Commending President Barack Obama and the men and women of the military and intelligence agencies for the successful completion of the operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I want to really focus today on an extraordinary event that took place on Sunday, that is, American time, but before I do that, I just want to take a couple of minutes having sat here listening to the last 45 minutes on energy policy, just a couple of things.

The President is not suggesting that we raise taxes on fuel but that we eliminate subsidies to the oil industry that has received, for a century, American taxpayers' support, and those subsidies are no longer needed given the extraordinary profits that they are making. We ought to also consider that last year, ExxonMobil paid zero Federal income tax, yet they had billions, about $11 billion, of profit.

The second point, the oil production in the Gulf of Mexico is up this year compared to the previous year, and even though there is more production of oil out of the Gulf of Mexico, we've still seen this spike in gasoline prices. So the notion that somehow more drilling in the Gulf of Mexico will drive prices down is just not the case, because we've seen more production and yet a spike in prices.

Finally, with regard to the bills that were just announced during the middle of this discussion about drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, the Democratic Party wants to make sure that that drilling is done safely; the President wants to make sure that drilling is done safely. And what we have suggested, that when these bills come to the floor, they be amended so that the recommendations made by the commission that studied the blowout on the BP platform, that those safety recommendations be put into the law. I guess that's not such a bad idea, but I want to just get that out here just so we have some understanding about what was discussed over this last hour.

But what I really want to do--and I see my colleague from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn) here--is focus on an extraordinary and extremely important event that took place on Sunday, American time, and Monday, Pakistani time. The United States persevered for a decade to get Osama bin Laden. The President of the United States, Barack Obama, was determined during his campaign for Presidency and in the very first moments of his Presidency that he would focus like a laser beam on getting Osama bin Laden. It took some time. It took an extraordinary effort by the intelligence community, by the military, by this Congress in providing the necessary support and by our colleagues in other branches of government to get the job done. It was accomplished, and finally that banner on that aircraft carrier has real meaning--Mission Accomplished.

Mission Accomplished. Osama bin Laden is no more. The man that was responsible for the biggest mass murder ever in this Nation's history is no more. President Obama, we thank you. We thank the men and women of this military and the intelligence community that made this happen. We applaud the courage of all that were involved and the wisdom and the determination to get the mission accomplished.

Let me now turn to our colleague from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn).

Thank you very much, Mr. Clyburn, for your heartfelt and very, very appropriate words.

The mission that was carried out was not something that came about just in a matter of days. It had been planned over the course of many, many years, and, with determination, the intelligence community, led by most recently Mr. Panetta, worked tirelessly to track down Osama bin Laden. It took a great deal of time and many, many years but ultimately succeeded in ways that the news media is now beginning to report. We can only give thanks and congratulations to that part of this mission and their determination and steadfastness to stay on the track, to follow every lead and to find every stone that needed to be turned over so that ultimately success could be had in locating Osama bin Laden.

I think we all now know a great deal more about Abbottabad and what it is, a community, not large, but what was this strange new compound doing in that particular location? We found out precisely what it was doing and we took the steps necessary.

I think all of us have seen pictures of the Situation Room at the White House, with American leaders surrounding a table, looking at the television screens, watching in real time what was going on half the world away. I think all of us could see the concern on the faces of those leaders, the President, the Secretary of State, Mr. Panetta and others who were there who had spent their previous hours preparing for the mission and making a very difficult decision.

They knew that this was an extremely risky program that could quite possibly fail, and I'm sure they had the failure of the mission that President Carter ordered three decades before to go into Iran to rescue the hostages, I'm sure that weighed heavily on their minds.

But nevertheless, the President made a very, very courageous decision to accept the risk of failure and quite possibly to succeed in finally dealing with the mass murderer Osama bin Laden. We must keep in mind that it wasn't just Americans who were murdered here on the shores of this Nation, but in Pakistan and in other countries around the world, al Qaeda murdered far more people in those countries.

I notice now that I'm joined here by my colleagues. I'd like to turn to my colleague from San Diego. Susan, if you would care to join us, thank you.

Thank you very much, Representative Davis. I share your enthusiasm. Not too long ago, I also represented San Diego but in a different role, not as a Representative but as Lieutenant Governor.

Indeed, Coronado is an extraordinary place, and the naval forces that are such a prominent part of San Diego did play a role in this in many, many ways. I was trying to recall whether the aircraft carrier that ultimately did the final burial at sea was stationed in San Diego. I think it was a San Diego aircraft carrier.

So what we have here is another way in which the American Armed Forces, in the many different ways, in the case that you talked about, the role of the Special Forces, the special operations, and the SEALs that actually participated, carried out the mission, and the aircraft carrier, and then in between the Air Force and the Army, all of them playing a role. It's an extraordinary example of the way in which military power, properly focused on a very important task, is able to carry it out.

Absolutely correct, and I thank you so very much for your participation tonight in honoring and congratulating President Obama and the special operations and the American intelligence community for what they were able to accomplish. Finally, mission accomplished.

I'd like now to turn to our new colleague just a little less experienced than myself, Mr. Clarke from the State of Michigan and the city of Detroit.

Thank you very much, Mr. Clarke.

Your concern about the economy of Detroit and, in a larger sense, the economy of the United States is very, very well founded. There is no doubt that the economic and social strength of America is the foundation upon which every other aspect of the war on terrorism must be fought. We have to deal with our economy. And you're quite correct about the allocation of resources.

I notice that New Jersey and Rush Holt, who has been a stalwart in dealing with the policies of protecting America in many ways, energy policy and the rest, has joined us. Mr. Holt, if you would care to join in and share your thoughts on this most important event, the elimination of the world's greatest mass murderer.

Mr. Holt, thank you very much.

A couple of things about your discussion really struck me as being very, very important. You reminded us of the men and women that died not only on September 11, the impact on the community that you represent there in New Jersey, and other communities but also the fact that men and women died in the previous attacks that were sponsored and planned by al Qaeda. You also reminded us that there were men and women not of this country but of other countries, Kenya, Tanzania, Iraq, Pakistan, and other countries, that were also the victims of the vicious evil attacks that were planned and carried out by al Qaeda.

It's not just Americans that were the targets of this organization. And you also reminded us of the importance of our own first responders and police and others here in the United States. We know that the reach of al Qaeda is not just Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan. It includes Yemen and Somalia and other countries and America, that there are Americans that have been radicalized by the message. We need to deal with that and address those individuals and organizations that may exist within our own country.

If I might take it from there, you reminded me that in the newspapers here in Washington and I think across this Nation, there was what we call an op-ed, an article that appeared on the editorial pages written by the President of Pakistan who congratulated President Obama and the United States for ridding Pakistan of a terrible problem.

I thought that that was a remarkable article that he wrote. He noted that his own wife was the target of al Qaeda, not once, not twice, but three times. The final effort resulted in her assassination.

So the point that you made about bringing all of us closer together to deal with terrorism, wherever it may be, and whatever rationale it may perceive itself to have, is a threat to every peaceful person and every country that desires peace. Point well made and well taken, Mr. Holt. Thank you so very much for joining us this evening.

You're welcome to stick around and join us after we hear from my colleague from the State of California, Lois Capps, who represents the Santa Barbara region of the Golden State.

Representative Capps, thank you for your words. As you were talking, you were talking about families. I remember a discussion you and I had just a couple hours ago as we were sitting here in the Chamber and you told me about the birth of your granddaughter.

Congratulations on that. Our own tenth grandchild was born just 8 months ago. And I was thinking about them in the context of what has happened this last week and about what we here in Congress, the people's House, representing 350 million, 360 million Americans, about the task that we have to assure that those children of the next generation will have a world that is peaceful, safe, in which they can live out their dreams as we have been fortunate enough to do ourselves.

I notice that an extraordinary woman like yourself, Mrs. Capps, has joined us representing the great State of Texas, Sheila Jackson Lee. I think you would like to make some comments on the subject of the extraordinary courage that our President and our intelligence and our military have displayed this last few days.

Thank you very much, Ms. Lee. Your comments are so well taken and so well said.

I was thinking earlier when I was talking about the Situation Room and what led up to the actual moment that the program was being carried out, the extraordinary and very difficult decision that the President had to make. But it was a decision that he had made months and years earlier when he spoke to the American people as he was asking them for their vote to become President that he was going to focus like a laser on the man that caused the problem; that he was going to go wherever it may take and do whatever is necessary to settle the score and to bring to justice Osama bin Laden. And when the moment came, when the information was presented and all of the potential disasters that could occur, international relationship issues, loss of men, and even thinking back on the Jimmy Carter incident in Tehran, he stuck by his determination and completed a mission that was accomplished.

As you were talking and as I was listening to your very fine presentation, I noticed that an extraordinary leader had joined us here on the floor of the House, a leader who, in her own way, set a very unique circumstance for America--the very first woman Speaker of the House, who led this Chamber and this Nation to accomplish tasks that had not been accomplished in the previous 40 years but which were highly desired by the United States citizens: a health care plan that would provide service to nearly every American, Wall Street reform, and women's rights in the workplace. It was a privilege for me to join during the time she was the Speaker. Now she is the leader of our caucus, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.

Thank you very much, Congresswoman and Leader Pelosi. I'll say, ``Speaker.'' Is that okay? We thank you for your leadership. We thank you for your remarks.

We have a couple of additional members of our caucus who would like to speak. I think we've claimed the next hour. I believe that it will be available. We're out of time at this point, so I will simply wrap up with these three or four words, which are:

It is with gratitude that I and my colleagues congratulate all who were involved in bringing to justice Osama bin Laden. A job well done. Mission accomplished.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 264 and ask for its immediate consideration.

For the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to my friend the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

House Resolution 264 provides for a structured rule designated by the Rules Committee for consideration of H.R. 754. This rules allows for nine of the amendments submitted to the Rules Committee to be made in order.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this rule and the underlying bill. The fiscal year 2011 budget process began last Congress with about a dozen hearings and Member briefings and continued into this Congress with more briefings and negotiations. This legislation was introduced by the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the gentleman from Michigan, Mike Rogers, and has gone through regular order to achieve its presence on the floor today. H.R. 754 was marked up in the Intelligence Committee and the chairman of the Rules Committee, the gentleman from California, David Dreier, provided a structured amendment process for nine additional amendments from Republicans and Democrats to be considered today on the House floor.

The bill we are discussing today authorizes the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government for fiscal year 2011 in order to enhance the national security of the United States, to support and assist the Armed Forces of the United States, and to support the President of the United States in the execution of the foreign policy of the United States of America. This bill is a vital tool for congressional oversight of the classified activities of the intelligence community, and it is critical to ensuring that our intelligence agencies have the resources and authorities they need to accomplish this important work on behalf of keeping America free.

The primary vehicle for exercising credible congressional oversight over our intelligence agencies is the intelligence authorization bill. Yet we have not passed a bona fide intelligence authorization bill in 6 years. Although the National Security Act requires intelligence activities to be specifically authorized, in recent years certain appropriation bills have included language that would ``deem'' the intelligence funding to be authorized. This procedure meets the statutory requirement but has weakened the ability, I believe, of Congress in its oversight of intelligence activities in recent years.

The U.S. intelligence community plays a critical role in the war on terrorism and securing our country from the many other threats we face as a

Nation. The recent killing of the terrorist Osama bin Laden is a clear example of the important work our intelligence agencies are doing behind the scenes every single day to protect America and Americans. Keeping the laws governing our intelligence operations up to date and ensuring that there are no unnecessary barriers in the way of future successes are exactly why we are here today and seek the authorization to pass an annual intelligence bill today.

The intelligence authorization bill funds all U.S. intelligence activities, spanning 17 separate agencies. Last year, this funding totaled roughly $80 billion. Our Nation's current challenging fiscal circumstances demand that Congress fulfill its duties and provide the appropriate accountability and financial oversight of our classified intelligence programs through an authorization bill yearly. Additionally, this bill will ensure that Congress funds the requirements of the brave and dedicated men and women in the intelligence community, military and civilian, many of whom directly support the war zones or are engaged in other dangerous operations that keep Americans safe.

The underlying legislation provides oversight and authorization for critical intelligence activities, including global counterterrorism operations such as the one that took out the terrorist Osama bin Laden, tactical intelligence support to support combat units in Iraq, Afghanistan, and wherever else they're needed around the world, cyberdefense, detecting and countering weapons of mass destruction, global monitoring of foreign militaries, weapons tests, and arms control treaties. Additionally, this bill's classified annex provides detailed guidance on intelligence spending, including adjustments to costly programs.

This bill takes an important step forward in the intelligence community to help them meet the same financial accounting standard as other parts of the government. These accounting standards will help uncover savings in the current programs that can be reinvested into vital programs and priorities or returned to the American taxpayer.

I was very pleased this week when the gentleman from Michigan, Chairman Mike Rogers, and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ruppersberger), who represents the minority, came to the Rules Committee to talk about the needs of the intelligence community. In particular, I was very pleased as they worked so closely together to ensure that the issues that were contained within this document, the agreements that would be in law, and perhaps more importantly, the important relationships that would be shared by them as we work together to ensure that this country is safe, that we do so in a way where the American people see that keeping America safe, providing the necessary resources to the men and women of the intelligence community and expecting the results that would come from them, is a very important part of what our job as Members of Congress is all about.

I applaud Chairman Mike Rogers of Michigan for providing this Congress with a much needed intelligence authorization bill, and I appreciate the exhaustive process on a bipartisan basis not only that Chairman Rogers has led but that includes a return to regular order in the authorization of this important legislation. I rise in support of the rule and the underlying bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Lake Park, Minnesota (Mrs. Bachmann).

Mr. Speaker, with the election of this new large Republican class, some 87 new Members, we picked up, in particular, a Member who will speak here in just a second. He is a young man who devoted his life, not only to his country through his service in the military, but also to law enforcement. He comes to Washington from Florida where he had been a distinguished sheriff of a large department. He came to us with not only a thought and belief about securing this country and of making sure that we took care of our citizens, but perhaps more importantly, he is a clear thinker on seeing not only intelligence issues but also the broader context of protecting this country. He has a son who serves in the military, and he has been very thoughtful.

I yield 3 minutes to a member of the Rules Committee, the gentleman from Brooksville, Florida (Mr. Nugent).

Mr. Speaker, I do understand that the Democratic Party is interested in leaving Afghanistan now that Osama bin Laden has been killed.

I yield to the gentleman.

Thank you.

Reclaiming my time, I appreciate and respect the words, not only from my friend, but I believe he is absolutely correct. I simply hear the drumbeat that comes out of this town about leaving now that there has been a big victory in dealing with the number one terrorist in the world.

I would suggest to you that there is still much work left to be done and that we must not change the focus of the men and women who today are in harm's way. We should not change the focus of the American people in getting them away from the job that is being done on a day- to-day basis and that we should not begin the drumbeat until we have further completed the work that is necessary to ensure that this country is safe.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 2 minutes to a young member of the Rules Committee, a gentleman who served as mayor of Corning, New York, and a man who has dedicated himself to public service, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reed).

Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Corpus Christi, Texas (Mr. Farenthold), another one of our brand-new Members, who brings to this House and to the floor not only a commonsense element but the insistence that people from Corpus Christi be represented on the floor of this House in such a way that will benefit not only our country but also the United States military and, in particular, the United States Navy that has a large base in Corpus Christi.

I would like to yield such time as he may consume to the young gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the chairman of the Rules Committee.

(Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, today we've had a distinguished group of speakers, including the gentleman, Mr. Hastings, who spent years of his service, not only on behalf of the people of Florida, but on behalf of all of us as he served on the Intelligence Committee.

We have had Members walk in and out of here: the gentlewoman from North Carolina, Virginia Foxx, who brings a thoughtful articulation about her ideas about the protection of this country, not just for the people of North Carolina, but for the people of the United States.

We've had the gentleman, a former sheriff, Mr. Nugent, a Member of Congress from Florida, also come and talk about their ideas about how you protect this country by protecting the men and women who are engaged in the active and day-to-day business.

The gentleman, Mr. Hastings, referred to al Qaeda as not defeated. We still have a threat that is out there. The gentleman, Mr. Farenthold, talked most forthrightly and honestly about the need of the American people to have confidence and thanks for the intelligence community and that which they do.

The gentleman, Mr. Ruppersberger, the ranking member of the Intelligence Committee, as they bring their ideas forth in an open process that would be allowed in the committee, Intelligence Committee, and then to bring that forward as they would discuss that at the Rules Committee.

Here on the floor of the House of Representatives it's an interesting dialogue that we get into about our hopes and desires about supporting the intelligence community. But we must remember that the need for our intelligence community and for them to have clear direction from this Congress is important.

The killing of the most wanted terrorist in the world, Osama bin Laden, is a perfect example of the necessary intelligence information and support from this Congress for funds and the authorizing process, the oversight that is provided by the Congress.

The men and women in this intelligence community and the Armed Forces serve this Nation; and they provide us victories, day-to-day victories, not only in keeping America safe, but victories with finding and killing terrorists around the globe who would harm America and our allies.

The underlying bill today allows for that continued service by these brave men and women for the benefit of the American people.

Six years ago is far too long for Congress to have skirted its responsibilities to aid and help the intelligence community with an authorization. Now is the time to ensure the appropriate accountability, responsibility, and that funding is given to the intelligence community to carry out their mission to keep America safe and to look forward, as might be said, over the horizon to ensure that whatever is next, they are prepared for it.

I would like to applaud the chairman, the gentleman from Michigan, Mike Rogers; and the ranking member, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ruppersberger); and the Intelligence Committee for this authorization bill as they work so well with the men and women of the intelligence community on a mission which is important for us to join in with the administration to ensure that our intents are very clear to them.

We live in a dangerous time and in a dangerous world, and I feel much better protected knowing that this hard work is done by so many dedicated people.

So I encourage a ``yes'' vote on the rule.

I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

The previous question was ordered.

I thank the distinguished gentleman from California, and would say to him what a contributor he has been to really improving the lives of all Americans. I have enjoyed coming to the floor and engaging in important discussions on behalf of our colleagues. Really, we are speaking to our colleagues. And we hope that all of those that are represented by the many colleagues here would realize, when we are on the floor, we are trying to help set policy to improve the lives of Americans.

We traveled just 2 or 3 days ago to another exciting venture, and that was of course the set time for Endeavor to launch into space. And I think it connects very well. I enjoyed meeting your wife and having discussions about how great America is, and as well knowing that our dear friend and colleague was able to travel, Congresswoman Giffords, and that a Texan, her husband, was going to be the commander of Endeavor. We looked forward to it going.

But I mention that because of course many of the astronauts are military personnel. And I could imagine when President Kennedy challenged us to go into space, into outer space, which seems like a fiction but was real, no later than 1969 we landed on the Moon. This is a great country, and we have the ability to be resilient and persistent.

As all of us reflect on where we were on 9/11, and I know that you could say where you were. We were right in this place. We were meeting and huddled around issues. I remember it as clear as day. Small Business. We were not on the floor, but we were huddled in a room right underneath this Chamber discussing how do we help small businesses. And all of a sudden we heard such a sound, such a shrill, ``Get out of here.'' It was something we had never heard before.

But I say that only that you would have thought in that experience, a 21st century experience, that America would have been brought to her knees. That was the intent. It was to put us in such panic and such intense depression that we can never rise again. And many of us who have flown into New York over the years always remember the very special view of the two towers.

So come now almost 10 years later, 2011, and as each President talked about making sure that they would find Osama bin Laden, even as President Clinton experienced the first World Trade towers bombing in 1993 and he responded, and even as President Bush made the comment of going to get him, we are so grateful that in all of those disappointments of not finding Osama bin Laden, that America never gave up.

So today I am delighted to join you to salute and honor all of the principals that were involved: President Barack Obama, his national security team, the Joint Special Operations Command, JSOC, the Navy SEALs, and all of the courageous men and women of the United States military as we were detailed this very intricate and very, very difficult and dangerous mission, how proud we were to understand the willingness of the Navy SEALs to sacrifice or to stand up and say, ``Let me be counted.''

I am hoping that we will have an opportunity to debate a resolution on the floor of the House. I am hoping that we will be able to do it in a bipartisan manner. I have introduced H. Res. 240 with 50 Members of Congress now joining in and asking for what might be a waiver this one time to allow us on this historic opportunity to debate on the floor of the House as our friends have in the other body.

But even as we speak tonight, and I want to thank our leader Congresswoman Pelosi for having the insight knowing that Members wanted to come and to express themselves. So let me just quickly say these words as I come to a close.

I like this comment. ``The world is safer without bin Laden,'' says Obama. President Obama. And then this other comment that I think is so very important speaking about this Nation and recognizing how we have never given up, the President has indicated that this is a country that is continuously resilient. And as we are resilient even in the face of obstacles and the continued threat from the USS Cole that happened, from the bombing in Africa, the embassies that were bombed, all of those incidents, and we never gave up.

And it is important for America to know that there were voices who opposed decisions that were made. And not in any way to be negative, but they doubted what was being presented. This was not an easy decision. This was a courageous decision. This could have been a calamity. This could have been the worst decision that anyone ever made. But, fortunately, there was a President who had a team who came together. And on behalf of the American people they acted bravely, courageously with sensitivity, astuteness, talent, genius. And I am so very proud to stand on the floor today to offer to the American public my outpouring of congratulations to each and every one.

I close with this. I don't know all of the facts, but I understand that one of those actors, one of those military personnel may have been the child of an immigrant family, a recent immigrant family. How great it is to be able to take those young people who love this country and let them serve this country.

Mr. President, in finality, never give up, never give in, and never give out. You are serving the American people, and as Commander in Chief we salute you.

To all of those who worked, the military, the national security team, the intelligence community, JSOC, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and others not named, we thank you, because we realize that you stand in the shoes of those men and women that are forever brave. To their families I say thank you, and to this leadership I say thank you.

I would like to congratulate President Obama, his National Security team, the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), the Navy SEALs, and all of the courageous men and women of the armed forces and intelligence agencies that contributed to the successful implementation of the mission that led to the death of Osama bin Laden. I would also like to congratulate President Obama on his successful policies on the war on terror and in homeland security.

President Obama's leadership, resolve, and perseverance led to the killing of Osama bin Laden, the man and symbol of evil behind the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The death of Osama bin Laden has been a crowning moment in our Nation's war against terrorism and has sent a clear and significant message to terrorists around the world that the United States will not cease in our pursuit of justice for those terrorists who seek to do harm to this Nation and its citizens.

Following the death of Osama bin Laden, the family and friends who lost loved ones in the terrorist attacks on September 11 are able to achieve a greater sense of comfort and closure.

After months of meetings with the National Security Council and intelligence officials, led by President Obama who directed intelligence officials to zero in on Osama bin Laden's whereabouts, intelligence officials devised and carried out a clandestine operation which had frequently been rehearsed in an effort to minimize casualties, both civilian and military.

As Commander-in-Chief, President Obama gave the final authorization to commence the

operation to capture or kill the most wanted terrorist in a manner that would provide proof that the right man was captured or killed.

The highly trained and brave members of the Navy SEAL Team and intelligence officials that entered the compound did so under the highest levels of patriotism and service to the United States of America, and they were successfully able to identify and kill Osama bin Laden with no military losses and minimal civilian casualties.

Upon hearing the news of Osama bin Laden's death, there was an incredible outpouring of unity and defiance of the terrorists who still seek to destroy our free way of life, and there was an impressive show of unity amongst lawmakers regardless of party affiliation.

President Bill Clinton led the Nation during the terrorists' attacks on the USS Cole, United States embassies, and the first attack on the World Trade Center and President George W. Bush led the Nation during the September 11 terrorist attacks, and both leaders pledged to defend freedom and seek justice for the horrendous attacks on the United States of America, and President Obama had the strength and wherewithal to see that pledge through to fulfillment.

Osama bin Laden was the symbol and inspiration for terrorism which resulted in acts of violence around the world. His actions resulted in the murder of thousands of America civilians and the men and women of the United States military. I believe that the strategic, successful operation which led to his death should be commended along with the important leadership of President Obama, who worked with his national security team and ultimately authorized this mission. Further, I want to honor and recognize all of the men and women of the military and the intelligence agencies that contributed to the successful implementation of this mission.

This completed mission shows the resilience of the American people and the American government to find the man that caused such death and brutality. Now, we hope that our ideals of democracy, justice, and freedom will prevail so that peace can come to the world.

Bill Summary and Status

h. res. 240

Latest Title: Commending President Barack Obama and the men

and women of the military and intelligence agencies for the

successful completion of the operation that led to the death

of Osama bin Laden.

Sponsor: Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18] (introduced 5/3/

2011) Cosponsors: 40

Committees: House Armed Services; House Intelligence

(Permanent Select); House Homeland Security

Latest Major Action: 5/3/2011 Referred to House committee.

Status: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in

addition to the Committees on Intelligence (Permanent

Select), and Homeland Security, for a period to be

subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for

consideration of such provisions as fall within the

jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

COSPONSORS, ALPHABETICAL [*= original cosponsor]:

Cosponsor Statistics: 40 current (includes 40 original)

Rep Barrow, John [D-GA-12]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Bass, Karen [D-CA-33]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Berkley Shelley [D-NV-1]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Bishop, Sanford D., Jr. [D-GA-2]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Boren, Dan [D-OK-2]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Boswell, Leonard L. [D-IA-3]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Chandler, Ben [D-KY-6]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Cummings, Elijah E. [D-MD-7]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Dicks, Norman D. [D-WA-6]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Gonzalez, Charles A. [D-TX-20]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Hinojosa, Ruben [D-TX-15]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Hoyer, Steny H. [D-MD-5]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [R-NC-3]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Kingston, Jack [R-GA-1]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Lance, Leonard [R-NJ-7]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Larson, John B. [D-CT-1]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Lewis, John [D-GA-5]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Lipinski, Daniel [D-IL-3]-5/3/2011 *

Rep Loebsack, David [D-IA-2]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-9]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Maloney, Carolyn B. [D-NY-14]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Matheson, Jim [D-UT-2]--5/3/2011 *

Rep McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Rangel, Charles B. [D-NY-15]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Reyes, Silvestre [D-TX-16]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Richardson, Laura [D-CA-37]--5/3/2011*

Rep Ross Mike [D-AR-4]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Ruppersberger, C. A. Dutch [D-MD-2]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Schmidt, Jean [R-OH-2]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Serrano, Jose E. [D-NY-16]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Shuler, Heath [D-NC-1 1]- 5/3/2011 *

Rep Smith, Adam [D-WA-9]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Tierney, John F. [D-MA-6]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Velazquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-12]--5/3/2011 *

Rep West, Allen B. [R-FL-22]--5/3/2011 *

Rep Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]--5/3/2011 *

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC)

Rep. Jim Himes (CT-4)

Rep. David Cicilline (RI-1)

Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-14)

Rep. James Moran (VA-8)

Rep. Adam Smith (WA-9)

Rep. Jim Costa (CA-20)

Rep. Alyson Schwartz (PA-13)

Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-2)

Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (GU)

I thank my friend from Texas for yielding the time.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 754, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for U.S. intelligence and intelligence-related activities within the jurisdiction of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, including the National Intelligence Program and the Military Intelligence Program, as well as for the Intelligence Community Management Account and for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System.

We are considering this legislation at an auspicious time. The death of Osama bin Laden and the disarray in the al Qaeda network comes as a result of years of painstaking effort by the hardworking men and women of the intelligence community, the military, President Bush, and President Obama's gutsy, courageous, and correct call on May 1 of this year. They succeeded admirably in carrying out a difficult and dangerous mission. This legislation codifies many of the lessons learned in recent years that led to Osama bin Laden's demise. It is important that we continue to provide the necessary resources to sustain the momentum the United States and its allies enjoy in the effort to protect our Nation and its citizens.

As the former vice chair of the House Intelligence Committee, I personally know that the intelligence community is the first line of defense against those wishing to do us harm here at home and across the globe. Where terrorists or other elements, as we speak, are plotting attacks, planning operations, or are actively engaged in harming our citizens, the men and women of the intelligence community are devoted to acting on the information they gather to thwart those efforts. We owe them a debt of gratitude and our sincere thanks. These courageous men and women often work quietly, unnoticed, and too often, unrecognized, but nevertheless, they are critical to ensuring the security of our Nation.

I have had the honor and privilege of meeting many of our intelligence professionals during my oversight travel as a member of the Intelligence Committee. I cannot overstate how much I appreciate, and am humbled by, their service. Over the past 10 years, our country has continued to make daily progress against threats, thanks to the service of those dedicated professionals. We must keep in mind, though, that in spite of our best effort, we still face many real threats, and we still have much work to do to get it right.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 754 provides detailed guidance and authorizes appropriations for the many agencies of the intelligence community, while also improving accountability and transparency. It is essential that we streamline and coordinate oversight for counterintelligence. H.R. 754 amends the Counterintelligence Enhancement Act of 2002 to require the national counterintelligence strategy to be aligned with the policies and strategy of the Director of National Intelligence.

It is often reported that our government agencies come under cyberattack all day, every day, 365 days a year. International criminals, malicious individuals, and even other Nations are actively engaged in a constant effort to break into our cyber networks to obtain information, or to wreak havoc on the systems that govern our Nation's infrastructure, financial, military, diplomatic, and social networks. We must, of all things, be mindful of our responsibilities in that area. It can have a devastating impact if not properly attended.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, we must consider diversity to be a mission imperative. I have stated time and again that the intelligence community is not diverse enough to successfully meet its requirements and achieve success on its missions. On February 26, 2010, the House of Representatives passed my amendment to H.R. 2701, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, which required the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, in coordination with the heads of the elements of the intelligence community, to submit to Congress a report on the plans of each element of the community to increase diversity. The report is expected to be finalized in October of this year. Simply put, we need people who blend in, who speak the language, and understand the cultures in the countries that we are targeting. It is time for the intelligence community to get serious about improving diversity for the sake of our national security. If the intelligence community is to succeed in its global mission, it must have a global face.

I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased at this time to yield 3 minutes to my good friend, the ranking member of the Committee on Intelligence, the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ruppersberger).

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased at this time to yield 2 minutes to my good friend, a member of the Judiciary Committee, the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Will the gentleman yield?

I would just urge my colleague not to use a broad reference with reference to the Democratic Party. Everybody in the Democratic Party does not agree that we should leave Afghanistan until the administration and the military and the intelligence community have completed their work.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would in some respects reiterate much of what our colleagues have said with regard to Osama bin Laden. For 10 years, he held the title of scourge of the Earth. And I believe all of us are pleased that to the degree that he contributed to injustice, justice, as it pertains to him, has finally been served.

It is my hope that the families of the terrible events that transpired on 9/11 and the USS Cole and the families of the East African embassy bombings can find just a little more solace and just a little more closure as a result of his demise at the hands of extraordinary work on behalf of a substantial number of courageous Americans.

As a Nation, I would ask that we be extremely mindful that al Qaeda has not been removed, nor has the sentiment of this very dangerous societal element, nor are they the only organized structure of radical extremists that would attack our Nation. We must remain ever vigilant.

There was a bit of irony on May 1, 2011, that should not be lost on any of us. One of the events that transpired on that same day was that the late John Paul II, the Pope, was beatified and moved closer to sainthood. On May 1 that occurred. He spent his life blazing a path of enlightenment, peace, love, and uplifting humanity.

The second event that occurred on that day was the demise of bin Laden, who spent his life lighting a path of murder, deceit, and the destruction of humanity. While one found, and is finding, sainthood, the other found Satan.

It is a good thing that he is no longer a plague on the Earth, and the hope for humankind is that Pope John Paul II would be our exemplar of goodness.

Given the immense security challenges facing our Nation, Congress should pass this legislation so that we may continue to fulfill our commitment to the safety and well-being of the American people.

The men and women of the intelligence community may operate in the background, but they are at the forefront of our national defense and deserve every resource necessary to do their jobs.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on the rule because, in spite of Mr. Reed, my colleague on the Rules Committee, and the distinguished chairman, my good friend, touting the fact that we do have a number of amendments and the time, this is not an open rule; and I would have them to know that if it were an open rule, then all Members would be able to offer an amendment to the bill.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Thank you, Mr. Garamendi, for yielding me time and for organizing us to have this conversation and this opportunity to pay tribute this evening.

I rise, like my colleagues have risen, to commend the many people involved in bringing Osama bin Laden to justice. From all accounts, and from what we heard from Director Panetta yesterday, it was a meticulously planned and executed operation. I commend the President and his national security team for their focus.

When the President was running for office, he said that if he were presented with actionable intelligence on al Qaeda's leaders, that he would act, with or without the host country's permission or assistance. He got some heat on that commitment, if you'll remember, my colleague, but it's clear he was correct.

The result is that the perpetrator of the 9/11 attacks has now been brought to justice and the organization he has led has been further weakened.

And I am so grateful to our colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Holt) for calling to mind, again, as all of us felt as we heard the news of Osama bin Laden's demise. We were immediately, at least I was, as well, reminded again of that awful day, 9/11 and the image, where we were when we heard the news, how we were riveted to watching the horror unfold, explode in D.C., at the Pentagon, and New York City and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

And I acknowledge that this was closure for those families who have suffered and continue to suffer, and a good thing that they have seen this person, this evil man brought to justice. But it doesn't lessen their sorrow and their loss, and we're mindful of that. And it comes back again to remind us that we have not, by any stretch, ended the threat of terrorism, and we must remain vigilant.

Mr. Holt talks about all of the New Jerseyans who lost their lives that day. And it was concentrated in our metropolitan areas surrounding New York City. But these were trans-country flights, and some of the passengers were bound for the west coast, and some of them were my constituents as well as, I don't know about Mr. Garamendi, but others in California I know, lost their lives and those families are still grieving. So my heart goes out to them this evening.

But I want to acknowledge also the comments and the contribution from our colleague from Detroit, Hansen Clarke, who acknowledges for us all, which I am very mindful of, that our need to remain vigilant includes our homeland security. And that goes immediately to the role that our first responders play, and the responsibility that we have in this body to make sure that our front line defense in our cities, in our rural areas, in our vulnerable places that we're all mindful of now with the heightened security, because we know that this event that happened just so recently is going to have some kind of effect, and we need to be even more on guard.

But every day we want and need our first responders to be there in our homes guarding our streets and guarding our communities and making sure that we're safe. And we have a responsibility to see that they have the resources to do that.

On the other hand, disrupting the operations of this murderous group is such an important step to safeguarding our country.

But, Mr. Speaker, my main reason for wanting to contribute and add to this discussion this evening is what I feel is our important duty to pay tribute to these Navy SEALs who pulled off this operation and to thank them. We don't know their names. We don't want to reveal their identities for the safety of their families. But these brave individuals serve, not for fame, not for fortune. They do it in some of the most dangerous situations imaginable. They do this service for us to protect our freedoms. They do it as they did this past weekend and on so many countless other occasions to keep our country safe. While we sleep, they are on watch. And for that, we owe them such a huge debt of gratitude.

Finally, I believe that all Americans are rightly impressed and grateful by the tireless work done every day by members of our intelligence and our military communities. Indeed, it was that relentless hard work that tracked down bin Laden and countless others of his ilk. The dedication, the sacrifice of these men and women and that of their families have been so critical to keeping our country safe. It is a duty that's been particularly heavy in the days since 9/ 11.

It's easy for us to go about our life and to resume our normal ways of living, but not for them and not for their families. And now, as this has occurred, we really want to call to mind all those who serve our country, at home and abroad in the military, wearing the uniform for love of country, for their patriotism. And we owe them so much. Their service in Iraq and in Afghanistan, whether we agree with the engagement or not, they are serving their country. And this has been nothing short of amazing.

I think of my own naval base, Ventura County, where the Seabees ship from, and the work that they have done and continue to do reconstructing the war-torn areas and assisting the folks in Iraq and Afghanistan and rebuilding their lives.

I think of the Air Force base at Vandenburg, which I'm also privileged to represent, where so much of this intelligence comes from as our operations are carried out with such precision and such skill. The multiple tours of duty, the extended tours, the time away from family and friends, the danger that goes along with every deployment. These burdens are, quite frankly, something that most of us don't think about enough. So much of what these brave men and women do goes unnoticed and uncommented upon.

So, tonight, as we pay tribute to the courageous Navy SEALs who stormed that compound in Pakistan, I want us all to recognize the daily sacrifices of all of their brothers and sisters in arms, in the intelligence communities and serving in uniform. Let us thank them for the service that they have given and do give to us. Thank them for carrying out their duty to serve their fellow citizens every single day, and thank them also for calling to mind for us that they do this, not as Democrats or Republicans. They do this in service to their country.

And I believe that this action, such as we came together in 9/11, calls for us to join together in this Congress and in this country in a call to unity to rededicate ourselves to serving our country.

We have many pressing challenges today. Our involvement in Afghanistan is one of them, and it's a major one, and in Iraq as well. But we have our own homeland with our economic struggles that calls for us to work together as well.

So your desire to bring us together, Mr. Garamendi, makes me think about

a great many things and, again, to say how grateful I am that we have taken this important step in our war for freedom, against al Qaeda, but for freedom and for this life that we can enjoy in this country.

Grandson. Little Oscar Walter. But you are absolutely right.