations about the abuse of Iraqi de- me repeat it. He said, ‘‘The free lunch These questions are rhetorical, Mr. tainees in American custody and the has still not been invented.’’ Speaker, because no apologies are This week, the Republican leadership need for vigorous congressional over- forthcoming, and many do not appear will also put three health care bills on sight through full and open committee to be concerned about it. the floor, apparently in recognition of hearings. I am told that the majority of Iraqis Cover the Uninsured Week. I could not disagree with my friend, wanted Saddam removed from power, the majority leader, more when he says Today in America, the richest, most powerful Nation on the face of the but they were unwilling and were in- the idea of a congressional investiga- capable of doing the job themselves be- tion is like, and I quote, ‘‘saying we Earth, 44 million Americans do not have health insurance; and that figure cause they feared Saddam and knew need an investigation every time there has increased by 4 million since Presi- the pain and torture he was capable of is police brutality on the street.’’ inflicting upon them. The abuse of Iraqi detainees, as we dent Bush took office. Yet none of the Republican health care bills directly Incidentally, Mr. Speaker, Saddam’s are learning, is, unfortunately, not iso- addresses this growing problem. rape rooms are no longer open for busi- lated, and responsibility extends up We have already passed two of these ness, nor are Saddam’s torture cham- and down the military chain of com- three bills, on medical liability and as- bers. Why do we hear virtually nothing mand. We must not abdicate our con- sociated health plans, almost in ex- about the rape rooms and the torture stitutional responsibility as an inde- actly the same form; so we are simply chambers having been shut down? They pendent, coequal branch of govern- repeating that which we have already are shut down because America, Great ment, as some Members of the other done, presumably for political purposes Britain, and coalition members stepped body have stated. as opposed to substance. The third, on forward and Saddam retreated to his For example, the Senate majority Flexible Savings Accounts, would spider hole where he was captured. leader is quoted today in Congressional mostly benefit those who are already Some in Iraq embrace us as lib- Quarterly as saying, ‘‘The Senate will insured. erators, while others, including terror- continue to do its duty. We had several House Democrats, by comparison, ists from beyond Iraq, reject us as oc- hearings last week. We will continue to will introduce three health care bills cupiers. maintain a close watch on the unfold- this week that, together, would provide b 1245 ing situation.’’ In fact, they are having health insurance for more than half of hearings this week. the 44 million uninsured. These bills The closer Iraq approaches freedom This shocking episode demands a full are aimed, Mr. Speaker, at three grow- and democracy, the more impediments and open inquiry. It demands a bipar- ing groups of uninsured: those with low and barriers the terrorists will erect. tisan approach. I urge the Republican income, retirees, and small businesses When the government is handed over leadership to work with this side of the and the self-employed. to the Iraqi Council on 30 June, many aisle in getting to the bottom of these I say to my friends on the Republican have declared, oh, the Americans must abuses, in holding the responsible par- side, our constituents did not send us never leave because civil unrest may ties accountable and ensuring that it here to pretend to legislate, to repeat- erupt. Well, I agree, we cannot abrupt- never happens again. The world expects edly pass legislation so that it could go ly depart, but Iraq needs to step up to no less, and we should expect no less to the Senate. They sent us here to the plate on 30 June. ourselves. solve problems and fulfill our duty. Mr. Speaker, there is an expression Now, Mr. Speaker, while the other This week, there is ample evidence uttered in the rural South to indicate body exercises vigorous oversight, this that we are doing neither. appropriate timing. This expression is body will consider a Republican bill f called ‘‘high time.’’ So I say today it is that will actually increase the budget high time for Iraq to accept responsi- deficit, which is projected at more than DOUBLE STANDARDS APPLIED bility and express a willingness to gov- half a trillion dollars this year alone, REGARDING TERRORISM ern and stand up to terrorism. If they and three health care bills that would The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- want us to leave, they can show the do virtually nothing to help the unin- ant to the order of the House of Janu- world they are capable of governing re- sured. ary 20, 2004, the gentleman from North sponsibly. They can show the world This Republican majority is not re- Carolina (Mr. COBLE) is recognized dur- they have the fortitude to avoid in- sponding to America’s needs. We can, ing morning hour debates for 5 min- timidation by terrorists and the evil we must, do better. utes. practices they dispense.

VerDate May 04 2004 04:24 May 12, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11MY7.002 H11PT1 May 11, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2737 I am not suggesting that America be- create a new tax shelter for the cases more than all other minorities come the rigid, inflexible, fully sup- healthy and wealthy while, at the same combined. Every day in this country portive rod for the Iraqi spine or back- time, threatening higher health insur- there are at least 200 African American bone, but rather serve as a brace or ance premiums for everyone else. deaths which could and should have splint to permit and encourage inde- The Republican PR machine will been prevented. pendent function. I firmly believe that claim this legislation helps the unin- The current strongly held-to ‘‘cost day will come, Mr. Speaker. I pray it sured by providing a tax credit that containment’’ paradigm, while it will be sooner rather than later. would allow the uninsured to set aside sounds good on the surface, has obvi- f up to $2,000, tax free, in a new health ously not worked. We now have double savings account to supposedly help pay digit increases in premiums in an in- AMERICA’S UNINSURED for health insurance. But unfortu- dustry that was to rein in costs. What The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. nately, it is highly unlikely that most it did instead was create a multi-tiered PENCE). Pursuant to the order of the uninsured Americans will be able to system of care, both within managed House of January 20, 2004, the gen- take advantage of this program, be- care and without. Those at the lowest tleman from New Jersey (Mr. PALLONE) cause they have an extremely difficult rungs of the system got and continue is recognized during morning hour de- time saving $2,000 a year for health to get sicker. The sicker, and the more bates for 5 minutes. care. costly, were and are still being Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, this Mr. Speaker, the final component of dropped, and those who are sickest week Republicans begin an 8-week pub- the Republican agenda is medical li- were and remain locked out entirely. lic relations campaign in an attempt to ability reform. Republicans will claim In 2003, health care spending rose to sell their special interest agenda to all that this legislation will address the $1.7 trillion, or an average of almost Americans. Unfortunately, when Amer- sky-rocketing costs of health care, but $5,000 per person. As a percentage of icans look beyond all the rhetoric, they Republicans are doing nothing to ad- the gross domestic product, it grew will see the Republican proposals do dress spiraling insurance premiums for from 13.1 percent in 1999 to 15.2 percent nothing for the middle class. The so- doctors. The nonpartisan Congressional in 2002. National health care expendi- called ‘‘Hire Our Workers’’ campaign Budget Office concluded that ‘‘Mal- tures are expected to reach $2.8 trillion begins this week with Republicans practice costs account for a very small in 2011. These health care costs are driven highlighting three pieces of legislation fraction of total health care spending; by, among other things, lack of preven- that they say will help the uninsured even a very large reduction in mal- tive care, poor disease management, find insurance and middle class Ameri- practice costs would have a relatively the consequent use of high-cost care, cans better afford health care. But, Mr. small effect on total health plan pre- and the cost burden of uncompensated Speaker, the Republican public rela- miums.’’ tions effort is necessary because their care. If Republicans truly want to help the A recent study by the Kaiser Family health care proposals do no such thing. uninsured and underinsured, they Foundation found that the uninsured This week is ‘‘Cover the Uninsured should set aside their rhetoric and pass Week.’’ But unfortunately, nothing the are 30 to 50 percent more likely to be three pieces of legislation introduced hospitalized for an avoidable condition, Republican Congress is proposing will by the Democrats. First, the Family the average cost of which in 2002 was help the more than 44 million Ameri- Care Act expands Medicaid and SCHIP estimated to be about $3,300. Close to 93 cans without health insurance gain any to provide affordable coverage to about percent of the uninsured report having insurance. As health care costs con- 7.5 million working parents. Second, a more difficult time getting access to tinue to increase way above the rate of the Medicare Early Access Act provides primary care and, therefore, are com- inflation, the Republicans’ health care coverage to 3.5 million people who are ing first to emergency rooms. About 97 proposals this week do nothing to help over the age of 55, but not yet eligible percent of them report having medical those Americans struggling to pay for Medicare, by allowing them to pur- conditions that have persisted or wors- these ever-increasing prices. chase Medicare coverage. And third, ened because of a lack of early inter- The three health care bills that Re- the Small Business Health Insurance vention or preventive care. publicans are offering this week are Act creates a 50 percent tax credit to To add insult to injury, these unin- simply a ruse. Furthermore, each of help small businesses with the costs of sured individuals are also often penal- these pieces of legislation has already health care. ized by being charged higher fees for been passed by the Republican major- These Democratic proposals not only health care services and not given the ity and each of these bills have been offer significant reductions in the discounts afforded insured patients. A proven to increase health costs, dis- ranks of the uninsured, but also rein in Health Affairs article published in 2000 mantle the employer-sponsored health spiraling health care costs to our Na- entitled ‘‘Gouging the Medically Unin- insurance base, and increase the num- tion. sured’’ found that an uninsured patient ber of uninsured Americans. Mr. Speaker, Americans deserve re- paid up to twice as much as the insured Republicans will claim their Associa- sults here on the House floor. It is un- patient. A New York Times article ti- tion Health Plan legislation will lower fortunate that for the next 8 weeks, all tled ‘‘Medical Fees Are Often Higher rates and provide greater access to in- they are going to get from the Repub- For Patients Without Insurance’’ cited surance, but the reality is that AHP lican majority is more political spin. examples of uninsured patients being legislation would result in less health f charged up to 7 times more for a gyne- care access and dramatic increases in COVER THE UNINSURED WEEK cological exam. premiums for State insurance-based Mr. Speaker, lack of health insurance employers. AHPs would fragment and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- is a major factor in the escalating destabilize the small group market, re- ant to the order of the House of Janu- costs of health care and it affects mi- sulting in higher premiums for many ary 20, 2004, the gentlewoman from the nority populations more than others. small businesses. And the Republican Virgin Islands (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN) is Over a third of Latinos are uninsured, legislation would also allow employers recognized during morning hour de- the highest rate among all groups stud- to ‘‘cherry-pick,’’ attracting younger, bates for 5 minutes. ied, and 21⁄2 times higher than the rate healthier individuals to join AHPs, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, in for whites. Nearly a quarter of African while leaving older, sicker individuals this Cover the Uninsured week, I rise Americans and about one fifth of Asian in the traditional insurance market to say that our health care system in Americans and Pacific Islanders have which results in increased premiums this country is falling short on promise no health coverage. for the remaining pool. and contributing to disabling illness Uninsured rates are lower among Na- Mr. Speaker, the Republican Health and premature death of the people it is tive Americans only due to their abil- Savings Account legislation creates a supposed to serve. The picture is worse ity to receive services through the In- tax-favored savings provision with no for African Americans who, for almost dian Health Service, which represents a income limitations. The main reason every illness, are impacted more se- set of federally provided health serv- Republicans want to pass this bill is to verely and disproportionately, in some ices as opposed to coverage, yet the

VerDate May 04 2004 04:24 May 12, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11MY7.004 H11PT1 H2738 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 11, 2004 level of care for them leaves much to are courageously leading our Nation in against Americans abroad and here on be desired as well. a war against terror. You are doing a the homeland. It will show a true com- It is because of these and many other superb job. You are a strong Secretary mitment of the fact that we are taking grave health statistics that we are ask- of Defense, and our Nation owes you a an about-face on what took place. ing Congress to pass comprehensive great debt of gratitude.’’ Some of my colleagues have shared health care reform, understanding that I must say that it is good to give with us that there are six or seven indi- none of the diseases causing disparities commendations and thumbs up when it viduals at fault here. I hope that is the can be successfully managed without is time to give a thumbs up. But in the case, but I can tell my colleagues that sustained universal access to health light of what is going on in the Depart- there is a building tide of evidence that care. ment of Defense right now and in light proves different. Contractors, we may This week, the Democrats will intro- of congressional hearings that are on- very well have to bring CEOs of compa- duce three bills to do just that: the going in the other body, I think the nies before Congress to ask them what Family Care Act, the Medicare Early question mark of our true sincerity, role did they have over commanding Access Act, and the Small Business being against the pictures, being our American troops. That is dis- Health Insurance Promotion Act. against the acts that were carried out turbing in itself, the fact that a whole There are also other bills that have al- on individuals that were being ques- branch of our military or the Army ready been introduced, of which I am tioned by members of our military in unit that was over this particular pris- proud to be a cosponsor, by the gen- prison in Iraq, that I could say that the on was not trained for doing what they tleman from Michigan (Mr. CONYERS), statements that are made by the Com- had to do; the fact that we knew and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. mander in Chief and also statements that the Pentagon was called in mid- LEE), the gentleman from Maryland that are made by Secretary Rumsfeld January to say this was a big deal, not (Mr. CUMMINGS), and the gentleman and others could and will stimulate ad- a little deal but a big deal; the fact from Washington (Mr. MCDERMOTT). ditional terrorism. that we were not informed. I will tell This week we will take up H.R. 660, Now, to say that you are leading our my colleagues the reason why Congress the Association Health Plan proposal, Nation against terror, well, that ques- was not informed was because we which poses, in my opinion, a serious tion is the question of the week and of would not have tolerated the suppres- threat to our existing employer-based the month. As the Pentagon admits, sion of this information. health insurance system. It would ex- Secretary Rumsfeld and General At the highest levels of our military, empt small employer plans from im- Myers, that we have had knowledge of it is very, very important that this in- portant State regulatory protections, the ungodly acts that took place in formation is shared with the American and there is no reason to believe that mid-January, and that it was reported people. At the highest levels of our eliminating these protections will help from Central Command that this was a military, including the Secretary of small employers expand coverage. big deal, this was a big deal, and that Defense, it is very important he shares Instead, AHPs will be able to design Secretary Rumsfeld and General Myers this information. services to cover industries and sectors both admit that they meet 3 to 4 times, I will tell my colleagues, let us not with the healthiest employees and maybe 5, using Secretary Rumsfeld’s stand and say things that will stimu- leave out small businesses with older number, a day, and that they meet late terrorism. Let us not take one or sicker workers, those who most need with the President at least once a week step forward and three steps back. coverage. This ability to cherry-pick to talk about what is going on in the So, Mr. Speaker, I hope that the would drive up the cost of coverage for Pentagon; that anyone that might House continues to move forth. I, for small businesses with less healthy pro- have seen or heard about these pictures one, feel that Secretary Rumsfeld step- files of workers who will then be left in or the acts that were being carried out, ping down will save American lives and the insurance pool by themselves. that they did not rise to the level of will allow our Pentagon to move for- AHPs would be able to offer less gen- the Presidency of the United States. ward the courts martial that are before erous benefit packages in order to Not only were these pictures and this it. bring down the costs of coverage. The investigation that the Pentagon had f CBO has already estimated that 80 per- within the Pentagon, but the fact that ELIMINATE THE ‘‘YES, BUT’’ cent of workers would be worse off it was not shared with the American MENTALITY under AHPs. people is even further disturbing. In closing, I urge my colleagues to The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. b 1300 put politics aside in addressing the PENCE). Pursuant to the order of the issue of coverage as well as in mal- Some folks say, well, Members of House of January 20, 2004, the gen- practice reform, and the other health Congress are upset because they were tleman from California (Mr. ISSA) is care bills we will be considering this not told. We are representatives of the recognized during morning hour de- week. Let us not opt for the short-term people of the United States of America. bates for 5 minutes. fix that is really no fix at all. Let us Serving on the Committee on Armed Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I came to the not support proposals that do not pro- Services, seeing week after week Pen- well today because I am starting to vide substantive remedies for these tagon brass coming before us, Sec- hear something that I think the Amer- problems which affect the life and retary Rumsfeld coming before us and ican people do not want to hear, and death of those we represent. And, above never once mention that something that is, that these terrible things were all, let us commit ourselves, this week fundamentally wrong, we are inves- done by a few individuals in Iraq, but. and always, to do no harm. tigating it, is going on in Saddam Hus- All too often I am hearing the word f sein’s prison in Iraq, not only the pris- ‘‘but’’ creeping in. on that the President spoke of as it re- Mr. Speaker, last night I was listen- DISTURBING EVENTS AND lates to the terror and rape and things ing to Michael Savage. Hundreds of DISTURBING REMARKS of that nature that were going on in stations around the country carry this The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- that particular prison but including man, and he was not just saying ‘‘yes, ant to the order of the House of Janu- the Secretary of State and Secretary but.’’ He was saying, well, these people ary 20, 2004, the gentleman from Flor- Rumsfeld, he mentioned 18,000 cases are Muslim; Islam is a religion of war, ida (Mr. MEEK) is recognized during that are being heard by the Pentagon a and we have to understand they have morning hour debates for 5 minutes. year, 18,000. Well, 18,000 in that par- always been involved in war and they Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ticular prison, not 18,000 in the theater only understand violence and they only must say that I was not only quite dis- of war. understand this. This is why Saddam turbed, but concerned about the Presi- One may say, well, if the Secretary had these torture chambers because dent’s remarks yesterday at the Pen- steps down, then the terrorists win. I that is the only way to make them un- tagon, and it goes as so: ‘‘Mr. Sec- beg to differ. I feel that it will stop ter- derstand. retary, thank you for your hospitality rorists from recruiting young men and When I heard that said on national and thank you for your leadership. You women to carry out acts of terror radio, I realized that the ‘‘yes, but’’

VerDate May 04 2004 04:24 May 12, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11MY7.005 H11PT1 May 11, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2739 cannot be tolerated here on the House Senate, the effort to limit this and say names. You would not use them today; floor or in the other body or on K it is just seven or eight young people and when that starts happening at the Street or on the other end of Pennsyl- and perhaps a couple of lieutenants up top, it goes down and we cannot end vania Avenue. the line but really it is a rogue oper- with putting seven soldiers in the brig. Mr. Speaker, I think it is extremely ation, is simply not true. It runs all the That will not be justice. important that we in this body today way to the top. f eliminate that ‘‘yes, but’’ mentality. The decisions here have to be signed There is no ‘‘yes.’’ We must be above off. Anybody who has been in the mili- RECESS torture. We must be above violating tary knows about the chain of com- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the Geneva Conventions, but we must mand, and somebody does not sign off ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair understand that these individuals may down at the lieutenant level and not declares the House in recess until 2 not be ‘‘conventional combatants.’’ Mr. bother to send it up to the captain or p.m. Speaker, that is not the way America to the colonel or to the general. They Accordingly (at 1 o’clock and 12 min- stands for freedom. It is not the way all go up the line. They have all been utes p.m.), the House stood in recess we were brought up. There is no ‘‘but’’ signed off, one way or another, or until 2 p.m. after ‘‘yes.’’ somebody at the top said here is a Yes, we will honor the Geneva Con- blank check, do whatever you want, f ventions. Yes, every soldier, sailor and which of course they would deny. They b 1400 Marine in Iraq, in Guantanamo, in Af- would never say that, but then how do ghanistan and around the world under- you explain that this behavior went on AFTER RECESS stands or should understand that we through this period of time? The recess having expired, the House hold them to a standard that we would Another excuse that I hear thrown was called to order at 2 p.m. want for ourselves, not the standard around here is that, well, they are not that the other side may subject us to. as bad as Saddam. Look what Saddam f No matter what happens anywhere in did. Well, since when is our standard PRAYER the world to Americans, not in Soma- Saddam Hussein? That clearly is not The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. lia, not in Iraq, not in Afghanistan and the standard by which we operate; but Coughlin, offered the following prayer: not in the Twin Towers of New York, unfortunately, the attitude of the peo- In scriptural times, when the psalms justifies us treating other human ple who took us into this, the neo-cons were still being written, and their beings in a way differently than we in the administration, right next to the original melodies were being sung, would want to be treated. President, couple of them, Ken Your people, O Lord, would gather at Mr. Speaker, to me this is the most Adelman, Paul Wolfowitz, have spoken the city’s gates to hear the news and important message for America to of snakes. If you want to talk about send. Mr. Speaker, I hope in this body, sort out matters of justice. Iraqi people as snakes, I guess you can, at least from this time forward, there Lord God, be present in the assembly but you pay a price in your own soul will be no ‘‘but’’ after ‘‘yes.’’ We hold of the House of Representatives today. when you think of another human Americans to high standards. Here is the sampling of this Republic. being as a snake or you talk about Here the laws of the United States are f going over and draining the swamps in made. Here is the gate that protects, uncivilized parts of the world. RHETORIC OF WAR CRUSADE yet ushers in an understanding of who The Arabs invented arithmetic. They The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- we are as a Nation and how we interact invented the zero. They were some of ant to the order of the House of Janu- with others. Where there is vision and the earliest astronomers. Do not tell ary 20, 2004, the gentleman from Wash- no action, it is only a daydream. When me they have no civilization. But when ington (Mr. MCDERMOTT) is recognized there is action and no vision, it is a you start to dehumanize them and put during morning hour debates for 5 min- nightmare. So grant your people wis- them down at this low, low level, then utes. dom once again. you send the message out verbally, Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, the For we have been warned: ‘‘Unless nonverbally, whether it is in a memo, previous speakers have talked about the Lord build the house, they labor in whether it is in written form, whether the attitude of the American soldier vain who build it. Unless the Lord it is how you talk to your troops, you and the American public, and the rhet- guard the city, in vain does the guard are giving permission to do what was oric of war is what really gets us to keep vigil. It is vain for you to work done and to take pictures. where we are today in the situation in day and night only to gain immediate Iraq. When you dehumanize people, you Now, you do not take pictures of this to take home to your family album. satisfaction when the Lord blesses his can then do anything to them. beloved even while they sleep.’’ It is my firm belief that this attitude Those pictures were done to humiliate. Grant us wisdom that we may be starts at the very top. When we have Everybody says, wait a minute, let me Your beloved now and forever. Amen. someone who leads us who says that comb my hair before I have my picture the leader of the other country is Hit- taken. Everybody knows what a pic- f ture does because it grabs the moment ler, raising all those images of a Holo- THE JOURNAL caust and all the rest, or talks about in a way that you cannot change it. So the issues of being on a crusade, which when you take a picture of one of these The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- raises all the issues of the various cru- events, you know what you are doing. ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- sades that went through the Middle You are doing it because somebody told ceedings and announces to the House East back in the 11th and 12th century, you to do it or somewhere you have got his approval thereof. we realize that the stage is being set the idea that what you were doing was Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- psychologically for everyone in this already one or the other. Either that nal stands approved. country. was an order to take those pictures, or f I was reading the British press. One else the atmosphere was such that peo- of their articles started, ‘‘The media in ple felt that they could take these pic- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE this country is politely shocked at tures. The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman photos of Iraqis being tortured and hu- We have a moment here in this coun- from Texas (Mr. LAMPSON) come for- miliated by U.S. and British troops. A try in which we can examine our own ward and lead the House in the Pledge BBC1 news presenter says the picture souls and our own hearts about how we of Allegiance. seem to have been ‘‘merely memen- let this happen. We all bear responsi- Mr. LAMPSON led the Pledge of Alle- tos.’’’ Something one would laugh bility for it. Our leadership from the giance as follows: about in the family and then paste in top on down, they always dehumanized. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the the family album. I remember during the Vietnam War, United States of America, and to the Repub- Now, those young people, and I have we had a lot of names for people who lic for which it stands, one nation under God, been watching the hearings over in the were from Vietnam, not very nice indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

VerDate May 04 2004 05:31 May 12, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11MY7.007 H11PT1 H2740 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 11, 2004 PEACE TO KASHMIR has made himself available to this tacks that seek to prevent democracy (Mr. PITTS asked and was given per- body and its various committees. from taking root. The terrorists know mission to address the House for 1 Over the past year, I have traveled that if freedom prevails in Iraq that it minute and to revise and extend his re- twice to Iraq, once in August and once will spell the beginning of the end of marks.) in February. I have talked to the their quest for tyrannical hold on the Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today young men and women who are work- Middle East. Yet their desperate at- to draw attention to the issue of Kash- ing hard in harsh and dangerous condi- tempts will fail, and the American mir and an important report that was tions. They have a keen sense of mis- military will continue their noble work just released and should arrive at each sion. They understand why they are to make sure that Iraqis live in a free House office this week. The continued there and what they are set to accom- Iraq to protect American families from future acts of terrorism. courageous leadership of Prime Min- plish. In conclusion, may God bless our ister Vajpayee of India and President Mr. Speaker, they deserve no less than the continuing leadership of a vi- troops, and we will never forget Sep- Musharraf of Pakistan is vital in mov- tember 11. ing forward to bring an end to the suf- sionary and a brilliant tactician such fering of the Kashmiri people. I visited as Secretary Rumsfeld. f the region in January; and the suf- f FAILURE FROM THE VERY TOP fering of the people is horrific, all in STOP SCAPEGOATING ENLISTED (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of the midst of a land of great beauty. It PERSONNEL Texas asked and was given permission is time for this tragic suffering to end. (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked to address the House for 1 minute and I would like to recommend this re- and was given permission to address to revise and extend her remarks.) port to my colleagues. The report of- the House for 1 minute and to revise Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of fers over 60 recommendations for and extend her remarks.) Texas. Mr. Speaker, American soldiers progress in bringing peace to Kashmir, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. are serving with honor, and we stand including an end to the use of rape as Speaker, because we are Americans, I behind them. We are grateful for their a weapon of war, promoting education believe that this question should be patriotism, courage and sacrifice, and for Kashmiri children and others. asked: If another sovereign nation in we continue to support them as they Until the Kashmiri issue is settled, the name of war held prisoners of war finish their dangerous mission. The dis- the stability, security, and economic who happened to be Americans, and un- graceful acts in the Iraqi prisons have viability of South Asia and the inter- folding before our eyes were the hei- endangered our troops and made their mission more difficult to accomplish. national community are at risk. nous and horrific pictures that we have They have endangered our chance to f seen, would it be accepting if the head succeed in Iraq, and they have endan- of that sovereign nation stood before AMERICA NEEDS ECONOMICALLY gered our national security. RESPONSIBLE SOLUTIONS his or her people and said that the ulti- Reports of mistreatment have been mate person of responsibility was doing (Mr. LAMPSON asked and was given available for a year and a half at least, a superb job? yet the Bush administration failed to permission to address the House for 1 I am saddened by the comments of minute and to revise and extend his re- take them seriously. These abuses oc- the administration because Secretary curred because soldiers were put into marks.) Rumsfeld has violated his duty. He is Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise situations they were not trained for in dereliction of duty having not in- and for which they did not have proper today to ask how the Republicans will formed the Congress or the President provide health care to millions of unin- supervision. This is a failure from the when he first heard. He is also in dere- very top, and it is time for the Presi- sured and unemployed Americans liction of his duty because the enlisted through the majority’s Hire Our Work- dent and Secretary Rumsfeld to stop man that will be tried, a scapegoat, shifting the blame and take responsi- ers program. American families are was a mechanic being used as a mili- facing over 2 million jobs lost since bility. Congress must conduct a full tary police. That is a decision of Sec- and open investigation. January 2001, outsourcing of jobs over- retary Rumsfeld. seas by companies that do not seem to It is time for a clean sweep; and he f care about hard-working Americans, must go along with the Deputy Sec- COMMEMORATING TENNESSEE and a political party that has dropped retary, Paul Wolfowitz. The world APPAREL CORPORATION the ball on education, seniors, and must understand that we are sorry for (Mrs. BLACKBURN asked and was health care. the horrific acts and stop scapegoating given permission to address the House It is ironic, then, that the acronym the enlisted personnel. for 1 minute and to revise and extend of the Republican plan is H-O-W. Tell f her remarks.) me, Mr. Speaker, how do they plan to Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, AMERICAN TROOPS WORKING TO provide affordable health care to 8.5 today I rise to commemorate the long- million uninsured children? How do IMPROVE IRAQ standing commitment of the Tennessee they plan to explain the Robert Woods (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina Apparel Corporation to the people of Johnson Foundation report that one in asked and was given permission to ad- Waynesboro and Tullahoma, Ten- four Texans have no health insurance? dress the House for 1 minute and to re- nessee. It is high time we ditch these short- vise and extend his remarks.) From this company’s earliest days in term fixes and instead focus on long- Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. 1901 when it was known as the Sanders term, economically responsible solu- Speaker, while we are all appalled and Manufacturing Company through its tions for hard-working Americans. outraged by the actions of a few sol- 100-year anniversary and beyond, the f diers, let us not forget there are 135,000 Tennessee Apparel Corporation has honorable American troops, along with been at the forefront of supplying our EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR 23,000 courageous coalition partners, troops with the clothing they need. OUR TROOPS working day and night in Iraq to im- From dress uniforms to cold-weather (Mr. BURGESS asked and was given prove the Iraqis’ quality of life. These gear, Tennessee Apparel has been there permission to address the House for 1 fine men and women in uniform have for our American fighting men and minute and to revise and extend his re- built and repaired schools, reopened women. In the last 100 years, they pro- marks.) thousands of run-down hospitals and duced nearly 50 million military items. Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I felt it clinics, restored and improved elec- With approximately 480 employees in necessary to come down to the floor tricity and water supplies, and put a middle Tennessee, the Tennessee Ap- today and express my appreciation for new currency in place. parel Corporation provides a tremen- the service of our Secretary of Defense, The positive progress which I saw dous service to our State and our Na- Donald Rumsfeld. More than any other firsthand last month in Iraq has been tion. God’s blessing on these fine men cabinet Secretary, Secretary Rumsfeld astounding, despite daily terrorist at- and women.

VerDate May 04 2004 04:24 May 12, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11MY7.009 H11PT1 May 11, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2741 CLEAN HOUSE b 1415 suspend the rules on which a recorded (Mr. MCDERMOTT asked and was COVER THE UNINSURED WEEK vote or the yeas and nays are ordered, given permission to address the House or on which the vote is objected to (Ms. WATSON asked and was given under clause 6 of rule XX. for 1 minute and to revise and extend permission to address the House for 1 his remarks.) Record votes on postponed questions minute and to revise and extend her re- will be taken after 6:30 p.m. today. Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, the marks.) f world is watching and waiting. As bad Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, Ameri- as it is, things will get much worse if cans should be confident that they TOMOCHICHI UNITED STATES the President and the Pentagon con- have access to quality health care. So COURTHOUSE tinue to hope it will go away. We need I support the resolution, H.R. 99, pro- Mr. LATOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I new leadership and a new policy right moted by the gentleman from Michi- move to suspend the rules and pass the now. Release every photograph and gan (Mr. CONYERS) which gives guid- bill (H.R. 2523) to designate the United every videotape. Get it all out in the ance to provide insurance to all Ameri- States courthouse located at 125 Bull open. America’s only hope for restoring cans. Street in Savannah, Georgia, as the credibility is to demonstrate with its Over the past 3 years, 3.8 million ‘‘Tomochichi United States Court- actions, not words, that we will face Americans lost their health insurance house’’. the truth and punish everyone respon- and 43 million Americans are now unin- The Clerk read as follows: sible. We have not done that. All these sured. Health insurance premiums have H.R. 2523 ‘‘I am sorries’’ are not working. increased almost 50 percent since the Instead, the administration has Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- beginning of the Bush adminis