October 9, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H9113 CHAPTER 10 curred in response to hurricane relief efforts Emergency Designations DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION and other expenses. The amount provided is For purposes of section 402 of S. Con. Res. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION the same as the amount requested by the 95 (108th Congress), as made applicable to the President. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT House of Representatives by H. Res. 649 MEDICAL FACILITIES (108th Congress) and applicable to the Senate (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND) by section 14007 of Public Law 108–287, funds The conferees provide $5,100,000 for FAA The conferees have provided $46,909,000 for appropriated in this Division are provided in ‘‘Facilities and equipment’’, to address ex- medical facilities for hurricane and tropical response to a situation which poses a direct penses resulting from hurricanes Charley, storm related expenses at VA facilities. The threat to life and property, is sudden, is an Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne in the south- amount provided is the same as the amount urgent and compelling need, is unpredict- eastern United States. The Administration requested by the President. able, and is not permanent in nature. requested the same amount under FAA ‘‘Op- DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION erations’’. This funding is consistent with GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES JOE KNOLLENBERG, FAA’s initial estimates of damage to radars, The conferees have provided $545,000 for JAMES T. WALSH, navigation and communications equipment, general operating expenses. The amount pro- ROBERT B. ADERHOLT, air traffic control towers, and other facili- vided is the same as requested by the Presi- KAY GRANGER, ties. Funds are designated as an emergency dent. VIRGIL GOODE, requirement, to be derived from the airport NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION DAVID VITTER, and airway trust fund, and made available The conferees have provided $50,000 for the JACK KINGSTON, until expended. National Cemetery Administration for clean- ANDER CRENSHAW, EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO AIRPORTS up and repairs at national cemeteries dam- BILL YOUNG, CHET EDWARDS, (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND) aged during hurricanes and related tropical SAM FARR, The conferees provide $25,000,000 for FAA storms. The amount provided is the same as ALLEN BOYD, ‘‘Emergency assistance to airports’’, to reim- requested by the President. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR., burse public use airports for unanticipated CONSTRUCTION, MINOR PROJECTS NORMAN D. DICKS, capital expenses resulting from hurricanes The conferees have provided $36,343,000 for Managers on the Part of the House. Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne in the construction, minor projects to support re- southeastern United States. Funds are des- pairs to VA facilities damaged during hurri- KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, ignated as an emergency requirement, to be canes and related tropical storms. The CONRAD BURNS, derived from the airport and airway trust amount provided is the same as requested by LARRY E. CRAIG, fund, and made available until expended. The the President. MIKE DEWINE, distribution of these funds is at the discre- DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN SAM BROWNBACK, tion of the Administrator of the Federal DEVELOPMENT TED STEVENS, Aviation Administration. DIANNE FEINSTEIN, COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION DANIEL K. INOUYE, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND FEDERAL AID HIGHWAYS EMERGENCY RELIEF TIM JOHNSON, The agreement provides $150,000,000 for dis- PROGRAM MARY L. LANDRIEU, aster relief, long-term recovery, and mitiga- ROBERT C. BYRD, (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND) tion in communities affected by disasters Managers on the Part of the Senate. The conferees provide $1,202,000,000 to fund designated by the President between August f emergency expenses resulting from hurri- 31, 2003 and October 1, 2004. The amount has canes Charley, Frances, Gaston, Ivan, and been designated by the President as an emer- CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 4837, Jeanne, and other eligible activities author- gency requirement. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AP- ized by 23 U.S.C. 125. Funds are to be derived In allocating these funds, the Department PROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005 from the highway trust fund and made avail- of Housing and Urban Development should able until expended. work closely with the Federal Emergency Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I The bill provides funding to respond to the Management Agency to ensure that these ask unanimous consent that it be in backlog of emergency needs arising largely funds are used solely for disaster relief and order at any time to consider the con- from natural disasters in 2004 and prior are provided to areas facing the greatest ference report to accompany the bill years. As requested, the conference agree- need. The conferees direct HUD, prior to the (H.R. 4837) making appropriations for ment exempts expenses for projects related allocation of funds, to provide the Commit- to hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and military construction, family housing, tees on Appropriations with an explanation and base realignment and closure for Jeanne from the statutory cap of $100,000,000 of the purpose for which funds are requested per disaster, per state, because current esti- and how the activity or program was af- the Department of Defense for the fis- mates indicate that valid needs may exceed fected by the disaster. In addition, HUD is to cal year ending September 30, 2005, and that cap. Consistent with the purpose of continue to provide the Committees with for other purposes; that all points of these funds, the entire amount has been des- quarterly reports on the use of CDBG funds order against the conference report and ignated as an emergency requirement pursu- provided for disaster relief. against its consideration be waived, ant to section 402 of S. Con. Res. 95. INDEPENDENT AGENCIES and that the conference report be con- EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY sidered as read. UNANTICIPATED NEEDS BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. The conferees provide $70,000,000, as re- The conferees have included $3,000,000 for HASTINGS of Washington). Is there ob- quested, for ‘‘Unanticipated Needs’’, to reim- the repair of the Environmental Protection burse the American Red Cross for reimburse- jection to the request of the gentleman Agency’s Gulf Ecology Division Facilities in ment of disaster relief and recovery expenses from Michigan? Gulf Breeze, Florida. and emergency services associated with hur- There was no objection. ricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, The appropriation designates such expenses ADMINISTRATION pursuant to the previous order of the as an emergency requirement; stipulates SPACE FLIGHT CAPABILITIES House, I call up the conference report that funds may be disbursed to any author- The conferees have provided a total of on the bill (H.R. 4837) making appro- ized federal agency; limits agency adminis- $126,000,000 for repair of NASA facilities dam- priations for military construction, trative costs to 3 percent; and requires the aged during recent hurricanes and related family housing, and base realignment head of the U.S. Government Accountability events. The amount provided is the same as Office to audit the use of such funds. the budget request. and closure for the Department of De- fense for the fiscal year ending Sep- CHAPTER II GENERAL PROVISION—THIS CHAPTER tember 30, 2005, and for other purposes, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (TRANSFER OF FUNDS) and ask for its immediate consider- VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION The conferees have included a general pro- ation. MEDICAL SERVICES vision which provides authority for the Sec- The Clerk read the title of the bill. The conferees have provided $38,283,000 for retary of Veterans Affairs to transfer funds medical services for hurricane and tropical from ‘‘Medical services’’ to ‘‘General oper- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- storm related expenses. The amount pro- ating expenses’’ for the purpose of expediting ant to the order of the House of today, vided is the same as the amount requested the processing of benefits claims. the conference report is considered President. CHAPTER 12 read. MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION General Provision—This Act (For conference report and state- The conferees have provided $1,940,000 for The conference agreement includes section ment, see immediately prior pro- medical administration for expenses in- 1201, regarding the availability of funds. ceedings of the House of today.)

VerDate Aug 04 2004 23:55 Oct 10, 2004 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09OC7.060 H09PT1 H9114 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 9, 2004 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- commitment to their continued sac- housing; $82 million for chemical de- tleman from Michigan (Mr. KNOLLEN- rifice. militarization construction; $246 mil- BERG) and the gentleman from Texas First, I would like to thank the gen- lion for the base realignment and clo- (Mr. EDWARDS) each will control 30 tleman from Florida (Mr. YOUNG) for sures account. H.R. 4837 also includes minutes. his continued unwavering support. The funding for family housing privatiza- The Chair recognizes the gentleman gentleman truly understands the im- tion projects. Housing privatization is from Michigan (Mr. KNOLLENBERG). portance of this bill and has laid a solid one of the most critical and successful GENERAL LEAVE foundation on how to construct this programs to support military families Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I successful legislation. The gentleman in years. Few programs rival the effec- from Florida (Mr. YOUNG) is a great ad- ask unanimous consent that all Mem- tiveness that privatization has dem- vocate for our men and women in uni- bers may have 5 legislative days within onstrated; yet Congress instituted a form, and his position is reflected in which to revise and extend their re- spending cap that placed this program our final product. in jeopardy. marks and include extraneous material I would also like to commend the and that I may include tabular mate- ranking member, the gentleman from Although we worked closely with the rial on H.R. 4837. Texas (Mr. EDWARDS), on the sub- authorizers to address this issue earlier The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there committee who has been doing great this year, the subcommittee was not objection to the request of the gen- work. We have worked together for able to remove the cap through the ap- tleman from Michigan? some time now, and it is a pleasure to propriations process. However, I am There was no objection. have an association with him. Both he proud to say because of the work of so Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. many people that we now have author- yield myself such time as I may con- OBEY), whom I also salute, give the ization language to eliminate the cap sume. committee, I think, some real leader- altogether, paving the way to quality Mr. Speaker, I consider it a distinct ship and some dedicated advice and housing for military families for years honor to be here today to present H.R. counsel, and I sincerely value the ad- to come. This was the right decision, 4837, the fiscal year 2005 Military Con- vice and wisdom they have given me. and it was made for the right reasons; struction appropriations bill. They lend a great deal to military con- and I believe I can speak for all con- I am grateful to the conferees in both struction matters. ferees when I say that we will continue parties in both Houses for acting to- The 2005 Military Construction ap- to support family housing privatization gether in unison to produce an effec- propriations bill totals $10 billion and initiatives in the future. tive piece of legislation that I think we is in full compliance with the sub- In conclusion, this year’s Military can all be proud of. committee’s 302(b) allocation for both Construction appropriations bill con- It is important to understand that budget authority and outlays. It is tinues to focus on our country’s great- this bill is not about lawmakers in both fiscally responsive and respon- est treasure, that is, the Washington. H.R. 4837 is about people, sible, and it is focused on the quality- servicemembers and their families who specifically the soldiers, sailors, Ma- of-life needs of servicemembers and serve our Nation. rines, airmen and their families who their families. serve this great country. We must Some key funding highlights in this By supporting this bill today, you are never forget their selfless service. I bill include $5.5 billion for military supporting our men and women in uni- firmly believe this bill reflects our construction; $4.1 billion for family form.

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VerDate Aug 04 2004 23:55 Oct 10, 2004 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K09OC7.016 H09PT1 Insert graphic folio 166/4 EH09OC04.038 October 9, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H9119 Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of better housing that is so well deserved Nevertheless, that funding level was my time. by our military families. It is about re- not decided by this subcommittee. Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield spect for those families. Unfortunately, That was made at a different pay grade myself such time as I may consume. this program would have come to a in this Congress. Given the limited re- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the halt this month or next had Congress sources in this subcommittee’s juris- Military Construction appropriations not lifted the arbitrary and unneces- diction, I think it did the best job it bill because it provides vital funding sary cap on it. could. It did an excellent job of seeing for military housing and training fa- This committee made it clear that that high-priority programs were fund- cilities. Also in this bill is much-need- we would leave no stone unturned until ed, and for that reason I support this ed $11 billion in emergency funding for the cap was lifted because it would bill. hurricane relief for hard hit families, have been a terrible disservice to our Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of businesses, farmers, and military in- military families to freeze this vital my time. stallations in the southeastern United military housing improvement pro- Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I States and $2.8 billion in drought relief gram during a time of war. With the yield myself such time as I may con- for farmers throughout the country. cap being lifted in the Defense author- sume. Since others will speak on the hurri- ization bill as a result of pressure Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to make cane and agriculture relief portions of placed by this committees, tens of sure that we did not omit thanks to the this bill, I would like, Mr. Speaker, to thousands of military families will now staff on both sides who have done tre- focus my comments on the underlying have modern housing they can also be mendous work over the past several Military Construction appropriations. proud to call their home. And that hap- months, and I want to list those now. pened because of the special efforts of First, I want to commend the gen- Obviously, Carol Murphy on the major- the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. tleman from Michigan (Mr. KNOLLEN- ity side and Tom Forhan on the minor- KNOLLENBERG); the gentleman from BERG) for his dedicated leadership on ity side. Tom was in the hospital this Florida (Mr. YOUNG), the chairman of behalf of our military troops and fami- week, so he could not be here, but they lies. He always puts the interests of the full Committee on Appropriations; the ranking member of the full com- have been great to work with all year. our military above all other interests, mittee, the gentleman from Wisconsin In addition, let me salute Walter and for that he has my deepest per- Hearne, Mary Arnold, Eric Elsmo, Jeff (Mr. OBEY); the gentleman from Cali- sonal respect. Onizuk on my staff, Bernard Chau on fornia (Mr. HUNTER); the gentleman I also want to commend the out- my staff, and of course I thank John from Missouri (Mr. SKELTON); and the standing committee staff led by Carol gentleman from Washington (Mr. Conger who has also been a part of this Murphy, Rob Nabors, Tom Forhan, and process. So to all of them, thank you DICKS). They all deserve our thanks my legislative director John Conger. and gratitude for not letting military very, very much. Their work was professional, thorough families be forgotten. 1230 and fair. And while these dedicated b Mr. Speaker, there are numerous Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the staff seldom receive public recognition, high-priority projects in this bill at gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. ROG- which they deserve, the truth is they U.S. military installations here, at ERS), who obviously has some com- have made a positive difference in the home, and throughout the world. I ments to make. lives of our servicemen and -women think this committee did an out- Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. and their families. standing job on a bipartisan basis of Speaker, I thank the gentleman for Our bests wishes go out to our Demo- taking limited resources and placing yielding me time, and congratulate cratic committee staffer Tom Forhan them in the highest priority areas. who is recuperating from shoulder sur- I would be remiss, though, if I did not him on a wonderful performance on gery. We wish him well and thank him mention one major disappointment this bill, as well as the ranking mem- for his many years of service to our about this bill. I think it is sad that a ber. military. year and a half after the beginning of I wanted to take just a few seconds I am especially proud of the leader- the Iraqi war, with all the sacrifices here to praise the gentleman from ship efforts made by members of this being made for our servicemen and Florida (Mr. YOUNG), the full com- committee to pressure this Congress -women and their families, this Mili- mittee chairman, for the grueling work into not leaving home until we had lift- tary Construction bill funds these vital that he has done to bring to this floor ed the cap on the public/private mili- housing and training facilities and day aid for Florida but also the other tary housing program. This innovative care facilities at a level that is $500 States who suffered damage from the program, started during the previous million below what we funded 2 years recent hurricanes. administration and moved forward ago before the Iraqi war began. I sim- As late as at least two o’clock this under this administration, it is pro- ply do not understand a Congress that morning, the gentleman from Florida viding better housing to tens of thou- 2 days ago could find offsets to pay for (Chairman YOUNG) was on the tele- sands of military families while saving over $130 billion in tax cuts for cor- phone, in the office, with the staff, run- American taxpayers billions of dollars. porations and for fishing tackle box ning from room to room, to make this New housing that would have taken 50 manufacturers, a tax cut bill that had happen. This was a grueling experience, years to build under the old system is a lot of good in it and one that I sup- and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. now being built in 5 years, leveraging ported, but I do not understand a Con- OBEY) was a part of that effort, as well the strength and resources of the pub- gress that can so easily find offsets to as many others, but I just wanted to lic and private sectors. pay for that kind of tax cut for cor- say thank you to the gentleman from I will never forget at Fort Hood sev- porations and fishing tackle box manu- Florida (Mr. YOUNG) for caring for his eral years ago visiting one of the new- facturers, cannot find offsets to see people. est homes under this program and that we do not cut real funding for Now, he legislates for the Nation, and meeting the sergeant and his wife who military construction projects during a he is the chairman for the full Com- served our country so nobly for so time of war. mittee on Appropriations for the whole many years. In talking to the wife she This Congress, the next Congress Nation, but his State was ravaged by said, it is not only that this is a home needs to set its priorities straight; and these four unprecedented hurricanes, I can be so very proud of to raise our especially as we fight the war on ter- with people living in tents, without children in, but this home is, as my rorism, we should not be shortchanging electricity and in dire straits, and he husband is serving his country around the total funding budget for quality-of- cared for his people enough to work the world, this home says to me and life programs for our military while we around the clock to make this happen. my children that our country has not can easily pass 100, 200, $300 billion tax I just wanted to take a second to say forgotten the sacrifices we too have cuts for corporations and others that thank you to the gentleman from Flor- made on behalf of our Nation. are not making nearly the sacrifices ida (Mr. YOUNG). That is the importance of this pro- that are being made by our servicemen Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I gram. It is not only about new housing, and -women. think that it is very appropriate that

VerDate Aug 04 2004 23:55 Oct 10, 2004 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K09OC7.007 H09PT1 H9120 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 9, 2004 we do pay tribute to the gentleman tive. He has helped us move these bills dedicated, and together, we made sure from Florida (Chairman YOUNG). along, and I want to thank the gen- that this relief package came together Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of tleman from Wisconsin (Mr. OBEY) con- today. my time to the gentleman from Florida siderably for everything that he has Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of (Chairman YOUNG) and ask unanimous had to endure as we were preparing my time at this point if there are other consent that he be allowed to yield this legislation. speakers on the other side. time. I want to thank our leadership on Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. both sides of the aisle and in the other 3 minutes to the gentleman from Flor- HASTINGS of Washington). Is there ob- body for trying to help smooth the way ida (Mr. BOYD), who is a member of the jection to the request of the gentleman to get this bill to where it is today, and Subcommittee on Military Construc- from Michigan? they have all helped. There were a lot tion of the Committee on Appropria- There was no objection. of obstacles as I have said. They all tions, and played a key role not only Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, helped. on the military provisions of this bill I yield myself such time as I might I want to recognize the Members of but as a representative of the people consume. the committee, especially the ones from Florida and worked very hard on I certainly would have had liked to from Florida, many of whose districts a bipartisan basis on the Florida hurri- have had more time to yield to the gen- suffered many of the damages. This cane relief. tleman from Kentucky (Chairman ROG- delegation of ours, and we have a split Mr. BOYD. Mr. Speaker, I want to ERS). I sort of like what he was saying, delegation, Republican and Democrat, thank my friend, the gentleman from but I think there are many people who came together to help the people of our Texas (Mr. EDWARDS), for yielding me deserve more credit than I on this issue State who experienced such tragedy the time. of getting our job done. I appreciate from these four major hurricanes. I want to start by thanking the gen- the comments of the gentleman from I mentioned the gentleman from tleman from Michigan (Mr. KNOLLEN- Kentucky (Mr. ROGERS) and also the Florida (Mr. BOYD), he and I went to BERG), our chairman, and the gen- gentleman from Texas (Mr. EDWARDS) Florida together and looked at some of tleman from Texas (Mr. EDWARDS), our and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. the damage from Hurricane Ivan. I ranking member, for their work to get KNOLLENBERG), the chairman of the went to Florida with the President to to this point. They truly worked in a subcommittee. view some of the damages with him, bipartisan way. There are two compo- They have done an outstanding job. and I live in Florida, so I was in Flor- nents to this bill that we have before They have produced a Military Con- ida during several of these hurricanes. us on the floor, Mr. Speaker, and that struction bill that is really good, espe- I had to evacuate at one point, which I is, the MILCON portion and also the cially for the people who serve in our did, and evacuated almost into the hurricane supplemental portion. We military, and for their quality of life path of the storm. It has been quite an have heard about both of them, but I and housing. They have just done an experience. just want to make a few brief com- outstanding job, and I cannot say The President of the United States ments. enough good words about the work that made a firm commitment to those of us First of all, on the MILCON side, the they have done. in Florida and neighboring States that gentleman from Michigan (Mr. But I am going to talk about the were affected seriously by the hurri- KNOLLENBERG) and the gentleman from other part of this bill, and I thank canes. We negotiated for a week to get Texas (Mr. EDWARDS) did the very best them for allowing the full committee the bill we are presenting today. The they could with the dollars given them, to piggyback on their subcommittee President of the United States made a but my colleagues must know that the work to include the Hurricane Supple- promise to the people of Florida. He dollars are short. Many of the items mental Relief Act. I am not going to has kept that promise. He has kept his that the President sent down for the take a lot of our time. We have dis- commitment. This legislation is proof MILCON request are not included in cussed this supplemental bill so many positive that what President Bush this bill simply because the House times, not only here on the floor and in promised, he delivered. leadership did not set aside enough committee, but in person, in meetings, I want to say also that the Governor money to fulfill those requests made by and on telephone calls. of Florida, Jeb Bush, is almost a Super- the President to prosecute the war. Just briefly, let me say that last man in the way that he managed the I must tell my colleagues that there Wednesday when we passed the hurri- response to these hurricanes, working is one item in here, though, that the cane supplemental, I had two bills in- not only with Federal officials, but gentleman from Michigan (Mr. troduced in the House, H.R. 5212, which also working with State officials, coun- KNOLLENBERG) and the gentleman from is the one that we passed, and H.R. ty officials, city officials, voluntary or- Texas (Mr. EDWARDS) did bring in for a 5227, which I had stated was a much ganizations like the Red Cross, the Sal- landing, and that is, the housing issue, better bill. H.R. 5212, as I also said, was vation Army and so many others; Gov- to privatize the housing cap. I think all a very good bill as far as it went, but it ernor Bush managed this effort and did of this Nation, and particularly the did not go far enough. H.R. 5227 was such a tremendous job. troops and their families, owe a debt of better. Well, what we are considering I want to thank the Florida National gratitude to the gentleman from today is very, very close to H.R. 5227, Guard under the leadership of General Michigan (Mr. KNOLLENBERG) and espe- which is the better bill, and we are ex- Barnett. The Florida National Guard cially the gentleman from Texas (Mr. cited about the quality of the legisla- responded with a fantastic response, EDWARDS) who has bulldogged this tion and what it does for the people of and I visited with many of the Guards- issue for so many years now. He has the State of Florida. men, as did the gentleman from Flor- done an absolutely fantastic job. Again, as I have done in the past, I ida (Mr. BOYD) and the gentleman from We heard our chairman, the gen- want to compliment all of our leader- Florida (Mr. MILLER). We visited quite tleman from Florida (Chairman YOUNG) ship who have worked hard to help us a few of the Guardsmen that were speak on the hurricane side, the hurri- make this happen. There were a lot of working on the recovery and pro- cane relief. I want to thank the gen- obstacles to get to where we are today. tecting property, and stopping looters. tleman from Florida (Chairman I have to tell my colleagues, for those Florida National Guard did an out- YOUNG), Mr. Speaker, if I could, for the that have been to conference and had standing job. work that he has done. As everybody difficulties, they know what I mean, Our first responders, our police, our knows, the request that came down but for those who have not, just let me firefighters, all did such a tremendous from the White House was insufficient. say that was not easy. It was a big job, and I wish we had a lot more time The gentleman from Florida (Mr. challenge. to pay tribute to all of the people who YOUNG) made a commitment to his peo- The gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. helped, but especially my delegation, ple that he would get the money, and OBEY), who oftentimes we have dis- the people that I work with on a daily President Bush has provided it, but he agreements on the floor on issues pro- basis. Both sides of the aisle worked has only provided it at the insistence cedurally, has been totally coopera- hard. They were committed. They were of the gentleman from Florida (Mr.

VerDate Aug 04 2004 23:55 Oct 10, 2004 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K09OC7.012 H09PT1 October 9, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H9121 YOUNG) who would not quit until he got (Mr. STENHOLM) who is so widely re- a victory for the process that is so im- what he needed. spected on a bipartisan basis in this portant to this House that the chair- We needed that money because our Congress on agriculture. man of the full committee has ex- beaches were destroyed. The gentleman Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I pressed his own frustrations about. But from Florida (Mr. MILLER) and I and thank the gentleman for yielding me the leadership of this House had an- our people lived through those hurri- time. other agenda, and it turned the screws canes. Most of our people lived through Mr. Speaker, first, I want to com- and singled out agriculture. them. We had some people who did not mend the gentleman from Michigan There are no offsets in this bill for live through them. I had six constitu- (Chairman KNOLLENBERG) and the gen- the aid that will go to Florida, but ents that died in Hurricane Ivan, Mr. tleman from Texas (Ranking Member there are offsets of aid that will go to Speaker, and this money was much EDWARDS) for the work they did on the farmers and ranchers in other parts of needed to repair our beaches, to repair base bill that we are talking about the country. The message to this House the transportation systems that were today, from the standpoint of Dyess is clear: the folks who provide the Na- busted. Air Force Base in my district, and fire tion’s food and fiber who happen to live We have all seen the pictures of I–10, crash station being funded, a refueling outside of politically important Flor- to repair the military facilities. The vehicle maintenance shop, and then in ida are in a separate and lower class. naval air station in Pensacola had sig- Goodfellow and at Dyess, the 127 hous- Mr. Speaker, those of us who worked nificant damage. So it is imperative ing units which are extremely impor- on the 2002 farm bill and those in the that we did this, and we owe a debt of tant to the troops back home. We ap- agriculture communities know how im- gratitude to the gentleman from Flor- preciate taking care of those needs. portant it was to build a consensus. We ida (Mr. YOUNG) for getting it here. I want to concentrate the remainder developed a consensus policy that I must tell my colleagues, Mr. Speak- of my remarks, though, on the dis- meets the needs of farmers and ranch- er, though, that it has been held up be- appointment that I share in the man- ers, that preserves natural resources cause of several issues, but one of those ner in which the leadership of this and ensures the provision of food for issues was the offset which was going House has chosen to deal with the those in need. While we need the to be required for some of the agricul- emergency funding. drought aid in this package, and I sup- tural funding. Mr. Speaker, that issue port this package, the cut that will ul- b 1245 has been resolved with a smoke-and- timately be made in farm conservation mirrors game as the public will begin Again, I point out I am for every- will have dire consequences for the fu- to understand as we go on. It is offset thing that Florida is receiving. They ture of this consensus. by directed scoring, and it is also offset deserve every penny of it. I share the Mr. Speaker, it did not have to be sometime in the future, as many as 10 frustrations of the gentleman from this way. We did not have to be here on years out into the future, and it is off- Florida (Mr. BOYD) in that, seemingly, Saturday afternoon doing what the set in the farm bill, and we will write the leadership of this body, not the chairman and the ranking member and a new farm bill before we even get the chairman of the committee, but the this committee have had to do. We did full offset. leadership of this body has chosen to not have to do it this way. But this is Again, let me close, Mr. Speaker, by do things a little bit differently. another perfectly live, living example thanking again the gentleman from I particularly am sorry to see that of the lack of leadership in this body to Texas (Mr. EDWARDS) and the gen- the bipartisan legislative process that allow this House to work its will based tleman from Michigan (Mr. KNOLLEN- worked so well between Larry Combest on what the Members of this House BERG) but also the gentleman from and I on the Committee on Agriculture want done, and not what a small group Florida (Chairman YOUNG) for bringing has been sacrificed for craven political in a leadership room somewhere in the this in for a landing. considerations. I think it is highly re- House determine should be done, and Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, grettable the President chose to help usually for political purposes, not in I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida producers only, and then the the best interest of our country. Florida (Mr. WELDON), from Florida’s leadership of this body made sure that Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, space center. that was to be the way that we would I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speak- proceed with this legislation. from Florida (Mr. FOLEY), a gentleman er, I thank the gentleman for yielding We are reopening the farm bill. And I who played host to at least three hurri- me time, and I want to commend the understand the gimmicks that are canes in his district, and he might have gentleman from Florida (Chairman being used and all today, but those of had all four of them. His district suf- YOUNG) for the outstanding work he did us that have been around a little while fered a lot of the damage. on this bill. know that when you do some of the Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the I also want to commend the Presi- things that have been done in this body chairman very much for yielding me dent. The initial submission the Presi- over the last few days, there will be an- this time, and Florida cannot thank dent had, there was not enough funds other year and it will not be good for him enough for his hard work and dedi- in there to take care of all the beaches agriculture in America. Just a re- cation to our State. On military issues, that had been damaged in the State, minder. In the early morning hours of or just name the range of issues that and I forwarded the data to them, and this past Wednesday, the leadership of are covered for this country, and the I showed them the extent of the dam- this House told our Nation’s producers gentleman from Florida (Mr. YOUNG) age. The President’s staff recognized to forget about assistance for drought. has been and is such a great patriot that we obviously had a greater need, They made it clear there would be no and a wonderful man and we thank and they were willing to come along assistance for crops lost to devastating him. with the chairman. weather. By 10 a.m., however, they fi- There has been a lot of conversation I think the system worked very, very nally understood the message that on the floor that they did not do well. I think the President and his peo- should have been evident long before. enough, they did not add enough, they ple were very eager to make sure the As a result, we have a drought assist- did not provide enough, whatever. You people in Florida got what they needed, ance package today and we are extend- know what, people lost their lives in and it is going to take a while for us to ing a helping hand to farmers and Florida. Some have lost everything recover from this hurricane, but these ranchers outside of Florida. they own. So what I would like to do is funds that the chairman has secured But make no mistake about it, we be thankful, thankful to all the people and everybody in this body and the are also cutting the farm bill. If the 17 in this process that have done so much other body and the President worked Members on the other side of the aisle, for our State. hard on is going to help get Florida who had been original cosponsors of My colleague, the gentleman from back on track and all the other States the good policy, had stayed with their Florida (Mr. BOYD), and others have that were damaged. conscience and not bent to the political worked so hard. It is not about politics. Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield will of their leadership, we would have The storms are not political. Neither 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas had a victory for American agriculture, Republicans or Democrats ordered

VerDate Aug 04 2004 23:55 Oct 10, 2004 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K09OC7.014 H09PT1 H9122 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 9, 2004 storms to hit Florida. People are suf- off the residential construction initia- this morning, at around 2 a.m., that fering now, yet we still get a little tive. JERRY and I talked, because we had an- backbiting in the room. So I would just Mr. Speaker, I enjoyed working with other very critical problem, an obsta- like to thank so many people. The the gentleman from Texas a few years cle that had to be overcome. I told him President, the Governor, Senator ago when we both were working to help the problem, and he offered a solution. GRAHAM, Senator NELSON. And I know I our areas at Fort Hood in Texas and He provided very important help this am not supposed to mention the other Fort Lewis at Tacoma, Washington, morning in the conference, and that body by name, so I retreat from that; start these projects, these residential help was very obvious. but I would at least like to say in a bi- construction initiatives. I think both Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- partisan fashion that we have worked of us saw in our own areas just how im- er, I have little doubt that the people hard for the people of Florida taking portant these projects could be, how of Florida know just how significant care of our agricultural interests, tak- much faster we could get new housing the work that the gentleman from ing care of our beaches and FEMA, the and restore old housing. Florida (Mr. YOUNG) has been about all Red Cross. To me, this is one of the finest pro- this night on behalf of all of them. To Mr. Speaker, I can go on and on with grams that we have ever worked on. It have the chairman of this committee the litany of people that have worked has been worked on in a very bipar- be that responsive at such a critical hard. The National Guard was men- tisan basis. When the gentleman from moment is evidence of the lifelong tioned. They have been down there in Ohio (Mr. HOBSON) was the chairman of work of this wonderful man on behalf 95 and almost 100 degree heat and hu- the subcommittee, he had great experi- of his State in this House. midity handing out water and ice and ence and looked into these projects in The gentleman from Michigan (Mr. providing MREs and things so people great detail. So I want to commend ev- KNOLLENBERG) and I have had a chance could just have a decent meal. eryone here. to work with him for all these years on Storms have a way of bringing people I also would like to say regarding my the Committee on Appropriations. It friend, the gentleman from Florida, together. Crises have a way of bringing has indeed been a pleasure. I have told (Mr. YOUNG), our chairman, what a people together. My proudest moment anybody who would but listen that the great job he has done for the people of in this House, having served here for 10 one quality of the gentleman from Florida in this bill. He has worked ef- years, was after September 11, when Florida (Mr. YOUNG) that I would hope fectively with everyone. I know how both sides of the aisle decided America one day to acquire involves his almost difficult it is to put these things to- needed to come first. And in these incredible patience, his patience in storms we find oftentimes that is the gether. I can remember back in 1980, when we dealing with us especially in times of same integrity that is brought to this lost 57 people in Washington State crises. magnificent body. At a moment like this, as this very So I want to thank all the people in when Mt. St. Helens blew up and my former mentor, Senator Magnuson, was important base measure goes forward, both Chambers, both sides of the aisle, chairman of the Committee on Appro- to have him effectively put together and recognize, on behalf of Floridians, priations, we had to get help for our the sort of response that we need to who are watching us today, who are constituents in our State; and I am have in times of crises for the people of more interested in putting their lives glad we all came together in support of our country is reflective of his leader- back together and not necessarily who this effort. ship. I know that most who have gets credit. There will be plenty of The gentleman from Florida (Mr. watched his work know just how effec- credit to go around. There will be plen- YOUNG) has been a great chairman of tive he can be. But at this moment all ty of opportunities to hand out the lau- our Committee on Appropriations. I the people of Florida are aware of that, rels and to receive the hardy hand- have enjoyed working with him over and he will be here for as long as he shakes to each and every one of us. But the years he has been the chairman. I wants to be here to continue with that for the moment, the people working know he is proud of being able to put service. the hardest are in this room, the two this bill together in the final days of It is our privilege to work with him, Members who have allowed MilCon to this Congress and the final days of his and it was my great pleasure to spend proceed in order with this hurricane re- chairmanship. So congratulation to a little time with him early this morn- lief: the gentleman from Wisconsin him. ing trying to deal with a few little dif- (Mr. OBEY) and the gentleman from Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, ficulties last night. I congratulate our Florida (Mr. YOUNG). I yield myself 1 minute. chairman on a job well done. So while I want to once again thank Mr. Speaker, I had mentioned the Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield everyone involved, I especially want to names of the gentleman from Michigan 10 minutes to the gentleman from Wis- thank these two gentlemen again for (Mr. KNOLLENBERG), chairman of our consin (Mr. OBEY), the ranking Demo- their splendid cooperation and integ- subcommittee and his ranking mem- crat on the Committee on Appropria- rity. And though we do have fights on ber, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. ED- tions. policy from time to time, when it is WARDS), and I mentioned my friend, the Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, in the main, important for the Nation, when it is gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. OBEY), I have no real objections to almost all important for our families, when it is ranking member on the full Committee of the provisions in this bill. I would important for our fighting forces, on Appropriations. But the gentleman note with respect to the drought aid uniquely we come together behind this who just left the well, I would like our for farmers and the disaster relief for Flag recognizing our responsibilities colleagues to know, there have been States, those two items were like the are not to our political parties or to many critical points as we have tried tail on the dog. Originally they were our leaders, but they are to our con- to get this legislation to closure. Last attached to one appropriation bill, and stituents who sent us here. night, we had a number of those crit- now they have come back here today Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield ical points and the gentleman from and the tail is attached to a different 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wash- Washington (Mr. DICKS), who just left dog. I would like to make a few com- ington State (Mr. DICKS), who is a the well, at one point offered very im- ments about that, because I do not member of the subcommittee and who portant help, and I just appreciate the think much of the process that has fought so hard for military family fact that he did. He can claim a lot of been followed. housing. responsibility for the fact we are here This drought and disaster package Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I thank our today. was originally going to be folded into ranking Democrat member on the Sub- Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he the Homeland Security appropriations committee on Military Construction may consume to the gentleman from bill. for yielding me this time. I want to California (Mr. LEWIS), chairman of the congratulate him and the gentleman Subcommittee on Defense on our Com- b 1300 from Michigan (Mr. KNOLLENBERG) for mittee on Appropriations. The minority had doubts about that. working together in a very spirited ef- And when I talk about having crit- We had preferred to have that package fort here to protect and take the cap ical moments last night, it was early handled separately so that Homeland

VerDate Aug 04 2004 23:55 Oct 10, 2004 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K09OC7.019 H09PT1 October 9, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H9123 Security could be handled separately ‘‘No way. That provision is not going for the way this institution is being without any attendant baubles and to be included in this bill.’’ run. bells and whistles being attached. But What we have had, in my view, is the I also want to express regret that de- in the interest of time, the majority President talking one way in Wisconsin spite the President’s words on the decided it would be better to fold it on this subject and his principal polit- dairy problem when he was in dairy into another bill, and we cooperated in ical allies are, at the same time, deep- country, it is apparent that the White that process. sixing our efforts to try to pass what House had no intention of following But then some very strange things the President said he supported. When through on those words, and I regret happened. First of all, an offset was we asked the White House for some that, too. In spite of that, I will vote adopted. After much objection being help to deal with it, they respectfully for this bill because it meets legiti- raised by the conservative members of said ‘‘no.’’ mate needs of the country, and I think the majority party caucus, a ‘‘let’s pre- So now we have a situation in which we have no choice but to do it. tend’’ offset to the drought aid cost agriculture, as a sector in the budget, But this is a sorry way to do busi- was attached to this bill, and that off- will suffer a long-term problem, be- ness. I know the gentleman from Flor- set does not really offset the money in cause when this program expires, it ida is not responsible, but the leader- this bill until 2014. So it is a very inter- means that the entire agriculture base- ship of this House is, and sooner or esting ‘‘let’s pretend’’ operation. line budget will be $800 million less later we need to ask whether regular The gentleman from Florida tried to than it would otherwise be, and that procedures will be returned to the floor handle that in a straightforward way, will substantially disadvantage every of this House and whether or not de- but people who thought they knew bet- farm group when the next farm bill is mocracy will once again be honored in ter insisted that they go through this written. this House. Rube Goldberg approach, so we have a I rise today not to talk about the We are trying to impress the people ‘‘let’s pretend’’ budget savings item in fact that that individual program is of Iraq that they should have a demo- this bill. not in this bill, because that really is cratic process. At the same time we see There is another problem, because less important than what this process the legislative process, which is sup- when the decision was made to, as the has done to the House. posed to be the defining measure of any gentleman from Texas (Mr. STENHOLM) What we have seen is this: We re- democracy, profoundly corrupted by indicated, essentially amend the farm member when the majority leadership these procedural high jinks, and it does bill in dealing with these issues, then held a rollcall open for 3 hours because no great credit to the House to allow that raised other concerns on the part they did not get the results they want- that to happen. of other farmers around the country. ed on the Medicare bill. They lost the ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Because of that, Senator KOHL from my vote so they simply kept the rollcall The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. own State had been asking that the open until the House reversed its posi- HASTINGS of Washington). The Chair problems of dairy farmers be dealt with tion. will note that during debate on this by extending the milk income support What we saw in this case is, when it bill there have been several improper program. The Senate adopted that was apparent that we had the votes references to the other body. The Chair amendment in conference and pre- (because we had the support of two must remind all Members that under sented it to the House conferees. We members of the Republican Party in the rules and precedents of the House, had the votes for that provision on the this House), when it was seen that we it is not in order to cast reflections on House side of the conference, but rath- did have the votes for that provision, the Senate or its Members, individ- er than allow us to have a vote on the the conference was simply adjourned ually or collectively. issue, the chairman gaveled the con- and, lo and behold, the subject was Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, ference to a close. then moved to another conference com- I yield 3 minutes to the very distin- We then saw a Kabuki dance engaged mittee, and there we had a situation in guished gentleman from Florida (Mr. in by the President and various Mem- which we did not have the votes in that SHAW). I do know that the gentleman bers of this House. The same day that subcommittee. from Florida lived through at least two that conference was being considered, What that means is, what the leader- hurricanes in his own home battered by the President said in a speech in my ship has decided is that there is going the storms. hometown, Wausau, Wisconsin, that he to be a new way of operating around Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, the gen- was in support of the content of the here. If you go into a committee and tleman from Wisconsin just delivered a Kohl amendment to extend the milk you lose a vote, it doesn’t matter, you speech of several minutes expressing program. Given that fact, the con- just move the subject to another com- frustration as to how the House is run. ference had every right to expect that mittee and have the vote in another I want to stand today to express appre- the White House would be supporting committee. ciation for the expeditious way in what we were trying to do. But when It just seems to me that this is a fun- which the House, with the full coopera- we called down to the White House to damental corruption of the democratic tion of the minority and the majority, ask whether or not they would be send- process. It is a fundamental corruption has brought help to those who are suf- ing a letter in support of the amend- of the legislative process. What it fering in the States of Florida, Geor- ment that had been presented to us by means is that no committee need both- gia, Alabama and all through the ter- the Senate, the White House indicated er to reach any judgments on anything rible path that these hurricanes have that no support would be forthcoming, because if the leadership does not like taken. Too seldom do Members in this no letter would be forthcoming. None- it, or if the White House does not like body get up to say thank you, but on theless, we tried to work with the ma- it, they will simply reverse the deci- behalf of the residents of Florida and jority, and late Thursday night, I was sion regardless of the votes in the com- all of those who have been made home- asked to sign a conference report based mittees. less or have lost substantial property on the understanding that certain What has happened in my view is due to the hurricane, I want to express items would be in the bill and certain that this House has become a wholly my appreciation for the expeditious items would not be. owned subsidiary of the White House. way in which this matter has been One of the items that was supposed What has happened is that this Capitol brought through the House of Rep- to be in that bill was this provision, is really the East Wing of the White resentatives. since we had the votes for it on both House. That is what it has become. No I especially want to point out and sides of the conference. And I signed checks, no balances, no separate exer- thank my chairman, Congressman BILL the conference report. cise of judgment or power. I would say YOUNG, whose hand has worked this The next morning when I returned to that that is the most fundamental cor- through in such a marvelous way and the Hill, we saw that a different judg- ruption of all that can occur in a legis- the gentleman from Wisconsin, who ment had been reached by the House lative body. has given his complete cooperation to leadership, and we were told that the Mr. Speaker, I wanted to make those the gentleman from Florida in order to Speaker and the majority whip said, points to simply point out my concerns see that relief is delivered. It does show

VerDate Aug 04 2004 23:55 Oct 10, 2004 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K09OC7.025 H09PT1 H9124 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 9, 2004 the compassion of all of the Members gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. HAR- America’s military families. Day after on both sides of the aisle for those who RIS), who also experienced the wrath of day, week after week, month after suffer. several hurricanes. month, year after year, she is out at On behalf of the people of the State Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, during our military hospitals visiting wound- of Florida, thank you. the last month and a half, the worst of ed soldiers and their families. And Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield circumstances have summoned the best through her example, she has reminded 2 minutes to the gentleman from Cali- of humanity. Responding to the un- every Member of this House the impor- fornia (Mr. FARR), the second ranking precedented devastation of four hurri- tance of always putting the interest of member of the Subcommittee on Mili- canes, the people of Florida have shown our military families first. tary Construction. enormous courage, resilience and for- So I want to salute the gentleman Mr. FARR. I thank the gentleman titude. That is why the expedited proc- from Florida (Chairman YOUNG) for his from Texas for yielding me this time. ess on the conference report for dis- leadership in the Committee on Appro- Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge aster relief is so imperative this morn- priations and overseeing the interests that the underlying bill here, the Mili- ing. of our Nation and, in particular, the tary Construction Appropriations bill, The agriculture industry in central special needs of our servicemen and is really a tremendous improvement Florida has been devastated. The $2.9 women and their families and thank for the troops in America. I would like billion in emergency assistance for ag- Mrs. Young for the example she has set to acknowledge that if it was not for riculture producers experiencing crop for all of us in this House. the terrific work of the gentleman loss caused by natural disasters is des- Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from Michigan (Mr. KNOLLENBERG), the perately needed. Small businesses in I yield myself 30 seconds. gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. OBEY) our communities are being signifi- I want to thank the gentleman from on our side and the gentleman from cantly impacted by physical damage, Texas (Mr. EDWARDS) for his response. Florida (Mr. YOUNG) on the other side, by inventory loss and by the lack of And he is right. My wife is a real angel this bill would not be before my col- impetus to spend. The $929 million in and commits a large portion of her leagues, doing, I think, one of the SBA disaster relief loans will help to time to helping soldiers and especially greatest things we have ever done in leverage $5.5 billion in low-interest the wounded soldiers, and their fami- Congress, and that is to help the troops lies. Her commitment to the quality of with housing. loans to individuals and businesses. life of our military is really special, We had the pleasure of interviewing Rural housing, farm worker housing, and it gives me a really great feeling to before the committee, the testifying of waterways, watersheds and community soldiers and their spouses. When the facilities have been torn apart by hur- know the extent that she is involved, question was asked, what is the one ricane damage. The $608 million in ag- and I appreciate the gentleman’s call- thing the Congress can do to help the ricultural and rural assistance are cen- ing that to the attention of our col- military most of all, the unanimous re- tral components to rebuilding these leagues. I do not want to overlook the fact, as sponse—unanimous—was provide hous- wonderful communities. In my district, ing. In this bill we provide housing and Venice Beach lost 15 feet of sand, we are talking about hurricane relief, really quality housing. threatening municipal properties as that the underlying bill is an excellent In my district, 2,000 homes are being well as homes, so the $362 million for military construction bill that the gen- built by the military alongside homes the Army Corps of Engineers to address tleman from Texas (Mr. EDWARDS) and that are selling for $1 million. These these projects is essential. This dis- the gentleman from Michigan (Chair- houses will be rented to men and aster package will contribute to the man KNOLLENBERG) have presented. women in uniform at affordable prices promises made by President Bush to Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the considerably below what the market is. the people of Florida. gentleman from Florida (Mr. PUTNAM), We have gone on with other work of I thank the President for his imme- another Floridian who has hosted hur- being able to create through the RCI diate and consistent attention to the ricanes. an LLC so that we can build housing needs of Florida families and, in par- Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I thank for civilian employees of the military ticular, Chairman YOUNG for his ex- the chairman for yielding me this who are mission critical. In areas traordinary and continued leadership. time. where housing prices are going out of As well, I cannot begin to express the I want to just rise and join any col- market, out of reach, this type of pro- gratitude I feel for the professionalism, leagues from Florida and the rest of gram is absolutely essential to main- compassion and dedication of the men the Congress in expressing my pro- tain the military mission in the United and women who have given of their found appreciation for the assistance States. time to help Floridians begin the ardu- that is on its way to a number of I want to thank the leaders, but espe- ous process of rebuilding their lives. States but particularly Florida. Words cially I want to thank the gentleman are inadequate to describe the deep b 1315 from Texas (Mr. EDWARDS), because he sense of loss that people have at look- is the one that has been championing The rebuilding will take time, but to- ing at the devastation when they have this more than anybody. He has been gether, we will rebuild a strong and a foot of sand in their home or an en- dogged about being able to make sure more vibrant State. tire roof missing. But words are also that we can continue building this type Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield inadequate to describe the profound of housing wherever it is needed in the myself 1 minute. sense of relief that comes when FEMA United States. For that effort and for Mr. Speaker, I know we have an om- and State and local officials are there his single stick-to-it-iveness on this, nibus appropriations bill to pass in the in a proactive way to provide tarps, to we need to give him a great deal of ac- lame duck session after the elections, provide water, to provide batteries, to colades and appreciation from all of us but this could possibly be the gen- provide hot food; and it is a community on both sides of the aisle. tleman from Florida’s (Chairman effort. Lastly, I would just like to say that YOUNG’s) last subcommittee bill to But at the end of the day that com- I do not know if this is the last appro- oversee as chairman of the full com- munity effort is made possible to a priations bill we are going to be adopt- mittee. And I just want to take a mo- great degree in terms of resources by ing in Congress, but I would like to ment to thank the gentleman from this Federal Government. So the bipar- thank personally the leadership of the Florida (Chairman YOUNG) for his tre- tisan effort on the part of dozens and gentleman from Florida who has pro- mendous dedicated, thorough, profes- dozens of Members to help those vided an incredible leadership in the sional, and fair-minded leadership on drought-stricken in the Midwest and committee to be fair to everyone. We all of the issues under the jurisdiction far West and those Floridians and will greatly miss him. of the Committee on Appropriations. Alabamans and Georgians and Caro- Thank you for your service, Mr. And I want to pay a special tribute to linians who will pass on for generations YOUNG. his better half. Beverly Young, the gen- the stories about Charley, Frances, Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, tleman from Florida’s (Chairman Ivan, and Jeanne, our heart goes out to I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished YOUNG) wife, is the Mother Teresa of them, and we just express that deep

VerDate Aug 04 2004 23:55 Oct 10, 2004 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K09OC7.027 H09PT1 October 9, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H9125 sense of appreciation to the hard- So I salute the gentleman from Flor- working together with us. The Director working men and women of the govern- ida (Chairman YOUNG), the leadership of OMB, who seldom receives praise ment who have been there making that of the committee, the subcommittee, from anybody in Congress, no matter relief happen and the appreciation to everyone who worked so well together who the Director is, this OMB Director, our fellow man, to our neighbors, to on the underlying bill, and for those as far as I am concerned, is a very spe- the American spirit that made the reasons, I will support this bill. cial person who really took the time to water and ice lines possible, that Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, understand the needs of people who brought in truckloads of relief from I yield myself the balance of my time. were injured and damaged and affected churches and faith groups from all over Again, I want to say this is just a by tragedies and natural disasters. So the country to help their fellow man great example of how our government to Josh Bolten, the Director of OMB, I whom they had never met before. And and those of us who represent our re- express my thanks for the way he rep- it is just part of that great community spective constituents, can work with- resented the President to fulfill our spirit and that sense of what is the out political involvements or political commitments. strength of America, Mr. Speaker. influence, and can work together for Mr. Speaker, I have talked long But at the end of the day, working the best interests of our country. And enough on this issue. Let us vote. out the details is always difficult in a the underlying bill, is a really great Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support government this large, and we want to bill for military construction and to of H.R. 4837, the Fiscal Year 2005 Military certainly tip our hat to the efforts that provide for quality-of-life for the men Construction Appropriations Act. the gentleman from Florida (Chairman and women who serve in our military, As is the usual practice, each project appro- YOUNG) has put into this. It is a debt of and they deserve so much more than priated in this bill was authorized by the re- gratitude that we owe that we can they get. And this Congress is going to cently passed National Defense Authorization never repay and all Floridians and all continue to keep trying to get more for Act. In order to achieve this level of coordina- Americans are certainly grateful for them and let them know how much we tion, the appropriations and authorizations the service he has performed for this appreciate the sacrifices that they committees spent the past several weeks Nation. make. working hand-in-hand together to reach Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield The gentleman from Michigan matching conference agreements on our re- myself the balance of my time. (Chairman KNOLLENBERG) as chairman spective bills. Working with Chairman Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank of this subcommittee, and the gen- KNOLLENBERG and Mr. EDWARDS during this the gentleman from Michigan (Chair- tleman from Texas (Mr. EDWARDS), as process was a pleasure, and their efforts were man KNOLLENBERG) for his leadership the ranking member have done an out- essential to our success. on the underlying military construc- standing job. The gentleman from Cali- I thank the gentlemen from Michigan and tion bill. He did an outstanding job fornia (Mr. LEWIS) as chairman of the Texas—as well as the tremendous staff at the along with his excellent staff. I want to Defense Subcommittee of the Com- Military Construction Appropriations Sub- salute the gentleman from Florida mittee on Appropriations, and the gen- committee—for their extraordinary efforts in (Chairman YOUNG) and the gentleman tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. MUR- producing the conference report before us, from Wisconsin (Mr. OBEY) and others THA), ranking minority, have also done and look forward to joining my colleagues in who worked so hard, the gentleman a tremendous job for our military voting ‘‘yes’’ on passage of this conference re- from Florida (Mr. BOYD), who worked forces. And I want to thank everybody port. so hard on a bipartisan basis to provide in this House for helping us move this Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, much-needed, deserved relief to the hurricane disaster emergency supple- I yield back the balance of my time. people of the southeastern United mental. This House came together fol- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. States, to Florida and other States. lowing in the manner that the Florida HASTINGS of Washington). Without ob- I would like to finish with one note. delegation came together, and we real- jection, the previous question is or- I hope when we meet again next year ly did something good for people who dered on the conference report. to provide funding for military con- reside in the State of Florida. There was no objection. struction for our military families’ Again, I want to thank the President The SPEAKER pro tempore. The housing and training ranges to help of the United States for the commit- question is on the conference report. Pursuant to clause 10 of Rule XX, the protect our troops, help them win bat- ment and the promises that he has yeas and nays are ordered. tles and wars and come home safely to made to deliver aid and assistance to Pursuant to clause 8 of Rule XX, fur- the hugs of their loved ones that we Floridians and neighboring States as ther proceedings on this question will will not for the second year or third they recover from these disasters. And be postponed. year in a row fund less for quality of I also want to thank the Governor of life and military housing and training the State; the Red Cross; the Salvation f programs, construction programs, than Army; so many other voluntary organi- CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 4567, we had funded before the Iraqi war zations; the Florida National Guard, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SE- began. A Congress that can afford tril- which did an outstanding job; all of our CURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, lion dollar tax cuts, a Congress that community leaders, the State level, 2005 can pass $137 billion predominately cor- the county level, the city level, and Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky submitted porate tax cut bill just 2 days ago, less many volunteers; our emergency re- the following conference report and than 48 hours ago, certainly can afford sponse leaders, everybody who really statement on the bill (H.R. 4567) mak- not to short-change the funding that came together to help people that ing appropriations for the Department we commit to what should be a top pri- needed help in a State where the entire of Homeland Security for the fiscal ority, and that is quality of life for our State of Florida, was touched by these year ending September 30, 2005, and for military families. disasters. Seldom does a disaster strike other purposes: I am proud of the work this com- an entire State. In this case, during (Conference report will be printed in mittee did to stretch limited dollars, this hurricane season, no section of Book II of the RECORD.) spend them wisely, efficiently, fairly Florida was spared. Every part of Flor- CONFERENCE REPORT (H. REPT. 108–774) on the highest-priority programs. But ida, to one degree or another, was im- The committee of conference on the dis- next year, we should not have to say, pacted by the hurricanes. And so it is agreeing votes of the two Houses on the for the third year in a row, despite all difficult for me to express the grati- amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. the sacrifices of our military families tude as effectively as I should. 4567) ‘‘making appropriations for the Depart- and the war in Afghanistan and the war And then there is one person who I ment of Homeland Security for the fiscal in Iraq, we are committing less total guess, people would call a bureaucrat. I year ending September 30, 2005, and for other funding for them to military construc- want to mention Josh Bolten. Josh purposes’’, having met, after full and free tion, much of which goes to quality-of- Bolten has worked so hard with us, as conference, have agreed to recommend and do recommend to their respective Houses as life programs, than we did before the the Director of OMB, negotiating, re- follows: sacrifices were asked of them in fight- negotiating, solving problems, creating That the House recede from its disagree- ing these wars. problems on occasion, but always ment to the amendment of the Senate, and

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